Mark’s Musings – August 7, 2013

Mark Fortune

What a summer! Beautiful weather, lots and lots of community activities to keep busy and good food to be had around every corner. It sure seems that once we roll into August the activity level in our community ticks up a notch or two. The River View Park social kicks off August with a bang and this year’s event was well attended – with great food, lots of ducks floating down the creek and good music provided by the Walhonding Rube Band and Chestnut Ridge. Speaking of good music – those that attended the Ohio Chautauqua were not only treated to five evenings of terrific one person presentations but also to very talented musicians that included Larry Stahl and Steve Ball, Jerry Weaver, Wildwood and Friends and Michael Searching Bear.

This coming weekend brings another flurry of community events and goings on with the Canal Festival princess and queen contests; the Grande Parade on Saturday afternoon, the Bakersville Homecoming and chicken barbecue AND tractor pulls that stretch into the wee hours of the evening – err, morning. Right before milking time is about the time they conclude I think. This year will be emotional with a special service on Friday evening to honor those that have passed away with ties to the pull. More information is inside this issue of The Beacon.

The Airport Amphitheater has a tremendous concert this Saturday evening – with Christian recording artist Josh Wilson as the lead act and Wyndsor the opening act. Wyndsor is a group from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and are a solid group. Josh Wilson needs no introduction. Get your youth group up to the airport amphitheater this Saturday evening for some great music and a great time.

With all that in mind, our youngsters are headed back to school soon (shhh, I know they don’t want to know that) teachers are preparing, and coaches are taking stock for fall sports. Let’s hope it is a safe, healthy and exciting fall season. And let’s not forget the youngsters involved in harvest time, marching band and the many other activities available to our young people. Our community is blessed to have adults that get involved, stay involved and prepare someone to keep the torch lit when it is time to pass it on.

The Indians are rolling into August on a hot streak – the Pirates are doing even better and that leaves the Reds – well, despite winning 61 games (as of Monday) they are still 6.5 games behind the Pirates. The Indians and Tigers are headed into a showdown with the Tribe only 3 games back that can, of course, cut the lead with some wins. Go Tribe!

The curb work is going quickly it seems as the crew doing this work keeps at it. The rough spots on Chestnut Street will soon be – like the 1997 Indian loss in the World Series – a distant memory. (Yikes, where did that come from?) Compliments to all those that helped get this project moving forward.

Businesses are reporting good sales in the community – and of course some of this appreciation must go to the pipeline workers and their families who are in our community right now. These folks work hard and are enjoying the activities our community offers. Let’s treat them well – they could return someday.

Category: Mark's Musings