Coshocton celebrates recent state-wide recognition
COSHOCTON – Residents of the city of Coshocton were invited to attend a reception on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Coshocton Village Inn and Suites to celebrate Coshocton being named one of five best hometowns in Ohio by Ohio Magazine for the 2015 – 2016 year. For the last 10 years in November, the magazine chooses five towns in each region of Ohio to be named Ohio’s best hometowns.
“We search all over the state for towns that have community spirit, a rich history, and tradition while looking forward to the future,” said Jim Vickers, editor of the magazine.
Vickers said that he feels Coshocton has a rich sense of history.
“These are the kinds of unique places you don’t always find in a new suburban city,” he said.
Vickers explained that magazines usually base their best places to live on a formula they use, such as crime rate, unemployment, and other factors. Ohio Magazine bases its findings on the way they feel about a location and how they interact with people who live there.
“No town is perfect,” he said. “We look at how the residents are dealing with all of that and how the town is working together to plan for the future.”
From 4 – 5 p.m., community members gathered in the hotel conference room and socialized while enjoying free wine donated by Yellow Butterfly Winery and Raven’s Glenn. Catering was also provided by The Warehouse Steak n’ Stein.
At 5 p.m., Brad Fuller, Coshocton City Council Fourth Ward Councilman, gave the welcome speech.
“We’re very proud of our hometown,” said Fuller. “With all the negative stuff going on, this is one of the high points we get to celebrate.”
Last summer, Mayor Steve Mercer received a call from staff at Ohio Magazine asking if they could come to Coshocton and look around. Out of that one phone call came the recognition that many Coshoctonians believe the town and its residents deserve.
“I believe we have a great community, and to see it being recognized like this is a great honor,” said Mercer. “The closing of a plant does not identify who we are and what we are. We are not identified by a plant. We are identified by people such as yourselves.”
After the mayor spoke, Vickers took the podium to say a few words.
“This is my favorite part, after all the work is done, all the pages are laid out, to travel around to these five towns and celebrate with the community,” he said.
He explained that the choosing process begins in early summer when the magazine takes nominations for the best hometowns from people who have traveled around Ohio. He said the November issue isn’t the end. Another issue will be out in January that will feature what there is to love about Coshocton. A July travel issue will focus on tourism in Coshocton and the fun things to do in Coshocton during summer.
“We try to tell interesting stories about Ohio and get people adventurous about their state,” said Vickers. “It’s places like Coshocton where the character of Ohio is truly defined and we really believe that. When it comes to a great place to live, work, and visit, it can’t get much better than towns like Coshocton.”
The evening ended with Vickers presenting a framed copy of the cover to Mercer and Jan Myers, director of the Coshocton CVB.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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