Mark’s Musings – May 18, 2016

Mark Fortune

The 2016 Coshocton County Relay for Life is in the books with the goal of $100,000 surpassed in unofficial results. The committee, team captains, teams and all of the volunteers that help make this event a success for our community truly do us proud each and every year. Despite fickle weather (typical of Relay weekend most years – not all) a somewhat chilly Friday evening did not dampen the spirits of survivors, caregivers, team members and all of the volunteers that make this event possible. This event is a tribute and a wonderful example of what can happen when a community pulls together against a common enemy that has touched so many lives.

And let’s face it. Cancer is a scourge and an enemy that must be fought with a vengeance that can only be wrought by a unified spirit and passion of a committed community. That is Coshocton County. Through Relay’s past and future, the dollars raised – well over a million dollars at this point in Coshocton County – goes to fund the research that is helping defeat this evil.

Way to go Coshocton County. And if you didn’t have the opportunity to attend the event – maybe you bought a candy bar, helped move the “pink flamingo flock” from one yard to another – donated at one of the many occasions volunteers were on Main Street with their donation buckets regardless of the weather, made something for a bake sale, bought something at a bake sale or both, this is a community effort. Coshocton County continues to amaze and inspire. And to young Austin Finlay, we are so proud of you and the inspiration you are displaying in your fight. This community is in your corner.

NBA Finals – looks like it’s the Cavs and the Raptors in the East. Cavs in 5 or 6 at the most. So it’s Oklahoma State and Golden State in the West. Warriors in 5 or 6 at the most. It will be a repeat of last year’s finals. Can the Cavs somehow – someway – find a way to stop Stephen Curry and his merry band?

I hope this does not jinx anything but this lowly “cub” reporter can’t possibly have that much influence on things – the Chicago Cubs have the best record in baseball at this point with the Bucs eight games behind. The Indians are in second – albeit five games back of the White Sox. The Reds are bringing up the rear in the basement of the National League Central division – but – they are not that many games back with their rivals packed in a tight bunch. As we all know, it’s a long season.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has vowed to fight against the decree issued last week by the Obama Administration ordering public schools to allow transgender students access to facilities, including bathrooms that match their chosen gender identity. Patrick said, “We will not yield to blackmail”. Other public school officials announced that they are relieved to have the decree, as it clears up what was sure to be a very contentious issue for school boards and school administrators across the nation. Something tells me that we have not heard the last of this one. I think the key here is that it should be about the children.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion