Mark’s Musings – April 9, 2014

Mark Fortune

The face of our community is changing – a reflection of long term strategies, an aging population, and a term that is too easily throw around these days – rightsizing. But in reality that is exactly what is happening. And perhaps more of it is needed. Buildings need torn down – to make way for a new resurgence and a sense of energy that permeated throughout our community decades ago. It is time. The time is now.

Our community can no longer ride the coattails of our forefathers – the men that put Coshocton on the map during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Those days are gone. A new generation of leaders needs to emerge – men and women that are in positions of influence – men and women who are willing to use their talents, energy and time to get Coshocton moving forward once again. Men and women who are willing to – should I say it – go against the grain to make things happen. People who are willing to get out from behind their desk and talk to people in this community and beyond. What is working in other communities? What are they doing different? Is Coshocton really that much different from any other small town in the Midwest? No. Are we different than Columbus or Cleveland or Cincinnati? Sure we are – but we also have things in common with these communities. Let’s take the good – and figure out how to integrate it with our already positive attitude and the folks that are making things happen.

I picked up an older copy of Readers Digest a few weeks ago and read with interest about a company that exists to help communities relocate businesses, organizations and social services to allow better traffic flow, pedestrian access and – most especially – help improve access for an older population. But that’s not us, is it? Of course it is. Look around. Recently I was in a community where two offices that share similar – almost exact – customer traffic – were right next to each other. Gee, that makes sense.

Look for opportunities to serve. That is the best way that everyone in this community can help us continue moving forward.

I had my first opportunity to attend the Edward E. Montgomery, Jr. piano competition at the Triple Locks Theater Sunday evening. Wow. Talk about an impressive group of youngsters. Let no one say that our community lacks talented youth. These kids made the ivories sing their own song of perfection. There are 88 keys on a modern piano – and these young men and women used them all and perhaps even then some. The melodic music from composers like Gershwin, Chopin, Bach, Debussy, Clementi and others filled the Triple Locks Theater with harmonious sounds of the piano. There is something about a live piano performance that fills the soul and lightens the heart. Consider attending this event.

Category: Mark's Musings