Mark’s Musings – March 22, 2017

Mark Fortune

According to my calendar, spring is officially here. For all of us that thought winter had left us behind and spring actually arrived in February – guess again. Will we still be wearing earmuffs in June? I hope not. Are the seasons changing or is this just a happenchance? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have their own names for our weather patterns – mine is “make a decision and stick to it!” weather pattern.

Perhaps our local weather pattern is the result of warmer than normal air crossing the Walhonding and Tuscarawas Rivers at the confluence of the Muskingum River . . . or perhaps it is caused by the warmer waters of Lake Park and the Roscoe Basin. Anything is possible you know.

Speaking of Lake Park – isn’t the pavilion a gem? I’m not sure how many times each year I get the opportunity to attend an event at this wonderful facility but I am amazed each time. I am sure there are some in our community who remember with great fondness the great bands that came and played and the dancing and socializing that took place over the years.

What about the several miles of walking, running or bike paths that will soon witness the onslaught of all those that have cabin fever (me)? It is another tremendous asset of our community. You have to give credit to the folks that came up with this plan – and the route that the path takes. Who has enjoyed the hiking trail? That is my next plan. Now that I have told you – someone will certainly hold me accountable.

How about those River View youngsters that got to sing the National Anthem at the OHSAA girl’s state championship over the weekend? Nice job.

Is your bracket busted? Duke and Louisville are both done. TTUN has done well. You gotta give some credit where credit is due. Could Michigan make the final four? I wish the Wichita State game could have lasted another five minutes. It was a good one. According to ESPN only 18 brackets out of 18 million accurately predicted the sweet 16 teams. In math, that equates to 0.00001. That is from my calculator – not by hand. Sorry math teachers. And I had some really good ones. They tried, they really did. I guess reading was more my thing.

Now the OSU Buckeye women get to take on the number one team in the nation – the Fighting Irish Ladies of Notre Dame. It should be a good one. It will hinge on how serious the injury is to Notre Dame’s Brianna Turner. Game day is Friday, March 24 with the time TBA.

The Ashland Lady Eagles had a big sendoff over the weekend on their way to the NCAA Women’s DII basketball tournament in Columbus. Tuesday, March 21 is the first game with the winner playing again on Wednesday, March 22. The earlier games are in Alumni Hall at Ohio Dominican and the championship game is Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m. in “The Schott”. Good luck Ashland Lady Eagles!

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion