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Future of Jamestown Depends on Creativity and Business Savvy

In Business, Economy, Local News, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized on March 20, 2012 at 9:25 am

Is the sun setting on the historic past of Jamestown, Ohio? (Photo by Gery L. Deer)

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

As the last shovel full of bricks was removed from the site of the old Powers Marine building after its demolition, residents have been staring at yet another vacant lot in the downtown and wondering about Jamestown’s future. Founded on the southeastern edge of Greene Countyin 1816, the tiny village has seen its share of catastrophe.

In the late 1890’s, a devastating tornado leveled the entire town while a century later a fire destroyed most of the southwest side of W. Washington Street. But today, Jamestown may face a greater challenge than natural disasters – short shortsightedness.

What would have happened at the turn of the 20th Century if no one had decided to rebuild after the tornado? Within a few moments, homes and businesses lay in splintered wreckage; a town once poised to compete with Xenia for the county seat lay in ruins. Imagine if it had been left that way. That’s essentially what has been happening in Jamestown for the last couple of decades, with a few exceptions, particularly one structure that was snatched from in front of the bulldozers nearly in the nick of time.

Once again alive with the sounds of ongoing renovation efforts and music and laughter filling its auditorium, in the mid 1990’s the Jamestown Opera House was considered an eyesore and there were those who believed it should be torn down. Fortunately, thanks to the determination of a small number of residents who formed the Jamestown Area Historical Society, the historic theatre is without question a shining gemstone in the village’s tarnished crown.

Then again, if things keep going like they are it might be the only downtown building still standing and occupied ten years from now. How’s that for irony? But it’s not just lost history that is costing Jamestown, but the perception that it’s decaying – rapidly.

An informal survey posted on Facebook revealed some opinions as to why Jamestown has declined. Some people suggested that the village and township officials make it too difficult to establish new business, often rejecting proposals for new business and creating so many roadblocks that there would be no reward for the effort.

One comment said that rents of office and store front space in Jamestown cost between $1,500 and $2,000 per month. If true, one of the problems is obvious. With such outrageous expense just to keep the space, limited street side parking, nothing to draw people to town and an ever expanding sprawl away from the downtown area, there is no practical reason to set up shop there.

Another line of discussion from the survey suggested that Shawnee Hills should be annexed for tax revenue because there are higher property values and income levels than those found in the village proper. The extra money could be used to provide incentives for businesses to settle in town, thus drawing more visitors. Needless to say that drew angry responses from lake dwellers, some of whom commented that they don’t consider themselves as Jamestown residents, but merely living within the same postal district.

Of Course, real estate and financial issues are only part of the problem. People still create the biggest roadblock to regenerating a town’s vitality, regardless of its size. Those who hold the power in small towns still seem to believe that they are all-important.

Good old boy politics thrives and for those who have never been exposed to any other way of doing things, their ability to make forward-thinking decisions may be sharply limited. In addition, pointless and continual bickering between township and village officials over petty control issues only serves to drive the coffin nails deeper.

Trying to return Jamestown to the way it was is hopeless. Those days are gone and though this opinion probably won’t sit well with the powers that be, a new era for Jamestown means more creative thinking, some genuine business savvy and a fresh start. Jamestown may not be able to compete with larger communities, but more open minds must soon prevail or it will just end up a dot on a map and a footnote in the history of Greene County.

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Riverside Builder Opens New Contracting Firm

In Business, Economy, Home Improvement, Local News, Media, Senior Lifestyle on March 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm

Marty Walling, owner and president of Marty Walling Construction, LLC hopes to grow his business while serving his community.

RIVERSIDE, OH – Riverside,Ohio resident Marty Walling started his professional career in 1977 on the factory floor as an apprentice at the Inland Division of General Motors. Multiple layoffs and inconsistent work helped him to decide on a career change into the building trades.

“I had always dabbled in building and construction, so I left GM in 1982 and went to work for a builder in Beavercreek, Ohio who was putting up a 126-unit condo development,” says Walling. During nearly three decades with the same company, Walling held the positions of vice president, treasurer and construction manager.

In October of 2011, highly experienced and well connected, he decided to go into business for himself and established Marty Walling Construction, LLC . The company provides complete residential and commercial remodeling and construction services, from the most basic kitchen and bath upgrade to building new homes.  Working on the client’s behalf, the firm handles everything from permits and adherence to local building regulations to managing any subcontracting work that needs to be done.

Walling also offers expertise in several specialized construction services including certifications in energy efficient, green building technologies and home safety modifications for seniors, also known as “aging in place.”

As a Certified Green Professional, Walling’s firm specializes in Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) construction techniques. An ICF building combines polystyrene foam with reinforced concrete to provide greater energy efficiency (equivalent to R 22.4 insulation), as well as increased fire and storm resistance.

“Our focus is on quality work at a fair price with a focus on building a long-term relationship with our customers,” Walling says. “I’ve got a great team of professionals working with us including framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians and drywall hangers; a cohesive group that works together to prevent problems before they can happen.”

Walling’s work ethic is grounded in a strong belief that giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate is paramount to personal and professional fulfillment. Over the years, he has used his skills as a volunteer with Catch the Building Spirit , a collaborative between Dayton area Catholics and Presbyterians to build housing for low income families through Habitat for Humanity. In 2010, Walling also traveled toHaiti to aid in the relief efforts after the devastating earthquake that struck the country.

Opening a new business amidst a slowly recovering economy offered Walling at once challenge and opportunity and his intention is to focus on the Miami Valley region. “I want to provide a level of service that will allow my clients to experience the ease of building.” For more information about Marty Walling Construction, LLC, call (937) 475-2902 or visit the company’s new website at www.martywallingconstruction.com.

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If Illiteracy Is the Disease, Then Literacy Is the Cure

In Economy, Education, Health, Media, Opinion, Politics on March 13, 2012 at 10:32 pm

Michael Martin and Gery L. Deer give a public reading of their writing during a Western Ohio Writers Association event, promoting literacy through creative prose.

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines 

Most Americans probably take for granted the ability to read and understand the words on this page. As a writer, I depend on the ability of the media-consuming public for my livelihood. But according to the National Adult Literacy Survey more than 42 million of my fellow Americans will never be able to enjoy (or detest) what I write because they can’t read.

Back in college, I took a job with the school newspaper as a staff writer where I learned a great deal about journalism and the power of the written word. One of the best lessons came from our staff advisor who once said, “No matter what your career or life path, your communications skills, reading and writing, will be your most valuable asset.” She couldn’t have been more correct.

I spent several years in the engineering fields for which I earned my degree, but ultimately I found my place as a full-time business writer, editor and columnist. Unfortunately, I found my calling far later in life than I’d have liked to due to an undiagnosed learning disability that seriously impacted my reading speed and comprehension.

Thousands of Ohio school children with learning disorders that affect their reading and writing skills continue to slip through the proverbial cracks every year, for a multitude of reasons I’ll reserve comment on for another time.

Suffice to say, it’s our own fault, and by “our” I mean the taxpaying public that does far more to insist on a fancier football stadium than to demand instructional accountability and better support for these kids.

Yes, there are laws in place and special education professionals to help identify and establish individualized educational plans for them, but, somehow, that never seems enough. Far too many still grow up unable to interpret the instructions on a can of soup.

Growing up, a person with illiteracy will adopt various coping skills needed to get by, but are never able to fully realize their potential. Illiterate adults have more difficulty finding jobs, developing business relationships or even doing household chores like paying bills.

Many politicians believe that illiteracy is one of those liberal issues, best left to bleeding hearts. In fact, such a staggeringly high number of illiterate citizens can be phenomenally detrimental to productive nation with a stable economy.

As the economy crawls to recovery, illiteracy will continue to keep some people on the unemployment lines, thus, adding one more contributing factor to suffocating fiscal growth. Adults struggling with illiteracy earn, on average, less than $250 per week, work less than 20 weeks per year and are at least ten times more likely to live below the poverty line.

How do we solve the problem? That’s a good question, with no easy solution. It often boils down to manpower and, dare I say it, money. If we think of illiteracy as the disease, then, surely, literacy should be the cure. So the best first step is to seek out help. Whether a child or an adult with a reading problem, there is help available, but sometimes you may have to get things started.

If you believe your child is struggling, meet with his or her teacher as soon as you believe there might be a problem. With tighter budgets, class sizes are increasing and sometimes being pro-active is the best way to get individualized help from an overwhelmed, underpaid faculty. You can also find tutors at local colleges and civic centers.

The same goes for adults as well. Community and career centers, local libraries and even senior citizen organizations are now offering adult literacy classes, either free or at a minimal cost.

And schools can help too by reinforcing the importance in the curriculum of the Three R’s –Reading, Writing and Arithmetic – with sharp emphasis on the first R, which will make the other two far easier to learn.

And, while technological education is important, particularly in today’s world, it might be time to cut back on the advanced computing classes and focus more thoroughly on reading skills. After all, knowing how to click a mouse is pointless if you can’t read what’s on the computer screen.

 

Independent columnist Gery L. Deer is the founder and director of the Western Ohio Writers Association. More at http://www.westernohiowriters.org.

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Jamestown Variety Show Finishes With Standing Ovation

In Entertainment, Local News on March 11, 2012 at 9:22 pm

The Brothers & Co. Variety Show (l to r) Gery Deer, Jim Karns, Ed Jones and Gary Deer Jr.

JAMESTOWN– The Jamestown Opera House came alive with laughter and standing ovations Saturday evening, March 10th, during The Brothers & Co. Variety Show. The “Boys In Black,” as the group is known to fans, took the stage for a two hour, music and variety performance to help raise money towards the continued renovation of the 123-year-old facility.

After a brief introduction and prayer by historical society representative, and formerJamestownmayor, Mark Ferrell, the western-clad quartet of country crooners opened with “Daddy Sang Bass.” Music continued through the show with covers by Ricky Nelson, John Denver, The Statler Brothers and a special version of George Jones’ hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Acoustic artist Ed Jones received two, house-shaking rounds of applause for his guitar picking talents during the group’s rendition of “Rocky Top,” and singer, drummer Gary Deer Jr., ofJamestown, delivered a stirring version of the country hit, “Jukebox in My Mind.”

Inspiring four-part harmonies were not the only entertainment on the program, however. Singer, bass player Jim Karns, ofFairborn,Ohio, is also the variety troupe’s comic magician. “The Professor,” as he is known in the group, worked his magic on a number of laugh-loaded feats of prestidigitation including a hilarious magical mystery involving a hapless white pigeon, an innocent Coke bottle, and a lot of feathers.

Not to be out done, the band’s pianist and tenor singer, Gery Deer, ofJamestown, made some magic of his own with a Wild West-styled comedy bullwhip routine. From a crisp newspaper cut to supersonic candle snuffing, the crowd was treated to a type of entertainment almost lost on theatrical stages today.

Following their energetic finale performance of “Blue Moon,” they received a standing ovation, cheers and whistles from the entire crowd. Organizers have asked them to return toJamestown’s stage next year. This is was the second performance by The Brothers & Co., sponsored by Culligan of Dayton, The Portrait Gallery inJamestown, Computer Troubleshooters inBeavercreek, 91.3 WYSO Radio, Yellow Springs and the Jamestown Area Historical Society.

The Brothers & Co. Variety Show will be appearing at The Murphy Theatre, Saturday June 16, 2012. Watch their website for schedule details – http://www.thebrothersandcompany.com or look them up on Facebook and YouTube.

 

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Grand Ole Opry-Styled Variety Show at Jamestown Opera House March 10

In Entertainment, Local News, Media, Senior Lifestyle, Uncategorized on February 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm

The Brothers & Co. Variety Show on stage at the Jamestown Opera House March 10

The Brothers & Co. Entertainers take the stage in a 2-hour, music and comedy show for the whole family.

JAMESTOWN, OH – The nostalgic music and side-splitting comedy of The Brothers & Co. Entertainers Variety Show returns to the historic stage of the Jamestown Opera House beginning at 7:00PM, Saturday March 10. Tickets are $10 per person and proceeds benefit the Jamestown Opera House renovation effort.

Reminiscent of the Grand Ole Opry, Hee Haw and other stage and television variety shows of the 1970’s, the two-hour performance features classic country and oldies performed in a unique, four-part style and perfectly blended with family-oriented, interactive variety and comedy routines for all ages.

Nicknamed, “The Boys in Black,” by their fans, The Brothers & Co. performers, pianist Gery L. Deer and percussionist Gary Deer, Jr., both of Jamestown, acoustic guitarist Cousin Ed Jones, of Cincinnati, and bass guitarist Jim Karns, of Fairborn, have been a favorite at corporate events and music festivals all around the Midwest since 1996.

Dressed in formal western costuming as a tribute to their family’s century-long musical heritage, the group’s repertoire includes cover songs by country legends The Statler Brothers, John Denver and George Jones, as well as many original arrangements. In addition, the guys will perform award-winning classic comedy magic and precision bullwhip routines in a combination seen only in this show.

“Our show is unique and has something for all ages and tastes,” said The Brothers & Co. Entertainers director and co-writer Gery L. Deer. “We have put a modern spin on an old style of entertainment.”

The regional popularity of The Brothers & Co. Entertainers and tales of travel aboard their tour bus, “Noah’s Ark,” has even inspired a series of stories called The Adventures of The Brothers & Co. available to read free at the group’s website, http://www.thebrothersandcompany.com. Podcasts, videos and music samples are also available online.

To help promote the show, the group will perform on WRGT-TV’s Fox 45 in the Morning at 8:45AM, Tuesday, March 6. Check local listings for cable and broadcast channel. For more information visit the website or call (937) 902-4857.

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Register Now for “Spring Has Sprung” Healthy Families 5K Run/Walk, March 17th in Xenia

In Health, Local News, Sports News on February 21, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Registration now open for “Spring Has Sprung” Healthy Families 5K Run/Walk, March 17th in Xenia

XENIA –  The Greene County Healthy Lifestyles Coalition is holding the 3rd annual “Spring Has Sprung” Healthy Families 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, March 17 at the Greene County Combined Health District in Xenia. This event will benefit the Greene County Healthy Lifestyles Coalition, part of the Greene County Combined Health District, whose mission is to provide and promote healthier lifestyle choices inGreeneCounty. This event is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles in Greene County and bring families of all fitness levels together for a fun event, even for those who have never participated in a 5K event before.  And this year, as the race is on St. Patrick’s Day, participants are encouraged to “go green” and celebrate in style from head to toe!

Registration and check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Greene County Combined Health District inXeniawith the pet- and stroller-friendly run/walk beginning at 9:00 a.m. The course features a flat terrain in and around theXeniaarea beginning and ending at GCCHD besideGreeneMemorialHospital. A special race for little ones, ages 5 and younger, will feature a 1 lap race around GCCHD beginning at 8:30 a.m. After the 5K, healthy refreshments will be provided and participants can visit with the various sponsors of the event.

Schools and businesses are encouraged to participate. The school or business with the most race participants will win a plaque. Schools, businesses or individuals registering a team of 10 or more may be eligible to receive a discount on race fees.  Interested groups should call Laurie at 937-374-5669 for more information. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 male/female in each of 12 age categories and a grand prize will be awarded for the top male/female overall.

The cost for the 5K is just $15.00 per person prior to March 9, which includes an event t-shirt.  After March 9, the cost is $20.00 per person. You can register online at http://www.active.com or visit http://www.gcchd.org to print, complete and mail in or drop off your registration with your payment to the Greene County Combined Health District located at360 Wilson Drive in Xenia.

Current confirmed partners for this event include WHIO-TV 7, Greene County Parks & Trails, WSU Mini University, Classic Country Radio WBZI, Farmers Insurance, Trophy Sports, Juice Plus, Cardiologists of Greene County LLC, Old Fort Banking, Lofino’s, KeySports, The Greene County Dailies, and XWARN.

For questions or further information about the 5K, please contact Laurie Fox, Development Coordinator, at 937-374-5669 or by email at lfox@gcchd.org.

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America’s Political Landscape Stalled by Public Apathy

In Business, Economy, Jobs, Local News, National News, Opinion, Politics, State News, Uncategorized on February 21, 2012 at 10:42 am

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

 

When considering the country’s currents political and economic state a great deal hinges on some pretty ignorant, uninformed and out of touch people – the American voters. People sit and blame the president, congress and their neighbor’s dog for just about everything that’s wrong with our country, but the best place to start looking for problems is in the mirror. After all, it’s the public who voted them in and only the voters can change the political landscape.

There is an unfortunate tendency in our country (and it’s growing) to want someone else to solve our problems for us. I’ve written countless times on the subject of self-accountability but people still want bailouts and tea parties to make the world right. And if you’re unhappy with what’s going on, but refuse to vote or choose to ignore the facts about candidates and issues, your problems are your own making.

When considering election issues or choosing a candidate, we tend to go with our heart, not our head. I realize that touchy and deeply personal issues like abortion, religious freedom and marital regulation are important to some people but I don’t believe they should be the leading factor that determines which lever to pull on Election Day.

Moral issues, while significant, affect a smaller percentage of the population at any given time than would the economy, civil rights or tax concerns. And, despite White House reports to the contrary, we’re still in the midst of continuing economic troubles and we would be better to first focus on potential solutions for those tribulations.

For example, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels recently signed the first right-to-work law enacted in the area known as the Rust Belt, a stronghold for union-represented work forces. The new law makes it illegal to force employees to join a union or pay union dues. Twenty-two other states have similar laws already on the books – andOhiomay be next.

The concept is an effort to make it easier to get a job and for companies to be able to afford to pay workers instead of being strong-armed by over-reaching unions. Some see it as an attack on unions and an attempt to diminish wages and benefits.

Whatever your point of view on the subject, right-to-work legislation is one of those issues that can affect a great number of people and in more ways than people realize at first. The trickle-down, economic and political repercussions from laws like this can impact entire communities, even the whole state.

At the water cooler, discussions about these issues tend to segue into confrontational debates over ineffectual politicians. Ironically, with all that debate, most people never learn one thing more than they’ve already decided about a candidate right up to the time they walk into the polling place.

Many people are voting for the lesser of, “who cares,” but in fact, we need to be more choosey about who we are sending toWashington. While Democrats are stuck with President Obama in the fall, Republicans should have stood up to demand better options than mud-slinging hairdos like Romney and Santorum. In my amateur opinion, none of the Republican frontrunners carries a strong challenge to the president in November.

Each of us needs to make the effort to separate our feelings from the facts and do our best to approve issues and candidates that will best serve the greater good, not just those that pander to the Left or Right to get votes.

In the end, the fate of the country depends on the voters; those diligent, savvy individuals who, more times than not, make the choice in the voting booth based solely on a commercial they saw on television the night before. Could it really be that apathetic a decision for some people? I think it is and that’s why we can only blame ourselves.

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Jamestown Whip Artist Appears On “Living Dayton”

In Business, Entertainment, Local News, Senior Lifestyle, Sports News, Uncategorized on February 21, 2012 at 7:00 am

Writer, Entertainer Gery L. Deer with "Living Dayton" co-hosts, Nathalie Basha and Zuri Hall

JAMESTOWN – Writer, entertainer Gery L. Deer of Jamestown appeared Friday on WDTN’s new daytime lifestyle program, Living Dayton to showcase bullwhip classes available at The Whip Artistry Studio. Deer spent a few minutes on the live program talking about the whip with the hosts, Nathalie Basha and Zuri Hall, and gave them the opportunity to try their hand.

“We really just want to let everyone know we are here and we are local,” Deer says. “We have a great offering of whip lessons and performances available to just about any individual or venue. ”

The Whip Artistry Studio opened in 1998 providing the only permanent facility in the U.S. dedicated to the non-combative study of bullwhips and stockwhips for use in sport and performance art. The facility offers individual and group whip lessons for ages 8 and up, as well as providing specialty whip artistry performers for stage, film and television shows, school presentations and educational programs.

For more information go online to http://www.thewhipstudio.com or call (937) 902-4857. All activities are by appointment. The Whip Artistry Studio is an entertainment subsidiary of GLD Enterprises & Productions.

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50 Years Later, Oh, That View Is Still Tremendous

In Local News, National News, Opinion, Politics, Science, State News on February 21, 2012 at 6:36 am

Col. John Glenn on his first orbit aboard Friendship 7 in 1962

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

 

In 1958 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was commissioned to getAmericainto the space race and beat the Russians to the moon. President Kennedy had set a public deadline of landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960’s but no one even knew if it could be done. To make it happen, NASA had to invent new technology and learn new skills previously conceived of only in the pages of comic books.

To get things started, NASA established Project Mercury and seven test pilots were chosen from various branches of the armed services to be the first American astronauts. Sitting in tiny capsules atop converted ballistic missiles, these brave men learned how to break the bonds of gravity, achieve orbit, navigate and then return safely back to earth.

On February 20, 1962, Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr., a Marine Corps fighter pilot fromCambridge,Ohio, blasted off fromCape Canaveralto become the first American to orbit the earth. Only the second Mercury flight, Glenn’s Friendship 7 capsule and splashed down safely in the ocean after completing three orbits. The mission lasted only 4 hours, 53 minutes and 23 seconds but it was long enough to allow the United States to catch up to the Soviets.

Glenn’s mission was considered a great success especially considering it happed less than a year after Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard flew the firstU.S.space shot aboard his Mercury capsule, Freedom 7. Shepard and Glenn had paved the way for the future of theU.S.space program, and within a few years, Project Mercury had achieved all its objectives.

The next series of missions, Project Gemini, allowed the astronauts to leave the relative safety of the capsule and the new two-person spacecraft that was more maneuverable than the Mercury craft. The Gemini vehicles were also used to develop docking and rendezvous technology, vital to the lunar landings.

By 1967, however, NASA had hit yet another growth spurt. Project Apollo replaced Gemini and, along with a few of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, nine new pilots were selected. Things were moving at a feverish pace and NASA was making good time to fulfill Kennedy’s promise but that achievement did not come without a price.

Each and every mission had multiple objectives ranging from simple tests of new equipment to advanced flight evaluations. Whatever the purpose, procedures were established in order to minimize danger. Ultimately, however, space flight was dangerous and these men were test pilots and sometimes things didn’t go as planned.

In January of 1967, Apollo 1 Command Pilot Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Senior Pilot Edward H. White and Pilot Roger B. Chaffee died in a fire during a ground test of the command module capsule atCape Canaveral. The accident forced several design and safety procedure changes and delayed manned Apollo flights for nearly two years.

When the first manned Apollo mission launched in October of 1968, many in Washington felt the Apollo 1 accident was caused by haste and carelessness and pushed for the program to be shut down before more money and lives were lost. Work continued, however and today Neil Armstrong’s immortal words from the Sea of Tranquilitystill resonate across the generations.

Between 1969 and 1972, there were six successful moon landings. In 1973, NASA launched America’s first space station, “Skylab,” and by 1977, the first space shuttle, Enterprise, was ready for flight control and landing tests. The space shuttles were retired in 2011 after three decades of service.

 

None of these later accomplishments would have been possible without the bravery and fortitude of those first 7 space pioneers. Ironically, John Glenn was one of the first astronauts to leave the space program (to pursue a career in politics) but he is also the only Mercury astronaut to return to space after retiring.

In 1998, Glenn flew as a payload specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery at the age of 76 – the oldest human ever to fly in space. Here’s to John Glenn on the 50th Anniversary of America’s first orbital flight.

 

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Appreciating the Buckeye State

In Local News on February 8, 2012 at 12:53 pm

By Gery L. Deer

Deer In Headlines

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Because of the different kinds of work I do, from writing to my involvement in film and television projects, I am asked regularly why I remain in Ohio, rather than moving to New York or the West Coast. The way people ask, it’s almost as if my skills aren’t worthy of recognition or my work’s value is somehow reduced because I choose to live where my family has its roots. In fact, if you pay attention to how Ohio is treated by Hollywood, one might think all we produce here are backwoods rednecks and serial killers. Of course, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth.

My diverse career has taken me from the stages of Las Vegas resorts to the decks of oil tankers. I’ve seen Hollywood Blvd. at midnight and worked alongside stars like Bonnie Hunt and Steve Harvey. I’ve watched as cranes placed the giant Oscar statues and workers rolled out the red carpets outside the Kodak Theatre the day before the Academy Awards. Suffice to say, I’ve seen a lot. But nothing has ever made me want to leave Ohio permanently.

I’ve known people living in the Buckeye State who can’t wait to get out of it, longing for the greener grass somewhere else; Florida, South Carolina, California. But they never seem to go. They just continue to complain. In fact, most of the people I know who behave this way have never really been anywhere else.

Most people forget what Ohio has produced since it was added to the Union in 1803. Even if we overlook the obvious contributions Ohioans have made, like powered flight, the advancement of minority rights, the first electric starter for automobiles and more U.S. Presidents than you can shake a buckeye branch at (8 in all), Ohio still has much to offer.

While we may not be surrounded by oceans or have perfect weather year around, Ohio offers some of the most amazing country anyone has ever seen. The name “Ohio” comes from an Iroquoian word meaning “great river” and that would certainly be hard to argue. The Ohio River connects the eastern states to the Missouri and finally the Mississippi, making it vital to trade and commerce for many regions. Other major waterways such as the Scioto and Great Miami Rivers also provided opportunities for growth to Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus.

Incidentally, everyone who just cleaned up after a Superbowl party owes a world of debt to the never-ending ingenuity of Ohioans. If not for Dayton engineer Ermal Cleon Fraze, your guests would still have been fighting over the can opener! On a sleepless night in 1959, “Ernie” Fraze invented the pop-top opener, now common on beer and soft drink cans.

With the Oscars coming up, it wouldn’t be right to ignore Ohio’s contribution to Hollywood, seeing as how that’s where most of the glib remarks about our fare state originate. Oscar winners Paul Newman and Halle Berry both called Ohio home, as did MASH’s Jamie Farr, comedian Drew Carey, film director Chris Columbus (Harry Potter),  Jerry Siegel and Joe Schumacher (the creators of Superman),  and Jack Warner, founder of Warner Brothers Studios. My father even grew up with country and western star Bobby Bare, not far from Roy Rogers’ childhood home near Portsmouth, on the banks of the Ohio River. The list is practically endless.

No place is perfect and, like anyone else, I have my share of complaints about how things are run here. In my experience there is far too much small-town, good old boy politics, and little doubt that the people we have sent to Columbus need to be reminded that they work for us, not the other way around, as seems to be the case lately.

But in spite of these shortcomings, Ohio is a good place to call home. We have weathered floods, tornados, a Great Depression and numerous recessions. But Ohioans are of America’s most creative, innovative and intelligent people and we always seem to come out on top. So the next time you start your car, pop open a soda or fly away to your favorite vacation spot, give a little nod to the Buckeye State, truly, the Heart of it All.