Jones enjoys helping people share their passions

Every year my favorite stories are the same. They are the stories of people in the community who share their passion for making Coshocton an even better place to live and of people reaching for their dreams.

I love writing about the Scouts who work hard to reach their goal of becoming an Eagle Scout or the high school athlete who achieves their goal of going to a state competition. I always hope my stories share the passion of our local high school drama clubs, bands and choirs. They are dedicated to their art and determined to be the best.

Stories from the volunteers with Our Town Coshocton are always fun to write. They always have wonderful plans for events for the community — the summer band concerts have been especially welcomed and enjoyed. Their shopping events also are always fun.

One of the stories that really stuck out this year was being able to write about Capt. Wilmer Hale’s family receiving a letter from the state remembering the 50th anniversary of Hale losing his life fighting a fire at Buckeye Fabric. It was personal to me, as I remember Wilmer and that terrible night.

Being a writer, I really enjoy sharing stories about local people who have had a book published and are celebrating a dream come true. I also enjoy sharing stories of artists who are having their work displayed, whether it is at our local library or as a mural on a wall on Main Street. Their passions inspire me to work harder for my own dreams.

I can never create a list of favorite stories without thinking about the fair. Talking to so many young people about their projects is always fun, and they can say some pretty unexpected things. One little guy I was interviewing about the horse show pulled me down to his level so we could talk about my camera and whether I should take a picture of him or not.

Even on auction night, the teens are calm and focused. If it was me, I’d be a crying mess about selling my animal. I’m sure some of them are sad, but they show remarkable maturity and hide it well. Sale night is always fun to talk to the people who are planning to purchase an animal. One common theme from the buyers is always to support the young people who are the future. It makes me proud to be from a community that wants to support the dreams of the youth.

It’s nearly impossible to talk to people who are working toward a dream and not feel that same passion stirred within you. The first step is always the hardest, and so many people in Coshocton have taken that step and encourage others to do the same. We are lucky to live in a community where people are always trying to make improvements in themselves and in Coshocton.