ODOT is hitting the road for Right to Read Week

Without question Ohio offers some interesting and beautiful places to visit, from the shores of Lake Erie in the north and the Portsmouth Flood Wall Murals in the south to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, the Columbus Zoo and the rolling hills of Amish Country.

The members of Ohio Department of Transportation are in the midst of creating a way to celebrate Ohio’s character and history by making a video for National Right to Read Week coming later this year.

The video will feature various ODOT employees reading excerpts from a Dr. Seuss children’s favorite, and once completed, the entire book will invite children to read whatever material interests them while also showcasing some Buckeye State landmarks.

According to Colin Trubee, one of the videography crew members doing the filming, there are six different ODOT employees who are investing their time and talents in the project, and tying all of these beautiful Ohio sites together is the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Theodore Wiesel.

“We were excited for the opportunity to share during National Right to Read Week in this fascinating way,” Trubee said. “This is something that extends beyond what most people see ODOT doing.”

For those ready to hit the road and explore everything Ohio has to offer, the Dr. Seuss entry provides a guideline for travelers, with the book imploring people to use their noggins and buckle up, ditch the distractions, and drive alert during their time exploring the state’s attractions.

In Wiesel’s words:

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the (ones) who’ll decide where to go.”

And the destinations are plenty, although ODOT is limited to featuring just a few of them while enticing people to enjoy the state’s many offerings and encouraging both young and old to invest in reading.

As for choosing which locations for the shoots, Trubee said they tried to create a well-rounded and attractive selection of reading sites as the background setting for each reader.

Spellacy Bridge in Loudonville became a focal point of the reading. Not only is it stunning, but also ODOT was there to create a video for a recent award the partners of the new covered bridge received.

“This one made perfect sense since we were already here, but this is ideal for our literacy vibe too,” Trubee said. “It’s a beautiful place.”

Other sites include the Valley View Bridge in Cleveland, a scenic spot along U.S. Route 62 near Canton and Embshoff Woods Park in Cincinnati, with several other locations to follow shortly.

ODOT reader for the Spellacy Bridge reading was Bruce Hull, an electronic design specialist.

“I’m used to being behind the camera doing stuff, so it was odd for me to get out in front of it and read, but it was a lot of fun and it’s for something that serves a wonderful purpose in promoting reading and traveling,” Hull said. “I think it connects. Just about every kid knows about Dr. Seuss, so hopefully it will provide a good story for families and encourage them to get out and see the sites around Ohio too.”

Trubee said the video will come out on ODOT’s social media outlets in the next couple of weeks, with National Right to Read Week on tap the week of April 24.