"Recent Special Events Showcase all Tuscarawas County has to Offer" 

Welcome to R News and Views. Last Friday I had the opportunity to do our remote broadcast at the Tuscarawas County Health Department for their annual Health and Safety Fair. The event was free and provided a great opportunity to get the kids ready to go back to school. It was also a chance to learn about the many services available through the Health Department and other area agencies that provide services to children and families. We are fortunate to have one of the most outstanding health departments in the state of Ohio. In their 2007 Annual Report, the number of visits that were made to the Health Department is impressive. They had 43,549 visits from residents around the county. It is interesting to note that of the three cities we have in the county, the most visits came from New Philadelphia, with 10,458, Dover 6,978 and Uhrichsville, 3,489. Visits made by residents in villages found Newcomerstown leading the way with 2,059, and then Dennison with 1,935. If you would like to learn more about the Tuscarawas County Health Department you can check out their website at www.tuschealth.org.

Congratulations to the organizers of the Italian American Festival. Last weekend they put on their 20th festival, and from all indications it was another big success. Marcia Mari, President of the association, and her board did a great job. Congratulations to Dolly Contini for receiving the Outstanding Italian-American Award and to Graphic Publications Bargain Hunter for the Business of the Year.

Congratulations to the Dennison Depot for their successful event last weekend, The American Soldiers Homecoming Festival. The kickoff event was a banquet on Thursday night where the Lucille Nussdorfer Woman of the Year Award was presented to Connie Finton of Stonecreek. Connie was recognized for the many organizations that she has been associated with over the years. We are proud of Connie as she has been associated with WJER for many years assisting with our Tuscarawas County Fair broadcasts.

A few months back I commented about the need for people to step up and volunteer or become involved with some group or organization that you may be passionate about. Dolly and Connie are certainly great examples of the difference you can make when you get involved. If you want to take a step back into time this weekend, stop over to the fairgrounds and take in the Pioneer Power Show which runs through Sunday.

Next week schools will be starting back into session and the high school football season gets underway. I guess that means that unofficially at least summer must be over.

Those are my views, if you want to see these comments and more, check out the WJER website at wjer.com and click on R News and Views.