The following Guest Column was written by Karen Jensen
It’s another morning and I find myself waking up somewhere in Texas but dreaming of Marion, Ohio. The grass is green here, the sun is shining, and there are even birds singing. But I will face this day like I face every day, with a little twinge of sadness because I am not in the place that I consider my home. I read your comments online and I know – crime is rising, jobs are few, and there is so much to worry about in Marion. Once again you have had massive storms (although we get them here, too). In the midst of all that worry, I think we often forget to see the wonder that surrounds us.
My children were born in Marion and some of our best memories were made there. And now, living in another type of community, I can put my finger on just what makes Marion so special.
The Marion Public Library
I have to admit, there is a little bit of bias here, I am a librarian after all, but the Marion Public Library is a really fantastic library. They have great resources for all ages and opening the pages of the books remains one of the best ways to learn about the world around you and to experience life from other points of view to develop things like empathy, critical thinking, and just the wonder of the world. The library is also the only place that offers free education opportunities for children in the critical Birth to Three years brain development window; whether you take your child regularly to storytime or occasionally to a library program, you will find no other place that provides these types of opportunities to children.
Education, personal growth, the wonder of the world laid bare – there is no place like a library, and Marion has a really excellent one with dedicated staff that work hard to meet the needs of the largest range of people possible.
The Palace Theater
The theater is a place of wonder; a place where stories come to life in dynamic ways. It’s easy to sit at home and watch a movie on your tv screen, but a greater sense of community occurs when we meet with others in a shared space and watch that magic take place on stage. It’s even more amazing when that production is a local production and you get to see the hard work and dedication of your fellow community members. What an inspiring message for our communities: we can work together and create magic.
The Parks
Most parents will tell you that local parks save them. Bored kids, cranky kids, lonely kids – we grab them and head out to the park. We know that kids needs physical activity and parents need a break, and both can happen here. And sometimes, while sitting at the park, you and your child may just meet your next best friend. I have stood in every park in Marion and pushed both of my children on a swing, talking to a friend and been thankful everyone who has helped to make that park happen and keep it clean.
Brookeside and Lincoln Pools
I moved before the Lincoln pool was renovated, but the pictures look awesome. But even before the renovation, there is just nothing like a community pool. On a hot summer day there is just nothing like standing in line dripping wet at the concession stand waiting with your friends to buy a popsicle while your parents sit over in the corner and talk to neighbors. Later, you and your friend dare each other to dive off the high dive. Those are the memories that our children will carry with them and remind them off home in those moments when the world seems big and uncertain.
The Popcorn Festival
Traditions are what bind us together. They are the stuff of memories, those moments in life that become anchors to our past. They help define us and give us something to look forward to. Your life develops a rhythm around these traditions, and each new goal post is a moment of hope to keep working towards. You know that whatever is happening now you have a, b, c and d to look forward to.
That is what the Popcorn Festival is, a yearly ritual that brings us all together. We line our chairs up on the side of the road and celebrate the very best of us – our local schools, our local businesses, our children, our past, our future. And then we all get to go eat funnel cake.
Community
Community. That is what the things on the list have in common, and that is something that Marion excels at. Yes, Marion has college opportunities and the Harding Memorial, and we like to say it is conveniently located close to Columbus. But not everywhere do you go can you find this strong sense of heritage and community.
You get out of a community what you put into it. Neighborhoods are only clean because the people who live in them choose to keep them that way. Parks are only maintained because people put in the time, effort and money to keep them thriving and welcoming. And in Marion, there are lots of opportunities for community – you just have to choose to participate in them.
Say hi to your neighbors. Volunteer your time or money (there are plenty of opportunities). Nurture the sense of community around you, and you will begin to see the riches that come from living in a community like Marion.
Trust me, as someone who misses it every day, not all towns have the same sense of community. Cherish yours, nurture it, and help it grow.
Karen Jensen is the former Teen Services Librarian from the Marion Public Library. She now lives in Texas, but is trying to move back with her family. In addition to work as a public librarian, she created and maintains Teen Librarian Toolbox, a website dedicated to advocating for libraries and teens. You can visit it at www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com to learn more about libraries, popular teen book reviews and issues affecting the daily lives of teens.
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