"Hey Blue, where is a good place to get something to eat around here?"

​That's a question I get asked a lot by parents who visit Columbus through Travel Baseball.  There are tens of thousands of travel baseball teams around the country. Virtually all travel baseball games are played on weekends in a tournament format. 

Travel Baseball is a family affair.  Often you see parents, siblings and even grandparents. And, they spend money. Lots of money.

At Ceraland, where you can often find me in the summer, some travel baseball families camp; others lodge at hotels. They need food and supplies.

I've seen families order pizza for the kids, while the adults go out. One boy came with only his Crocs and needed a pair of baseball shoes. Two boys forgot their jerseys and needed t-shirts in order to play. Let's not forget the pop-up shelters, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, and even coats for those cold games in March.

This was all money spent right here in Columbus.

​A 2019 analysis from WinterGreen Research estimated the youth sports industry was worth $19.2 billion. As a comparison, the same year, the NFL was worth an estimated $15 billion.

Columbus is wise to tap into it.

I love our city's People Trail. You'll find my wife and I walking with our dog often. It's a good chance to see nature, run into neighbors and keep in good shape.  

I also love that our city takes great pride in building and maintaining our trail system.  On the city website there's a reviewer quoted:

The trails make walking, biking, running, skating, safe for those that use the trail. 

​Over the past few years, I've noticed an increase in the number of golf carts, mopeds, motorized recreation scooters and electric bicycles on the trail. We've been caught off-guard from behind, had to pull our dog to safety and have even had to step off the trail to make room for these motorized vehicles.  

As a trail designed for pedestrians, bicycles and anything people-powered, I think it's important we keep safety a priority. Friendly reminders in the way of signs would go a long way in keeping our trails safe.

(Note: Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters should obviously be allowed.)

I've met a lot of wonderful people in District 6, including Saundra who worked with troubled youth in the school system.

She told me how she often runs into past students who stop to tell her how much her support meant to them, and that they will sometimes buy her lunch as a token of appreciation.

She was on her way out the door to get some last-minute-things for her son-in law's 50th birthday party.

There are still heroes in this world, and Saundra is one of them.

I was destined to be a Republican. When I was a baby, my mother went to Indianapolis to meet Barry Goldwater who was making a stop during his presidential campaign in 1963.  She took me along. Goldwater kissed me on the forehead and my fate was sealed.

The first time I was able to vote was the 1980 presidential election, and I proudly pulled the lever for Ronald Wilson Reagan.

That was also the year I joined the Air Force.  I remember the day the picture of Jimmy Carter came down at the base, and was replaced with the iconic portrait of a smiling Ronald Reagan, whom I proudly served as my Commander-In-Chief for four years.

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As far back as I can remember, there's always been a Republican Party booth at the fair. I admit when I was a kid, I couldn't have cared less.  I was mesmerized by the allure of carnival rides and cotton candy.

Today, I see the importance of our 4-H fair beyond the Ferris wheel, fair food and livestock shows.  It's a vital part of community development.

An article published by Michigan State University Extension says the county fair stimulates cultivation of a vibrant community:

People from throughout the area are drawn together for a common cause: showcasing the achievements of their citizens and promoting their youth. Individual talents are employed toward the success of the whole community. Families take time to learn together, sharing in life lessons and building new skills. Cross county relationships are developed, broadening perspectives and intermingling experience. Long-time friendships are rekindled over new memories.

It's important our political leaders be part of this community building and leadership development opportunity, and be energized by the atmosphere of lights, food and fun.