The Winding Road

Whether it is perception from within or perception from the outside, a community often becomes how it is perceived. However, this does not necessarily equal the image that is desired. Ensuring that this desired image is achieved requires action, yet often the question that remains is the direction by which this action will lead us.

Whether it is potential change, uncharted territory, the unknown; "these three" make us take a step back and consider the question: What is comfortable? It is "these three" that we often fear. However, what we often moved forward with is, what we recognize without a shadow of a doubt; what we deem most comfortable to address. For this is the "easy road," the most acceptable path; but I might stress, not always the most fruitful.

Over the past year, a group of Greene Countians from all corners and communities have been meeting, e-mailing, making notes, jotting down ideas, and visiting other places to see just what they might be able to do. When it comes to past tourism efforts for Greene County, the limitations may have seemed so overwhelming or impossible, that the "easy road" was to do nothing. By choosing not take the bull by the horns, no limb was gone out on and no territory was discovered. Failure averted!

As the end of 2009 draws near, I want to congratulate this group of Greene Countians because they decided to follow the road with a few curves, the one that winds around and just when you think you are on a straightaway, another set of curves is there to meet you head on.

About three years ago, Greene County began posing questions regarding tourism and emerging from this discussion was a group of committed individuals. This year, the group learned that time, money, numbers of volunteers; those "Big Elephants" that everyone in the room is thinking about, should not stop them from making "baby steps" into the future, the unknown, the uncharted territory. They are folks that understand that "we ain't done that before" isn't gonna' fly.

Today they are moving toward success in their endeavors. They see the writing on the wall, the inevitable fruits of their labors, their own "baby steps" if you will, because their perceptions have changed on behalf of the county. They have decided that in actuality that what was most uncomfortable to them was not addressing the issue of tourism at all.

As their "Winding Road" continues, I encourage others to join them. Be assured that there is a spot waiting to be filled and I am confident that you have something to offer. The first meeting of 2010 will be a great time to join this group as the group takes a fresh look on how they will move forward. Consider joining us at the Linton Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 28 from 6--7 p.m. as we continue on our journey.

David is a former Greene County resident, graduate of Linton-Stockton High School and a Community Planner. He can be reached by e-mail at dabenefiel@juno.com or by telephone at (765) 749-0321.