In spite of what others said or thought, my wife and I were looking forward to coming to Trumbull County. We knew it would take time to get to know people and the area and we set out to do just that.
In our short time here we have traveled to each corner of the county. We have met a lot of interesting people and been in some nice places. So far we have enjoyed our time and we have much more to learn.
Trumbull County and its people have seen some hard times and no one knows for sure when things will get better. I like listening to people talk and give their perspectives.
The older people know that times have been tough before. They have gotten through with determination and sacrifice.
The younger people have some concerns that are a little different because of a lack of experience.
One thing from my perspective is that the greatest resources that Trumbull County has are its people. Old, middle-aged or young people have a lot to offer in terms of helping to get things going in the right direction. People from all ethnic groups that call this county home will need to work together and share their knowledge and abilities. Blue- and white-collar workers will need to put their best teamwork together to help build a better county.
I for one think it can be done. Someone once said that, ''tough times don't last, but tough people do.'' There are people with character and ideas from Mesopotamia to Hubbard and from Kinsman to Newton Falls, and of course Warren and all the other communities that will need to pull together to get through these hard times successfully.
My wife and I have driven the length of Route 534 from county line to county line. We enjoyed driving on gravel roads and seeing the Amish community. At first we were surprised when they waved at us. We just smiled and waved back. Then we drove all the way down through Newton Falls. There was a long line of people at an ice cream stand, but nobody waved as we drove by.
We have also driven across Route 87 into Kinsman to stop at a local book sale. We found some interesting books at very good prices. I struck up some conversations and asked where the locals ate. We enjoyed a day in the country and heard some good stories.
We have been to a diner in Hubbard and talked with some people there. We watched as people came in and ordered and interacted with the waitresses. We thought the food was good enough that we would return.
We have been in Warren too. We have driven and walked down a lot of streets. We have had many conversations. There are so many more things that we want to see and so many more conversations that we want to have.
Over the next year I hope to give my view of Trumbull County and its people. A view that I hope will be encouraging to the people who live here and work here. A view that will show the valuable resources that is already in its residents.
I also want to talk about things to enjoy like parks, libraries, events and restaurants just to name a few. I may touch on a few issues facing us too. I hope you will go along with me as I travel through Trumbull County and share what I learn.
Mazey is a Trumbull County pastor.