November 2007 Issue

Hometown Visit

Will someone please call John Adams? No, not presidents two and six. Both John and John Q. were New Englanders. Here in Ohio, we have plenty of presidents of our own.

The John Adams we need is the dedicated Cleveland Indians fan who has pounded out a drumbeat in the bleachers — old stadium and new — for the past 34 years. We need him to give us a drum roll that can be heard around the state as we announce the winners of our 2008 “Best Hometowns” award.

In alphabetical order and representing each of the five regions of the state, they are:

 

This northwest Ohio gem is rich in all the best things of life: education, family, neighborliness and spirit.

 

Chillicothe.

Representing the southeast sector of the state, Chillicothe is the perfect blend of modern progress and historic charm.

Just in time for its bicentennial, this central Ohio standout is ready to sing its ABCs: arts, business and community pride.

Independence.

In northeast Ohio, all roads lead to Independence, where there is always something new to see and do.

Miamisburg.

“Great things are happening in Miamisburg,” the slogan goes, and southwest Ohio folks know how very much it’s true.

 

Because Ohio is so blessed with great hometowns, it was difficult once again to make the final selections. But after taking your suggestions and evaluating the candidates in areas such as arts and culture, health and safety, education, heritage and business, we feel confident that these five represent the best of the best.

Led by Executive Editor Vivian Pospisil, a team of Ohio Magazine writers — Jessica Essemplare, Linda Feagler, Ashley Harrington, Jennifer Haliburton and Elizabeth Weinstein — explored each town, talking to municipal and school officials, business leaders and residents in order to experience community life firsthand. You’ll find highlights of their findings beginning on page 71.

Art Director Rob McGarr came up with a new approach to capture the hometowns’ charms in a visual way this year. He commissioned respected Ohio artist Dennis Balogh to create watercolors of a slice of each hometown’s life. We regionalized our distribution for subscribers so the covers they receive feature somewhere close to home.

Look for more coverage of the Best Hometowns in our January 2008 issue, when we spotlight the towns again as part of our “Best of Ohio” cover story. As always, you can check out additional information on our Web site, ohiomagazine.com. And we’ll revisit the towns with tourist information in June 2008.

Finally, stay tuned in the coming months for individual celebrations of the award in each hometown. Bring your own drum.