STEVE STIVERS

There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

In times of need, a community is faced with a true test of friendship and trust. When neighbors lend a hand to one another it is a testament to the strength of the community as a whole, and to the character of its citizens. I am so proud to represent a district where people are still able to trust each other and work together to overcome adversity. Do you trust people? If not, hopefully this story will help you realize that there are still people in our community that do.

During the power outages which left so many Central Ohioans in the dark this July, one small business in Upper Arlington operated on trust. Nutter Hardware is a neighborhood store owned by Chuck Nutter, a well-known member of the Upper Arlington community, whose vision is to help people. Just like everyone else, Nutter Hardware lost its power, but with community in mind stayed open and even issued IOUs to customers without cash, trusting that they would be repaid.

It is truly an honor to represent such good people. The generosity in our Central Ohio communities sets an example for the rest of the Nation, and proves that we can make it through tough times together. The next time you see a neighbor in need, remember this story and trust that your neighbor would lend you a hand if needed. Even small gestures such as writing six IOUs can help build trust and strengthen our communities. I commend Nutter Hardware for their generosity and hope that we can all follow in their footsteps.

There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

An athlete works hard, dedicates many hours to practice, and puts forth a great deal of effort, but an Olympian takes all of that to a much higher level. On July 29, 2012, our very own hometown Olympian, Miss Abby Johnston of Upper Arlington, made our city proud when she took home silver in the women’s 3-meter springboard synchronized diving competition at the 2012 London Olympic Games—America’s first-ever Olympic medal in the event.

In Columbus and Central Ohio, we take our sports very seriously, and Abby adds to that legacy with her Olympic medal.  She was cheered on by her fans both here at home and abroad.  In London, her parents, Elaine and David Johnston, as well as former coaches and teammates from Upper Arlington High School and the local U.S. Elite Diving Academy rooted for her poolside.  Back in Ohio, Abby’s accomplishment brought us together to celebrate as a community. 

What makes you proud of our community in Ohio?  I wanted to highlight Abby Johnston in my blog because her story is a true point of pride for our city.  Every day, I find myself inspired or moved by something that our friends and neighbors in Ohio’s 15th District have done or accomplished, and it makes me work hard every day to make you proud.

There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

This month I would like to recognize, Ryan Hardy.  Ryan’s long, difficult journey finally came to an end when he joyously rang the bell to signify his final chemotherapy treatment last month at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  He was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the young age of two and was later diagnosed with leukemia when he was only eight years old.

Ryan was extremely courageous, enduring treatments for almost 10 years with the love and support of family, friends and the hospital’s staff. Ryan and the people around him never gave up hope. He tried to live life as normally as possible by taking part in activities like playing on the youth football team.  Click here to learn more about Ryan’s courageous battle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W93NdSs4UeQ&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

Ryan’s story reminds us that we shouldn’t take life for granted. With faith, hope and endurance we can overcome many obstacles in life. I am proud to represent people like Ryan Hardy in Ohio’s 15th Congressional District. I commend him for his courage and am happy to hear that he was able to finally ring the bell.

There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

When was the last time you were truly inspired by something?  For me, it was about a week ago when I read a story in the Columbus Dispatch about one of our very own hometown heroes, fifth-grader Matt Woodrum of Colonial Hill Elementary School. You can read the article, too, by CLICKING HERE.

Matt is battling Spastic Cerebral Palsy, but his courage, inner strength, and determination came together in a YouTube video of him running and completing a 400-meter race.   The YouTube video gained worldwide attention almost immediately (CLICK HERE to check it out for yourself).

At first, I was moved by Matt as he charged through the pain of his condition and continued the race one step at a time.  About halfway through the video, though, the inspiration factor became two-fold when Matt’s classmates surrounded him and cheered by his side all the way to the finish line. The explosion of excitement at the end of the video from the children, parents, and teachers was truly infectious.

The next time you find yourself, a loved one, a friend, or a coworker faced with a challenge, I would like you take a moment to think about Matt Woodrum and his classmates. Remember Matt’s drive and self-discipline as you face your own test.  Encourage and support another person as Matt’s classmates did for him. I am so proud to represent the people of Central Ohio in Congress, because our communities shine with genuinely kind and selfless individuals. Matt and his friends at Colonial Hill Elementary School will grow up to be the future of our communities in Central Ohio, and this story gave me hope that it will be very, very bright.

There is so much negativity today in the news and everywhere we look that it is always nice when we can pause to recognize good things that are happening in our community.  I would like to take the opportunity to use this blog to highlight some of the positive events that are happening in Central Ohio.

This month I would like to recognize the courageous actions of Grove City resident, Eric Babcock. On December 18, 2011 Eric noticed a garage in his neighborhood had caught fire. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered the young granddaughter of the homeowner was trapped on the second floor.

Despite the grave risk to his own life he grabbed a ladder and hurried to the girl’s rescue. Eric truly rose to the occasion and put his own life on the line to save one of his neighbors. For his heroism, Eric has received a plaque from the Jackson Township Board of Trustees.

I join the people of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District in thanking Eric Babcock for his brave actions and for thinking on his feet. While I would not encourage any untrained personnel to run into burning buildings, what he did is truly exceptional: he selflessly put his own life in peril to save another’s.

I also want to express how much I appreciate all of the brave firefighters in our district who risk their lives daily to protect all of us. They keep rigorous schedules and are on-call at all hours to race to the scene of a fire or other disaster. They know the serious risks they face in responding to calls for help, and yet in spite of the danger bravely answer each call. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them for the commitment they make daily to keeping all of us safe. They are ordinary people, but their service is extraordinary.