Fun with the kids...

It's a fun night at the Hasseman House when we have a few minutes to wrestle. For those of you who know us, we have some girlie girls...so this is the closest thing to rough housing I get to do.

Last night we had a few minutes before dinner to wrestle a bit...and Amy got the camera out to prove it!

Folks tell me that these are the moments the kids remember later in life. I hope so. It's funny...we spend so much time coming up with great events for our kids...and these are free! Fun stuff.

Trick or Treat!

It was a fun night to Trick or Treat in Coshocton last week. (Sorry...I know I am late!) The girls braved the wind and the rain to get their candy...and Amy made sure they stayed safe. I was at home to hand out treats to those who came calling. It was a warm, dry job...but someone had to do it! Here are a couple of fun shots from the big night. (Note: Above, my youngest is on the left).

Here is a gang of "treaters" next door. My oldest is in the middle in black. The crew returned with a huge amount of treasure. It's a good thing we adults get to go through it first...just to make sure everything is okay!

Random Thoughts!

It's been a while since my last post...so I will update some today. We have had "trick or treat" at the Hasseman House, and I will offer photo proof of that.

The topic on everyone's mind right now (whether they want it to be or not) is the election. After the 5th ad in a row (most attack ads) I just walked out of the room. I find it interesting that most folks are saying they are tired of the negative advertising. In response to that, I assume, some of the more heated and vindictive campaigns are now showing more positive ads about the candidates. I would like to think that would be more prevalent as the negative ads effect become more, well, negative.

Great opinion column from the local editorial board in the Sunday Edition of the Tribune. It endorses the local schools levies. http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061029/OPINION01/610290328 Most of you know that I agree with that...but they offer more good arguments for the levy.

Let's keep the Trick Or Treaters in Coshocton County well educated...and well prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Take my house...please!

Amy and I have decided to auction our home just outside of Coshocton. It's a great piece of property. And frankly, we hate to get rid of it. I will miss the views and the hot tub...but we moved...so it is what it is!

I am not suggesting that anyone reading this blog would be interested in our house (please be interested!) but if you might know someone who is interested (just buy it!) we would appreciate you telling them about it. The big day is scheduled for November 11th...so mark your calendars. If we sell it, the drinks will be on the house (the old one...so the new owner will have to buy!).

Fall Weiner Roast

We had a great (though very chilly) time at the Coshocton Rotary weiner roast on Sunday night. Only a few brave souls dealt with the elements, but a good time as had nonetheless. In addition to roasting hot dogs, we had a chance to go and pick our pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. Here's a shot of my youngest (Jade) toting hers around! The kids dressed up (hence the green paint on her face) and the adults bundled up!

One cool part (pardon the pun) was on the ride out to the patch we saw a salamander. Not sure how or why it was out in the field, but there it was. I got down to check it out and show the group. As I held it up for the whole group to check out closer, one of the kids yelled, "Crikey!" So the Crocodile Hunter's spirit lives on...

I thought it was pretty cool...so here's another look!

Fun At Apple Butter

This weekend was the annual Apple Butter Festival in Roscoe Village. Amy and I took time on Saturday to go and take in the festivities. It was a perfect fall day and I took the opportunity to shoot some video for the new show that we are producing for Coshocton. It was a great day for shooting video. And it gave me something to do while Amy shopped and looked at crafts!

In addition to shooting video, I did have an opportunity to visit the local celebrities. Here I am with Johnny Appleseed. I am the one on the right...just in case you weren't sure!

No Shortage of Signage

I noticed today on my way back to the office, that between political signs and for sale signs we have much of Coshocton "covered." In case you are a realtor or a politician I think you have 3 houses left! Good luck!

Pancake Day Is On The Way!

Believe it or not, it is nearly the time of year for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Day! The big day is November 9th at the Coshocton Elks from 6am to 7pm. This year's chair person is Brad Fuller and Mindy Fehrman is doing a terrific job of helping him as well. The two have some great, creative ideas on how to raise even more money for the club (and thereby helping our community even more!). If you or your company are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor...contact someone in Kiwanis!

And save lots of room for Pancakes on November 9th!

INSIDE Coshocton

Beginning in December there will be a new show about Coshocton...for Coshocton. We at Hasseman Marketing will be producing a TV show that will air on Channel 2 that celebrates the positive in our community. The show will be called Inside Coshocton.

I know this is not a big deal to those outside Coshocton County. But for those of us who live and work in Coshocton, it will be nice to be on television when it is not bad news! The show is going to be sponsored by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and The Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce. As I mentioned, the show will begin airing in December and there are advertising opportunities available! :) I am excited about the project because it will be an opportunity to promote many of the great things that happen in our community every day.

Enough for the shameless plug...Amy and I were out shooting video for the show today. It was a perfect day to be outside and enjoying the fall weather. I was out shooting video...and Amy had the still camera. We got some great shots today and I wanted to share just a few!

An Act of the Imagination!

We went to the local Triple Locks Theater last night with a group of friends. (For more information on shows and times check out http://www.footlightplayers.com/ ). As is nearly always the case, The Coshocton Footlight Players did a great job...this time with a murder mystery.

We are very blessed with a great local theater with a great deal of local talent. I did want to point out that Heather Ames Guess (our close friend and realtor) was in her first production and did a "smashing" job! It gives me pleasure to write this for two reasons. First, I was impressed by her abilities on stage. Second, she will hate that I have written this!

There is still another weekend to check out "An Act of the Imagination" so make your reservation!

More Shots Out The Back Door!

I know this will get old at some point, but this still seems cool to me. A group of deer spend a lot of time in the neighborhood. It can be an annoyance during the summer time as they feed on Amy's flowers and hosta's (for all I know this is the same thing!). But I must admit there is still a bit of child in me each time I see one of these creatures right out the window. As way of credit, the photographer of these pictures is my wife!

Cut Through The Rhetoric

I have talked to many people in Coshocton County that have told me that the negativity and rhetoric has turned them off from this political election. If you are interested in learning more about the candidates and issues without all the cynicism, The Coshocton Tribune (and I assume this is tied to the entire Gannett network) has a site to learn more about the issues that affect you. You can go to http://www.vgt2004.org/a-ohio-gannett/ and put in your zip code and it will give you the candidates and issues you will be voting on. It is a nice way to learn for yourself!

My New Political Position

I don't pretend to speak for others when it comes to politics (Dave Barry once said that politics is derived from "poli" meaning many and "tics" blood sucking creatures), but can we please stop with all the negative ads? I quit being tired of it a couple of elections ago. At this point I am sickened by it.

It seems that many politicians entire campaign philosophy is to take the worst picture ever of their opponent and say why they are a criminal. There is no attempt to distinguish themselves...just to trash the other person. It is no wonder why most folks have no desire to run for office! It's not the difficult decisions or the skeletons in the closet. It's that bad "zit" picture from the 10th grade!

So my new philosophy is to vote against those candidates who have only negative ads. I understand that you have to differentiate yourself from your oponent. But those who cannot tell me why I should vote for them (rather than against their opponents) will not get my vote. Maybe if these 4th grade level ads stop working...then politicians will stop running them!

Vote For The School Levy

There are many important decisions to be made on Election Day this year. And one decision that I believe will be as important as any for the Coshocton community will be the emergency operating levy for Coshocton City Schools. This 6.2 mil levy will allow our local schools to continue operating at the status quo...and continue to reach toward an excellent rating.

Obviously the main reason to vote for any school levy is to promote educating the young people of a community...and this levy is no different. Coshocton needs to have great schools so that we can continue to offer our children a world full of opportunities.

But what about economics?

Coshocton City Schools is one of the largest employers in the city of Coshocton. The schools have 240 employees and a budget of $15 million. Of that $15 million, approximately $12 million goes to salary and benefits. And as a rule, around 60% (or $7.2 million) is redistributed annually in the community.

And in a community where a large portion of our student base is deemed economically challenged, what other hope do these students have? They need a strong education. That is how they can improve their quality of life.

In addition, prospective businesses want to know how our school system is. If they can't provide a good education for their children then they will locate someplace else. It is certainly not the only piece of the economic puzzle...but it is a piece.

I do understand that times are tough. I get it. I am campaiging to raise my own taxes too! But consider it an investment. If we invest in our school system then we have a better economic development base as well.

Good schools is good for business. It's just another reason to support our schools.

Need more information on why the school system needs the money? Check out www.voteforccs.com or you can come to the Community Forum at the High School. I encourage you to come to the auditorium at 7pm and ask questions. It's about our children, our future, and yes, our economy!

View out the back window!

One of the things that I love about our new house (and Coshocton in general) is that you get many of the city benefits with a great deal of out of town culture. I love the fact that we complain that it actually takes us 10 minutes to get to work!

Anyway, this is a picture taken out our kitchen window. This happens a lot...but thought this one was especially cool. Just thought this was a fun picture to share. Also should add that this picture was taken by my lovely bride!

Kiwanis works with Youth Foundation

Over 40 individuals gathered at Bancroft Park today to take part in a clean up day. The event was headed up by the Coshocton Youth Foundation and several members of the local Kiwanis Club showed up to lend a hand as well. And as they say, many hands make small work! I was really impressed by how fast it went!

One social commentary...It was interesting to see the park surrounded by yards with politcal signage that touted politicians that were going to make a difference. Across the street you could see citizens and students doing that very thing.

One other comment...It seems to me that the same can be said of adults and students. Those who want to make a difference, will find a way.

I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this cool day!

Family Photo

This is the first day of my blog and wanted to at least post the latest family picture out here. Things are going well with the Hasseman clan. I am blessed to have two truly great daughters and a wonderful wife.

Skylar is in 3rd grade and Jade is in kindergarten now. Seems crazy...but true.

The business (Hasseman Marketing & Communications) is going well too.

Walking for Parkinsons

Today was an amazing day! My mother, Chris, organized a fundraiser walk to raise money for Parkinson's Disease. She did a truly amazing job! The FIRST (that's right, I said first) $10,000 went to build a room dedicated to my grandmother (she is still with us! Grandma Peg was at the walk!). We think the walk raised close to $20,000. Really...I was truly proud to be a part of it.

1.5 Million Americans have Parkinsons. For more information on how to give money for research, check out http://www.michaeljfox.org/

The money over $10,000 will be given to The Michael J Fox foundation.