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Charley Gregg (London, OH)

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Better rural communities for Ohio's future.

Working Families Win

By Charley Gregg - Jul 3rd, 2008 at 11:28 am EDT

Recently I met Steve Chaffin, an organizer for "Working Families Win". WFN strives to assist America's workers by changing government policy.

Steve is developing grassroots connections for new trade rules, improved healthcare, workers rights and increasing the minimum wage. As inflation continues; particularly in energy, organizations like WFN can become opportunities for rural communities to work together for a better future.

For more information: http://www.wfwin.org/index.php

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Rails to Trails

By Charley Gregg - Jun 26th, 2008 at 9:57 pm EDT

We are fortunate to live within a mile of the trail network that is being built across Ohio. It's a great opportunity to exercise in a safe environment and meet neighbors with similar interests. Today, we found a fox along a wooded stretch near the edge of town; along with a couple of turtles and ground squirrels. In the past, I have seen deer. I encourage you to consider spending a day along a trail in your community.

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Local Festivals

By Charley Gregg - Jun 22nd, 2008 at 3:23 am EDT

Also listed in: Ohio Rural Communities

The beginning of summer kicks-off the festival season in rural communities. Our town celebrated the "Strawberry Festival" this past week with 2 parades, live music, local entertainment and great food. Local festivals are a good way to connect with neighbors & friends on an informal basis to build better relationships when we are faced with challenging issues. Plus, it's fun for the kids to have wholesome experiences near home without a lot of expensive stuff.

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Renewable Energy

By Charley Gregg - Jun 10th, 2008 at 8:40 am EDT

Also listed in: Ohio Rural Communities

Wind, solar, geo-thermal and bio-fuels offer alternatives for rural communities.

While natural gas, coal and oil will continue to dominate our energy needs; alternative energy will play more of role over the next 5-10 years.

Today's New York Times highlights the challenges faced by rural communities.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/09/business/09gas.html?hp

Two leading organizations with additional information on implementation of renewable energy programs are Green Energy Ohio and "25x'25".

Consider researching their websites for additional information.

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Stewardship

By Charley Gregg - May 30th, 2008 at 6:21 am EDT

Also listed in: Ohio Rural Communities

The use of stewardship is key to the progress of Ohio's rural communities. Small towns and the agriculture communities can become stewards of their resources, rather than consumers. Local civic organizations are a great way to develop stewardship; this experience also helps build relationships for influencing the dialogue on issues that impact farms and villages across the Buckeye State.

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Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

By Charley Gregg - May 10th, 2008 at 9:30 am EDT

Large scale production agriculture has changed rural communities over the past 30 years. Although family farms have frequently been consolidated into larger operations, many rural residents do not recognize the issue due to the industry's primary public image through crop production. Gradually though, large scale livestock production has started gaining more attention. An example of this is the proposed 5,000 cow dairy near the Darby Creek about 25 miles west of Columbus.

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Farmer's Markets

By Charley Gregg - Apr 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm EDT

Also listed in: Ohio Rural Communities

Rural communities are frequently seen as locations of "mega-farms"; particularly in Ohio's western counties. This perception has gained traction over the past couple of decades. Although; increasing energy costs, along with price inflation for fertilizers & pesticides may contribute to a return to smaller scale, local production. Several demographic and economic issues contribute to the recent interest in "Farmer's Markets". Around our state, several cooperative organizations have been established to grow & market produce on a small scale.

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Spring 2008

By Charley Gregg - Mar 29th, 2008 at 2:23 pm EDT

As Spring begins across our rural communities, we have a great opportunity to look forward to progress for our future. Yesterday I visited the Dairy Expo in Columbus with my daughter. We enjoyed learning about Ohio's dairy industry, judging cattle and considering the importance of agriculture to local communities. Here is a link to the Dairy Expo website:

http://www.springdairyexpo.com/

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Financial Stability

By Charley Gregg - Mar 14th, 2008 at 2:26 pm EDT

Unfortunately, rural communities are bearing the burden of the debt issue as well as metropolitan regions. The next few years will see a return to sound financial practices that developed Ohio's towns and villages.

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Future of rural Ohio.

By Charley Gregg - Mar 8th, 2008 at 4:24 pm EST

Good rural communities across our state will become more important as energy prices continue to increase. Good educational opportunities and quality ground water will be fundamental to local towns and farms.

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