It must have been fate that returned me to Huntington. After all I had been enjoying the fruits of the large metropolitan areas without having to return anything but money in the form of taxes. We had modern roadways, big modern schools, public golf courses, international airports and entertainment galore. There were lots of quality restaurants and fun bars/nightclubs and the suburban living was for the most part clean and well maintained.

But like everything else something vital was missing. The opportunity to immerse oneself in civic affairs. Yes there were the volunteer organizations but most were behemoths and one didn’t really feel all that important. One could try to run for an elected office and be one of hundreds. Forget about personally contacting a public official it was nearly impossible. So if you felt you wanted to make a positive impact on the community there were the usual (but important) roles such as scout leader, sports coach, mentor, bell ringer. Changing government wasn’t on the list.

Now don’t think I chose to return to Huntington, it chose me. My aging Mother lives here with no other relatives close by. I had retired and decided staying in a high cost of living area would not be financially prudent. My better half surprised me by saying we could move to Huntington, sell our high-tax property, buy a reasonably priced house and be close to Mom.

Then it started to happen. I have always found litter to be disgusting so I did something about it. I picked it up around my workplace and my neighborhood. It was good exercise and rewarding to see the effects of my labor. Then in Huntington there was an article about a man trying to get people involved in cleaning up their neighborhoods. We hooked up and multiplied our energies and concerns. Before long we had a bunch of Litter-Gitters and decided an objective for all people joining us as litter-gitters would be “Adopt YOUR Block”. The enticement was a free litter pickup stick and if necessary gloves, bags, and safety vests. We preached begged cajoled and used every forum afforded us to spread our message. The good news is it is working as we have over 1500 litter-stick recipients throughout the area and the news is spreading.

Anyone that performs volunteer work knows and expects requests for joining and becoming involved with other organizations. Mine have just happened along. First was a public hearing about improving Harris Riverfront Park. From that a group dedicated to the revitalization of Huntington sprung up, HARC. Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition has taken upon itself the beautification not only of Harris Riverfront Park by planting and maintaining rose and flower beds but other areas such as around City Hall, the Veterans Memorial and handing out plants and seeds to be used by other community groups.

One thing does lead to another and a major effort was underway to reinvent Huntington. Several meetings, seminars, and learning sessions later Create Huntington was in full swing and I got caught up in the movement. Participating in the “Chat ‘n Chew” meetings revealed to me this site of Why Huntington. Now that I have been back here a few years I realize how wonderful it is to be not only a part of a community but be able to make a positive difference. I have been able to work directly with City, County, and State officials towards improving the quality of life in this area. Why Huntington? Big enough to be important but small enough to be involved.

– James Bowen