December 30 , 2021 The Beacon • 13
Resolutions vs commitments as it applies to fatherhood
A fresh , new year is about to begin . What an opportunity we have ahead of us !
During a recent conversation with a good friend , I was introduced to the topic , Resolutions vs Commitments . While well meaning , many resolutions tend to be only expressions of interest , almost off the cuff , fleeting wishes to do or be something . Resolutions often fade quickly as obstacles arise . Commitments , on the other hand , are borne of deep desires and earnestness . Commitments have not only the fuel , the fire and motivation needed to do or be something , but also the determination to persevere despite inconveniences , challenges and even setbacks .
There are many good and worthy commitments
Intentional Fatherhood
Column
one can make . However , a commitment that deserves sincere consideration is that of being an intentional father .
About 12 years ago as a young father , I had the opportunity to take part in the Coshocton County Fatherhood Initiative . I aided with facilitating fatherhood programs designed to help fathers ( new and seasoned ) become more intentional as fathers . The programs reviewed key components to loving , trusting relationships and supplied opportunities to practice practical parenting skills .
I didn ’ t realize then the impact those programs and the time spent with other fathers learning and practicing together would have on me personally and on my little family for years to come .
My youngest child at the time was still in diapers , so I would bring him along for some reallife practice for the new dads . I have fond memories of practicing with these new fathers how to wash , swaddle , feed and even diaper an infant . We visited topics about sacrifices and becoming more selfless and about how to keep calm during stressful situations over which you have little control . We learned tips and tricks on soothing a crying baby and even had opportunities to try it out during some of the fussy moments of those infants present during the group . It was a new experience
Skaggs set to make a rare Ohio appearance
Ricky Skaggs
Submitted
Fifteen-time Grammy Award winner Ricky Skaggs will make a rare Ohio appearance when he performs at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas on Jan . 6 at 7:30 p . m .
Skaggs is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame , the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame , the Musicians Hall of Fame , the National Fiddler Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame .
His life ’ s path has taken him to various musical genres , from where it all began in bluegrass music to striking out on new musical journeys while still leaving his musical roots intact . Guitarist Chet Atkins once credited Skaggs with single-handedly saving country music .
In 2020 Skaggs was awarded the National Medal of Arts for his contributions to the American music industry . It is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States government . As a virtuoso of the mandolin and fiddle , Skaggs creates and produces bluegrass music that preserves the musical legacy of the most talented artists of his generation .
Skaggs has often said he is “ just trying to make a living ” playing the music he loves . He is always forging ahead with crosscultural , genre-bending musical ideas .
Tickets start at $ 43 and are on sale at the Performing Arts Center box office , by calling 330-308-6400 or visiting www . kent . edu / tuscpac . The box office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a . m . to 5 p . m .
As part of its health and safety protocols and consistent with many venues across the country , the Performing Arts Center is instituting a mask requirement for entry to the facility for everyone , regardless of vaccination status . For more information visit www . kent . edu / tuscpac / health-and-safety .
Free and convenient parking is available for all shows . The Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Kent State Tuscarawas at 330 University Drive NE in New Philadelphia . for most of us , but we were driven to be intentional fathers to our children .
Those workshops equipped me with the confidence I needed in attending to newborns and toddlers , and I felt comfortable holding and handling these little ones and found myself bonding more readily and meaningfully with them . The commitment was growing stronger .
The other program that had a lasting impact was the Framework for Fathers workshops . These sessions covered many of the ongoing aspects of child rearing including active listening and effective communication with children , teens , spouses and / or child ’ s mother . They emphasized the importance of spending meaningful time with your child and supplied role-playing and problemsolving opportunities to work through in order be a committed father . They helped set priorities and find ways to further commit to family and other obligations .
I recall during one of these workshops the fathers present were asked to draw on the whiteboard what “ spending quality time with their child might look like .” I got a little choked up as I saw these men draw images of swinging at a playground , fishing , reading a book together , talking on the phone and going for a walk . They shared thoughts and experiences about why they drew those activities , and each had some very tender and touching experiences .
In that moment , in that setting , I made the commitment to be more intentional , more deliberate in being there for my children . I was going to make the concerted effort to be the best dad I could be .
I was going to be an intentional father . I learned from these programs that I was a work in progress , that we all are . The mentoring , skills and experience I gained during the brief time I rubbed shoulders with fathers in these settings have stuck with and continue to influence me as a father .
I am forever thankful for the commitment I made those many years ago to be an intentional father .
A fresh , new year is about to begin . Will you commit to be an intentional father ? Will you commit the time , effort and love it takes to be there for your child and family ?
This column was submitted by Seth Orban , a CCFI alumnus .
The Coshocton County Engineer ’ s office in partnership with Coshocton County Mobility Management is sponsoring a public meeting to discuss the development of a multi-use paved path along a section of CR 621 . The path will begin at the western intersection of Coshocton CR 621 and end at the eastern intersection of CR 621 and US 36 in Canal Lewisville . If successful , this project will provide a safer passageway for all non-drivers who use this route to access businesses and other services along CR 621 .
The Coshocton County Engineer ’ s office plans to pursue TAP ( Transportation Alternatives Program ) funding for the project through the Ohio Department of Transportation . This meeting will provide an opportunity for citizens of Coshocton and especially those who regularly use this route to ask questions and offer comments . Please make plans to join us on Tuesday , January 12 at 4:00 pm , in the Frontier Power Community Meeting Room located at 770 S 2nd Street in Coshocton . You may schedule a ride to the meeting by calling CCCTA / Mobility Management at 740-623-2564 . We look forward to seeing you there .
PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS PAVED PATH ALONG CR 621
BF-00540208