I’m really excited about this magazine

Here you’ll find our mission statement. That’s the heart and soul of what I’ll elaborate here. But elaborate I must. I’m really excited about this magazine.

The mission statement says that this magazine exists “because we who work on it believe in actively engaging with community improvement.” And that’s true. But that isn’t the story. This magazine exists because a few people kept talking about how great it would be for a magazine like this to exist. One of those people, Monica Jones, our publisher, finally had enough with the talk. She asked Mat Cornett, our layout editor, and I, “why don’t we make the magazine, then?”

I can’t tell you how grateful I am that she asked that question. I don’t even think I gave her a direct answer; there was no reason to. As soon as the question was asked, we got to work. Three months later, here I am, writing my first letter from the editor, and I am thrilled.

I’m thrilled for a few reasons. First, because I love this kind of work. In making this first issue, I have met artists and business owners all over the Columbus area. I have visited a do-it-yourself music venue that welcomes people of all ages and artists of all kinds. I have visited Pasaquan, a singular art environment recently restored, a place with a unique history and brilliant future as a destination in our little corner of the world. I have had the distinct privilege of helping to promote artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and philanthropists, and for this I am deeply humbled.

I am thrilled because, with this magazine, we have the opportunity to put our shoulder to the common wheel, as our community continues to grow in generosity and beauty. For many years now, the Columbus area has been in the throes of a kind of renaissance, as museums and restaurants and shops of all kinds proliferate. Yes, we have much more work to do, and by bringing out this magazine every month and stuffing it with all that is best in our area, we will do our part.

Lastly, I am thrilled because I believe in this work and in this community. I know what it means for prospective students when Columbus State University grows, the new opportunities ushered in. I see friends embark on new careers, bringing new ideas and experiences to our area. I see children playing in new and renovated parks, and people, all ages, enjoying libraries and the promise of humanity contained therein. I see throngs mill about Uptown, kayakers descend the river in a spray, families gather for concerts on bright, early evenings. I see a city moving into the future with hope upon its shoulder, and whatever fences block its path, I know that they can be surmounted. I know this because, however much I believe in our ability to move forward through a commitment to art and philanthropy, there are people who believe more strongly than I do. There are secret, silent heroes all around us. To me, they are an inspiration. For you, you will find them in the pages of The Local.

Thank you for reading,

Tom Ingram

Editor