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Editor's Notes
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation was started in 1927. Its founder was an American inventor, most notable of which is the automobile electric self-starter. The original mission of the foundation was to "carry out scientific research for the benefit of humanity." Today, Kettering's focus is "What does it take to make democracy work as it should?" The foundation undertakes democracy studies at all levels- from local neighborhood groups to the international scene. The study of communities is a big part of all of this. Kettering likes to promote Thomas Jefferson's premise that a big republic rests on the foundation of a lot of little republics- communities and local governments. Kettering's stuff can get mighty deep sometimes if you let it but the short version is that it is all about people working together for common goals. The local park and baseball/softball program is one of the foundation republics that Jefferson describes. I have thought about the compassion a lot since the spring ball season started a few weeks ago. The Dixie League program is the only organization or activity that unites the town...blacks and whites, private school and public school students and parents, Methodists and Baptists (and other denominations too), Democrats and Republicans...the list goes on and on. You will find a mixture of all of the above at the park on any given game night. And they all work pretty well together too. It isn't perfect...there are always a few disagreements and squabbles...but for the most part everyone agrees they are there for the kids' benefit. Last week a bit of a furor erupted when an umpire shut down a field because of its uneven surface. Players had fallen on its bumps and dips. League officials and parents were mad- not at the league or each other but at town officials because the park is owned by the town. But they got together, got services, machinery and materials donated and the problem is going to be fixed. It really isn't a big issue but it illustrates what Kettering likes to see...people working together in communities to solve problems. I wish some of this enthusiasm and willingness to work could be transferred to other areas...other community issues, economic development concerns, municipal government and more. And it might be. The park and the ball program may be more of an incubator for community development than I have given it credit. Between talk of strikes and balls and runs I overheard parents at the park talking of town issues. I've heard more than a few names mentioned as possible candidates in next year's municipal elections. And most of the names I've heard are of people sitting in the bleachers or coaching in the dugouts. I'm going to tell David Mathews that maybe the Kettering Foundation needs to look at local ball programs in small communities as a true illustration of how well people work together. I think such programs may have a greater community benefit than just that of giving youngsters a place to play ball. For more on the Kettering Foundation and its work see www.kettering.org. And for a great bunch of kids, see the team photos in the special sectin in today's paper!
Jim Cox is editor and publisher of The Clarke County Democrat.
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