“Home for the holidays” — it’s a song, a movie and a sentiment that people everywhere hold dear. And while I definitely enjoyed the holiday season this year, it was a simple council meeting that most recently reminded me what “home” is all about here in Eastern Ohio.

Barnesville Village Council typically meets every other Monday evening. Last week, though, New Year’s Day fell on Monday, so the first meeting of 2024 was moved to Tuesday.

That meant that our correspondent who usually covers those meetings, Lenny Wittenbrook, was not available. So, around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, I left our Martins Ferry office bound for Barnesville.

I had no qualms about covering the session. After all, Barnesville Village Council was part of my very first beat as a cub reporter. I’ve been there and done that many times. I also felt that it was an important meeting for us to cover, as it was the first in which a new mayor would preside after being elected in November.

I arrived early, and I could not have been more pleased to see that the room was already filled with people. From relatives of new Mayor Jacob Hershberger and new Councilwoman Robyn Misner to interested residents and individuals representing various village departments and groups, the crowd filled every available chair and overflowed to standing room only along the back wall. Barnesville has always welcomed the media, and that large, oak table still stood there with its sign designating it for “Press.” I was the only reporter present, but I was soon joined behind the table by several men who stood behind me to watch and listen.

Of course, I knew many of the people who were present. Some of the council members and Village Administrator Roger Deal greeted me with enthusiasm, and I also encountered several friends and acquaintances in the audience. I even had the chance to renew my acquaintance with Jim Misner, husband of the new council member, whose family neighbored mine years ago while they lived in Kiger Creek, Ohio.

Even though I have never lived in Barnesville, I was born there and I did work there for a couple of years. More importantly, I have known many of the people of Barnesville my entire life. As long as I can remember,

I have always felt welcome there — whether I am shopping at Riesbeck’s, browsing the shelves of a downtown shop such as Avenues of Barnesville or Bless Your Heart Folk Art or perhaps picking up an order from Designed for Print. As a child, one of my very favorite things to do was to take a dip in the pool at Memorial Park, where I was always sure to find a friend.

That packed council meeting and the interest residents showed in local happenings reminded me of just how special our local community is. And I don’t just mean Barnesville. I often get those same feelings of being warmly welcomed when I visit destinations in Flushing, Bethesda, Centerville, Bridgeport, Bellaire, Mount Pleasant, Woodsfield and other villages and cities across the region.

So, I urge you all to get more involved in your communities and to embrace that spirit of home with every chance you get. Don’t overlook the friendly smiles and pleasant greetings that you receive from people you know — and from those you don’t who still want you to feel that you are right where you belong.