The program committee for this event is seeking nominations from local citizens, groups, and organizations in order to recognize two separate categories:

Category 1: Newcomers- These individuals were born and raised outside of Southern Ohio and the Tri State area, yet they choose to live here now.

Category 2: Returners- These folks were born and raised locally, moved elsewhere, and have since returned home to Southern Ohio.

This event seeks to build local creative, social, and business networks all while recognizing community leaders and those who are making a positive difference in Portsmouth and the surrounding region. Funded in part through a grant from the Center for Folklore Studies at The Ohio State University, the event is part of a larger collaborative exhibition entitled “Placemaking in Scioto County, Ohio.” The overall project aims to explore how residents of the county create a sense of place in an ever-changing environment by engaging cultural practices that respond to and transform their communities.

The event will include a series of “Lightning Talks” given by the nominated newcomers and returners. These talking sessions will answer two important questions: Why did they come to (or return to) Portsmouth? And what have they done to positively impact the community?

Hors D'oeurves will be provided and a cash bar will be on hand. This is a great opportunity to meet the movers and shakers in the Portsmouth area and network right here in our own community! All are welcome to attend.

For more information, contact Janet Stewart (Dean of Library Services at Clark Memorial Library) at 740-351-3197 or jstewart@shawnee.edu.