There are two equally important takeaways from the oversight regarding Warren County’s entry into the 250PA Bells Across America program.

The first is the incredible wherewithal we have here in Warren County to accomplish things we put our mind to. The combination of Lisa Card, Kim Slocum and Leann Waterhouse came together to accomplish in a scant few days what other counties and their artists had weeks to finish. We’re not sure exactly how Warren County was forgotten for the Bells Across America program, but were it not for Card, Warren County may not have been included in the first place because the mistake may not have been realized. Kim Slocum at Creekside Art Studios Creekside helped Waterhouse navigate the grant process to secure the money for the bell project and helped bring the team together that helped put the finishing touches on the bell once Waterhouse finished with her work. Last, but certainly not least, is Waterhouse, who over the course of four 12-hour days crafted a piece of art that both stands along with the rest of the entries in the Bells Across America program but perfectly captures the essence of Warren County.

The fact that there is a Warren County entry into the program is truly impressive.

The second takeaway is as frustrating as the collective effort we just described is inspiring.

Given our location, it’s incredibly easy for this beautiful place to be forgotten sometimes. We aren’t Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Harrisburg, which get so much attention due to their size. Even locally we can sometimes be overshadowed by Erie, which received presidential attention during the last election and which seems to be a focus of state attention as well due to its size, or by Punxatawney, which is forever on the tip of people’s tongues due to Groundhog Day. Warren County tends to have to scratch and claw for its share of funding and recognition.

Nearly being forgotten in the Bells Across America program is just one more reminder that we can accomplish great things, but often it feels like we’re running up a greased hill while others get the nice, smooth track on which to run.