Unemployment is the number that most people look at to determine the health of the economy.  In March of this year, Orleans County's unemployment rate hit double digits, up significantly from last year. Although those numbers are bad, it is important to look at the ripple effect on other people throughout the region. Many people who have jobs and live in the area are contending with wage freezes, wage reductions or cutbacks in their hours at work. It is a tough economy and just as businesses make tough decisions so do consumers. Many have decided to cancel vacations and look for entertainment close to home.

 There is an old saying that goes, "out of crisis comes opportunity," Homer Simpson calls it "crisertunity." In Orleans County this past weekend, many people benefited from the "crisertunity" by staying close to home and attending local events. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend and participate in some wonderful events right near my home. On Friday, I performed at Wiggly and Jiggly's in Albion to a wonderful crowd as part of their Friday afternoon Acoustic Happy Hour series. It is a great venue for local musicians to play

 On Saturday, the Gaines Bicentennial Committee put on a musical extravaganza featuring incredible local talent. The afternoon and evening program featured musicians of all ages and proved definitively that our county has its share of amazing performers. Local historians peppered the production with colorful stories from the counties past and the program was wonderfully emceed by a local dignitary. 

 On Sunday I attended the Olde Orleans Erie Canal Festival which featured a cruise on the Erie Canal that was imply amazing. The organizers did an amazing job piecing the event together in a short time, and from my vantage point, it was a tremendous success. The event also showcased our local buildings, including the Pratt Opera House and the Civil War Room complete with re-enactors. There were so many events that it was impossible to attend them all, which ensures future success as it will only get bigger and better in years to come.

 I also spent some time at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery on Ridge Road in Medina. If you enjoy a good glass of wine and want to support a local business, it is the place to be. I hope that more local restaurants and liquor stores will carry their wines.
 This weekend proved to me what a great county we have. Those of us who live here already know that we have great schools and low crime. What is sometimes overlooked is the solid foundation of local businesses, business organizations and artists in the area. We see the quality of talent displayed in our schools and at local venues. When business organizations and local government support the arts, it is good for business, as was proved this weekend. Moreover, when we as citizens of this community show support to local business, it is a powerful marketing tool for new business to open in the area.