Two symbols of humanity’s quest for liberty come together for a moment as Francesco enters the town square of Monroe, Ohio.

Assistant City Manager, Ryan Solomon, came out early to welcome the team to his friendly city.

Francesco finds a new friend in “Little Brown Bear”, the character made famous by Monroe’s beloved children’s author Elizabeth McWebb.

Our first stop on this cloudy and humid morning was in a pretty little town called Monroe. The Mayor, C.D. Cappuccilli wanted to ride his bicycle with the runner and the Torch into town. But he had to go out of town for some business and unfortunately could not not be here today. We did get to meet the Assistant City Manager, Ryan Solomon though, and it was a very warm and friendly meeting. He even brought his own camera to document the event.

At the City Hall in the center of town, Mr. Solomon and Rene and Adam from the local newspaper, the Monroe Evening News, welcomed us after a short wait for the runner with the Torch. We had a very uplifting meeting with lots of questions asked and we took some photos by a statue of the little brown bear. Upon enquiring about this cute little statue, we were told the story of Aunt Bett, a.k.a. Elizabeth Upton Mc Webb. She was the popular author of the famous children’s book series called Little Brown Bear. Written on a plaque by the statue dedicated to Aunt Bett who passed away at age 92 is a quote from one of her books. It is a very simple statement which embodies both the depth of harmony and essence of friendship. It says,

“ Little Brown Bear with a runed up nose,

And mother bear said wear your very best clothes.

When you go to affairs where grownup people attend

And always remember that each one is your friend.

When you smile and look happy because you’re a dear,

Little Brown Bear you love everyone here.”

This type of respect, friendship and warmth which are essential elements to interpersonal harmony, were quite evident in all those who greeted us in the town of Monroe, including the Little Brown Bear.

In Maumee, a little further south, we ran to the Maumee Valley Country Day School and Camp. We were greeted by Gary Bame, the director, and other staff members. Two friends of ours surprised us by coming there to take part in the ceremony and to run with us to Perrysburg afterwards. Sarah Summons, daughter of Pam Summons, the organizer of our events here, was there to greet us along with Shristi, a Nepalese woman who has joined us in this area in the past. Unfortunately, Sarah’s mom Pam could not be here due to a medical problem. The children were soon to arrive from a swimming excursion earlier.

Shristi and Sarah couldn’t wait to start running with the torch. Once they started, they didn’t want to stop.

The ceremony, which started outdoors, soon had to move indoors as the clouds that had been threatening began to open up. The indoor ceremony was a bit more intimate as we shared with everyone our stories, our song and a few short skits on harmony. The rain passed by quickly and before you knew it we were outside again running with the children and the Torch. Shristi took the Torch, and along with Sarah and myself, we ran out of the school on the road to Perrysburg. Sarah and Shristi were full of excitement and energy as we ran three miles and they did not want to stop running. Vladmir joined them as I had to drive Sarah’s car, escorting them to Hood Park in Perrysburg along the Maumee River where we were to stop. Still pumped up with excitement and the energy of the Torch, Sarah and Shristi ran further until we ended up at the Kramer’s residence where we were to have dinner. Our good friend Marge was there, asking us what we wanted along with what they already prepared for us.

Sarah, at this point, after having already run about seven miles, wanted to run to her mother’s home where she was staying for a few weeks. She took the Torch along with Vladmir and ran another half mile. She sprinted at the end with enough energy to keep running for hours it seemed. That’s the spirit of the World Harmony Run evident in runners like Sarah and Shristi who gave everyone so much joy and energy.

Our dinner that evening at the home of Marge and Steve Kramer was highlighted with an abundance of the sweetest Ohio corn that we have ever tasted.

Thank you Marge and Steve for an evening that blessed our hearts with your warm family love and filled our bodies with your delicious home cooked goodness.

We came back to the Kramer’s later that evening for a fantastic dinner that Marge and her husband Steve prepared for us. They fed us sumptuously as told stories of our adventures and mingled with them along with Sarah and Shristi. After dinner we watched some very entertaining slide shows of our journey up to this point, put together by Banshidhar and Salil, photographer and editor extraordinaire. After exchanging some gifts and singing our song, we had to leave for our accommodations feeling that we had just added four new members to our World Harmony Run family.

Our accommodations at the Days Inn of Perrysburg were very comfortable, being treated to four big rooms. These kind of offerings are so valuable to us and help the run to continue as we share harmony and friendship with everyone who greets us. We are grateful to Art, Carol and Kerrie for their kindness and generosity.

Arpan and Team Harmony in Ohio

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