I am so PROUD of my husband, James Carnahan aka Opa Runs Founder of Riverkeepers Ohio!! 🎉
It has been over a year long journey since the day I watched him leave for his favorite fishing spot one July morning, to receiving a panic call and texts with pictures of an oil covered fishing line, black oily water and wildlife covered in oil. He discovered and reported a major oil spill in the Barberton, Wolf Creek area of the Tuscarawas river area. One that wasn’t getting attention even after all his calls to authories, but he didn’t stop until people heard him. It was a long and exhausting 9 – 11 weeks as he followed and reported the cleanup every single day for all to see.
During that time, he found a passion in making sure this part of the river got cleaned up. Camping trips were cancelled, company business meetings missed and we spent most of our evenings surveying and tracking what was happening. During this time, I have had the pleasure of watching the wheels turn in his head as he was given a gift of insight, knowledge and a passion for cleaning up the waterways in a whole different way. Soon Riverkeepers Ohio was born. He did not do it alone though, every week, and sometimes daily, new leads were given, people wanting to volunteer or help in some way. The more he shows what can be done, the more new opportunites keep coming his way.
Then this…. The Nature Center of Summit Metro Parks at Summit Lake called to say they wanted to honor him in their ‘Community Spotlight’ this quarter. ♥️♥️♥️.
Yesterday, we stopped by to see the display. Words really can’t express all that I am feeling about this. James DOES NOT do this for publicity for himself but it sure does feel good when people notice. Look out 2025 because this is only the beginning of this adventure with him!
PS. For those of you who know him from his Ultra Running Marathon days, this is now his new passion so keep a look out! HA!
Written by Sherry Carnahan.
