JEFFERSON – A group of local community advocates has put together a survey they’re circulating to ask local people what they think works in the Jefferson community and what could use some improvement.
The Ad Hoc Jefferson Community Study Focus Group put together the 10-question assessment for residents in Jefferson Village and Township and the surrounding area. Zip codes where the survey is being targeted include 44047 (Jefferson Village and Jefferson Township); 44032 (Dorset); 44084 (Rock Creek); 44085 (such as Roaming Shores, New Lyme and Rome); and 44010 (Austinburg Township).
Queries probe the survey taker’s opinions on the community’s strongest points, where there could be some improvement, what connects them to the community, who they think is underrepresented and/or underserved, their hobbies and favored ways to communicate, as well as a few questions on demographics.
The question on age is framed in an amusing way. Age categories are organized under headings bearing the names of classic soap operas:
• “All My Children” 18 and under
• “The Young and the Restless” 19-30
• “The Days of Our Lives” 31-50
• “As the World Turns” 51-64
• “On Golden Pond” 65 and over
“If someone gets to that point in the survey, hopefully they get a little chuckle,” Lauri Haines-Allen, one of the committee’s representatives, said.
The Ad Hoc Jefferson Community Study Focus Group was not commissioned by any local government or organization and is focused on gathering and sharing information solely so local decision-makers can direct resources more effectively and efficiently.
“It arose sort of organically,” Haines-Allen said. “There was a group of us talking about the positives and negatives of Jefferson, and we decided to form the committee.”
The final two survey questions are optional, set aside for people who’d like to get involved in the Focus Group, according to Haines-Allen.
Survey results will hopefully be collected sometime during October, after which the Focus Group will share what it’s learned people think the strengths and weaknesses of Jefferson are, according to Haines-Allen.
There are several areas where fliers and posters are being put up with a QR code that will link people to the survey. Haines-Allen said they may also put out some hard copies for people who are more comfortable filling one out by hand. The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JACS
Current locations are Henderson Memorial Public Library, Jefferson Community Recreation Center, Sanders Market and Wall Street Coffee Co.
Anyone who wants a hard copy can also call 440-576-2637 for one. Completed hard copies can be dropped off at the library or community center, who will return them to the Focus Group.
