Eric Timmons wanted to prove a point.

For many months now, the Jefferson County commissioner has been expressing his frustration at hearing numerous area residents complain that there weren’t enough activities in the region to keep them busy.

A Steubenville resident, Timmons knew that isn’t the case. But, rather than just sitting back and getting caught up in the back-and-forth discussion, he decided that the best way to show the doubters they were wrong was simply to get out there and get involved.

He did that during June, when he said he would attend 30 events around the county in 30 days. Timmons accomplished that — and then some.

His activities — all documented on social media — took him to all parts of the county.

They included boating on the Ohio River, kayaking at Friendship Park and hiking the trails at the Hellbender Preserve and in Beatty Park. Timmons spent an early evening with youth baseball players in Steubenville and took in the activities at the Greek Festival presented by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

He enjoyed outdoor street fairs by visiting First Fridays on Fourth in Steubenville and Wednesdays in Wintersville. Stops included the splash pad and pool in Mingo Junction, fishing trips, multiple dinners and events presented by the Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.

Timmons visited several historic sites and got to hang out with Baron von Steuben (portrayed by John Holmes) at Historic Fort Steuben.

There were bingo games as well as trips to the Hightower Brewing Co. in Rayland and the 7 Ranges entertainment complex at the Fort Steuben Mall in Steubenville. There were so many things to do that Timmons was not able to get to every one of them.

His odyssey included a stop at a food pantry in Saline Township, during which he was reminded that through helping others, the organization was helping to build a sense of community.

Timmons pointed out that there are many things to do for people of every age group in the county, and many of the events and activities were kid-friendly, adding that he daughter, Theodora, had a great time accompanying him on parts of his tour.

County residents took note of his travels, Timmons added, saying he received calls and messages from people who wanted him to make their event part of his itinerary, and at most stops people would ask him where he was headed to next.

“There will always be naysayers and negativity,” Timmons explained. “But if you can’t find one of the events fulfilling or fun, I don’t know what to tell you.”

Jefferson County has much to offer, as Timmons demonstrated.

That’s a point well made.