Roseann and John Seryak, and their dog, Jeep, traveled to the Oregon District on Monday from Reynoldsburg, about an hour and a half away.
MORE: Here’s what happened at John Legend’s special show at Blind Bob’s
The Seryaks wanted to show the city they cared, even if they couldn’t do anything to help ease the pain of the victims’ families.
“We wanted Dayton to know that other people in Ohio feel this. We feel the ripple effect,” Roseann said. “Sometimes I wonder what solidarity does in these kinds of situations. But this is all we can do.”
Chelsea Sally also wanted to show she cared. She sang a few songs on East Fifth Street in an effort to “spread a little love.”
“I’ve been wanting to come down here and pay respects,” Sally said. “And what better way?”
Michael Iacovone, who was in the Oregon District for a lunch meeting, said he thought the district seemed like it was back to normal.
His son-in-law, Austin Smith, manages Ned Peppers.
Iacovone said he sees the business owners in the area are “more determined now than ever” to succeed.
MORE: Friend bought body armor, parts used in Dayton mass shooting
“People won’t let this district fail,” Iacovone said.
About the Author
