High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Downtown PKB celebrated successes and some of the people and businesses helping to propel our community, during its annual meeting last week. “My theme is about planting seeds…you can’t do everything in a day so each day you plant seeds,” said Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens. “Every day, everything that we do we are planting seeds, and each day we can water them and nurture them.” As she has done an admirable job with that planting, other partners are helping the cause. State Del. Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Dist. 11, was honored as the person of the year for the time and effort he puts into listening to those he represents and then getting to work with his colleagues at the state legislature. SIPS Coffee Truck was named Business of the Year for its commitment and care for the community. And Jan Dils Attorneys at Law received the curb appeal award. With partners like those, and the work ethic of the organization itself, Downtown PKB is sure to see those seeds blossom sooner rather than later.

* Nonprofits across the Mid-Ohio Valley work to provide the support they can to students and teachers through scholarship and award opportunities. One example is Artsbridge, which recently extended the deadline for application for the Donna Campbell Award for Excellence student scholarship and the Janet Frazier Award for Excellence for fine arts teachers to March 7. They are just one of many organizations and agencies trying to give what help they can to support education in our region. If you know a student (or a worthy professional who might qualify for some of these), encourage them to apply — soon. Every little bit helps. And thanks to dedicated local groups, help IS out there.