High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* For nearly 30 years the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival has reminded our communities of the incredibly beautiful, diverse array of cultures, music, dance and food present here. This year, the event was welcomed by Civitan Park in Belpre. “This is a space where you are welcome any time,” said Belpre Mayor Susan Abdella. “We love having the community gather in our parks, and this event has brought so much joy and unity.” Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling, and Wood County Commissioner Blair Couch were on hand to get the festivities rolling, too. From children learning and exploring to adults just finding a new cuisine to enjoy, the event had something for everyone. “This is a time to remember that we can always lean on each other,” said student Victor Shaffer, who received a scholarship at the event. “There’s beauty in our differences, and we should open our hearts and minds to others.”

* Hundreds of local volunteers fanned out to 20 sites throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley on the ninth annual Day of Action. United Way-supported agencies got help with anything from construction work to cleaning. That’s an enormous help to agencies that depend on community support of all kinds. “This is the single largest day of volunteer service in the Mid-Ohio Valley each year,” said United Way Executive Director Stacy DeCicco. “Things have gone fantastic.” Notably, DeCicco said more than 25% of those who volunteered that day were from WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center. They weren’t alone, of course. Many different groups — even one person from South Carolina — took part. “It is all about people in our community getting to know each other as well as the challenges that non-profits face,” DeCicco said. “It is exciting to see the camaraderie, the energy and then the creative thought that goes into elevating the project and delivering more.” Thank you, to all those who chose to make a difference — to take action — that day.