High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* The Parkersburg Police Department, Fire Department and EMS gathered in City Park last week for National Night Out — an event meant to build community and let everyone have a little fun. “It’s a national event that encourages interaction between the police and the community,” said Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board. With help from local businesses and individuals, donations supported an event that included refreshments, a chance to meet officers and firefighters — and get an up-close look at a fire truck, and opening of the splash pad for free entry in the evening. Hundreds of people came out to participate. “It’s such a great event, getting to see the officers helping the kids,” said Parkersburg resident Brenda Hickman. Of course, our local first responders do their best to connect with the community in various ways, all year long. But National Night Out is a good reminder, we’re all in this together.

* Taco Bell is among the generous organizations that help to support our local Boys and Girls Clubs of Parkersburg. But they are able to do so because local residents made a quick choice to help. Funding recently received by the club comes from customers who round up their purchases at local Taco Bell restaurants. “We are fortunate for this generous partnership with Taco Bell Foundation and grateful for its investment in the great futures of local teens at Boys and Girls Clubs of Parkersburg,” club CEO Lynn Reins said. “It is thanks to partners like Taco Bell we have increased transportation through the purchase of minibus, completed our high school teen space, and expanded our services over the last several years. With the generous support like that of Taco Bell and other incredible donors we are serving nearly 250 youth and teens a day across three sites, providing them with lifelong skills they can take with them into adulthood.” It is in everyone’s best interests that efforts such as the club’s career and workforce readiness programming stay well supported. Thank you, folks.