High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

∫ Baseball buddies — current and former Parkersburg South High School baseball players — helped athletes compete during the third Miracle League of the Mid-Ohio Valley demonstration game held Oct. 4. The organization said it had its largest number of participants yet, with nearly two dozen athletes involved. “My hope is that through these games, business and community leaders in the area will see how great of a need this area has for activities and events for people with disabilities and will support us through donations of money, ideas or resources,” said League President Amber Stover. “The fact we keep getting new people involved in each game shows me that the interest exists in making this a full-time thing.” With help from The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley, volunteers from People First of West Virginia and the UnPuzzled Parents Connect organization, the Miracle League continues to do amazing things for young people in our region. Well done, folks.

∫ Former Parkersburg resident Marc Zyla has been named the new executive director of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. “We are confident he will lead our organization in the right direction,” said the organization’s interim director Sumner Riddick. “I am thrilled to return home to West Virginia and join the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as its next executive director,” said Zyla. “For nearly a century, the Symphony has been a cultural cornerstone of the Ohio Valley, bringing world-class performances and meaningful community connections to the region. I look forward to working alongside this talented team to build on that remarkable legacy and ensure a vibrant future for the WSO.” And we look forward to watching his success in this endeavor. Welcome home, Marc.