High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Richard and Phyllis Holley could tell a pretty long story, if they had the time. But lately they’ve been busy visiting with the friends and family who traveled to help them celebrate their 100th birthdays and 75th wedding anniversary. They spent much of that time in the same spot in Marietta — and serving as the reason many other friends and relatives think fondly of their visits to Marietta and the Mid-Ohio Valley over the years. Those who gathered at The Glenwood Community last week to help the couple celebrate recalled that the pair were the kinds of people to have plenty of friends and make their home a meeting spot during holidays and family affairs. We join those folks in saying congratulations, happy birthday and happy anniversary to Holleys.

* This year’s Freedom Fun Run 5K, hosted by Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law and the Jan Dils Foundation, broke records for both participation and money raised, despite dreary conditions. According to organizers, 575 people participated and raised $51,250 — all of which goes to local veterans organizations such as the Parkersburg Division of We Have Your Six, Operation Transportation and a Jan Dils Foundation scholarship for veterans. “It is a privilege to host the Freedom Fun Run 5K to honor our veterans that have given so much,” Dils said. “This event is a small way for Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law and The Jan Dils Foundation to recognize their sacrifice and give back to the veteran community.” Thank you, to organizers and local supporters who made such an important fundraising effort even more successful this year.