High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* The Parkersburg Area Association of Realtors and Cornerstone Gospel Church stepped up in a big way when Wood County Schools needed to pause its Summer Feeding Program as a precaution in the early stages of the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire. They helped make brown bag lunches available at sites in Vienna and South Parkersburg (with the help of Pizza Place), so parents could still pick up a meal for their kids. Fortunately, the effort was needed for only a day, but that day made a big difference for families. It was just one of the many ways in which community members rose to the occasion to support one another last week. Thank you, to everyone who answered the call.

* Participants in the student summit hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg saw a need and decided they could help meet it when they chose to host a men’s mental health fair at the facility. Members Liam H., Anthony M., Sierra M. and Aniah C. had a goal to change the conversation around men’s mental health. “We want men to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No one should have to face their struggles alone,” a news release from the club said. In addition to the fair, the teenagers will get to present their advocacy project at a week-long event in Washington, D.C. It’s an important effort, as we all work to shift our culture to one in which men are able to seek the help they need without worry about being judged. Well done, folks.