Trending
* Lineworkers at AEP Ohio's Marietta Service Center organized a donation drive to collect personal care/hygiene products for students and families in the Fort Frye Local Schools district ahead of this school year. According to Fort Frye Superintendent Stephanie Starcher, it's a big need. "We are always accepting those, because we provide a lot of those types of supplies to families and students in need," Starcher said. "Each year, we usually wipe out our supply." Fort Frye also feeds students, of course; is developing an in-school health clinic partnership; maintains a student-assisted clothing closet at the high school ... and oh, yeah, teaches students to the highest of academic standards. They are able to provide this kind of wrap-around care to students in part because of community partners such as the folks at AEP Ohio. So, while we are grateful to them, each of us must be looking at how we can help, too.
* A little rain and nasty weather couldn't stop Belpre from celebrating its 94th annual homecoming festival earlier this month. "It's been amazing," said Bobbie Walker, vice president of the Homecoming committee. "I think we had triple attendance this year." A parade, carnival rides (and food), vendors, musicians, artists ... a little bit of everything was available in Civitan Park -- enough that even those who were chased away by a little thunder and lightning ended up coming back for more. The city's role in investing in the park and the festival made a difference. "I think just having the park mixed with all kinds of different (activities) and different things to do for kids" helped improve the festival, said Jamie McCormick, secretary and vendor coordinator for the Homecoming committee. Congratulations, to ALL those who pulled off another great event.