Letters to the editor

Letter to the Editor: Many thanks for two significant milestones

Many of you know of me as the "Guitar Man" who performs the marketing for a local pizza company on Division Street on the south side of Parkersburg. I recently have been blessed to have arrived at two more significant milestones. January 2026 is 17 years on the job and December marked 12 years of sobriety from alcohol. I am grateful for so many of you who have been with me on my journey both directly as well as indirectly during the last twelve as well as the last 17 years. For those of you in early recovery and those of you considering recovery please know that I am living proof that it can be done.

Westbrook Health Services has been and continues to be such an integral part of my sobriety. I am so grateful for Amanda as well as the three Tims. I am especially grateful for my Case Manager Tim Leach who goes beyond for all of his clients. Tim Leach who is a veteran himself, has a special place in his heart for his veteran clients including myself.

I am so blessed for all that Downtown Bethel has done for me. A special shout out to Pastor Janet, Bud, Vicki and Marina B. and then all you have done for so many throughout the years.

Thank you to my boss Hatch, who is also my friend, golf buddy, and fellow man of faith. It is awesome how God placed us in each other's lives as we have grown in our knowledge of the word while increasing in our faith. You are my "Hearty Counsel."

Thank you to the good people of Parkersburg especially to those who travel on Division Street. I am grateful for the kindness you demonstrate year-round going on for nearly two decades. Special thanks to my girl Leecee and our dog "Buddy." Most of all, I would like to give all the glory to and thank God for everything!

P.S. This is for Marina B: "Go Navy!"

Mark Powers

Parkersburg