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This was a busy week with lots of traveling, but lots of time
for thinking.
Friday afternoon, I was at WVU where my granddaughter, Drue,
was honored as a Dean’s List student. One of her requirements
for next year is community service. This is being stressed in
other universities too. Our young people are being given an
opportunity to learn about the importance of volunteerism. Even
though Drue’s parents live in Pittsburgh, she considers herself
a West Virginian and Calhouner. She chooses to share her honor
with Calhoun County.
Friday evening, we attended the Mollohan Foundation reception
and fair for scholarship and award winners. Richard Mace, Seth
Jarvis, Kristina Jarvis and Jamie Kennedy were awarded
scholarships from this area. We are approaching the time of year
when we will hear more about the scholastic achievements of our
students. This is Calhoun Pride.
Saturday morning was the training for interviewing World War
II veterans. Chairman Erin Smith, a CCHS graduate, did a good
job of organizing, and even stayed cool when the site had to be
changed at the last minute. Four veterans, Glen Fowler, Willard
Jones, Herb Smith and Duck Stevens, were present to be
inter-viewed. These men are representative of all of those who
defend our freedom. The interviewers were committed to the
importance of the project and, even though all could have used
the time in their gardens, their commitment was still honored.
Erin had assistance from many other people, who also made a
commitment to help their community.
The Ramp Dinner at Upper West Fork Park was another example
of community involvement. Younger people are working side by
side with long-time volunteers. Even waiting in the serving line
was fun, because everyone was talking to their neighbor.
There were no strangers. Justin Wizard made a memory for two
young men when he gave them a gift of sharing his Lamborghini
for a few moments. Michelle Sears and her committee deserve our
thanks for putting Calhoun County on the map.
The feeling of community and caring was also observed at
church on Sunday. John Oshoway was back at. the piano! Everyone
was rejoicing about answered prayer. Young people are beginning
to volunteer for leadership roles and the church cares about the
community.
On Tuesday, I attended a Choir Concert presented by children
of Neale School in Parkersburg, where our daughter, Barbara, is
the director. Our son, Bob, and wife, Jenny, were guest
performers with the 100-voice choir. The program included folk
music, ethnic music, classical music, sign language while
singing in Latin, and patriotic music. Of course, I was proud of
Barbara, Bob, and Jenny, but the Calhoun pride goes back to the
music education they had in Calhoun schools. This education is
being handed down to the next generation. Calhoun County is
making an impact.
Calhoun County can accentuate the positive!
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