THIS JUST IN
…It is now just weeks away from the May 17 Primary Election, and I have to be honest, I’m starting to feel a little buzz of excitement in the air. The signs for different candidates have sprouted up everywhere like spring flowers and I’ve been getting stopped on the streets lately by local folks who are curious as to who I’m voting for.
(Note: I appreciate the fact that people want to hear my opinion, but I’m not going to spill the beans. I never confess who’s getting my vote, not even to my wife. So go ahead and engage me in a conversation about the upcoming election, but don’t expect me to blab about my vote. In simple terms: I ain’t tellin’. Besides, you never know…I might change my mind at the last second after someone hands me a pencil or bumper sticker endorsing another candidate. You know how easily swayed voters can be when they’re given free goodies.)
Anyhoo, I am definitely excited about the election, especially since I think we have an intriguing race for the seat of county commisisoner. Nine candidates vying for three seats? Should be an interesting contest. Watch the Messenger in the coming weeks as we preview the busy commissioners’ race.
We encourage all registered voters to make their voices heard next month, to take the time to learn more about the candidates for all the races on the ballot and cast their ballots for those who they feel will best represent us as elected leaders. As the weeks wear on, we will provide more info about the May Primary, including important information in this very issue regarding upcoming election deadlines…
…Well, I hope a lot of local folks were able to get off their couches and out of their houses last weekend, and attend one of the many different events that were held throughout the area.
Last week, I talked about the wide variety of interesting events that were being offered over the weekend, from the Buckin’ B bull riding event and the Mini-Relay For Life, to the Hammer-In and Ramp Festivals. I was glad to hear that most of the events were well-attended, considering that Mother Nature was in such a foul and unpleasant mood all weekend long. Look in this very issue for coverage of some of the events that unofficially kicked off a busy spring season.
Anyway, now that the past weekend is behind us, I thought I’d be able to catch my breath. And then I took a quick look at the schedule and I realized that there’s no time to breathe.
Over the next few weekends we will be treated to the Wildflower Walk at Enlow Fork of Wheeling Creek, the Relay For Life at Waynesburg Central High School and the spring opening of the Greene County Historical Museum.
And as the month continues, there will be other events worth checking out, including the Dock to Lock 5k Run/Walk, the Sheep and Fiber Fest and the kickoff of the second annual “Spring Beauty” Art Exhibit and Sale at the county museum.
So it looks like the Messenger is going to continue to be busy for a while, and we’re more than okay with that. Join us as we cover these events and publish our in-depth coverage and exclusive photos. Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride…
…Speaking of the Relay: I was recently given some details and information about the annual Mini-Relay for Life event, which was held on the campus of Waynesburg University on April 17.
This year marked the university’s fourth successful year hosting the event. Kelley Hardie, Waynesburg University’s director of housing, assistant director of student activities and adviser of “Colleges Against Cancer,” and coordinator of the Mini-Relay, said the event was very successful and that it was wonderful to see the commitment and passion from the entire campus for what she called “a truly remarkable charity event.” She said she is confident that the event will reach and exceed the total goal of raising $18,000 for cancer research.
The event, a joint effort of the university and the American Cancer Society, included typical Relay For Life events such as a Luminaria Ceremony and a Survivors’ Lap. This year, 42 teams participated in the event, an increase of five teams from the 2010 Mini-Relay.
Despite the gloomy weather, close to 1,000 people participated in the event, displaying the dedication of university students, faculty and staff, and the local community.
Congratulations to all who participated in and/or donated to this terrific fundraising initiative. We hope to see that same level of commitment and dedication at the Raider Field of Pride next weekend, when the annual Relay For Life of Greene County — one of my most anticipated events that is held each spring — comes to town. Look for an exclusive preview of this year’s Relay in next week’s Messenger…
…Speaking of spring: I must admit that one of the not-so-pleasant elements of the warmer weather is that it always inspires my wife to engage us both in heavy-duty yard work and spring cleaning. And this year is no different.
However, recently her traditional “spring fever” has kicked into overdrive because once again we have officially started another grueling series of home improvement projects, which includes remodeling several rooms, installing new lighting fixtures, finishing a deck and sidewalk, and building fences so that our “child,” otherwise known as our playful dog Lexi, can have a play area this summer. We have also begun that none-too-fun task of putting away our winter clothes and going through our summer stuff.
Thanks to my wife’s recent bout of spring fever, our day-to-day living has been chaotic, to say the very least. But as my wife has to constantly remind me each day, there is a light at the end of the tunnel: we are confident that when we’re finished with these projects our house is going to look even more terrific.
But that honestly doesn’t make me feel much better, because these projects don’t even include the “fun” outdoor summer activities that have already started, which includes mowing the grass and whacking the weeds on a weekly basis. Between the indoor and outdoor projects, I’m already dreading a season of allergies and sore muscles.
And now that it’s getting warmer, I can also look forward to dealing with the onslaught of country critters and insects – you know, groundhogs, snakes, spiders, bees and stink bugs – that seem to take up residence at my home each spring and summer.
Oh joy. I think I’m going to move back in with my folks…