Keep the community news coming
…A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how I receive many emails from people asking me to help get the word out about their respective upcoming events, and how much it is appreciated that people take the time to let us know about them so we can share them with our readers.
Well, since that column was published, the floodgates have opened…To put it mildly, I have received an unbelievable number of emails from folks around the county who wish to share their news as well. Most of the information found in the emails are published in various ways through the Messenger; some are written as news articles, others are mentioned in our popular County Calendar. And we also try to put everything that we receive on our website, www.greenecountymessenger.com.
And sometimes, I publish the info in this column. For example, here are a few more informative emails that have recently graced my inbox…
…I was informed that the American Judo-Hapkido Institute, located at 1600 E. High St. in Waynesburg, will host a free Child Abduction Prevention Seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. The seminar will provide facts and information on how to prevent child abductions and will offer proven protection skills.
This sounds like a very informational and educational program, one that will help raise awareness about the dangers and trends of child abduction. In fact, the folks at the American Judo-Hapkido Institute state some alarming statistics: Two-thirds of sex offenders attack a child, 68 percent of attacks happen at home or at a friend’s house, and 90 percent of those attacked know their attacker.
We applaud those who provide programs that can help raise awareness about important issues and possibly prevent tragedies or even save lives.
For more info about this event, call the American Judo-Hapkido Institute at 724-627-5111…
…Also, I want to say “Thank You” to the good folks at the Eva K. Bowlby Public Library in Waynesburg and the Flenniken Public Library in Carmichaels, who consistently email me with info pertaining to the many terrific events that they have planned each month at their respective libraries.
Not a week goes by, it seems, when I don’t receive emails from both libraries in which they are offering a wide array of programs and activities for children and adults.
For instance, just this week the Bowlby Public Library excitedly informed me that it has officially launched into the digital age with WAGGIN, the information network for Washington, Greene and Fayette counties that became available recently to all county residents.
Library card holders can check out and download digital media anytime, anywhere by visiting their home library webpage. A patron can browse best-selling and classic titles any time of day. Users can browse the eBooks and audiobooks, check out with a valid library card, and download to PC, Mac, and many mobile devices. Users will need to install free software, which is available at http://waggin.lib.overdrive.com. For more info, call the Bowlby Library at 724-627-9776.
Meanwhile, the Flenniken Library recently announced that the following free computer classes are being offered: Using a Mouse, Feb. 16; Microsoft Vista, Feb. 23; Beginning Internet, March 1; and Microsoft Word 2007, March 8. Since space is limited, participants must pre-register by calling 724-966-5263, or stopping by the library.
Once again, we offer a big round of applause to those who send us their information. Keep the community news coming…
…On a personal note, I want to wish a “Happy Birthday” to my mother, Carole Barrett, and my mother-in-law, Karen Clutter, who both celebrated their birthdays on February 8, on the very same day.
I always thought it was so unusual and kind of sweet that both of my “Moms” shared this same day of celebration, and my wife and me always look forward to spending quality time with both of them on their special day. (Of course, sometimes this results in us indulging in two wonderful birthday dinners. A great benefit, indeed.)
Seriously, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank these two awesome ladies for being such an important part of my life. Their birthdays this year are even more poignant for me because I know both of my Moms have been dealing with some health issues as of late, particularly my Mom-in-law, who recently underwent surgery and is slowly but progressively recuperating.
In particular, I am grateful that my Mom raised me in a loving and caring environment and that as we get older we continue to have such a close relationship. As for my Mom-in-law, I want to thank her for never judging me, for accepting me in her family and trusting me to take her daughter’s hand in marriage.
In short, they are both great Moms and I’m lucky to have them both in my life.
By the way, readers may have noticed that I refrained from reporting my Moms’ ages in this column, which may help prolong my own number of birthdays for years…
One last quick note: I just realized that this Feb. 14 marks the 22nd Valentine’s Day that I will spend with my wife. And the more I think about that, the more I realize just how lucky I am that I found someone who’s been willing to put up with me and my nonsense for more than two decades.
I know we’ve had our share of thrilling highs and frightening lows (most of the lows which were admittedly caused by me) over the years, and the fact that we’ve been able to weather the hardships and still be standing here today, together, makes me smile…and very, very grateful.
After reflecting on the past 22 years, and how much she has meant to me, I have come to the realization that my life would be empty and meaningless without her…and that every day I should get on my hands and knees and thank God for blessing me with her heart, the greatest gift I could have ever asked for.
And if that doesn’t get me out of the doghouse after tracking mud through the living room, then I guess nothing will…