May 8, 2009 6 min read

…I have had several days for the memories of the 11th annual Greene County Relay For Life to sink in, and I have to tell you, my head is still spinning from all of the incredible things I witnessed that day. I’m aware that I write a column every year after the Relay in which I praise the event and the many people who worked so hard to help make it such a success. And this year, my column will be no different… In fact, I plan on heaping more praise than I have ever done before. Because what I experienced at this year’s Relay deeply moved me. So, here are some of my personal thoughts and favorite memories about this year’s event, which are still so vivid in my mind… …First, I want to tip my hat to the co-chairs, Chris Hardie and Sarah Bedison, and all of the many volunteers who served on various committees – not to mention the many teams who set up camp throughout the 24-hour event and those who donated their talents – for all of their hard work in making this year’s Relay a success. And, here are two “Thumbs Up” to the many individuals, businesses and organizations that served as sponsors and donated much of their time and energy to the Relay. The list of sponsors is too long to mention here, but you know who you are, and you should be proud of yourselves…

…And speaking of those selfless folks who contribute so much to the Relay each year: You deserve a big round of applause for helping Greene County reach an unbelievable milestone, over 1 million dollars in donations raised in just 11 years. Wow. I remember standing next to Chris Hardie during the opening ceremony and when he made that official announcement my jaw hit the ground. It is a true testament to the kindness and generosity of our folks here in this neck o’ the woods that this milestone was reached. Believe me, I was so excited after hearing that I actually jogged a lap around the track. (Actually, I jogged for the first half and it gradually turned into a brisk walk and finally ended with a slow crawl. Oh, how I love being out-of-shape.) So the Relay was not just special because of the obvious reasons, it was also memorable because it was history in the making…

…A few other Relay memories that I’ll never forget: Kudos to WTAE personality Andrew Stockey, who – for the tenth consecutive year – served as emcee and host for the opening ceremony. Every year Stockey has come to Greene County to be a part of this event, and after watching him spend time with the cancer survivors and ambassadors, it was clearly obvious that he genuinely and sincerely cared for the people who came up to talk to him. He stuck around for quite a while, shaking hands and engaging in many conversations, and he never stopped smiling. It is not an exaggeration to say that Stockey’s appearance has become a long-running – and much anticipated – tradition for our Relay.

It was also wonderful talking to Chrissy Lahew, a cancer survivor and terrific young lady who has served as one of the event’s ambassadors since the very first year. I chatted with her for a while when I realized that she was now 15 years old and that she was only four years old when she attended her first Relay. And then she and her folks told me an emotional story about that first event: During the traditional survivors’ lap, her father carried her in his arms until about the half-way point, when the brave little girl asked to be put down because she was determined to finish the lap herself. And she did just that. And as I was told the story, I couldn’t help but notice that all of us were overcome with emotion. It was a touching moment, one that I will never forget…and I am honored that they were willing to share that memory with me.

And speaking of that first lap: I was snapping photos when I spotted my Mom walking by herself. I put my camera away and decided to join her, and as we walked and talked I was in awe of all of the people who were standing along the track, applauding and cheering the survivors. And I thought about her previous struggles with cancer and how much she went through, and how she – like so many others who were walking that lap – had bravely overcome her bouts with the life-threatening disease. And through tear-filled eyes, I simply put my arm around her, happy that she was able to enjoy this day of celebration and this victory lap. And right then and there, I fully understood, more than ever, why so many people look forward to the Relay each and every year…

…So, I hope that many of you were able to find time to spend a few hours at the Relay, and I hope those who did attend were able to experience the joy, laughter, tears and hope that was so proudly evident throughout the event. And most of all, I sincerely hope that if you were there, you were able to take home a memory that will stay with you for years to come.

Look for in-depth coverage and photos of the 2009 Relay inside this very issue…

…The Relay was not the only special event I attended last Saturday. I was able to sneak into Waynesburg University’s Performing Arts Center for a few hours in the evening and enjoy some incredible musicians bring down the house at the 39th annual GNP (Gross National Product) concert. And what a show it was: From jazz and blues to country and rock, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it was acoustic duets or a stage full of musicians jamming at once, the concert was a smorgasbord of talent that simply cannot be rivaled. (At the risk of offending the other great musicians who wowed the crowd all night, I have to say one of my favorite moments was a song called “Mystery To Fade,” which was performed by Lee Robinson and Tom Reilly. You can check it out on YouTube.) Hats off to the musicians who entertained the appreciative crowd, and especially to those who continue to bring this special concert back to the ‘Burg each year…

…Oh, and one final note: Don’t forget that the May Primary Election is on May 19. We strongly encourage all registered Greene County voters to get their butts out to the polling places and exercise their right to vote! There are a lot of interesting races in this election that will affect each and every precinct, so every vote truly does count.

If you don’t know where you’re supposed to vote, or if you have any other questions pertaining to the election, do not hesitate to stop by the election office, which is located on the first floor of the Greene County Office Building. Or, call the office at 724-852-5230…