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Making time for what matters most this holiday season

Talking to some friends after church last weekend, one commented, “As we get older, time seems to fly by. I can’t believe 2024 is almost over.” Time, is a great equalizer. We all have different talents and abilities. Some people have more money than others. We all have 24 hours in a day to use as we choose. No more, no less. No matter how wealthy someone is they can’t buy more time. We can only choose how we spend our time. A few months ago, I was in the middle of business and phone calls when the doorbell rang. It was Bradley, my neighbor’s grandson who is now in middle ...

Making holiday dreams come true for others

Christmas is an event that has emerged in bits and pieces, formed from out of the mists of antiquity. The tradition of giving gifts at Christmas time dates back to a practice in vogue in pagan Rome. Each year, on Dec. 17 and 18, ancient Romans celebrated the festival of Saturnalia, honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. At this time, Romans exchanged gifts of sweet pastry, lamps, precious stones, and gold and silver. The early Christians, however, shunned Christmas-giving, for the very reason that it was popular among what they called the “pagan Romans.” It was centuries ...

Let common sense guide ‘energy transition’

Last week at the Outer Banks our family discussed relationships. One of our friends has been married four times. A comment made was, “Of course, they married the same type of person all four times.” I remarked, “A definition of insanity is doing the same thing …” Lynnda, my wife, finished my sentence, “And expecting different results.” The same is true in business, athletics and other areas of our lives. If we keep getting the same negative results, look at our thoughts and actions. An entrepreneur told me, “If you always do what you’ve always done. You will ...

The people who make good things happen

Where would the rest of us be without the people who make things happen? Let me explain what I mean. Over the years I have spent reporting on local news, I have noticed that the same people seem to keep community events and activities happening time after time. Whether it is organizing a holiday fundraiser or planning a parade, they keep coming back and giving of their time and talent (an sometimes treasure) in an effort to make things better for everyone. Some of these people belong to civic organizations such as Rotary, Lions or Elks clubs. Others are part of veterans ...

Honoring military veterans in Belmont County

As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have defended our freedoms. This day serves as a powerful reminder to honor our veterans, those among us today and those who gave all in service to our nation. Belmont County is proud to be home to many heroes, and our community’s patriotism shines brightly. This sense of pride is on display each fall, especially along Main Street in St. Clairsville, where veterans’ banners and flags adorn storefronts, paying tribute to those who served. The Tri-State Military Veterans Museum ...

Whether early or on Election Day, go vote!

I did something last week that I had never done before — I voted early. The process — which is still an option from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, and from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Belmont County Board of Elections, 52180 National Road East, St. Clairsville — was easy. I walked into the board office and a woman waiting at the door directed me to a window at the counter. There, a clerk checked my identification, asked me a couple of simple questions such as my address, then printed an appropriate ballot for me to complete. From there, I made my way to a desk-type ...