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The satisfaction of a successful sale

Despite some dreary weather, Belmont’s community sale day appears to have been a big success. Last week, I shared my background in yard sales with readers who follow this column. I also mentioned that I would be hosting a yard sale as part of the community day on May 8. My husband, Mike, and I had been collecting items for months, setting them aside in a special place earmarked for a future yard sale. When they were all laid out, we had quite an eclectic pile of stuff. In addition to boxes of men’s and women’s clothing in a variety of sizes, we had puzzles, games, holiday ...

Attending the National Plastics Expo

Over twenty-five years ago during my corporate life, I still recall a very memorable trip from Charleston, WV to Paintsville, Kentucky. I took US 119. Back then prior to Corridor G, most of it was two-lane. In Kentucky I had to stop for a man with two large paper grocery bags in his arms to cross the road in front of us. He lived in a well-kept gray wood frame house trimmed in red on a small hill across the from the creek. We watched him flip both bags into the creek. I couldn’t believe what we just witnessed. In Kentucky rather than pay for trash pickup some people used the creeks. I ...

Putting Belmont County on Heritage Tourism map

A unique sector of the tourism industry, heritage tourism, has gained popularity in recent years and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore and experience the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of a destination. From ancient ruins to preserved historical buildings, heritage tourism provides a bridge between the present and the past, enabling travelers to develop a deeper understanding of their roots and ancestry. By exploring historical landmarks, visitors can gain insight into the lives, traditions, and values of past civilizations. It provides a tangible link to ...

The conundrum of the annual yard sale season

It’s yard sale season in the Ohio Valley, and that can be both good and bad for me. My husband, Mike, and I have slowly collected excess items over the past few months, anticipating that we would take part in the village of Belmont’s community sale day. Well, that day, May 4, has arrived. We set up tables and racks and arranged a wide array of things for people to choose from. We will see how it goes. Putting a yard sale together is a lot of hard work. Not only is there physical labor involved, but it can also be an emotional undertaking. You must decide: Can I live without ...

One word to never use and making other wise choices

Last week on their Jolley Marriage Show, Dr. Willie and Dee Jolley asked, “Have you ever said anything to your spouse or partner you regretted later? “The words we use can significantly impact the health and longevity of our relationships. Statistically 50% of marriages end in divorce. Of those who remain married, 40% of couples are miserable. “Do you want to be happily married or miserable? “The one word we should never use is ‘whatever.’ It is dismissive and disrespectful. It is a personal affront. It devalues people. We should never devalue people, especially ...

Use the power of story to make point memorable

Can you remember any Bible stories? How about Noah’s Ark, Jonah and the Whale or the First Christmas? Did you realize these stories are thousands of years old? The most recent, The First Christmas was decades old before it was scribed. They were all passed on verbally for years before being written. Much of our history is passed on initially by word of mouth through story before being written. We are wired for story. Our family has plenty of stories. Some serious, like Lynnda’s car accident. Some serious at the time but funny now. Like my first Ferris wheel ride. It made me sick. ...