IT WAS a changing of the guard at Thursday’s monthly chamber of commerce luncheon in Bellaire.

Nancy Andriano, who has served the chamber exceedingly well in two plus years as secretary, officially stepped down from that post. Nancy assumed those duties in May of 2008 and has been nothing short of the model of efficiency and professionalism.

Nancy, who received a resounding ovation from chamber members, will leave some big shoes to fill. Those shoes will be occupied by Pam Nyles, starting this Tuesday.

Nyles is retired following a 30-year stint as fiscal officer for the Bellaire Library.

IN OTHER Bellaire Chamber business, members discussed the feasibility of holding two fireworks displays during the year. Currently, the All-American Days and the Octoberfest each have a fireworks show. A meeting is being planned between the chamber and the directors of the respective festivals.

MEANWHILE, Treasurer Adam Hughes reported that the Park Restoration Committee is ceasing operations, as its agenda has been completed. The committee was exceptional in cleaning up the village, especially the city park.

The chamber will meet next on Thursday, Aug. 19 at noon in the library.

BUBBA’S BITS

THE BELLAIRE Bridge demolition project has now been pushed back to October. It was originally scheduled to come down immediately after Memorial Day, then delayed to the Fourth of July before being pushed back a second time to Labor Day. I still harbor the belief we may never see it razed in our lifetime … and maybe that is not a bad thing.

I DIDN’T make it out to the Jamboree In The Hills Friday, but I made a point to listen to Joe Zelek’s performance on the radio. I love his stuff and foresee a very successful country crooning career down the road for the Buckeye Local product. I also thought Ron?Retzer put on a super show Saturday.

BELIEVE IT or not, the Ohio Valley prep football season has unofficially arrived as the OVAC all-stars report to West Liberty today.

IT WAS refreshing to see that the Betty Zane Festival will again feature its basketball tournament. The popular purple festival would have been sorely lacking without the hoops’ event. We are not privy to the terms of the agreement, but it is a deal that needed to be done.

NOMINATIONS are now being accepted for the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

For the past 44 years, the Hall of Fame has been the state’s top honor for individuals who have improved the quality of life in Ohio through natural resources management, environmental education or scientific achievement.

Selection criteria and a nomination form are available on the Internet at www.ohiodnr.com or by calling (614) 265-6842. Nomination forms must be returned no later than Sept. 3 to ODNR External Affairs, 2045 Morse Road, Building D-3, Columbus, OH 43229.

MY NEW favorite NBA team is anyone playing against the Miami Heat.

A GROUND-BREAKING ceremony for the Mead Township Park District trail is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. near the Little League fields in Shadyside. The public is invited.

THE NEXT regular meeting of Forest Hills Community Association — aka West Bellaire Community Center — will be held Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. at the center. The agenda includes election of officers and trustees for the 2010-2011 year as well as the continuing need for cleaning crews and general caretakers of the building and grounds.

These issues are urgent in nature since once again, the disposal of the center is at the forefront of its future.

THE WORK on Ohio 149 in Bellaire is running past deadline with no end in sight. We hear that it won’t be completed for several more weeks at the soonest.

CONGRATULATIONS?TO?Dom DeFelice for being the Italian?Festival’s Man of the Year. The Shadyside businessman is richly deserving of the honor.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleader online.com