HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Today is Dad’s special day, a time when we tell him how much we love him and appreciate all that he does for the family.

Most Dads stay in the background. They go to work every day to provide the family with the necessities and sometimes, the luxuries of life. He is the one who usually fixes things around the house when they break. He may be a coach of a little league team or he may take you fishing or hunting. He is usually the one you go to when you need a couple of dollars or you want to borrow the family car. There is one thing for certain – You can always count on Dad when you need him.

I will recall with love my Dad who left this world in 1957. Every day I think of him and say a prayer of gratitude for the things he gave me and for all he did for our family. I especially thank him for instilling in me and my brothers and sisters a deep love of God, family and country. He showed us by example to work hard and do the best we can at all times.

I admire Dad for his courage. When he was just 14 years old, he left his home in Tyrol, Austria. He came to the United States and could not speak a word of English. Yet, he was able to obtain a job, and like so many others, he survived. I don’t think I could have done that.

Like so many other Dads in Boydsville many years ago,he was unselfish in that the did without a lot of things in order to give more to his family He was a coal miner, worked very hard and never complained. He enjoyed the simple things of life. He enjoyed making his wine in our cellar and when he came home from work he would go down and fill up a pitcher and bring it up to the kitchen. That wine always tasted delicious especially on those cold winter nights.

I often recall how he and my mom would pray each day for my two brothers who were in World War II. Dad and several other men would walk every Monday night from Boydsville to St. Anthony Church in Bridgeport to attend the Miraculous Medal Novena to pray for those fighting in the war.

I will always remember the tears of joy he and mom shed when my two brothers came home safe and sound from the war.

And when Christmas comes, I can still see the special Crib my dad built and decorated on the front porch of our little house in Boydsville. I can still see the tears of joy he shed when we turned on the lights and the crib seemed to come alive.

My Dad loved the accordion. He was always thrilled beyond words when Anthony, my sister Mary’s son, came from Detroit and would play the accordion for him. And Anthony loved to see the smile on Dad’s face as he played and played.

Today and every day, I thank my Dad for everything he gave me, especially those things which no one can touch – love, faith, integrity and the desire to do the best in all things.

Today, I urge everyone to give dad a big hug and tell him how much you love him. Every one of us, especially those of us who are older, have beautiful memories of our dads and what they had to endure to raise their families during difficult times.

If your dad is still with you, then tell him how much he means to you and show him your appreciation by being the best person you can be. If he has been called to Heaven, then say a prayer for him and thank him for the legacies he left.

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TODAY is also the first day of summer. It will arrive at 12:38 p.m. We went through a rugged winter and this spring hasn’t really been ideal as far as I am concerned., Let us pray and hope that summer will be a pleasant one with no destructive storms so that our farms and orchards will yield a bountiful harvest.

The first day of summer is the longest day of the year. Soon we will see the daylight hours begin to shrink. Mother Nature’s cycle keeps on working. No one can stop the clock or calendar.

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THURSDAY, June 25, is another anniversary in the glorious history of our great nation It was on that day in 1950 when the Korean War started. That place still remains a troublesome spot, especially with North Korea and its ambitious nuclear weapons program. We owe a debt of gratitude to hose who fought and died in that war. One of them was a boyhood friend of mine, Nick Kubovich from Boydsville.

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SATURDAY, June 27 is Community Clean Up Day in Martins Ferry. It will begin at 9 a.m. and community groups are encouraged to participate as well as community residents and businesses. The program will begin in the city park and work gloves and bags will be provided.There will be a community lunch following. For more information call (740) 381-3899.

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THE Joe and Larry Show will be on stage for the St. Clairsville Summer Concert Series on Tuesday, June 23. The show will be held from 7-9 p.m. at th city’s Central Complex Amphitheater located at 102 Fair Ave., next to the football field. The concerts are held outdoors and everyone is reminded to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Handicapped parking, rest room and concession are available. Alcoholic beverages or smoking are not permitted at the concerts. Admission is free. However, donations are accepted at the main entrance next to the ticket booth.

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THE Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 78 of Matins Ferry will hold it Seventh Annual “Running From the Cops”: 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 27 on the streets of Matins Ferry.Race day registration will be held from 7:30-815 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Matins Ferry FOP Scholarship Fund.

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THE Sarah Hays Band from Wheeling, playing blues/rock and variety music, will be the feature at the Showcase Summer Concert in Barnesville on Thursday June 25. .The show begins at 7 p.m. at the Community Arts Place, Colonel Drive. Alternate rain site is Little Rocks Learning Center. A food stand will be open at 6:15 p.m.

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A SPAGHETTI Dinner is being held on Sunday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department to raise funds for one of its own members who was recently injured in an accident at his home. Lee Rush was a member of the department for over 40 years. The accident has caused him to lose part of his eyesight and he is now facing massive medical bills. The dinner is being held at the fire station on Main Street. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. There will be raffles and Chinese auction items.

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THE Chester Smith Family of the St. Clairsville area. needs help in paying for huge medical expenses for their son, John, who has undergone several surgeries for an illness called Arnold Chiari Malformation, a herniation of the brain into the spinal canal. A Spaghetti dinner to raise funds to assist the family will be held from 4-7 p.m on Friday, July 10 at the St. Clairsville Recreation Center. There will be Polka music and drawings. Tickets are $7. The event is being sponsored by the AARP, and they and family friends are seeking donations to assist the family. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Huntington Bank, Hope For James, 68011 Mall Ring Road, St., ClairsviIle, Ohio, 43950. Donors are asked to respond by Aug. 15. For information, call (740) 695-6273.

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VFW Post 626 of Bellaire will hold a dance on June 27 f rom 7-11 p.m. There is no cover charge.Music will be provided by DJ Tony Iannerelli.