RETIRED: After 20 years with the Nitro Police Department, goodbyes were said to Lt. Ray Blake as he recently retired. He didnƵt hide behind his badge, nor did he think the uniform was to intimidate, but during his course, he patrolled hallways and highways in the Nitro community. The impact he left will never be forgotten and is being wished the best of everything in the upcoming days/years. Salute to this officer for the trust, kidsƵ connection, his service, dedication and unwavering commitment.
COINS: The River City Coin Club hosts a coin show featuring 40-plus tables of established dealers from three states from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 2150 Mount Vernon Road, Hurricane, West Virginia. Admission is free; however, registration is required. Contact Greg Mencotti, 304-840-7036.
WELCOMED: Philip Bass, a St. Albans, West Virginia native 22 years, was recently welcomed as the new chief of police for St. Albans Police Department. The swearing-in ceremony reflected on his decade-long tenure and pledge to uphold the U.S. and West Virginia constitutions and the cityƵs ordinances. Congratulations on this promotion.
MOVIE: City of Nitro offers family movie night Tuesday, July 15, at Living Memorial Park. This weekƵs movie, ƵMoana 2,Ƶ begins at dusk. Free popcorn is provided by Regal Nitro. Free water is also available. GinoƵs offers a personal pizza for $5. Those attending may bring a blanket or chairs.
NEW PASTOR: Pr. Darick Biondi, South Charleston High School Class of 2003 graduate active in music, theater and student council, confirmed at First Church South Charleston and married Pr. Cindy Briggs-Biondi in October 2010, and graduated from Wheeling Jesuit. He began as a licensed local minister serving youth and young adults at Christ Church Charleston 2011-13, commissioned as provisional elder in 2013 and ordained in 2016, while serving Glasgow and Mt. Juliet United Methodist churches. He also served Mt. Juliet and Reynolds Memorial and Chesapeake until taking a leave of absence in 2021. He recently became new pastor of St. Andrew and Cross of Grace Lutheran churches in St. Albans, West Virginia. His wife is pastor of St. MarkƵs United Methodist Church in Charleston. They are parents of Augustine ƵGusƵ, 7, and Hildegard ƵHildieƵ and Ignatius ƵIggieƵ twins at age 3. May the Lord continue to lead Pr. Biondi in these leaderships.
UNDER THE STARS: St. Albans Parks and Recreation District and St. Albans Little League host a summer evening under the stars with a presentation of ƵThe SandlotƵ on the big screen at dusk Saturday, July 19, at Kirk Field. Live music with Heath Fain is provided before the movie. Concessions and Kona Ice are available for purchase. Admission is free. Those attending may bring blankets and lawn chairs.
AWARDED: Six Putnam County seniors represented the county in June at the Mountain State Senior Olympics in Mineral County, where the event has been hosted by Aging and Family Services for more than 20 years. Team Putnam Ƶ Ann Riffee, Mike Daniels, Karen Johnson, Darrel Perry, Laura Perry and Lonnie Jones Ƶ brought home 30 awards, as well as a second-place womenƵs trophy award to 90-year-old Ann Riffee, MVP of Hometown Senior Center, as she received the second most awards (nine) of all women present. Other winners included Mike Daniels of Kanawha County, MVP for John Henson, placed in eight events; Karen Johnson, OAA director), placed in six; Darrel Perry, MVP for Buffalo placed in four and his wife, Laura, attended and participated; and Lonnie Jones of Cabell County representing Putnam placed in three events. For more information, contact Karen Johnson, Putnam Aging Program, 304-755-2385.
FILM: ƵThe Color Purple,Ƶ 1985 film and historical drama about the life of Celie, Africa-American woman in the early 1900s American South, begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at Poca Library, 2858 Charleston Road, Poca, West Virginia. The film is rated PG-13. Parental approval is recommended for viewers.
AWARDED: Lt. Mike Lester, Dunbar Schools Prevention Resource Officer, was honored recently at the State PRO Conference for distinguished and exemplary service. His professionalism, work ethic and dedication continue to impact the Dunbar area. Congratulations on this well-deserved award.
LATE BIRTHDAYS: Ava Clark, July 1; Ron Prater, Dennis Slagle, Grayson Turner, July 13.
CHUCKLE: The rain was pouring outside. Little Mikey was dressed in uniform and ready for baseball practice with bat in hand. Ƶ he stood looking out the window, his mother came into the room. She said, ƵBut how do you know thereƵs no practice today?Ƶ
Send items to Brenda Lucas, P.O. Box 596, Ona, West Virginia 25545; or email to bklucas53@aol.com.
