Hats Off! - The Exponent Telegram : Editorial 7/6/12

Hats Off! - The Exponent Telegram : Editorial: Editor’s note: The Exponent Telegram devotes Saturday’s editorial to recognizing positive efforts from people throughout our readership area. …


Posted: Friday, July 6, 2012 9:19 pm


Editor’s note: The Exponent Telegram devotes Saturday’s editorial to recognizing positive efforts from people throughout our readership area. We call this feature “Hats Off!” To nominate a person or group for recognition, contact John Miller, (304) 626-1473, or James Logue, (304) 626-1031.



We salute:

 - The five people selected as honorees for this year’s West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival: the late Frank Scarcelli, Father of the Year; Frank “Pooch” Gabor, Italian American Man of the Year; Dr. Clara Spatafore, Italian American Woman of the Year; Tommy Thomas, Honorary Italian Man of the Year; Jane White Gabor, Honorary Italian Woman of the Year.




 - The various power, tree and road crews who have been working around the clock to restore electricity to thousands of residents affected by last Friday’s storm. Also, the police, fire and EMS crews who have worked diligently to keep us safe during this state emergency.

- Local, state, Highland Hospital and Fairmont General Hospital officials who worked to find a solution to the disagreement over a new mental-health facility in Clarksburg. With FGH’s appeal out of the way, Highland can move forward with its plans to renovate the old United Hospital Center. The facility will have a staff of about 250.

- Organizers and supporters of area 4-H camps held each summer. These week-long events help to provide educational opportunities in a fun setting.

- Organizers and supporters of the annual National Junior Firefighters Camp held at the State Fire Academy at WVU Jackson’s Mill. This worthwhile program trains teens on the various firefighting and lifesaving techniques.

- The Stonewall Jackson Amateur Radio Association, which participated in the American Radio Relay Association’s annual Field Day. The event tests each area’s ability to stay in contact with areas around the country. “Ham” radios are crucial to communications in times when natural or manmade disasters interrupt normal communications services.

- Janice McMurdo, Mark Shelhammer and others who have stopped by the state veterans nursing facility or the local VA hospital to provide entertainment to our military men and women who fought to keep this country free.