My thoughts were a little scattered as I sat down to write this week's column, so I figured I would throw together just a few random observations based on the activities of the last few days or this weekend.
The winter weather we've been experiencing in recent weeks has taken away much of my enjoyment for the season, especially the most recent storm of snow and ice to hit the Upper Ohio Valley.
It reminds me of a similar weather pattern about a decade ago. There was more snow then, but much of the area went without power for multiple days.
My neighborhood went dark a little after 7 p.m. Thursday, and, as of the time I'm writing this, the power had not come back on. In fact, there was the possibility it could be Sunday afternoon before most areas are restored, according to FirstEnergy.
Thankfully, there are emergency warming shelters set up in several of our communities, and people are pulling together where they are able. These are the moments that show the strength of our region.
I would encourage everyone, when you are able, to take an opportunity to check in on your loved ones. See if there is anything they need, even if you are only able to drop something off on their porch.
Also, if you have an opportunity once this is over, try to find a way to show your appreciation to our area first responders, road crews and the repair crews for our electricity providers. They are working around the clock to keep us safe and away from harm.
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Friday was Linda Stear's official final day as executive director of the Weirton United Way.
Linda has been a mainstay at the United Way for the greater part of the last 20 years; starting as a volunteer, then being hired to run the office and, eventually, selected as executive director.
Fundraising on such a massive level is never easy -- and the last two years have provided additional challenges -- but no matter the obstacle, Linda and those at the Weirton United Way have pushed forward.
She has agreed to stick around, where she can, until a new director is announced. Even then, I wouldn't be too surprised to see her pop up, as her schedule allows, to help out at an event.
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The Pinewood Derby is scheduled for this weekend at the Fort Steuben Mall (bearing any issues because of the weather). A few of us in the newsroom, it turns out, spent some time in Cub Scouts (myself included) and were sharing memories of our own experiences with those wooden car kits and sloped tracks.
It's an exciting event for the kids, bringing them together for a time of camaraderie and competition, while also learning a few skills (hopefully) in the crafting of their cars.
The mall is a nice place for this event, providing an opportunity to showcase some of the Scouting programs for those who aren't involved.
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The 2022 Olympic Games began in Beijing, China. I've seen a few clips from the opening ceremonies online, and there's a figure skating competition on our newsroom television Friday afternoon. I know there are mixed feelings about these games. Beijing was selected after other countries pulled themselves from consideration because of financial obligations and other issues.
China, of course, is under criticism because of a variety of political issues, including human rights abuses.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)