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The renowned East River Town Band, under the direction of Mel Saunders, will be performing at the McKeever Lodge at Pipestem Resort State Park Friday evening at 8 p.m. These talented musicians will provide an evening of patriotic music. The performance will welcome and kick off the West Virginia Kiwanis District Convention. The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.
444
Here in West Virginia there are probably more jokes about our elections than there are voters, and occasionally there is a problem. Only in West Virginia can a felon run for president. Enough said.
However it seems that Florida has a long lead over West Virginia for election fraud and misdoings. The latest scam concerns the arrest of a woman who has allegedly brokered absentee ballots. The irony of the matter is that Florida elected officials and others indicate that the woman is a small-time ballot broker. Small time — then there must be some big-time brokers.
444
Congressman Nick Rahall supported the House passage of legislation to provide essential resources and funding support for state and local law enforcement crime fighting initiatives that are critically important to the safety, security and well being of West Virginians.
“Justice Assistance Grant funding helps states and local communities address their most pressing law enforcement needs, including strengthening crime prevention and battling the epidemic of drug abuse,” Rahall said.
444
The Mercer County Democrat Club is having a picnic Friday beginning at 5 p.m. at Jim and Mae Aboulhosn’s home at 47 Pisgah Lane in Princeton. The sponsors will be providing chicken, ham and drinks. So bring your favorite covered dish to share.
The local Democrats said that everyone is invited to join them. If you want to politic, meet a few folks or just have a good time, go on out and join the crowd. Politickin’ and chicken — a winning combo.
444
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had the uncanny ability to work in two different directions at that same time. He had two men in his administration, Harold Ickes and Harry Hopkins, that had totally different New Deal philosophies.
It has been observed that Ickes pinched every penny while Hopkins shoveled out every dime as fast as it came in. Hopkins clearly understood that relief had to be placed in the hands of those that needed it and not in the hands of manufacturers or others that were not in need. Hopkins was not necessarily handing out money, at least not for “free.” The money was going to employ people to do something. His aim was to include some dignity in the formula. His efforts paid people who actually went to work with real money so they could buy what they needed as they pleased.
444
While the Mercer County’s school board may have closed Bramwell High School and destroyed a fine institution in the eyes of many, the board did not and could not destroy the school sprit exhibited by the large number of graduates and friends. They came to town enjoy Millionaire Days and visit with one another last weekend. Bramwell, one of the most beautiful small towns in the nation, is very much alive and well.
444
Here in Bluefield, the Bluefield Beautification will be hosting “Through the Garden Gate,” a tour of some of the town’s beautiful gardens. The tour will be held next Saturday, and there will also be a Garden Party, lots of food, beverages and entertainment. Tickets are available at several locations.
444
The presidential campaigns are getting a little rough. If these guys are as bad as their opponents claim, we had better be looking for someone else.
444
There you have it, a few comments on items of interest to the area. July flew by. But there are more blue skies and summer days ahead. Enjoy them.
Wilson Butt, a Bluefield resident, is a retired Department of Highways official.
Columns
August 5, 2012
Diverse entertainment on tap
- Columns
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- Living longer, larger, and more abundantly with new ideas and — nitrogen
- Perceived or real scandals? Obama’s opponents do a lot of crying wolf
- The face of resilience
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Summer safety routine: Parents’ overprotective instincts justified
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Important decisions fast-approaching for voters in Bluefield, Princeton
- The depths of the scandalous Benghazi episode are becoming clear
- Cicadas, bad lunches, Rahall, more
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Recalling an evening with an old trucker friend that had a surprise ending
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From the movies to stage, still a favorite
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A good no-news week despite never-ending showers and early-rising mastif
- More Columns Headlines
