4th of July

Wow, can you believe the 4th of July is already upon us! The Review office will be closed on Friday so our employees can have a day off. I imagine Charlie and I will play golf at least once over the weekend. The kids want to have a cook-out so I’m sure that will include hot dogs, hamburgers, and some kind of homemade ice cream.

From what I hear (we were out of town last weekend), the first South Branch Bluegrass Festival was a huge success. Congratulations Bruce, Trina, Dot, Karen, Alan and all the volunteers who worked so hard to put this event together.

I have said many times that Hampshire County is a wonderful place to live. And, it only continues to get better. Individuals and service organizations all over the county are planning activities.

Just look at the events for the upcoming holiday weekend. Bethel United Methodist Church near Paw Paw is having a festival. There’s a 4th of July celebration and fireworks show at the Capon Bridge Fire Hall. Greg and Jean Kenney will be performing at 7 p.m. and fireworks will be around 9:30 p.m. All you need is a lawn chair – admission is free.

Capon Valley Ruritan is having their annual Fourth of July celebration in Yellow Spring. It begins at 11:30 with a ceremony honoring local veterans (the Ruritans are requesting that veterans attend this ceremony), music at 12:15, and an auction at 3 p.m. All of this plus good food and a classic car show.

Levels Vol. Fire Department is having their annual fesitival and dinner from 3 – 6 p.m. with an auction beginning at 6:30. And last, but not least, the North River Valley Vol. fire company is having their annual fun festival both Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4.

All of this spells great food and lots of fun for the family.

The other exciting news – the interconnector for the Sunrise Summit area is going to bid. This will finally open up the area for growth. How exciting is that! The groundbreaking for the new hospital is scheduled for July. We have a lot of politicians and civic-minded people who have devoted years in making this happen. They deserve our thanks.

My point — we are finally moving forward — and that’s a good thing.

I hope you enjoy your 4th of July celebration. I intend to eat a hot dog. They now come fat free, reduced fat, and regular. I’ll take my regular with ketchup and relish.

Have a great one and take care.