by John G. Miller

MANAGING EDITOR

This and that from a hectic week:

- MEMORABLE EVENING: At Wednesday's BB&T Athlete of the Year Banquet, the fact I'm aging struck home.

Many of those being honored that night weren't even born when we started the program 18 years ago. It won't be long before we're honoring the children of some of our first award winners.

My how time flies ... it's been a great 18 years thanks to the help of BB&T (formerly Empire National and One Valley Bank). Down through the years, their sponsorship has enabled us to honor, I would estimate, more than 1,500 student-athletes.

Thanks to Melanie Squires, her assistants Sharon and Cheryl and Melanie's daughter, Emily, who sent out invitations, handled the responses, organized the plaques and created the table centerpieces. Also, special thanks to Nunzio Bonamico and his staff at Via Veneto for an excellent meal and the folks at Bonnie Belle's for a wonderful dessert.

And a special word of praise to Harrison County coaches and administrators who spend countless hours helping our students become productive citizens.

- READERS WRITE: Last Sunday I asked readers several questions concerning our coverage of the death of Ronald Reagan. We've had several responses, some of which will be published in Sunday's edition.

As always, we welcome letters on topics we believe will be of interest to the majority of our readers.

You can send those letters to my attention at P.O. Box 2000, Clarksburg, WV 26302-2000 or by e-mail at jmiller@exponent-telegram.com. You may also fax letters to 624-4188.

Please limit letters to about 400 words. And include your phone number. We need it to verify your letter, but the number won't be published.

- THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND: There are a number of activities listed in our Calendar of Events on Page B11 of today's issue. One that caught my eye that I heard is a lot of fun is the T&L Car Cruz. It benefits the Humane Society of Harrison County and begins at 4 p.m. today at Rosebud Plaza, U.S. 19 south of Clarksburg. Food, fun and music to help a worthwhile organization -- you can't beat that.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do this Father's Day Weekend. The main thing is to try to enjoy it with friends and family -- it's usually the people you're with that make events fun.

Have a great weekend!

Managing Editor John G. Miller can be reached at 626-1473 or by e-mail at jmiller@exponent-telegram.com