Some quick thoughts:
-- With the opening of school on Monday comes the reminder that there will be increased traffic between the hours of 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m.
In a press release from the West Virginia Department of Education, Wayne Clutter, executive director of school transportation, reminds us that we need to be more cautious with the beginning of school.
"We ask motorists to be extremely cautious and to be aware that buses will be loading and unloading students. School buses transport West Virginia's most precious cargo -- our children."
We couldn't agree more.
Give yourself some extra time to get to work on Monday, and if you see a school bus loading or unloading, be prepared to stop. It's the law.
-- The beginning of school is the perfect time to remind all of us that we play a role in the success of our school system.
Besides paying taxes, which fund many school programs, our schools need our help when it comes to volunteering in classrooms, working with support groups like academic or athletic boosters clubs or even just supporting fund-raising efforts for programs that aren't covered by our tax dollars.
Too often I hear folks complaining about this or that when it comes to their schools, but I wonder how many have taken the time to get involved.
-- While school starts Monday, summer isn't really over. Especially here in North Central West Virginia where there are still many activities planned through the Labor Day Weekend.
If you're looking for a great way to end your summer fun, you have many events to choose from this week.
The Barbour County Fair is open, featuring lots of fun, amusement rides and entertainment. It's open through Saturday at the fairgrounds located between Philippi and Belington.
Clarksburg's West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival goes into full swing on Friday and runs through Sunday. It features plenty of great Italian food, lots of fun and great entertainment.
The Stonewall Jackson Heritage Arts and Crafts Jubilee also opens Friday and runs through Monday at Jackson's Mill near Weston. It offers the public a chance to see traditional artisans while taking a look back at our heritage.
There are also a number of smaller but equally fun events going on. Check our Calendar of Events on Page B4 for more details.
John G. Miller is managing editor of the Clarksburg Exponent and Telegram newspapers. He can be reached at 304-626-1473 or by e-mail at jmiller@exponent-telegram.com.
