Editor's note: The combined editorial boards of the Clarksburg Exponent and Telegram newspapers devote Saturday's editorial to recognizing positive efforts from people throughout our readership area. We call this new feature, "Hats off." To nominate a person or group for recognition, contact John Miller (626-1473), Bob Stealey (626-1438) or James Logue (626-1031).
We salute:
- Those involved with the United Way of Harrison County, whose hard work and effort enabled the agency to reach its goal of $735,000.
- Long-time hardware store employee Don Pulice, who retired Friday from Lowes. Pulice worked for various stores for over 40 years, providing many customers with worthwhile home improvement information. Pulice also serves as the acting chaplain at the Harrison County Correctional Center and is active in his church, Emmanuel Baptist in North View.
- Harrison County schools administrative assistant Marcel Malfregeot, who developed the system's ultra-successful Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs program.
- The late Dominick Policano, a longtime Harrison County businessman, politician and community supporter, who died last Saturday in an automobile accident. Policano was instrumental in several county developments, including the Clarksburg Water Board's water treatment facility on Chestnut Street.
- The late Gary Williams, a longtime 911 dispatcher and former volunteer firefighter, who passed away Monday from heart and kidney complications. Williams was a dedicated Harrison County Emergency Services Bureau employee who was also active in the department's public relations efforts, including visiting area schools.
- Buckhannon Chief of Police J.C. Raffety and other officials who are working to start community watch programs in the Upshur County area.
- Nelson Nelder and his family, who are working to reopen the Manos Theater in downtown Grafton. The theater should provide good family entertainment for those in Taylor County.
- The Harrison County Humane Society, which worked hard to provide homeless dogs and cats with the chance to be readopted. Last year the society saved 480 pets and helped more than 400 families who could not afford to have their pets spayed or neutered with the cost.
