This past week has been a strange series of days -- no doubt about it in my mind! The week began rather uneventfully for me, other than a dental appointment. But then again, I have always been told that I'd have to get back to the old grind when Monday rolls around. ('Remember those old dental drills? They're still used sometimes.)
At least I was home in time for dinner -- something I might have better done without, actually. It was suggested that I chew only on the right side. Too bad it didn't screen out half the calories! Ah well, that was one thing now behind me on Monday evening.
Tuesday would be a brand new day, albeit a relatively busy one. As chairman of the Telegram Editorial Board, the other members and I decided on some upcoming editorial topics and dismissed.
I knew ahead of time that at 5:30 that afternoon, I would be discussing one of several election-related topics with WBOY anchorperson April Kaull. It has been part of a week-long cooperative effort between the Exponent & Telegram and Channel 12 to inform the area about the upcoming West Virginia Primary Election.
I spoke with her early that afternoon about the specific points we'd be discussing. Having done live TV newscasts 30 years ago on Channel 6 in Bluefield, I wasn't nearly as concerned about being on the air as I was about the best way to treat a subject with which, truthfully, I wasn't all that familiar.
By 1:30, I hadn't seen any of the latest poll figures on the secretary of state's race, which was the evening's topic. But as I sat in the Channel 12 newsroom waiting area, news director Sean Harkness provided me with that very information, which had moved on the Associated Press wire during the afternoon. Aha! Something tangible to report, without the vagaries of guesswork.
And whaddya know? If that wasn't the fastest 90 seconds I ever spent, then I don't recall what was!
Day 2 behind me now! (They told me that as one grows older, the time goes much faster. But I didn't know it would be quite this fast.)
On Wednesday, I would meet again with Bob Nichols of The Bell Studio, who has been faithful at providing the newspaper with quite a few photos of yesteryear for "The Look Back in Time" feature, also in the Telegram. I must admit that I didn't realize just how extensive is Bob's collection of photos from North Central West Virginia. And the quality! Certainly suitable for framing, although with a degree of enlarging.
With an ample supply of photos in hand for a few weeks-- for the Clarksburg paper and also The Bridgeport News feature, "Way Back When" -- it was back to the office to catch up on some work on my desk.
Wednesday afternoon was turning to evening. I must be at the Texas Roadhouse on Emily Drive before 5 o'clock to take part in what was being called a "Celebrity Wait." (Not being a celebrity by any stretch of the imagination, I wondered why I was needed there.)
The tips from customers dining there between 5-8 p.m. would go toward CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocate program of the Harrison County Task Force on Child Abuse. Cheri Kenney is CASA's project director, and she and Roadhouse manager Chris Marszalek did an excellent job at coordinating the event.
I especially enjoyed the opportunity of helping to take customers' orders and deliver their food and drinks. (More folks should appreciate the job done by waitresses.) I understand that CASA was rather successful with its proceeds from the evening. Of course, child abuse/neglect is a serious problem that is constantly requiring the resources of the community in which it unfortunately occurs.
Thursday already. After a morning doctor's appointment, I returned to the office and talked once again with Sean Harkness and April Kaull of Channel 12 to learn the topic for that evening's 5:30 broadcast, in which yours truly was once again asked to talk about the election. (Was anyone aware of what gluttons for punishment they were in having me back?) Another very pleasant, interesting experience.
Ahh, Friday already. I think it speaks for itself. I've spoken enough for this day.
Have a terrific weekend!
