Published: October 23, 2009 09:19 pm      

Thumbs - Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

Thumbs up ... to the Woman’s Club of Beckley, celebrating its 100th anniversary. The group was organized in October 1909 with the purpose of self-improvement in literature and music.



Thumbs up ... to a project at Camp Creek State Park to make fishing easier for handicapped individuals. A paved walkway to the deck will provide room for about four wheelchairs on the pier.



Thumbs up ... to Karen Bowling, Raleigh General Hospital CEO. Bowling has been elected to serve as chairwoman of the West Virginia Hospital Association for the 2009-10 term. The group promotes the states health care system, patient care and the economy.



Thumbs down ... to West Virginia being ranked fifth nationally in substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, despite relatively high spending to protect children. The Every Child Matters Education Fund says West Virginia also has the 11th-highest rate of deaths related to child abuse or neglect.



Thumbs up ... to James Monroe High School teacher April Hobson, honored by the Milken Family Foundation for exceptional contributions to quality education. The six-year teacher dropped out of school at age 17, but returned after her children entered the Monroe County School System.



Thumbs up ... to Robert Byrd, 91, who returned to the Senate floor with some of his old bluster. Byrd, who has been battling illness for the last year, is the longest serving senator in history.



Thumbs up ... to nearly $111 million in flood control and prevention projects and studies earmarked for the state. Almost $82 million will aid in the continued stabilization project at Bluestone Dam Hinton.



Thumbs up ... to Beckley pharmacist Patricia Johnston, owner of Colony Drug and Wellness Center. Johnston was named the 2009 National Preceptor of the Year by the National Community Pharmacists Association.



Thumbs up ... to Mountain State Regular Veterans Association No. 57. For a third time in six months, the group has presented Mountain State University’s Medical Assisting program with a $10,000 donation. The latest check brings its contribution total to $30,000 this year.