Community news: Brenda Lucas

GOOD NEWS: It was good news that Paul Morgan, former employee of The Herald-Dispatch, recently underwent successful surgery in Lexington, Ky., for kidney cancer. His wife, Catherine, is doing better after being diagnosed with cancer, as well. Here's hoping each one continues to improve and feels better each day of their lives.

SOLO: Going solo may be the "in" thing as the Singles Group meets at 7 p.m. today at Guyandotte Church of Christ, Staunton Street.

CORRECTION: Carrie B. Tanner celebrated a birthday Saturday. Her named was spelled incorrectly.

OLDER: Megan Childers began the second year of being in her 20s, as she turned 22 on June 23. Just wondering if crossing over the adult age of 21 made her feel sad.

RETIRING: Ever heard the name of Charles Ryan? Let's see if I can help you remember - former TV news director, public relations firm owner of Charles Ryan Associates with offices in Charleston, Morgantown and Richmond, Va. Charles, who took over as dean of the University of Charleston in 2007, is retiring, effective July.

MIRACLE: How great! Lenval "Blackie" Bowen and wife, Marian, have been able to get out and about a little more recently. They attended the cancer business event at Cabell Huntington Hospital and Blackie was excited to have visited with two friends from long ago - Thelma Dunkle and her sister, Audrey, who started first grade with Blackie at Simms School.

WELCOME: Marilyn Putz is one of the newest residents to be welcomed into the Woodlands Retirement Community.

MILITARY: Army National Guard Pvt. Ethan Hicks graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga. Son of Lyn and Scott Estep of Huntington, he is a 2008 graduate of Mountaineer Challenge Academy, Kingwood, W.Va.

ROOF PARTY: On top of the world - it might seem that way if you attend the star-spangled celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on top of the Pullman Square parking garage. Individual tickets, which include a picnic dinner, dessert and a prime view of fireworks display from Harris Riverfront Park, are $50. Garage parking is also $50. A cash bar is also available. Proceeds help raise funds for children's health benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Tri-State and Cabell Huntington Hospital's Children's Hospital Project. The Oakwood Road Band provides entertainment. For reservations, call Velma Workman at CHH, 304-526-6314, or email velma.work man@chhi.org.

DELAYED: Due to the Fourth of July weekend, Paw Taw Square Dance Club holds off until Saturday, July 11, for its monthly dance. The dance, featuring Ken Roberts as caller and Charlene Salyers as cuer, is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 11, at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church. The members are hoping to see you there.

BIBLE SCHOOL: Sunrise Church of the Nazarene begins its annual Vacation Bible School from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, July -10. Games, food and lots of fun are offered at the church, County Road 17, South Point, Ohio. For directions or transportation, call 740-867-4610 or 740-867-5704.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Robert H. Simpson, Lindsey Burley, Barbara Brandau, Jaiyme Peterman, Patty Roof, Josh Armstrong, Mindy Webber is on the 30s halfway mark at 35, Diane Styles, Elna Dean Lawrence, Heath Wooten closes in on the 45-range at 43, Mary Rose Adkins is one from 65 at 64, Becky Myers, Amy Shaver, Barbara Warner, Sylvia Sears, Charlann McKenna, Darrell Enis, Bennett Weimer, Michael Chapman, Mary Lee Watts moves closer to the 8-0 mark at 76, Emily Dial is one short of turning double digits at 9 and Gavin Luke Sparks.

TODAY'S ANNIVERSARIES: Brian and Haley Krouse, Ricky and Penny Byrd.

CHUCKLE: A Montana rancher hated to wear his seat belt, but one day he spotted a policeman behind him and decided to quickly put it on. "Here, take the wheel," he told his wife. She did, but it was too late, the trooper pulled them over. "I notice you weren't wearing your seat belt," the officer said. "Yes, I was," the rancher said. "But don't take my word for it. Ask my wife." "So how about it, ma'am?" the policeman asked. "Officer, I've been marred to Buck 20 years," she replied. "And one thing I've learned in all that time is: never argue with him when he's drunk."

Send items to Brenda Lucas, P.O. Box 596, Ona, WV 25545; fax to 304-526-2857; or e-mail to bklucas53@aol.com.