×

Things that are done right

All anniversaries are important, but there are some that really do stand out because they help us mark important milestones.

We’ll see that this week when Eastern Gateway Community College marks its 50th year of providing quality educational opportunities to residents from the Tri-State Area.

It’s a journey that actually began 50 years ago today, Sept. 23, 1968, when what was then called Jefferson County Technical Institute opened its doors for the first time. Since then, the school, which would go through several name changes — it has been known as Jefferson Technical College and Jefferson Community College — has touched the lives of thousands of area residents.

Those students have come in all ages and from all walks of life. Thanks to the school that sits along Sunset Boulevard in Steubenville, they have had the chance to pick up new skills, train for a career or get a solid foundation before heading to a four-year school.

That legacy will be celebrated beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, when the ribbon is cut for the new Gator Center. The facility occupies an area that once housed the data center, a glass-walled area facing Sunset Boulevard that gave a modern feel to the school when the addition that holds it was built during the 1980s.

It will be a centralized area where students and potential students can meet with an admissions representative, talk with an adviser, discuss financial aid and browse the Barnes and Noble College Bookstore. It represents a $1.8 million investment in the school, its students and the community.

Tuesday features Gatorfest for students, faculty and staff, as well as a community cookout and open house beginning at 3 p.m.

On Wednesday, the school, which has grown to include a Youngstown campus, will recognize the anniversary during an invitation-only dinner at Hellenic Hall in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Steubenville.

This week’s events will offer a chance to look back at the accomplishments of the last 50 years — and look ahead to the opportunities that are sure to come in the future.

¯ It’s not been around for 50 years, but at 24 years, the annual Taste of Jefferson County remains one of the must-attend events of the year.

This year’s version is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at St. Florian Hall in Wintersville. It offers the chance to spend a relaxing evening sampling food from some of the top restaurants, caterers and bakeries in the area, while enjoying the company of friends. If you attend, you’ll also be helping the United Way of Jefferson County.

New this year will be a special competition involving beer steins, with the winner taking home an impressive prize.

As always, attendees will be asked to vote to determine the best entree, best dessert and best display.

It’s the United Way’s largest fundraising event of the year, and details are included in Janice Kiaski’s preview of the event, which you’ll find on Page 1B. Tickets cost $35 and are available by contacting the United Way office.

¯ Food also will be the theme when the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce holds its 110th-annual Awards Dinner and Meeting Oct. 17 at St. Florian Hall. Playing from the theme “Feeding the Local Economy,” the event will look at the important roles the region’s restaurants, caterers and bakeries play in keeping local commerce strong.

Barbara K. McKenna, owner and the operator of one of the Tri-State Area’s most unique restaurants, Moon Township’s Hyeholde, will be the guest speaker.

The annual event is, as chamber President Tricia Maple-Damewood reminds us, a chance to honor volunteers, celebrate success and recognize accomplishments.

Tickets for the dinner are $60 per person and are available by contacting the chamber office.

Take a look at those numbers — 50, 24 and 110. Organizations and businesses that have been serving the community for those periods of time are doing things right — they have put the interests and needs of our community first and always have delivered a quality product.

That’s something we should always find a reason to celebrate.

(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. He is first vice chairman of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.)

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today