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Sometimes, it can be easy to take for granted the good things that are happening around us.
That's why little reminders can be so important.
A case in point happened last Sunday, when the Old Fort Steuben Project held its annual dinner and membership meeting.
Like countless other events that have become staples on the local calendar, the report and recognition event fell victim to COVID-19, and finally made a return after being put on pause since the pandemic hit.
The re-creation of the fort stands as a reminder of the city's place in history -- it was originally built to house the soldiers who were protecting the surveyors who were mapping the Northwest Territory. And, while area residents might sometimes not pay that much attention to the park that covers the block of Third Street that runs between Market and Adams streets, the facility generates plenty of interest.
According to information provided to those who attended the dinner held at Hellenic Hall inside Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, there were 34,000 visitors last year. Those who signed the guest register at the Visitors Center represented 40 states and eight countries. Students from the region had a chance to learn about history, as there were 11 tours from area schools that included about 500 students. And, three group tours came to town to take in the city's murals.
Those numbers show that the fort is a significant draw, and those visitors certainly help the city's economy -- when people are done at the fort, they like to be able to find a place to eat, Jerry Barilla said.
The fort plays a big part in attracting tourists, as well, and also serves as the home of the Steubenville Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Barilla continues to wear many hats in the community -- the city's mayor served as president of the fort's board for many years and always has been among the first people to step up when work needed to be done. It's not unusual to see Barilla cutting grass there -- or painting or repairing something. He's no longer president -- that post belongs to Thomas "Bo" Graham -- but Barilla is happy to serve as treasurer and site manager.
Preserving history remains at the center of the fort project, which made this year's speaker a great fit. It was Jonathan D. Bratten, a captain and the command historian of the Maine Army National Guard, who is serving as the Army Center of Military History's current historian in residence in Washington.
The son of fort executive director Judy Bratten offered a reminder that how we look at historical events can change based on who is telling the story.
The fort, which officially opens for the season on Monday, will be a busy place through the end of the year. The schedule includes Ohio Valley Frontier Days on June 3-4; the Dean Martin Parade and Festival on June 17; the city's annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks; the Steubenville Lights Up the Night event on Nov. 21; the Christmas at the Fort and Holiday Market Nov. 24 through Jan. 6; and the annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas parade on Dec. 2.
That all will come after the return of the Fort Steuben Concert Series at the park's Berkman Amphitheater. The series will kick off with a special Memorial Day concert featuring Shades of Blue, and run on Thursdays through Aug. 3. It will include a special Fourth of July presentation. Each of the shows will begin at 7 p.m.
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The fort dinner was the first event of what has been a busy week. On Wednesday, the Rotary Club of Steubenville held its 100th (Plus 2) Anniversary dinner at St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville. The club was chartered on April 1, 1921, and a celebration had been planned to recognize the centennial, but that, too, was delayed by COVID-19. Rotarians from across the Tri-State Area and their guests had the chance to hear from guest speaker Stephanie Urchick, who will serve as Rotary's international president for the 2024-25 year.
And then on Friday, the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women's Club held its annual Wine and Shoe Extravaganza at the Mingo Knights of Columbus Hall. Always popular, the event sold out not too long after tickets were first made available.
On Sunday, the Ohio Valley Health Center will hold its fundraising gala at St. Florian Event Center. Proceeds from the annual event will go to help the center continue its mission of providing health care to the uninsured and underinsured residents of the area. Dr. Kaitlyn Pitchok is chairing the event, working alongside Dr. Thomas R. and Suzanne Brown, her professional mentors who are co-chairs. The Browns are longtime supporters of the center.
The coming week also will mark the return of a couple of favorite events.
Wednesdays in Wintersville returns on Wednesday, with a Mardi Gras theme. Sponsored by Tom and Sarah Gentile and Valvoline Express Care, festivities will feature an art show at Valley Wine Center beginning at 4:30 p.m.; open piano at Exquisite Creations by Joel from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; jazz by Matt Hill and Friends in front of the Village Building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; a pet costume parade at 6 p.m.; a contest that invites participants to solve a mystery; and food and other vendors.
The June 7 edition has a theme of Summer Love and will feature retro music; the July 5 edition will have a hoe down theme and feature blue grass music; the Aug. 2 presentation will have a carnival theme and feature open mic performances; and the Sept. 6 theme will be homecoming and feature marching bands.
And, First Fridays on Fourth, presented by the Harmonium Project, returns to downtown Steubenville on Friday night. The monthly street fair, which features food, music and other events will open with a performance by the Steubenville Big Red marching band and will include performances by the Skyliners and Matt Hill and Friends. This month's theme is Roaring 20s.
June 2 will carry the theme of Ye Ol' First Friday; July 7 will be Freedom Friday; Aug. 4 will be Eighties Night; Sept. 1 will be Storybook Night; and Oct. 6 will be the Fall Festival.
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There are plenty of good things happening all around. Organized and run by volunteers, they help to improve the quality of life in the region, and they deserve your support.
(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. A member of the Rotary Club of Steubenville, he served as co-chair of the anniversary event.)