Cheers & Jeers
Cheers: The Community Foundation of Fayette County鈥檚 program to support nonprofits, Fayette Gives, continues for the third year on Nov. 10. During a 12-hour window (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), the day-of-giving event offers an easy online option for those who wish to donate to any number of community-centered organizations that support the county鈥檚 residents. This year, a record number of nonprofits, 88, will participate, and organizers are hopeful donors will be even more supportive than they have been in the past. CFFC Executive Director Renee Couser set a goal of $500,000 to distribute through Fayette Gives. If met, that would put the total impact in the program鈥檚 three years at $1.2 million. In a time of heightened financial difficulty for so many, having adequate operating funds becomes so much more important for these nonprofits. To learn more about the charities that are participating, or explore ways to donate by sending a check, visit fayettegives.org.
Cheers: Area students are getting some help and encouragement about how to make good food choices with a virtual pet named 鈥淢oochi.鈥� The AI-powered LittleMoochi app, available in some districts in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, lets students consume their own meals and feed their virtual 鈥淢oochi.鈥� Good choices make the pet stronger, healthier and happier, while sugary snacks and unhealthy foods make the pet sick and unhappy. Parents who鈥檝e struggled to get their young ones to eat their fruits and vegetables know what a challenge it can be. Kudos to the Greater Washington County Food Bank (Food Helpers) for looking toward new and innovate ways to encourage early healthy behaviors that may set students up for a lifetime of better eating habits.
Cheers: For 14 years, the remains of Missouri Air Force officer Michael Blassie were interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, representing all the servicemen who were killed in the Vietnam War but whose remains could not be identified. Blassie鈥檚 remains were removed in 1998, though, when DNA technology advanced to a point where they could be identified. No remains have since occupied the spot reserved for unknown Vietnam War soldiers. A Pennsylvania family was recently able to gain a similar sense of closure when the remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Edward J. Reiter were identified 72 years after he disappeared on the battlefield during the Korean War. Flags across Pennsylvania were lowered last Saturday in his honor, the day of Reiter鈥檚 long overdue funeral. He was buried near his parents, and the Rev. Patrick Lamb of Queenship of Mary Catholic Church in Northampton said that, despite the passage of time, 鈥淗e has never been forgotten.鈥�