×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Facing Pandemic, Area Residents Give Thanks

Photo by Scott McCloskey

David Bowman of Wheeling

Ernie Cain of Rayland

Gloria Roberts of St. Clairsville

Harold Vitalie of Wheeling

Johnny Haught of Bethlehem

WHEELING — During a year that’s been particularly challenging for many with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Valley residents say they are grateful for their families, their health and their jobs this Thanksgiving holiday.

While visiting Wheeling’s historic Centre Market district Wednesday, Harold Vitalie of Wheeling said he is extremely thankful for his “good health.” Vitalie said he believes the pandemic has made people more aware of what’s truly important in life.

“Health is the most important thing. I’ll be 82 on my birthday in late December,” Vitalie commented. “I think really this whole virus thing has changed people’s way of thinking.”

Ernie Cain of Rayland, who also made a stop in Centre Market, echoed some of Vitalie’s comments about the importance of health and family.

“I’m thankful to have my dad,” Cain commented. He said his father suffered a serious medical issue this past spring and he is so thankful for his recovery.

“With family, that’s always number one in my book,” Cain added. “I lost my sister at an early age, when I was in high school and it really hits a person home when you get affected with family at that early of an age. … You don’t take it for granted. I learned at the age of 16.”

Bethlehem Resident Johnny Haught said in addition to being extremely thankful for the people around him, he is also grateful for the continued success of his mixed martial arts business after reopening it earlier this year, following the shutdown of many businesses due to the pandemic.

“It’s been difficult on everybody,” Haught explained.

Haught said he’s had to “tweak and change things” with his gym in order to reopen it following the period of time early in the pandemic when gyms and many businesses had to close their doors.

“I’m really working around it.” Haught commented.

Haught added that he believes if COVID-19 spikes can be brought under control and things begin to “calm down,” things will begin to look much brighter moving into next year.

Local greenhouse and garden center employees Gloria Roberts and David Bowman both agree that family and health are at the top of their list as things to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday.

Roberts said, “I’m thankful that I still have a job and to be working and I’m thankful my family is happy and healthy.”

Bowman said in addition to his family being healthy and being appreciative of working during the pandemic, he is thankful he was able to hold his wedding.

“I’m glad to be able to finally get married this year after being postponed twice due to COVID,” Bowman explained.

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

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today