Applause to new Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Gabriel J. “Gabe” Devono, who this week said he hopes the county will receive approximately $324,000 to allow for new heating and air conditioning at Coalton Elementary School, as well as other building upgrades, such as new lighting and windows. Devono said the funding recommendation is expected to come before the state’s SBA during a meeting at the end of this month. He said Elkins High School also needs heating and air conditioning, as well as a new roof; George Ward Elementary School needs additional classrooms; and Beverly Elementary School also needs heating, air conditioning, more classrooms, a new kitchen and cafeteria. We applaud Devono’s efforts to gain the ears of education officials in Charleston who can help our local schools.

Applause to the town of Helvetia, which will hold its 100th Helvetia Fair today and Sunday, complete with a parade, dancing and music. Today will kick off with exhibits at the Community Hall and craft vendors at the Star Band Hall, as well as a book sale at the library, a philatelic cancellation at the post office and archives at the schoolhouse, all from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Applause to the Davis Health System Foundation, which will celebrate its fifth year of honoring patients of Davis Medical Center and the Davis House. A “Blessing of the Bricks” ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, where bricks that are placed along “Legacy Lane” at the Davis House will be blessed. Bricks feature names of “those who have touched our lives,” and the area gives “a place of peaceful reflection for both patients and guests” of the Davis House, according to facility officials.

Applause to Allegheny Highlands Parents As Teachers officials who are offering their annual Roll-N-Read event today at Elkins City Park. Bikes, wagons and strollers are allowed at the parent-guided free event, running from 10 a.m. until noon. Children 5 and under, along with their parents, will ride through the four different stations. The event will feature four different book stations, all read by representatives of Allegheny Highlands Parents as Teachers or the Elkins-Randolph Public Library.

Boo to the impending crisis that is Hurricane Irma. As Florida prepares for impact, we encourage our readers to donate and/or volunteer to help the relief efforts in Florida, and in Texas and Louisiana, still reeling from Hurricane Harvey’s destruction. Those wishing to donate to the relief efforts can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.