To the inaugural BASE Run presented by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The Being A Superior Example program, which kicked off Saturday with a 10k road race and 5k "fun run," aims to raise awareness about performance-enhancing substances.
For too long, professional baseball turned a blind eye to players using performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids and human growth hormones to try to gain a competitive edge. But that tide seems to be turning, and the Hall's new program is part of that shift.
The Baseball Writers' Association of America, which votes to select players for membership in the Hall, has sent a clear message by denying membership to players such as Mark McGwire who would likely be Hall of Famers were it not for their associations with performance-enhancing drugs.
So it is fitting that the Hall is making a strong statement _ particularly to young people _ about the dangers of these substances, and the myriad reasons they should be avoided. We commend the Hall for taking this stance.
To all who donate, volunteer and work to keep local food banks and feeding programs afloat.
As food banks struggle to serve more and more people in our area, the efforts of these individuals becomes all the more important. St. James' Episcopal Church food pantry Director Joyce Mason recently told The Daily Star that her program was "suffering," with donations falling and demand rising.
This is not an uncommon trend for the summer months. Children who receive free or reduced meals while in school do not always have access to feeding programs during the summer, placing an extra burden on families. Food drives, common during the holiday season, are scarce in warmer months. And as people are busy with vacations and other summertime pursuits, helping the hungry may be far from their minds.
Not so for those who work with and support these programs. They don't have the luxury of ignoring the need in our communities, because they see it just about every day.
We encourage all who are able to support local feeding programs, whether with a donation of food or money, or by volunteering to help out. We know it will be appreciated.
To the folks who work behind the scenes at our local fairs.
With the Delaware County Fair in full swing, we are nearing the end of the local fair season, with thousands having already gorged on cotton candy and hot dogs, whirled themselves silly on the midway, cheered until they were hoarse at the harness races and demolition derbies, and admired the blue-ribbon winning exhibits.
None of this would be possible without the tireless work of the fair board members and volunteers who put together these spectaculars each year.
And a special cheer to outgoing Delaware County Fair president Gary Tweedie, and his successor, Danny Hodges. We wish them both well.
