Campbell sets good example

Philanthropy often comes from someone's bank account, but it also comes from that person's heart.

There are many who can afford to give back to their communities in various forms. If all of the people who could afford to be philanthropic were, however, there wouldn't be nearly as many nonprofit organizations and human-service agencies in steady need.

That's why Willard E. "Bill"?Campbell is special.

Campbell was recognized last week as the recipient of the 11th Blair County Philanthropy Award, presented by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation during a banquet at The Casino at Lakemont.

We were not there, but we feel confident that Campbell, a soft-spoken man who has let his actions do his talking in business and in the community for many years, did not speak long.

He was honored for his contributions to the following: 4-H, Future Farmers of America, National MS Society, American Cancer Society, St. Francis University, Juniata College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and others.

He joins an impressive list of previous winners, and we offer him a special thumbs-up for his generosity.

Others worthy of thumbs-up mention:

We should never take the people who serve as local police and firefighters for granted. Altoona Fire Marshal Randal S. Isenberg will retire June 1 from the Altoona Fire Department after 29 years of service, the past 13 as fire marshal. We offer him a thumbs-up.

Thumbs-up to Tour de 'Toona organizers who have shown persistence in trying to keep their beloved stage race alive. The event was canceled last year because of sponsorship problems but will return in late August. The Tour began in 1987 and has brought international and national cycling talent - and prestige - to the area.

Thumbs-up to Allison Moses of Roaring Spring. The 27-year-old Roaring Spring native and 2005 Penn State graduate spent 15 months in the Eastern European country of Georgia in 2007-08 doing humanitarian work for the Peace Corps before being evacuated due to political unrest. She is now engaged in similar endeavors in the Central American country of Costa Rica and will be there until 2011. Moses is the daughter of Cathy Odroneic and Dave Moses.

Thumbs-up to area college graduates. Penn State Altoona, St. Francis and Mount Aloysius held their graduations last weekend. Penn State's University Park campus along with Juniata College will stage their graduations Saturday.