Last week was a tough one, wasn't it? Never did I imagine we would lose a long-time family friend, Dr. Michael Daniel. Looking back over my photo files this weekend, I saw the photos I took a few short weeks ago of Michael and Dr. Thompson and simply shook my head in amazement at the fragility of life.

I remember Michael as a physically imposing presence, a tall, dark-haired fellow with a dry sense of humor.

He loved the Crimson Tide perhaps even more than my older sister, Sara, Michael's classmate and buddy, did.

Michael and I shared a love of history. I really liked what Kevin had to say in his column last week: &#8220Before there was a History Channel, there was Dr. Michael Daniel.” A great teacher can really bring his or her subject to life for students, and Michael obviously accomplished that.

He was also a capable administrator who worked to help make sure every student who wanted a college education could get one.

The scholarships he and Dr. Thompson helped found for dual enrollment students were a blessing, parents and students have told me.

Michael had many wonderful plans and dreams ahead for LBW's Greenville campus. I hope others will be able to step in and make those a reality. But as he said of Dr. Thompson and her impending retirement, &#8220no one can really fill those shoes.”

He will truly, truly be missed.

Gosh, spring has almost sprung and the calendar will soon be filling up with activities for schools, churches and the community.

Just a reminder of a few things upcoming for our area:

n Disaster Fund Drive at Greenville High - this continues through March 16 in the front lobby of the high school. Help the students earn a day off from wearing uniforms as they help the students and families devastated by the recent tornado in Enterprise.

n GBCPL Used Book Sale - bring your donations to the library now through the day of the sale. Preview sale is Friday, March 13 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and sale continues with free admission from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14.

Proceeds go children's program needs at the library.

n &#8220Camelot” - The finale of the GAAC season is slated for Tuesday, April 3, at 7 p.m at the Ritz.

n &#8220Puttin' in the Ritz” - all-singing, all-dancing musical fundraiser for the Greenville Area Arts Council is slated for April 27 and 28. Tickets will be $20 for adults and $15 for students. More to come on this.

n &#8220Winnie the Pooh” - a play for children of all ages, presented by the Old Gym Players of GHS. Performances April 27, 28, 29. More info to follow.

If you have a special upcoming event, please let us know well in advance and we will certainly be glad to promote it.

Have a great rest-of-the-week!

Angie Long is Lifestyles reporter for The Greenville Advocate. She can be reached at 382-3111 ext. 132 or via email at angie.long@greenvilleadvocate.com.