×

Odds and ends and a special outfit

The Norma Freer Woman’s Missionary Society enjoyed a Christmas luncheon at the Farm Restaurant near Mount Pleasant, with Rhonda Hannan sharing a writing by Mother Teresa. Donna Cronn read a poem titled “Snow from God,” followed by the singing of “White Christmas” by Donna Cronin, Barbara Lee, Peggy White and Patty Wetherell, who also gave the welcome and blessing. A “pass-the-gift” exchange was held to end the event.

The society held monthly luncheon meetings in different homes during 2016, with the exception of January, February and March. Their only fundraiser for missions was held in June, July and August, with a clothing sale at the church garage.

There were members who attended the fall missionary retreat in October at the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek.

—–

An icy rain kept many units from the New Alexandria Christmas parade at home but one float ignored the cold, wet weather and that was the Plum Run Church of Christ in Christian Union that had a nativity scene and young people in the back of a truck ringing bells for joy. Derek Starr, a young man who restarted the parade in 2014 after a time without such an event, lined up the participants and rode with Santa on a New Alexandria Fire Department fire truck.

≤≤≤≤≤

The Adena Alumni Association presented its first alumni educational gift to Hannah Masloski, daughter of Mark and Kimberly Masloski of Steubenville. She is a graduate of Steubenville High School and a freshman at Malone University in Canton, majoring in international relations and a member of the soccer team. Her grandparents and great-grandparents are all graduates of the former Adena High School. Raymond Konkoleski made the presentation at the Adena High School Museum in front of the sports area.

—–

Marsili’s Family Restaurant has the distinction of having a showcase of Buckeye schools memorabilia and old-time calendars, along with the former Arcade Theater in the back. Every village in the Buckeye Local District still has a business establishment where school memorabilia remains in evidence. Old memories last for a long time.

—–

The JB Green Team, with Louise Holliday, county educator, and Natalie Lysle, administrative assistant, has a place for used batteries to be collected. There is a box in the 115 S. Third St., Steubenville, office where batteries can be deposited, along with used cell phones.

They have a useful brochure on alternative household cleaning solutions. Here are some of the tips that can protect against poisonous and harmful chemicals from contaminating the home or work place.

– A combination of cinnamon, cloves and whatever other spice mixed with cornstarch removes carpet odor. Combine and sprinkle on the carpet. Wait several hours or overnight and vacuum.

– A walnut half will cover scratches on furniture. Rub it or any other nutmeat directly on the spot. Let stand and rub away gently.

- Soak silverware in lemon juice. Rinse well with hot water and polish dry.

– Rub cut lemons into a washed, cutting board to eliminate food odors.

– Lemon juice may be used to clean brass and copper. Add some salt for touchy cleaning jobs.

– To remove rust, wash with an alum and lemon juice paste. Or, rub with a lemon juice and salt paste.

– Baking soda and scouring pads will clean an oven without the strong fumes of commercial cleaners.

– Each time you add garbage to the waste basket, sprinkle with a handful of baking soda to help control odors.

– Baking soda in an open container will remove odors in the refrigerator.

– Leave an open box of baking soda in the microwave when not in use to remove odors. Be sure to take it out before using it.

– Berry stains can be removed by soaking in vinegar.

– A solution of half vinegar and half water, when applied with a piece of terry cloth, will remove fingerprints and other smears from appliances.

– Hairspray removes ink. Spray it on the stain and let stand for a time and later wash as usual.

– A slice of bread will remove a grease spot. Or cover the spot with a borax paste, rub it in and wipe off.

—–

You have heard the tale of athletes who will wear the same socks, underwear or whatever during an entire winning season, right?

I haven’t gone to that length, but during the first Steelers playoff game, I wore a flannel “onsie” that Lamont bought me for Christmas, mostly to keep my feet warm at night with the enclosed bottoms. I have this problem of being short, and the onsie legs are a bit long so the footies flop out in front of me when I walk, and the crotch nearly hits my knees.

Our sons were home doing a ceiling repair due to a leaking pipe when I put it on for the night, and they referred to me as Ralphie. You know with the pink bunny PJs?

Back to my story, the Steelers won the Miami playoff game while I was wearing the cozy outfit. They won last Sunday against Kansas City when my toasty apparel was worn. Now, I am wondering if it will happen again this week? If so, it will be my costume of choice for the Super Bowl, even if we have guests. Go Ralphie pajamas!

—–

Did you know that Tuesday is National Peanut Butter Day? If you check out a book at the Scio branch of the Puskarich Public Library, you will be treated to a peanut butter snack on that day.

(McCoy, a resident of Smithfield, is food editor and a staff columnist for the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. She can be contacted at emccoy@heraldstaronline.com.)

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