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Community news from around the area

Helen Moren leads annual convention of GFWC WV

BETHANY — The General Federation of Women’s Clubs West Virginia 115th-annual convention was held March 19-20 at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., with GFWC President Helen Moren of Bethany presiding.

The theme of the virtual conference was “Change Makes A Difference.” The project was “Opioid Crisis/Drug Abuse.”

The meeting was called to order by Moren and Dusty Smith, GFWC WV director of junior clubs. The inspiration was offered by Diana Durst of Weirton, GFWC WV health and wellness chairman. Tina Lambert led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The preliminary report of credentials was given by Lisa Lineberry; Barbara Henry, GFWC WV parliamentarian, read the convention rules; and Georgianna Tillis, state meeting planner, presented the convention program.

Reports were given by GFWC WV Secretary Rosemary Thomas and GFWC WV Treasurer Linda Walker.

Three workshops were conducted, including “Bee Proud,” Tina Lambert; “Bee Involved,” Smith; and “Bee Well,” Durst.

Natalie Hinkle, GFWC WV first vice president, presided over the award ceremonies. Awards were made in all program and projects divisions, and clubs were recognized for honor, superior and rhododendron.

Fifty-year memberships were presented to Jo Ellen Wright, GFWC Weirton Woman’s Club, and Jamesie Beecroft, the Womn’s Club of Wheeling.

Tillis and Sharon Sheridan, GFWC WV past presidents, conducted a memorial in memory of the late Jody Cunningham, past state president. Durst held a memorial service for all deceased members.

Deb Stahanoski, GFWC president-elect, gave the keynote address.

Lexie Hanket, chairman of the nominations and elections committee, announced Georgianna Tillis as chairman and Tina Lambert as alternate.

Kaye Burkholder, GFWC WV arts and culture chairman, announced the quilt was won by Ruth Tye of Bethany.

The convention closed with the junior pledge and Cathy Jo Bryant, GFWC WV president-elect, offering the club collect.

The GFWC W.Va. board met March 18 prior to the convention.

The GFWC WV Bethany Woman’s Club was congratulated on winning awards at the convention.

They included:

* First place: Environment, art and culture, women’s history and resource, 1734, legislation, communications, newsletter, leadership, health and wellness, scholarship fun board, president’s special project, St. Jude’s and March of Dimes;

* Second place: Membership, interclub activity, domestic violence, advertising and fundraising and support fund;

* Third place: Education and libraries, outreach and engagement;

* Best overall in the state: Environment and St. Jude’s.

The club was recognized as an honor and superior club.

Moren serves as president of the Bethany Woman’s Club as well as GFWC W.Va. state president.

Memorial Day parade community meeting Monday

EAST SPRINGFIELD — A Memorial Day parade community meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday at the East Springfield Community Center, located on county Road 39 next to the East Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Input from businesses, churches, the fire department, organizations and individuals on planning the May 31 event is being sought.

Brooke County library offering mobile hotspots

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is offering seven wireless devices to serve as mobile Internet hotspots.

Available for a two-week checkout period, the devices were funded through the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley’s emergency impact fund in hopes of aiding adults and  youth who are working or being educated at home.

Those with library cards can learn if their home areas are within the T-Mobile coverage area supporting the devices by visiting www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map.

One device will be available for each home, with extended checkouts permitted only if there’s no waiting list. They may be checked out only by those 18 and older.

The devices aren’t directly available at the Follansbee branch, though arrangements can be made to pick them up there if needed. For information, call (304) 737-1551.

Jean Bonar honored as ‘Golden Girl’ at W.Va. P.E.O. convention

WELLSBURG — Jean Bonar of Wellsburg was recognized at the annual W.Va. Philanthropic Educational Organization convention as a “Golden Girl,” having served 50 years in the organization.

Bonar was initiated October 1971 into Chapter N, Wellsburg, and is a current member of Chapter AB, Weirton. She has served in various offices, including W.Va. state chapter president from 2003-04.

The mission of P.E.O. is educating women on an international level.

She is an author of a faith-filled trilogy novel, which was inspired by her work with elderly women. She serves as director of music at Grove United Presbyterian Church in West Middletown, Pa.

Bonar resides in Wellsburg with her husband, James. They have four children and several grandchildren.

Tri-State Marine Corps Auxiliary holds meeting

WEIRTON — The Tri-State Marine Corps Club Auxiliary met April 12 with President Shirley Brecht presiding and Chaplain Mary Ann Smith offering the prayer.

Numerous prayer concerns were heard. Marcy Spano provided a report on cards sent.

Brecht led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Vice President Darlene Kemp conducted roll call, and Secretary Marcy Spano read the minutes from the March 8 meeting and noted the audit was done April 9 with the books found to be in good standing.

The wreath for Memorial Day on May 31 will be presented by Marcy Spano in honor of the auxiliary.

The group will have a bakeless bake sale in June. An ice cream social hour will be held in July.

Edith Truax was nominated to be the chairperson for the election of officers for 2021-22 in November.

Brecht won the 50/50 drawing.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on May 10 at the VFW hall in Weirton.

Foundation seeking sponsors for banners to honor veterans

WELLSBURG — Donna Taibi-Sullivan, Lisa Chiodo and Eric Fithyan of the Brooke County Veterans Memorial Park Foundation are seeking sponsors for banners to honor local veterans along state Route 2 in Wellsburg.

Individuals, families and other groups may sponsor a 21-inch-by-48-inch banner displaying the veteran’s photo, name and brief information about his or her service for $100.

Main Street Bank has agreed to donate $7,500 for brackets for up to 100 banners.

Applications for the banners can be found at Main Street Bank and City Hall and should be returned no later than April 27. Those with questions should call (304) 737-3551

Cartoonist focus of live virtual program set for Thursday

WELLSBURG — The Friends of the Brooke County Public Library will continue their long tradition of presenting actors portraying famous figures through the West Virginia Humanities Council’s History Alive! program with a live virtual program about Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz.

Individuals can obtain login information for the free program, which will be aired at 7 p.m. Thursday through Zoom, by calling (304) 737-1551 or visiting http://wellsburg.lib.wv.us/newsletter2.htm.

James Froemel of Maidsville, W.Va. will present a short talk as the famed cartoonist, then answer questions as Schulz and himself.

Brilliant Legion Post seeking nominations for 2021 officers

BRILLIANT — The Brilliant American Legion Post 573 will be seeking nominations for 2021 officers during the Wednesday meeting set to begin at 7 p.m.

Members interested in running for a position must attend the meeting or submit a written intent to run for an office. Offices being elected are commander, first vice commander, second vice commander, finance officer, adjutant, chaplain and three trustees.

Wellsburg Kiwanis, library partner on activity packets

WELLSBURG — The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club has teamed with the Brooke County Public Library to offer activity packets, including a paint set with illustrations promoting good nutrition, “Say No to Drugs” sticker book and another about bullying.

To order one for pickup, call (304) 737-1551 or (304) 527-0860.

School hosting Family Fun Day at Jim Wood Park on May 1

STEUBENVILLE — Mary Seat of Wisdom Montessori School is hosting a Family Fun Day 5K Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun run on May 1 at Jim Wood Park in Steubenville’s West End.

The 5K starts at 9 a.m., followed by the Kids Fun Run at 10:30 a.m. There will be inflatables, activities for children and giveaways.

Participants can register online at Runsignup.com Mary Seat of Wisdom. The registration fee is $10 for an individual or $50 for a family.

For information contact Karen Reynolds by phone at (740) 461-4951 or e-mail kreynoldsmsw@gmail.com.

Weir High Class of 1971 plans reunion meeting Saturday

WEIRTON — Members of the Weir High Class of 1971 are being asked to meet at Eat ‘n Park, Three Springs Drive, on Saturday at 3 p.m. to begin planning for the 50-year reunion.

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