Japanese tea ceremony offered

BETHANY — Bethany College’s Japan Outreach Program has announced a Sencha-Style Japanese Tea Ceremony presentation and workshop has been set for today and Wednesday.

Begun in 1988, the program has actively promoted Japanese language and culture through a range of cultural events, educational initiatives and community outreach. Led by a licensed Sencha instructor from Japan, the event offers participants an opportunity to experience an authentic Sencha-style tea ceremony — a practice that remains relatively unknown outside of Japan — despite its cultural significance, according to officials.

The two-day event, located in the student success center on the first floor of Phillips Memorial Library on Bethany College’s campus, will feature a presentation and hands-on workshop, providing a chance to explore the history, philosophy and aesthetics of the Sencha-style tea ceremony. While the more widely-recognized Matcha tea ceremony has gained international popularity, Sencha tea, an integral part of everyday life in Japan, is often overlooked, officials commented.

Attendees will not only witness live demonstrations, but are encouraged to engage in interactive learning experiences designed to foster a deeper appreciation for this traditional cultural art. The event is seen as an opportunity to revive and strengthen cross-cultural connections and understanding.

From 11 a.m. to noon today, an introductory session will be held for those curious about Japanese tea traditions, including a hands-on tea brewing workshop.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, participants will explore the Japanese culture through tea.

For information, e-mail eluke@bethanywv.edu.

Led by Mercy to perform

WEIRTON — The Christian music band Led by Mercy will host a free concert at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Free Gift Baptist Church, located at 3425 Main St. in Weirton.

The concert will feature contemporary Christian music and traditional hymns, officials stated. Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome to attend.

For information, visit OurBaptistChurch.com or call (304) 670-9334.

Evening story hour offered

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will present an evening story hour led by Kim Harless at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Centered around the story “Rainbow Rob,” the program will include snacks, a craft and other activities.

Space is limited, so reservations should be made by calling (304) 737-1551 or visiting brookecountylibs.org/events.

Library to show book-based film

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will host a screening of the R-rated film “Into the Wild,” at 2 p.m. Thursday. A discussion of the film and the book on which it is based, will follow at 5 p.m.

Popcorn and water will be provided. To reserve a seat for the free screening, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.

Open house set for Friday

STEUBENVILLE — The Legacy Center, located at 601 Market St., will hold an open house from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Everyone is welcome to attend to see what the center has to offer the community.

Services will be held for adults who have developmental disabilities. The center will offer community rentals for parties, meetings and other events, officials stated.

Recipe club to meet

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library’s adults-only Cook by the Book Recipe Club will meet at noon Friday.

Every month, the club works with a theme. Those participating choose a recipe, make it and bring it into the library, along with a copy of the recipe.

Club members then share the finished product, swap recipes and engage in fellowship. This month’s theme is Easter recipes. Registration is not required. For information, call (304) 737-1551.

Church to hold fish fry

WHEELING — A Lenten Fish Fry will be held from noon to 3 p.m. April 4 at Wayman Church, located 1136 Eoff St. in Wheeling.

For pre-orders, call (740) 340-8046. Those ordering on the day of the sale can call (304) 905-8056.

McDonald’s to offer ‘Minecraft’ meals

STEUBENVILLE — McDonald’s restaurants is officially entering the world of gaming, as the company is preparing to offer for the first time, a new limited-edition meal and Happy Meal together

The Minecraft Movie Meal and Happy Meal were inspired by the new film “Minecraft,” coming out in theaters April 4. Fans will be able to order the Minecraft Movie Meal which features one of six exclusive collectibles derived from McDonald’s characters, menu items and popular Minecraft treasures, including Big Mac Crystal, Birdie Wings, Fry Helmet, Grimace Egg, Soda Potion and Zombie Hamburglar.

Meals include a matching collectibles card featuring a code to access additional in-game experiences, a choice of a Big Mac or 10-pience chicken McNuggets, medium fries and a drink with a special pixelated packaging in the Minecraft theme and Nether flame sauce as part of the McNuggets meal.

The Minecraft Movie Happy Meal contains one of 12 exclusive toys from Minecraft Blockheads and Block Worlds, a scannable code to access an exclusive virtual gaming experience for children at happymeal.com and a choice of menu items that are enclosed in the special film-inspired packaging.