Community news from around the area
Church to hold flea market
WEIRTON — St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located on Three Springs Drive in Weirton, will hold a flea market sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
There will be a variety of items for sale, including clothes and household items. For information, call (304) 723-4120.
Olde St. John’s to hold Ramp Fest
COLLIERS — Olde St. John’s Episcopal Church will hold the return of its Ramp Fest on Saturday.
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., or until the food runs out, according to organizers.
The menu will consist of ramp sausage sandwiches, hot dogs with or without ramps and a ramp dinner, which includes potatoes, ramps and bacon, soup beans and corn bread. Desserts will be available. The food can be eaten inside the church or carried out.
The church is located near the intersection of Eldersville and St. John’s roads.
A ramp is a wild onion that has been common in Appalachian cooking for many years but has become popular among “foodies” in more recent years.
Darcy Riggs Suslovic, a local chef who coordinates the event, said while raw ramps are known for their pungent odor and strong taste, they are milder when cooked and can be used in place of garlic.
She and several family members usually pick them in mid-April.
The church fundraiser is among many ramp-centered events held in West Virginia communities, as well as Virginia and North Carolina.
Ron Retzer Trio in Richmond
RICHMOND — A 90-minute gospel concert featuring the Ron Retzer Trio will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Richmond Methodist Church, located at 212 S. Sugar St. in Richmond. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
The ecumenical community event is being sponsored by the Richmond United Presbyterian Church and supported by the Richmond Methodist Church, which will provide refreshments following the concert.
Sundaes with the Sheriff set
WINTERSVILLE — In observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center is inviting the community to enjoy a day of fun activities during the Sundaes with the Sheriff event on Sunday.
The community is invited to attend the free celebration, which begins at 2 p.m. Sunday at 200 Kragel Road in Wintersville.
“We plan on celebrating the joy of childhood through ice cream sundaes, bounce houses, games and other activities, while educating adults on how to protect and advocate for kids,” officials with the nonprofit organization stated.
Libraries to close early
The Brooke County Public Library in Wellsburg will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, with the Follansbee Library closing at 3:45 p.m. that day for staff development and training.
Craft class offered for adults
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will hold a craft class for adults at 11 a.m. May 1. Participants will make a flower lantern, with materials provided by the library.
Reservations should be made by calling (304) 737-1551 or visiting brookecountylibs.org/events.
Library to hold evening story hour
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will hold an evening Explore and Learn Storytime activity with Kim Harless at 5 p.m. May 1.
There will be hands-on activities for the children.
Reservations can be made by calling (304) 737-1551 or visiting brookecountylibs.org/events.
Comic Book Day to be celebrated
WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will celebrate Free Comic Book Day on May 3.
The library will offer a free comic book to each patron of any age, during its regular hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
There will be a variety of comics available.
Stevens Puppets to perform at library
WEIRTON — The Mary H. Weir Public Library will host Stevens Puppets in a marionette presentation of “The Wizard of Oz,” scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. May 3 in the Activities Room, located in the downstairs of the library.
The event is for all ages and free of charge. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., according to organizers. Reservations are not necessary. Those planning to attend should arrive early to ensure a seat.
Popcorn and water will be provided. Outside snacks are permitted. Call the library with any questions at (304) 797-8510.
Special play offered for preschoolers
WELLSBURG — Parents and guardians of children who are 6 years of age and younger, are invited to bring their children to the Brooke County Public Library on Saturdays.
According to officials, between 10:30 a.m. and noon each week, children will have the opportunity to utilize toys and games designed to promote hand-eye coordination. Children will receive a basic understanding of science, engineering, art and math concepts, as well.
Parents are encouraged to assist their children with the toys, which will be set up and taken down by library volunteers.
No registration is required. For information, call (304) 737-1551.