VS to hold blood drive

BLOOMIMGDALE — The health technologies program at the Jefferson County Vocational School will hold its third and final blood drive of the school year on Friday.

The event is being held in conjunction with the American Red Cross.

Activities will take place in the health technologies lab from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The JVS is located at 1509 county Highway 22A in Bloomingdale.

Walk-ins and registered donors will be accepted, according to organizers.

Donors from the school and community are invited to roll up their sleeves and contribute to the cause.

Health technology students will organize the event, while Red Cross medical personnel will conduct the blood collection.

Program instructor Tammy Sismondo explained the drives have helped to save lives by replenishing the blood supply in hospitals, drawing upwards of 34 units at recent campaigns.

“It’s our final blood drive of the year,” Sismondo said, noting previous events were held in October and January.

“The drive is open to the public,” she continued. “The students are responsible for registering donors, taking care of the canteen and organizing the blood drive.”

Donors must be 17 years of age, or at least 16 years old with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and feel well on the day of the collection.

They must not have traveled to areas which have a risk of getting malaria or a disease, as certain medications, surgery, transfusions, tattoos, medical conditions and other factors can cause them to be deferred. In addition, hemoglobin levels will be measured to ensure they are at an adequate level.

The call for blood drives has increased amid a national shortage, officials stated. Contributions from the local event will be taken to the Johnstown facility for processing and then sent to hospitals for surgeries, cancer patients and critical needs.

The health technologies program was hosting blood drives every year until COVID preempted its efforts. They were restarted in 2022.

The event benefits graduating students as well. The Red Cross has provided a $500 scholarship that is divided between two recipients, Sismondo said.

To schedule an appointment, call (800) 733-2767, download the app or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “JVS.”

Participants can streamline their donation and save time by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete a pre-donation questionnaire on the day of the appointment.

Donors who give blood until May 18 will receive a $20 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice.

Online driving practice test available

WELLSBURG — Teens and others who are preparing to take the state Department of Motor Vehicles test for a driver’s permit or driver’s license, can prepare for the testing online by visiting wellsburg.driving-tests.org/west-virginia.

Officials explained the site is unique, as it allows users to hear selections read aloud, convert them to an MP3, translate the pages into other languages, magnify the text and mask portions of the screen for greater visibility.

Preschoolers offered reading program

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is inviting parents to enroll their preschool-age children into the 1,000 Books before Kindergarten reading program.

The program allows parents to record the books they have read with their children and be entered for a chance to receive a ready-for-school bag when the time comes to enter them into that chapter in their lives.

Each child will be recognized on a wall at the library, with a sticker added each time he or she completes a level.

To register for the free program or learn more, visit bcplwv.readsquared.com/ or call (304) 737-1551 ext. 106.

Dungeons & Dragons classes offered

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will hold Dungeons & Dragons classes for middle and high school students from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Tuesday.

The classes will be taught by Daniel Melching and David Nixon, who will bring everything needed for a game.

Registration is not required. Questions can be e-mailed to melching745@yahoo.com.

Senior fitness classes offered

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is offering Geri-Fit, a 45-minute strength training class, for older adults.

Participants begin by lifting light weights, usually while seated, and can work at their own pace.

Attendees should bring a set of light dumbbells, a stretch band and water to drink.

The video fitness classes are held from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Follansbee Library, located at 844 Main St., and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays at the Brooke County Library, located at 945 Main St.

Those interested in participating in the free classes should register by calling (304) 737-1551 ext. 106.

Mah jongg played at library

WELLSBURG — Those who enjoy mah jongg or would like to learn to play the game involving tiles, are invited to the Brooke County Public Library from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday.

Those with tiles are welcome to bring them.

No reservations are required.

For information, call (304) 737-1551.