McDonald’s to fundraise today

FOLLANSBEE — Certain area McDonald’s restaurants will hold a fundraiser today to assist with the recent storms throughout the area. Bob Stoltz, Amanda Stoltz-Moore and Twila Mezan, who own restaurants in and around Wheeling, will host the digital fundraiser to support the American Red Cross and those in need of support in the Wheeling area.

Between 2 and 4 inches of rain fell within a matter of hours Saturday, resulting in at least six deaths in West Virginia, officials reported. During the fundraiser, 20 percent of all purchases made through the McDonald’s App at participating locations will be donated to these groups. There will be a $250-minimum donation made from each store, the owners said.

“We know our community is suffering and offer our thoughts and prayers to all who have been affected,” Stoltz said. “As McDonald’s owner/operators, we support our local communities especially in the time of great need.”

The McDonald’s in Follansbee, located on Main Street, will be participating in the fundraiser. The McDonald’s App is available for download in the Apple App Store and the Android Google Play Store.

SOAR to hold picnic Thursday

FOLLANSBEE — The Weirton SOAR group has announced it will hold its annual picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at Follansbee Park. The event will feature an afternoon of camaraderie, speakers, a 50/50 drawing and prizes. The event will be held rain or shine, according to organizers.

Juneteenth celebrations planned

WEIRTON — The Weirton Ecumenical Council will sponor two days of Juneteenth celebrations.

This year’s theme is “One Body, Many Parts.” A revival service is planned for 6 p.m. on Friday at Christ the King Church, located at 3176 Weir Ave. The event’s revivalist will be the Rev. Samuel Williams.

Activities are being planned between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Weirton Event Center, located at 3322 East St.

Larry Branham will serve as master of ceremonies. Gospel entertainment will feature the WEC Choir, Melanye Wares, ReKonception, Linda Ross Brown, the Rev. Karen Wayne, the Edmunds Brothers and 180’s Baby. Bobbyjon and Pamela Bauman of the Sycamore Youth Center will be among those addressing the audience. Guests attending are asked to bring a lawn chair. Free snacks will be available. For children there will be arts and crafts and bounce houses.

Sponsors of the Juneteenth events include the Weirton Ecumenical Council, Christ the King Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Shiloh Apostolic Faith Assembly, St. Peters A.M.E. Church and the city of Weirton. For information, call the Rev. Rudy McAllister at (304) 479-2496.

Museum to discuss railroad bridges

WEIRTON — The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center, located at 3149 Main St., will welcome longtime board of directors member George Pandelios during a special presentation set for 11 a.m. Saturday. Pandelios is an author, model railroader and a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society and the Jefferson County Historical Association. His discussion will be on the three railroad bridges across the Ohio River between Steubenville and Weirton.

“Grif Teller’s 1953 calendar painting entitled ‘Crossroads of Commerce,’ immortalized the double-track railroad bridge across the Ohio River between Steubenville and Weirton,” Pandelios stated. “But did you know there were two bridges before this one? As a boy growing up in Weirton, this structure fascinated me. In this talk, I will illustrate the timeline of all three bridges using some astonishing historical construction photographs — some dating back to the 1860s. I will also display pictures from my modern day expeditions to the bridge, as well as shots of the nearly 12-foot long model on my O-scale layout.”

Those interested in hearing Pandelios’s presentation are invited to attend. The event will be free of charge, although donations are welcomed and appreciated. Light refreshments will be served.

Open tour of memorial hall set

PITTSBURGH — The Ohio Valley Civil War Roundtable will sponsor a car-pool visit to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Built in 1910, the hall features hundreds of artifacts on display. The artifacts reflect the individuals from Allegheny County who served from the Civil War through contemporary wars, according to officials.

The visit will be open to the public. General admission will cost $15 or $10 for seniors. Those interested in attending will meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of White Palace in Wheeling Park. For information, contact Roger Micker at (304) 312-7559.

Church to hold VBS

SMITHFIELD — The Smithfield Council of Churches will hold Vacation Bible School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning Monday and operating daily throgh June 27. The event will take place at the Smithfield Friends Church, located at 1599 Main St. in Smithfield.

This year’s theme, Camp Firelight, is being offered to children ages 4 through 12. Participants will enjoy a summer camp adventure, as they learn to trust God even when they are afraid.

Organizers ask that each child have breakfast prior to attending to camp. A snack and lunch will be served. The church will collect an offering each day, with the church’s mission project being a donation to the Friendship Room.

An end-of-the-week program and lunch will take place at noon on June 27.

Those attending are asked to sit in the sanctuary until the program concludes. Lunch will follow.

For information, contact the Rev. Maggie Hoder at (740) 510-5096.