Program to mix story and painting

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is inviting visitors to hear the story “I Aint’t Gonna Paint No More!” at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Participants will have the opportunity to create their own mini painting after hearing the story, library officials noted.

The program is being offered free of charge.

Registration is required.

To register, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.

Bethany all-school reunion set

BETHANY — The Bethany High School All-School Reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 9 at Bethany Community Park.

Anyone who attended the school, which has included grades K-12 throughout the years, is welcome to attend, organizers said.

The cost will be $25 per person. Reservations are due by Friday. Payments can be sent to: Helen Moren, P.O. Box 75, Bethany, WV 26032.

Round Room to give away backpacks

STEUBENVILLE — Verizon-authored retailer, Round Room, will host its 13th-annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway in an effort to ease the financial burden on families heading into another school year.

Verizon Wireless stores will be giving away hundreds of free backpacks at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Why is this relevant? According to officials, 52 percent of parents from low-income households say they will only buy the essentials to get through the start of school season. That number is up from 45 percent last year.

This event offers hundreds of families a chance to get in line to receive a free backpack, lessening the costs for school supplies.

Officials explained more than 1,200 stores will be handing out more than $3 million worth of backpacks to students across the country.

Amidst inflation and economic tariffs, parents are changing their back-to-school shopping habits this year, with many limiting their spending according to a new report.

Any leftover backpacks will be donated to local schools of each store’s choice.

Since the event’s inception, Round Room has been able to provide more than 1.5 million children with a backpack.

Area stores taking part in this giveaway include Weirton, at its 241 Three Springs Drive, Suite 2021 location; Steubenville, at its 2203 Sunset Blvd., Suite 3 location; and in Wintersville at 864 Main St.

Peach Festival seeking vendors

WEIRTON — St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located on Three Springs Drive in Weirton, will hold its annual Peach Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at the church.

Organizers are looking for anyone who is a vendor or crafter and would like to display their items during the event.

Those who are interested should contact the church at (304) 723-4120 and leave a message for someone to return your call.

Book Club to meet

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library Book Club will meet in person and virtually at 5 p.m. July 31 to discuss “Help for the Haunted,” by John Searles.

Participants also will receive the book they will be discussing next month.

For information, including a meeting ID for virtual participants, visit wvreads.overdrive.com or call (304) 737-1551.