Speed networking event set

STEUBENVILLE — Members of the Ohio Valley Business and Professional Women’s Club will hold a speed networking event from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Laurels of Steubenville, located at 500 Stanton Blvd.

According to organizers, this is an opportunity for those in BPW to learn more about their fellow members. Those attending are asked to come prepared with their best elevator pitch — where quick conversations turn into big opportunities.

“Everyone meets everyone,” officials stated. “And the impressions you make will stick.”

Women lift one another up by knowing who to call when it matters most. So, be ready to be bold and don’t miss this opportunity.

Women are welcome to join the club at any time.

The meeting fee will be $20, with cash or check accepted. Venmo or Zelle payments are accepted for a 50 cent convenience fee. To register, visit lp.constantcontactpages.com.

Poster contest underway

STEUBENVILLE — Elementary school students across Ohio can get out their crayons and markers to help highlight the importance of fire safety as part of the 2025 Fire Safety Poster Contest being held by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal.

The annual contest is to engage young minds, emphasize fire safety education and recognize those who are able to visually demonstrate fire safety knowledge. Students can choose to include a range of fire prevention themes on their posters.

Themes include “Charge into Fire Safety, Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your House;” “Smoke Alarms, Make them Work for You;” and “Kitchen Safety Starts with You.”

The month-long contest encourages schools to partner with their local fire department to highlight fire safety practices. Schools must submit entries to their local fire department by Oct. 3 so the department can display the posters during Fire Prevention Week, held from Oct. 5-11.

Once Fire Prevention Week has concluded, the fire department will select one winning submission from each age category. Categories include grades kindergarten through third grade; and fourth through sixth grades. Winning entries will be submitted to the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, where a committee will review and select six winners in each category. Winners of the 2025 poster contest will receive special recognition by the State Fire Marshal in spring.

Local fire departments not participating in the contest can have schools submit their winning selections directly to the State Fire Marshal’s office for consideration. More than 50 posters were submitted last year.

“Fire safety education is a cornerstone of our mission, and this contest is a fun and impactful way to engage our young students in learning life-saving skills,” stated Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “By encouraging creativity and collaboration with local fire departments, our goal is to foster a culture of safety that starts with our youngest Ohioans.” 

Posters must include a fire prevention theme such as “Charge into Fire Safety (Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your House)” “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” Or “Kitchen Safety Starts with You.”

Posters should display a theme listed above and incorporate positive behavior statements of what students can do to prevent a fire at home or to escape from a fire.

Posters must be on 8.5 x 11 paper, with white or light-colored backgrounds preferred.

All artwork must be original with no computer-generated artwork or photographs used. Clippings from magazines, newspapers and books cannot be used, and traced images will not be accepted. Spelling errors will be eliminated from consideration.

The poster surface should remain flat, with the student’s name, grade, age, name of the fire department with the FDID number, the name of the school, classroom or teacher’s name, address and phone number of the school printed clearly or attached to a label on the back of the poster.

If information is missing, the entry will be disqualified from consideration.

All posters must be completed and turned over to the local fire department (if participating), prior to the Oct. 3 deadline.

Fire departments or school officials where a fire department is not participating, must submit only two winning posters to the State Fire Marshal’s Office by the Nov. 14 deadline, with one selection from each grade category.

All submitted posters will become property of the Division of State Fire Marshal and will not be returned.

 A committee established by the Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire Prevention Bureau will judge finalists. The fire department or school will be notified of winners prior to the end of March.

Schools or fire departments with any questions should contact the Division’s Fire Prevention Bureau at (888) 243-0305 and select option No. 1.

‘Noises Off’ coming to theater

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Public Theater will present “Noises Off,” a show where doors slam, trousers drop and chaos reigns in a performance by Michael Frayn and directed by Margot Bordelon.

The show will run from Oct. 1-19.

This slapstick comedy offers enough mayhem to make your cheeks hurt from laughing, according to officials.

Tickets begin at $41, with discounts given to students under 26.

Groups of 10 or more people will receive 30 percent off by visiting PPT.org/GroupSales, calling (412) 471-6930 or e-mailing GroupSales@TrustArts.org.

“A Farce Feast” will take place at noon on Oct. 16. A student matinee is planned for 10:30 a.m. Oct. 8.

To reserve a seat, visit PPT.org or call (412) 316-1600.