BPW to begin year Tuesday

STEUBENVILLE — The Ohio Valley Business and Professional Woman’s Club will begin holding its monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month, starting Tuesday and continuing each month through May. This year’s lineup was designed to inspire, empower and connect members, according to club officials.

“From casual socials to powerhouse speakers, from opportunities for individual growth to celebrations, this is our year to shine together,” officers stated.

Officers for the new year include: Dee Kovach, president; Sara Lane, vice president; Becca Peckens, secretary; and Mari Ann Ohba, treasurer. Meeting locations for the new year will take the group to various places within the Ohio Valley.

Among the events on the club’s itinerary, are a speed networking activity, set for Tuesday at the Laurel’s of Steubenville. The activity will begin at 6 p.m. and help participants sharpen their connections and expand their circle. Other activities in the new year will include: Equal Pay, Women’s Wealth, to help build knowledge for financial empowerment; Accomplishing the Mission, to explain strategies to hit your goals; ‘Tis the Season, featuring holiday fun; Self-Care, helping to prioritize yourself to thrive; Women-Owned Business, to celebrate and learn from local women entrepreneurs; and Women’s History Month, Protection Under the Law, to understand power through knowledge. The group’s Christmas party will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Dec 4 at Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern in Steubenville. The event is being sponsored by Deb and Brandi Puskarich. Any women who are interested in joining the BPW of Steubenville can contact a member for information.

Benefit concert set in Wheeling

WHEELING — Local musicians and community members are coming together to support artist Jule Carenbauer, a Triadelphia resident who lost the first floor of his home, along with all of his musical equipment during the June flooding. The special flood relief benefit is called Jamming for Jule and will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 8 at Generations Restaurant and Pub, located at 338 National Road in Wheeling. Despite his own losses, and using equipment loaned to him, Carenbauer continues to play benefits throughout the Ohio Valley to help raise money for his neighbors.

The event will be hosted by Julia Bencze and professional sound provided by Aloha Productions. Bencze, a friend of Carenbauer’s who was moved by his generosity, attested “Jule has been playing around the valley for decades. When COVID struck and everybody was caught inside, he started livestreaming every week so that people could still hear music. He has not missed since 2020. He goes out to Wheeling Park every Wednesday evening to the shelter above the playground and plays and sings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continues to livestream it on Facebook.”

“Jamming for Jule is more than a concert — it’s a show of solidarity, an opportunity for artists to support artists,” Bencze continued. “When one of our own faces hardship, the community rallies together. This benefit is an opportunity to celebrate the power of art, music and compassion.”

Live performances will include: Bob Gaudio, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; the Dad Bods, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and the Muddle, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees can take part in a 50/50 drawing to help raise additional funds. The suggested donation at the door is $20, with all proceeds going directly to support flood recovery efforts for Carenbauer. Generations Restaurant and Pub, a longtime supporter of local music and community events, noted it is proud to provide the venue for the evening. For information or to make a donation, contact Bencze by e-mail at Jsbencze@gmail.com.

New production coming to area

STEUBENVILLE — Mystery Theater Unlimited opened its 30th season Thursday with the new performance of “Harry 4Gotter and the Pantry of the Secret Sauces.” Written by Dustin Heavilin, the parody mystery transports audiences to Hogwash School for Whizzers of Mystery.

The cast includes: Havilin, Professor Artichoke Pretzel Watercress Broccoli Dumpling-Door; Micah Underwood, Delirious Drawbridge, the Saccharine Menace; Sen Decker, Professor Scapegoat; Renee Storm, Bag-o-Ticks Upstage; and Butch Maxwell, Vulgar Pork. Audience members will become Hogwash students, enjoying dinner while helping solve the mystery through clues, suspect questioning and detective cards. Upcoming performances include: 6 p.m. Oct. 3, Scaffidi’s Restaurant and Tavern, Steubenville; 6 p.m. Oct. 4, Scaffidi’s; 6 p.m. Oct. 8., the Rebekah, 464 Main St., Wellsville; 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9, River City Restaurant, Wheeling; 6 p.m. Oct. 24, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 83 14th St., Wheeling; and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13, River City Restaurant, Wheeling.

Geri-Fit offered at library

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is offering Geri-Fit, a 45-minute, strength-training exercise class for older adults. Most of the bodybuilding exercises are performed while seated in chairs using a set of light dumbbell weights.

Enrollment in open to men and women of all ages and fitness levels. Everyone works at their own pace. The Geri-Fit Lifestyle Change program helps increase muscular strength, improves balance and coordination, boosts motor skills and reaction time, enhances flexibility and gait, lessens arthritic conditions and manages chronic disease.

Geri-Fit video fitness classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Follansbee Library, located at 844 Main St.; and on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at the Brooke County Public Library, located at 945 Main St. in Wellsburg. Those participating will need to bring a set of 2-pound or 3-pound dumbbells, a stretch band and drinking water. Class size is limited and advance registration is required.

To register, call Kim Harless, director of educational programs, at (304) 737-1551, Ext. 106.