WEIRTON — Members of the International Senior Club met Sept. 9 at Undo’s restaurant, with Patty Coppa leading the group in prayer and giving the blessing.

Gabriel Arlia led in the reciting of the pledge, after which everyone sang “God Bless America.”

Following a buffet-style dinner, President Regina Truax introduced the guests in attendance, including Karen Krause, Bonnie Smith, Carla Stevens, Joan Weaver, Jennifer Stevens, Cathy Puskarich, Rena Konkle, Patsy Dailey, Deb Bonuto and Barbara Snyder. The latter two guests joined the organization, it was noted.

It was announced that dues for 2026 will be collected from October through December.

Truax introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Jennifer Stevens, a representative for the Weirton Christian Center’s Never Alone Kids program.

Never Alone Kids is a place for grieving children and families to meet with peers, a professional counselor and trained volunteers, to receive support in dealing with their feelings following the death of someone special to them.

Stevens spoke to the club about her daughter’s death, which occurred in Weirton in April 2024. She explained to members the importance of looking for changes in one’s attitude after they lose someone — to take notice if they are lying or stealing.

Stevens stressed how drugs can change a person’s brain chemistry. She noted her religion was helpful in her ongoing process and grief.

Following the speaker’s talk, Arlia was recognized for having been inducted into the Weirton Hall of Fame for his numerous services in the Tri-State Marines, the Tri-State Young Marines, the American Legion Honor Guard and the Weirton Police Reserves Department.

The group sang happy birthday to members celebrating a birthday in September, including Barbara Purks, Josephine Elliott, Cil Finley, Patty Beltrame, Mary Ann Whalen and Stevens.

Purks announced a get-well card was sent to Pauline Tortis. Liz Beecroft read the joke of the day.

The following bus tours were announced: The Meadows Casino, Washington, Pa., Oct. 7; Oglebay Festival of Lights, dinner at Wilson Lodge, Wheeling, Nov. 14; Christmas in New York City, Nov. 17-20; and Motown Christmas, Capitol Theater, Wheeling, Dec. 13.

For information, contact Truax for Senior Tours at (304) 723-0419. All tours are open to the public.

The 50/50 drawing was won by Bonuto. Undo’s gift certificates were won by Donna Folipowski and Faith Melto. A fall wreath, made by Truax, was won by Barbara Guglielmo.

Door prizes of mums and fall flowers from Iannetti’s Gardens were won by Carl Truax, Dolores Ginier, Renee Konkle, Weaver, Norma Henson, Nancy Ramsey, Leonard Ginier, JoAnn Kerr, Joyce Dobbs, Tom Beecroft, JoAnn Magnone, Marlene Dunn and Purks.

The next meeting will be held Oct. 14 at Undo’s. Anyone wishing to join or obtain information, can contact Truax or any club member.