Veterans commission to meet

STEUBENVILLE — The regular monthly meeting of the Veterans Service Commission of Jefferson County will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the commission office, located at 500 Market St., Suite 310 in Steubenville. All veterans and interested parties are welcome to attend.

Toronto to hold Night to Shine

TORONTO — Crossroads North River Church in Toronto will host the upcoming Night to Shine event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The prom night experience for those with special needs will take place simultaneously with host churches around the world. The event is set for Feb. 13.

Crossroads North River Church officials said they are excited to once again be a part of the global movement, which is scheduled to be held at Toronto Junior/Senior High School.

A Night to Shine is about transforming how cultures embrace people with disabilities and aims to inspire churches to honor their local communities of individuals with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved. The Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities will co-host the event, with major sponsorship provided by Jeffco Services Inc.

The complimentary event and activities include a red-carpet entrance from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, dancing, karaoke, gifts, a respite room for parents and caregivers, a sensory room and a crowning ceremony where every guest receives a crown or tiara.

The Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host church with the planning manual, personalized guidance and support from a staff member, the opportunity to apply for a financial grant and access to planning resources to assist in creating an unforgettable night for their honored guests. The foundation provides access to ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On, a ministry that equips churches with faith-based resources to embrace people living with disabilities as part of their church community.

“We are thrilled to once again host this event in our community,” said Shari Prichard, event co-chair at Crossroads. “Last year was a total blast, and we’re planning to make it even better this year.”

This year will mark the 12th anniversary of Night to Shine, officials noted.

“We are thankful for our partnership with Toronto City Schools, our local police department, fire department and business community for all of their ongoing support,” stated Crossroads pastor, the Rev. Mark Prichard. “Once again, we have been working closely with JCBDD and have a solid committee to plan and coordinate the event.”

“Last year, we had 130 confirmed volunteers; however, we are hoping we can draw that many this year, too,” commented Cookie West, event co-chair with JCBDD. “We are so thankful to all of the businesses that are excited to join in and all the amazing people who come out to support the developmental disabilities community.”

Those wanting to attend the event can complete an application at forms.gle/ud36NKQh61dkVxhU9.

Applicants will be contacted upon completion of their submission application.

Those wanting to volunteer for the event can complete a registration by visiting forms.gle/Fd4PE9SHtEAt9cFp6.

Volunteers will be contacted upon completion of their volunteer registration.

For information, visit the church’s Facebook page or e-mail northrivernighttoshine@gmail.com.

Harvest of Hope fundraiser set

STEUBENVILLE — The Aim Women’s Center will be holding a Harvest of Hope fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse, located at 159 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville.

This will be a come-and-go event in which area residents can bring items for local mothers, including diapers, diaper wipes or formula.

All of the items collected will be distributed locally, according to organizers. The event is in recognition of Respect Life Month.