PAINTING A BRIGHT FUTURE — Members of the Wintersville Woman’s Club painted positivity rocks during their Jan. 15 meeting at St. Florian Hall. The project was meant to spread joy and positivity throughout the village, as officials planned to set the rocks in various locations for individuals to find and take home. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — There is a certain kind of magic that happens when the Wintersville Woman’s Club gathers every month at St. Florian Hall.

Its members blend the heart of community service with the joy of sisterhood. That magic occurred Jan. 15 when club members did just that — turned their monthly meeting into a display of creativity and kindness for others.

With 28 members in attendance, President Cheryl Taylor opened the afternoon by extending a special thank you to the arts committee for their role serving as hostesses.

Prior to the noon luncheon, Amy Jaros led the group in meditation and grace, setting a peaceful tone for the productive day ahead. The highlight of the afternoon was a creative activity that took the women away from the gray winter skies and into a world full of color. Led by Connie Cimaglia, chairman of the arts and culture committee’s community service project, those in attendance traded their pens for paintbrushes and participated in a “positivity rocks” project.

The room was filled with creative energy as members painted smooth stones with uplifting messages. References were provided showing examples of ideas, such as “bee happy,” “smile,” and “believe.” These small tokens of encouragement were created not to remain hidden but to be placed randomly throughout the community, waiting to brighten the day of a neighbor who might need a reminder that someone cares.

The spirit of creativity followed the group into the business meeting, as Vice President Cimaglia led the Pledge of Allegiance and club collect.

Recording Secretary Mary Beth Allen took roll call with a nostalgic twist, asking members to share their favorite art supply or type of art from their school days when taking attendance.

Treasurer Karen Hill provided the treasurer’s report, which was filed for audit.

Corresponding Secretary Michalene King shared with the club six birthday cards were sent to those celebrating a birthday in January, including Karen Hill, who celebrated her birthday that very day, and Marilyn Crew, whom the club sang happy birthday to. King noted a New Year’s thank-you card was received from the OFWC president.

The club continued its commitment to local youth as Joyce Palmer, education and libraries community service project chairman, thanked members for their generous donations of school supplies for students at Indian Creek elementary schools.

Looking ahead to spring, the group’s fundraising chairman, Vicki Brozka, reminded everyone to start preparing for the popular “Make it, Bake it, Take it” auction that is scheduled for the April meeting.

In ongoing business, the club addressed their participation in Wreaths Across America.

While technical difficulties with the website prevented Hill from utilizing a “buy one, get one free” promotion, the group remained undeterred in their mission of remembrance and voted to order 10 wreaths, the same number that was ordered last year.

As the club looks toward the 2026-28 term, a nominating committee was formed to present a slate of officers for the positions of president, vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and treasurer.

Volunteers Marci Snyder-Crawford, Brozka and Crew will present their recommendations at the February meeting.

The group’s philanthropic reach extended even further during new business.

After receiving a flier from Holly Inman regarding the upcoming Night to Shine event, the club voted and approved to make a $100 donation to the prom-style celebration for local individuals who have special needs.

The Night to Shine event is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and held locally at Toronto Junior/Senior High School. The event offers a respite room for parents and caregivers for the evening, with Snyder-Crawford offering to secure a basket from Mindset Wellness Spa for the caregivers’ use.

Marjean Sizemore was the afternoon’s winner of the door prize and received a plant donated by Hill. At the conclusion of the meeting, Taylor presented a monetary gift to the meeting’s server, Cheyenne.

Club members donated toward the cause as a way of thanking her for kindness and thoroughness each week.