Adena Lions to present annual show

ADENA — The Adena Lions Club will present its 74th annual show, “Across the USA – The Lions Way!”, April 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. at Buckeye West Elementary School. The production celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic musical journey featuring comedy, community spirit and classic songs.

The show is the club’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting local efforts such as eyeglasses, food pantries and youth programs, as well as global Lions Clubs International initiatives including disaster relief, measles vaccinations and eye research.

“This year’s show is a celebration of America — its music, its stories, and the people who make our community strong,” said Lion President Chuck George. “We’re excited to bring everyone together for a night of pride, joy, and entertainment.”

The performance features songs including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Walking in Memphis,” “See the USA in Your Chevrolet,” and “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” along with comedy and patriotic segments.

Special highlights include a tribute by Adena American Legion Post 525, the return of the West Elementary Singers, a cast of 35 performers with a live house band, and a debut performance by longtime bassist Brian Dawes, who will step into the spotlight for the first time after 16 years with the band.

“From the mountains to the heartland, this show captures the beauty and spirit of America,” said Dustin Kinsey, club member and show director. “Our cast and crew have poured their hearts into creating something truly special.”

Admission is $10, with children under 12 free. The Adena Lions Club invites the community to attend.

The club meets the second Wednesday of each month. For information, email adenalions@comcast.net

or visit its Facebook page.

Brooke County launches bag drive for mats

WELLSBURG – Brooke County officials are asking for the community’s support in assisting the local unhoused population.

During their meeting Tuesday, county commissioners agreed to set up a collection location within the county courthouse for plastic grocery bags, following a request from Chief Deputy Clerk Heather Watkins, who noted an employee within the County Clerk’s Office collects the bags to make mats for use by those without homes.

“It takes between 700 and 1,000 bags to make one mat,” Watkins explained, noting, though, bags must be clean and cannot be torn in order to be used.

The bags are typically cut into strips – referred to as “plarn” or plastic yarn – which is then linked and crocheted into the mats.

Many programs and volunteer efforts across the country produce the mats as three feet by six feet, which can then be rolled up and carried when needed.

“They use them as a barrier between themselves and the ground,” Watkins said, noting some individuals also use the mats as blankets.

Officials plan to set up a box at the courthouse to collect any donations, and will also be reaching out to community organizations and local churches to see if they, too, would be interested in taking up collections for the cause.

“Everybody’s looking for a way to recycle those bags,” County Clerk Kim Barbetta said.