Community Enjoys ‘Pathways, Possibilities and Pasta’ at JVS

BLOOMINGDALE-The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School opened its doors on Oct. 22 for "Pathways, Possibilities, and Pasta," a free spaghetti dinner which also showcased the facility to the public.

Community members turned out for a buffet provided by the school's CrestView Inn Café, which featured salad, pasta, cheesecake and refreshments in the commons area and was lit to offer a real restaurant-type atmosphere. Reservations and walk-ins were accepted for the evening and culinary students were on hand to render assistance at the buffet line, while members of the school's student council, Rotary, and Sources of Strength organizations acted as hosts and hostesses. The student groups greeted visitors and provided refreshments, plus they led tours throughout the building to show off the site's 18 programs, including animal science management, auto collision, auto service tech, carpentry, cosmetology, criminal justice, computer networking, culinary arts, early childhood education, electrical trades, Fire and EMT, health technologies, heavy equipment operation, HVAC, multimedia and design, power mechanics, Transition to Work, and welding, as well as the academic classrooms. The JVS also conducts adult special interest classes and branched out with certified adult education in the realm of HVAC, LPN, and phlebotomy courses.

Culinary arts instructor Glen Zalenski said all 15 juniors and seniors in his program were involved with the food preparation and also provided service and it showcased their abilities.

Principal Heather Hoover said the spaghetti dinner had been held in the past and the event gained a resurgence, in addition to a retooling to offer something a little different. Hoover said the purpose was to invite the community and share what the JVS has to offer.

"This was to bring in the community to celebrate their support of our students and families and to showcase our labs," Hoover said.

Participants said they enjoyed the event and the JVS has been meaningful to them.

"This is my first time attending [a dinner] and it's very nice," said resident Faye Jones of Wintersville. "My grandson graduated from the auto service program last year and all of my kids came out here."

Mingo Junction resident Kimberly Skeen said she has taken part in other JVS activities to support her daughter, a student in the animal science program.

"I came to the animal science banquet last year and it was nice," she said, adding that she was happy to come back.

Meanwhile, Hoover said the dinner and tours went well and it was just one of many activities the JVS was hosting to bridge the school and community. Most recently were the inaugural Fall Fest on Oct. 15, which drew hundreds of attendants for a trunk-or-treat, food trucks, school tours, a hayride, and more, and the Second Annual JVS Auto Show on Oct. 24 to benefit the auto service tech program. More in-school events are coming up with Sophomore Days in November to attract prospective new students.