Community briefs

Senior Wellness Center announces new program

The Hancock County Senior Wellness Center announces a new program set to kick-off Jan. 4. The program, Seniors Helping Seniors, is designed to provide assistance with basic home repair and maintenance.

Only seniors, age 60 and above, are eligible for the service. "This is another attempt of the center's Board of Directors to meet an expressed need," said E. Mark Knabenshue, executive director. "Our demographic analysis lets us know that our median client is a 74-year-old, white, widowed female. They, most often, need help around the house with various projects."

The program utilizes trained volunteers to provide the labor at no cost to the seniors. "These individuals have undergone training in electrical and plumbing as facilitated by West Virginia Northern Community College," said Knabenshue. "We have five who have completed the courses and more set to begin another class after the New Year."

Seniors in need of the services must contact the Senior Wellness Center. An Initial Work Request is completed and volunteers, known as "Hard Hats" are assigned to perform a Work Estimate. Should the work require a certified professional, the client is informed at that time.

Clients receive an invoice from the Senior Wellness Center once the project is completed for materials only. A $200 limit is set for each project.

For information, including the specific scope of the work to be performed, contact the Senior Wellness Center at (304) 564-3801 or (304) 387-3251.

Management club to meet today

The Weirton Steel Management Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at Gio's Family Restaurant in the banquet room.

All members and former members are invited to attend. Dinner and social will be shared.

Ford receives scholarship

Jamie Ford, a senior at Weir High School and a candidate for graduation with the Class of 2010, has received the Presidential Scholarship from West Liberty University.

Presidential Scholars are students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average and an ACT composite score between 24-26. Students who are designated Presidential Scholars have the opportunity to join the Honors Program as a freshman and receive recognition at graduation as a Presidential Scholar.

Ford is the daughter of Charles and Barbara Ford of Weirton and plans to major in Nursing.

New Years Eve at Weirton Knights

The Weirton Knights of Columbus invite the community to ring in the New Year in the Gallery Hall.

A variety of hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening; cold selections beginning at 7 p.m., followed by an assortment of hot choices later in the evening. Entertainment will be provided by Ed Onori starting at 9 p.m.

Cost is $40 per couple and dress is casual.

To make reservations stop by and sign up or call (304) 723-1492. Deadline is Dec. 27.

Wellsburg to ring in new year

City officials and volunteers invite area residents to join them in ringing in 2010 with a New Year's Eve observance from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on the Wellsburg Town Square.

The arrival of the new year will be marked with the dropping of a large lighted ball created by vocational students at Brooke High School and a fireworks display approved by Wellsburg City Council.

There also will be music, cookies, hot chocolate, free T-shirts and a concession stand with food for sale.

Tri-State Master Gardeners offer talk

The Tri-State Master Gardeners are offering a round-robin presentation on a list of topics from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Mary H. Weir Public Library in Weirton.

The list of topics include herbs, perennials, "veggie"?gardens, annuals, lawns, butterfly and bird gardens, trees and shrubs, deer and other pests, weather, and ponds and water features.

The library is located at 3442 Main St. Direct questions to the West Virginia University Extension Office Hancock County at (304)?564-3805 or by e-mail to hancockcountyextension@mail.wvu.edu.

Prayer shawl circle to meet

The St. Joseph Prayer Shawl Circle meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the daily mass chapel at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Weirton. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Jan. 18.

The community is invited to participate in this prayer-themed activity. Shawls are made by knitting and crocheting.

If you are unskilled, but would still like to participate, members will show you how. Bring yarn and needles, and the pattern will be provided.

For information contact Mary Velegol at (304)?723-4225.