NEW CUMBERLAND — The Alpha Tau Chapter (W.Va.) of Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators held its January meeting through Zoom. The meeting was called to order by President Diane Bowers.

The thought for the day, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” was read by Chaplain Kathy Griffith. Roll call was taken, and minutes were approved as presented by Secretary Velda Icard. Treasurer Fran Jones gave the financial report and discussed the progress of the ways and means projects. No committee reports were given.

West Virginia President Pat Hardin was the special guest. She discussed upcoming events at the district, state and regional levels.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 9.

Library has contactless pickup, winter reading program

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library has been closed to visitors due to the high number of COVID-19 cases reported by the local health department.

But patrons can order up to five books or other materials for pickup in the vestibules of the main library or its Follansbee branch by calling (304) 737-1551 or (304) 527-0860.

The libraries also will continue to offer copying and notary services in a similar manner. Call the above numbers to make arrangements.

And this month and through February, the libraries will be offering a winter reading program for all ages, including adults. Everyone is encouraged to read “a blizzard of books,” putting in a total of 400 hours of reading.

Participants can enter their hours periodically during the two months and collect online badges. Library staff will report on the number of hours put in by everyone through the two libraries’ windows each Monday.

Those who earn enough points will be entered into drawings for assorted gift baskets.

Those who created accounts for the summer reading program may use the same login information. Others may participate by calling (304) 737-1551 or (304) 527-0860 or visiting https://bcplwv.readsquared.com and entering the READsquared app.

Roster of winter agricultural policy, outlook meetings listed

STEUBENVILLE — The 2021 Agricultural Policy and Outlook winter meetings, hosted by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics and Ohio State University Extension, will offer much-needed industry news and insight to those involved in the agricultural industry during a time marked with global uncertainty.

The following are among the topics and registration information:

• “Climate and Grain Market Outlook,” Friday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Aaron Wilson with OSU Extension and the Byrd Polar Climate Center and Ben Brown, previously with AEDE, will be hosting a climate and grain market outlook as Ohio producers make plans for 2021. Key points will cover the short-term outlook on Ohio and regional weather, long-term season climate trends, grain market analysis and marketing strategies.

Register at: go.osu.edu/2021outlookgrainclimate1.

• “Food Waste: Trends and Updates,” March 5, 11 a.m. to noon

Brian Roe will be the guest speaker. Participants will learn about the economic, environmental and social implications of food waste; the implications of the COVID pandemic on household level food waste; and learn about recent recommendations for reducing food waste among consumers proposed by the National Academy of Sciences.

Register at: go.osu.edu/2021outlookfoodwaste,

• “Local Food and Direct Marketing,” March 5, noon to 1 p.m.

Zo Plakias will describe the key trends in direct marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, how they impact businesses and organizations, detail the possible challenges and opportunities for direct marketing post pandemic, and predict the possible impacts for their business or organization post-pandemic.

Register at: go.osu.edu/outlooklocalfood

• “Farm Income and Financial Outlook,” March 15, noon to 1 p.m. -1:00 EST

Ani Katchova will provide the 2021 farm income forecast, the 2021-2031 USDA baseline projections of farm income, commodity markets, and trade, indicators and their accuracy, and financial stress including ag loan delinquency rates and bankruptcy rates.

Register at: go.osu.edu/outlookfarmincome.

The outlooks are free and open to the public. The the complete program information is available online at go.osu.edu/outlook2021.

Grant writing workshops

being planned for March

WELLSBURG — The West Virginia University Extension Office will present hour-long virtual workshops on basics of grant writing at 11:30 a.m. March 11, 18 and 25.

WVU Extension Agent Carole Scheerbaum will discuss using the Internet to research grant opportunities and organizing information for a basic grant proposal.

Participation in the series of three sessions is limited. To register, visit http://wellsburg.lib.wv.us/newsletter2.htm.

Brooke County book club

to discuss Obama book

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library book club will discuss “Becoming,” by former first lady Michelle Obama, by videoconference, at 5 p.m. Jan. 28.

Those interested in participating should visit https://bcplvirtual.weebly.com for log-in information.

Dial-a-Story service detailed

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library is offering an easy way for people of all ages to hear stories, poetry and jokes at no cost and with no Internet required.

Librarians and guest readers can be heard sharing material for all ages 24 hours a day by dialing (800) 581-5119.