PROJECT COMPLETED — The Jefferson County Veterans Association has worked to ready its memorial wall at Fort Friendship Military Park, located at Friendship Park, Smithfield, for the formal dedication service that will happen at 1:30 p.m. on July 17. It will be followed by the annual veterans picnic at 2 p.m., which is feee and open to all veterans and their families. Top photo shows association members, from left, Tom McCain, who donated the paint; Tony Philippi, finance officer; Frank Santa, commander; and new member Al Disbennett. Below is the memorial wall area. -- Contributed

All military who served and are serving are invited and welcome along with their families to a free outing in celebration of “our military heroes.”

Prior to the picnic, a formal dedication of the Jefferson County Veterans Association Memorial Wall will be held at 1:30 p.m. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

Guests speakers will be Vietnam veteran Jack Ernest; Tom Graham, Jefferson County commissioner; and U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta

Association members upgraded and painted their outdoor shelter in preparation for the formal dedication of the memorial wall, an eight-year project. With the addition of 90 bricks anticipated for insertion, the memorial wall proudly displays 888 names of those military who served and are serving, dating from the War of 1812 to the present. Inscribed are 62 names of those killed in action or missing in action.

A LOOK INSIDE -- Here's a look at the new memorial. -- Contributed

A cement walkway, meditation benches, lights, security posts and flowers have been added. The dedication is at Fort Friendship Military Park.

Grand opening of new Summit Art Gallery being rescheduled

WEIRTON — Although the grand opening of the new Summit Art Gallery had been planned for July 13 at its new location in the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau at 3539 Main St., it is now being rescheduled so air conditioning issues can be addressed.

The date will be announced in the near future.

The Top of West Virginia Arts Council will be hosting the event, and artist members will be on hand to discuss their work.

Original artworks from the artist council members will be on display.

The gallery has a classroom for holding paint and sips, a children’s art display area and a large dedicated space for guest art shows.

Concerts of Prayer set for

July 17 at Center for Hope

WINTERSVILLE — Wintersville United Methodist Church’s Center for Hope, 702 Main St., will be the setting for Concerts of Prayer on July 17, beginning at noon and continuing until 3:30 p.m.

Concerts of Prayer, explained organizer Tammy Gregory, “provides a visible expression of unity in the body of Christ. Believers united in prayer can release the music of God’s kingdom purposes for the whole world to hear. Christians can experience at deep levels the unity Jesus intended,” she said of what is not an event, but a movement.

Its purpose, Gregory noted, is “marked by a spirit of celebration throughout we rejoice in hope, anticipating all God has promised to us and answers to our prayer for spiritual awakening, that through this prayer of intercession, people will accept Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their life.”

According to Gregory, Concerts of Prayer is for “the unsaved, the back-slidden, the nonbeliever, the prodigal sons and daughters, the drug addicts and alcoholics, the lost, the homeless, the hopeless, the depressed, those with any type of disability, sickness, illness or disease, those who feel unloved and anyone who has not accepted Jesus Christ.”

There is no registration or cost, and it is open to the pubic.

Honky Tonk Sweethearts

sing for Three Score Seniors

WEIRTON — The June meeting of the Three Score Seniors was held at Undo’s in Weirton with President Kathy McCarrick presiding. Bob Shirer gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and singing of “God Bless America.”

Following dinner, Mary Ellen Groves introduced Honky Tonk Sweethearts for an evening of singing. Entertainment for July will be Faire May of Wheeling.

Secretary Barbara Purks and Treasurer George Pohlman gave reports.

Sunshine Chairman Winnie Kemp noted birthdays and anniversaries.

Membership Chair Brenda Edwards reported there were 73 paid members. Guests for June were Sondra Weigel, a guest of Vivian Weigel; Barb Jenelle daughter of Billie Dietz; guests of Brenda Edwards were Jim and Mary Lou Danek and Linda Walters; and guest of Ida Haynes, son Bill Haynes.

Historian Lee Edwards had albums on display.

McCarrick used a Fourth of July theme.

Reservations Chair Vivian Weigel had 48 dinner reservations. July will be western theme night.

Prizes were awarded to Kathy McCarrick, Winnie Kemp, Brenda Edwards, Larry Purks, Ida Haynes, Linda Kennedy, Sonny Marino and Herb Ross.

Shirer gave the benediction.

The next meeting is July 22.

Toronto Sunrise Seniors

having summer picnic July 23

TORONTO — Vice President Gloria Howard conducted the June 25 meeting of Toronto Sunrise Seniors, which was held at the Karaffa Recreation Center. Howard welcomed the members and gave the blessing for the meal.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by members and the roll call of officers was conducted by Secretary Laura Sheets, who also read the minutes of the previous meeting. Treasurer Judy Sabol gave the financial report. Social Secretary Marlene Garrett recognized members celebrating a birthday in June,.

Howard announced the July kitchen committee is Barbara and Don Pritts, Gloria Boley, Jerry Cornish, Rita Carnahan, Judy Sabol, Donna Freeman and Marsha McConnell. She also announced that the date has been changed for the trip to the Ohio Star Theater to see “The Best of Me.” It will be held Aug. 26 to allow maximum participation for all seniors. Payment for the trip will be collected at Friday’s meeting.

The club’s summer picnic will be held in the main shelter at Stratton Park on July 23.

Sheets updated members on repairs to the new range purchased prior to the pandemic, but never used until the last meeting.

Bonnie Wilson proposed the idea of changing meetings to once a month. This idea will be further explored at the next meeting.

After the meeting, members played bingo and Scat. Paul Sherwood called the numbers. Winners for the evening included Peggy Nordenger, Bill Black, Dave Trudick, Dorothy Pavelka, Paul Sherwood, Mary Lou Deku and Paul Zinc. Scat winners were Bob Deku, Gloria Howard and Dorothy Pavelka.

The next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Friday at Karaffa Recreation Center. Any senior age 55 or older is invited to join the group.

Weirton Heights Church of Christ VBS starting Monday

WEIRTON — Vacation Bible School will be held July 12-16 at Weirton Heights Church of Christ, 3169 Pennsylvania Ave., starting at 9 a.m. daily.

This year’s theme is “Champions for Jesus.” Children of all ages and adults will learn about teamwork, selflessness, devotion, leadership and faith.

For information, call (304) 723-1160.

Popular worm races returning

to Brooke library lot July 15

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library’s popular worm races will return at 5:30 p.m. July 15 in the back parking lot.

Youth may bring their own worms or have one provided. Register for the free program by calling (304) 737-1551 or (304) 527-0860 or visiting https:bcplvirtual.weebly/com/programs.