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Annual Saddle Up for Sight
set for Oct. 8 at fairgrounds
SMITHFIELD -- The fourth-annual Saddle Up for Sight, set for Oct. 8, will be held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Friendship Park, with a costume contest beginning at 9 a.m.
Organizer Brittany Buchanan explained the fundraiser generates awareness and money for the Seeing Hand Association based in Wheeling.
Vendors, food and prizes are part of the event that includes the trifecta featuring dressage, endurance and a trail obstacle course.
The Ohio Valley Dressage Association will be judging and helping anyone who has questions about dressage.
"From there riders can head out to a 6-mile endurance paced trail ride. Riders are welcome to go whatever speed they feel comfortable with," she said. "After returning from the trail, we will have a five-part obstacle course to compete in. We have prizes for each discipline in addition to extras such as 'The Best Oops,' 'Oldest Rider' and 'Greenest Horse,'" she said.
Although riders are not required to participate in all three events, the $60 registration fee includes all four activities.
"We do have more vendors this year so kids are welcome with families to come out and watch even if they don't have a horse," Buchanan commented, noting, "We will be accepting riders until the morning of the event."
Spectators are admitted for free, and there will be a Chinese auction and a 50/50 drawing. The rider meeting is at 8:45 a.m., with an awards ceremony at 3 p.m.
"Saddle Up For Sight was started in 2019 as a way to spread awareness to the Ohio Valley during Blindness Awareness Month," Buchanan noted, explaining that her daughter Mina was born in 2018 and that "I just knew something wasn't right with her vision at just a month old."
At 2 months, Mina was diagnosed with Septo-Optic Dysplasia. "One of the components to this rare condition is Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which causes visual impairment. She 'sees' the world differently, and it's been my mission to spread awareness so that her life can be as easy as possible. The Ohio Valley is limited on resources for our local visually impaired community, but I found a wonderful, deserving organization that I wanted to help -- the Seeing Hand Association.
It began services in 1936 and was incorporated in 1946 in Wheeling.
"All proceeds are donated to this organization following the benefit to help our local community," she commented. "In addition I hope everyone takes away from this something Mina has taught me -- appreciate the little things that make you happy. Mina doesn't wake up and feel sorry for herself that she's been dealt a more difficult life. She cherishes the things that make her happy, like music, playing in water or swinging and lights up with the biggest smile you've ever seen. I hope everyone leaves the event seeing more beauty in everyday life."
For information, visit the Saddle Up for Sight Facebook page.
Oct. 8 luncheon set for retirees of Steubenville City Schools
STEUBENVILLE -- Steubenville City Schools retirees met for lunch at the Ville on Sept. 8.
Cards were distributed and signed. A collection is continuing for the group's Christmas charity for needy adults. Donations to Becky Bryan or Linda Holub can be sent by those unable to attend the lunches.
The next one will be held at Capraro's Restaurant and Lounge in Hopedale on Oct. 8, beginning at 12:30 p.m. No reservations are needed.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
plans Blessing of the Pets
WEIRTON -- St. Thomas Episcopal Church on Three Spring Drive in Weirton will have Blessing of the Pets on Oct. 3, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
It will be a drive-through service in the church parking lot. Signs will direct participants in how to proceed.
An authorized person from the church will come to the vehicle to bless the animal and present a medal for the animal's collar.
East Springfield VFD Auxiliary
hosting soup dinner fundraiser
EAST SPRINGFIELD -- The East Springfield Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is hosting a soup dinner fundraiser on Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The fire hall is located at 9854 county Road, Bloomingdale, for GPS purposes, and near the East Springfield Community Center.
The dinner includes a soup of choice -- either chili or broccoli cheddar -- cornbread or grilled cheese, a dessert and a drink. The cost is $8. Patrons can dine in or get takeout. Delivery is available. To place an order for delivery, call (740) 543-3563.
Madonna's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater set for Oct. 7
WEIRTON -- Recruit some friends and put those detective skills to work at Madonna's Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, which will held on Oct. 7 in Undo's banquet hall in the Holiday Inn. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
The night includes some audience interactivity, musical comedy and a mystery to solve. Tickets are $40 each or a table of eight for $280. Dinner will be rigatoni w/ meatball, salad, cheesy bread and dessert.
There will be a cash bar available with baskets drawings and a 50/50 drawing. Call (304) 723-0545 or contact Christine at cholmes@weirtonmadonna.org for tickets by Sept. 30.
No tickets will be sold at the door, and the event is for individuals 21 and over.
UMWA Local 1304 to meet
HOPEDALE -- The United Mine Workers of America Local No. 1304 will meet Saturday at the Hopedale American Legion, 48225 Rabbit Road, Hopedale.
Breakfast will be at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting to follow at 10 a.m.