Gillespie earns award
COLLIERS -- The West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women held its annual convention in September at the Holiday Inn in Weirton. The meeting was sponsored by the Brooke County Democratic Women.
Anna Gillespie of Colliers is president of the WVFDW and was elected to the Hall of Fame during the meeting.
The keynote speaker was Kenyatta Coleman Grant, formerly of Weirton and now a resident of Charleston.
Katherine Morgan was recognized as Brooke County Democrat of the Year during the annual Roosevelt-Kennedy dinner held in Charleston. The dinner event is to pay tribute to "a remarkable woman in the community who embodies courage, compassion and dedication," according to officials.
During the dinner, Gillespie was named the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Award.
"This recognition celebrates her unwavering commitment to the Democratic Party," officials stated. "Gillespie's hard work exemplifies the vital role that individuals play in shaping the outcomes of local, state and national elections."
Gillespie's many years of service include being active in all offices of the Brooke County Democratic Women's Club, a longtime member of the Brooke County Democratic Executive Committee and being elected chair of the county executive committee.
"We are very proud of our local women and their achievements," party officials stated.
Class of '67 to meet
WEIRTON -- The Weir High Class of 1967 will meet at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday for lunch at Luckino's 2 Restaurant, located at 2600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Weirton. All classmates and spouses are welcome.
Church to hold supper, concert
FOLLANSBEE -- Follansbee Presbyterian Church's annual Hanging of the Greens, a Sunday service involving the decoration of its interior for Christmas, will include a performance by the Brooke High School Madrigal Choir.
Dressed in Medieval costume, the group performs music from various periods a capella.
Everyone will be invited to sing Christmas carols during the service, which will begin at 6 p.m., following a light soup supper in its social hall at 5 p.m.
Church concert to benefit nonprofit
TORONTO -- First Methodist Church, located at 701 Main St. in Toronto, will host a Christmas concertat 4 p.m. Dec. 17. The concert will benefit the Toronto Salvation Army.
The program includes selections from the First Methodist Church choir, the First Presbyterian Church choir and the New Beginning Baptist Church choir. Individuals performing include, Jim Ray, Connie Brookes, Bo Graham, Tammy Spicer and Jessica George Kougat.
A quartet from "Friends" will perform. A love offering will be collected for the Salvation Army. According to Darcy Cormany, the Salvation Army office, located at Riverview Global Methodist Church at 105 N. River Ave., provides utility assistance for qualified families.
Cormany works out of the Cleveland office and meets with clients twice a month at the Riverview church. She can be contacted at (740) 381-0640.
Library to show adventure film
WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Public Library will show "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," rated PG-13, at noon Dec. 8.
Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. To reserve a seat for the free screening, call (304) 737-1551 or visit https://brookecountylibs.org/events.
Mount Pleasant to hold Open Houses
MOUNT PLEASANT -- As people look for gifts that are a little out of the ordinary, they should consider the Historic District of Mount Pleasant during the Christmas Open Houses next week. The village will be bustling Dec. 8-9 as people visit local shops.
The Open House event will feature most shops open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Tom Haynes, president of the Historical Society of Mount Pleasant, said in addition to the many items displayed in the gift shop at the Elizabeth House Mansion Museum, there will be a variety of pottery pieces with the town's name.
Paige McElroy will have quilted gifts, table runners, homemade fudge, toffee and cookies in the living quarters of the 1804 Harris-Bone Store. At the Fiesta House, visitors can design a Fiesta cup craft for themselves or give it as a gift. Kim's Barn will be open, and Maryann Steffl, owner of Second Chance Antiques at 19 Mulberry, stated she will be open, weather permitting. The Log House of Mount Pleasant is a gift shop and studio owned by Angela and Don Feenerty. The shop will be open both days and on will offer craft workshops and door prizes, Saturday.
The 1846 Gill House, owned by the Friends Church, will be open both days, opening earlier for coffee and remaining open later for a variety of soups, sliders and desserts. The house will be decorated for Christmas where guests can relax in the parlor, dine in the tea room or browse the gift shop for hostess gifts for the holiday season. Take-out will be available.
The Mount Pleasant shops won't disappoint those looking for a piece from long ago, something vintage or something practical, such as Rada cutlery and Sunflower dishcloths.
The local Garden Club provides natural flora and greenery, decorating the exterior of Mount Pleasant's historic buildings each year. The village is on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a National Historic Landmark District of the Underground Railroad.