Centers receive AEP grant

STEUBENVILLE — The Sycamore Youth Center and Aim Women’s Center have received $5,000 from American Electric Power to support area children this winter through its “Bundle Up for Christmas,” initiative.

Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman stated, “We are thrilled to announce this generous donation through the centers.”

The grant, written by those with the Ohio Valley Youth Network, will provide warm clothing and other essentials to help children stay comfortable and warm this Christmas season.

The items will be distributed through the Sycamore Youth Center and the Aim Women’s Center, Bauman explained.

He expressed a special thank-you to Mayor Jerry Barilla for bringing the grant opportunity to the network’s attention, and to AEP for its commitment to making a difference in the community.

New Cumberland to recognize WAA

NEW CUMBERLAND — Wreaths Across America, a day in which thousands of volunteers across the nation will gather at cemeteries and honor veterans, will take place at noon on Dec. 14.

A fresh balsam wreath will be placed on each veteran’s grave, officials noted.

New Cumberland has been a member of the Wreaths Across America organization for the last five years. What started with five wreaths the first year has grown annually, thanks to those who sign up and sponsor a wreath.

This year, officials will be placing 618 wreaths in New Cumberland Cemetery — enough to cover every veteran’s grave.

“We would like to thank all of our sponsors who helped to make this year our best year ever,” organizers said.

The ceremony will begin at noon with a brief introduction in the cemetery chapel, along with the playing of taps. Volunteers will then walk the entire cemetery to ensure every veteran is honored.

“With so many wreaths this year, more volunteers are needed,” officials announced.

For information or to volunteer, contact local coordinator George Hines at (304) 670-7092.

See ‘A Christmas Story’ live

PITTSBURGH — A play that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face is being shown at the O’Reilly Theater through Dec. 22.

“A Christmas Story” live on stage is being presented this holiday season by PNC. Tickets start at $35 and are available for $17.50 with code HOTTIX for anyone 26 years of age and under or with a valid student ID.

Visit PPT.org/groupsales for information and tickets.

Sportsman club hosting events

BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson Sportsman Club will be hosting a variety of shotgun events, all of which are open to the public.

Children, women and men who are able to shoot unassisted, can take part in a winter meat shoot at 10 a.m. Dec. 21. Signups will begin at 9:30 a.m., officials stated.

For this event, participants will shoot at lucks, annies, traps and protectors.

A New Year’s Day Fun Shot is scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 1. Signups will start at 9:30 a.m.

The Winter Shotgun League will begin at 10 a.m. Jan. 5, running every Sunday through March 16 at the same time.

All events are open to the public and take place at 111 Lema Lane in Bloomingdale.

For information, call (304) 479-3710 or (740) 284-1577.

Events coming to science center

PITTSBURGH — The Carnegie Science Center is bringing jolly good times to visitors this holiday season with a variety of events for the entire family.

Among the highlights is a Miniature Railroad and Village display.

A holiday tradition since 1919, the exhibit showcases a meticulously-detailed model of Western Pennsylvania from the early 1900s to the 1940s, complete with animated scenes and historic landmarks.

“The Polar Express” will be shown in 3-D at the Rangos Giant Cinema through Dec. 24. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

The Swiftie Science 21+ Night takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Food and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.

Celebrate Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday by coming dressed in your favorite era. The event includes cocktails, entertainment and fun throughout all five floors.

A laser holiday magic display will be shown at 2 p.m. through Jan. 2 and at 4 p.m. on select dates. The cost is $6 for members and $7 for non-members.

Floyd and Friends: Electric Holiday Edition will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 20. The cost will be $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

This marathon of laser shows is geared toward adults. Watch laser graphics moonwalk across the Buhl Planetarium dome set to holiday classics, EDM hits and songs by Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd.

Catch “Laser Holiday Magic” at 8 p.m.; “Laser Michael Jackson” at 9 p.m.; “Laser EDM” at 10 p.m. and “Laser Pink Floyd: The Best of Floyd” at 11 p.m.

Have breakfast and enjoy “The Polar Express” with Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 21. The cost will be $40 for adult members and $50 for adult non-members. The cost for child members will be $24 and $30 for child non-members. All ages are welcome.

Meet Santa and his elves, enjoy breakfast and watch “The Polar Express” in 3-D.

Other activities include writing and mailing letters to Santa, learning how to make instant snow with sodium polyacrylate and sampling marshmallows frozen with liquid nitrogen.