RSVP for Hancock retiree meeting

NEW CUMBERLAND — Those who are interested in attending the next Hancock County Association of Retired School Employees meeting, which includes a salad luncheon at the Immaculate Conception Church on Ridge Avenue in New Cumberland, should make a reservation prior to Wednesday by calling (304) 748-7735.

PERI to meet

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Chapter of PERI will hold its monthly meeting at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday in the Fiesta Room at Froehlich’s Classic Corner, located at 501 Washington St. in Steubenville.

The guest speaker will be Dana Troski, a physician liaison with Valley Hospice. Troski has been with Valley Hospice for two years, and is a respiratory therapist with 15 years experience. She will be discussing hospice care and the company’s pallative care program.

The purpose of PERI is to “protect and preserve OPERS pension and benefit programs and advocate for changes that are in the best interest of PERI members, while providing value through communications and education of the membership through our districts, local chapters and external partnerships,” officials announced.

Membership in PERI is available to those who meet the following criteria: Regular membership is for OPERS members of active, retired or disability status. Membership investment can be paid annually or in a one-time life payment. Associate membership is open to spouses of OPERS members who have active or retired status. For information, visit operi.org.

Trash bag fundraiser set

BRILLIANT — Buckeye North Elementary School is holding a unique fundraiser to support its students, with the school holding a heavy-duty trash bag sale through Frontier Bag Inc. of Kansas City, Mo. A portion of the proceeds will assist student activities. Principal Susan Nolan said this is a new venture and families and supporters can purchase the high-quality product which is something everyone needs.

“It’s something different,” Nolan said. “Everybody uses them and, hopefully, it gives us a kickstart for the year for students’ activities.”

The bags, which are said to be larger and stronger, are available for $15 per roll and include either a 50-count, 13-gallon drawstring bags in white; a 65-count, 15-gallon tall kitchen bags in white; a 25-count, 39-gallon large bags in pink or yellow; and a 16-count, 55-gallon oversized bags in blue.

Extra holiday bags are being offered with 25-count, 39-gallon “Happy Holidays” versions in red or 50 55-gallon individual bags with Halloween pumpkin faces in orange and black. These can be sold individually as well for $2 apiece.

Cash and checks are accepted. Checks can be made payable to: Buckeye North Elementary School. Funds will be collected at the time of the order and the bags can be picked up the week of Sept. 22. For information, call (740) 598-4589.

Buckeye grant to create den

CONNORVILLE — Buckeye Local Junior/Senior High School will be getting a new look at its media center after officials announced they have obtained a $20,000 grant through the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation.

Principal Luke Parsons said he received the grant in June. This funding will help transform the second-floor site into the Panther Den, which will feature the Panther Café, artwork by the school art club and an updated STEM lab.

“The Panther Café will be a coffee bar and foods teacher Luke Fabry will run the café with student workers,” Parsons said. “It will involve all of the career-tech education students. The space will have a fresh coat of paint, new furniture and an art installation, like a gallery. The Panther Art Club will rotate artwork throughout the year.”

Barn artist Scott Hagan of Belmont County will create a mural for the room, while ERB Signage will add new signs. Parsons said the eSports and makerspace area will be updated to a STEM lab.

“We’re lucky enough to get makerspaces, a sublimation printer and multiple Cricut machines that are run by CTE students,” Parsons noted. “It will work like a student study room and will be the hub of the building.”

Parsons hopes to see work begin around January, with completion by June. He thanked the foundation for supporting the project, saying, “I want to extend a huge thank you to the Pugliese Foundation for everything they do for Buckeye Local Schools and the communities.”

St. Agnes talks pumpkin rolls

MINGO JUNCTION — The St. Agnes Catholic Woman’s Club held its monthly meeting Aug. 19

in the church hall. President Theresa Madden presided. There were 24 members in attendance.

Announcements included the St. Agnes Parish Picnic, which took place on Aug. 23. A deanery meeting was held Sunday. Seminarians Day will be Oct. 1. Rosary Congress is slated for Oct. 4 – 10, with St. Agnes’ time from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 6. The parish is planning a trip to Pittsburgh on Oct. 29.

Debbie Riccardo reported on the picnic for Bay 6, which took place in July for community families. Dorothy Mazik reported on the group’s first strawberry festival and its success. The women noted they will hold the event next year, hoping to make it an annual occurance.

Under new business, an update was given on homebound parishioners and a discussion was held on sponsoring a fourth seminarian.

The women’s club will hold its annual pumpkin roll sale , with kitchen preparation to be done Sept. 19. Baking will begin Sept. 22, with members asked to sign up for a workshift.

The next meeting will be held on Sept. 16 in the church hall.