Communities to talk PFAS

WEIRTON — The Ohio County Solid Waste Authority will be sharing information with the public regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, referred to as PFAS, during two local community action planning meetings.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that do not exist naturally in the environment, but may include more than 12,000 chemical substances–the two most widely-known and studied being PFOA and PFOS. These are considered “forever chemicals,” as they do not break down under natural environmental conditions, according to the OCSWA.

Officials stated these meetings “may be of strong public interest across the Northern Panhandle,” with the first meeting having taken place Monday at the Follansbee Community House.

The next meeting is scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today in the multi-room of the Chester City Building, located at 600 Indiana Ave. in Chester.

Another meeting is set to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Washington and Jefferson Room of the Holiday Inn in Weirton, located at 350 Three Springs Drive in Weirton.

The OCSWA has agreed to help raise awareness about PFAS in the region’s drinking water. The “forever chemicals” exposure has been linked to serious health concerns including cancers and liver damage, officials noted, adding recent testing has indicated elevated levels in Northern Panhandle drinking water systems.

These chemicals are present in many everyday products, from waterproof cosmetics and shampoos to nonstick cookware, pizza boxes and stain-resistant or waterproof clothing,” officials said.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, in coordination with the West Virginia River’s Coalition, Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services and other local organizations, will host the community meetings to provide information, answer questions and develop localized action plans.

Although this round of meetings does not include an Ohio County location, all Northern Panhandle residents are welcome at any session, regardless of where they live.

No registration is required to attend. A virtual meeting is being planned and will be announced at an upcoming date.

Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are eligible for a $25 gift card for participating.

For information, visit wvrivers.org/pfas.

History center begins holiday season

PITTSBURGH — This holiday season, the Sen. John Heinz History Center is inviting all Ohio Valley residents to visit and make new Christmas memories with their families.

New exhibitions, photos with Santa, festive holiday shopping and more are on the agenda.

Children 17 years of age and under will receive free admission.

Santa Claus will visit the history center’s Great Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on select days.

Santa’s schedule includes Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20-21.

Visitors meeting with the man from the North Pole will be included with regular admission. There is no charge to have your picture taken with Santa.

Holiday shopping is being offered for those already browsing for that perfect gift.

According to officials, unique Pittsburgh gifts would make for a great addition to your holiday list.

From Rosie the Riveter ornaments to Heinz pickle pajamas to Mister Rogers candles and more, shoppers can visit the history center’s store, located at 1212 Smallman St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

There is no admission cost to visit the shop. Shopping can be done online at shop.heinzhistorycenter.org.

Pittsburgh’s Hidden History exhibition is on view through April 4, featuring a “yinzsplosion of rarely and never-before-seen objects” that tell stories from Pittsburgh’s past.

Hidden History takes visitors on a thematic journey through artifacts, photographs and documents that connect with the region’s history. Explore objects from the Original Hot Dog Shop, Primanti Bros., Kaufmann’s and Kennywood.

The newest exhibit, My America: An Illustrated Experience, commemorates America’s 250th anniversary and features 63 original works of art by 35 artists reflecting on the ideals at the heart of the America’s founding — freedom, equality, justice and liberty.

Libraries announce holiday hours

WELLSBURG — In observance of Thanksgiving, the Brooke County and Follansbee libraries will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 26 and closed on Nov. 27-30.

Regular hours will resume on Dec. 1, officials stated.

Craft show coming to center

BLOOMINGDALE — The Wayne Township Community Center wil hold a craft show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Several vendors will be in attendance, according to organizers, who noted food will be available for purchase.

The center is located at 3281 county Road 39 in Bloomingdale.

Polka dance set for Saturday

ADENA — The Adena Heritage Days Committee will host a polka dance from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Short Creek Adena Fire Station.

The evening will feature the Polkaholics.

Proceeds from the dance will go toward the annual Adena Heritage Days celebration, scheduled for August.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including takeout orders.

For information, call (740) 546-3946.