Sensory-friendly photos with Santa

STEUBENVILLE — The jolly old man in the red suit will make his way from the North Pole to the Jeffco Center next month. Old St. Nick will appear for Special Connections’ Sensory Friendly Photos with Santa event from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Located at 256 John Scott Highway in Steubenville, the festivities will include free photos with Santa, cookie decorating, crafts and hot cocoa.

This inclusive event is now in its fourth year and open to children and adults with or without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The effort is to spread a little yuletide cheer, organizers stated.

Special Connections, which includes the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Special Needs Parents of the Ohio Valley Support Group Facebook page and Crossroads Christian Church, sponsors events such as this to promote inclusivity and awareness of people who have developmental disabilities.

The holiday activity follows the annual Halloween trunk-or-treat event held in October. Organizers are hoping for a good turnout and seeking information from participants.

“This year we are asking for RSVPs to ensure we have enough for everyone,” said Mindy Aleksiejczyk, co-organizer. “There is no limit. We are just trying to ensure we have a headcount.”

Last year, the event had approximately 80 people in attendance.

Aleksiejczyk said the purpose of these events is to offer fun, yet soothing festivities to benefit everyone.

“We want to provide a calm event for individuals of all ages and all abilities to be able to get a good photo with Santa, individually, or with their family,” she added. “Some families don’t get to get out and see Santa. We want to ensure all people who want to can.”

For information or to RSVP, contact Aleksiejczyk at (740) 457-9941, or by e-mail at specialconnections740@gmail.com.Information can be found on the Special Connections’ Facebook page as well.

Nonprofit celebrating 25 years

STEUBENVILLE — A Child’s Place CASA will celebrate 25 years serving the community during a special event planned for Dec. 19.

An open house will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the nonprofit, located at 613 Main St. in Follansbee.

A dinner will be held at Vito’s, located at 570 Main St. in Follansbee, at 6:30 p.m.

The cost is $35 for a single ticket or $55 for two tickets.

Those attending and would like to sponsor a volunteer’s attendance, the cost will be $70. Those unable to attend but would still like to sponsor a volunteer’s attendance, the cost is $35. Donations are being accepted as well.

Visit childsplacecasa.com to purchase tickets or to donate. Note “25th celebration” when ordering.

Call (304) 737-4444 for information.

‘A Medieval Christmas Carol’ set

FOLLANSBEE — Stage and Steel Productions will present “A Medieval Christmas Carol” beginning Dec. 4 at the Bluewave Center Theater, located at 1400 Main St. in Follansbee.

A dinner theater production will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 12. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited. Dinner theater prices are $30 for general admission, $25 for students and seniors and $15 for children 12 and younger. A general show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13. Doors open at 7 pm. A general show is set to take place at 3 p.m. on Dec. 14, with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.

The performance is a new take on the classic Charles Dickens’ tale in which King Ebenezer must confront the ghosts of his past, present and future in order to appreciate the true meaning of the yuletide.

There will be sword fights, challenges and a tournament. Watch and become a part of the show as the players narrate the story. The King is a cold-hearted man, refusing to join in the yule tide cheer. One night, King Scrooge is paid a visit by his departed father, who foretells the king’s doom if he does not change his ways. During the night, the king is visited by three ghosts.

As with most Stage and Steel performances, audience participation is important. The cast of characters includes: Ruth Comley, narrator; Preston Haught, Lord Fredrick and Squire Derf; Gig Purcell, King Scrooge; Richard Twist Oliver, Lord Cratchit; Bessy Chase, Belle/Lord Coldwell; Josh Balog, Lord Titan; Christian Hurst, Lord Landrew, Boy Scrooge and Man 1; Carly Balog, the Ghost of Yule Tide Past, the Ghost of Yule Tide Yet to Come, the Ghost of Yule Tide Present, Servant and Squire Gillian; Quinn Brown, Squire Tim; and Sam Kiser, King Marley and Man 2.

To make a reservation, purchase a ticket online or call (412) 337-8812. For information and tickets, visit stageandsteel.com.

Mah Jongg offered at library

WELLSBURG — Those who enjoy playing Mah Jongg can visit the Brooke County Public Library from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays to participate.

Those attending can bring their own tiles. Anyone interested in learning how to play can contact the library and someone will be on site to assist.

No registration is required. The library will be closed Dec. 26. For information, call (304) 737-1551.

Library offering Play and Connect

WELLSBURG — Children ages birth to 6 are invited to visit the Brooke County Public Library to take part in its Play and Connect activity. Play is held between 10:30 a.m. and noon every Saturday in the library’s Children’s Room. Children will play, build, socialize and learn together through a variety of toys and games which help to develop hand-eye coordination and STEAM concepts.

Parents and guardians must provide direct supervision. All ages will be welcomed. The program will be set up and torn down by volunteers and is not led by staff members. No registration is required.

The library will be closed Dec. 27.