Library open for holiday photos

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Library will hold its DIY Christmas pictures from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the River Room of the Wellsburg Library.

Participants are asked to bring their own camera or phone. Assistance will be available, if needed. There will be two holiday backdrops to select from, along with props and accessories. Those attending can bring their own props to use for the photo, although no animals are permitted. The activity is on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call (304) 737-1551.

Light Up Night set for Friday

HAMMONDSVILLE — The Saline Township Revitalization Committee will host Hammondsville’s annual Community Light Up Night, set from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.

The event will take place at 164 county Highway 50A. The public is invited to attend.

Weirton McDonald’s plan fundraisers

WEIRTON — The Weirton McDonald’s restaurant on Three Springs Drive will be the site for two upcoming fundraisers.

The fundraisers are in support of Weir High School’s wrestling team and the St. Paul Catholic School’s after-school STEM club, the Little Steamers.

The fundraiser for Weir High is set from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. The fundraiser for St. Paul will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday.

McDonald’s will give the schools 25 percent of all mobile app sales placed during these hours. In-store cash donations will be accepted through the sale of pies. Options for mobile ordering include curbside orders, integrated delivery through the McDonald’s app, in-store pick-up orders and drive-thru orders using the code from the McDonald’s app.

History center to talk comedy

PITTSBURGH — The Smithsonian-affiliated Sen. John Heinz History Center will host the Smithsonian Lecture Series “Funny Stuff,” from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Those attending will explore how the nation’s comedy history is collected and preserved.

Ryan Lintelmen, entertainment curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will discuss how humor has reflected and influenced the American experience — from from 19th-century vaudeville and minstrel shows to modern stand-up, television satire and internet memes.

Lintelman has curated exhibitions on children’s television, Jim Henson and the Muppets, the “Wizard of Oz” and “Entertainment Nation.”

Lintelman will share insights from his upcoming book, “Funny Stuff: How Comedy Shaped American History.” He will explore why comedy remains such a timely and essential form of expression, reminding us that laughter has always been a platform for debate and a powerful mirror of American values and identity. General admission will be $10 or $5 for history center members. A virtual option will be available. For information and to purchase tickets, visit heinzhistorycenter.org/events.

‘Smurfs’ to be shown at library

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Public Library will show the PG-rated film “Smurfs,” at 5 p.m. Dec. 11. The movie is based on Papa Smurf being taken by evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel. Smurfette leads the Smurfs on a mission to the real world to save him. Popcorn and water will be provided to guests. To reserve a seat for the free event, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.

Library to show ‘Downton Abbey’ film

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Library will show the movie “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,” at noon on Dec. 12. The cinematic return of the global phenomenon follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. When Mary finds herself at the center of a public scandal and the family faces financial trouble, the entire household grapples with the threat of social disgrace. The Crawleys must embrace change as the staff prepares for a new chapter, with the next generation leading Downton Abbey into the future.

Those attending the PG-rated film are permitted to bring a lunch. Popcorn and water will be provided.

To reserve a seat for the free screening, call (304) 737-1551 or visit brookecountylibs.org/events.