Area groups among recipients

NELSONVILLE — Area groups will share in the $65,000 the African American Community Fund, with support from its donors and in partnership with the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, has awarded to advance 30 projects and programs in communities across Appalachian Ohio.

Receiving grants were Second Baptist Church of Steubenville to support its 2026 Juneteenth celebration; the Ohio Valley Youth Network to support the Sycamore Youth Fishing and Mentoring Initiative, a hands-on outdoor education and character development program serving underserved youth in Jefferson County; and Blues For A Cure to support a Black artist for the 2026 Sean Carney’s Blues For A Cure concert, benefiting WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital, Harrison County Cancer Crusaders and the cancer patients they serve.

“From preserving history and celebrating culture to expanding access to healthcare, education, mentorship and basic needs, these projects reflect the creativity, resilience and commitment of people working to build stronger communities across our region,” said Ernie Bynum, AACF committee member.

SOAR sets annual picnic

FOLLANSBEE — The Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees will hold its annual picnic June 18 at Follansbee Park.

Scheduled to run between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the event will feature food, speakers, prizes and a 50-50 drawing.

For reservations, call Lynn Bish at (304) 797-9785.

Weir Class of 1967 to meet

WEIRTON — The Weir High School class of 1967 will hold its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. July 17 at Basil’s Sports Bar and Grill, 27 Marshaling Yard Drive.

All classmates and spouses are invited. Come join us for fun, food and fellowship.

Summer button sale set for July

DOVER — Crafters, button collectors and anyone interested in learning about the hobby of button collecting will find thousands of antique and vintage buttons at the Buckeye State Button Society’s Summer Button Sale.

The Zane Trace Button Club will host the event in the meeting room at the Warther Museum, 331 Karl Ave., Dover, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11. Admission is free to the sale, which may be accessed from the museum’s gift shop. Lunch will be available for purchase.

Free to view, Frieda Warther’s Button House adjacent to the museum displays buttons arranged in geometric patterns on panels that line the interior of the house.This collection showcases the international hobby that has existed in the United States since 1938.

At the button sale, visitors can marvel at the wonderful variety of buttons that have been made to fasten and adorn our clothing. Crafters will find inspiration for projects. Collectors can add to their existing collection, and those who want to know more about button collecting can learn how to begin.

For information about buttons, visit ohiobuttons.org, nationalbuttonsociety.org, or worldbuttonassociation.org.

Amateur radio field day planned

SMITHFIELD — The Steubenville-Weirton Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual American Radio Relay League Field Day event from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 27 at Friendship Park Shelters 4 and 5.

The public is invited to visit with local amateur radio operators as they demonstrate emergency communications during this national event. Amateur radio operators will set up antennas, radios and other communications equipment and communicate with other amateur radio operators throughout the United States, Canada and the world.

All visitors can experience making contacts through amateur radio using your voice or through data transmissions.

Hunting, trapping seminar coming

NEW MANCHESTER — Smokey McNicholas has trapped, hunted and studied the behaviors of wildlife across the region.

He has trapped in West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Montana and Oregon and trapped the first coyotes caught in Hancock County. He holds patents on a pre-orbital gland lure and wicked wick compound that he developed based on his study of whitetail deer behavior and communication.

He will conduct a seminar on hunting and trapping as well as how to be a steward of your farm regarding the predatory animals that threaten livestock.

The seminar will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at the New Manchester Fire Hall. Admission will be $5 at the door, and seating is limited. Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. The seminar is presented by the Hancock County Farm Bureau.

Abbott to discuss sinking of the Scioto

EAST LIVERPOOL — In conjunction with the America 250 Celebration in downtown East Liverpool, the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at the Lou Holtz Hall of Fame will present a special historical lecture by Taylor Abbott at 11 a.m., July 11.

The presentation will explore the sinking of the Scioto, a Fourth of July river disaster that left more than 50 people from East Liverpool dead.

Abbott, the co-founder and president of the Ohio Valley River Museum, will share his research into this incident and provide other historical insights into river transportation. The lecture will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of regional river history and the lasting impact of steamboat disasters on local communities.

The program is open to the public and admission to the event is free, but donations will be accepted. For information, contact Michelle Roberts at the Upper Ohio Valley Museum and Learning Center at (330) 386-5443, or michelle.roberts.hof@gmail.com.

Salvation Army sets camp

CARROLLTON — Applications are now open for Camp NEOSA, a free residential and overnight camp operated by the Salvation Army.

Camp sessions for 6-12-year-olds will be held June 20-July 3. Transportation can be provided, or you can self-transport.

Activities will include athletics, art and crafts, a zip line, youth ministry, boating and nature. Attendees must have an updated physical, within 15 months from the camp start.

For information, call (740) 381-1376.

Weirton Heights Church of Christ sets VBS

WEIRTON — “Be Fruitful,” is the theme for the Weirton Heights Church of Christ’s Vacation Bible School, to be held June 22-25.

Lessons for all ages will be provided at 9:30 a.m. each day, focusing on patience, faithfulness, kindness, goodness, peace, joy, gentleness and self-control. VBS will wrap up with a family picnic at 5 p.m. June 26 at Hanover Park.

There is no cost to participate. For information, call (304) 712-1160.