Progress 2015 Part III Section 02

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

Hospitality/Tourism Progress Edition III — Section 2

Summer concerts promise a lot of good music, fun

Staff Photo

Beatlemania Magic performed at the Berkman Amphitheater at Historic Fort Steubenville during the summer concert series. The group always draws a large crowd.

By MARK J. MILLER Staff writer

STEUBENVILLE — Since the first summer concert was held in 2007 at the Louis and Sandra Berkman Amphitheater in downtown Steubenville, the Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series has brought thousands of people to the downtown area every Thursday evening. The success of these performances has inspired other communities.

“You can find a free concert almost every evening of the week in the valley.

Communities realize that this is a perfect way to offer family entertainment on a regular basis. We are proud to provide a variety of first-class entertainment for area residents,” said Judy Bratten, Historic Fort Steuben executive director.

“We have seen the summer concerts grow in popularity every year since we started eight years ago. We are very appreciative of our sponsors who help us make the concerts possible, and the audience every week is very generous when we pass the bucket,” continued Bratten. “It costs almost $25,000 to put on each season’s schedule, and I am so grateful that we are able to meet that goal. Our summer concerts are enthusiastically await-

ed events, and when the season comes to an end many people express a desire for them to continue.”

Bratten said she was “excited and nervous” when she announced the initial Thursdays in the Park Summer Concert Series in 2007.

“We had four members of the board working with some outside sources because we were unsure of the entertainment business. To be honest, we were a little afraid. The question for us was, would people come downtown for a free concert. We know now they will, and in fact they come back week after week bringing friends and family,” Bratten added.

“This year the concert series will begin on May 21 and run through July 30,” she continued. “We always leave the first two weeks of August open in case we need to schedule a makeup concert. We are still in the process of finalizing our concert acts and we will announce the lineup as soon as the contracts are signed,” Bratten remarked.

“Deb and Rick Witkowski of Studio L and Earl

Tuttle of Ohio Valley Audio are key partners with us in putting together an excellent entertainment lineup.”

And there is plenty of work before and after every concert.

“We make sure the grass throughout the park is cut on Tuesday each week so everything is ready for our concert night. The sound people arrive at 3 p.m. to start setting up their equipment for the concert.

And by 5 p.m. we are seeing the people start to arrive at Fort Steuben Park for an evening of great entertainment,” said Jerry Barilla, president of the Old Fort Steuben Project.

The evening ends at approximately 10:30 p.m. when the entertainment has left for the night, the sound equipment has been packed up and a quick cleanup is performed.

“We have wonderful people attending our concerts who are very respectful of the

grounds and responsible for what they may eat or drink. There is actually very little litter left behind any of our activities,” Bratten said. “It is not just music and entertainment offered here. There is a sense of camaraderie — people seeing friends and having conversations and enjoying an evening by the Ohio River. That is why the outdoor amphitheater is so nice. You can step back and have a conversation and not disturb other people. This has become a social event for many people.”

The Weirton Event Center at the site of the former Cove School building will celebrate its fourth year of operations with an extended Friday night concert series.

“The first year was excellent. Each week we grew a little stronger and I think everyone is aware of what we are offering at the Weirton Event Center,” cited Dan Greathouse,

executive director of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The convention and visitors bureau has big plans for this year.

“Our concerts will start May 22 and continue through Aug. 14. The groups coming this year include Jill West and the Blues Attack, as well as the Wheeling Symphony with fireworks on July 3. A new group, the Pittsburghbased country band the Stickers will be here for West Virginia Day. We also have the Tri-State Community Band coming to Weirton. Local groups U.S. Kids and Spinning Jenny will be performing this summer, and Deja Vu is coming back this year. Also performing will be Justin Fabus, the Steel Cassa steel drum band from See CONCERTS Page 2B ➪

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

2B

Concerts Continued from Page 1B

Wheeling, and, of course, we will feature Legends from the Weirton area,” said Greathouse.

“I’m excited about this year,” he continued. “We have planned a full schedule, and I am looking forward to the concert series on Friday evening. There were a couple of concerts where we saw a couple of thousand people fill our Weirton Event Center. That is good for the community because it brings people into Weirton.

They buy gas and stop for something to eat and enjoy the entertainment.”

The Weirton Event Center is an outdoor amphitheater facility designed to host a plethora of

events, such as a summer concert series, flea markets, rentals and more. The site is located along East Street and overlooks the Weirton Municipal Plaza.

After Greathouse visited Parkersburg and saw a similar facility, the idea was proposed for Weirton. The project includes a covered stage along with another cement pad with two water hookups and 16 electrical outlets.

Some of those plans include the expansion of concert programs in Hancock and Brooke counties, the use of social media and new ways to draw visitors.

Greathouse said the Weirton Event Center was set up as a way

to give back to the community, and keeping it free and family oriented is important.

“We believe this is a great thing for the community and hope to see the people out enjoying the entertainment. We plan on taking a great leap forward this year. We have looked at the success in Steubenville and

we are following their lead.

Steubenville has put together a great concert program and we want to learn from them and work in collaboration with them,” said Greathouse.

Craig Howell

One of the regular musical performers to appear during recent years of the Weirton summer concert series is local country group the Joseph Sisters.

Shae Dalrymple

The Tri-State Community Band performed during Patriotic Night during the Summer Concert Series at the Berkman Theater at the Historic Fort Steuben in Steubenville last summer.

Warren Scott

Suzanne McLaughlin and Buster Maxwell of First Impressions appeared as Sonny and Cher at the Louis Berkman Amphitheater last summer. They also performed as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.

Craig Howell

Among some of the special attractions featured during the Weirton summer concert series is a classic car show, which draws dozens of local car owners to the Weirton Event Center.

Area promotes bicycle tourism industry Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

3B

National route designation sought

By MARK LAW Staff writer STEUBENVILLE — Mike Paprocki, chairman of the Trails and Greenway Task Force, said the committee will be working on ways to promote the area as part of the national designation of the United States Bike Route 50.

USBR 50 will be part of a national network of bicycle routes that will link urban, suburban and rural areas using a variety of existing cycling facilities.

Bicycle tourism is a growing industry that contributes $47 billion a year to communities that provide these facilities. A national bike route designation is expected to draw experienced riders from throughout the country and connect scenic, cultural and historic destinations and attractions.

USBR 50 will go from California to Washington, D.C. In Ohio, USBR 50 runs from Paint Road in Preble County at the Indiana border, through 11 counties. The route passes over to West Virginia on the Market Street Bridge in Steubenville. Nearly 40 local jurisdictions across Ohio have provided resolutions of support for the route.

Paprocki said the Trails and Greenway Task Force will work to make the route through the county more bicycle friendly. He noted that will include promoting cyclists spending the night in Steubenville before continuing on their trek.

Paprocki said it is another way to promote the area.

He added the county doesn’t have abandoned railroad tracks, such as in Brooke, Hancock and Ohio counties in West Virginia.

Paprocki said the Trails and Greenway Task Force is working to get certain sectors of the community to take on a healthier lifestyle. He said residents need to realize they can bike to work as an alternate means of travel. He said bicycles have all the same rights as any vehicle on the road.

“It is the lifestyle of the younger generation.

In promoting us as a growing community, we need to offer that service to residents,” Paprocki said.

Area residents who enjoy walking, biking or jogging can visit one of several area trails that offer scenic routes to take in the great outdoors.

The Panhandle Rail Trail runs 29 miles beginning at the Walkers Mill station in Walker’s Mill, Pa., and ending in an area near Harmon Creek outside Weirton. It passes many towns beginning in Harmon Creek and including Colliers, Hanlin, Dinsmore, Burgettstown, Joffre, Bulger, Midway, McDonald, Sturgeon, Noblestown, Oakdale, Rennerdale and finally Walkers Mill. At the 8.62 miles mark near

McDonald, a one-mile connector links the Panhandle to the larger Montour trail.

There is a series of paved trails that go along the Ohio River from Wellsburg to south of Wheeling. The trail also extends east of Wheeling toward Wheeling Hospital.

The 9.7-mile Brooke County Pioneer Trail extends from south of

Wellsburg at Buffalo Creek and follows the Ohio River to Ohio County, where it connects to the 13-mile Wheeling Heritage Trail.

The 1.1-mile Wellsburg Yankee Trail travels north from the beginning of the Pioneer Trail through streets and along an old rail line.

The Wheeling Heritage Bicycle Tour is held every Memorial Day and

is organized by the Ohio Valley Trail Partners, a group that includes volunteers from the Wheeling and Brooke County trails associations.

The Brooke County Pioneer Association worked for years to link the area’s trail system — including the Wheeling Heritage, Brooke Pioneer and Yankee trails — with a network of connected trails through Pennsylvania and Maryland that lead all the way to Washington, D.C. Today, the only break in the chain is a stretch from the north end of Wellsburg to the western terminus of the Panhandle Trail in Weirton. The Panhandle Rail Trail runs 29 miles to Walker’s Mill, Pa. The trail is a way to showcase the area’s trail system, but also to encourage more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, according to association members.

There also are walking trails at Friendship Park outside Smithfield. Three trails extend along the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at the park.

The Rehabilitation Trail, sponsored by Rehab Plus of Steubenville, is a short paved trail designed for See TRAILS Page 5B ➪

Contributed

The Toronto 15-mile hiking and biking trailway is one of the newest trails in the Ohio Valley. The trail, which extends from Toronto into Empire and Stratton, was a cooperative venture between the city and the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization.

4B

Historic Fort Steuben and Visitors Center continuing to grow

From staff reports

STEUBENVILLE – “Rooted in Faith, Forged by Steel, Steeped in History” is the focus for Historic Fort Steuben and the Visitors Center in 2015.

“We have much to be proud of at Historic Fort Steuben. Every year we try to build on the efforts of the past by adding new programs or highlighting different aspects of our history and community,” explained Historic Fort Steuben Executive Director Judy Bratten. “I truly believe that the more we do for and in our own community, the more it will be attractive to tourists and visitors.

“It’s amazing how many people do not realize that the reconstructed fort is

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

not just a collection of buildings. There are extensive exhibits and artifacts in each one and additions are made every year. For example, we are adding more interpretive signage in each building to help explain what the viewer is seeing.

We expect the new panels to be installed in time for our opening in May,” she added.

“We are excited about a new opportunity for the fort and the community this summer with our Fort to Fort Fun Run between Historic Fort Steuben and Fort Meigs in Perrysburg. Participants can make the 225-mile run between the two forts, stopping at the middle to meet for lunch. When they arrive at their destinaSee FORT STEUBEN Page 6B ➪

Dave Gossett

Jerry Barilla, president of the Old Fort Steuben board of trustees, and Judy Bratten, executive director of the Historic Fort Steuben and Visitors Center, hold an American flag that will be placed on one of the military flagpoles in May when the area is officially dedicated.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

Trails Continued from Page 3B individuals recovering from surgery, illness or injury.

The other two trails begin and end at the MidWay Pavilion, forming loops around the fairgrounds. The inner MidWay Trail extends about a mile along the fairground’s buildings, while the outer Overlook Trail incorporates the MidWay Trail and stretches about 1.5 miles.

One of the area’s newest trails has been the establishment of a hiking and biking pathway through Toronto, thanks to a cooperative venture between the city of Toronto, Stratton, Empire and the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization.

The pathway includes a biking and hiking trail winding its way through the city and extending along county Road 7F — the former state Route 7 — into both Empire and Stratton, establishing a 15-mile stretch, according to George Komar of the revitalization committee.

“There’s a kiosk (with literature and route map) at the corner of Fourth Street and Market Street at Sloane Station Square,”

Serbian-American Cultural Center offers ʻAffordable Eleganceʼ for all occasions 5B

said Komar, adding those walking and cycling can then head toward the Ohio River. “From there on (River Avenue) they can go either north or south.”

One leg of the pathway extends back into the city, while the other leg travels up River Avenue, to the city’s north end and into county Road 7F. The pathway then goes into Empire and Stratton from there, said Komar.

The pathway is marked with “sharrows,” which are painted arrows on the streets designating the pathways. Komar said he believes there are about 130 sharrows in the entire system, and the entire pathway travels about 15 miles.

The pathway is being used regularly, as Toronto’s flat streets and picturesque river view make it a special attraction for many in the city as well as visitors.

As the weather improves, the coalition also sponsors biking days as well, which also have attracted a fair amount of bikers, according to Komar.

Staff Photo

Area children were invited to decorate their bicycles with balloons and lead everyone in making the first run over the Rehabilitation Trail, one of three recreational trails established at Friendship Park in 2012.

WEIRTON — From intimate parties to large events, the Serbian-American Cultural Center provides “Affordable Elegance” for weddings, banquets, business meetings, parties and events of all kinds with no costly hidden fees or additional charges.

The center is a fullservice banquet facility and lounge, offering 24,000 square feet of accommodations.

The professional event planning staff ensures every detail of an event is handled with great care, allowing clients to relax and enjoy their special occasions.

“We offer superior value and service to our customers, with no hidden fees or additional costs,” said Nino Karas, manager. “We want to exceed their expectations for their event.”

The culinary staff works directly with clients to create customized menus to satisfy their needs. Special-needs meals, such as gluten- and allergen-free and vegetarian, are available on request.

The center offers special holiday menus for Serbian Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and special events for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. Lenten fish frys will begin with a special

Lenten buffet on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, and continue every Friday until Easter.

Serbian Men’s Clubsponsored bingo is held at 5 p.m. Mondays, and a Sunday Brunch Buffet is held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Now in its 18th year, the center is the official caterer for the Serbian Picnic Grounds operated by the Serbian Men’s Club.

The center continues to offer off-site catering and is making in-roads into the airport corridor and West

Hills to bring trade shows, meetings and holiday parties to the area.

“When people think about us, they think about the building here,” said Karas. “No one realizes we can deliver to them.”

The center gives back to the community by donating to local charities, including the Weirton United Way, the Salvation Army, Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church and the International Orthodox Christian

Charities.

The center supports the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce by hosting the Ladies’ Day at the Chamber and the High School Business Symposium.

The Serbian-American Cultural Center is located at 1000 Colliers Way, a mile past Weirton Medical Center. For information or reservations, call (304) 723-7372, e-mail sacchall@frontier.com or visit the website at www.sacchall.com, which includes a virtual tour of the facility.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

6B

Fort Steuben Continued from Page 4B

Staff Photo

Descendants of Steubenville native and legendary U.S. statesman Edwin M. Stanton took part in a 200th birthday celebration for the secretary of war during the Civil War. The event was held in November at the Historic Fort Steuben’s Visitors Center. Speakers discussed Stanton’s life growing up in Steubenville, his career and beyond as well as his influence that continues to this day. Stanton served as secretary of war under President Lincoln. Those taking part in the celebration included, from left, Catherine Stanton Richert, Ellen Stanton Reifenberger, Adele Stanton Croft and Molly Stanton Croft, descendants of Stanton’s.

tions there will be a special tour and lodging options,” said Bratten.

She described this event as an effort to highlight the historic significance of the two Ohio landmarks as well as bring new travelers into the area.

“We are also looking forward to dedicating the new military flagpoles during Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to generous gifts from AMVETS, families, individuals and a grant from the JC Williams Charitable Trust, we have added a striking new addition to the downtown landscape,” Bratten said.

“What is really impressive is the amount of information, interaction with visitors, communication with travel groups and tourists and the number of exceptional programs that are produced at this site. We have only two members on staff and depend on our incredibly committed volunteers to keep it all running smoothly. That says a lot for our community and our mission,” she noted.

This year there is a robust effort to increase membership, a major source of funding for the operations at the Fort, Bratten said.

“We have a wide range of membership levels to accommodate those on limited incomes as well as those who can afford to give more to sustain this outstanding educational resource,” said Bratten.

“In fact, we are enticing new members with our Sweetheart Membership Campaign. Every new member who pledges their love for history and

signs on between now and Feb. 28 will be entered into a drawing for a romantic dinner for two at Steubenville’s famous Naples Spaghetti House.”

Bratten said that it costs $250 a day to simply operate Historic Fort Steuben.

“We receive no regular funding from public or private entities for our daily expenses and depend on the generosity of our supporters. One way they show their support is by sponsoring a day at Historic Fort Steuben to commemorate an event or occasion, to honor a person or group.

Another is remembering the fort in one’s will as an investment in the future,” remarked Bratten.

According to Bratten, the Visitors Center sends out several thousand visitor packets each year, advertises in travel magazines, participates in promotional seminars and conferences and is an active member of history, museum and travel organizations.

Bratten noted they are working on the annual programs the community has come to appreciate.

“The Spring Quilt Show in April; the summer concerts will begin May 21; Ohio Valley Frontier Days will run June 6 and 7; the Hometown Celebration featuring live entertainment, trolley rides, family fun street fair and an 18th century military encampment in the fort on June 20; the Summer Youth Program; and the Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 — I think you can say that Historic Fort Steuben has met and exceeded our mission,” said Bratten.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

7B

JCDD offers dependable workers through statewide program Contributed

Chris McHugh has been employed with Sodexo at the Franciscan University of Steubenville cafeteria scrubbing pots and pans in the kitchen for the past five years. McHugh works through the community employment services program with Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities. Sodexo has eight workers through the program.

STEUBENVILLE — Businesses hiring workers through the Jefferson County Developmental Disabilities program will get a dependable worker with a support staff to help make sure they have the abilities to do the job.

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities implemented a statewide program more than two years ago to get developmentally disabled adults and those transitioning from school working in the community.

The Ohio Employment First Taskforce agencies believe that community employment should be the first option for all working age adults and transition-age youth with developmental disabilities. Employment First is a philosophy of service that presumes that all Ohioans with significant disabilities can and should have opportunities to work in the community.

Meaningful work has significant benefits for all working age adults, including people with developmental disabilities. People with developmental disabilities have the right to make informed decisions about where they work and to have opportunities to obtain community jobs that result in greater earnings, better benefits, improved health and enhanced quality of life. In addition, meaningful employment offers individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to bolster self-esteem, expand their network of natural supports, make friends and demonstrate their professional abilities in a public setting. These benefits all contribute to the diversity of the work force and enrichment of our community.

Renee Pastre, a community employment services specialist with the county’s DD program, said the staff provides ongoing support for the workers.

“We work with them doing proper job matching and training, including on-the-job training, and continue with follow-up services for as long as needed,” she said.

There are currently 25 people from the DD program successfully employed in the community at such businesses as Kroger, Sodexo food services at the Franciscan University of Steubenville,

Burger King, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Damon’s Grill and Sports Bar, Blue Chip Janitorial at Macys, the county’s Educational Service Center and Southeastern Equipment Co. in Brilliant.

“Many businesses allow us to open their doors to conduct a community-based assessment, where we take an individual on the job and assess their skills,” Pastre said. “Our goal is to assist individuals in becoming independent and employed in an integrated setting.”

The community employment program recently received four in-house referrals for prospective workers.

Devon Carter is one and he is now working at Lowe’s Home Improvement as a loader, stocking, making keys and assisting customers.

“Lowe’s has worked amazingly with him,” Pastre said.

Carter said he is working part time. One of his goals was to learn how to make keys.

“I like it, and and I love the paycheck,” he said.

Carter said fellow workers and managers are supportive of him, answering his questions and explaining the work to be done.

He said he enjoys making friends at work. He has a savings account for his paychecks, but said he really wants to get a driver’s license.

Pastre said another of the recent jobs

obtained was at Southestern Equipment. The worker there works with the maintenance crew.

Two of the other referrals are in job development. Pastre said the community employment program is actively looking to place the workers in jobs.

She said the program has several business in which clients can do a communitybased assessment to determine strengths and weaknesses on the job. The weaknesses are then improved.

Pastre said after a person is placed, the community employment program stays in touch with the worker and employer about once a month.

“We have people who have been employed for 20 years that we still visit to talk to the employer, fellow employees and worker,” Pastre said.

Clients who are in job development work on their resume.

“During job development, we put in applications wherever the person is interested in working. In job development, we will also run a person through mock interviews and assist them with computer skills,” Pastre said.

The United Way of Jefferson County had four workers this summer, doing maintenance work and separating clothing, Pastre said.

Pastre said the word is spreading about the

Contributed

Devon Carter goes over a driver’s license manual with Renee Pastre, a community employment services specialist with the Jefferson County Development Disabilities program. Carter is working for Lowe’s Home Improvement through the community employment services program.

He is working on getting his driver’s permit.

community employment program.

“The community is becoming more and more familiar with the program. We are out there informing everyone of the services, and how we can benefit the business,” she said.

Workers through the community employment program can bring a great asset to a business, Pastre said.

“The workers are dedicated, dependable, reliable and many are extremely focused on the job and very goal oriented,” she said.

She said workers sometimes start out at part time and then move to full time, where they can get health insurance, have a 401(k) retirement program and get a driver’s license.

“We have many success stories,” she said.

The Rev. Greg Thompson, a com-

munity employment services specialist, said there are advantages to the business in hiring through the program.

He said the business is afforded a prolonged interview and sees the work adjustment of the individual prior to hiring.

Angie Loppe, a community employment services specialist, said persons with developmental disabilities are stereotyped by their abilities.

“We work with them to realize their abilities.” she said.

Loppe said parents of a person with a developmental disabilities worry about the future for their child.

The employment program is starting to change the perception of parents and the

community that persons with a developmental disability can make changes to improve their life.

“Employers once asked about a person’s disability. Now they are asking about their abilities. They are dependable and will be there on the job,” Loppe said.

Pastre said the employment services program strives to teach work ethics and how important it is to be on the job as required.

“Employers appreciate that,” she said.

“The sky is the limit for our people. We will do whatever it takes to assist and make our people successful,” Pastre said.

Businesses interested in the program can contact the Developmental Disabilities community employment program at (740) 266-6167.

8B

Artisan Center offers unique gifts, fun activities

WHEELING — The Wheeling Artisan Center Retail Shop, in downtown Wheeling, offers a wide variety of local and regional handcrafted art and products for visitors to take home with them or local residents to give as gifts.

The retail shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether it’s handmade pottery, collectible glass, West Virginia maple syrup or a local interest book, the shop has it all, according to Chris Villamagna, spokesperson for the artisan center.

Located at the corner of 14th and Main streets, the Artisan Center is operated by the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corp.

The facility features the privately owned River City Restaurant on the first floor; the retail

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

shop and exhibits of Wheeling’s industrial heritage on the second floor; and the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corp. offices, the Loft Art Gallery and banquet facilities on the third floor of the historic building.

Fine handcrafts and art in the Retail Emporium include pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, willow furniture, toys, clothing, gourds, candles, quilts, scarves, hats, paintings, photographs, sculptures, mobiles, notecards, pillows, baskets, soaps, rugs and much more.

The artisans whose work is available for sale are selected by a jurying process.

“We’re always looking for new artists to submit their work for consideration to sell here, Villamagna said. We ask that interested artists submit several works or images of their work

for consideration.

The Artisan Center purchases some items but other items are carried on a consignment basis.

The Retail Emporium also features a large selection of West Virginia-made food products, including salsas, jellies and jams, candy, honeys, maple products, soup and muffin mixes, pickles and hot pepper mixes.

Gift baskets can be created with any of our items.

We also offer free gift wrapping, said Villamagna, who added the shop offers souvenir items including post cards, local photography and T-shirts.

Besides its daily offerings, the center is home of the annual Wheeling Celtic Celebration.

The 19th-annual Wheeling Celtic Celebration will take place this year on March 7.

During the event, the Artisan Center will be filled with authentic Celtic music, dance, entertainment, merchandise for sale and great food, including Scotch eggs and cabbage and noodles.

Favorites groups like the BurkeConroy School of Irish Dance, Brigid’s Cross and the Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh are a part of this year’s entertainment.

On the second floor there will be a children’s activity area conducted by members of the Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley from noon to 4 p.m.

A wonderful selection of Celtic merchandise also will be available for purchase. Vendors will be selling photographs, jewelry, clothing, pub paraphernalia and T-shirts and Honey Mead wine, as well as many other items, including delicious fudge and kettle corn.

The Artisan Center is housed in a renovated industrial building made into a dramatic, multi-use community facility.

It was built on March 15, 1867, under the direction of Henry K. List, a local businessman and philanthropist.

Built at the corner of Main Street and what was then known as Quincy Street, the building was designed to provide more space for List’s growing wholesale grocery business.

It opened in February 1868 as the Henry K. List Building. List also began selling wool and pig iron from the south store room at 1404 Main St. Many area residents will remember the site as the Gee Electric Building, which occupied the structure from 1913 to 1989.

The building sat vacant until the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corp. opened the Artisan Center in 1996.

For more information and the entertainment lineup for the Celtic Celebration, visit www.artisancenter.com or call (304) 232-1810.

Tri-State Home Weirton Christian Center in its 98th year and Garden Show set for March 20-22 in Weirton Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

10B

WEIRTON — DeNoon Lumber, Weirton Medical Center and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration once again will be headline sponsors for the TriState Home and Garden Show March 20-22 at the Serbian-American Cultural Center located at 1000 Colliers Way. The show is being offered as a joint venture between the Jefferson County and Weirton Area Chambers of Commerce.

The show will offer more than 80 vendors the opportunity to present their products and services in a unique face-to-face setting with the estimated 5,000-plus patrons.

“The Tri-State Home Show is the event we look forward to sponsoring every year as a way of thanking the Ohio Valley for the tremendous support they have shown us for more than 50 years,” said Clay Croskey of DeNoon. “It’s a way to get out, have great conversations with the people who have offered us their business and meet lots of new folks as well.”

Brenda Mull, Weirton Area Chamber president, confirmed the hours for this year’s show are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 21 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 22.

“We are excited to have another exciting show planned again this year,” Mull said. “There is plenty of time over three days for everyone to get out and see what we have to offer.”

Tricia Maple, Jefferson County Chamber interim president, announced both chambers once again are presenting a Business After Hours from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 20.

“Not only is the Home and Garden Show a great place for the community

WEIRTON — The Weirton Christian Center, now in its 98th year, continues to be a community-focused resource center, just as started by the first Baptist missionary to accommodate the comto meet potential busimunity needs. When nesses and vendors, it’s also a wonderful way for Weirton Steel hired 13,000 immigrants to the business community work in the mill, it to reconnect as well,” quickly became the cenMaple said.

Wheelhouse Creative, a ter for citizenship, Engnew full-service advertis- lish lessons, immunizaing and branding agency tions, youth and senior in the region, is coordinat- programs and so much more. Betty Killian was ing the 2015 show. Rob the director for 45 Vandine, Wheelhouse years, until she retired Account Management vice president, is excited in 2006.

Current Executive for the firm to get Director Kim Weaver involved. emphasized the Chris“After managing this tian Center’s role in the show for four years at a different agency, I knew community is to do the work commissioned in Wheelhouse had to be Matthew 25 and be a involved,” Vandine said. safe place for children “We are a brand new from the ages of 3-18. agency, but we have a diverse group with a ton of experience. We jumped at the chance to show who we are and what we do.

“People often tire of old ideas being recycled over and over. Things get stale. We wanted to be the opposite of what was available. We wanted to create an agency that was original in every aspect of what we do.

“What makes Wheelhouse Creative different is the team we have in place. We have both youth and experience, conservative and clever ideas, cutting-edge and traditional personalities.

We would like to think that, because of this diversity, we look at things under a slightly different lens than most agencies and it is our collective energy and allhands-on-deck approach that separates us from the rest.

“So, when we had the chance to showcase our talents by working with this show, we were certainly on board.”

To learn about the TriState Home and Garden Show, any of its premier sponsors or Wheelhouse Creative, contact Vandine at (304) 905-6005.

BETHANY— Outside of many Bethany College staff and alumni, the Mountainside Conference Center/Gresham Inn may be Brooke County’s best kept secret. But the management of the facility, which brings together lodging, dining and conference rooms in one convenient location, is working to change that.

“We want people to know we’re open to the public,” said Donna White, the center’s manager.

White noted the center and adjacent Gresham Inn and Harder Hall are owned and operated by Bethany College but available for a variety of occasions, including business conferences, wedding rehearsal dinners, family reunions and other gatherings.

Located near the intersection of state Routes 67 and 88, they are just six miles from Wellsburg, 12 miles from Oglebay Park and a half-hour from Wheeling, she added.

The Mountainside Conference Center includes three facilities: ¯ The Millsop Leadership Center, which includes a large, tiered circular conference room that seats up to 100, eight additional conference rooms and staff to assist with meetings. ¯ Gresham Inn, which

offers 40 rooms with modern amenities and most with two double beds; an exercise room and pool table. ¯ The Harder Hall dining room, which seats up to 100 and may be used for buffet or sit-down meals, private parties and other special events.

Catering is available for all locations through the Chartwells catering service, which offers menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, suited for a variety of occasions. They range from elegant dinners and three ethnically themed meals to boxed lunches or outdoor picnics with barbecued food, as well as a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres.

Such facilities and its scenic location make the Mountainside Conference Center an ideal place for training programs, workshops, retreats, camps, social events and other occasions. In addition, facilities at the nearby Bethany College campus also are available for gatherings, meetings and recreational use.

For information, including photos of the conference center and its facilities, visit http://www.bethanywv.ed u/about-bethany/mountainside. Inquiries or reservations may be made by calling (304) 829-7622.

Mountainside: Lodging, food, meeting space in one location

The Christian Center offers opportunities for children to develop positive futures that join Christian influence with programs that inspire and encourage.

Once the kindergarten in Weirton, the Christian Center now offers a free preschool with a developmental Christian curriculum and ABC Mouse for 3and 4-year-old children.

For kindergarten through high school, the afterschool program provides educational support with computer programs, homework help, recreational and fitness activities as well as life skills opportunities, Bible lessons, healthy snacks and dinners.

During the summer program, the Christian Center offers free lunch each day, a sum-

mer reading program with Lexia, fitness activities, special programming from visiting groups, VBS weeks and more. The Christian Center’s Journey Project focuses on leadership, literacy, nutrition and fitness programs.

Also, during the summer, Kindergarten Readiness is open for enrollment for those children going into kindergarten or needing a boost after having a year there.

Weirton Christian Center has been an agency of Weirton United Way since it was the Community Chest. It is still under the umbrella of West Virginia Baptist Convention and one of 17 Neighborhood Action Programs across the country, under American Baptist Home Mission Society. This

school year, the Christian Center has been given the opportunity to take over the afterschool program of the former Boys and Girls Club program and use the facility for this school year. Looking into permanent plans for expansion in the next couple months is now the goal.

And in 2017, Weirton Christian Center celebrates 100 years of serving Weirton. By this time, the hope is to have a book produced of all the memories and stories of those who have grown up at the Christian Center, either on Avenue D where it started, or Elm Street where it has been since 1979. Please contact the Christian Center if you have memories to share and become a part of the expansive history.