Meetings

¯ The Tunnel-Warren Chapel United Methodist Churches will provide a Free Community Meal from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, January 11. Drive-through pick-ups will be in the lower parking lot. To reserve a meal of ham and egg casserole, contact Amy at (740) 516-0847 by Wednesday evening. Tunnel UMC is located at Ohio 550 and Coffman Road.

¯ The January Franciscan Community Meals of Marietta Board of Directors meeting will be held on Jan. 11 at the Marietta Wine Cellars, Second Street Marietta.

¯ The Reno Area Water and Sewer District Board will be having their regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the Reno Water Office located at 170 Mount Tom Road. The public is welcome to attend.

¯ The Barlow Township Trustees will hold their regular meetings at 8 a.m. the second Monday of each month at 13326 St. Rt. 550, Fleming.

¯ The Watertown Township Board of Trustees will hold their regular monthly meetings for at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of the month at the Watertown VFD.

¯ The Belpre Township Trustees will hold their scheduled meetings at 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month at 335 Baker Road, Little Hocking.

Events

¯ A pork chop dinner will be held from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 12 at VFW #5108, 319 Pike St., Marietta, cost is $15 per person. For more information, call 740-374-9038.

¯ Marietta Memorial and Selby Hospitals are having a pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at the First Church of the Nazarene on Millcreek Road. Proceeds will go toward the Teddy Bear Fund. Donation only. For more information, contact Cindy Hall at 740-374-1778.

¯ An African Drum Class will meet from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta Social Hall, located at 232 3rd Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750. Master Drummer Lawrence Greene will lead the workshop. A suggested donation is $15 to $20. Advance registration is required. Please call Rev. Kat Hawbaker at (740) 373-1238 or Shelley Khatib at (703) 340-5502 to register. Drums will be provided for students who need them.

¯ The Belpre Heights Church, located at 720 Clement Ave. Belpre, will hold a White Elephant Sale at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20. This auction will benefit the Belpre Heights OutReach Programs.

¯ A breakfast will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at the VFW #5108, 319 Pike St., Marietta. Cost is $8 per person.

¯ Our Lady of Mercy CWC is holding a Cabin Fever Buster Dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Our Lady of Mercy Social Hall in Lowell, Ohio. The menu includes baked steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade noodles, green beans, coleslaw, and dessert. Dine in or carry out is available. Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Tickets will be sold until Monday, January 29th and can be purchased by calling Kathy Reed at 740-350-3496.

¯ The Beverly Branch Library, 300 McIntosh St., will present the following events. For more information or to register, contact the library at 740 984-4060

– Jan. 20: from 10:30 am to 1:30 p.m., the library will be celebrate Taylor Swift and music in general at this at-your-own-pace event. There will be crafts and activities set up around the library for participants to enjoy at their leisure. This event is for ages 5 and up.

– Jan. 22:

¯ At 10 a.m., the library invites attendees to meet at the Cornerstone Inn for a stroll down memory lane. There will be an open discussion on a certain topic. They will be starting with “Winter Fun.” The question will be “What do you remember doing for fun in the wintertime?” A morning beverage will be provided. This event is open to teens and adults. The Cornerstone Inn is located at 201 Fifth Street, Beverly.

¯ At 4:30 p.m., the I’m With the Banned Book Club will discuss Jay Asher’s “Thirteen Reasons Why.” Each month a new challenged book is chosen for discussion. This event is for ages 18+.

– Jan. 23: At 6 p.m., the library invites attendees to meet at Riverbend Family Dining as Pleasing Palettes will be joining the library this month for a paint party. A drink and appetizer will be provided as will the materials for the painting. This event is for ages 18+ and registration is required. To register, call the Beverly Branch Library at 740-984-4060. Riverbend Family Dining is located at 415 Fifth Street, Beverly.

– Jan. 25: At 6 p.m., the Fort Frye FFA will be at the library to discuss chickens. This event is for teens and adults and no registration is required.

– Feb. 5: At 3:30 p.m. Monday there will be a book vs. movie discussion about “The Hunger Games.” This event is open to teens and adults.

– Feb. 10: At 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the library will be having Valentine’s Day fun. They will have crafts (make your Valentine’s Day Box and homemade Valentine’s) and other activities set up around the library for participants to enjoy at their leisure. This event is for all ages.

– Every Second Monday: At 4:30 p.m. there will be an informal book discussion at Lock #4 Coffee Shop, 123 3rd St., Beverly, OH. A small drink will be provided by the Library.

– Every Wednesday: The Breakfast Club Story Time begins at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 10 and is for children ages 2-6 who are accompanied by an adult. Story Time will include stories, crafts, games, music. The story time will include a small breakfast snack. The library will be closed at this time, so they ask those attending to use the back door.

– Every Wednesday through April 24:

¯ Starting at 10:30 a.m. Baby Bookworms will begin meeting. Baby Bookworms is a story/play time for children 2 and under who are accompanied by an adult.

¯ Starting at 3:15 p.m. “Once Upon a Time We…”, an after-school fun time for ages 6-12, will begin meeting. Topics for this event will change each week and activities may include crafts, games, or books. No registration is required.

– Every First Thursday: Starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 1, teens and adults are invited to learn about basic hand-sewing techniques.

This is part of the Let’s Get Crafty program.

– Every Third Thursday:

¯ Starting at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 the Let’s Eat! Program will begin. On Jan. 11, participants will learn about soup. Bring your favorite soup recipe to share while enjoying some soup. The Feb. 8 meeting will be about chocolate. There will also be dipping, molding, painting with, and eating chocolate. These events are for teens and adults.

¯ At 6 p.m. starting on Thursday, January 18, stop in and make Granny Squares using a Crochet Circle. They will collect the Granny Squares to make a blanket. The blanket will then be donated to a worthy cause. Hooks and yarn will be provided. If you don’t know how to crochet, they will teach you. This event is for teens and adults. CAL (Crochet Along at the Library) will meet every third Thursday at 6 pm. No registration is required.

– Every First Saturday: Anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., starting Jan. 6, the Builders Club will be meeting. They will set up a kit for everyone to work on together. They will also have some blocks for people to do an independent build. This event is for ages 5 and up and is an “at your own pace program”.

¯ The Barlow Branch Library, 45 White Oak Professional Center, Vincent, will present the following events. For more information or to register, contact the library at 740-678-0103.

– Jan. 11: At 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, adult crafters will create a Diamond Art Coaster and a Sharpie Mug. This event is for ages 18+ and registration is required.

– Jan. 18: At 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 18 during the ALLY (Afterschool Local Library Youth) Club meeting, teens will be competing in the Rube Goldberg Machine online competition. They will construct and film a Rube Goldberg machine performing the annual task of “putting toothpaste on a toothbrush”. ALLY Club is open to grades 5-12 and registration is required.

– Every Wednesday: The WTB: Walking Through the Books Club will meet each Wednesday morning to walk through the book stacks, in a level, climate-controlled walking maze from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesdays throughout January. Coffee and tea will be available after your walk. This event is open to all ages and no registration is required.

– Every Thursday through Jan. 4: A family book club will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m. The meeting will include discussion, a reading, and related activities or snacks. The book this month is “Bound for Home” by: Meika Hashimoto. This event is for second grade children or older. Be sure to pick up the book when you register.

– Third Thursdays through May: Teen entertainment for grades five to 12 after school till 4 p.m.

– Every Fourth Thursday: The Junior ALLY Club will meet on the 4th Thursday of every month, after-school until 5pm. The first meeting is from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25. Busing will be provided for a limited number of students. Busing options will require calling the library to sign up and sending a note to the school in advance. For more information or to sign up, contact the library. **Junior ALLY Club is open to local homeschool families too! Just drop your child off at the library by 3:45 pm.**

– Every Friday: A gaming hour will be held at 4 p.m. every Friday. This event is for ages 8-18. Participants must reserve their spot in advance and must be picked up no later than 5:30 pm. The space will be limited to 8 people max. Spots will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Grab a group of friends and reserve your spot. A variety of video games will be provided to choose from each week.

– Rube Goldberg Machine Team: Help design and build a Rube Goldberg Machine to be entered into the official online contest. The last meeting will be on Jan. 12: Filming. The event is for grades kindergarten to fourth and registration is required.

– Used Book Sale: The library will hold a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday Feb. 1 to Friday Feb 2 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 3.

• The Belpre Branch Library, 2012 Washington Blvd., will present the following events. For more information or to register, contact the library at 740-423-8381.

– Jan. 11: At 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, those grades K through 5 are welcome to make a stained glass-style suncatcher using tissue paper and paper snowflakes. Registration is required.

– Jan. 18: At 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, come make your own winter-themed Slime. Fill it with sparkly snowflakes, pint sized penguins, or dye it a cozy color. This event is for grades K-5 and registration is required.

– Jan. 19: At 5 p.m. on Friday, January 19, the evening book club will be meeting and discussing their favorite (and least favorite) books of the year 2023. They will also be voting on upcoming titles that they will read in 2024, so don’t miss your chance to share your opinion on what they will read. No registration is required.

– Jan. 20: At 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, bring the whole family to create a fleecy fluffy no sew pillow. This event is open to all ages and registration is required.

– Jan. 22: At 2 p.m. on Monday, January 22, teens and adults aged 12+ are welcome to spend the afternoon making their own winter weather gnome to brighten up their home during the cold days to come. Registration is required, please call 740-423-8381 to register.

– Jan. 23: The YA Book Club will be meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23. They will be reading “Girls Made of Snow and Glass” by Melissa Bashardoust. Young adult readers age 12 and up are welcome. No registration is required. Pick up a copy at the desk today.

– Jan. 25: At 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, come use beads and paperclips to make a unique bookmark. This event is for grades K-5 and registration is required.

– Jan. 26: Join the library for a tricky Trivia night at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26. This month is NOT themed. This will be a Kahoot Trivia so please bring one internet-enabled device for each person attending. This event is for ages 12+ and registration is required.

– Jan. 27: At 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, come have a blast singing, playing, and moving with your little one. The music circles are led by Martha Webster, music educator and National Board Certified Music Therapist. This event is for children ages 2-4 with a grownup and registration is required.

– Jan. 29: From 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, teens and adults aged 12+ are welcome to paint and make a starry night snowman painting! This is a longer event, so block off your afternoon. Registration is required.

-Every Monday: At 10:30 a.m. on Mondays, kids under 3 and their grown-ups are invited to come for a 30-minute story time experience. This program features developmentally appropriate stories, songs, and activities for the littlest library patrons. No registration is required.

– Every Thursday: At 2 p.m. on Thursdays, January 11, 18, and 25, homeschoolers under the age of 12 can come hangout for some social time with their peers. No registration is required.

– Every Friday: At 10:30 a.m. on Fridays, kids ages 3 to 5 and their grown-ups are invited to come for a fun and educational introduction to the alphabet and the world around them. Each week will feature a letter or theme and families will have the opportunity to take home an enrichment packet to continue their learning throughout the week. No registration is required.

• The Marietta Branch Library, 615 Fifth St., will present the following events. For more information or to register, call 740-373-1057.

– Jan. 19: Your Museum of Art: An Art Exhibition starring you! The Marietta Branch’s Youth Services Department is hosting an art party from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 19. Drop in to make your own piece of mini art on a real canvas with an art easel. All supplies are provided. This event is for ages 5-12 and no registration is required. The art will be displayed in an exhibition that will run through the end of January in the Youth Services Department.

– Jan. 24:

– At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, teens and adults can come to make a Snowman Mason Jar. This event is for ages 13+ and registration is required.

– The Literary Ladies Book Club will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. This book club reads cozy, wholesome, and inspirational books. January’s book is “The London House” by Katherine Reay. This event is for ages 18+. To register, stop by the library and check out a copy of the book or borrow on the Hoopla or Libby apps.

– The Books and Brews Book Club will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24. This book club meets once a month to discuss a book that has fermentation in it (alcohol). On Wednesday, they will discuss “A Cup of Friendship” by Deborah Rodriguez. They will meet at Over the Moon Pub & Pizza, located at 170 Front Street, in the bar area at the back. Non-Alcoholic drinks will be provided. Alcoholic brews will be purchased by attendees. This event is for ages 18+. Please call 740-373-1057 x0 to register. Be sure to pick up your copy of the book at the Marietta Branch Service Desk or borrow it on your smart device using the Libby app.

– Jan. 27: From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, stop by and make a fleece tie blanket. This event is for ages 10+ and registration is required.

– Jan. 30: At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30 gather yourself a team of 3-4 people and join the Puzzle Competition. Five teams of 3-4 people will combat time and other teams to reign as puzzler extraordinaire. Don’t have a team? Register as an individual and they’ll make a team. This event is for ages 12-102 and registration is required.

-Every Other Monday: Art Exploration will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 8- String-pull Art: create paintings by pulling a string, Jan. 22- Yarn Art: use yarn and string to paint, and Jan. 29th- Watercolors, Crayons, and Salt: Explore how different media interact. This event is open to all ages and no registration is required.

– Every Wednesday:

• Story Hour for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers will be held at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. No registration is required. Call the youth services department for more information.

– Topics for January: Jan. 10 Snow, Jan. 17 Penguins, Jan. 24 Bears, and Jan. 31 Winter Wear.

– Topics for February: Feb. 7 Friends, Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day, Feb. 21 Hair, and Feb. 28 Pajamas.

– Topics for March: March 6 Sports and Games, March 13 Rainbows and Shamrocks, March 20 Earth Day, and March 27 Bunnies and Eggs.

– Topics for April: April 3 Rain and Mud, April 10 Birds, April 17 Frogs, and April 24 Bugs.

– Topics for May: May 1 Butterflies, May 8 Mother’s Day, and May 15 Flowers.

– Every Thursday:

• Preschool movies for kids ages 2 to 6 will be shown at 3 p.m. Movies will last no longer than 30 minutes.

Afterschool Movies are every Thursday, 4-5:30 pm. All movies are rated G or PG and will run no longer than 100 minutes. You may call the children’s department to inquire about the movie titles. Popcorn and bottled water will be served. Open to all ages. Those ages 7 and under must have a caregiver attend with them. No registration is required.

– Every Friday: Toddler Time featuring stories and crafts for children ages 18 months to 3 and their caregivers will be held at 10 a.m. No registration is required. For more information, call the Youth Services Department at the library.

– January topics: Jan. 12 Snow, Jan. 19 Penguins, and Jan. 26 Bears.

– February topics: Feb. 2 Winter Clothes, Feb. 9 Valentine’s Day, Feb. 16 Hair, and Feb. 23 Pajamas.

– March topics: March 1 Friends, March 8 Sports and Games, March 15 Rainbows, March 22 Earth Day, and March 29 Bunnies and Eggs.

– April topics: April 5 Rain and Mud, April 12 Birds, April 19 Frogs, and April 26 Bugs.

– May topics: May 3 Butterflies, May 10 Mother’s Day, and May 17 Flowers.

-Every Second Saturday: Leftover Craft Events will be held at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, January 13th, February 10th, and March 9th. Come see the assortment available including Paint by Sticker, Friendship Bracelets, Mandalas, and Character Drawing. Drop in anytime between 11 am and 1 pm and stay for as long as you’d like (or until the library closes), as well as collect supplies and take them home to complete your project. All supplies are provided. These events are open to all ages and no registration is required.

– IT Specialist: An IT Specialist will be available to help with technology questions from 1-3:30 p.m on Tuesdays, and 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Fridays. They will help you learn how to use your cell phone, computer, tablet, the internet or Microsoft Office programs.

• Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Ave., Marietta, will be offering a 13-week Grief Recovery Support Group starting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 9. Each session, the group will watch a video, featuring personal stories of those grieving, and hear encouraging information from the grief recovery expert. Also, have a discussion/sharing time together. For more information, contact the church at 740-373-6478.

• Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Avenue, Marietta, will be offering two 13-week Grief Recovery Support Groups starting from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15. Each session, the group will watch a video, featuring personal stories of those grieving, and hear encouraging information from the grief recovery expert. They will also have a discussion/sharing time together. For more information, contact the church at 740-373-6478.

• A faith-based cancer support group will meet at noon on the second Monday of the month at Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Ave.

• A free men’s breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the O’Neill Center. Donations will be accepted.

• The 1955 graduating class of Marietta High School will meet at 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the Harmar Tavern until further notice. All classmates and friends are welcome.

• Christ United Methodist Church, 301 Wooster St., Marietta, will offer a free takeout meal from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. All are welcome.

• Gilman United Methodist Church, 312 Gilman Ave., Marietta, offers worship at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Adult Sunday school class is at 9:15 a.m. Coffee, light refreshments and fellowship available. A weekly adult Bible study with Pastor Doug Thompson will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 6 p.m. Sundays. All are welcome.

Health

• The Alzheimer’s Association support group meetings in the area include: Marietta Support Group, 10-11:30 a.m. first Fridays at the O’Neill Center, 333 Fourth St. Facilitator is Krissy Kearns, 937-974-2387; Belpre Chamber of Commerce, 1-2:40 p.m. second Mondays at 713 Park Drive. Facilitator is Susie Casto.

• The O’Neill Center will hold mani/pedis with appointments starting at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Cost is $16 for manicure and $33 for pedicure. Call the O’Neill Center for appointments.

• TOPS 399, Marietta, meets 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the First Church of the Nazarene. Weigh-in is between 5:30-6 p.m. Visitors are welcome and the first meeting is free. Call Cindy at 740-629-2957 for details.

Classes/Workshops/Programs/Seminars

• Zumba classes will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 11:30 a.m. Monday at the O’Neill Center. The cost is $5 per class or $25 for six classes. All ages welcome. For more information, call 740-373-3914.

• The O’Neill Center in Marietta will hold bingo at 9:30 a.m. Thursdays. No cost at the door to play 20 games and it is a nickel per card per game. Seating is limited. Also scheduled are: a free gentle yoga class at 10 a.m. Tuesdays; bridge at 1 p.m. Tuesdays; euchre at 1 p.m. Wednesdays; hand and foot cards at 1 p.m. Wednesdays; chair volleyball at 9 a.m first and fourth Wednesdays, except the second Wednesday of the month; Free afternoon at the movies at 1 p.m. Thursdays.

• Weekly ballroom dancing classes will be held 7-10 p.m. second, third and fourth Saturdays of the month at Miller Prosthetics, 2311 Ohio Ave., Parkersburg. Dress is casual. Cost is a $5 per person donation with singles and couples welcome.