Parkersburg Area Community Foundation board members Lynn Erb, left, and Randy Dick, right, present a check to Williamstown Library Director Lisa Henthorn.

WILLIAMSTOWN – At the June 3 Williamstown City Council meeting, community members gathered to celebrate the awarding of several grants intended to enhance summer programs and environmental initiatives in the city.

Due to support from the Williamstown Fund for Excellence, managed by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the City of Williamstown received a $3,000 grant to fund Fridays at the community pool, giving residents of all ages an opportunity to enjoy healthy, no-cost recreation throughout the summer.

A second grant of $500 will support Williamstown’s Bee City efforts, which promote pollinator habitats and environmental education.

The Parkersburg & Wood County Public Library was awarded $1,500 to support the Williamstown Library’s Summer Reading Program and a celebratory Summer Pool Party, encouraging literacy and community engagement among local youth.

Representing the PACF at the meeting were Lynn Erb and Randy Dick, who presented the awards and shared the Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening local communities through targeted grantmaking.

Dick, a Williamstown Fund for Excellence advisory committee member, emphasized the value of hosting events locally.

“In the past, Williamstown children could only attend the Wood County Library’s pool party in Parkersburg, but many were unable to participate due to transportation barriers,” he said. “By bringing the celebration to Williamstown, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in attendance and engagement with the summer reading program. It’s made a real difference for our kids and community.”

More information about the Williamstown Fund for Excellence is available online at www.pacfwv.com/wfe.