TIM BIRCH

Friends and supporters of retired Wheeling Operations Center assistant supervisor and Ohio County Board of Education member Tim Birch are asking the public to turn out to a fundraiser in his honor set for next month.

Birch “needs a little help from his friends” as he recovers from an illness that resulted in his left leg being amputated last November, according to organizers of the fundraiser.

The event is set for 2 p.m. on March 8 at River City Restaurant in Wheeling. A $20 admission charge includes one beer and live music, as well as the opportunity to participate in a 50-50 raffle and a Chinese auction.

Bands scheduled to perform include MSM, the Ron Retzer Trio, Eli Lambie, Bob Gaudio and more.

Cards and donations can be sent to Birch at Room 261, Continuous Care Center, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital, 236 Hullihen Place, Wheeling, WV 26003-8311.

When Birch was assistant supervisor of the City Operations Center one of his responsibilities was preparing for community events, Wheeling City Manager Robert Herron explained.

“And he did an excellent job coordinating events,” Herron said. “His whole approach to that aspect of his job was to make the community better with these types of events. People still go to Waterfront Wednesday religiously because of what he did. He was all about festivals … he really got into it. His goal was to enhance quality of life through community events and celebrations.”

The fundraiser is now an opportunity for people to help out Birch, Herron continued.

“Mr. Birch was invested in our school system for many years, and spent his career working for people in our city,” added Kim Miller, superintendent of Ohio County Schools. “We are proud to currently have his son, Jason, teaching music at Wheeling Park.

“As a former board member, Mr. Birch was always focused on what’s best for kids, and he’s been in our thoughts during this time. We hope to see many former colleagues and current friends at his benefit.”