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Marshall Memo: Stacie Dei Marks 20 Years; Halloween Fun; and Health Clinics

By JIM COCHRAN 4 min read

More than 500 youths got the jump on Halloween this past Monday at the former West Virginia Penitentiary when they took part in Kid's Night. The event allowed youngsters 12 and under to go from different locations to receive Halloween treats from local businesses and organizations. In addition to the 25 business/organization there were other persons involved along with Moundsville Economic Development Council employees.

Tom Stiles of the MEDC said when the North Wagon Gate opened at 6 p.m., the line stretched for a block toward Jefferson Avenue.

Kid's Night was started 11 years ago.

While Halloween is looked forward to by youngsters, thousands of adults also enjoy this time of year. The latter being those who tour the Dungeon of Horrors at the former West Virginia Penitentiary.

The Dungeon of Horrors, held on weekends in October, will conclude on Sunday night.

It is projected that 6,500 participants will have gone through this year.

The Marshall County Health Department will be a busy place in November and December as in addition to clinics and programs, all vaccinations will take place at the facility at 603 Sixth St., Moundsville.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations for first, second and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna will be on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

COVID-19 testing for November and December are:

– Nov. 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 18, 22, 24 and 30. The times being 9 a.m., until 1 p.m.

– Dec. 2, 6, 8, 14, 16, 20, 22, 28 and 30. The times also be 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Mobile COVID-19 testing schedule for November are:

– At the Benwood City Hall on Nov. 5 and Nov. 19, the hours for both being 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

n At the Cameron City Hall on Nov. 19, the hours being 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

John Marshall High School's College and Career Fair will be held from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday in the school gymnasium. Organizers hope to attract community members who are looking for a job.

More than 20 local businesses, manufacturing companies and labor unions will be present to talk about career opportunities.

In addition, representatives from more than 40 colleges, universities, technical schools and training program will be present to give information to seniors, juniors and sophomores, along with adults looking toward higher education.

The school's Fair is one of the few school-produced expositions in the state of West Virginia, and is sponsored by JMHS, Bethany College, West Liberty University and West Virginia Northern Community College.

Two months ago, the Marshall County Family Resource Network celebrated 25 years of serving the community while this past week another observance took place -- the 20th year of service by Executive Director Stacie Dei.

Her work has resulted in the organization growing into a thriving and effective resource and partner in the community.

Some of Dei's biggest achievements have included helping to secure more than $10 million in federal, state and local funds.

Among the changes in that time period has been FRN's Closet of Hope, a health and hygiene pantry into a $1.8 million endeavor; receiving more than $500,000 in foundation funding to provide support, mentoring, and training for other FRN and nonprofits throughout the state of West Virginia; and representing the FRN Association while working with funders, legislators and state officials.

When she assumed the role of executive director she was the sole employee.

She began seeking additional funding and opportunities to support the needs of Marshall County, and these programs having grown to include the Marshall County Family Resource Center, Marshall County Parents And Teachers, Regional Adolescent Health Initiative, and most recently, the Appalachian Innovation Collective.

Her leadership has resulted in the development of an organization that is able to be responsive to the needs of the community.

The Marshall County FRN has become a flagship organization for other state FRNs, helping several in support and assistance. Dei has received a number of awards, among these being "Key to the City of Moundsville” in 2013; selected as a Community "Sparkplug” by the Bushy Fork Institute in 2009; helping to re-establish the Alliance of Family Resource Networks and serving as vice president on that board in 2013; West Liberty University Leadership group for entrepreneurship; and more. The Marshall County FRN is a non-profit organization that helps to make Marshall County a better place to live and work. For more information visit www.marshallcountfrn.com.

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