The Marshall County Strings Program will present its annual alumni concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the John Marshall High School Center for Performing Arts. The concert will feature the chamber orchestra and alumni orchestra of more than 30 string program graduates. Festive holiday favorites will fill the air with sounds the season.

—

Moundsville Middle School 8th grader Jessie Nguyen was one of the eight middle school students in the Ohio Valley recognized by Main Street Bank for her artistic talents. Nguyen’s Christmas-themed drawing has been made into a billboard, which can be seen when traveling on the Jefferson Avenue Extension in Moundsville.

Her award-winning artwork was also on display at WesBanco Arena during the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony on Ice Holiday production.

This is the second year Nguyen has won the local billboard contest.

Every winner received a $50 gift card and a miniature billboard of their design from Main Street Bank. The bank also donated $500 to Moundsville Middle School to spend on art supplies. Main Street Bank has been a proud sponsor and organizer off the holiday billboard contest for the past 13 years.

—

From 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, county residents can plan to attend “Christmas on the Avenue” at 5th and Jefferson Avenues in Moundsville. There will be visits with Santa, ornament making, balloon art, horse and carriage rides, cookie decorating, and train rides.

Enjoy some hot chocolate while viewing the lighting of the city tree this is a free event offered by the city of Moundsville Arts and Culture Commission.

—

On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the Benwood-McMechen library will show the movie “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” beginning at 4 p.m.

The Strand Theatre Christmas Cabaret will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20. Some of your favorite Strand performers will come together for an evening of holiday music and cheer featuring many holiday selections both classical and new.

Admission to this is event is $10. Sadie Crow-Varlas will be the emcee while Justin Jones will be the accompanist.

—

The 7th Annual Monarch Tidings took place this past Thursday.

If you missed it or would like to watch it again, you can view the performance in its entirety on the WJMH YouTube page on or after Tuesday, Dec. 17.

If you prefer to watch on television, you can view the performance on WTRF ABC Ohio Valley from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 17, and again on Christmas morning on the same channel from 6-76 a.m.

—

Have a great week.