Fiction writer Donald Ray Pollock will read from his award-winning story collection, "Knockemstiff," Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Renner Art Gallery at Bethany College. The stories, set in the small community of Knockemstiff, Ohio, paint often terrifying yet humorous portraits of people who are down on their luck and out of good options.

The book will be available for purchase in the college's bookstore, and Pollock will be available to sign copies at a reception following his presentation.

Pollock grew up in Knockemstiff, which is 13 miles southwest of Chillicothe. He dropped out of school to work in a meatpacking plant and later spent 32 years employed in a paper mill.

He's now a graduate student at Ohio State University and hopes to someday teach fiction writing. He lives in Chillicothe.

Pollock's work has received praise from the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times and he was awarded the PEN-Robert Bingham Fellowship for Writers, which is given to writers whose work is found to show great promise.

Cypress Twig meeting held

The October meeting of Cypress Twig was held at Steubenville Country Club with Jo Ann McClain serving as hostess. Linda Nolf welcomed members and McClain read a poem, "The Golden Path" and gave the invocation.

New members Aileen DeLong and Judy Anastasia were introduced.

Linda Nolf, Dorina Hoover and Barbara Kowalsky attended the September auxiliary meeting and reported that $250,000 was the final donation made to fulfill the $500,000 pledge to the Tony Teramana Cancer Center.

Helen D'Andrea will be hostess for today's meeting to be held at her home.

Bell Chapel plans shopping day

Bell Chapel United Methodist Church, state Route 213, will hold its annual "Shop Till You Drop" Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be a variety of vendors and holiday cookies for sale.

Soup and sandwiches will be sold and carryout will be available.

Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

E.S. Thanksgiving dinner planned

There will be a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the East Springfield Community Recreation and Service Center.

For takeout, call (740) 543-3700.

The price is $6 per person but free for children younger than 6.

The menu will be ham and turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, dessert and drink.

Sisters of Garibaldi meet

Sisters of Garibaldi held its October meeting with Theresa Lamantia presiding. Hostesses were Theresa Lamantia, Kathy DiCarlantonio, Joyce Parrish and Joann Barnabei. Prizes were awarded to Candy Caruso, Mary Torini, Linda Caruso, Donna Ferrelli, Vickie Ross and Kathy DiCarlantonio. The next meeting will be Nov. 17.

Unionport Veterans Day program set

A Veterans Day program will be held in Unionport in the community center Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.

Richard Davis of the Air Force Reserves, will be the speaker and there will be special music. Service men and service women will be honored. A tea will follow the program that is open to the public. The program is hosted by Unionport Auxiliary 45 of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Council 472 to have memorial service

Immaculate Heart of Mary Council 472 is having a memorial service Thursday at the council hall. The service is held to honor all deceased members, especially members who died during the past year. The ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. with Donald Hall, district deputy, and Ric Fornal, grand knight, heading the agenda for the evening.

Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

Pomona Grange meets Nov. 14

Jefferson County Pomona Grange 41 members will meet at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Pleasant Hill grange Hall, state Route 213. Pleasant Hill Grange will be host.

Indian Creek students honored

Indian Creek Junior High School October Students of the Month are Cody Skinner, Shannon Kovach, Nathan Beatty, Sean Tipton, Emily Wilson and Alex Carey.