Wellsburg Civic League invited me to make my annual trek out Washington Pike to attend one of the premier salad luncheons in the area.

I love these hospitable women and have had some of my best times at their events.

It was at a luncheon a few years ago where I, and a few other women, made our debut singing "Red Neck Women," complete with cowboy hats.

Sandy Pierro was performing that day and "invited" us to participate.

This year, Donohue and Son sang for the group of about 200 women, bringing a tear to more than a few eyes with their selection of favorites from the '50s and '60s and some lip syncing from a lot of those attending.

But the star of the show always is the magnificent array of salads prepared by the 30-some members. I took a photograph to give you an idea of the length of those tables. You can see it above.

The Civic League may be small but it is mighty, doing a lot of good for its community, including scholarships, park benches along the walking trail and a $500 donation this year to the veterans memorial.

The salad luncheon is its big fundraiser, and it is so successful, the club was able to increase its annual scholarship for this year from $500 to $1,000.

Johann Tarr, president, talked about the club and its projects and then became an enthusiastic participant in a little song-and-dance act conducted by the Donohues.

Ellen Dougherty stepped in for her late husband, the Rev. Elwood Dougherty, to give the invocation. The luncheon has been held at Brooke Free Methodist Church for several years, and the Doughertys were familiar faces and welcoming hosts for the fundraiser.

Donna Shalvis was chairman again for the successful luncheon. Donna and Carolyn Mason, a committee member, finally got to sit down with us and sample the fruits of their labors.

Sandy, Sherry Chappano and Rose Chappano are regulars at the event. It's become sort of a tradition that I sit at their table. Carole Jaros and Hazel Murray also were guests there.

The salad luncheon is one of those events that you can count on as a flawless production with good food and good company.

I hope they invite me back next year.

Pageant tryouts

Signups and talent show tryouts for a Tri-State Miss Pre-Teen Pageant will be held Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Fort Steuben Mall, across from Long John Silver's.

Pageant organizers are seeking girls ages 4-8 and 9-12 for the pre-teen contest and ages 13 to 18 for the teen competition.

The talent segment is open to singers, rappers, dancers, musicians, comedians and models.

A pageant organizer said the event is focused on building self-esteem and respect for others in the participants.

There will be more than $3,000 in prizes and awards presented. There is no entry fee.

For information, call (740) 314-7381.

Library programs

"Holiday Decorations for the Mantel" will be held Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at the home of Tami Wietfeld of Tami's Tinsel and Trim as part of the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County's Out and About series.

You can learn how to decorate your mantle in three different styles. A $10 donation is required to participate. Seating is limited. Call the library for reservations at (740) 282-9782.

Family Story Hour will be held at library branches this month. Registration is not needed.

It will be held at Brilliant and Tiltonsville branch today at 5:30 p.m.; Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant branch Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m.; Toronto branch, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.; main library, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m.; Adena branch, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Casey fundraiser

The Brenda Casey Dance Center will hold a pasta dinner Saturday to raise funds for its dancers to travel to a July 17 performance at Walt Disney World.

The dinner will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 3598 Pennsylvania Ave., Weirton.

Adult dinners are $7, children 10 and younger, $5. Meals are free for children younger than 3.

A 50/50 drawing will be held. A nursery will be available.

For information or tickets, call Darcee Groves at (304) 797-8693.

Holiday Bazaar

Wintersville Community Chapel, Bantam Ridge Road and Ward Drive, Wintersville, will hold its Holiday Bazaar Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be tables of crafts, jewelry, candles and Christmas items, baked goods and a hot lunch.

For information, contact Terry Mantos, Missionary Society president, at (740) 264-6144.

Dinner show

A buffet dinner and show featuring the Carrollton High School Show Stoppers will be held Nov. 14 at the community center in Unionport.

The buffet will be at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale. For information, call (740) 944-1446 or 944-1492.