🌱 'Art On The Island' + WVU Parkersburg Announces New President

Morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Parkersburg Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick review of everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A passing afternoon shower. High: 79 Low: 60.
• Saturday: Showers around; not as warm. High: 70 Low: 47.

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Here are the top four stories in Parkersburg today:

1. The Parkersburg Art Center and Blennerhassett Island State Park are partnering for the fourth consecutive year to offer outdoor-themed painting parties and art workshops through the "Art on the Island" program. The classes will take place from May to September, allowing participants to create art while being inspired by the surrounding nature. Pre-registration is required, and the price includes the boat trip to the park, instruction, and all materials, with the opportunity to explore the state park after. (Parkersburg Sentinel)
2. The board of governors of West Virginia University at Parkersburg has announced Torie Jackson as the next president of the school. Jackson, who served as the interim president, was chosen from a pool of seven finalists, including Cathy Monteroso. Jackson assumed the interim presidency last year after Chris Gilmer's departure in July 2022. (Marietta Times)
3. Author Kate Payerle will be presenting her young adult novel, "The Visitors," at Emerson Library in Parkersburg. Organized in collaboration with the Wood County Historical Society and the Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library, will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. Payerle will discuss the book, share excerpts, and talk about the historical research she conducted for the novel, which follows the adventures of Abby and Ella as they travel back in time to Parkersburg in the early 1900s. (WTAP News)
4. Law enforcement agencies from both sides of the Ohio River will participate in the Operation Blue Sky procession for the finale of National Police Week. The event, which honors officers who have sacrificed their lives, will take place regardless of the weather. The procession will begin in Marietta and pass through several cities, including Parkersburg. (Parkersburg Sentinel)

Today and tomorrow in and around Parkersburg:

Friday, May 19

• Date Night Cooking Class: Blueberry Filet At The Changed Plate, Belpre (5:30 PM)

Saturday, May 20

• Morning Yoga With Mimosas At Historic Oakland Estate (9:00 AM)
• YMCA Summer Preview At YMCA Of Parkersburg (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The American Cancer Society will be holding a Relay For Life fundraiser Saturday, May 20. It will take place at Belpre Civitian Park across the river in Belpre. (ACS Events)
• For the first time, blood donations have dropped to an all-time low in a year. The YMCA of Parkersburg will be hosting The American Red Cross from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22 to hold a Blood Drive. This event is open to the public. (Parkersburg YMCA)
• Parkersburg Brewing Company has taken Taco Tuesday to the next level by introducing a new addition. Starting at 6:00 p.m. every week, guests can now enjoy trivia while they indulge in tacos. (Parkersburg Brewing Company via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.