Today, dedicated in memory of “Scat,” this year’s guide was unveiled at a lunchtime event outside of WesBanco Arena. Not only is the guide dedicated to “Scat,” but so are the city’s 2019 summer concerts. “Scat” died earlier this year at the age of 76.
“Scat had a way of bringing people together, and I think his idea for this guide is just another one of his ways of doing that,” said Michele Rejonis, marketing and community relations specialist for the City of Wheeling.
“Scat took a lot of pride in the Wheeling community, and he wanted to share all of the amazing things that happen in Wheeling and the surrounding communities. He just had such an impact on the community as a whole, whether it was with the city trails, the [Ogden] half marathon … If there was ever anyone who believed in service to the community, it was ‘Scat,’” Rejonis said.
Bob Heldreth, who is the marketing director for Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration — Rejonis referred to him as “Scat Jr.” — gathered all the information for the guide and coordinated with Wheelhouse Creative, which handled the layout and design. Heldreth then confirmed the accuracy of the product. That’s no small task as about 15 communities along with all of Wheeling’s music series are included in the 16-page guide. Heldreth also is a Wheeling firefighter.
Along with spearheading the project, Panhandle also funds and distributes the 50,000 copies that are produced.
The guide includes concert series and events in the following communities: Marshall County, Newell, Chester, Toronto, Weirton, Steubenville, Follansbee (Monday Music Madness), Mingo Junction, Wells Township, Dillonvale (Midweek Melodies), Tiltonsville, Warwood (Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays), St. Clairsville and Barnesville. Summer concert series at Wheeling Park (Toe Tappin Tuesdays, Too) and Oglebay Park (Sundaes Under the Stars) are included, as are Wheeling 250 and Heritage Port happenings, Waterfront Wednesdays and Top of WV events.
In all, more than 200 events can be found in this inclusive guide.
If you are looking for something to do this summer, look no further than the Ohio Valley Summer Event Guide.
To pick up a guide, stop by the City-County Building, your local Convention & Visitors Bureau or an area visitors center. For a digital copy, visit Pandhandle’s website.
• After nearly 38 years as reporter, bureau chief, lifestyles editor and managing editor at The Times Leader, and design editor at The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register, Phyllis Sigal has joined Weelunk as managing editor. She lives in Wheeling with her husband Bruce Wheeler. Along with their two children, son-in-law and two grandchildren, food, wine, travel, theater and music are close to their hearts.