-- Contributed Four organizations each received checks for $736.25 as part of the Unionport Chapter No. 360 Order of the Eastern Star’s sponsorship of Wreaths Across America observances held in December at six cemeteries in Jefferson County that were first-time registrants in 2020. Those cemeteries were Pine Run, Unionport, Bloomingdale, Shaffer Cemetery in McIntyre and Mount Moriah Cemetery in Wayne Township and East Springfield Cemetery in Salem Township. Because the OES chapter was a sponsoring fundraising chapter, it received $5 back from each wreath sold with the funds to benefit another cause, according to LeAnn Gibbons, worthy matron of the Unionport Chapter. Gibbons presented a check to James Bruder, chairman of the board, Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, a place for families with veterans in the hospital to stay, free of charge. Pictured is a check presentation for Shriners Hospital van upkeep that involved, from left, OES Chapter Secretary Audrey Rainsberger, Worthy Grand Patron William Murphy, Gibbons and Donna Crow, chapter treasurer. The benevolence fund for the Ohio Eastern Star received a check, a presentation that involved Worthy Patron Jerry Crow, Gibbons and Robert Palmer, past grand patron, chairman, OES Benevolence Fund. Gibbons presented a check to Dick Harkins, representing One’s Too Many, a hotline for suicidal veterans. “I again would like to thank everyone who was a part of this project,” Gibbons said. “We will be continuing and with your help and support, we will look forward to this event this year,” she added, noting the WAA ceremony will be marked Dec. 18. Wreath removal, meanwhile, will be conducted March 6, Gibbons said, with a noon starting time, beginning at Unionport Cemetery. There also will be a noon start time at East Springfield. All volunteers are encouraged to bring a broom. “It helps gather the wreaths easier,” Gibbons noted. Anyone interested in information about the Eastern Star can visit the OES Ohio website or contact Gibbons at magibb67@gmail.com.