NEWELL—Every first Saturday of the month, the NVN Senior Citizen Center in Newell comes alive with a vibrant and bustling market – the Whistle Stop Market.
This is the second year that the Whistle Stop Market has been running. Patty Karas runs the event, alongside Tina Bertolotto. The highlight of the Whistle Stop Market is the wide range of local vendors that take part in the event. Handcrafted Christmas ornaments, wreaths, jams, jellies, T-shirts, fabrics, baskets, magnets, woodwork, and embroidery are just some of the goods offered at the market. Vendors also supply door prizes throughout the day.
Aside from the shopping experience, the Whistle Stop Market offers a delicious lunch prepared by the ladies of the Senior Center. The funds raised from the lunch fee go towards ensuring that the facilities remain up-to-date for those who use the center. “It’s a giant effort,” said Lynnette Culver, adding that different ladies prepare the meal during different months. This month, Dorothy Pitts, Mildred Brunner, Joan Palo, and Lynnette Culver were in charge of lunch, and they provided sloppy joes, a variety of bars, and several other treats.
The NVN Senior Citizen Center began in 1973 and has since remained a vital part of the community, as it functions both as a senior citizen center and an informal community center. “Newell doesn’t have a community center, but this is the closest thing we have,” said Culver. The facility serves not only Newell, but also the surrounding areas of Vale and Nisland. The Lion’s Club uses the center for pancake suppers and meetings. The building is also rented out for funerals, weddings, bingo nights, pie sales, and everything in between.
The Whistle Stop Market will continue to be held at the Senior Center on Third Street in Newell every first Saturday of the month until April. Stop by, grab some lunch, and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors while supporting the local community!
