Business unique to Mason County opens in former elementary school

By Mindy Kearns

For Mason County Extra Edition

MASON, W.Va. — A business unique to Mason County has opened near Mason, W.Va. and is offering a one-stop shop for all things fun.

The mother-daughter team of Jenny and Jasmine Howard opened “Serenity Hills” in May. It is located in the former Mason Elementary School at the end of Adams Street, just out of town limits. The business will offer an event venue, complete with decorations and catering if desired, a party supply rental service, as well as in-house fun activities for all ages.

“We felt our area needed something close for events and activities,” said Jenny. “Something small for classes for various talents, to large for parties and weddings. Our venue offers so many options to choose from.”

Asked about the name of the new business, Jenny said the space is very serene and calm. Sitting back in the hills, wildlife can often be seen which offers a relaxing peacefulness.

“I wanted our name to reflect that,” she added.

Serenity Hills debuted with a special party, a graduation event for Jasmine, who graduated from Wahama High School in May, and her cousin Kyra Zuspan, who graduated from Eastern. The party was held in one of the mid-sized rooms which opens onto the patio. Since then, a larger room has been finished for events like corporate dinners, weddings, and receptions.

“We have many options for room rental and a beautiful patio space available for parties or events of nearly any size, with seating for up to 200,” Jenny said.

The patio is also available to rent on its own, or is available with the adjoining room. The patio is lighted and has seasonal floral décor and wicker furniture.

Rooms can be rented alone for those who like to plan, decorate and provide their own food, or there are add-on packages for those who simply want to walk in and enjoy their own event. The Howards offer a décor package as well as in-house catering with each room rental.

Party offerings are not only for inside Serenity Hills though. Rentals outside the building are available as well. Tables, chairs, table place settings, décor and accessories are a few of available items. They can even be delivered to your site for an extra fee.

Jenny and Jasmine aren’t just sitting back waiting on rooms to be rented, however. They are partnering with other businesses and entrepreneurs to offer fun activities.

“We’ve already started doing a monthly seasonal painting class, led by Michele Musser, which has gathered a lot of interest,” Jenny said. “The class we had scheduled for June filled up so quickly that we had to add another class for a later date.”

Yoga classes and a dance fitness class were also recently started.

“We have teamed up with Instructor Jenna Marshall, who recently received her Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Dance from Ohio University,” Jenny stated. “She is currently teaching a couple daytime classes and one evening class to accommodate varying schedules. The dance fitness class is offered one night a week for now and we’re very excited to see how it goes.”

The Howards also teamed up with Halo Haven in Hartford to host an upcoming “Glamour Girls Makeover.” Open to girls up to 13 years, those attending will have their hair styled and hair tinsel added, fingernails done, make-up and a choice of gems and glitter, a snack, and photo shoot. They are invited to wear their favorite outfit in order to walk the runway and have photos taken in front of special backdrops.

Serenity Hills is not only in operation to benefit business. It also plans to give back to the community.

Future plans include some drive-in style car shows. Proceeds will go to the Bend Area Food Pantry, which is located near Serenity Hills. Car show details and dates will be announced soon, the Howards said.

Serenity Hills can be found on Facebook, where information is available on all rentals, as well as upcoming events.

© 2023, Mason County Extra Edition, all rights reserved.

Mindy Kearns is a former reporter and editor for the Point Pleasant Register. A lifelong resident of Mason, she now serves as the town recorder.

(Editor’s Note on accessibility: Mason County Extra Edition attempts to use accessible fonts and alternative text for photographs, to be inclusive of all readers.)