Play Auditions: Auditions for a one-act dinner theater comedy will take place at 7 p.m. July 6 and 7 at the Lighthouse Emporium, 1305 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar. The play has parts for five women. Backstage workers will be needed, as well. For more details, call Truda, 304-755-7260.
HHS '63 Get-Together: The Hurricane High School Class of 1963's yearly get-together is slated to take place from 6 until 9 p.m. on Friday, July 3, in the Hurricane Middle School cafeteria. For more details, call or e-mail Marlene at 304-562-3702 or cmmhb@suddenlink.net
Literacy Training: Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County offers a free training session to give you the skills needed to become a literacy volunteer and aid adults in improving their basic academic skills. To find out more, call 304-757-1550.
Buffalo July 4th Volunteers: Volunteers are sought to decorate street signposts for the Fourth of July celebration in Buffalo. For more information, call Melody at 304-937-3492 or Linda at 304-937-3427.
Garrison Reunion: The 59th annual Garrison Family Reunion is scheduled for Sunday, July 26. Sign-ins begin at 9 a.m. Lunch is at noon. Bring a covered dish, musical instruments and sports equipment. The reunion will take place at Valley Park Community Center in Hurricane. Call Gary Garrison, 304-545-7963, or Sandra Garrison Williamson, 304-562-9454, for more information.
Putnam GOP Club:The Putnam County Republican Club meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the old courthouse in Winfield on the second floor. For more information, call George at 304-562-5622 or Paul at 304-562-5158.
Healthy Lifestyles Project: The Institute for Courageous Destinies, Inc. is accepting 10 applicants, ages 10 to 14, for its West Virginia's Healthy Lifestyle Project Monday, July 6, through Saturday, July 25. The residential outdoor wilderness experience focuses on enhancing healthy lifestyles and positive decision-making. Entirely sponsored, funded and supported by federal, state and local government entities, as well as local and national commerce, the primary goals of this creative, innovative endeavor are to increase self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness, and to prevent nicotine use among young, adolescent boys. Highlights include recreational activities in Kanawha and neighboring counties; tours and team time with university and professional athletic organizations; excursions to outdoor landmarks; team building, group bonding, leadership, citizenship, health, communication and social skills development; and interaction with prominent state and local leaders. For interviews and more information, call Kevin at 304-766-8017.
Food Pantry: The Five Loaves Two Fish Food Pantry, located in the Poca United Methodist Church, 112 Silver St., Poca, is open to distribute food on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. until noon, unless otherwise noted. Call 304-755-7341 or 304-755-2911 for more information.
Singles' Dance: The SpeakEasy Singles group will host a public dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, July 18, in Wilson Union Hall on the West Virginia State University campus in Institute. Randy Justice will serve as the DJ. Admission is $8 for SpeakEasy members and $10 for others.
SAHS '79 Reunion: The St. Albans High School Class of 1979 has scheduled the 30th-year reunion for Aug. 7 and 8. For more information, contact Cindy Wilkerson Hanna, 304-389-1303, or Bobbi Cottle Lewis, blewiswv@aol.com, or go to classmates.com.
WHS Open House: All alumni, former students, faculty and staff are invited to the Winfield High School annual open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at the school. For more information, contact Barbara (Cottrell) Gross, 304-586-4346, or Kathleen (Riffle) Sowards, 304-586-9463.
Winfield Building Rental: The Winfield Lions Club building is available to rent for showers, birthday parties and other social functions. Overlooking the Kanawha River, with an outdoor grilling area and picnic space available, the building is air-conditioned, has a complete kitchen and seats up to 50. For rates and more information, call 304-755-5539.
Charity Bus Trips: Charter bus tours to Dresden, Ohio, visiting the basket building and Longaberger factory, are being offered throughout 2009. Remaining travel dates are Sept. 12 and Oct. 3. Proceeds benefit area agencies such as the Ronald McDonald House, Covenant House, Mountain Mission and Union Mission. Early reservations are recommended to ensure seating. For rates, reservations and other information, including how you can ride free, call 304-932-6529 or send e-mail to linhartelk@aol.com
Lady Aces Softball: Encompassing the Charleston/Huntington areas, the Lady Aces 12U and 10U American Softball Association teams are seeking players serious about participating in competitive softball. For more information about trying out, contact Randy Meade at 304-360-4313 or acesportscorp@yahoo.com. More information about the Lady Aces is at www.eteams.com/LadyAces12U
Book Festival Exhibitors: West Virginia Book Festival organizers are seeking exhibitors and vendors to participate in the event Oct. 10-11 at the Charleston Civic Center. As part of the exhibitor package, all vendors will be listed in the official festival program, which will be distributed to more than 96,000 Charleston Newspapers subscribers. Exhibitor contracts are available online at www.wvbookfestival.org. Visit the Web site or call 304-343-4646 for more information.
Milton Golf League: Milton Baptist Church is starting a golf league which will play on Thursday evenings with starting times from 4 to 6 p.m. You do not have to be a member of Milton Baptist to participate, so invite your golf friends - men, women, young and young-at-heart. To sign up, contact Bill Sanders at 304-743-3969 or e-mail marilans@verizon.net
Whittington Reunion: The annual Whittington Reunion for 2009 has been scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at Shelter 6 at Eleanor Park. For more details, contact Melody at 304-937-3492.
HHS '74 Reunion: The Hurricane High School Class of 1974 reunion committee is planning the 35th-year reunion for Sept. 25 and 26. A "family-oriented" reunion is being planned for those who have children or grandchildren they would like to bring and have no family in the area for baby-sitting duties. If you or a relative graduated in 1974 from Hurricane High School, e-mail contact information to Mona Holstein at evansmona@suddenlink.net, Debbie Sovine at sovineyoung@yahoo.com or Karen Shuck at karen.shuck@wvdrs.org or call Rodney McCallister at 304-743-9257.
Putnam County Ringers: The Putnam County Ringers, a community handbell choir, is open to anyone interested in ringing or learning to ring handbells. The interdenominational group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Mondays at Eleanor Presbyterian Church. For more information, call Kathy at 304-546-0259 or Sharon at 304-586-4131.
EBHS Reunion Dance: The third annual reunion dance of 1960s East Bank High School graduates will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Beni Kedem Shrine Center by the Charleston Civic Center. Dance music will feature the Fabulous Esquires and the Rhapsody Variety Band. Dress is casual. A free tailgate party will include BBQs, cocktail wieners, veggies and nachos. Door prizes will be awarded. Special recognition will be given to the Classes of 1964 and 1969. For more information, contact Carol O'Meara (Carpenter) at 304-949-2036; 13517 Nancy Ave., Chesapeake, W.Va. 25315; or Ccarpent1948@aol.com. Reservation forms are available from the class contacts, on-line from Jim Anderson at ja44eb@aol.com or by mail from Larry Kopelman at 9 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, W.Va. 25302. The cost is $25 per person, which includes food.
Republican Women's Club:: The Putnam County Republican Women's Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Sleepy Hollow Golf Club. Dinner is available for $12, but you do not have to have dinner to attend the meeting. For more information, call Iva Danner at 304-562-9526 or Nancy Bradley at 304-562-3020.
Whittington Cemetery: Donations are being sought for the upkeep of Whittington Cemetery, Cross Creek Road, Buffalo. They may be mailed to: Whittington Cemetery, c/o City National Bank, P.O. Box 513, Eleanor, W.Va. 25070.
China Trip: A trip to China is being organized for April or May 2010. It is a nine-day trip, with an extension to Hong Kong available. Cities to be visited include Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai. The cost is $2,699 for students and $3,034 for adults. The price includes airfare, hotel accommodations, a full-time guide, all meals (except special events) and entrance fees to most places. A $90 down payment will secure a space and a price without change. For more information or to place a deposit, contact Gloria Swecker at 304-965-1993.
Marriage Class: Thom Pratt, a local professional with 15 years of mental health experience, is teaching a free course for married couples, "Building Teamwork in Your Marriage," at the Teays Valley Church of God, 4430 Teays Valley Road, just east of the Scott Depot exit. For more information, call 304-757-9222.
SCHS 1953 Lunch: The South Charleston High School Class of 1953 has a "Stay in Touch Lunch" at 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Little Creek Golf Club. For reservations, call Shirley Cunningham Roycroft, 304-744-8452, or Peggy Collard Thompson, 304-755-3450.
Cemetery Upkeep: Shiloah Independent Church on Steele Ridge, Red House, seeks donations to help with church cemetery upkeep. If you have family members buried in the cemetery and would like to make a donation, sent it to: Donald Hawkins, Route 1, Box 167-3, Red House, W.Va. 25168.
Caregiver Support: The Family Caregiver Support Program offers support, training and relief to those providing full-time caregiving for a loved one. Services include in-home respite and counseling. Putnam Aging, the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services and the Metro Area Agency on Aging sponsor the program. For more information, contact Sally Halstead, 304-562-9451.
Alzheimer's Respite Program: Putnam Aging offers a respite program, through the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's or other dementia. The Family Alzheimer's Respite Program (or FAIR) can provide up to 16 hours of respite weekly for caregivers. FAIR is fee-based on a sliding scale, depending on income. For more information, contact FAIR Coordinator Sally Halstead at 304-562-9451.
Henson Senior Center: The John Henson Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. Regular activities include: rook, spades, dominoes and pool daily; preventive exercise with Wilma Bennett, 10:15 a.m. Monday and Wednesday; Fit Start, provided by the YMCA, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; crafts with Glenda Black, 10 a.m. Tuesday; and line dancing, 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The center also offers in-home respite to caregivers of all seniors 60 and older and caregivers who are caring for loved ones of all ages diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. The center is also available to rent on evenings and weekends. For more information, contact Sally Halstead at 304-562-9451.
Infant Care Classes: Once a month, FamilyCare offers a two-hour class to help new parents learn to care and feed their newborn babies. Topics include diapering, swaddling, SIDS prevention, bathing, signs of illness, cord and circumcision care, breastfeeding and more. To register, call Debi Ellis at 304-757-6999, ext. 80, or e-mail Debi.ellis@familycarewv.org.
Childbirth Education Classes: FamilyCare offers ongoing childbirth education classes in the Teays Valley area. These classes discuss birth options, the labor process, medications and more. This class series meets for four Mondays each month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required, and Medicaid patients are welcome. To register, contact Debi Ellis at 304-757-6999, ext 80, or Debi.ellis@familycarewv.org.
Free Exam Preparation: The Adult Learning Center at the Putnam Career and Technical Center in Eleanor offers classes to prepare for the GED, ACT and LPN exams. Classes are conducted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. Also available is an online class to prepare for these exams. Any potential student wishing to access the online class must come into the Adult Learning Center to register. The cost is free. Call 304-586-2411 for more information.
Moms/Tots Playgroup: Teays Valley Moms and Tots offer weekly activities for children 4 and younger, as well as monthly Mom's Night Outs for mothers. For more information, e-mail tvmomstots@yahoo.com.
Cookbooks: Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in Hurricane is selling cookbooks for $10 each to benefit the youth group. Call 304-562-0616 or 304-562-2496.
Expectant Parents' Program: The CAMC Family Resource Center conducts a "Becoming a Family" program at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. Programs, services and classes are designed to help expectant parents gain as much information as possible on parenthood. Attendees (including family and friends, depending on the nature of the class) will leave feeling supported and more confident during the process. The program includes special classes on preparing for childbirth, preparing siblings, pediatric CPR, breastfeeding, infant massage and pregnancy massage (for couples). Contact the hospital for more details.
Hometown Space Rental: The Hometown Senior Center is available for rental for showers, birthday parties and other social functions. Reasonably priced, the center has catering available and its dining room seats 75. For reservations or more details, call 304-586-2745.
Humane Society Memberships: The Putnam County Humane Society is recruiting members and meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Nitro Library. Anyone who cannot attend, but is interested in volunteering, may call the society at 304-562-0300 for more information.
Jazzercise Classes: Jazzercise classes are held at Celebration Sensation in Hurricane on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m.; Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.; and Thursday at 6 p.m. Jazzercise is a dance fitness class for all ages and fitness levels. For more information, contact instructor Linda Mills at 304-743-4084.
Dog Walkers: Volunteers are needed to walk dogs at the Putnam Animal Relief Shelter. Call 304-444-0060 to learn more.
MOMS Club: The MOMS Club of Teays Valley is a social support group for stay-at-home moms and their children, offering many activities each month. To find out more, call 304-757-0195.
Breastfeeding Classes: International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Tina Mullins offers private breastfeeding classes to expectant families. Four to eight hours in length, the classes are tailored to individual needs. They offer expectant families the education needed to make informed decisions on infant feeding. To sign up or receive more information, call 304-542-3680.
NWC Event Planning: The Nitro Woman's Club can assist in the planning and staging of special events (weddings, meetings, receptions, birthdays, etc.). Call 304-755-9091 or 304-727-7801.
Jazzercise: A Jazzercise dance fitness class is conducted at Teays Physical Therapy at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. Saturdays. Contact Linda Mills, 304-743-4084, for more information.
'Kidz Day Out': From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, parents of toddlers and preschoolers can bring them to the Winfield Church of the Nazarene for "Kidz Day Out." The program lets children socialize in a safe, supervised environment while parents run errands or attend to other matters. For more information, call 304-586-2180.
HLC Volunteers: The Putnam County Commission seeks citizen volunteers to serve on the county's Historic Landmark Commission, which undertakes and assists others in various historic programs and meets at the Putnam County Courthouse monthly. Contact Sherry Otey, Putnam County Commission, 304-586-0201, or Linda Bess, Putnam County Office of Planning and Infrastructure, 304-586-0237, for an application.
Barnett Cemetery: Barnett Chapel Community Cemetery accepts donations for upkeep and beautification. All relatives who have loved ones interred there are urged to make a small donation. Send donations to: D.L. Barnett, Trustee/Treasurer, 117 Poplar Point Estates, Poca, W.Va. 25159.
Silver Sneakers Class: The Tri-County YMCA hosts the Silver Sneakers Muscular Endurance Class from 11 to 11:45 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Move to music through a variety of exercises designed to increase muscular strength, range of movement and activity for daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair is used for seated and/or standing support. Certified instructors lead classes. For more information, call 304-757-0016.
Senior Fitness Classes: Senior fitness classes are held at the John Henson Senior Center in Hurricane from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. A certified fitness instructor leads the class. For more information, call 304-757-0016.
EBHS '64 Reunion: The East Bank High School 1964 Class Reunion Committee is planning a casual-dress social hour prior to the EBHS Annual '60s Dinner/Dance on Friday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Holiday Inn Express. The cost is $10 per person, which includes a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. The dinner and dance will take place at the Beni Kedem Temple from 5 p.m. to midnight. The Classes of 1964 and 1969 are being recognized at the event; tables will be reserved for the two classes. For more information, contact Richard Billo at 304-949-4153 or Elaine Connett at 304-595-5538.
CASA Volunteers: The Court Appointed Special Advocate program for Putnam County seeks volunteers to serve as advocates for children who have been abused and neglected. Volunteers must have flexible schedules (some daytime hours are required), complete a 30-hour training session and undergo a background check. For more information, call Kim Runyon Wilds at 304-523-9587, ext. 307.
Book Sale: The Upper Vandalia Historical Society of Putnam County has several books and publications for sale. They include "Paradise Journals," "Poca-Raymond City Story," "Putnam County Cemetery Survey," "Putnam County Marriages 1848-1882," "1899 Map of Putnam County," "History of Putnam County Volumes I & II," "Nitro The WWI Boomtown," "Annals of the Great Kanawha," "Recollections and Reflections of Mollie Hansford," "The Course of History of the Kanawha Valley" and "Two Rebel Sisters." To purchase any of them, call Cheryl Wintz Withrow, 304-760-2121.
Cross Creek Cemetery Upkeep: The Cross Creek Cemetery in Buffalo needs donations for upkeep. Donations may be mailed to: Cross Creek Cemetery Fund, 1503 Cross Creek Road, Buffalo, W.Va. 25033.
Ortin Cemetery: The Ortin Heights Cemetery Inc. in Rock Branch in Putnam County needs donations for the continued maintenance of the cemetery. A contractor has been hired to cut the grass as needed. Cemetery board members are asking that flowers and other items on the ground be removed to make it easier to mow. Volunteer labor is also needed to cut brush and clean drainage ditches. Donations can be sent to: Ortin Heights Cemetery Inc., P.O. Box 51, Nitro, W.Va. 25143. For more information, call the Rev. Delbert Hawley, 304-757-6214, or Bill Lett, 304-755-1737.
Nitro Bingo: The Nitro Senior Citizens sponsor bingo Thursdays in the Nitro Community Center, 21st Street. Doors open at 5 p.m. Regular bingo starts at 7 p.m. Raffles, jackpots and complimentary coffee are included. A smoking area and concessions are available. Proceeds benefit Nitro senior citizens' programs.
SAWC Event Planning: The St. Albans Woman's Club is available to help plan a shower, birthday party, small reunion, reception or other special event. For more information and scheduling, call 304-727-4832.
Nitro Senior Center: The Nitro Senior Citizen Center, Second Avenue and 21st Street, is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. All seniors are invited to visit, have lunch, play pool or cards, use exercise machines and enjoy other activities. For those needing a ride, the senior van is available by calling 304-755-5502 before 9 a.m.
Clothing Assistance: Dominique's Harvest Mission has coats and sweaters available for those in need and accepts donations. For more information, call 304-755-7009 or visit 1100 Main Ave., Nitro.
Y Aerobics Classes: The Tri-County YMCA conducts aerobics classes, starting at 5:40 a.m. and running throughout the day. All classes are included in membership. Non-members can purchase punch cards for $45. For more information, call 304-757-0016.
Depot Rental: The Restoration of the St. Albans Depot Inc. accepts reservations for the depot as a site for lunches, dinners, receptions and meetings. For more information, call Arleigh Ellis, 304-727-3084, or Gathie Silfies, 304-727-1753.
EBHS Alumni Dinner/Dance: The 50th Annual East Bank High School Alumni Dinner/Dance will be on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Charleston Civic Center. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m., with the dinner and dance to follow. Anyone who attended or graduated from EBHS and former teachers are invited. Reservations are required. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, the Class of 1959 will be the honored class. For more information, contact Nancy Pat Maloney at 304-595-1040 or Hope Stanley at 304-949-2931 or e-mail kathyebhs67@gmail.com