English Language Learners Group: The Putnam County Schools B.R.I.D.G.E.(Bringing Resources In Developing Great English Language Learners) group will have the first meeting of the 2009-2010 school year on Friday, Nov. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Putnam County Board of Education office in Winfield. This group is open to parents of students who receive "English as a Second Language" instruction in Putnam County and any community member interested in learning more about the ESL program. For more information, contact Bruce Faulkner at 304-586-0500, Ext.107.
Youth Orchestra Auditions: The Tri-State Youth Orchestra will be auditioning band students on Oct. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the basement of the ARTS Renaissance Center. Positions available are: trumpet, trombone, French horn, tenor and alto sax, percussion oboe and bassoon. Students should have a prepared piece and scales and be prepared to sight read from this season's repertoire. For more information, contact Ron Caviani at tsyo@aol.com or 304-743-7425 for voice mail.
GOP Italian Dinner: The Putnam County Republican Club will host an Italian dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Valley Park Community Center in Hurricane. The dinner will feature your choice of two lasagnas. There will be door prizes, and the guest speaker is Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). The cost is $25 per person, and checks can be made payable to: Sherry Searls, 1326 U.S. Rt. 35 North, Fraziers Bottom, W.Va. 25082. Indicate the names of those in your party when mailing your check. For more information, contact Paul at 304- 562-5158 or Aaron at 304-415-1159.
'E-Town Hall Meeting': Republican House of Delegates candidate Debra Girimont will hold an "electronic town hall meeting" on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Interested participants can go to Girimont's Web site (www.wvdebra.com) and click the "Discussion Forum" button to register as a participant, then log in from 7 to 8 p.m. to express their concerns. Those unable to participate can send an e-mail regarding their issue of importance to debra@wvdebra.com or sign up to follow and keep in touch with Debra on Twitter.
'Scaretacular': The No Pants Players improvisation group will be performing their annual "Scaretactular" Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. at the Labelle Theater, 311 D St. in South Charleston. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume for a contest that will be held during intermission, with prizes going to Scariest, Funniest, Most Original, and Best Couple. Concessions and No Pants Players merchandise will also be available. Tickets are $6 each. For more information, call 1-877-IMPROV9 or visit www.nopantsplayers.com
Paws Open House: The Putnam County Humane Society will have a Christmas Open House at their Paws and Shop Thrift Store from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 through Nov. 7. The open house will feature an ample supply of Christmas merchandise at low prices. There will also be free refreshments and holiday music to help get you into the holiday spirit. Paws and Shop is located at 2806 Putnam Ave. in Hurricane (next to the John Henson Senior Center). Plan to stop by and get a jumpstart on your holiday gift and decorating shopping and help animals at the same time. The Putnam County Humane Society is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization. All proceeds from the shop sales are used to support the spay/neuter and medical programs. Call 304-562-0300 if you have any questions.
Recreational Volleyball: The SpeakEasy Singles will host recreational volleyball from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 29, at the South Charleston Community Center. The cost is $2 for SpeakEasy members and $4 for nonmembers. Lessons will be offered, and players are invited to have dinner at a local restaurant afterward. For more information, call Vicky at 304-205-4329 or Sheila at 304-545-0302. E-mail may be sent to: speakeasysingles@suddenlink.net.
WHS Auction: An auction to benefit the Winfield High School softball team will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the high school. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Brand-name items from a major cable shopping channel will be auctioned. Admission is free.
Tai Chi for Arthritis: A beginner's class for Tai Chi for Arthritis and Health will begin Nov. 3 at the Tri-County YMCA. The class is from 11 a.m. to noon each Tuesday and lasts for six weeks. Tai Chi for Arthritis and Health is a gentle, flowing exercise that promotes balance, muscle strength and flexibility. The cost is $35 for nonmembers and $20 for Y members. For more information, call 304-757-4109; to sign up for classes, call 304-757-0016.
Annual Fall Sale: The annual fall arts, crafts and book sale at Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, 2848 Putnam Ave., Hurricane, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot dogs, barbecues, baked goods and homemade candy will be available. For more information, call the church office, 304-562-5903.
Turkey Dinner: A community turkey dinner with all "the trimmings" will be served from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church, 2848 Putnam Ave., Hurricane. Carry-out dinners will be available. Tickets can be purchased at the church office after Oct. 25. The cost is $7.50, adults; $3.50, children under 12; under 3 free. For more information, call 304-562-5903 or Jan Rowsey, 304-562-2053.
Halloween Run/Walk: The Halloween "Spooktacular" 5K Run/2-Mile Walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Valley Park, Hurricane. Portions of the proceeds go to the Putnam County Animal Shelter. Fees are $15 (pre-registration) or $20 (on site Oct. 31). Costumes are encouraged, and dogs are welcome to participate with their owners (and also encouraged to wear costumes). For more information, contact Rebekah at reachpersonalfitness@yahoo.com or 304-610-7765 or go to www.generationputnam.com
Sunday Dinner Fundraiser: "Sunday Dinner at the Diner," a fundraiser for the Rough-N-Rowdy 4-H Club, will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Buffalo Diner on W.Va. 62 across from Buffalo High School. Orders may be eaten at the diner or taken out. The menu includes an open-faced roast beef sandwich or pork loin, two sides (mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans or buttered corn), roll, tossed salad, drink and dessert for $8.
Basket Bingo: The Poca High School show choir will host Longaberger Basket Bingo at Poca High on Saturday, Nov. 7. Doors open at 5 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. Food and drink will be available.
Eleanor Craft Show: The annual Eleanor Arts & Crafts Show runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Eleanor Fire Station. Eat-in and carry-out lunches will be available. Call 304-937-3427 for more information.
'Peter Pan': The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present "Peter Pan" at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 6 and 7 in the Clay Center in Charleston. Matinee performances will begin at 2 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. Call 304-561-3570 or order online at www.theclaycenter.org.
Coin Show: The Charleston Coin Club's annual coin show will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Charleston Civic Center. West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky vendors will buy, sell and trade coins, stamps, currency, jewelry, ball cards, coal company scrip and token. Admission is free. For more information about the show or the club, call 304-727-4062.
Monte Carlo Night: The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Masquerade Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Sleepy Hollow Golf Club from 7 p.m. to midnight. The evening will include casino games, entertainment, live and silent auction items, food and beverages. For added fun, guests should attend in costume. Tickets are $35 per person or $50 per couple and are available at the chamber office. Sponsorships are available, starting at $250. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the chamber at 304-757-6510 or chamber@putnamcounty.org.
Haunted Trail: The Nitro High School Showcats show choir is sponsoring a haunted trail at Ridenour Lake in Nitro on Oct. 29, 30 and 31. On Saturday, the trail is open from dusk to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from dusk to 10 p.m. Weekday times are dusk to 10 p.m. Carnival games and light concessions are available. The cost is $5 per person. The haunted trail is not recommended for young children or those who have difficulty walking. For more information, call Jennifer Starcher, 304-546-4347.
Crafters/Vendors Sought: West Teays Elementary School is looking for crafters/vendors for the ninth annual PTO Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 5. There is a $25 flat fee per 10-foot-by-8-foot or equivalent space. Set-up will be available on Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free. Contact Kellie at 304-562-2665 for information and registration.
Christmas Bazaar: The Nitro Woman's Club will have its Christmas bazaar from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the clubhouse, 23rd Street and Second Avenue. Crafters are needed. Table space is $20. Food and refreshments will be served. For more details, call Faye Bowles, club president, 304-419-2084 or 304-755-3711.
Lighthouse Festival Crafters: Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2400 U.S. Rt. 60 in Hurricane, will have their fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 31. Craft booths are available; 10-foot-by-10-foot, indoor spaces are $20 each. Bring tables and other materials you need; set-up time will be after 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. To reserve space or receive more details, call 304-757-2953 or the church at 304-562-3900.
Trick or Treating: Per the Putnam County Commission, this year's trick or treat Halloween hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
Princesses' Breakfast: "Royal Breakfast with the Princesses" will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Teays Valley Community Center, Hurricane. Cost is $5 and the meal will include pancakes sprinkled with Fairy Dust, fruit cups and drinks. Come dressed as your favorite princess and have breakfast with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Tinkerbell, plus enjoy story time. To make reservations, call Karen Haynes, 304-757-7584.
Putnam Farmers' Market: The Putnam Farmers' Markets are open in Eleanor at the Town Park, Shelter #6, Tuesdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m., and Hurricane at the Waves of Fun Water Park, Thursdays, also from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Farmers are bringing corn, tomatoes, berries, beans, squash, cucumbers, hot and sweet peppers and eggplant, as well as grass-fed beef, baked goods and fruit preserves. New crafts are also available. Produce is almost always picked that day.
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.
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
Milton Golf League: Milton Baptist Church has a golf league which plays 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
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.
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.
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.
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.