Charleston Gazette

Toning Up with the Tots: ; Libraries Kick Off Programs for Healthy Families

The Kanawha County Public Library system will offer a variety of programs for healthy families this winter. These programs are part of a project called Beginning a Healthy Life, a collaborative effort by Kanawha County Public Library, the Clay Center and West Virginia Public Broadcasting, funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences, the Benedum Foundation and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.

Rand's Christmas Parade Saturday Morning

cthomas@cnpapers.com 348-1232 Saturday becomes Santa Day in Rand and Campbells Creek later this week.

Former Gov. Caperton Creates Teaching Award

Former West Virginia Gov. Gaston Caperton has given $100,000 to West Virginia University to create an outstanding professor award for faculty who demonstrate a commitment to improvement in writing. The endowment will provide for an annual stipend for a professor whose work in the classroom - irrespective of discipline or rank - advances the cause of good writing. It will be awarded on a rotational basis to encourage widespread participation among faculty members.

Kanawha Players to Hold 'Steel Magnolias' Auditions Dec. 10-11

cthomas@cnpapers.com 348-1232 On Sunday, Dec. 10 and Monday, Dec. 11, the Kanawha Players will conduct cast auditions for the community theater troupe's February stage performances of "Steel Magnolias."

A Christmas Story: ; Brothers Land Roles in Kp Play; Classic Gets Local Treatment

tonyp@cnpapers.com 348-3022 In "A Christmas Story," the main character's greatest wish is for "an official Red Ryder, carbine-action, 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time."

Wvu Alumni Association Names Judge Outstanding Alumna

The West Virginia University Alumni Association honored Judge Irene C. Berger as its 2006 Outstanding Alumna during Homecoming Weekend Oct. 13-14. Each year, the alumni association honors an outstanding alumna/ alumnus who has demonstrated loyalty and commitment to association and WVU. The recipient is recognized during halftime of the Homecoming football game Saturday, as well as during the Homecoming parade Friday evening.

Bulletin Board

MEDICARE ASSISTANCE Kanawha Valley Senior Services is sponsoring Medicare Part D assistance from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 and Thursday, Dec. 14 at the KVSS offices, 2428 Kanawha Blvd. in Charleston. This is for people who need to make changes with their current drug prescription plan or who need to acquire a plan. Visitors should bring their lists of medications. For more details, call the KVSS offices, 348-0707.

Club & Organization Activities

KANAWHA COUNTY GOP The Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 in the Kanawha County Commission Courtroom on Virginia Street in downtown Charleston. Dr. Doug McKinney, the chairman of the West Virginia GOP, will be the guest speaker. Call 744-3058 for more information.

Church & Religious Group Activities

SOUTHERN GOSPEL SING A homeland Southern gospel sing, featuring groups of today and yesteryear, will start at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at Grace Church of the Nazarene, Second and B streets in South Charleston.

Off the Record: ; of Dreams, Daughters, and Dwellers in the Hills

I should have expected it. After all, on my mother's side no girl child had been born in the family for a long time.

Charleston Man Inducted Into Marshall College's Business Hall of Fame

Five individuals who have had distinguished careers in their respective fields of business, including a Charleston resident, were honored by Marshall University when they were inducted into the Lewis College of Business Hall of Fame Nov. 13 at the Radisson Hotel in Huntington. The Hall of Fame honors those people in the business community who have an outstanding record of achievement in their career fields. It is the most distinguished honor granted by the Lewis College of Business.

Clog to Hold 'Ragtime' Auditions in January: ; Pre-Audition Meeting Jan. 9

cthomas@cnpapers.com 348-1232 The Charleston Light Opera Guild's next scheduled full-length musical offering will be its inaugural production of "Ragtime," to be staged over three weekends in May.

Charleston Planning, Zoning Groups to Meet Dec. 6

The Charleston Municipal Planning Commission is slated to meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 in city council chambers. The Planning Commission's agenda includes addressing a petition of R. Brawley Tracy, agent and attorney for Helen Stowers Safreed and Bradley M. Safreed Jr., requesting rezoning from I-2 Light Industrial District to C-10 General Commercial District of the parcel located at 1408 Bigley Ave., West Charleston Map 29, Parcel 85.

Binder Exhibit Opens at Cultural Center

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has opened a new exhibit, "Moving Wood," by Calhoun County artist Jude Binder, at the Cultural Center, State Capitol Complex, Charleston. Binder presented a talk and the premiere of her film "Field of Flowers" as part of the division's continuing Cultural Heritage Lecture Series.

Adopt a Pet: ; Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association Shelter:

Meet Mort (ref. 878), a 3-month-old, male, mixed-breed dog, and Rex (ref. 228) a 3-month-old, male cat. Mort is a shy and gentle dog and would make a great pet. He even knows how to "sit." Rex is a handsome cat looking for a loving home.

Kanawha Trail Club Schedule

Below is the tentative Kanawha Trail Club's hiking and meeting agenda for the remainder of the year: December:

Neighbors

Community Events

Ctc Hosting Open House, Evening Registration Tuesday: ; New Two-Year Degree in Diesel Technology Only One of Its Kind in State