Charleston Gazette

Caa Annual Gala Set for Tuesday at Clay Center

Native West Virginian Brad Smith, named president and CEO of software giant Intuit Inc. earlier this year, will be the keynote speaker for the Charleston Area Alliance's 2008 Annual Celebration this week. The celebration will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences on Leon Sullivan Way in downtown Charleston.

Signups Underway for Summer Library Volunteen Program: ; Chesapeake Vfd to Host Riverside Kickoff June 7

cthomas@cnpapers.com 304-348-1232 Teenagers throughout Eastern Kanawha County are once again being encouraged to devote a portion of their summer-break spare time as a library VolunTEEN at the county's public library branches.

Neighbors

Julius "Dr. J" Holbrook, a Riverside High School senior, has been invited to join the South Cardinal All-Star squad in the yearly North-South football game June 21 at Laidley Field in Charleston. Holbrook's accolades as a defensive end for the Warriors include second team, Class AAA All-State, defense, and first team, Mountain State Athletic Conference and All Kanawha County. He also led the Riverside defense with 91 tackles. Kasi A. Crites of Charleston will enroll at Florida Institute of Te...

Big Sandy Superstore Increases Stimulus Checks' Buying Power

On April 29, Big Sandy Superstores CEO Robert Van Hoose announced an enhancement to the federal government's Economic Stimulus checks. Area consumers can exchange their Stimulus checks at Big Sandy Superstores and increase their buying power by up to 16 percent.

Starting Points Center, Krn Committee Selected to Lead Regional Kids First Communities Campaign

The Upper Kanawha Valley Starting Points Center and the Kanawha Resource Network Early Childhood Committee will organize parents, childcare providers and community leaders in Boone, Clay, Kanawha and Putnam counties to advocate for better child care. The Upper Kanawha Valley Starting Points Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant to lead a regional, grassroots campaign to advocate for better child care. The "Kids First Communities Campaign," spearheaded by the West Virginia Kids Count Fund, is...

Charleston Bed and Breakfast Opens for Business

cthomas@cnpapers.com 304-348-1232 After more than 20 years of planning and restoration efforts, a new Charleston bed and breakfast opened its doors to guests, visitors and overnight clients on the morning of May 1.

State Senate President to Speak at Marshall's 171st Commencement

Earl Ray Tomblin, the longest-serving Senate president in West Virginia history, will be the featured speaker at Marshall University's 171st commencement, Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp has announced. Commencement begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in downtown Huntington.

Main Streets Recognize Outstanding Efforts

On April 23, three Kanawha Valley Main Street organizations recognized outstanding volunteer achievements for 2007, during Main Street West Virginia's 20th Annual Celebration at Embassy Suites. East End Main Street named Susan Davis its Board Member of the Year for "enthusiastic leadership."

Church & Religious Group Activities

HOMELAND GOSPEL The Homeland Southern Gospel Sing will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the Walton Union Church, in Walton.

Ymca News

YMCA PRESCHOOL Registration for the Charleston YMCA of the Kanawha Valley's 2008- 2009 preschool, for ages 3 to 5, is underway; enrollment will be ongoing until classes are full. For more information, call 304-340- 3535.

Science Success

Touch of Life: ; Spring Blooms Flourish in Kanawha Valley

I keep asking myself a question: Are the trees and spring flowers blooming better this year than they have in the past? Or am I just getting older, slowing down and taking more time to "smell the roses?" No doubt, as the years have passed by, I have lost a step or two, possibly three or four. I am taking more time to appreciate what is around me: the people, my home, the community and nature.

Bulletin Board

The Bulletin Board announces items of community interest submitted by clubs, charities, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. Items are run as space permits and at the discretion of the Metro newsroom. Some submitted items could be redirected to another listing, e.g. church or club news. You may mail or fax items to Metro East, Charleston Newspapers, 1001 Virginia Street East, Charleston, W.Va. 25301. Please include a contact person and a daytime phone number; fax (304) 348-5...

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

Meet Peanut (ref. 2045), a 10-month-old, female, Lab-collie-mix, and Mittens (ref. 50), a 3-year-old, female cat. Peanut is a nice dog. She's housebroken, and she gets along well with older children and with other animals. Mittens is trained to use a litter box, and she also gets along well with other animals.

Toll-Free Hotline Available to Curtail Turkey Poaching

The 2008 West Virginia spring gobbler turkey season runs through Saturday, May 24, and shooting hours are between one half-hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. Unfortunately, asserts the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, some people try to get an early start on the season or take a bird outside the legal hours.

Armed Forces Day Parade to Feature Wwi Veteran: ; Reception May 16 at Ramada Inn

As the only known living, American-born veteran of World War I, West Virginia resident Frank Buckles has been to the White House and featured on the NBC Nightly News. Now, the 107-year-old WWI vet is scheduled to be in South Charleston on May 17 to serve as co-parade marshal of the city's annual Armed Forces Day Parade.

Community Events

Guest Column: ; Travels to Florida Never Short On Family Adventures

Now It's Your Turn

Digital Photography Class to Be Offered at Wvsctc

A workshop designed for people new to digital photography is among the program offerings in May at the West Virginia State Community & Technical College in Institute. Digital Photography Workshop May 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This workshop will provide information for beginners as well as supplemental information to people with digital photography experience. Topics include selecting the right camera, media storage devices, image editing and organization and storage of digital photos. Class will ...