Community Connection

Once Upon a Time . . . Exploring the World of Fairytales Youth Museum

2012-02-10T07:18:00.002-05:00

In conjunction with Once Upon a Time . . . Exploring the World of Fairytales (because love and friendship is a recurring theme in many fairytales) and in celebration of National Friendship Month during February, the Youth Museum and McDonalds of Beckley have joined together to offer a special “Friendship Packet”. The packets will be given to anyone who visits the Museum during the month of February and with a friend. The packets will contain a woven friendship bracelet for each guest, a free buy-one-get-one coupon for any dessert from McDonalds and a free return passes to the Once Upon a Time . . . Exploring the World of Fairytales exhibit.

“This is truly a wonderful exhibit and we know that the children who visit would enjoy it so much more if they had a friend with them. We came up with this idea to encourage those thinking about coming to bring a friend to share in the experience. Tim and Myra Harper, the owner /operators of our local McDonalds were only too happy to help and we can’t thank them enough,” says Sandi Parker, Museum Director.

Once Upon a Time . . . Exploring the World of Fairytales is a collaborative effort of the Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum and the St. Louis Public Library and was made possible by a grant from the Institute of the Museum and Library Services.

The Youth Museum complex is located in New River Park adjacent to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Winter hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. April 1st the Museum will be open daily 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Many of the exhibits and classes are funded in part by the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. For more information, call 252-3730 or check our website at www.beckleymine.com

West Virginia Birth 2 3 20th Anniversary

2012-02-09T15:09:00.002-05:00

For the 20th Anniversary Celebration West Virginia Birth 2 Three is looking for Children and families that have been in the program over the last 20 years that would be willing to share their stories , videos, pictures, etc, with us to put together a Presentation celebrating the WV Birth to Three Program. We have set up a special phone number 304 278 4B23 (4223). Families can call this number and leave a message sharing their story . They can also share their stories through the West Virginia Birth To Three Website at http://www.wvdhhr.org/birth23/

SUPPORT MSU Monday-Wednesday Feb 13-15th

2012-02-09T07:44:00.001-05:00

MSU seeks community support - By Sarah Plummer The Register-Herald (Official) Reporter

Mountain State University hopes members of the business community, public officials and citizens will show their support for the school by painting the town blue as the university prepares for an upcoming accreditation visit, said Andrew Wessels, public relations officer.

Students, faculty and staff will be handing out “I support MSU” buttons and yard signs to individuals and businesses this week.

“We’d like to cover the town with MSU blue and have all of Beckley proudly display their support for Mountain State University,” said Susan Backofen, vice president for Marketing and Business Development. “We want to include everyone in this effort to cover Beckley in Cougar pride!”

Chris Hall, president of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, noted “As an essential part of that educational network, Mountain State University creates jobs and helps provide local businesses with a trained and educated workforce. It is vital for our community to show the accreditation officials that we support Mountain State because of its importance to education, jobs and business in Beckley and Raleigh County.”

Accreditation officials from the regional High Learning Commission, the body that oversees the school’s general accreditation, will visit Mountain State’s campus Feb. 13-15 in connection with the organization’s “show cause” order used in July 2011.

Dr. Jerry Ice, acting president of Mountain State commented, “We’re on the right track and I think we can all be very proud of this institution. There is a dramatic difference between where we were, and where we are now. We have a five-year strategic plan in place that gives us a process for continuous quality improvement, and I think the HLC team will be able to leave here next week with confidence that the changes we have put in place will be sustained.”

After their visit, explained Wessels, the review team will generate a report. Mountain State will then have the opportunity to review and correct errors of fact if needed. The HLC board will then conduct a hearing in Chicago in June to make a decision regarding the university’s accreditation status.

MSU has an estimated annual impact of $141.5 million in Beckley and surrounding areas and it serves more than 8,200 students, said Wessels.

“On behalf of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, I encourage businesses to show their support for Mountain State University,” said Ellen Taylor, president and CEO of Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce. “As a leading employer, the economic impact of MSU is far reaching and the university is vitally important to the region.”

And its 80-year history, beginning with the founding of Beckley College, is expected to continue to grow and be an educational, economic and cultural hub, Wessels said.

Yard signs and buttons are available at the Chamber of Commerce and businesses or groups can arrange to have them delivered during the week by e-mailing Susan Backofen at sbackofen@mountain state.edu.

http://www.register-herald.com/todaysfrontpage/x980629119/-Paint-the-town-blue — with Kay Blose and Misty Carr Okes.

Shady Spring High School Project Graduation

2012-02-01T07:26:00.000-05:00

Here are some events to support the Shady Spring High School Graduation!

1) Zumba Party is Saturday February the 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Old Shady Jr High. Tickets can be bought at the door or by calling 673-5573 or 573-1559. Cost is $10.00 per person and proceeds go to Project Graduation. Theme is Black Light and will be lots of fun.

2) Pizza Hut Community Day is Thursday February 16th from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm at the Beaver location. If you dine in, carry out or order Delivery and mention you want to support Shady Project Graduation they will give back 20% of your total to Project Graduation.

3) Padrinos Spaghetti Dinner is Sunday February 19th from 12:00 until 4:00 pm at the Beaver location. Tickets are $7.00 which includes Spaghetti, Salad, Bread and a drink. Tickets can be bought by calling 673-5573 or 573-1559.

Also any business wanting to make a donation towards this event can call Lora at 673-5573 or Lisa at 573-1559.
Project Graduation is a party where the graduating Seniors go for the evening and are "locked in" to keep our kids safe. It is a Drug free and Alcohol free party with lots of fun things for them to do!!!!

June 2 White Oak Rail Trail Expo

2012-01-20T07:03:00.000-05:00

The 1st ever White Oak Rail Trail Expo will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 on the White Oak Rail Trail in Oak Hill WV. Vendor spaces are available on a first come, first served basis for a fee of $10. We are looking for any businesses, community organizations, or individuals to rent vendor spots to sell their products, get the word out about their group, or even yard sale or flea market! For more information email Vicki Setterl at weclips@aol.com or Kristi Atha-Rader at katha17@aol.com

Applications being accepted at Beckley PD

2012-01-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

GED Classes at the Eckman Learning Center

2012-01-19T06:12:00.002-05:00

The GED EXAM IS FREE IN WEST VIRGINIA

GED Classes at the Eckman Learning Center

A program of Catholic Charities West Virginia

DATES:

MONDAY – WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY
8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.
Sign-up any Monday – Wednesday - Thursday
Flexible Study Hours to Meet Your Schedule
GED/ABE Classes are Free

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

PHONE:

304 / 862 - 3318

Camp Horseshoe looking for Camp Counselors - College Students Needed

2012-01-11T07:09:00.000-05:00

YMCA Camp Horseshoe
Ohio-West Virginia YMCA
3309 Horseshoe Run Rd
Parsons, WV 26287-9029
(304) 478-2481

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: SHARON CASSIDY
1/5/2012 (304) 478-2481

College Students – Help Shape Tomorrow!

CAMP HORSESHOE, PARSONS, WV – College students looking to put their skills to good use will want to check out YMCA Camp Horseshoe. “We’re looking for college-age students who want to use their skills, energy, and passion for shaping a better world by influencing today’s teens and children,” said Doug Wetsch, Horseshoe spokesman.
“Horseshoe summer camp counselors make all the difference in the lives of campers,” he continued. “Yes, Horseshoe is fun, friends, and all the great times that happen at camp, but it is so much more. Each week adds experiences to help our campers become all they can be, plus return home ready to serve others, and build better futures for all.”
Horseshoe’s summer season includes nationally recognized teen civic leadership and entrepreneurship camps, Adventure Camp for 7 – 12 year olds, and Youth Opportunity Camps for low
income boys and girls.
Summer residential staff enhance their work experience as they use their talents to help teens and children. Summer positions provide a stipend, an AmeriCorps Education Award to eligible summer camp counselors, meals, and lodging.
For information, call Horseshoe at (304) 478-2481, e-mail horseshoe@hi-y.org or write YMCA Camp Horseshoe at 3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, WV 26287-9029.

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share\HORSESHOE\Summer Staff\News Recruitment\2012 News Release-U Summer Staff Recruitment

WV Coal Football Schedule 2012

2012-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Schedule is Subject to Change:
May 5 Blackbears
May 12 Gladiators
May 19 @ Bengals

June 9 @ Ravens
June 16 @ Gladiators
June 23 Bengals
June 30 @ Blackbears

July 7 Storm
July 14 @ Crash
July 28 Ravens

August 3 @ Storm
August 10 Crash

2/27/2012 WINTER AND SPRING SWIM LESSON ENROLLMENT OPENS AT THE Y

2012-01-07T07:24:00.002-05:00

Learning to swim is an important basic life skill as well as
an excellent form of exercise. The YMCA of Southern West Virginia has been
providing the community with the opportunity to learn to swim for more than
three decades in its indoor 25 meter swimming pool. With sessions slated
throughout the year, the Y offers a comprehensive and developmentally
appropriate swim program that teaches how to skillfully and safely think and
act in, on and around water. The Y's Swim Lesson Program, one month in
length, consists of two weekly classes and is available for all skill
levels.

Registration for the Y's Winter I swim lessons session is underway and will
run through January 13 for Y members and January 9-13 for non-members. The
Y's Winter I Swim Lesson classes will be held between January 16 and
February 9.

Registration for the Y's Winter II swim lessons will begin in February and
run February 13-24 for Y members and February 20-24 for non-members. The Y's
Winter II Swim Lesson classes will be conducted between February 27 and
March 23.

Swim lesson program fees for preschool classes are $20.00 for Y members or
$35.00 for non-members. The program fee for school age children is $25.00
for members or $45.00 for non-members.

Registration forms can be picked up at the YMCA of Southern West Virginia
located at 121 East Main Street in Beckley or on the Y's website,
<http://www.ymcaswv.com> www.ymcaswv.com. For more information on the Y's
Swim Lesson Program, contact Reginia Thomas, Aquatics, Health & Wellness
Director at 304.252.0715 x 313 or email reginia.thomas@ymcaswv.com

Severe Weather Social Security

2012-01-07T07:22:00.001-05:00

WHEN SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES, YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE MIGHT BE CLOSED. CHECK OUR WEBSITE BEFORE VISITING THE OFFICE AND FIND OUT ABOUT EMERGENCY CLOSINGS AT WWW DOT SOCIAL SECURITY DOT GOV SLASH EMERGENCY. SELECT THE “GET EMAIL UPDATES” LINK NEXT TO THE RED ENVELOPE TO RECEIVE EMAILS ALERTING YOU TO EMERGENCIES AND CLOSINGS AFFECTING SOCIAL SECURITY. WHEN THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL, USING OUR ONLINE SERVICES CAN BE SO DELIGHTFUL AT WWW DOT SOCIAL SECURITY DOT GOV.

SECOND RACE IN YMCA TRIATHLON SERIES SET FOR JAN 28TH

2012-01-05T08:37:00.002-05:00

SECOND RACE IN YMCA TRIATHLON SERIES SET FOR JAN 28TH

Beckley, WV - The YMCA of Southern West Virginia will hold an indoor
triathlon on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Typically considered a warm weather
event for elite athletes, the Y's winter triathlon series provides the
community with the opportunity to run, bike and swim, but without the major
distances. The second in a series of three indoor races, the event will take
place at the Y located at 121 East Main Street in Beckley. With divisions
for children and adults, the race can be completed as an individual or a
team.

Registration will remain open through Saturday, Jan 28. Adult individual
entry fees are $25 for Y members or $50 for non-members; Adult team entry
fees are $45 for Y members or $75 for non-members; Kid triathlon fees are $5
for both Y members and non-members. Registration forms can be found on YMCA
of Southern West Virginia's website at http://www.ymcaswv.com or at the Y's
front desk.

A third race is slated for March 17th. Volunteers are needed to help with
timing and lap counting for all races in the series. For more information or
to volunteer contact Reginia Thomas, Aquatics, Health and Wellness Director
at 304.252.0715 ex. 313.

The YMCA of Southern West Virginia has been serving our community since
1963. We are a powerful association of men, women and children joined
together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids,
promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we
work side-by-side with our neighbors in our communities to make sure that
everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to
learn, grow and thrive.

YMCA YOUTH SOCCER REGISTRATION

2012-01-04T05:46:00.002-05:00

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR YOUTH SOCCER

Beckley, WV - Old Man Winter may have just arrived but the YMCA of Southern
West Virginia is preparing for their spring programs and events. With
springtime on the horizon, registration for the Y's Spring Youth Soccer
program begins on January 2, 2012. With divisions for children ages 2-14
years old, registration will remain open through March 12, 2012 with
sessions beginning in April.

"For over a quarter of a century, our Y has been instructing and teaching
"the world's game" to area youth. This is one of our most popular programs
and it provides kids with a fun yet instructional learning experience that
emphasis on equal participation, sportsmanship and skills of the game," says
Jay Rist, CEO of the Y.

In addition to participants, the Y is also looking for program volunteers to
referee, coach and work concession stands during the season. Rist continues,
"Our programs and services are only as strong as our volunteers involved.
The Y is a nonprofit like no other and taking an active role in programs
such as Youth Soccer strengthens our community."

Registration forms can be picked up at the Y located at 121 East Main Street
in Beckley or online at <http://www.ymcaswv.com> www.ymcaswv.com. For
additional information on the Y's Youth Soccer program or to volunteer,
contact Daniel Vass by calling 304.252.0715 or email
daniel.vass@ymcaswv.com> daniel.vass@ymcaswv.com.

FEMA - Resolve to be ready in 2012

2011-12-28T07:10:00.001-05:00

FEMA REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO RESOLVE TO BE READY IN 2012

Don't drop the ball - make a New Year's resolution to be personally prepared for emergencies

PHILADELPHIA - As 2011, one of the most active years for disasters in recent history, comes to a close and Americans get ready to ring in the new year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Americans to Resolve to be Ready in the new year, by taking simple steps to prepare for emergencies.

As a recent report by the National Climatic Data Center highlights, 2011 has seen more billion-dollar natural disasters than any year on record. This year alone, the U.S. experienced its first hurricane landfall since 2008, the most deadly series of tornadoes since the 1950s, significant earthquakes and severe flooding - hazards that impacted every region of the country. All of these events have served as important reminders that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and being prepared is one of the most effective things we can do to protect our homes, businesses and loved ones.

FEMA's Region III's Administrator MaryAnn Tierney is urging everyone to make a New Year's resolution to be prepared through three simple steps: get an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and be informed of the hazards in your area.

"One of the most important lessons we can take away from this year's devastating storms such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee is that disasters can impact all of us, no matter what part of the country we live in," said Tierney. "They can range from flooding and earthquakes to tornadoes. While we can't control where or when they might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare for them - everyone's proactive preparedness efforts can go a long way toward protecting and empowering families, businesses, homes and entire communities to become their own emergency managers. Resolving to be Ready in 2012 could be the most important pledge you make this year

Americans across the country have already proven that making emergency preparations in advance can pay off.

By making a resolution to take a few preparedness steps in advance, you can minimize the impact of an emergency on you, your family, or your businesses. To take the pledge, visit www.ready.gov/pledge. For more information on how to get prepared, visit www.Ready.gov or www.Listo.gov. This website includes free information, checklists, and guidelines about how to put together a kit, make a plan, and stay informed.

Resolve to be Ready in 2012 is a nationwide effort to increase awareness and encourage individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the New Year. This effort is led by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information, visitReady.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

3/9/12 Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Pediatric Cancer

2011-12-28T07:05:00.000-05:00

Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Pediatric Cancer

March 9, 2012
6-9pm

Mercer County 4-H Camp
1823 Glenwood Park Road
Princeton, WV 24739

Spaghetti Plates
Adults $5
Children $3

Plates include salad, spaghetti, garlic bread and a drink.

I am having a spaghetti dinner to raise money for THON.

For those of you who have never heard of THON: THON is short for Penn State Dance Marathon and is the largest student run philanthropy in the world. THON raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State’s Hersey Medical Center. The Four Diamonds Fund was established to give financial assistance to families whose children suffer from pediatric cancer and to fund the research to find a cure for this horrific disease. The fund's assistance pays for all hospital bills that the family’s insurance will not cover and for travel costs to get the child to the hospital.

http://www.facebook.com/events/190135844415327/

WV Road Conditions CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED TOLL-FREE AT 1(877) WVA-ROAD or 1-877-982-7623

2011-12-26T06:25:00.000-05:00

CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED TOLL-FREE AT
1(877) WVA-ROAD or 1-877-982-7623
NOTICE: Highway conditions are subject to change with weather conditions. Observe caution when driving in wet or freezing conditions. Maintain a safe speed and increase following distance.
Follow this link for information.
ROAD CONDITIONS

Cupids Cuties NIE Valentines Day Pageant 2/11/12

2011-12-07T13:53:00.002-05:00

YMCA Calendar of events

2011-12-07T13:51:00.002-05:00

May 18, 2012 A Night Out Charity Auction! Sponsors Needed!

2011-12-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

My Great Story Ndss Share your story

2011-06-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Challenger Little League Link

2011-05-16T06:49:00.000-04:00

WV District 4 Challenger

Just For Kids, Inc.

2011-04-18T08:37:00.000-04:00

Just For Kids, Inc.

Get your event posted here for free!

2010-10-13T09:53:00.001-04:00

If you have a community Pubic Announcement for your group or organization
please send them to rickrizer@radiocitywv.com or Fax them to (304) 255-1044
Mail them to Pubic Service Announcements, Southern Communications 306 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV. 25801- Please submit these announcements as early as possible.
Thank You

TEEN DATING/Violence is on the rise

2010-08-08T08:48:00.000-04:00

Our teens should not be facing this - INFORMATION IS POWER and LOVE IS RESPECT

share with your kids today

FOR MORE INFORMATIONS CONTACT THE WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER HERE

AND VISIT THIS WEBSITE LOVE IS RESPECT

Massey Upper Big Branch Web Site

2010-04-27T05:50:00.001-04:00

Massey starts mine explosion web page - AP
April 26, 2010 3:45 PM

JULIAN, W.Va.
Massey Energy says it's started a website to provide information about the deadly explosion at its Upper Big Branch mine.

The April 5 blast killed 29 miners and injured two, making it the nation's worst coal mining disaster in 40 years.

Massey says www.MasseyUBB.com provides an archive of information the company has released about Upper Big Branch.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by government regulators.

Virginia-based Massey operates mines in West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky.