Agencies sponsor winter coat drive

IRONTON — ResCare Home Care and the Salvation Army are sponsoring a coat drive.

Donations of new or gently used coats, jackets, gloves, scarves and hats or any other cold weather items may be dropped off at the ResCare office, 415 Railroad St., Ironton, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All donations will be given to the Salvation Army. The coat drive will continue through the end of November.

For more information call 532-0599.

Canter is named OSHP Ironton Post trooper of the year

SOUTH POINT — Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Canter has been selected as the 2009 Trooper of the Year at the Ironton Post.

Canter’s selection is in recognition of his outstanding service; he was chosen by his fellow officers based on his leadership abilities, professional ethics, treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public.

Canter joined the state patrol in 1993. A native of Wheelersburg, he has been selected at Trooper of the year twice before, in 1999 and 2005.

Magic 97.9 to play all Christmas music starting Friday

The Tri-State area radio station that typically features an adult contemporary music format is changing its music “recipe” to all Christmas music effective Friday.

“The popularity of Christmas music is amazing,” J.B. Miller, program director of Huntington radio station Magic 97.9, said.

Miller, who in addition to his programming duties serves as the morning show air personality on the station, said all Christmas music has proven to be incredibly popular with adults and kids alike.

“Last year Christmas music was our highest-rated program feature during the fall ratings period,” he said. “We believe one of the reasons all Christmas music is so popular is because it’s about family and tradition. No matter how tough the economy gets or what’s going on in listeners’ lives, Christmas music helps cheer people up.”

Miller said the Christmas format brings families together and reminds them that there is good in most everyone.

“We want to join our listeners in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year,” he said. “Merry Christmas!”

Magic 97.9 will continue the Christmas favorites through Dec. 25.

Drop in and be crafty at BCPL

ASHLAND, Ky. — Kids can get crafty at Boyd County Public Library during their Thanksgiving break.

A self-service craft cart will be in the youth services department at the Main Branch, 1740 Central Ave., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28.

There will be crafts galore, including some you can save and give as gifts this holiday season. The crafts are designed for children ages 3 to 12. Parents need to stay and supervise the younger children.

Peanut butter to be collected at parade

ASHLAND, Ky. — Observers of this year’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” parade in Ashland can help spread goodwill by bringing a jar of peanut butter to the parade.

Santa’s helpers from Magic 97.9 FM radio will walk alongside the Magic van in the parade, collecting the peanut butter from the crowd.

The peanut butter will be taken to River Cities Harvest, a local charity that helps feed those in need through the collection and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food items.

River Cities Harvest will distribute the peanut butter to area food pantries.

In addition to the collection at the parade, donations of peanut butter may be dropped off in Huntington at the Magic office at 919 Fifth Avenue, Suite 210, or at the River Cities Harvest suite in The Neighborhood, 2516 Carter Avenue, Ashland.

“Peanut butter is a good source of protein for individuals that otherwise may not get their daily portion of it in foods,” said Lucy Davis, operations coordinator of River Cities Harvest.

“Peanut butter is versatile. It can be used as a breakfast spread on toast, as a sandwich, or as a snack. Due to its broad appeal and high protein content, peanut butter is in high demand from the food pantries we serve.”

For more information about the Parade for Peanut Butter, contact the River Cities Harvest office by phone at 606-324-3663 or by email, rivercitiesharvest@gmail.com.

BB&T Foundation pledges $75,000 to CHH Children’s Hospital project

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The BB&T Foundation of West Virginia has pledged $75,000 to the Children’s Hospital Project at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

To recognize the gift, a twin room in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will be marked with a plaque commemorating BB&T Foundation’s generosity.

“Cabell Huntington Hospital is a valuable partner to the entire region in medical care and to Marshall University’s School of Medicine,” said David Helmer, senior vice president for BB&T in West Virginia. “The plans for the new Children’s Hospital energize potential new additions to the pediatric staff and will serve many families in the region.”

Through reconstruction of the hospital’s fifth floor Pediatrics area and the construction of a new Children’s Hospital entrance from Hal Greer Boulevard, this project will create a state-of-the-art and child-friendly space where children will come to receive their medical care.

“We are impressed with the great passion Cabell Huntington Hospital has for Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatrics expertise overall,” said Phyllis Arnold, president of BB&T Corp. in West Virginia. “The Children’s Hospital will highlight this commitment, further enhancing their pediatric reputation.

“BB&T’s dedication to the children’s health and education is extraordinary,” said David Graley, vice president and chief operating officer of the Cabell Huntington Hospital Foundation.

Huntington race series set for winter season

Huntington, W.Va. — The WV 5K Race Committee and The Herald Dispatch will present “Huntington Winter Series” races.

Here is the schedule:

5K in partnership with the American Medical Student Association’s (AMSA) Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 5.

 5 Mile Race on Jan. 31 — Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard between Eighth and Ninth streets.

 10K Race on Feb. 28 — Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard between Eighth and Ninth streets.

 Both 5 mile and 10K will be on Sundays at 2 p.m. Start and finish line will be on Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard behind Pullman Square.

The WV 5K Committee and sponsor The Herald Dispatch have collaborated once again with United Way to promote active living in the River Cities.

“Our partnership with United Way was such a success with regards to the WV 5K Championship, it seemed to be a natural partnership with this series,” said Pat Riley, Winter Series director.

“United Way’s Health & Wellness focus area (one of four focus areas which include Families & Children, Learning & Earning and Basic Needs & Unforeseen Hardships) is in line with the WV 5K Committee goals — getting people to engage in healthy eating and active living!”

“Exercise is such an important component of a healthy lifestyle,” said Cassey Bowden, director of development and marketing. “We look forward to working with the WV 5K committee and promoting active living in the River Cities!”

It is the committee’s hope that the Winter Series will serve as motivation to keep the running boom in our area going throughout the winter. The series includes the only 10K in Huntington.

Runners must register for each race individually.

In order to qualify for the series awards, each athlete must compete in all three races and check the series box on the Jingle Bell entry form indicating they will be competing in all three races.

Individual awards for each race will be handed out with overall series awards handed out after the 10K race on Feb. 28.

Series awards will be based on total time from the three races.

For more information about the Winter Series Races, visit www.tristateracer.com.