T
he annual Rhododendron Roll is set for this weekend at the state Capitol Complex, and a new county-wide chapter of the Nurse Honor Guard is set to launch in April. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, Cross Lanes and South Charleston.
RHODODENDRON ROLL: Easter may still be over a week away, but if you pass by the West Virginia State Capitol Complex this weekend, you might think the holiday is already here. On Saturday, March 28, the annual Rhododendron Roll – an Easter-themed celebration – will take over the Capitol Complex, bringing eggs, children, and the Easter Bunny himself for an afternoon of spring fun. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will include activities for the whole family. Planned entertainment includes yard games, festive crafts, a petting zoo, face painting, balloon art, bounce houses, food trucks, and more. Easter egg hunts for children ages one to 9+, categorized by age, begin at noon. Guests of all ages are invited to participate in the "Hoppin' Around History" Scavenger Hunt, located in the Culture Center. Free parking will be available in the Capitol Complex parking garage and Laidley Field parking lot. The first 500 attendees to arrive will receive a commemorative Easter egg. More information on the Rhododendron Roll is available on the West Virginia Tourism website.
NURSE HONOR GUARD: Kanawha Valley nurses and nursing students are invited to join the new Kanawha County Nurse Honor Guard. The volunteer organization performs ceremonial tributes at funerals or memorial services of active or retired nurses, honoring their service and legacy. The first official meeting of the Kanawha County chapter will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at the Cross Lanes Branch Library, 5449 Big Tyler Road in Cross Lanes. All licensed nurses, retired nurses and nursing students are welcome. During the meeting, representatives will discuss the mission of the Nurse Honor Guard and answer attendees' questions. Participants will also discuss volunteer opportunities and network with other nursing professionals. Anyone interested in joining the Kanawha County chapter of the Nurse Honor Guard is asked to call Cindy Martin at 304-953-9689. More information is also available on the Kanawha County WV Nurse Honor Guard Facebook group.
CANDIDATE FORUM: The South Charleston Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Cans and Candidates” event as part of the organization’s April Business After Hours. Like at other Business After Hours events, attendees can network with local professionals and enjoy light refreshments. Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet local candidates before the May 12 election. The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Little Creek Golf Course Ballroom, 99 Fairway Drive in South Charleston. In lieu of a registration fee, visitors are asked to bring canned food items, which will be donated to the Heart and Hand Food Pantry. For more information or to register, call 304-744-0051 or visit southcharlestonchamber.org.
