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n upcoming meet-and-greet will allow voters to connect with local candidates before the May 12 primary, and Vietnam veterans will be recognized during Welcome Home Day in one area town. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Marmet, Charleston and Nitro.
SUMMER PROGRAM: A new charter school in Marmet is offering a free five-week summer program to prospective students and other pupils in grades K-5. The Mary Phalen Leadership Academy's Summer Advantage program will take place from June 8 to July 10, 2026. The day-long program runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each weekday at the site of the former Marmet Elementary School (408 94th Street). Registered students will enjoy educational programs, field trips and other enrichment activities. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Summer Advantage is open to the public, but only 50 seats are available. More information, including registration details, is available online.
CANDIDATE EVENT: Charleston voters can meet candidates for various local offices at an upcoming candidate meet and greet. A More Excellent Way Life Center Church, 504 Virginia St. W., will host the free public event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Refreshments will be provided. The meeting is open to all candidates, according to a flyer. It is sponsored by the Committee to Elect Martec Washington, a Democratic candidate for mayor. More information on the meet and greet is available on Facebook.
VIETNAM VETERANS: Vietnam War veterans will be recognized in Nitro on Monday, March 30. The community’s annual Welcome Home Vietnam Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nitro Veterans Memorial, at the corner of 21st Street and Bank Street. The event, sponsored by the West Virginia Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, is free and open to the general public. Past Welcome Home events have included speakers, memorial services and informational booths. More information is available on Facebook.
