A
new children’s book takes kids on a Kanawha Valley adventure, an annual showcase connects collectors with sports cards, and one local municipality is making preparations for a city-wide cleanup. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, Nitro and St. Albans.
BOOK LAUNCH: A new book connects kids with West Virginia’s capital city. “Our Charlie West Treasure Hunt,” a children’s book by local authors Andy Richardson and Emma Carpenter, takes readers down familiar Kanawha Valley streets. The book follows the journey of Cory and Carmen, two youthful characters on a quest to discover the hidden gems and familiar favorites of Charleston. It was illustrated by local artist Marisa Jackson. On Saturday, April 4, the book’s creative trio will hold a book launch and signing event at the Kanawha County Public Library’s downtown location. The launch will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the library’s Room 406/407. The public is invited. Kanawha Valley Commissioner Natalie Tennant will lead a special reading. The event also includes crafts, refreshments, book signings, and photo opportunities.
CARD SHOW: Sports card collectors, mark your calendars. Nitro Little League’s annual Sports Card Show will return on Saturday, April 18. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nitro High School, will include sports cards, of course, as well as Pokémon cards, comics, and other collectibles. Former Major League Baseball third baseman Chris Sabo (of the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, and St. Louis Cardinals) will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m. The event also includes a baseball trivia contest. Entrance is free. Proceeds from signings benefit Nitro Little League Baseball.
SPRING CLEAN UP: St. Albans Spring Clean Up returns April 27 through May 8. The two-week city-wide cleanup is sponsored by the St. Albans Public Works Department. Workers will go ward-by-ward collecting unwanted items Monday through Friday, beginning with Ward 1 on April 27 and continuing through Ward 9 on May 7. On Friday, May 8, public works employees will collect any remaining disposables in a city-wide run. Residents should place items on the street/curbside in front of their residence on their ward’s designated pick-up day. Tires, paint, and hazardous materials will not be accepted. There will be a charge for the collection of building materials. Brush and tree limbs must be phoned into the office for pickup. Any residents with questions should call St. Albans Public Works at 304-722-4259 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
