VETERANS DAY: Huntington's Barnett Center is hosting an "Arts in the Garden" program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 -- Veterans Day.

The program is being offered by West Virginia State University Extension Service and the Huntington Community Gardens as something to keep students busy on their day off from school. During the program, students will spend the day learning about plants, gardening and environmental science, all while creating masterpieces of garden-focused art.

Cost is $10, and extended hours will be available for an added fee. Scholarships are available for those who quality. Parents can register their children by calling Jenn Williams at 304-840-2500 or by e-mail at seedsoflove76@yahoo.com.

BANKING: Four Cabell County elementary schools have been participating in financial literacy program about credit through Ohio Valley Bank. The goal of "Adventures in Credit" is to teach fourth-grade students the importance of using credit wisely.

Bankers visited Davis Creek, Central City and Culloden elementary schools on Thursday and Friday. They will be at Martha Elementary Tuesday.

"The choices young adults make with their first credit card will impact their lives years later when they apply for a car loan or even a mortgage. It is never too early to start teaching responsible spending. Ohio Valley Bank is happy to lend a hand for this important piece of our kids' education and financial well being," said Chris Preston, assistant vice president and regional branch administrator.

The program is offered free to schools within the Ohio Valley Bank service area.

CELL PHONES: Milton Middle School is participating in the national Cell Phones for Soldiers program. Residents who want to participate can donate unused cell phones, which will be collected, reprogrammed and sent to soldiers serving overseas.

Donations are being accepted at the school, No. 1 Panther Trail in Milton, and at the Cabell County Schools central office, 2850 5th Ave., Huntington.

"Over the past few years, we have been amazed by the generosity of others. But, we have also seen the need to support our troops continue," said Brittany Bergquist, co-founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers. "It is easy for Americans to make a small sacrifice of support by donating their unused cell phones, and providing families with a much-needed connection to their loved ones overseas."

The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone -- enough to provide an hour of talk time to soldiers abroad.

Approximately half of the phones ReCellular processes are reconditioned and resold to wholesale companies in more than 40 countries around the world.