Tuesday's Community News: Brenda Lucas

FINALISTS: Nicolas Boone, 6, read 168 books to become this year's grand-prize winner in the Summer Reading Program at Wayne Public Library. He placed first last year with 175 books read. Other finalists were Emma Stevens, 3; Kierstin Stroud, 5; Ida Pierce, 7; Nicky Napier, 7; and Kayla Morris, 12.

ANTIQUES: The second annual antique tractor and engine show is offered Aug. 9 and 10 at 6475 Farmdale Road in Barboursville. Food concessions, arts, crafts, swap meet, antique tractors, hit and miss engines, farm machinery and farm-related trucks are featured. Admission is free. Call Jim Edmonds, 304-634-7006 or e-mail Ironhead1975@aol.com.

CO-CHAIR: A Huntington woman has been named co-chair of the Autism Society of America's Panel of Professional Advisors. Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill, executive director of West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University for 18 years and an adjunct graduate professor teaching courses related to autism, received a doctorate in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has been involved in education and developmental disabilities for 28 years and served as behavior analyst at Margaret Chapman School in Hawthorne, N.Y. Dr. Barbara also recently co-authored the book, "Autism: A Primer for Educators."

MANAGER: She's a nurse and manager, making her a nurse manager -- Courtney Blain-Green has that title for 7-N Medical Telemetry at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. Courtney graduated from Spring Valley High in 1999, received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Marshall University in 2003 and is working toward a master's degree in nursing administration at Columbus' Capital University. She and husband, Anthony, reside in Pickerington, Ohio.

FAITHFUL: It's good to hear that folks read this column, as well as recipes I submit to this newspaper each Wednesday. It's also better news to know readers try the recipes from time to time, such as Pam Belville, a faithful reader.

APPRECIATED: No matter how big or small the task, it's good to know you're appreciated. Troy Thomas recently presented Thomas George and Bob Trocin, board members of Wayne County Economic Development Authority, an appreciation award during the authority's regular meeting in Ceredo.

COMPETING: It's on to the West Virginia State Competition at the Parkersburg Homecoming on Aug. 15 for Matt McClay and Lance Ross, both of South Point, Ohio. Known to the local music world as the Jackson Cabin Boys, the duo placed first in the recent 2008 WTCR Colgate Country Showdown with "Folsom Prison Blues." Runner-up was Bridget Reynolds of Kitts Hills, Ohio, and third place went to Ashland Chapman of Huntington. Eight other participants were Emily Kenner, Sherilyn See, Emily Davis, Huntington; Heather Wilson, Louisa, Ky.; Jamie Baxter, Ironton; Shelby Blake, Catlettsburg, Ky.; Kara Smith and Rachel Stonecipher, Crown City, Ohio.

HILLTOP: Macy's presents the long-standing annual used book sale fundraiser "Hilltop: Books Only" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at Huntington Museum of Art. Admission is $5, including museum admission, and free on Sunday. Dave Lavender, The Herald-Dispatch reporter, signs copies of his new book, "Dave Trippin'," on Sunday, and leads a nature hike on museum trails to discuss the Earl Gray stone carvings featured in his book. Call 304-529-2701.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS: Ron Wechsler is two under 50 (48), Ryan Armstrong, Chris LeMaster, Jon Michael Hatton, Linda Wilson, Christopher Ball, Katelyn Ball, Mark A. Taylor, Braxon Carico of Tennessee, Alan O. Williamson is one over 60 (61), Patty Bias, Todd Erwin is one under the adult age of 21 (20), Ethan Rhinehart, Rick McCann with the sports department of The Herald-Dispatch, John Mullins and Anson Fykes is two pennies short of a dime (8).

TODAY'S ANNIVERSARIES: Ron and Barbara Wechsler celebrate number 25; Bob and Donna Christian.

CHUCKLE: A little boy was asked, "Why are you walking around and around the block?" He answered, "I'm running away." "But how can you run away if you stay on the same block?" He said, "That's because I'm not allowed to cross the street."

Send items to Brenda Lucas, in care of The Herald-Dispatch, P.O. Box 2017, Huntington, WV 25720; fax to (304) 526-2857; or e-mail to bklucas53@aol.com.