guide for the international community in huntington, west virginia

Transcription

GUIDE
FOR THE
INTERNATIONAL
COMMUNITY IN
HUNTINGTON,
WEST VIRGINIA
June 2015
The Cabell County, WV Schools
English as a Second Language
Program
By: Janne M. Rice, ESL Coordinator,
1
CONTENTS
FOREWARD
5
ABOUT HUNTINGTON
6
GETTING SETTLED
Emergency Services
County Government Services
Housing
Places to Rent
Neighborhoods
Housekeeping and Security
Utilities
Better Business Bureau and
Attorney General
Identification
9
9
9
10
15
19
25
29
35
35
Social Security #
Driver’s License
MONEY, BANKING AND TAXES
Currency
Bank Accounts
Other Services
Credit
Taxes
State and Local Taxes
39
39
40
42
44
45
47
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
49
Legal Rights and Responsibilities 51
HEALTH CARE IN HUNTINGTON
Various Health Care Options
Senior Care
Nursing Homes
Fitness
2
55
56
58
59
60
Health Care Providers
61
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Local TTA
Bus Schedules
Taxi Cabs
65
65
66
72
TRAVEL TO AND FROM HUNTINGTON
Airplanes
Trains
Buses
73
73
73
74
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Telegrams and Fax
Sending Packages
Newspapers
TV and Radio
75
75
76
76
78
SERVICES IN HUNTINGTON
Religion
English Classes
Shopping
Parks and Playgrounds
Fairs, Festivals, and Parades
Performing Arts
79
79
81
82
84
87
91
SCHOOLS IN HUNTINGTON
Public Schools
Private Schools
Daycare Programs
School Enrollment
93
93
98
99
101
3
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
TRI-STATE
Schools
Beautification
Charitable Organizations
Culture & Entertainment
Domestic Violence
Healthcare & Relief Agencies
Kids & their needs
Literacy
Meals, Housing, Support
Pregnancy
102
102
103
103
103
103
103
104
104
104
104
US CUSTOMS AND CULTURE
Tipping
Social Customs
Covered Dish or Pot Luck Dinners
Friendship and Dating
Holidays
Showers
Your Own Celebrations
Child Care
Babysitting
Laws and Warnings
Your Happiness
American Slang
105
105
106
110
111
112
126
127
127
127
128
129
131
APPENDIX
Postal Abbreviations
Basic Traffic Signs
Weights and Measurements
Temperature
143
143
144
145
147
4
FORWARD
Welcome to Huntington! We hope that your time here will be
educational, exciting, and personally rewarding. If you are
settling here, we welcome you as a new resident.
This handbook was compiled to help you to become familiar
with the City of Huntington, the surrounding area, and the
community services available. We hope that it will help ease
your adjustment to the community and enable you to become
more comfortable with the American “way of life”.
We realize that you might not be able to read through the
entire handbook immediately. However, we hope that it will
be a useful resource for you in the future.
Funds for this guidebook were originally provided by the
English Language Civics Program Grant. It was prepared by
the Cabell County English as a Second Language staff, Janne
M. Rice, ESL Coordinator/Teacher, Dr. Asli Hassan, ESL
Professor and Consultant and former Cabell County ESL
Teacher, and Neal Harper, former Cabell County ESL
Teacher, with additional technical help from Julia Harper in
whose memory this book is dedicated. Updates have been
funded by Cabell County Schools to give to International
families of our ESL students. This book was inspired by A
Guide for the International Community in Morgantown
published by Women Across Cultures at WVU, and Make
Yourself at Home in WV published by the LEAP and
International Programs at Marshall University. Ideas were
also gleaned from A Resource Booklet for ESL Teachers
published by the Washington Association for the Education of
Speakers of Other Languages and from The ESL Student
Guide published by the Santa Barbara City College Adult
Education and ESL Department. Thanks to all these authors
and sources.
Janne M. Rice
Cabell County WV K-Adult ESL
Coordinator/ Consultant/Teacher
5
ABOUT HUNTINGTON
Depending upon where you have come from, Huntington may
seem like a quaint small town situated in a beautiful river
valley or a mid-sized twenty-first century city. But no matter
how Huntington appears to you, it is probably difficult to
imagine what this corner of West Virginia was like 250 years
ago.
The United States has a relatively short history compared with
many other societies across the globe. Before Europeans even
knew that the Americans existed, there were many different
groups of people who lived in the area, which would become
West Virginia. The first people who lived or hunted in WV
were believed to be descendants of people who traveled across
the Bering Straits, over the ice, from the continent of Asia.
They may also have come in boats from the Polynesian area or
even the African continent. These early people are known as
the Early Hunters who pursued the wooly mammoth and
mastodons with their distinctly fluted spear points which have
been found in the Ohio Valley. They were followed by the
Archaic Foragers (Or the Hunter/Gatherers) who lived on nuts,
berries, roots, edible plants, and sometimes small game. In
time they learned to make pottery and started cultivating
plants rather then just foraging. Also, part of the Ohio
Valley’s folklore centers on the Mound Builders—the creators
of strange earthen mounds that dot the valley. Two examples
of these may be found at Camden Park and along White’s
Creek in Wayne County. These people were followed by the
Hopewell and Adena people who also left mounds especially
in Ohio, across the Ohio River from WV. The first Europeans
who penetrated the Ohio Valley were fascinated by the
mounds they discovered and were amazed that the Indians or
Native Americans whom they encountered seemed to know
little or nothing about the mounds. This is not surprising since
the mounds had not been built for 500 to 1000 years.
To continue the history of our area, one must acknowledge the
different groups of Indians or Native Americans who lived in
the area. Much of WV, especially the Huntington area was
used by many different tribes and confederations of Indians as
a hunting preserve. Artifacts found in this area tended to be
those of hunting parties rather than permanent settlements.
6
The Mingo, Shawnee, Iroquis Confederation, and others spent
time in the Ohio Valley.
Rene-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de LaSalle is credited by
historians to be the first white man to see the Ohio River.
Born in France, La Salle immigrated to Canada in 1666. In
1669, he began exploring and eventually came upon the Ohio
River, descending all the way past what would become WV to
the falls just outside the present Louisville, KY. In 1749, the
French sent a large military expedition down the Ohio to claim
land for France by planting metal plates. The British also
claimed the land creating a conflict in the Ohio Valley that
was a sideshow to the Seven Years’ War between the two
which ended with the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1763.
There were periodic clashes with Indians over ownership of
the land along the Ohio River. The loss by the French
supported by the Native American Indians of the French and
IndianWars and by the British supported by the Native
American Indians in the War of 1812 seemed to end the
conflict between the whites and the Indians who moved farther
west. The valley began to be settled.
An early mail drop for the Huntington area was at Burlington,
Ohio. Everyone went there by boat and horseback to get their
mail and news. There was a great deal of keelboat commerce
on the Ohio River. Holderby Landing in the eastern part of
what would later become Huntington was an early river port.
Guyandotte was an early city in Cabell County, Virginia
(Virginia then later to become WV) . It was the first county
seat of Cabell County. George Washington, who later became
the United States of America’s first President, surveyed the
Huntington area as he surveyed the James River Turnpike and
the Kanawha Turnpike.
Europeans began to settle the Huntington area in earnest in
about 1815. By 1837, the town that would become
Huntington was really beginning with the establishment of
Marshall Academy, predecessor of Marshall University (our
local University). In 1867, the new state of WV created the
State Normal School of Marshall College to train teachers.
Marshall College continued to increase in size and, in 1961,
achieved University status.
People in the Huntington area fought on both sides of the
American Civil War. There was much conflict about this.
WV finally seceded from Virginia on June 20, 1863,
becoming a state. Collis P. Huntington, a railroad owner,
7
wanted to use Guyandotte as an end point for his railroad. He
finally decided on Huntington instead and helped plan the
town that would later be named for him. Huntington became
the county seat in 1887.
As far as US history is concerned, Huntington has a long
history. It was a much larger town in the 1960’s than it is now
(86,000 in 1960 and 50,500 in 2000). Jobs have become
harder to find as old industries closed down. The downtown
area emptied as the outlying malls opened. Huntington is now
trying to revitalize itself and attract jobs by rebuilding the
center of the city and recruiting businesses.
West Virginia is considered a relatively poor state especially
in the rural areas. Sometimes West Virginians, who have been
relatively isolated, are wary of outsiders. However, like rural
people elsewhere, they can be uncommonly generous and
accepting of guests and travelers. West Virginia is rich in
natural resources such as coal and gas, but these riches often
don’t end up in the hands of the people. It is also rich in less
tangible forms of wealth, such as a rich cultural heritage that
can be seen in the music, stories, and crafts of the region.
West Virginians are surrounded by a startlingly beautiful
environment: gentle mountains, plentiful streams, and lush
greenery, and many do appreciate this and wish to share it
with you.
The Huntington area is not easily accessible by mass
transportation. The bus system is good but somewhat limited
as is the taxi service. There is no other mass transit. Most
who live in Huntington will need to have access to a car.
Please check the section on transportation to learn more about
this.
You are living in a historical community with wide streets,
beautiful parks, and friendly people. Please enjoy your time in
Huntington and access the resources
We welcome you to the area and are pleased to
offer you free classes to improve your English
language proficiency at the Cabell County
Career Technology Center, Room 212, 1035
Norway Ave. 528-5106 ext 212. These classes for
adults run during the school year from 8-12,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
with Janne Rice as teacher.
8
GETTING SETTLED
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Call 911 in any emergency. If it is not an
emergency you can call police or fire
departments at the following numbers:
Huntington Police
696-5560
Cabell County Police
528-5555
Fire
696-5950
Cabell County Sheriff
526-8657
Cabell County Government Services
Assessor
Board of Education
Circuit Clerk
County Clerk
County Commission
Sheriff’s Department
Tax Office
Law Enforcement
526-8601
528-5000
526-8622
526-8625
526-8634
526-8672
526-8657
Wayne County Government
Services
Assessor
Board of Education
County Clerk
Magistrate Clerk
Sheriff’s Tax Office
304-272-6357
304-272-6359
304-272-6365
304-272-5648
304-272-6723
9
HOUSING
Huntington has many options for housing
including houses to rent or buy, and
apartments.
Houses---Visitors and full-time residents
who are here with their families may want to
rent an entire house. Houses may be
furnished or unfurnished, and the rent will
vary depending upon the size, location,
furnishings, and general condition of the
house. Since unfurnished houses generally
cost less to rent and used furniture is quite
easy to find in Huntington, many visitors
and residents who will be here for more than
a year choose this option. Utilities
(electricity, gas, water, and telephone) are
usually paid in addition to rent.
If you are interested in buying a house,
information may be obtained from a local
real estate agency. There is a list of these
agencies in the yellow pages of the
telephone book.
Apartments---An apartment is a complete
living unit. An efficiency apartment has two
rooms: a bathroom and another large room
that serves as kitchen, bedroom and living
room. It is suitable for one or two people.
There are also one, two, and three-bedroom
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apartments. “Unfurnished” apartments have
only a refrigerator, stove, and window
coverings. The renter must provide all other
furniture needed. A “furnished apartment”
includes all furniture but not linens (towels,
sheets, etc.) or cooking and eating pots,
pans, plates, and utensils. As with houses,
unfurnished apartments cost less to rent, and
it might be financially advantageous to
choose this option. Apartments in large
complexes generally provide laundry
facilities which are shared with other
residents in the apartment building. A renter
or “tenant” usually has to pay for utilities,
although some of these may be included in
the monthly rent.
Sleeping rooms---A “room has facilities
for sleeping and studying. It may be in a
private home, or it may be in a “rooming
house” where there are many “rooms.” In
either case, bathrooms are usually shared
with other residents. Check to see if use of
the kitchen is available. See the local
newspaper classified ads for this type of
housing.
When looking for a place to live, it is
important to consider:
- the distance to your work or classes
- the availability of laundry facilities
- the availability of parking, or
alternatively,
- access to public transportation
11
Before signing a lease---You should inspect
an apartment or house before renting. Check
the general condition of the house or
apartment, and make a list of all problems
such as holes in the floor, walls, and
ceilings, cracked or broken windows, etc.
See that the entrance doors lock securely.
Make certain that there is a heating unit and
that it is vented into a chimney on the
outside and above the roof. Ask the landlord
to show you where the electric box is. For
fire safety there should be a smoke detector
and two means of exit. Ask that any
problems be corrected before you sign a
lease, but make a note on all copies of the
lease of any damage that remains when you
move in. Otherwise, you may be charged for
damage that was not your fault. Photographs
showing the condition of the apartment or
house are helpful.
Signing a lease---A lease is a legal
document that states the rights and
responsibilities of the tenant and the
landlord. When you sign a lease, you will
usually have to pay a “security deposit”
which may amount to as much as one
month’s rent. The deposit is returned to you
when you leave if there is no damage and
the property is clean. Otherwise, the
landlord keeps the deposit.
12
Some questions to ask before signing a
lease:
-How much is the rent?
-Is there a deposit? If so, how much is it?
-Does the rent include gas, electricity,
telephone, air conditioning, heat?
-Can you regulate the heat and air?
-What furniture, bedding, and dishes are
included?
-For how many months is the lease?
-Can you sublet?
-Is there any provision for “breaking” the
lease or for renewing it?
The lease usually states the dates of the
rental agreement, the amount of the deposit
and rent, and whether or not utilities are
included. Do not sign a lease until you
have read it and fully understand it. Ask
for help to explain the lease from someone
other than the landlord who is
knowledgeable.
Before signing a lease, take a video or take
pictures to show and verify any damage that
is already there on the property. The owner
should be present. This will help protect
your damage deposit.
13
After you have rented---A few tips:
-Pay rent on time!
-Keep the place clean inside and outside.
-Place all garbage and trash in plastic bags.
-Tell the landlord when something needs to
be repaired.
-Be considerate of neighbors in regard to
noise.
-Keep records of your rental finances.
-If serious problems with your landlord
arise, consult a lawyer.
ON CAMPUS HOUSING
Marshall University owns and operates dormitories
for undergraduate mostly single students and
apartments for faculty, staff, graduate, nontraditional (usually older than 23) and married
students. You may call Marshall University at 304696-3170 for more information.
14
Some Places to rent in Huntington:
Courtyard by Pyramid Properties
2101 Sixth Avenue
Huntington, WV 25703
(304) 522-8700
Country Club Apartments
6275 Country Club Drive
(304) 736 – 5994
Cyrus Apartments
2829 3rd Avenue
(304) 529 – 2555
Downtown Apartments
101 4th Avenue
(304) 736 – 3375
Garden Park Apartments
6300 Beech Drive
(304) 736 – 3375
Glenbrier Apartments
60 Marti –Jo Drive
(304) 529 – 6607
15
Greentree and Spicetree Apartments
1615 6th Avenue
(304) 529 – 3902
Hickory Way Apartments
1150 Florida Street
Milton, WV 25541
(304) 529 – 6607
Hidden Trails
5601 Peyton Court
(304) 529 – 6607
Pyramid Properties
2101 Sixth Avenue
(304) 697 – 5381
Shoals Manor
3720 Manor Drive
(304) 525 – 8788
University Suites
1517 6th Avenue
(304) 529 – 0001
Upper Classmen
1415 Fourth Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701 (304) 525-7741
16
Westwood Acres Apartments
2402 West Fifth Avenue
(304) 529-6381
More About Housing
Government Assistance/Huntington, WV,
Housing Authority/304-5264400/www.homeswvoky.com/ Serves ages
18-senior citizens (Huntington Housing
Authority in Marcum Terrace 230 Marcum
Terrace 522-0576)
Senior Housing/Marcum Terrace/Olive
Street and St. Louis Avenue/1-3 bedroom$250-$300 per month (1100 Marcum
Terrace 304-781-1034)
Fairfield Tower/17th Street and McVeigh
Avenue/1-3 bedroom-$310-$375 per month
Carter G. Woodson/8th Avenue and Hal
Greer Boulevard-3 bedroom-$350 per month
Northcott Court/#30 Hal Greer and Doulton
Avenue-1-3 bedroom-$250-$325 per month
Trowbridge Manor/ 101 8th Avenue-1-2
bedroom-$325-$375 per month
17
Washington Square/17th Street and 8th
Madison Manor/13th Street and Madison
W.K. Elliott Apartments/510 Bridge Street
in Guyandotte-1-3 bedroom-$300-$375 per
month
There are many other privately owned
apartments available to rent. These may be
found through real estate companies whose
numbers may be found in the Huntington
Phone Directory in the yellow pages under
Real Estate. Apartments may also be found
by looking for signs in front of apartments
that say “For Rent” or “For Lease.”
18
Neighborhoods in Huntington, West
Virginia
Courtesy of
http://www.cityofhuntington.com/Visiting/tour/inde
x.asp -- the city of Huntington website
Downtown:
“Downtown provides many opportunities for
family fun and recreation. These include
dining, the arts and various entertainment
options. Some of the choices are the Harris
Riverfront Park, Heritage Village, and our
many movie theatres and our various
restaurants. The options for dining range
from fast food to fine dining with a variety
of ethnic cuisines.” Schools serving this area
may be Central City Elementary, Huntinton
Middle School, Southside Elementary,
Enslow Middle School, and Huntington
High School.
Fairfield:
“Residential areas in the Fairfield area
continue the theme with trees lining the
streets and a brick-paved road thrown in
here and there. Community services,
shopping and schools are conveniently
located in the Fairfield area. Varied
churches, businesses and offices are
interspersed throughout the neighborhood.”
Schools serving this area are Spring Hill
Elementary,
Meadows
Elementary,
Hunmtington
Middle
School,
and
Huntington High School.
19
Guyandotte:
“Guyandotte is an eastern suburb of
Huntington and is a primarily residential
area. Guyandotte is rich in area history, with
the oldest church of Huntington located in
Guyandotte. The Guyandotte United
Methodist Church has had its doors open
since 1804. Although the original building
was used as a supply depot during the Civil
War by the Confederates, it was eventually
burned down in 1861 by the Union Army.
Another structure was erected on the same
site in 1869-1870 and still is used today.”
Schools serving this area are Guyandotte
Elementary, Altizer Elementary, Enslow
Middle School, and Huntington High
School.
Highlawn:
“The Highlawn area is primarily a business
and residential area. The residential areas
continue to be tree-lined and contain a
beautiful array of churches, homes and
apartments. The beautiful and colorful
churches in the Highlawn area are abundant.
More of the older fine homes with their
well-groomed lawns may be found in the
Highlawn neighborhood. Stylish homes and
apartments are available to fit any budget.
A large variety of businesses and medical
facilities are located throughout the area.
Steel of West Virginia, located between the
Ohio River and Marshall University, has
20
been making steel since 1909. ACF
Industries, Incorporated began in 1873 when
the city was incorporated and is still
designing and developing railroad cars for
the railroad needs of today. BASF
Wyandotte
Corporation,
pigment
manufacturers, began producing pigments in
1912 and still conducts business all over the
World.” Schools serving this area are
Highlawn Elementary, Enslow Middle
School, and Huntington High School.
South – East Hills:
“The rolling green hills of the southern
suburbs of the city is full of cool, tree-lined
and winding streets with a relaxing presence
that can be felt while just gazing around.
The area is generally a residential area with
the Huntington Museum of Art resting on
top of the hill on McCoy Road. The homes
are the larger more luxurious homes.
Chateaus, villas and a mansion or two may
be glimpsed beyond their driveways or in
the background as you drive along. There
are more modest homes available in the area
also for the smaller or mid-sized families.”
Schools serving this area are Southside
Elementary, Huntington Middle School, and
South-Side:
“Welcome to one of the most scenic areas of
our city. The Southside is mainly a
residential area with lots of scenery, tree21
lined streets with a many brick-paved
streets, neighborhood businesses and shops.
The community is full of beautiful homes,
churches and upscale apartment complexes
with well-groomed lawns. The homes range
from large luxuriously extravagant homes to
the smaller more modern homes. Apartment
complexes and many duplexes are scattered
throughout the south side increasing the
housing options.” Schools serving this area
are Southside Elementary, Huntington
School.
Altizer:
“Altizer, in the eastern area of the city, is a
close-knit community with easy navigation
of the streets between homes, schools,
churches and businesses. Although this area
is primarily residential, it does include some
businesses, such as Special Metals, formerly
known as INCO (International Nickel
Company).” Most of the area is protected
by the Huntington Flood Wall and is next to
a small river. It has many businesses nearby
on Route 60 East such as restaurants,
supermarkets, urgent care center, and
doctors’ and dentists’ offices. It also has a
lovely park. Altizer Elementary, an award
winning elementary school, serves this area
along with Beverly Hills Middle School and
22
Walnut Hills:
“Walnut Hills is a mostly a suburban
residential area with various businesses,
stores, shops, churches, restaurants and
lodgings. The streets wind pleasingly
throughout the hills with a lulling and
soothing drive. In some instances it is almost
like driving through country roads--peaceful
and serene.
Stores and shops abound by the dozen,
providing shopping opportunities for all,
giving you a choice of department, clothing,
grocery, furniture, shoes and movie stores.
After shopping, or before, you may wish to
dine in one of the many family or fast-food
restaurants.” Schools serving this area are
Geneva Kent Elementary, Beverly Hills
School.
West End:
“Welcome to the West End of Huntington
and the home of "Old Central City.” The
West End is just as busy as downtown at
times. Fourteenth Street West is the main
business street in this area and the main
street for Old Central City. The shopping
plaza, antique shops, farmers marker,
library, restaurants and businesses have
people milling around everyday all-day.
Some of the homes in the West End
have been converted into duplexes or several
23
smaller apartments. The homes and
apartments vary in size and affordability in
this area. There are also many historic
homes located in the West Huntington area,
many being over 100 years old.
Various businesses, large and small,
are located throughout the West End. You
will find many construction, remodeling and
roofing companies with their suppliers in
this area. The Huntington Industrial Center,
formerly known as the Owens-Illinois
Company, is expanding as new and
established companies rent space from the
center. Community organizations/services
along with the schools are strategically
located in the West End. Where people go,
there is food! With this thought, you have
your choice of fast food restaurants and
family restaurants and delicious menus to
choose from.” Schools serving this area are
Central City Elementary, Huntington Middle
School, and Huntington High School.
Westmoreland:
“Westmoreland is the western suburb of
Huntington and is the portion of the city that
resides in Wayne County. The community is
peaceful and serene with many homes,
apartment complexes, businesses, stores,
shops, medical offices, churches and
community services conveniently located
throughout the area.
Attractions to this area include the
Westmoreland Park, which includes picnic
24
tables, a playground, basketball court and
tennis courts for you and your family’s
recreation and leisure time.” Schools,
serving this area are Kellogg Elementary,
Vinson Middle School, and Spring Valley
High School.
HOUSEKEEPING AND SECURITY
Remember that you are representing all
international visitors to Huntington. Most
landlords will expect all internationals to be
just like you although they know that some
North Americans are good housekeepers and
some are bad housekeepers.
Some things about your home here may
seem strange and unfamiliar to you. Here are
some tips that may be helpful to you:
Ask your landlord to show you how to use
your oven/stove, refrigerator, heating and
cooling units, and garbage disposal. If
anything does stop working, call your
landlord immediately so that repairs can be
arranged. This is the landlord’s
responsibility. Appliances from some
foreign countries will not work in the United
States because most electrical outlets here
provide 110 volt AC current at a frequency
of 60 cycles.
Foods bought refrigerated from the grocery
store should also be placed in the home
25
refrigerator. Cooked leftover food should
always be stored in a clean, covered
container in the refrigerator until used.
Frozen foods must be kept in the freezing
compartment of your refrigerator until ready
for use. If they become thawed, they should
be kept refrigerated and used within 12
hours and not re-frozen.
Finding reasonably priced cleaning supplies
is made easier by looking for store brands
that are often labeled as “generic.” An
American neighbor will likely be more-thanwilling to go to the store with you and help
you until you learn our system. For hand
washing dishes one can use a dishwashing
detergent such as Ivory, Joy, or Palmolive.
When using an automatic dishwasher, DO
NOT use regular dishwashing detergent.
Use only automatic dishwasher detergent
such as Cascade. (If you use Joy or Ivory,
you will get a terrible mess with bubbles
everywhere.) You can also use common
household solutions for general cleaning.
For example, you can use baking soda to
clean refrigerators and as a mild abrasive on
sink and counter stains. Vinegar is good for
cleaning glass and mirrors. Chlorine beach
is an excellent disinfectant for toilet bowls
as well as for whitening clothes and linens.
26
Never mix anything containing chlorine
bleach with ammonia because they
combine to form a poisonous gas! All
cleaning supplies should be kept out of
the reach of children.
Pest Control Tips—To prevent
infestation:
---Keep the kitchen floors, cabinets, and
counters clean.
---Don’t leave food out on kitchen counters
or tables.
---Store food in tightly closed hard plastic or
metal containers.
---Empty garbage daily into refuse
containers.
Request that your landlord call an
exterminator if you notice a large number of
bugs.
For safety in the kitchen, it is recommended
that a box of baking soda be kept by the
stove to extinguish grease fires. Never use
water on a grease fire. Always wipe up food
spilled on the stove and outside of pans to
prevent grease fires.
Emergency numbers for the police, fire
department, and poison control are listed
inside the front cover of the telephone book
and in this book. 911 will work for any of
27
these emergencies as well. Keep these
numbers near every telephone.
Keep your doors locked at all times. Ask for
proper identification before allowing service
people to enter your home. If a stranger
comes to your home and wants to use the
telephone, do not let them in; offer to make
the necessary call for them. Then, lock the
door behind you.
In the USA, people tend NOT to carry much
cash. Do not keep large amounts of cash at
home or in the wallet. Leave the money in
the bank and get out only what is necessary.
Keep a list of your possessions. You may
rent a safe deposit box from your bank for
safekeeping important items such as
passports and insurance policies and
expensive jewelry. You will need to buy
personal renters' property insurance to
cover the loss of personal items. Be sure that
your insurance policy covers items such as
your camera outside the home. You will find
a list of insurance agents in the yellow pages
of the telephone directory.
You can buy insurance from an agent of one
company or from an independent insurance
agent. The difference is that the first one
sells for only one company where the
second sells for several companies. Some
big insurance companies are Allstate,
28
Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Safeco, Erie
Insurance, Prudential, State Farm Insurance,
and many, many more. Ask several
companies for bids and choose the most
coverage for the least amount of money.
UTILITIES
Gas---Mountaineer Gas
1205 6th Avenue
Huntington, West Virginia 25701
1-800-834-2070
Call the above number to arrange for gas
service, giving your name, full address and
you social security number. Service will be
installed usually
1---3 business days from the time you call.
You will be expected to be there when your
service is turned on. Bills are sent once a
month.
Electricity---American Electric Power
www.aep.com
Customer Service: 1-877-237-2886
You should call 1-800-277-2177 to set up an
account. A refundable deposit will be
required based on one month’s average
usage for your home. The minimum deposit
29
required is $65-$165. Once the contract is
signed, it may take several days for power
to be supplied. Bills are normally sent every
two months. You will need to provide the
following information:
1. Social Security number
2. Full address
3. Phone number
4. Next of kin (a relative)
5. Proof of employment
Water---WV American Water Company
www.wvawater.com
1-800-685-8660
You must call 1-800-685-8660 to arrange
for water to be turned on at your home.
You may be asked for a social security
number, your phone number, and if your
home will be heated by gas or electricity.
Bills are sent monthly and can be paid by
mail or dropped off at 4202 Ohio River
Road (in Guyandotte).
Sanitation---City of Huntington
304-696-5930
304-696-5929
You need to call the office to arrange for
garbage collection from your home.
Check which day your garbage will be
picked up. The city employee who takes
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your call will explain the collection
charges.
Animal Control---If there are stray
animals running along the streets that are
not being taken care of or are frightening
you or your family, you can call Animal
Control to come and check on or catch
and take away the animals at 696-5551
Telephone--For Home land line phone service:
Frontier
1-866-226-5170
Suddenlink 1-800-972-5757
AT&T
1-800-222-0300
Information about the different types of
local service will be given to you by a
service representative, and you should be
prepared to give them the following
information:
-Name and complete address
-If renting, your landlord’s name and
address
-How you would like your name to
appear in the telephone directory
-Type of local service you need
-The long distance company you prefer
-Information on previous telephone
service in the U.S.A., if any.
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Once this service is received, your
service will be installed within a few
days. There will be an installation fee
which will appear on your first bill and
may be paid over two to six months.
Cable TV companies such as ComCast,
Charter, and Armstrong are now offering
phone service along with TV and high
speed internet service. This is another
way to get home phone service.
For long distance service, you may select
from the following companies:
AT&T 1-800-660-3000
Frontier 1-877-392-5160
Sprint 1-800-877-7746
All of the long distance carriers offer
direct dial service worldwide, but you
should make sure that their service meets
your needs. For full information, call the
companies directly.
Cellular Telephone Companies
Verizon
1-304-736-3406
AT&T
1-304-736-8731
Nextel
1-800-639-8359
Ntelos
1-304-417-0141
Sprint
1-877-435-8925
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Telephone directories---The telephone
company provides all customers with a
telephone book covering Huntington and
the surrounding areas. If you are unable
to find a number in this book, dial 1-411
for directory information. For long
distance information within West
Virginia, call 1-304-555-1212. For an
out-of-state number, dial 1-area code555-1212. Marshall University also has
its own Campus Telephone Directory
with listings for departments, faculty,
staff and students. To order a Verizon
Phone Directory you can call 1-800-8888448
Long Distance Telephone Calls---The
rate for a long distance call depends on
the time of day, the length of time, the
distance of the call and the type of call
(person-to-person or station-to-station).
For information on rates for calls, look in
the front pages of the telephone directory
or dial “0.”
It is a good idea to buy a prepaid phone
card to use for long distance. These may
be purchased at many places. For within
the US, AT&T cards purchased at Sam’s
Club give rates at about 4 cents per
minute.
Some people use their cell phones for all
long distance since many companies
33
offer free or very low cost long distance
rates.
Overseas calling cards can be purchased
for a good value or on the Internet. Ask
your friends what card has the best rates
for calling the country that you want to
call.
Free USA Long Distance comes with
some land and cell phone line services
and also along with many cable TV or
satellite services.
Worldwide long distance phone service
will usually cost extra and you MUST
ask questions to find out what you will
have to pay.
Collect Telephone Calls---A collect call
is a call made to someone who agrees to
accept the charges for the call. Do not
accept a “collect” call unless you are
willing to pay for it. You may dial a
collect call by dialing “0,” the area code
and the number. The operator will come
on the line, and you may tell her/him that
this is a collect call and give your name.
You will not be able to talk to the person
you are calling until they agree to pay for
the call.
Telephone Solicitations---You may
receive calls from salespeople. You
should feel free to say “no thank you”
and hang up if you are not interested. If
you are bothered by other “nuisance”
34
calls, report it to the telephone company.
You can request to be put on a “no-call”
list.
State Services
Better Business Bureau - 1-800-362-0494
www.greaterwestvirginiabbb.org
Address: 910 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV
Better Business Bureau Attorney General 558-3284
WV Attorney General 1-800-368-8808.
One can check to see if a business is a good
one to deal with or to report a business that has not
treated you fairly. This is the agency to call. If you
live in Ohio or do business there the number is 1800-471-3015, located at 898 Walnut, Cincinnati,
OH
IDENTIFICATION
Social Security Number – An individual’s
identification number under the Social
Security system has become an accepted
form of identification for many purposes
such as obtaining driver’s licenses, student
and faculty identity cards, library user cards
and on local, state, and federal tax forms,
etc. The Social Security Number, in short,
has become the numerical substitute of an
individual’s name, so if you plan to stay for
more than a brief visit, you will need to
obtain one. It may take a considerable
amount of time to get one, so one should
35
begin the process to get one as soon as
possible. The rules have changed since
September 11, 2001, so persistence and
following the process are important. When
it is time to open a bank account, get a
driver’s license, and many other things, you
will need to have a Social Security Number.
If you are not eligible to get a Social
Security Card, it is possible to get a Tax
Number to substitute for the SS number
from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service at
845 5th Avenue. If you don’t have a “green
card” or are a dependent of a student or
“green card” holder, you will probably have
to get this Tax ID in order to get a driver’s
license. The telephone number for general
information is 1-800-772-1213. The local
number is: 304-529-5424 In Charleston:
304-347-5217.
To get a Social Security Number, you must
apply in person at the Social Security
Administration’s office, 640 4th Avenue in
Huntington. You will be required to give 3
proofs of your identity and legal status in the
United States by producing your passport
and I-94 or I-20 and IAP-66 or your “Green
Card.”
In WV you can drive on a foreign or
international driver’s license for 60 days as a
visitor or new resident. After that, you must
get a WV license. To get a WV Driver’s
License, you must have either a Social
36
Security Card and number or a Tax ID
number which can be obtained from the
Internal Revenue Service. You also need a
passport or a birth certificate. You will have
to take a written test which is only given in
English. You may also have to take a
driving test along with an eye test for vision.
There are driver’s education teachers listed
in the phone directory. Your Adult
Education English as a Second Language
class also has study materials to help you
prepare to take the tests.
West Virginia requires a birth certificate,
proof of residence such as an electric bill
with your name on it, or rent receipt, or
passport. If you cannot get a Social Security
number, you must get a letter from the
Social Security office saying that you cannot
get a number. You can apply for a tax
number from the Internal Revenue Service if
you are paying income taxes. You can use
this instead of the social security number to
get your driver’s license. If you are not
paying income taxes, they will not give you
a tax number. You must apply for the tax
number, however, and get a letter from the
IRS saying that you cannot get a tax
number. If you do not have a social security
number or a tax number, you can take these
two letters saying you cannot get these
numbers along with your passport, VISA, I94, and proof of residence and you will be
allowed to apply for a driver’s license or an
37
official photo ID (which you will need to
open bank accounts and many other
things..). You will still have to take the
driver’s license written and driving tests.
Mrs. Janne Rice has study materials for
these exams that you may borrow at the
Cabell County Career Technology Center,
Room 212.
If you do not want to get driver’s license,
you will need to get an official Photo ID
card. You will need to take the same
documentation to the Department of Motor
Vehicles to get either your driver’s license
or your photo ID at the DMV Office at 8th
Street West and Madison Avenue, 1-800642-9066. This is right on the #6 Madison
Avenue Bus Line.
A bit of advice: DO NOT GIVE UP your
driver’s license from your country if you
plan to return there. You do not have to
give that license to the WV Drivers’ License
people. Have someone drive you there to
take the test and do not take the home
license with you.
38
MONEY, BANKING, AND TAXES
(Ask Mrs. Rice for the Banking Module to learn
more about the American Banking System.)
Currency
United States currency is based on the
decimal system. The basic unit is the dollar
($) that equals 100 cents (c). Coins include
the penny (1c), the nickel (5c), the dime
(10c), the quarter (25c), and the half dollar
(50c). Paper currency is in denominations of
$1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and up. Because
paper money is all the same color and size,
be very careful to look at the number in the
corner of each paper bill every time money
is exchanged. (The US is changing some of
the currency and some bills may look
different.)
Coins are used for many machines, and you
will want to keep some on hand. Coins are
used in machines to buy soft drinks, candy,
snacks, cigarettes, newspapers, and postage
stamps. They are also used for public
telephones, lockers, parking meters, and
washing and drying machines. Some places,
such as Laundromats, have machines that
will exchange paper money for coins. Most
snack machines will now accept paper
money as well as coins.
39
Bank Accounts
It is not wise to keep much money on your
person, in your house, or in your car.
Instead, deposit it in a bank. Banks and
credit unions handle savings accounts,
checking accounts, and certificates of
deposit. If you bring a large amount of
money with you, (for example, enough to
live on for a year or more), it may be
advisable to divide the money among a
certificate of deposit, a savings account, and
a checking account.
Choose a bank or credit union in a
convenient location, and tell the receptionist
you would like to open an account. The
receptionist will direct you to a person who
can explain the kinds of accounts that are
available and can open one for you. Married
persons can open a “joint account” which
both of them can use. Banks and credit
unions have “customer service” personnel
whose job it is to answer customers’
questions and assist with problems that have
to do with banking services. For local banks
and credit unions see the yellow pages
(Banking) in your phone book.
Checking accounts---Americans pay most
of their bills by check. Therefore, you may
wish to open a checking account (called a
current account in many countries of the
40
world) at your bank. The place to open a
checking account is a full-service bank or
credit union. Both offer special accounts in
which you can earn interest on money that
remains in the account and also write checks
to pay your bills.
Maintaining a checking account may cost
you a fee. Most banks in this area charge
monthly fees for your checking account
unless you keep a certain minimum balance
of money in it at all times. Banks also
charge extra for checks printed with your
name and address (information that will
make it easier for you to cash checks) and
special checks with pictures on them (an
extra you may want to have for the fun of it,
but which will not affect the use of your
checks).
To write checks for more money than is in
your bank account is a very bad practice,
and in some cases, is illegal. This is called
“overdrawing.” Keep good records. Your
bank will charge you a fee for overdrawing
your account. The business to which you
wrote the check will charge you an
additional penalty. Once you have
overdrawn your account, paying your bills
by check may be difficult in the future.
Many people now use ATM or Check Debit
cards. These cards allow you to take money
directly out of your checking account and
pay at stores and restaurants. They also
41
allow you to pay bills online from your
computer.
Always carry ample identification with you
for cashing checks. Most merchants are
willing to accept checks if they are satisfied
with the identification supplied. A driver’s
license, student/faculty identification card,
credit card, and passport are good forms of
identification.
Savings accounts---Savings accounts at a
bank or credit union will pay you interest on
your money.
OTHER SERVICES
Certificates of deposit---These may be
purchased at a bank or credit union. They
will pay more interest on your money than a
regular savings account, but you will not be
able to withdraw the money for a length of
time.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM)---This
service provides 24-hour banking. These
machines can perform many different
functions including deposits, cash
withdrawals, and account enquiries. Full
details may be obtained from the banks or
credit unions.
Travelers’ Checks---Travelers’ checks
provide a safe way to carry money when
42
traveling in the U.S.A. and abroad. They can
be replaced if they are lost, and they are
more easily accepted by businesses away
from your own area of residence.
Banks and credit unions sell travelers’
checks for a small fee. This option,
however, is not popular any more.
Cashier’s Checks---You may need cash to
buy some things from individuals who do
not know you well enough to trust your
personal check. If you must pay someone
more than $100 (for something like a car),
have them meet you at your bank, or have
your bank issue a “cashier’s check” which
guarantees payment.
If you pay for anything in cash, always
obtain a receipt in writing to prove that you
have paid.
Money Orders---If you pay only a few bills
each month but need to pay them by mail,
you can buy money orders at credit unions,
post offices, and some large stores. It is safer
than sending cash through the mail and
provides you with a receipt.
International Transfer of Money---Local
banks can arrange the transfer of funds to
and from banks in other countries. It is
simpler and less expensive to handle a draft
in US dollars rather than in the currency of
your country. This applies to funds you
bring with you and to those you send out of
43
the U.S.A. Since drafts in foreign currencies
must be processed by larger financial
institutions, you must allow about a week
before the funds become available to you.
Your bank can exchange foreign currency
for US dollars or obtain foreign currency for
you for a nominal fee. You will need to
allow about a week for this transaction. Fees
will vary from bank to bank.
CREDIT
The American economy works on credit,
and a person’s credit record has become an
important asset. Major credit cards such as
Master Card and Visa are often requested as
identification to establish your reliability as
a customer. However, qualifying for a loan
or credit card can sometimes be difficult, not
just for newly-arrived internationals but for
many Americans as well. If you must obtain
a loan, perhaps to pay for a major purchase
such as a car, you must have a place of
employment and will need to verify your
source of income.
Before you borrow money, be sure that you
know the rate of interest that you will pay
and that you understand every word of the
loan document. Never sign anything without
fully understanding what you are signing.
44
You may establish a credit record by paying
your bills regularly and promptly by check.
Another good way is to take out a small
loan, for which you have security (for
example, a certificate of deposit), and repay
it.
One way to get credit if you have none is to
apply for a collateralized credit card. With
this type of card you must deposit money
into a savings account that will earn interest.
You must leave the money in that account
while you have the credit card for the first
year or so. If you pay your bill regularly,
then after a set period of time the card may
be turned into a regular credit card account
and your money in the savings account will
be freed. This may be a good way to get
started with credit.
TAXES
International students, scholars, visitors,
faculty, researchers, and “green card”
holders, etc. who are being paid for services
are generally subject to federal and state
income taxes. Holders of J-2 and H visas
are subject to Social Security Taxes (FICA)
although they may not be entitled to any
social security benefits nor can they recover
their contributions.
With certain types of visas, some money,
which may have been withheld from your
45
paycheck for tax purposes, may be refunded
to you if you fill out the proper tax forms.
It is extremely important that you file a tax
return for any year in which you earn money
in the US, no matter how much money you
make in a given year.
J-1 and F-1 Students:
A. In the US in that status for 5 calendar
years or if you are considered a nonresident alien you should file a
1040NR by April 15th of each year.
B. In the US in that status for more than
5 calendar years, you are considered
a resident alien (for tax purposes
only) and you should file a 1040 or
1040EZ.
H-1 Teachers, Researchers, or Special
Workers:
A. In the US 183 days or more in the
calendar year, you are considered a
resident alien (for tax purposes only)
and you are taxed on a worldwide
income. You must file a 1040 or
1040EZ.
B. In the US less than 183 days in the
calendar year and not a resident alien
for federal tax purposes in the prior
year or prior two years, you are
considered a non-resident alien and
46
you must file a 1040Nr BY April 15th
of each year.
As of January 1, 1991, the US had Tax
Treaties with 41 countries. You should
check if your home country has a treaty with
the US and find out what that treaty covers,
and what income exemptions you are
entitled to.
Since the tax laws change frequently and
each situation is unique, do not rely on the
advice of a friend. You should contact the
Internal Revenue Service. They maintain an
office in Huntington at 845 5th Avenue. You
may call their toll free number (1-800-8291040) for information but you should
understand that no information that you
receive from the IRS, either by telephone or
from their office is legally binding.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
**(The Adult ESL Class has an in depth lesson on
State and Local Government and taxes. You can
get this lesson from Mrs. Rice. What follows is a
summary.)
Most Internationals must also pay WV State
Income Taxes on money they earn in WV.
This will be deducted (taken out of your
paycheck) automatically, but you must file a
WV State Tax form by April 15th of every
47
year to get some money back, pay more, or
be even.
The State of WV collects a 6% sales tax on
most items sold within the state. Stores will
routinely charge this, and you do not have to
worry about this—only pay it.
The State of WV also collects a Title Tax on
each vehicle (car, truck, motor home, etc.)
purchased. You must pay this in order to get
a Title (certificate of ownership) to your
vehicle. Another tax must be paid on
vehicles each year called a Personal
Property Tax. One must go to the County
Court House and be assessed at the
Assessor’s Office on their vehicles each
year. A car license plate cannot be
purchased without proof that the Personal
Property Tax has been paid.
To get a car license plate from the state, one
must have proof of insurance on the car, a
receipt for paid Personal Property Tax, and
of course payment for the plate. This can be
acquired at the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Another tax that must be paid is the Property
Tax if one owns land or a house. This also
goes to the State and can be paid, like the
personal property tax at the County Court
House in the Sheriff’s Office.
48
IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS
Before you arrived in the US, you will have
received information on the type of visa you
have been granted, including the privileges
and obligations that apply to that visa. The
stamp in your passport states the kind of visa
and the number of times you can enter the
US before the visa expires. The white card
stapled in your passport by the Immigration
Officer when you entered the US is your I94. This card is your proof that you are in
the country legally and is dated to show
when you entered the country. If your stay
in this country is extended, the Immigration
and Naturalization Service will amend this
card and put a new departure date on the
back of the card. The “Admission Number”
on this card will be your Immigration file
number as long as you are in the US.
Some International visitors enjoy the US and
want to stay on as a student. This can only
be done if one is interested in becoming a
university student. To get more information
on this, contact the International Department
at Marshall University. They can explain
what needs to be done to obtain a student
visa. The Adult Education English as a
Second Language Program is no longer able
to issue student visas.
49
Immigration Questions/Answers
Q. How does a person become a
citizen of the United States?
A. To become a citizen, a person
must:
 Be age 18 or older
 Be a permanent resident (have a
green card: for the past five
years
 Have resided continuously in
the U.S. for the past two years
 Have resided in your state for at
least three months
 Not have broken any
immigration law
 Not have been a member of the
communist party at any time
during the past ten years
 Be able to show at least five
years of good moral character
 Believe in the principles of the
U.S. Constitution
 Be able to speak, understand,
read and write simple English
during an INS interview
 Pass the INS test on U.S.
history and government
 Take an oath of allegiance to
the U.S.
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There are exceptions to some of these
requirements. For more information,
contact the Immigration and Naturalization
Service.
Q. Have the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001, changed
U.S. immigration rules?
A. Yes. The attacks focused the
Nation’s attention on who we let
into the U.S. and what we know
about those who we admitted.
The USAPATRIOT Act passed in
October of 2001 makes certain
changes related to immigration.
They are (among other things)
aimed at increasing the number of
border patrol agents, improving
the technology used to screen
and process and track those who
enter the country, add new
criteria for denying entry based
on association with terrorist
organizations, and direct the INS
to fully implement the Foreign
Student VISA Monitoring
Program established in 1996.
According to the National
Immigration Forum, the
challenge will be to “make our
country more secure without
turning away from our tradition
as a nation of immigrants.”
51
Legal Rights and Responsibilities – With
the exception of laws governing citizenship,
voting, and matters of residence,
international students and other aliens in the
US are subject to the same laws as American
citizens. They share the constitutional right
to express their views freely, both
individually and with others, as long as these
expressions are made in an orderly and
peaceful manner.
A non-resident’s immigration status will not
normally be affected by conviction of a
minor offence such as a misdemeanor or
traffic violation. However, immediate
deportation can result from conviction of an
offense involving “moral turpitude”. This
means such crimes as prostitution,
possessing or trafficking in illegal drugs,
carrying a concealed weapon, espionage,
etc.
International students are in violation of
immigration law if their studies are
suspended or terminated. In some cases
these offenses can result in deportation.
However, in such cases they are entitled to a
hearing before a judge.
Civil law governs “non-criminal public
actions” such as drawing up contracts,
paying bills, and signing rental agreements
(leases). All contracts, whether written or
oral, are enforceable by law.
52
Questions/Answers on Myths vs. Facts
about the Legal Rights of Adult Immigrants
and Refugees
Q. Can legal immigrants or legal
refugees be denied jobs they are
qualified for?
A. No. An employer may not
discriminate on the basis of race,
religion, age or gender. If you have
evidence that you are being
discriminated against, seek legal
advice from a lawyer.
Q. Can someone be denied housing on
the basis of race?
A. No. No landlord or apartment
manager can turn someone down
based on race. If you feel your rights
have been violated, consult a lawyer
or a legal agency.
Q. What do you do if you cannot afford
housing?
A. Call the Huntington Housing
Authority
Q. Where can the homeless go for help?
The Huntington City Mission at 7th
Avenue and 10th Street will provide a
place to stay for the homeless.
53
Q. Can a person be denied emergency
medical attention if that person has no
medical insurance or money?
A. No, a hospital cannot turn away
someone who needs emergency
medical attention. In addition, an
ambulance will be sent if the 911
operator considers it necessary.
Community clinics at the Cabell
Huntington Health Department and
the Ebeneezer Outreach Center on 8th
Ave. just east of Hal Greer Boulevard
offer low-cost or sliding scale fees
and do not turn away clients who
cannot pay. These clinics usually
accept Medicaid and Medicare as
well.
Q. Does a woman have to put up with
sexual and /or domestic abuse where
someone is physically or mentally
hurt?
A. No, she doesn’t! There is a place for
shelter and protection.
Q. Where can someone who is being
abused get help?
A. Someone who is being abused can call
Branches for a safe place to stay at
304-529-2392 or the National
Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799 7233 or the West Virginia coalition
Against Domestic Violence Prevention
Office: 304-965-3552 Huntington area
1-888-538-9838
54
There is No Excuse for Domestic
Violence! Here are some suggestions:
Safety during a violent incident: *Practice how to
get out of your home safely. *Keep purse and car
keys readily available. *Teach children how to use
the telephone to contact the police and the fire
department and dial 911. Safety when preparing to
leave: *Open a savings account to increase
independence. *Rehearse an escape plan.
*Practice it with your children. Safety with an
Order of Protection: *Keep your protection order
on or near you at all times. *Give your protection
order to police departments in communities where
you visit family or friends. *Inform your employer,
minister, closest friend and relatives that you have a
protection order in effect. Show them pictures of
the abuser. *Ask for help screening telephone calls
at work. *Call police immediately if order is
violated. Items to consider taking when leaving:
*Identification, birth certificates, social security
cards, school and vaccination records, money
checkbook, ATM card, credit cards, bank books,
house and car keys, driver’s license and registration,
medication, welfare ID, work permits, green card,
passport(s), divorce papers, medical records, lease
or rental agreements, house deed, mortgage
payment book, and insurance papers.
Health Care Services in
Huntington
Huntington offers a variety of health care
options. With several health care options in
Huntington, the choice between different
doctors and hospitals vary. The health care
options are a hospital or a “private practice”
which is when doctors form their own
55
practice and see patients and do some minor
selective outpatient surgery.
You will never be turned down from the
hospital for emergency cases and some other
circumstances regardless of your ability to
pay or lack of health insurance.
Various Health Care Options:
Hospitals:
- Cabell Huntington Hospital
o Free immunization and doctors
available by appointment for
routine check-ups
- St. Mary’s
o Free immunization and doctors
available by appointment for
routine check-ups
- Private Practices & clinics
Prices and availability of doctors differ
from practice to practice
Home Care:
This is for those who can't leave home and
is ill or old and can't take care by
themselves.
-
Elite Home Health Corps
1-800-638-3870
-
Elite Professional Health Service Inc.
56
1-304-525-6800
-
Gentiva Health Services
www.gentiva.com 1400 Commerce
Avenue Huntington, WV 529-0726
-
Kelly Home Services
501 5th Ave. Huntington, WV 5296624
-
Pro Nursing & Health Services, Inc.
406 31st Street Huntington, WV
525-6092
-
Prestera’s Addication Recovery
Centers 625 8th Street, 304-697-1269
-
Area Psychiatric & Psychotherapy
Group 1326 6th Ave. 304-525-9355
Drug Screening:
If one needs to know or prove if drugs
are being used.
-
-
Family Urgent Care Center
2 Stonehenge Drive, Huntington, WV
304-525-2206
Health Research Systems:
57
529 6th Ave. Huntington, WV 304529-4453
Hospice of Huntington: (To help with
issues of dying and death—final days)
1101 6th Avenue, Huntington, WV
304-529-4217
Alcoholics Annonymous: (To help people
stop drinking alcohol) 1-800-333-5051
and 304-529-9820
Alcohol Abuse and Addictions Abuse 24
hour Helpline and Treatment: 304-5226818
Hospital Hospitality House of
Huntington: (To have a place to stay if a
family member is in the hospital at low cost)
2801 S. Staunton Road Huntington,
WV 25702
Senior Care for older people:
Adkins & Rollins Memorial Senior
Center, 1511 Chestnut St. Kenova,
WV 304-453-04925
58
CCCSO has Senior Centers, Meals
on Wheels, Congregate Meals, InHome Services, Health Related
Services, Voice-Care Adult Day Care
Home Instead Senior Care
845 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 304522-9112
Westmoreland Senior Citizens
3609 Hughes Street
Huntington, WV 304-429-6683
Cabell/Wayne Society for the Blind
38 Washington Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701 304-522-6991
Nursing Homes:
Wayne Nursing and Rehab. Center
RR 152 Box 1372 Wayne, WV
1-304-697-7007
Chateau Grove Senior Living
Apartments
www.chateaugrove.com
Barbousville, WV 304-736-3443
Madison Manor
800 Madison Avenue
Huntington, WV
59
Halls Assisted Living
2910 3rd Ave. Huntington, WV
304-525-3062
Heartland of Riverview
743 County Rd. 1 (behind Sam’s
Club) South Point, Ohio 1-740-8943287
Heritage Center Genesis Health
Care Network
101 13th St. Huntington, WV
304-525-7622
Morris Memorial Convalescent &
Nursing Home Inc. Milton, WV
304-743-6861
River's Bend Nursing Home
South Point, Ohio
Fitness:
YMCA-- 935 10th Ave. 304--5258127
Curves -- 304--736-9188
Hit Center -- 304--529-4482
Weight Watchers -- 304--781-2045
ABSolute Fitness-- 304-733-1600
60
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
This is a list of the names applied to different type
of doctors who will help people with different
problems.
Allergist - A physician specializing in the
diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
Immunologist - The branch of
biomedicine concerned with the structure
and function of the immune system, innate
and acquired immunity, the bodily
distinction of self from oneself, and
laboratory techniques involving the
interaction of antigens with specific
antibodies.
Anesthesiologist - a specialist who
administers an anesthetic to a patient before
he is treated
Cardiologist - a specialist in the structure
and function and disorders of the heart
Dentist - a licensed practitioner who is
skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases, injuries, and
malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth
and who makes and inserts false teeth
Dermatologist - The branch of medicine
61
that is concerned with the physiology and
pathology of the skin.
Family Practitioner - A physician who
practices the specialty of family medicine.
Gastroenterologist - The branch of
medicine dealing with the study of disorders
affecting the stomach, intestines, and
associated organs.
Hematologist - The science
encompassing the medical study of the
blood and blood-producing organs.
Internist - A physician specializing in
internal medicine.
Medical geneticist - a scientist who
specializes in genetics
Neurologist - The medical science that
deals with the nervous system and disorders
affecting it.
Obstetrician - A physician who
specializes in obstetrics.
Gynecologist - The branch of medicine
dealing with health care for women,
especially the diagnosis and treatment of
disorders affecting the female reproductive
organs.
62
Oncologist - The branch of medicine that
deals with tumors, including study of their
development, diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention.
Ophthalmologist - a medical doctor
specializing in the treatment of diseases of
the eye
Optometrist - A person who is
professionally trained and licensed to
examine the eyes for visual defects,
diagnose problems or impairments, and
prescribe corrective lenses or provide other
types of treatment.
Orthopedic surgeon - The branch of
medicine that deals with the prevention or
correction of injuries or disorders of the
skeletal system (bones), associated muscles,
joints, and ligaments.
Pathologist - a physician who interprets
and diagnoses the changes caused by disease
in tissues and body fluids
Pediatrician – a physician who deals
with the care of infants and children and the
treatment of their diseases.
Physical medicine & rehabilitation
(sports medicine)
63
Plastic surgeon - Surgery to remodel,
repair, or restore body parts, especially by
the transfer of tissue.
Podiatrist - a specialist in care for the feet
Psychiatrist – a specialist who deals
with the diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of mental and emotional
disorders.
Rheumatologist - a specialist in the
diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic
conditions and arthritis.
Radiologist - a physician specializing in
the use of radiant energy for diagnostic and
therapeutic purposes
Surgeon - a physician qualified to treat
those diseases that are amenable to or
require surgery
Urologist - a specialist in the branch of
medicine that deals with the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and
urogenital system.
64
Public Transportation in
Huntington, West Virginia
There is a bus system that is called the
Transit Authority (TTA).
TTA is in service Monday through Saturday
from 6:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. in
Huntington.. TTA buses travel from
Huntington to Milton, Barboursville, Ceredo
and Kenova.
The TTA Center is located in the Greyhound
bus terminal on 4th Avenue at the
intersection of 13th Street.
How much?
You must pay $.75 every time you board a
bus. If you are coming in or out of the
Huntington city limits there is an additional
fee of 25 cents.
For more information call (304) 529-RIDE.
Here are two TTA schedules. Others
may be obtained at the bus station at
4th Ave. and 13th Street
65
ROUTE 2
SOUTHSIDE
Weekday Leaving Town
13th St / 4th
Av.
-- -6:45
7:45
8:45
9:45
10:45
11:45
1:15
2:15
3:15
4:15
5:15
6:15
12th St. / 12th
Ave.
-- -6:51
7:51
8:51
9:51
10:51
11:51
1:21
2:21
3:21
4:21
5:21
6:21
66
Prestera
Center
-- -7:05
8:05
9:05
10:05
11:05
12:05
1:35
2:35
3:35
4:35
5:35
6:35
Eastern
Heights
6:10
7:10
8:10
9:10
10:10
11:10
12:10
1:40
2:40
3:40
4:40
5:40
6:40
Weekday Going to Town
12th
Vo-Tech St. /
Eastern Heights
Center 12th
Ave.
6:10
6:15
6:25
7:10
7:15
7:25
8:10
8:15
8:25
9:10
9:15
9:25
10:10
10:15
10:25
11:10
11:15
11:25
12:10
12:15
12:25
1:40
1:45
1:55
2:40
2:45
2:55
3:40
3:45
3:55
4:40
4:45
4:55
5:40
5:45
5:55
6:40
6:45
6:55
Saturday Leaving Town
13th St / 4th 12th St. / 12th
Av.
Ave.
-- --- -6:45
6:51
7:45
7:51
8:45
8:51
9:45
9:51
10:45
10:51
11:45
11:51
1:15
1:21
2:15
2:21
3:15
3:21
4:15
4:21
5:15
5:21
6:15
6:21
67
10th St /
4th Ave
13th St /
4th Ave
6:30
7:30
8:30
9:30
10:30
11:30
12:30
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
6:45
7:45
8:45
9:45
10:45
11:45
12:45
2:15
3:15
4:15
5:15
6:15
7:15
Pretsera
Center
-- -7:05
8:05
9:05
10:05
11:05
12:05
1:35
2:35
3:35
4:35
5:35
6:35
Eastern
Heights
6:10
7:10
8:10
9:10
10:10
11:10
12:10
1:40
2:40
3:40
4:40
5:40
6:40
Saturday Going to Town
VoEastern
Tech
Heights
Center
6:10
-7:10
-8:10
-9:10
-10:10
-11:10
-12:10
-1:40
-2:40
-3:40
-4:40
-5:40
-6:40
--
12th St.
10th St /
/ 12th
4th Ave
Ave.
6:25
6:30
7:25
7:30
8:25
8:30
9:25
9:30
10:25
10:30
11:25
11:30
12:25
12:30
1:55
2:00
2:55
3:00
3:55
4:00
4:55
5:00
5:55
6:00
6:55
7:00
13th St / 4th Ave
6:45
7:45
8:45
9:45
10:45
11:45
12:45
2:15
3:15
4:15
5:15
6:15
7:15
For More Route and Schedule Information Call
529-RIDE.
All images and copy are the property of Tri-State Transit
Authority 1997
68
Route 7
Weekday Leaving Town
29th
Walmart Huntington
St. Apple St.
Lee St
Mall
K-Mart
13th St / 5th /Altizer
& Central
/ 4th Av. Ave.
6:45 6:50 6:55
7:05
7:15
7:22
7:30
7:45 7:50 7:55
8:05
8:15
8:22
8:30
8:45 8:50 8:55
9:05
9:15
9:22
9:30
9:45 9:50 9:55
10:05
10:15
10:22
10:30
10:45 10:50 10:55 11:05
11:15
11:22
11:30
11:45 11:50 11:55 12:05
12:15
12:22
12:30
12:15 12:20 12:25 12:35
12:45
12:52
1:00
1:15 1:20 1:25
1:35
1:45
1:52
2:00
2:15 2:20 2:25
2:35
2:45
2:52
3:00
3:15 3:20 3:25
3:35
3:45
3:52
4:00
4:15 4:20 4:25
4:35
4:45
4:52
5:00
5:15 5:20 5:25
5:35
5:45
5:52
6:00
6:15 6:20 6:25
6:35
6:45
6:52
7:00
69
Weekday Going to Town
Huntington
Lee St.
Apple St. 3rd Ave. 13th St.
K-Mart
Mall
& Central
/Altizer / 29th St. / 4th Ave.
5:50
6:00
6:10
6:15
6:45
6:50
7:00
7:10
7:20
7:25
7:45
7:45
7:55
8:05
8:15
8:20
8:45
8:45
8:55
9:05
9:15
9:20
9:45
9:45
9:55
10:05
10:15
10:20
10:45
11:15
11:25
11:35
11:45
11:50
12:15
12:15
12:25
12:35
12:45
12:50
1:15
12:40
Rte. 60
Rte. 60
-1:00
1:15
1:15
1:25
1:35
1:45
1:50
2:15
2:15
2:25
2:35
2:45
2:50
3:15
3:150
3:25
3:35
3:45
3:50
4:15
4:15
4:25
4:35
4:45
4:50
5:15
5:15
5:25
5:35
5:45
5:50
6:15
6:15
6:25
6:35
6:45
6:50
7:15
7:15
7:25
7:35
7:45
7:50
8:15
Saturday Leaving Town
13th St 29th St. Apple St.
/ 4th Av. / 5th Ave /Altizer
7:45
7:50
7:55
8:45
8:50
8:55
9:45
9:50
9:55
10:45
10:50
10:55
12:15
12:20
12:25
1:15
1:20
1:25
2:15
2:20
2:25
3:15
3:20
3:25
4:15
4:20
4:25
5:15
5:20
5:25
6:15
6:20
6:25
K-Mart
8:05
9:05
10:05
11:05
12:35
1:35
2:35
3:35
4:35
5:35
6:35
70
Lee St Walmart Huntington
& Central
Mall
8:15
8:22
8:30
9:15
9:22
9:30
10:15
10:22
10:30
11:15
11:22
11:30
12:45
12:52
1:00
1:45
1:52
2:00
2:45
2:52
3:00
3:45
3:52
4:00
4:45
4:52
5:00
5:45
5:52
6:00
6:45
6:52
7:00
Saturday Going to Town
Huntington
Lee St.
Apple St. 3rd Ave. 13th St.
K-Mart
Mall
& Central
/Altizer / 29th St. / 4th Ave.
6:50
7:00
7:10
7:15
7:45
8:45
8:55
9:05
9:15
9:20
9:45
9:45
9:55
10:05
10:15
10:20
10:45
11:15
11:25
11:35
11:45
11:50
12:15
12:15
12:25
12:35
12:45
12:50
1:15
1:15
1:25
1:35
1:45
1:50
2:15
2:15
2:25
2:35
2:45
2:50
3:15
3:15
3:25
3:35
3:45
3:50
4:15
4:15
4:25
4:35
4:45
4:50
5:15
5:15
5:25
5:35
5:45
5:50
6:15
6:15
6:25
6:35
6:45
6:50
7:15
7:15
7:25
7:35
7:45
7:50
8:15
For More Route and Schedule Information Call
529-RIDE.
Public Transportation:
Taxicabs
Express Auto Care
3494 Cypress Creek Rd.
Barboursville, WV 304-736-3750
Express Cab Co.
5267 East US Route 60
Barboursville, WV 304- 736-0717
71
Yellow Cab Company
Huntington, WV Call 304-529-7131
Around Pullman Square you can find
pedal cabs and horse drawn carriages
as well.
Always be careful that a cab company is
legitimate and how much they will charge
you before you enter the cab and ride.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM
HUNTINGTON:
Airplane: One may travel from the TriState Airport, located just west of
Huntington, near Kenova. From here one
can connect at Pittsburg, Charlotte,
Cincinnati, and Atlanta. Also, one may
travel from Charleston’s Yeager Airport. It
has a few more connections, but is 50 miles
east off Interstate 64. Some people choose
72
to drive to Columbus, Ohio, Washington,
DC, or Lexington, Kentucky and fly from
there. Connections from each of these
should be explored if one has transportation
to them because the price may be less. It is
suggested that good prices may found by
exploring internet sites such as Expedia,
Orbitz, or other travel sites.
Train: One may travel by Amtrak from
Huntington. There is an eastbound Amtrak
Train service that goes to Washington, D.C.
where one can connect and go farther north
to destinations such as New York.
However, this route is only available on
Fridays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. There
is another westbound training going toward
Cincinnati and Chicago where one can
connect to other trains going toward the
west coast and points along the way. This
train travels on Thursdays, Saturdays, and
Tuesdays. The train is usually less
expensive than the airplane (but takes
longer), but it is more expensive than the
bus. The station is at 1050 8th Avenue.
Phone: 304-523-7721 or for fares and
reservations: 1-800-872-7245.
Buses: Greyhound Buses depart from the
same station as TTA Buses at 13th Street and
4th Avenue in Huntington. 529-3081 [There
is also a Chinese bus that goes to New York
City once or twice a week.]
73
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Telegrams---Short messages that need to be
sent quickly can be handled by Western
Union. You may call 1-800-325-6000 and
have the cost of the telegram billed to your
telephone account. Make sure the address
and message are repeated back to you to
ensure the correct message is sent to the
right address. Western Union is located at:
Foodland/ 3120 Route 60 East/Huntington,
WV 25705 Telephone: 522-0383
74
FAX---Electronic facsimile transmission,
known as “FAX,” enables facsimile copies
of letters, documents, etc., to be sent by
special telephone line to another facsimile
machine anywhere in the world. Services
can vary widely from business-to-business
as can prices, so it is advisable to check first.
The following businesses offer “FAX”
services in the Huntington area:
1. Copies/1408 6th Avenue/
525-6830
2. Office Depot/5201 U.S.
Merrits Creek Mall
304-733-1170
3. Prime Copy/1452 4th
Avenue/523-1600
4. UPS Store Barboursville
Route 60 East
Sending Packages---There are several ways
to ship packages. Size, weight, distance and
your own convenience will determine which
service is most appropriate. For details you
may contact one of the following:
U.S. Postal Service
Federal Express
526-9600
1-800-463-333
United Parcel Service 1-800-742-5877 or
529-1776
75
Newspapers---The Herald-Dispatch/946 5th
Avenue/526-4000 www.heralddispatch.com/ Huntington News.com / 304781-6397
The Charleston Gazette/Charleston, West
Virginia/1-304-348-5151
Tri-State Shoppers’ Guide/Wayne, West
Virginia 522-3910
The Putnam Post/Culloden, West Virginia
743-6731
The Parthenon/Marshall University/6966696
The Wayne County News/ Wayne, WV
304-272-3433/ 310 Central Avenue, Wayne,
WV/ www.waynecountynews.com
The Big Eagle/400 W. Ninth St./Huntington,
West Virginia/521-0441
Residence Services/Marshall
University/696-6765
The Cabell Record/Culloden, West
Virginia/743-1222
More about Newspapers---A common
complaint from the international population
is the lack of good international news
coverage. A good source of international
news is the Christian Science Monitor
which can be found in the public library and
on news stands along with The New York
76
Times and the Washington Post. Also,
check in the Marshall University library for
news publications from your own country.
One can also read national and international
news on the internet.
You should learn as much about your new
home area as quickly as you can. A list of
local newspapers in the “Keeping in Touch”
section of this guide. The papers can be
bought from vending machines, or you may
wish to subscribe to them through home
delivery.
Television and Radio---The number and
variety of radio and television stations you
may receive depend upon the quality of your
set and cable server. Generally, the
television cable providers available in the
Huntington area are:
Comcast Cable, Internet, & Phone 1-800346-2288
Armstrong Cable, Internet, & Phone 1-740894-3886
Charter Communication TV Cable, Internet,
& Phone 1-800-975-5757
Direct TV/1-800-481-6922
Some of the local TV& Radio stations
are:
77
WOWK TV/555 5th Avenue/Huntington,
WSAZ TV/645 5th Avenue/Huntington,
West Virginia/523-5333/697-4781
WVAH TV/11 Broadcast Plaza/Hurricane,
There are many local and regional radio
stations, including:
JOY Radio/525-7789
Rock 105 WKLC/743-1051
WCMI/523-8401
WDGG FM The Dawg/523-8401
Page 13 NFH
WAMX FM 106.3/529-9269
WBKS-KISS/107.1 FM/525-7788
WBVB/97.1/525-7788
WKEE FM/100.5/525-7788
WRVC FM-AM/523-8401
WTCR FM/103.3/525-7788
WVHU AM 800/525-7788
WVPR/89.9
78
SERVICES IN HUNTINGTON
RELIGION
Due to the influence of the university and
the history of the city, Huntington has a
more religiously diverse population than
other cities of similar size in West Virginia.
The majority of Americans in Huntington
practice or are associated with the Christian
religion. Religious beliefs and church
services (the way people worship) can vary
greatly from church to church to church.
Many church services are held on Sunday
mornings. There is usually also a “Sunday
School”, a religious education period, before
or after church services. Children and adults
attend these sessions. Some churches have
services on Saturday such as the 7th Day
Adventists, the Jewish Synagogue services,
or the Catholic Saturday Mass, and the Islam
services are on Friday afternoons.
In many churches there are also interest
groups for different family members to
become involved with during the week. One
might join, for example, a Bible study,
prayer meeting, choir, service-to-thecommunity, or youth and children’s groups.
In this country a person attending a church
can find both religious and social
fulfillment.
There are two major religious observances.
On Christmas (December 25), Christians
79
celebrate the birth of Christ. In early spring,
followers observe Easter, the resurrection of
Christ.
Some churches will leave their front doors
open during the week. If you are interested
you can go in to look. Churches welcome
visitors. You can attend almost any church
service in the Huntington area and find a
warm welcome. There are many different
kinds of churches and philosophies
represented in Huntington’s churches.
There is something for everyone. Look
around and visit and find a church in which
you feel comfortable and with whose
doctrine you agree. There are different
religious groups which meet within the tristate area such as Moslem, Bahai, Hindu,
Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Episcopal,
Congregationalist, many kinds of Baptist,
United Methodist, Church of Christ, Church
of God, Christian Church, Independent
Fundamentalist, Jehovah’s Witnesses,
Mormon, and many other independent
groups.
Religion is very important to the people of
the Huntington area. West Virginians, in
general, are good, spiritual people who try to
be kind and helpful to others and have great
respect for God. This makes for a good
community.
80
ENGLISH CLASSES
There are two major opportunities to learn
or improve your English while you are in
Huntington. Free English classes are
offered during the school year at the Cabell
County Career Technology Center Adult
Education English as a Second Language
Program. Classes meet Monday through
Thursday mornings from 8-12. Studies
include Conversation, Pronunciation,
Reading, Writing, Grammar, Listening
Skills, Culture and Coping Skills, and
Citizenship Studies along with English
Language Civics Studies. This is a multilevel class with students from many
countries, cultures, and religions. Students
in this class report that it has greatly helped
their English and coping skills. During the
year, several field trips to area attractions are
scheduled along with parties where food and
culture are shared.
A second opportunity to learn English, if
you can afford to pay, is to attend the
Marshall University English Language
Program. This program is keyed to
preparing international students for
university studies. It helps them prepare for
both entrance exams such as the TOEFL and
for college level work in the English
language. This is an intensive course and
students find it helpful to have some prior
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English exposure before beginning classes
although this is not absolutely necessary.
This program does not carry University
credit and does have a tuition charge.
Information about tuition costs can be
obtained by calling the Marshall University
International program.
SHOPPING
There are several shopping malls in the
Huntington area. The Huntington Mall is
located near Barboursville along Interstate
64. It has many different kinds of stores and
shops. There is a smaller mall at the
Merrits’ Creek exit on the I-64 exit just
before the Huntington Mall exit. There is
another mall, Town Center Mall, in midtown Ashland, KY, a small city just across
the Kentucky/WV border down Rt. 60 W.
Another mall, Charleston Town Center
Mall, is located in the middle of Charleston
WV, about 50 miles east of Huntington on I64. Downtown Huntington now boosts
Pullman Square with theatres, restaurants,
ice cream shop, book store, retail shops, and
a comedy club.
Discount Stores- There are many different
discount stores in the Huntington area where
items may be purchased for less money.
Scattered all over the area are stores called
Dollar General Stores, Family Dollar Stores,
and Big Lots Stores. These have all kinds of
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general merchandise from clothes to
furniture, household items, to even food, all
at low prices. There is a discount store on
Rt. 60 east of Huntington called Gabriel
Brothers that has discount clothing,
household items, and shoes. Another
discount location is Value City Department
Store located beside the Huntington Mall.
There are a number of Dollar Stores as well.
These are stores where everything costs only
$1. Items are not of super quality, but many
times one can find some good bargains at
these stores, located all over the area.
(Don’t confuse these Dollar stores with
Dollar General or Family Dollar). One other
name brand discount store is Marshall’s,
located at Merrit’s Creek Plaza. Also
located there is Target where many bargains
may also be found.
\
If one needs construction items, Lowe’s,
Home Depot, 84 Lumber, or local Hardware
Stores are where you need to go.
A phenomenon that is very popular in the
Huntington area is that of the Yard Sale,
Garage Sale, or Rummage Sale where
families or groups of people like church
groups or clubs have sales of things that they
no longer need or want. Great bargains can
be found at these sales. These are many
times advertised in the Herald Dispatch and
Shoppers’ Guide. Watch the local
newspaper on Fridays. Sometimes these
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have beautiful clothes, appliances, furniture,
and many children’s and baby items for a
very small cost.
One other shopping source is resale shops.
These shops have things donated or left for
sale second-handed. Good Will has big
resale shops all over the area and there are
also a number of other private resale and
consignment shops. Consignment shops
take items from individuals and if the items
are sold, they keep part of the money and
give an agreed amount to the original owner.
One can find high quality items for a modest
cost.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
**(The Adult ESL Class has a special book about
accessing the local culture and what there is to do around
Huntington that you can get from Mrs. Rice. What
follows is a short summary.)
Huntington is fortunate to have a park
system that provides recreational parks
throughout the county.
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Ritter Park is located along 13th Avenue
from 12th Street to 14th Street West. Here
you will find picnic areas that can be
reserved for special occasions, play areas for
children, tennis courts and several miles of
walking trails. In one area of the park there
is an outdoor amphitheater for summertime
plays and musicals.
More detailed information about what is
going on at the park can be obtained by
calling Parks and Recreation—Greater
Huntington District—696-5954 or by going
on line at www.ghprd.org. The telephone
number for the tennis courts is 696-5977.
Harris River Front Park is located in the
downtown area along the floodwall between
9th and 10th Streets. Boating, walking, and
picnicking can be enjoyed here. For more
information call: 696-5990.
Playgrounds are found in the city parks
as well as at every public elementary school
in Cabell County. For locations, check the
local phone directory for all Cabell County
Schools. Call 528-5000 for the nearest
school in your neighborhood.
Another local park is St. Cloud’s
Common located in the west of Huntington
just off Madison Avenue and 19th Street
West toward the CSX Railroad. This park is
used for ballgames, receptions, and walking.
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Contact the Park Board at 696-5954 for
more information.
Camden Park is an over 100 year old
amusement park located on Route 60 West
in the Western part of Huntington. This is a
great place to take kids with about 20 rides
such as roller coasters, Ferris wheel,
children's rides, merry-go-round, and things
to fly and drive. They also have a brand
new Miniature Golf Course. You can picnic
there as well or they have food available to
buy. They are open during the summer and
on weekends in the spring and fall.
Nearby State Parks provide for boating,
fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, etc.:
Beech Fork 304-528-5794
Cabwaylingo 304-385-4255
East Lynn State Park
For more information about other State
Parks and facilities, contact 1-800-CALL
WVA or visit the website at
www.wvstateparks.com.
Other nearby state parks in Kentucky
which are great places to visit are:
Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill
Kentucky about 25 minutes from
Huntington down I-64 West. Here you can
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hike, explore caves, ride horses, swim, play
golf, eat, fish, camp, or stay in the lodge.
Greenbo Lake State Park in Kentucky
about 30 minutes from Huntington offers
many of the same things as Carter Caves
without the caves.
Ohio has Lake Vesuvius State Park
within easy driving distance.
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, AND PARADES
Among other activities in our area, we have
access to many fairs, festivals, and parades:
Pullman Square Music every Tuesday at 7
p.m. during the summer. Many different
kinds of music from the Huntington
Harmonica Club to Rock to String Quartets.
Annual Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival:
Last weekend in April at Big Sandy
Superstore Arean 304-696-5990
Barboursville Octoberfest/Fallfest
TBA/contact: Tim Patton; P.O. Box 201;
Barboursville, WV 25504
CAFÉ Children’s Art Festival Extravaganza
in Downtown Huntington in June. A free
event for the whole family.
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Easter Egg Hunt: Held near Easter in Ritter
Park for children up to 12 years old. 304696-5954
St. Albans Riverfest July 304-722-5129
Mountain State Arts and Crafts Fair
July/Ripley, WV 304-372-8159/304-3723247/FAX: 304-372-8159
Pt. Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta and River
Festival/Pt. Pleasant, WV in July 304-6755768
Ritter Park Days in July 304-696-5954
FAX:304-696-5588 [email protected]
WV Quilt Show and Fair in July S.
Charleston, WV 304-746-1052
Cabell County Fair in July Milton, WV
304-743-4273 FAX: 304-743-4273
Charleston Ribfest Charleston, WV July
304-984-2412 FAX: 304-984-2425
Heritage Farm Festival First Saturday in
May. Experience life as it was in an
Appalachian
pioneer
community.
www.heritagefarmmuseum.com 522-1244
Jomie Jazz Festival Marshall University
696-3117
West Virginia State Fair Lewisburg, WV
304-645-1090 FAX: 304-645-6660
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WV Italian Heritage Festival September
Clarksburg, WV 304-622-7314 FAX: 304622-5727 or ben [email protected]
WV Pumpkin Festival First whole weekend
of October at the Milton Fair Grounds in
Milton, WV 304-743-9222 FAX: 304-7438857
or
www.wvpumpkinfestival.org
(Cabell)
Youthfest
October Huntington, West
Virginia 886-325-0556 FAX: 606-327-5596
[email protected] (Cabell)
Old Central City Days third weekend in
June.
Flea
markets,
inflatables,
entertainment, antiques, old west style
gunfights, and more. 304-528-5697
Vandalia Festival held in May of each year
in Charleston, WV 304-558-0220
Art in the Park: Ritter Park the third
weekend in June. Forty artists display and
sell their work.
Band Festival, Area High School Bands
play in concert for free, April in Huntington
call 528-5000 for dates each year.
Barboursville Civil War Days and Living
History Reenactment: Second Weekend in
July 304-762-2657
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WV Hot Dog Festival: Last Saturday in
July located at the Pullman Square
www.wvhotdogfestival.com
Fire Parade to celebrate Fire Prevention
Week with area youth and High School
bands marching down 4th Avenue First
Monday in October Downtown Huntington
New River Gorge Excursion Train Trip –
Weekends in September and October to see
the fall colors. Collis P. Huntington
Historical Railway Society 1085 8th Avenue,
Huntington, WV
Barboursville Fall Fest: Arts and Crafts, car
show, beauty pageant, carnival, parade. 304736-8994
Hilltop Festival: Second weekend in August
at the Huntington Museum of Art on McCoy
Road up past the Rose Garden. 304-5294857
Chilifest: Chili making contest with food
music and fun at Pullman Square in
September. 304-529-4857
Greek Festival: Greek Food, dancing,
and music. Last complete weekend in
September at St. George Greek Orthodox
Church 701 11th Avenue 304-522-7890
For more information on things to do in the
Huntington area, visit the local visitor center
on I-64 East between Exit 8 and Exit 11.
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More information about activities in the
Huntington Area may be obtained from the
Cabell Huntington Convention and Visitors
Bureau at [email protected] or call 1-800635-6329
Performing Arts:
The Huntington area abounds in performing
arts. Whether you wish to participate or just
enjoy watching a performance, there is an
abundance of drama, dance, and music. The
Marshall Artists Series exemplifies the
strong ties between the University and City.
The Huntington Chamber Orchestra and
Symphonic Band along with the Huntington
Brass Band, the CK Alumni Band, and the
Huntington Harmonica Club all give
fantastic concerts year round, some for free.
One can check the calendar of events at
[email protected]
for
scheduled
performances and check the Thursday,
Huntington Herald Dispatch Newspaper
entertainment
section
for
other
entertainment events from the below groups
and more:
Huntington Outdoor Theater performing at
the Ritter Park Outdoor Amphitheater in the
summer 304-523-8080
5th Avenue Theater Company 304-696-5522
First Stage Theater Company 304-638-6336
Freespirit Productions 304-697-0602
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Gallery Theater Associates 304-529-2701
Huntington Chamber Orchestra 304-5250670
Huntington Dance Theater 304-522-6314
Jean Stephenson Auditorium 304-696-5522
Marshall Artists Series 304-696-6656
Marshall University Chamber 10 - Concert
Series, Ritter Park Amphitheater, Virginia
Point Park and other locations. Greater
Huntington Park and Recreation District
304-696-5954
Marshall University Theater 304-696-2787
There are also many private schools and
teachers who teach piano, dance, guitar, and
other performing skills.
Check with
Marshall University Music Department and
friends for recommendations and check your
telephone directory yellow pages.
Schools in Huntington
Huntington is known for its excellent public schools,
which are free and available to all students from
Kindergarten (age 5) to 12th grade (age 18). The students
typically attend the schools that are nearest to their home.
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Another option is private schools, which are not free and
generally follow the same schedule as the public school
system. Fall 2012 brings free pre-school for all 4 year
old children. As soon as you move to Huntington or
Cabell County, you need to go to yo9ur local school and
sign up your children ages 4-18 for Public School. For
children who are not old enough for pre-school, there are
daycares where a licensed provider will have qualified
instructors and supervisors for the children.
WV Public Schools have some rules which must be
followed in order to keep schools safe and productive.
There are several things which are not allowed on school
property. Not allowed are any kinds of knives (not even
to sharpen pencils), guns, alcohol, tobacco of any kind,
drugs, or any kind of medicine. If a child needs to take
medicine, the parent needs to bring it to the school and
take it to the office. The office and school nurses will
give the prescribed medicines to the students.
Public Elementary Schools
Altizer Elementary School
250 Third Street , Altizer Addition
Huntington , West Virginia 25702
528-5110
Fax 528-5148
Central City Elementary School
Washington Avenue
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Huntington , WV 25704
528-5231
Fax 528-5245
Cox Landing Elementary School
6358 Cox Lane
Lesage , West Virginia 25537
733-3019
Fax 733-3021
Culloden Elementary School
2100 U.S. Route 60 East
Culloden , West Virginia 25510
743-7301
Fax 743-7306
Davis Creek Elementary School
Route 2, Box 498
Barboursville , West Virginia 25504
733-3024
Fax 733-3049
Explorer Academy Elementary
School
2901 Saltwell Road
Guyandotte Elementary School
Fifth Avenue , B & O Railway
528-5128
Fax 528-5151
Highlawn Elementary School
2549 First Avenue
528-5130
Fax 528-5152
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Hite-Saunders Elementary School
3708 Green Valley Road
528-5132
Fax 528-5038
Martha Elementary School
3065 Martha Road
Barboursville , West Virginia
733-3027
Fax 733-3016
25504
Meadows Elementary School
1601 Washington Boulevard
528-5166
Fax 528-5153 (Meadows)
Southside Elementary School
10th Ave. between 2nd and 3rd St.
528-5168
Fax 528-5154
Milton Elementary School
1201 Pike Street
Milton , West Virginia 25541
743-7303
Fax 743-7307
Nichols Elementary School
3505 Erwin Road
733-3031
Fax 733-3054
Ona Elementary School
U. S. Route 60 East
Ona , West Virginia 25545
743-7318
Fax 743-7321
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Salt Rock Elementary School
5570 Madison Creek Road
Salt Rock , West Virginia 25559
733-3037
Fax 733-3060
Spring Hill Elementary School
1901 Hall Avenue
528-5175
Fax 528-5177
Village of Barboursville Elementary
School
718 Central Avenue
733-3035 or 733-3000 Fax 733-3036
Public Middle Schools
Barboursville Middle School
1400 Central Avenue
733-3003
Fax 733-3009
Temporary Huntington East Middle
School Grades 7 and 8
Saltwell Road
528-5102
Fax 528-5197
Huntington Middle School
10th Ave between 2nd and 3rd Sts..
528-5180
Fax 528-5215
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Enslow Middle School Temporary
Grade 6
26th Street & Collis Avenue
528-5121
Fax 528-5097
Milton Middle School
1302 West Main St., Rear
Milton , West Virginia 25541
743-7308
Fax 743-7324
Public High Schools
Huntington High School
#1 Highlander Way
528-6400
Fax 528-6422
Cabell Midland High School
2300 U. S. Route 60 East
Ona, West Virginia 25545
743-7400
Fax 743-7577
Cabell County Career
Technology Center
1035 Norway Avenue
528-5106
Fax 528-5110
The Career Technology Center has Vocational HS courses, High
School Academy, and Adult Vocational and ESL programs.
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Private Schools
Grace Christian School Private School
Pre-Kindergarten – 12th grade
1111 Adams Ave
(304) 525-1532
Our Lady of Fatima School Private
School
Kindergarten – 8th grade
535 Norway Ave
(304) 523-2861
St Joseph Grade School Private School
Kindergarten – 6th and Pre-School
520 13th Street
(304) 522-2644
St. Joseph Central High School
Private School 7th – 12th grade
600 Thirteenth Street
(304) 525-5096
Covenant School
5800 E US Rt. 60
304-736-0000
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Day Care Programs
Barnett Child Care Program
1524 10th Ave
YMCA Day Care Center
917 9th St Huntington 25701
Fifth Avenue Baptist Daycare Center
1135 5th Ave
Huntington 25704
Children's Place, Inc.
625 Richmond St.
Huntington 25702
The Child Development Academy At
Marshall University
520 22nd St.
Huntington 25701
Beverly Hills Child Care Center
469 Norway Ave.
Huntington 25705
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SCHOOL ENROLLMENT:
Steps needed to enroll your child in
school:
1. proof of age: birth certificate or
passport
2. proof of immunization
a. diphtheria, tetanus, and
whooping cough (DTP)
b. polio
c. mumps, measles and rubella
(MMR)
3. TB Test: tuberculin skin test must be
given within a four-month period
before the beginning of school. If
your child has already been
immunized against TB, bring proof of
this immunization to prevent another
test.
4. Certificate of Health: your child must
have a physical examination by a
licensed doctor in the USA. The
doctor will complete the school health
form and could also provide the
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immunizations that your child is
lacking.
5. Immunizations (or shots) needed can
be obtained at the Cabell/Huntington
Health Department located on 7th
Avenue and 7th Street. You can call
for current information and hours at
523-6483. New regulations state that
11th graders and 7th graders must have
extra booster shots as well.
6. Academic records: if necessary, your
child’s records from previous schools.
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE
TRI-STATE:
These are agencies and groups where you
can volunteer your time to help others.
SCHOOLS: Work with your neighborhood
school and volunteer with the PTA or
PTO (Parent/Teacher Association or
Organization), become a home room
parent and provide food for parties,
become a parent volunteer to help read,
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copy, or other tasks the teachers need
help with.
BEAUTIFICATION:
Ceredo Beautification
304-453-1041
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS:
United Way of the River
Cities, Inc.
304-522-0349
Habitat for Humanity
304-523-4822
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT:
Highlands Museum & Discovery Center
606-329-8888
Paramount Arts Center 606-324-3175
Huntington Museum of Art 304-529-2701
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Branches
304-529-2382
HEALTHCARE & RELIEF AGENCIES:
American Red Cross
304-526-2900
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Hospice of Huntington 304-529-4217
American Cancer Soc. 800-227-2345
American Heart Assoc. 304-525-4431
KIDS AND THEIR NEEDS:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
The Tri-State, WV
304-522-2191
Huntington Child Shelter 304-697-3332
All schools (see school section)
LITERACY:
Tri-State Literacy Coun. 304-528-5700
Cabell County Library 304-528-5700
MEALS, HOUSING, SUPPORT:
Huntington Area Food
Bank
Huntington City Mission
Salvation Army, WV
Stella Fuller Settlement
Information & Referral
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304-523-6029
304-523-0293
304-529-2401
304-522-4468
304-528-5660
PREGNANCY:
Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center,
Ashland, KY
606-325-7654
U.S. CUSTOMS AND
CULTURE
No one is an expert in all areas of all cultures. The
best advice one can get is to ask questions, research,
and be forgiving. If someone does something
which you consider ill-mannered, remember that
they may not know the rules which you have
learned to live by, so assume that they did not mean
to be impolite. Forgive them and gently explain
what you were expecting. The following tips will
help you to understand the WV and US culture
better, but no one knows everything.
TIPPING
Service is not usually included in restaurant
bills and it is customary to leave a tip for the
server unless you receive bad service. As a
guideline, you should tip 20% in an
expensive restaurant, and 15% of the bill in
a medium price restaurant. Tips are not
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expected in cafeterias or fast food
restaurants.
Tips are also given to luggage carriers in
hotels, airports, and stations ($.50 per piece
of luggage), to taxi drivers and hairdressers
(15%) and coatroom attendants ($.25). Do
not tip repairmen (utilities or household
appliances), mechanics, service station
attendants, supermarket clerks or people
who carry grocery bags. Do not offer tips to
public officials or police– it is illegal and
regarded as bribery.
SOCIAL CUSTOMS
There is a distinct set of customs and
behavior patterns that exist in the United
States. Here are a few things that you may
want to consider when relating to
Americans.
Greetings – Men usually shake hands the
first time that they meet. Generally, a man
does not shake hands with a woman unless
she offers her hand first, but this is changing
so offering to shake hands with a woman is
105
not incorrect. “How do you do?”, How’re
you doing?” “Good morning” and “Good
afternoon” are common formal greetings. In
more casual settings, people just say “hello”
or “hi” or for kids, “What’s up?” or “Waz
up?”. After greetings, Americans usually
ask questions to show interest in the other
person (Americans included) such as,
“Where are you from?” and “What do you
do?” If these are not correct questions in
your culture, do not become upset with the
questioner since he or she is only trying to
be friendly. Americans may be
uncomfortable with greetings of hugs. After
a friendship is established this may be
added.
The use of names – First names are
probably more readily used in the United
States than in other countries. It is
automatically correct to use the first name of
someone of approximately your same age or
younger. A man or woman older than you
should be addressed as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.
until the individual requests you to use
his/her first name. The title Ms. is used by
many American women instead of Miss or
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Mrs. If you do not know if a person is
single or married, Ms. is a handy substitute.
Social invitations – Invitations should
always be accepted or refused as soon as
possible. You should arrive for an invitation
to a meal at the exact time specified. It is
usually considered impolite to be more than
a few minutes late. If the invitation is for a
reception or party, you can arrive at any
time between the hours on the invitation.
It is also important to keep in mind when to
leave a party or dinner. Generally, you will
be expected to remain for at least one hour
after dinner, but always notice what other
guests are doing and when they leave.
Do not assume that your children are
included in a dinner invitation. Ask first.
Also, if you have food restrictions, tell your
hostess when you accept the invitation. She
can take these into account when planning
her menu. No one will expect you to eat
food which will violate your religious
practices or cause an allergic reaction.
107
Americans usually eat dinner between 5:00
and 6:30 in the evening. This enables them
to attend the many activities which are
scheduled for the evening hours. However,
dinner may be served at noon or in the
middle of the afternoon on a Sunday or
holiday. A uniquely American meal is
brunch. Brunch is served any time between
10 am and 2 pm and combines breakfast and
lunch foods. In their homes, Americans
often pass foods around the table. You may
take small servings of unfamiliar foods.
There is no custom of completely emptying
your plate or leaving a little to indicate your
pleasure with the meal. If you want more of
something that is still on the table, ask for it.
Your hostess probably prepared the food
herself and will be pleased that you like it.
If your hostess offers you more of anything,
answer honestly the first time. Americans
do not ask three times as is common in some
countries!
If the food or implements are strange to you,
watch your hostess and follow her example.
It is considered impolite to start eating
before the hostess begins.
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Some Americans pray before meals. This is
called a “blessing” or “grace”. You do not
have to join in the prayer but should remain
standing or sitting respectfully until the
prayer is over.
Covered Dish or Pot Luck Dinner
Sometimes an invitation may be for a “pot
luck” or “covered dish” dinner. This means
that each guest or family is expected to bring
part of the meal. A dish typical of your
country is always welcome, but do not
hesitate to call the host or hostess to discuss
what you should bring. In this area, this is a
very socially acceptable and popular way to
have a party. If you are having a party and
would like to make it “pot luck,” this would
be well accepted. If your guests ask what to
bring, please give them ideas what you will
have and what you need. Do not tell them
that you need nothing.
Saying thank you – A sincere “thank you”
as you are leaving or a short letter
afterwards is enough. Your host or hostess
will not expect gifts from guests. You may
wish to extend an invitation to your friends
109
in return. For instance you might invite
your host to join you at some international
event or to cook your own country’s special
dishes for your friends.
Friendship and dating – Americans tend to
be very casual. In general, a casual
discussion does not imply a commitment to
further personal friendship. Some
relationships will develop into close
friendships; however, this can never be
assumed and will undoubtedly take a
considerable amount of time to happen.
Relationships between men and women may
be more difficult to interpret. The casual
interchange that occurs can often be
misinterpreted. It is important to keep in
mind that Americans place a great emphasis
on individuality in defining acceptable adult
behavior between the sexes. For example,
meeting members of the opposite sex for a
movie, lecture, or dance does not necessarily
signify a commitment and should be viewed
accordingly. In the US, it is illegal to marry
within the close family with first cousins,
brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and so forth.
110
This may be different from your country, but
it is an important law and custom in the US
which you must respect and obey.
You may find the initial adjustment to life in
the U.S. to be confusing and challenging.
You should never feel pressured to abandon
customs and beliefs that are important to
you. If you find that you are having
difficulty adjusting, seek help.
HOLIDAYS
Most Americans have a five-day workweek,
Monday through Friday, approximately 40
hours in length. Most workplaces and
government offices observe this schedule.
Schools are closed for holidays and during
most of the months of June and July, and
some of August. Retail stores are almost
always open Saturdays and some are also
open Sunday afternoons (for example, at the
malls). People who work Saturday or
Sunday are usually given compensatory time
off during the regular workweek.
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In addition to the weekends, there are a
number of other “holidays” celebrated
throughout the year. Some holidays are
celebrated by almost all Americans such as
Thanksgiving, Independence Day (4th of
July), Halloween, Memorial Day, and Labor
Day. Other holidays are celebrated by
specific religious groups. For example,
Christians observe Easter and Christmas
while the Jewish community observes
Hanukkah, Yom Kippur, Passover, and
Rosh Hashanah. Our Moslem community
celebrates holidays and observances such as
Id al Adha, Id al Fitr, Ramadan and Hijra
New Year. Still other holidays are
emphasized by varying ethnic groups such
as the predominantly Irish celebration of St.
Patrick’s Day.
Some holidays always fall on a given date.
For example, Christmas is always December
25th. Some holidays’ dates are set by
religious calendars and change each year.
Still others have been set by law so as to fall
on a particular day, rather than a date.
Thanksgiving, for example, is always on the
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fourth Thursday in November, Memorial
Day the fourth Monday of May, and Labor
Day the first Monday in September.
Sometimes when major holidays fall on
Saturday or Sunday an additional holiday is
observed the following Monday or previous
Friday.
Even within Huntington there is not always
consistency about holidays. The University
may be closed, but the public schools may
be in session. The banks may be closed but
the schools may be open. Some stores may
do business while others shut their doors.
County government offices may be closed
while city government offices are open. The
way to deal with this is to ask for and check
schedules and call ahead.
INFORMATION ABOUT SOME
IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New
Year’s Day (January 1)
Celebration of New Year’s Day usually
begins the night before, on New Year’s Eve,
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when it is common for groups of people to
have a party to celebrate the coming of the
new year. Alcoholic beverages are often
consumed at these parties, but this is not
mandatory. Some churches have Watch
Night Services and worship the new year in.
It is customary to make loud noises at
midnight, when the new year officially
arrives; embracing or kissing others at the
party at midnight is not unusual. On New
Year’s Day special television programs such
as parades and football games are often
watched.
Valentine’s Day (February 14)
Valentine’s Day is for telling someone
you care about him or her. Elementary
school children generally exchange cards at
school with their teachers and classmates.
Sometimes the students make the cards to
take to school, and sometimes they buy
inexpensive cards that are sold especially for
school children at discount stores, grocery
stores, etc. Ask your child’s teacher what is
planned. Adults sometimes exchange cards,
flowers, or candy. Hearts, flowers, and
cupids are traditional symbols of decoration.
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Easter (Different dates each year in
March or April)
Easter’s date varies from year to year. It
is a Christian religious celebration of the
resurrection (or coming back to life after
being dead) of Jesus. It also is celebrated as
the coming of Spring and the revival of
nature. Colored eggs, rabbits (called Easter
Bunnies), and chickens are symbols of the
season. Christians go to church, have
special meals, and often organize egg
coloring, egg hiding, and egg hunts for
children. On Good Friday, the Friday before
Easter Sunday, which commemorates the
day Christ was crucified, you may find some
businesses closed.
Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday in May)
On the second Sunday in May,
Americans celebrate the day to honor
mothers and grandmothers. Children
usually make something at school for their
mothers, buy a small present, or just do nice
things for her that day. Adults also honor
their mothers with greeting cards, gifts,
and/or a special meal. Mother’s Day was
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founded by a West Virginia woman, Anna
Jarvis, and was first observed in Grafton,
where she was b0orn on May 10, 1908.
Memorial Day (4th Monday in May—Old
date was May 30)
Memorial Day was created to honor
members of the U.S. armed forces who have
died. There may be a parade and special
ceremonies at cemeteries. Many families
take flowers to cemeteries to honor their
deceased family members as well.
However, most people also celebrate the day
as the beginning of summer and enjoy the
day with their families and friends.
West Virginia Day (June 20th) Celebration
of the formation of West Virginia when it
broke away from Virginia on June 20, 1863.
There are celebrations in the State Capitol,
Charleston, WV. State offices are closed
but most people are not off work for this
holiday.
Father’s Day (3rd Sunday in June)
The third Sunday in June is a day set
aside to honor Fathers and grandfathers in
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the same manner as Mother’s Day does
mothers.
Independence Day (July 4th)
On July 4th 1776, the American
Colonists declared their independence from
Great Britain with their Declaration of
Independence. Each year this is
traditionally celebrated with parades,
picnics, and fireworks. Decorations are
usually red, white, and blue – the colors of
the U.S. flag.
Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
On the first Monday in September,
Labor Day recognizes people who work or
labor, by letting them rest. It signals the end
of summer and often features outdoor
activities with families and friends.
Halloween (October 31st)
Halloween was originally All Saints
Day Eve. Historically it was believed that
the dead returned that night to roam the
earth as ghosts. All manner of magic and ill
luck was thought possible. Vandals used
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this as an excuse to cut down trees across
roads and set fire to old tires in roads. This
sometimes still goes on, but not as much as
it did years ago. The holiday has really
changed into a children’s celebration in the
U.S.A. Children have parties at school, and
sometimes are asked to wear costumes on
that day. Costumes can be purchased
inexpensively in stores or made at home and
need not be elaborate. Children like to wear
some sort of costume and mask on the day
designated for the community (sometimes
Oct. 29th or 30th) and go “Trick or Treating.”
This is when children (accompanied by an
adult for safety) knock on their neighbor’s
doors call “Trick or Treat”. Most people
expect the children and have treats such as
candy to give out so that no tricks are played
by anyone. Most tricks can be considered
vandalism under U.S. laws and should be
discouraged.
For several years some children have been
collecting money for the United Nations
Children’s Fund, on Halloween. The effort
is called “Trick or Treat for UNICEF”.
Churches and schools coordinate this effort.
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Children participating in the UNICEF
collection are given official identification or
collection receptacles.
It is very important that you observe some
safety rules, especially with small children,
on this holiday. Make sure that your
youngster’s costume is light in color or
reflects light so that motorists can see him or
her in the dark. No mask or costume should
hinder the child’s sight. Observe the hours
designated by the city for “trick or treating”.
Accompany small children on their trick or
treat rounds and advise older children to
knock only on doors where porch lights are
on. Also, warn your children not to eat any
of the treats until they get home and you
examine their bag of treats. Things that are
unwrapped or look tampered with should be
thrown away. Unfortunately, some people
have tried to ruin this holiday for children by
giving them harmful things to eat. If you
should find anything harmful in the treats,
report it to the police.
Traditional colors for Halloween are orange
and black. Familiar symbols are pumpkins,
119
black cats, witches on broomsticks,
skeletons, and monsters. Many families
make jack-o-lanterns. This is a pumpkin
hollowed out and carved with a face. A
candle or flashlight is then placed inside and
shines through the carved out holes. Jack-olanterns are placed on porches or on window
sills as decorations. Be careful when using
candles near flammable objects. This is now
just a fun holiday where folks get to dress in
costumes, have parties, and give candy to
each other.
Veterans' Day (Celebrated on November
11th)
On November 11th, the US celebrates
Veterans' Day to honor all those who served
in the military throughout the history of the
country and those who serve now. There are
parades and services to honor those who
died for their country.
Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in
November)
On the 4th Thursday in November,
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving that
commemorates the early settlers of the
120
country. The first white settlers of
Massachusetts were Pilgrims, a religious
sect. At the end of their first successful
harvest, they invited the Native Americans,
who had helped them, to a feast to give
thanks. Americans now traditionally have a
large meal on this day with family and
friends. There are parades and football
games on television.
Symbols of this holiday are turkeys (which
usually are cooked for the main course of
the big dinner), pumpkin pie, and people
dressed as Pilgrims in black, white, and gray
clothes. Schools often have Thanksgiving
plays with costumes of Pilgrims and Native
American Indians. You may be asked to
provide your child a costume. Ask the
teacher what is needed. These costumes
should be inexpensive to make or buy.
Christmas (December 25th)
Although a religious holiday
commemorating the day of Jesus Christ’s
birth, Christmas has also become a legal
holiday. U.S. family observances of
Christmas vary as widely as do ethnic or
121
religious backgrounds. This is a day of
church attendance, gift exchange, and large
meals with families and friends. Some
families also have a tradition of church,
gifts, and a special meal on Christmas Eve,
December 24. Some young children believe
that Santa Claus, a fat, white-bearded man in
a red suit, brings gifts to good boys and
girls; and they delight in writing him letters
and visiting “him” at shopping centers.
Americans frequently exchange Christmas
cards and gifts with friends.
Preparations for Christmas may begin a
good deal earlier and be more
commercialized in the U.S. than you are
accustomed to. Many stores have sales and
extra merchandise to sell. Store Christmas
decorations often are put up in September or
October. You can even buy some Christmas
things (such as sewing projects and
decorations) in the summer months.
Usually many businesses and families give
holiday parties. When Americans talk about
preparations for “the holidays,” they
sometimes mean the entire period starting
122
with Thanksgiving and continuing through
New Year’s Day.
Americans never put candles on their
Christmas trees because they could start a
house fire. Many electrical Christmas lights
are sold to decorate Christmas trees; it is
important to buy the right type. Artificial
Christmas trees need different lights than
real trees. Lights for display inside and
outside houses also differ. Read all
instructions on boxes of Christmas lights.
One does not have to be a Christian to
celebrate “the holidays.” People of many
faiths use it as a time to celebrate friendship
and love for others. Some even “let Santa
come to their house” for their children. This
has not proved to be a problem for most
families. There will be a 10 to 14 day
holiday from school at this time.
Birthdays
In the U.S.A., children often celebrate
the day of their birth with a party. Birthday
parties held at home usually include a few
friends of the birthday child; games are
123
played, songs are sung, and refreshments are
served. The food always includes a cake
with a candle to represent each year of the
child’s life. Each guest brings an
inexpensive gift and receives a small party
favor (such as a small toy, balloon, or
candy) to take home. Some people opt to
give their children birthday parties outside
the home at places such as McDonald’s,
Billy Bob’s, Skating Rinks, Bowling Alleys,
YMCA, Gymnastics Gyms, or parks. This
may cost more, but cuts down preparation
and clean up time as well as making it
possible to invite a large number of people.
If your child is invited to a birthday party of
this type, you can either go along and
observe or drop them and pick them up at
the time the inviting parent specifies (don’t
be late though). You should ask what would
be best. The child should bring a birthday
gift or money in a card for the birthday
child. In some elementary schools, there is
an observance of the birthday in class. The
birthday child usually takes a small treat
(such as cupcakes or cookies) for each of the
classmates in his or her classroom.
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Showers
Showers are parties given in honor of
either the birth of a baby (Baby Shower) or
to honor a bride (Bridal Shower) right
before a wedding. It is traditional to give
showers where guests give gifts for a new
baby or to help a couple get started in a new
marriage. Usually, there is food served,
games played, and gifts opened.
Afterwards, it is important for the new
mother or bride to send notes of thank you
to everyone who gave gifts. Any friend or
family member may give a shower and
invite friends and family of the mother or
bride.
Your Own Celebrations
Your religious or national holidays
are important. If observing one of your
special days necessitates keeping your child
home from school, remember to notify the
school officials in advance. Many of your
new American and international friends
would like to learn about your holidays and
125
participate in them with you. Never be
embarrassed to talk about and celebrate your
holidays.
Childcare
Babysitting is not just for “babies.” The
term is used when you pay someone to come
to your home and care for your child,
regardless of his or her age. While this is
sometimes done by working parents on a
daily basis, more commonly people use a
“babysitter” (what you call the person you
hire: when they have a special event to
attend. Rates for babysitters vary greatly
depending upon age, experience, and the
number of children being cared for. Don’t
hesitate to ask other parents for suggestions
of babysitters or how much they have to
pay. Ask your friends and neighbors for
recommendations as to babysitters. It is a
good idea to ask the sitter what his or her
usual rate is before employing one.
Ages of sitters vary greatly. In selecting a
sitter be sure that they are mature and
126
responsible enough to care for your child
and respond to an emergency (such as fire or
sickness). You may want to ask for a
reference of someone else for whom they
have worked that you should call and check
how good a sitter is before hiring them.
When you leave, be sure to leave
information about where you can be reached
if a problem arises and all the emergency
phone numbers for fire, police, poison
control, and ambulance. When you
transport your child to a place that has a
number of children and leave them there on
a regular basis, you are using “day care.”
Laws and warnings – Child neglect laws
make it a crime to leave a young child alone.
Do not leave your child alone in your car,
house, or apartment even for a very short
time. If you must leave for an emergency,
ask a neighbor to help you or take the child
or children along with you. Because of the
numerous gas and electrical appliances with
buttons and gadgets with which children like
to play, there is a constant danger of fire
even in so called “fire-proof” buildings.
Many countries traditionally leave children
at home in apartments or houses. This is not
127
done in the US and it is ILLEGAL and
against the law to do so.
YOUR HAPPINESS
When international folks first arrive in the
US, there is usually a feeling of excitement
and adventure. In the beginning, there is
much to do to find housing, and get
everything set up. After a while, almost
everyone begins to feel homesick. Cultural
shock is also felt. This means that when
things are no longer new, most people begin
to feel sad and lonely. They begin to miss
the food, housing, and customs of “home.”
This is normal and will pass as time goes on.
Just know that this is normal.
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AMERICAN SLANG
Standard English can be confusing
enough but, when Americans use “slang,”
the language can become confusing to an
outsider. We offer the following glossary to
help you avoid some of the pitfalls.
Although you will hear all of these
expressions and more, some may and some
may not be considered acceptable in the
community.
Expressions which are generally considered
unacceptable by society are marked ** Do
not use these expressions marked **!!
to ace: to score an A grade, e.g. to ace a
test. To do a good job on something, e.g.
Good tennis shot. To get something that someone
else wants, e.g. to ace someone else out of a
business deal.
to have a ball: to have fun
to ball someone *** to have sex (do not
say this
bar: place where alcoholic beverages are
sold. Narrow place to eat. Verb- to not allow
bastard: **a very nasty, unpleasant man
big deal: an exclamation meaning
something is not important
129
bitch: ** 1. to complain. 2. a woman with
an unpleasant personality**
to have a blast: to have fun
to blow: 1. to spend money unwisely, 2. to
fail something, e.g. to blow a test. 3. to
leave. 4.**also has sexual meaning having
to do with oral sex—also an expletive “this
blows” –do not use these.
to bomb: to be unsuccessful, to fail, e.g. the
show bombed, I bombed.
to be bombed: intoxicated, drunk, or on
drugs.
booze: alcohol
to bounce a check: to overdraw your
checking account and try to spend money
that you do not have in the bank.
bread: money
brain storm: to think of many possible
ways to do things or write things
bullshitting: *1. just talking about many
things and nothing—could be a way to
brainstorm as well 2. telling lies
brunch: a combination of breakfast and
lunch served in the late morning.
buck: a dollar, verb -- go against-object to,
2. a man or male deer, but not politically
correct to use for person.
130
to bug someone: 1.to bother someone 2. to
eavesdrop or listen in secretly on someone
bull session: informal group discussion
bullshit: ** rubbish or nonsense ** lying to
someone
bum: a homeless or destitute person or to
borrow or a worthless person
bummed or bummed out: sad or unhappy
to bum a ride: to seek a free ride
a bummer: an unpleasant or depressing
experience
to burn the midnight oil: to stay up very
late a night working on a project.
to burn the candle at both ends: to work
or play both day and night.
to bust: to break, or to arrest criminals
to be busted: to be arrested, to be found
out, or to find out someone's secret
to buy it: to die, to assume room
temperature, to kick the bucket all mean
to die.
calm down: do not be upset
to check out: 1. to sign out materials from
the library. 2. look over a situation. 3. to try
to find out something. 4. cash register place
in grocery and some other stores 5. look at
the opposite sex 6. to get information
131
chill out: calm down
cool: pleasant, nice, fashionable
cool down: don’t be angry
cool it: stop what you are doing, calm down.
cop: policeman
to cop a plea: to admit to doing something
whether you did it or not.
to cop out: not face the issue, or dodge a
commitment
corny: something overfamiliar or trite, e.g. a
corny joke, one which has been repeated too
many times
couch potato: someone who spends too
much time watching TV
to cram: to study hard just before a test
crap: see bullshit *(not quite as profane
or nasty as bullshit)
creep: a derogatory term applied to
someone whose behavior does not meet your
standards, an insult
creeps me out: makes one feel very
uncomfortable and maybe afraid
cut it out: stop it, see also cool it
damn ** or damn it **: an expletive that
one should not use meaning one is upset
date: a pre-arranged social activity
involving at least two people, usually a male
132
and a female; to take someone to an event,
like a movie
dead: 1.very tired, e.g. I’m just dead! 2.
nothing happening, e.g. This club is dead.
deadbeat: an incompetent person, or
someone who does not pay bills
don’t get smart: or don’t try to be a
wiseguy: don’t try to be clever or funny—
you’re not funny
dough: money
drag: 1. a type of car race. 2. something that
is boring or tedious
in drag: men who dress up like women
dress up: put on one’s best clothes
to drive one up the wall or to drive one
nuts: to make one very nervous or upset
drop off: 1. go to sleep 2. stop and leave
someone or some thing some place.
to drop in: to visit unexpectedly
to drop out: to stop formal studies or leave
conventional society
fed up, or sick of: disgusted with, tired of
to flunk: to fail to achieve a passing grade
formal, formal dress, formal wear: a
tuxedo or suit for men, a long or very fancy
dress for women (Your national dress is
generally acceptable)
133
foxy: 1. as in “a foxy lady”, a sexy and
attractive person, 2. sneaky
freak out: to lose control, become very
upset.
fuck: *** refers to sexual intercourse in a
very crude manner; do not use this term
fucked up: ** 1.you failed and made a large
mistake 2.** when one is drunk or drugged
out-had illegal drugs,
gay: homosexual or lesbian, old word-queer
getting it together: Making something or
your life work well
give me a break: 1. stop bothering me 2. or
I don’t believe you
flamer: a homosexual person
food to go: food bought at a restaurant to eat
elsewhere
to go together: 1. to date a person on a
regular basis 2. things that look or work well
together
goofball: a silly person (also a bad type of
illegal drug)
goofing off: 1. acting silly 2. avoiding a task
gross: 1. something unpleasant or disgusting
2. 144 of something
grossed out: disgusted
134
hairy: difficult, hard to do, scary, or having
a lot of hair
hammered: drunk or drugged
hang in there: keep trying, do not be
discouraged
hang ups: problems, personal
maladjustment
hassle, hassled: bother, to be bothered or
troubled.
hero: a sandwich on a long roll with
assorted fillings and condiments (also
known as hoagy or sub or submarine)
to hit the hay, hit the sack, turn in, cut
some z’s, take a nap, catnap, snooze, flake
out: to go to bed with the purpose of
sleeping.
hitch: 1. problem, difficulty, hindrance, 2.
get married
hoagy: see hero
horny: **wanting sexual activity **
hot: 1. stolen, e.g. a hot car 2. sexy
3. currently fashionable
how come?: why?
in a nutshell: very briefly and concisely
jam session: a gathering to improvise on
musical instruments
jerk: see creep
135
jock: an amateur sportsman, usually a
football, basketball, or baseball player
john: 1. toilet, bathroom, restroom 2. ** a
customer of a prostitute buying sex
knock off: to stop or quit or to get done
knock up: to make pregnant
knock out: 1. to end a boxing match by one
boxer being down and out 2. knock yourself
out—work hard and get done
knock down: someone ends up on the
ground or floor
liquor: alcohol
let the cat out of the bag: tell a secret or
confidence or tell something that is
supposed to be a surprise
loaded: 1.see bombed 2. have lots of money
to make out: 1. a form—to complete a form
2. how did you make out? –how did you do?
3. heavy kissing and hugging
messed up: 1. confused 2. not neat
mixer: 1. an organized activity to get
people acquainted with each other, usually
with refreshments 2. juice or soda to mix
with liquor
naked as a jay bird: having on no clothes
136
nerd: 1. someone very interested in
computers and book learning 2.
unfashionable 3.see creep
on the house: free
on me: I will pay
on the spur of the moment: done without
premeditation or planning.
out to lunch: not concentrating on the
present events, not seeming to pay attention
pain in the neck: an unpleasant person or
experience
past good: something really fine and good
perks: some extra good things you like,
benefits
pet peeve: something you really don’t like
pissed off **: very crude term for anger, e.g.
“I am really pissed off.: Do not use this
pitch: 1. to throw away, dispose of, 2. to
tell about and try to convince others of
something
pitcher: 1. jug or bottle 2. baseball player
who throws the ball to the batter
plastered: see bombed
poop: 1. the inside information i.e. get the
poop on 2. solid waste (shit)
pooped: tired or exhausted
137
psyched up: to be mentally prepared for
something
to pull one’s leg: tease and telling little lies
prick:**derogatory way to say someone is
unkind, unfair, and stuck up
queer: homosexual person, usually a male
raincheck: 1. a voucher given by stores for
sales merchandise not in stock 2. to take a
raincheck—to postpone, to accept the same
invitation but for a later date.
to rap: 1.to talk or discuss, also a rap
session 2.talking with music in the
background, a type of popular music
to take the rap: to take the blame
redneck: 1. very prejudiced person 2. a
very rural person whose view of the world is
small, ignorant of many things beyond their
small experience
to rip off: to steal
rip off artist: someone who copies someone
or something or steals something
to score: 1. **to successfully get someone
to have sex with you 2. success on a project
to screw: ** to have sexual intercourse
screwed up: confused and having big
problems. big problem or mistake
138
to not have one’s head screwed on: see
screwed up
to have one’s head screwed on: not having
problems
to get screwed: * to be deceived or treated
unfairly
shit: ** feces, an obscene swear word
skinny—dip: to swim in the nude, without
bathing suit or clothes
slob: a lazy, messy, slovenly person
snow job: to hide the truth with unnecessary
information
snowed under: to be overwhelmed by
work, to much work
steady: someone you date regularly
stoned: heavily drugged, usually on illegal
drugs or on alcohol
straight from the horse's mouth: getting
information from the direct source--hearing
or seeing it yourself.
submarine sandwich (a sub): see hero
to be turned on: to be excited by
something, frequently in a sexual context
tough, tough luck: it’s too bad, so what
(also: tough shit** which means very bad
but I don’t care)
139
up tight: worried, tense, way too uptight—
too worried
yucky: disgusting and nasty, not nice
zero in on: focus on or concentrate on
Some expletives that one can use to express
surprise—not necessarily a good surprise:
Oh my gosh! Crap! Oh man! Phooey!
Darn! Gee Whiz! Wow!
140
APPENDIX
141
142
WEIGHTS AND MEASURMENTS
Common abbreviations:
oz.
=
ounce
lb.
=
pound
g.
=
gram
kg.
=
kilogram
pt.
=
pint
qt.
=
quart
gal.
=
gallon
ml.
=
milliliter
cl.
=
centiliter
l.
=
liter
in.
=
inch
ft.
=
foot
yd.
=
yard
cm.
=
centimeter
m.
=
meter
km. =
kilometer
net. wt. =
weight of contents not
including weight of container
1 T or 1 tbl. = 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
1 t or 1 tsp = 1 teaspoon
1 C or 1 cup = 16 tablespoons
Most products are sold by weight but in their homes
Americans measure by cups or fractions of cups,
tablespoons, and teaspoons. Measuring cups and
spoons are available in supermarkets and
department stores.
143
TABLE OF WEIGHTS
Table of Dry Measurments
1 oz. = 28.35 grams (1 gram = .035 oz.)
1 lb. = 16 oz. = .454 kilograms
1 ton = 2,000 lbs.
\
1 pound = ½ kilogram (approx)
2.2 lbs. = 1 kg.
4.4 lbs. = 2 kg. Cms.
\
11lbs. = 5 kg.
22.05 lbs. = 10 kg.
Table of Liquid Measurments
1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
1 pint = 2 cups = .473 liters
1 quart = 4 cups = .946. liters
1.057 quarts = 1 liter
1 gallon = 3.875 liters
Distance
1 inch = 2.54 centimeters
1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48
1 yard = 3 ft. = 36 ins. = 91.44 cms.
1 mile = 5.280 ft. = 1.609 kilometers
(to convert miles to kms., multiply by 1.6)
144
Temperature
Body “Normal” = 98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C
(thermometer in mouth)
Air
0 degrees F = -17.8 degrees C
32 degrees F = 0 degrees C
68 degrees F = 20 degrees C
85 degrees F = 29.4 degrees C
Oven 250 degrees F = 120 degrees C = Very slow
300 degrees F = 150 degrees C = Slow
350 degrees F = 180 degrees C = Moderate
425 degrees F = 220 degrees C = Hot
500 degrees F = 260 degrees C = Very hot
To convert C to F, Multiply C by 9, divide by 5,
add 32
To convert F to C, subtract 32 from F, multiply by
5, divide by 9
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Other Publications available from the Cabell
County English as a Second Language Programs:




Accessing the Local Culture
State and Local Governments in WV
Banking in WV and the USA
Survival Guide for Teachers of Limited
English Proficiency/English as a Second
Language Students in Cabell County
Schools
These may be obtained from:
Janne M. Rice
ESL Coordinator for Cabell County Schools
Room 212, Cabell County Career Technology
Center
1035 Norway Avenue
304-528-5106, Ext. 212
146

guide for the international community in huntington, west virginia

Transcription

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