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West Virginia University experts are available to comment on the Dec. 8 Charleston-area chemical plant explosion. Harry Finklea, professor emeritus, C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry can offer insights into the chemicals, while Michael McCawley, clinical associate professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, can comment on the effects of weather and terrain, the history of chemical plants in the area and the importance of vigilance in the areas around the plants.

Dale Olson, Lt. Col. (Ret) of the United States Air Force and adjunct professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at West Virginia University, reflects on the occasions he met his hero, the late Gen. Charles “Chuck” Yeager, an Air Force legend. Yeager, the World War II fighter pilot ace became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound in 1947, passed away on Monday (Dec. 7) at 97.

West Virginia University experts Mira Danilovich, consumer horticulture specialist and associate professor, WVU Extension Service, and Sven Verlinden, director of plant and soil sciences center and associate professor of horticulture, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, offer tips and guidance on how to keep your holiday décor long-lasting and safe.

In collaboration with local veteran support organizations, West Virginia University will commemorate the 79th anniversary of Pearl Harbor on Monday, Dec. 7, at 9:30 a.m. including a 21-gun salute with three volleys fired at 9:50 a.m.

4-H club members will have a chance to look away from screens and put pen and paper to use through the West Virginia University Extension Service 4-H Youth Development pen pal program which aims to teach youths about communication while fostering friendships and connections.

During this holiday season, West Virginia University Extension Service Agribusiness Economics Specialist Dee Singh-Knights suggests giving back to your community by purchasing foods and gifts from farms and agribusinesses in your area. She’s provided a few helpful tips for those looking to buy local this year.

Appalachian writers whose experiences are different than those most often portrayed in the media will be featured in three events that examine what it means to be a person of color in a region that is stereotypically portrayed as white. The first event, “A Reading by Emerging Appalachian Writers of Color,” is Wednesday (Dec. 2) at 7 p.m. and is presented by the West Virginia University Humanities Center.

The holiday season is now upon us, and many West Virginia families will be decking their halls with garland, tinsel, lights and most commonly, the Christmas tree. While some opt for the ease and convenience of a pre-lit, artificial tree, others prefer the authentic look and smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree. A fresh-cut tree does require a bit more attention and care, but according to West Virginia University Extension Service expert Dave McGill, if you take a few simple precautions, you and your family can safely enjoy your tree all season long.

It’s important to keep food safety in mind when storing your leftover turkey, dressing and other Thanksgiving fixings. Molly Poffenbarger, health educator with the West Virginia University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program, offers some tips on safely storing leftovers.

Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey requires planning. Thaw your frozen bird too early and you could unknowingly serve your guests a foodborne illness. Leave it in the freezer too long and it won’t be ready for the big day. Molly Poffenbarger, health educator with the West Virginia University Extension Service Family Nutrition Program, shares tips on how to properly thaw your frozen turkey.