ANDERSON TWP. - Didn't get that puppy you wanted for Christmas? The League for Animal Welfare is holding an "adopt-a-thon" Saturday.

"We're trying to bump up our adoptions. January is a slow time of year because the weather is not so nice," said Terri Fermann of the nonprofit, no-kill shelter in Batavia.

The shelter holds about 40 dogs and 80 cats, she said.

"We have waiting lists, but we run pretty much on full. So the more we get adopted, the more we can take in," Fermann said.

The group will have kittens, a puppy and an adult dog at the event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Complete Petmart, 7769 Five Mile Road, she said.

Fees are $50 for cats and $60 for dogs. They include vaccinations, neutering or spaying, and tests for such diseases as feline leukemia and heartworm.

For more information, call 735-2299.

Township gets new development chief

SPRINGFIELD TWP. - Christopher Gilbert has been hired as the township's new development services director. Gilbert has been the planning and zoning director/assistant township administrator for Fairfield Township in Butler County since 2000.

As head of the Development Services Department, he will carry out day-to-day operations that include planning, zoning and economic development, along with projects assigned by Township Administrator Michael Hinnenkamp.

Gilbert, a Miami University graduate, will earn $51,000 annually. He replaces Deanna Kuennen, who left the post in November to move out of state.

Conservatory snaps up carnivorous plants

MOUNT ADAMS - The 1,200-orchid collection at the Cincinnati Park Board's Krohn Conservatory is nearly doubling in size and will include a carnivorous plant collection that will be the only public display of its kind in the region.

A $250,000 gift for the new orchid house comes from the Dornette Foundation.

The expansion will replace the current window display with a walkway to guide visitors through the orchid collection.

The project will include a display habitat of trees, rocks and a cascading pool. A new visitor interpretive video and resource materials also will be featured.

Speaker to discuss business expansion

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Peter Theobald, with the Certified Development Co. of Butler County, will be the Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce guest speaker at its Jan. 13 luncheon, discussing Butler County's opportunities for public financing for business expansion.

Theobald will provide information on who is eligible, what types of financing are available and how to apply. He will highlight a meeting that begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Wingate Inn/Meridian Conference Center.

Reservations are recommended by Jan. 9. Information: 777-3600 or www.sebcchamber.com.