Winter’s Wild Side: A Season in Photos
Dreams meet plans.
If you love vegetable soup, this recipe will not disappoint. It uses smoked pulled pork instead of beef, and the smokiness that the pulled pork adds is something you didn’t know you needed– but now you know!
slogan is: “Welcome to Classy
and Thrift. Where you never know what you will find!” Stop by and meet owners, Jim and Zoey Young, two of
this issue, we’re featuring a collection of photos showcasing the wild variety of weather Mother Nature sent our way this winter. Stay warm, keep an eye out for early signs of spring—crocuses and robins will be here before we know it!
Hello & Welcome Back!
Welcoming March with Hope and Warmth
There’s an old saying: “If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” After the unpredictable winter we’ve had, that would certainly be a welcome change! This month, ERL takes you on a photo journey through the wild weather rollercoaster Mother Nature delivered—fluctuating between warm spells, rain, sleet, hail, snow, and flooding, keeping us all on our toes.
One great way to shake off the winter blues? A trip to this month’s featured business, Classy Consignment Thrift/Flea Market, just outside Clendenin. If you’re a fan of antiques, you’ll love their selection of glassware, clocks, hurricane lanterns, pottery, stoneware, and vintage décor. You’ll also find a variety of pictures, artwork, mirrors, lamps, baskets, candles, furniture, and home accessories. Grab a friend and spend the day exploring—you never know what hidden treasures await!
Speaking of timeless comforts, there’s another old saying: “A bowl of soup can cure just about anything.” This month, The Elk’s Cookbook introduces a fresh take on traditional vegetable soup that’s sure to become a new favorite. Gabi Strickland Walker raves, “We didn’t know what we were missing—until now!” Treat your family to this hearty, comforting dish while we wait for spring to arrive.
I’m looking forward to longer, sunnier days, but in the meantime, let’s all make an extra effort to remind those around us that they matter. It’s easy to feel down during these colder months, and I truly believe a hug can make all the difference.
Take care, my friends—sending you a BIG hug and lots of love!
Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River. cyndi@elkriverliving.com 304.546.9243
Creative Director /
Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney
Cyndi Tawney
Operations Director / Josh Tawney
Printer / The Printing Press Charleston, WV
Layout & Design / Katheryne E. Popp
Little Secret Design Co.
Photographer / Scott Abbott
Scott Abbott Photo
ON THE COVER
Eric Rolston captured this gorgeous photo of the Hawk's Nest Rail Trail in Ansted, WV, reflecting the roaring water in the stream and the last remnants of winter ice and snow. Eric resides in Sissonville, WV.
Elk River Living is published monthly by CJT Publishing, LLC, Elkview, West Virginia 25071. All rights are reserved. All contents are copyrighted by CJT Publishing, LLC; reproduction in whole or part without written permission from CJT Publishing, LLC is epxressly forbidden and punishable by law. Elk River Living is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within Elk River Living belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers of CJT Publishing, LLC employees. Elk River Living and CJT Publishing, LLC reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter. Throughout this issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, Elk River Living uses the names in an editorial fashion, with no infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone who uses them without permission will be prosecuted.
This magazine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are offset by the participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to you. Please take the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their ad in Elk River Living!
Our ERL photographer, Scott Abbott and guest photographers who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: Scott Abbott, Aubrie Abbott, J. Craig Allison, Tim Cunningham, Janet Six, Jill Moles Mullins
Aubrie Abbott
Tim Cunningham Scott Abbott Janet Six Jill Moles Mullins
J. Craig Allison
AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP
304.935.2230
4950 Elk River Rd., S. Elkview
AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
304.881.7818
4950 Elk River Rd., S., Ste. C, Elkview
ANR CONSTRUCTION
304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510
Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young
ARMSTRONG LAW, PLLC
304.300.9663
dan@wvlegalhelp.com
624 Elk St., Gassaway
BECKY’S PET PARLOR
304.951.9162
Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman
BILL’S USED CARS
304.548.4727
Rt 119 Elk River Rd., Clendenin
BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER
681.230.2088
9 2nd Ave., Clendenin
BLUE CREEK HEATING & COOLING
304.965.9148
contact Bill Ross or Roy Crist
BOXDROP MATTRESS & FURNITURE OUTLET
304.590.6094
2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston
BRANNON'S AUTO
304.935.2335
4039 Penn. Ave., Charleston
CANTRELL’S FLORIST
304.548.7700
7484 Elk River Rd., Clendenin
CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES
304.965.9081
Local Charleston Office
CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING
24-Hour Towing and Lockout
304.965.5634
648 Shady Ln., Elkview
CLENDENIN BREWING COMPANY
304.548.9262
2 Main Street, Clendenin
CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK
304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101
236 North Point Dr., Clendenin
CLENDENIN PHARMACY
304.548.5451
Bill Ore & Linsay Matuszkiewicz
CREDE TRACTOR
304.965.1666
Contact William Crede
DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM
304.965.7024
85 Credes Landing, Elkview
EDENS BODY WORKS, INC.
304.965.5900
102 Neville Rd., Elkview
ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY
304.965.6661
contact Joey Adkins, DDS
ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE
304.965.7501
contact Gary W. Pauley II
ELK RIVER BAKING COMPANY
304.548.7474
12 Main St., Clendenin
ELK RIVER BOUTIQUE
304.549.8778
14 Main St., Clendenin
ELK RIVER COMBAT SPORTS
304.940.2480
514 Quick Rd., Elkview
ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC
Call
304.913.6001 | Text 304.913.6002 www.elkvalleyelectric.com
ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY
304.965.7979
contact Andi Geary, MPT
E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING
304.776.7473
5088 Washington St., W. Charleston elrobinsonengineering.com
FORD & SWEENEY
304.935.4801
4402 Crede Drive at Big Chimney
FOX COFFEE COMPANY
(inside Elk River Boutique)
304.549.8778
14 Main St., Clendenin
GABBY’S SEWING & MORE
304.935.2360
4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com
GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE
304.965.7031
Order online at ginospizza.com
GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN
304.548.7002
giovannispizzapower.com
GLO’S BEAUTY BAR
304.553.6603
8 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin
Gloria Treola
GREEN'S OF BIG CHIMNEY
304.965.3313
4509 Penn. Ave., Charleston
HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL
304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net
HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
304.344.5044
2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston
HOLSTEIN INSURANCE
304.965.9941
holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com
JIFFY J’S INC.
Portable Restrooms
800.256.8657
KN CONTRACTING
304.965.9088
5146 Elk River Rd., Elkview
KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING
304.548.4726
knightinsurance@frontier.com
KNIGHTHORST
877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com
LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO.
304.427.6797 www.littlesecretdesign.co
MAVERICK GYMNASTICS CLUB
304.925-3004 • maverickgym.com
3510 Venable Ave., Charleston Maverick Gymnastics Club, Inc.
MEADOWBROOK ACRES
NURSING CENTER
304.344.4268 www.meadowbrookacres.net
MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING
304.965.6646
contact Mitch Young
MOUNTAINEER AUCTION
304.548.4056
contact Roger Mullins
NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC
304.343.2049
2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston
PADDLERS BAR & GRILL
681.230.2061
12 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin
PAXTON BUSINESS SERVICES
304.343.5666
4628 Penn. Ave, Charleston
PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR
Old Colony
304.395.0619
PENNY PINCHERS
304.548.4005
11 Main St., Clendenin
PIZZA ON MAIN
681.230.0039
3 Main St., Clendenin
POCA VALLEY BANK
304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com
PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE
4636 Penn. Ave., Ste. 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com
ROGERS HARDWARE
304.965.1077
Bill Rogers
RODNEY LOFTIS & SON
304.342.8200 & on Facebook
95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston
SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR
681.230.2151
311C Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin
SLEEP INN
304.345.5111
2772 Penn. Ave., Chas
SMITH'S FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS
304.965.7600
Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview
SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING
304.444.4288
contact Phil Shaffer
SPENCER’S HARDWARE
304.548.6995
8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin
STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME
304.548.6611 www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
TIM HOGANS DESIGN GALLERY @ BIG CHIMNEY
304.965.7111
4774 Chimney Dr., Charleston
THE PRINTING PRESS
304.744.7949
143 Gaylor Ln., Chas
TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD
304.965.7769
1083 Main St., Elkview
WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE
304.935.2287
5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview
WEST VIRGINIA DEMOLITION, INC. (WV035021)
304.342.4004 office | 304.543.2338 cell jpickens2010@yahoo.com
XSPEC POWER
304.746.1139
Contact Emily Canterbury
YAK HOUSE RENTALS
304.941.2229
403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com
AT THE LIBRARY
CLENDENIN
LIBRARIES ARE MORE THAN JUST STORES OF BOOKS & KNOWLEDGE. THEY ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES.
MARCH LIBRARY EVENTS
DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE
MAR 1 1PM
MAR 5 3PM
MAR 6 1PM
MAR 8 1PM
MAR 11 3PM
MAR 13 4:30PM
MAR 15 1PM
MAR 15 1PM
MAR 18 3PM
MAR 22 1PM
MAR 22 1PM
MAR 25-29 ALL DAY
MAR 27 5:30PM
MAR 29 1PM
ELKVIEW
EASY KNITTING
STEM: SOAR AND FLY
SENSORY STORYTIME: RAINBOWS
EASY KNITTING
KIDS SEW: YO-YOS
TEEN VIDEO GAME NIGHT
MACHINESEWING
EASY KNITTING
CRAFTING WITH FUSE BEADS
BRICK BUILDERS CLUB
EASY KNITTING
ROAD TRIP IN THE LIBRARY
FAMILY FUN: STORIES AND SCRIBBLING
EASY KNITTING
5–7:30
4 & 5 10AM–3PM
ALL AGES
6-12
CHILDREN 0-5
ALL AGES
6-12
TWEENS & TEENS
6 & UP
ALL AGES
6-12
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE
MAR 3 6PM
MAR 4 2PM
MAR 5 10:30AM
MAR 5 11AM
MAR 5 1:30PM
MAR 6 3PM
MAR 10 6PM
MAR 11 5:30PM
MAR 12 10:30AM
MAR 12 11AM
MAR 17 6PM
MAR 17-19
MAR 20-22
MAR 18 2PM
MAR 24 5:30PM
MAR 25 1PM
MAR 25 5:30PM
MAR 26 10:30AM
MAR 27 1:30PM
MAR 28 ALL DAY**
MAR 31 5:30PM
ELK VALLEY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
ADULT CRAFT: LAVENDER PAINTING
JUMP INTO STORYTIME
STAY ‘N PLAY
REMINISCE AND CRAFT: MEMORY CAFÉ
FAMILY FUN: PLANT A SEED
FRUITFUL CULINARY CUTS
ADULT CRAFT: LAVENDER PAINTING
JUMP INTO STORYTIME
STAY ‘N PLAY
TEEN TIME: PAPER MAKING
CRAFT SUPPLY SWAP DROP OFF
CRAFT SUPPLY SWAP “SHOP”
ELK VALLEY BOOK GROUP
DIGESTIVE SCIENCE: THROUGH THE BODY TO THE POTTY
DISCOVERY DAY: AR SANDBOX
BAD ART NIGHT
PBS STORYTIME: SCIENCE OF SOUND
ULTIMATE STEM QUEST WITH ARCLIN
STEM TO–GO: COLOR WHEEL SCIENCE
FAMILY FUN: BOOK WALK/BINGO
ADULTS
CHILDREN 0-5
CHILDREN 0-5
ADULTS
FAMILY
CHILDREN 8 & UP*
ADULTS
CHILDREN 0-5
CHILDREN 0-5
TEENS
ADULTS
FAMILY
FAMILY
ADULTS
Children 0-5
FAMILY
ALL AGES
FAMILIES
*Registration Required, Adult must stay in room with child **To-Go STEM kits available while supplies last, pickup during open hours
ELK’S COOKBOOK
PULLED PORK VEGGIE SOUP
By Gabi Strickland Walker. Gabi
is the
creator
and
editor of Walker Mtn. Eats Facebook
group, where she shares her delicious recipes which are tried-and-true tested on her husband, Gar, her girls, and her family, church family, and friends.
If you love vegetable soup, this recipe will not disappoint. It uses smoked pulled pork instead of beef, and the smokiness that the pulled pork adds is something you didn’t know you needed– but now you know! Gabi said she used some frozen leftover pulled pork that Gar had smoked back in the summer but any pulled pork will work. It is readily available now in your local grocery stores, Sam’s, or Costco, and you can even pick up some at your favorite BBQ restaurant. Just make sure you find one without the BBQ sauce or very little sauce, as it will take over the flavor of the soup. PULLED PORK VEGGIE SOUP
From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker
INGREDIENTS
• 1T butter
• 1 small onion - diced
• 1 lb smoked pulled pork
• 1 (10oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (I used corn, peas, carrots, and green beans)
• 4 C chicken broth
• 1 (15oz) can creamed corn
• 1 (10oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies - undrained (I used mild)
• 1 (15oz) can petite diced tomatoesundrained
COOK TIME: 30 MIN
• 2 C petite red potatoes - quartered
• 1 t onion powder
• ½ t garlic powder
• ¼ t pepper
• ½ t Everglades Seasoning (or your favorite multi-purpose seasoning)
• 1 t BBQ Rub (or chili powder)
• 1-2 T honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 t salt (to taste)
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1 In a Dutch Oven over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until they begin to become soft and translucent.
STEP 2 Add all ingredients -except pulled pork- to Dutch Oven. Bring to a boil.
STEP 3 Reduce heat, add pulled pork, cover and simmer for 25-30 min until potatoes are soft. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Discover Hidden Treasures at
You don’t have to wait for warm weather to explore one of the best flea markets and consignment shops around! Classy Consignment & Thrift/Flea Market is open year-round, conveniently located at 11105 Charleston Road, just outside Clendenin.
Owned by Jim and Zoey Young, this shop is more than just a place to find great deals—it’s a community favorite. The Youngs, both Clendenin natives, are known for their kindness and dedication. If you’re searching for something specific, just ask—they’ll do their best to track it down for you! They took over the store from Cledith Falls, who originally opened it in 2004. Now, more than 21 years later, Classy Consignment remains a hotspot for unique finds.
A TREASURE TROVE OF ITEMS
You don’t even have to visit in person to get a sneak peek! Check out Classy Consignment & Thrift/Flea Market on Facebook, where featured items are regularly posted.
Zoey describes their kitchen aisle as a dream for home cooks: “We have everything from A to Z—utensils, coffee cups, dinnerware, glassware, serving bowls, cookware, and more.”
If you love antiques, you’ll be impressed by their collection of glassware, clocks, hurricane lanterns, pottery, stoneware, vases, and other vintage gems. Home decorators will appreciate their assortment of artwork, mirrors, lamps, baskets, candles, and décor.
Looking for furniture? Classy Consignment offers a great selection, including end tables, coffee tables, dressers, desks, hutches, and more. “Right now, we have a beautiful bathroom double-bowl sink, cabinet, and mirror set,” Zoey mentioned. Meanwhile, Jim added, “We also have movies, DVDs, records, and even a great selection of books, including children’s books.”
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
Classy Consignment lives by its motto:
“Welcome to Classy Consignment and Thrift—where you never know what you’ll find!”
Jim recalls an unforgettable moment when a Hummel painting on consignment received an unexpected offer. “I called the seller and said, ‘You need to come here and talk to this buyer.’ She ended up getting way more than she ever expected! That’s the beauty of flea markets—one person’s castoff can be another’s treasure.”
UNIQUE FINDS AWAIT
Right now, you’ll find a Case XX knife from 1970 in pristine condition, available for less than its true value online. You can also browse through antique glassware, vintage sports team pennants (from 1962-1968), homemade cutting boards, and more. With new inventory arriving weekly, every visit is a fresh adventure.
Unlike cluttered thrift stores, Classy Consignment is organized and easy to navigate, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing.
CONSIGNMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Classy Consignment operates on a 50/50 consignment basis. If you’re interested in selling items, just stop by to fill out a contract or call Jim and Zoey at 304-548-3250 to schedule an appointment. They accept cash, checks, and credit cards. Don’t let the cold keep you cooped up—grab a friend and spend the day treasure hunting at Classy Consignment & Thrift!
A Winter TO
REMEMBER
The excitement was undeniable when snowflakes started falling early Monday morning on January 6. With schools closed, kids reveled in a perfect day of sledding and building snowmen. But as the snowfall continued, accumulating over eight inches, it became clear—this was no ordinary winter in West Virginia. The mix of snow and ice stretched Kanawha County Schools holiday break an extra week before students could finally return to class!
Then came February. Despite the Pennsylvania groundhog predicting six more weeks of winter, we enjoyed brief spells of sunshine and warmer temperatures—a welcome change. That is, until the morning of February 6, when thunder and lightning shattered the calm, delivering more than three inches of rain in under 12 hours! By morning, according to the National Weather Service, the Elk River area, specifically near Clendenin and Elkview, faced significant flooding along Routes 4 and 119 with water levels not receding until later that day. More snow and ice followed around Valentine’s Day, proving Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction was spot on (unlike French Creek Freddie, who may have missed the mark this year!). (We hasten to add, however, that we have seen robins in our yard and the crocuses are up and budded.)
In this issue, we’re featuring a collection of photos showcasing the wild variety of weather Mother Nature sent our way this winter. Stay warm, keep an eye out for early signs of spring—crocuses and robins will be here before we know it!
Photo by Meleah Fisher
Photo by Suzanne Hall
Photo by Lindsay Osborne
Photo by Travis & Becca Shamblin
Photo by Charles Halstead
Photo by Judy Batten
Photo by Ashley Buckner Wehrle
Photo by Jessie Perdue
Photo by Sarah Newhouse
Photo by Erica Dawn Stewart
Joey and Trip Fields, photo by Scott Abbott
Photo by Heather Payne
Photo by Kristi Wehrle
Photo by Paulette Marie Dickey Johns
Photo by Clendenin Fire Dept. - Thorofare Road
Photo by Lydia Beirne
Photo by Michael Ryan
Judy Batten with Whitney Louden & Bella Haas
Photo by Brenda Lallier
Photo by Melissa Bohan
AutoPlus_
AUTO PARTS
Elk River Automotive
Proudly Servingthe Communityfor Over27 Years
Gary
W. Pauley, 11, Owner
• New expanded bays with heavy duty lifts
• Exhaust
• Front End Work
• Brakes
• Computer Diagnostic Service
• AC Service
• Major & Minor Engine Repair
• 2 & 4 Wheel Alignments
• Tire Service (we have over 5 different suppliers for any brand, any type of �
• Transmission Service
• State Inspections
• Modified inspections
ELK’S JOURNAL
THE HAUNTING OF SHOALS HOLLOW
BY JOSH CLARK
This month ERL is proud to feature a new novel, The Haunting of Shoals Hollow, by West Virginia author Josh Clark. If you love a chilling thriller that you can’t lay down until you have read it through to the end, this novel is for you!
About the author Josh was born and raised in West Virginia and today, he is a proud first-generation farm and ranch owner with his wife and daughter at Clark Appalachian Farm and Botanicals. As a mental health advocate, Josh draws from his personal journey to inspire others, shedding light on the importance of hope, perseverance, and the strength found in embracing life’s challenges. His first novel, The Haunting of Shoals Hollow, is a prelude to more stories to come! His book is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Follow him on Amazon to get his new release updates.
Amazon said:
In the quiet, remote farming community of Shoals Hollow nestled deep in the Appalachian Mountains, Foster, his wife Georgia, and their daughter Lizzy thought they had found the perfect escape from the chaos of modern life. But the haunting shadows of the past and the unsettling presence of something ancient and dark lurk just beyond their peaceful surroundings. As strange occurrences begin to unravel their sense of security, Foster must confront not only the demons of his own trauma but also a malevolent force that plagues the land. With the help of neighbors and spiritual leaders, Foster and his family fight to rid their home of relentless spirits. This chilling thriller, inspired by true events, explores the terrifying power of the supernatural, the bond of family, and the strength it takes to heal. Will Foster and his family break free from the horrors of Shoals Hollow, or will they become the next victims of its haunting curse?
Excerpt
…Slowly, he opened his eyes, groggy and disoriented. And that’s when he saw her. A figure stood by the bed, her skin a sickly pale grey, almost translucent, and devoid of any features. No eyebrows, no eyelids, just hollow black voids where her eyes should have been. Her stringy, wet black hair clung to her face, some of it obscuring her features. She hovered there, motionless, her presence as cold and suffocating as the air itself.
Foster froze, unable to scream, unable to move. All he could do was stare into the darkness where her eyes should have been. Her mouth opened wide and elongated with an impish grin as to say hello, but with no friendly intentions. She moved in closer, her presence suffocating, until she was almost nose to nose with Foster. He could feel the coldness radiating from her, the stench of putrid clinging to the air between them. Her mouth, once barely visible, began to stretch unnaturally wide, longer, and longer, until it was a grotesque gaping void. Then came the sound, a piercing banshee scream, so shrill and violent that it felt like it was tearing through his very soul.
The scream rattled inside his head, shaking him to the core. His body was locked in place, paralyzed with sheer terror, every muscle frozen. But finally, the shock of the scream broke through, snapping him out of his nightmarish trance.
IN MEMORY OF DEE CAMPBELL
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANNA CAMPBELL
Anna Campbell sent her late husband, Dee, a heartfelt Valentine this year. In her words, “Valentine’s Day is truly the most perfectly romantic day to celebrate your anniversary.” This is our fourth Valentine’s Day with Dee in Heaven. I am blessed with so many memories that
move forward with our children, friends and family. Dee was my perfect valentine.” Dee was loved by all here on the Elk River. His kindness and generosity graced so many of us. Thank you to Anna, Lauren and John, for sharing him with the Elk River.
Jamie Harless Manager
Nick Hunter Funeral Attendant
Nick Fitzwater Funeral Director
Steve Teel Funeral Attendant
John Hafer axton L.I.C/Owner
Tina R. axton Owner
Mary Hafer Founder
ELK’S STUDENTS
BASKETBALL
The HHHS Huskie basketball team is having an amazing season, with a 15-4 (and JV 13-3) record to date! Dane Hatfield, Donovan Brown, and Riley Johnson continue to dominate the scoreboard, and in fact, they scored over 20 points each at the Nicholas County game!
SWIM TEAM
On their way to the WVSSAC Swimming Championship, February 20-21 in Morgantown! Congrats to Aubrie Abbott and Maysen Fletcher for making Honorable Mention on the All-Conference Team and to Chloe Foreman, Willa Skiles, and Michael Smith for making 2nd team, All Conference. State qualifiers are Jessa Stout x 2, Chloe Foreman x 2, Peyton Greathouse x 2, Reese Holbert x 2, Willa Skiles, Jenna Stout x 2, and Ashton Walker x 2. The Girls 200 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay, and 400 Free Relay are also State Meet Qualifiers.
BIG SHOUT OUTS!
Congrats to Talon Harrison for continuing his education and football career at Fairmont State University. A big shout out to Dane Hatfield as he has committed to play football at NCAA Division 1 Northern Illinois University, whose teams are nicknamed - wait for it - the Huskies!
WRESTLING
The Huskies hosted the 2025 Cardinal Conference Tournament in February and finished as CHAMPIONS! Also, Jake Eden captured his 100 career victory!
Bryson Young (106) - 4TH PLACE
Athon Means (106) - RUNNER-UP
Orion Taylor (106) - CHAMPION
Preston Rhodes (113) - RUNNER-UP
Colbey Todd (120) - 4TH PLACE
Elijah Cooper (120) - RUNNER-UP
Hunter Hughart (120) - CHAMPION
Alex Arbogast (126) - 4TH PLACE
Casey Siders (126) - RUNNER-UP
Landon Delwarte (132) - 3RD PLACE
Dalton Myers (132) - CHAMPION
Lathan Chandler (138) - RUNNER-UP
Cody Redmon (144) - 4TH PLACE
Sam Snyder (144) - 3RD PLACE
Kolton Fields (150) - RUNNER-UP
Dameon Forney (157) - RUNNER-UP
Jake Eden (165) - CHAMPION
Ethan Deal (175) - CHAMPION
Tristin Shaffer (190) - RUNNER-UP
Cody Collins (215) - RUNNER-UP
Matthew Kidd (285) - 4TH PLACE
Connor Facemire (285) - RUNNER-UP
CLENDENIN BREWING CO.
LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS
3/1 • 7PM TRIVIA NIGHT
3/7 • 6:30PM KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP
3/8 • 6:30PM LIVE MUSIC: NEW WELLS SOUTH
3/19 • 6:30PM ASK A PASTOR
3/22 • 6:30PM LIVE MUSIC: JOE BIRD
3/28 • 6:30PM BOOK CLUB: '1984'
3/29 • 6:30PM LIVE MUSIC: CHET LOWTHER
2 MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN
DON’T FORGET ABOUT ONGOING BIBLE STUDY (WEDNESDAYS) & BINGO (THURSDAYS) AT 6:30PM
APRIL 4 – 5 | 10 AM–3 PM BIG USED BOOK SALE
Elk Valley Branch Library will host its BIG Book Sale this month! Early preview sale will be Thursday, April 3 from 5-7:30 PM. Regular sale dates will be Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, from 10 AM-3 PM. Tables will be full of exciting mysteries, romance, biographies, children’s books, crafts and hobbies, DVDs and more! This is the big fundraiser for the Elk Valley Advisory Board to help with their annual budget. All proceeds will go toward the Annual Assessment. Come out and support your local library! Winter weather is still here for another month, so make sure you have some good books on hand!
PINCH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Justin Teel has been appointed by the Board of Directors as the next chief of the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department and will serve a five-year term. He has been a member for the past 26 years and has served as a firefighter, training officer, lieutenant, and assistant chief. Chief Teel is currently a Lieutenant for the Charleston Fire Department and serves as A-Shift’s Training and Safety Officer. Also,he is a Nationally Registered Paramedic and services on Charleston Fire Department’s Haz-Mat Team as well as several technical rescue disciplines for the WV Regional Response Team. The Pinch Volunteer Fire Department looks forward to Chief Teel’s leadership moving forward and extends a special thanks to Chief John “Opie” Thaxton for his service to the department, our community, and citizens we serve as he concluded his five year team as chief.
FRIDAY NIGHT JAM
Doors open at 5PM | Band starts at 7PM Admission $5 | Kids 12 & Under FREE Thrift store is open Fri. from 5:30-8:30pm Concessions available 1058 MAIN
STREET, ELKVIEW
FASTER WV has many events upcoming—mark your calendars now for FASTER WV Childcare Workshops in nine counties for 2025. Read on for details.
March 1 | 5pm
WVU Extension & WV Dept of Agriculture's Winter Blues Farmers Market Event.
March 6 | 5:30pm
FASTER WV Jackson County Childcare Workshop at JCDA.
March 11 | 6 pm
Unlimited Future, Inc.'s Entrepreneurship Business Basics Course begins.
March 25 | 5pm
FASTER WV Kauffman FastTrac Course at Kanawha County Public Library.
April 10 | 5:30 pm
FASTER WV Putnam County Childcare Workshop at Area 34.
April 29 | 8 am–6 pm
West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Annual Conference at Shepherd University.
May 6 | 5:30 pm
FASTER WV Kanawha County Childcare Workshop at Connect Child Care Resource & Referral.
Email marjorie@advantagevalley.com for more information and register soon!
ELK REFLECTS the
ELK RIVER RUNNERS
Just in time to get you excited for the upcoming Track and Field season! Carolyn Pirnat shared this photo of Elk River runners that is now displayed in the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum in Elkview. This photo was hanging in the front of Maynor’s Market for years as well. Larry Maynor had the original ‘Elk River social media!’
L-R: Steve Fox, Jimmy Fisher, Billy Belcher, and Tom Echol.
EXCITING UPDATE FOR THE 2025 ELK RIVER RAIL TRAIL MARATHON!
Big news for this year’s Elk River Rail Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K—the 2025 event is moving to Gassaway, WV! Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 14, 2025, and get ready to hit the ground running on this flat, fast, and scenic course. Registration opened on February 1, and runners are encouraged to sign up early for the best pricing. In 2024, the race reached capacity with over 300 participants, and this year’s new location allows for even more runners to join the fun.
While the start and finish line distances remain the same, the move to Gassaway allows for the construction of the Elk River Trail Visitors Center in Dundon slated to commence in 2025. The move to Gassaway also brings plenty of parking—eliminating the need for shuttle buses. Plus, with the race now in the area where the legendary Braxton County Monster was spotted, keep an eye out for an exciting new Cryptid Challenge/Series debuting in 2026! Elk River Trail Foundation expresses its heartfelt thanks to Ricky Campbell and the Appalachian Timing Group for their continuing support of the Elk River Trail. The proceeds from the races are critical for the Foundation to continue its mission of supporting the rail trail, the Elk River Water Trail, and the surrounding communities along the trails.
Stay tuned for upcoming reveals, including the finisher medal, race shirt design, and course maps—all coming soon in ERL!
ELK’S GARDEN the WINTER TRADITIONS: LARD FOR COOKING & FUN CRAFTS FOR THE KIDS
By Laura Boggess Shafer.
Laura and her family manage a family farm in the Clendenin area. Keeping Appalachian values and traditions alive, she enjoys sharing her wisdom on gardening, canning, preserving, recipes and more with ERL readers!
In the winter, we have a long-standing tradition at our house: butchering. During this time, we prepare our pork by freezing, canning, salting, and smoking it— an age-old process that keeps our pantry stocked and our meals flavorful.
Another cherished part of this tradition is trimming the pork fat and rendering it into lard. Of course, if you prefer, lard is also available at most grocery stores. Like butter or shortening, lard is a versatile cooking fat that can be used for baking, sautéing, grilling, or frying. It’s the secret behind the flakiest pie crusts you’ll ever taste, and because it doesn’t smoke at high temperatures, it’s ideal for deep frying your favorite foods.
This month, I’m sharing our lard recipe again, along with my grandma’s tried-and-true flaky pie crust recipe. These are staples in our kitchen, and I hope they become favorites in yours as well!
FLAKY PIE CRUST
- 4 cups flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups lard
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
STEP 1 Mix dry ingredients together with fork or hands till crumbly
STEP 2 Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture. Mix gently ‘til it holds together. Roll out to your desired thickness. Makes 6 crusts or 3 double crust pies.
PIE HINTS
- A pie crust will be more easily made and better if all ingredients are cool.
- To prevent a cream pie crust from becoming soggy, sprinkle with powdered sugar
- Cut drinking straws into short lengths and insert through slits in pie crust to prevent juices from running over in the oven and permit steam to escape.
LARD
- We grind the fat to make it quicker and easier to render
- Put in large iron kettle outside over an open fire
- As the fat melts, the cracklins (aka the solid material which is left from rendering) come to the top and when they turn brown, the lard is ready. This normally takes 2-3 hours. Using a metal ladle and a metal colander, we strain the lard into completely dry and warm jars.
- Clean rims, add rings and lids. As the lard cools the jar seals and it turns white.
Lard is used just as any other grease, such as Crisco. The great-grandparents never asked how much meat you got. They always wanted to know how much lard you got because it had to do them all year to cook with and to make pie crusts and breads.
Here’s a fun and simple activity to do with the kids using lard: making pine cone bird feeders! Not only is this project easy and enjoyable, but it also helps our feathered friends during the chilly winter months. Many birds that brave the cold rely on high-energy foods to stay warm, and these homemade feeders are just what they need.
PINE CONE BIRD FEEDER
- Lard (or suet if you prefer)
- Bird seed
- Medium and Large Pine Cones
- Twine
STEP 1 Let the lard come up to room temperature.
STEP 2 Clean the pine cones and tie a long piece of string or twine around the bottom of each cone.
STEP 3 In a large bowl, mix the lard, adding enough birdseed until it all sticks together.
STEP 4 Push the fat and seed mixture between the pine cone scales to create a nice, big seed ball.
STEP 5 Place on waxed paper and refrigerate until the lard has set.
STEP 6 HANG THEM UP outside and get ready to enjoy the bird show!
WREATH BIRD FEEDER
STEP 1 Mix one part lard to two parts seeds, nuts, or dried fruit until it sticks together well.
STEP 2 Press seed mixture in a bundt-type cake pan to make a wreath bird feeder.
STEP 3 Refrigerate until the lard is firm.
STEP 4 Take a long piece of ribbon or string and attach to the wreath to hang or set your bird feeder in a quiet location.
NOTE You can also use a baking sheet and press the mixture into cookie cutters to make different-shaped feeders. Poke a hole in the top of the seed cookie and add a string to hang.
VARIATIONS ON LARD/SEED BIRD FEEDERS:
• Add in some dried fruit such as raisins, currants, cranberries, dates or other favorites.
• Add in some grated pieces of apple or pear, or even grated cheese!
• Crushed unsalted peanuts can be added.
• Peanut butter is also an option. Choose one with NO added oils, artificial sweeteners or salt.
HEALTHY ELK
SPRING FORWARD WITHOUT FALLING BACK
Tips for Injury Prevention
Submitted by Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC, owner of Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andi has been the owner of EVPT since 2010. She is a 1996 honors graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from University of Charleston and she graduated from WVU with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She is a proud HHHS alumnus and is very active in Elk River athletics and youth programs.
Spring is officially here, bringing more than just blooming flowers and chirping birds. The change in weather combined with more daylight is nature’s invitation to get out of hibernation mode and get more physically active.
Research across diverse countries and populations confirms this seasonal trend: summer is prime time for movement, while winter often leads to a dip in activity. With the opportunity to become more active comes the potential for more injuries, aches, and pains.
HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW:
• Pain and injuries from overuse and overtraining become more common in the spring. After being indoors and less active, people try to take full advantage of the daylight and weather.
• Ramping up activity too quickly is a common cause of injury. Going from the couch to long hikes, bike rides, or even group fitness classes can lead to problems.
• Evaluate what you’ve been doing through the winter and build up slowly. For example, if you haven’t been walking at all, try to get out for 15 minutes 3 times this week. Next week, try for 20 minutes. In a few weeks, you’ll be on long strolls enjoying nature without overtaxing your muscles and joints.
• Another common reason for spring visits at Elk Valley Physical Therapy is “weekend warrior” injuries. As recreational sports ramp up for the season, injuries also start as people who did less through the winter head back to competition without enough preparation.
So before softball season ramps up or you book your weekends solid with tee times, consider your existing fitness routine. Look for areas where you could improve and areas of your fitness that you’ve neglected. Have you been doing strength training all winter but ignored your endurance? Did you spend the winter on the treadmill and never stretch? Some adjustments now can save you pain and injury later.
Spring can be a great time to get outside and get more active, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’d like someone to look at your existing routine and help you prepare for more activity, or you’ve already got an ache or pain started, the experts at Elk Valley Physical Therapy can help!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Join the Clendenin Elk River Trail Walking Club to walk at your own pace along the Elk River Trail bordering the Elk River. Join them every week and walk at your own pace. During the winter months, they pick the warmest day of the week to walk at 4 PM ! Text Jessica Wright Gamponia at 304.761.4251 if you would like to be added to their group text for meeting details each week. It’s a great time of fellowship and exercise.
