Flour & Figures Flour & Figures
Gabi Walker
Kids by Maria Emmerich
Dreams meet plans.
Hello & Welcome Back!
Spring has finally arrived! Crocuses, daffodils, and sunshine are here, and it’s time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.
What better way to start your day than with a visit to Pinch’s newest coffee shop and bakery, Rise & Grind Cafe. They offer an incredible selection of hot and cold drinks, paired perfectly with delicious pastries. Whether you're heading to work or meeting a friend for a relaxing morning at one of their outdoor tables, Rise and Grind is sure to brighten your day.
This month’s Elk’ Students section is packed with exciting athletic achievements! With spring sports in full swing, be sure to check out the baseball, softball, and track and field schedules. Our student-athletes thrive on community support—so grab a seat in the stands, cheer them on, and enjoy a classic ballpark hotdog topped with chili and slaw!
While you’re out and about, take advantage of great spring deals at your local Elk River businesses. Whether you need mulch, flowers, paint, or gardening supplies at Green's in Big Chimney, or home renovation essentials at Tim Hogan's Design Gallery, you’ll find everything you need close to home. Plus, don’t forget to stop by Elk River Boutique and Puzzled Pistols Boutique for stylish new spring apparel and trendy t-shirts!
Spring is a time of renewal, and I’m grateful for another season to enjoy. Let’s appreciate what we have, embrace the things we can control, and cherish the loved ones around us. A heart full of gratitude makes every season even sweeter.
Until next month—stay safe, and sending much 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
Rise & Grind Cafe in Pinch is a premier coffee and bakery Cafe, located at 242 South Pinch Road! Photo by Stephen Holcomb.
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., C, Elkview
ANR CONSTRUCTION
304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510
Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young
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
ELITE ROOFING
304.969.ROOF
1260 D Greenbrier St., Charleston
ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY
304.965.6661
contact Joey Adkins, DDS
ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE
304.965.7501
602 Railroad Ave., Elkview
ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY
304.965.5312
5082 Elk River Rd., Elkview
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., Charleston
SMITH'S FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS
304.965.7600
Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview
304.444.4288 contact Phil Shaffer
STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME
304.548.6611 www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
304.965.7111
4774 Chimney Dr., Charleston THE PRINTING
304.744.7949
143 Gaylor Ln., Charleston
TUDOR’S BISCUIT
304.965.7769 1083 Main St., Elkview
304.935.2287
5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview WEST VIRGINIA
304.941.2229 403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com
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ELK’S COOKBOOK
MOUTH WATERING POTATO CHIP NACHOS
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.
Gabi says “THIS…THIS should be some kind of illegal! These nachos were so crazy good and it actually had me totally baffled as to why I hadn’t come up with it before! It’s so easy and absolutely addictive! It’s like nachos merged with traditional chips and dip. They are cheesy and crispy and crunchy and slightly smoky and salty and with ranch flavoring…who knew warm potato chips could be so amazing! OK, I’ve talked myself into wanting some more!
I saw these on a FaceBook reel and made them as a side for burgers and they clearly stole the show! I took some of the leftover ingredients later in the week and made a small batch for lunch, too. Give this one a try soon"!
POTATO CHIP NACHOS
From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker
INGREDIENTS
• 1 large/family size bag of Ruffles (I used WalMart brand)
• 1 pkt Hidden Valley Ranch Dip mix - divided
• 1 C sour cream
• 1 C real bacon bits
• 1 C Monterey Jack cheese - shredded
• 2 C sharp cheddar cheese - shredded
• 5-6 green onion tops - sliced
• Few dashes of hot sauce - optional
DIRECTIONS
PREP 10 MIN | BAKE 12-15 MIN @ 425•
STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2 Dump out chips and spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
STEP 3 Take 1 tablespoon of the ranch dip out of the packet and mix into the 1 cup of sour cream. Set in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the nachos.
STEP 4 Put all of the cheeses in a bowl and add the remaining packet of ranch dip. Stir to mix.
STEP 5 Spread the cheese mixture over the chips and lightly spread to work the mixture into all of the cracks/crevices of the chips. Top evenly with bacon bits.
STEP 6 Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
(NOTE: You don’t want these to brown--you just want them golden and melty.)
STEP 7 Top with green onion tops and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately with the prepared sour cream dip on the side.
EDENS BODY WORKS
This year marks a significant milestone for Edens Body Works in Elkview, as owner Doug Edens celebrates 35 years of dedicated service to the community. Reflecting on this achievement, Doug expresses his gratitude: "Many people say a business is only as good as its employees. I've been blessed to have people who worked as an extension of me, and not just for me, as employees. The good news is, many are still here for me today."
In our January issue, ERL highlighted how Edens Body Works was founded in 1990, built upon a vision, friendships, hard work, and commitment. This foundation laid the groundwork for the legacy that continues today. Recognizing the need for growth, Doug expanded the original building in 1996. He recalls, "When we built the first building, we were doing the body work and painting all in the same building, but as we grew, it was apparent
that we needed to have two separate areas, one for body work and the other for the painting."
The expansion was made possible by the efforts of Brian, Tim, and Kevin Chapman, Will Gilbert, E.J. Cole, Bob Payne, and others who joined forces with the original team, including Doug's father Jimmie Edens, Mayford Cox, Pat Bailey and crew, Ralph Chapman, Jerry Dustin, Tom Stump, and Bill Gilbert. Within months, the new addition was completed adjacent to the first building, providing an additional 32 x 48 feet of much-needed space.
As Edens Body Works commemorates its 35th anniversary, Doug once again extends his heartfelt thanks to the friends and community members who have been instrumental in this journey. "Without their kindness, hard work, and skills, we would not be celebrating this anniversary, and for that, I am eternally thankful."
Doug Edens "
-
I am thankful for the community support, employees, family, and volunteers who helped make Edens Body Works—my dad’s vision—a success!"
BREWING COMMUNITY & DELICIOUS TREATS
One year ago, on February 9, Stephen and Sara Holcomb received the keys to what would become Rise & Grind Cafe, a beloved bakery café. Seven months of dedicated renovations transformed the space, leading to its grand opening on September 27, 2024. Since then, they have welcomed over 5,000 customers—and counting!
The Pinch community had long awaited a local coffee shop and bakery, and when Rise & Grind Cafe opened its doors, it was met with overwhelming support. For the Holcombs, the journey to making their dream a reality has been filled with surprises. “It’s been a crazy ride, but here we are,” said Sara. Steven added, “I’m working more than I ever have and happier than I’ve ever been.”
Sara’s love for baking began at just three years old when her Great-Grandmother Georgie introduced her to biscuit-making. Inspired by her family’s culinary talents— especially her Granny Jo from Louisiana—baking was in her blood. Stephen, a CPA with a Master’s in Business Administration, had always dreamed of opening a business and was more than ready to escape the finance world. However, it wasn’t until the COVID pandemic that this grand idea really gained traction when Stephen got up early one morning before work and created a spreadsheet
of possible menu items and a rough forecast of whether they could take a risk and open a business.
At the time, Sara worked in Radiology at Thomas Memorial Hospital, but when her part-time position was eliminated, she found herself at home with her husband and two young sons. Stephen created an Instagram fan page for their food photos just for fun, not knowing it would explode into their future business. Friends and family wanted to order their delectable goodies, and after a few months of selling $5 breakfasts to Stephen’s coworkers, he registered Rise & Grind Cafe as an LLC, and soon, they were running a home-based business that continued for four years, selling orders onFacebook and at special events such as FestivAll in Charleston. Demand for their baked goods grew rapidly, and in January 2024, they heard about a storefront available in Pinch. By February 9, they took a leap of faith, secured the space, and began transforming
a former barbershop into the cozy café that now serves as a local favorite. Rise & Grind Cafe boasts a robust menu of specialty drinks, including frappes, fruit smoothies, and an extensive selection of coffees and teas. Their sugar-free syrup menu has been a hit, offering a delicious perk for many customers. Seasonal specialty drinks keep things exciting—March featured the green Shamrock Frappe, and rumor has it that April’s drink might include a colorful Easter peep garnish! Their most popular specialty drink has been the Butterbeer latte, which remains available all year.
In addition to drinks, the café features a protein menu, gluten-free options, and an ever-changing selection of sweet treats. Their showcase is always stocked with fresh delights, from cookies and cupcakes to cheesecakes and brownies. Favorites include Tea Cookies—a cherished recipe from Granny Jo—strawberry brownies, cream cheese muffins, Biscoff cheesecake, and Waffle Dippers, which come with an array of dipping sauces like chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla icing, and peanut butter.
Patrons can also grab a loaf of delicious sourdough bread from The Carb Peddler, or pair it with jams and spreads from Morris Farms. Don’t forget to browse the café’s
charming gift shop, filled with coffee-themed apparel, teapots, mugs, and more. With indoor and outdoor seating, plus a convenient drive-thru, Rise & Grind Cafe caters to busy morning commuters and leisurely café-goers alike. Parents will appreciate the dedicated kids’ area, complete with pint-sized furniture and toys—an inviting space for families that gives moms a well-deserved chance to relax.
The Holcombs, originally from Indore and Lizemores in Clay County, have called Pinch home for 11 years. They are proud of their hardworking team, which includes Kyleigh Cantrell, a senior at Herbert Hoover High School who participates in the Carver culinary co-op program. Alexis Peck, an expert in crafting specialty drinks, is currently on maternity leave, with Isaiah Elliott temporarily stepping in to help. Madi Gingerich, who joined in December, is an aspiring bakery owner specializing in custom cakes.
Rise & Grind Cafe is located at 242 South Pinch Road in Pinch. Their hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7 AM–5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM–12 Noon. Follow them on Facebook (@riseandgrindcafewv) for the latest menu updates and daily specials. Warning: once you see their mouthwatering posts, your car might just drive itself to Rise & Grind Cafe!
ELK’S JOURNAL
SUGAR FREE KIDS BY
MARIA EMMERICH
If you are looking for some great books, you really need to check out Sugar-Free Kids by Maria Emmerich! It is a fantastic guide to making healthy, sugar-free meals the whole family will love. You can find this book on Amazon, your local bookstore, or at one of our favorites, Plot Twist Books in South Charleston.
Amazon said:
The Amazon Review for this awesome book said: It is common knowledge that sugar makes kids hyperactive, have mood swings, and contributes to the childhood obesity epidemic. More and more studies are demonstrating its negative health effects on adults and children alike. Cutting sugar at an early age can help set your children up for a healthy adulthood and bestselling low-carb author Maria Emmerich is here to teach you how.
Emmerich is raising two boys on a diet free from processed sugars and centered around healthy protein and fat, and she’s seen firsthand how kids can thrive when they eat this way! Sugar-Free Kids arms busy parents with a wide array of sugar-free recipes that children will love. Not only does Maria keep kids’ picky palates in mind, focusing on familiar flavors and dishes, but she also recognizes that today’s families are strapped for time. The 150 recipes in this cookbook use readily available ingredients and are easy to prepare; in fact, kids can make many of these dishes themselves! From graham crackers and gummy bears to chicken nuggets, tacos, and pizza, moms and dads will find just about every food their children crave, without the sugar and processed carbs that make their brains foggy and can lead to health issues later in life. Maria also offers substitutions for kids who avoid dairy, eggs, and/or nuts and even provides a selection of vegetarian recipes. Sample recipes include:
• Strawberry Breakfast Parfait
• Chocolate Minute Muffins
• Pigs in a Blanket
• Touchdown Tacos
• Crispy Baked Ravioli
• Pizza Dog Casserole
• Sweet ’n’ Sour Chicken Wings
• Just Like Oreo
Cookie Sandwiches
• No-Churn Blue Moon
Ice Cream
Excerpt
It’s a typical Monday morning, and the whole family is running late. The school bus is coming, and the kids haven’t eaten anything yet. So you pour them a glass of no-sugar-added, “allnatural” grape juice and toss a breakfast bar their way. Then they get on the bus, and no one is late. Whew! Thank goodness for prepackaged “food.”
No time for breakfast means no time to pack lunch either, so the kids have to eat school lunch--chicken nuggets with a side of mashed potatoes from a box, a roll, some fruit cocktail, and chocolate milk. After-school programs and sports keep them at school until 4:30, so they grab a granola bar and a small bottle of Gatorade to keep their energy up. Once all the activities are over, you’re tired from driving the kids all over the place, so you throw in a frozen pizza for dinner, followed by a bowl of Lucky Charms with skim milk a few hours later for a bedtime snack.
Does this scenario sound familiar?...
We spend lots of money and time making sure our kids get the best education, participate in activities like sports, and learn good manners and respect for others. Why aren’t we putting the same effort into the most important thing we can do for our kids? We need to teach them about which foods are healthy and why, giving them the tools they need to enjoy good health later in life…
Now that you’ve got a handle on why cutting sugar is a smart idea, it's’ time to get into the kitchen! This book outlines some handy cooking tips, helps you plan healthy meals and snacks for your family, and introduces you to some useful tools and ingredients for sugar-free cooking and baking.
CELEBRATING TOGETHER
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY REGAN GEARY
Regan Geary celebrated International Women’s Day with two amazing women who have influenced her life: her mom, Andi Geary, and her grandmother, Millie Naylor. Regan is a freshman at Marshall University.
And speaking of amazing, stop by Fox Coffee Co. at 14 Main Street in Clendenin and try their new Chocolate Chip Cookie Crazy Frappe!
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
The athletes at Herbert Hoover High School continue to excel. 2024-25 has already been a banner year for the Huskies with more to come! Also, check out the Elk River youth claiming victories on the Elk!
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Cardinal Conference Awards went to Ayva Veltri, First Team, and Bella Haas, Second Team, with honorable mentions to Sadi Wehrle and Payschence Lyons. Congrats!
BOYS BASKETBALL
The Hoover boys triumphed over Princeton to capture their first win in Regional Round 1 before succumbing to Shady Spring in their second game. Also, congrats to Cardinal Conference winners! Dane Hatfield is the 2024-25 Player of the Year! Donovan Brown was awarded First Team; Riley Johnson was awarded as Second Team, and Sam Kee was awarded Honorable Mention!
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
Hoover’s baseball and softball teams are stepping onto brand-new turf fields this season, and they look incredible. With their sights set on another strong run in the State Championships, both teams recently hosted clinics for Elk River youth—helping young players build skills and fueling the future of the River’s athletic legacy.
HOOVER YOUTH BASKETBALL
Congrats to the fourth grade All-Stars on a remarkable 18-2 season! They finished in second place among 18 teams in one of the toughest,most competitive youth basketball leagues in the State. This team has advanced to the championship game of the Gold Bracket in two out of the past three seasons. These are the only league championship game appearances for the team in their history.
RUNNER UP! STATE SWIM CHAMPIONSHIP
Herbert Hoover finished as the Class AA/A runner-up with 123 points! Ashton Walker finished State Runner Up in the girls 500 free and the girls 200-yard freestyle relay (Peyton Greathouse, Jessa Stout, Reese Holbert, and Walker) placed fourth.
Photo by Tim Take Photography.
ELKHOUND ARCHERY
By Coach Jeffrey Mullins
The Elkhounds Archery Team is back to back 3D State Champions! The team competed on March 8th for the NASP/IBO State 3D Championship in the Elementary Division and brought home the win! The win also kept the Elkhounds at the #1 spot in the country for the second week in a row! Now the team prepares for the state championship in bullseye target shooting, which will take place at the Charleston Coliseum on March 29th, where they will go for their 5th straight win.
The top ten individual winners for the tournament were: Boys Division: Carter Alford - 8th place; Cash Miller - 7th place; Isaac Pittman - 3rd place; Cade Thomas - 2nd place. Girls Division: Emery Newhouse - 10th place; Sadie Harold - 8th place; Kyleigh Woody - 4th place; Zoey Galwey - 3rd place; Caroline Barron - 2nd place; Nora Hanson - State Champion!
RUNNER UP! STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
The HHHS Wrestling Team made school history, finishing as AA/A State Runner-Up at the State Wrestling Championship with a final score of 142.0! Individual State Champions were Josh Bostic (113) and Conner Facemire (285). Hunter Hughart (120) also placed as State Runner-Up. Additional Hoover individual placers include: Orion Taylor (106) Third Place; Kolton Fields (150) Fourth Place; and Jake Edens (165) Third Place. A Big shout out to Hoover’s Coach Richard Harper on being voted AA Coach of the Year!
TRACK & FIELD
Track practice started at the beginning of May and Hoover is excited that they will be hosting two meets at their new field, one of which will be this year’s Regional Track Meet! Get ready to see more school records set this year!
DINNER THEATER IN GASSAWAY
What a fantastic evening at the murder mystery dinner theatre, sponsored by Gassaway Days Celebration! “Goering’s Diamonds” was presented by the outstanding group of actors, Murder and Merriment, on March 1 at the historic Gassaway Train Station.
The theme was perfect for the location: “The war ended a few months ago in Europe. The Nazi’s have been soundly defeated. Nazu Reischsmarschall, Hermann Goering, has been captured in Bavaria in May, and American troops have uncovered several caches of his stolen loot. It is rumored in certain circles that a case of plundered Goering diamonds worth nearly a million dollars has been lifted recently from U. S. custody. No one knows where the diamonds have gone. Or do they? A train is on its way to Marseilles with a load of passengers…”
If you missed this event, watch for their next one in September! Come and enjoy a delightful dinner with friends and see if you can figure out the solution to the mystery!
CLENDENIN BREWING CO.
LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS
4/4 • 6:30PM JOSH PANTRY 4/5 • 7PM TRIVIA NIGHT
4/12 • 6:30PM CHRIS RUCKER
4/18 • 6:30PM KNITTING/CROCHETING GROUP
4/19 • 6:30PM THOMAS DANLEY
4/26 • 6:30PM ANNE MELTON
3/29 • 6:30PM LIVE MUSIC: CHET LOWTHER
2 MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN
& DON’T FORGET ABOUT ONGOING BIBLE STUDY ON WEDNESDAYS @ 6:30 PM, BINGO ON THURSDAYS @ 6:30 PM, & RUNNING GROUP ON SATURDAYS @ 10 AM.
APRIL 3 – 5 | ELK VALLEY LIBRARY BIG USED BOOK SALE
Early preview book 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS!
Former Roger’s Grocery, Pinch (beside Roger’s Hardware)
The Herbert Hoover High School Class of 1971 is back with another huge rummage sale! Join them on Friday and Saturday, April 25-26, and shop for great finds while supporting a great cause.
All proceeds benefit the Class of ‘71 Vocational Scholarship Fund, helping a deserving HHHS graduate this May!
More Than Just a Sale!
Along with fantastic bargains, enjoy delicious hot dogs and homemade baked goods!
Donations Welcome!
They are accepting donations and will be setting up on Thursday, April 24, from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Drop off your items then, or contact:
Kelly Dawson – 304.859.1881 | Judy Naylor – 304.989.1055
Let’s make this year’s sale another success, see you there!
April 1
April 3
APRIL EVENTS
FREE Pizza Give-Away 6–8pm | Pizza On Main
Municipal Court 6pm | Town Hall
April 7 American Legion 6pm
April 8
CMA Food Bank 5–6pm | Clendenin UMC
CUMC Community Meal 5–6pm | Clendenin UMC
Business Roundtable 6pm | Riverview Conference Area
April 12 ATV Clinic 9am–2pm
Clendenin Little League
Super Saturday Games | 10am-6:45pm
Rummy Tournament 3pm | Elk River Baking Co.
CMA Gospel Sing 4–7pm | Harper Stage
April 14 Council Meeting 6pm | Town Hall
April 15
April 18
April 19
CMA Food Bank 5–6pm | Clendenin UMC
Community Easter Service 7pm | Clendenin Pentecostal Church
Good Friday
Easter Celebration
Easter Egg Hunt 10:30am | Little League Field
Parade
11am | Elk River Trail (ballfield to gazebo)
Inflatables
Noon–2pm | Main Street
April 20 Easter Sunday
April 22
CMA Food Bank 5–6pm | Clendenin UMC
Lion’s Club meeting 6:30pm
April 26 Trout & Catfish stocking 9am | North boat ramp
Movie Night
7:30pm | Community Center
April 28
April 29
Council Meeting 6pm | Town Hall
CMA Food Bank 5–6pm | Clendenin UMC
ELK REFLECTS
The Elk River Communities Museum recently shared some nostalgic baseball photos, just in time for Hoover’s baseball season debut on the newly turfed field!
Among the treasured memories are team photos from the 1976-77 and 1980-81 Hoover baseball teams. Also featured is Coach Pete Kelly alongside the Hoover Bat Girls from the 1980-81 season.
These images offer a glimpse into the rich history of Hoover High School baseball, celebrating the players, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to the program’s legacy.
Pete Kelly | 1976–77
1980-81 Seniors: Steve Huffman, Shawn Mikaels, Eddie Lynn, Tom Gandee, Evan Wingate, Greg Carnes, Shelley Blackshire, Everett Sparr
1976-77 | Row 1 (L-R) Steve Coutz, Bobby Scott, Mike Idleman, Carl Hughes, Lewis Hill, Tim Gandee, Terry Gandee, Jeff Skeens. Row 2: Rex Carnes, Tom Jones, Jimmy Cole, Frank Holden, Steve Leach, Kevin Buckner, Steve Gandee, Tim Kennedy
1980-81 | Bat Girls Are: Ginger Young, Sheila Hensley, Jamie Poe, Kelly Gandee, Rhonda Palmer
EAGLES ON THE ELK!
Have you seen the bald eagles
the Elk
It’s a sight to behold! This eagle nest is located between Gassaway and Frametown.
Photos by our ERL Guest Photographer Janet Six
along
River Trail?
ELK’S GARDEN the
ROTATE THOSE CROPS THIS YEAR!
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!
April marks the perfect time to plan your garden, and this year, consider implementing crop rotation—a practice that enhances soil health and boosts crop yields. Crop rotation involves planting different types of crops in various sections of your garden each year. This strategy prevents nutrient depletion, manages pests, and improves overall crop production. By alternating crops, you disrupt pest life cycles specific to certain plants, reducing the need for pesticides. Additionally, diverse root systems from different plants help control weed populations. For example, planting corn in one area one year, followed by nitrogen-fixing peas the next, and then root vegetables like carrots in the third year, can significantly benefit your garden.
Legumes such as peas and beans are particularly beneficial due to their ability to enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen. In the fall, instead of pulling up these plants, clip off the tops and let the roots decay in the soil, leaving behind nitrogen for the following year's crops. Neglecting crop rotation can lead to decreased plant health, reduced productivity, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. Incorporating crop rotation can result in a more bountiful and healthier harvest.
This practice has been utilized for centuries to reduce insect damage and maintain soil health. Our oldest grandson, Wade, wanted his own garden at the age of three, so Papaw and Daddy built him a 4x8-foot raised bed. After the first year, Wade decided it wasn’t big
enough, leading to the construction of another 4x8 bed. This year, Wade undertook a 4-H gardening project titled “See Them Sprout.” His initial step was to map out the garden and keep a record each year to remember where each crop was planted—a practice that could benefit all
gardeners. Maintaining an annual map of your plantings aids in effective crop rotation, even in small gardens. While it may seem challenging in limited spaces, rotating crops is a crucial aspect of successful gardening. Give it a try this year! Happy Gardening!
HEALTHY ELK
IT’S PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH...
but what exactly is
Parkinson’s?
Submitted by Andrew Robinson, DPT at Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andrew is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where he played collegiate baseball and earned his Doctorate of PT from Wheeling University in 2015. Andrew is certified as a LSVT clinician to treat Parkinson's Disease and is also certified by Titleist Performance to rehabilitate injuries involving golfers and other athletes.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, posture, and coordination. It can even affect your voice, facial expressions, and fine motor skills like handwriting, buttoning shirts/ pants, and fun activities like sewing or quilting.
Symptoms can start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand or sometimes a foot or the jaw. Be aware of common Parksinson’s symptoms, which can be different for everyone.
Symptoms of
The good news! You CAN manage the symptoms, and we CAN help! Skilled physical therapy is important in helping you manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease and it can help keep you safer and more comfortable!
1. IMPROVING BALANCE AND POSTURE
Physical therapy can help to improve balance using exercises that challenge stability, such as standing on one leg or walking on uneven surfaces.
2. IMPROVING MUSCLE STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE
A physical therapist will prescribe exercises using light weights or resistance bands to improve strength. More strength helps with balance and mobility. Exercise is proven to ease these and other Parkinson’s symptoms and can help slow disease progression.
3. ENHANCING AMPLITUDE OF MOVEMENT
Physical therapy can help increase the amplitude of movement by teaching overexaggerated physical movements, such as high steps and arm swings.
There are many types of exercise programs that help focus on movements in functional capacity and mobility. Examples include intensive sports training (noncontact boxing classes), treadmill training with body weight support, resistance training, aerobic exercise, yoga, home-based exercise, and stretching. Research even shows that both dance and martial arts improve symptoms related to Parkinson’s!
There is no exercise prescription that is right for everyone. Work with your physical therapist to determine the best exercise for your symptoms and challenges. The most important thing is consistency, so find something you enjoy and stick with it.
