

Do you dare to walk where spirits linger? Explore the WV Paranormal Trail for an adventure that blends ghost stories, folklore, and spine-chilling fun! p. 20
Two local congregations celebrate milestone events together with their church families and neighbors.
Heart disease touches countless lives in our community. At Roane General Hospital, we’re dedicated to ensuring that expert cardiology care is within reach for those who need it most. From prevention and education to advanced diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation, our experienced team is here to deliver the exceptional care you deserve—close to home.
Fall has arrived, and with it comes crisp air, colorful leaves, and a season full of community, traditions, and just a touch of mystery. This month’s issue is packed with all the things that make autumn on the Elk River so special.
Nothing says October quite like the West Virginia Paranormal Trail—21 spooky, legendary sites across the state waiting to be explored. With four right here in the Elk River community, you don’t have to travel far to begin your journey through history, mystery, and the unexplained. Fall also means homecomings and heritage, and we’re proud to feature two local churches marking milestone celebrations. Jordan Light Baptist Church just wrapped up its 30th annual “Old Fashioned Day” in September, complete with jars of homemade apple butter for everyone. Clendenin Advent Christian Church is preparing for its 100th anniversary celebration on October 7—a centennial gathering of worship, fellowship, and gratitude.
And of course, it wouldn’t be fall without pumpkin and spice! This month, Gabi Strickland Walker of Walker Mtn. Eats shares her mouthwatering Pumpkin Custard Casserole recipe, made with cinnamon roll crust and a crunchy pecan topping.
Speaking of pumpkins, before you head out to the patch, check out the Elk’s Garden and see Laura Boggess Shafer’s tips for picking the perfect pumpkin!
So, grab a cup of coffee, snuggle up with a blanket, and enjoy this month’s ERL. We’re here to keep you connected to all the good things happening on the Elk River.
Until next time—stay cozy, stay safe, and remember: you are loved.
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
THE COVER
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
ABSOLUTE ASPHALT
304. 548.7707
#WV-061163
ADVANTAGE VALLEY
304.352.1165
1045 Bridge Rd, Charleston advantagevalley.com
AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP
304.935.2230
4950 Elk River Rd., S. Elkview
AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS
304.965.6911
4601 Penn., Ave., Charleston
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
BROWNING LOGGING, LLC
304.373.6476
139 Broomfield Lane, Elkview
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 CO.
304.548.9262
2 Main St., 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
602 Railroad Ave., Elkview
ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY
304.965.5312
5082 Elk River Rd., Elkview
ELK RIVER BOUTIQUE
304.549.8778
14 Main St., Clendenin
ELK RIVER
COMMUNITIES MUSEUM
304.965.6596
1078 Main St., 2nd Floor, Elkview
ELKTOBERFEST
The Clendenin Brewing Co. & The Town of Clendenin
2 Main St., Clendenin
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
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
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
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
POCA VALLEY BANK
304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com
PRESSURE WASH IMPROVEMENTS
Brad Rhodes, Owner
304.859.6867
PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE
4636 Penn. Ave., Ste. 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com
ROANE GENERAL HOSPITAL
304.927.4444
200 Hospital Dr., Spencer
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
SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING
304.444.4288
contact Phil Shaffer
STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME
304.548.6611
www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
THE PRINTING PRESS
304.744.7949
143 Gaylor Ln., Charleston
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
XSPEC POWER
304.746.1139
Contact Emily Canterbury
YAK HOUSE RENTALS
304.941.2229
403 Elk Ave., Clendenin
Reservations: yakhouserentals.com
YEAGER DESIGN & INTERIORS
304.760.8914
168 Great Teays Blvd., Scott Depot
Z NATION ROOFING
304.358.6017
znationroofing.com
DATE
OCT 1 10:30AM
OCT 2 5PM
OCT 9 5PM
OCT 15 1PM
OCT 16 5PM
OCT 23 5PM
OCT 25 CLOSED
OCT 1 10:30AM
OCT 1 11AM
OCT 6 5:30PM
OCT 9 2:30PM
OCT 8 10:30AM
OCT 8 11AM
OCT 13 1PM
OCT 13 5PM
OCT 16 2PM
OCT 16 2:30PM
OCT 20 2PM
OCT 20 5:30PM
OCT 22 10:30AM
OCT 22 11AM
OCT 23 6PM
OCT 25 CLOSED
OCT 27 6PM
OCT 28 6PM
OCT 29 10:30AM
STORYTIME
JACK O LANTERN CRAFT*
NATURE AT NIGHT
CLENDENIN BOOK GROUP
FAMILY FUN: CREEPY, CRAWLY BUGS!
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
WV BOOK FESTIVAL
AGES 0-5
ADULTS & TEENS
FAMILIES
ADULTS
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
ALL AGES
JUMP INTO STORYTIME
STAY ‘N PLAY
PAINT PARTY: MUMMY DEAREST*
CREATORS’ CORNER: BOO & GLUE CRAFTS
JUMP INTO STORYTIME
STAY ‘N PLAY
TRICKED OUT TATERS
TRICKED OUT TATERS
SENSORY-FRIENDLY STORYTIME
SENSORY-FRIENDLY PLAYTIME
ELK VALLEY BOOK GROUP
HALLOWEEN MINUTE CHALLENGES
JUMP INTO STORYTIME
STAY ‘N PLAY
FAMILY PHOTO/RECIPE CARD KEEPSAKE CRAFT
WV BOOK FESTIVAL
TEEN TIME
ADULT PLAYGROUP
TINY TALES & TREATS
AGES 0-5
AGES 0-5
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
AGES 0-5
AGES 0-5
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
AGES 0-5
AGES 0-5
ADULTS
FAMILIES
AGES 0-5
AGES 0-5
ADULTS
ALL AGES
TEENS
ADULTS
ALL AGES
*Registration Required
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.
Hi all you pumpkin obsessed fans! Here’s one for you to whip up this season. It’s an incredibly easy recipe that no one believes can be this easy to make! Some people prefer it cold while others say it is awesome warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. The secret: refrigerated cinnamon rolls for the crust and an awesome crunchy pecan topping! This would also make a great brunch dessert.
From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker
INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS
CRUST:
• 2 - 12oz. can refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing PUMPKIN CUSTARD:
• 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs - slightly beaten
• ½ C light brown sugar
• ¼ t salt
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 t pumpkin pie spice
PECAN STREUSEL TOPPING:
• ½ C + 1 T light brown sugar
• ½ C + 1 T all purpose flour
• 4T butter - melted
• ½ C pecans-chopped (reserve a few pecan halves for garnish on top)
STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
STEP 2 Topping: in a bowl stir together the flour, sugar and pecans. Then, add melted butter and stir with the fork until all evenly moistened and create pea size crumbs. Set in the fridge until ready to use.
STEP 3 Custard Filling: In a bowl combine all filling ingredients and whisk well until smooth and evenly combined, set aside.
STEP 4 Crust: Open the tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing containers to use later. Separate the rolls on a cutting board, lightly dusted with flour. Cut each roll into bite sized pieces (about 4-6 per roll). Arrange the pieces in a single layer to cover the bottom of the greased 9x13 baking dish.
STEP 5 Pour the prepared custard over the cinnamon roll layer. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top and reserve the remaining streusel mixture for later.
STEP 6 Bake for 25-30 minutes, until it rises and forms a slightly firmed layer on top. Remove from the oven, sprinkle remaining streusel and arrange a few pecan halves on top for garnish. Bake for 10-15 minutes more, until the knife inserted in the center comes out wet but clean.
Do not over bake - total baking should be about 40-45 minutes. Cool for about 20 minutes and then drizzle top with the icing from the cinnamon rolls.
Church homecomings and annual celebrations have always been at the heart of southern tradition—moments that bring people together in fellowship, honor shared history, and strengthen community pride. In this issue, ERL highlights two local congregations as they carry on those legacies and mark milestone events with their church families and neighbors.
This October, the Clendenin Advent Christian Church will celebrate a remarkable milestone—its 100th anniversary as a congregation. The theme for this centennial year is “Celebrating 100 Years of God’s Grace.”
The celebration will take place during the church’s annual Homecoming on Sunday, October 7, at 10:30 AM, with special music provided by the Jay Humphries Trio. Following the morning worship service, everyone is invited to continue the fellowship with a Homecoming dinner in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Friends, family, former pastors, and past members are especially encouraged to attend this joyful occasion.
The story of Clendenin Advent Christian Church began with a revival in 1925, when 17 charter members stepped out in faith to form a congregation. By 1929, the church had grown enough to purchase its first building—a vacant Baptist church—where Elder J.E. Elmore delivered the morning message. The Rev. William Harper became the church’s first recorded pastor, followed by the Rev. A.G. Withrow. In 1943, the congregation moved into the former Woods Memorial Methodist Church, which continues to be their home today.
The church’s charter members—J.W. and Ollie Gandee, Martha Boggs, Ella Cummings, Ben and Ellen Ashley, Effie Morgan, Matt Lynch, Woody and Myrtle Hall, Dottie Westfall, Bertha Young, Virgil and Mrs. Smith, John Lee, and Walter and Mattie Shafer—laid the foundation for a century of ministry and fellowship that continues to thrive.
As the congregation reflects on its past, it also looks forward with gratitude and hope. “We thank the Lord that He has continued to prosper our church,” members share. “As we grow and walk in faith, we recognize those who came before us and made our church a wonderful fellowship throughout the years.”
Everyone is invited to join the church family for this centennial celebration of worship, fellowship, and gratitude. For dinner reservations, please RSVP to Eva June Oliver (304-548-5455) or Kathy Walker (304-5423514), or send a message via Facebook Messenger.
For the past 30 years, Jordan Light Baptist Church on Wills Creek Road in Elkview has been bringing the community together for its beloved tradition—Old Fashioned Day. What began with ladies in long dresses and bonnets and men in overalls and suspenders has grown into a day filled with faith, food, and fellowship that continues to bless the Elkview area.
Church members Edna Strickland and Melvin Chandler first launched the event three decades ago, and it’s been a highlight ever since. While costumes have mostly faded out, the spirit of togetherness remains stronger than ever. As longtime member Carol Holley shared, “It is still a full day of shared fellowship for our church and the community.”
The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of September with a morning sermon, followed by a country-style covered dish dinner at noon. Tables overflow with homemade favorites, many passed down through generations. Afternoon activities keep all ages entertained—corn hole, chalk art, fishing games, and more—while music fills the air during the outdoor gospel sing. This year’s featured group was the Jay Humphreys Trio. And of course, no Old Fashioned Day would be complete without the ever-popular cake walks, with desserts lovingly donated by the women of the church.
One of the most treasured traditions is the making of homemade apple butter, simmered slowly in a kettle over an open fire throughout the day. Visitors are welcome to take a turn stirring, and everyone leaves with a jar to enjoy at home. As Carol laughingly admits, “That was the part I always dreaded doing, but on Old Fashioned Day, it is what everyone wants to do!”
Pastor Bob Jett, who has faithfully served the church for 25 years, also invites the community to participate in other ministries year-round. The church operates a free Clothes Closet on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., accepting donations and providing clothing for men, women, and children. They also sponsor a free weeklong summer camp at Camp Shepherd in Roane County for kids ages 6–18, with older youth encouraged to return as helpers.
Mark your calendars now for next September—Jordan Light Baptist Church’s Old Fashioned Day is a wonderful opportunity to gather, celebrate, and share in the joy of community. And what’s even better—you go home with a jar of fresh apple butter!
ERL WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE WV DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM FOR THE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS FOR THIS ARTICLE | WVTOURISM.COM
Do you dare to walk where spirits linger? This October, West Virginia invites you to explore its statewide Paranormal Trail—a bucket-list adventure that blends ghost stories, folklore, and spinechilling fun. With 21 haunted and legendary sites to discover, the trail is more than a thrill: it’s a journey through history, mystery, and the unexplained.
Grab your 2025 digital Paranormal Trail Passport by scanning the QR code, or visit wvtourism.com/west-virginia-paranormal-trail
EACH TIME YOU VISIT A SITE, check–in within a 0.25 mile radius to earn exclusive prizes:
3 SITES
Paranormal Trail
Sticker
8 SITES
Paranormal Trail
Keyring
15 SITES
Paranormal Trail
Trucker Hat
ALL 21 SITES
Limited Edition
Paranormal Trail Lantern
Whether you’re a ghost hunter, history buff, or just in it for the goosebumps, the more you explore, the more you win.
Flatwoods Monster Museum (Sutton)
Explore the legend of West Virginia’s most famous cryptid.
West Virginia
Bigfoot Museum (Sutton)
Dive into the state’s largest collection of Bigfoot evidence.
Bigfoot Carved Statue (Elk River Trail, near Ivydale)
A 10.5-foot statue keeping watch over the forest.
The Haunted Haymond House (Sutton)
A chilling haunted attraction full of eerie encounters.
Hotel Morgan (Morgantown)
A century-old boutique hotel with whispers of paranormal activity.
Shepherdstown Mystery Walks (Shepherdstown)
Step into the shadows of America’s oldest town.
Cryptid Mountain
Miniature Golf (Morgantown)
Putt through monsters, shadows, and Bigfoot sightings.
Trans-Allegheny
Lunatic Asylum (Weston)
Playful spirits and eerie legends fill this former
Seneca Caverns (Riverton)
Underground chambers where echoes tell more than (Lewisburg)
Haunted by footsteps and flickering lights.
Greenbrier Valley (Lewisburg)
A stage where folklore blurs
The Historic Glen Ferris Inn (Glen Ferris) Said to host a Civil War colonel’s ghost.
The Old Hospital on College Hill (Williamson) Paranormal encounters in a former medical center.
Mothman Museum (Point Pleasant)
Home to West Virginia’s most famous winged cryptid.
Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park (Rock) Silent rides, phantom laughter, and ghostly figures.
West Virginia
Penitentiary (Moundsville) Gothic prison with tours and ghost hunts.
Flinderation Tunnel (Salem)
A haunted railroad tunnel with a tragic past.
Silver Run
Tunnel #19 (Cairo)
Known for sightings of a mysterious woman in white.
Hempfield (Tunnel Green) Tunnel (Wheeling)
Ghostly sounds and fleeting shadows in its dark passageways.
From abandoned amusement parks and haunted hospitals to cryptid museums and Civil War inns, each Paranormal Trail stop offers a story you won’t forget. Some visitors come for the folklore, others for the frights—but all leave with goosebumps and memories.
So, mark your calendar, grab your digital passport, and start checking in. Whether you’re hunting Mothman, spotting Bigfoot, or stirring up the ghosts of Appalachia, West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail promises a spooktacular October adventure.
Do you believe in ghosts… or will you after the PARANORMAL TRAIL?
West Virginia is brimming with folklore that fuels the Paranormal Trail. Here are a few eerie extras you might encounter along the way… if you dare.
Close kin to the Flatwoods Monster, this eerie being is rumored to stalk the woods, glowing with an otherworldly light.
A hulking, headless creature said to lurk along the Tygart River. Witnesses describe it as a smooth, pale beast towering over seven feet tall.
Locals claim to see a phantom locomotive barreling through town at night, vanishing without a sound.
Also called “White Thing,” this cryptid blends Bigfoot and ram-like features. Reports of glowing eyes and foul odors make it one of Appalachia’s strangest legends.
First Mothman sighting was in the Town of Clendenin on Cemetery Hill before it was then spotted in Point Pleasant.
Drivers on winding mountain roads tell tales of a lone figure thumbing a ride—only to disappear from the back seat before reaching the next town.
BY DANIEL BOYD
Meet Danny Boyd
In September, Plot Twist Books and the South Charleston Public Library hosted West Virginia’s own Daniel Boyd and his publisher, Cat Pleska, for a book reading, discussion, and signing. If you are looking for a copy, Plot Twist has copies now and it is also available from Mountain State Press!
Daniel “Danny” Boyd is a local West Virginian, author and acclaimed filmmaker (Chillers, Strangest Dreams, and Paradise Park).
He is a two-time television regional Emmy nominee, a multi-nominated graphic novelist (Chillers I & II, CARBON, SALT) and playwright (Paradise Park the Musical, Space Preachers the Musical, Miss Dirt Turtle’s Garden Club Musical), and Broadway World WV Best Musical 2021.
His muti-award winning children’s books include The Adventures of Wandala, Miss Dirt Turtle’s Garden Club, Tavey’s First Hunt, and WrestleDreamia, all Gold Mom’s Choice Award Winners. Boyd’s first novella, God’s Pool in Particle Park, was just released in 2025. He is a retired media studies professor at WV State University and has also taught around the world including Tanzania as a three-time Fulbright Scholar.
Mountain State Press:
God’s Pool in Particle Park is a book that infuses magical realism into the down-on-its-luck town of Nottus, WV, and its citizens. The town’s librarian, Tate, purchases an old book, Somewhere Behind, a Depression-era tale of refugees Gray and Sarah, who are fleeing the chaos of the nation’s capital. Tate’s reading is interrupted by the appearance of Elsie, who died in 1932 while reading the same book. Elsie
cannot rest her soul until she has completed the book. As she and Tate read together, romance unfurls—one in God’s Pool and one in Somewhere Behind. Ruby, a small little angel of a girl, tries to keep her mother alive while in the background a mysterious scientist is building a particle accelerator to bring a new kind of energy to the world. Or is he? Nottus becomes a place of fantastical magic with a wild cast of characters: Constable 12-Gage, doctors Wonderland and Jackson, river pirates, and grandfatherly Frank, a peddler who may be orchestrating the whole shebang.
R.
shared a striking photo series taken near New
Road this summer. Her images beautifully follow the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, reminding us of the quiet miracles unfolding in our own backyards.
The HHHS Counseling Department announced Jeremiah Eagle has been recognized as a National Merit SemiFinalist, placing him among the top students in the nation!
Herbert Hoover vs. Nitro was the September 12 Friday Night Rival Game of the Week, and the Hoover gridmen did not disappoint! HHHS Senior Blake Fisher was named the player of the game presented by Go Mart with 60 carries for 89 yards, a touchdown, 4 receptions for 60 yards, and he had a reception for a touchdown! The final score was 15-14 with a winning field goal by Senior Voss Duernberger made possible with a fumble recovery by Senior Sam Kee.
The 2025 Archery season wrapped up for the Elk Elementary Elkhounds at the 3D Outdoor World Tournament with another double championship. Coach Jeffrey Mullins said, “There are eight possibilities for teams to win a championship during a season, and this team won seven of them! My head is spinning! I hope everyone involved in our success remembers this spectacular season for a lifetime. I know I will!” Congrats to Zoey Galwey for 1st place 3D, 2nd place 3-Star Challenge, and a $250 scholarship; Kyleigh Woody, 2nd place 3D, 3rd in 3-Star Challenge; Hadley Allen 4th place in 3-Star Challenge; and Sadie Harold 5th in 3-Star Challenge.
Live Tunes & Brews on Main Street, Clendenin WV Sat Oct 11 noon to 8PM
10 am-noon VENDORS SET UP
2 pm TRAD. CHICKEN DANCE & STEIN HOLDING COMPETITION
The Carpenter Ants Josh Pantry & The Boys
In the Elk River community, the Young brothers touched so many of our lives.
The Elk River community remembers!
Joyce Gandee: Dear ole Henry, My 7th grade teacher. He had us learn the multiplication tables forward and backwards. Had contests. To this day I still remember them because of him!
Carolyn Weyant: Henry. Our 7th grade math teacher… had to say multiplication tables backward in 10 seconds.
Suzanne Young Summers: My grandfather was Scott Young, on the left end.
Amelia Dalton: The very best family!
Phyllis Rucker Potter: Lots of memories here. I loved Henry and his lovely wife, Fay.
Aileen Huffman Taylor: Bogo was a good friend to Shine Naylor whom I worked for at Naylor and Young’s.
Marsha Smith Lipscomb: Their mother and dad (Bertha and Scott) were my neighbors when I was growing up. I spent a lot of time with them. She always gave me circus peanuts and scott played the harmonica for me. Wonderful family.
Kathy Domico: My mom shopped at Tater’s Grocery Store every Saturday!
Barbara Lyons: My grandmother would send her order to Tater and he delivered her order to her home. She didn’t drive; he was very kind.
Melissa Boggs: Henry used to tell the best stories. I thought at one time he wrote a book.
Marsha Smith Lipscomb: Yes, I have Henry’s book: Tall Tales.
Submitted by Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation
We were honored to welcome Congresswoman Carol Miller to Clay County when she made a special stop at Rail Explorers along the Elk River Trail!
It was a great moment for our partners at Rail Explorers and for our Executive Director, Madison, who had the opportunity to speak with the Congresswoman during her visit. We’re thrilled to see our congressional representative taking interest in the outdoor recreation and economic development happening right here along the Elk River Trail.
Thank you for your support, Congresswoman Miller! We hope to see you again soon at one of our trailheads!
Sunday, September 14th, was a picture-perfect day along the Elk River as nearly 300 runners from 20 states laced up for the 4th annual Elk River Rail Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. Clear skies, cool air, and the scenic riverside trail from Gassaway toward Clay County made for ideal racing conditions.
This was my first year attending the event as Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation, and it was truly unforgettable. Watching runners cross the finish line— some collapsing into hugs with family, others celebrating hard-earned personal victories—was both moving and inspiring.
One especially memorable moment came when I met Jennifer Clark from Mississippi, who completed her 353rd half marathon right here on our trail! Jennifer has raced in every state, and this was her 4th event in West Virginia. She lit up talking about our trail’s beauty and even loved this year’s race shirts and medals, which proudly featured our hometown legend, the Braxton County Flatwoods Monster.
Marathoner Carla Stewart and Half-Marathoner Eric DeBelly traveled all the way from Washington State to compete, laying claim to the furthest-traveled by edging out Heather and Brian VandenBroek from Utah. Brian was the overall marathon winner with a time of 3:15:53.48. Glen Anderson and Karen Murray Anderson
traveled from Roanoke, VA. Glen has run marathons in all 50 states 11 times, placing him 7th on the all-time male list. Karen has posted marathons in all 50 states seven times, placing her second on the all-time female list! The most surprising result was nine-year-old Isla Hughart of Summersville winning the female 5k race with a time of 24:31.22!! Full race results and winners are posted on APTiming.com.
But this race is about more than miles and medals. It’s also an important fundraiser for the Elk River Trail Foundation, with proceeds helping us care for and improve the trail so it remains a welcoming place for everyone.
None of it would be possible without the heart of our community—our volunteers. From cheering at water stations to handling setup and cleanup, their energy and dedication kept the event running smoothly. We’re also grateful to APTiming LLC and our many local supporters who make this race grow year after year.
Looking ahead, we’re already excited for next year and hope to welcome even more runners to discover the beauty—and the spirit—of the Elk River Trail.
Stay connected with us on Facebook or visit our website for updates and details about next year’s race. We can’t wait to see you on the trail!
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!
Long before the pilgrims arrived in America, pumpkins were already a staple in the Native American diet. They roasted long strips over open fires, preserved seeds for food and medicine, and passed along this knowledge to early settlers. The pilgrims quickly embraced the pumpkin, adding it to soups, stews, and other hearty dishes.
It’s even believed that the very first pumpkin pie began as a whole pumpkin with its top sliced off, the seeds scooped out, and the cavity filled with milk, spices, and honey. The pumpkin was then baked in the hot ashes of a fire—a far cry from today’s flaky-crusted pies!
Pumpkins get their signature orange hue from carotenoids—natural pigments that give them color. While pumpkins start out green thanks to chlorophyll, the pigment fades as summer ends, allowing the orange tones to shine through as the pumpkin ripens.
If you’re heading out to the patch, here are a few things to look for:
Color: Deep, uniform orange without streaks of green.
Rind Hardness: A ripe pumpkin has a tough rind that resists your thumbnail.
Sound: Tap it—ripe pumpkins sound hollow, like a drum.
Stem: Look for a hard, dry stem. Green stems mean it’s not quite ready.
Harvest on a dry day, handle carefully, and always leave a few inches of stem to help your pumpkin last longer.
Jack-o’-lantern: The classic big, bright-orange pumpkin for carving.
Sugar/Pie Pumpkin: Smaller and sweeter—perfect for baking.
Atlantic Giant: Grown for size and competition.
Casper & Baby Boo: Unique white varieties that have grown in popularity.
Local grower Makala Elmore knows a thing or two about raising pumpkins. Her vines brighten the roadside each fall along her split rail fence. Her tip? “If you only let one pumpkin grow on each vine, they’ll get bigger—especially the Atlantic Giants. And don’t forget plenty of water!”
• Morton, Illinois, is the pumpkin capital of the world and home to Libby’s.
• The average pumpkin has about 1 cup of seeds inside.
• Pumpkins belong to the gourd family.
• The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek pepon, meaning “large melon.”
• Pumpkins grow on every continent except Antarctica.
• About half of the world’s pumpkins are grown in the United States.
• The Irish brought pumpkin carving to America— originally, they carved turnips!
• Pumpkins are rich in potassium and vitamin A.
• Pumpkin blossoms are edible.
• Pumpkins are made up of about 90% water.
Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, baking pies, or decorating your porch, pumpkins are one of the sweetest signs of fall. This October, enjoy the colors, flavors, and traditions that make pumpkins a favorite in our community.
Submitted by Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC at Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andi is an honor graduate of University of Charleston where she played collegiate softball and volleyball while earning her undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine. She is also an honor graduate of WVU and earned a Master's degree in Physical Therapy in 1998. She is a nationally certified athletic trainer and obtained specialty certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 2007. She is a proud HHHS alumnus.
October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to recognize the important role physical therapists play in improving health and well-being. This month, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of physical therapists and the many benefits of physical therapy.
Holistic Approach
Physical therapy takes a holistic approach, focusing on the entire body instead of just treating symptoms. Physical therapists assess how various systems work together to improve overall function and mobility, leading to better health outcomes.
One of the biggest advantages of physical therapy is its safety. Unlike surgical procedures and medications that can carry side effects and risks, physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment option. It effectively manages pain and improves function without serious risks or sideeffects, making it an ideal choice.
Cost-Effective Care
Physical therapy often proves to be more cost-effective than other medical interventions, like surgeries and long-term medication. By addressing health issues early, patients can minimize future treatment costs and enjoy quicker recovery times.
Enhanced Mobility and Function
Physical therapists are dedicated to helping individuals regain the ability to engage in their favorite activities. Whether recovering from surgery, an injury, or managing a chronic condition, therapists provide personalized plans tailored to each patient’s goals.
The advantages of physical therapy extend beyond immediate relief. By addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, patients can achieve lasting improvements in health. Physical therapy also emphasizes the importance of physical activity, helping individuals maintain a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of future injuries.
As we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month, we encourage everyone to recognize the numerous benefits physical therapy offers. If you’re considering physical therapy, reach out to Elk Valley Physical Therapy to discover how it can help you lead a more active and fulfilling life. For more information, visit the APTA’s ChoosePT Portal at www.choosept.com.
Founded in 1956, the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association champions the success of physical therapist-owned businesses. Our members are leaders and innovators in the healthcare system. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) represents more than 85,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and students of physical therapy nationwide. For more information, please visit www.ppsapta.org.