ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
VOLUME 01 | ISSUE 08 | JUL 2019 FREE
ELK RIVER LIVING Fresh Look for Elk Favorite
Memories Become Novels Celebrating Resilience
Around the Elk
July Elk River Hero
If you haven’t been to Harding’s Family Restaurant recently, you are going to be in for a surprise. It is even more inviting for your dining pleasure.
Debbie Richards’ book signing at BookExpo America, Bryan Wiseman captures the NLC Super Lightweight MMA Title, Save the Date for Pinch Reunion, and class of 1959 celebrates.
Steve Kittner decided to record important memories of his Elk River youth, things that stood out for him as adventurous, imaginative, and spooky, all at the same time.
Coach Missy Anderson Smith always knew she wanted to be a coach. We honor her leadership, coaching success and championship titles.
The Clendenin Branch Library celebrated the one-year anniversary of its reopening since the Flood of 2016 destroyed its location on Cardinal Street.
Honoring His Best Buddy Best friend Joe Dennis said It was important to him to honor U.S. Army SPC Thurman “DuWayne” Young’s service and all he had sacrificed.
CLENDENIN CELEBRATES
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KANAWHA COUNTY Elkview: 304-965-7730 Sissonville: 304-984-1997 Clendenin: 304-548-7329
PUTNAM COUNTY Poca: 304-759-1010 Winfield: 304-586-2300
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*Minimum balance of $10,000 to open with Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Must be money not currently on deposit with Poca Valley Bank. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of September 26, 2018. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal and fees may reduce earnings. Financial institutions, brokers and public funds are not eligible for this offer. Terms and conditions are subject to change. Member FDIC. 2
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M I C H A E L' S UNIQUE STYLES
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Michael Ryan OWNER/STYLIST
4636 PENNSYLVANIA AVE CHARLESTON, WV 25302 michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 18
Cover Story: Clendenin Celebrates the Good Times
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Dedicated to resurrecting our town after The Flood of 2016, the annual festival creates an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy activities and comradery.
A Fresh Look at an Elk River Favorite Angela Harding says,“We are so proud to be a part of the Elk River community and hope we can continue to provide a place for families and friends to meet and share a meal together for many years to come.”
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Clendenin Branch Library Celebrates Library is celebrating the spirit of resilience, the strengthening of community, and the dedicated service to the citizens of Clendenin and surrounding areas.
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Honoring His Best Buddy Best friend Joe Dennis said It was important to him to honor U.S. Army SPC Thurman “DuWayne” Young’s service and all he had sacrificed.” 06
Welcome Back to Elk River Living!
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Elk River Hero: Missy Anderson Smith
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Our Valued Sponsors
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The Elk Reflects
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Events In the Valley
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This Month’s Reader Submission
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Marinated Cucumbers
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The Elk’s Journal
Hello & Welcome Back! Three years ago The Flood of 2016 came in like a thief during the night of June 23 and devastated towns and lives. The next morning we all heard the horror stories of the Town of Clendenin being destroyed by flood water, as well as all surrounding properties along the Elk River all the way to Elkview. Facebook shared grim photos and our hearts were broken. Frantic families posted Facebook messages trying to locate loved ones. I will forever hear my brother Dave’s words to me that day when he was upstairs in our home place with two elderly neighbors, fearing that more water was going to be released from Sutton Dam, and unsure if his house structure could withstand it. “Sis, I don’t know when I’ll see you all again. We are going to try to go to higher ground.” The Town has just celebrated its second annual HomeComing Festival since The Flood of 2016. It has so much to be thankful for, including new businesses and the re-opening of existing businesses. There are still homes and businesses awaiting removal; however, many are back after repairs or rebuilding. Tragically, we all are still waiting for our new high school and elementary school. I would like to pay tribute to the amazing people of the Elk River. Our parents had never seen anything like the devastation on June 23, 2016. While we may have survived it, it hasn’t happened without scars and the need for a lot of healing. The photo of the lone Dairy Queen sign above muddy flood waters will be vivid in our minds until we take our last breaths. I am reminded of the old saying, ‘Quitters never win and winners never quit’. That is the spirit of Elk River residents. The next day we were helping neighbors shovel mud and debris and wiping each others’ tears. While we may be Elk River Strong, we are also Elk River Thankful: thankful for the love, kindness and support of family, friends, and complete strangers and thankful for the bountiful blessings as we rebound for our future.
There will never be any place like our Elk River home.
Cyndi Tawney Founder & Editor 304.546.9243 cyndi@elkriverliving.com
Editor In Chief /
Cyndi Tawney
Creative Director /
Josh Tawney
Operations Director /
Kenneth Tawney
E L K RIVER
Guest Photographers /
April Curry & Beth Strawn
Printer /
The Printing Press Charleston, WV
LIVING
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. On the cover: Bridge-Clendenin archers at the Clendenin Homecoming Festival Parade, on their winning float.
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!
Beth Strawn is featured in this month’s issue with her stunning HHHS Softball photography. Thank you, Beth. Find her at www.catchmeactionshots.com
We are so fortunate to have April Curry, of Photos by AC, as our Guest Photographer. April is an Elk River native and her talent speaks for itself.
ELK RIVER LIVING
’s
OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES CROWN CATERING 1 Main Street, Clendenin 304.548.6999
GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.965-7031 Order online at ginospizza.com
DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS
GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com
EDEN BODY WORKS, INC. 102 Neville Rd, Elkview 304.965.5900
GOOD FAMILY PHARMACY Pinch and Mink Shoals Locations 304.935.4812/304.345.8600
ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS
HAFER FUNERAL HOME 304.965.3331 / 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net
ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501 contact Gary W. Pauley II
HEADHUNTERS STYLING CO. 304.343.2049 check them out on Facebook
ELK RIVER AUTO. SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley
HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com
ELK RIVER GET-A-WAY 16544 Elk River Rd., Clendenin 304.993.0006/304.941.4296
JEFF’S AUTO & TOWING 304.965.7525 22 Quick Rd, Pinch
ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT
JETT’S AUTO AND TOWING, LLC 681.230.2508 103 Cobb Loop, Clendenin
CHRISTY CONLEY DESTINATION SPECIALIST christina.conley@crusieplanners.com 304.377.0803
ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792 www.eliteroofingwv.com
JETT’S CONSTRUCTION, LLC 304.565.7053 Newton, WV
FINGERS 2 TOES 304.541.6134 contact Jennifer Casto
JONES AUTO 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com
CLENDENIN PHARMACY 304.548.5451 contact Bill or Lindsay Ore Matuszkiewicz
FORD & SWEENEY 304.935.4801 51 Credes Landing, Elkview
JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com
CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666 contact William Crede
GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.437.3739 gabbyssewingwv.com
JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 304.548.4625 12 Main St, Clendenin
ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 304.965.7988 allseasonsselfstoragewv.com ALLEN’S LAUNDROMAT 304.548.7100 9 Main St, Clendenin ALLISON BURFORD, REALTOR PROPERTY ELITE 304.550.8236 BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman BILL’S USED CARS Rt 119 Elk River Road 304.548.4727 BLUE CREEK HEATING & COOLING 304.965.9148 contact Bill Ross or Roy Crist BOWEN DENTAL Chas: 304.342.0146 / Clay: 304.587.7495 contact Stacy or Gary Bowen II BRICKS AND BARRELS 1214 Smith St., Charleston 681.265.9222 and on Facebook CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700 7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin
There’s no place like home! 8
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Please
give our sponsors the opportunity to have your business.
They care a great deal about you and the
Elk River Community.
would you like to advertise with Elk River Living? please contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com or 304.546.9243 or visit us at elkriverliving.com KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com
MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 contact Roger Mullins
KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com
MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org
MARA BOGGS ELLIS OLD COLONY REALTORS 304.541.7336/304.344.2581 maraellis.com MASTER CRAFTERS GIFT & PRIMITIVES SHOPPE 304.965.6222 Facebook: Master Crafters Gift & Primitive Shoppe MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome@suddenlink.net MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net
MURDOCK’S AUTO REPAIR MURDOCK’S PRE-OWNED AUTOS 304.548.3255 murdockspreownedautosales.com ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com PAMALA’S GIFTS & TREASURES 304.548.7100 7 Main St. Clendenin POCA VALLEY BANK 304.965.7730 pocavalleybank.com RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston 304.342.8200 and on Facebook
MICHAEL’S UNIQUE STYLES 304.965.3605 michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com
ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers
MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young
ROLLIN SMOKE 304.437.2643 www.rollinsmokebbqribs.com
MOLLOHAN AUTO BODY 304.437.2195 2026 Waters Edge Dr., Elkview MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin MOSS TREE SERVICE LLC 304.965.8095 www.mosstreeservice.com
SLEEP INN HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 800.216.0661 & 304.344.5044 sleepinncharlestonwv.com SMITH’S CARPET ONE SMITH’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7111 & 304.965.7600 Big Chimney & Elkview, WV SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING 304.444.4288 contact Phil Shaffer SOUTH HILLS FAMILY DENTAL CARE 1005 Bridge Road, Charleston 304.344.9392 smileinsouthhills.wix/amazing-smile SPECIAL OCCASIONS 304.965.5434 specialoccasionflowers.com SPENCER’S HARDWARE 304.548.6995 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin SWOR INSURANCE AGENCY 1618 Bigley Ave., Charleston 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin THOMAS HEALTH PHYSICIANS PARTNERS 304.414-4THS (484) Thomashealth.org
TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD SEVENTH BOUTIQUE & BEAUTY BAR 1083 Main Street Elkview Open until 7 PM starting April 1 202 7th Ave, South Charleston 304.746.7717 Xspec POWER 304.746.1139 SHAFER’S BARBERSHOP contact Emily Canterbury 304.654.0726 YAK HOUSE Facebook.com/shafersbarbershop 304.941.2229 SHARI’S FAMILY HAIR CARE yakhouserentals.com 304.400.4945 contact Shari Ball
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ELK RIVER LIVING
Beck y’s Pet Parlor
Rebecca L. Briles & Kaitlyn M. Truman PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMERS
304 951 9162 166 North Pinch Road Elkview, WV 25071
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july happenings
EVENTS We would love to feature what matters to you, so please submit your upcoming events to:
cyndi@elkriverliving.com
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY BOOK GROUP BRING A BAG LUNCH 12:00 noon, adults and seniors FRIDAY NIGHT JAM ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER 1078 MAIN ST. ELKVIEW, WV 25071 Feat. RETRO COUNTRY & JIM CHANDLER 304.965.3722 Doors Open at 5PM Thrift Store open from 5:30-8:00pm Admission $5.00 - Children 12 & under free and must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions available! JAM SESSION CLENDENIN LIBRARY Bring your guitar, banjo, fiddle or instrument 1:00-3:00 PM, All ages
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OPEN HOUSE AT CLENDENIN ADVENT CHURCH 116 ELK RIVER RD S., CLENDENIN Celebrating the completion of flood damage repairs Free hot dogs & Outdoor gospel, Christian contemporary music 4:00 PM Everyone Welcome
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY DIY WATER ROCKETS 3:00 PM, TEENAGERS Registration begins June 01
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY PLAYGROUP 11:00 AM, Babies 0-18 mo., Pre-K 3-5, Toddler 18-36 mo.
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY POEMS: FROM HAIKU TO HA-HA-HA 3:00 PM, Ages Elem. 6-11; Tweens 10-12 noon Registration begins June 17
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FRIDAY NIGHT JAM ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER 1078 MAIN ST. ELKVIEW, WV 25071 Feat. DIXIE HIGHWAY & CINDY BIRD 304.965.3722 Doors Open at 5PM Thrift Store open from 5:30-8:00pm Admission $5.00 - Children 12 & under free and must be accompanied by an adult Concessions available!
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SAMADHI TRIBAL FUSION BELLY DANCE TROUPE CLENDENIN RECREATION CENTER 12:00 Noon, Adults, Free
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ALIENS: ESCAPE FROM EARTH CLENDENIN RECREATION CENTER 2:00 PM, Family, Free
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY JUMP INTO STORYTIME 11:00 AM, Age Pre-K, 3-5 years
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FRIDAY NIGHT JAM ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER 1078 MAIN ST. ELKVIEW, WV 25071 Feat. MARK IV & STEPHANIE MOORE 304.965.3722 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00 - Children 12 & under free and must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions available!
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CONTACT LIGHT: 50 YEARS SINCE THE SMALL STEP 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO 11 LUNAR LANDING Camp Virgil Tate, 7-10 PM, All ages *Provided by The Friends of the Library Crafts, Activites, Refreshments at the Dining Hall; Breezy Point Observatory Will have telescopes to view the night sky.
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NEW JOURNEY CONCERT ELK RIVER NAZARENE CHURCH 143 Dutch Rd., Charleston; 10:45 AM Free
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CLENDENIN LIBRARY TEENS: TIE DYE SHIRTS 3:00 PM, Age Tweens, 10-12; Bring your own t-shirt. Registration begins July 1.
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FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY CLASS ELK RIVER NAZARENE CHURCH
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REPCO WILDLIFE CLENDENIN RECREATION CENTER 6:00 PM, Family See, hold, and touch live animals
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FRIDAY NIGHT JAM ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER 1078 MAIN ST. ELKVIEW, WV 25071 Feat. SOUTHERN COOKIN’ & STEVE MULLINS 304.965.3722 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00 - Children 12 & under free and must be accompanied by an adult. Concessions available!
143 Dutch Rd., Charleston 9-week class, 6:30 PM, $100/couple Register https://fpu.com/1090136 or 304.342.6052
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Pamala's Gift & Treasures LLC Pamala Allen, Owner
235 ELK RIVER ROAD SOUTH CLENDENIN, WV
304.548.7100 7 Main Street Clendenin, WV 25045 mon. - sat. 10am - 6pm FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
548.7002
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FULL-SERVICE FLORIST FULL-SERVICE FLORIST With Daily Delivery and Wire Service with Daily Delivery and Wire Service
5106 Elk River Rd. Elkview, WV 25071
304.965.5434
specialoccasionflowers.com
Hop Into Summer With a Vacation Tune Up At • Full Service Garage
• State Inspections
• Pinch Towing
• All Fleet Services Accepted
• Jeff's Pre-Owned Auto Sales • Friendly Family Business Providing Excellent Customer Service
• All Credit Cards Accepted
• Auto Maintenance & Repair, Tires and Used Vehicles for Sale We Specialize in Subarus
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MARINATED CUCS AND ONIONS, A FAMILY FAVORITE
W
e saw Bill Coyle comment on Facebook on a version of a recipe for cucumbers and onions, a side dish we all know and love. Bill said, “I ate this every summer as a kid. No tomatoes; just cucs, onions, and vinegar.” We reached out to him and said “hey, send us your recipe!” which he kindly did. It sounds like many of our summer favorites, no measuring and a little of this and a lot of that.
Bill Coyle helps raise money for childhood cancer research with the Knights of Columbus Team, St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Their first event was West Virginia Day in 2016 and since then they have raised over $76K. His son is a 28 year old cancer survivor, but not every parent is so lucky. Join his team or make a donation at www.st.baldricks.org (choose Bill Coyle under Search Team).
DIRECTIONS
Level: Easy
Total: 10 min Active: 10 min
Here’s What You’ll Need Sliced Cucumbers (how many depends on how hungry you are) Sliced Onions Apple Cider, White, Balsamic or White Wine Vinegar, whichever you prefer Salt and Pepper to Taste Some dill, if desired Also, you can add Roma Cherry Tomatoes or fresh quartered tomatoes if you want. Good tomatoes will naturally sweeten the dish.
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No measurements. Just slice and add ingredients. If the vinegar is too strong, add more cucs and onions. Bill said his mom did use ice cubes to chill and keep fresh.
Correction on Gabi Strickland Walker’s recipe in the June issue. First of all, we called her Gabi Strickland, even though she’s been a Walker for 24 years. Sorry about that Gary--we just always remember her as a Strickland in our minds, LOL. Also, the Slaw recipe ingredients should have concluded with “salt and pepper to taste”. Somehow the bottom of the chili recipe was added to the bottom of the slaw recipe...which would have certainly made a strange slaw for sure. Thanks everyone!
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14 MAIN STREET CLENDENIN, WV 25045
304.543.9930
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Photo Credits: April Curry, Photos by AC
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304.965.9941 4920 ELK RIVER RD S. ELKVIEW AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE GARY HOLSTEIN, AGENT | MGR AGENT@HOLSTEININSURANCEAGENCYINC.COM
WWW.HOLSTEININSURANCEAGENCYINC.COM 16
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CLENDENIN CELEBRATES THE GOOD TIMES Cherish today and celebrate life
F
Parade, Elk River Idol, Great Rubber Ducky Race, Cornhole and Horseshoe Tournament, Big Homecoming River Float, Fireworks, Elk River Bass Tournament, and a Gospel Sing.
or the second year, Clendenin celebrated its annual Homecoming Festival (CHF). This year the festival featured multiple events including a carnival, concerts, vendors, competition in a variety of activities, and a dynamic fireworks presentation on Saturday evening. The Festival was a celebration to remember.
Clendenin Homecoming winners were:
Festival
event
Grand Marshals: Dave Fields and Nancy Kennedy
HollieSue Schoolcraft, President of the Homecoming Festival Committee, said, “A lot of work goes into the CHF and we started planning for 2020 as soon as this year was in the books! I have an Awesome Team who help make this happen. We have been blessed with people who have experience in the various events and they bring their expertise to the table and as a whole, we complement each other quite well. We also welcome any new members who want to be a part of making this Festival more successful every year!”
5K Run and Walk: Overall Male Winner, David Kindlarski, Time 19:22.7; Overall Female Winner, Ansley Richards, 20:35.4 Great Rubber Ducky Race: 1st place, Sheila McClure, 2nd place, Tonya Rucker Horseshoe and Cornhole Tournament: Tournament: Adult Cornhole 1st place, Steven Thomas and Michael Crumpler; 2nd place, Wes and Genie Bailey; Kids Cornhole, Trenton Naylor and Carter Hodgkinson. Horseshoes 1st place, Mason Rhodes and Hector Rhodes; 2nd place, Jason Marks and Clayton Kirk.
Photo credit: April Curry
The festival was held June 21-23 with the carnival arriving in town on Thursday, the 20th. Craft and food vendors lined the streets of Clendenin and a stage was erected for concerts with Adam Calvert and special guest Non-Fiction on Friday night and The Band Steel Concert with special guest Mikele Buck Band on Saturday night. Additionally, there was a 5K Run & Walk, Royal Pancake Breakfast with the Clendenin Homecoming Festival queens and children’s royalty, Festival
CHF Parade Winner: Overall Grand Champions, Bridge/Clendenin Archery Team; Community Spirit Award, Ores Pharmacy; Best First Responder Award, HealthNet; Mayor’s Choice, Clendenin Library Advisory Board; Queen’s Choice, Momma Paynes Diner; Best Float, Jett’s Auto and Towing/ Race Car
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Hinchman; 5K Run/Walk: Hannah Trautwein; Carnival: Hollie Schoolcraft; Elk River Idol: Krista Wilkinson; Media Consultants: Stacy Nelson and Mark Burdette. Other Committee Members who assist in any capacity when needed: Andrew Cooper, Anita Owens, Kathy Jo Wilmoth, Katie Ferarri, Jessica Dean, Bill Sloan, Sami Jo Monk and Steven Grau. The
committee
has
hosted
numerous
Queen Rebecca Rhodes
fundraising events during the year to help with the festival expenses. From Christmas Craft Shows to Holiday Paint Nights to Sock Hops and a Live Auction, the committee actively prepared for this year’s festival and has already begun for the 2020 festival.
Clendenin Homecoming Festival
Also, the 2019 Homecoming Festival would not
Elk River Idol: 1st place, Sierra Rouse, 2nd place, Kenna Hays
be possible without the supportive business sponsors in our community. Sponsors include
Elk River Bass Tournament: 1st place Mack Myers, Runner Up, Josh Birthisel; Kid’s1st place, Noah Rucker
Aetna, Ally Land and Energy LLC, American Vintage Roofing LLC, APTiming, Bobbers, Brian & Shelly St. Clair, Central WV Visitors
Spirit of Clendenin: Tony Moles
Bureau, Coop's Custom Designs, Dutch Miller Auto Group, Elk River Fog Vapor, Elk River
The CHF Homecoming Festival Royal Court included Queen-Rebecca Rhodes, TeenJacqueline Shaffer, and Jr. Teen-Rebecca Weekley. The Children Pageant winners were Baby Miss- Rylee Abbott, Wee Miss-Violet Lemaster, Tiny Miss- Ketsia Smith, Little MissHarlee Hendershot and Little Mister- Zachary Brake II.
Getaway, Elk River Heating & Cooling, Elk River Living Magazine, Ford & Sweeney Accounting and Tax Services, Frostbite Dairy Barn, Hafer Funeral Home, Hays & Company of PVB, Highmark West Virginia, Liberty Tax Service, Momma Payne's Diner, Murdock's Preowned Auto
The event directors for the CHF who helped make the festival a success include:
Sales,
Nancy
Kennedy,
Next
Step
Ministries, Pamala's Gifts and Treasures LLC, Penny Pinchers, R&S Pawn, Riverside Lunch
Rubber Ducky Contest: Andrea and Russ Underwood; Horseshoe/cornhole Tournament: Anthony Hodgkinson; Pageants: Heather Roush and Midge Forwood; Vendors: Diana Chandler; Parade: Kayla Reed; Spirit of Clendenin Award: Susan Jack; Fireworks: Tommy Mitchell; Sunday Gospel Sing: Shana Clendenin; Fishing Tournament: Michael
LLC, Rock City Cake Co., Shafer Equipment, Smith Insurance Agency, Smith's, Taylor Made Farms, Teays River Construction Company, Town of Clendenin, and Triquetra Marketing. The CHF would like to personally thank each sponsor, both business and personal, which helped make this year’s festival a success.
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95 CASDORPH RD, CHARLESTON 304.342.8200
WEST VIRGINIA'S DEMOLITION EXPERTS 22
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ELK RIVER HEROES
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In each edition of Elk River Living we feature and celebrate a member from our community. If you would like to submit someone you know, please contact Cyndi Tawney at cyndi@elkriverliving.com.
COACH MISSY ANDERSON SMITH
“Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader; they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role, it’s always about the goal.” When Missy Anderson (Smith) graduated from Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) in 1996 she knew she wanted to coach. Her father and grandfather both have been coaches; in fact, her father, Nip Anderson, currently coaches softball at WV State University and formerly coached softball at the University of Charleston. Missy said, “My grandpa, Lawrence Anderson, coached some of the first women’s softball teams around here. They used to travel and play. In fact, my grandmother, Betty Anderson, and my Aunt Jean (Anderson) Payne played for him!” One might say, Missy definitely has the coaching gene. Missy graduated from Concord University and majored in science education. While she was a student there, she also played volleyball and softball. In 2002, Missy started coaching freshman volleyball at George Washington High School (GW) in Charleston. She became their head coach in 2005 and the team has captured four state volleyball titles, 2005, 2006 (undefeated), 2012, 2015 and runner up in 2016. In 2003 Missy started helping Mike Chandler coach softball at Herbert Hoover High School. Her first year as HHHS softball head coach was 2006. Her favorite part is definitely the girls. She said, “Getting to watch them progress as athletes and mature into young women is amazing. Knowing that I can have such a positive impact in their lives is humbling.” Missy said she tries to inspire her players to be great. She said, “It’s important for them to realize that they can be great if they work hard.” Missy stresses to her
ELK RIVER LIVING
teams “that nothing is handed out for free”. She said it is a proven fact that life lessons are taught through sports and she takes that very seriously. The Herbert Hoover softball girls just captured their third WVSSAC Class AA State Championship in a row, 2017, 2018, 2019, and had another state title in 2014. Missy said, “I am just so proud of them. The things that they have been able to accomplish with all of the distractions they have faced shows what focused and talented athletes they are.” Missy said after their only loss to Sissonville earlier this year, the girls could have lost their concentration. Instead, she said, “they used it as motivation and finished the year as champions.” Missy said she is always “overwhelmed by the amount of community support the HHHS softball program receives.” She said, “The sea of red and blue at the State tournament, the cheering fans lined along the Interstate route, and the community gathering afterward for a celebration at Roni’s brings a smile to my face.” Missy stated that anywhere the girls travel, it feels like a home game with all of the support of family and friends. Missy and her husband, Jason, live in South Hills. Jason teaches and coaches football at GW. Missy is the daughter of Nip and Regina Anderson of Pinch Ridge. She is the seventh grade science teacher at Elkview Middle School.
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A FRESH LO OK AT AN ELK RIVER FAVORITE Refresh yourself my friend and rest, and feel you are a welcome guest.
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hen you think of good, down-home cooked dinners in the Elkview area, Harding’s Family Restaurant is the overwhelming response. It is a family-style restaurant located beside Sleep Inn at the I-79 (Mink Shoals) exit 1. If you haven’t been to Harding’s recently, however, you are going to be in for a surprise.
Owners Kelsey and Angela Harding have refreshed their restaurant to make it even more inviting for your dining pleasure. New flooring, light fixtures, and tables and chairs have been added to the main dining room. The newly decorated banquet room, which can comfortably seat 65, is perfect for large groups, including meetings, parties, showers, or other events. Angela said, “We have also added historical photos from the Cultural Center archives and from the Jerry Waters’
Collection (mywvhome.com). The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 9 PM, but the great part is you can order breakfast all day and, my oh my, if you haven’t had one of their delicious breakfast options, you are missing out! From the Best Pancakes in Town to Omelets to Hungry Man’s Breakfast or the Farm Hand Skillet Special, just to name a few, it’s hard to even make up your mind! Harding’s Family Restaurant opened their doors in 1980. From the time you walk in the door, the gift shop beckons you to browse and enjoy. The wonderful aroma of Swan Creek Candles and an array of spiritual and inspirational Choice Books, Ty plush, stuffed animals, and country decor items welcome you. Angela said they try to rotate a variety of merchandise that offers the perfect
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gift for all occasions. You can also purchase the Appalachian Mountain Wilted Lettuce Dressing, which is served on Harding’s famous Wilted Lettuce Salad. This is all before you are even greeted by the friendliest staff ever. Many members of the Harding’s team have worked there between 10 and 25 years. Angela said, “Their loyalty and dedication are what make Harding’s a true family restaurant.” Their menu offers appetizers, sandwiches, salads, dinners, specialties, desserts and beverages, including the best cup of coffee around. Even if your cup is half full, they will be around to refill it! Daily Dinner Specials (available after 4 PM) include two side dishes (from your choice of over 19 delicious sides):
Hafer
Myers Chapel
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MONDAY House Made Meatloaf TUESDAY Spaghetti Special WEDNESDAY Slow-cooked Pot Roast THURSDAY Honey BBQ Baby Back Ribs FRIDAY Fish Fry FRIED CHICKEN SATURDAY SUNDAY SUPPERS either Chicken and Dumplings or Baked Steak. Local reviews include comments such as delicious food, outstanding service, and good value. Angela said, “The credit goes to our manager, Mary Field. She has been with us for 35 years and her passion for providing our guests with a consistent and enjoyable experience has made Harding’s a place that generations of families have come to eat.” If you are looking for something other than fast food in a bag, stop by Harding’s Family Restaurant. It’s truly a family dinner that you don’t have to cook or do the dishes! It’s a win-win dining experience. Angela also added, “We are so proud to be a part of the Elk River community and hope we can continue to provide a place for families and friends to meet and share a meal together for many years to come.” Kelsey and Angela Harding are the owners of Sleep Inn, next door to the Harding’s Family Restaurant, and in Cross Lanes. They are also building a dual brand hotel, Sleep Inn & Main Stay Suites, in Teays Valley. They are dedicated to serving the Elk River and Kanawha Valley communities.
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Surpassing Expectations When we were looking for a printer for our new magazine, Elk River Living, we did a quality and price comparison. The Printing Press not only met, but surpassed our expectations. The added bonus is working with Sandy Underwood and her staff is like working with good friends. They are always there to help us with whatever we need. When people in the community see we use The Printing Press, they immediately reply “Sandy Underwood? We love working her her.� No job is too large or small, and every customer receives excellent attention.
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304.744.7949
CELEBRATING RESILIENCE, STRENGTH, AND DEDICATION The Clendenin Branch Library celebrated the one-year anniversary of its reopening since the Flood of 2016 destroyed their location on Cardinal Street. Through the efforts of Kent Carper with the Kanawha County Commission, 25045-A New Clendenin, Inc., and the Kanawha County Library Board, the Clendenin Branch Library relocated downstairs in their newly-renovated location at 107 Koontz Avenue (the former Clendenin Middle School) in May of 2018.
A
reception was held on Saturday, June 1, at 12 Noon with dignitaries from Charleston, Clendenin business people, library leaders and Kanawha County Library Board of Director members, and local patrons attending the event. Tina Hall, secretary/treasurer for the Clendenin Advisory Board, said, “this anniversary is celebrating the spirit of resilience, the strengthening of community, and the dedicated service to the citizens of Clendenin and surrounding areas.”
There have been many programs at the Clendenin Branch Library including the Summer Library
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Club of 2018 and the kick-off of the new Summer Library Club of 2019. There are extensive activities for all ages happening during the month of July at the Clendenin Branch Library and at the Clendenin Recreation Center. See ERL’s July Calendar of Events for specific dates and times. Midge Forwood, President of the Clendenin Branch Library Advisory Board, made a special presentation to Sherry Swiney in recognition of her 26 years of volunteer service to the library. Sherry also served on the Clendenin Branch Library Advisory board for many years. Tammy
ELK RIVER LIVING
Sherry Swiney receiving her award.
Parker, Branch Manager, said, “Sherry has been an invaluable volunteer to our library over the past 26 years. She has helped with all of our story times, shelving of books, book sales, and other programs.” Clendenin Mayor, Kay Summers, said, “Sherry has been a true asset to the Clendenin Branch Library and our community.” Mayor Summers also encouraged families to enjoy the exciting library activities this month, including the all-day National Moon Day 50th Anniversary celebration on July 20.
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TREASURED MEMORIES BECOME NOVELS Writing was my passion and I discovered it at 40-whatever years old...but I learned it is NEVER too late to find and pursue your dream...because it makes you happy, and you are also never too old to be happy! -Steve Kittner
Remember when you were young and people would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? It’s funny how life will sometimes reveal your true passion as you get older. Elkview native Steve Kittner knows this first-hand! He said he didn’t even like to read as a child, but writing was something he had liked to do, so one day he decided to record important memories of his youth, things that stood out for him as adventurous, imaginative, and spooky all at the same time. From those memories and Steve’s exciting plot, his first book “River Rocks - A West Virginia Adventure Novel” was born! With the successful publication of his first book, Steve wrote his second book, “What Lies in the Hills,” which also features childhood memories on Elk River. Steve said, “I know you aren’t supposed to have favorites because they are all like my children, but “What Lies in the Hills” may be my favorite. He has more books in the “What Lies” series including “What Lies in the Sea” which takes his characters on a road trip to Florida (where Steve and his family reside now). He is currently completing a fourth book which is a continuation from book three which will be titled, “What Lies in the Keys”. Steve plans to have his characters return to West Virginia for a spooky adventure for book five, “What Lies on Copperhead Road”. Steve said, “The most rewarding part of my writing is I have readers from 12-90 years of age. I love it when people tell me it takes them back to Elk River and their memories in the 1960s.” He said he wanted to write “clean, classic adventure novels that people could enjoy reading and then (the best part), hand it over to your child to read.” STEVE KITTNER BOOKS are all available on amazon.com. They are available in Digital EBook Kindle format and paperback print version. “Be careful wishing for big adventures...one may find you!”
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THE
ELK REFLECTS THE FLOOD OF 2016 Looking back at The Flood of 2016. We will always remember. We survived. We are recovering. #elkriverstrong
ERL would also like to feature any of your Elk River memories as well. Go to elkriverliving.com and select Reader’s Submission, Elk’s Journal, to submit your story.
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W
HONORING HIS BEST BUDDY him up to the Wills Creek family graveyard. I said sure, but why do you want to go there?” Joe said that’s when he told me he had just found out he had cancer from Agent Orange and only had a month to live. Joe said, “He picked out his gravesite beside his dad and his two brothers.”
hen you cross the WV Route 4, Big Sandy Bridge in Clendenin, you now see new signs at both ends of the bridge proclaiming the bridge as the “U.S. Army SPC Thurman “DuWayne” Young Memorial Bridge. Delegate Dean Jeffries, along with local citizens, friends, and family, in accordance with the House Concurrent Resolution 66, dedicated the renaming of the bridge on May 31 in recognition of U.S. Army SPC Thurman “DuWayne” Young’s contributions and sacrifices made in service to this country, state and community.
Thurman “DuWayne” Young graduated from Herbert Hoover High School and entered the Army in 1969 where he went to Vietnam serving as an Armored Personnel Carrier Operator in the Infantry and was honorably discharged in 1971.He was the son of Carrie Marie Chaplan of Uniontown, Ohio, and the late Benjamin Thurman Young. He was married to Linda Szeles for 29 years and had three sons, Jeffery, James, and Roger, and five daughters, Carol, Lisa, Anne, Claire V., Jeannie M., and Christine (deceased). He passed away on August 17, 2011, at the age of 62 years after losing his battle with cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
DuWayne’s best friend, U.S. Army SPC Joe Dennis, of Thorofare Road in Clendenin, began the process to request that the bridge be named in DuWayne’s recognition after Joe’s tragic death. He said it took over five years before it passed the House of Delegates this past session. Joe said he and DuWayne went through Hoover together and were in the service at the same time. Even though both were in Vietnam, they were in different areas and were not together. Joe will always remember the phone call he received in July 2011 from DuWayne, a month before he died. Joe said, “He called me and asked if I had a four-wheel drive and asked me if I could take
Joe said watching his best friend and buddy die of Agent Orange was one of the hardest things he has ever had to do. ‘It’s a terrible death,” said Joe; “It was important to me to honor his service and all he had sacrificed.”
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What we offer At Elk River Get-A-Way, we want to help you plan your next adventure! We offer packages designed to get you, your friends and family out on the beautiful scenic Elk River. Our rentals include kayaks, canoes, party barges, inner-tubes & much more! Visit our website or give us a call for rates, package info, discount offers and memberships!
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ELK RIVER LIVING
Save the Date The 117th Annual Pinch Reunion will be held in Pinch the weekend of August 10-11. It is the longest running reunion of its kind in the United States! The upcoming reunion events will include Get Your Grub On by the Pinch based Girl Scout Troop #4847, Reunion Parade, Vendor and Craft Fair, Car Show, Family STEM Field, Petting Zoo and Fun Field, Concert Series featuring Mikele Buck, and Community Worship Service. For more information, see Facebook: Pinch Reunion WV. You can also contact Angela Brown, President of the Pinch Reunion Committee, at pinchreunion@ gmail.com.
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ELK
AR CLASSIC STEEL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION Charles Stricker, President 304.543.3825 304.965.2462 souflowers@aol.com 5106 Elk River Rd Elkview
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Dr. Peggy Kiser-Crouch, Dr. Jarred Newhouse and staff
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A Signing of Success
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Local author Debbie Richards, who lived near Walton in Roane County, was part of the BookExpo America trade fair on May 30 for her book signing. It was a four-day event at the Javits Center in NYC which included nearly all significant book publishers in the US and many from abroad. Debbie met with her publishers, Stevan and Adelaide Nikolic of Adelaide Books NY and signed copies of her newest book, PIVOT, at their booth. Debbie said, “It was great meeting people who were interested in poetry and giving them a signed copy of the book. It was also a chance to meet with other Adelaide Books’ authors.” Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite gave the following review on Debbie’s book, PIVOT: “what makes the collection in Pivot distinctive is its vivid articulation of the human experience. She has a profound way of looking at what most of us have forgotten to appreciate.” Also exciting, PIVOT by Debbie Richards, received Honorable Mention for Poetry at the 2019 New York Book Festival, which honors books worthy of further attention from the world’s publishing capital. Additionally, her book, HILLS OF HOME, was runner-up in the San Francisco Book Festival Awards 2019. HILLS OF HOME is about growing up in Appalachia, in the hills of West Virginia. ERL is very proud of our Elk River native and her success.
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Class of 1959 Celebrates 60th High School Reunion, Clendenin High School A very special class reunion was held on May 25 for the Clendenin High School, Class of 1959. Sixteen of the seventy-seven remaining classmates attended their 60th high school reunion. A buffet dinner was held at Crown Catering in Clendenin. A lot of memories and stories were shared with each other and their guests. Barbara Hively, one of the graduates, said, “For this class every five years for a reunion is just not enough. When out-ofstate classmates are in town, we all try to get together for a luncheon and get caught up.” In their senior year of high school, Klaus Peter Weimer from Germany attended Clendenin High School as an exchange student. He has missed very few of the class reunions. This year, however, he could not attend due to illness. Klaus Peter is a lawyer and resides in Berlin and keeps in touch with his classmates.
Class of 1959 Reunion
Those attending from left to right are: Dana Rose, John Costello, Carolyn Corner Smith, Libby Hoff Comer, Marilyn Brisendine Swisher, Dale Karickoff, Doris Hayes Sampson, Jackie Smith Samples, Midge Roe Forwood, John Bender, Barbara Owens Hively; Back row left to right: Bill Cobb, Virginia Statts Ashley, Gordon Bird, George Karr and Ed Gilger.
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ELK
THE D N OU
MATICS Funeral Home Charles L. “Sonny” Matics, Owner Anthony R. “Tony” Matics, Licensed Dir. 8539 ELK RIVER ROAD NORTH CLENDENIN, WV 25045
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Wiseman Captures NLC MMA Title The Memorial Field House in Williamson, WV was packed with excitement on Saturday, June 15. Bryan Wiseman of the Elk River Boxing Club in Clendenin defeated Travis Bender of Primal MMA in Madison by RNC in the second round. He captured the New Line Cage Fighting (NLC) Super Lightweight MMA Title. Rob Fletcher, owner and coach the of Elk River Boxing Club, said, “It was an action-packed fight against a very tough opponent.” Bryan is a Clendenin resident and started training with Elk River Boxing Club in 2017. He has had two kickboxing fights and five MMA fights. This is his first title. Rob said, “Bryan puts in a lot of work at the gym and all of his hard work paid off.” For more information on the Elk River Boxing Club, located at 5522 Elk River Road, contact Rob Fletcher at 681.313.6001 or see Elk River Boxing Club on Facebook.
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READER’S SUBMISSION
Brent Curry is the son of April and Ollie Curry of Coopers Creek. He is a 2012 Herbert Hoover High School graduate and is a member in the Air National Guard while attending college for Wildlife Biology.
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If you would like to submit a photo, work of art, short story, poem, knitwork - whatever inspires you - please reach out to us at elkriverliving.com or contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com
ELK RIVER LIVING
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ELK’S JOURNAL RIVER ROCKS
an excerpt submitted by author Steve Kittner
Steve Kittner is a 1980 Herbert Hoover High School graduate. He is the son of Betty and Charles “Bud” Kittner of Elkview. Steve and his family now reside in Davenport, FL. He is a published author of three exciting books that are available on amazon.com. His first book, River Rocks, is set here on the Elk River with his story laced with his great memories and adventures of his youth.
If you haven’t read Elkview native, Steve Kittner's first book, you are missing a good read for the summer! Set in rural Appalachia, ‘River Rocks” is a riveting, coming of age tale of two boys, their friends, and a one-hundred-year-old local legend of Confederate gold buried somewhere in the hills that surround their home. The gold was the result of an unsolved 1903 train robbery mystery, which liberated the U.S. government of their prized “Southern Jewel”. The old legend takes on a new life as Josh Baker and Eddie Debord discover the elusive clue that begins to lead them on the adventure of a lifetime! In their quest, the boys find themselves drifting downriver on a homemade raft, biking down old railroad beds, hiking hills, exploring hidden and forbidden hollows, and attempting to locate key old-timers who can help them put this puzzle together. Suspense prevails throughout the story as they move closer and closer to their target and, in the end, it could cost them much more than just a couple weeks of their summer vacation. Remember…Be careful wishing for big adventures....one may find you! “All five of them, once ashore, paused at the beginning of the path that led up to the old tavern and looked at it. The moon stood behind it and cast a glow around the old structure that indeed was a bit intimidating. Fog was moving now—rolling as it does when it gets heavier. Brad said, “What are we looking for when we get up there?” “Anything, clues. I guess we will know better when we get there where we will start and what the plan is,” Tiny said. “It’s not going to be easy. That gold is not going to jump out and say, “here I am!” If it’s here, it was hidden here in the early 1900s and stayed hidden all these years. This place operated as a hotel and casino long after the train robbery and no one stumbled across it in all that time.” “Well maybe we don’t know that for sure. If someone did stumble across it, they could have secretly hauled it out of here years ago, unloaded it somewhere and that’s it!” He paused and let that sink in. “It could still be a wild goose chase. It could have been found accidentally long ago. We didn’t really think about that.” Burl paused again. “But this is what we’ve been working towards and waiting for! So let’s get on up there and see,” Burl finished. No one spoke for a minute; they just took in everything that Burl had said. He could be right. The gold could be long gone. Josh broke the silence, “Yeah, let’s go.” They packed up their tools and hiked their way up the shallow bank towards the tavern. The walk was easy because there was no thick brush to speak of and the slope was gradual. They were there in less than a minute.” -Excerpt from River Rocks
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