Elk River Magazine June 2021

VOLUME 03 | ISSUE 06 | JUN 2021 FREE

Summer Food & Fun

Clendenin Homecoming Festival and CUMC Annual Car Show celebrate Father’s Day weekend in style. New Paddlers Bar and Grill and The Trail Kitchen are open with delicious menus for the whole family.

Kayaking on the Elk Four local businesses are dedicated to serving your kayaking needs this summer: Yak House Rentals, Elk River Get-A-Way, Clay Yak Rentals and Elk River Paddle and Yak. Reserve your kayak and start paddling.

Hoover Hoops Coach Stricker, KV Coach of the Year 2021, and the HHHS Boys Basketball Team captured Sectional and Regional Championships and advanced to the State Quarterfinals despite a team setback of COVID.

WALKER CREEK FARMS AND CABINS AT NEBO

INTERSTATE R adiatoR & S mall E nginE R EpaiR i n t E R S tat E R a d i at o R . c o m

r A d i At o r s 1 Peter 2:15-17 “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood.

Fear God. Honour the king.”

elk_river.indd 1

- Radiator Cleaning - Radiator Rebuilds - Radiator Recores - Custom Radiator Builds - Oil Coolers - Air Chargers - Condensors - Compressors - Evaporators - Accumulators

Fuel tAnk r e s t o r At i o n - Fuel Tank Cleaning - Fuel Tank Lining

s m A l l e n g i n e r e pA i r - Lawn Mower/Tractor Repair - Lawn Mower Blade Sharpening - Small Engine Repair - ATV Repair - Generator Repair - Weed Eater Repair

1611 4th Avenue ChArleston, Wv 25387

(681) 265-5047 5/19/21 8:29 PM

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

95 CASDORPH RD, CHARLESTON 304.342.8200

WEST VIRGINIA'S DEMOLITION EXPERTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 42 Feature Story: A Perfect Country Getaway!

“My hope is that you can experience my fondest memories of childhood in rural Appalachia - staying in rustic cabins, enjoying beautiful hiking trails, fishing in expansive ponds, and most importantly, relaxing and reconnecting with loved ones in nature.” –Daniel Tanner, Owner

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Kayak Adventures Await There is a kayak waiting for you to paddle the beautiful Elk River. Make your reservations today and enjoy the ride.

36

Nothing But Net in 2021 HHHS Boys Basketball won Sectionals, Regionals, and advanced to the Region 3 State Quarterfinals. So proud of our Red and Blue!

Top Honor Graduate at Carver Congrats to Ethan Walker, HHHS 2021 graduate and one of the top five honor grads in the Electrical Technology program at Carver Career and Technical Center.

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Welcome Back to Elk River Living!

30

Elk Valley Physical Therapy Health Tips

08

Our Proud Sponsors

50

Affiliated Finance Was At It Again

12

The Elk's Cookbook: Banana Pudding

54

The Elk’s Journal by Keegan Lester

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

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5

FROM THE EDITOR

HELLO

& Welcome Back!

O

ur June issue is just what it should be - a celebration of summertime events, new businesses, a delicious recipe, and a special salute to teams, businesses and students who have made us all proud of their accomplishments.

The feature story introduces a lovely getaway, Walker Creek Farms and Cabins at Nebo. It is a splendid combination of family fun, relaxation, and quality time to make lifelong memories. Also this month, ERL shines a light on four outstanding businesses who keep kayaks in the water for all of your summer adventures on the Elk. Other exciting articles include new restaurants, such as The Trail Kitchen and Paddlers Bar and Grill, who have recently joined the Elk River business community. Affiliated Finance and other local businesses were at it again pumping free gas and showing their appreciation for the nurses and first responders. We are also proud to recognize HHHS and Carver Career Center honor graduate, Ethan Walker, who was one of the top five honor grads in the entire Electrical Technology Program.

Last, but certainly not least, the whole community salutes Coach Josh Stricker, the assistant coaches and team manager, and the talented group of HHHS basketball boys who captured the 2021 Sectional and Regional Championships and went on to the State Quarterfinals and played their hearts out despite a team COVID outbreak. Our hearts were broken as top players had no choice but to quarantine at home, but we were thankful for the talent that stepped up to play in their honor, win or lose, and be our Elk River champions regardless of the score.

Take time to enjoy our gorgeous summer! Listen to the hum of the lawnmowers (one of my faves), soak up some sunshine, picnic with family and friends, and take time to walk, bike, hike, or paddle our new Elk River trails and waterways. We are grateful for the freedoms we have back this summer - can I get an amen! Love and prayers to everyone.

Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River. cyndi@elkriverliving.com

304.546.9243

Editor In Chief /

Cyndi Tawney

Creative Director /

Josh Tawney

Operations Director /

E L K R IVER

Ken Tawney

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: Check out Walker Creek Farms and Cabins at Nebo. Gorgeous photos of Walker Creek Farms and Cabins were supplied by Jamie Tanner, JtannPhotos, who is an Art teacher at Clay High School and a freelance photographer.

Jamie Tanner of JtannPhotos, is an art teacher at Clay High School and a freelance photographer on the side.

He is a native of Clay County and studied at West Virginia University.

Jamie Tanner

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

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!

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’s

OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AFFILIATED FINANCE GROUP 304.935.2230 4508 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

CLAY YAK HOUSE Melody Cottrell, Owner 304.619.8047

ANR CONSTRUCTION Randy Young, Jr. and Andrew Young 304.741.0377/304.546.6510

CLENDENIN PHARMACY 304.548.5451 Bill or Lindsay Ore Matuszkiewicz

ARMSTRONG LAW, PLLC 624 Elk St., Gassaway 304.300.9663 dan@wvlegalhelp.com

CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666 contact William Crede

BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.6661 85 Credes Landing, Elkview

BIG CHIMNEY BAPTIST CHURCH 4626 Elk Shore Dr., Charleston

DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS 3414 Pennsylvania Ave. 304.343.2151

BIG CHIMNEY BARBER SHOP 4508 Pennsylvania Ave. (across from Smith's Food Fair) 681.341.0948

DR. JOHN RICHARDS 4710 Chimney Dr. Ste. H, Charleston 304.935.2513

BILL’S USED CARS Rt 119 Elk River Road 304.548.4727

EDENS BODY WORKS, INC. 102 Neville Rd, Elkview 304.965.5900

BLUE CREEK HEATING & COOLING 304.965.9148 contact Bill Ross or Roy Crist

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS

BOWEN DENTAL Chas: 304.342.0146 / Clay: 304.587.7495 contact Stacy or Gary Bowen II

ELK HILLS MEMORIAL PARK 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston 304.954.5721

CANDICE A. HAWLE Y, CPA PLLC 4628 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston 304.965.5101

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501 contact Gary W. Pauley II

CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700 7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin

ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES Local Charleston Office 304.965.9081

ELK RIVER BOXING CLUB 5522 Elk River Rd. Elkview 681.313.6001

CLAY COUNTY BANK 150 Main St., Clay,304.587.4221 2236 Main St., Clay, 304.587.7480

ELK RIVER PADDLE AND YAK Lori Dittman, Owner 304.314.3880

There’s no place like home!

ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Scott Collias 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D 304.965.2458 ELK RIVER GET-A-WAY 16544 Elk River Rd, Clendenin 304.993.0006/304.941.4296 ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC 304.419.5337 www.elkvalleyelectric.com ELK VALLEY PET CREMATORIUM Inside Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston 304.965.0148 ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792 www.eliteroofingwv.com E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING 5088 Washington St W, Charleston 304.776.7473 elrobinsonengineering.com FROSTBITE DAIRY BAR 1 Cobb Ave., Clendenin 304.548.7413 GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.437.3739 gabbyssewingwv.com GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.965-7031 Order online at ginospizza.com GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL 304.965.3331 / 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 304.344.5044 I-79 Exit 1, Mink Shoals

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 ERL? contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com or 304.546.9243

IDEAL PROTEIN Charleston Family Chiropractic 308 Patrick St. Plaza, Charleston 304.344.9077

MARA ELLIS, OLD COLONY 304.541.7336 1205 Virginia St East, Chas. mellis@oldcolony.com MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com

ROLLIN SMOKE 4008 Crede Drive, Big Chimney 681.265.0690 SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR 311C Elk River Road, S., Clendenin 681.230.2151 SLEEP INN HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 800.216.0661 & 304.344.5044 sleepinncharlestonwv.com

INTERSTATE RADIATOR AND SMALL ENGINE REPAIR 1611 4th Ave., Charleston 681.265.5047

MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net

JONES AUTO 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young

SMITH’S CARPET ONE SMITH’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7111 & 304.965.7600 Big Chimney & Elkview, WV

JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com

MOLLOHAN AUTO BODY 304.437.2195 2026 Waters Edge Dr., Elkview

SMITH’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7600 Elkview, WV

JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 304.548.4625 12 Main St, Clendenin

MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin

SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING 304.444.4288 contact Phil Shaffer

KEITH'S AUTO PARTS VW Specialists 6328 Elk River Rd, N. Clendenin 304.548.7627/1-800-RACE-A-VW

MOSS TREE SERVICE LLC 304.965.8095 www.mosstreeservice.com

SPECIAL OCCASIONS 304.965.5434 specialoccasionflowers.com

KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com LEGACY FOODS For Delivery Call: 304.545.0802 LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO Katheryne E. Popp, Designer www.littlesecretdesign.co 304.427.6797 LOGAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY Call or Text 304.941.7622 INSTAGRAM: @logantaylorphotagraphy

MOUNTAIN LAUREL COUNTRY STORE SPENCER’S HARDWARE 304.548.6995 400 4th Street, Sutton 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin 717.228.7524 MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 contact Roger Mullins

TEEL AUTO REPAIR 304.548.5008 190 COTTON TREE RD, WALTON

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD 1083 Main Street Elkview 304.965.7769

NANCY KUHL, SEWING call 304.965.0747 text 304.807.4861

WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE 5100 Elk River Rd., N., Elkview 304.935.2287

RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston 304.342.8200 and on Facebook ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers

Xspec POWER 304.746.1139 contact Emily Canterbury YAK HOUSE RENTALS 304.941.2229 Yakhouserentals.com

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

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AT THE LIBRARY

Libraries are more than just stores of books and knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods and communities.

AutoPlus_ AUTO PARTS

Elk River Automotive Proudly Serving the Community for Over 27 Years Gary W. Pauley, 11, Owner • New expanded bays • • • • • •

with heavy duty lifts Exhaust Front End Work Brakes Computer Diagnostic Service AC Service Major & Minor Engine Repair

• 2 & 4 Wheel Alignments • Tire Service (we have over 5

different suppliers for any brand, any type of � • Transmission Service • State Inspections • Modified inspections

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY 304.965.5312 304.965.8173

GLENN PAULEY, OWNER 5082 ELK RIVER ROAD ELKVIEW, WV 25071

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

AUTO PLUS PARTS STORE

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THE

ELK’S COOKBOOK BANANA WAFER PUDDING

W

hen asked “What is your favorite dessert,” the majority of men we polled (including my husband, Ken and Gabi’s husband, Gary) all replied Banana Wafer Pudding. So, this month in honor of Father’s Day, ERL is proud to feature Gabi Strickland Walker’s sister’s recipe for Banana Wafer Pudding. Gabi said everyone loves this recipe so give it a try! For more of her delicious recipes, see Walker Mtn. Eats on Facebook.

JUNE 2021

INGREDIENTS

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•

1 - 5oz box Instant Jello Vanilla Pudding

•

2 C milk

•

1 t Vanilla

•

1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

•

1 - 8oz Extra Creamy Cool Whip

•

5-6 Bananas - sliced

•

Box Vanilla Wafer cookies

IN G.C OM

D US YO SEN UR

PREP TIME: 10 MIN TOTAL: 40 MIN

S! CIPE RE

IV ELKRIVERL

Created by Creative Stall from the Noun Project

DIRECTIONS Created by Creative Stall from the Noun Project

Step 1 •

Created by Creative Stall from the Noun Project

In a large mixing bowl, mix together pudding mix, milk, and vanilla until completely combined.

Step 2 •

Stir in condensed milk and cool whip.

Step 3 •

Refrigerate until thickened and set, about 30 minutes.

Step 4 •

In a serving dish, layer cookies, then banana slices, then pudding mixture. Continue to layer making sure to top with cookies and banana slices.

Step 5 Cover with saran wrap and keep refrigerated until time to serve. Enjoy!

4508 Pennsylvania Ave. Charleston, WV 25302 www.afingrp.com 304-935-2230

Located in Big Chimney across from Smiths Grocery Store/Smiths Hardware

“No one strategy fits everyone, which is why every client gets our undivided attention—from planning to execution to follow-up. We take a proactive approach to helping you develop a strategy to address your financial goals and objectives, using the most efficient methods available.”

Randy Young

Registered Financial Representative ryoung@afingrp.com

304-741-3909

Brad McDaniel

Director of Life Sales bmcdaniel@afingrp.com 304-553-2812

-Disability/Critical Illness Insurance -Life Insurance -Estate Planning* -Retirement Planning -401k Rollovers -Fixed/Indexed/Variable Annuities -529 Saving Plans -Investments-Mutual Funds *Documents Needed Prepared By Attorneys

Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial. Inc. (JWC). Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services offered through J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc. (JWCA). Affiliated Financial Group Inc. and JWCA are unaffiliated entities.

Brad Mcdaniel is not associated with J.W. Cole Financial, Inc.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

•

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JUNE 2021

Hafer

14

Myers Chapel

IDEAL PROTEIN is a medically designed and supervised ketogenic diet, which means you’ll burn fat for fuel.

Over 70 IDEAL PROTEIN branded foods: bars, chips, brownies, shakes, and more!

PERSONALIZED WEIGHT LOSS COACHING WWW.CHARLESTONFAMILYCHIRO.COM/IDEAL-PROTEIN

304.344.9077

308 PATRICK ST. PLAZA CHARLESTON, WV 25387

PIZZA POWER

235 ELK RIVER ROAD SOUTH CLENDENIN, WV

548.7002

SOLIDROCK

CONTRACTING • General Excavation • Land Clearing • Dump Truck Service • Retaining Walls • Underground Utilities • Demolition WV051264

Phil Shaffer

304.444.4288

Tim Shaffer

304.382.7606

Solid Rock Contracting Email: solidrockcontractor@hotmail.com

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

NEW ONLINE MENU AT GIOVANNISPIZZAPOWER.COM

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KAYAK ADVENTURES AWAIT

T

he Elk River is ablaze with a kaleidoscope of colors starting in late May and early June as kayakers hit the waterways. There are four businesses on the Elk River specifically dedicated to serving your kayaking needs. No matter where you are located, in- or out- of state, there can be a kayak waiting for you.

JUNE 2021

Many businesses are springing up with opportunities for outdoor recreation, as Clendenin, Clay, Gassaway and Sutton work with Elk River Trail Foundation to develop as new trail towns. New trail construction is currently underway from Clendenin to Queen Shoals (approximately 3.5 miles) which will then tie in with the Hartland, Dundon, Ivydale and Duck trails (28 miles). Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources has developed major new water access points at North Clendenin, South Clendenin, Blue Creek, Big Chimney, and Mink Shoals, and has worked with Elk River Trail Foundation to open five access points on Elkhurst and Clay.

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ELK RIVER GE T- A - AWAY Elk River Get-A-Way (ERG) announced their 2021 official opening at the end of April for their fourth kayaking season. Veteran and retired-owner Steven Grau said, “We offer affordable prices and flexibility that makes ERG an easy choice for youth and church group leaders planning summer activities or for any club or organization.” He also added, “At the Beulah landing (4 mile marker), there are picnic tables, grill-pits, and frisbee golf that are perfect for group functions and parties (graduation, birthday, etc.).” ERG takes pride in creating customized packages to meet your needs. They also offer special promotions and discounts on group rates.

From kayak, canoe, tubing and floating island rentals to picnic areas, ERG has something for everyone.

Steven said, “We offer professional grade fishing kayaks for those who are interested in fishing the famous Muskie Channel. The Elk River is home to brook and rainbow trout, bass, catfish, muskie and more.” If you are looking for a lazy day on the river, ask about their tubes and floating islands.

Additionally, ERG has shuttle services available from King DNR to Hokie DNR for kayakers and bikers.

Recently, Steven acquired additional property one mile above Camp Creek and five miles above Elk River Getaway, which will enable him to offer an additional five-mile extension to his existing kayak trips. He said, “We can now provide 9 to 11 mile kayak trips upon request.”

Elk River Get-A-Way is located at 16544 North Elk River Road, Clendenin (Procious). For reservations, call 304.993.0006 or 304.548.5999 (evenings). You can also email them at elkgetaway@gmail.com. For more information and kayak rental specials, see them on Facebook/Elk River Get-A-Way or on their website at www.elkgetaway.com.

Elk River Get-A-Way is located at 16544 North Elk River Road, Clendenin (Procious). For reservations, call 304.993.0006 or 304.548.5999 (evenings). You can also email them at elkgetaway@gmail.com. For more information and kayak rental specials, see them on Facebook/Elk River Get-A-Way or on their website at www.elkgetaway.com.

YAK HOUSE RENTALS Dave Knight, owner of Yak House Rentals located at 403 Elk Avenue West in Clendenin, advises people to make reservations early in the week if they want to go kayaking that weekend or any holiday weekend. “Our kayaks are booked and sold out by midweek, and when people try to reserve a kayak on Thursday, oftentimes I have no availability.”

A life-long resident of Clendenin, Dave added kayak rental entrepreneur to his many roles when he opened Yak House Rentals in July of 2018. He rents single-user kayaks, tandems, and fishing kayaks.

His 2021 season began Memorial Day weekend and ends Sunday, October 3, 2021.

JUNE 2021

The difference at Yak House Rentals are the quality, sit-on-top kayaks which Dave has in all sizes. “I am committed to our customers to ensure they are comfortable and safe on their kayak trips,” said Dave. His Perception Tribe sit-on-top kayaks are second to none and are a perfect blend of stability and comfort which you will appreciate whether you are a new or experienced kayaker.

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Dave caters to his kayakers. He said, “All they have to do is park here at the Yak House and I transport them to either their 4.5 or 6.5 mile kayak trip and they float back to the Yak House where we retrieve their kayak back out of the water for them.” Dave gives everyone a tutorial before he sends them down the river. He slides you and your kayak into the water without even having you get wet. “Just show up with your floppy hat, sunscreen, bluetooth speaker and cooler with your favorite beverages,” said Dave.

“I have a gift shop, bathrooms, a water hose to rinse off, and you are on your way.”

For reservations at Yak House Rentals, book online at yakhouserentals.com or call 304.941.2229. Dave offers 4.5 and 6.5 mile kayak trips and longer trips are available upon request. There is a 24 hour-notice required for all reservations.

CL AY YAK RENTALS Clay Yak Rentals is in its second year of business, only this year they are at a new location. They recently moved to a riverside property near the Hartland Bridge in Clay, right beside the Elk River Trails access at the 30-mile marker.

Melody Cottrell, owner, said, “Last year we operated out of Two Run in the Clay Recycling building, but this year people can actually park at our new location and we can shuttle them starting at the beginning of their trip.” Also new this year, Melody said they are providing shuttle service for kayakers, fishermen, and bikers. She said, “We would like to extend this service to anyone with a bicycle who wants a ride back to their vehicle along the Elk River Trail near Hartland.”

Despite opening during the pandemic last summer, Clay Yak Rentals had a very successful season.

Melody said, “We opened Clay Yak Rentals with the idea of bringing a quality, kayak-rental service to the Clay area. We believe that offering the best rentals, even the most basic of items, can make a big difference in the lives of our customers.”

Melody explained, “We offer three sizes of Perception Tribe sit-on kayaks, each with a different weight limit. It is important to find the right kayak for your height and weight for your safety.” They have a variety of rentals in all sizes for all ages, including both single and tandem kayaks and they offer 4-, 6-, and 10-mile trips.

They also offer a grab-and-go option. They can handle groups of up to 15 people. Rentals include the kayak, paddle, life jacket, and a safety whistle.

Clay Yak Rentals opened Memorial Day weekend and will close the first of September. Melody said reservations for their rentals and shuttle services can be made by calling or texting her cell at 304.619.8047, at www.clayyakrentals.com or on their Facebook/Clay Yak Rentals. To better serve their customers, Clay Yak Rentals asks for a 24-hour advance booking so that they can have your equipment ready and eliminate any delays.

ELK RIVER PADDLE & YAK

JUNE 2021

Another new water recreation business, Elk River Paddle and Yak, is in its second year and it offers kayak rental and shuttle service between Sutton and Duck, WV. Owner Lori Dittman started her kayaking business last summer. During the year she is a West Virginia Studies teacher at Braxton Middle School.

During the summer she wears her Elk River Paddle and Yak t-shirt and becomes a savvy, seasonal businesswoman.

20

She said, “I am a member of the Gassaway Area Improvement Council which encourages business development and tourism. I started kayaking a few years ago and I loved it. I was inspired to do something to make it easier for kayakers at the beginning and end of their trips. I thought it would be nice if we had a kayak bus or a shuttle service to take kayakers back and forth to their vehicles.”

Lori offers seven access points for kayakers between the Sutton Dam and Duck. She can suggest distances for your kayak trips. For example, if you want a 4.5 mile trip it could be between Sutton Dam to the Elk River Recreational Campground. She will help you plan your trip and then meet you at the designated location to help get you set up, establish a time for pick up at the end of your trip and a return to your vehicle. She can help plan 4.5, 6, 8, 9, and 21 mile kayak trips for your group. Also, if you have your own kayaks, Lori can offer you a shuttle service between Sutton and Duck.

Elk River Paddle and Yak is open weekends and also offers evening floats during the week in the summer and fall. Last year she was able to offer kayaking services through October due to the extended warm fall temperatures. She offers both sit-in and sit-on top options and they have new inflatable kayaks for two. They have 18 total kayaks available for rental.

Lori said, “We have many visitors from out of town, including PA, MD, FL, Northern VA, and also from central WV. People love to plan a WV adventure trip and experience our amazing water trails.”

Even though she opened last year, it was during the COVID pandemic. “I am expecting an exciting and busy summer this year,” she added.

One thing is certain, no matter where you rent your kayak, you are certain to have a great time on the Elk River this summer. Shop local and support our Elk River businesses.

They appreciate your business!

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

For reservations at Elk River Paddle and Yak, contact Lori Dittman at 304.314.3880 or email her at elkriverpaddleandyak@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook/Elk River Paddle and Yak. She requires a 24 hour notice for all reservations.

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JUNE 2021

22

311C ELK RIVER RD, S. CLENDENIN, WV 25045

Clendenin Homecoming FestivalA Perfect Father’s Day Weekend The Clendenin Homecoming Festival (CHF) is back this year! Save the weekend of June 18-20, 2021 on your calendar and be ready for a great time of festivities and fellowship. Gambill Amusement Carnival will be here for the kids and grandkids and rising Nashville Star, Adam Calvert, will be taking the stage again to perform.

The Festival was established in 2018 to encourage people to return to Clendenin, showcasing the town’s successful progress after the tragic Flood of 2016.

The Festival was cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions. Holliesue Schoolcraft, President, said, “Even though there is still a lot of work to be done since the Flood, every June we would like everyone to pause with recovery efforts and celebrate accomplishments and come home to Clendenin. Even if Clendenin is not your home, we invite you to be a part of the Clendenin family.”

This year the Gambill Amusement Carnival will be set up on the old Smith’s FoodFair parking lot and the festival events, vendors, and parade will be in the Town of Clendenin The 2021 Clendenin Homecoming Festival Pageant was held virtually in May. The Homecoming court consists of: Queen Tiffani Crouch of Elkview; Mrs. Queen Kiley Lanham of Hurricane; Teen Queen Faith Yoho of New Martinsville, and Jr. Teen Queen, Mallory Braenovich of Charleston.

There will also be craft and food vendors at the Festival. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at this year’s 2021 festival, go to clendeninhomecomingfestival.com and select vendors and then select the application.

You can contact Holliesue Schoolcraft, President, at clendeninhomecomingfestival@gmail.com for other questions or see them on Facebook/Clendenin Homecoming Festival. *All Events—Bring your own lawn chairs for seating Gambill Amusement CARNIVAL Event Dates are June 16-19 and this year it will be located on the former Smith’s FoodFair parking lot in Clendenin on Route 119.

Faith Yoho, Teen Queen

Adam Calvert

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Kiley Lanham, Mrs. Queen

JUNE 2021

Friday June 18

IN THE TOWN OF CLENDENIN • Craft Vendor Sales and Demonstrations • Carnival • Multiple Food Trucks • Welcome by Mayor Kay Summers

Mallory Braenovich. Jr. Teen Queen

• Presentation of Spirit of Clendenin Award • Presentation of Ms. Clendenin Cardinal • 6pm Live Music Concert: Adam Calvert on Main Street Saturday June 19 • Flag Raising and Invocation

Michael Combs

• Craft Vendor Sales and Demonstrations • Carnival • Grand Parade 12 noon • CUMC Annual Car Show (Koontz Avenue) • Multiple Food Trucks • Welcome by Mayor Kay Summers • CHF Royalty Coronation • WV Birthday Celebration

Thomas Gabriel

• 6pm Live Music Concert: Thomas Gabriel (grandson of Johnnie Cash) on Main Street Sunday June 20 • Church in the Street • Welcome and Prayer • 2:30 pm Live Gospel Music Concert: Michael Combs on Main Street

CHF Queen Tiffani Crouch

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JUNE 2021

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

The Trail Kitchen Restaurant Pay what you can afford, pay what the meal is worth to you or pay it forward. The choice is yours. - The Markers The Trail Kitchen is open! The new Trail Kitchen restaurant had its official grand opening on Thursday, May 7. They are located at 1194 Cold Springs Road outside of Clendenin. Hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 12 Noon to 9 PM and Sunday from Noon to 7 PM (closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday).

Customers can order at the take-out window. Dining options include takeout and indoor or outside seating on the large porch. Curbside service is available for those who are unable to walk up the stairs. The menu includes delicious subs on homemade rolls in either full or half sizes. They also have specialty subs including Hot Ham and Deluxe Italian Assorted Subs. Belly Busters are also on the menu which feature Trail Cheesy Burgers on homemade buns and Deep Fried Tacos.

Either will require you to use both hands to eat! Plates include the Muck Plate and Chili Spaghetti Plate. Also, customers can order Munchies such as mozzarella sticks, cheese fries, chili cheese fries, chili and tortilla chips with cheddar cheese sauce.

What is even more special than the food at The Trail Kitchen? The pricing! Owners Scott and Jeannie Marker decided to use a business model that they have not seen in any other restaurant. Here is what they said:

“There will be NO prices on our menu! Our customers will decide how much they will pay for their meal.

1. Pay only what you can afford 2. Pay what the meal is worth to you 3. “Pay it forward” to help someone who is quietly suffering financially You will be handed an envelope when you order. Deposit your money into the envelope; the amount will be based on the three choices above; and then put that envelope into a mail slot near the takeout window to pay for your meal. It will be completely private. OR you can choose to pay with a credit card and the amount will be between you and your cashier.”

The Markers explained, “Why would we do such a crazy thing? Please read to the end.

Sometimes God whispers an idea in your ear that challenges your way of thinking. We did not do this lightly or on a whim. Much thought went into this decision.

JUNE 2021

1. Someone who can’t afford a meal gets a meal while keeping their pride and dignity intact.

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2. Someone who can afford a meal gets a great meal and pays what it is worth to them.

3. It gives those who can pay a little extra the opportunity to “pay it forward” to someone who is quietly suffering.

Scott and Jeannie Marker

This prolonged pandemic and polarized political divide is creating a toxic environment in our country. When you are overwhelmed with fear and frustration, the best answer is to respond with fearlessness and faith. We have faith in….God, Our community, “We the people”, Americans, and especially West Virginians. Anyone can fall on hard times and this pandemic has only amplified the problem for many families. Imagine if your meal didn't come from a microwave. We offer delicious meals made with quality ingredients; this is a real restaurant and we take pride in our food.

We are not rich people, we are not a non-profit, we are not a “soup kitchen.” We have built a first-class commercial kitchen with an enormous deck on our property with our life savings and months of hard work. We are a family-owned, small business that operates on old-fashioned American values...Faith in God, Hard Work, Quality Products, Service to Others, and Strong Community.

Life is more than the mindless pursuit of money and material things. We still have to pay bills, buy food, maintain the restaurant equipment and stay compliant with the health department. This bold move to operate solely on an honor system is scary, but we believe you must “Be the change you wish to see in the world” and we believe this is the right thing to do. This is our preferred business model. If for some reason we are unable to continue operations in this manner, we will adjust our pricing plan but ONLY if the original plan proves to be unsustainable. The founding fathers of our country had faith in “We the people” when they wrote our constitution. So, we will have faith in the people as well.”

Make plans to stop by The Trail Kitchen soon. Customers have left wonderful reviews including: “Best lunch ever! The food portions are huge and so unbelievably tasty. We highly recommend you take the drive and go enjoy some homemade food”; “We absolutely loved our meal this evening!!!! The portions are amazing!!!! My guy had the cheeseburger and cheese fries, my granddaughter had the regular fry and I had the deep fried taco with lettuce, jalapenos, sour cream and hot sauce...two hands are definitely needed!!! We will definitely see you again!!”; “Highly recommend! Best burger I’ve ever had and the portions are huge. Thrilled to have this in the area and we love the story behind it.”...and there are more reviews echoing this one-of-a-kind restaurant, veteran-owned, with amazing food.

Set your GPS to 1194 Cold Springs Road, Clendenin and enjoy a gorgeous drive for an unforgettable meal at The Trail Kitchen.

JUNE 2021

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Health Tips From Elk Valley Physical Therapy This month Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC, and owner of Elk Valley Physical Therapy, submitted an article from the American Physical Therapist Association (APTA) about the benefits of physical activity to share with our Elk River Living audience. Andi said, “Clendenin and surrounding areas have an aging population and we need to keep them moving. I'm looking forward to the rails to trails this summer.”

10 BARRIERS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

JUNE 2021

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Facts & Statistics on physical activity, more than 80% of American adults do not get enough physical activity despite the proven benefits. Barriers to movement and physical activity can be small or large, real or perceived. Whatever barriers may be preventing you from enjoying the many important health benefits of physical activity, physical therapists will partner with you to create a safe and effective program to get you moving. Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants work together, and collaborate with other members of your health care team, to maximize your movement and empower you to be an active participant in your care.

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1. I’m too old/I’ve been physically inactive for a long time. It’s never too late to get moving. Adding physical activity at any age has benefits. In addition to an increased life span, adding physical activity to your daily routine can help you manage stress, improve memory and brain function, avoid chronic disease, and much more.

2. It hurts when I... Movement is crucial to your health, quality of life, and independence. For some people, pain makes movement a challenge. A PT can help you move better and safely manage your pain.

3. I don’t have time. Some physical activity is better than nothing. Try to fit in physical activity a few times a day for a total of 30 minutes. Make sure that the activity increases your heart rate.

4. I don’t have access to a gym or equipment. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Dancing, jogging, walking, climbing stairs, and gardening are all examples of physical activity that you can do without any equipment.

5. I don’t like to exercise. Competitive sports and hour-long fitness classes are not for everyone.

Physical activity doesn’t have to involve things you don’t like doing to be effective. Discover the types of activities that you enjoy and make them part of your daily physical activity routine.

6. I can’t get motivated, it’s too big of a hurdle, or I don’t know where to begin. Physical activity releases endorphins, and the feeling of well-being you get after a good workout will become its own reward. To help you get started, offer yourself a small reward each time you are physically active until it becomes a habit.

7. I have a chronic disease, condition, or disability. Movement is essential for everyone. Whether you use an assistive device to get around or have mobility challenges due to a chronic condition or a prior injury, there are activities that you can do to challenge your muscles and lungs and improve your health and quality of life.

8. I’m afraid of hurting myself. The right activity for you depends on your age, ability, and goals. A PT can help you identify a safe and effective plan that addresses your fears and helps you reach your goals.

9. I feel out of breath when I exercise even a little bit. It is normal to feel a bit winded when doing physical activities in which you exert yourself more than usual. It’s a sign that you’ve raised your heart rate. Contact your doctor if it worries you.

Elk Valley Physical Therapy is conveniently located at the Crossings Mall in Elkview and is ready to help you find pain relief and begin your physical activity journey.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

10. I’m tired all the time/I have no energy to exercise. Research shows that exercise boosts energy levels. Physical activity helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to our tissues and vascular system, and other body functions work more efficiently.

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JUNE 2021

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New! Paddlers Bar and Grill Paddlers Bar and Grill, located at 12 Maywood Avenue in Clendenin, has joined the Elk River business community!

Owners Lee and Suzanne Hall had a soft opening on May 8 and invited the community to stop by and check out their new place. On May 20 they had a full opening with their delicious menu which Lee calls “bar food with a twist”.

Paddlers is located next door to the historic Roxy Theatre in Clendenin. It offers a full-service bar with an array of domestic, imports, craft beers, IPAs, wine, and assorted drinks. Chef Adam’s famous hamburgers, hand-dipped corn dogs, hand-cut river fries, loaded nachos, hot bologna, and other delicious entrees are sure to be a hit plus there is a kid’s menu with all of their favorites.

Paddlers Bar and Grill serves lunch and dinner and has curbside pickup for to-go orders.

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Lee said, “We are very family friendly until 9 PM, so bring the family and stop by. There are also pool tables and hopefully we will have some live acoustic music this summer.” Lee plans to have some events such as cruisein’s and other fun activities for the Town. “It’s good to see the Town of Clendenin flourishing,” he said. “I am looking forward to being a part of the Elk River community and working with other businesses in Town to help attract new business to the area.”

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Top Honor Graduate at Carver Ethan Walker, Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) 2021 graduate, is one of the top five honor students who graduated from the Electrical Technology program at Carver Career and Technical Center. He maintained a 4.0 GPA this past year and also met the requirements for the Governor’s Workforce Credentials. Additionally, he acquired his OSHA 10-hour safety card.

JUNE 2021

Ethan attended Carver Career and Technical Center during his junior and senior years while he was at HHHS. He is a member of the Carver Technical Honor Society. His Electrical Instructor, Gregory Young, said, “Ethan met all of the criteria to be one of only five honor students graduating in Electrical Technology and received his certificate of completion. He plans on taking his electrical license exam from the WV State Fire Marshal's office and he will then be pursuing employment in his field of study.”

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Ethan’s parents are Carrie and Michael Murphy and Brian and Melanie Walker of Clendenin. His grandparents are Billy and Vergie Meadows and Debby and the late Jonathan Walker of Clendenin.

ERL proudly salutes Ethan and his honorary status from Carver!

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NOTHING BUT NET IN 2021 "From the very beginning to the very end, cheer like it’s the fourth quarter and we are all tied up.”

- Mike Kelley, HHHS Principal

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t is ERL’s pleasure to introduce this year’s victorious Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) Boys Basketball Team: WVSSAC AAA Sectional Champions 2021, WVSSAC AAA Region 3 Section 2 Champions 2021, and WVSSAC Class State Quarterfinals 2021. Under the direction of Head Coach Josh Stricker who was named as Kanawha Valley Coach of the Year 2021, this team has been victorious and has soared to new heights in 2021.

JUNE 2021

Just announced as well is the addition of Devin Hatfield to the WV All-State First Team for 2021. The coaches and sportswriters around the state voted and Devin joined HHHS history as the third player to be named on the All-State First Team. He led the Huskies in scoring this season shooting 42% on 3’s, 88% on free throws, and 47% overall. He was a key player who helped the Huskies secure this year’s championship titles.

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All Cardinal Conference Boys Basketball Selections included Devin Hatfield, First Team (All-Kanawha Valley), Eli Robertson, Second Team, and Trey Chapman, Honorable Mention. Also, the 2021 Class AAA Best Cheer Section went to HHHS. Coach Stricker said, “I think everyone at the Civic Center was cheering for Hoover except for Shady Springs. We had an overwhelming show of support from fans everywhere.” Principal Mike Kelley talked to HHHS students before the game and said, “From the very beginning to the very end, cheer like it’s the fourth quarter and we are all tied up.”

The Hoover boys ended their season 10-3. On April 22 they defeated Nicholas County 71-53 at Elkview Middle School and won the Sectional Championship. They went on to defeat Westside High School 7958 on April 27 at George Washington High School and clinched the WVSSAC Region 3 Championship.

They played in the WVSSAC State Quarterfinals on May 5 at 9 AM in the Charleston Convention Center where they lost to Shady Springs.

Coach Stricker explained that he received a call from Westside High School and was notified that one of the Westside basketball players who had played in the Region 3 Sectional Championship had since tested positive for COVID. That call set the wheels in motion to have all of the HHHS boys tested for COVID as well. Sadly, seven boys ended up being quarantined, including two starters and three of the top players off the bench. It was nothing short of a tragedy for the Hoover team who was scheduled to play in the Quarterfinals just two days away.

Coach Stricker said, “We were able to play with three starters, Trey Chapman, Eli Robertson and Jack Chapman. Also, Christian Buckley who had been injured and unable to play was able to return for the quarterfinal game, as well as Hoover junior varsity guard, Levi Paxton. Also subbing from the junior varsity were Camron Buckner, Nate Gurski, and Brayden Jones.” The boys played hard and the cheers from the crowd were unwavering. Coach Stricker added, “If we could have had all of our starters, I think we would have had a very different outcome. Nevertheless, our boys gave it their all and I am proud of them.”

The HHHS Basketball roster includes (* indicates COVID quarantined during the quarterfinals): Frank Early*, Austin Hanson*, Wesley Miller*, Jack Copenhaver, Devin Hatfield*, Dylan Paxton*, Trevor Rager *, Levi Paxton, Christian Buckley, Eli Robertson, Nate Gurski, Trey Chapman, Sam Phillips*, Camron Buckner, Elijah Saunders, Brayden Jones, Garrett Wentz, Collin Lindsay, Bryce Grimm, and Perry Tanner. Head Coach Josh Stricker; Assistant Coaches Terry Jarrett and Zach Null, Team Manager Jack Bailey.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

(L to R) Zach Null, Head Coach Josh Stricker, and Terry Jarrett

There had been two players in HHHS history who were named to the WV All-State First Teams, Jim Hayes in 1965 and Josh Stricker in 2007, until this year when Junior Devin Hatfield was named to the 2021 All-State Team. Coach Stricker remembers Coach Hayes coming to one of his games and walking up to him after the game and complimenting him on his playing. Coach Stricker went on to play at

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WVU Institute of Technology under Bob Williams from 2007-2012 and then returned to HHHS where he has been a part of the basketball team coaching team for 9 years. He has been the head coach for the last two years and was an assistant coach for seven years. “When I graduated from college I knew exactly where I wanted to be,” he said; “I came home to my alma mater, Herbert Hoover.”

Coach Stricker said there aren’t enough words to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.

“I want to thank the community, the administration, our students who cheered us on both at the Civic Center and virtually, and all of our fans who helped us rally through our season. We have had wonderful support and the coaches and boys are eternally grateful for every one of you.” The team has five seniors graduating this year: Trey Chapman, Frank Early*, Jack Copenhaver, Austin Hanson*, and Christian Buckley, which includes the two seniors* who didn’t get to play in the state quarterfinals.

The coaches, staff, team, and the community wish these seniors good luck with their futures and want them to remember they are hometown heroes always with the Red and the Blue.

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Alex Yoakum (GW), Isaac Mckneely (Poca), Mason Pinkett (GW), Coach Josh Stricker (HH), Devin Hatfield (HH), and Aiden Satterfield (Catholic)

JUNE 2021

It only seems fitting to close this article with a quote from Coach Stricker which he said to his boys before every game: “It is a bad day to play the Red and the Blue!”

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Annual Father’s Day Car Show is Back For Father’s Day, make plans to visit the 17th Annual Clendenin United Methodist Church Father’s Day Car Show. This is always a Town favorite and a perfect Father’s Day treat for dad.

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The Clendenin Homecoming Parade will begin at 12 noon, so plan to come early, bring your lawn chair, have lunch and enjoy the car show and the homecoming festivities. It’s a wonderful day to be in Clendenin!

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

The car show will be held on Saturday, June 19, at 10 AM in the Clendenin United Methodist Church parking lot located at 121 Koontz Avenue. The show features between 80-100 cars. There will be trophies, door prizes, and delicious refreshments including hot dogs, BBQ, homemade pies, desserts and more!

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They Were At It Again!

By Guest Author Kerragan Young, Affiliated Financial Group

Affiliated Financial Group of 4508 Pennsylvania Ave, across from Smith’s FoodFair at Big Chimney, was back at the pumps again for a second round of donating free gas to our healthcare workers and first responders. This time they were at the Exxon One Stop in Kanawha City, pumping up to $25 of FREE GAS to the first 200 healthcare workers and first responders in line each week for four Thursdays in April.

Between last April 2020 and this April 2021 Affiliated Financial Group, along with ten more sponsors who generously jumped in with them, pumped $52,000 of gas!

Randy Young, President of Affiliated Financial Group said, “This was just a way for us and other appreciative sponsors in our area to say THANK YOU to our healthcare workers and first responders who have worked and continue to work on the frontline of COVID-19 each day!”

Randy came up with this idea last April when he heard a story on the 97.5 WQBE Morning Air Show about someone in Wisconsin who pumped $900 of gas in one day for healthcare workers. Randy loved the kind gesture and wanted to do the same thing here locally, and when the word got out, other businesses in the area joined forces with them and helped give back also. He said, “We all wanted to do our part to help say thank you and give back to our community.”

JUNE 2021

This year’s sponsors include: Affiliated Financial Group, Big Chimney; ANR Construction, Elkview; Elite Roofing, Pinch; Ford & Sweeney Tax & Accounting, Elkview; White Insurance, Lisa & Brad White, Charleston; Old ColonyPeggy White, Pinch; Victorian Finance-Joey Starcher, Charleston; Mountain State Oral & Facial Surgery, South Charleston; Woman Care Clinic-Dr. Shammaa, South Charleston; Lewis & Glasser Law Firm-Matt Kingery, Charleston, and Members Choice Federal Credit Union,Charleston.

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A PERFECT COUNTRY GETAWAY

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f you are looking for a gorgeous, peaceful getaway, you don’t need to look any further than Walker Creek Farms and Cabins at Nebo! You’ve never heard of it, you say? Neither had we!

That’s why we are featuring it this month, to help spread the word to the Elk River community and beyond.

In your mind, first picture 250 acres of secluded, peaceful farm land. Next, add in three beautiful rustic cabins and two yurts that are available for nightly or weekly rentals. Sprinkle generously with hiking, biking, and fishing and best of all, breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Walker Creek Farms and Cabins opened last year on September 1 amid the COVID pandemic. They are located at 230 Nebo Walker Road in Nebo, WV. They had four of the five cabins/yurts finished last fall and they went ahead and advertised the cabins for rent where people could safely space out and enjoy the wooded area. They were booked every weekend and even most days during the week until Christmas and again during Valentine’s Day weekend. They are closed from January 1 to mid March, depending on the weather.

There are six ponds on the farm, all stocked and available for catch-and-release fishing. Willow Lake is just under two acres and is stocked with rainbow trout. Walker Creek Farms and Cabins also has paddle boats on the ponds.

There are barns and a farm petting zoo for the children which includes horses, pigs, lambs, goats and a donkey. A playground is also located on the farm for the kids. Visitors can ride ATVs outside of the farm on the trails but no ATVs are permitted on the farm as transportation. The farm also boasts over six miles of hiking and biking trails.

The cabins and yurts have private outdoor hot tubs, hammocks, firepits, and grills. Wood for the firepit and charcoal for the grills are provided. Also, linens and towels are provided and there is a fully-equipped kitchen with a Keurig coffee maker at each rental. All you need to bring is food, snacks, clothes, and toiletries. It doesn’t get any easier than this.

Rental cabins include #1 Wild Cherry, which is a two-story cabin with 3 bedrooms (king, queen, bunk bed), #2 Sugar Maple, which is a two-story cabin with 2 bedrooms (2 queen beds and a pullout futon), and #3 Pin Oak which will be a two-story, 3 bedroom rental (king, queen, bunk bed, pull-out futon). The one-of-a-kind yurts (unique round design with wrap-around porches) include #1 Tulip Poplar (queen and pull-down bunks) and #2 Hickory Hut (king and pull-down bunks).

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Pets are absolutely welcome at Walker Creek Farm and Cabins! They will happily provide complimentary doggie beds and treats upon request.

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Walker Creek Farms and Cabins’ business plan has upward to 20 different phases planned to enhance their facility. A restaurant and stable are also on their list for the future. Owners Misty and Daniel Tanner of D and L Contracting Oil bought the farm three years ago. The farm had been timbered in the past and there was quite a lot of work to be done before development of the cabin

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sites could even begin. Daniel said, “My hope is that you can experience my fondest memories of childhood in rural Appalachia - staying in rustic cabins, enjoying beautiful hiking trails, fishing in expansive ponds, and most importantly, relaxing and reconnecting with loved ones in nature.”

For reservations or questions about the farm, call 304.286.5200. Also, more information is available on their website at walkercreekfarm.com or on Instagram and Facebook/Walker Creek Farms & Cabins.

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Photos of Walker Creek Farms and Cabins were supplied

by Jamie Tanner, JtannPhotos, who is an art teacher at Clay High School and a freelance photographer on the side.

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CELEBRATING SIX YEARS Bonus! Walker Creek Farms and Cabins is just up the road from Pizzas and Cream, an awardwinning restaurant, featuring everyone’s favorite brick-oven pizza and homemade specialty ice cream! Enjoy a weekend at Walker Creek Farms and Cabins and fantastic pizza and ice cream at Pizzas and Cream, it just doesn’t get any better than this!

Ed Miller, his wife, Joy, and their son, Stephen, started building their own fire-brick oven in 2013. It was more of a hobby at first but then they started cooking pizzas for church events, friends, and family. The next year in 2014, they officially broke ground and started building their store around the fire-brick oven. On March 22, 2015, the Millers had the grand opening of their new business, Pizzas and Cream. This year they are celebrating their sixth year of success.

Their pizza crust is a sourdough recipe from a starter they began in 2013. Top that delicious crust with fresh and oftentimes homegrown ingredients and then choose your favorite toppings. Also, you can select one of their specialty pizzas and if you love cheese bread, definitely try their deluxe cheesy bread with roasted garlic, double Mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and a side of sauce.

It’s no surprise that they have been named as Best Pizza in WV in the 2021 Vintage West Virginia competition, as one of West Virginia’s 10 Best Ice Cream Parlors and 10 Best Pizza Restaurants. They were also among the 101 Unique Places to Dine in WV in 2017. Picnic tables are scattered across the front lawn, and free-range chickens roam about, trying to talk you out of that last bite of pizza crust.

On chilly evenings, there is a large fire blazing in the fire pit when guests can gather, eat and visit. It is positively one of the most popular pizza (and ice cream) restaurants in the Valley.

Pizzas and Cream is located at 133 Nebo Walker Road at Nebo, WV. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Charleston and if you call ahead and place your order, it’s hot and ready when you arrive. Phone is 304.286.2985. You can see their complete menu and driving directions on Facebook/Pizzas and Cream or at www.pizzasandcream.com. They are open from 4-10 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Reminder: bring cash or check please as the Internet can be a bit unpredictable in the country.

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In addition to pizza, the Millers also create and offer delicious gelato, Italian Ice, and special flavors of ice cream such as Blueberry Cheesecake, Oreo Cookies and Cream, and a mouth-watering Butter Pecan (yes, the pecans are roasted in the firebrick oven). Check out their monthly specials in addition to their traditional chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and butter pecan.

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ELK REFLECTS

REMEMBERING CLENDENIN GRADE SCHOOL

L

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arry White of ‘You Know You’re From Clendenin, WV When’ Facebook Group, shared this month’s reflections of Clendenin Grade School. Sadly, The Flood of 2016 destroyed the school and a new Clendenin Elementary, which will include Bridge Elementary, is being constructed off of U.S. Route 119 on Wolverton Mountain Road.

Ben Ashley, WV School Building Authority Director of Architectural Services, said, “It’s a top of the hill site that will require a lot of earth-moving before construction can begin on the building.”

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Larry White said in his post, “Here are some Clendenin Grade School class photos over the years. I would love to see the stone door framework

preserved. Imagine all the students who over the years have entered those doors.”

Clendenin Mayor Kay Summers said, “It is with great pride that I can announce that FEMA has approved the historical stone door framework of the old Clendenin Grade School to be preserved and maintained by The Town on the original grade school site.”

Thank you to Larry White, Kim Johnson, and Richard Bashlor of the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum for the photos of Clendenin Grade School and the school classes.

ERL would also like to feature any of your Elk River memories.

Contact Cyndi Tawney at 304.546.9243, or cyndi@elkriverliving.com, or go to elkriverliving.com

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

READER SUBMISSION Diana Rae Davis and her husband, Tony Wayne Davis, provided this month’s Reader Submission of Ring around the Sun and of a Pileated Woodpecker, both photographed in the New Hope Road area of Elkview, WV

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

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JUNE 2021

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THE

ELK’S JOURNAL

KEEGAN LESTER PERFECT DIRT AND OTHER THINGS I'VE GOTTEN WRONG Keegan Lester is an American writer with West Virginia roots. West Virginia University Press will be publishing his next book, Perfect Dirt, in the fall of 2021. His work is published in Ploughshares, The Boston Review, and The Journal. He has been featured and or mentioned on NPR, The Kenyon Review, Rollingstone Magazine, Brooklyn vol.1 and The New School Writing Blog.

Here is an excerpt from Lester's latest book: I was wearing short shorts the first time I went down to McDowell county because I only had one pair of shorts at the time and it was hot and they were short and the whole drive down I thought, Man, I’m gonna get my ass kicked.

The road squeezed the mountains like a lover, and like a lover, sometimes the roads forsook those mountains. Those roads were built to take these mountains and trees in pieces from this state to another. When we got far enough south, all roads became one way in and one way out. then a thick tree canopy like a shroud keeping what’s enchanted in its place. The dark and wet greens swaddling us from the world. Rain poured from clouds we couldn’t see. The car windows were rolled down and we could hear the rain in the trees, but the water was unable to sneak its way through, and the windshield remained untouched and I thought, I’m gonna get my ass handed to me when we get to Welch.

On the drive down to Welch, as everything turned green and more green and then spooky green and then damp, my friend and I talked about leaving the state for school and work and coming back. About how I felt bad sometimes for forgetting the way the moon here grins. How the water baptizes you if you swing into it from a tree. How beer cans float in swimming holes next to their human-like little tugboats. How people here sing sometimes for no reason at all, just to sing.

Even when I leave West Virginia physically, I’m never able to mentally leave the place. I wear it like a birthmark. And like a birthmark, it’s this part of me that I love and sometimes feel different for. It’s a thing the people who love me love me for and strangers often feel a thing that should be covered up or talked about in a singular way. Through a singular lens.

But like anything else in life, place and home are more complicated than just a single lens.

No one beat me up in Welch. One person said, “You look skinny. Let me get you cornbread and some fixings.” My friend said, “When I left West Virginia for college, I spent two years trying to forget how my mother talked.” She said, “Like this town, though, no matter what happens to you, some part of you stays the same.” She said, “I kept looking for home everywhere but here. But I’m home now.”

So if you have to leave West Virginia someday too, don’t forget the cornbread and the food pantries from the gardens that locals in Welch keep so school kids have something to eat when there isn’t enough to go around. Don’t forget Welch or

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Parkersburg or Keyser or Jane Lew or Ridgewood.

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When you enter downtown Welch, there’s a mural that a guy just started painting one day because he had to, be- cause sometimes your heart forces you to translate beauty for others. And just by looking at his painting, you can tell how full his heart is with this place.

Sometimes beauty is someone inviting you into their home.

KEEGAN LESTER COMMENCEMENT SPEECH TO WEST VIRGINIA STUDENTS

(excerpt)

Don’t forget to eat a pepperoni roll for me. Don’t forget people don’t build fences between their houses here, and trains still pass each night moving bits of the state somewhere else, that you are this state’s most important resource. As long as you don’t fear who you are because of this place, then it’s all okay. Some people will be mad that you don’t come back and they will call you all sorts of things, but as long as you have your reasons, then that’s okay. You won’t be able to fix everything. You won’t be able to know without listening, so don’t forget to listen. Don’t forget on the hard days that you are of the place of Bill Withers and of Katherine Johnson, who sat at a kitchen table learning to calculate the distance between Charleston and the moon. Don’t forget Jennifer Garner grew up here, that you can be successful away from here and still be madly in love with it. Don’t forget Henry Louis Gates is from here and Daniel Johnson and Don Knotts, and Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island loved it here too. Don’t forget Randy Moss.

Don’t forget the names of all people you love too.

Don’t forget wherever you are to leave a porch light on for me, to never stop growing. If you want to change your home, it helps to go out into the world and see how others are doing it. If you want to change the world, become a teacher or a nurse. Make sure to look after others. The Mothman will still be here when you get back. If you’re coming back through, don’t forget that this place is as good as any to wish upon.

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Some of you are thinking, I’ve got to get out of here as fast as I can and that’s okay. Some of you are thinking, I can’t imagine living in a world that is not here and that’s okay too. some of you are gonna travel far, far away and fall in love with your new home and that’s okay. Some of you will stay and want nothing more than to live there and that’s okay too. Some of you, after being so far away, will say, I want to come home, I miss the mountains and rivers, the way a syllable rolls off the tongue there, and I want to bring parts of this other place with me and that’s okay. Some of you will say I’m never going back there and that’s okay too. Some of you will come back and be deterred by the politics and government here and leave again and some of you will stay and fight and either way that’s okay. It’s all okay, so long as when you leave you don’t try to lose your accent because of what others say.

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ELK RIVER LIVING

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