Elk River Magazine

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!

VOLUME 03 | ISSUE 01 | JAN 2021 FREE

ELK RIVER LIVING

Forward March!

Alternative uniforms, COVIDcolored charts, and jumping through hoops! The HHHS Marching Huskies remained resilient with spirits high.

A Heroes Parade The Pinch Community respected COVID guidelines and cheered at their annual Christmas Parade which was dedicated to our outstanding rst responders.

Remembering John Reed Guest writer Lillian (Alice) Reed honored her husband’s memory as this month’s Elk River Hero.

The Schoolcraft family gathers annually to make apple butter & molasses, preserving a family tradition

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

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JANUARY 2021

5088 Washington St. W., Charleston, WV • 304.776.7473

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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24 The Beat Goes On “We Are All In This Together--Let’s Have Some Fun,” sums up the spirit and commitment of the wonderful HHHS Marching Huskies.

Feature Story Honoring a Family Tradition “It was important to Carl and me to preserve our family tradition and expose all of our extended family to the process and the heritage,” --Bill Schoolcraft

32 Pinch Salutes the Heroes Christmas Parade 2020

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Our Proud Sponsors

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Reader Submission: A Snowy Shady Lane

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Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy from Walker Mt. Eats

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The Elk’s Hero: John Reed

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The Elk’s Reflects: USAF Veteran Rebecca Straight

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Local Emergency Services, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement were honored at the 2020 Pinch Annual Christmas Parade.

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Hello & Welcome Back!

A

s we ring in a new year, I am hopeful that we remember to be mindful of the things we have learned to appreciate in 2020. Things we took for granted.

Little and big things.

I am thankful for everyone and their unique skills, from rst responders and our medical community to our teachers and our business community and neighbors. We have been reminded that all lives matter, all ages matter, and working together pulls us through the bad times so that we can in turn celebrate the good.

I am thankful for the time to reect on what life really means and to make time for the things we enjoy most, the things that give life meaning, that make us better people and a better nation. I am glad to see us have true family time at home. I am happy that we have rediscovered the outdoors.

In 2021 I want to be able to again see and hug my family, hug my friends, and even hug a stranger without fear. I want to give happy hugs, consoling hugs, loving hugs and welcome hugs. I want to embrace the freedom to eat out, shop, go to church, weddings, funerals, and other life events. I want to see our grandchildren play ball and be a part of their school and extracurricular activities. I want to be able to see everyone’s happy smiles again. All of these things we routinely did without any thought before March of 2020. Now I feel like each one of these will be a treasured freedom.

While I do not believe 2021 will suddenly be a magical year, I do think we can begin to pick up the fractured pieces of our lives and return to some normalcy. While a vaccination may help protect our health and the spread of this virus, it is important for us to remember to protect the values we have re-discovered.

Happy New Year, my dear friends and neighbors!

Cyndi Knight Tawney Founder & Editor 304.546.9243 cyndi@elkriverliving.com

JANUARY 2021

Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River.

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Editor In Chief /

Cyndi Tawney

Creative Director /

Josh Tawney

Operations Director /

Ken Tawney

E L K RIVER

Guest Photographers /

Joe Hoover, April Curry

Printer /

The Printing Press Charleston, WV

LIVING

Elkk Riv River ver L Livin Living is published monthly by CJT Publishing, LLC, Elkview, West Virginia 25071. rights Alll righ hts a are rreserved. All contents are copyrighted by CJT Publishing, LLC; reproduction in whole wh hole or p part without written permission from CJT Publishing, LLC is epxressly forbidden and an d punishable pu unish hab by law.

Elkk Riv River ver L Living iving is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within Elk Riv ver L Livin ngg be River Living belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers of CJT Pub blish Publishing, LLC employees.

River Living Elkk Riv ver L iving and CJT Publishing, LLC reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter. ma atterr.

Th roug ghou ut this th issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol Throughout in ever ry oc ccur every occurrence of a trademarked name, Elk River Living uses the names in an editorial fas shion n, with w no n infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone fashion, wh ho us ses tthem without permission will be prosecuted. who uses

On n the e cov cover: ver: The Schoolcraft family gathers annually to make apple butter and molasses, preserving a family familly tra fa aditi tradition.

This month Joe Hoover and April Curry are contributing photographers to Elk River Living Magazine. We are thankful for their talent and love for the Elk River community. Joe is owner of Photography by Joe Hoover, and April Curry, is the owner of Photos by AC.

Joe Hoover

April Curry

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Th This his m maga magazine azine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are off ffset sset by thee par participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to yyou. Plea ase ttake the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service Please the ey pr rovid de, w they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their River Living! the eir ad d in Elk R

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OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AFFILIATED FINANCial GROUP 304.935.2230 4508 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston ANR Construction Randy Young, Jr. and Andrew Young 304.741.0377/304.546.6510 Appalachian Auto Repair 5410 MacCorkle Ave., SE Charleston/Patrick Drake 304.925.7757 April Curry, Xyngular Distributor 304.552.3965 oneforthebooksllc@gmail.com BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman BIG CHIMNEY BAPTIST CHURCH 4626 Elk Shore Dr., Charleston 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 Candice A. Hawley, CPA PLLC 4628 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston 304.965.5101 CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700 7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES Local Charleston Office 304.965.9081

CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666 contact William Crede

ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.7024 85 Credes Landing, Elkview

ELKVIEW HEALTH LLC Vicki Spurlock, Nurse Practitioner 105 Credes Landing, Elkview 304.935.2026

DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS 3414 Pennsylvania Ave. 304.343.2151 EDENS BODY WORKS, INC. 102 Neville Rd, Elkview 304.965.5900 ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston 304.954.5721 ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501 contact Gary W. Pauley II ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley Elk River Boxing Club 5522 Elk River Rd. Elkview 681.313.6001 ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Scott Collias 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D 304.965.2458 Elk Valley Electric 304.419.5337 www.elkvalleyelectric.com Elk Valley Pet Crematorium

CLENDENIN PHARMACY Inside Elk Hills Memorial Park 304.548.5451 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston contact Bill or Lindsay Ore Matuszkiewicz 304.965.0148

There’s no place like home!

ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792 www.eliteroofingwv.com E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING 5088 Washington St W, Charleston 304.776.7473 elrobinsonengineering.com Ford and Sweeney 51 Credes Landing, Elkview 304.935.4801 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 HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com Jays Remodeling 315 Surface Dr. Charleston 304.205.0914

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

JILL MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY jillmullinsphotography.com Jillmullinsphotography@yahoo.com

MOLLOHAN AUTO BODY 304.437.2195 2026 Waters Edge Dr., Elkview

JONES AUTO 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com

MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin

JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 Contact Roger Mullins

JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 304.548.4625 12 Main St, Clendenin

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org

KAMINSKI LAW, PLLC 304.344.0444 www.kamlawwv.com

ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com

KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com

Penny Pinchers 11 Main St., Clendenin 304.548.4005

KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com

RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston 304.342.8200 and on Facebook

LEGACY FOODS For Delivery Call: 304.545.0802

ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers

Liberty Tax Service 15 Main St., Clendenin 304.548.5820

Sam Schoolcraft Realtor, Property Elite 304.543.1396

MASTER CRAFTERS GIFT & PRIMITIVES SHOPPE 304.965.6222 Facebook: Master Crafters Gift & Primitive Shoppe

Scott’s Service and Auto Repair 311C Elk River Road, S., Clendenin 681.230.2151

MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 304.344.4268 www.meadowbrookacres.net MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young

SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING 304.444.4288 contact Phil Shaffer SPECIAL OCCASIONS 304.965.5434 Specialoccasionflowers.com SPENCER’S HARDWARE 304.548.6995 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin The Chop Shop, Kaylee Wehrle 3202 Penn. Ave. (Elk Hills) Text or call 304.552.9924 TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD 1083 Main Street Elkview Open until 7 PM starting April 1 WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE 5100 Elk River Rd., N., Elkview 304.935.2287 Xspec POWER 304.746.1139 contact Emily Canterbury Yak House Rentals 304.941.2229 Yakhouserentals.com

SLEEP INN 800.216.0661 sleepinncharlestonwv.com SMITH’S CARPET ONE 304.965.7111 Big Chimney, WV

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MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com

SMITH’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7600 Elkview, WV

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Children’s programming sponsored by the

BB&T West Virginia All KCPL events are subject to change.

Changes orFoundation cancellations will be announced on the KCPL website, Facebook page and other social media. Contact your local library for more information.

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JANUARY 2021

Honoring A Family Tradition

Family friends and neighbors gather to help.

tradition of gathering together and making oldfashioned molasses, just like their dad, Alpheus Schoolcraft and his wife, Sylvia, used to do.

In 2010, they started their search for a cane mill. They looked all over West Virginia and Carl helped locate one in Terra Alta where he now resides. The cane mill was relocated to the old Schoolcraft homeplace in Abbott Hollow, which is just off of Gabe Road. Alpheus and Sylvia bought the property in 1944 and started making molasses and apple butter yearly.

“It was important to Carl and me to preserve our family tradition and expose all of our extended family to the process and the heritage,” explained Bill. “The family has gotten together to make apple butter on and off throughout the years, but five years ago we all came together to put our molasses-making skills to the test as well. There is a lot more work in making molasses. We think mom and dad stopped making molasses in 1968.”

Bill said, “There really isn’t a recipe for molasses.

You just grow sugar cane, cut it down and remove all the leaves, and then run it through the cane mill. The liquid that comes out is put in a pan and boiled until the impurities are boiled away and continued on page 14

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

T

he Elk River is known for family values and tradition. Bill and Carl Schoolcraft, brothers, wanted to honor their parents’

13

14

Bill and Jacob Schoolcraft processing cane through the cane mill.

JANUARY 2021 Sugar cane.

Ruby White, Bill Schoolcraft and Carl Schoolcraft.

FAMILY TRADITION, cont. skimmed off the top. You are left with molasses.”

Bill also said, “We call my brother Carl the CMO for Chief Molasses Officer. The secret is knowing exactly when it should come off the fire.”

“I plant the sugar cane sometime during the last week of April,” said Bill. The nephews then come and help hoe the garden during the summer.

The hardest part is the harvest. It takes me, my family, and a lot of nephews to do that job!”

Shawn Schoolcraft, son of Bernard Schoolcraft of Clendenin, said, ‘I remember going out to grandpa’s farm to spend the whole day making molasses and apple butter when I was probably wanting to spend the days hanging out with my friends instead. It was a lot of hard work cutting down the sugar cane and stripping the leaves out in the hot sun, but looking back, it’s one of the best memories I have of all of us being together and having a great time.”

There were nine kids in Alpheus and Sylvia’s family: Ruby, Ann, Darlene, John, Bernard, Carl, Helen, Hope, and Bill. “Most of the grandkids do not remember grandpa making molasses,” said

Shawn. “It really means a lot to Uncle Bill and Uncle Carl for us to get together and carry on the family tradition.” Shawn also said, “There are so many cousins now- it is so much fun to spend the day with family.”

Bill said, “My sister Ruby is the official apple butter taster. We call her the CAO for Chief Apple Butter Officer. We use a kettle that my dad had in his blacksmith shop which was made for him by a friend at Union Carbide in the 1950s.” The family uses applesauce now instead of peeling and cooking apples. Bill explained, “We still use the original recipe, but there used to be an apple grove on the farm which supplied all of the apples. Most of the apple trees are gone now so we use a shortcut with applesauce.” Ruby is still considered a vital part of the process, however, because she makes sure we have red cinnamon candies (which are hard to find sometimes) which gives the apple butter the gorgeous red color and she knows exactly when we have cooked it long enough.”

The Schoolcraft family, friends and neighbors come together for this annual event in late continued on page 16

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Harvesting the sugar cane.

15

FAMILY TRADITION, cont.

September or early October. Before this year’s COVID restrictions, there were probably 3040 people in attendance. This year was much smaller, but neighbors Frank and Laura Shafer joined in and Laura even brought canned food out of their cellar for the evening family meal.

Also, neighbor Molt Shafer came. Bill explained that they have actually assembled his dad’s old blacksmith shop under the shed where they make the molasses. “During the day, Carl and I fire it up and show people how to use it,” he said.

Others join in and they make items such as hooks and spikes.

Regardless of the hard work, Bill and Carl take great pride in their yearly molasses and apple butter making get-together. “It’s hard to take time for family, but this gives us a reason to get together and to honor our heritage as well.”

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andy and Steve Copenhaver shared this lovely photo of their snow-covered Shady Lane in Pinch.

17

ND THE U O

ELK

AR

Elk River Thankful It’s not every community that is blessed with a free Thanksgiving dinner, but Elk River is!

Becky Parsons, owner of Crown Catering, and Dave Knight, owner of Knight Insurance, have worked together since The Flood of 2016 to make sure their community all had a Thanksgiving dinner.

“The first year we had our Thanksgiving dinner in the Koontz Gym because Crown Catering had been flooded out along with the rest of the town. We served over 500 people,” said Dave. “It was important that in the aftermath of The Flood, that we knew everyone had a hot meal on Thanksgiving day.”

JANUARY 2021

Since then Becky and Dave have held the dinner at the Crown Catering location on Maywood Avenue in Clendenin. This year due to COVID safety precautions, the dinner

18

was available curbside as carry out only.

Robin and Dennis Thornburg, Kelly and Vic Dawson, Shawn Schoolcraft, Kellie Baker, and Amber Birthisel also helped with this year’s dinner.

Dave and Becky want to thank everyone for their donations which helped make this Thanksgiving dinner possible: “Without the support of local businesses and personal donations, this dinner would not have been possible.”

Crown Catering serves a delicious homecooked Brunch Buffet from 11 AM to 2 PM every Sunday. They are located at the corner of Maywood Avenue and Main Street in Clendenin. Masks are required when entering and exiting the restaurant and tables are arranged to comply with COVID social distancing precautions.

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THE

ELK’s COOKBOOK Buttermilk Biscuits Gabby Strickland Walker says, “I love these biscuits with my mom's gravy, or just butter, or with some honey...they are just perfect! I know many people are afraid of trying to make homemade biscuits, but don't be! Homemade biscuits are a must!”

Here’s What You’ll Need 1 C buttermilk 1/2 C butter - melted 2 C self-rising flour (+ 1/3 cup flour for work surface) 1/2C plain Greek yogurt (optional) 1 T sugar 1/2 t baking soda 2 t baking powder

JANUARY 2021

1/2 t salt

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DIRECTIONS

02 03 04 05

06

Knead the dough for about 30 seconds, folding it over and over on itself which makes the layers. Press it out with your hands until it is about a half inch in thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut into 12 biscuits. Roll out dough again, and cut again.

Combine buttermilk (from the freezer) and melted butter, and stir with a fork. The butter should clump up and harden into little bits.

07

Place on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. (If you like a crunchy bottom, you can use the oil and iron skillet like my mom)

Combine wet and dry ingredients, and Greek yogurt and stir until just combined.

08

Bake for 10-15 mins until golden brown

Whisk 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.

In a small bowl, melt butter in the microwave, cover with a paper towel to keep it from splattering.

Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of flour onto a work surface and turn dough out onto it.

Mom's Breakfast Gravy (This is not really a recipe, more of a how-to...it may take several attempts to get it just how you like it, but you can do it)

Step 1 In the hot grease from either sausage or bacon (actually we prefer sausage patties fried in a little extra bacon grease) over med/low heat, add flour and stir continuously. You will need about equal parts of grease and flour to make the roux.

Step 2 As the roux begins to darken and smell kinda burnt (best way to describe cooking the flour), slowly add milk or canned cream...stirring the entire time. To make good gravy you need to stay with it. Once it begins to boil, turn it down to low and add more milk if you need to thin it out.

Step 3 Let it cook a few minutes to make sure the consistency is what you want. Season generously with salt and pepper. (Note - to make traditional sausage gravy, you need to crumble the sausage and after its browned you add the flour, keeping the sausage in the skillet and follow the same directions as above).

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

01

Preheat oven: 475 °F

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E

The Beat Goes On

ven though they were only able to perform at two home games this fall, The HHHS Marching Huskies remain resilient. The theme of their last field performance against Lincoln High School was “We Are All In This Together--Let’s Have Some Fun,” which sums up the spirit and commitment of this wonderful group of kids.

Meleah Fisher, HHHS Band Director, said, “We had to jump through a lot of hoops. One day it was decided there would be no bands in anything; then it was decided that bands could play but everyone had to be COVID tested, but within 20 minutes, the rules had changed and we were not allowed to play again. Thankfully, the WV Bandmaster Association and the WVSSC worked together, and with strict safety protocols, bands were permitted at home games if the color-coded map was gold, yellow or green.”

Normally during the summer months, the band members can attend Open Band Room every Tuesday.

With COVID restrictions this had to be cancelled and the first time the kids saw the music was July 13.

The band had not rehearsed since March. Instead of band camp, Meleah said they were able to have Evening Camp at the Joe Cowley Field in Clendenin where they were able to practice for three hours for five evenings. On the last evening, the band performed for their parents despite the torrential downpour of rain that sent everyone scrambling under the bleachers.

JANUARY 2021

Drummers Tytan Crowder and Dylan Townsend.

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At their first home game against Sissonville, the Marching Huskies took the field but performed stationary. Four weeks later at their second home game against Lincoln High School, the band was able to do their field routine with movement. “We had to have alternative uniforms because everything had to be laundered. The band members wore polo shirts, ball caps, gaters, and khaki pants. The most important thing to me was to keep our kids safe,” said Meleah.

She also commented that she was extremely thankful the band was able to do their field routine at the last home game. “If we hadn’t been able to perform with movement, we would have had two years worth of kids with no field experience when we take the field next season,” she explained. “We practiced in pods of 10 this summer for 1 hour rehearsals on the HHHS parking lot and the common area. We were finally able to rehearse as a full band at the end of July/early August.”

The Marching Huskies are currently working on Christmas music and they hope to be able to record a virtual concert for everyone. “The kids have worked really hard,” said Meleah; “We hope to release the live recording on our Facebook page/HHHS Husky Band in December or the beginning of January.”

Also, the band is hoping to have a spring concert outside at the Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene in May. Meleah said, “This church has been wonderful to accommodate our kids whenever a crisis has occurred, from The Flood of 2016 to COVID now. There is plenty of parking at the church, and attendees can bring a blanket and sit on the hillside in family clusters. It gives our kids a goal to look forward to and keeps their spirits up!”

Caroline Dysart, Jaci Cummings (jr. co-captain), Claire Pollack (twirler), Lauren Dysart (sr. co-captain) and Jillian Jocelyn.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

The Marching Huskies earned Runner-Up Grand Champion at the Viking Fest in Ripley in 2019 and were the Grand Champions in 2018. All band festivals were canceled this fall. continued on page 26

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HHHS Marching Huskies band members.

MARCHING HUSKIES, cont.

Meleah said, “I tell my kids we represent from Mink Shoals to Procious and all points in between. All behavior counts on and off the field and it is a privilege to represent our Elk River Community.” She added, “This is such a unique community. Everyone is close knit and supports each other.” She shared a story from last year when she was sick and had to miss four weeks of school. “The parents and the kids stepped up and made sure everything was on track for our first competition at Cabell Midland.

I was in the hospital during that competition and all of the kids came to the hospital at CAMC that evening to see me after their performance. I was allowed to come downstairs to the lobby and visit for 20-30 minutes but I desperately needed to see my kids. I am honored to call them all my band family.”

Members of the Marching Huskies under the direction of Director Meleah Fisher include: Ethan Adamik, Natalie Arbrogast, Alex Arnold, Bryan Ashley, Josh Brannon, Chaz Bentley, John Bittle, Carley Brown. Abbigail Christian, Alexandra Christian, Tytan Crowder, Jaci Cummings, Landon Cummings, Jillian Dolin, Caroline Dysart, Lauren Dysart, Aaron Engle, Hunter Fields, Meredith Frame, Grace Gant, Anna Hess. Brayden Hill, Kayla Koontz, Robert Koontz, Kaleb Lainer, Brayden Lipscomb, Coleton Miller, Salem Nichols, Zoey Nichols, Tabitha Pauley, Claire Pollack, Ryan Pollack, Amber Russe, Dylan Townsend, Bailee Weese, Adam Whitehair, Johnathan Smith, Ashley Dennision, and Athena Pauley.

JANUARY 2021

Auxiliary Instructor is Erika Crump, Percussion Instructor is Jonathan Shank, High Brass Instructor is Dylan Persinger, and Show Concept Coordinator is Holly Persinger.

26

Flag Corps members include Lauren Dysart (Senior Co-Captain), Jaci Cummings (Junior Co-Captain), Jillian Jocelyn, and Caroline Dysart. Twirler is Claire Pollack.

Senior Band Class of 2021 are: Abby Christian, Claire Pollack, Bailee Weese, Lauren Dysart, Brayden Lipscomb, John Bittle, Robert Koontz, and Kayla Koontz.

ELK

ND THE U O

Gabby’s Helps Stock the Pantry

Gabby’s Sewing and More at Mink Shoals offered a special discount to customers who brought in non-perishable items December 5-9, 2020. This was part of Gabby’s 12 help. Rebecca Chapman, owner of Gabby’s Days of Christmas 2020 which started on Sewing and More, said, “We appreciate all December 1. of the business that everyone has given us Each day during the 12 Days of Christmas, through this COVID-19 ordeal. It has been Gabby’s offered a discount on certain items in life changing to so many of us. We are glad exchange for non-perishable items. They had to pass the blessing along to others in our a great response from their customers and community.” filled over three totes full of food plus they received donations which helped purchase pastas and other dry goods.

AR

L to R Carmen Lynch, Manager, and Shawn Atkins, Assistant, of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Food Pantry and Rebecca Chapman, owner of Gabby’s Sewing.

Gilbert Burdette of Clendenin shared a photo of his 8 point buck which was shot on the ridge near Clendenin.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Teaming up with Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church at Elkview, Gabby’s was able to help stock the church pantry for Elk River community members who need a little extra

Proud Hunter

27

ELK RIVER HEROES 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.

MEMORIES OF JOHN REED Submitted by Lillian (Alice) Reed, Guest Author and widow of John Reed

J

ohn was very proud of his history on Elk River. He grew up in Pinch, and when we were dating he always claimed that Pinch was bigger than my hometown of Richwood, if you measured it from end to end. I never bought into that.

JANUARY 2021

He went to Elkview Junior High and Herbert Hoover High School, where he played in the band while working part time at Hafer Funeral Home in Elkview. Working with Ed and Henry Hafer had a big impact on him and led him to his career in funeral service. He attended Morris Harvey College in the evenings, even before graduating from high school. He attended Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science graduating with high honors.

28

After graduation he worked for a short time in Greenbrier County before moving to Webster Springs to work at (then) Dodd & Hurt Funeral Home, (later Dodd & Reed Funeral Home.)

Webster Springs is a small town on the banks of the Elk River. The River is considerably smaller than it is when it reaches Elkview and John always said he had lived on Elk River from the “beginning to the end,� the beginning of the River being not too far upstream from Webster Springs.

John became an active member of the Webster Springs (WS) community. His outgoing personality and involvement with many families in his job soon led him into becoming a member of the WS Volunteer Fire Department, Lions Club, Webster County Woodchopping Festival

(which he directed for a number of years), and serving as a town council member for 12 years.

He worked several years on a housing project for elderly and disabled people, spending hundreds of hours working on plans, securing funding and contacting anyone who he thought would help. Today the Elk Riverview Terrace Apartments continue to provide needed housing for individuals in the WS area. John served as member and Chairman of the board of trustees until physically unable to do so. John also was a supporter and served on the board of Webster County Memorial Hospital. He worked hard while serving with the board, during many years when small hospitals were closing, to keep the hospital running.

Charles Dodd, his employer and mentor, encouraged John to be involved with the local and state associations of funeral directors. Mr. Dodd was a respected member of the state and national funeral directors associations and after his retirement had a state award presented by the West Virginia Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) which bears his name. John served on the local level and state level as president and became involved in the national Funeral Directors Association. In 2008 he became the president of NFDA traveling around the United States, to the Philippines, and Hong Kong during his tenure on the national board. He often said that if a small operator (like himself) could become the national president it should motivate others to get involved.

John always maintained contact with family and friends in the Elkview/Pinch area; his parents, Bruce and Lou Reed, were both educators in Kanawha County, serving for many years in Elkview and Clendenin. His sister, Elizabeth (Buffy) Thomas, lives in Pinch and was also a teacher in St. Albans and Sissonville. His brother, Gary, now deceased, lived in Pinch and his brother Roi lives in Winchester, Kentucky. He had strong ties to Hafer Funeral Home and served his apprenticeship at Myers Funeral Home. Bill & Maxine Rogers were lifelong friends as well as many others who continue to live in the area.

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JANUARY 2021

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Christmas Parade 2020 Pinch Salutes the Heroes

T

his year the Pinch Christmas Parade was quite different due to COVID restrictions and safety protocols, but the parade was still held on the evening of December 19.

The community respected social distancing guidelines and cheered on the parade participants which included members of our local Emergency Services, Fire Departments and Law Enforcement.

Teri Kennedy Beasley, Pinch Parade Organizer, said, “It was a great time for the community to hold signs and flags, honoring and thanking these men and women for their sacrifices. This year’s parade was called Pinch Salutes the Heroes Christmas Parade in honor of these outstanding individuals.”

JANUARY 2021

Photos by Joe Hoover.

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Photos by Joe Hoover.

Photos by Joe Hoover.

Photos by Joe Hoover.

Photos by Joe Hoover.

JANUARY 2021

Photos by Joe Hoover.

34

Beck y’s Pet Parlor

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HOME

35

There’s nothing like kids and the first snow. ERL is happy to feature some of the children in our community and we send a special thank you to the parents for sending us these cute photos.

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Let It Snow!

ND THE U O

ELK

MaKenna Fleck, age 7, daughter of Summer and John Fleck of Pinch.

JANUARY 2021

Blake Werhle, age 6, son of Ashley and Matt Werhle of Pinch, and neighbor Benji Hunter, age 5, son of Nicole Hunter of Pinch.

36

Luke, age 3, and Adam, age 4, Dispennette. Sons of Rachel and Denny Dispennette of Mink Shoals.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Remi Warden, age 6, daughter of Julie Tawney Warden of Mink Shoals and Lowell Warden of Goldtown.

Mason, age 5, and Nash, age 1, Purdue. Sons of Jessie and Paul Perdue of Pinch and now Fayetteville.

37

LET IT SNOW, cont.

JANUARY 2021

Eva Lowe, age 6, daughter of Kristin and Brandon Lowe of St. Albans.

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River Reed, age 4. son of Travis and Jessica Reed of Elkview.

Dillion Werhle, age 8, and Blake, age 6. Sons of Ashley and Matt Wehrle of Pinch.

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DECEMBER 2020

CII

Candice A. Hawley cpa

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P.O. Box 4537 • Charleston, WV 25364 Phone: (304) 965-5101 • Fax: (304) 965-5102

40 Peyton Crumpler, age 4, daughter of Mandy and Michael Crumpler of Pinch.

Email: chawley@candicehawley.com

Discover Hope Discover Discover Discover Hope Hope Hope Come and worship with us!!!

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Pastor Pastor Gary Pastor Gary Walker Walker Garyemail: Walker email: pastorgarywalker@gmail.com email: pastorgarywalker@gmail.com pastorgarywalker@gmail.com 4626 4626 ElkElk 4626 Shore Shore Elk Drive Shore Drive Charleston, Drive Charleston, Charleston, WVWV 25302 25302 WV 25302 Pastor Gary Walker email: pastorgarywalker@gmail.com 4626 Elk Shore Drive Charleston, WV 25302

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ELK REFLECTS Rebecca Straight, EHS Class of 1958

T

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.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

This month Elk Reflects is proud to feature Rebecca Straight, Elkview High School Class of 1958. She was a US Air Force Nurse, on CHOPPERS, Vietnam, retired from Charleston, WV. She currently resides in Roane County.

She is looking forward to meeting with Richard Bashlor and other volunteers at The Museum of Elk River Communities in Kanawha County (Room 203 of the Elkview Community Center) once the Museum is allowed to open after the COVID Pandemic restrictions are removed.

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Hafer

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THE

ELK’s journal THE LADY

T

his month ERL features an excerpt from The Lady, by Moonwolf (aka John Ditchman). John lives in Clendenin and enjoys writing as a hobby under his pen name, Moonwolf. He was a contributing editor for a publication at Ohio State University before he relocated to WV to be closer to his mother’s family (Schoolcrafts). He currently works at Liberty Tax Office.

Excerpt from The Lady: On the far end of the bridge, there was a dim light. I could not see what the light was, as the hump of the bridge hid the source. That light was probably the only thing that induced me to continue, as the moonlight and wisps of fog gave an eeriness that set me on edge. Add the derelict boat and house, and there was an air of sadness about the place. But, I figured if there was a light, there had to be someone there who might be able to direct me back to the city.

So, across the bridge I went. To the island. To fate.

At the end of the bridge there was a clear space in which there was a bench, not unlike a park bench, and a lantern hanging from a short pole. On the bench sat a woman of delicate beauty dressed entirely in white. A trick of the light made her face and bare arms seem as white as her dress. Her hair, dark as a raven’s wing, flowed thickly to her waist. The only color I could see was the red of her lips.

She watched as I approached. I could feel her gaze as surely as I could feel someone’s touch. It thrilled me, and yet, filled me with terrors that made the night sounds loom large, and the sound of my feet on the bridge deck seemed much louder than they were. As I neared, I could see that…what? Anticipation? Fear? Hunger? Desire?... all fought for expression on her face. ...

Was it chance that led me to that island last night, or was it some fate decreed by the stars before the first apes gazed at them? Whichever it was, I know she was waiting for me last night. She knew I was going to come. Just as she is waiting there now, knowing I will come again. Yes,

The sun is getting low, and I can hear her calling. Softly. Softly. Irresistibly. She will be sitting on that same bench, under the same lantern. She will be wearing the same spotless white dress.

I will take her, and, arm in arm, go to the gala to be held in that forlorn house. I will be there amongst her kin, and I will not return.

Nor do I wish to do otherwise.

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I will go. I know what she is, and I go willingly. I do not remember the way, but I have no doubt that my feet will take me there without wavering.

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