Elk River Living Magazine | Volume 03 | Issue 11 | NOV 2021

VOLUME 03 | ISSUE 11 | NOV 2021 FREE

CHILIHEADS CELEBRATE ON THE ELK

Hidden Gem in Gassaway The Annabelle in Gassaway offers an amazing menu that specializes in American cuisine with a gourmet flair.

HHHS Champion Golfers The Hoover Golf team captured the Class AA Golf Championship and Bryson Beaver finished first by 4 strokes.

Grand Opening at New Location Gabby’s Sewing and More has moved to Big Chimney! More classrooms, more fabric…more of everything!

Let us help you get outdoors!

Hit the trails without breaking the bank this season.

At Poca Valley Bank, relationships matter! We pride ourselves on being big enough to serve your financial needs—yet small enough to genuinely care about the residents of our local communities.

Call 1-844-782-2651 for more information.

pocavalleybank.com

3

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

95 CASDORPH RD, CHARLESTON 304.342.8200

WEST VIRGINIA'S DEMOLITION EXPERTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

16

Hidden Gem in Gassaway Adam Tanner brings his passion, experience, and talent to life in his restaurant, The Annabelle.

06

Welcome Back to Elk River Living!

08

Our Proud Sponsors

12

The Elk's Cookbook:

36

Reader's Submission

38

The Elk's Journal

46

The Elk's Students

20

Butter-Blanketed Turkey

FEATURE STORY

Chili’n on the Elk Chili Cook-Off Brings Chiliheads to Downtown Clendenin The inaugural Chili’n on the Elk was a huge success, celebrating chili, salsa, craft beer, wine, and our Elk community.

26

Big Rigs!

Big Day! Local truck/equipment businesses assembled for the Fourth Annual Big Rig Day Fundraiser for Pinch Elementary.

28

First Place on the Fairway and in our Hearts The last time the HHHS Golf Team placed in the States was 2005. This year they brought home the gold!

FROM THE EDITOR

HELLO

& Welcome Back!

W

e love sharing Elk River successes and our November ERL issue is packed full of great articles this month. It is our honor to recognize Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) State Golf Champions and Senior Bryson Beaver who finished in first place.

What an exciting journey they have had this season! Also, the HHHS boys soccer team captured the 2021 Cardinal Conference Championship for the second consecutive year,, the girls soccer team won their first-time WVSSAC A-AA 2021 Championship, Hoover’s John Duvall took first place at the 2021 Kanawha County Cross Country Meet (and the boys team took fourth overall), while the HHHS Marching Huskies Band was the runner-up at the 74th Annual Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival and garnered several twirling, auxiliary, music and percussion, and marching awards. Don’t forget the HHHS football team is undefeated and Kicker Levi Paxton now holds the school’s single season scoring record by a kicker. Congrats to all of the coaches, staff, and talented players.

Also this month, check out the results of the first Chili’n on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival held in Clendenin that raised money for the Elk River Trail Foundation and the Town of Clendenin. While attending this event, we were able to visit Mountiques, a traveling trailer/ vendor with an awesome array of vintage home decor and we are happy to bring their story to you. Also, if you are looking for something new to eat, The Annabelle located in Gassaway is a charming restaurant featuring American cuisine with a gourmet twist and we are proud to introduce two of our favorite food businesses: We B Fyin Snacks with delicious made-in-WV quality snacks and new, spirit-infused barbeque sauces from Tipsy Roo’s.

There are great things happening on the river. As you begin your holiday shopping, remember to support the wonderful businesses that are a part of our Elk River community. You can truly find great gifts from the heart. Take care everyone and be safe!

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 / Ken Tawney Printer / The Printing Press Charleston, WV Layout / Little Secret Design Co.

E L K RIVER 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: Larry Summey of Sum Time Chili in Dunbar captured the best booth award, first place in the homestyle chili and third place in the red chili categories at the Chili’n on the Elk event.

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!

April Curry

J. Craig Allison

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Our guest photographers this month, who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: April Curry & J. Craig Allison.

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’s

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

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.7024 85 Credes Landing, Elkview

ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT

ANR CONSTRUCTION 304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510 Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young

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

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

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

ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792 5054 A Elk River Rd., S, Elkview www.eliteroofingwv.com

BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman

DOOR DECOR & MORE 304.965.2447 4952 Elk River Rd, Elkview

BIG CHIMNEY BAPTIST CHURCH 4626 Elk Shore Dr., Charleston

E. JUNE BOUTIQUE Ejunescustomer@gmail.com 100 Verna Drive, Elkview

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

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

E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING 304.776.7473 elrobinsonengineering.com 5088 Washington St W, Charleston FIRST SECURITY INC. 304.744.5233 | Steve Booth 512 Chestnut St., S. Charleston FROSTBITE DAIRY BAR 304.548.7413 1 Cobb Ave., Clendenin GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.437.3739 4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com

BILL’S USED CARS 304.548.4727 Rt 119 Elk River Road

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS

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

ELK HILLS MEMORIAL PARK 304.954.5721 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

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

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

HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL 304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES 304.965.9081 Local Charleston Office

ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC 304.965.2458 | Dr. Scott Collias 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D

HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 304.344.5044 I-79 Exit 1, Mink Shoals

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

ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC 304.419.5337 www.elkvalleyelectric.com

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666 contact William Crede

ELK VALLEY PET CREMATORIUM 304.965.0148 Inside Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

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

There’s no place like home!

GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.965.7031 Order online at ginospizza.com GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com

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

JONES AUTO 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com

MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin

SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR 681.230.2151 311C Elk River Road, S., Clendenin

JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com

MOUNTAIN LAUREL COUNTRY STORE 717.228.7524 400 4th Street, Sutton

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

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 contact Roger Mullins

SLEEP INN HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 800.216.0661 | 304.344.5044 sleepinncharlestonwv.com

KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com LEGACY FOODS For Delivery Call: 304.545.0802 LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO. 304.427.6797 www.littlesecretdesign.co LOGAN TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY Call or Text 304.941.7622 INSTAGRAM: @logantaylorphotagraphy

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com PICKERING ASSOCIATES 304.345.1811 Ext. 4001 | 800.954.5305 318 Lee St W., Ste. 200, Charleston POCA VALLEY B ANK 304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com PIZZAS AND CREAM 304.286.2985 133 Nebo Walker Road, Nebo

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 TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD 304.965.7769 1083 Main Street, Elkview VISION APPALACHIA Christmas in Appalachia Concert 304.345.7569 for tickets

MARA ELLIS, OLD COLONY 304.541.7336 mellis@oldcolony.com 1205 Virginia St East, Charleston

RIVER CITY YOUTH BALLET ENSEMBLE Koontz Gym, Clendenin Michelle Rader Simon www.rcyb.org

MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com

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

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

MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net

ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers

XSPEC POWER 304.746.1139 contact Emily Canterbury

ROLLIN SMOKE 681.265.0690 4008 Crede Drive, Big Chimney

advertise

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with

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young

WALKER CREEK FARMS & CABINS 304.286.5200 230 Nebo Walker Road, Nebo

304.546.9243

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com

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

9

AT THE LIBRARY

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

304-343-4646 November Schedule of Virtual Events All events are hosted online.

For more details, see www.kcpls.org

Children & Family:

Teens:

1st Chapter Fridays Fridays, Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26, 3 p.m.

Sneak peek of a variety of chapter books on Facebook.

Children: 6-11 Years.

Teens: Minecraft Online Wednesdays and Fridays, Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 4 p.m.

Join us on Discord and our Minecraft server.

Contact andrew.stanley@kcpls.org to be invited to the teen Discord server. Teens.

Virtual Storytime Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a new story with us on Facebook.

Plus suggestions for other books.

Children: Birth-5 Years.

Write a 5 Word Story Thursdays, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 4 p.m.

What’s happening in the wacky picture?

Tell us in 5 words on Facebook! Family.

Kindness Club Storytime and Challenge Saturday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m.

Enjoy a story about kindness on Facebook. Then participate in the monthly kindness challenge by picking up the kindness craft at the Main Library (while supplies last). Children.

NOV 2021

Family STEM Saturday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m.

Join us as we explore a science concept! We will read books about the topic covered and show science in action. Facebook. Family.

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Family Storytime Saturday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m.

In this storytime, a Children’s librarian will read books and guide participants through rhymes and activities!

Facebook. Family.

Adults: NaNoWriMo Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 16 & 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesdays, Nov. 9, 23 & 30, 6 -7 p.m.

Join us on Discord throughout November for a National Novel Writing Month support group.

Resources for writing tips and tricks will be shared weekly. Email Amanda.Gibson@kcpls.org to be invited to the server. Adults.

Closings: Closing Early Wednesday, Nov. 24, 5 p.m.

All KCPL locations will be closing at 5 p.m. in observance of Thanksgiving.

Closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 & 26, All Day All KCPL locations will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

THE

HUMANITIES CORNER

T

he West Virginia University Humanities Center is sponsoring a 2021-2022 Campus Read Author Visit featuring a reading of and discussion with Francisco Cantu about his book, The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches From the Border. The WVU Festival of Ideas is a partner sponsor of this event.

Description of the Event: Overseen by the Humanities Center, WVU’s Campus Read engages the campuses and community through a common reading experience, fostering dialogue, critical thinking and University-wide participation. “The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border” is a gripping, thoughtprovoking story.

About the Author: Francisco Cantú is a writer, translator, and the author of The Line Becomes a River, winner of the 2018 Los Angeles Times Book Prize and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in nonfiction. A former Fulbright fellow, he has been the recipient of a Pushcart Prize, a Whiting Award, and an Art for Justice fellowship. His writing and translations have been featured in The New Yorker, Best American Essays, Harper’s, and Guernica, as well as on This American Life. A lifelong resident of the Southwest, he now lives in Tucson, where he coordinates the Field Studies in Writing Program at the University of Arizona.

You are invited to attend on November 16, 2021, at 7:00 PM via Zoom or at the Mountainlair Ballroom.

For more information, visit https://humanitiescenter.wvu.edu/.

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THE

ELK’S COOKBOOK

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BUTTER-BLANKETED TURKEY

CIPE RE

S!

IN G.C OM

PREP TIME: 20 MIN TOTAL COOK TIME: 3-3 1/2 HOURS

D US YO SEN UR

ne of Gabi Strickland Walker’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes on her Walker Mtn. Eats/Facebook is a delicious Butter-Blanketed Turkey recipe from the Food Network. Not only is it extra juicy, it is also a gorgeous brown color, compliments of the butter basting. It requires some simple prep time, but it is worth it. Gabi says, “This is one of the recipes I post every year because it is so delicious. If you need a turkey recipe for the big day, this one is YUMMY!”

IV ELKRIVERL

INGREDIENTS

NOV 2021

• • • • • • • • • • •

12

12-14 lb. turkey Kosher salt and ground pepper 3 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges 3 sticks (1 ½ cups) unsalted butter, melted, plus 4 Ts, at room temperature ½ t paprika 3 stalks of celery, broken into thirds 3 medium whole carrots 1 ½ cups chicken or turkey broth

4506 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, CHARLESTON, 25302 (Behind OV Smith’s Office Building at Big Chimney)

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 450 degrees (see step 5: you will reduce the oven to 350 degrees).

Lower the oven rack to the lowest position.

Step 1:

Step 4:

Remove any turkey parts from the turkey cavities. Dry the turkey inside and out with paper towels. Sprinkle the cavity with 1 t salt and ½ t. pepper and stuff the cavity with the thyme, rosemary, lemon wedges and half of the onion wedges.

Cut a 20-inch piece of cheesecloth and fold twice, creating 4 layers. Submerge the cloth in the melted butter, making sure it is completely saturated with it. Gently squeeze the cloth, then reform so there are 4 layers of cloth and place on top of the turkey, covering it completely. Use a turkey baster to baste the cheesecloth with some of the remaining melted butter to soak the cloth.

In a small bowl, mix together the 4 T of room-temperature butter with the paprika to make a smooth, spreadable mixture. Using your hands, carefully separate the skin from the flesh of the turkey from the breasts toward the legs, making sure not to tear the skin. Spread about half of the butter mixture evenly between the skin and the flesh on one side. Do the same on the other side using the remaining butter mixture. NOTE: Any residual butter on your hands or in the bowl can be rubbed on the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle the outside of the turkey with 2 t salt, making sure to get it all over the surface.

Step 3: Scatter the celery pieces, whole carrots, and remaining onion wedges in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the roasting rack in the pan, making sure it is level. Pour the broth into the pan. Transfer the turkey to the rack, tuck the wings back under the body and tie the legs together with butcher’s twine.

Step 5: Roast for 30 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Baste the turkey with the pan juices and more of the melted butter. Continue to roast, basting with butter and pan drippings every 30 minutes, for an additional 2 hours.

Step 6: Very gently remove the cheesecloth from the turkey, taking care not to tear the skin. (NOTE: The skin can stick to the cheesecloth, so make sure it is basted very well. If it does stick at the end of the cooking, just baste the spots that are stuck with more butter or pan drippings and slowly pull away the cheesecloth.)

Baste one more time, then return the turkey to the oven with the breasts facing toward the back and roast until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh measures 165 degrees, about another 30 minutes. Let rest for 30 minutes before carving.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Step 2:

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NOV 2021

Hafer

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Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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308 PATRICK ST. PLAZA, CHARLESTON, WV 25387

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SOLIDROCK

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235 ELK RIVER ROAD SOUTH CLENDENIN, WV

548.7002

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Solid Rock Contracting Email: solidrockcontractor@hotmail.com

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15

HIDDEN GEM IN GASSAWAY THE ANNABELLE

NOV 2021

A

16

dam Tanner is no stranger to dinner theater events, and he brings his passion, experience, and talent to life in his restaurant, The Annabelle Restaurant and Theater, located in Gassaway.

peppercorn chicken, chicken bruschetta over angel hair pasta with focaccia bread, and shrimp etouffee just to name a few! Their menu also offers a variety of soups, burgers, sandwiches, dinners, desserts, and breakfast options.

As the owner of The Annabelle, Adam works with Chef Davis Wolverton to offer an amazing menu that specializes in American cuisine with a gourmet flair.

When a restaurant says ‘Come as You Are’, you don’t expect to experience shrimp scampi, crab cakes,

The Annabelle hosts live music featuring local musical talent, as well as comedy night, and their popular Tuesday Trivia Night. Events are held every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Recent performances include Jesse Roberts, Brax Blues

Adam's writing skills are well-known in the community. He has written dinner theater plays for P.J. Berry’s in Sutton and he is currently working on one now for The Annabelle. On July 4th of 2020, Adam opened and operated The Annabelle Food Truck which was located on the outskirts of Gassaway. He said, “With the COVID pandemic, we were pretty much stationary.” The Annabelle Food Truck also had an abundance of outdoor seating for dining and for enjoying the live performances which they hosted on the grounds.

They opened their store-front establishment located at 526 Elk Street in Gassaway on April 30, 2021.

Adam purchased the old building which he and his friends have lovingly refurbished into an elegant and spacious dining area, complete with a stage for their live events.

Adam explained, “The name Annabelle comes from a couple of different meanings. Yes, one from the

Annabel Lee poem by Edgar Allan Poe that says: ‘But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we--, Of many far wiser than we--, And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.’ That quote means more to me than just as written.

I believe it means that nothing is going to stop us from doing what we love to do.”

Adam’s love for his community is obvious. He takes great pride in showcasing local musicians and he helps support local businesses. Most recently he helped promote The Tiny Sparrow Art Studio & Happy Place that held their grand opening at their new 614 Elk Street, Gassaway location. Also, he has merchandise from local businesses displayed in the restaurant and don’t forget the fresh baked goods, too, from Butcher Bakery!

The Annabelle offers full dine-in and take-out services. Hours of operation are 10 AM to 10 PM. Their amazing Sunday Annabelle breakfast is offered from 10 AM to 3 PM.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Boy, Lady Elenna and Irish Fantasy Folk Music, Greystrings, Jaden Beall, Chad Gibson, Richard Dean, and Dave Kendig.

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23 YEARS IN BUSINESS

ROAD SERVICE KEY LOCK-OUT

MITCH YOUNG

M MATICS

Funeral Home Charles L. “Sonny” Matics, Owner Anthony R. “Tony” Matics, Licensed Dir. 8539 ELK RIVER ROAD NORTH CLENDENIN, WV 25045 maticsfuneralhome@suddenlink.net 304.548.6611

304.965.9941 4920 ELK RIVER RD S. ELKVIEW

NOV 2021

AUTO | HOME | BUSINESS | LIFE 18

GARY HOLSTEIN, AGENT | MGR AGENT@HOLSTEININSURANCEAGENCYINC.COM

WWW.HOLSTEININSURANCEAGENCYINC.COM

s a m t s Chri In Appa lachia

Presented by VisionAppalachia.org

December 4th , 7 pm

Charleston Convention Center Little Theater

ROAD SERVICE KEY LOCK-OUT SERVICING WEST VIRGINIA

Keyboard Phenom

Charlotte NC

Tickets at the door Ticketmaster or online chaswvccc.com

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Helping children living in Central Appalachia

MITCH YOUNG OWNER

19

CHILI'N ON THE ELK CHILI COOK-OFF BRINGS CHILIHEADS TO DOWNTOWN CLENDENIN

By Lauren Elizabeth Campbell, ERL Contributing Author and Editor-in-Chief of Rock & Roamer magazine.

NOV 2021

Photos by April Curry

20

C

hiliheads from the Elk River and beyond gathered on Maywood Avenue and Main Street in downtown Clendenin to partake in the inaugural Chili'n on the Elk Chili Cook-Off and Craft Beer & Wine Festival on Saturday, October 2.

The competition was sanctioned by the International Chili Society, an international club for chili cooks founded in 1967.

The chili cooks competing had the choice to make traditional red chili and homestyle chili. Traditional red chili is classified as any meat, or meat combination, cooked with red chili peppers and any variety of spices and other ingredients, except beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta.

Homestyle chili is classified as any meat or meat combination, and vegetables, with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients. For homestyle chili, beans are required, and seafood is allowed. Cooks also competed to be named winners of a salsa competition.

To compete in the competition, all chili cooks have to belong to the International Chili Society, and many of them traveled to compete in Chili'n on the Elk. "The cooks that are cooking here today belong to a club that's called the International Chili Society. And we compete all over the country to win a chance to win the World competition," said Gail Donovon, a chili cook who traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Chili'n on the Elk had ten red entries, 14 homestyle entries, and ten salsa entries. First, second, and third place winners were crowned for each category, and each first-place winner received an automatic bid to the 2022 ICS World Chili Championships.

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NOV 2021

Donovan's secret to making award-winning chili is making a chili for every kind of chilihead.

"I like to make chili that all people like. So be careful.

Some people like hot, some people like mild, so if you can make it like in the middle, that's what you kind of want to do," said Donovan.

Larry Summey placed first in the homestyle category with a different chili recipe, John Harwell placed second, and Bill Donovan placed third. Gary Schmeh won the salsa category, followed by Leo Buk and Brad Berkebile, respectively, in second and third place.

In addition to the International Chili Society sanctioned events, there were three bonus categories with single winners chosen: People’s Choice, won

by Cindy Sloane, Best of Elk, won by Clendenin's Todd Lepley, and Best Booth/Showmanship, won by Summey.

"People's Choice is just as it sounds. It is chosen by the people sampling the chili. This is what the seed packets were for. The samplers choose by dropping the seeds in the bucket at their favorite chili. Best of Elk was chosen by the judges. You had to be from the river to compete in this category," said Carrie SloaneMeyer, the cook-off's organizer.

Sloane-Meyer's mother, Cindy Sloane, who won People's Choice, decided to participate for fun after watching her daughter plan the event for a year.

"My daughter was the one that started the event. She came to the people in Clendenin and talked about hosting this event. She got it arranged and has been working on the event for about a year. For the fun of it, I signed up. I make chili quite often. I like a good taco chili," said Sloane.

The Second Annual Chili'n on the Elk Chili CookOff and Craft Beer & Wine Festival is tentatively scheduled for October 2, 2022. If you're up for the challenge, start preparing a chili recipe of your own to compete with next year!

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Donovan has been competing in chili competitions since 1987 and placed first in the red chili category.

Her husband, Bill, placed second, and Larry Summey of Dunbar placed third.

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NOV 2021

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PUTTING THE FUN IN FUNDRAISER

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hillip and Tim Shaffer of Solid Rock Contracting and the Pinch Elementary PTO know how to draw a crowd for a great fundraiser. Working with local truck and equipment businesses, they hosted the Fourth Annual Big Rig Day fundraiser for Pinch Elementary.

More than 15 sponsors were at this year’s Big Rig Day on September 25 across from the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department. Children were able to see, touch, and climb-in or climb-on the different pieces of equipment. They also talked with representatives from the different businesses to learn about the operation and functionality of each.

Even HealthNet was there with their transport helicopter! Truck and Equipment sponsors included: KN Contracting, FTL Trucking, LH Trucking, Foster Supply, Shamblin Stone, WV DOH Elkview Location, Mitch’s Towing, Ashley Industrial Repair, WV State Fire Marshal's Office, Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, Kanawha County Ambulance, Healthnet Aeromedical Services, Clendenin Volunteer Fire Dept., Pinch Volunteer Fire Department and Solid Rock Contracting.

NOV 2021

Pinch Elementary teachers, staff, and parents hosted a concession stand and the PTO also raffled off a variety of gift baskets to help with the fundraiser.

Another highlight was a demonstration of an auto extrication by the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department.

26

Pinch Elementary Principal Karen Messenger said, “It was a beautiful day and we had an awesome turnout for the event. This Big Rig Day raised more revenue than any of the previous events and we are excited to be able to purchase new technology for our classrooms. We are thankful for Solid Rock Contracting who helped secure our Big Rig Day sponsors and for our wonderful, supportive community.”

TRUCK/EQUIPMENT SPONSORS

– Philip Shaffer, Solid Rock Contracting

Phil Shaffer 304.444.4288

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

to all of the truck and equipment sponsors, Pinch Elementary staff and students, and the Elk River Community for making our 4th annual Big Rig Day a big success!

KN CONTRACTING FTL TRUCKING LH TRUCKING FOSTER SUPPLY SHAMBLIN STONE WV DOH ELKVIEW LOCATION MITCH’S TOWING ASHLEY INDUSTRIAL REPAIR WV STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE KANAWHA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE KANAWHA COUNTY AMBULANCE HEALTHNET AEROMEDICAL SERVICES CLENDENIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT PINCH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING

Tim Shaffer 304.382.7606

EMAIL solidrockcontractor@hotmail.com Solid Rock Contracting

27

FIRST PLACE ON THE FAIRWAY AND IN OUR HEARTS Photos compliments of Coach Eddie Gray and proud HHHS parents.

C

oach Eddie Gray is super proud of the HHHS Golf Team! Not only did they win the WVSSAC Region 3 Championship, they followed it up the following week and captured first place at the Class AA State Golf Tournament held at Oglebay Park in Wheeling.

Hoover beat the runner up team, Winfield, by nine strokes. HHHS Senior Bryson Beaver finished first with a two-day total of +13, winning by 4 strokes.

Sophomores Max Bowen tied for 8th, Sawyer Osbourn tied for 12th, and Sam Phillips finished 19th.

NOV 2021

The Huskie golfers had a tough first round on day one but fiercely came back to claim victory on day two, improving their score by 18 shots with a final score of 258-240.

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The Elk River community came out and showed their support with a parade before and after the State Tournament. It was an exciting send-off, but an even better welcome-home celebration for the champion golfers. The last time the HHHS Golf Team placed in a state tournament was in 2005 when they were the first runner-ups in Class AA.

The HHHS champion golfers will compete in the 2022 National Invitational at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina on July 11-13. The honorary PGA event is sponsored by The Board of Governors of the National High School Golf Association.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

At the Region 3 Tournament, Bryson Beaver was the winning low medalist with a (-2) 70. Bryson Beaver, Sawyer Osbourn, and Max Bowen all were named to the All-Regional Team. Also traveling to the States were Sam Philips and Noah Sergent (alternate). Other golf team members include Chloe Painter, Devin Hatfield, Chase Trader, Trevor Rager, Eli Robertson, Bella Bowen, Ben Barker and Ava Armstrong.

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THE

ELK REFLECTS WATT POWELL PARK

NOV 2021

Remembering Watt Powell Park in Charleston, WV back in the “old days”.

Photo shared by Richard Bashlor of the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum.

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NOV 2021

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Saturday November 20 9am- 4pm

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READER SUBMISSION The Roller Coaster of Life The roller coaster of life is like a complex compound With its twists and turns and ups and downs Slow is the start like learning to crawl Progressing quickly to life’s many walls

This month our Reader Submission is featuring an anonymous poem from an Elk River native and a special memory of last year’s HHHS Football Seniors, Coach Joey Fields, and Richard Bashlor when they toured the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum.

Coach Fields wanted the team to see the Herbert Hoover High School history and feel of Pride of the River. #bigfrank6neverforget

You get to the top of the first hill anticipation is your first thrill At the bottom you think is relief Only to find a sharp turn that challenges beliefs Through a dark tunnel not knowing where Hang on and the good Lord will take you there The final descent as there is in life You open your eyes and overcome strife The wind blowing through your hair for a moment you just don’t care

NOV 2021

The ride such as life comes to an end You smile and reflect cause you’d do it again

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If you would like to submit a photo, work of art, short story, poem, knitwork - whatever inspires you please reach out to us at elkriverliving.com or contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com

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THE

ELK’S JOURNAL RENÉE NICHOLSON Interview with Renée Nicholson by Keegan Lester, ERL guest author and acclaimed American writer with WV Roots

Renée K. Nicholson is the author of a collection of essays, Fierce and Delicate:Essays on Dance and Illness; two poetry collections, Roundabout Directions to Lincoln Center and Post Script; and co editor of the anthology Bodies of Truth: Stories of Illness, Disability, and Medicine. She serves as director of the humanities center at West Virginia University.

“Probably everything,” Renée

lyrical and fascinating memoir.” Her book debuted last spring

writes, when I ask: What do

to critical acclaim, stitching pieces of each of these selves

people get wrong about Ballet?

together to create something truly more complex than their

“Mostly that we all have eating disorders. Or that it is easy--

“I realized that I could be this new self without giving up my love

our job, I suppose, is to make

of ballet, but I could be other things…and I'm still discovering

things that are super tough look

all the things that make me.”

effortless, so that one's on us.”

essay “In Sickness,” which details her diagnosis of Rheumatoid

digressions.

Hotdogs.

Arthritis during her ballet career. It was an essay that got

How do you dress them? “Right

First:

me through my own difficult medical diagnosis, and I find

now I'm in a fall kraut, diced-

myself going to her words often. “I like to send cards, and find

onion, and mustard phase,”

presents, and I like to surprise people, and grill for friends.

she says. “I sometimes also

These may be completely different than performing a classical

like a sweet-n-sour version

variation in a ballet, or being a part of a swirling mass of tutus.

with kraut and slaw, and of

They're all good.” She continues “I think when you're used to

course I like WV Slaw dogs,

coming to something day in and day out, you carry that ability

and especially chili dogs from

across artistic pursuits. I like daily writing, even if I don't use

Custard Stand, and also chili

everything I write each day.”

with a side of Fishbowl chips.”

“I got into narrative medicine specifically when approached by a palliative care physician who had a patient with ALS. Jamie,

And the second digression, if you make super tough look

the patient, didn't have a lot of time left, and desperately wanted

effortless and blame yourself for it — where does self love enter

to write a memoir. So, I met with him and began to help him,

the equation? “As for self love, I try to just remember that each

and as I looked for help and models, I kept running into this

day is an opportunity. Mostly, I try to not feel trapped by the

program at Columbia University called "narrative medicine." I

things I want…and I embrace other things about me—

ended up doing a graduate certificate in Columbia's program,

With Nicholson, there are so many actualized selves to love: A professional ballerina, a professor, a writer, collector of vintage sweaters and cardigans, dog mom to the wonderful golden

NOV 2021

Renée wrote this in response to a question I asked about her

This answer sparks two natural

dogs from Mario's Fishbowl

38

pieces alone.

retriever, Gelsey, griller and connoisseur of soups and now the Director of The West Virginia University Humanities Center.

because I became fascinated by how this approach could really help people feel more whole. The origin of the word "heal" comes from the same as to make whole. That makes sense to me on a lot of levels. Finally, I like the idea that my art can be in service to others.”

BuzzFeed commented on her latest book. Fierce and Delicate,

I asked for some of her Appalachian Literature recommendations

“Nicholson’s previous experience as a poet is evident in this

and she responded with “Ann Pancake, whose work I deeply

father's granddad, Holly Parsons, had a farm in Jackson County and his mom, Opal, moved to the Parkersburg area when she married my granddad. They lived mostly in Vienna, where Dad grew up. My mother moved to Parkersburg when her father was transferred there, and my parents met in high school in the 1960s at PHS. They've been married 51 years now. When I was a kid, we would always go to Parkersburg to see family and especially in the summers and holidays.”

“My granddad and great-granddad were carpenters, along with a lot of the family. They made things. They told stories. I think in some ways that's the impulse of my writing--those family stories, spun and told, and crafting of things from raw material.

I have a claw-foot cherry wood table that my great-grandfather made. I think about that table a lot, made with all hand tools, with care and craft. I like to think I see a bit of him in this piece of furniture. It's simple, elegant, and makes me aware of that beauty. Maybe that's part of it too. Maybe that's why I hand write my earlier drafts? And I'll swear by Mister Bee potato chips as a great writing snack. They're really the only chips I eat.”

Renée is hard at work on her next book. “It always seems like a one-off becomes something more, and then all of a sudden, I'm working on a book project.” One of the biggest music lovers I know, if you ask she will tell you about Prince, and how much he influenced ballet. How the first live performance of "Purple Rain" was at a benefit for the Minnesota Dance Theatre… which lifted the company from financial ruin. “I was raised on some of the jazz greats, like Miles Davis and Charlie Parker, and lots of admire. River of Earth by James Still”… “the novel really worked

R&B and Soul-- Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett,

on me. There are so many poets who really speak to me. A couple

The Temptations, Tina Turner, Sly and the Family Stone. I have

of years ago I got to read with Jeff Mann, and it was such a blast.

boxes of old vinyl and my dad's old turntable and if I listen to all

And in his poems I feel a kind of Whitmanesque sensibility,

those records I can kind of trace how Prince spoke to me in a

but for this time and place. Randi Ward's work is a clinic in

very specific sonic way. The first Prince song I truly loved was "I

distillation, and really honors the natural world. When I read

Wanna Be Your Lover" which I heard and sang along to way too

her poems, it's like learning a secret. I'm really excited about

young. But so much of being young is figuring out how to listen

the new book by Neema Avashia. This is just a smattering; this

to taboo music, read stuff you shouldn’t."

I think about writers who live in that Northern Appalachian space, like Dave Housley, who takes that region around Altoona to the page. I adored Amy Jo Burns's memoir Cinderland, which not only showed life in the embers of the steel towns skirting Pittsburgh, but how fraught girlhood could be in these places. A novel that's coming out soon is Alison Stine's Trashlands, which shows an Appalachia ravaged by climate change. And JT Hill's Blind Man's Bluff spoke to me on so many levels.”

This new book began when “I wrote a short essay about a song I heard my young niece sing that I knew as a young adult. The song was "Sex and Candy" by Marcy's Playground, and the version my niece knew was Maroon 5's, because there was a time she knew every song by Maroon 5. I wrote about my very different feelings about that song from the 1990s to the 2010's.

And I read it with you, Keegan, because I was nervous about reading at the hip music venue, 123 Pleasant Street. I was hoping not to look old, or foolish, but it really went over, to my great

Though Renée has lived all over, mostly for ballet, and once

surprise. And then I was encountering cover songs everywhere!

was an Emerging Writer-in-Residence, she’s now lived longest

But the book is about more than covers. It's about how over the

in West Virginia. “When I was young, West Virginia was the

last years I've been remade. I lost my younger brother to cancer,

place where I just got to be a normal kid, hanging out. I spent

I lived through a pandemic. There's lots about how we make

a lot of time training in dance, so this time always stood out to

it through, about friendship, and about how we change and

me. So I guess West Virginia always means family to me. My

morph into new versions of ourselves.”

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

region has an abundance of good writers with compelling work.

39

NOV 2021

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Local Charleston Office Local Charleston Office304-965-9081 304-965-9081

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

ND THE U O

ELK

AR NOV 2021

Healthnet's aeromedical services team visiting Elk Elementary Center first-graders.

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Pinch Volunteer Firefighters teach about fire safety and being a firefighter.

Elk River Living Speaks to First-Graders at Elk Elementary Center

By Lauren Elizabeth Campbell, ERL Contributing Author and Editor-in-Chief of Rock & Roamer magazine.

Last month, Cyndi Tawney, editor of Elk River Living received an email from Teresa Hoffman Jackson, a first-grade teacher at Elk Elementary Center, asking if we would speak to the entire first-grade class about what it's like to be professional writers and how a magazine operates. Thrilled with the opportunity to further Elk River Living's involvement in the community and teach children about the joys of writing, Cyndi and I began preparing how to explain how magazines go from an idea to print to firstgrade students.

We were one of several speaking groups part of Elk Elementary Center's neighborhood study.

The first-grade students are learning the different careers available in the Elk River area from the people who hold them. Other speakers included Healthnet's aeromedical services team members,

who flew a helicopter on the school's soccer fields to demonstrate how they would transport a patient during a critical emergency, and firefighters from Pinch Volunteer Fire Department, who brought a fire truck for the kid's to see.

How much is the magazine?

Elk River Living believes everyone deserves to read our content, and because of our amazing advertisers, it's free to everyone along the Elk River.

We explained Elk River Living’s mission, to tell stories of all the fantastic people and happenings of those along the Elk River, and reinforced that everyone has a story worth telling. We came up with mock story ideas, completed interviews with the first-graders, and with magazine spreadsheets from The Printing Press, showed them how Elk River Living first looks when it is printed, how to fold the magazine, and left each of them with an Elk River Living magazine of their own to browse.

Where can you get the magazine?

We place printed magazines for anyone to pick up in the businesses that advertise with us, and we also publish free online.

How long does it take to write an article?

It depends on the topic, but usually somewhere between one to three hours.

After our visit, we created the magazine First Grade, personalized to the first-grade class of Elk Center Elementary. The magazine included articles on what a magazine is, our visit to their class, the steps to make a magazine, and the different types of magazines. Jackson said her class plans to continue First Grade, completing a second issue with articles written by her first-graders.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Their young, brilliant minds absorbed it all and left them intrigued with questions…

We also learned that the first-graders are already seasoned writers! They have journals and are given a topic to write about each morning.

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Special Occasions Unlimited SPECIAL HOLIDAY SALE! COME IN BETWEEN

November 15th –20th For 20% off all Holiday Items and register for a special gift!

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NOV 2021

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“Exceptional Care – Close to Home”

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THE

ELK’S STUDENTS

HHHS MARCHING HUSKIES Congratulations to the HHHS Marching Huskies who made an outstanding showing at the 74th Annual Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival on September 28. Not only were they selected as the 2nd Runner Up for overall band, they brought home the following awards: Twirler, silver; Auxiliary, gold; General Effect, Gold; Marching, Silver; and Music and Percussion, Bronze.

The HHHS cheerleaders and Football Team came out to support their classmates, along with the Elk River community. Coach Joey Fields said, “We are happy to return the favor to our band, auxiliary, and twirler. We are thankful for their dedication to our team, program, and game atmosphere every Friday night!”

Photos compliments of The HHHS Dawg Pound and Coach Joey Fields.

NOV 2021

2021 HHHS HOMECOMING COURT Congratulations to Queen Elisabeth Dysart, this year’s 2021 HHHS Homecoming Queen. The honorary homecoming court included: Senior Attendants Elisabeth Dysart (queen) escorted by Quinton Teel; Brooke Elmore escorted by Bryson Beaver; Kate Curry escorted by Aiden Ford; Courney Dunbar, escorted by Elliot Chandler; and Caroline Woody escorted by Will Bright; Junior Attendant, Caroline Dysart, escorted by Landon George; Sophomore Attendant, Carlee McGraw, escorted by Kaleb Lanier; and Freshman Attendant, Kieryn Lockhart, escorted by Dalton Crist.

Photos compliments of J. Craig Allison Photography

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WINNING STREAKS! Speaking of HHHS Football, the team is dominating their season and are undefeated thus far in their 2021 season. Kicker Levi Paxton now holds the school’s single season scoring record by a kicker. Go Huskies!!!!

Photos compliments of J. Craig Allison Photography

HHHS SOCCER CHAMPIONS The Herbert Hoover Huskies boys soccer team captured the 2021 Cardinal Conference Championship and finished their season 9-1. Also, Coach Don Mercer celebrated his 75th career coaching win. This is back to back championships for the boys soccer team.

The HHHS soccer girls were victorious in double overtime and are the WVSSAC A-AA 2021 Sectional Champions! This is the first girls soccer team championship in HHHS’ school history.

CONGRATS TO HHHS CROSS COUNTRY WINNERS

Hoover’s John Duvall took first place (17:30) at the 2021 Kanawha County Cross Country Meet and the boys team took fourth overall. Caleb Siders also placed third overall (18:34) and on the girls team, Karsen Fletcher placed fourth overall (22:55).

Photos compliments of Lisa Rager and Andi Naylor Geary of the HHHS Red & Blue Athletic Boosters Club Facebook Group

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Photo compliments of Coach Don Mercer and proud soccer parents.

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ELK

Gabby's Sewing & More

Grand Opening at New Location

AR NOV 2021

Gabby’s Sewing and More has moved to a new location and has expanded all of their services. It is now located behind the O.V. Smith’s Office Building at Big Chimney on 4506 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Owners Gabby Chapman and Darwin Alexander are excited about their new 10,000 sq. ft., spacious accommodations with plenty of parking. “We have more room for everything,” said Gabby. “We now have two large classrooms, a larger repair center for sewing machines and vacuums, lots of room for fabrics, craft kits, and sewing/quilting supplies, a larger selection of vacuum cleaners, and a large display of sewing machines and HORN sewing cabinets.”

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Gabby’s is a dealership for HORN Sewing Storage Solutions located in Sutton, WV, which specializes in gorgeous, custom-made sewing cabinets.Gabby also carries a large selection of Bernina, Brother, and Janome sewing and embroidery machines.

Check out their wide array of quality fabrics and they always have an excellent assortment of holiday fabrics for all occasions.

Mark your calendar for November 12 and 13 and plan to attend their Grand Opening at their new

location. Both days will have storewide, customer appreciation sales and on Saturday the 13th, WQBE will be there from 12 Noon to 2 PM to join in the celebration. There will be a full day of prize drawings and great sales, as well as sign-ups for upcoming holiday and winter sewing/embroidery/quilting classes (beginning, intermediate and advanced classes are available).

"

“We have moved to a new location and we have expanded everything!

- Gabby Chapman

Watch for the large Gabby’s Sewing and More sign above the former Big Chimney post office location.

Drive through the gates at the end of the parking lot, turn left, and you will see the new Gabby’s and More located on the first floor.

Don’t let the cold weather get you down; it’s a perfect time to join friends at Gabby’s and sew away the winter blues.

GRAND OPENING AT NEW LOCATION NOVEMBER 12 & 13

681.265.0690 See us on Facebook/Rollin Smoke BBQ

M

EE R A U C T I ON NTAIN U O S

Specializing in: Entire Estates, Personal Property, Real Estate, Automobiles, Tools & Equipment, Arts, Jewelry, Antiques & Vintage Collectibles

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(304) 548-4056

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

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Wednesdays 6:15 7:30 PM

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4626 Elk Shore Drive Charleston, WV 25302

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ELK

Traveling Trailer With a Vintage Flair

AR So, what do you get when you combine the words mountain and antiques? Elk River native Allison Carder of Pinch said she combined her two favorite words to create the name of her new local business, Mountiques. Mountiques is not your usual shopping experience. Instead, it is an inviting, traveling trailer packed full of unique gifts, antiques, and vintage goods with a touch of boho.

NOV 2021

Mountiques has been on the road all summer, popping up at many local festivals, homecomings, flea markets, vendor fairs and craft shows with her fabulous finds. Allison Carder opened her Mountiques traveling home decor this summer. She said, “Mountiques is a mobile experience offering incredible merchandise at affordable prices.”

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Allison has always loved treasure hunting and hearing the stories that come along with a piece. “I think it is important that the younger generations aren’t immediately tossing out old items and instead are appreciating what is being passed down to us,”

Elk Valley Electric Craig White, Owner Phone: 304-419-5337 Website: www.elkvalleyelectric.com Email: Craig@elkvalleyelectric.com

ABR, GRI, SRS

REALTOR® ABR, GRI, SRS REALTOR® maraellis EQO mellis@oldcolony.com 1HƂEG 1205 Virginia Street, East Charleston, WV 25301 Elevate304.344.2581 your expectations.

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Mountiques was a featured vendor at the Clendenin Homecoming Festival in June, and returned to Clendenin as a vendor in October for the first Chili’N on the Elk event. She said, “I had a ton of new inventory for the event and it was wonderful seeing everyone and welcoming new customers to Mountiques.” She was also at the Belle Town Festival and Car Show in August and at the second annual Vintage “Inspired” Flea Market in Kanawha City, sponsored by the Kanawha City Community Association (KCCA).

Allison is excited to have a full line up of events for 2022. Watch for announcements on her Facebook/ Mountiques. You can also email her at mountiques@gmail.com.

PROTECTING YOU We strive to provide bold approaches that lead to practical solutions. Contact us to see how we can help you.

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she said. “I like to showcase how to repurpose antiques and up-cycle items in a way that my generation understands and loves. I want my son to continue having pride in knowing the history of an heirloom.”

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ELK

It’s Not a BBQ ‘til Ya Get Sauced

AR When owners Mary Beth and Travis Smith say “good food and great barbecue is what we’re all about” they are not kidding! Their delicious homemade barbecue sauces from Tipsy Roo's stem from a love of gathering friends and family around delicious foods.

“All of our sauces are infused with select spirits,” said Mary Beth. Their B.U.I. sauce (aka Barbecuing Under the Influence) is perfect to dress up wings or ribs. It is also amazing on beef, pork or chicken. She said, “When the owner of a meat market says that your barbecue sauce is the best he’s ever had, we were thrilled with the compliment!”

NOV 2021

Mary Beth explained their Bourbon B.U.I. Barbecue Sauce is really good on burgers and beef, especially on brisket. She also suggests “Try a reverse-seared steak served with a BUI reduction sauce. You will love the combination of the sauce on the juicy, flavorful steak.” For a reverse-seared steak, Mary Beth recommends that you bake the steak for 30-40 minutes at 250 degrees; remove from the oven and sear in a skillet with butter, garlic, and fresh thyme.

The reduction sauce can be made from the leftover drippings from the skillet and juices of the baked steak, combined with 1-2 T of the B.U.I. Sauce, worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer over med-low heat until thickened.

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Plastered Peach is one of their newest sauces that will be released soon. It is amazing on chicken wings, drumsticks and breasts. Mary Beth said, “Bake or grill your wings first, then coat them in sauce and put them back in the oven on high heat or grill them to sear in the awesome taste of the sauce.”

Plastered Peach will be hitting the shelves in early 2022.

You can visit several local stores and pick up these delicious barbecue sauces, including Midtown

handcrafted pipes, pens, utensils, and more. He learned how to make pens in the woodshop while he was in the Army in 2012 and now he specializes in products for individuals and businesses. Travis said, “Need a quality pen with your company logo or the perfect conversation piece? Just message me on Facebook and I’ll be happy to work with you to create a customized product.”

Tipsy Roo’s is a family-run business. Travis and Mary Beth launched their business in November 2020 and said the demand for their sauce has been wonderful. “We just started out experimenting with sauces when we had family and friend gatherings, and soon people were bringing containers to take some back home.”

Mary Beth said, “We will be offering pre-orders only on a Christmas special that will include two sauces and one of Travis’ customized bottle openers.” If you are interested, message her soon as quantities will be limited. Also, watch their Tipsy Roo’s and Clouded Ink Facebook page and Instagram on Facebook for more Christmas ideas. As Mary Beth and Travis like to say, “Remember, it’s not a barbecue ‘til ya get sauced.”

Her husband Travis also operates Clouded Ink, a veteran-owned business that features customized,

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Grocery & Deli in Whitesville, The S’waffle Shack on Five Corners in Charleston, Butcher’s Black Angus in Saint Albans, Farmers Meats and Deli in Winfield, T&M Meats in Cross Lanes and The Red Caboose and The Wild Ramp and several other locations in Huntington. The Smiths will also meet you in Charleston to deliver orders and they can ship orders as well.

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ND THE U O

ELK

Each Crunchy Bite Brings a Smile

AR Mall at the Shipwreck Collection Shop, Hill Quick Stop in Redhouse, Winfield Quick Stop in Winfield, Hilltop Meats in Ripley, Farmers Meats & Deli in Winfield, Alum Creek Quick Stop in Alum Creek, and Grazianno’s Pizza Express in Dunbar.

If you haven’t tried one of the tasty snacks from We B Fryin Snacks, you are missing an awesome, tasty snack! Owners Richard and Connie Lively Martin said, “Our goal is to provide fresh, locally-madein-WV, quality snacks that bring a smile with each delicious crunchy bite!”

It’s funny how things happen when you aren’t looking. That pretty much sums up how We B Fryin Snacks came to be. Connie said, “We were visiting an out-of-state festival and discovered a pork rind that was made with wheat and no pork. We knew we had to bring these delicious snacks back home to our fellow Mountaineers!” She said they came home and began experimenting with their own recipes for different quality-made snacks. “ Their popular, make-believe pork rinds, WheatOs, are available in a variety of delicious flavors including BBQ, Ranch, Smokey Bacon, and Hot and Spicy. Craving something sweet? Try one of their comforting cinnamon CinnaLocos which are a delicious sugar and cinnamon crunchy treat.

Connie says you will fall in love when you take your first bite.

You can find We B Fryin Snacks at many local retail markets: The Purple Onion in the Capitol Market in Charleston, Halfway Market in Milton, The Shops in Dunbar, The Wild Ramp and The Red Caboose in Huntington, S & T’s Bees in Elkins, The Huntington

If you want snacks shipped to you or if you want to meet Connie and Richard to pick up your products, message them on Facebook/We B Fryin Snacks.

You can also place your orders directly at www. webfryinsnacks.com.

All of We B Fryin Snacks are made fresh, locally in Charleston, WV. They are members of the WV Grown Program and are proud to be a Cottage Food Business and a WV small business. Connie said, “Being a Cottage Food Business was a great way for us to get started. They offered so much guidance and support. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in preparing and selling products in their own home.”

Connie and Richard opened their business on January 10, 2020, and were able to attend the Winter Blues Festival at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center right before the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. Connie said, “That’s really when we started placing our products at retail markets.

I prepared individually, heat-sealed sample packs and left them at retail stores. Once customers tasted them, they loved them.” At the WV State Fair this year, Connie said they sold out every day and had to return home to make more snacks each evening.

If you would like to try a free sample of We B Fryin Snacks or want more information contact Connie at 304.444.7796. They are located at 302 Kanawha Blvd,W., Charleston WV 25302. Also, watch their Facebook for holiday specials and announcements.

Connie said, “I am working on a new CaramelLoco now and hopefully we will have it available soon!”

You deserve to live free of muscle and joint pain.

Get back to life as usual with professional care from Elk River Chiropractic.

4710 Chimney Drive, Suite D Charleston, WV 25302

304.965.2458

Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs. 8 am -12 noon, and 2 pm - 6 pm COVID Regulations in Effect to Protect Patients and Staff

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Dr. Anthony “Scott” Collias

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