Elk River Living Magazine | Volume 03 | Issue 12 | DEC 2021

VOLUME 03 | ISSUE 12 | DEC 2021 FREE

ELK RIVER LIVING

3

celebrating

YEARS of

there's no place like home

Award-Winning Artist

Frederick Hays

Heart Healthy Hunting American Heart Association brings a life-saving message to hunters to help prevent cardiac and stroke related deaths in the Mountain State.

New Boutique on the River Puzzled Pistols Boutique joins local businesses with a new storefront located under Michael’s Unique Styles! Shop online or in person!

The Beauty of Christmas Kermit and Joann Tyree invite you to drive through their 20 acres of twinkling Christmas lights on Aaron’s Fork this holiday season.

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

AHA Launches Heart Healthy Hunting Campaign in WV “Through this campaign we look forward to sharing simple messaging to help reduce those numbers and bring our hunters home safely.”

– Julie Warden,

AHA Government Relations Director

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

Brushstrokes of Success: Elk River’s Fred Hays Fred Hays’ story is a masterpiece, reflecting his talents, tireless work ethic, and his reverence for nature.

28

Puzzled Pistols Boutique Lea Ann Stowers and Kristen Halstead offer amazing custom-designed and trendy new fashion apparel at their new boutique.

FROM THE EDITOR

3

celebrating

YEARS

of there's no place like home

HELLO & Welcome Back!

This month's December issue marks Elk River Living magazine’s third anniversary! What an awesome three years it has been!

I remember my little brother Dave (AKA Toehead) saying, “Sis, you are a journalism major, you need to write about the Elk River!” Even though I call him and our good friend, Mayor Kay Summers, my unofficial marketing directors, I will tell you it was their inspiration and gentle push that made this magazine a reality. It was important to me to bring a little piece of goodness to all of our lives by shining a light on the events and people in our community.

I asked our talented son, Joshua, who is an architecture graduate of Cornell University, to help design a magazine template and he was on board. He also pointed out the other 999 things I hadn’t thought of which included a name for the magazine, a logo, photographers, ads, and much more.

With my vision and his expertise and guidance, Elk River Living was born. I am blessed with love and support from local photographers, guest writers, support staff, my wonderful husband, children/grandchildren, siblings and friends, and I thank you all for making this dream come true.

I think this is why I am so passionate about our local businesses. It is so important to believe in small business owners. It’s not easy to take a leap of faith and hang a sign on your door that says Open for Business. Shop local is more than a phrase; it is you supporting their dream to help it become a reality.

It is a privilege to write about the wonderful people and businesses on the Elk River who are working hard to make their dreams come true every day. I am thankful for our wonderful sponsors and I encourage you all to check our Valued Sponsor List in the magazine. It serves as a quick reference for all of our businesses. So, this season and in fact, every season, remember to support our local businesses and help us all be Elk River strong!

Merry Christmas! Blessings and love to all,

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.

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: ERL is proud to feature Late Winter Migration, one of the amazing paintings by artist Fred Hays.

Our guest photographers this month, who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: J. Craig Allison, Scott Abbott, Lauren Campbell, Joe Hoover.

J. Craig Allison

Scott Abbott

Lauren Campbell

Joe Hoover

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

This magazine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are offset by the participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to you. Please take the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their ad in Elk River Living!

7

’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

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young

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

JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com

MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin

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

MOSS TREE SERVICE LLC 304.965.8095 www.mosstreeservice.com

SLEEP INN HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 800.216.0661 | 304.344.5044 sleepinncharlestonwv.com

THE LACTATION CONSULTANT NETWORK Jamie Peden, RN, IBCLC 304.314.4052 209 Washington St. W, Ste. 200 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 MARA ELLIS, OLD COLONY 304.541.7336 mellis@oldcolony.com 1205 Virginia St East, Charleston MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 contact Roger Mullins MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com POCA VALLEY B ANK 304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com PIZZAS AND CREAM 304.286.2985 133 Nebo Walker Road, Nebo RIVER CITY YOUTH BALLET ENSEMBLE Koontz Gym, Clendenin Michelle Rader Simon www.rcyb.org RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 304.342.8200 & on Facebook 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers

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 WALKER CREEK FARMS & CABINS 304.286.5200 230 Nebo Walker Road, Nebo WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE 304.935.2287 5100 Elk River Rd., N., Elkview XSPEC POWER 304.746.1139 contact Emily Canterbury

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ERL

304.546.9243

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com

MOUNTAIN LAUREL COUNTRY STORE 717.228.7524 400 4th Street, Sutton

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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.

December Virtual Events

Children & Family:

Teens:

Virtual Storytime Wednesdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a new story with us on Facebook.

Plus suggestions for other books.

Children: Birth-36 Months.

Teens: Minecraft Online Wednesdays and Fridays, Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 29, 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.

Write a 5 Word Story Thursdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 4 p.m.

What’s happening in the wacky picture?

Tell us in 5 words on Facebook! Family.

1st Chapter Fridays Fridays, Dec, 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 3 p.m.

Sneak peek of a variety of chapter books on Facebook.

Children: 6-11 Years.

Kindness Club Storytime and Challenge Saturday, Dec. 11, 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.

Family STEM Saturday, Dec. 18, 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.

Adults: Thursday Book Group Thursday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m.

Thursday Book Club will be reading West of Sunset by Stewart O’Nan, which will be available to check out at the Main Library beginning in November. Other pick up locations are available upon request.

Zoom. Adults. Registration Required.

Closings: Closed Friday and Saturday, Dec. 24 & 25, All Day All KCPL locations will be closed in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Closed Friday and Saturday, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1, All Day All KCPL locations will be closed in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

Family Storytime Saturday, Dec. 25, 2 p.m.

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

Facebook. Family.

DEC 2021

All events are hosted online. For more details, see www.kcpls.org

10

304.343.4646 kcpls.org

THE

HUMANITIES CORNER

T

Appalachian Writers of Color Series featuring Neema Avashia

he West Virginia University Humanities Center is sponsoring a new Speakers Series event this month on the WVU Humanities Center YouTube channel and you can attend virtually.

On December 6, 2021 at 7:00 PM via zoom, the WVU Humanities Center invites you to attend Appalachian Writers of Color Series featuring Neema Avashia.

Description of the Event: In our second year of celebrating Appalachia’s rich and diverse voices, our kickoff reader is Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia: Coming up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place, forthcoming from West Virginia University Press.

About the Author: Neema says: Even though I’ve lived in Boston since 2003, if you ask me where I’m from, I will always answer the same way: I’m from West Virginia, despite having lived out of the state for more years now than I actually lived there. I was born and raised in the Kanawha Valley to Indian immigrant parents who moved to Appalachia in the early 70s so my father could work in the chemical industry. Since leaving WV, I’ve struggled to reconcile my nostalgia for the place where I grew up with the troubling realities of unemployment and addiction that confront the state today. My book, Another Appalachia: Coming Up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place mixes nostalgia and humor, sadness and sweetness, personal reflection and universal questions.

For registration link, go to https://humanitiescenter.wvu.edu/programs-events/speakers-series.

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THE

ELK’S COOKBOOK

L

PERFECT PRIME RIB CIPE RE

S!

IN G.C OM

PREP TIME: 20 MIN TOTAL COOK TIME: 2 1/2 HRS

D US YO SEN UR

eona Jackson from Clendenin shared Renee Furman’s Facebook recipe for a perfect prime rib, just in time for the holidays.

IV ELKRIVERL

INGREDIENTS •

1 prime rib roast with or without bone (any size) at room temperature

•

Garlic powder or a garlic spread (used to make garlic bread) Salt

• •

Pepper

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 550 degrees F (if your oven does not go to 550, add an additional minute per pound to your cooking time) Step 1: Make a rub of salt, pepper and garlic powder and generously apply to meat. Place meat in a shallow roasting pan fat side up.

Step 2: Roast at 550 degrees at 5 minutes per pound for RARE, or 6 minutes per pound for MEDIUM or 7 minutes per pound for WELL DONE.

DEC 2021

Step 3:

12

Turn off the oven at the end of cooking time and DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR FOR TWO HOURS. At the end of the two hours, remove meat from the oven to slice; it comes out perfect every time. NOTE: This works the same with roast beef. Try it, you won’t be disappointed!

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DEC 2021

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15

AHA LAUNCHES “HEART HEALTHY HUNTING” CAMPAIGN IN WV

By Guest Author, Julie Warden, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association

Y

our American Heart Association is excited for a new initiative for hunters across West Virginia. During the month of November, the Association launched its “Heart Healthy Hunting” campaign, bringing life-saving messaging to hunters in order to help prevent cardiac and stroke-related deaths. This campaign was the first of its kind in the nation for the American Heart Association.

“Each year many hunters encounter a heart attack or stroke while hunting and, for many, they are fatal,” said Julie Warden, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. “Through this campaign we look forward to sharing simple messaging to help reduce those numbers and bring our hunters home safely.”

The campaign will include social media messaging based on educating hunters on the signs/symptoms of heart attacks and strokes as well as the importance of having a daily itenirary for when and where a hunter will be and when they plan to return home. There will also be heart-healthy snack recipes and video testimonials from hunters who suffered heart attacks or strokes as well as from families who lost hunters to these diseases, which remain the #1 and #5 killers of Americans.

DEC 2021

There will also be support from the WV Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which will share this messaging with their hunting information during the season. Along with this, WVU Rifle Team Coach Jon Hammond will share information with hunters via the Association’s social media channels – @AHAWV on both Facebook and Instagram and @aha_wv on Twitter.

16

According to the West Virginia DNR, in 2021 their Natural Resources Police Officers investigated 21 hunting incidents with 5 of those incidents being heart attacks while hunting.

“We should all live a heart-healthy lifestyle, but while hunting, know your limitations and always leave a hunting plan with a family member or friend,” said Lieutenant Warren Goodson with the West Virginia DNR Law Division. “Your hunting plans should be simple, where you are specifically hunting and when you will return. Be sure to follow your own plan.”

“We couldn’t do this alone and are so grateful for the support of Coach Hammond and of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources,” added Warden.

“They also see the importance of keeping our hunters safe as they head outdoors this month.”

"

We should all live a heart-healthy lifestyle, but while hunting, know your limitations and always leave a hunting plan with your family member or friend.

– Lieutenant Warren Goodson WV DNR Law Division

Are you interested in learning more about important issues related to heart health and stroke prevention?

Join the American Heart Association at www. yourethecure.org and stay up-to-date on issues that matter to you the most. Ready to take your involvement to the next level? Join the American Heart Association to support this year’s legislative priority in West Virginia! The organization is going to focus on expanding Medicaid for individuals with diagnosed, uncontrolled hypertension to receive a self-monitored blood pressure device. Minutes matter, and in rural West Virginia, this is important. Sign our petition to keep hunters safe! (yourethecure.org) If you would like to get involved with this campaign and share YOUR story, please contact Government Relations Director, Julie Warden at Julie.warden@heart.org.

17

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DEC 2021

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19

BRUSHSTROKES OF SUCCESS

DEC 2021

ELK RIVER'S FRED HAYS

20

Roses From MawMaw | Oil on Canvas | Received Award of Excellence in the State Biennial Juried Exhibition

F

red Hays’ life has taken many paths since he graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1975. Four years ago he picked his paintbrush back up, and if recent awards for his nationally recognized paintings are any indication, his art will definitely be a part of his future.

One of his paintings, Roses From Maw Maw, just won a $2000 Award of Excellence in the State Biennial Juried Exhibition and will be added to the State’s permanent art collection to be shown periodically in the State museum. The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, November 14, at the Cultural Center at the State Capitol. Fred said, “I won an award there ‘back in the old days’ when Arch Moore was governor and he actually handed me the award and the check.

I wasn’t sure if I stood a chance in the competition so many years later, and I am honored to be chosen.”

Fred said, “I am happy that this painting will be in the State collection where it is protected and people in the future can see it.” This emotional piece captures a tragic time in our WV history.

Fred’s painting of Legacy of Juliet was inspired by his memories of his Grandma Juliet Hays which he said was a labor of love. Fred explained that she left Belgium when she was 14 years old. “From there she was placed on a train to Columbus where she was put to work blowing glass. Somewhere along the way she met Grandpa and she came to the Elk River with him. Grandpa served in Belgium in WWI and came home after exposure to German mustard gas and only lived ten or so more years.”

Fred believes his recent State Award of Excellence is his stepping stone back. He is a realistic, figurative painter and his works are representative of the past memories, culture, and values of his rural Appalachian roots. Two of his paintings are in memory of his mother, Dovie Hays Kee and his dad’s mother, Grandma Juliet Malherbe Hays.

Fred’s most recent award-winning painting, Roses From Maw Maw, captured his mother’s outdoor funeral service which was held last August during the COVID pandemic. So many families were unable to have indoor funeral services for their loved ones due to COVID restrictions. This poignant piece reflects the broken hearts of many families who were forced to bury their loved ones in private, outdoor gatherings.

The family opted to have an outdoor funeral service at the cemetery and Hafer Funeral Home gave each one of the children and great-grandchildren a rose, signifying the last gift from Maw Maw. The young boy in the mask in the foreground is Fred’s grandson and the other children are his great-nieces and -nephews, with the exception of the boy on the right in a light blue shirt, who is Fred as a young boy.

Legacy of Juliet | Oil on Canvas

Young Juliet Hays

Grandma Juliet Hays

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

His mother, Dovie Hays Kee, was born and raised on Three Mile and graduated from Elkview High School. She was married to Bruce Hays who passed away in 1979. They had four children, Sam, Joe, Fred and Jonie (deceased). Dovie later married John Kee.

21

"

Sometimes life has a way of circling back around. I’m back doing what I was always intended to do, back to what I love.

– Frederick Hays

Fred said, “Grandma Hays was a WWI widow who took care of her husband, five boys, and the farm; she worked every day at their Hays Grocery store, and cooked and helped take care of the community.

I don’t remember seeing her ever go anywhere, not to the doctor, church or shopping. She didn’t speak English very well and she made clothes from feed sack cloth. She was a true taskmaster and was symbolic of the strong matriarchs that built our country.”

DEC 2021

Legacy of Juliet is a tribute to his grandmother. Hog killing day was a memorable event in those days and was a means for survival. Fred said, “As a schoolboy, my job was to tend to all her chickens, rabbits, and pigs before going to school and then again when I came back home. She paid me one sterling silver dollar each week and fed me. One day I was running late and had to go on to school without doing the chores. She died of a heart attack that day while tending her Flemish rabbits. I felt tremendous guilt over her death for a very long time, and this is my way of paying tribute for all she did for me and for others in the community.”

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After high school and an early job as a highway inspector for the State on I-79 construction, Fred decided to attend WV State College and major in Art. He said, “A professor there took me under his wing and the rest is history.” Marshall University offered him a graduate assistantship and he continued on to attain his Masters in Art. He won numerous awards in juried exhibitions in West Virginia, and later moved to North Carolina where he continued to paint and sell paintings through the Somerhill Gallery at Chapel Hill. His paintings were acquired into several corporate collections and he received other awards as well.

Fred moved back home to WV following a divorce and was a substitute teacher at Herbert Hoover for a while among other jobs. However, he always had a love of nature. As a middle-aged man, he was a founder of Ginseng Growers Association in WV. In 2007 he helped lobby for legislation that to this day allows WV to export wild simulated ginseng regardless of any moratoriums the Federal Government may place on wild ginseng. Fred

also spent a great deal of time teaching others agroforestry, aquaculture, and holistic management.

He was elected and served as the Conservation District Supervisor for Kanawha County for many years where he worked with farmers on water and mitigation issues and soil conservation. He was also a Certified Holistic Resource Management Educator and wrote and distributed international articles on holistic management practices. He was also invited

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Boundaries, A Revisit of American Gothic | Oil on Canvas

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Apocalypse of Time | Oil on Canvas

as a guest speaker for many national and regional sustainable agriculture conferences.

last year by the talented artisan, Jamie Lester, from Morgantown, among others.

Fred later started his own family-farm business, Divergent Natural Interests (D.N.I.) which was a diversified farming operation. One aspect of this business involved traveling all over the state, stocking ponds and lakes with fish.

Fred said, “The world of art is very different now. It’s hard to get accepted and most of the artists I knew are gone now. These recent awards have spotlighted my work and I am continuing to push forward, sharing my life’s story through my art.” Indeed, Fred’s story is a masterpiece reflecting his diverse talents, tireless work ethic and reverence for nature.

DEC 2021

Fred was nominated for the National Patrick Madden Award for Innovative Sustainable Farmer of the Year and was runner-up for this national award. He has been a member of WV Ginseng Growers Association, Capitol Conservation District, Blue Creek Watershed Association, WV Aquaculture Association, WV Woodland Owners Association, WV Farm Bureau, and Center for Sustainable Resources.

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When the Spirit Moves You | Oil on Canvas

Today, Fred and his wife Charlotte enjoy life on their farm at the head of Sand Run where he ran his fish stocking business until retiring from the business to devote more time to art. He takes pride in his Elk River roots and most of all, he enjoys using his talents to create amazing paintings to share with others. Currently, he is a juried artisan at Tamarack where his works are displayed and are available for purchase. He also has five pieces on display at Love Hope Center for Arts, a new gallery started

You can purchase Fred’s paintings from local galleries or you can contact him directly on Facebook/Frederick Hays or email him at sustainableresources@hotmail.com. Watch for his gallery exhibitions and stop by, see his artwork, and visit with him for a while. His paintings capture your attention in such a strong, emotional way. There is no doubt why he is an honorary recipient of state and national awards.

In November and December several of his artworks will be featured in a “Small Packages Exhibit” at Tamarack. His pieces in this exhibit are smaller than 12’ x 12’ and are priced at $100 or less, far below the typical price for his painting in keeping with the Christmas spirit. It’s a great time to pick up a treasured art piece that speaks to your heart.

A Summer Afternoon Near Lewisburg | Oil on Canvas

Bear's Apples Oil on Canvas

The Good Vibrations Oil on Canvas

White Oaks in Morning Sun and Snow Oil on Canvas

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PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE MEET THE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS BEHIND PUZZLED PISTOLS & SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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

DEC 2021

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uzzled Pistols is the newest storefront in Big Chimney, opening its doors on Oct. 9 in the old Elk Valley Library branch building behind Michael's Unique Styles. The fashion boutique is one of the only women's clothing shops in the Elk Valley.

The boutique offers fashion to women of all ages and sizes, including customized t-shirts designed by its owners, Kristen Halstead and Lea Ann Stowers.

Going into business together was a natural next step because they were already both designing t-shirts. "We were both already creating t-shirts and designing. At dinner and drinks one night, we started talking about opening a storefront," said Stowers.

After deciding to jump into the fashion business head first, they started creating t-shirt designs to sell in the store, finding local and national vendors,

and building a system to take custom t-shirt orders.

What they needed was a name.

"After about two weeks of going back and forth, we couldn't figure out what to call the store. We liked 'pistols' and wanted to keep the play on the double ps, and Lea Ann was like, 'Well, we're always puzzled, and it fits us, like a spitfire puzzle.' That goes along with our personalities," said Halstead.

"Our store is comfortable but trendy. We try to fit everyone's style, not just the younger crowd, not just the older crowd, and we have smaller sizes and larger sizes," said Halstead.

And for holiday shoppers looking for the perfect gift, Lea Ann recommends one of their Christmasthemed t-shirts and a custom wooden ornament.

"We have a local vendor that does woodworking so customers can order custom wooden ornaments," said Stowers.

They also have perfect stocking stuffers. "We sell a lot of jewelry and handbags. If people come in, I'd direct them to our selection of slippers, gloves, and toboggans for Christmas gifts. We've got a large variety of stuff," said Halstead.

And even if you can't shop in-store, you can buy directly from puzzledpistolsboutique.com, or from their Facebook group. "We have an actual business page for Puzzled Pistols, but we also have a Facebook group. If you like our business page,

it will automatically send you an invite to join our group, where we post a lot more stuff that people can buy. You have to leave your email address and say if you want to ship or pick up in a store, and then we invoice you," said Halstead.

To make a custom order, you simply need to contact them with your idea. "We do a lot of school spirit shirts for the different sports and the local schools around here. We just did two designs for Hoover, and they've been crazy, you know, the number of sales that we've gotten with those. We specialize in custom orders. To order something custom you can contact us on our Facebook page, by email, or come here in the store," said Stowers.

Be sure to visit Puzzled Pistols and to support your local Elk River businesses this holiday season and beyond.

"Shop small because you're feeding families here rather than shopping from Amazon or somewhere big where you're just feeding a chain. That's why we did this because there was nothing else around here for people actually to come in and see what they're buying," said Halstead.

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Puzzled Pistols Boutique carries a variety of items and gets shipments two to three times a week, so you can always find something new and fashionable.

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DEC 2021

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THE

ELK REFLECTS HARRY LYNN

ELK RIVER JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES

Photo from Metro North, 1983, from Richard Bashlor of the Three River Communities Museum at Elkview.

This month we would like to pay tribute to our friend,

Today Harry is retired and at home with his wife,

Harry Lynn, Jack-of-All-Trades. This photo was taken

Joyce. You can often find him at the Elk River

July 20, 1983. We will always remember Harry’s

Community and Education Center enjoying a

Lock Shop at the end of the Elkview Bridge below Al

senior lunch with friends or upstairs at the Elk

DEC 2021

Roberts’ Insurance office. Harry was a savior to many

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who lost their keys! Harry was a locksmith, mechanic, bus driver, collector, shop owner, and property manager, not to mention a friend to everyone on the Elk River.

River Communities in Kanawha County Museum where he is still an active member.

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DEC 2021

We hope your holiday season is

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Merry & Bright

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READER SUBMISSION RECOGNIZING CHAMPIONS Flashback to the 1977 Herbert Hoover High School’s first regular season undefeated football team. They were recognized on November 5, 2021, at Joe Eddie Cowley Stadium as the reigning HHHS Huskies football team completed its season as Cardinal Conference Champion with a perfect 10-0 record.

Coach Joey Fields said the 1977 HHHS football team was the first, and only, team in school history to finish its regular season undefeated with a record of 10-0. “We are proud to share the field with these outstanding athletes as we join them as the second team to be recognized for this achievement.” #talkoftheriver1977and2021

Photo by Tim Cunningham & Trevor Reagor

Levi Paxton, HHHS kicker who now owns the single season record for points by a kicker, had the honor of meeting Steve “Reno” Gandee, the former record holder from 1977, at the last Hoover game of the season where the 1977 undefeated team was recognized.

DEC 2021

Steve "Reno" Gandee & Levi Paxton | Photo by Scott Abbott

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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 JASON KAPCALA Interview with Jason Kapcala by Keegan Lester, ERL guest author and acclaimed American writer with WV Roots

DEC 2021

Jason Kapcala lives in Morgantown, West Virginia along the Monongahela River where he finds inspiration in the frozen industry of Appalachia. When he’s not writing, he enjoys reading, mixology, rock and roll, traveling to various hot dog stands to find the perfect West Virginia slaw dog, and muscling his Dodge Challenger along the twisting backroads and narrow hollers of the Mountain State. He is the author of the short story collection North to Lakeville, available on Urban Farmhouse Press and the novel Hungry Town, forthcoming on West Virginia University Press. He is also currently working on his next project, a novel about a small-time rock band from a ghost town in Pennsylvania.

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“I’ve never been a hiker or hunter, but I do enjoy fishing,” Jason Kapcala writes. “It’s something my father and brother and I did often when I was younger— walleye fishing up in Ontario from the boat, wading in the Delaware for shad, ice fishing. I do sometimes see fishing details in a story, where I’ll think, Well, I’ve never seen anyone do that.

But then I figure, Well, maybe that’s how they do it elsewhere? I remember reading a story once where someone was sitting on an ice fishing sled, and it didn’t quite ring true because everyone I ever knew sat on paint buckets. Paint buckets, dotting the ice, as far as the eye could see. You might have a sled to drag the auger out onto the ice, and it came with a seat, but you sat on buckets. That said, I’m sure lots of people sit on sleds. For that matter, someone out there is reading this going, You had buckets? We just knelt down until our knees hurt.”

Jason Kapcala is the author of the collection of short stories North To Lakeville, a tremendous book that paid homage to the Poconos in northeast Pennsylvania, the place he grew up. “When I say that, people sort of picture a resort community like the Catskills, I think, but it isn’t really like that anymore.” “…there were still a lot of woods to play in, streams to fish, but many of those places don’t exist now. I was trying to write my way back to the place I remembered fondly, growing up.”

Kapcala cites Bethlehem, Pennsylvania as the central influence of his forthcoming novel, Hungry Town, slated to be released February 2022 from WVU Press. “I was only about a half-hour or so from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and I had family there, so I would spend a lot of time in the Lehigh Valley, and I was always fascinated by the abandoned Bethlehem Steel Works, once the largest producer of steel in the world if I’m remembering that correctly. I’ve always been drawn to places like that.”

Over a decade ago, Jason moved to Morgantown to earn his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing from WVU and has decided to stay in the Mountain State. Kapcala honed his trademark precision during that time. When Jason talks about his writing, he speaks as if a welder or a carpenter. As a craftsperson working day in and day out because that is what the vocation calls for. He has never seen himself as bigger than the craft itself, which has always drawn me to him as a person and writer. “I try to

that meant a lot to me, as well. Also, William Faulkner, strangely enough, though I haven’t read him in almost twenty years. I just remember in As I Lay Dying, the little boy Vardaman, who sees a dead fish and sees his mother dying in bed, and doesn’t quite understand it all, kind of gets it all mixed up, and so he opens with that amazing line, “My mother is a fish.” I look at a character like the little boy, Stanley, in my novel, and how he believes his brother still lives somehow in the old mill where he died, and I think of Vardaman.”

When I ask for advice, Jason would give to up-and-coming writers he reverts back to one of his own mentors.

“Darrell Spencer used to say, when you think you know what your story is about, make it about anything but that thing… I try to write against whatever my initial impulse was.”

Excerpt from Hungry Town:

Kapcala’s forthcoming novel was heavily influenced by his favorite author, Kent Haruf among other writers. “Just the way Haruf ends a scene, the camera lens almost pulling back on the characters, is something I found myself attempting in my own writing. Philipp Meyer’s American Rust and Laurie Lynn Drummond’s Anything You Say and Do Can Be Used Against You, were two other books

She downed the rest of the scotch and set the mug in the sink, wandered the hallway to their bedroom, not particularly concerned with whether she was quiet or not.

When she slipped into bed, she could hear Ray’s breathing, short but deep. A clear signal that he had fallen back asleep.

But despite the booze and the late hour, Rieux couldn’t drift off. Every time she shut her eyes, she thought about the dead boy and his poor frightened brother and how unimaginably fucked up it all was. She remembered the way Mulqueen had looked when he’d turned to face her in the frame of that window, palms up. Defeated. And again, before he’d disappeared into his apartment building, shoulders hunched like an overgrown child. She’d seen it before: for all his grim toughness, Harry had trouble resigning himself to a world where kids were out screwing in mills when they should have been at home sleeping. A world where kids died of senselessness, impaled on hundred-year-old pieces of scrap in the middle of the night.

Rieux pulled the bedsheet to her neck. She looked over at the man who would soon be her husband, his face soft and oblivious as he slept, and she considered waking him again.

But she didn’t want to replay their last conversation, and so as morning drew near, Stefani Rieux lay awake in their bedroom on Hideaway Hill, thinking about her partner and three kids she’d only just met—two living, one dead.”

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

remind myself often that a hundred years after I am dead (likely sooner), no one will even know I was here. I don’t write those kinds of books. And so, for me, it’s all about the act of writing—sitting down and crafting something.

Being present. I don’t identify with the term “artist,” don’t care to think of myself that way—it feels disingenuous. I know many amazing artists, and I can’t do what they do, I don’t have that vision in me. I’m more of a craftsman who putters around the shop and figures things out. And I enjoy that—engaging meaningfully with the story, the characters, the words. If the end product makes even one person feel a little less lonely—if they read something I wrote and think, Ok, someone else does get it—then that’s enough to justify the work.”

“It’s not just a cop thing, she thought. She’d seen fear on the face of Stanley Peach as he sat in interrogation and told the woman from Social Services his version of what had happened. She hadn’t seen fear on his mother’s face when she came to pick him up, not exactly, but she’d seen it in her own mother’s eyes plenty of times. She’d looked fearful every day of her life, every time Rieux’s father had drunkenly laid a hand on his eldest daughter, every time he knocked her from room to room.

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DEC 2021

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ELK

Tyree Turns on the Lights!

Photos by Joe Hoover

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It’s that wonderful time of year again when the community can drive through the twinkling Christmas light exhibit, hosted by Kermit and Joann Tyree on Aaron’s Fork. In fact, it’s actually more of a Christmas Wonderland than just a light exhibit.

There are approximately 20 acres of Christmas lights on Kermit and Joann Tyree’s property, but there are also many homes decorated along Aarons Fork as well as you travel toward the Tyree’s. “You will know when you come to our property,” said Kermit; “it is located approximately 6.5 miles from the bridge at the Aaron’s Fork split. Our light display starts with 2 to 3 miles of lighted fence and a 150-foot decorated barn and a 9-car garage.”

There are Christmas blow-up displays, as well as an assortment of holiday and nativity pieces. Visitors can drive by every evening at 5 PM, rain, snow or shine. Whether this is your first time or one of the many times you have visited their Christmas display, you will be enchanted with gorgeous lights.

DEC 2021

Load up the family and spend an evening enjoying the beauty of Christmas. There is no admission charge. Joann and Kermit said, “Sharing the joy of Christmas with our community is the only payment we need.” They look forward to seeing everyone this holiday season.

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ELK

DEC 2021

AR 44

HHHS Reunion Class of 1971

The Herbert Hoover High School Class of 1971 celebrated their 50th reunion on November 5, 2021 at Coonskin Park. It’s always a good day to celebrate being a Huskie!

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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

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THE

ELK’S STUDENTS

VOLLEYBALL Lady Huskies were seeded third in the State Tournament and competed at the Charleston Civic Center and Coliseum on Friday, November 11 against Robert C Byrd. They won the first game 3-0 but after a valiant effort, lost to Philip Barbour in Round 2 (semifinal) with a score of 2-3.

Ashton Henrock, HHHS freshman, was ranked #4 on the statewide (AAA thru A) Volleyball stats leaderboard and Brinlee Harris ranked #10 for service aces! Also, senior Kassidy Myers finished in the top ten of all setters in the state for assists.

The HHHS volleyball players named to the 2021 Class A AA Tournament team were Sydney Shamblin and Sydney Mullins.

DEC 2021

At the regionals, The Lady Huskies Volleyball dominated their first game, beating PikeView in three straight sets.

Maddie Bohan hit a team high .385 while contributing 6 service aces, 3 digs, and 2 blocks. The team lost to Shady Spring for the regional championship, but the top two teams traveled to the State tournament.

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Winning 40 matches this season, the HHHS Volleyball Lady Huskies never lost faith and played their hearts out until the bitter end.

Photos compliments of HHHS parents and the HHHS Dawg Pound.

FOOTBALL 10-0 Undefeated! THE HHHS Huskie Football team is the undefeated Cardinal Conference Champion! In an electrifying game in the playoffs against Wheeling, Huskies lost 30-28 which ended their amazing season.

Awesome job to Coach Joey Fields and all of the players. You are champions of our hearts no matter what the score.

Photo by J. Craig Allison

to the HHHS Cheerleading Team on their third place finish at the WVSSAC Regionals. They have done an amazing job representing the community and HHHS sports!

Photo compliments of Carly Gandee

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Congratulations

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SHOWCHOIR The HHHS High Impact Show Choir performed Sunday, November 14, at the 2021 Swing Sing which was held at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium.

This was the official start of their competition season. All eight Kanawha County high schools performed a showcase of three to four of their songs, offering a teaser of what the choir will be performing this season. Their next event is the HHHS Choir Dinner Theaters which will be held on January 8 and 9 at the Elkview Middle School.

Directed by Kathy Silber Photos compliments of Niesha Shank Photography

DEC 2021

SOFTBALL

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The Hoover Huskies Softball Team received State Championship rings at halftime during the October 30 Huskie football game held at Lakin-Ray Field at Dickerson Stadium on WV State University’s campus. They have four total championships to date, three of them back-to-back. Bring on 2022!

BOYS SOCCER The Hoover Boys Soccer Team headed to the State Tournament for the second straight year! They competed in the AA State Soccer Tournament on Friday, November 5, at the Beckley Youth Sports Complex where Hoover took on Point Pleasant in the semi-finals.

“Although they may not have come home with the win, these boys left it all on the field...including their sweat and blood. They have represented the Huskie Nation well this year and we are all extremely proud of their accomplishments” –Tim Cunningham Photos by Scott Abbott

to Bryson Beaver for being named a School Winner in the 2021 Heisman High School Scholarship Program.

Photo by HHHS parents & Coach Eddie Gray

GOLF The HHHS Golf Team was recognized at the November 4 Kanawha County Commission meeting for winning the AA State Golf Championship. Awesome job, Coach Eddie Gray and the talented golf team!

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Congratulations

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ELK

Visit the Kanawha Valley Railroad Association Coonskin’s Annual Holiday Lights

AR DEC 2021

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

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The Kanawha Valley Railroad Association is celebrating its 44th year of serving our community and opening its doors once again for holiday visitors.

and resources have traveled to by train, and have constructed a local model train exhibition that mirrors our community.

The members of the KVRA are model railroading enthusiasts with a passion for preserving railroad history, including the history of the areas people

The KVRA's primary layout is a 30' x 50' HO Scale constructed in 1998 and operates using NCE digital command control. It features various modeled

renditions of West Virginia, including Charleston, Elkview, Thurmond, and Hawk's Nest, as well as coal facilities, coal camps, logging facilities, rock climbers, whitewater rafters, and a pulp mill, which represent the culture of the state. They also have a smaller 4' x 12' N Scale layout with model trains traveling through the mountains of West Virginia and a 15' x 20' modular layout displayed that they take to area train shows.

Located inside Coonskin Park, the KVRA is open during Coonskin's Annual Holiday Light Show every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year but will be open Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. from now until Christmas. To get to the KVRA, enter Coonskin and follow the main road to the end. More information can be found on kvrailroad.org.

ELKRIVERLIVING.COM

Have fun exploring our community by model train and pointing out streets you have walked down, rivers you have fished in, and how things have changed from some of the KVRA's historical portrayals of our community.

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ELK

AR The Charleston Light Opera Guild delighted the Elk River community with a free performance on November 4, 2021. “Putting It Together,” a 1999 broadway version, was presented by the Guild with special arrangements by Music Theatre International (MTI). The event was held at the Koontz Gymnasium in Clendenin.

DEC 2021

The musical performance focused on a married couple who hosts the husband’s younger business associate and his date, along with an uninvited guest, at a house party following a black -tie event. The musical numbers brought to life the complexities of modern relationships as viewed by the five guests.

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Words and music for Putting It Together were written by Stephen Sondheim. The musical was devised by Stephen Sondheim and Julia McKenzie and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. The talented musical cast included Rudi Arrowood, Chris Terpening, Christa Navy, Cedrick Farmer, and Jacob Fleck. The Director was Nina Denton Pasinetti; the Musical Director was David Patrick; and the Technical Director was Thomas Pasinetti.

“Putting It Together” in Clendenin Information provided by The Charleston Light Opera Guild

The Charleston Light Opera Guild is a talented, community arts group that has existed for 72 years. During this time it has provided opportunities for many talented singers, actors, dancers, and musicians to entertain the greater Kanawha Valley and adjoining communities.

They have produced 256 shows and events and have won numerous awards including a Mayor’s Award for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts Honor, Charleston Area Alliance Award, and the 2018 Governor’s Arts Organization of the Year.

The Charleston Light Opera Guild gave a special thanks to Kay Summers, Mayor of Clendenin; the Town of Clendenin; Clay Center; FestivALL Charleston; Bill Lynch, Clint Thomas; Kennie Bass; Carly Thaw; Fund for the Arts, Alex Mahaffey; Art Works; WV Department of Culture & History; Estep’s the NuLook; Backstage Bodywear, Ooh La Lucy; and Suttle & Stalnaker, PLLC. Sponsors include the Alex and Betty Schoenbaum Family Foundation, Daywood Foundation, and additional support by the Town of Clendenin.

Upcoming performances of The Charleston Light Opera Guild include Paradise Park A Musical on January 28-30 and February 4-6, 2022 at the Guild Theatre located on 411 Tennessee Avenue in Charleston. You can visit charlestonlightoperaguild. org for more information.

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