The Elk's Cookbook: Broccoli Casserole

THE ELK’S COOKBOOK

BROCCOLI SALAD

Nothing is more delicious than fresh vegetables from the garden, and Gabi Strickland Walker of Walker Mtn Eats shares the perfect recipe for Broccoli Salad. She said originally it was a Paula Deen recipe but she has tweaked it for her family and friends and it is always a hit.

BROCCOLI SALAD

INGREDIENTS

Salad: • 1 head fresh broccoli (or a small bag of fresh broccoli florets from the salad section of your local grocery) • ½ C real bacon bits • ½ C red onion, sliced into thin rings and chopped in half • 1 3-oz. bag of Salad Toppers - dried cranberries and honey-roasted pecans • 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese - cut into very small chunks or you can use pre-cut cheese cubes and then cut each cube in half to equal 1 cup • ½ C cherry tomatoes - sliced in half • Pinch of salt • Plenty of pepper Dressing: • 1 C mayonnaise • 2 T white vinegar • ¼ C sugar

DIRECTIONS

SERVES 4-6

Step 1:

– Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk and wash the broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into florets. If using a bag of fresh broccoli florets, you do not need to cut up the broccoli unless there are large florets. Step 2:

– Place in a large bowl and add the remaining salad ingredients to the broccoli florets. Step 3:

– In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients, stirring well. Step 4:

– Add the small bowl of dressing ingredients to the broccoli mixture and toss gently. It is very simple but everyone says there is just something about the combination of flavors that makes this an incredible summer salad. Give this one a try soon!

Large assortment of burgers, hand cut fries, hand-dipped corn dogs, the best wings on the River and more! Full service bar with great beer selections. Pool tables, Large TV's for sports viewing, Karaoke and Live Music! Family friendly dining hours.

JULY 6 & JULY 20 AT 5:30 PM

12 MAYWOOD AVENUE W, CLENDENIN, WV 25045 681.230.2061 @paddlersbarandgrill

CLENDENIN

Building the trail back through entrepreneurship

Matt Holbert and his wife, Nikki, own Bricks & Barrels restaurant, Axes and Ale, and Uncork & Create in Charleston. They also opened Take Me Home AirBnB in Clendenin last year and just celebrated the grand opening of their new Clendenin Brewing Co. on Saturday, June 25, in Clendenin. This article was the first in a series of Small Business Highlights from entrepreneurs in WV as featured on WV Businesslink.

The Elk’s Journal and Elk Reflects combined this month to proudly feature an article by Clendenin native, Matt Holbert.

My hometown of Clendenin has a rich history that deserves to be heard. In the late 1840s, a new type of coal was discovered that, when heated at the precise temperature, produces a flammable liquid that burns bright. An entrepreneur named Matthew Sutton built a chimney near Clendenin on Falling Rock Creek to heat the locally mined “candle coal”, shortened to cannel coal, to produce an outside lamp oil marketed as kerosene that was distributed throughout the northeast United States. The candle oil boom sizzled as quickly as it started, lasting until just before the Civil War when petroleum was discovered in Pennsylvania. In 1920, Union Carbide & Carbon Corporation must have known this history and the unique chemical properties of cannel coal and nearby natural gas deposits, some seventy years later, when they chose Clendenin as the site of the world’s first petrochemical plant. As the local historical marker reads, “from this nucleus grew the nation’s giant petrochemical industry, employer of thousands.” Many are surprised when they learn that kerosene, antifreeze (ethelyne glycol) and the most common plastic in use today (polyethylene) were all invented and first manufactured in Clendenin. It’s unfortunate that most now associate Clendenin with the devastating 2016 flood.

New investments building on the town’s history

My wife Nikki and I purchased the former Farmers & Citizens State Bank building from Chase in March of 2018. Our first project was to remodel the upstairs offices into overnight rooms with full bathrooms, four of which are open and available today on Airbnb. We preserved as much as we could, including the hardwood floors that we believe were fabricated using local timber. Four more rooms are still under construction and should be available within the next year. We’re going to need the extra space, considering these four rooms were 70% occupied on average throughout the summer of 2021. We’re expecting higher occupancy rates this summer, especially with a brewery opening soon below.

The Cardinal Room is renovated room on the second floor of the former Farmers & Citizens State Bank

Matt’s wife, and business partner Nikki, & their Head Brewer Tom Dawson work on an early batch in the new Clendenin Brewery Co. Which brings us to phase two of our project: Clendenin Brewing Company. The brewery will produce craft beer for sale in our local taproom and for wholesale distribution to local retail establishments, primarily in the greater Charleston market. Initially, the brewery will focus exclusively on producing high-quality craft beer, but we also intend to add a small kitchen. Clendenin Brewing Co. expects to open by July 1st of this year. We were helped in this endeavor by the Faster WV program of Advantage Valley that allowed us to obtain a start-up loan. The relationship between the town of Clendenin and our brewery will be symbiotic. Our craft brewery will accelerate the growth of recreational outdoor activities in the town while the growth of the town will increase our direct-to-market taproom sales. Clendenin is becoming a tourism destination, with folks coming to town to kayak, hike, bike, horseback ride and other outdoor activities. All recreational towns need a brewery, and all breweries need fun things to do outside the taproom.

Yak House A cantilevered stage over the Elk River will replace this currently empty space at the center of town

Tourism is helping diversify their economy

Kayaking spawned the town’s recreational successes. The Elk River, which splits the town of Clendenin, is quickly becoming a kayaking destination for those that prefer a gentle float. Yak House Rentals provides full-service kayak experiences, which includes the kayak and all safety gear, transportation for you and your kayak to and from the river, and restroom facilities to shower and change before and after your trip. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources has built two new river access points within the last two years, one at the lower end of town and one at the upper end. Kayaking is a popular activity from Memorial Day to beyond Labor Day. The Elk River Trail opens this summer in Clendenin. This section of the rail trail starts at the upper end of town and runs 3.2 miles to Queen Shoals. Another 2-mile section will be paved by this Fall and run through the center of town. Ultimately, the trail will connect with existing trail in Clay and Braxton counties to form the longest trail in West Virginia. Surrounded by hardwood forests along a winding river, the flat trail is cherished by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The town of Clendenin will be the southernmost trailhead and the closest location for those coming from the Kanawha Valley.

More attractions are coming

Mayor Kay Summers and the entire Town Council are spearheading further changes in Clendenin. The town is building a stage overlooking the Elk River, just outside the brewery, where music events will be held on summer weekends. In addition, the Town Council passed an ordinance permitting all-terrain vehicles on town streets with the proper permits, allowing side-by-sides that ride the scenic Falling Rock Creek and Morris Creek trails to continue into town for dinner and overnight stays. In addition, the town sponsors a Homecoming Festival held in June and Chili’N on the Elk, a chili cookoff and WV craft beer festival held in October. These are but a few of the great things happening in Clendenin. We’re delighted to have invested in our hometown and excited about its future. We invite you to join in our fun. ANNOUNCEMENT! The Clendenin Brewery Company, located at 2 Main Street, Clendenin, held its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on June 25! The doors are officially open and the taps are running!!! We are already at press for our July Elk River Living issue, but see next month’s August issue with lots of celebration photos! Also, good news! The brewery is also offering cans of locally brewed craft beer to enjoy at home!

SWEET RESOUNDING VICTORY

Written in collaboration with HHHS Student Contributor, Kaleb Lanier, an upcoming junior at Herbert Hoover High School.

Photos by Aubrie and Scott Abbott

We all celebrated with the headlines: “Herbert Hoover is your Class AA State Champion (Again.)” When a team is a five-time consecutive champion, too often however, the audience just expects a win to happen again naturally. For the Herbert Hoover Softball Girls and Coach Missy Smith, the wins have been anything but easy these past two state championships. In 2021 and 2022 the Lady Huskies were defeated in their first state tournament games, which automatically moved them to the losers bracket both times. Again this year Hoover fans’ hearts sank with their first loss to Oak Glen. The girls knew what they had to do and they dug in harder and stronger to defeat Shady Spring later that same day after their loss to Oak Glen. The next morning they continued their wins by taking down Oak Glen and Winfield in elimination games and then soundly defeated Winfield again 21-3 in a second game to secure the 2022 WVSSAC State Softball Championship. The two senior Lady Huskies, Caroline Woody and Grayson Buckner, know first-hand and secondhand, what it means to be a part of a Herbert Hoover Championship team. They were on the Hoover softball roster as freshmen when both of their older sisters, Rebekah Woody and Delani Buckner were on the winning team for two previous Hoover state championships. This year, however, it was Caroline and Grayson’s turn to shine with sweat, guts and glory and bring home the Championship trophy during their senior year. Our HHHS Student Contributor, Kaleb Lanier, interviewed both Caroline and Grayson as they graduated from Herbert Hoover and departed from the Lady Huskie legendary trail of championships.

Caroline Woody describes being a part of the best softball program in the state of West Virginia as “an honor.” The third baseman began her high school career with the team already having two back-toback state titles. As a graduating senior member of the team this year, their record is now five consecutive state titles. She said, “Coming into my freshman season was pretty intimidating; I knew I had a lot to live up to as a team member. The standards for the team were much higher than I was used to on past teams. The practices were intense, and so was our Coach, Missy. You really have to commit 100%.” This year’s WVSSAC AA State Softball Tournament began in late May. “I was nervous but I had confidence going into the tournament games. I really wanted to win my senior year. After we lost the first game I was pretty disappointed in myself because I had a big error, but I knew we could still pull through. We worked really hard and did just that.” Caroline (and Grayson Bucker) were chosen to play in the North South game in Buffalo on June 9 where Caroline hit a two-run shot and was chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the second game. She said, “It was Grayson and me together representing Huskies for the last time, but we will be family forever.” Practicing every evening, late night games, and having only a few days between seasons for four years is grueling for any athlete. Two of Caroline’s top awards at the Hoover senior assembly, however, were being the highest honor graduate and the Duane “Hoggie” Atkins award for lettering in most sports. She lettered in three sports each year for four years. She said, “Coach Missy stresses togetherness and mental toughness from day one. She taught us skills to be strong women in all walks of life, now and in the future.” Caroline is the daughter of John (Hoover alum) and Delilah Woody of Elkview. Her sister, Rebekah (Bekah) now plays softball for the University of Charleston and this fall, Caroline will attend West Liberty University to continue her softball career as well.

Grayson Buckner

Grayson Buckner said “Going into my freshman year, I was somewhat prepared because my sister, Delani Buckner, was a junior on the team at the time. However, my little freshman self was definitely nervous. I knew there were high expectations going into a two-time state champion team, which I needed to live up to.” She ended up starting as a freshman in the designated hitter spot. “I learned a lot and grew a lot as a player that first year. Being a designated hitter on the team that again won States that year, helped give me a glimpse and prepare me for what our next three years needed to be.” Buckner has been a powerhouse pitcher for the Lady Huskies. She hit .400 and went 12-1 with a 0.79 ERA as a pitcher to help the Huskies win the Class AA title. Like Woody, Buckner will be leaving Herbert Hoover with three earned State championship titles. She said, “During the state tournament, I believed in my teammates whole heartedly.I knew we had the talent and skills to win it again.” Coach Missy Smith always stressed “just get on base, then the rest of the team will pick up the load. No one carries the load alone.” She added, “After the first game, when we lost to Oak Glen, I still had no doubt. Yes, it was a major setback, but Oak Glen did not see our best that game. We came from the losers bracket the year before, so we definitely had that experience. We all stepped up as leaders, and we played with a hunger to win from that game on.” Grayson is the daughter of Mark and Kelli Buckner, of Elkview (both Hoover alum). Her older sister, Delani, plays softball for Appalachian State University. Grayson will continue her softball career at Lees McRae College, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

This will be the first time in six years that there will not be a Woody or a Buckner on the softball field. Coach Smith said, “Rebekah Woody was a freshman in 2016 and Delani Bucker was a freshman in 2017. It’s definitely been a long run!” As always though, new faces step onto the field and are reminded by Coach Smith that “it’s a big deal to put on this jersey. You are part of a very special program.” “I am so proud of all my girls. They buy into the program and see the big picture,” said Coach Smith.” I am so blessed to have been chosen to be the head coach at such a special school.” Fast forwarding to next year, Coach Smith said, “Yes, there will again be a target on our backs. Yes, we will again have higher expectations. Will we again be ready to meet them?,” she asks…”if you know anything about the Lady Huskies, you already know the answer is YES.” One of Coach Missy’s favorite Vince Lombardi quotes is: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” Bring on the red and blue chase of 2023!

DON’T SWEAT IT! BIKE IT!

The new 44 miles of Elk River Trail has energized the bicycle market since it opened last year. More and more bike riders, of all ages, are enjoying the many trails and bikeways in West Virginia. Last year due to COVID pandemic issues, it was extremely hard to even find a bike in stock; however, this year bikes are back! If you are considering purchasing a bicycle, two local businesses have an array of bicycles in stock and can help you determine which bicycle is right for you.

Elk City Cycles

Elk City Cycles is located at 708 Bigley Avenue, Ste. B in Charleson. Brandon Kline, owner, has over 18 years of experience in bike sales and repairs. “I worked for many years at John’s Cyclery in St. Albans and I always wanted to have my own bike shop,” said Kline; “there were none on the Elk River or on the West Side or downtown Charleston. We are centrally located on the Bigley Street side entrance of David J. Patton MD Inc. 's office (formerly Kelly’s Men Shop) so it was a great location to serve the Elk River and Greater Kanawha Valley.” Kline lives two blocks from his business. “I like to promote where I live,” he said. “It is important to give back to your community.” Elk City Cycles sponsors the local mountain bike races at Kanawha State Forest and is a supporter of the Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance. Chriss Huckaby, formerly of Pinch, WV, works with Kline at Elk City Cycles. Both Huckaby and Kline love biking. They both said they have the perfect jobs because they get to do what they love all day long. They agree that “getting first time riders on a bike is such a great feeling.” Kline added that biking is great for ex-runners. “It has a low impact on your body and many runners transition from running to biking or also cross train with biking.” Elk City Cycles carries two main brands: Giant and Liv. Kline explained, “Liv is the Giant women's specific brand.” They also carry Yeti Cycles, which are high end mountain bikes. Kline said, “We have bikes in all styles for all ages, for three year olds to high-end racing bikes! Whether you want bikes for rail trails, mountain trails, or street riding, we carry a little bit of everything.” One of the best features of a local bike shop is service. Elk City Cycles services all makes and models. Huckaby said, “We pretty much take care of anything.” Last year inventory was limited due to the COVID pandemic, but this year inventory has increased. “We have a lot of bikes in stock in a price range for everyone,” said Kline. He added, “If we do order a bike for you, we can usually have it within a week’s time.” Kline encourages you to come to Elk City Cycles. “I think it is good to look at our bikes, touch them, see what you like and what feels right for your comfort zone. We want to make sure you enjoy riding for many years to come.” For more information, contact Brandon or Chriss at 681.265.1014 or www.elkcitycycles.com.

Brandon Kline & Chriss Huckaby

681-265-1014 www.elkcitycycles.com 708 Bigley Avenue STE. B, Charleston, WV 25302