Elk River Living Magazine | Volume 04 | Issue 11 | November 2022

Big Rig Day at Pinch

Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, Pinch Elementary’s annual fundraiser, BIG RIG Day, is always a community favorite.

has kept this tradition alive for

still going!

ERT Hosts Fall Races

The Elk River Trail Marathon and the Chili Chase Dave Fields Memorial 5k were held this fall on sections of The Elk River Trail.

Heart Healthy Hunting Hunting season in WV is upon us, and the most important priority is making sure all of our hunters make it back home safely.

Big Rig Day is a community favorite for "kids of all ages' Phillip and Tim Shaffer of Solid Rock Contracting help organize Big Rig Day each year, reaching out to local trucking companies and businesses to bring their equipment for a great day of show-and-tell for attendees.

Keeping the Whited family tradition

Beauty & the Marching Huskies Band

Our Reader’s Submission this month features Caroline Dysart, HHHS Senior and Feature Twirler for the HHHS Marching Huskies, who captured the first place feature twirler award and the title of Miss Kanawha Majorette at the 75th Gazette-Mail Kanawha County High School Festival.

HELLO & Welcome Back!

When I think about November, I always think about Thanksgiving dinner at mom and dad’s house. Mom loved Thanksgiving dinner and her dressing and pumpkin pies were the best ever. She always bought the biggest turkey she could find. I remember my little brother, Jack, covering his eyes because he wouldn’t look at the large turkey on the table. When mom made pies, it was like an assembly line. It was tradition for us all to go over to her house the night before to play pinochle (Uncle Hod and Dad would nudge us under the table when they wanted us to bid), eat a pumpkin pie or two right out of the oven, and taste the dressing for her to make sure it had enough sage. We would help make deviled eggs, pear salad, and assemble the relish dish. Other than that she didn’t want anyone messing with her dinner--she liked to do it herself. I can close my eyes and hear the laughter, remember the great smells coming from the kitchen, and feel the love.

Speaking of family love, we are honored to highlight the wonderful Whited family as our November feature article. They have been having their family reunion since 1950. It is indeed rare to see families this large still come together for an annual reunion. Ken and I were invited to attend this year, and it was an amazing time of family togetherness and we were treated like extended family. There is nothing stronger than family love.

This month we also recognize the caring, giving hearts of Phil and Tim Shaffer of Solid Rock Contracting at Blue Creek. For the past five years, they have helped organize and host Big Rig Day as a fundraiser for Pinch Elementary. This year was one of their largest events with more than 23 businesses bringing their trucks and equipment for attendees to see and learn more about the operation and functionality of each. The generosity stemming from Big Rig Day helps Pinch Elementary purchase new technology for their classrooms.

What a wonderful place this is we call home, with our roots firmly established to create our Elk River Community (def) (noun): a unique and indivisible bond of family and friends from the Elk River and others who have been brought into the fold, eternally linked from the heart regardless of time or distance. Synonyms include: loving, giving, caring, supporting, understanding, lifting up, dusting off, rebuilding, thankful, resilient, and blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to those near and far. Our Elk River hearts are with you this holiday season.

Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River. cyndi@elkriverliving.com 304.546.9243

Josh TawneyCreative Director / The Printing PressCharleston, WV

Cyndi TawneyEditor In Chief / Ken TawneyOperations Director / Printer / Little Secret Design Co.Layout /

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.

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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:

This month Charlotte Hays (Fred) shared a perfect autumn photo of their Sand Run farm.

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!

Our guest photographers who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: Aubrie Abbott, Scott Abbott, J. Craig Allison, Tim Cunningham, Alycen Swor, Joe Hoover

ELK RIVER LIVING

Aubrie Abbott

Tim Cunningham

Scott Abbott

Alycen Swor

Joe Hoover

J. Craig Allison

OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

ADVANTAGE VALLEY 304.352.1165

1045 Bridge Rd., Charleston advantagevalley.com

AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP 304.935.2230

4508 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

ANR CONSTRUCTION

304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510

Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young

ARMSTRONG LAW, PLLC 304.300.9663

dan@wvlegalhelp.com

624 Elk St., Gassaway

BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162

Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman

BIG CHIMNEY BAPTIST CHURCH 4626 Elk Shore Dr., Charleston

Pastor Gary Walker

BILL’S USED CARS 304.548.4727

Rt 119 Elk River Road

BLUE CREEK HEATING & COOLING 304.965.9148

contact Bill Ross or Roy Crist

BOWEN DENTAL Chas: 304.342.0146

Clay: 304.587.7495

contact Stacy or Gary Bowen II

BOXDROP MATTRESS & FURNITURE OUTLET 304.590.6094

2777 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston (Mink Shoals Exit 1)

CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700

7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES 304.965.9081

Local Charleston Office

CLENDENIN BREWING CO.

2 Main Street, Clendenin

Beer Bingo Thursday at 6 PM

CLENDENIN PHARMACY 304.548.5451

Bill Ore and Linsay Matuszkiewicz

CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666

contact William Crede

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.7024

85 Credes Landing, Elkview

DOOR DECOR & MOORE 304.965.2447

4952 Elk River Rd.,Elkview

DR. JOHN RICHARDS 304.935.2513

4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. H, Charleston

E. JUNE BOUTIQUE

Ejunescustomer@gmail.com

100 Verna Drive, Elkview

EDENS BODY WORKS, INC. 304.965.5900

102 Neville Rd, Elkview

ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792

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

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661

contact Joey Adkins, DDS

ELK HILLS MEMORIAL PARK 304.965.5721

4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501

contact Gary W. Pauley II

ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley

ELK RIVER BOUTIQUE 304.549.8778

3 Main Street, Clendenin

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

ELK RIVER GET-A-WAY 304.993.0006

16544 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC 304.419.5337 www.elkvalleyelectric.com

ELK VALLEY PET CREMATORIUM 304.965.0148

Inside Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979

contact Andi Geary, MPT

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

GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.437.3739

4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com

GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.965.7031

Order online at ginospizza.com

GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com

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

HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 304.344.5044 2772 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

Please

They care a great deal about you and the GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS. would you like to advertise with ERL? contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com or 304.546.9243

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941

holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

HOMESTEAD INSPECTIONS 304.965.4866

mike@homesteadinspectionswv.com

IDEAL PROTEIN 304.344.9077

Charleston Family Chiropractic

308 Patrick St. Plaza, Charleston

JONES AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR 304.965.6180

jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com

JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180

jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com

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

KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING 304.548.4726

knightinsurance@frontier.com

KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com

THE LACTATION CONSULTANT NETWORK

Jamie Peden, RN, IBCLC 304.314.4052

209 Washington St. W, Ste. 200

LEGACY FOODS 304-587-3041

10840 Clay Highway Indore, WV

LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO. 304.427.6797 www.littlesecretdesign.co

MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com

Elk River Community.

MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young

MOSS TREE SERVICE LLC 304.965.8095 www.mosstreeservice.com

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056

contact Roger Mullins

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL 681.230.2061

12 Maywood Ave., W., Clendenin

PATRIOT PRESSURE WASHING 304.840.4833 Larry McCoy Commercial & Residential

POCA VALLEY BANK 304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com

PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE 4636 Penn. Ave, Ste 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com

RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 304.342.8200 & on Facebook

95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston

ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077

Contact Bill Rogers

SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR 681.230.2151

311C Elk River Road, S., Clendenin

SLEEP INN 304.345.5111 2772 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

SMITH'S CARPET ONE 304.965.7111

4774 Chimney Dr., Big Chimney

SMITH'S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7600

Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview

SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING 304.444.4288

contact Phil Shaffer

SPECIAL OCCASIONS 304.965.5434

specialoccasionflower.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 (see ad pg 22)

Free Christmas Banquet RSVP 412.780.7523 or Jess@Visionappalachia.org

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

YAK HOUSE RENTALS 304.941.2229

Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

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

NOVEMBER LIBRARY EVENTS

CLENDENIN BRANCH

DATE TIME AGEPROGRAM

Nov 1 All Day

Nov 1 6 pm

Nov 3 10:30 am

Nov 3 11 am

Nov 5 1 pm

Nov 8 5:30 pm

Nov 10 1 pm

Nov 15 6 pm

Nov 17 10:30 am

Nov 17 11 am

Nov 19 1 pm

Nov 29 5 pm

Family Craft of the Month: Paper Plate Dinosaur

Iris Folding

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Children's Sewing Club

Messing Around with Markers

Clendenin Library Book Group

Family Fun: Minute to Win It Games

Baby & Me Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Children’s Sewing Club

Ornament Workshop

Family

Adults & Seniors

Birth - 5 years old

Birth - 5 years old

Children & Tweens

Teens & Tweens 10 - 12 Years

Adults & Seniors Family

Babies 0-18 Months

Babies 0-18 Months

Children & Tweens Family/All Ages

ELK VALLEY BRANCH

DATE TIME AGEPROGRAM

Nov 1 6 pm

Nov 2 10:30 am

Nov 2 11 am

Nov 3 6 pm

Nov 8 2 pm

Nov 14 3 pm

Nov 15 2 pm

Nov 15 6 pm

Nov 16 10:30 am

Nov 16 11 am

Nov 17 6 pm

Dec 1 6–7:30 pm

Co ee Time

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Family Fun: Turkey Paint Time

Adult Crafternoon Drop-in & Play

Elk Valley Book Group

Teen Time

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Family Fun: Root Camp for Kids Special Guest Connie Nelson Holiday Open House

Adults

Birth - 5 years old

Birth - 5 years old

Family Adults

School Age Children

Adults

Teens

Birth - 5 years old

Birth - 5 years old

Family

All Ages

kcpl

Clendenin Branch Hours Phone: (304)548–6370

Mon. CLOSED Tues. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wed. Noon - 6 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri. CLOSED Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sun. CLOSED

Elk Valley Branch Hours Phone: (304)965–3636

Mon. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tues. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. CLOSED

HUMANITIES CORNER

November 3 | 7–8 PM

An Evening with Korean American Author Matthew Salesses

Pre-register for the Zoom event here:

November 7 | 7:30-9 PM

Wild & Wonderful Woman Writers: A WVU Alumnae Panel

Downtown Library | Milano Room | Live Streaming

A WVU Alumnae panel featuring Rachel King, author of Bratwurst Heaven; Laura Morris, author of Jaws of life; and Crystal Good, author of Valley Girl and published of Black By God, The West Virginian.

November 14 | 7–9 PM

INDIGENOUS APPALACHIA

Downtown Library | Milano Room | Live Streaming

Indigenous Appalachia is an exhibit with event in collaboration between The Humanities Center, Art in Libraries and Native American Studies. The Center is sponsoring Joe Stahlman, Director, SenecaIroquois National Museum; Assistant Research Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, University at Buffalo and Maryam Marne Zafar, Visual Strategist, Graphic to present on the Art in Libraries exhibit.

November 15 | 4–5 PM

What Can I Do With This Major? English & Writing Focus Edition

Downtown Library LL, 136 Classroom | Live Streaming

For more information on programs and events, speakers series and campus read, visit humanitiescenter.wvu.edu

THE ELK’S COOKBOOK

LINDA HARPER'S CRANBERRY SALAD

GabiWalker of Walker Mountain Eats shares this wonderful recipe just in time for Thanksgiving. She said, “This recipe is totally one of those that I cannot believe I ate…let alone LOVED!! It is so delicious…who knew cranberry salad could be amazingly yummy!! Ash said it was like eating sour gummies but it’s healthy! I made the recipe for our family Thanksgiving dinner and it was a hit…no one could believe that they were eating it and loving it!! It’s famous for a reason…it’s the BEST! Once you try it, you will never have a holiday meal without it! Just…Delish! Thanks for the recipe, Linda Harper; we won’t have a Thanksgiving without it!

LINDA HARPER’S FAMOUS CRANBERRY SALAD

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Rinse off cranberries and put into the bowl of a food processor. Peel and seed the orange and add to a food processor. Core the apple, cut into pieces and add to a food processor. Pulse the fruit until it’s a fine grind but not mush.

Step 2: Add the can of crushed pineapple to fruit and stir. (If you do not have a large food processor, this can be done in batches in a mini chopper)

Step 3: Boil 1 1/2C water. Add both boxes of Jello and sugar; stir until dissolved.

Step 4: Add fruit and stir until well combined.

Step 5: Pour into a 2 Qt casserole dish (or pretty serving bowl), cover, and refrigerate until set. Serve chilled.

Mike Haynes, Manager | Cathy Wild, Assistant

BIG RIG DAY IS A COMMUNITY FAVORITE FOR ‘KIDS OF ALL AGES’

Photos provided by Phil Shaffer and Karen Messenger

A business is an amazing way to serve and leave an impact on the community you live in.

- PHIL SHAFFER, SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING

"

Whetheryou are a kid or a kid at heart, Pinch Elementary’s annual fundraiser, BIG RIG Day, is always a community

favorite. Phillip and Tim Shaffer of Solid Rock Contracting at Blue Creek help organize Big Rig Day each year, reaching out to local trucking companies and businesses to bring their equipment for a great day of show-and-tell for attendees.

More than 23 sponsors were at this year’s fifth annual event. Karen Messinger, Principal at Pinch Elementary, said, “The Health Net helicopter is always an extra treat for attendees. I loved watching it coming and going.”

Representatives from the different businesses were on hand to talk about the operation and functionality of each piece of equipment. “It’s really a special day when the kids can actually have hands-on experience with the large rigs,” said Messinger.

Big Rig Day at Pinch Elementary features big rigs of all types. This year’s truck and equipment sponsors included AEP, Ashley Industrial Repair, Bill Warner Jr. Trucking, Casto Farms Inc., Charleston Fire Department, Clendenin Vol. Fire Department, Crane Man Inc., Foster Supply, Department, Solid Rock Contracting, Sunset Slush

of West Virginia, WV American Water Company, WV Department of Highways - Elkview, WV State Fire Marshal's Office, and WV State Police.

Phil Shaffer said, “All of the truck and equipment sponsors, Pinch Elementary PTO, staff, and students help make Big Rig Day a great event. It truly highlights how businesses and the Elk River community come together to showcase local entrepreneurs and their services.”

The Pinch Elementary teachers, staff, and parents hosted a concession and the PTO raffled off beautiful gift baskets to help with the fundraising event. Messenger said, “ I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped put this event together and to those who dedicated their time and big rigs to make our Big Rig Day fundraiser a success.”

KEEPING THE WHITED FAMILY TRADITION

A special thank you to contributing writer and Whited family-member April Curry for inviting ERL to the Whited Reunion this year and for her help with this month’s feature article and photographs.

TheWhited family has been having their annual family reunion on the third weekend of August since 1950. It is a tradition that includes a craft auction, family-donated gift baskets, family quilts, family-fun contests, fellowship, great food, and endless hugs and love. Oh wait, did I mention they make apple butter--because it is definitely one of the best homemade apple butters we have ever tasted! Their annual family reunion represents the true meaning of ‘gathering together and being thankful for family’.

ERL was invited to attend this year’s reunion held at Camp Sheppard in Gandeeville. We arrived for a huge breakfast Saturday morning which had all of your favorites, including awesome homemade biscuits and gravy. “If you go away hungry, it’s your own fault,” said Harry Vance, spouse to Berneda Whited. We spent the rest of the day meeting everyone from the oldest to the youngest, even though baby Harper Mila, daughter of Lexi and Moe, Jr. Makhene, wasn't due to make her appearance for another two weeks. Everyone was visiting and catching up on the latest family news.

After breakfast, they all gathered on the front steps of the lodge where the traditional Whited-family reunion photo was taken.

The Whited family originally gathered in Roane County at their parents’ house, Alfred and Minnie Pearl Skinner Whited. Later in 1964, siblings Opal Whited Greathouse, Jason Whited (from Ohio), Amet Whited, Clate Whited (from Ohio), Ruby Whited Cunningham, Aarron Whited (from Ohio), Ivol Whited Bowyer, and Norval Whited met in at Lonzo Whited’s house in Walton, where he had a mercantile store. His son, Lonzo Jr., who now lives

RIVER

in Clarksburg and said he remembers being at the reunion on Sundays after church when he was younger. The annual reunion was moved to Camp Sheppard in 1965 where it has remained to date. Descendants and extended families come from all over West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and as far as Florida.

According to Dr. R. A. Brock in his book, Virginia and Virginians published in 1988, the name “Whited” is a variation of the name WHITEHEAD. The names WHITTED and WHITHED can also trace their roots

back to Whitehead. Whitehead is an old English and Scottish nickname for a fully gray-haired man, particularly one that is too young to be that way. It is derived from Middle English whit = white + heved = head. “The Whited (or Whitehead) family came originally from Ireland to Virginia and were among the first settlers of that state. Its branches are scattered in almost every state of the Union, .... They have always been people of influence and position, and noted for honor, industry, and energy.”

April Curry (great granddaughter of Amet Whited) shared, “Moses Whited, descendant to John Francis Whited and Sarah Ann Debord Whited, purchased land in Gandeeville, where he settled with his wife and 4 of his 9 sons (15 children total) until he passed away in 1860. He is buried behind the baseball field on the Camp Sheppard grounds. In 1903, his son Amet Whited was born in Roane County, WV. He was one of 7 children. He married Nancy Elizabeth in 1924, and together they raised 7 children: Bethel Jane, Ira Bevan, Elsie Berhldine, Berneda Faye, William Burton, Granville Brell and Blenda Sharon. Arnet passed away in 1985 and his wife, Nancy Elizabeth, lived to be 102 until she passed in 2005.”

Beginning Thursday evening, family members travel in and get settled in the cabins surrounding the lodge on the campground. “There are times we

have had every cabin and every camper site at Camp Sheppard packed for the reunion,” said April. “We have had as many as 200 family members gather, coming from as far as Florida.” Family members Jim Philips and Tom Whited are instrumental in the genealogy research which is proudly displayed every year at the reunion.”

The grounds are reserved in October the year before and the reunion runs from Thursday evening to Sunday evening. April added, “Even the local Walmart in Spencer is always stocked up in preparation for the Whited Reunion because the family always shops there for all of the food that is served for all 4 days for over 100-200 family members.”

April’s dad, Gary Vance, said, “Not many families could be together for four days and not be tired of seeing each other! We used to have the reunion Friday through Sunday, but when we added apple butter to the activities, we needed another day.” He explained that making apple butter takes a full day, and no one wanted to miss any of the activities because they were manning the apple butter kettle. It just made sense to add on another day. Gary said, “Early Friday morning, the fire is started and the apple butter ingredients begin boiling in the large copper kettle that has been handed down through the generation. By the afternoon on Friday, the homemade apple butter is jarred, sealed and ready

to sell to the family as a fundraiser for the ground reservations. This year they sold 20 ½ cases of apple butter!

What goes better with apple butter more than homemade biscuits? For years, Berneda Whited Vance and Beverly Vance have been making the delicious biscuits for the reunion’s family breakfast on Saturday morning. April said, “They have mastered the recipe that has been handed down from Nancy Elizabeth Whited, Berneda’s mom.” Also this year, Alicia Legg, who is married to Jeff (grandson of Rosa Whited Williams), made a lowerfat version of the same recipe using spray butter on both the top and bottom of the biscuits. She said, “It is the same delicious, traditional recipe but offers a reduced-fat option for those family members who are watching their cholesterol.”

ELK RIVER LIVING

Games are played by both adults and kids and include potato peeling, horseshoes, cornhole, tug of war, egg tosses, relay races, scramble, water balloon tosses, a homemade water slide, cards, ice cream social and more. Quilts that have been lovingly stitched by ancestors who have since passed are displayed at the main lodge hall. Family members bring in crafts that they have made all year and after dinner on Saturday evening, the crafts and family-created gift baskets are auctioned off. Also, gifts which are purchased from local stores in Spencer are handed out to the youngest, oldest, and farthest distance traveled in attendance. Sunday is the last day of the reunion which begins with a church service upstairs at the lodge while a big Sunday dinner is being prepared downstairs in the main hall. April said, “Family members say a tearful goodbye as they depart to go home with thankful hearts and full bellies after Sunday dinner. Since this year’s reunion in August, we have lost two family members. Every day is a gift and it is rare to see a family of this size who still gathers after decades have passed.”

Nancy Elizabeth Whited’s Homemade Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients:

• Hudson Cream Self-Rising Flour & some extra flour for shaping biscuits

• Buttermilk or Milk

• Cold Butter

• Bacon/sausage grease

To make a large batch of biscuits for the reunion, it takes one 5-lb. bag of flour, almost a gallon of buttermilk, and a stick (¼ lb) of the “cold” butter. For the reunion we usually make two batches of this size for the number of our family members at our big Saturday breakfast.

Place the entire bag of flour in a very large bowl. Slice the butter into very small pieces and add to the flour, cutting it into the flour using forks or a pastry cutter. The butter needs to stay cold.

Next, begin adding the buttermilk, starting with half of the gallon. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Gently mix from the outside in toward the center. Add more buttermilk to make a very soft dough. It could take the full gallon. DO NOT OVERMIX. Too much handling will make the biscuits tough.

Place a generous amount of melted bacon or sausage grease (either or both) on a large sheet pan. Keep enough melted grease on the pan to flip the biscuits in. If you don’t have enough grease, you can add melted butter with some Crisco oil. Grease is best for this. Cooking sprays do not work as well for the texture or taste.

Dump the dough out onto a generously floured sheet pan. Add more flour as needed to handle the dough. Pinch off pieces of dough, flouring your hands to keep the dough from sticking to your hands. Gently shape the dough by rolling the sides underside to make a smooth-topped biscuit shape. Place the biscuit, smooth top down, in the greased pan and quickly turn it over. Place the biscuits against each other. Make sure the tops of the biscuits are greased.

When the pan is full, place in a 400 degree preheated oven. Bake until lightly browned. Test the center biscuit by using a fork to gently pull apart. If still doughy, then bake a few minutes longer. Remove from the oven and immediately butter the tops.

COOK’S NOTES: I only use Hudson Cream or White Lily Flour (self rising). This recipe can use buttermilk or sweet milk. You can also use the cultured buttermilk powder with water. You do not have to add the butter. If I am making a regular batch of biscuits at home, I usually don’t.

ELK RIVER

And they are off & running!

Photos by Scott Abbott Photo, Andi Naylor-Geary, & Appalachian Timing Group

TheElk River Trail continues to give back to our community, The Elk River Trail Foundation and Appalachian Timing Group sponsored a marathon, half-marathon and 5K run during the Golden Delicious Apple Festival and the Chili’N on the Elk Festival sponsored a 5K run. Both events were held on sections of the Elk River Trail.

ELK RIVER TRAIL MARATHON

The first Elk River Trail Marathon was held on September 18 in Dundon, Clay County, on the last day of the Golden Delicious Apple Festival. There were 110 runners registered to run from 13 different states. The event attracted 30 runners from 13 other states! Rocky Nutter ran in the half marathon and said, “There were about 40 of us for the half marathon, 20 for the marathon, and 50 for the 5K. I talked with a man from Blacksburg who was running his first half marathon and I also caught up with a woman from Boston who came here to experience wild, wonderful West Virginia.” Bob Coffield also ran the half marathon and said, “We had a blast and it's such a wonderful location for a marathon. My prediction is that you will easily double in size next year.”

Matt Holbert, Secretary of the Elk River Trail Foundation said, “The majority of the credit for these events goes to Ricky and Caren Campbell who helped organize and orchestrate the races and the Appalachian Timing Group. Also, a very special thank you to all of the volunteers who manned the water and first aid stations. A great debt of gratitude also goes to the Central Appalachia Empowerment Zone and the J.G. Bradley Campground for working with the event planners and having the race start on the trail that runs through its property. Also, I would like to personally thank volunteers Jessica Wright, Lois Cole, Tracy Wayne, Romayne Casey, Barry Currey, Mitch DeBoard and Ken Tawney for their work in manning the Elk River Trail Foundation tent and selling t-shirts and bike raffle tickets for a Cannondale Adventure 1 trail bicycle from Charleston Bicycle Center in Kanawha City.”

CHILI CHASE DAVE FIELDS

MEMORIAL 5K

The second annual Chili’N on the Elk and Beer and Wine Festival kicked off early Saturday morning, October 1, with the 2022 Chili Chase Dave Fields Memorial 5K. The race was held in conjunction with the Chili’N on the Elk Festival and was in memory of Dave Fields, a coach and mentor for so many runners on the Elk River.

There were 109 runners registered in the 5K run/ walk event which benefited the Herbert Hoover Cross Country team. It was even more exciting when the top two finishers of the Chili Chase were Herbert Hoover’s own cross country runners, John Duval and Jenna Brown!

Andi Naylor-Geary and Matt Paxton were the organizers for the event and they are excited to have the event again next year. Geary said,“I was thrilled with the turnout for the first chili chase. It was a wonderful way to honor a man who gave so much to runners in his community. Looking forward to next year and hopefully doubling our size! Thanks goes to our sponsor Riverscapes Excavating and Landscapes and owner Josh Humphries for helping make this fundraiser a success for HHHS cross country.

1ST PLACE - OVERALL:

John Duvall ( 17:41.93)

Jenna Brown (22:08.18)

RIVER

MATICS Funeral Home

Charles

RIVER ROAD

CLENDENIN,

304.548.6611

READER SUBMISSION

Beauty & the Marching Huskies Band

Photo taken by Kenny Kemp, official photographer for the 75th Annual Gazette-Mail Kanawha County Majorette and Band Festival and shared with ERL by Carrie Dysart-Summers.

Congratulations to Caroline Dysart for winning Miss Kanawha Majorette and capturing gold for Feature Twirler at the 75th Gazette-Mail Kanawha County High School Festival!! She is a senior at HHHS and a feature twirler for the Marching Huskies directed by Meleah Fisher. Caroline is the daughter of Trevor and Carrie Summers-Dysart of Pinch, sister of Lauren (sophomore at WVU) and Elisabeth (freshman at WVU), and the granddaughter of Mayor Kay Summers and Glenn Summers of Clendenin.

submit a photo, work of art, short story, poem, hobby - whatever inspires

email us at Cyndi@ElkRiverLiving.com

Chili'N on the Elk Winners NUORA D THEELK

CHILI COOK-OFF AWARD WINNERS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE:

Adam Searls from Paddler’s Bar & Grill

BEST OF ELK: Todd Lepley (second year in a row!)

BEST BOOTH: Larry Summey

BEST FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Vol. Fire Dept. - Jacob Clendenin

ICS SALSA

1st Place: Brad Berkebile

2nd Place: Phil Majestro

ICS HOMESTYLE

1st Place: Gail Donovan

2nd Place: Larry Summey

3rd Place: Debbie Williams

ICS TRADITIONAL RED

1st Place: Bill Donovan

2nd Place: Gail Donovan

3rd Place: Larry Summey

Adam Searls

Todd Lepley

Heart Healthy Hunting

Heart Healthy Hunting Tips submitted by Julie Warden, Government Relations Director, American Heart Association, Charleston, WV | 304.444.1222

Hunting season in West Virginia is upon us and the most important priority is making sure you make it back home safely. Let’s make sure you are ready for a safe and successful year in the woods by learning the signs of a heart attack or stroke and that you have a plan in place for a safe, healthy hunting season.

Signs of Heart Attack & Stroke:

Stroke Symptoms

Heart Attack Symptoms

FACE DROOPING

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

ARM WEAKNESS

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

TIME TO CALL 911

If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.

CHEST DISCOMFORT

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

DISCOMFORT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE UPPER BODY

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

With or without chest discomfort.

OTHER SIGNS

May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Heart Health Tips

Learn the heart attack, cardiac arrest, and stroke signs and listen to your body.

Give yourself a break! Take frequent rests so you don’t overstress your heart and pay attention to how your body feels.

Stay hydrated and choose healthy snack options. Consult a doctor if you have a medical concern or question or if you are experiencing symptoms of a medical condition (like heart disease or diabetes), prior to hunting – especially if this is a substantial increase over your usual level of activity.

Learn CPR.

Minutes matter! Fast action saves lives, so don’t want to call 911 if you feel like something is ‘off.

Make A Plan

Make sure someone knows your approximate time of departure and when you should be back home. Also, make sure they have an estimated area of where you’ll be hunting.

Know the closest hospital and most direct route in case of emergency.

Charge your phone and have emergency contacts input into your device.

Heart Healthy Recipes

Sweet and Crunchy Trail Mix | Trail Mix with Cocoa-Dusted Almonds | Almond Snack Mix

Search for these recipes at heart.org/recipes

RIVER

THE ELK’S STUDENTS

CROSS COUNTRY

The Elk Valley Christian School cross country runners participated in the Chili Chase 5K in Clendenin on October 1.

SOCCER

The new soccer team has been battling hard during their first year, and are 2-3.

GOLF

EVCS Golf Team just finished their season. They competed in their first WVCEA Tournament and, although they did not place, they were all proud of this year’s hard work and progress. Coach Mike Wilson said, “We struggled at times due to our youth. However, out of 9 golfers, 8 will be back next year and all of them picked up valuable experience. Our future is very bright.”

VOLLEYBALL

The volleyball team is having a great season and to date is 19-3!

Photos for The Elk’s Students this month were provided by HHHS and EVCS family/friends, Alycen Swor, and Aubrey & Scott Abbott of Scott Abbott Photo.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Kanawha County Championship was an exciting meet for the cross country team at HHHS. Two Lady Huskies made First Team-All County - Jenna Brown (6th place) and Karsen Fletcher (7th place), and Regan Geary (19th place) made Second TeamAll County. The Overall Runner Up on the boys side for First Team-All County was Hoover’s John Duvall. Coach Luke Teel says, “Regionals here we come!”

HOMECOMING AT THE JOE

The final HHHS homecoming game was held at the Joe Crowley field, which has been a Hoover tradition from 1965 to 2022. The Huskies won 40-12 over Wayne and moved to 4-2 on the season. Next year the Huskies will be playing at their new field.

A special congratulations to Alyson Miller who was crowned the 2022 homecoming queen. Photograph by Aubry Scott of Scott Abbott Photo. Attendants included: Freshman Ava Eskew escorted by Mason Miller; Sophomore Kieryn Lockhart escorted by Dalton Taylor; Junior Audrey Canterbury escorted by Bobby Butterworth, and Seniors Caroline Dysart escorted by Landon George; Regan Geary escorted by Garret Wentz; Sydney Bright escorted by Eli Robertson; Aly Miller escorted by Kaleb Lipscomb; Payslee Lyons escorted by Mason Holstein; and Abbie Stroup escorted by Nate Gurski.

The HHHS Golf team concluded their season with a third place win in the AA division of the WV State Golf Tournament. Two players were in the top ten: Max Bowen was 3rd overall making All State for the second straight year and Noah Sergent was 10th. Coach Eddie Gray was named the 2021-2022 WVSSAC Golf Coach of the Year. What a wonderful couple of seasons for the Huskies Golf Team!

HHHS GOLF

DOUBLE CONGRATS TO THE HHHS MARCHING HUSKIES

2022 KNIGHT AT

ROUND TABLE FESTIVAL:

GAZETTE-MAIL KANAWHA

FESTIVAL:

THE HEALTHY ELK

Submitted by Stephanie Clark, athletic trainer at Elk Valley Physical Therapy and Herbert Hoover High School. She graduated in 2014 with a master's degree in Athletic Training from West Virginia Wesleyan College. In 2017, Stephanie was awarded West Virginia Athletic Trainer of the Year by the West Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association.

more active. To do so safely, particularly for those who have a low level of prior activity or who are deconditioned following an illness or injury, it’s best to begin with a consultation with a medical professional. In particular, physical therapists are trained to evaluate, treat and educate patients who are interested in increasing their activity levels. Patients can come to Elk Valley Physical Therapy to, increase movement and make it easier to return to an active lifestyle.

Have you noticed lately that you can’t remember where you parked your car? Or maybe you’ve had trouble recalling your latest email password? Sure, there’s an app for that, but maybe what’s really been missing is exercise. Regular physical activity can be linked to a long list of health benefits, ranging from maintaining a healthy weight to preventing cardiovascular disease, but more and more research is drawing a direct correlation between exercise and cognitive health.

In fact, a study published in Comprehensive Physiology explores the notion that an insufficient amount of exercise can lead to metabolic dysfunction, a contributing factor to the development of neurological disorders. The researchers point to the troubling fact that about 70% of Americans engage in less than 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day. The knowledge that exercise is an effective, noninvasive way to combat neurological and cognitive decline is enough for most people to seek ways to become

Because exercise is a core component of any physical therapy program, a physical therapist is the perfect professional to develop a custom treatment plan that includes some combination of flexibility, strength, coordination and balance exercises designed to gradually achieve optimal physical function. In addition, PTs are trained to tailor the approach to suit each patient’s specific goals, and to help develop a home exercise program for longterm, injury-free success. Engaging in physical activities that keep your brain functioning at topnotch can be as simple as adding a daily walk to your regime, training for a 5K or joining a community sports and recreation center—as recommended by a healthcare professional. In addition to boosting your brain function—and helping to prevent certain neurological conditions—being more active will improve your mood, help you sleep better and enjoy a healthier lifestyle overall.

The upcoming winter months are a great time to start an exercise program that not only strengthens your muscles, but your mind too. Elk Valley Physical Therapy is a leading provider in the area for gait and mobility training and creating programs to help reduce the possibility of injury when beginning a new activity.