Elk River Living | Volume 05 | Issue 01

Readying the Elk River Trail Towns for the Future

The Elk's Students

Coach Joey Fields and the 2022 Hoover grid men were the first team in the 59 year history to travel to the State Championship.

What's Cooking on the Elk?

Blanch's Family Diner in Clendenin and Bad Axe Bistro in Sutton are serving up delicious meals for the Elk River community.

The Healthy Elk

Don't allow negativity to enter our lives. An optimistic, upbeat attitude will often be the advantage for a positive outcome.

What's

On the Path of Progress

FROM

HELLO & Welcome Back!

Welcome to 2023!

Elk River Living magazine is proud to celebrate its fifth year serving our wonderful Elk River communities. What an exciting time it has been and we can’t wait to bring you more articles about our amazing people and businesses in 2023.

This month Advantage Valley shared the new Elk River Trail Town Plan for Clendenin, Gassaway, Clendenin and Clay. Advantage Valley also presents local workshops and offers free business coaching to individuals as they consider and start opening businesses, including those that support the tourism industry and trail development. When you walk through your town, take a moment to look around and notice the new businesses and changes that are happening. It is a great time to be a part of the Elk River renaissance. Hang on tight--there’s more to come!

The Elk’s Students section is truly a pleasure to read this month. So much talent on the river, both teams and coaches. A special congratulations to Coach Joey Fields and the Hoover Football team as they emerged as the runner up in the State Championship tournament. The excitement riveted through our community and on our social media platforms. We are so proud of our students, whether it is academics or athletics; they are an Elk River force for sure!

Also, take a few minutes to read The Healthy Elk, provided each month to ERL from Elk Valley Physical Therapy (EVPT). It addresses positive expectations and how they lead to positive outcomes in life and physical therapy. Andi Naylor, owner of EVPT, said, “It’s easy to allow negativity to enter our lives this time of year. Going into situations with an upbeat attitude will often be the advantage needed for a positive outcome.” No one knows more than our Elk River communities that it takes grit and perseverance to overcome whatever comes our way. I am indeed happy for another year as we make new traditions, celebrate the old ones, and welcome new businesses and families to our community. When I say “There’s no place like home on the Elk River,” I speak from the heart.

Happy New Year Everyone!

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

/

Josh Tawney Creative Director / The Printing Press Charleston, WV

Printer / Layout & Design /

Katheryne E. Popp 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:

The Town of Clendenin celebrated the holidays with one of the largest gatherings in the town's history. Photo by Scott Abbott.

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

Aubrie Abbott

Tim Cunningham

Scott Abbott

Alycen Swor

Joe Hoover

J. Craig Allison

Cyndi Tawney

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney Operations Director

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

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 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 2614 7th Ave., Charleston 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 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

FORD & SWEENEY 304.935.4801

NEW LOCATION: 4402 Crede Drive at Big Chimney

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

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

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

INDOOR TENNIS CENTER 304.925.4848 3510 Venable Ave., Charleston, WV Seasonal & Walk On Court Time

JONES AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com

GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS, they care a great deal about you and the Elk River community!

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

LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO. 304.427.6797 www.littlesecretdesign.co

MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com

MAVERICK GYMNASTICS CLUB 304.925-3004 • maverickgym.com 3510 Venable Ave., Charleston Maverick Gymnastics Club, Inc.

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

NANCY KUHL SEWING & ALTERATIONS 304.965.0747 Text 304.807.4861

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL 681.230.2061 12 Maywood Ave., W., Clendenin

PENNY PINCHERS, LLC 304.548.4005 11 Main St, Clendenin

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

SPENCER’S HARDWARE 304.548.6995 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin

SWEET NOTHINGS 304.786.2577 sweetnothingscottagebakery@gmail.com

THE TINY SPARROW 304.549.8203 614 Elk St., Gassaway

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD 304.965.7769 1083 Main Street, Elkview

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

AT THE LIBRARY

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

JANUARY LIBRARY EVENTS

CLENDENIN BRANCH

DATE TIME AGE PROGRAM

All Month All Day

Jan 5 10:30 am

Jan 5 11 am

Jan 5 4–5:30 pm

Jan 10 5:30 pm

Jan 19 10:30 am

Jan 19 11 am

Jan 19 4–5:30 pm

Jan 24 6 pm

Family Craft of the Month: Paper Plate Penguin

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library Children's Sewing Club

Teen Time

Baby & Me Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Children’s Sewing Club

Family Fun: Polka Dot Day

Family/All Ages

Toddlers - 5 years old

Toddlers - 5 years old Children & Tweens Teens & Tweens

Babies 0 - 18 Months

Babies 0 - 18 Months Children & Tweens

Family/All Ages

ELK VALLEY BRANCH

DATE TIME AGE PROGRAM

Jan 4 10:30 am

Jan 4 11 am

Jan 5 5:30 pm

Jan 10 6 pm

Jan 11 10:30 am

Jan 11 11 am

Jan 17 2 pm

Jan 17 6 pm

Jan 18 2 pm

Jan 24 2 pm

Jan 25 10:30 am

Jan 25 11 am

Jan 26 6 pm

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Kid’s Paint Night Co ee Time

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Elk Valley Book Group

Teen Time

Power Play

Adult Crafternoon: Painting Workshop

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Family Fun: BINGO

Birth - 5 years old

Birth - 5 years old Family/All Ages Adults

Birth - 5 years old Birth - 5 years old Adults Teens

Toddlers - 5 Years old Adults

Birth - 5 years old

Birth - 5 years old Family/All Ages

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

THE ELK’S COOKBOOK

AIR

Everyone is tired of cooking after the holidays, so how about a delicious and easy airfryer recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really it was only 30 minutes! Gabi Strickland Walker shared her recipe this month for Air Fryer Donuts and said, “They sure were some little gems of deliciousness!”

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

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•

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•

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Step

Step

Step 4 Cook the biscuits in your air fryer at 360 degrees for about 6 minutes or until they are golden brown. Flip them once during the cook time to make sure they cook on both sides.

Step 5 After the donuts are baked, brush them generously on all sides with melted butter and dip/roll in cinnamon sugar. If desired, drizzle with glaze.

Mike Haynes, Manager | Cathy Wild, Assistant

WHAT'S COOKING?

HOW ABOUT NEW BUSINESSES IN CLENDENIN & IN SUTTON WELCOME BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER & BAD AXE BISTRO!

THE NEW BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER IS SERVING THE ELK RIVER COMMUNITY

Photos provided by Diana Chandler

Blanch’s Family Diner (located in the former Red Rooster building) is now open seven days a week from 7 AM to 8 PM on Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 6 PM for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Clendenin. It is located on 9 2nd Avenue right behind the Rebel Gas Station on Route 119, convenient for visitors on both sides of the river.

The owner, Diana Chandler, is not a stranger in the Elk River business community. She also owns and operates Penny Pinchers LLC, on Main Street in Clendenin. “I just really felt like it was important to have a family restaurant in Clendenin that offered a quick drive-through/pick-up window as well as a full sit-down menu,” she explained.

“We are open at 7 AM every morning so it is perfect for the morning commute. We also offer bagged Lunches to Go so that it is easy to pick up lunch

to take with you to work. Most importantly, we are excited to provide a family friendly atmosphere that is open until 8 PM each evening. ”

"

Thank you for your overwhelming support and helping us serve you!

– Diana Chandler, Owner

The diner is named after Diana’s mom, Blanch (Toots) Jones, who had her own Blanch’s Family Diner at the end of Clendenin’s Main Street for many years. “Before she had her own place, Mom

worked at every restaurant in Town, including The Smoke Shop, Piedmont Lunch, Summers, Young’s Diner, Mary’s, Zats (she actually owned Zats for a short while), and many more.” Diana added, “I have mom’s original Blanch’s Family Diner sign which is now proudly displayed at the new family diner.”

Diana said, “I have been able to open Blanch’s Family Diner because of the wonderful support from my sister Lynn Jones Taylor (who is also the manager), my niece Amber Rucker, and Diana’s good friend Tiffany Mace. They have been with me every step of the way to help the new Blanch’s be a dream come true.”

Whether you want to take the family out to dinner or just grab a quick bite to eat at the drive-through, give Blanch’s Family Diner a try soon. Their delicious food and great customer service will make you happy you stopped in!

BAD AXE BISTRO: FAMILY FOOD & FUN AT ITS BEST IN BRAXTON COUNTY

Photos provided by Becky Conrad

Welcome to one of the newest family-style restaurants: Bad Axe Bistro - on the Elk in Sutton! It opened its doors mid-August and they are planning their grand opening this winter. It is a perfect combination of a full-service restaurant and familyfriendly activities serving residents, tourists, and businesses within Braxton County and downtown Sutton.

Becky Conrad and her husband, Randy, have wanted to incorporate their management skills and experience to bring a business to Sutton for a long time. They love their town and have been actively involved with Sutton Farmer’s Market, Mountaineer Food Bank, Governor’s One Shot, and more. Both of them are on the Board for Landmark Studio for the Arts where she has been directing the Landmark Youth Theatre Ensemble for over 12 years. Becky is also the President of Sutton Community Development Corporation’s OnTrac

program. To say she and Randy are committed to their community is an understatement!

The Conrads have been friends with their business partner, Tim Hoover, for over ten years. Tim is a native of Braxton County and has served as the county’s magistrate clerk for over eight years. Becky said before that, Tim spent most of his career managing in the restaurant industry and even owned his own restaurant in the 1990’s in downtown Sutton. She said, “Our friendship began right inside the walls of the PJ Berry building, when I approached him to be in the local community theater’s upcoming production. He agreed and has been actively involved in the Landmark Studio for the Arts as a Board member and is now our business partner as well.” The Conrads said, “Tim’s experience, knowledge of the industry, and his connections within the community made him an ideal partner who will strive for success.”

The new Bad Axe Bistro is located at 226 Main Street (the old PJ Berry’s) in Sutton. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and then Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM through

10 PM. They have dine-in, carry-out, or downtownSutton business delivery.

Becky’s husband, Randy, was a former butcher and manager of the local grocers’ meat department where he served for 25 years. He freshly cuts all of the steaks and deli meat for Bad Axe Bistro. They have an extensive lunch and dinner menu and you can check out their daily specials on their Facebook/ Bad Axe Bistro. If you are craving a bowl of Uncle Tim’s Bad Axe Tater Soup and oyster crackers or a BBQ and Cheddar Sandwich, Bad Axe Patty Melt, Chef Salad or Bad Axe Philly, all these options and more are available! Becky said, “Our Bad Axe Spiral Potatoes (loaded or plain) and our Bad Axe S'mores are two of our most popular items.” Also, in October they obtained their license and Bad Axe Bistro now offers a great selection of beer, craft beer and wines.

The owner of Elk River Hotel and Cafe, Lex Degruyl, owns the building at 226 Main Street and he worked with Becky and family to rent it for their new business. “We worked with Michael Gioulis, our friend and consultant for the Historic Building

Preservation to maintain the building’s integrity while doing some much-needed updating,” explained Becky. “We added a new kitchen and have done a lot of work on the floors and walls. We also had to clear out a lot of debris left behind from the two previous users.”

The fun, activity-side of their new venue offers four ax lanes. The lanes are a cage-like structure made from repurposed old food pallets and materials from local sawmills with a chain link fence atop the wood structure. People stand at one end of the lane and throw an ax at a target projected on the wood at the other end of the lane

Becky said, “We have had an outpouring of support from the community since we opened. It has been great to see people stop by, throw some axes at the

targets, and enjoy great food and beverages. Bad Axe Bistro is a family-style restaurant and has an area for kids and families. Near the ax lanes, they have added a corn hole game, a Kick Axe Kids’ Lane, card games and activities, couches, and a family bar.

Looking for a place to host your next family or work event? The venue is also available for private rentals. For more information, call Becky at 304.402.2111.

If you are in the Sutton area, stop and check out the Bad Axe Bistro. It is truly a one-of-a-kind entity with owners and staff who provide quality service to the community. Next month read about two more Elk River businesses: Elk River Nutrition and the new Elk River Loft Event Venue!!!

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

ELK RIVER TRAIL TOWNS PLAN RELEASED FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF SUTTON, GASSAWAY, CLAY, & CLENDENIN

The outdoor recreation industry is thriving in West Virginia. Each year, tens of millions of people flock to the state to recreate in its forests, mountains, and charming communities. This activity supports 23,000 direct jobs and generates $700 million in wages and salaries for citizens of the state each year. Recognizing the economic development power of the industry, the State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in projects that improve recreation infrastructure and create new destinations in recent years.

Recreation and tourism investments in Central West Virginia have centered around the establishment of the Elk River Trail System, which runs through portions of Kanawha, Clay, and Braxton Counties. Paralleling the Elk River, the Elk River Trail System provides recreation opportunities for anglers, boaters, cyclists, hikers, and equestrians living in or visiting the center of the state. The Trail System is a potential game changer for the communities of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay, and Clendenin! However, to maximize the economic development power of

the Trail System, communities must implement intentional strategies to accommodate an increased number of visitors from different consumer groups. A new Elk River Trail Towns Plan has been released that serves as a roadmap to help communities take full advantage of the economic development potential of the Elk River Trail System.

The Braxton County Development Authority and the Elk River Trail Foundation sponsored the development of the plan for Sutton, Gassaway, Clay

and Clendenin. The Elk River Trail System, which includes the Elk River Trail (73.3 miles of rail trail and 18 miles of rails-with-trail) runs along the 102mile Elk River Water Trail.

Downstream Strategies (Morgantown, WV) prepared the plan to ready the Elk River Trail Towns for the future, outlining specific recommendations and investments to maximize the social and economic opportunities presented by the trail system.These strategic investments will enable

the trail towns to attract hikers, cyclists, anglers, boaters, and equestrians to the region and help to promote a recreation and tourism-based segment of their economies.

“We are excited about having a comprehensive plan to realize the amazing possibilities presented by the Elk River Trail and the Elk River Water Trail, said Ken Tawney, President of the Elk River Trail Foundation. “We are committed to continue working through our Elk River Trail Foundation and its Trail Town Committee to implement the recommendations to foster a recreation and tourism-based economy in and around our Trail Towns. The Foundation has already begun the process of seeking funding to implement the plan’s recommendations. We thank everyone who participated in the numerous town meetings and our volunteers who have spent significant time bringing this phase to fruition.”

An estimated 265 million Americans, or 80% of the population, participated in outdoor recreation during the pandemic, 87 million of whom were first timers. For the Elk River region, invigorated national interest in outdoor recreation, especially hiking and biking, presents major opportunities. The study finds that the Elk River Trail Towns could reasonably attract 150,000 visitors per year on average and anticipates $250 million in new sales activity over the next 15 years. The report estimates that spending in Sutton, Gassaway, Clay and Clendenin may result in over $390 million in

regional economic activity, supporting 195 fulltime and part-time jobs across different sectors of the economy.

The plan recommends various projects, including the development of more water access points around towns, wayfinding signage to and from the trail system, and building improvements in each community, among others. While the implementation expenditures carry an estimated price tag of just over $4 million over 10 years, the $390 million economic impact for the region and these four trail towns is far more substantial. The Town of Clendenin recently made a critical initial investment to pave a one-mile section of the rail trail through town, with plans to have another 1.2 mile section paved.

Advantage Valley offers an entrepreneurship program that assists new owners in critical new business development in and around the trail towns

of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay and Clendenin. The Program will present local workshops and offer free business coaching to individuals as they consider and start opening businesses to support the tourism industry and trail development. The FASTER WV Program (acronym stands for Fostering Advantages for Start Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence in WV) identifies, encourages, and supports small business start-up and growth through coaching, business classes, access to capital, and other resources.

Since its inception, the FASTER WV program has served over 376 clients with over 3,291 hours of coaching, 52 new businesses have been created, 76 businesses have been improved, $231,000 in loans have been made, and $575,960 has been leveraged in additional private investment. Tyler Brandstetter serves as Advantage Valley’s FASTER WV business coach and is ready to help anyone interested in discussing a potential new business or the expansion of an existing business in the region. Bryan Shaw is Advantage Valley’s new Director for Entrepreneurial Development and will soon make presentations in the region about what types of businesses might be successful as the economy develops around increased tourism.

“With the advent of remote work, people can live and work anywhere,” says Terrell Ellis, Executive Director of Advantage Valley. “The Elk River Rail and Water Trails are great assets to the quality of life in our region. The trail town plan provides a roadmap of improvements for the communities along the trail system that will make them more

attractive as a place to not only recreate, but to live as well. With anticipated visitation growing to 150,000 per year over time, we are excited to leverage the resources of the FASTER WV program to support new and expanding businesses that will be needed to serve these trail users. The future is very bright for the outdoor recreation economy.”

ON THE PATH OF PROGRESS

THE ELK RIVER TRAIL TOWN & THE TOWN OF CLENDENIN

Many of us remember a childhood joke that asks “How do you eat an elephant?”

The answer is: “One bite at a time.” While we may not have understood the true answer as children, as we have grown and matured as adults, this joke exemplifies how we face life’s many challenges and overcome many of the obstacles that are in our path.

One example is the Town of Clendenin which suffered total devastation as a result of The Flood of 2016. Six years later the Town has indeed attacked their obstacles “one bite at a time” and is emerging,

both economically and spiritually, from what many predicted would be total defeat.

The Town of Clendenin celebrated the Christmas holiday season with one of the largest gatherings the town has ever seen. Businesses decorated their windows with holiday decorations and adorned the parking meters located along Maywood Avenue and Main Street. Clendenin was transformed into a Hallmark town with a magical sky of white lights criss-crossed across Main Street. It was a perfect setting for the Clendenin Christmas Parade that drew a crowd of 500-600 with locals and visitors

lined along the streets for the 32 floats and bands who marched through Town. Councilman Dave Knight said, “Seeing so many families lined along the streets brought back such wonderful memories of growing up in Clendenin. When I got home after the parade, I just sat down and was overcome with emotion. It was a wonderful sign that Clendenin is truly coming back.”

The same was true for this year’s annual Clendenin Fall Festival, hosted by the Clendenin Lion’s Club and the former Clendenin Women’s Club. The first and second Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook Off & Wine and Craft Beer Festivals also boasted huge numbers along with the first Chili Chase Dave Fields 5K run. There have been multiple events in Town centered around the new Dr. O. M. Harper Stage on Main Street, including the opening of the new Clendenin Brewing Company and the new Kanawha County Public Library/Clendenin 24/7 Kiosk Station. Last but not least, Clendenin is a new Elk River Trailhead with a bonus 2.2 miles of paved trail traversing from the north Clendenin trail head through the Town.

All of these events are part of the vision and support of Mayor Kay Summers and the Clendenin Town Council, who are now embracing the new Elk River Trail Towns Plan that serves as a roadmap to help communities take full advantage of the economic development potential of the Elk River Trail System. Also, Kanawha County Commissioners

Kent Carper, Ben Salango and Lance Wheeler have been big supporters of the Elk River Trail and the Clendenin leaders’ vision. Mayor Summers said, “I am looking forward to 2023 and more exciting events and changes coming to our community, which will include extension of the trail through town to Reamer, construction of the new Clendenin Trailhead across from the Post Office, and some other exciting changes that we have yet to announce.”

ELK RIVER WALKING CLUB

Reminder! Hit the Trail every Tuesday at 4 PM with the Elk River Walking Club. They meet at the Clendenin Trail Head in the north end of Clendenin near the water plant to start their trek. You can go as far as you feel comfortable. Beginners are welcome.

Jessica Gamponia Wright, member of the club, said, “Dress appropriately and you’ll be fine, no matter the weather. Also, some of the walkers get together after the walk and grab a bite to eat, too!”

What's new on the Elk River trail?

NEW ELK RIVER TRAIL SIGNS

Here is the Department of Natural Resources’ new trail sign that will be placed at the Elk River Trailheads. Pictured is Superintendent Heath Cliver with Elk River Trail Foundation Board Member, Jeremy Cantrell.

2023 ELK RIVER TRAIL MARATHON/ HALF MARATHON//5K

Registration is now open for the 2nd Annual Elk River Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K which is taking place on September 17, 2023.

All finishers will receive: quality face t-shirt, awesome top finisher medals, tagged photos to be posted the same day as the race, postrace refreshments (water, snacks), and a great opportunity to run on a flat and fast course.

SIGN UP NOW to receive the best rate. Go to the wvmarathon.com or Elk River Trail Foundation on Facebook for more information.

ELK RIVER TRAIL FOUNDATION

RAFFLE WINNER

Congratulations to Richard Lee of Charleston for winning a Cannondale Adventure 1 Trail Bike from Charleston Bicycle Center in Kanawha City. Also, thank you to everyone who bought a ticket. All money raised in the Foundation’s raffle will be used to fund amenities along the Elk River Trail. A special thank you to The Printing Press, Ltd. for the raffle tickets and to Charleston Bicycle Center for helping make this year’s raffle a success.

ELK RIVER

MAYORS SIGN

PROCLAMATION WITH AHA

The mayors of four towns along the Elk River Trail gathered on Wednesday at the Dundon trailhead near the town of Clay to sign a proclamation dedicating their communities to fitness and providing access to outdoor areas to exercise. Clendenin Mayor Kay Summers, Clay Mayor Josh Shamblin, Gassaway Mayor Richie Roach and Sutton Mayor J.D. Hoover signed the proclamation signifying their support for creating activityfriendly activities within their communities.

The event was a collaboration between the Elk River Trail Foundation and the American Heart Association to bring the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) “Active People, Healthy Nation” initiative to the Elk River area. According to the CDC, increased physical activity can improve health, quality of life, and reduce health care costs. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of at least 20 chronic diseases and conditions and provide effective treatment for many of these conditions. The initiative was spearheaded by Julie Warden, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. Warden was instrumental in influencing the mayors to publicly declare their support and organizing the event to focus on the need to exercise and use the Elk River Trail as a way to inexpensively improve personal health.

Last summer, five new exercise stations were installed along the trail between the Dundon Trailhead and the Jones Brothers Memorial Bridge near Hartland. The equipment allows trail users to perform push ups, sit-ups, pullups and more as they walk, run or bike the trail. Funding for the exercise equipment was provided by a grant from the WVU Clay County Extension Service. The three other towns are also considering installing exercise equipment along the trail.

The Elk River Trail runs along the Elk River on the former railroad from near Sutton to just below the town of Clay. Another section is completed from Queen Shoals four miles south to the town of Clendenin. The section from Queen Shoals to Clay is expected to be completed early next year forming a contiguous 54-mile rail trail.

THE ELK’S JOURNAL

NEWEST RELEASE FROM CRAIG HALLORAN

Just in time to curl up in front of a fire with a cozy blanket, local acclaimed author Craig Halloran has released Smoke Stack - Book 3 of 4 (Epic Urban Fantasy Adventure): The Supernatural Dragon Hunter Files.

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If you are a fan of The Dresden Files, The Blacklist, Supernatural, The X-Files, and all things wild and dragon crazy, then scroll up and grab this book now before the bad guys take it away!

– Amazon

Smoke and Sid must find a way to close the portals once and for all – or watch humanity suffer. Under threat of death, they fight the powers of the Lord Master. Abraham Jenkins and the henchmen are pitted against dragon-riding fiends while leading a search party to the cemetery. Trying to recover artifacts that will destroy them before malicious dragons get their hands on them. And a new unstoppable army of evil grows in the heart of the nation.”

See all of Craig Halloran’s books on Amazon in

Excerpt from "Smoke Stack"

Sidney Smoke sat in the waiting room of Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, bouncing her knees and chewing her fingernails. Her head hung low. Please Lord, let John pull through.

She'd been praying more in the last day than she had in a lifetime. Though she'd had dark and turbulent days, she'd never been through such a hard one. Smoke was down. He lived life like a big cat with nine lives, free and fearless. But a bullet had hit his back, and his last life might have been spent. He could be forever.

Her throat tightened. John had talked the entire time after the incident. A real chatterbox, he'd tried to be brave, as if nothing had happened. The sparks in his eyes were still there. But suddenly, on the ride to the nearest town with a hospital, those bright lights had dimmed, and he passed out.

It felt like forever, but a few minutes later, one of the surgery nurses came out. Her mask still covered her mouth, but her kind eyes showed, and she spoke in a gentle manner. "Mrs. Smoke, your husband did well. He's stable and his heart is strong. Now he needs rest.” Dr. Badwahr appeared shortly. "Please sit with me, Mrs. Smoke. He met her eyes.. "The surgery was a success, and John will be fine, but I fear that he will never walk again.”

Sid gasped and fought back tears. "Never walk?"

I'm not saying it's impossible. I believe in miracles, but there wasn't anything I could do for the damaged nerves. I've never had to remove a bullet, and that one was in a very bad spot. But I got it. That's the main thing. He'll be coming around soon. Come with me.

“Okay.” The tears she shed soaked into her mask. Dear Lord, I'm not ready for this.

READER SUBMISSION

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An unforgettable season that he will never remember, but we can’t wait to tell him stories about it! #RiverRaised - Chelsea & Joey Fields

Trip Fields | Photo by Craig Allison

THE ELK’S STUDENTS

HOO-WOW-VER FOOTBALL

Meet this year’s 2022 West Virginia Class “AA” Football State Runner-Up! Coach Joey Fields and the Hoover gridmen made school history by being the first team in the 59 year history of the school to play for a state championship. Coach Fields said, “While we came up short of our goal at the State Championship game, I’d do it 100 times over with the same result just to be with this group of young men. Their determination and drive led us to the Super Six for the first time in school history, and awarded us 2022 AA Sate Runner-up.”

DOUBLE CONGRATS

Sydney Shamblin signed to West Virginia State University as a dual sport athlete! She has committed to play both volleyball and softball where she has excelled as a firstteam all-state athlete in both.

CONGRATS TO COACH GRAY

The National Federal of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its Coaches Association selected Eddie Gray, HHHS, to receive the 2021-22 Section 2 Boys Golf Coach of the Year Award. This award denotes status among the most elite coaches in Section 2 and as a state coach of the year for the sport of golf. Congrats to Coach Gray!

Photos by Craig Allison

NEW! HOOVER SWIM TEAM

Herbert Hoover will again have a swimming team! It’s been several years since they have had a team, but it is back! Practices started October 24 and their first meet will be the WV Wild Autumn Classic on November 19 at Scott Depot. The team medaled in 4 events and had 7 top 10 finishes. Overall the team placed fifth with Ashton Walker taking first and third, and Jenna Stout and Willa Skiles taking third.

At their second meet on December 10, the 2022 Spring Valley Invitational at Marshall University, the girls’ team placed fifth out of 15 teams. Third place wins: Ashton Walker - 100 Fly and 100 Breaststroke; Second place: Willa Skiles - 200 IM; Third place: Girls 200 Medley Relay (Skiles, Stout, Walker/Priest). They had 7 PR times and 6 top 10 swims. For the boys’ team, Mason Holstein had 2 PR times and placed sixth in the 100 breaststroke. Overall, the HHHS combined team placed 7th overall. Gary Walker is the head coach. Swim Team graphic created by Hoover Alum and Professional Artist, Tim Shinn.

WESLEYAN BOUND

Grant Smith made it official! He signed to West Virginia Wesleyan for baseball! Congrats, Grant!

CHEERLEADING

The Huskie Cheerleaders were the Region III WV AA Runner-Up! They traveled to the Marshall University Cam Henderson Center in Huntington on December 10 for their state tournament. Coach Jamie Hays said, “I am extremely proud of our team; they continue to represent our school and community with pride, they work hard and it shows. We were top 8 in the State (all classes) for the Game Day competition in September, and now top 8 in AA for traditional competition. There are very few teams that can say they are top 8 in both competition formats, and I am thrilled to say that we coach a team that can.”

VOLLEYBALL

Article & photos by Tim Cunningham

Hoover’s volleyball team wrapped up the Cardinal Conference Championship (tournament) as Champions. They went on to sectional and regional play where they placed second in both, which advanced them to the State tournament. In their semi-final round they were matched up against their sectional and regional opponent, Shady Spring. Shady ended Hoover's bid for a state title by winning in three straight sets.They finished the season 42-18-1 overall (most wins in a season) and ended up 4th in AA standings.Sydney Shamblin was chosen for the AA all-tournament team. You will find several of the girls listed among the State’s (AAA-AA-A) stat leaders this year. At #2 on the list for kills is Sydney Shamblin with 722. Finishing the season with 1128 assists and listed at #3 is Brianna Adkins. When it comes to serving efficiency by delivering aces, at #2 you will find Ashton Henrich with 129. And with 532 digs on the season, Abby Hanson is listed at #9. This is a testament to how hard these girls have played this year.

THE ELK REFLECTS

HUSKY PRIDE PAST & PRESENT

HHHS Alumnus Chris Fizer shared some early Hoover spirit from 1991 and 1992. Added is this year’s state football championship game send-off photo by Tim Cunningham. One thing is certain, there is no lack of Huskie Pride on the River.

Beware of the Dawgs! | 1991

Championship Sendoff 2022 | Photo by Tim Cunningham

School Spirit at The Dawg Pound | 1992

Coffee & shopping in one easy location NUORA D THEELK

Main Street Coffee in Sutton has relocated inside the Mountain Laurel Country Store at 400 4th Street in Sutton! What a perfect combination. Now you can enjoy a cup of your favorite iced or hot coffee and browse the items at Mountain Laurel Country Store or in the adjoining West Virginia Bigfoot Museum! They also have a separate entrance so that you can easily enter from Main Street.

If you are looking for a quick snack for breakfast or lunch, or just need to recharge with a delicious cup of their gourmet coffee, give Main Street Coffee a try! They also have homemade cookies, scones, muffins, and pepperoni rolls, and a variety of tasty paninis. Call Chris Marple at 304.644.9019 to order ahead or just drop in.

THE HEALTHY ELK

Positive Expectations Lead to Positive Outcomes In Life & Physical Therapy

Submitted by Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC, owner of Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andi has been the owner of EVPT since 2010. She is a 1996 honors graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in sports medicine from University of Charleston and she graduated from WVU with a Masters in Physical Therapy. She is a proud HHHS alumnus and is very active in Elk River athletics and youth programs.

Research has shown that the idea behind the selffulfilling prophecy is true. People who believe they will succeed put in more effort. They are more willing to try new things, take some risks, and keep trying after failures or setbacks. People with negative attitudes take the first failure or setback as confirmation that whatever they’re trying won’t work or isn’t possible, and give up. Why waste time and effort on something that is doomed to failure anyway?

Research on attitudes of rehab patients show this to be true in recovery as well. A review of 23 articles looking at outcomes for shoulder pain found a few interesting things. First, patients who expected to recover and believed that they had some control of the outcome ended up doing better than those who didn’t. Second, optimistic patients were found to have less pain and disability after completing rehab. Third, patients who believed they would have pain and disability after surgery tended to have - you guessed it - pain and disability after their surgery. Research says that patients tend to get what they expect.

It’s easy to allow negativity to enter our lives this time of year. The parties and gift giving is over, but our holiday credit card bills are due, the weather isn’t great, we have short days and long nights, and often we have already failed at our New Year’s resolutions….how does anyone make it through January? A fresh start for everyone is to always have an optimistic expectation for all the hurdles life throws at us. Going into these situations with an upbeat attitude will often be the advantage needed for a positive outcome. Best wishes from the staff at Elk Valley Physical Therapy for a prosperous 2023!