Elk River Living | Volume 05 | Issue 02

Trail Mix

Dan

more adventures upriver as well.

The Elk’s Cookbook

Perfect for a Valentine’s Day dinner, Gabby Strickland Walker of Walker Mt. Eats shares her recipe for Steak & Risotto Gorgonzola.

Reader’s Submission

McLaughlin of the Elk River Rail Trail traveled the Clendenin Trailhead and is excited for

The Elk's Journal

Author Carlene Thompson pays tribute to her mountain roots by setting her mysteries in West Virginia. Her inspiration for her first published suspense novel, “Black for Remembrance,” came while she was walking her dogs in the woods.

HELLO & Welcome Back!

February is known as the month to share the love, whether it is with our spouse, partners, family members, friends, or others. It is a time to actually slow down and make a point to say I love you, whether it is with a card, gift, hug, phone call, flowers or candy, just to name a few. Not that we all don’t say “Love you – night,” or “Love you, talk to you later.” The Elk River is known for being such a loving, caring community. It’s in my blood, I can vouch for that. West Virginians, in fact, make it a point to love and be proud of our roots and we are not shy about saying it. And by the way, don’t make the mistake of telling us you have a nephew in the Navy in Norfolk. We will promptly remind you We Are West, By God,Virginia and expect to hear us hum a bar of Country Roads as well. Our feature this month is centered around the wonderful businesses on the Elk who have shared their Valentine’s Specials with us. Ore’s - Clendenin Pharmacy had an awesome post on their Facebook page this month: When you shop locally you support an entire community, not just a business. Elk River Living is proud to include all of these businesses in our Elk River Valentine’s Shopping Guide. Believe me, they have you covered with wonderful gift ideas, as well as dining and floral specials. Whatever you are looking for, skip Amazon this year and give a gift from home that has special meaning from both you and the community!

Love unconditionally and remember to let others know how much you love having them in our lives. Happy Valentine’s Day to all our friends near and far.

Cyndi Tawney Editor In Chief /

Operations Director / Josh Tawney Creative Director / Printer / The Printing Press Charleston, WV

Ken Tawney

Layout & Design / Katheryne E. Popp Little Secret Design Co.

ON THE COVER

Cover photo by Artisan/Photographer Jill Moles Mullins. Image is Artistic Photography Mixed Media Art of the Porter Creek Waterfall off of Queen Road at Queen Shoals to provide our amazing Valentine’s cover this month.

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.

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, Austin Staats

Aubrie Abbott

Tim Cunningham

Scott Abbott

Alycen Swor

J. Craig Allison

Austin Staats

ACUPUNCTURE & HOLISTIC HEALTH, INC. 304.377.7892 The Retreat at Northgate One Creative PL., Charleston, WV

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

OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

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

ELK RIVER HOTEL & CAFE 304.402.2121 616 Main Street, Sutton

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 BAKING COMPANY 304.548.7474 12 Main St., Clendenin

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

HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT 304.344.5044 2772 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston

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

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

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

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

LAUGHTER N LACE

Rebekah Kersey, Seamstress 304.382.1791. Call or text laughternlace@frontier.com

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

SPECIAL OCCASIONS UNLIMITED 304.965.5434 5106 Elk River Road, Elkview

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

SWEET NOTHINGS 304.786.2577 sweetnothingscottagebakery@gmail.com

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

FEBRUARY LIBRARY EVENTS

DATE TIME AGE PROGRAM

All Month All Day

All Month All Day

Feb 2 10:30 AM

Feb 2 11 AM

Feb 2 4–5:30 PM

Feb 7 5–7PM

Feb 9 6 PM

Feb 14 5:30 PM

Feb 16 10:30 AM

Feb 16 11 AM

Feb 18 1–2:30 PM

Feb 23 6 PM

Puzzle Exchange

Family Craft: Valentine’s Glasses

Jump Into Storytime

Playgroup at the Library Children's Sewing Club It’s Our Birthday!

Valentine’s Rag Wreath Teens Make Cake Pops! Jump Into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Children's Sewing Club Family Fun: Brick Builders

Family/All Ages

Family/All Ages 0 - 5 year 0 - 5 year

Children & Tweens

All Ages

Adults & Seniors

Teens & Tweens 0 - 5 year 0 - 5 year

Children & Tweens Family/All Ages

Check out the new 24/7 KCPL Book Kiosk across from Butterworth Natural Discovery Park in Clendenin!

DATE TIME AGE PROGRAM

Feb 1 10:30 AM

Feb 1 11 AM

Feb 7 6 PM

Feb 8 10:30 AM

Feb 8 11 AM

Feb 9 5:30 PM

Feb 13 2–4PM

Feb 14 2 PM

Feb 16 6 PM

Feb 18 2 PM

Feb 21 2 PM

Feb 21 6 PM

Feb 22 10:30 AM

Feb 22 11 AM

Feb 23 6 PM

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Co ee Time

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library

Kids’ Paint: “Owl” Always Love You! Valentine’s Day Drop-in Adult Crafternoon

Full STEM Ahead: An A-MAZE-ing Night Power Play

Elk Valley Book Group Teen Time

Jump into Storytime Playgroup at the Library Family Game Night

0–5 years

0–5 years Adults 0–5 years 0–5 years Family/All Ages (Limit 15) Family/All Ages Adults Family/All Ages Toddler – 5 years Adults Teens 0–5 years 0–5 years Family/All Ages

THE ELK’S COOKBOOK

STEAK & RISOTTO GORGONZOLA

Perfect for a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner or any date night! Gabby Strickland Walker said, “This looks so spectacular on the plate and it tastes just as good as it looks. The risotto is so creamy and cheesy and it cooks perfectly. I did not add the gorgonzola cheese to my risotto; I just used it as garnish. Gorgonzola has a very pungent flavor, like blue cheese only stronger, so depending on your family’s taste buds, you may want to only use it as a garnish also. Serve with grilled asparagus for a gorgeous presentation."

STEAK & RISOTTO GORGANZOLA

INGREDIENTS

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• Salt/Pepper - to taste

• Bottled Balsamic Glaze

DIRECTIONS

Step 1 Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill the steak until done (the exact time you need to cook the steak will vary depending on how well done you want it in addition to how thick it is).Transfer the steak to a plate. Brush the steak with balsamic vinegar. Cover and set aside to rest.

STEP 2 While the steak is cooking, start the risotto. Place the stock in a small pot and heat over med/low heat. (You want the stock to be warm when adding it to the risotto so that the temperature change does not affect the rice.)

STEP 3 In a large pot, melt 3T of the butter over medium heat. When melted, add the red onion. Cook until the onion is translucent but not yet browning, approximately 3-5 min. Add garlic and stir. Add the rice and stir. Continue cooking to slightly toast the rice until it is just starting to show a little brown color, approximately 3-5 min.

STEP 4 Add the white wine to the pot. Cook until the rice is almost dry, where most of the wine has been absorbed. Add 1C of warmed stock to the rice. Stir continuously until most of the stock has been absorbed. Repeat this process with ½ C of stock at a time until the rice is cooked thoroughly. (You want the rice to have just a little bit of bite left so that it is not completely mushy). Depending on your rice, you may need more or less stock for the right consistency so start tasting the rice after 4C (I used approx. 5C)

STEP 5 When your rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the rest of the butter, the Parmesan cheese, ricotta, gorgonzola, frozen spinach, and sundried tomatoes (the spinach will warm up in the risotto). It is important to do this before adding salt and pepper because the cheese is salty. Stir to combine.

STEP 6 Taste the risotto and season accordingly. Slice the steak and serve on top. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze and additional gorgonzola crumbles. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

Mike Haynes, Manager | Cathy Wild, Assistant

SHOPPING GUIDEValentine’s Day

Whether you are looking for flowers, dinner reservations, or the perfect Valentine’s gift, Elk River businesses are loaded with Valentine Specials for you! Here is ERL’s handy shopping guide from our Elk River local businesses. There are so many great items that can make anyone’s day more special.

BAD AXE BISTRO

226 MAIN ST., SUTTON 304.402.2111

A Valentine’s dinner special featuring Prime Rib or Filet and Lobster, salad, and two glasses of house red or white wine! Appetizers, Roasted Airline Chicken, and Desserts are available. Free box of chocolate for every couple. Pre-order a dozen roses and have them waiting at your table!

ANNABELLE’S BOHEMIAN BISTRO & PENNY’S PASTRIES

526 ELK ST., GASSAWAY 304.364.7070

Special for Valentine’s Day: try one of their delicious heart-shaped burgers including local favorites Troy, Zola, or Sudden Cardiac Death Burger. Top off your meal with a Red Velvet Cake Cookie (or two!) from Penny’s Pastries, which is now conveniently located inside Annabelle’s.

BEE BOX COFFEE

MOBILE COFFEE TRUCK CHECK INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK

FOR WEEKLY LOCATIONS & HOURS. Nothing says love like a cup of caffeine. Bee Box Coffee can help spread the love with locally roasted coffee and unique flavor options, From lattes and mochas to teas and blended drinks Bee Box has something for you.

CANTRELL’S FLORIST

7484 ELK RIVER RD., CLENDENIN 304.548.7700

Gorgeous rose bouquets in half or full dozen. Special Valentine’s Day arrangements with a free balloon or a Valentine’s Day Special with a rose in a vase, candy, teddy bear and a mylar balloon in a

BLANCH’S FAMILY RESTAURANT

9 SECOND AVE., CLENDENIN 681.230.2088

On Valentine’s Day from 4-10 PM, Blanch’s is offering a special Dinner for Two which includes one

203 SECOND ST., SUTTON 336.686.7224

Have fun with family and friends! Every Wednesday is Pokemon night, 5-7 PM; every Friday is Magic the Gathering, 6-8 PM; every Thursday is NEW Yugioh night, 5-7 PM; NEW Intro to Dungeons and Dragons, Feb 21 and 28, 11 AM-7 PM; and NEW, Feb 4, Social Deduction Murder/Mystery Themed Games 10 AM-9 PM.

41 MORRIS CREEK RD., CLENDENIN

CALL OR TEXT US AT 304.382.6040

Make Dirty Bird Soap your Valentine’s Day destination for that special someone in your life. We have a great selection of handmade soaps, body creams and more. We will customize a romantic basket or other container gifts especially for your

CLENDENIN BREWING COMPANY

2 MAIN ST., CLENDENIN 304.548.4505

Super Babe Saturday is February 4 from 2-6 PM. Beer,Truffle Pairing, Botox, and Permanent Jewelry. Features 5 beers paired with Lindor Swiss Chocolate Truffles. See our Facebook for tickets and more Valentine specials at Clendenin Brewing Company, Rollin’ Smoke BBQ and Clendenin Catering.

DOOR DECOR & MOORE HALEY’S CANDLES

4952 ELK RIVER RD., ELKVIEW 304.965.2447

Check out our Valentine home decor and unique gift giving items. Also, Haley’s Candles has a variety of new romantic scents, including Love Spell, French Lavender & Honey, and Butt Naked, Honeysuckle, Sex on the Beach, just to name a few.

ELK RIVER BAKING COMPANY

12 MAIN ST., CLENDENIN 304.548.7474

Your choice of two Valentine Dinner Specials: Baked steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans or garden salad and fresh baked roll for $13.99 or lasagna, garden salad, and fresh baked roll for $10.99. A variety of desserts and pastries are available, including Turtle Cheesecake.

E JUNE’S BOUTIQUE

100 VERNA DR., ELKVIEW

EJUNESCUSTOMER@GMAIL.COM

Fall in love this Valentine’s Day at E June’s Boutique. Embroidered tees, Simply Southern, plus gifts for your spouse or kiddos. Sneak over to the private ladies-only-lingerie group to grab a few things for yourself as well.

ELK RIVER NUTRITION

12B MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN

Valentine’s Day and everyday, Elk River Nutrition has delicious shakes and refreshing, loaded teas. Sugar free drinks are also available. Try our Tropical Mermaid or one of our new Pink Starburst, Strawberry Watermelon or Pina Colada! We will also have February specials that you are sure to

ELK RIVER HOTEL & CAFE

616 MAIN ST., SUTTON 304.402.2121

How about a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day in one of the new glamping domes or in the historic hotel? MENTION ELK RIVER LIVING AND GET A 10% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR ROOM! Also, there is a Valentine's Dinner Special February 10 & 11 and 17th & 18th. Featuring our Chicken Cordon Bleu or Mahi Mahi and live music by Marjie Foster

ELK RIVER BOUTIQUE

3 MAIN ST., CLENDENIN 304.549.8778

Made-to-order unique gift options, personalized heart-shaped keepsake ornaments, make your own Valentine card craft kits, create your own workshops, tumblers, mugs, gift certificates and lots of gift ideas.

GARNET MOON BOUTIQUE & DARKROOM JEWELER

229 MAIN ST., SUTTON 304.644.9850

DARKROOMJEWELER695.ETSY.COM

THURS-FRI 11AM-5PM | SAT 10AM-2PM

Ruby red garnets and February’s amethyst birthstones are a perfect Valentine’s gift. Moriah Scher specializes in a variety of gemstone and fine metal jewelry as well as copper and prism suncatchers.

HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

2772 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., CHARLESTON 304.344.5044

Celebrate with a Valentine’s Special Spaghetti Dinner for Two. The special includes two orders of spaghetti with Harding’s house-made meat sauce, two tossed salads, and two orders of garlic toast

GIOVANNI’S IN CLENDENIN

235 ELK RIVER RD., S, CLENDENIN 304.548.7002

Treat your family to a special Valentine’s Day Pizza! A large (16” inch) one topping pizza is just $8 on Tuesdays! Also, don’t forget our cheese breadsticks, salads, delicious entrees or our New Party Special including 19” two-topping pizza plus Pick 2!

MADE AT THE COTTAGE

5074 ELK RIVER RD., S., ELKVIEW 304.942.7882

From clothing to accessories, customized gifts, candles, lotions, coffees, and more, you are sure to find something perfect for your love. Stop in to have a personalized gift box, at bundle-value savings, custom made for you!

MARIA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

15 CAMDEN AVE., SUTTON 304.765.9494

This Valentine’s Day, treat your family to our Tuesday $1 Tacos--your choice of hard, soft, chicken or beef. Pick-up or eat in. Also, see our daily specials including Saturday $1 Regular Frozen

MAIN STREET COFFEE

400 4TH ST., SUTTON 304.678.5186

A special Valentine’s Day cup of homemade truffles or cookies is waiting for you at Main Street Coffee inside Mountain Laurel Country Store. Don’t forget you can also include a gift certificate for their savory soups, paninis, muffins, cookies, and coffees. MASTER

4802 CHIMNEY DR., CHARLESTON 304.965.6222

Fine fragrances for your home, special gift giving with beautiful home and garden decor and a ‘door prize’ ticket entry for a special Valentine’s Gift Basket with a variety of Candleberry Company plus more!

PADDLER’S BAR & GRILL

12 MAYWOOD AVE., CLENDENIN 681.230.2061

Chef Adam's Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials: Your choice of Shrimp Cocktail or Bruschetta, Filet Mignon or Roasted Airline Chicken Breast, Soup or Salad, and Raspberry Cheesecake or Black Forest Cake. Includes Red or White Wine. Call and Reserve by Feb 7th.

ORE’S - CLENDENIN PHARMACY

10 MAIN ST., CLENDENIN 304.548.5451

Valentine cards, Russell Stover chocolates, premium Terri Lynn nuts (support the Clendenin Lion’s Club), Melissa and Doug crafts for the kids, books, and an array of special gifts. Make all of your Valentines smile!

PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE

425 BIG CHIMNEY BLVD, CHARLESTON 304.935.2082

Trendy accessories and fashion abound, with Valentine sweaters, tunics, sweatshirts, cute Hello Mello pjs, jeans and more. Also, appointments are now open for bookings for their new Permanent Jewelry.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS UNLIMITED

5106 ELK RIVER RD., ELKVIEW 304.965.5434

Special Valentine bouquets, beautiful roses in assorted colors, plush bears and assorted candy are available for pick up or delivery. Stop by or call in advance for the best selections, Your Valentine

ROLLIN’ SMOKE BBQ

4008 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., CHARLESON (BIG CHIMNEY 304.965.0808

MON-SAT 11 AM-7 PM Valentine’s Day Combo for Two! Includes your choice of smoked brisket, pork, ribs, or chicken, two delicious sides and one of Nikki’s yummy desserts. Online ordering is now available!

WHISKEY WAYS

166 MAIN ST., SUTTON 304.644.7983

WHISKEYWAYSBOUTIQUE.COM

Check out the newest and most adorable children and mommy-and-me boutique, located in Sutton. From newborn to youth large sizes for girls and boys plus cute style shirts for mom! Stop by the storefront or order online.

Good Works for the Elk River Trail

about our use of the trail. He thanked me several times for coming to town and using the trail. He had great things to say about their mayor as well. I live in Charleston and don't have any ties to Clendenin other than the trail. I wanted to put in a good word for the area and I will be looking forward to being able to travel further upriver on the trail as well as downriver since Clendenin is currently the closest trailhead to Charleston.

DAN MCLAUGHLIN ON THE ELK RIVER RAIL TRAIL FACEBOOK

I want to comment about the folks that live and work in the Clendenin area. I know there have been some comments made specifically around the area north of Queen Shoals (River Haven Rd.) near where there is some debate going on about use of the trail. We passed multiple folks working outside and all were friendly and said hello. There are some dogs along this stretch but most were fenced and a couple that were loose didn't bother us (especially the compressor dog!). One man even checked with us if his dogs bothered us or came onto the road.47

We then ate at a restaurant in Clendenin on Main St where our waitress was very friendly and spent some time chatting with us since it wasn't busy midafternoon. I don't recall the name of the restaurant but it is mid-block on the same side as the brewery.

On our way home I stopped to pump gas at the BP station and had a long "pump talk" with another customer who had lived in Clendenin his entire life. He saw our bikes and started asking questions

CLENDENIN WALKING CLUB

The Clendenin Walking Club kicked off the new year with a New Year’s Day Walk at the Clendenin Trailhead. More than 35 people participated and the weather cooperated to make it a great day on the trail. The Clendenin Walking Club meets at 4 PM each Tuesday at the Clendenin North Trailhead. Walk as little or as much as you want…it’s great for walkers of all ages and all levels.

For Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14, join the Clendenin Walking Club who will be wearing red and walking for heart health awareness month. The Move Your Way organization recommends setting a goal to work up to and maintaining 150 minutes of physical activity each week. Learn more at moveyourway.org.

THE ELK’S JOURNAL

BLACK FOR REMEMBRANCE CARLENE THOMPSON

Novelist Carlene Thompson pays tribute to her mountain roots by setting her mysteries in West Virginia. She is a longtime animal lover and likes to include one of her real-life pets in each book alongside a cast of fictional characters. Carlene is a native West Virginia, born in Parkersburg and raised in Point Pleasant. She has an undergraduate degree from Marshall University. She lives in Point Pleasant with her husband, Keith, and their many dogs and cats she has adopted. If you like suspense, you will want to read Carlene Thompson. Inspiration for her first published novel, “Black for Remembrance,” came when she was walking her dogs in the woods.

Amazon stated: “Caroline Webb knows what it means to lose the person you love most. Twenty years ago, her five-year-old daughter, Hayley, was the light of her life, her treasure, her angle. Then came the terrible day when Hayley was kidnapped from her favorite swing. More than a month passed before her burned, lifeless body was found. All that remained was the silence of Caroline’s heartache and her guilt. Now Caroline has started over with a new husband. She even has another precious daughter, Melinda. She thinks she has put the past behind her. But without warning, those ghosts once again start to echo in the night. Suddenly, Hayley’s favorite doll reappears…strange murders rock the Webb’s small town…Caroline even claims she has heard the voice of the little girl she lost all those years ago. Could Hayley still be out there somewhere, somehow? Now a killer waits in the wings, waiting to make Caroline live her worst nightmare yet.”

See Amazon for all of Carlene’s books or visit her website at carlenethompson.us

Excerpt from "Black for Remembrance"

Slowly Caroline realized she had dropped her bouquet when she spotted the broken angel. She retrieved it and laid it near the tombstone, looking at the cheerful red and white roses Lucy always left on Hayley’s birthday and the familiar bunch of violets from Chris. But among them registered a third offering--a cluster of black silk orchids tied with a black velvet ribbon. Puzzled, Caroline picked up the flowers, peering at the round, childish printing on a small card attached to the ribbon: To Hayley, Black for Remembrance.

“Black for remembrance,” Caroline breathed. “What on earth?”

She dropped the bouquet as if it burned her hand. The sky had turned a bruised purple and mauve, and a sharp wind blew up, rocking the pink angel’s head so that its dead eyes gazed at her.

A voice in a deserted storeroom. A shattered angel. A black bouquet. Caroline let out a tiny cry, suddenly breathlessly afraid. She scrambled to her feet and ran to the car, ignoring the gaping old couple slowly making their way to a grave just beyond Hayley’s. Spraying gravel behind her, she tore down the steep road and didn’t slow down until she hit the rush hour traffic streaming from the city.

READER SUBMISSION

This month’s Reader Submission is from Frostbite Dairy Bar in Clendenin. Don’t let winter get you down! Stop by for a delicious hot dog (or one of their numerous other menu items). Sprinkle a little pepper on it and you have my heart!

Frostbite was just recognized as serving one of the top 50 Best WV Style Hot Dogs on the WV Style Hot Dog Tour (Taste West Virginia). They are located at 1 Cobb Avenue, Clendenin, WV 25045 304.548.7413.

THE ELK’S STUDENTS

BASKETBALL

By Kaitlyn Swor

The girls basketball team at EVCS is off to a great start with a 9-3 record. The boys team is 1-11 and are battling hard each game with the EVCS cheerleaders proudly cheering them on with the help of the crowd. Conference tournaments will begin at the end of February. Good luck EVCS Eagles and Lady Eagles!

EVANS ATTENDS USA PERFORMANCE EVENT

By Kaitlyn Swor | Photos by Alycen Swor

Avery Evans, an eighth grader at EVCS, had a special opportunity as an athlete in November. She was one of 266 athletes across the country invited to participate in the USA National High Performance Softball Event In Mesquite, Texas. She was selected based on her performance at an identifier tryout event as a 12 year old where she participated in the event in the13U age group. Avery plays multiple sports, but her love is softball. What an awesome opportunity for her to play with top athletes!

HHHS BASKETBALL

By Tim Cunningham

Winning their last 4 out of 5 games, the Hoover Boys currently stand at 6-5 on the season. Contributing to the slow start was the fact that they began their season without some key players as some of the players were finishing up their football season by playing for a State Championship. Senior Eli Robertson leads in the scoring department averaging 18.8 ppg with sophomore Dane Hatfield in a close second with 16.4 ppg and pulling down 9 rebounds per contest. Robertson is within 20 of scoring 1000 career points, a milestone achieved by only a few. Hoover post-season play (sectionals) will begin at the end of February.

photos by Tim Takes Photography

WRESTLING

By Jadie Teel

The Braxton County Invitational was full of Hoover wrestling victories, including Champions Orion Taylor and Mac Payne; 3rd Place Andrew Rollyson; 4th Place Hunter Hughart, Jonny Cottrell, Kolton Fields, and Brandon Steenburgh; 5th Place Dalton Myers and Lathan Chandler; 6th Place Hayden Payne and Blake Goff. Also, the team placed third at the meet and Hoover’s Andrew Rollyson achieved his 100 win!

The Huskies placed 11th at the WV Army National Guard Duals where Andrew Rollyson received the Most Outstanding Wrestler. At the Wheeling Park Duals the Huskies went 3-5, at the Parkersburg South Quad they went 2-2, and at the Jason Eades Memorial Duals they placed 6th out of 16 teams.

The Lady Huskies have a 3-10 record going into the middle of January. With their new head coach Scott Garretson, the team has battled through some close games that came down to the final minutes. Looking at the second half of the season, Coach Garretson is confident that this team will register more wins than losses to improve their stats for the season. Leading the team in scoring is senior Regan Geary, averaging 11.2 points per game, followed closely by senior Taylor Ray averaging 10.6 ppg and freshman Ava Veltri at 10.2 ppg. Regan leads the team in long range shooting by hitting 32 3-pointers on the year. When it comes to controlling the boards, you find senior Brooklyn Huffman leading the team with 91 rebounds with an average of 7.6 RPG.

HIGH IMPACT CHOIR 2023

Photos by Niesha Shank Photography

The HHHS High Impact Choir had an amazing High Impact Dinner 2023 Performance on January 7-8. Upcoming February events include: Feb 4 Hurricane High School; Feb 11 Capital Capitol City Classic; Feb 18 Winfield; and Feb 24-26 Ross Legacy Championship. Kathy Silber, Director.

ARCHERY

The Hoover archery team won second place at their first tournament of the season hosted by Elkview Middle School (EMS) and then followed up with another great second place finish at Hurricane High School’s (HHS) tournament. At EMS, Rebecca Stodola and Kara Stephens brought home second and third place for high school females (after a shoot off) and Cadyn Holstine placed 4th for high school males. At the HHS tournament, the Hoover archers brought home 3rd (Caeley Allen), 5th (Rebecca Stodola), and 6th (Kara Stephens) place awards in the high school girls division and 7th (Hunter Fields) place in the high school boys division.

Bright Josie Fix

ATHLETE SIGNINGS

A big congratulations to both Sydney Bright who signed to play softball with Marshall University and to Josie Fix who signed to play softball with West Virginia Wesleyan.

By Coach Denise Agee

Sydney

THE ELK REFLECTS

WHERE IS OUR BELL?

A very important treasure from Clendenin and Elkview High Schools has been missing for some time: a bell that was awarded to the winning team of the annual Elkview versus Clendenin football game is now lost. It was last seen around 2009 in the trophy case at Elkview Middle School.

The Roberts and Parris Company of Clendenin donated the bell (mounted by Charles W. Watt and Charles R. Smith) that was obtained from the crew of the USS Walker Destroyer. This ship was commissioned on April 3, 1943, in Boston, MA. The USS Walker was built by Bath Iron Works in Maine and was the second ship to be named after Admiral Walker. This ship was deployed in WWII, saw action in the Atlantic early in the war, and later fought some major battles in the Pacific. The USS Walker Destroyer was a veteran of seven Pacific campaigns during WWII, including being credited with the destruction of four Japanese aircraft. The ship was also credited for the destruction of one enemy submarine with only one charge run, and was one of the first participants in the bombing of the Japanese homelands. It was also deployed in the Korean and Vietnam wars where it was awarded commendation for gunfire support. Indeed, this ship had a long, storied and impressive history.

The Elkview/Clendenin Bell was originally displayed in the galley of the USS Walker Destroyer. When the bell was donated it was worth around $60 which, at that time, was a large sum of money. The scores of each of the Elkview/Clendenin football games are engraved on the bell.

There have been rumors that range from all the “broken” trophies at Elkview Middle School being thrown away to some people actually retrieving trophies out of the dumpster near the school. The new Herbert Hoover High School would like to be the final resting place of the Clendenin/Elkview Bell. It represents school history from both schools which are now united as one as Herbert Hoover High School.

If you have information on the missing bell (or better yet would return the bell), please let us know! We would love to help locate the bell and have it proudly displayed at the new High School this fall.

It is an honorary symbol for all of the alumni of Clendenin, Elkview, and Herbert Hoover. Text or call Cyndi Tawney at 304.546.9243 or call the Elk River Museum at 304.965.6596. Your confidentiality will be maintained.

Information and article submitted by Richard Bashlor of the Elk River Museum

USS Walker (DD-517) on manuevers off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii | May 1963 | Photographer: PH2 Don C. Smith

NUORA D THEELK

If you’ve driven by Top Notch Detail’s old location on Route 119 and panicked because their building is empty, don’t worry! They just moved to 5082 Elk River Road at Elkview (behind Elk Auto Plus and directly across from Elkview Baptist Church). They are open for business and ready to have your car looking Top Notch. Also, don’t worry about the mud and snow. Top Notch Detail offers several different packages for wash, wax, and interior detail for all of your personal or work vehicles.

Call 304.437.7444 for an appointment. They provide quality work and customer satisfaction.

THE HEALTHY ELK

Correct Cane Height & Support Matter

Kaitlin Lowery, DPT is a 2020 graduate of West Virginia University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Sports and Exercise Studies from Cedarville University. Kaitlin has conducted research on the effects of opioids on infants in neonatal ICU at WVU and was a PT school class officer.

Many people often come into our clinic using their canes incorrectly or wondering how to correctly use their canes. If used incorrectly, a cane can actually cause more pain. Using a cane correctly depends on several factors including why you are using a cane, your height, and how much support you need with your cane.

Why are you using your cane? Many people use a cane for balance. If this is the case, it doesn’t matter which side you use your cane on. However, most people use a cane because one leg hurts more than the other. The correct way to use a cane is on the opposite side of the painful leg. You will be putting more force through the injured leg if you use it on the same side! By using the cane on the opposite side, your cane will help offload your injured side and relieve the pain on that side.

How tall are you? Your proper cane height is determined by how tall you are. If your cane is too tall, this can cause pain in the arm you are carrying the cane. If it is too short, this can affect your back and cause back pain. To know how tall to make your cane, simply stand next to your cane and drop your arm down beside it.

The crease in your wrist is around where the handle of your cane should hit if your cane is correctly adjusted to your height. If your cane is too tall or too short, simply push in the button on an aluminum cane and push the bottom up to make the cane shorter or pull the bottom of the cane down to make it taller. Adjusting your cane to the appropriate height will help you better use your cane.

How much support do you need with your cane? There are two different ways to walk with your cane depending on how much support you need with your cane. If you need more support, you can walk by putting the cane in front of you, then your painful leg, and then your nonpainful leg. If you need less support, you can walk by having your cane and painful leg walk together followed by your non-painful leg.

Using a cane correctly can help improve your pain, balance, and stability. As always, if you need any help with your cane use or physical therapy needs, you can call our clinic at Elk Valley Physical Therapy.