THE ELK REFLECTS

WHAT IS A VICTORY GARDEN?

You may have heard of victory gardens from your parents or grandparents. They have also been referred to as war gardens or liberty gardens.These vegetable gardens were grown during the World War eras with the purpose of producing enough food for our troops and citizens so that the nation did not face the threat of food shortages.

People raised gardens, big and small, anywhere they could--from their front and back yards to parks and playgrounds. According to the US Department of Agriculture, there were more than 20 million victory gardens planted, resulting in 9-10 million tons of vegetables† .

Today, victory gardens are making a comeback but with a different purpose in mind. These gardens are actually being planted by individuals who want to grow healthier, fresh vegetables to help feed their families and to stretch their food budget. The coronavirus pandemic triggered many of the recent shortages at our grocery stores and many people are now planting gardens to ensure their families have adequate food. Laura Shafer of Clendenin said, “We have a full cellar of canned vegetables so our family is less dependent on what is on the grocery shelves, not to mention it is a healthier option for feeding our family.”

In view of the need for gardening expertise, ERL is excited to introduce our new segment, The Elk’s Garden on page 16. Each issue will include tips and techniques from our local Elk River gardeners, beginning with this issue where they encourage you to start thinking about what you and your family enjoy eating. Traditional victory gardens focused on food that were high in nutrition such as tomatoes, watermelon, squash, turnips, leafy greens and beans, but you can grow whatever your family likes to eat!

Save the environment, save money, be proud, create memories, strengthen family bonds, eat healthier, and become an Elk River gardener this summer!

ALL ABOARD!

The 17th Annual Model Train and Craft Show will be at The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center the weekend of March 11 and 12, 2023.

Mike Reynolds of the Kanawha Valley Railroad Association (KVRA) said, “We expect more than 50 train and craft vendors at this year’s annual event. We have 200 tables which are nearly full and we are predicting a crowd of approximately 1500.”

There will be vendors, clinics and HO layouts! Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. Hours are Saturday, the 11th, from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Sunday, the 12th, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Bring the family and enjoy a day exploring several model train layouts with different gauges (different sizes of trains) represented. Vendors will be selling both train and craft items.

At the show KVRA will feature their 15 x 25 West Virginia module which includes representative aspects of a small town in West Virginia with coal mining facilities, power plant, farms, company houses, brick plant, chemical facility, rail yard and more.

This year the KVRA is celebrating their 44th year. The are located at 1750 Coonskin Park Drive in Charleston (at the end of the Park)). They are open every Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM and on special events. At their Coonskin Park location, there are modeled renditions of Charleston, Thurmond, Hawk’s Nest and Elkview. It is a historic museum for the whole family to enjoy.

JOE HORTER 304.539.6721 RICHARD BOYD 615.319.9654