Elk River Living | Volume 05 | Issue 08

ELK RIVER LIVING

Welcome Hens & Heifers!

FEATURE STORY FEATURESTORY

HELLO & Welcome Back!

I have to admit I’ve been really emotional seeing this month’s photos of the new Herbert Hoover High School. There will actually be students in the building attending classes by our next issue!

The fate of HHHS has been upside down since June 2016. What should have been a normal summer break resulted in being one of the worst catastrophes the Elk River has ever experienced. Hoover students were temporarily housed that Fall at Elkview Middle School as they rotated schedules and classrooms around the middle school students. Soon the County had portable classrooms brought in and set up like a fort all around the middle school.This is where HHHS has called home until August 18, 2023 when they officially walk in the doors of the new HHHS. There won’t be a dry eye in our community.

Our feature this month also has a happy ending after The Flood of 2016. The former Ponderosa restaurant at the Crossings Mall in Elkview has new life. Hens and Heifers restaurant opened its doors in April and they have had such a great response that they have now added a wonderful breakfast menu. They open early and close late, perfect for all of the activities and sports events at the new HHHS.

We never know what life is going to throw at us. The Flood of 2016 for sure has been the worst event I’ve witnessed in our community. Oh wait, toss in two years of COVID with our businesses and schools operating virtually, our restaurants closed, our grocery store shelves empty, the inability to gather with family and friends, and a world left grieving at the loss of so many lives stolen by the pandemic . As all of us find our new normal, I pray that we have the grace to remember where we’ve been and the fortitude to face our tomorrows. May we always be Elk River strong and share that strength with others.

Stay safe my friends.

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney Operations Director / Josh Tawney

Cyndi Tawney

Creative Director / Printer / The Printing Press Charleston, WV

Layout & Design / Katheryne E. Popp

Little Secret Design Co.

Photographer / Scott Abbott

Scott Abbott Photo

ON THE COVER

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 ERL photographer, Scott Abbott and guest photographers who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: Scott Abbott, Aubrie Abbott, J. Craig Allison, Tim Cunningham, Janet Six, Jill Moles Mullins

Scott Abbott of Scott Abbott Photo captured a photo of the new Hens & Heifers at Elkview, WV.

Aubrie Abbott

Tim Cunningham

Scott Abbott

Janet Six Jill Moles Mullins

J. Craig Allison

ACE ADVENTURE RESORT

800.787.3982

1 Concho Rd, Oak Hill WV

ADVANTAGE VALLEY

304.352.1165

1045 Bridge Rd., Charleston advantagevalley.com

AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP

304.935.2230

4950 Elk River Road, S. Elkview.

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

BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER

681.230.2088

9 2nd Ave.,Clendenin

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

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 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 RIVER COMBAT SPORTS

304.940.2480

514 Quick Rd., Elkview

ELK RIVER GET-A-WAY

304.993.0006

16544 N. Elk River Rd., Clendenin

ELK RIVER HOTEL & CAFE

304.402.2121

616 Main Street, Sutton

ELK RIVER PADDLE & YAK

304.314.3880

Kayak Rentals and Shuttle Service

ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC

304.419.5337

www.elkvalleyelectric.com

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

304.935.2360

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

GLO’S BEAUTY BAR

304.553.6603

8 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin

Gloria Treola

GOOD FAMILY PHARMACY

304.935.4812

249 Pinch Rd., Elkview

GOOD LIFE APOTHECARY

304.345.8600

3212 Penn. Ave., Charleston (Crede)

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

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE

304.965.9941

holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

INDIAN LAKE

304.965.5661

1111 Indian Lake Drive, Elkview

JIFFY J’S INC.

Portable Restrooms

800.256.8657

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

KEMP’S LAWN ENFORCEMENT

304.421.5486

One-time services & weekly contracts

KN CONTRACTING

304.965.9088

5146 Elk River Rd., Elkview

KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING

304.548.4726

knightinsurance@frontier.com

KNIGHTHORST

877.474.7332

www.knighthorst.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

MOUNTAIN LAKES MARKETPLACE

304.701.2012

33 Skidmore Lane, Sutton

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH

304.965.7062

mpbcwv.org

NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC

304.343.2049

2777 Penn. Ave, Charleston

NANCY KUHL

SEWING & ALTERATIONS

304.965.0747

Text 681.340.0409

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL

681.230.2061

12 Maywood Ave., W., Clendenin

PATRIOT PRESSURE WASHING

304.840.4833 patriothousewash.com

PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR

Old Colony

304.395.0619

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

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

STARCHER LAW

304.541.9120

723 Kanawha Blvd., E., Suite 200, Charleston

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE RENTALS

304.546.6823

120 Oak Grove Cutoff, Summersville summersvillelakerentals.com

THE SWINE BARREL

304.885.4691

1009 Main St., Elkview

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

YAK HOUSE RENTALS

304.941.2229

403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

XSPEC POWER

304.746.1139

contact Emily Canterbury

THOUSANDS OF EYES

SEE OUR SPONSOR ADS EACH MONTH!

LIBRARIES ARE MORE THAN JUST STORES OF BOOKS & KNOWLEDGE. THEY ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES.

AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS

Aug 1 6 - 7:30 PM

Aug 3 10:30 AM

Aug 3 11 AM

Aug 5 1 - 2:30 PM

Aug 8 5:30 PM

Aug 12 10 AM-2 PM

Aug 15 1 - 2:30 PM

Aug 17 10:30 AM

Aug 17 11 AM

Aug 24 6 - 7 PM

Aug 26 1 - 2:30 PM

Brick Builders

Jump into Storytime

Playgroup at the Library

Kids Sewing Club

Teen Game Time

Clendenin Library Advisory Board Used Book Fundraiser

Fairy House Book Craft

Jump into Storytime

Playgroup at the Library

Family Fun: Bingo for Books

Kids Sewing Club

Family/All Ages

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Children & Tweens

Tweens & Teens

Family/All Ages

Adults & Seniors

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Family/All Ages

Family/All Ages

Aug 1 2 PM

Aug 3 5 - 7:30 PM

Aug 4 - 5 10 - 3 PM

Aug 8 6 PM

Aug 9 10:30 AM

Aug 9 11 AM

Aug 14 5:30 PM

Aug 15 2 PM

Aug 15 6 PM

Aug 21-26

Aug 22 6 PM

Aug 23 10:30 AM

Aug 23 11 AM

Aug 28 2 PM

Aug 29 6 PM

Aug 30 10:30 AM

Aug 31 6 PM

Adult Crafternoon

BIG Used Book Fundraiser

BIG Used Book Fundraiser

Adult Craft

Jump into Storytime

Playgroup at the Library

Kids Paint: Dog Days of Summer

Elk Valley Book Group

Teen Time

Drop-in Oreo Tasting Challenge (while supplies last)

Adult Social Hour

Jump into Storytime

Playgroup at the Library

Adult Crafternoon

Teen Time

Discovery Play

Full STEM Ahead: Sand Science

Adults

Family/All Ages

Family/All Ages

Adults & Teens

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Family/All Ages

Adults

Teens

Family/All ages

Adults

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Adults

Teens

Children 5 & Under

Family/All Ages

THE ELK’S COOKBOOK

WHEN YOU JUST NEED A LITTLE SNACK

When guests drop by or if you are sitting on the couch watching TV in the evening and just need a little snack, try this delicious dip with some wheat crackers. Gabi Strickland Walker said, “It's a combo of sweet, tang, a little spice on the backend, and a nice crunch from the pecans.”

CAJUN CAVIAR

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS

• 2 C finely shredded sharp cheddar or Colby Jack

• 1 C green onions - chopped

• 1 C pecans - finely chopped

• 1 C mayo

• a few dashes of hot sauce

• ½ t Cajun seasoning

• 1 jar pepper jelly

STEP1 In a large bowl, mix together the cheese, onions, pecans, mayo, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning.

STEP 2 Spread a thin even layer on a platter and top with your favorite pepper jelly. Serve with Wheat Thins or your favorite cracker.

NOTE This wasn’t as good the next day (a little watery), but the good news is you will probably have an empty platter by the end of the evening anyway!

Mike Haynes, Manager | Cathy Wild, Assistant

HHHS JULY 2023 PICTORIAL TOUR

By Guest Author and Photographer, Tim Cunningham, of Tim Takes Photography

Here is the latest look at the progress of the new Herbert High School as the countdown begins for the first day in the new school on August 18, 2023. While the contractor continues to make progress, so do the faculty and staff. The moving in phase has begun and the classrooms and offices are starting to take shape. Although the substantial completion date has been moved several times, the contractor assured me that the 2023-2024 school year will start in this building! Be sure to see our September issue for exciting photos as the Huskies enter their new home!

Rear Courtyard

Office Waiting Area Hall

Business Classroom

Remote Learning Science Lab

CLUCKIN’ GOOD FOOD AT MOO-VELOUS PRICES

HENS & HEIFERS AT ELKVIEW!

Which came first…the chicken or the cow? That’s an easy question for the new Hens & Heifers Restaurant at 109 Crossings Mall in Elkview, a variety restaurant focused on quality chicken dishes and fresh steaks. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night snack and beverages, Hens & Heifers has you covered!

Elk River residents Jamie and Patti Neal and Eric and Amber Jarrett are co-owners of this great new addition to the community. Amber said, “The property (the former Ponderosa) had been empty for about six years and

everyone in the community kept saying they needed a local, full-service restaurant.”

The Jarretts had been talking about opening a restaurant for some time. In fact, they had already come up with the name Hens and Heifers, four years ago. Patti said, “My husband, Jamie, and Amber, and Eric all worked work together at Metro 911." When Jamie heard the Jarretts were considering going into the restaurant business, he asked if they would like to partner with him and Patti.” The rest, as they say, is history, and Hens and Heifers became a reality with the creation of JJN Enterprises, reality.

The Jarretts and Neals created the Hens and Heifers theme as a group effort. “Eric and Amber came up with a lot of the dishes,,” said Patti. “I suggested the name Hard-Up Hens as our slogan after the popularity of the dish, but Amber was really the creative one when it came to names.” As for the menu, the owners knew they wanted chicken and steak as their primary menu items. They also have pasta and fish dishes as well and a kids menu.

We want to be a great gathering place for family and friends! We will be open later on game nights to accommodate all of the hungry Hoover fans.

In the early stage, the owners went to multiple food suppliers and did taste testing of the different products. They would also bring home the products and experiment with their recipes to determine what had the best taste, texture, and quality for their dishes.”We had to see what we liked, what we didn’t like,” said Patti. “The one thing we all agreed on

was that we wanted fresh chicken tenders and fresh steak in everything we served.” We make our lasagna rolls in-house and we also make our own homemade alfredo. Many of our desserts are created and made in-house as well.” Eric said, "We love our community, and we are very proud to be able to open a restaurant in an area that needed something other than fast food. We work very hard to provide greattasting food and we hope everyone understands that we are locally-owned and just started this new concept. We will continuously work to improve our service and products to better serve the Elk River.”

“Everyone has been so welcoming,” Amber said. “This is our community and we are dedicated to having special events for all ages. We want it to be a great place to sit down, eat, and relax with family and friends.”

Special events in June at Hens and Heifers included a Father's Day Pancake Eating Contest with Isaiah Crihfield emerging as the champion, and a special appearance and dinner from Spider-Man for the children. Also, the 3 Betties Foundation Inc. has CURE-E-OKE nights from time to time from 9 PMMidnight to help raise funds for those in need facing a

– Hens & Heifers

cancer diagnosis. The karaoke is free to everyone and the 3 Betties Foundation brings fundraising merchandise. It’s a great evening of fun with a great purpose.

The dining room is open from 9 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and stays open for dinner until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy Hour is 7 days a week from 2 PM-5 PM and 9 PM-Midnight. During happy hours the menu is appetizers, salads, and desserts.

A crowd favorite is the Pick Three Appetizers and everyone recommends the Steak Queso and Chips! Their breakfast menu includes omelets, pancakes, waffles, platters, bowls and wraps, lighter options, and a great kids menu. Also, anytime you order the All You Can Eat Pancakes, 10% will be donated to the Hoover athletic program. Breakfast runs from 9 AM to 3 PM daily and their lunch/dinner menu starts at 11 AM.

The lunch and dinner menu has a great line-up of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, smashing good burgers, skillet dishes, pasta, steak, fish, chicken tenders made-to-order, platters, a variety of cluckin’ good sides, desserts, and beverages as well as a full-service bar offering specialty beverages including signature cocktails, wine, and beer.

Hens & Heifers also offers a VIP program where you can have 5% off your meal (minus alcohol) every visit and use of the Hen Den (with reservations) for all of your party or gathering needs. Also, while you are there, be sure to check out their Hoover Wall. So far it has a couple of Hoover jerseys and Hoover photographs. Everyone is welcome to add to the wall and share their favorite Hoover memories!

For a perfect date night or family night, make sure you stop by Hens and Heifers soon. The customer service is impeccable and the food is delicious! It’s an amazing addition to our Elk River community.

ENJOY THE TRAIL VIEW

Debbie Samples, owner of Elk River Baking Company in Clendenin, shared her gorgeous photos of the Elk River Trail, including the rhododendrons that are in full bloom now.

Also, Rick Crawford shared his photos: “Beautiful day on the Elk River Trail with my girls…good day for a bike ride and skipping rocks on the river!”

NEW SIGN WELCOMES TRAIL VISITORS

There is a new Welcome to Elk River Trail, Almost Heaven, sign greeting all bikers, hikers and walkers at the Duck Trailhead off of Exit 46 of I-79! Pauline at Nottingham’s Store said, “Come see the new sign at Duck and stop in Nottingham’s to enjoy lunch and a delicious ice cream cone!”

SUMMER DAYS ON THE ELK

Yak House Rentals has had sold-out crowds in July of people enjoying kayaking on the Elk River. Dave Knight, owner of Yak House Rentals, said, “You don’t have to always kayak the Elk River. Bring a chair, sit, and enjoy good friends and music for the day!” For reservations go to yakhouserentals.com or call 304.941.2229 until Labor Day weekend!

THE ELK’S JOURNAL

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR CRAIG HALLORAN

ERL is proud to present the release of Craig Hollaran’s newest book, Smoke Release-Book 6: The Supernatural Dragon Hunter Files! This pageturning suspense is book 6 of 6 in his Epic Urban Fantasy Adventure series. Also, congrats to Craig and his wife, Claudette HudsonHalloran, who were married on July 3!

Amazon summary:

An attempt to wipe out Firedrake backfires, forcing the heroes into hiding from growing dragon forces and a zombie outbreak. Smoke, Sid, Abraham, and their allies see the writing on the wall. They have one focus—use Boon’s portals to seek and destroy their foes before it’s too late. But the unpredictable portals bring trouble as people from other worlds arrive, posing nefarious problems. Meanwhile, the humongous, all-powerful Lord Master arrives in DC with a host of dragons at his disposal

and the United States government under his claw. Specks launches a counterattack that leaves the heroes in the lurch, banishing them from their home forever.

In a battle of life and death for all mankind, the heroes must rise before the life they know permanently fades into darkness. You can follow him at: Facebook: The Darkslayer Report by Craig; Twitter: Craig Halloran and www. craighalloran.com (website and blog).

“Do you really want to get out with all those dragons flying around?”

Bobcat poked his head halfway out the window. Another large dragon soared overhead. He rolled up his window. “I don’t suppose I do.”

“Besides”—she touched the Dragon’s Eye hanging on her neck—“moving too fast will draw their attention, and we don’t want to rattle the military any more than they are.” She caught Smoke— dressed in dark-gray jeans and a camouflage hoodie—looking at his phone. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve been trying to reach Mal for the last few days, but I can’t get ahold of him.”

She glanced at Smoke again, noting the consternation on his face. “Asia probably changed their number again. If you’re so worried, we can always swing by their place and check.”

Smoke’s jaw muscles clenched. He nodded. “Not a bad idea.”

Sticks popped a bubble.

Sid turned right at the next stoplight. A group of civilians—men, women, and children— batted

away at small dragons nipping at them from the street and the air like angry geese.

“We better help them.”

“Sounds good to me.” Smoke eased his torso out of the car window, shotgun in hand.

Sid grabbed him by the back of his pants and hauled him back in. “What are you doing? Planning to cause a big racket?” She shook her amulet. “Let me handle this.”

Smoke slumped back into his seat. “If you say so.”

The biting and hissing dragons had the civilians cornered in a storefront, the people bleeding from their arms and legs.

“Those dragons don’t look like vegetarians. They’re feeding on people!” Bobcat pulled out two pistols. “But they won’t feed on me. I’m going to help! Those are little children.” He opened the door and got out.

“No, Bobcat, wait!” Sid said.

It was too late. Not only did Bobcat exit, but so did Sticks and Smoke. Streak slunk out as well, all four rushing to aid the people.

Palming her warming amulet, Sid looked at it. “Morning glory, Aurora, are we ever going to show them how it’s done?” The golden light of the gemstone captured her eyes. “We can do this. You and me,” she whispered, “we can do it.”

Sid exited the sedan, shut the door, and covered the amulet with her hand. She knew she had power. How much was the question. The time had come to find out how much command, if any, she had over the dragons.

Smoke, Sticks, and Bobcat kicked at the poultrysized dragons trying to feast on the people. The dragons wanted none of it. They came at the invaders like wild turkeys, hissing, spitting, biting, and flapping.

“No you don’t!” Smoke snatched a dragon by its long neck and slammed it to the ground. He stuck the rifle’s barrel in its face and pulled the trigger.

Pow!

A dark shadow passed overhead. Everyone looked up. A tremendous dragon came down.

Excerpt from Chapter 1

Amazon Rating 4.6 

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY

304.965.5312

304.965.8173

• New expanded bays with heavy duty lifts

• Exhaust

• Front End Work

• Brakes

• Computer Diagnostic Service

• AC Service

• Major & Minor Engine Repair

• 2 & 4 Wheel Alignments

• Tire Service (we have over 5 different suppliers for any brand, any type of �

• Transmission Service

• State Inspections

• Modified inspections

CONGRATULATIONS NEW FIREMEN!

The Frame Volunteer Fire Department submitted this photo of Zane Stewart, one of the 21 recruits who graduated from The Charleston Fire Department Training Academy on June 12, 2023. FVFD said, “Zane started volunteering to serve his community as a junior member. The skills he developed led him to choose fire service as his career.”

Also, three junior firefighters of the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department graduated from the WVU Junior Firefighter Camp. Congrats to Sofie Swiney, Wayne Jack, and James Clendenin.

Zane Stewart

L to R: James Clendenin, Wayne Jack, & Sofie Swiney

THE ELK’S STUDENTS

HUSKIE FOOTBALL

The HHHS football team traveled to Blacksburg to compete in the Virginia Tech 7 on 7/Big Man competition and then on to Columbus for Ohio State’s 7 on 7.

Andrew Rollyson and Isaiah Chapman proudly represented HHHS in the 2023 North South Football Classic. Also, renowned Coach Todd Dodge traveled to the Elk River to work with some of the HHHS players and staff.. Hoover’s Coach Joey Field said, “Coach Dodge is a 7x Texas State Championship coach, a 3x National Coach of the Year, and a Texas High School Football Hall of Famer who has coached countless college and NFL players. It was an honor to have him travel to WV and spend time with our guys!”

HOOVER SWIM TEAM

Congratulations to four members of the HHHS Swim Team for competing in the WV Long Course State Championship Swim Meet at WVU.These ladies competed Thursday- Sunday for their club team YKVK, swimming 6 events and relays each day.

Jenna Stout, HHHS Sophomore 5 PR times; Ashton Walker, Sophomore 7 PR times; Chloe Foreman, HHHS Incoming Freshman 9 PR times; Peyton Greathouse, HHHS Incoming Freshman 9 PR times Photo by Gabi Strickland Walker, L-R: Stout, Walker, Foreman, and Greathouse.

LEAH’S LEGACY: CELEBRATING LIFE & GIVING BACK

Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) and the Elk River community lost a vibrant young lady and athlete last August, Leah Strickland. So many friends, athletes, and local schools gathered together in her memory and honored her by displaying #17, her soccer number, at events all across West Virginia. At only 14 years of age, her loss impacted more of us than she would ever have imagined.

Her family chose to honor her by creating and presenting the first Leah Strickland Memorial Scholarship this year at the HHHS Awards Assembly. While this scholarship was originally designated to be awarded to an exemplary, graduating senior female athlete, Leah’s impact on so many athletes in the community inspired the Strickland family to include more scholarships to include male athletes as well.

The Strickland Family has announced the Inaugural Leah’s Legacy 5K Run/2 Mile Walk/Kid’s Fun Run will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 5 PM to help fund ongoing Leah Strickland Memorial Scholarships. The event will start at Charleston City Center (Slack Plaza) located at 177 Summers Street, proceed toward the boulevard, and will finish back at Charleston City Center. The Kids Fun Run will be held on Summers Street. There will be food trucks, beverages, and live entertainment-The New Old Souls-- during the evening.

The race award categories are Top 3 Overall Male & Female; Top Masters Male & Female (40+); Age Groups

(Top Male & Female Runners) 8 and under, 9-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89; Top 3 Fastest Adult Teams (minimum of 5 members - must be co-ed); and the Top 3 Schools with largest participation.

Sponsorships are available: Silver Sponsor $250; Gold Sponsor $500; Stand/Area Sponsor $750; and Platinum Sponsor $1,000. Your sponsorship will help defray the cost of organizing the event. Funds received from sponsorships are used to purchase a goody bag for registered race participants, timing system, awards, entertainment, and complimentary drinks and snacks for each race participant.

Leah’s family said, “Leah was active in multiple sports and was very competitive with a “team first, All In” attitude. She encouraged her teammates and put the best interests of her team and teammates before her own. On August 31, 2022, a few weeks into her freshman season, she lost her life in a car accident while coming home from a soccer game. If you would like to help celebrate Leah’s life and support the memorial scholarship in her name, here is the perfect opportunity.”

For registration, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/ Charleston/LeahsLegacy. You can also email the Strickland family at leahslegacy5k@gmail. com or call 931.200.8440 for more information.

THE ELK REFLECTS

SHADY SADIE'S BRIDGE

Richard Bashlor of the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum shared this month’s Elk Reflects: Shady Sadie’s Bridge which crosses Little Sandy Creek on Aaron’s Fork Road in Elkview. Bashlor said the bridge was built in 1928. Judith Skidmore commented, “Sadie’s last name was Summers. She originally owned the Shawnee Tea Room on the Shawnee straight-stretch below Elkview.”

BRING ON THE HARVEST

Fred Hays shared his July 4th photo of 2 gallons of berries. He made 10 big jars of jam with the last bucket he picked plus he said, “Forest (grandson) and I ate some, too!”

His sweet corn is starting to tassel and he said, “I am 6' 1” and it looks like our corn will end up being about 9’ tall!” He also picked a bucket of jalapenos and cherry poppers along with some early yellow squash. He added, “My jalapenos are five feet tall and more like trees! It is a blessing this year and we never know what the next year will bring.”

Laura Boggess Shafer shared her cucumbers on the vine and reports their garden is flourishing. Also, check out those heads of cabbage from her good friend, Lucy Newhouse’s (age 92), garden and her green beans almost ready for picking.”

Sara Mitchell shared her Tenderette green beans and her Yukon Gold potatoes which were beginning to flower. She said, “These potatoes are being grown from my own potatoes that I grew last year! It’s my first time doing that.”

THE HEALTHY ELK

Don't Let Stress Manage You

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.

than you feel you can go. It takes less than a minute. The big benefits of managing stress may come down the road too. The links between chronic stress and heart problems are well documented, and increasing research is finding links between stress and cognitive health, too. You might say, “What is good for the heart is good for the brain.” In a recent study, middle-aged adults who had higher levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol did worse on tasks that involved memory and brain functions compared with those who had lower levels of cortisol, and they also showed brain shrinkage. Muscles and joints also become affected by stress due to constantly being tense or never really having time to relax.

The good news is that there are many avenues for taking your stress levels down a notch—or ten—and helping to protect your brain health as you age.

• Starting a regular exercise routine can help you manage stress, as can practicing yoga or meditation.

August brings the start of school and all the things that go along with kids participating in extracurricular activities. It’s very stressful as a parent if you are coordinating rides, making sure bags are packed for practices, supervising homework, and not forgetting to pack lunch!

If you keep putting off doing something to manage stressful events, stop procrastinating! In fact, now is a perfectly good time to get started: close your eyes, put your feet on the floor, unclench your jaw and relax your shoulders, and breathe deeply for a few breaths. When your blood pressure rises in stressful situations, it’s because those arteries in your nose constrict, making it harder for blood to pass through. So when those arteries open up with deep breaths, your blood pressure lowers, and you feel much calmer. Try this calming technique. Doesn’t that feel good? Try doing this at least once a day to help calm everything down when the world seems to be moving at a faster pace

• Prioritizing good sleep is essential, and simply taking a five-minute break during your workday to walk around the block, stretch, or breathe deeply can help, too.

• Get into the habit of turning off your screens in the evening to let your body and mind unwind and rest. You may find scrolling through social media before bed a way to relax but it’s not. Stop swiping and find a good book or short, easy puzzle book to work on right before bed.

• Make lists of things you need to do or pack in a bag for the next day. Having a list to check off makes a last minute task easier to accomplish.

Never stress out about stress management! You can try different techniques to help decrease stress but always try one at a time. Decompressing after a stressful day or moment isn’t supposed to feel like hard work!