Elk River Living | Volume 06 | Issue 04

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players finished the season 16-3 and hold a remarkable three-year record of 41-12, making them the winningest All-Star team in Hoover League history.

As

Hello & Welcome Back!

Welcome to our April issue!

This month it is our pleasure to introduce you to an amazing group of fifth-grade All Stars from the Herbert Hoover Youth Basketball League(HYBL). These young basketball players finished the season 16-3 and hold a remarkable three-year record of 41-12, making them the winningest All-Star team in Hoover League history. In fact, this is the first time in HYBL history that all Hoover All-Star teams finished with a .500 record or above!

Also, daffodils are not the only thing new popping up this spring. If you haven’t stopped by yet, check out Elk River’s newest business in Clendenin, Taylor Made Cafe. Tammy and Steve Taylor are no strangers to the business community; they have Taylor Made Farms at Bomont, a wonderful airbnb in the country and a perfect getaway. At the Cafe they are serving amazing homemade breakfasts and lunches, gourmet coffee, and are available for all of your catering needs. Everything is so delicious; it’s hard to choose!

We hope you enjoy our April issue, which is packed full of great people and events happening on The Elk. Also, remember to ease into your gardening and outdoor activities. It’s easy to overdo it, especially in the warmer temperatures. If you see your neighbor out, offer a helping hand. “Many hands make light work!”

Until next month, Remember,

Cyndi Tawney

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney Operations Director / Josh 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

RR IVE EKL LIVING

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

ERL photographer Scott Abbott captured photos of the fifth-grade Hoover All Star Team at the Kanawha Valley Youth Basketball League tournament.

Aubrie Abbott

Tim Cunningham Scott Abbott

Janet Six

Jill Moles Mullins

J. Craig Allison

ABSOLUTE ASPHALT

304.548.7707

#WV-061163

ADVANTAGE VALLEY

304.352.1165

1045 Bridge Rd., Charleston advantagevalley.com

AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP

304.935.2230

4950 Elk River Road, S. Elkview

AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

304.881.7818

4950 Elk River Rd., S., Ste. C, 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 Ave., Charleston (Mink Shoals Exit 1)

BRANNON'S AUTO

304.935.2335

4039 Pennsylvania Ave. Chas

CANTRELL’S FLORIST

304.548.7700

7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES

304.965.9081

Local Charleston Office

OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING

24-Hour Towing and Lockout

648 Shady Lane, Elkview

304.965.5634

CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK

304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101

236 North Point Drive, Clendenin

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

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY

304.965.6661

contact Joey Adkins, DDS

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE

304.965.7501

contact Gary W. Pauley II

ELK RIVER BAKING COMPANY

304.548.7474

12 Main St., Clendenin

ELK RIVER BOUTIQUE

304.549.8778

14 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 HOTEL & CAFE

304.402.2121

616 Main Street, Sutton

ELK VALLEY ELECTRIC

Call 304.913.6001 | Text 304.913.6002 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

FORD & SWEENEY

304.935.4801

4402 Crede Drive at Big Chimney

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)

GREENS OF BIG CHIMNEY

304.965.3313

4509 Pennsylvania Ave, Charleston

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

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

KEITH'S AUTO PARTS

304.548.7627 | 1-800-RACE-A-VW VW Specialists

6328 Elk River Rd, N. Clendenin

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

LAUGHTER & LACE

304.382.1791 Call or Text

Rebekah Kersey, Seamstress

LIBERTY TAX

P:304.548.4820 F:304.548.4570

15 Main St., Clendenin

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

304.344.4268

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

NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC

304.343.2049

2777 Penn. Ave, Charleston

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL

681.230.2061

12 Maywood Ave., W., Clendenin

PATRIOT PRESSURE WASHING

304.840.4833

patriothousewash.com

PAXTON BUSINESS SERVICES

3324 Pennsylvania Ave Ste. 203 Charleston, WV 25302

PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR Old Colony

304.395.0619

PENNY PINCHERS, LLC

304.548.4005

11 Main St, Clendenin

POCA VALLEY BANK

304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com

THE PRINTING PRESS

143 Gaylor Lane, Charleston

304.744.7949

PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE

4636 Penn. Ave, Ste 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com

ROGERS HARDWARE

304.965.1077

Bill Rogers

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 FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS

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

ST. ANDREW

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

80 St. Andrew Lane, Elkview WV 304.965.3611

STARCHER LAW

304.541.9120

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

THE SWINE BARREL

304.885.4691

1009 Main St., Elkview

THOMPSON LAND MGNT, LLC

743.637.0428

Thompsontree365@gmail.com

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD

304.965.7769

1083 Main Street, Elkview

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

AT THE LIBRARY

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

JANUARY LIBRARY EVENTS

APRIL LIBRARY EVENTS

Jan 3 3pm

CLENDENIN ELKVIEW

ELK VALLEY

Jan 4 10:30am

Jan 4 11am

Jan 6 1pm

Jan 9 6pm

Jan 11 1:30pm

Jan 13 All day

Jan 16 3pm

Jan 18 10:30am

Jan 18 11am

Jan 23 6pm

Jan 27 1pm

Jan 2 2pm

Jan 3 10:30am

Jan 3 11am

Jan 9 6pm Jan 10 10:30am

Jan 10 11am

Jan 11 6pm

AM

STEM Afternoon: Snow and Ice

Jump into Storytime

STEM Afternoon: Paper Making

Playgroup at the Library

Jump into Storytime

Machine Sewing

Playgroup at the Library

Week of the Young Child

Teens: Painting & Cocoa!

Machine Sewing: Learning to Use Patterns

Not Your Average Book Club

Teen Time: Games and Snack Night

Rubber Ducky Day

Not Your Average Book Club

Ages 6-12

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Ages 10 & up

Teens & Tweens

Adults & Seniors

Adults, Seniors

Family/All Ages

Author Visit: Heather Day Gilbert

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: I Have a Dream crafts

Jump into Storytime

Adult Crafts: Sea Glass Vases

Kids' Sewing Club

Playgroup at the Library

Brick Building

All Ages

Family/All Ages

Adults, Seniors

Children 5 & Under

6 and up

6-12

Children 5 & Under

Family Fun: Snow Day!

Family Fun: Earth Day

Kids' Sewing Club

All Ages

Family/All Ages

Ages 6 & up

Jump into Storytime Wednesdays

Adult Crafternoon: Boho Leaf Wall hanging

Stay ‘n Play Wednesdays

Jump into Storytime

Families Paint: Cupcake Celebration!

Stay & Play

Elk Valley Used Book Fundraiser

Elk Valley Used Book Fundraiser

Adult Craft: Boho Leaf Wall hanging

Elk Valley Used Book Fundraiser

Jump into Storytime

Teen Time

Stay & Play

Spring Plant and Seed Swap

Adults

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

Adults

Children 5 & Under

Children 5 & Under

All Ages

Elk Valley Book Group

Fall STEM Ahead: SNOW Much Fun

Adults

Families/All Ages

Kid’s Paint: Peace, Love and MLK Jr

Backyard Pollinators Presentation

Teen Time

Full STEM Ahead: Marble Coasters

Earth Day Craft Time: Magazine Paper Beads

Elk Valley Book Group

Family Game Night: Video Games

Adult Playgroup, Games and Conversation

Jump into Storytime

Maker Mondays: (Creators On-The-Go!) STEM makerspace activities

Stay & Play

Card & Letter Writing

Adults

Families/All Ages

Families

Teens

Adults & Teens

Adults

Families

Adults

All Ages

Children 5 & Under

All Ages

Children 5 & Under

Keva Planks Challenges

Family Fun: Puzzle Race

All Ages

Families/All Ages

Simple Origami

Discovery Play: SNOW much fun for the littles

Paper Chain Challenge

Cup Tower Challenge

All Ages

Children 5 & Under

All Ages

All Ages

ELK’S COOKBOOK the

CRACKED OUT TURKEY PINWHEELS OR PIMENTO & HAM PINWHEELS

Gabi Strickland Walkers of Walker Mt. Eats on Facebook said “Watch out, these are addictive!” These easy pinwheels are so easy to make and put in the refrigerator. Then all you have to do is slice and serve when you are ready. It’s a perfect grab-and-go snack before all of your kids’ summer sporting events!

CRACKED OUT TURKEY PINWHEELS

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 T Hidden Valley ranch dressing/dip mix (dry mix)

• 1 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 T milk

• 3 T bacon bits

• 1/2 lb thinly sliced turkey

• 4- 12" (burrito) flour tortillas (I used 6 soft taco size 10" because I keep those on hand; either will work)

Variation: Pimento & Ham

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ C grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 oz. jar diced pimentos, drain well

• ¼ t garlic powder

• ¼ t salt

• ¼ t salt

• Pepper to taste

• 2 T mayonnaise

• ½ lb. thin sliced deli ham

• 4 large burrito tortillas

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Mix softened cream cheese with the ranch powder, cheddar cheese, milk, and bacon until well combined.

STEP 2 Spread about 2 Tbsp of this mixture evenly on each tortilla then lay 3 slices of turkey breast flat on top of the cheese mixture to cover in a single layer.

STEP 3 Roll the tortilla up gently, yet tightly to make sure it holds together and keeps its shape.

STEP 4 Place them in a gallon storage bag. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the softened cheese.

STEP 5 When you are ready to serve, simply cut off ends of tortilla roll and then cut the roll into 1" slices.

Pimento & Ham

STEP 1 With an electric mixer, blend cream cheese with the cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, pimentos, garlic, salt and mayonnaise.

STEP 2 Spread about 2-3 T of mixture evenly on each tortilla and then lay 3-4 slices of deli ham on top of the cheese mixtures to cover in a single layer.

PROCEED WITH STEPS 3-5 ABOVE

A first look at Taylor Made Cafe on the Elk River!

Are you thinking about buttermilk biscuits with gravy, Dave’s Killer Whole Grain Bread with Nutella and Banana Slices or some mouth-watering french toast with strawberries…and maybe for lunch chicken salad rolls with lettuce, ham and cheese panini pressed sandwiches or a BLT? You've come to the right place!

Welcome to

Taylor Made Cafe

Here’s a first look at the newest Elk River business, Taylor Made Cafe. Owners Tammy and Steve Taylor have worked for months cleaning and remodeling the former Bob Peden Chevrolet Car Dealership located at 311 Elk River Road South in Clendenin (beside Scott’s Service and Auto Repair).

Taylor Made Cafe did a soft opening on Monday morning, bright and early at 7 AM, on March 1. They also did a luncheon on Friday, Match 15 at noon with a charcuterie grazing board and dessert for locals to sample!

311 Elk River Road South Clendenin, WV 25045

681.230.2020

Tammy is not having a set menu, but instead will post on Facebook and at their Cafe what they will be having each day. Check the chalkboard daily to see what scrumptious menu items they have prepared for you.She also has a great selection of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options and a variety of delicious bakery items.

Tammy is not having a set menu, but instead will post on Facebook and at their Cafe what they will be having each day. Check the chalkboard daily to see what scrumptious menu items they have prepared for you.She also has a great selection of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options and a variety of delicious bakery items.

“There are too many things I want to make and I can’t carry all of them every day, so we will have an evolving menu,” said Tammy. “For instance, we will say: Today we are having…and I will post the items. Varying breakfast items will include biscuits with toppings such as meats, eggs, cheeses; toasts with choice of toppings; bagels, yogurt fruit cups, fruit bowls, and more. Lunch items may include soup of the day, club sandwich, grilled ham and cheese, salad, etc.”

“There are too many things I want to make and I can’t carry all of them every day, so we will have an evolving menu,” said Tammy. “For instance, we will say: Today we are having…and I will post the items. Varying breakfast items will include biscuits with toppings such as meats, eggs, cheeses; toasts with choice of toppings; bagels, yogurt fruit cups, fruit bowls, and more. Lunch items may include soup of the day, club sandwich, grilled ham and cheese, salad, etc.”

Tammy said, “The menu items will change daily so you can experience them all!” She added, “Hopefully there will be something everyone likes and when we are sold out for the day, that’s it. We will close up the kitchen but we will continue to sell our delicious drinks until the next day.” They have drip coffee and cold brew while they are awaiting the arrival of their Espresso machine. “As soon as it arrives, we are ready to whip up a variety of delicious drinks for you each day!”

Tammy said, “The menu items will change daily so you can experience them all!” She added, “Hopefully there will be something everyone likes and when we are sold out for the day, that’s it. We will close up the kitchen but we will continue to sell our delicious drinks until the next day.” They have drip coffee and cold brew while they are awaiting the arrival of their Espresso machine. “As soon as it arrives, we are ready to whip up a variety of delicious drinks for you each day!”

Taylor Made Cafe is also taking reservations for evening rentals for special events such as baby and bridal showers, business meetings, etc. There will be a barista on site to make your favorite brews and you can order food for your event from the catering menu. For more information and event registrations, call 681.230.2020.

Taylor Made Cafe is also taking reservations for evening rentals for special events such as baby and bridal showers, business meetings, etc. There will be a barista on site to make your favorite brews and you can order food for your event from the catering menu. For more information and event registrations, call 681.230.2020.

OOVER YOUTH BASKETBALLHLEAGUE RISES & SHINES

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SCOTT ABBOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Since 2020 the Hoover Youth Basketball League (HYBL) has more than tripled in size by resurrecting their K-2 division and promoting their league on social media and in the community. This year the Hoover League left its mark across the Kanawha Valley when every team finished with a winning record in All-Star play. This is the first time in HYBL history that all Hoover All-Star teams finished with a .500 record or above!

- JASON CANTRELL "

I know they'll carry on the lessons learned and the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that has been so vital to their success. We can't wait to see what all they accomplish.”

Fifth Grade All-Star Team Sets

Records and Leads the Way

This year the fifth-grade Hoover All-Star team finished third out of seventeen teams in the Kanawha Valley Youth Basketball League (KVYBL). These young basketball players finished the season 16-3 and hold a remarkable three-year record of 41-12, making them the winningest All-Star team in Hoover League history.

The KVYBL fifth-grade tournament was held at the new Herbert Hoover High School March 1-3. Many Elk River sports fans and parents cheered on the fifth-grade team as they played their final KVYBL tournament before transitioning to middle school basketball. All games were streamed LIVE on the Hoover Youth Basketball YouTube Channel and can still be viewed by navigating to that site.

The talented Hoover All-Star teams hail exclusively from Herbert Hoover feeder schools (Pinch, Clendenin, Shoals, and Elk Elementary).

Coached by Jason Cantrell, Lee Hall, and Larry Abshire, the fifth grade team is comprised of nine players: Richie Abshire, Chance Cantrell, Eli Collins, Jameson Garton, Zander Hall, Colton

Hess, Josh Lawson, Mason Matuszkiewicz, and Ali Mullins.

All of the Hoover All Stars compete in the highly competitive KVYBL, considered the state's toughest youth basketball league. The league consists of 18 teams of second- throughfifth graders from Buffalo, Chapmanville, Dunbar, Hoover, Hurricane, Kanawha City, Logan, Milton, Nitro, Poca, Ripley, Riverside, Sissonville, South Charleston, South Hills, St. Albans, West Side and Winfield.

These teams play every Friday-Sunday starting in January and concluding with the KVYBL Tournament the first weekend of March.

This year all four Hoover teams flourished throughout the season. The fifth-grade team finished with a record of 16-3 and captured the third place trophy by defeating Ripley; the fourth-grade team finished with a winning record at 9-8 after losing their first round game to Hurricane; the third-grade team finished 12-5 after being upset in the first round of their tournament by Riverside and our second grade team finished with an even 7-7 record after falling in the semi-finals of their tournament.

Looking back at the Hoover Basketball League

The HYBL started in the early 1990’s, and most recently, had been managed by Don Mercer and Joey Robertson. Jason Cantrell took over the league in the spring of 2020 when his two basketball-playing sons were getting ready to head into kindergarten and second grade. Shortly afterward, plans were made for the Fall/Winter 2020 season but then the COVID pandemic hit. creating many challenges that year But the league managed to push back and finish their season in early 2021. No KVYBL All Star teams were assembled that year because of the fear of spreading the virus from community to community.

Cantrell added, “Our current team of fifth graders were in the second grade at that time and we didn't assemble a team due to COVID until January of 2022 when they were in third grade." That third grade team surprised a lot of people that first year by finishing 12-5 and in 5th place in the league standings. In years past, Hoover had struggled for a winning season but the team did not disappoint, finishing 13-4 and placing third at the KVYBL tournament.

One of the first things Cantrell did when he took over the league was to add back the K-2 division which had been abolished due to a lack of usable gym space after the flood of 2016.

“Our K-2 kids were having to go to other leagues to play if they weren't in third grade yet. I had been taking my sons to the South Hills league and I knew a few others who were going to other leagues as well. I knew in order for us to be competitive as these kids got older, we had to give them the opportunity to start playing at a younger age within our community. Couple that with good and consistent coaching and you can really level the playing field." Cantrell said he was able to work with some great Elk River people to make the K-2 division happen.

“The late great Dee Campbell removed the scoreboards from the flooded Herbert Hoover High and we put them up in the old Clendenin Middle School gymnasium. Dave Knight, Chair of 25045--A New Clendenin, Inc., was on board from the beginning and he got to work securing padding for the walls, refinishing the floor, ordering lowered rims and taking care of anything else we needed to make it happen. The people at Elkview Baptist Church also stepped up for us big time by providing a gym for all of our teams to practice, and this season Clendenin Nazarene also opened its doors to our league just as they had done for our high school teams after the flood. It was a team effort from the community; we all knew how much it would mean to our kids."

The Hoover League started with 80 players in 2020. After the first year the league began growing rapidly. This past season 210 kids participated on one of twenty five total teams. Cantrell said, “This season we had 90 kids in our K-2 division alone. We are tremendously proud of the growth of our league and are always looking for ways to make it a better and more enjoyable experience for our players and parents.”

Watch for signups in August and September for 2024-25 season at Hooverleague.com and on the league Facebook page. In October all registered players will be invited to an evaluation to perform in front of the coaches. “The players are then drafted in a way to make all of the teams as even as possible,” said Cantrell. "The goal of our league has always been competitive balance. Kids don't get better when they're winning by thirty or losing by thirty. We want our teams to be as even as possible skill-wise so that everyone has a good experience and the games are more fun."

The Hoover League plays every Saturday and Sunday in league play for eight weeks beginning in early November. The Hoover All-Star teams are selected in mid-December so that uniforms and other gear can be ordered and arrive in time for their first games in late January.

As this season comes to a close, it is again time to pass on the torch. All of the players will advance to their new teams next season, including the fifth graders who will move on to Elkview Middle and eventually Herbert Hoover High School. Cantrell said, “I know they'll carry on the lessons learned and the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that has been so vital to their success. We can't wait to see what all they accomplish.”

hit the It's time to TRAIL

Spring has sprung and many locals are enjoying the Elk River Trail. Steve Bishop was on the trail in Clendenin and Paul and Chistina Crowder and her brother Joe Smith and his wife Debbie enjoyed the trail from Dundon up to the town of Ivydale.

PHOTO CREDIT: PAUL AND CHRISTINA CROWDER, JEFF SKIDMORE, & STEVE BISHOP.

Save the Date

Elk River Trail Trail Marathon/Half/5K: September 22, 2024

This year’s Elk River Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5K has been scheduled for September 22, 2024. The number of participants is capped at 300 so go to wvmarathon.com and register soon!

Here is the latest on the Elk River Water Trail access at Gassaway. Kayak Ahoy!

ELK’S JOURNAL the

100 THINGS TO DO IN WEST VIRGINIA BEFORE YOU DIE

By Melody Pittman and Angela Richards

We picked up this book for my husband, Ken Tawney, for his 70th birthday and it is a must-have if you have a bucket list for things to do, places to eat, and landmarks to check out in West Virginia! We loved it so much we are featuring it in this month’s Elk’s Journal. It was published in March 2023 by Reedy Press.

You can start by reading the table of contents and putting checks beside what you have already done. But wait, when you actually read about it, you may discover you missed something when you were there. Sounds like it's time for a repeat visit!

We highly recommend you pick up your copy at your favorite local bookstore or order it from Amazon (available in Kindle format and paperback) and start checking things off your bucket list today.

Description from Amazon:

The beautiful state of West Virginia has many nicknames dedicated to her natural beauty. Whether you know the State of West Virginia as “Wild and Wonderful,” “Almost Heaven,” or “the Mountain State,” there is no better way to experience all the natural beauty here than to load up the car and immerse yourself in its wonder. 100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die gives ideas for seeing the best of the Mountain State, with insider tips sharing fun facts and personal recommendations. With carefully crafted itineraries for the whole family, visitors and locals alike will be ready to traverse the state like a true mountaineer. Take the back roads and discover the smallest church in the continental US, built before Hawaii and Alaska entered statehood, its white steeple standing out amongst picturesque scenery. Visit the most powerful and largest steerable radio telescope in the world, nestled in the middle of a national forest. Breathe in fresh mountain air and hike through some of the prettiest scenic vistas you will find anywhere, especially along the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, named after that famous family feud . . . Learn about the importance of the coal mine and glass industries and how local African Americans played a big part in World War I. West Virginia has it all, with everything from rich culture to beautiful architecture to iconic eateries. West Virginiaborn-and-raised professional travel writer Melody Pittman and lifelong resident and seasoned WV traveler Angie Richards invite you to explore the places they've curated through memorable trips of their own. They wrote this book to dazzle you with the beauty of "Almost Heaven, West Virginia," up your history knowledge, fill your taste buds with delicious bites, and introduce you to new, exciting WV finds.

FROM WEST VIRGINIA TRAILS

It’s great fun to visit West Virginia trails, whether you are biking or hiking. This month’s Reader’s Submission comes from Dave Knight and Rick Ferris, board members of 25045 – A New Clendenin, Inc. and Elk River Trail Foundation. They recently hiked 2.6 miles up the North West Mountain Trail at Canaan Valley. Dave said, “It took two hours to get there but it was worth every step. Breathtaking view!”

Jamie Harless Manager

Nick Hunter Funeral Attendant

Nick Fitzwater Funeral Director

Steve Teel Funeral Attendant

John Hafer axton L.I.C/Owner

Tina R. axton Owner

Mary Hafer Founder

ELK’S STUDENTS the

HHHS SWIM TEAM

Congrats to the Hoover Swim Team for its success at the WV SSAC High School Swimming State Championships. Ashton Walker, sophomore, was the State Runner Up in the 100 Fly and took third place in the 500 Free. Peyton Greathouse took fourth place in the 200 Free. The 400 Free Relay Team took fourth place with Peyton Greathouse, freshman, Jenna Stout, sophomore, Willa Skiles, sophomore, And Ashton Walker, sophomore. They finished sixth place overall in the State!

WRESTLING STATE TOURNAMENT

Congratulations to the HHHS wrestlers for placing 5th at the WVSSAC High School Wrestling Tournament! Individual placers included: 106 Orion Taylor, 3rd place; 113 Hunter Hughart, 3rd place; 150 Kolton Fields, 6th place; 165 Jake Eden, 4th place; and HWT Mighty Lopez, 6th place.

ELKHOUNDS 3D CHAMPIONSHIP

The Elk Elementary Elkhounds have won their first WV NASP 3D State Championship! Coach Jeffrey Mullins said, “The team was in first place by 20 points going into the championship and ended up winning by 77 points with a score of 1576 that put them in the top 5 national ranking.”

The top 5 archers received medals: Girls: Laycey Burdette 5th; Haylee Keeling 3rd; Aubrey Moles 2nd. Boys: Wyatt Shamblin, 2nd and Jackson Blankenship, Elementary State Champion 1st place.

AA REGION III TOURNAMENT

Huskie wrestlers placed first at the AA Region III tournament with a team score of 232 and headed to the State Tournament at the end of February. The Region III Tournament winners were: Individual Placers: Champion,Orion Taylor, Jake Eden, Mighty Lopez; Runner-Up: Hunter Hughart, Tanner O'Neill, Jonny Cottrell, Kolton Fields, Talon Harrison; 3rd Place: Dalton Myers, Ethan Deal, Trenton Teel; 4th Place: Lathan Chandler, Cody Collins; 5th Place: Laiken Carter

APRIL 5-6

BIG CLASS OF 1971 RUMMAGE SALE

The Herbert Hoover graduating class of 1971 is having their BIG rummage sale at the old Rogers Grocery at Pinch on Friday and Saturday, April 5-6. All proceeds go to the Herbert Hoover Vocational Education/School Scholarship that the class presents each year. Your support will help a 2024 Hoover graduate!

The Herbert Hoover graduating class of 1971 is having their BIG rummage sale at the old Rogers Grocery at Pinch on Friday and Saturday, April 5-6. All proceeds go to the Herbert Hoover Vocational Education/School Scholarship that the class presents each year. Your support will help a 2024 Hoover graduate!

APRIL 11-13

BIG USED BOOK SALE FUNDRAISER AT EVPL

Support your library! Elk Valley Branch Library is having a big used book sale starting with their Early Bird Sale on Thursday, April 11, from 5-7PM. It’s a perfect time to grab your favorites before the sale starts on Friday and Saturday, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.

Support your library! Elk Valley Branch Library is having a big used book sale starting with their Early Bird Sale on Thursday, April 11, from 5-7PM. It’s a perfect time to grab your favorites before the sale starts on Friday and Saturday, from 10 AM to 2:30 PM.

Bring a big bag or a box and load up for the summer! They will have books, DVDs/CDs,, magazines, music, and teen and children’s books. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Elk Valley Advisory Board. Location is 313 The Crossings Mall, Elkview. Donations are $1 for hardbacks, .25 for paperbacks, .10 for magazines and .25 for children’s books. DVDs and CDs are $1.

Bring a big bag or a box and load up for the summer! They will have books, DVDs/CDs,, magazines, music, and teen and children’s books. This fundraiser is sponsored by the Elk Valley Advisory Board. Location is 313 The Crossings Mall, Elkview. Donations are $1 for hardbacks, .25 for paperbacks, .10 for magazines and .25 for children’s books. DVDs and CDs are $1.

AUGUST 9-11

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PINCH REUNION

The Pinch Reunion Committee has announced that their historic, annual weekend event will take place Friday August 9th through Sunday August 11th, 2024.

The Pinch Reunion Committee has announced that their historic, annual weekend event will take place Friday August 9th through Sunday August 11th, 2024.

Currently scheduled to take place this year will be free live music on Friday and Saturday night, along with a 5K race and car show taking place on Saturday. Additional events are being planned and you can keep up with all event details by visiting the Pinch Reunion page on Facebook (Pinch Reunion WV) or by visiting their website at www.pinchreunion.com.

Currently scheduled to take place this year will be free live music on Friday and Saturday night, along with a 5K race and car show taking place on Saturday. Additional events are being planned and you can keep up with all event details by visiting the Pinch Reunion page on Facebook (Pinch Reunion WV) or by visiting their website at www.pinchreunion.com.

ELK REFLECTS the

COUNTRY ROADS, WV FLASHBACK

The Elk River Communities Museum shared a great photo from 1923. According to the article, the Elk River Road was only as wide as a buggy but then Brown & Floyd Contractors were tasked with the job of widening the road to its present width. G. J. Floyd said it was the first road widening ever done to a road in Clendenin! The article states that 13 miles of dirt road were improved, using wooden horse-drawn dump-bed wagons and steam shovels.

This photo was taken near Crede and was shared by Richard Bashlor.

AELK’S GARDEN the

GARDENING OLD WIVES TALES

By Laura Boggess Shafer.

Laura and her family manage a family farm in the Clendenin area. Keeping Appalachian values and traditions alive, she enjoys sharing her wisdom on gardening, canning, preserving, recipes and more with ERL readers!

s the time to plow & plant the garden gets closer, I’ve been reminded of some old wives tales about gardening and plants. So here are a few of our favorites that we hope you enjoy as much as we do.

“

Plant potatoes on Good Friday”

This doesn’t always work since Easter changes in March and April. Years and years ago some thought potatoes were the Devil’s food(grew underground, not fit to eat or poisonous) so the Irish planted on Good Friday to deter anything devilish about them.

“A bowl of beer will get rid of slugs”

The beer attracts the slugs and snails and they drown. This works. The trap is what kills them, not just the bait.

“Baking soda kills fungus”

Baking soda makes an inexpensive, non-toxic antifungal spray to use when you see mildew on plants.

“Marigolds keep bugs away”

Some aromatic plants like marigolds, mint and some herbs may turn some bugs away mainly from themselves but they do attract beneficial insects such as pollinator bees & others that eat bad bugs.

“Coffee grounds are good for plants”

They act as mulch and improve the soil with lots of beneficial nitrogen. Tea bags work the same way.

“Aspirin is good for plants”

It can help most plants more disease resistant. Salicylic acid is what helps plants fight against bacterial infections. Also aspirin in a flower vase will increase life of cut flowers.

Recipe: Mix 1 gallon warm water and 1 tablespoon baking soda. Spray plants to soak entire plant with solution and allow it to drip down & drench soil around plant. Remember these are old wives tales. Not all wives tales, however, are good advice. Some are really silly but some ring true. Just sort out the good from the bad.

Recipe: dissolve 1 or 2 aspirin in a gallon of water and spray plants once every 2-3 weeks. Do not overdose. Too much can damage plants.

the Parkinson’s Exercise Recommendations

HEALTHY ELK

PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and Elk Valley Physical Therapy now has a new physical therapist who is trained in a specific Parkinson's rehabilitation.

Andrew Robinson, DPT is the newest addition to Elk Valley Physical Therapy. He is a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College where he played collegiate baseball, and then earned his Doctorate of PT from Wheeling University in 2015. Andrew is certified as an LSVT clinician to treat Parkinson's Disease and is also certified by Titleist Performance to rehabilitate injuries involving golfers and other athletes.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, stiffness, slow movement and balance problems.

Exercise and physical activity can improve many motor and non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms:

Aerobic Activity

3 days/week for at least 30 mins per session of continuous or intermittent at moderate to vigorous intensity

TYPE: Continuous, rhythmic activities such as brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming, aerobics class

CONSIDERATIONS: Safety concerns due to risks of freezing of gait, low blood pressure, blunted heart rate response. Supervision may be required.

Strength

Training

2-3 non-consecutive days/ week for at least 30 mins per session of 10-15 reps for major muscle groups; resistance, speed or power focus

TYPE: Major muscle groups of upper/lower extremities such as using weight machines, resistance bands, light/moderate handheld weights or body weight

CONSIDERATIONS: Muscle stiffness or postural instability may hinder full range of motion.

Balance, Agility & Multitasking

2-3 days/week with daily integration if possible

TYPE: Multi-directional stepping, weight shifting, dynamic balance activities, large movements, multitasking such as yoga, tai chi, dance, boxing

CONSIDERATIONS: Safety concerns with cognitive and balance problems. Hold on to something stable as needed. Supervision may be required.

Stretching

>2-3 days/week with daily being most effective

TYPE: Sustained stretching with deep breathing or dynamic stretching before exercise

CONSIDERATIONS: May require adaptations for flexed posture, osteoporosis and pain.