Elk River Living | Volume 06 | Issue 06

A little Southern Soul

A unique Elk River business offers a blend of specialty items and services. And just added in time for summer, NEW delicious Hershey's hand-scooped ice cream!

p. 20

Love to stitch?

When you have four ladies who have grown up on the river and have a love of everything stitching, you have a great new group called Stitchin' Along the River!

p. 16

Dreams meet plans.

Hello & Welcome Back!

We had the best time writing our June feature on Southern Soul at the Crossings Mall. What an awesome little boutique with clothes, tanning beds, a hair stylist and barber, and Hershey’s hand-dipped ice cream in so many flavors! The owners, Brittany Spangler and Christy Smith, actually have five other shops within their shop, highlighting a variety of local businesses. Wait, there’s more! They also held their first vendor event mid-May where other vendors and local businesses set up outside with their specialty products and foods. Talk about promoting local businesses and helping everyone succeed--Southern Soul is doing it right! Crossings Mall was full of excitement all day!

Speaking of working together, a new stitching guild called Stitchin’ Along the River is having their first meeting on June 25 at 6 PM. If you love sewing or stitching of any kind, you will want to come to their first meeting. A love of sewing, a love of community, and a great time for fellowship. See our article on page 16 for more details.

You can’t help but notice that we do things together here on the Elk. Whether it’s crafting or cheering on our kids or supporting other businesses, Elk River embraces it. As we watched the Class of 2024 graduate this year, it was a special blessing to know that our children have been raised to appreciate their community and bond together during good times and adversity. The losses we all experienced in The Flood of 2016 will never be forgotten, but neither will the strength that evolved from it.

I am proud of us all here on the River, our hearts and our determination to succeed, no matter what life throws our way. Yes, we are indeed a special community here on the Elk River. We know it, are thankful for it, and promote it every day.

Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River.

cyndi@elkriverliving.com 304.546.9243

Creative Director /

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney

Cyndi Tawney

Operations Director / Josh Tawney

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

Photo provided by Brittany Spangler and Christy Smith of Southern Soul. Nothing goes together better than kids and ice cream.

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 Rd., 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 Rd., Clendenin

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 Penn. Ave., Charleston

BRANNON'S AUTO

304.935.2335

4039 Penn. Ave., Charleston

BRIDGEVALLEY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

304.205.6700

admissions@bridgevalley.edu

CANTRELL’S FLORIST

304.548.7700

7484 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES

304.965.9081

Local Charleston Office

CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING

24-Hour Towing and Lockout

304.965.5634

648 Shady Ln., Elkview

CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK

304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101

236 North Point Dr., Clendenin

CLENDENIN PHARMACY

304.548.5451

Bill Ore & Linsay Matuszkiewicz

CREDE TRACTOR

304.965.1666

Contact William Crede

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM

304.965.7024

85 Credes Landing, 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 St., Clendenin

ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC

304.965.2458 | Dr. Scott Collias

4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D, Charleston

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 PADDLE & YAK

304.314.3880

Kayak Rentals & Shuttle Service

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

5088 Washington St., W. Charleston elrobinsonengineering.com

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

GREENS OF BIG CHIMNEY

304.965.3313

4509 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL

304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341

haferfuneralhome.net

HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

304.344.5044

2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE

304.965.9941

holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

HOMESTEAD INSPECTIONS, LLC

304.965.4866

Michel Criner

INDIAN LAKE

304.965.5661

1111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview

JIFFY J’S INC.

Portable Restrooms

800.256.8657

KEITH'S AUTO PARTS

304.548.7627 | 1-800-RACE-A-VW

VW Specialists

6328 Elk River Rd., N. Clendenin

KEMPS 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

LAUGHTER & LACE

304.382.1791 Call or Text

Rebekah Kersey, Seamstress

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

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

304.343.5666

3324 Penn. Ave., Ste. 203, Charleston

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

ROGERS HARDWARE

304.965.1077

Bill Rogers

SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR

681.230.2151

311C Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin

SLEEP INN

304.345.5111

2772 Penn. Ave., Chas

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

304.965.3611

80 St. Andrew Ln., Elkview

TAYLOR MADE CAFE

681.230.2020

311A Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin

THE PRINTING PRESS

304.744.7949

143 Gaylor Ln., Chas

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD

304.965.7769

1083 Main St., Elkview

VISION APPALACHIA

Jesse & Debbie Boggs

412.780.7523

WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE

304.935.2287

5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview

XSPEC POWER

304.746.1139

Contact Emily Canterbury

YAK HOUSE RENTALS

304.941.2229

403 Elk Ave., Clendenin

Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

AT THE LIBRARY

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

JUNE LIBRARY EVENTS

DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE

JUNE 1 11AM

Summer Library Club: Kickoff to Adventure! All Ages

JUNE 4 6PM Outdoor Safety Tips with the Kanawha State Forest Adults & Seniors

JUNE 5 2PM STEAM Adventures: Making Paint Families

JUNE 6 2PM Jump into Storytime

JUNE 6 2:30PM Playgroup at the Library

Children 0-5

Children 0-5

JUNE 6 3PM Itty Bitty Therapy Horses Families

JUNE 11 2PM Brick Building Families

JUNE 11 6PM Fantasy Mapmaking Teens & Adults

JUNE 13 2PM Kids Sew 6-12 & Teens

JUNE 15 11AM Machine Sewing: Open Sewing Tweens to Seniors

JUNE 18 3PM DIY Hand Stamped Jewelry Teens to Seniors

JUNE 20 All Day West Virginia Day Celebration All Ages

JUNE 22 Noon WV Mobile Gaming All Ages

JUNE 25 All Day Adventure Begins at Your Library: Travel Journaling Adults

JUNE 25 2:30PM Beaded Keychains Tweens & Teens

JUNE 27 5:30PM Adventures in Family Cupcake Wars Families

DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE

June 3 3:30PM Summer Library Club Summer Camp Kick-Off Families

June 3 4PM Itty, Bitty Therapy Horses Families

June 4 6PM History Alive: Thomas Ingles

June 5 10:30AM Jump Into Storytime

June 5 11 AM Stay'N Play

Adults

Children 0-5

Children 0-5

June 6 10:30AM Bookmobile! Storytime at Coonskin Park Families

June 10 5PM Wild West Adventures Families

June 11 6PM Teen Time Teens

June 12 10:30 am Jump Into Storytime

June 12 11 AM Stay'N Play

Children 0-5

Children 0-5

June 12 6PM Andrew Finn Magill: Fiddling Traditions Adults

June 13 2PM Summer Camp Creations: Windy Wonders Families

June 17 6PM Tony Music: West Virginia Musical Adventures Families

June 19 2PM Family Paint: Optical Illusion Families

June 20 10:30AM Bookmobile! Storytime at Coonskin Park Families

June 20 2PM Elk Valley Book Group Adults

June 24 5PM The Great Library Obstacle Course Families

June 25 2PM Summer Camp Creations: Birdfeeders Families

June 25 6PM Outdoor Safety Tips with the Kanawha State Forest Adults

June26 10:30 am Jump Into Storytime

June 26 11 AM Stay'N Play

Children 0-5

Children 0-5

June 27 1PM Rad Reptiles with Kim Smith Families

ELK’S COOKBOOK the

By Gabi Strickland Walker. Gabi is the creator and editor of Walker Mtn. Eats Facebook group, where she shares her delicious recipes which are tried-and-true tested on her husband, Gar, her girls, and her family, church family, and friends.

PIZZA PUFFS

If you love Red Lobster® biscuits and pepperoni rolls, this recipe is for you. Gabi Strickland Walker said, “These little gems are so easy to make and are perfect to take to your summer sporting events. Everyone goes wild over them.” They are also great to tuck in a lunch box or serve with a fresh, summer salad. Give these a try soon! Your gang will love them.

PIZZA PUFFS

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

INGREDIENTS

• 2- 7 oz tubes canned biscuits

• 4 T butter - melted

• ½ t garlic powder

• ½ t Italian seasoning

• ¼ t onion powder

• Pinch of salt

• ½ C pepperoni slices - cut into small pieces

• 1 C shredded pizza blend cheese

• Marinara sauce for dippingoptional

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

STEP 2 Cut each of the biscuits into four equal pieces and place them in a large bowl.

STEP 3 Melt butter and stir in seasonings and salt. Pour over biscuit pieces and toss gently to coat.

STEP 4 Add pepperoni pieces and cheese. Toss to evenly combine (using your hands to mix/toss is best).

STEP 5 Divide the mixture evenly among the 12-count, prepared muffin pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTE Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

A Love OF COMMUNITY

+ A LOVE OF STITCHING

L-R Donna Chambers Kay, Patty Brannon & Anne Simms

What happens when you have four ladies who have grown up on the river and have a love of everything stitching? You have a great new group called Stitchin' Along the River!

This new stitching guild will meet for the first time on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 6-8 PM and then on the fourth Tuesday of every month going forward. They will be meeting downstairs at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at Pinch. Anyone with a love of stitching of any kind is invited to attend.

Donna Chambers Kay, Patty Brannon, Linda Banker, and Anne Simms are the organizers of this new group. Patty said, “We have all grown up here in this community and it is where we have our roots. We also share a love of sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting…anything stitching! What better place to get people together for fellowship, show and tell projects, and to learn something new!”

Patty was motivated to create this group in honor of her aunt, Stella “Jane” Lyons. “Jane loved quilting,” said Patty. “She even set up a sewing center on her front porch, complete with a toaster oven and mini refrigerator and her sewing machine.”

Jane would also go to the Elk Community Center and sew with many of the local ladies. “She loved the members of the quilting group. They were like her second family.”

Patty added, “Whenever she wasn’t at the Elk Community Center, you could find her on the front porch sewing away!”

Stitchin' Along the River plans to be a fun social group where members can learn new sewing techniques, show and tell some of their favorite projects, and share ideas. Patty said, “After the group is established we hope to have some Sit and Sew meetings on Saturdays where people can bring whatever they are working on and just visit and sew.”

Mark your calendar for the first meeting: Tuesday, June 25 at 6-8 PM.

It's time to get a little SOUTHERN SOUL

f you are looking for a unique business that offers a little bit of all your favorites, check out Southern Soul, located at 309 Crossings Mall (across from the Elk Valley Branch Library). Owners Brittany Spangler and her sister-in-law, Christy Smith of Elkview, offer a blend of specialty items and services, as well as products from local businesses featuring homemade canned goods, earrings, gifts, and healthy teas,/protein shakes/coffees.

309 Crossings Mall

Elkview, WV 25071

304.542.6173

Facebook/Southern Soul

The most exciting news is the recent addition of Southern Soul’s Hershey’s hand-scooped ice cream in 12 different flavors! You can choose one or two scoops in a bowl, regular or waffle cone. Not in the mood for a cone--how about a shake, banana split or a hot fudge sundae!

Brittany said, “When we first opened in 2021, we were located under Michael’s Hair Salon at Big Chimney, and when we decided to move to our new location, we wanted to expand our horizons and offer something different with more of a storefront.”

THE NEW SOUTHERN SOUL NOW OFFERS:

– Gift Shop – Delightful gifts by Lisa Salisbury, especially for kids. From knick-knacks and crafts, to kid-friendly items (bracelets, tiny animals and more). There is always something of hers that catches your eye!

– Tanning Beds – Tanning bed sessions are available in 20-minute packages. You can choose from 10 sessions for $20; 15 sessions for $35, or 1 month for $45. Also, new tanning lotions are now in stock.

– Hershey’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream – in 12 amazing flavors, including their newest Blueberry Cheesecake! New flavors are available every week.

– Hair Salon – Stylist Adriana Kennedy is a licensed cosmetologist onsite and is accepting new clients. 681.344.0587.

– NEW! Barber – Tyler Truman is a licensed barber and is

also accepting new clients. 304.741.1430.

OTHER VENDOR PRODUCTS AT SOUTHERN SOUL’S LOCATION INCLUDE:

– PRA Designs by Catherine Carnefix featuring custom tees, tumblers, key chains and more. Catherine is a wife and mother to three beautiful girls. In addition to being a hairstylist, her passion is creating and designing, whether it be hair, shirts, tumblers, garden flags, and more. She will also work with you on a certain design or image that you have in mind! Message her on Facebook/PRA Designs and at Southern Soul.

– B Boggs Designs by Brittany Boggs who specializes in freshies, customized t-shirts and more! Her freshies come in a variety of shapes and scents for men, women, and kids! They are perfect to freshen up any area that needs a little TLC, whether it is your cars, closets or bathrooms. You can see her products at BBoggs Design on Facebook and at Southern Soul.

– Morris Farm by Ciara Morris with her delicious homemade jams, jellies, apple pie filling, and strawberry and cinnamon honey butters are available at Southern Soul. Ciara also has fresh eggs, hatching eggs and chicks, mini rex rabbits, bantam silkie chickens and rainbow layer flock, homemade dog treats and more! Message her on Facebook/Morris Farm.

– Homemade Charm by Lindsay Paxton is a mommaowned, small business specializing in various earrings. Lindsay offers an array of school spirit, seed beads, simple elegance, embroidered dangles, wood studs and dangles, acrylic, macrame, flower, patriotic, WV theme, genuine leather, and holiday earrings. https:// homemadecharmbylindsay.square.site or, of course, at Southern Soul.

– Husky Nutrition by owner Jon Sheets is an Elk River favorite, offering delicious herbal energy teas and replacement protein shakes/coffees. Over 25 delicious teas--including The Husky featuring blue raspberry and strawberry flavors for the ultimate Husky experience. Choose from over 15 different shakes--birthday cake, cinnamon toast crunch, cookie dough,and more. You can also message him for information on deliveries!

Southern Soul also hosted their first Southern Soul Spring Vendor Event on Saturday, May 18 from 11 AM to 5 PM at 309 Crossings Mall Road in Elkview. A variety of vendors, food trucks and small businesses participated, offering

kid face painting, jewelry, scentsy items, lemonade, jams and jellies, ice cream, crafters, car freshies, baked goods and more!

Brittany said, “This was our first attempt at a vendor event and we were so excited with the community turnout supporting small businesses. It was a great opportunity to showcase local vendors.” Mark your calendars for next month and come join the fun with Breanna Chandler, Jennifer Ritz McFarland, Sarah Thomas Schoolcraft, Chloe Painter, Kimberly Salisbury Caldwell, Lisa Ritz Salisbury, Hannah Salsbury, Lana Blake Teaford, Jennifer Schoolcraft and Sister Hibachi! If you would like to be a vendor at the next event, contact /Southern Soul.

If you haven’t checked out Southern Soul recently, stop by their new location at the 309 Crossings Mall. Walking in is easy--juggling all of your purchases and deciding which ice cream tea/shake flavor you want is the hard part. You may have to just settle for two different scoops and make a trip to the car first with your gift bags!

Southern Soul is open from 12 Noon to 8 PM Monday through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday 11 AM until 8 PM.

GET READY TO PEDAL ON THE RAILS!

OPENING DATE JUNE 8TH

The WV Department of Transportation (WVDOT) and Rail Explorers have announced their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 7, followed by their grand opening on Saturday, June 8, 2024, for the new pedalpowered rail bikes at J. G. Bradley Campground in Clay County.

The bikes will run 6.2 miles up and back (12.5 miles total) on the rails of the historic Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad line that ran along Buffalo Creek from Dundon to Widen. Trey Corwell of Rail Explorers USA said, “Our bikes are almost 95% assembled and they will be ready for everyone on June 8!” Invitations have gone out to more than 150,000 people, from the Governor’s office and the Department of Tourism, to county commissioners and local government officials. “Trey added, “It’s a huge investment in our community and I can’t wait to share it with the world!”

ELK’S JOURNAL

WE ARE APPALACHIA

By contributing writers

Brooke Hypes, Rachel Fortune & Elijah Asbury

Three contributing writers, Brooke Hypes, Rachel Fortune, and Elijah Asbury, were featured at a Plot Twist Books for their new Mountain State Press literary anthology, “We are Appalachia!” This book signing event was held on Saturday May 18, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the awesome Plot Twist Books (recently voted the best indie bookstore in WV), located on 209 D Street, South Charleston.

Mountain State Press said, “Some selections are as heart warming as sunshine after a cloudy day while others are representative of cultures not often associated with Appalachia. The writer’s souls are in this book, and they want to share their stories with you and allow readers to get to know Appalachia and its people a little better.

mawmaw deserves.

Inside Appalachia you’ll find a diverse and vivid population. Inside this book, representatives of many of those populations entertain us with essays, stories, and poems about their experiences within this great region. The creative pieces were written by Marshall University students, retired faculty, President Brad Smith, plus a few wonderful citizens of the region--a plethora of talented writers who have a story to tell. Sit back, relax, something we enjoy doing here in beautiful Appalachia and read about us and who we really are!”

To order your copy, scan the QR code to visit www.mountainstatepress.org or pick up a copy at Plot Twist Books soon.

“Your house has always been stuffed with antiques. Sharp antique tools and delicate glass perched on living room tables, dangling from walls and ceilings. Things to admire but never to be played with, unless nobody is looking, which happened quite often for me. Now, I dust instead of play. Vacuum instead of tracking dirt in. The antiques keep getting older and so do I. The delicate things are moved to higher shelves to make way for toddler destruction, and I’ve become the person in charge of keeping the peace.

You still say it’s okay for the babies to play with whatever they want, “Just as long as they don’t get hurt!” But I know the great-grand babies make you nervous sometimes, and I can appreciate how I might have made you nervous too. I quite often climbed on top of the refrigerator, sat on the cabinets, and jumped from the table to the floor. Seeing my niece and nephews grow up with someone like you in their lives has made me realize how important you are. Mamaw, you’ve always given me the freedom to be myself, to explore, to create, and to just be weird. You helped me become who I need to be.”

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY, AAS PROGRAM

CONGRATS CLASS OF 2024

ERL Photographer Scott Abbott of Scott Abbott Photography captures the proud Herbert Hoover Class of 2024, displayed at the Poca Valley Bank in Elkview, WV.

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

SOFTBALL

Team AA Region 2 Champions again! Seventh straight WV State Softball Tournament appearance for the Lady Huskies where they proudly captured third place!

BASEBALL

AA Region 2 Section 2 Champions after a clean sweep against Lewis County and AA Region 2 Champs! Headed to the States!

FOOTBALL

Congrats to Alek Harrison and Zacory Greer who were selected to represent HHHS in the 2024 North-South Football Classic. The event will be held on June 15, 2024, 12 Noon, at South Charleston High School.

TRACK & FIELD

Congrats to the Huskies for a great performance at the State Track and Field Meet in Charleston. John Jones placed 7th in long jump with a distance of 19-05.75 feet and Ahaziah Smith placed 5th in high jump with a height of 4’10”. Jenna Brown placed 2nd in the 3200, 1600, and 800. She also set new school records in all 3 events. The 4 x 200 team of Alana King, Ahaziah Smith, Carlee McCraw and Emma Cottrell set a new school record with a time of 1:54.57.The school’s 800 meter record has stood since 1985! The Lady Huskies Track Team finished 9th overall in AA. Hoover’s State qualifiers included: Joey White, Champion, 200m dash; Joey White, runner-up, 100m dash; and John Jones 3rd place in 200m dash, long jump, and 4 x 200 m relay. The girls team captured the regional runners-up title. Their state qualifiers were Jenna Brown. champion, 800m, 1600m and 3200m; Ahaziah Smith, runner-up; 4 x100 relay and 4 x 800 relay runners-up; and Emma Cottrell, 3rd place, 400m dash, 4 x 200 relay and 4 x 400 relay, 3rd place.

JULY

4, 5, & 6

GASSAWAY DAYS

Mark your calendars for July 4, 5, and 6 and make plans now to spend the July 4th weekend at Gassaway Days in Gassaway, WV. This year may be the best it has ever been with upgraded entertainment across the board, carnival rides, parade, car show, dog show, superheroes, outdoor circus, skating rink, food trucks, crafts and other vendors!

JUNE 8 | 11AM–2PM

GRAND OPENING

TAYLOR MADE CAFE

Taylor Made Cafe is having their grand opening on Saturday, June 8, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Come sample their delicious menu and bakery items, have an amazing cup of coffee, relax, and visit--just what Tammy Taylor, owner, wants you to do anytime you stop in. It’s a place to unwind and enjoy! There will be a DJ and door prizes every hour.

It will be a great day to celebrate the opening of Clendenin’s newest foodery, Taylor Made Cafe. Located at 311A, Elk River Road South, Clendenin, WV 25045 681.230.2020. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, bakery, events and catering!

ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER

FRIDAY

06/07 06/14 06/21 06/28

NIGHT JAM

NO REGRETS

DIXIE HIGHWAY

STEPHANIE & THE BAND OF BROTHERS

RETRO COUNTRY

Doors open at 5pm | Band starts at 7pm

Admission $5 | Kids 12 & Under FREE

Thrift store is open Fri. from 5:30-8:30pm

Concessions available

1058 MAIN STREET, ELKVIEW

JUNE 8

SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The churches of the Clendenin Ministerial Association are pleased to announce that they will be holding a joint Vacation Bible School on Saturday, June 8th, from 4 to 8 PM on Main Street in Clendenin, WV. The VBS will have a theme of “Fishers of Men” and will offer classes, crafts, snacks, music and other activities in a fun, safe summertime activity for children up to age 13. Its purpose is to spread the Word of God’s love to the children and families of the community. There is no cost to participants. Children participating must have a parent or guardian who will be present for the event. A registration form (attached) will need to be filled out and can be brought on the day of the event. In the event of rain, the VBS will be moved to Koontz Gym (the old Clendenin Middle School Gym).

The Ministerial Association is composed of the Clendenin Advent Christian Church, The Clendenin Nazarene Church, the First Baptist Church of Clendenin, The Clendenin Methodist Church and the Clendenin Pentecostal Church. In addition to each church’s individual ministries, they work together to provide an emergency food pantry and assistance to the needy in the community whenever possible. For more information, or for a registration form, please email Pastor Kevin L. Miller at AmazingMillerMan@ gmail.com or call the Clendenin town hall at 304-5484192 during regular business hours.

ELK REFLECTS the

ELK REFINING

This month’s Elk Reflects was shared by Earl Fridley and Richard L. Bashlor of the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum. Elk Refining was a 44-acre site located in Falling Rock, right on the Elk River near Clendenin. The peak years were during WWII into the 1950’s. They sold many products, including gasoline which in turn was sold at Keystone service stations. In 1983 Pennzoil elected to close the refinery which was a major blow to the region economically and to the railroad.

Description shared by Earl Fridley

“The first land grant was awarded to Matthew Arbuckle of Arbuckles Fort. Falling Rock didn't take that name

until the refinery was built and the post office was moved to the north bank along Route 119. Previously that area was called Beacon. Matthew Arbuckle ordered the first surveys for land grants that would be given to those involved with rearing, operating, and protecting Clendenin’s fort... all routes had to be protected and this was a line of defense to protect from Indian raids after the Battle of Point Pleasant. These grants were given all the way up Elk to Clendenin where Big Sandy Creek (once a river) enters the Elk.”

KIDS IN THE GARDEN ELK’S GARDEN

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!

Now that it’s June - school is out! It is a great time to get the kids outside in the garden. They will learn lifelong skills from preparing soil, picking out seeds and plants, gauging how much water is needed, ensuring proper drainage, and watching their plants grow into delicious vegetables.

June isn’t too late for the kids to plant their favorite vegetables. If you don’t have garden space, don’t worry! Just use containers you already have around the house such as flower pots, buckets, old wash tubs, raised beds, pallets, etc. The important thing is to make sure they have good drainage. I recently saw an old cattle feeder turned into a raised bed.

Let the kids help in your garden by pulling weeds, staking and tying up tomatoes and beans (and cutting strings - depending on their age) and helping with the watering. Once the vegetables are ready for harvesting,

teach them when they are ready and how to pick the vegetables without killing the plant. Did I mention the best part: eating! My kids helped me garden when they were young and now my grandsons help. They love eating raw vegetables. One idea is to have your kids create their own summer raw veggie tray with their favorite dip or peanut butter.

Another good idea is to get the kids involved in this summer’s local Library Club Adventure Reading Program, Welcome to Camp Readmore, which begins June 1-July 31.There are lots of fun activities for kids of all ages and the Clendenin and Elk Valley Branch libraries are full of books ready for your kids to enjoy. It's also a good way to introduce them to books outside of the children/teen shelves - Oh wow, here are books about gardening, pest control, specific vegetables, canning, cooking, etc. There are a lot of possibilities!

Grandson Wade helping in the lettuce bed.

Grandson Marshall helping plant potatoes.

When you take your kids to the grocery store, use that as a learning time, too. Younger kids can hunt for vegetables by colors or pictures. If they are learning letters or numbers, they can hunt for those as well. If they are reading, they can read labels, compare brands, and prices and determine the best buy.

Older children can round up the prices and keep a running total of what you are spending that day and even write the total down each week to see the total monthly cost. This helps them learn how much food costs. These activities also keep the kids busy so you can shop (parent secret). Your kids will remember these activities even when they are grown. My daughter automatically rounds her groceries still today because I did this with her when she was young!

Whether you are planting a garden or grocery shopping, you and your kids will remember these fun activities. Younger children may need a little extra time, but they will have so much fun being a part of the process. There is something extra special when you serve the vegetables the kids helped raise themselves or helped pick out at the grocery store. Take time to enjoy these years because they grow up way too fast!

Grandson Kennedy planting seeds.

HEALTHY ELK

WEEKEND WARRIORS: FIVE WAYS TO BATTLE INJURY

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

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly nine million Americans pack a full week’s worth of exercise into just two days. These occasional athletes, also known as Weekend Warriors, account for the largest population encountering nonprofessional sport-related injuries, which add up to healthcare costs exceeding more than $18 billion per year.

The most common injuries Weekend Warriors face include rotator cuff injuries, Achilles tendonitis, golf or tennis elbow, acute knee pain and ankle sprains. Weekend Warriors and recreational athletes suffer from injuries at a rate that far surpasses their everything-inmoderation fitness counterparts.

Age and physical condition play significant roles in these injuries, as tissue loses its elasticity and is not conditioned properly for rigorous activity. But injuries can be minimized with a dose of common sense prevention.

After being cleared by your physician to determine overall health and safety participating with exercise, the following steps can help minimize injuries:

1. SEE YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST.

There is no one more knowledgeable and well equipped to help you understand your musculoskeletal system than a physical therapist. A physical therapist will assess strengths and weaknesses from which a comprehensive fitness plan can be tailored to best fit each individual’s needs and goals, including a stair-step of preliminary goals that help achieve end goals.

2. ALWAYS WARM UP BEFORE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND COOL DOWN BEFORE FINISHING.

Warmed muscles are ready for activity and are less susceptible to injury. Warm up and cool down should become part of every workout.

3. LIGHT STRETCHING.

Often, weekend warriors skip stretching altogether, or sometimes overstretch. Routine light stretching helps warm muscles up and increases range of motion.

4. COMMIT TO FITNESS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

To eliminate muscle shock, introduce physical activity throughout the week that includes cardiovascular activity, stretching and weightlifting for balanced strength and conditioning.

5. REST AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.

Consecutive days of training translate into increased injuries. While many athletes think the more they train, the better they’ll play, the truth is, a tired body is more susceptible to muscle strain and other injuries. Consistent pains and strains over time can be a sign of health problems, and are among the most frequent causes that derail a fitness regime.

By following these tips the occasional athlete can enjoy weekend activity and decrease the risk of injury.

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