Elk River Living

Camp Whitney's summer youth camps are a favorite childhood memory. Now it is available to host all your special events! FEATURE STORY p. 22

Camp Whitney

Celebrating

27 years of

service

Bill and Lynn Chamber's Full Service Garage and Towing is honored to celebrate 27 years on the Elk River.

p. 16

Dreams meet plans.

Chambers Full-Service Garage Celebrates 27 Years of Service

Hello & Welcome Back!

This month Elk River Living is proud to feature two amazing establishments who have served our community with pride for many years.

First, this August Bill and Lynn Chambers are celebrating 27 years of serving the Elk River. Bill’s words say it best: “With the support of the community, 648 Shady Lane in Pinch ended up being our lifetime place. There’s nowhere else Lynn and I would rather be.” The Chambers offer everything you need for vehicle maintenance and repair, and don’t forget about their 24-hour towing and lock out services.

Our other feature brings back childhood memories for so many of us, Camp Whitney! While Camp Whitney is still offering summer youth camps, their gorgeous grounds, hotel, pool, dining hall/kitchen, and dormitories are now available for rent. It is perfect for out-of-town families who want to bike, hike, kayak, and enjoy the Elk River Trail and the Elk River Water Trail. Also, I can’t think of a better place to have family reunions or large get-togethers. Check out our feature story and see all of the amenities that are available at Camp Whitney.

August kicks off football season, and the Herbert Hoover Huskies have two scrimmages in mid-August and their first game against Independence High School is on Thursday night, August 29, at 7 PM. It’s time to get out your red and blue and be ready to pack the stadium and cheer on Coach Joey Fields and the amazing Huskies. Our grandson, Colton, is a sophomore at Hoover this year, and we love seeing a ‘Tawney’ back out on the field like his dad, Nate (HHHS class of 1995).

Take time for the things that matter most. Put all of the other things on hold. Life goes by too fast. Remember the lyrics in the famous Aerosmith song: You don’t want to miss a thing.

Until next month, be safe my friends and know that you are loved!

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

Camp Whitney’s summer campers enjoyed a great day outdoors with the bubble machine! Photo by Kevin Miller.

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

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 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

FOX COFFEE COMPANY

(inside Elk River Boutique)

304.549.8778

14 Main St., Clendenin

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

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

INDIAN LAKE

304.965.5661

1111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview

JIFFY J’S INC.

Portable Restrooms

800.256.8657

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

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

STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME

304.548.6611

www.stumpfuneralhomes.com

TAYLOR MADE CAFE

681.230.2020

311A Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin

TIM HOGANS DESIGN GALLERY @ BIG CHIMNEY

304.965.7111

4774 Chimney Dr., Charleston

THE PRINTING PRESS

304.744.7949

143 Gaylor Ln., Chas

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD

304.965.7769

1083 Main St., Elkview

WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE

304.935.2287

5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview

WEST VIRGINIA DEMOLITION, INC. (WV035021)

304.342.4004 office | 304.543.2338 cell jpickens2010@yahoo.com

XSPEC POWER

304.746.1139

Contact Emily Canterbury

YAK HOUSE RENTALS

304.941.2229

403 Elk Ave., Clendenin

Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

THOUSANDS OF EYES SEE OUR SPONSOR ADS EACH MONTH!

AT THE LIBRARY

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

AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS

DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE

Aug 1 10:30AM

Jump into Storytime: Gone Fishing

Aug 1 11AM Playgroup at the Library

Aug 7 3PM

STEM: See the Sound

Children 0-5

Ages 6-12

Aug 13 5:30PM Teens: Paper Bead Making Tweens, Teens

Aug 16 2PM Kids Sew Ages 6-11

Aug 17 11AM Machine Sewing All Ages

Aug 20 2PM Bobbleheads Ages 6-12

Aug 27 All Day Dog Days of Summer All Ages

Aug 29 2PM Family Fun: Minute to Win It Games Families

DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE

Aug 1 5PM

EV Advisory Board Book Fundraiser

All Ages

Aug 2 10AM EV Advisory Board Book Fundraiser All Ages

Aug 3 10AM EV Advisory Board Book Fundraiser All Ages

Aug 7 10:30AM Jump into Storytime

Aug 7 11AM Stay 'n Play

Aug 9 All Day Dolly Day Drop-In

Aug 12 5:30PM

Aug 13 2PM

Children 0-5

Family

STEM: Create & Destroy with Robots! Family, School-aged Children

Beginner Sewing: Bowl Cozy

Adults & Teens

Aug 19 6PM Teen Time Teens

Aug 20 2PM Elk Valley Book Group

Aug 20 5:30PM Beginner Sewing: Bowl Cozy

Aug 21 10:30AM Jump into Storytime

Aug 21 11:00 AM Stay 'n Play

Aug 26 5:30 PM Families Paint: Dog Days of Summer

Aug 28 10:30 AM Blue Heeler Bonanza

EV Advisory Board Book Fundraiser | Aug 2-3 @ 10AM–3pm (Early Bird Special Aug 1 @ 5–7:30PM) KCP Libraries will be Closed Aug 31 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Adults & Seniors

Adults & Teens

Children 0-5

Families (MUST REGISTER)

Children 0-5

ELK’S COOKBOOK

CREAMY STEAK PASTA SALAD

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.

This delicious salad eats like a meal! It uses an 18-ounce bag of refrigerated tortellini pasta which is a great timesaver, especially with fall activities kicking off this month! Grill some steak and asparagus spears, toss with Gabi’s creamy Italian dressing and dinner is ready.. Gabi said, “I wished I had made a double batch so we could have had leftovers the next day!

CREAMY STEAK PASTA SALAD & CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING

From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker

INGREDIENTS

PASTA SALAD

• 18-oz. bag refrigerated tortellini pasta (I used cheese but any filling will work)

• 18 (ish) spears asparagus - grilled

• *2 C grilled seasoned steak (your favorite cut)

• ½ C real bacon bits

• ½ C shredded Parmigiana Reggiano cheese

• 1-2 C creamy Italian dressing - Gabi’s recipe is included or you can use your favorite Italian dressing if desired

• Salt/pepper - if needed

CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING

• ⅔ C apple cider vinegar

• 1 C mayonnaise

• 3 T Dijon mustard

• 3 t salt

• 1 ½ t pepper

• 2 T sugar

• 2 T dried Italian seasoning

• 2 t garlic powder

• 2 t onion powder

• ½ C Romano grated cheese

• ½ C Parmesan (grated) cheese

• 1 - 1.5 C olive oil (I used 1 C)

DIRECTIONS

PASTA SALAD

STEP 1 Marinate or season your steaks in your favorite flavors. This can be done hours ahead of time, depending on what you like. (I used a NY Strip for this because it’s what I had on hand). I seasoned ours with Famous Dave’s Steak Seasoning and Kinder’s All-Purpose Seasoning. Season heavy as you want these very flavorful. Let sit for about 30 minutes as the grill warms up.

STEP 2 Grill the steak to your desired temperature, but remember you want them a little juicy and they will continue to cook as they cool. Once steaks are done, set aside to cool and then slice thin and chop into bite sized pieces. (This is a great use for leftover steaks)

STEP 3 Cook pasta per package directions in salted water until al-dente. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Set aside to dry.

STEP 4 While pasta is cooking, cut asparagus into 1 – 1 1/2" sections, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill asparagus until it is slightly tender but still has some crunch. Transfer the asparagus to a plate and set it aside to cool.

STEP 5 Once asparagus and steak are cooled to room temperature and the pasta has dried slightly, the salad can be assembled. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the dressing. Next add the cheese, bacon, asparagus, and steak and toss gently until completely combined. Taste for salt/pepper and adjust as needed, serve immediately. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cheese.

CREAMY ITALIAN DRESSING

STEP 1 Put all ingredients (except olive oil) in a food processor or blender, pulse until combined.

STEP 2 Begin adding olive oil about ½ cup at a time while the machine is on a low setting. Add until the consistency is how you like it for a dressing, I used about 1 cup. Keep any leftover dressing in the refrigerator. This recipe makes for a great marinade or a pasta salad dressing.

Chambers Celebrates YEARS OF SERVING THE ELK RIVER COMMUNITY

It takes a special business to offer 24-hour towing and unlock services in addition to their everyday auto repair services. A family-owned business who rolls out of bed, no matter what hour of the day and night, to help someone in need. A business that is celebrating their 27th year anniversary this month, serving our Elk River community: Chambers Full Service Garage and Towing/ Unlock Services!

For owners Bill and Lynn Chambers, however, it is more than just 27 years in business. “It’s 27 years of taking care of the community and being honored to call them our

friends and neighbors,” said Lynn. “It’s 27 years of having our office full of extended Elk River family. They don’t need a reason to stop by – they know they are always welcome.”

For Bill, it is more than just 27 years of starting from the ground up, twice in fact, due to Hurricane Hugo forcing them back to square one. “Hugo blew down the back wall and I had no choice but to start over, said Bill. “I built this garage one cinder block at a time and was just getting ready to add the roof when Hugo reduced it to a pile of blocks.” Bill recalls rebuilding with donated blocks, salvaged furniture, and garage doors donated from Team

Chevrolet in Charleston. He said, “With the support of the community, 648 Shady Lane ended up being our lifetime place. There’s nowhere else Lynn and I would rather be.”

Chambers is a full-service, preventative-maintenance and automotive-repair garage for both domestic and foreign vehicles. Bill’s grandfather had an auto repair shop in Charleston, and like many kids, Bill grew up hanging around the garage, watching and learning. “It has been a continual growing process,” said Bill “With the onslaught of computerized systems we had to update our skill sets accordingly. Danny Hager, Danny Wiseman, Jesse Taylor and I are all licensed mechanics, trained to scan engines with the latest diagnostic equipment and quickly diagnose them for repairs.” He added, “We guarantee your vehicle is serviced correctly while maintaining your manufacturer’s warranty. We only use quality replacement parts and our technicians are ASE-certified.”

Chambers also offers 24 hour towing and lock-out services. Bill and Lynn take pride in being known in the community as a dependable and reputable towing company. Lynn said, “We have 3 tow trucks that possess the necessary equipment to securely load and transport your damaged vehicle to a repair shop or storage facility.” She emphasized, “It is imperative to select a reliable service with the expertise, appropriate licensing, and insurance to avoid any possible issues or liability concerns.”

Bill said Chambers offers a full service garage: air conditioning services, batteries, belts and hoses, braking systems, computerized engine analysis, cooling system maintenance, CV & drive axle, emission control: emission testing program; exhaust, fuel injection service, oil change,

suspension and steering systems, state inspections, tire replacement, tires & wheels: tire rotation, transmission maintenance, and wheel alignment. Additionally, they offer after hours drop off, free shuttle, free Wi-Fi, and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence).

“We perform high quality, guaranteed service you can trust at a fair price,” he added. We are also your best choice for scheduled maintenance of your car, SUV, truck and fleet vehicles.”

Call Lynn and Bill at 304.965.5634 to schedule an appointment or just stop by to discuss your needs. Chambers Full Service Garage is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM with 24-hour towing and unlock services. Trust your vehicle to Chambers--an Elk Riverowned business that treats you like family!

Owner's Bill & Lynn Chambers

CAMP WHITNEY continues to make a difference

Camp Whitney! A name familiar to many of us, especially those who spent time there during our youth attending the West Virginia Advent Christian Conference (WVACC) summer church camps. Camp Whitney is a childhood favorite and holds many memories for the Elk River community.

PHOTOS BY KEVIN & NANCY MILLER

Did you know, however, that Camp Whitney is also available for rent and is a perfect gathering location for reunions or events? It is conveniently located near the beautiful Elk River Trail and Elk River Water Trail, and is just a half hour from the new Rail Explorers, the nation’s newest railbike location in Clay, WV.

Located off Thorofare Road in Clendenin, WV, Camp Whitney boasts gorgeous grounds and a pavilion, a 14-room hotel, in-ground pool, new dormitories, and a chapel that has the option of 6-8 rooms with cots for additional sleeping accommodations. There is also a fully equipped kitchen and dining hall.

Other detailed amenities at Camp Whitney include:

Grounds: baseball field, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pegs with horseshoes, open pavilion with open-face wood grill and two campfire sites are also available.

Motel: 14 rooms with full-size beds, women and men bathrooms equipped with showers, large common living room, full-size kitchen and laundry facilities.

Dining Hall: large commercial kitchen, dining room area that will seat approximately 75, plus a single restroom facility.

Dormitory: Two separate areas (boys and girls) equipped to house 50-60 occupants, separate common bathrooms for girls and boys, and a chapel that will seat 75.

Pool: The pool is open from June through Labor Day weekend in September. There is no lifeguard on site. Renters must provide their own licensed lifeguards or swim at their own risk.*

Camp Whitney is available for rental from March through Labor Day in September* (other dates may be available) except for the two weeks of summer camps. Junior camp is for second grade- through seventh grade campers and is held during the second week of July. Senior camp is for seventh grade through the freshman-year-of-college campers, held during the last week of June. Also, the WVACC annual meeting is on the third Saturday in August. Check your calendars and make your reservations now!

RENTAL RATES*

Reservations may be made anytime for the current year (2024) or for March through September (Labor Day weekend), 2025. Reservations for 2025 rentals will not be confirmed until February 1, 2025 of that reservation year.

POOL

HALF–DAY $60 | FULL DAY $100

GROUNDS & SHELTER

HALF–DAY $60 FULL DAY $100 HOTEL

ONE ROOM $40 ENTIRE HOTEL $500

DORM PER CAMPER $8 (minimum $75 per night dorm rental)

CHAPEL

ADD AN ADDITIONAL $50 PER DAY (No sleeping quarters included) (Does not apply to groups paying dorm rates)

A BIT OF HISTORY

The land for Camp Whitney was purchased in 1940 to be used for Christian outreach for the annual WV Advent Conference. The first camps were held on the property in 1947 and, through the years, Camp Whitney has continued to grow.

In 1924 Henry Wehrle, Sr., and his wife Arie Mohler Wehrle, sold 10.36 acres, which included their camp and caretaker’s house, to Hope Natural Gas Company. The original hotel now located at Camp Whitney was constructed by Hope Natural Gas Company in 1949 just to the east of the Hope company houses. It replaced the old boarding house (the former Wehrle Camp) located beside the swinging bridge. During the mid 1920’s, Hope Gas began constructing a large natural gas pumping station on the property which we all know today as Cornwell Station.

The hotel was a very nice facility with 12 occupied bedrooms, bathroom facilities, lounge, dining room, kitchen, and caretaker’s quarters. The hotel housed both Hope Gas employees and those who were doing contract work for the company.

*Rates are subject to change. Rates may be negotiable and/ or discounted for multiple rentals and/or extended stays.

KITCHEN & DINING HALL $100 Ginger & Les Rucker

FOR RENTAL INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS CONTACT

304.548.6443(O) | 304.389.0434(C) | 304.382.1505(C) email wvacc1@gmail.com

The hotel was going to be torn down in 1964, but Raymond Moss, an employee of Hope, approached WVACC about getting the building. As a result, the men of the WVACC were able to painstakingly disassemble, transport, and rebuild the hotel on the grounds at Camp Whitney on Thorofare Road in Clendenin where it remains operational still today.

There was an old dorm on site, but it has now been torn down and a new air conditioned and heated dormitory has been built in its place. The new dorm opened in 2023 and is the newest building at Camp Whitney.

REFRESHED & REVITALIZED

This summer the camp had an awesome group of volunteers from Delaware with the Praying Pelican Missions, who came to help revitalize the camp, both inside and out! The volunteers power washed the outside of the buildings, painted the exterior and interior walls of the hotel and chapel, cleaned, performed repairs, and gave Camp Whitney a refreshed look. They also cleaned the pool so that it was operational for the season.

Mark DiLorenzo, Operations Coordinator of the Appalachian Region of the Praying Pelicans, said, “We are headed back to Camp Whitney at the end of July to continue painting the hotel. We will also be working in the community at the Union Mission, Heart and Hand Outreach Ministry, and Cheylan Church of the Nazarene.”

Mark added, “This second team of volunteers is coming from North Carolina. The Praying Pelican Missions will continue this relationship in the future, and there are plans to have teams back at Camp Whitney and in the local community in 2025.”

Nancy Miller of the WVACC said, “Several in our Conference have referred to Camp Whitney as a Mission Field, spreading God's love to any and all who have entered this camp. You can see the results through the generations. I attended this camp as a 12-year-old and our son, who passed away, was baptized and attended camp as a camper for years. I have now returned with what I call my Little Blessing, my neighbor's boy who calls us Nana and Pop; three different generations.”

If you talk with most any family in the Elk River community, they all have fond memories of their time at Camp Whitney. Nancy said, “We have many that have dedicated their time, money and energy to spreading God's love through this camp and you can see the results. Many of them have gone on to be missionaries, pastors, church leaders and upstanding citizens in our community. This camp also serves our community by being a beautiful place to host events. It's our way of loving our neighbors

and teaching them about our Savior. We pray that the community will help us keep this mission field open for many more generations. The Praying Pelican Missions have lit the spark of renewal and now it's up to us to spread the word that Camp Whitney is still here.”

YOUR DONATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Camp Whitney is in need of funds to replace the older cots and bunk beds in the dormitory. They have new mattresses, but the beds need replacing. Also, the WVACC would like to add new playground equipment on the grounds. One way you can help is to link your Kroger card to WV Advent Christian Conference (Camp

Whitney). Kroger will then send a donation to the camp quarterly. It’s an easy way to help the camp without spending anything (and it does not take away your Kroger or fuel points).

If you would like to be a Camp Whitney donor, you can mail your donation to WVACC, P. O. Box 1069, Elkview,WV 25071. Please mark it for Camp Whitney Project Fund.

You can also send your donation via Venmo to wvacc5100@ gmail.com (phone code 6496 and please include a note in the description if you want the donation to go toward a specific project or item). Camp Whitney! Contact them and create more memories for generations to come!

CHILI’N

ON THE ELK’S CHILI CHASE/DAVE FIELDS

MEMORIAL 5K RUN

It’s time to register for this year’s annual 5K Chili Chase -- in memory and in honor of Dave Fields who helped so many runners on the Elk River. The race will start at 9 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Clendenin, WV. Proceeds benefit Herbert Hoover Athletic Boosters. Proudly sponsored by Riverscapes Excavating and Landscapes.

• $25 Registration Fee

• T-Shirt for participants registered by August 20th

• Run/Walk Categories

Scan the QR code to Sign up or visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/ Clendenin/DaveFieldsMemorial5K

ELK RIVER TRAIL FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SELECTED AS A 2024 AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANTEE!

Elk River Trail Foundation, Inc. is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 343 grantees selected (out of 3,300+ applications!) from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

With this quick-action grant we will purchase and install thirteen new benches along the Elk River Trail in Clay and Braxton Counties. The benches will add to the five very popular benches installed in Kanawha County that were funded with a grant from the Kanawha Coalition for Community Health Improvement.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Elk River Trail Foundation for this investment to make our trail towns of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay and Clendenin and other communities along the trail more livable for residents of all ages,” stated Ken Tawney, President of the Foundation.

“AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds innovative, quick-action projects that inspire change in

areas such as public places; housing; transportation; digital connectivity; community resilience; and more. With additional funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America, the program is also increasing its investment in pedestrian safety projects that will improve streets and sidewalks, create vibrant pedestrian infrastructure, engage community members and much more.

This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.

To learn more about the projects being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation, including all 343 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/ CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of current and past AARP Community Challenge projects and AARP’s Livable Communities work at aarp. org/livable.

ELK’S JOURNAL

REDNECKS: A NOVEL

By Taylor Brown

"The company ledgers in the black. Kept the Union miners sleeping in canvas tents, their demands unmet. Their wives dull-eyed with hunger, their feet dark-slopped with mud. Their children’s faces gaunt, so they could see their little skulls pressing through the skin, creeping toward the surface.”

– TAYLOR BROWN Author of Wingwalkers & Pride of Eden

If you are looking for a compelling story about coat miners, Appalachia and unions, pick up a copy of Taylor Brown’s newest release, Rednecks. Amazon says: Awardwinning novelist Taylor Brown dramatizes the 1920-1921 events of the West Virginia Mine Wars--from the Matewan Massacre through the Battle of Blair Mountain, the largest armed conflict on American soil since the Civil War, when some one million rounds were fired, bombs were dropped on Appalachia, and the term “redneck” would come to have an unexpected origin story.

Check out ERL’s favorite Plot Twist Books, 209 D Street, South Charleston, for a copy of Rednecks or visit your favorite bookstore or publisher today.

RECOMMENDATIONS?

ERL believes in sharing the rich written heritage of West Virginia. From published works to personal essays to poetry, we welcome your submissions in adding to the Appalachian canon.

Prologue Excerpt

Perhaps it’s an inadvertent spark from a miner’s pick, striking an unseen shard of flint. Perhaps a pocket of methane has just been exhaled from the strata, freed after eons. The mountain erupts. A train of fire bores through the tunnels and shafts and rooms. Men are buried alive, boys buried underground. A great plume of ash blows from the mouth of the mine and rolls skyward, seen for miles.

The morning papers will read 21 KILLED IN MINE BLAST. The country will hardly register the news. Such headlines are frequent, far removed from the reading public, like earthquakes or eruptions on far sides of the world.

Outside the drift mouth, two miners lie on their bellies, heaving, their hands atop their heads. They look at each other. Red-eyed, dizzied, ears a-whine. The world blows around them, dust and smoke and red meteors of coal. Everything clad in a pale of ash, thick and wooly. Tonight the coal camp will wail with death.

One raises his head. “Told you she’d blow, ain’t I? This wouldn’t never happen at no Union mine. We’d have them vent shafts we asked for.” The other miner looks over his shoulder, eyes wild, as if the Devil might be standing behind them, marking their words. He hisses through his teeth: “Hush with that talk man. You're like to get us kilt.”

PINCH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT TOWER 2

PARADE PHOTO CREDIT

JEREMY ADKINS, PVFD FIREMAN

The Pinch Volunteer Fire Department brought home second place for the Best Appearing Aerial at the 2024 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Fire Truck Parade! After many hours of hard work cleaning and detailing the truck by two of the PVFD firemen, the truck, Tower 2, brought home the award!

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

8/16/2024

8/21/2024

8/29/24

9/06/24 7PM H Winfield

9/13/24 9/20/24 9/27/24

10/10/24 FRIDAY NIGHT RIVALS GAME OF THE WEEK 10/18/24

11/01/24 11/08/24 *** There will be two home scrimmages before the first game. Watch Facebook/Herbert Hoover Football for time and more details.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HHHS FOOTBALL!

HHHS WRESTLING

A big thank you to C. Scott Harrison and BNA Construction for the new wall mats and State Placer signs! The new practice mats are down and the new wrestling room is coming together!

Pictured in the photo with the newly dedicated bench is Midge Forwood, Carolyn Harper (Treasurer), Henry Holbert (Vice President), Barbara Hively (Secretary), and Priscilla Scalf (President).

08/02 08/09 08/16 08/23 08/30

NO REGRETS

DIXIE HIGHWAY

STEPHANIE & THE BAND OF BROTHERS

RETRO COUNTRY THE PARDNERS

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

FRIDAY NIGHT JAM THANK YOU CLENDENIN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!

The Clendenin High School (CHS) Alumni Association was able to purchase an engraved marble bench which has now been placed in the courtyard at the new Herbert Hoover High School. Barbara Hively, committee member and Class of 1959, said, “It is the prayer of the CHS Alumni Association Reunion Committee that the students who pass through HHHS learn and have as much fun as we had during our school years at Clendenin High School.”

The first CHS reunion was held in 1995. Planning was started in 1994 with Jim Haught selected as president to head the organization. Harold Slate volunteered to research and write a constitution and bylaws. Over 340 classmates joined the membership drive and the money from that helped finance the first reunion. There were many memorable events that took place during the reunions. Barbara said, “There were even classmates who came home during the reunions who found their true love again!” The last reunion was held in 2017 and due to the age of the membership, it was voted to end the reunions. The CHS Reunion Committee was able to purchase the bench with the remaining reunion committee funds.

NEW RESTAURANT OPENING IN AUGUST, THE HUSKY DEN!

Billy Wehrle will open Elk River’s newest business in August! At first his new Husky Den will offer burgers, hot dogs, and hot bologna sandwiches with fries and onion rings. A perfect spot to grab something to eat anytime, but especially before the Hoover football games! The Husky Den is located at 1009 Main Street in Elkview (formerly The Swine Barrell).

Later Billy plans to start adding grilled sandwiches, but for now, he promises hot dogs and hot bologna that are “out of this world”.

Hours of Operation are Monday through Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 12 Noon to 6 PM! Watch Facebook/The Husky Den for opening dates. Right now he is hoping it will be around August 3, but depending on final utility hookups, it may be a bit later.

ELK REFLECTS the

DOWNTOWN CLENDENIN CIRCA 1915

Shared by Kim Johnson, administrator of the Facebook group, You Know You’re From Clendenin WV When and author of “Clendenin, West Virginia, Images of the Past”.

Kim Johnson shared this view of downtown Clendenin, dated about 1915, not long after the construction of the new First National Bank building on the corner. She said, “The old bank is located at the left and would be torn down not long after this picture was taken. The Clendenin Advent Church was completed in 1914 and can be seen across the river. The Big Sandy bridge can be seen but the Elk River bridge is hidden by the trees on the right.”

Anthony Huffman also pointed out the old Dalton’s store there on the corner and Steve Kittner loved seeing the oil derricks behind the Clendenin Advent Church. Betsy Dawson commented this photo is a wonderful look back in time!

ELK’S GARDEN the

IT'S TIME TO PICK A PECK (OR MORE) OF PEPPERS!

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!

Our peppers are doing well even as dry as it’s been this summer. We have bell, gypsy, jalapeño, and banana peppers (sweet, mild and hot). Did you know peppers are low calorie and high in Vitamin C? They also are high in antioxidants. Bell peppers come in red, orange, yellow and green colors, and using some of each makes for a gorgeous dish. Red is the sweetest and has the most nutrients.

One time-saving tip when you make stuffed green peppers (with your favorite recipe) is to make extra and freeze them. We vacuum seal ours. Then for a quick and easy dinner, just thaw some and bake as normal, adding extra cheese and your favorite sauce.

Also, another tip is to chop your peppers (bell, mild or hot) and freeze them in single packages in the amount that you normally use in your recipes. We freeze hot peppers for Mexican cornbread.

Green, hot or mild peppers can be added to your favorite pickle recipes. Hot and mild peppers can also be dried and ground and used in many dishes.

Remember when working with mild or hot peppers to use rubber gloves. Hot peppers will burn your hands.

Here are some of our favorite recipes using peppers. These age-old recipes for preserving peppers have been handed down to me by older, experienced canners. Some people prefer to let their jars cool until they are sealed and others prefer to process their jars for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. You can use either method.

STUFFED BANANA PEPPERS

• 2 (8 oz.) blocks of cream cheese

• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp. fresh cilantro

• 10 peppers

• raw bacon strips

STEP 1 Soak some toothpicks in water for approximately 10 minutes.

STEP 2 Mix all of the ingredients well.

STEP 3 Cut 15-20 peppers lengthwise without slicing them in half and remove the seeds.

STEP 4 Fill each pepper with the mixture.

STEP 5 Wrap each with bacon and insert a toothpick to hold bacon in place. Grill for 15 minutes, turning to cook until the bacon is crisp.

NOTE Jalapeño Poppers are made similarly. Slice the top off of the pepper, remove seeds, and fill with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. We also like to use a mixture of cheese, spices and sometimes ground meat. Our son fixes them differently each time. He likes to smoke them in the smoker, too. Let your imagination be your guide; experiment and see what your family likes the best!

PEPPER BUTTER

• 1 peck of hot peppers (A peck is a quarter of a bushel)

• 1 quart red vinegar

• 1 quart mustard

• 3 tbsp. salt

• 3 lbs brown sugar

• 1 cup flour (cornstarch can also be used to thicken)

STEP 1 Wash, drain peppers. Remove seeds.

STEP 2 Grind peppers (you can use a food processor). Mix all of the ingredients except the flour and cook for 30 minutes.

STEP 3 Mix the flour with enough water to make a paste and slowly stir into the hot mixture above. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring constantly.

STEP 4 Pour into HOT jars. Add lids and rings. The jars will seal as they cool. Or you can process the jars for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. Makes approx. 12 pints

NOTE We all love pepper butter. It’s especially good on sandwiches. We also soften an 8-oz. package of cream cheese and add a pint of pepper butter for a dip for Tostitos. It’s delicious!

HOT MUSTARD

• 20 peppers

• 1 quart mustard

• 1 quart white vinegar

• 4 cups sugar

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp. salt

STEP 1 Remove seeds but save them in a small bowl. Chop the peppers.

STEP 2 Mix all ingredients, including the saved seeds.

STEP 3 Bring to a boil over low heat and cook to desired thickness.

STEP 4 Put in jars and seal. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

HOT PEPPERS & FRANKS (*My Husband's Faveorite!)

• 2 lbs. of hot dogs, cut into ½ inch pieces

• 25 to 30 hot peppers, cut into rings

• 3 cups sugar

• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 pint vinegar

• 32-oz. bottle of catsup

• 1 clove garlic

STEP 1 Mix everything together except for the peppers and the hot dogs.

STEP 2 Seed the peppers and cut into fairly-thick rings. Cut the hot dogs into ½ inch pieces.

STEP 3 After you have mixed well, add the peppers and boil for 10 minutes. Add in the hot dogs during the last 4 minutes.

STEP 4 Put into jars. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

CANNED BANANA PEPPERS

• banana peppers (enough for 9 pints)

• 1 1/2 tsp. dill seed

• 1 clove of garlic

• 1 tsp. red pepper

• 1 quart vinegar

• 1 pint water

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup canning salt

STEP 1 Wash. Cut and seed the peppers. Place in jars.

STEP 2 Add to each jar: dill seed, garlic, and red pepper. Set aside.

STEP 3 Bring vinegar, water, sugar & salt to a boil - for 3 minutes. Pour over the peppers in jars.

STEP 4 Add lids and rings and let sit until sealed.

MORE DELICIOUS READER–SUBMITTED PEPPER RECIPES from the kitchen of Patty Brannon!

BOTTLED HELL* (*This sauce is HOT)

• 2 C chopped hot peppers (I use a lot of cayenne peppers)

• ½ C vinegar

• 1 ½ C vinegar

• 2 bottles ketchup (use 24 oz. bottles)

STEP 1 Mix 2 C chopped hot peppers with ½ C of vinegar. Let stand for about 30 minutes.

STEP 2 Add another 1 ½ C of vinegar and the 2 24-oz. bottles of ketchup into the chopped pepper mixture. Simmer in a large kettle for 15-20 minutes and pour into hot sterilized jars. Cool and seal. Makes 5 ½ pints.

NOTE This recipe comes from Mississippi and has been in our family for many years. I have also made this recipe with a ½ can of tomato paste (3 oz.) and about ½ C brown sugar also.

HOT PEPPERS WITH WIENERS IN TOMATO SAUCE

• 1 pint vegetable oil

• 1 pint vinegar

• 3 C sugar

• 32-oz. bottle of Ketchup

• 1 gallon hot banana peppers with seeds removed (I cut mine in slices)

• 3 lb. wieners cut into 4 sections each

• 1 t. salt

• 2 cloves garlic

STEP 1 Combine in a large pot: oil, vinegar, sugar, ketchup, garlic, hot peppers, and salt. Bring to a boil, simmer 10-15 minutes

STEP 2 Add the wieners and let them boil until plump.

STEP 3 Pour into jars and seal. Hot water bath for 15-20 minutes.

KICK-OFF for Sports Gear

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CUSTOMIZED SPECIALTY ITEMS

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Let The Printing Press help you with any signs, banners or car magnets you may need. We can help you get your message out! We can also print raffle tickets. So call us today to get all your supplies for your next event!

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HEALTHY ELK

FINDING

BALANCE: DIZZINESS & PHYSICAL THERAPY

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.

Dizziness is common and it can be a big problem in daily life. Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning is alarming and makes daily tasks difficult. The good news is that dizziness often has treatable causes, and your physical therapist can be the perfect person to help.

UNDERSTANDING DIZZINESS

Dizziness isn’t a specific problem—it’s a symptom that can be caused by many different issues. Feeling dizzy most commonly occurs due to issues with the inner ear, but it can also occur due to vision, joint or muscle issues in the neck, migraines, changes in blood pressure, head injuries, or other neurological problems.

HOW PHYSICAL THERAPISTS (PT) HELP

To understand dizziness and how a PT can help, you must know a little about how balance works. Your brain uses information from your inner ears, your vision, and input from your joints about their position and movement to keep you balanced and stable. Typically, all of this information paints the same picture for your brain. If your brain gets conflicting information – say, your inner ear sends different information than vision and

your joints - that often results in a feeling of dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo. Your physical therapist will ask questions about your history and then test all of the systems that help you stay balanced to determine the cause of your dizziness. Your treatment plan will vary depending on what your PT finds. Some typical examples include:

• EXERCISES: Your PT may prescribe specific exercises to improve your balance, strengthen or stretch specific muscles, or help retrain your brain to interpret sensory information. These can include gaze stabilization exercises, which help your eyes and inner ears work better together; habituation exercises, which help your brain get used to different types of input; and balance training on various surfaces.

• CANALITH REPOSITIONING MANEUVERS (CRM): If your dizziness is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a specific type of inner ear problem, your therapist may perform maneuvers to reposition tiny crystals within your ear canal, alleviating your vertigo. They can also teach you how to do these at home.

• EDUCATION: Your therapist will educate you about your condition, how to manage dizziness, and exercises you can perform at home. They may also help you modify activities that cause dizziness or train you on ways to work through it.

Dizziness doesn’t have to interfere with life. Physical therapists can help reduce dizziness, improve balance, lower the risk of falls, and increase confidence in daily activities.

Specializing in:

driveways & roadways

asphalt & gravel

parking lots

earth shaping

truck for hire

drainage issues