For the first time in eight years, three Elk River schools opened as separate institutions
It's Chili'N time in Clendenin
The fourth annual Chili'N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival in Clendenin is back!
p. 16
No more portables. No more temporary housing. The Clendenin Elementary School ribbon-cutting ceremony was held just hours before students and parents arrived at an Open House for their first peek at the new school. p. 22
Nothing says fall like the Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival
Start the day at the Chili Chase/Dave Fields Memorial 5K Run/Walk and spend the rest of the day sampling delicious chili and beer/wine on Main Street.
Welcome to the new Clendenin Elementary
“I think I’ll just stand back and take in every smile, every ooh and ahhh, and savor the excitement!”
Sponsors
The Elk's Cookbook Copycat Applebees's Oriental Chicken Salad
Elk's Journal Liberty Biscuit Reader Submission Celebrating Kaleb Lanier
The Elk Reflects Bring on the Marching Huskies!
The Elk's Garden Laura and her Magical Beanstalk
Healthy Elk Can Going Back To School Cause Back Pain?
Exciting Elk Rail River Trail Marathon in September
Don't miss WV's only Elk River Rail Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5K in Clay. Also, beware of BigFoot along the Elk River Trail between Ivydale and Duck!
of Clendenin Elementary
—Angel Gurski, Principal
Welcome September! A wonderful month full of fall sports, cooler temperatures, apple everything, and a golden palette of colors as it ushers in the fall season.
What ushers in fall better than festivals and races! The fourth annual Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-off and Beer/Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, September 7th, so bring the family for a great day in Clendenin and enjoy some delicious chili with your favorite beverage! Also, check out two exciting trail races in September: The Chili Chase/Dave Memorial Run kicks off the Chili’N on the Elk event and the Elk River Rail Trail Marathon/ Half Marathon/5K, which takes place in Clay, WV, concludes the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival!
This month we are proud to feature the new Clendenin Elementary School! After eight long years, the new school is finally open. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held just hours before children and parents arrived to see their new school. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and thankfulness as teachers and staff proudly welcomed everyone into the new building.
It’s hard to think about Herbert Hoover and Clendenin Elementary taking seven and eight years, respectively, to reopen. It makes you realize some children have only attended school in portable classrooms. Some graduated from the temporary high school without ever stepping foot in the actual Herbert Hoover High School. They have only known their school as a combined middle and high school facility. To say this year is filled with joy is an understatement. May we never forget how far we’ve come and the sacrifices we have endured to see this day happen!
Hug your neighbor, telephone a friend, and let someone know how important they are to you. Just being there for someone can mean more than you ever realize. You make the difference!
Until next month, love to all,
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
THE COVER
This photo by Scott Abbott is of the wonderful teachers and staff at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Clendenin Elementary School.
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
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 BREWING COMPANY
304.548.9262
2 Main Street, Clendenin
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
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
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
JIFFY J’S INC.
Portable Restrooms
16544 N. Elk River Rd., Clendenin
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
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!
LIBRARIES ARE MORE THAN JUST STORES OF BOOKS & KNOWLEDGE. THEY ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES.
Month long
National Sewing Month: Name that Sewing Thingamajig
DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE
Sept 4 3PM
STEM Afternoon
Sept 5 10:30AM Storytime and Playgroup
Sept 10 6PM
Ages 6-12
Children 0-5
Curious About Cryptids with the WV Skeptics Society Teens, Adults & Seniors
Sept 17 5:30PM Mini Cryptid Plushies
Sept 19 4PM
Tweens, Teens, Adults & Seniors
Kids Sew Ages 6-12
Sept 21 11AM Machine Sewing Tweens, Teens, Adults & Seniors
Sept 24 3PM
Afterschool Kids Crafts Ages 3-12
Sept 26 5:30PM Family Fun: Spy Training
Families/All Ages
DATE TIME PROGRAM AGE
Sept 4 10:30AM
Jump Into Storytime
Sept 4 11AM Stay ‘n Play
Sept 9 6PM
Sept 10 6PM
Elk Valley Advisory Board Meeting
Adult Craft Time - Fun Felt Bookmarks
Sept 11 10:30AM Jump Into Storytime
Sept 11 11AM Stay ‘n Play
Sept 12 2PM
Sept 16 5:30PM
Sept 17 2PM
Adult Craft Time - Fun Felt Bookmarks
Families Paint: Paint Ya Bestie!
Elk Valley Book Group
Sept 17 5PM Mothman Paint Along
Sept 19 2:30PM Crazy for Cryptids
Children 0–5
Children 0–5
Adults
Children 0–5
Children 0–5
Adults
Families
Adults
Adults
Families
Sept 23 6PM Teen Time Teens
Sept 24 6PM
Sept 24 All Day
Sept 25 All Day
Sept 25 10:30AM
Adult Playgroup & Trivia Games
Costume Swap Drop-Off
Costume Swap Drop-Off
Jump Into Storytime
Sept 25 11AM Stay ‘n Play
Sept. 26 4PM
Sept. 27 1PM
Sept 30 5PM
Costume Swap Shop
Costume Swap Shop
Full STEM Ahead: Nature at Night
Adults
Children 0–5
Children 0–5
Families/All Ages
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.
How about a great copycat recipe of Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad for a delicious September dinner! Gabi says this is a really good salad--super crunchy with a dressing that adds a perfect sweetness. The chicken makes it a hearty meal that everyone in the family will love.
COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD
SALAD
• 3 Heads Romaine Lettuce - Chopped
• 16 oz bag Broccoli Slaw mix
• 4-6 frozen Breaded Chicken Tenders (heated in oven or air fryer or you can also use grilled chicken)
• ¼ C Roasted Sliced Almonds
• ½ C Crispy Chow Mein Noodles
DRESSING
• 3 T honey
• 2 T rice wine vinegar
• ⅓ C mayo
• 1 t Dijon mustard
• ¼ t sesame oil
SALAD
STEP 1 Add almonds to a skillet over medium heat and stir as they roast. Once golden brown, transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.
STEP 2 In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine and slaw mix. Toss to mix. Transfer the mixed salad to a salad bowl or platter.
STEP 3 Assemble: Slice the chicken into thin strips and place the pieces on top of the salad. Sprinkle the roasted almonds and chow mein noodles on the top. Drizzle the desired amount of the prepared salad dressing over the salad just before serving.
DRESSING
STEP 1 Put dressing ingredients in a bowl or Mason jar.
STEP 2 Whisk until well combined and let rest in the refrigerator until ready to serve salad. NOTE: Gabi said the dressing is better if you give it at least 30 minutes to set. She makes hers in the morning, but you could also make the dressing before you start the salad to give the flavors time to marry.
Mmmm, can you smell the aroma of chili in the air already? Get ready for one of the biggest and most exciting events of the fall, the fourth Annual Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival!
This year the Chili’N on the Elk Festival will be held earlier than in previous years. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Clendenin. The Chili’N on the Elk’s Chili Chase (Dave Fields Memorial 5K Run/Walk) will be held earlier that morning at 9 AM. It is sponsored by Riverscape Excavating and Landscaping. It’s an event
for all ages, so bring your tennis shoes, strollers, kids, and friends and do the Chase at your own speed. All proceeds go to benefit the Herbert Hoover Athletic Boosters.
You may be wondering what exactly is a chili cook-off? It is an International Chili Society (ICS) Sanctioned CookOff that features red, homestyle, verde, and people’s choice (non-ICS) categories. There are cash prizes for ICS categories, as well as plaques. The winner of the ICSsanctioned event automatically qualifies for the World Championship Chili Cook-off(R). Also, don’t forget the Best of the Elk in the non-ICS category.
The craft beer and wine festival runs concurrently with the chili contest, featuring local craft beer and wine. Tickets are $30 if you pre-order (or $35 the day of the festival) for beer/wine. The chili cook-off is sponsored by MPLX and chili sampling begins at 11 AM. Chili sampling tickets are 30 tickets for $20 or $1 a ticket.
Also, enjoy the awesome music on the river at the Dr. Harper Stage on Main Street. Glenn Shelton Music is the featured entertainment sponsored by TC Energy. This band is a country/southern rock band that is emerging with songs that have already been on the music charts. They will play two sets, the first of which begins at 12:30 PM.
In addition to the chili cook-off and craft beer/wine festival, 5K run/walk, and live music, there will be a complimentary Kid’s Zone with large inflatables sponsored again this year by Poca Valley Bank, and craft vendors all along Main Street. Proceeds from the event benefit the Town of Clendenin and numerous municipal organizations.
Since the inception of the event in 2021, money has been raised and mostly distributed to the Town of Clendenin and the Elk River Trail Foundation. Due to the success of the event, it was also possible for money to be given to the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department, Clendenin Police Department, and the Clendenin Street Department.
Town representatives have worked tirelessly to promote and enhance Clendenin and monies raised through the event are used for beautification and promotion of the Town. We had another successful event in 2023, bringing tons of people to the area and raising over $10,000.00! We are excited to make 2024 our biggest year to date!
The goal of the festival is to promote the entire community and draw people in from all over the state. Our committee has worked tirelessly over the last few years to provide a fun-filled event that offers a little bit of something for everyone. We are again hopeful that this year will draw even more people to the area.
Mark your calendars now for September 7. Bring your appetite and the whole family and enjoy a great day in Clendenin!
Angel Gurski, the principal of Clendenin Elementary School, couldn’t wait to see the faces of the children when they came to the open house at the new school on Thursday night before the first day of school. “I think I’ll just stand back and take in every smile, every ooh and ahhh, and savor the excitement,” she said. Everyone at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that Thursday afternoon echoed her words. As you drove up the driveway and arrived at 677 Wolverine Mt. Rd, the new Clendenin Elementary majestically greeted you at the top of the hill. After waiting eight years for the construction of the new school, you couldn't help but choke up and have tears in your eyes when you realized the day had finally come for the kids and staff to have their school back again. No more portables. No more work-arounds. No more temporary. At last, welcome to the new Clendenin Elementary.
Local and state dignitaries gathered at the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with parents, school staff, and the Elk River community. Clendenin Mayor Kay Summers welcomed everyone and said, “We are so excited to have
this beautiful school back in our town.” Superintendent Dr. Tom Williams reflected on the tragedy of the Flood of 2016 and said, “Federal and State agencies, FEMA, and the community all working together made this happen. We have a state of the art facility ready to offer state of the art education.”
Elk River’s own Jimmy Strawn and HHHS Alumnus was emotional when he talked about picking up his mother to come to the ribbon-cutting event. She asked where they were going and he said, “Mom, we are going home.” He delivered remarks from U.S Senator Joe Manchin who recognized the unwavering commitment for a new
school and a new start for our young West Virginians. He referenced the relationships who all worked together to make this school a reality, emphasizing, “today is a great day to be in Clendenin.”
Whitney Louden, a first-grade teacher at the school, couldn’t wait to see her students walk in their new classroom. “Having everyone together and then breaking out into pods offers a great opportunity for new, individualized instruction,” she explained. Kindergarten instructor Kara Payne loves not having separate classrooms. She added, “Kids are all together in the “nest” and then they will break into smaller pods for reading, math, and social studies.” Also, she said more time was being centered on playtime and socialization, offering two playtime sessions in addition to their 30-minute recess. “Social interaction is key so that the students have time to get to know each other.”
Melissa Lovejoy, principal at Elkview Middle School, stood in the crowd, perhaps understanding this day more than most. “When The Flood of 2016 destroyed Herbert Hoover High School, I said to Principal Mike Kelley, “whatever you need--my doors are open to you. We are family.” She talked about how the middle school and
high school shared classrooms in shifts at first until the portables were installed.
“No one complained; everyone got along,” she said. “There were no disagreements about shared space. For eight years we all bonded and made it work until the new Herbert Hoover opened last fall.”
The first day at Elkview Middle School was a special day this year as well. The middle school finally stands as its own entity, with all traces of the portables gone as new green space and freshly paved parking lots welcomed the students back.
For the first time in eight years, all three Elk River schools opened as separate institutions. While there may be three separate buildings this year, one thing you can count on. All of the students, teachers, staff, parents, and the community share more than most other schools ever experience. They share resilience.
This makes August 16, the first day of school in 2024, more than just a day the children all finally walk into new schools. It is the culmination of what a community had to do to survive and a celebration of united hearts, grit, support, and Elk River strength.
If you are traveling along the Elk River Trail, you may find yourself face-to-face with BigFoot! Some of the students in the woodworking class at the Clay County Learning Enrichment Summer Program may know more about this--especially since they were the creators behind the scene!
Allen Hamrick, Clay County High School teacher, said they came up with the idea last year when the summer students created several hand-engraved, customized benches that were placed along the trail. This summer’s 10-day project was a bigger undertaking for sure!
The BigFoot carved statue is 10.5 feet tall and weighs over 1800 lbs! “We started thinking we’d create a 6-foot BigFoot,” he said. “Then we went up to 8 feet and then we were up to 10 feet!” The final project commands quite the presence on the trail.
“BigFoot wears a size 37 shoe,” according to Hamrick. “His foot is 27 inches long and 16 inches wide. “He added, “The students laughed and said it would be a XXXX extra wide for sure.”
Jaelyn Murphy was the youngest student who worked on the BigFoot creation. She is a seventh grader at Clay County Middle School. Two Clay County High School students, McKenzy Taylor and Dennis Mullins, took the lead on the project, working tirelessly in the hot summer weather.
The lumber (hemlock) came from Wilderness Wood Company. It arrived in large segments and the class and the instructor cut it into 12” x 12” sections. Hamrick and the class then chain sawed the carving from there. “We started with the legs; next we created his upper body which we then glued and screwed together to create BigFoot’s torso,” said Hamrick. “The original wood weighed 2,100 pounds when we started.”
The class used chain saws and grinders to construct the unique BigFoot. Hamrick said, “We also used some hand tools to detail his face.” The class used a torch to char the wood in order to achieve the brown coloring. “We had to burn it three different times to get it dark enough,” said Hamrick. He also taught the students how to shade by burning in order to achieve a 3D look on BigFoot’s chest, under arms, etc.
The class decided to donate the BigFoot to the Elk River Trail so it can carry on the BigFoot legend in Braxton County. For decades Braxton County residents have reported sightings and evidence of a large, hairy, humanoid creature, commonly referred to by some as a sasquatch or Bigfoot. There is even a WV Bigfoot Museum and annual Bigfoot Festival in Sutton each year.
So if you are walking or riding on the Elk River Trail between Ivydale and Duck, BEWARE! You may find yourself face-to-face, well, maybe face-to-knee, with BigFoot. Just hope it’s the one with a wooden finish!
West Virginia’s only Elk River Rail Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5K will take place along the Elk River Trail (starting/returning from Dundon Field in Clay, WV) on Sunday morning, September 22. This is the fourth annual race and it is a signature event, concluding this year’s Clay County Golden Delicious Festival.
Last year this event raised approximately $2,250 which was presented to the Elk River Trail Foundation. Volunteer Olaf Funstuck said, “This race is a huge boost to the Elk River Trail Foundation. The proceeds make it possible for the Foundation to make this the best trail on the east coast.” He added, “If running isn’t your thing, volunteers are always needed and they always have fun cheering on the runners and supplying them with water, electrolytes, and other goodies.”
The trails are virtually flat, with a one-half percent (0.5%) grade. This year’s sponsors include Appalachian Timing Group, Highland Outdoors, and WV Tech.
By Melanie Sue Bowles
When author Melanie Sue Bowles is traveling to see her family in Michigan, she always makes time to go through South Charleston and stop in at Plot Twist Books and perhaps signs a few copies of her award winning book, Liberty Biscuit.
Liberty Biscuit was a recipient of the Feathered Quill Book Awards 2023 for Animal/Children’s Young Adult, American Bookfest Best Book Awards 2023, and a Pre-Teen Fiction Finalist. She also has three non-fiction books highlighting stories from the horse sanctuary she operates. A sequel to Liberty Biscuits as well as a fourth nonfiction book will be coming in the future.
Summary by Amazon: Katherine Pearl Baker—“Kip” for short—is the only child on her family’s rural peach farm. She longs for a pet to ease the loneliness. Unfortunately, her father has an angry opposition to all animals—horses in particular. Why he dislikes them is a confounding mystery. Hiding in the woods on the Fourth of July, Kip encounters a bedraggled donkey with one eye and a floppy ear. Immediately smitten and compelled to protect him, she feeds him biscuits and takes him home. When it is discovered the donkey fled an abusive owner, Kip’s father finally relents, reluctantly allowing him to stay.
Excerpt
“You look hungry,” I said. I reached into the bag and withdrew a biscuit. “Are you hungry? Here.”
Kip is elated when her grandfather agrees to help her foster the donkey, who she names “Liberty Biscuit,” along with two emaciated horses removed by the local sheriff from the same home, as the cruelty case goes to court. While caring for the animals, Kip’s happiness is overshadowed by a shocking discovery in a trunk in the family farm’s hayloft—a faded photograph of her father as a boy that reveals secrets long kept. A court order to return the horses, and even worse, Kip’s beloved Liberty Biscuit, to the owner who had starved and beaten them, throws Kip’s world into turmoil. She knows she must find a way to keep them, or she will have betrayed the best friend she has ever had. But saving the animals means risking the complete unraveling of her family as she exposes the long-buried truth about a tragic accident and a hurt like she’s never known before.”
Still wary--I didn’t want to get knocked down, kicked or bitten--I stretched my arm in his direction and offered him the goods. His nostrils began to twitch like the beating wings of a hummingbird. Without warning, he leaped into the water where I was standing, splashing me. I was momentarily startled and shuffled backwards, but he gently popped his lips against the food in my hand until he’d devoured the entire thing. Upon the final swallow, the donkey opened and closed his mouth a few times as though he were trying to determine exactly what it was he’d just eaten.
“You’re in no position to be fussy,” I told him. You’re teetering on skin-and-bones.” He apparently decided peach biscuits tasted just fine as he commenced to swindle me out of another one by tipping his head sideways and batting his left eye in a most adorable way. I was now quite certain he was not a danger.
Pick up your copy of Liberty Biscuit at Plot Twist Books located on 209 D Street (stop soon and hopefully grab an autographed copy!) or at your favorite local bookstore. It is also available on Amazon in paperback & Kindle format.
Even at a young age, Kaleb wanted to be a drummer. He was an amazing Field Commander at Herbert Hoover High School and is now a member of the drumline at West Virginia University!
Watch for him this season at the Mountaineer football games and at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when the magnificent WVU Marching Band will be in NYC!
Elk River is so proud of you, Kaleb Lanier. #dreamsdocometrue
Meet the 2024 HHHS Football team, 70+ strong, that has now moved up to AAA in its fifth season under Coach Joey Fields. Be ready to cheer on the Huskies with senior quarterback Dane Hatfield paving the way for another successful Huskie season! Photo by Scott Abbott Photo
HHHS GOLF
Coach Eddie Grey said, “First month in the books and lots of positives!” Follow the team on Facebook/Herbert Hoover Huskies Golf.
Thank you, Scott Abbott, for capturing this photo of the 2024-2025 HHHS Cheerleaders!
HHHS VOLLEYBALL
Facebook/Herbert Hoover Volleyball.
Mark your calendars and be prepared for another awesome line up at this year’s Clay County Golden Delicious Festival. The 51st festival will kick off on Thursday, September 19, at 6 PM with the opening ceremony and will conclude on Sunday, September 22, 2024 with the Elk River Rail Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5K at 9 AM.
On Friday night, Josh Pantry is set to drop his new single at 8 PM at the Courthouse Square. Michael Rucker and Marissa Truman will be performing starting at 6 PM.
This year's festival headliner for Saturday night is Diamond Rio who will perform on Saturday, at 8 PM at the Clay County Courthouse Square! Music will begin at 4:30 PM with Christopher Mullins, Logan Truman, and Kate Boytek. There will also be fireworks after the Diamond Rio concert!
For the complete schedule of events at this year’s Golden Delicious Festival, go to Facebook/Clay County Golden Delicious Festival. Amusement rides, apple bake show, art auction, quilt show, fireworks, car show, parade and more! It’s time for “apple everything” in Clay County!
FRIDAY NIGHT JAM
09/06 09/13 09/20 09/27 NO REGRETS
DIXIE HIGHWAY
STEPHANIE & THE BAND OF BROTHERS
RUFF CUT 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
By Guest Author & Photographer Tim Cunningham
On August 3rd the first Huskies and Hot Rods Car Show drew 101 beautiful vehicles from all over West Virginia. The show was a fundraiser for the 2025 Project Graduation and was a huge success and one of the largest car shows on the Elk River.
There was an overwhelming request that this be an annual event, as the participants stated that Herbert Hoover High School is an ideal place to hold a car show. There were awards for the top 15 cars, best Chevy, Ford, Mopar, Best of Show, and the Class of 2025 Seniors’ Choice. All winners received a custom plaque designed and produced by the students at Herbert Hoover.
Celebrating this 2024 football season as our Herbert Hoover Marching Huskies take the field with a flashback look at Elkview High School Band, 1959-60.
Photo of the 2024 Marching Huskies by Band Director, Meleah Fisher. Photo of the Elkview High School Band 1959-60 is compliments of the Elk River Communities In Kanawha County Museum! Open every Thursday morning from 10 am until noon and by appointment. Come by and enjoy the museum and the camaraderie!
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!
Most people in our area raise green beans in their garden. You can always find an aromatic pot of green beans simmering on the stove somewhere on the Elk. There are several different types; half runners, Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, bush, pole, and fat horse are just a few.
Green beans are healthy for you (if you don’t use grandma’s recipe and add all the bacon and/or bacon grease as seasoning). They help fight inflammation and are a good source of folate and potassium which helps regulate blood pressure.
Green beans can be canned, frozen or dried. Choose your favorite method(s). NOTE: Don’t forget to label and date your jars and freezer bags.
CANNED GREEN BEANS
STEP 1 Wash, string, and break the beans into bite-size pieces.
STEP 2 To Raw Pack - pack the raw beans into jars. To Hot Pack - boil beans for 3 minutes and then pack into jars.
STEP 3 Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to each pint and then add boiling water.
STEP 4 Add lids and rings. Process at 10 pounds pressure. Pints 20 minutes. Quarts 25 minutes. You can also water bath your jars for 180 minutes. NOTE: I always raw-pack my green beans.
NOTE Another method is to freeze your green beans.
FROZEN GREEN BEANS
STEP 1 Wash, string, and break beans into small pieces.
STEP 2 Blanch in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
STEP 3 Drain, cool, and put beans in pint, quart, or gallon freezer bags.
NOTE Dill beans are also a great way to prepare your green beans. This is another food that I had never tried before marrying Frank. It’s now on our shelves and we love them. My mom always liked pickled beans until she tried dill beans. Now she has a new favorite!
DILL BEANS
STEP 1 Wash, string and leave beans whole, do NOT break into pieces
STEP 2 Cook until tender (until bean can be pierced with a broom straw)
STEP 3 Pack into jars with the beans standing up (this takes some time)
STEP 4 Add to each jar:
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 head of dill or 1 teaspoon dill seed
STEP 5 Heat to boil and pour over beans:
• 2 cups vinegar
• 1/2 cup pickling salt
• 2 cups water
STEP 6 Put on lids and rings. Let sit until they seal.
NOTE This recipe was handed down to me by Frank's family. Another method of preserving green beans is to dry them.
STEP 1 Wash and string the beans as normal.
STEP 2 Attach the beans to a heavy string using a large-eye needle. I string mine up, but others lay them out to dry on a screen for air flow. Either method will work. You can leave them whole or break them into pieces to lay out and dry.
STEP 3 Once the beans are dry (several days to a week), remove from the string or screen and put in freezer bags and freeze.
STEP 4 When ready to cook, soak the dried beans overnight. Next, wash and cook them just as you do your regular green beans. They are really delicious!
NOTE Did you know you are able to can dried beans like pintos, limas, kidney and navy beans? They make meal preparation so much quicker.
STEP 1 Wash beans and soak in cold water overnight.
STEP 2 Boil beans for 15 minutes.
STEP 3 Pack loosely in jars. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to each quart.
STEP 4 Fill with boiling water. Add lids and rings. Process pints and quarts at 10 pounds pressure for 60 minutes.
NOTE When I’m canning green beans and I need a jar to finish filling a canner, I add one of the dried beans. I put 1 cup of beans in a quart jar and add 1 teaspoon of salt and boiling water. Then I just process with my green beans.
This program, which stands for Fostering Advantages for Start-Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence, is your gateway to a wealth of business resources and support designed to enhance your entrepreneurial journey in our growing region. From one-on-one coaching to financial support via our Revolving Loan Fund, we're excited to be part of your success story in Advantage Valley.
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.
Now that school is back in session, is your student complaining of pain? Students will always have things to carry back and forth between home and school. A backpack is a great way to do that, but if they’re too heavy, backpacks can lead to back pain. Carrying a heavy backpack changes children’s posture, walking speed, step length, and more. Unsurprisingly, we also know that as students walk greater distances and become more fatigued, these changes worsen.
That can set students up for neck pain, back pain, or other musculoskeletal issues. These changes start to occur when the backpack weighs around 10% of the student’s body weight.
Experts agree that students should not carry more than 15% of their body weight in a backpack. Carrying heavy loads appears common. Most surveys and research show that more than half of 4students exceed the 15% recommendation.
Parents can’t control what their student needs for school, but there are a few ways to help reduce the load and make sure carrying it is as easy as possible:
1. PLAN AHEAD - Each night, go through the backpack’s contents and remove unnecessary items before the next day. Likewise, ensure your student doesn’t bring things home they won’t need that night.
2. USE YOUR LOCKER - Planning ahead can help remove extra weight between home and school. Using the locker can lighten the load during the school day. Students can avoid carrying extra loads around during the school day by making a few stops at their lockers.
3. PACK RIGHT - Heavier items should be placed close to the student’s back and lighter items further away. This gives students a mechanical advantage when carrying loads.
4. WEAR IT RIGHT - Using both shoulder straps, and front or hip straps if you have them helps distribute the load evenly. Backpacks should also be worn so the bottom of the pack is even with the bottom of the low back. Packs worn too high or low exaggerate postural changes and can restrict movement.
5. PICK YOUR PACK - If you’re shopping for a new backpack, look for one with two straps rather than a single strap. A chest strap and hip belt can help distribute the load. The pack should also be sized appropriately - no longer than the student’s torso.
If your student is having pain in their back, neck, or anywhere else, call Elk Valley Physical Therapy. We can help!
