A solar flare brought this stunning aurora to the Elk River valley.
photo captured by Jill Moles Mullins
Mamma Mia! It’s New York-Style Pizza on Main Street! FEATURE STORY
Teresa and Scott St. Clair bring authentic New York-style pizza, pepperoni rolls, and garlic knots to Clendenin. With top-notch service, delicious pizza, and friendly owners, this hotspot is a must-visit on your foodie list!
Scott Bird shares over 45 years of deer camp memories on the Elk River, emphasizing the importance of hunting traditions, family connections, and creating memories that last for generations. Reminiscing About Deer Camp: Strengthening Family Bonds and Creating Memories
Dreams meet plans.
Hello & Welcome Back!
As we bid farewell to October and all its fall festivals, we can take a collective breath as the holiday season approaches. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner—full steam ahead! I have to admit, this month’s article, Reminiscing Deer Camp, by Elk River native Scott Bird, has inspired me to reflect on what truly matters this season. What should we cherish before it slips away? What memories do we need to create while we can? Be sure to check out his article on page 16 and let me know your thoughts. His words definitely moved me to pause and think.
Another highlight this month comes from our feature welcoming Teresa and Scott St. Clair and their new venture, Pizza on Main, to Clendenin! Teresa shared her love for our town—she described it as a Hallmark town, filled with wonderful people who have welcomed them with open arms, and a community where businesses support one another. Sometimes, seeing home through fresh eyes reminds us just how lucky we are to be part of this remarkable community.
I’m also thrilled to introduce my talented niece, Tori Williams Nardone, in this month’s Elk’s Journal. She has just released her first children’s book and is already sitting at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Children’s Manners Books! Tori is a true powerhouse—writer, copywriter, brand strategist, health coach, jewelry artisan, yoga instructor, and an incredible young mom. Talk about inspiration—she’s the whole package! You can read more about her and her new book, This Boy, on page 28.
This month's issue spoke to my heart, and I hope it resonates with yours as well. I’m making a promise to myself not to let the holidays overwhelm me, like someone blindfolded me and spun me around three times! I want to savor each moment, look forward to making my mom’s turkey and dressing recipe for Thanksgiving dinner, and enjoy the cooler weather—snuggling up with a blanket, donning an old sweatshirt, and slipping into my cozy fuzzy socks. I plan to wrap my Christmas presents as I go, avoiding the wrapping marathon that usually torments my husband the week of Christmas! Let’s all embrace the holidays, keep our heads and hearts in a joyful place, and steer clear of anything else! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family and friends.
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
Jill Moles
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
Photographer
Mullins captured this gorgeous photo of the recent aurora which put on quite the show for the Elk River valley!
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
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 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
LIBRARIES ARE MORE THAN JUST STORES OF BOOKS & KNOWLEDGE. THEY ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITIES.
NOVEMBER LIBRARY EVENTS
CLENDENIN
ELKVIEW
ALL MONTH
NOV 6 3PM
NOV 7 1PM
NOV 10-17
NOV 12 5:30PM
NOV 14 5PM
NOV 19 3PM
NOV 21 1PM
DATE TIME TIME
International Games Month: Game Days every Saturday
STEM: Thanksgiving Activities
Storytime & Playgroup
WV Family Read Week
Teen's: Beaded Suncatchers
Sewing for Fall Holidays
Fall Leaf Lantern
Adult Craft: Tree Art
DATE
NOV 4 6PM
NOV 5 2PM
NOV 6 10:30AM
NOV 6 11AM
NOV 11 3PM
NOV 12 6PM
NOV 13 10:30AM
NOV 13 11AM
NOV 18-23
NOV 18 6PM
NOV 19 2PM
NOV 20 10:30AM
NOV 25 5PM
NOV 26 2PM
Elk Valley Advisory Board Meeting
Adult Crafternoon: Pumpkin Pie Banner
Jump into Storytime
Stay ‘n Play
DINOvember
Adult Craft: Pumpkin Pie Banner
Jump into Storytime
Stay ‘n Play
Elk Valley Advisory Board Online Auction Items on display NOV 6–25.
Teen Time
Elk Valley Book Group
Stuffed Animal Checkup
Family Fun: Turkey Day Tourney
Full STEM Ahead: Woodland Wonders
Families/All Ages 6-12
Children 0-5
Families/All Ages
Tweens & Teens 6 & up 6-12
Adults & Seniors
NOV 27
Open 10AM–2PM
NOV 28–29
Adults & Seniors
Children 0-5
Children 0-5
School Aged Families
Adults & Seniors
Children 0-5
Children 0-5
Teens
Adults & Seniors
Children 0-5
Families/All Ages
Families/All Ages
Closed for Thanksgiving
ELK’S COOKBOOK
NANA'S SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
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.
These are 100% THE BEST EVER sweet potatoes that you will ever put in your mouth. Our “Nana” (actually my dad’s cousin by marriage, Sharon) always brings her sweet potatoes to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and for years my sister has tried to get more people to taste them.
She would always say, “It will totally change your mind about sweet potatoes” to which I would respond “I only like savory sweet potato dishes; I don’t like all the sweet stuff.” Then a couple of years ago, I needed to take sweet potatoes to our church’s Thanksgiving meal. I knew most people would expect a sweet casserole dish, so I made Nana’s recipe. Life changing! This stuff is knock-your-socks-off delicious. Everyone at church loved it and requested the recipe!
"
Don’t insist you don’t like sweet potatoes or only eat savory ones until you have tried this sweet potato recipe! You will thank me later! – GABBY
NANA'S SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
From the Kitchen of Gabi Strickland Walker
INGREDIENTS
CASSEROLE
• 4-5 large sweet potatoes
• 1 stick butter
• 1 C sugar
• ½ t salt
• 1 t vanilla
• 2 eggs
TOPPING
• 1 C brown sugar
• ⅓ C flour
• 1 C chopped pecans
• 1/3 stick of butter - melted
DIRECTIONS
Preheat & Bake at 350• | 30-35 Min
STEP 1 Preheat oven 350. Spray a 9x9 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray- set aside.
STEP 2 Wash, peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil in a pot of boiling water until cooked through and soft. Drain and return to pot; add stick of butter to melt.
STEP 3 In a bowl, combine the topping ingredients and mix well. Set aside.
STEP 4 Once potatoes have cooled slightly and butter has melted, add sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla. Using an electric hand mixer, beat until smooth.
STEP 5 Place into a prepared casserole dish. Cover evenly with the topping mixture.
STEP 6 Bake 30-35 minutes until done and the topping is set around the edges. Allow to rest about 5-8 minutes until topping has hardened slightly.
OUTDOOR
LAWN
DEER
PAINT,
STORE HOURS
Mon-Fri 8am–6:30pm Sat 8am–4pm Sun 10am–4pm
Reminiscing About DEER CAMP
BY ERL GUEST AUTHOR, SCOTT BIRD
Iwas born and raised on the Elk River in Clendenin, WV. My summers were spent swimming and fishing, but as the days grew shorter and the leaves started to change, my focus turned to hunting. Squirrel season kicked things off, and while I have fond memories of harvesting squirrels and chasing rabbits, grouse, and turkeys, it was my time spent at “deer camp” that still holds some of my most cherished childhood memories.
“Deer camp,” as it was known to many families along the Elk River, was something we all looked forward to each year, even for those who didn’t take hunting quite as seriously as some of us. It was about so much more than just the hunt. It was a time when our family of hunters – my grandpa, my dad, all of my uncles and their buddies – would come together and reconnect. Deer camp started a couple of days before the opening of deer season. We
- SCOTT BIRD "
Good luck and safe hunting in the weeks to come!
would pack up on Saturday and head to Tyler County where we all hunted. It was a time for us to gather, swap stories of past hunts, show off our new rifles, and share intel from our day’s scouting trip. We’d fire off a few rounds to ensure our guns were sighted in before the big day. We also took the time to lay out our hunting gear and pack our lunches and snacks; for me, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or peanut butter crackers, all while passing the time, waiting for those pre-dawn hours when we’d each head out to our favorite deer stand on the first morning of the season.
When I was young, I admit I might have taken the traditions and memories that deer camp provided for granted. Back then, it was simply a time when we all came together before the first day of the season. I didn’t think about the fact that, one day, there would come a time when it might be my last, or someone else’s, gathering at deer camp. This season marks over 45 years of me putting on my blaze orange and heading out on opening day. This year, though, brings a wave of emotion as I think back on those special days gone by—days I won’t get to relive. There’s a longing
to spend another week in deer camp with those family members and friends, some of whom are no longer with us. Generations have come and gone, and while loved ones may have passed on, the memories of deer camp remain, cherished and vivid in my heart.
If you’re a parent, relative, grandparent, or friend, I encourage you to introduce your children or grandchildren to your own version of “deer camp.” Start creating family traditions of your own. I can promise you that the memories you create will stay in their hearts forever.
•
•
•
MAMMA MIA! NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA
ARRIVES ON MAIN STREET!
ERL is excited to welcome Teresa and Scott St. Clair, the proud owners of Clendenin’s newest hotspot, Pizza on Main. Serving up some of the best pizza in West Virginia, they’re also known for their irresistible pepperoni rolls and garlic knots that will have you coming back for more! And starting November 8th, you can also enjoy calzones and three different pizza sizes (10”, 14”, and 18”) when they reopen.
Just like the name says, Pizza on Main is conveniently located at 3 Main Street in Clendenin. After their soft opening in late August, the buzz has been incredible. Locals are raving about this hidden gem, praising its perfectly cooked crust, flavorful sauce, and generous toppings. With top-notch service and friendly owners, this 10/10 spot is a mustvisit on your foodie list!
Scott and Teresa describe their shop as a cozy “momand-pop carryout” offering authentic New York-style pizza. They’ve got all your favorite toppings covered— pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, onions, black olives, green peppers, pineapple, jalapeños, and banana peppers. And with Scott, originally from New Jersey, making their homemade dough and sauce from scratch, you know it’s the real deal!
The St. Clair’s love the welcoming vibe of Clendenin, especially with all its festivals and community events. “All the business owners in town support each other,” Teresa shared. “It’s great being part of the town’s business district. For example, the Clendenin Brewing Company across the street encourages customers to pick up one of our pizzas and bring it over to their brewery. They have a fantastic selection of drinks that pair perfectly with our pizza, and they show all the big games on their large screens.”
Teresa added that the town’s businesses are great about supporting each other’s events. At 12 Main Street, Elk River Baking Company hosted a Halloween-themed
costume party with movie trivia in late October, and the businesses rallied to promote the event. Paddlers Bar and Grill and the Clendenin Brewing Company have also hosted amazing musicians all fall, giving everyone a chance to enjoy live music. “We love starting our day with a sweet nectar iced drink from Fox Coffee Co.,” she added. “It’s all about working together—a win-win for all our local businesses.”
Clendenin is famous for its festive spirit. In September, the Annual Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival drew crowds for chili tastings, live music, and vendors. Pizza on Main offered pizza specials all day until they ran out of dough! The St. Clairs also joined the fun
at the Clendenin Lions Club Annual Fall Festival, offering $5 specials throughout the event. And the first Clendenin Elk-tober Fest capped off October with four fantastic bands on the Doc Harper Stage and vendors lining Main Street. Next up: Christmas on Main on Saturday, December 7, 2024, featuring music, hot cocoa, cookies, candy, tree lighting, a parade, and of course, amazing pizza deals!
Pizza on Main will open at 4 PM on November 8 and will be open until the dough runs out! Be sure to check their Facebook page (Pizza on Main) for updates on which days they'll be open.
Place your order by calling 681-230-0039. It’s that simple. Also, watch their Facebook page for your chance to win a free pizza or their $5 slice-and-drink specials.
ELK’S JOURNAL
THIS BOY: A BOOK ABOUT GIVING & SHOWING COMPASSION
By Tori Williams Nardone
Elk River Living is proud to announce Tori Williams Nardone’s new book, This Boy: A Book About Giving and Showing Compassion.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charleston & Elk River native, Tori Williams Nardone, has just released her first children’s book. She is the author of The True North Planner, an annual, undated minimalist, no-frills planner made for those who want to become the best version of themselves. She also has Storied by Tori, a small business that houses all of her copywriting, health coaching services, and homemade, original products. She is an alumnus of Capital High School and obtained her Bachelor's degree in Communication at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. She now resides in Mt. Pleasant, SC with her husband Al, son Albert, their two Australian Shepherds, Nova and Mars and two cats, Watson and Goose.
INTRODUCTION BY TORI
Tori said, “Last November after a sleepless night with my newborn baby boy, I wrote This Boy as a poem for him. A big part of our daily routine at that time was doing tummy time on his play mat and reading stories together. As I read one book after another about trucks and animals, I couldn’t help but wish there was a book I could read to help my sweet little boy grow to be a sweet young man. Something he could see himself in. Something he’d aspire to be.
In the time since that original poem was written, my friend Adam Dixon and I have been working closely together to make it into a beautiful children’s book. Today, we get to share it with the world and (hopefully) help many little boys in the process.
This Boy is the most personal piece of writing I’ve ever published. It’s a love letter to my son and a promise I publicly make as a woman raising a man in today’s world. It shows little boys that they can be anything they want to be. It guides them to make moral decisions. It demonstrates how to intentionally express their emotions and how to show compassion for both themselves and others. It teaches empathy and emotional intelligence.
This Boy is now available for purchase on Amazon, and I would be honored if you’d support this work.” – Tori Williams Nardone. You can also purchase her True North Planner on Amazon as well!
Excerpt from This Boy
This boy is great. This boy is me. Look at all the wonderful things he can be.
This boy is sweet. This boy is kind. This boy takes care of his body and mind.
This boy is smart. This boy is strong. This boy stands up for what’s right and wrong.
This boy is brave. This boy is fair. This boy shows people that he cares.
RAINBOWS OVER THE ELK
FROM TONY WAYNE DAVIS
Tony Wayne Davis shared his awesome photos of rainbows over the Elk River, taken on September 28, 2024. He captured these photos from the Blue Creek Bridge in Elkview.
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
UNDEFEATED HUSKIE FOOTBALL
2024 Cardinal Conference Champions!! Only six times in the history of HHHS have the Huskies been Conference Champions: 1977, 1995, 1996, 2002 (Cardinal Conference), 2021 (Cardinal Conference) and now, 2024!! Also, the Huskies will make their fifth straight playoff appearance (Previous playoffs were 1992-1996 seasons).
HHHS SOCCER
Sectional playoff time! Just as ERL was headed to press, the #10 Hoover soccer boys won the Region 4 Championship, defeating #12 Lewis County 3-1. They defeated #16 Elkins in the opening round 3-0. The team record is 15-6-1.Good luck at States! The Lady Huskies
SIX-TIME CARDINAL CONFERENCE VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS
The Hoover Volleyball Team was the 2024 Cardinal Conference Champions again! This marks 6 championships in the last 12 seasons: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2021, 2022, and 2024! Congrats to Coach King and the volleyball team!
Photo by Tim’s Takes Photography.
Soccer Team defeated Lewis County 5-1 in the opening round of soccer sectionals at Husky Stadium but were defeated by Elkins 3-2 in the final round of sectionals on October 23. The team is 11-5-2.
CROSS COUNTRY
Kudos to the Hoover XC teams! The girls captured the new Region 4 Championship title and the boys team finished third. Both teams will compete on Saturday, November 2 at Cabell Midland High School in the WV State XC Meet.
ANGEL TREE BY AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP
Christmas is soon approaching and two local businesses, Affiliated Financial Group (AFG) and Affiliated Insurance Solutions (AIS), need our community's help!
Affiliated Financial Group and Affiliated Insurance Solutions have partnered with some of our local schools and an Angel Tree will be set up at their office for anyone who would like to sponsor one of these children and make their Christmas brighter!
From November 1 through December 13, AFG and AIS will have the Angel Tree in their office at 4950 Elk River Rd. S., Elkview, WV 25071.
If you would like to sponsor one of these children on the Angel Tree, all you have to do is stop by the office and get an angel off the tree. The angels will be labeled by numbers and by boy or girl, and by age! There will be three items listed on the Angel with the child’s wants or needs. You are asked to choose at least one of the three items listed on that child’s angel. If you want to buy all three items, of course, that is totally optional.
If you come in to sponsor a child and get an Angel off the tree, those gifts must be brought back to the office no later than Monday, December 16th, so they can be delivered to the school to be distributed anonymously before the children go on their Christmas break!
We want to THANK YOU in advance for helping us to help these children in our community have a Brighter Christmas!
1058 MAIN STREET, ELKVIEW ELK RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER
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
CHRISTMAS ON MAIN CLENDENIN, DEC 7
@ 4PM
Join the Hallmark town of Clendenin for their annual Christmas on Main celebration on Saturday, December 7 at 4 PM. It’s an awesome time of fellowship with music, games, cookies, candy, parade, tree lighting, and of course, hot cocoa. Watch Facebook/Town of Clendenin, for more details.
- Parade line up at 5 PM; ATV’s and side-by-side's are welcome as long as they are lighted and decorated, Parade starts at 6 PM. The parade entry fee is one unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item. All entries need to be decorated with at least lights. Please no Santa’s in the parade as there will be a Santa at the event handing out gifts for the children.
- Tree lighting on the Doc Harper Stage at 7 PM
- Announcement of Winners for the best decorated businesses, houses, and parking meters!
Saturday, December 7, 2024
4pm–8pm| Main Street, Downtown Clendenin, WV
Come out and enjoy the evening on main street under the lights. Dress warm and bring your singing voice to join in with the carols!
Meter Decorating Contest*
House Decorating Contest*
Business Decorating Contest*
Christmas Parade* @ 6pm Tree Lighting Ceremony on Harper Stage @ 7pm Hot Cocoa, Treats, Music & more!
*Registration Required. Prizes available for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in all categories!
Participating homes & businesses must be located within town limits
Winners of the Meter & Business Decorating Contests will be announced on Harper Stage on Dec. 7th
Winners of the House Decorating Contest will be announced December 21st
ELK REFLECTS
GRADUATES OF '58
FOOTBALL FLASH BACK
Richard Bashlor of the Elk River Communities Museum shared the 1957-58 football team: David Morris, Glenn Proctor, Douglas Sparks, Larry Ryder, Jerry Cavender, Gay Pauley, Wesley Shinn,, Charles Dent, Jim Sampson, Larry Shaffer, and seniors Wayne Jones, Bernard Fisher, and Marven McGraw.
Also, he shared a photo of Dayton Alva Sampson, 1930-31. All from Elkview High School.
AND THE VIRGINIA AVENUE PUBLIC RIVER ACCESS MAKES THREE!
CLENDENIN TRAILHEAD UPDATE
The new Virginia Avenue Boat Launch by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is officially complete! Clendenin now boasts three fantastic boat ramps: Clendenin North (near the Clendenin Water Plant), Clendenin South (close to the new Clendenin Elementary School on Route 119), and the Virginia Avenue Public Access (at the corner of Virginia Avenue and Walnut Street, near the Clendenin First Baptist Church).
The new access features a paved ramp, allowing vehicles to easily back up with their trailers to launch jon boats and other small boats (please note, it’s not suitable for larger boats). ERL photographer Scott Abbott captured stunning drone photos from the new Virginia Avenue Boat Launch.
The intersection of Maywood and Cardinal Streets now features a newly paved parking lot that will serve the Clendenin Trail Head and provide additional parking for the Town. Clendenin Mayor Kay Summers shared, “This is a work in progress. The trail through town is now paved for a total of 2 miles to the end of Maywood West. We plan to install a large Clendenin Trail Head sign, complete with a kiosk for brochures and information about local businesses and attractions. There will also be a gazebo, lights, benches, and a bike rack.”
Mayor Summers also announced that Roger and Steve Mullins of Mountaineer Auctions have generously donated an authentic flashing railroad crossing sign to be displayed at the Trail Head. This sign is a tribute to Roger’s wife and Steve’s mother, Shirley Mullins.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14TH | 7PM
Line-up starts at 5:30pm at Pinch Elementary & New Beginnings Church
FALL HARVEST IS HERE! ELK’S GARDEN the
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!
Summer may be over, but delicious fall crops are ready for harvesting. Don’t put away your gardening tools yet! Some fall crops that can survive frost include greens (mustard, kale, spinach, turnip tops, etc.), turnips, beets, radishes, broccoli and cabbage.
So many of our favorite gardening memories involve our grandchildren. Our grandson’s (Marshall) favorite fall crop is turnips or “turned-ups” as he called them. Turnips will be good in the garden until a deep freeze. When he was two years old, he pulled on a turnip that was frozen. He pulled so hard that he fell face first into the snow. He was so mad at his “turned-up”.
• carrots that are overwintered are sweeter than spring grown and tops can tolerate temperatures in the high teens
• cabbage can thrive in frost and is ready to pick in winter
• radish edible green tops can withstand early frost and roots are safe because they are underground
• kale, a little frosts makes it taste sweeter
• beets can survive repeated light frosts
• broccoli is a cold weather vegetable that can survive frost
• turnips are cold hardy and their leaves are good to eat after repeated frosts
• lettuce can be planted late but its roots are shallow and need protected from frost. Cover or plant in pans that can be brought inside at night.
CANNED CABBAGE
STEP 1 Wash, cut or chop cabbage to your size preference. Blanch, save water (bring cabbage to boil, cook for a few minutes, then plunge in cold water to stop the cooking process). Drain well. Pack into jars. Add cabbage water. Remove air bubbles.
STEP 2 Add lids and rings. Process 120 minutes in hot water bath. 40 minutes at 10 lbs pressure (always check your canner times) Canned cabbage is great to add to your soups, use as a side dish or as our favorite, ham and cabbage.
TURNIPS
STEP 1 Wash and peel turnips, Slice or chunk in small pieces. Cook 8-10 minutes. Pack into jars.
STEP 2 Add lids and rings. Process 90 minutes in hot water bath 40 minutes at 10 lbs pressure (always check your canner times)
GREENS
mustard, kale, turnip, spinach, Swiss chard, etc
STEP 1 Wash greens thoroughly (bugs love greens and hide well), steam or blanch to wilt. (I cook mine longer), drain and pack into jars.
STEP 2 Process 180 minutes in boiling water bath. 60 minutes at 10 lbs pressure (check your canner times)
WINTERIZING YOUR GARDEN
BEETS
STEP 1 Wash and leave stems on, approximately 1 inch long (this keeps beets from losing their red color while cooking). Boil for 15 minutes. Slip off the skins. Slice or chunk and put in jars. (1/2 tsp sugar can be added to each jar)
STEP 2 Process 120 minutes in hot water bath. 40 minutes 10 lbs pressure. (check your canner times)
NOTE When I was reading about fall crops, I learned that radish tops can be cooked just like the other greens or added in with them. We are never too old to learn new things.
You can add mulch to insulate soil to keep it warm and it helps retain moisture. Pull any weeds to help prevent bacteria and pests from living in your garden over the winter. Cover crops or you can add manure to help protect bare ground and build up organic matter in the soil. My husband, Frank, likes to plow the snow under in the garden. It puts nitrogen into the soil. It also loosens and softens the soil.
In the spring, the greens sometimes come back up. I have even picked and canned greens before Frank spreads manure and plows in the spring. You never know what surprises Mother Nature will bring!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families! I hope you have a dinner table full of your garden favorites.
HEALTHY ELK the
RELIEF THROUGH MOVEMENT:
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN
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.
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions of Americans, significantly impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 50 million U.S. adults experience chronic pain, with 17 million experiencing substantial limitations in their activities due to pain. Beyond its immediate impact, chronic pain has also been linked to depression, Alzheimer's disease, and substance abuse. While chronic pain is complex, and there's no single solution, physical therapy (PT) should be a vital component of any treatment plan. Physical Therapy offers an effective, drug-free relief.
WHY PT IS EFFECTIVE FOR CHRONIC PAIN MANAGEMENT:
Addressing the Root Cause: Unlike medications that mask pain, PT goes deeper. Therapists assess posture, muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics to pinpoint the source of discomfort.
Treating Underlying Issues: Based on the evaluation, PT focuses on strengthening weak muscles, improving flexibility for a better range of motion, and correcting postural or movement imbalances contributing to pain.
Multi-Faceted Approach: A customized PT plan may incorporate various techniques, including:
• Manual Therapy: Massage, joint mobilization, and trigger point therapy address muscle tension, improve circulation and alleviate pain.
• Modalities: Ultrasound, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation can reduce inflammation, promote healing, and manage pain.
Education & Empowerment: PTs equip patients with the knowledge and tools to manage pain independently. This might include learning specific exercises, activity modifications, or scheduling adjustments based on pain levels.
Pain Education: Emerging research demonstrates the effectiveness of combining pain education with physical therapy for a more comprehensive treatment approach.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, a physical therapist can be your key to unlocking a pain-free life. Contact a qualified PT today and explore the benefits of this effective, drug-free approach to pain management.
