The Morgantown Magazine

November 2011 - January 2012 Your source for what’s happening in and around Greater Morgantown, West Virginia.

Holiday Joy from T he Hoss Foundation iced. a gour met cupcaker y Feeding Our Children T he Source Lunchbox Program The Morgantown Magazine info@themorgantownmagazine.com www.themorgantownmagazine.com

contents

Winter

2011

In This Issue Page 6

Toni’s Tales: Fall Wnes

Page 8

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Page 10

Poetry Corner

Page 12

See & Be Seen

Page 14

Arts & Culture

Page 18

Kids’ Avenue

Page 23

Calender of Events

Page 24

Wine a little...

Page 25

25 FREE Things to do in Greater Morgantown

FEATURE STORIES Page 9

Tanned Hides and Haute Metal

Page 14

WVU’s Mountaineer Week

Page 18

Get In The Game

Page 19

The Source Lunchbox Program

Page 20

iced. a gourmet cupcakery

Page 22

Martin Luther Kng Celebration

Photo by Kristen Harner.

Send us your photos of Greater Morgantown!

We’d love to include your photos of the Greater Morgantown area throughout the magazine, possible future feature stories on your work or the subject, or featured on the cover.

Please include the name of the photographer, a brief description of the photo, and a sentence giving

The Morgantown Magazine permission to use the photo.

Submission is the 20th of every month. Please send photos to: info@themorgantownmagazine.com with the subject line Photo Submission.

Front Cover Cupcakes made by iced.

Photo by Jacqui Sikora.

Back Cover Photo by Jen Hoke Photography.

Published by Fate Publishing 722 Brookhaven Road Morgantown WV 26508 Phone 304.212.4890 | Fax 304.212.4649 www.themorgantownmagazine.com

Co-Editors Vickie Trickett Jessica Buda Design & Layout Editor Vickie Trickett Contributing Columnists Bobbie Hawkins Kathy Harris Arthur Morris Toni Morris Nicole Saffron Contributing Writers Jessica Buda Barbara Howe Jacqui Sikora Contributing Photographers Bobbie Hawkins Kristen Harner Jen Hoke, Jen Hoke Photography Jacqui Sikora Vickie Trickett Additional Sources: Greater Morgantown Visitor’s Guide www.tourmorgantown.com Main Street Morgantown www.downtownmorgantown.com

Photo by Jen Hoke, Jen Hoke Photography.

Stories, story suggestions, photographs and calendar events for consideration should be submitted by the 20th of each month and emailed to info@themorgantownmagazine.com or mailed to 722 Brookhaven Road, Morgantown, WV 26508.

The Morgantown Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by Fate Publishing.

Advertising rates are available at www.themorgantownmagazine.com.

T

s e l a T s ’ i on

by Toni Morris, from her blog “Blogging My Way to 50.”

Fall--A great time for fine wine!

This has been a hard year for many of us and it is nice to just hang out with some good buddies and shoot the breeze while consuming some very good wine. Honestly, instead of wasting money buying gifts for people who probably don’t really want what you buy them, just buy wine and enjoy drinking it together.

It just doesn’t get any better. If you need a few suggestions on what kind of wine to buy, I will be happy to assist you. They have many good wines for $10.00 or less. You can’t beat that. Now for those of you who are novice wine buyers and you just don’t know what kind of wine to buy for your friends or yourself or me for instance, not hinting, really, here is my quick 10 steps to buying wine: 1. Find all bottles on sale for 10.00 or under.

2. Decide if the person you are buying for prefers white or red. Most wine drinkers will drink either but my easy way to decide is if it is hot outside buy white, it is cold and quenches your thirst. If it is cold outside, buy red. It is warming. One caveat, if you know the person tends to get headaches after drinking red wine, then stick with whites. It may

be tannins in the red. No worries, I only get a headache if I drink too much wine! (Just in case you need to know that.)

3.

Dry or sweet, that is the question. If you know your person is a serious wine lover then stay away from sweet. Chances are they have moved on years ago to dry wines (present company included).

4. Cork or twist off? Now in the old days, I would have told you to only buy wine with corks, it used to be some kind of status symbol for better wine companies. But more and more wineries are going to twist tops, so no problem here. Some companies think that corks get too much air into the bottle causing them to mold. So some good wines are now going to twisty tops.

best, I have to agree they are really good.

8. Best Grapes: Whites: Sauvignon Blanc semi dry Pinot Grigio Light semi-sweet fruity wine Chardonnay dryer, oaky flavor Reds: Merlot- I don’t like this grape, too smooth. I want something with a kick, but I know this isn’t about the wine you are going to buy for me so, some people may like this.

Malbec-Good stuff, a little kick Cabernet- Yum Yum that is all I have to say Shiraz or Syrah: Either way, heavier taste and some kick Red Zinfandel: My all time favorite, the more kick the better.

If you need a lot of water to wash the heaviness off of your teeth, then it is perfect.

5. Do cute labels matter? Of course not but if you aren’t sure what to buy, by all means chose something that speaks to you.

Never, Never, Never buy or drink White Zinfandel. This is not a wine at all, it is Kool-Aid. Yuk. Did I say never?

6. Chilled or not chilled? White, chilled. Red, not chilled. If you are going straight to the party or event, many places have a few white wines chilling already.

9. The most important thing to know about wine is to make sure your friend has a wine opener, that you like their company and that they will open it on the spot and share it with you. If not, then they aren’t worth giving it to them.

Or you can always take a second bottle and offer to taste it with them.

After all your troubles, you will need to be rewarded after all!

7. California vs. other countries? My favorites are California, Australia, France and Argentina. But hey, wine is wine and there are good grapes growing everywhere. My friend is from Chili and he swears they are the

Submitted by Jen HOke, Jen Hoke Photography.

The West Virginia Botanic Garden (WVBG), in harmony with nature, seeks to enhance the quality of life through public enjoyment and education involving inspirational landscapes and displays of a rich variety of ornamental plants appropriate to the region.

Winter Hibernation As we can all see, the leaves are changing and starting to cover our favorite West Virginia motorcycle riding roads. This is a sure sign that winter is just around the corner and it’s time to start getting your bike ready for storage.

Some diehard riders will put on their leathers and heated riding gear and take the bike out whenever the roads are semi-clear, but others will put their bikes away until the spring flowers bloom.

Here are a few tips from Triple S Harley-Davidson Service Manager, Fritz Wernke, on how to store your bike through those cold winter months.

1. First and most important is to clean and protect your bike.

Wash your bike with a mild soap or an over the counter “car wash” type product. Rinse and dry. You can use a leaf blower or similar dryer to make sure the bike is dry. Next you want to protect all your surfaces. Use a good wax on all painted surfaces, and polish all your chrome and aluminum. Clean and protect your vinyl or leather seats with a good quality product, and treat the painted surfaces of your engine with a protectant. Leaving your bike dirty or wet when you put it away will allow the road dirt and other contaminants to eat away at your s urfaces.

2. Next thing to address is maintenance. Fill your fuel tank and add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer. An empty tank will allow for condensation and rust to occur, and gas can breakdown over 4 or 5 months of non-use. Check the air in your tires, and lube your cables and any other moving parts. If you have one of those cool bike jacks, lift your bike off the ground.

by Nicole Saffron

Tires can “flat spot” or start to break down with extended contact with a hard surface like concrete. The most important thing to maintain is your battery. Clean the battery connections, and attach a battery maintainer/charger such as our “Battery Tender”. If you store your bike in a cold area, remove the battery and keep it in your house, on charge.

Proper battery care can extend battery life by 3 or more years.

3. Storage location. The ideal storage location is clean, dry, and warm. If you have a heated garage, simply complete the above steps and cover with a soft, breathable cover. The worst place to store would be outdoors on dirt or gravel covered by a plastic tarp. This is because the moisture from the ground keeps the bike damp and causes corrosion to begin on all metal surfaces. A plastic cover may keep the rain and snow off, but traps moisture on the bike and accelerates corrosion. A metal storage shed or wooden barn are a little better, but any unheated area will allow condensation to form on the metal during temperature changes, allowing corrosion to begin. If you don’t have a good place to store your bike, please remember that we have a winter storage special here at Triple S Harley-Davidson. Please call our service department for details.

4, BONUS TIP! When you store your bike, cover it and forget it. We know that we all like to start our bikes every few weeks just to hear that Harley sound, but doing that is not good for your bike. Every time you start it up, a drain is placed on your battery. Revving up the bike a few times or letting it idle for 20 minutes does nothing to recharge that battery. The Harley charging system requires longer run time at higher engine speed to recharge the power lost from one start. Lubrication is also another area that suffers on multiple starts. The bike will not reach proper operating temperature and oil will not flow properly.

Remember….Spring riding season will be here before we know it. A properly stored bike will get you back on the road quicker and safer!

Tanned Hides and Haute Metal

by Jessica Buda

What do you give the person who seemingly has everything? A tanned hide of course! No not that kind…. get them a gift from Tanner’s Alley Leather on High Street , Downtown Morgantown.

Local small business owner Charlie McEwuen opened Tanner’s Alley in 1976. What has kept him in business for over 30 years? Simple, he loves what he does. So much so that he has received The Mainstreet West Virginia Merchant of the Year award three times. McEwuen says “…This award means so much to me because I was selected by my peers and those that know what it like to run a small business…I just do what I can to make downtown Morgantown a great place to live and shop.”

Tanner’s Alley specializes in handmade leather briefcases, book bags, backpacks, satchels, travel bags and purses. Their newest line of handbags, Haute Metal, are created by designer Jillian S. Joseph. Charlie brings her original designs to life to create a unique, trend setting handbag. Charlie says “We want to create a line that will be lasting and recognized in the ever-changing fashion industry, season after season, runway after runway, woman after woman. Haute Metal will bring the heat through handbags!” They also carry unique gifts for that hard to buy for person.

They offer everything from leather page weights for the avid reader to leather fly reel cases for the outdoorsman with class.

Aside from their leather creations they also offer leather repair and restoration, including alterations, zipper repair, cleaning and weatherization. In addition they are a full service shoe repair shop, offering sole and heel replacement. They can even accept mail order shoe repair. If all that isn’t enough, they top it off with very reasonable prices.

With over thirty years in the business you can trust Charlie with your tanned hide. Visit him today at 416 High Street, Morgantown, WV.

We are excited to offer our readers a chance to get feedback on their poetry.

Are you inspired by Maya Angelou, e.e. cummings or Dr. Seuss? Do verses run through your head? Are you interested in getting feedback on your work?

Then the Poetry Corner is for you!

In each issue of The Morgantown Magazine, we will share up to two poetry submissions. Readers are encouraged to send comments and feedback that will be shared with the authors.

We will only consider original poetry. Submissions of all kinds are accepted serious, funny, long or short.

Submit online at www.themorgantownmagazine.com or email your poems to: info@themorgantownmagazine.com with POETRY SUBMISSION as the subject.

All poems submitted to The Morgantown Magazine are automatically considered for publication. Submission implies ownership and permission for The Morgantown Magazine to run in any electronic or print issue.

Deadlines There are no deadlines; entries are accepted throughout the year.

FLY

by M i c h a e l M i l ler

Do not be afraid to jump from the branch and spread your wings.

Feel the air brush your cheeks with its gentle touch.

Cast your shadow down on the grassy fields that stretch out like oceans before you.

Toward the sun and through the clouds, untouchable by all whom view from a far.

They admire you with knowing eyes, wishing upon each carefree stoke of your wings. Wishing they could fly.

Round the forest and cascading waterfalls, carefully dipping each tip of your toes in the crystalline water.

Oh, how it feels to fly.

But then land back safely on me, the branch from which you leaped, the tall pine swaying in the breeze.

Remembering that my roots here are firmly planted in the earth.

Ever bending it stands tall with its shelter from the pouring sky.

Tested by each gust; never broken.

Fly away when the sun shone bright, but take refuge as the clouds cry.

It shall not move, this steadfast tree even when it turns bleak I remain green.

Here for you without falter nor fail shall I remain planted in this soil.

Share your thoughts with the author. Send feedback to: info@themorgantownmagazine.com

Subject: Fly

Source: Greater Morgantown’s Visitor’s Guide 2010 (click to download the pdf ).

2010 Christmas Parade.

Photo by Bobbie Hawkins.

Morgantown is a great place to live. Not only do we live in a location with a thriving economy, but we also experience an incredible quality of life. A new addition is “See and Be Seen”. A modern day society page, this column will highlight activities that are planned, as well as feature photos and stories from recent social activities.

By Bobbie Hawkins

“Top 10 Places to ‘See and Be Seen’ in Morgantown

1.

Michael McDonald Concert on November 18

2.

Holiday Shopping In Downtown Morgantown

3.

Morgantown Christmas Parade on December 2

4.

Visiting The Seneca Center for Unique Shopping Opportunities

5.

Cheat Lake Sailors 4-H Club Breakfast With Santa on December 10

6.

Lady Antebellum at the WVU Coliseum on December 18

7.

The United Way BE Taylor Concert on December 10

8.

Photos of Santa with a Harley at Triple S Harley Davidson

9.

Rock of Ages at the WVU Creative Arts Center on January 22

10. Cheering On The Mountaineer Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams

Sixth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration -- January 16, 2012

by Barb Howe The Community Coalition for Social Justice is sponsoring its sixth annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration at the Metropolitan Theatre, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 16. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For the second year, Main Street Morgantown is co-sponsoring the celebration and encourages all those attending to visit downtown Morgantown’s many shops and restaurants before or after the celebration.

The theme of the 2012 event is “Service” in keeping with the national emphasis on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day as a day of service. Those attending are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to Bartlett House, which provides emergency food, shelter, and medical referrals to people who are homeless. “We wanted to highlight a United Way agency that is located in downtown Morgantown,” said Susan Brown, co-chair of the Community Coalition for Social Justice, “because of our partnership with Main Street Morgantown and because one of our steering committee members, Michael Sharley, is on the board of directors of Bartlett House.” Keri DeMasi, executive director of Bartlett House, will speak about the programs that Bartlett House offers.

A representative of United Way will also speak and will have information available about volunteer opportunities in the community.

Students from local schools will make posters to advertise the program in area businesses, and St. Francis students will have their giant puppets of international heroes on display.

The day’s program will begin with children from North Elementary School and Mylan Park Elementary School singing “This Little Light of Mine,” including verses that they write for the song. There will be a presentation of The Giving Tree, the community choir will sing, and the WVU World Music Center’s Brazilian ensemble will perform. Also, a Girl Scout and Boy Scout will present their service projects. The program will end in its traditional fashion, with all singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

This event is made possible with the financial support of the City of Morgantown.

For further information, please contact Barb Howe at ccsjwv@hotmail.com.

Shuttle picks up at the corner of Wall Street and University Avenue. Parking is in the University Avenue

Parking Garage. the shuttle will run 2 hrs before the game starts picking up on University Avenue (University/Chestnut Streets garage) and will run every 10 minutes.

The return ride is from 1 hour after the game and riders will be dropped on High Street.

ArtS & Culture

“From public venues staging full-blown, professional theatrical productions to private galleries and intimate club settings, the Greater Morgantown Area’s arts community’s reputation for presenting the liveliest performing and visual arts is well-earned.”

CVB Visitor’s Guide

WVU’S MOUNTAINEER WEEK: A CELEBRATION OF APPALACHIAN HERITAGE Since 1947, West Virginia University’s annual Mountaineer Week, has offered the student body and the Morgantown community an opportunity to learn moreabout West Virginia history and celebrate the state’s traditions.

“We hope the entire community will join us each year for our celebration of the state of West Virginia,” commented Sonja Wilson, Mountaineer Week coordinator.

“Mountaineer Week is organized with our WVU students in mind. We want to educate them on the culture and history of our great state.”

New events for 2011 included the Mountaineers Run United four-mile walk/run and a walking ghost tour of WVU campus buildings, presented by the West Virginia Humanities Council. Main Street Morgantown will also present a window display contest on High Street for the first time.

Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, some events contained a war history and statehood theme.

The craft fair and quilt show weekend highlighted the Civil War with West Virginia native Katie Welch’s Antebellum period garment designs. Her exhibit, Clothing of the Civil War, was displayed in the Mountainlair Ballrooms.

WVU Libraries featured a Civil War exhibit in the West Virginia and Regional History Collection titled “The Issue Is Upon Us!” A guided tour by curator John Cuthbert was available as well.

The annual Mountaineer Week lecture, presented by the West Virginia Humanities Council, featured a presentation on Clarksburg native

Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. The History Alive! cast presented a re-enactment of the life of Jackson and his role as a Confederate general.

The Office of Multicultural Programs and the Appalachian Cultures Committee presented the film “Long Shadows: The Legacy of the Civil War” as part of the Brownbag Luncheon Series. Jo Brown, from WVU Libraries, lead the discussion in the Gluck Theatre.

Mountaineer Week celebrates Appalachian heritage with events emphasizing Mountaineer traditions. These events include an Appalachian folk dance, folk concerts, a beard-growing contest, and a Country Vittles Dinner Buffet.

“Each year we hope to bring in thousands of visitors from our campus, community, state and region to enjoy our diversified Mountaineer Week programs that encompass Appalachian cuisine, music, dance and traditions,” Wilson said.

Mountaineer Week is an annual celebration of West Virginia’s rich Appalachian heritage and traditions.

The activities serve to remind and educate WVU students about the culture that has made West Virginia what it is today.

Mountaineer Week, West Virginia University’s annual celebration of Appalachian history and culture, is held in late October and begins with the craft fair and quilt show in the Mountainlair.

For more info, visit the Mountaineer Week website at www.mountaineerweek.wvu.edu/ events.

Source: Greater Morgantown’s Visit

tor’s Guide 2010 (click to download the pdf ).

Get In The Game

by Jessica Buda

“Words are hollow without any action behind them” – Jeff Hostetler How many times have we heard it said… “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”? Christmas, that is! Of course it is…the excitement, the gift exchange, family gatherings, large meals…what could put a damper on these?

Unfortunately there are still all too many families right here in our community who don’t consider the holiday season a time to celebrate. For some it’s a reminder of the harsh reality that they are unable to provide a “Christmas” for their children. The reasons may be different; family issues, illness, job loss; but the result is the same…financial issues. The Hoss Foundation and its over 700 volunteers, however, intend to change that.

Every year The Hoss Foundation helps children and families in Monongalia County suffering from injury or illness, and facing financial hardships.

The 2010 Gift Project helped make Christmas celebrations possible for 810 individuals in our community…that’s 295 families…425 children!

The Hoss Foundation is a non-profit founded in 1991 by former NFL Quarterback Jeff Hostetler and his wife Vicky. During the holiday season they organize The Gift Project, a Christmas shopping spree of monumental proportion. So large in fact that the Wal-Mart location which houses the event has its Garden Center filled wall to wall by a sea of volunteer shoppers.

The area registers are reserved

specifically for The Hoss Foundation to check out, or rather check in their purchases. It is quite a site to witness bag after labeled bag filled to the brim with gifts for those who would other wise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. Not to mention it is a lesson to be learned in the area of organized chaos… the shopping, tagging, and bagging process moves at a brisk pace yet every step seems perfectly planned. When the night ends and the moving trucks and vans are loaded with gifts on their way to the wrapping station, everyone involved feels a little like the Grinch when he finally realizes what Christmas is all about. Yes, this event and shopping experience may be the material side of Christmas, or so it seems. But the reality is this is an opportunity to reach out to the Community with the true message of Christmas. The vehicle used may be the gifts, but the message riding on them is that of God’s love; the many volunteer shoppers care about you and your family much in the same selfless way Christ does.

The Hoss Foundation doesn’t end their work with the Christmas season. Throughout the year they take part in international mission trips, as well as provide gifts to The Ronald McDonald House, visit senior centers, provide adoption assistance, and help with home repair and maintenance.

To “Get In The Game” visit their website www.hossfoundation.com and sign up to become a volunteer. The Hoss Foundation has many programs available to assist members of our community and many different opportunities for volunteers.

We have the perfect

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304.212.4890

a gourmet cupcakery.

A Local Gourmet Cupcakery Bakes Up Business Through Social Media.

by Jacqui Sikora

These days everyone has a social media age or, at least, knows someone who does.

Facebook, Twitter and My Space have become the topic of everyday conversations, and a part of the American vernacular.

After all, according to Digital Buzz, an online social media tracking and census blog, Facebook currently has over 500 million users, and is now used by 1 in every 13 people on earth (50% of whom log on to the site every day). With the opportunity for free mass exposure, it’s not surprising that one local entrepreneur has used social media to ice the way to success.

The business? iced. a gourmet cupcakery!

The young entrepreneur? Judilynn Gallaher Tomlin. Tomlin, a transplant to Morgantown from Lynchburg, Virginia, has dreamt of opening a cupcakery for many years. “I’m not a bandwagon cupcakery. I wanted to do cupcakes before cupcakes were cool!

I used to make cupcakes for family events and birthday parties, but always imagined expanding it into a career,” recalls Tomlin. Unfortunately, the monetary strains that come with starting a new business made iced. a sticky proposition.

That was until 2011 when her ingenuity, drive, and clever use of social media sites like Facebook, made her dream a reality.

As with all great businesses, however, Tomlin had to start with a great product.

She spent many nights (after working her full-time job at a local law firm) testing ecipes like “mint chocolate chip,” “peanut butter cup” cake, “death by chocolate,” “orange chocolate chip,” and my personal favorite… “red velvet.”

Tomlin’s vision was to create a product that people loved, but at the core of her business philosophy was her passion for pleasing her customers. “Without the customers, I would be nothing. I truly care more about the people that order my cupcakes than just getting a sale. If I’m true to the people who choose to order from me, my business will thrive,” says Tomlin.

But, in a slow economy, even the tastiest products need marketing.

For Tomlin, the budget was tight. “It would be impossible for iced. to have a formal marketing budget. I knew that if I could just get the word out about what I was trying to do, the business would succeed.

Getting the word out was the challenge,” Tomlin recounts. By creating a Facebook page, iced has baked up more business than Tomlin could have ever imagined. According to Tomlin, “The Facebook page has given iced. a lot of exposure. We went from

40 Facebook friends to 160 in less than two months, and the only marketing I use is Facebook and my website.”

For Tomlin creating yummy confections is simply the icing on the cupcake. “iced has grown from an idea in my head to an overnight success all because I used social media to spread the word.”

Tomlin’s approach to business is not unique.

But, her combination of great cupcakes, commitment to customer service and the marketing impact of social media, has made iced. a success story worth celebrating.

Tomlin’s dreams are just being realized, and she plans to greatly expand her business, but Morgantown will always be that place

where her dream of making people smile one cupcake at a time started.

For more information on iced. a gourmet cupcakery, please friend “iced.” on Facebook, visit iced’s website at “https//sites. google.com/site/icedgourmetcupcakes/” or contact iced. at cupcakesiced@gmail.com or (434) 258-1131.

STUFF TO DO! December 2 Great Russian Nutcracker 7:30 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ticketmaster.com

December 17 Skate with Santa 7:30 =9:30 p.m.; Morgantown Ice Arena 304.292.6865

December 3 Santa’s Workshop Craft Fair Mylan Park Expo Center 304.983.2383

December 31 WVAQ & Lakeview Golf Resort New Years Eve Bash 304.594.1111

December 4 Holiday Choral Concert 3:15 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center Music from Ireland and the British Isles. www.ticketmaster.com

NOVEMBER November 18 Michael McDonald 7:30 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ticketmaster.com November 18, 19 “The Tricky Party” 8 p.m.; M. T. Pockets Theatre www.mtpocketstheatre.com November 19 Holiday Cookie Quest Main Street Morgantown November 24 Thanksgiving Harvest Buffet Lakeview Resort 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.lakeviewresort.com November 25 WVU hosts PITT 7:00 p.m. msnsportnet.com November 3-Dec. 3 “The Eight: Reindeer Monologues” 8 p.m.; M. T. Pockets Theatre www.mtpocketstheatre.com

DECEMBER December 1 WVU at USF 8 p.m. msnsportnet.com December 2 Morgantown Christmas Parade 6:30 p.m.; High Street Mike Hopkins 3045.319.4391

December 9-11; 15-18 “Ebenezer Past, Present and Yet to Come M. T. Pockets Theatre Dec. 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 @ 8 p.m.

Dec. 11, 18 @ 2 p.m. www.mtpocketstheatre.com December 9, 10, 11 Holiday Ceramic Show WVU Creative Arts Center Dec. 9, 10 -- 9 a.m. -5 p.m.

Dec. 11 -- Noon to 4 p.m. www.ccarts.wvu.edu December 10 B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert 7:30 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ticketmaster.com December 10, 11, 17, 18, 22 “Seussical” Metropolitan Theatre Dec. 10, 17, 22 @ 7 p.m.

Dec. 11, 18 @ 2 p.m. www.morgantownmet.com December 17-January 28 “The Way We Work” A Smithsonian Exhibit Morgantown History Museum www.morgantownmuseum.com

JANUARY January 18, 19 “Shrek the Musical” 7:30 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ticketmaster.com January 30 Annual Festival of Food & Wine All Day Event; Lakeview Golf Resort 1.800.624.8300 for Reservations.

January 22 “Rock of Ages” 7:30 p.m.; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ticketmaster.com January 28 Frosty Toes & Chili Cook-off Noon; Triple S Harley Davidson Benefits local children.

Nicole @ 304.284.8244

Wine a little…it can’t hurt !

by Arthur Morris (Owner, The Wine Rack)

It’s hard to believe, but it’s Holiday Season once again.

That means parties and other get-togethers with friends and family. Most of these events include food and beverage. For those who serve wine at their gatherings, this can add to seasonal stress, worrying about “proper” food/wine pairings. Don’t fret about it !

Simply provide a variety of wines and let your guests choose (or mix and match). Every palate is a bit different. A traditional turkey dinner, for example, can be very difficult to pair wines with, due to the broad range of flavors and textures. The key is versatility – just select 2-3 wines from the following list and you can’t go wrong : Whites: Riesling, Gevurtztraminer, Vouvray (Chenin Blanc), Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio.

Reds: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah/Shiraz, Beaujolais Also, consider Rose and sparkling wines-always versatile and food friendly.

I frequently, get questions regarding the best serving temperature. Most folks in the US drink whites too cold and reds too warm. Use the “15 minute rule.” Remove your whites from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to serving and place your reds in the refrigerator for 15 minutes prior to serving. Again, don’t make this a huge issue. If Grandpa wants ice in his wine, grin and bear it!

Most importantly, keep in mind that your gathering with family and friends is the main event and the food and beverage is merely an enhancement.

eHappy Holidays!

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday Closed Sunday 1225 Pineview Drive Morgantown, WV 26505

304-599-WINE (9463)

Tired of wandering around trying to decide on the right wine?

The Wine Rack offers a wide selection of wines at a great price – and you’ll be greeted by a true wine enthusiast who can answer all your questions.

Whether you’re choosing the perfect wine for a dinner party, a hostess gift or something special for your best client, you’ll love the friendly, helpful service.

And we do special orders and daily samplings too.

Forget self-service wine purchases.

Come discover wonderful new wines and pairings at The Wine Rack.

Wine – Beer – Cigars – Gift Baskets – Chocolates

Source: Greater Morgantown’s Visitor’s Guide 2010 (click to download the pdf ).

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Name ___________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________ Email ___________________________________________ Payment enclosed for: [ ] 1 Year [ ] 2 Years Send one as a gift to my friend: Name __________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City/State/Zip ___________________________________

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MORGANTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1029 University Avenue, Suite 101 Morgantown WV 26505 phone 304.292.3311 fax 304.296.6619

Gift Baskets done your way!

We are your local source for quality gifts at affordable prices!

Need a gift for a friend, relative or business associate? We design the most unique gift baskets in Morgantown. Our baskets are practical as well as beautiful and feature a variety of themes for any gift giving occasion.

Custom made for your recipient based on the theme, occasion and personal tastes.

If you don’t see a theme you’re interested in, just ask! The sky is the limit!

Gift certificates for local businesses can be included in your basket upon request. Local delivery available!

Birthday | Anniversary | Baby & Bridal Showers Get Well | Thank You | Sports Fan | Nursing Home New Pet | Garden Lovers | Job Related | Romance Holiday Celebration | New Home | Off to College Mother’s Day | Father’s Day | Grandparents Day Family & Friends | Divorce | Pampering Baskets Welcome Home | Romance | Sympathy

Any Occasion!

CANDY BOUQUETS & ARRANGEMENTS Delicious alternative to flowers that are sure to surprise and delight!

A unique, one-of-a-kind gift for any age that will make a lasting impression.

We offer arrangements for all occasions! Birthdays, Get Well Soon, Business Promotions, New Job, Valentine’s Day, Boss’ Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fundraisers and “Just Because” to name a few.

Request your own custom bouquet or arrangement with the favorite treats of your recipient! Sweet treats & healthy snacks can be used to create a unique bouquet for any occasion!

Questions, email: baskets@celebrationsunlimited.org or call 304.212.4890.

Visit our web site to order online www.CelebrationsUnlimited.org.

c/o722 Brookhaven Road Morgantown, WV 26508

info@themorgantownmagazine.com | www.themorgantownmagazine.com

Kid’s Day 2011. Photo by Jacqui Sikora.