VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 02 | FEB 2020 FREE
ELK RIVER LIVING New Health Care Provider at Elkview Certified Nurse Practitioner, Vicki Spurlock, opened Elkview Health, LLC at 105 Credes Landing
Family-Owned and Community Loved Special Occasions Unlimited and Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop are proud to serve the Elk River
Hot Fudge Cake for Your Valentine
Gabby Strickland Walker shares her mom’s delicious Hot Fudge Cake recipe
HHHS Speakers Are Huskie Proud Speakers deliver heartfelt remarks at the HHHS groundbreaking event
A Community Rejoices for New HHHS A long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony celebrates the start of a new HHHS
Blue Creek Bridge Down
Joe Hoover captures the collapsing of the old Blue Creek Bridge for this month’s Elk Reflects
HERBERT HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL BREAKS GROUND! HHHS is the spirit that binds this community together
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FEBRUARY 2020
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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
MAster CrAFters GiFt & PriMitiVes sHoPPe
MAster CrAFters GiFt & PriMitiVes sHoPPe
MAster CrAFters GiFt & PriMitiVes sHoPPe
MAster CrAFters GiFt Country&* PriMitiVes Primitive * FolksHoPPe Art * Victorian
shavonne Hale (304) shavonne 965-6222 shavonneHale Hale
* Primitive HomeCountry Decor * Unique Gift Giving
Country * Primitive Folk Art * Victorian Folk Art ** Victorian Hours: Mon.-Wed.-Thurs.-Fri. 10am-6pm Home Decor * Unique Gift Giving
Home Tues. 12noon-7pm sat.Decor 10am-4pm
FEBRUARY 2020
Hours: Mon.-Wed.-Thurs.-Fri. 10am-6pm (304) 965-6222 Unique Giving (304) 965-6222 4802 Chimney Dr., *Big Chimney, WV 25302 Country Primitive * FolkGift Art * sat. Victorian Tues. 12noon-7pm 10am-4pm
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Home Decor * Unique N on 119Hours: -Hale by Smiths Carpet One Bldg. ChimneyGift ExitGiving 5WV - I-7925302 shavonne Mon.-Wed.-Thurs.-Fri. 10am-6pm 4802 Chimney Dr., Big- Big Chimney, Hours: Mon.-Wed.-Thurs.-Fri. 10am-6pm Tues. sat. 10am-4pm N on 119 -12noon-7pm by Smiths Carpet One Bldg. Big Chimney Exit (304) 965-6222 Tues. 12noon-7pm sat. 10am-4pm5 - I-79
4802 Chimney Dr., Big Chimney, WV 25302 N on 119 - by Smiths Carpet One Bldg. - Big Chimney Exit 5 - I-79
TABLE OF CONTENTS 24
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On the Cover: New Home for the HHHS Huskies
Fulfilling A Need Elkview Health LLC is the only primary care provider in Elkview, and is now accepting new patients.
Site preparation work has finally begun for the new HHHS.
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A Community Comes Together to Celebrate
Elk River Florists Specialize in Bringing the Love
Speakers deliver Huskie Proud remarks at groundbreaking event
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Welcome Back to Elk River Living!
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HHHS High Impact Show Choir
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Our Valued Sponsors
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The Elk Reflects
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Events In the Valley
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Trout are Out and About in the Elk River
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Hot Fudge Cake by Gabby Strickland Walker
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This Month’s Reader Submission
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Elk River Hero: HHHS Class of 2020
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Elk's Journal: Gold Award Project
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
Two local Elk River florists offer excellent customer care and quality products.
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Hello & Welcome Back! This month Elk River Living is truly celebrating the love! Nothing touched the community’s hearts more than the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Herbert Hoover High School. There were county and state dignitaries, the news media, the HHHS 2020 Seniors, the Pride of Elk River-The Marching Huskies, and a large crowd of students, family and friends of the Elk.
It is only fitting that our Elk River Hero this month is this year’s HHHS Graduating Class of 2020. They were incoming freshmen the year of The Flood of 2016 and have only known the portable units as their high school. In the words of HHHS Principal Mike Kelley, “Herbert Hoover is not a place. It never has been. Herbert Hoover is part of the spirit that binds this community together.” The Huskie pride of the Class of 2020 resonates in all of our hearts with their only request: “As long as you keep us together, we’ll be fine.”
This month ERL shines the spotlight on several businesses, including the new Elkview Health, LLC, with Vicki Spurlock, Certified Nurse Practitioner, and our favorite Elk River Florists, Special Occasions Unlimited and Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop. Also, don’t forget to check out the great Valentine’s Day specials at many of our Elk River restaurants. We additionally send our love and a special thank you to the Kanawha County Commission for their second trout release in the Elk River in Clendenin (also thank you to the Elk River Muskie Club and 25045-A New Clendenin, Inc. for their contributions). Speaking of love, the HHHS High Impact Show Choir hosted another marvelous dinner theater weekend-such talent! I saw a quote that I thought captured the hearts of all of us here on the Elk River: Coming Together is a beginning; Keeping Together is strength, and Working Together is success. May we always join hands and proudly face our tomorrows together.
Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River.
Cyndi Tawney Founder & Editor 304.546.9243 cyndi@elkriverliving.com
Editor In Chief /
Cyndi Tawney
Creative Director /
Josh Tawney
Operations Director /
Ken Tawney
Guest Photographers /
Joe Hoover & Ken Tawney
Printer /
The Printing Press Charleston, WV
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.
On the cover: The Kanawha County Board and Dr. Ron Duerring, Superintendent, at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Herbert Hoover High School.
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
April Curry
This month Joe Hoover and April Curry are contributing photographers to Elk River Living Magazine. We are thankful for their talent and love for the Elk River community. Joe is owner of Photography by Joe Hoover, and April Curry, is the owner of Photos by AC.
Joe Hoover
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!
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OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES A CUT ABOVE, HAIR BY KRISTIN 304.389.3357 205 3rd Ave., Elkview AFFILIATED FINANCE GROUP 304.935.2230 4508 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston ACUPUNCTURE & HOLISTIC HEALTH, INC. 304.377.7892 Ripley and Charleston ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 304.965.7988 allseasonsselfstoragewv.com ALLEN’S LAUNDROMAT 304.548.7100 9 Main St, Clendenin APPALACHIAN AUTO REPAIR 73 Clio Road,Clendenin 304.548.5730 BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman BILL’S USED CARS Rt 119 Elk River Road 304.548.4727 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 CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700 7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin CHRISTY CONLEY DESTINATION SPECIALIST christina.conley@crusieplanners.com 304.377.0803
ELKVIEW HEALTH LLC CLENDENIN PHARMACY Vicki Spurlock, Nurse Practitioner 304.548.5451 contact Bill or Lindsay Ore Matuszkiewicz 105 Credes Landing, Elkview 304.935.2026 CREDE TRACTOR ELKVIEW INSURANCE 304.965.1666 304.965.7033 contact William Crede www.whiteinsurance.com CROWN CATERING ELITE ROOFING 1 Main Street, Clendenin 304.989.4792 304.548.6999 www.eliteroofingwv.com DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM FORD AND SWEENEY 304.965.6661 304.935.4801 85 Credes Landing, Elkview 51 Crede's Landing, Elkview DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS 3414 Pennsylvania Ave. GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.343.2151 304.437.3739 gabbyssewingwv.com DR. JOHN RICHARDS 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. H GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.935.2513 304.965-7031 Order online at ginospizza.com EDENS BODY WORKS, INC. 102 Neville Rd, Elkview GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.965.5900 304.548.7002 ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS
ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501 contact Gary W. Pauley II ELK RIVER AUTO. SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Scott Collias 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D 304.965.2458 ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT
There’s no place like home!
giovannispizzapower.com
HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL 304.965.3331 / 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net HEADHUNTERS STYLING CO. 304.343.2049 check them out on Facebook HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com INDIAN LAKE 1111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview 304.965.5661 JEFF’S AUTO & TOWING 304.965.7525 22 Quick Rd, Pinch
Please
GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS.
They care a great deal about you and the
Elk River Community.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE WITH ELK RIVER LIVING? PLEASE CONTACT CYNDI@ELKRIVERLIVING.COM OR 304.546.9243 OR VISIT US AT ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
JOHN WANNER MOSES AUTO GROUP 304.741.3404 JONES AUTO 304.965.6180 jonesautotruckrepair@gmail.com JONES EXCAVATING 304.965.6180 jonesexcavatingofcharleston.com JULIO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 304.548.4625 12 Main St, Clendenin KAMINSKI LAW, PLLC 304.344.0444 www.kamlawwv.com KANAWHA COUNTY RAILROAD ASSOC. Located at end of Coonskin State Park 304.539.6721 KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com
MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net MICHAEL’S UNIQUE STYLES 304.965.3605 michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 304.965.6646 contact Mitch Young MOLLOHAN AUTO BODY 304.437.2195 2026 Waters Edge Dr., Elkview MOMMA PAYNE’S DINER 304.543.9930 14 Main St, Clendenin MOUNTAINEER AUCTION 304.548.4056 contact Roger Mullins MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 304.965.7062 mpbcwv.org MURDOCK’S AUTO REPAIR MURDOCK’S PRE-OWNED AUTOS 304.548.3255 murdockspreownedautosales.com NANCY KUHL, SEWING 304.965.0747 or text 304.807.4861
LIBERTY TAX SERVICE 15 Main St., Clendenin 304.548.5820
ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com
MARA BOGGS ELLIS OLD COLONY REALTORS 304.541.7336/304.344.2581 maraellis.com
PAMALA’S GIFTS & TREASURES 304.548.7100 7 Main St., Clendenin
MASTER CRAFTERS GIFT & PRIMITIVES SHOPPE 304.965.6222 Facebook: Master Crafters Gift & Primitive Shoppe MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com
PENNY PINCHERS 304.548.4005 11 Main St., Clendenin POCA VALLEY BANK 304.965.7730 pocavalleybank.com
RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston 304.342.8200 and on Facebook ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers ROLLIN SMOKE 304.437.2643 www.rollinsmokebbqribs.com SCISSORS HAIR SALON 304.965.5904 Contact Connie Barnhouse SEVENTH BOUTIQUE & BEAUTY BAR 202 7th Ave, South Charleston 304.746.7717 SHARI BALL, STYLIST The Chop Shop 3202 Penn. Ave. (beside Olin’s Market) 681.265.9088 or text 304.395.2654 SLEEP INN HARDINGS FAMILY RESTAURANT 800.216.0661 & 304.344.5044 sleepinncharlestonwv.com SMITH’S CARPET ONE SMITH’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCE 304.965.7111 & 304.965.7600 Big Chimney & Elkview, WV SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING 304.444.4288 contact Phil Shaffer SPECIAL OCCASIONS 304.965.5434 specialoccasionflowers.com SPENCER’S HARDWARE 304.548.6995 8290 Elk River Rd. N, Clendenin TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD 1083 Main Street Elkview Open until 7 PM starting April 1 Xspec POWER 304.746.1139 contact Emily Canterbury
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JETT’S AUTO AND TOWING, LLC 681.230.2508 103 Cobb Loop, Clendenin
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ALLEN'S LAUNDROMAT
7 DAYS A WEEK | 8AM - 8PM 9 MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN
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for all your hvac needs
LICENSE & INSURED WV#055448
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Pamala's Gift & Treasures LLC Pamala Allen, Owner
304.548.7100 7 Main Street Clendenin, WV 25045 mon. - sat. 10am - 6pm FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
CREDE TRACTOR SALES & SERVICE
4731 PENNSYLVANIA AVE BIG CHIMNEY FEBRUARY 2020
304.965.1666
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WILLIAM CREDE
EVENTS
feb. happenings 3,10, 17,24 04 5,12, 26 06,20
Make and Take Groundhog Day Crafts Elk Valley Branch Library, All Day Hooks and Needles Adults and Teens; Bring your own supplies Beginners through experts welcome Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm Teen Time: Chocolate Olympics Registration Required Clendenin Branch Library 5:30 pm Elk Valley Branch Library Jump Into Storytime 10:30 am Playgroup at the Library, 11 am Clendenin Branch Library Jump Into Storytime, 11 am Playgroup at the Library, 11:30 am
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Family Fun: I Love Science Experiments (regis. req.) Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm
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FRIDAY NIGHT JAM Elk River Community Center Featuring: NO REGRETS & Bill Wymer Doors Open at 5 PM; Thrift Store 5:30 - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00; Children 12 & under free
cyndi@elkriverliving.com
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FRIDAY NIGHT JAM Elk River Community Center Featuring: DIXIE HIGHWAY & Cindy Bird Doors Open at 5 PM; Thrift Store 5:30 - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00; Children 12 & under free
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Teen Times: Games Xbox, Wii, Twister, board games and snacks Clendenin Branch Library, 5:30 pm
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Elk Valley Book Group The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by JanPhilipp Sendker Elk Valley Branch Library, Noon
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ALL KCPL BRANCHES CLOSED/STAFF TRAINING Make and Take Pet Crafts Elk Valley Branch Library, All Day FRIDAY NIGHT JAM Elk River Community Center Featuring: MARK IV & Stephanie Moore Doors Open at 5 PM; Thrift Store 5:30 - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00; Children 12 & under free
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Adult Crafternoon: Cupcake Decorating (regis. req.) Adults and Seniors Elk Valley Branch Library, 1:30 pm
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Teen Cupcake Wars (regis. req.) Prizes Awarded Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm
Teen Game Night Xbox, interactive games, board games, and snacks Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm
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Family Fun: Monster Mayhem Clendenin Branch Library, 6 pm
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Homeschool Day( registration req.) Clendenin Branch Library, 12:30 pm
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Family Fun: Valentine’s Dessert Party (regis. req.) Elk Valley Branch Library, 5:30 pm
FRIDAY NIGHT JAM Elk River Community Center Featuring: SOUTHERN COOKIN’ & Steve Mullins Doors Open at 5 PM; Thrift Store 5:30 - 8:00 PM Admission $5.00; Children 12 & under free
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Teen Time: Anti-Valentine’s Day Party Crafts, snacks and more Clendenin Branch Library, 5:30 pm
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Mountaineer Auctions 50 Spencer Road, Clendenin Starts at 10 AM
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Family Movie Clendenin Branch Library, 1 pm
Family Fun: Polar Bear Day (regis. req.) Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
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We would love to feature what matters to you, so please submit your upcoming events to:
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advertise
with
ERL 304.546.9243 elkriverliving.com
M MATICS FEBRUARY 2020
Funeral Home
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Charles L. “Sonny” Matics, Owner Anthony R. “Tony” Matics, Licensed Dir. 8539 ELK RIVER ROAD NORTH CLENDENIN, WV 25045 maticsfuneralhome@suddenlink.net 304.548.6611
NOW OFFERING 1 YEAR ERL SUBSCRIPTIONS
for
a perfect gift!
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304.548.5820 15 MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN
WALK-INS AND APPOINTMENTS
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BOOKKEEPING • TAXES QUARTERLY TAXES • COPIES PAYROLL • NOTARY SERVICES M-F | 9AM-8PM | SAT 10AM-6PM | SUN BY APPT.
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304.543.3825 | SOUFLOWERS@AOL.COM | 304.965.2462 5106 ELK RIVER RD, ELKVIEW
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CLASSIC STEEL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
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THE
ELK’S COOKBOOK
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HOT FUDGE CAKE
abby Strickland Walker said it the best: “Seriously, do I need to say anything else...doesn’t the title alone tell you all you need to know? Can’t you just taste it...Mmmmm...Hot Fudge Cake.” She said the recipe originally came from a 70’s paper cookbook of her mom’s which featured famous restaurant “secret recipes”. Gabby said, “I’m not sure if it’s true, but it is definitely as good as, if not better!” Whether you want to serve this to your special Valentine or for any occasion, it always receives rave reviews. For more of Gabby’s delicious recipes, see Walker Mt. Eats on Facebook!
DIRECTIONS Here’s What You’ll Need 14 oz. can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk 16 oz. bottle light Karo syrup 12 oz. bag of Nestle semi-Sweet Chocolate chips 1 Cup real Butter (2 sticks) Chocolate Cake - 9 x 13 prepared Vanilla Ice Cream
Level: Medium
01 02 03
Total: 1 hr Active: 30 min
Place first 4 ingredients in the top of a double boiler. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until all melted and mixed well (about 10 minutes). Prepare a chocolate cake per package directions for a 9 x 13 pan and cut into individual pieces. Slice each piece in half, forming a top and bottom. Place the bottom half in a bowl, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and spoon on plenty of sauce. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
Helpful Notes:
FEBRUARY 2020
If you do not have a double boiler, boil water in a medium-sized saucepan and put a smaller glass bowl or saucepan in it to melt the ingredients. The inside bowl or saucepan should not touch the water. You are using the steam/heat from the boiling water to heat and melt the sauce.
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Sauce will keep in an air-tight container for up to two weeks in the refrigerator or it can be frozen to use later. NEVER reheat sauce in the microwave; always reheat using the double broiler method.
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M I C H A E L' S UNIQUE STYLES
FEBRUARY 2020
saturday
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4636 PENNSYLVANIA AVE CHARLESTON, WV 25302 michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com
NEW SATURDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET 8-11 AM & SUNDAY BUFFET 11-3PM DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE! 14 MAIN STREET CLENDENIN, WV 25045
304.543.9930
with
ERL 304.546.9243 elkriverliving.com
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
advertise 17
T
FULFILLING A NEED
here is a new health care provider in Elkview! Vicki D. Spurlock, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC,Certified Nurse Practitioner, opened Elkview Health, LLC on November 18, 2019. Nurse Practitioners are defined in law as Primary Care Providers. Elkview Health, LLC is located beside Roni’s at 105 Credes Landing in Elkview and is the only primary care provider in Elkview. Vicki has 15 years of experience including working at Charleston Area Medical Center, Cabin Creek Clinic, and WV Healthright, completing health care assessments in the home. She has an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from University of Charleston and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Nursing (BSN) (MSN) from West Virginia University. Vicki said, “I felt like there was a need for primary care providers in West Virginia and I am excited to help serve the Elk River area.” Elkview Health, LLC is now accepting new patients. They offer primary care services for adolescents, age 16 and up and adults. They offer same day, “walk-in” sick visits for their established patients. Also, they offer employment physicals, wellness exams and sports physicals. Other services include women’s health visits, pap/pelvic exams, flu vaccines, blood pressure screening, glucose checks, and pulmonary function tests. In March, they will also offer skin care services, including Botox, Juvederm and other fillers. Hours of operation are: Monday 8 AM to 6 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM Friday 8 AM to 12 Noon
FEBRUARY 2020
Saturday 8 AM-12 Noon (By Appointment Only)
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Call today for an appointment at 304.935.2026. You can also visit them on Facebook/Elkview Health, LLC or on their website at www.elkviewhealthllc. com. Keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Let the friendly and experienced staff at Elkview Health, LLC take care of your healthcare needs.
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FEBRUARY 2020
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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
ELK RIVER HEROES In each edition of Elk River Living we feature and celebrate a member from our community. If you would like to submit someone you know, please contact Cyndi Tawney at cyndi@elkriverliving.com.
HHHS CLASS OF 2020
T
his month ERL would like to honor the Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS)
Graduating Class of 2020. They are the first graduating class to not attend any of their high school years at the actual bricks and mortar HHHS located near Clendenin after The Flood of 2016 destroyed their school. They attended 2016-17 half days at Elkview Middle School and then were moved to the portable classrooms located around Elkview Middle School in 2017. Senior Delani Buckner spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony on January 22, representing the Class of 2020 for the new Herbert Hoover High School. Delani Said, "A house is just a house, until a family moves in, and makes it a home. I am excited to see this new school building, which will have new opportunities, but it will not be Hoover until the students, staff, and
FEBRUARY 2020
administration move in and make it
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Home of the Huskies."
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235 ELK RIVER ROAD SOUTH CLENDENIN, WV
548.7002
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
PIZZA POWER
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NEW HOME FOR THE HHHS HUSKIES
T FEBRUARY 2020
here were varied emotions throughout the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Herbert Hoover High School (HHHS) held on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. There were tears of happiness, excitement, thankfulness, strength, sorrow, frustration, and nostalgia. Site preparation work has finally begun on the new high school after the original school was devastated by The Flood of 2016. While everyone is happy to see site work commence, it is bittersweet that it took three and a half years before the first shovel full of dirt was even moved. Also, the new high school will not be located on its former property near Clendenin which had been its home since 1962. Instead, the new location is on Frame Road between the Interstate 79 Elkview Exit and U.S. Route 119 (also known as the Givens Fork property that was owned by the Elkview Baptist Church).
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Hoover students have been attending high school in portable classrooms surrounding the Elkview Middle School campus since the fall of 2017. In 2016-17 the students attended school half days and rotated with the Elkview Middle School students. Portable buildings were installed by the fall of 2017. This year’s graduating seniors have never attended a bricks and mortar high school and have only known the portables as their alma mater. The new high school is expected to open in early-to-mid 2023, depending on the progress of
construction. Doss Enterprises was awarded the 19.7 million dollar site preparation contract and began tree clearing in January 2020. Dr. Ron Duerring, who introduced himself as the proud superintendent of Kanawha County Schools, moderated the ceremony. He said, “this is a day that has been long coming.” He also commented on how impressed he was with Hoover students and their attitude toward the portable classroom units. He said, “One student said to me, ‘Dr. Duerring, this isn’t about the portables; it’s about the students, the teachers, the administration and the staff’.” He acknowledged the members of the Kanawha County Board of Education (KCBOE) “who have stood right with us every step of the way, helping us dot our i’s and cross our t’s, to ensure everything was done correctly so that construction could begin.” He also thanked Director Mike Todorovich of the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for being so responsive to their needs. Recently, Dr. Duerring announced he would be retiring in June 2020. “Being here today, witnessing the groundbreaking with students, parents, families, and the community, will always be a special memory for me,” he said.
Mayor Kay Summers of Clendenin also delivered celebratory remarks at the ceremony. She said, “Today isn’t about politicians, shallow promises, and broken promises. Today isn’t about heartache and loss. Today is about how our students have taught us all to be better human beings, how they have taught us that adversity does not define one’s future, and how they have taught us that community takes on many shapes and forms.”
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
Ryan White, President of the KCBOE, addressed the audience and thanked the Elk River Community for being so supportive of the new HHHS and the students for their perseverance. He stated, “It says a lot about their spirit and the spirit of the Elk River, including students, parents and family members.”
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“Hallelujah” was the first word from HHHS Principal Mike Kelley. He stated that despite the tragedy, the school enrollment and achievements continued to increase. Principal Kelley also attributed their success to their feeder schools. He expressed his appreciation for charities, celebrities, churches, friends, neighbors, and wonderful giving people from near and far who showed up to help after The Flood. Struggling with emotion, he said they couldn’t have made it without the support of Elkview Middle School and their principal, Missy Lovejoy. Principal Kelley said it was a pivotal moment when it was first suggested sending the Hoover students to other schools. He said, “Dr. Duerring stood firm and said these people have lost enough; we will not take their school from them.” Principal Kelley told the audience that there was no training or graduate class to help you deal with something like this. He said they operated one day at a time, dealing with the most pressing issues each day. “I learned from you and I learned from our students,” said Principal Kelley; “I remember one of our students telling me ‘we don’t believe in excuses at HHHS’ and a teacher reminding me ‘we will be thankful each day for what we have.’” He said it was their resolve and the resolve of the community that showed us the way forward. The Class of 2020 arrived as incoming freshmen in the portable make-shift high school. Principal Kelley said there was a question as to whether the students would remain at Hoover or transfer somewhere else. “You stayed,” he said with emotion; “you trusted us to provide you with a quality education despite the circumstances. Today, Herbert Hoover High School is one of the highest achieving schools in the state.” Principal Kelley concluded with “Herbert Hoover High School is not a place; it is a spirit that binds our community together.” He encouraged students to “always remember with a great sense of pride those who have come before you and persevered.” Representing and speaking for the Class of 2020 was Delani Buckner. This graduating class has spent all four of their high school years in the portable units. She proudly emphasized “the pride of being a Huskie has never wavered.” She said their class will always be thankful for the classes before them who were strong, resilient, hardworking and passionate for each other.
FEBRUARY 2020
Governor Jim Justice spoke last at the ceremony. Dr. Deurring said he would always be thankful to Governor Justice for his help securing the money ($1.2 M) from the State so that they could purchase the land for the new high school. Governor Justice said, “A lot of sacred memories were washed away. It was, in my opinion, the worst event I have ever been involved with, from looking for bodies in the devastated flooded areas to sharing the tremendous grief of those who lost loved ones and everything they owned. I know what you’ve been through.” He said, “every day has been an unnecessary day that our kids weren’t in their school.” The Governor said, “You won’t forget; we won’t forget the sacrifices you have made for this school.” He also spoke of the decades before and the decades after--all that have and will carry the torch of the Huskies.
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As the crowd counted down three, two, one, with Dr. Duerring, nine students from Herbert Hoover High School and two from each feeder school (Elk Elementary, Pinch Elementary, Bridge-Clendenin Elementary, and Elkview Middle School) participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking. HHHS student representatives included Alexa Hawkins, Josie Moore, Josh Swecker, Delani Buckner, Lilah Coe, Dustin Stuart, Elizabeth Dysart, Ryan Beasley, Eli Robertson, and Rebecca Stodola. Elkview Middle School representatives were Chloe Sovine and Grace Boyko; Bridge-Clendenin Elementary representatives were
Isabella Haas and Jaylee Carper; Elk Elementary School representatives were Penny Byrd and Colbey Todd, and Pinch Elementary representatives were Chance Cantrell and Noah Dalton. The HHHS Marching Huskies flag corps and majorettes performed at the event. Former HHHS Principal Charlie Burford and former Vice Principal Pete Kelley attended the ceremony as well as many county and state officials and a FEMA representative.
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Principal Mike Kelley is very excited about the plans for the new HHHS, which will include geothermal heating/cooling, a two-story academic section and a state-of-the-art, career-technical wing. He said the athletic fields surrounding the school will actually be on two different elevations and will feature a football field, practice football and soccer fields, tennis courts, and batting cages.
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FEBRUARY 2020
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WEST VIRGINIA'S DEMOLITION EXPERTS
Hoover’s High Impact Show Choir Rocks the Stage The Herbert Hoover High Impact Show Choir was at it again! This year’s High Impact Show Choir Dinner Theater featured an amazing performance of Leaving Neverland during the weekend of January 18-19. The High Impact Choir presented their rendition of Peter Pan and Wendy as they journeyed to Neverland to discover what would you give up for love. A spaghetti dinner was served prior to the start of the shows on Saturday, January 18 at 7 PM and on Sunday, January 19, at 2 PM.
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Alexa Sekercak and her partner Jacob Westfall were Wendy and Peter Pan in the dinner theater performance. The High Impact Show Choir HHHS vocal instructor and director is the talented Kathy Silber.
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ELK RIVER FLORISTS Special Occasions Unlimited - When It Needs to Be Special “We would love to help you with your floral needs.” -- Pauline Stricker
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veryone in Elkview knows if you want flowers or a gift for any occasion, Special Occasions Unlimited is a name you can trust. Pauline and Charles Stricker opened their business in 1987 with the help of their daughter Teresa, family and friends and have proudly served the Elk River and greater Charleston and surrounding areas for 33 years. As their name says, they put the ‘special’ in all of their arrangements, wreaths, and gifts. Pauline said they opened their first shop in the old Myers Restaurant near Conley’s Grocery Store at Elkview. They were there for one year before they purchased the former Hughes Service Station. With the help of wonderful family and friends, Pauline and Charles renovated the building and then loaded up everything in the old shop over a weekend, moved to their new location, and opened for business on Monday morning. She said, “It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but we all worked together and made it happen.” The Strickers take great pride in owning a business that supports their community. Charlie had worked for Smith Transfer for 23 years and when it closed, he knew it was time for a new adventure. After several dinnertable conversations, Pauline and Charlie decided to open their own floral business. Pauline commented, “There was not a flower shop in the Elkview area so there wasn’t anywhere residents could purchase flowers for holidays, funerals, weddings or special events.”
FEBRUARY 2020
Pauline and Charlie attribute their customer service and quality products for their 33 successful years in business. They also expressed their gratitude to all of their past and present employees who have worked with them during the years. Their daughter, Penny Stricker Coleman, has worked with them for 25 years and is an excellent resource to help customize your order or event. The shop offers an array of flower arrangements, both fresh and silk, and beautiful, seasonal wreaths. They also have a bridal shop with rentals (tablecloths, vases, arrangements, candelabras, bridal and attendant bouquets, etc.), prom corsages and boutineers, homemade quilts, family and Christian decor, WVU and Marshall products, gourmet fruit and gift baskets, funeral tributes, dish gardens and green plants.
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Special Occasions Unlimited is a full-service florist with daily delivery and wire services. They are located at 5106 Elk River Road, North, Elkview and can be contacted at 304.965.5434 or for emergencies at 304.543.3825. You can also visit their website at www.specialoccasionflowers.com and www.specialoccasionsfloral. com or their Facebook/Special Occasions Unlimited.
DELIVER THE LOVE Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop “It’s really unique that today we are doing second-generation weddings for the children of some of our original wedding couples.”-- Robin Fairchild
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f you are looking for a family-owned florist that is more family than business, Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop in Clendenin is an excellent choice. They have been taking care of families and businesses on the Elk River and surrounding areas for over 32 years. Wanda Cantrell first began arranging flowers from her home when she lived in Maryland and sold Home Interior products. She was an Elkview native and a graduate of Elkview High School and, in 1978, she moved back home. She then opened her first floral shop with her husband, Alfred, next door to Young’s Grocery on Main Street in Clendenin. Their shop was not only full of beautiful flowers and arrangements, it was also stocked with carpet and rugs. They sold and installed carpet until they moved across the river to their location on Elk River Road. They had simply outgrown their location in town. At the new, larger location, Wanda was also able to open a bridal shop and Cantrell’s then became Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop. They carried a full selection of bridal gowns and prom dresses for the next ten years. Today, they specialize in weddings, including church set-ups, decorations, receptions, table and chair decor and catering. They also offer a wide variety of tuxedos for rent for proms, weddings or any special event.
Cantrell’s also specializes in Memorial Day decorations. Their shop has a huge selection during the Memorial Day holiday and they also have a cash-and-carry location at Elkview on the Smith Insurance parking lot during Memorial Day weekend. Additionally, they offer fireside baskets, floral arrangements and funeral keepsakes for visitations and funerals. They deliver to hospitals, businesses, and residences as far as South Charleston. After The Flood of 2016 destroyed their location, Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop relocated to 27 Elk River Road, South, just inside the Clendenin town limits. Their shop hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday from 9 AM to 12 Noon. You can also visit them on Facebook/Cantrell’s Florist and Bridal Shop.
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Her daughter, Robin Fairchild, has been at the shop with her for 25 years. Robin said, “We can provide service to any wedding venue or reception site. ”We have taken care of weddings and receptions at many local churches, Hammock Hills, Taylormade Farms, Beni Kedem, Benedict Haid Farm, HoneyBee, and more.” They take pride in offering a stunning selection of floral arrangements, a personalized catering service, and customized wedding/reception decorations.
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FEBRUARY 2020
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50 Spencer Road – Clendenin, WV 25045
(304) 548-4056
LO CAL RESTAURANTS SERVING UP THE LOVE Valentine’s Day is Friday, February 14, and many local restaurants are offering delicious dinners for you and your favorite valentine. Call early to reserve your spot at your Elk River favorite! Hardings Family Restaurant, 2772 Pennsylvania Ave,Mink Shoals Exit, 304.344.5044. Hardings will be featuring two steak dinner options for Valentine’s Day. The first steak special is a 10 oz. strip steak for $14.59 and the second is an 8 oz. strip steak for $11.99. Both are full dinners with two sides and bread. These specials will run from Thursday, February 13 through President’s Day, Monday, the 17th. Also, the featured dessert for February is cherry pie. Roni’s, 109 Credes Landing: Frank Slayman, owner, said that Roni’s would be serving a special Valentine Dinner that is not on the regular menu. Reservations required. Call 304.965.2592 Momma Paynes, 14 Main St., Clendenin 304.543.9930. 2 Steaks, 2 Baked Potatoes, 2 Side Salads, Homemade Rolls and Choice of Two Desserts for $30. They will also deliver right to your door-including Valentine’s Dinner! Julios, 12 Main Street, Clendenin. 304.548.4625. For their Valentine’s Day special, Julio’s is offering Fajitas for Two, steak or chicken, for $21 and their jumbo margarita for $5.50. Crown Catering, 1 Maywood Avenue, Clendenin. Call for reservations 304.548.6999. On Friday the 14th, Valentine’s Day, they are serving a sit-down Valentine’s Dinner for $15 per person from 6 PM - 9 PM. The menu includes pork filet mignon, beef brisket, smashed potatoes, bacon brussel sprouts, candied carrots, rolls, and your choice of strawberry pie or red velvet cake. The Cupboard, LLC, 9 Second Ave, Clendenin. 304.548-5556. There will be a Special Valentine Dinner menu plus open-mic and karaoke night. Rollin Smoke, Big Chimney 304.437.2643. Open until 7 PM with their delicious menu options, featuring slow-smoked, Texas style BBQ, brisket, ribs, wings, sausage, pizza and delicious sides. Catering also available. Giovanni’s, 235 Elk River Rd., S., Clendenin. 304.548.7002. Valentine’s Special will include: a large pizza with three toppings for $11.99. Husson’s Pizza, 5004 Indian Creek Rd., Elkview 304.965-0955. Heart Shaped Pizza, $13.99 with one topping. Gino’s Pizza and Spaghetti House, 1 Elk Plaza, Elkview 304.965-7031. Treat your Valentine to a delicious pizza or pasta dinner.
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Tudor’s Biscuit World, 1083 Main St., Elkview. Start your Valentine morning off with heart-shaped biscuits at Tudors!
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We're Back!
FEBRUARY 2020
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Clendenin Main Street is ready to help you file your income taxes! Kay Armstrong and the staff at H & R Block, 17 Main Street, Clendenin, are back in full swing for tax season 304.548.6281. Also, Kayla Reed greeted the town at Liberty Tax Service, 15 Main Street, Clendenin 304.548.5820, and Penny Pinchers at 11 Main Street 304.548.4005 has extended hours Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM.
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THE
ELK REFLECTS
BLUE CREEK BRIDGE DOWN
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his month ERL is featuring the old Blue Creek Bridge. Joe Hoover provided the photographs of the bridge as it collapsed. On January 6 it was officially torn down to make room for a new bridge which will be built in its place. This is the bridge over Blue Creek and not the bridge off of Route 119. You cross the bridge off of Route 119, cross the Elk River bridge, turn right onto New Hope Road, and there was the true Blue Creek bridge.
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Demolition hammers were used to collapse the bridge and a crane will lift the big pieces out of the creek. The new bridge is supposed to be a little higher in elevation and will accommodate a higher weight limit. The old bridge had a 15 ton weight limit. It will take six to twelve months to complete the new bridge. Residents on the south side of Blue Creek will have to drive to Pinch for the next 6-12 months.
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ERL would also like to feature any of your Elk River memories as well. Go to elkriverliving.com and select Reader’s Submission, Elk’s Journal, to submit your story.
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IN MEMORY OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MOMMY All of the Knight children and family would like to thank everyone for the gorgeous flowers, gifts, cards, love, and support in memory of our beautiful mommy, Jacquelynn Mahaney Knight
March 23, 1933 - January 12, 2020. Obituary written by Beth Knight Cook
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FEBRUARY 2020
ur beautiful and spirited Mom, Jacquelynn Mahaney Knight, left this earth on January 12, 2020, after a long battle (and I do mean battle) with Alzheimer disease. Those who know Jackie, know she was a feisty one who didn’t put up with Alzheimer disease any more than she put up with anyone else who crossed her or one of hers. Jackie was a champion for her six children and their children throughout their lives and found great joy and satisfaction in every victory or measure of success they accomplished. She made sure we were raised to not tolerate injustice to ourselves or others, and to fight for the underdog when necessary. Principals and teachers alike were greatly relieved to graduate the last “Knight” from their school because of the “wrath of Jackie” should you cross one of her children. We may have used this to our advantage to avoid punishment for minor infractions, as no one wanted to have to call our Mom.
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Jackie was born in Clay County but raised predominantly in Elkview, WV, with her two sisters and two brothers. The family traits of quick wit and a tremendous sense of humor were not wasted on Jackie. She and her siblings together were like hanging out with a comedy troupe, so you learned at a young age to appreciate a good joke or a dry sense of humor. They often played Pinochle, Rook and Chess until the wee hours of the morning, as these matches were fiercely competitive, but always filled with laughter and fun. Nearly every kid on our block was taught to play Pinochle by the time their little hands got big enough to hold all the cards, and our upstairs landing was the site of many a marathon card game with all the neighborhood kids in attendance. I guess with six of your own, another dozen didn’t really have an impact, so the more, the merrier. She drove many of the neighborhood kids to and from school, sports practices and ball games in “Old Hauldie” her blue and white VW bus, chain-
smoking with no seatbelts; I’m sure we are all lucky to be alive today to tell these tales. Chances were high that one of “The Knights” was on your team since she encouraged our participation in athletics and other endeavors, and we were often on multiple teams at the same time. None of us can recall ever hearing her complain about all the running she did for all of us. She truly reveled in it. Jackie was a gifted writer and voracious reader who deferred her scholarship to attend WVU where she aspired to be a journalist, and instead married the handsome and apparently enchanting William H. “Bill” Knight and started a family after he returned from Korea. Her multitude of “letters to the editor” of our regional newspaper were published with frequency and served as a source of pride. Even more thrilling for Jackie was when her eldest daughter graduated from WVU School of Journalism, fulfilling her dream, and was the first in a line of attendees and graduates from college. All six of her children were raised with the expectation that we were going to college. Neither she nor our Dad had a degree, and this wasnot a negotiable point in our upbringing. She instilled in us the belief that we couldbecome anything we wanted, without any hesitation or restriction, and we believed her. If we failed at anything, she didn’t let you even think about walking away from what you desired. You picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and tried harder to achieve that goal. One of her favorite expressions was, “If you’re going to be a bear, be a Grizzly.” We carry that with us today and continue to make it a motto of the family. Not being afraid of failure enabled us all to take chances in our lives that have led to the successes of all of her children, against the odds.
After retirement, Jackie acquired a Real Estate License and worked with folks she really loved at “Bonnie Young Realty.” She spent her golden years truly enjoying helping people find their homes. It was a calling for Mom, and we’re so glad she had that experience with such excellent work friends. Those were very happy years for Mom, before the onset of this dreadful Alzheimer disease. Even during Mom’s declining years, she would light up with a familiar voice or face of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. If you would play the piano for her, she would magically sing and recall the words to her favorite hymns. She fought valiantly and made us proud to be her
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Aside from her children, Jackie was proud of her Irish Heritage, and enjoyed a trip to Ireland after her 70th birthday as a gift from her children. Two of her daughters accompanied her on this journey and took in the sights, music, culture and history. She truly loved the experience and made an impression across Ireland. She loved singing Irish Ballads, and “Danny Boy” was her very favorite. She was a soprano in a gospel quartet in her younger years with our Dad and their dear friends Rose and Doyle Tawney. She continued to sing in the church choir throughout her life. Music was important to her, and nearly all of her children could play the piano. Holidays were filled with everyone singing Christmas Carols, in harmony of course. Family members without the gift of carrying a tune (you know who you are) were often relegated to page turning for the pianist. Our Mom worked full-time while raising six kids, and our Dad often traveled for his construction jobs as a heavy equipment operator. She managed “Knight’s General Store” for many years, and still managed to find time to do more. She and some other mothers decided Clendenin needed to start Little League or the girls, and thus the first softball teams were started in our area. It was quite groundbreaking at the time, which made her love it even more. She coached a team whose sponsor was Hod Mahaney, her brother who owned a Tax Preparation business in town, and thus “Hod’s Hotshots” were born. She coached until the last of her girls entered Senior League. Fiercely competitive, and with a love of the game, she had many successful seasons as a Little League coach. You know the Grizzly Bear motto, so losing was not a desirable outcome!
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children. We extend our thanks to everyone who helped our Mom in these difficult years and gave her grace and dignity in passing. We embrace knowing she is now whole and not suffering, and as one of her favorite hymns says, “There’ll be no disappointments in Heaven.” Jackie was a member of the Clendenin United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlo H. “Jack” Mahaney, Sr. and Gladys May “Tink” McCartney Mahaney, brothers, Harlo Hugh Mahaney, Jr., and Hollis “Hod” Kester Mahaney, and sister, Joanne Mahaney Yost. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Mahaney Hubbard James of Myrtle Beach, SC, children, Cynthia Jo Tawney (Ken) of Big Chimney, Daniel W. Knight of Milwaukee, WI, Dave Joe Knight of Clendenin, Tinki M. Chapin (Michael) of South Charleston, Dr. Beth A. Cook (Jack) of Charleston, SC and Jack R. Knight (Gwen) of Cross Lanes. She has ten grandchildren: Nathaniel K. Tawney (Amy), Joshua M. Tawney, Julie Tawney Warden, Joseph W. Knight, Tori E. Nardone (Albert), Alysa M. Williams, Zane A. Zimnox, Chloe E. Cook, Justina M. Carte and Sarah B. Knight. She has four great grandchildren: Gage A. Tawney, Colton K. Tawney, Remington R.Warden and Calla E. Carte, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
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The visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2020, at Clendenin United Methodist Church, 121 Koontz Avenue, Clendenin, WV. The funeral will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2020, also at Clendenin United Methodist Church with Pastors Lee Swor and Don Stilgenbauer. Matics Funeral Home is handling all arrangements and accepting flowers. Online condolences maybe expressed at maticsfuneralhome.com. Burial will be at Clendenin Memorial Gardens.
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Tammy Parker
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TROUT ARE OUT AND ABOUT IN THE ELK RIVER
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FEBRUARY 2020
f you have been wanting to trout fish on the Elk River, now is the perfect time. The Kanawha County Commision released another 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout on Saturday, January 25. Also, the Elk River Muskie Club and the 25045--A New Clendenin, Inc organization donated an additional $500 each to add another 350 lbs of trout. That’s a total of 1,350 pounds of trout swimming in the Elk River--a fisherman’s dream!
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some Golden Trout.
Chuck Grishaber, County Flood Plain Manager with the Kanawha County Commission, said, “He hopes the trout release will bring more fishermen to the Elk River area and provide a boost to the economy. In a news release, Kanawha County Commissioner Kent Carper said, “This is part of the county commission’s commitment to the revitalization of the Clendenin area and will be a boost to fisherman all over the area. The fish were released in a stretch of the Elk This will provide months of fishing and outdoor River in Clendenin and were supplied by the family fun.” Indian Lake fish hatchery. The WV Sting Traveling Baseball 9-10 year-old team assisted with the release of the trout. Previously, the Commision released 1,000 pounds of trout in November, 2019. It was so successful that they did a second stocking on the Elk River. This time the release included larger trout in addition to
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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
John James of Wayne County
HHHS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY SPEECH FROM PRINCIPAL MIKE KELLEY
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FEBRUARY 2020
Former HHHS Principal Charles Burford and Principal Mike Kelley
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I want to start by thanking everyone who helped us get here. All representatives of federal, state, and local government. At the federal level, FEMA provided us with temporary facilities and is helping us rebuild. Our state officials have been supportive. Governor Justice believes in community schools and wanted the flood impacted schools rebuilt. The legislature passed a flood relief bill. Locally, the county commission has committed considerable resources to our cause. The National Guard was there for us. There have been municipalities, churches, charities, celebrities, volunteers, neighbors, friends, and complete strangers who have come to our aid. There have been tremendous successes and some disappointments, as is natural, in such difficult circumstances. But everyone tried their best and we appreciate it. We should be grateful for our school board, and for Dr. Ron Duerring. I was present when conversations took place about sending our students to other schools. That unthinkable possibility was real. I will never forget Dr. Duerring’s words, “Those people have lost enough, we will not take that school from them.” Many have contributed to this day but I truly believe that we would not be standing here today were it not for Ron Duerring’s commitment to Herbert Hoover. There is no training for how to react to something like we encountered. There is no graduate class on that. You get up each day and you go where you think you are needed most that day. As we thought about what we would do moving forward we learned from you. We learned from a student who said, “As long as you keep us together we’ll be fine. We don’t believe in excuses at Hoover.” We learned from a teacher who said, “We are going to be humble and be thankful for what we have.” We learned from a resilient community where people who had lost so much, when offered food and supplies, would frequently say, “No, I’ll be fine but would you check on my neighbors down the road. They got hit really hard.” The resolve of this community showed us the way forward.
The classes of 2017, 18, 19, and 20, deserve to be honored for their leadership. The classes of 2021 and 2022 will have to exhibit similar leadership and I hope that as long as Herbert Hoover exists that these students will be held in high esteem. Today, I want to focus on this class, the class of 2020. They were incoming freshmen the year after the flood. I know from talking to some of you that there were family conversations at dinner tables, about whether these young women and men would stay at Hoover or transfer somewhere else. That’s a reasonable family conversation to have…but you stayed. You trusted these teachers and this staff to fight for your education. You trusted them to provide a quality education in spite of our challenges. And you fought for it too. We didn’t only survive, we excelled. Herbert Hoover remains one of the highest achieving schools in the state because we stuck together, because we didn’t make excuses, because we leaned on each other and we counted on family. Herbert Hoover is not a place. It never has been. Herbert Hoover is part of the spirit that binds this community together. Soon there will be a new building to house that spirit. The day that it opens will not signal an end, but a new beginning. We will expect those Hoover students to continue to lift the school to new heights the way you have. But we will ask them to remember. I hope that each and every future Husky, each and every day, will walk with a great sense of pride and responsibility, in the footsteps of those who came before.
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READER’S SUBMISSION
P
hil Blackwell of Blue Creek captured these photos of the birds enjoying an early snowfall in January. We especially like the one of the cardinal and blue jay...celebrating the HHHS scarlet and royal blue colors.
If you would like to submit a photo, work of art, short story, poem, knitwork - whatever inspires you - please reach out to us at elkriverliving.com or contact cyndi@elkriverliving.com
HHHS GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY SPEECH FROM CLENDENIN MAYOR, KAY SUMMERS
Mayor Kay Summers and Mike Todorovich of the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
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ood Afternoon! I would like to take a moment to thank Principal Kelly and Dr. Duerring for inviting me to speak at an event we have been waiting for for quite a long time.
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kay Summers and although I am not a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School I have been a resident of Clendenin for longer than I care to reveal. My two children graduated from Herbert Hoover and one of my granddaughters graduates this year. I also have a granddaughter who graduates next year, one who graduates the year after that, and one graduates the year after that. And finally, I have one who will graduate in 2029 so the odds are that I will have at least one family member spend some time in the new school.
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When I was invited to speak today I was trying to find the words to adequately describe the event or events that have shaped our community over the last 3 ½ years, and to be honest it was in fact very difficult. In 2016 many attempted to sum up our new normal, our reality, through lots of mediums, many who were merely voyeurs into our new reality and had absolutely no idea what we were feeling or would feel. The Headlines read “Thousand-year downpour,” the stories above the fold reported “On June 23, 2016, a flood hit areas of West Virginia and nearby parts of Virginia, resulting in 23 deaths. The flooding was the result of 8 to 10 inches of rain falling over a period of 12 hours, resulting in a flood that was among the deadliest is West Virginia history.” But, what the news media didn’t report, couldn’t report, was that the young men and women of the communities commonly referred to as Elk River would come out better, stronger, and more resilient than ever before. And today as ground is broken for Herbert Hoover High School we are all reaping the benefits of that resilience.
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Today isn’t about politicians, shallow promises, and broken promises. Today isn’t about heartache and loss. Today is about how our students have taught us all to be better human beings, how they have taught us that adversity does not define one’s future, and how they have taught us that community takes on many shapes and forms. I overheard a conversation not too long ago where a student from Hoover was asked how they were liking their new school. The student smiled and said politely, “we are still in portables, but they are great. Some of the classrooms are better than what we would have had if we were in a school
building!” There was no negativity, no “oh woe is me” mentality. Had an adult been asked that same question, heck if I had been asked that same question, I’m not quite certain that my response would have been the same. The takeaway that I got from that is don’t focus on what you no longer have, find the good in what you do have. Look at the world through scarlet and royal blue colored glasses. Keep that Herbert Hoover pride no matter what adversity life throws your way. Our students have found the good. They have excelled academically; they continue to make their mark on the County and the State level in the Arts and Sports. They are excelling in trades and robotics and they are surviving with grace and compassion. Our young men and women of Elk River are who we should all strive to be. With the tools that they will be given in this new state-of-the-art facility the sky is limitless. So today as we start moving mountains, and dirt, and rocks and trees keep in mind the words of Dr. Suess, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your Mountain is waiting . . .so get on your way!” So to the great and patient people of our community Today is Our Day! Our future is brighter than ever before. To this year’s graduating class thank you for showing us all how to grow through loss and excel in adversity. You will always be remembered as the heart of our community. The ones who never gave up and who stuck by us knowing you would likely never attend high school in a brick and mortar building. You have shown us that community means so much more than we could even imagine and that the high school experience is what you choose to make it. Thank you for your youthful enthusiasm and for showing us all how to flourish even in our darkest hour. So today, we celebrate. We are hopeful. We can see our future and it is bright. Thank you to all who have continued to fight for our community and have pushed for her growth. 3 ½ years ago I despised the sight of mud and today I have never been so excited to see mud on our roadways. Mud used to be a sign of destruction to our community but today it means progress. So bring on the mud and let’s get this new home of the Huskies built.
Gary W. Pauley II 602 RAILROAD AVENUE ELKVIEW, WV 25071 304.965.7501
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THE
ELK’S JOURNAL GOLD AWARD PROJECT: TAKE DOWN TRAFFICKING
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his month’s Journal Submission comes is from Cari, a local student at Herbert Hoover High School and a member of Girl Scout Troop #4847, under the leadership of Angela Brown and Elizabeth Brandt. This is her second article and is part of her Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
Gold Award Project: Take Down Trafficking, Part II Project Take Down Trafficking is a human trafficking awareness campaign. The project started off as a Girl Scout Gold Award project and will be continued in several ways. A local library system will be picking up the project as an informational display. Local community groups such as SADD will also be helping in continuing the awareness efforts by hosting annual awareness days. At this year's WV Students Against Destructive Decisions Conference, there will be a workshop on human trafficking awareness. Throughout the course of the project various awareness events have been held such as a movie night, workshop, awareness 5k race, and school information sessions. As the project nears its end, the continuation aspect is the final part to the campaign which has been in the making for over a year now. The campaign kicked off in January of last year. To keep the campaign going in the community, people can continue to be part of the #ProjectTakeDownTrafficking social media campaign by posting awareness content and using the hashtag periodically. Would your group or organization like to learn more about the topic or help with the awareness efforts? Email ProjectTakeDownTrafficking@gmail.com
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