VOLUME 02 | ISSUE 03 | MAR 2020 FREE
ELK RIVER LIVING Flowers Abound
Continuing the Tradition
Elk Reflects
Prayer Answered
March Elk River Hero
Around the Elk
Pamala Allen recently opened Elk River Floral, LLC on Main Street in Clendenin
After three years with no pastor, Saint Andrew Presbyterian welcomes Pastor Nancy Didway
Pinch Exxon maintains the same high quality after 50 years and counting
ERL is honored to recognize Walker Pauley as March’s Elk River Hometown Hero
Paul Mace’s artwork was recently donated to the ER Communities in Kanawha County Museum
Best Muskie Expo, Tragedy into Triumph Simulcast at ERNC, and Big Book Sale at Elk Valley Library
Elk River Wrestling Champions!
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MARCH 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
MARCH 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 17
Women Pastors Accepting the Call Saint Andrew Presbyterian’s new Pastor Nancy Didway and Pastor Cherrie Sizemore of Elk Hills Presbyterian welcome all for fellowship and worship
24 On the Cover: For The Win You aren’t seeing double--both Herbert Hoover and Elkview Middle School wrestling teams are champions!
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Look What’s Blooming on Main Street
Pinch Exxon, a Family Favorite “We serve so many families and their children and even their grandchildren.” - Lara St. Clair
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Sponsors
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Elk’s Journal
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Events Page
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Reader’s Submission: Tony Wayne Davis
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Cheese Ravioli w Sage Butter and Garlic Sauce
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Elk River Hero: Walker Pauley
ACS Recognizes Clendenin with National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation
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Elk Reflects: Remembering Paul Mace
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
“I was trying to think of something that would help our Town and I am really excited to have a flower shop back on Main Street again.” - Pam Allen
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Hello Hello & & Welcome Welcome Back! Back! This River Living is truly celebrating the love! Nothing touched the Middle community’s Thismonth issue isElk proud to recognize the awesome wrestlers on the Elk River. Elkview School hearts more the groundbreaking ceremony new Herbert Highwrestlers School. captured thethan Kanawha County Championship andfor thethe Herbert Hoover Hoover High school There wereatcounty and state the news media,overall the HHHS Seniors, the Pride of were first the Regional IIIdignitaries, Championship and ninth at the2020 WVSSAC Championship. Elk River-The Marching Huskies, large crowd of students, and160 friends of the Elk. Senior Ben Kee also placed firstand at athe State Tournament in family the AA/A lb. weight class. Wrestling has always been an exciting part of our lives as we watched our brothers, Dave and Jack, wrestle when they were at Hoover and nephew, Zane, at George Washington. My little Itsister, is only fitting that make our Elk River Hero this month is thisall year’s HHHS Graduating Class 2020. Tinki, could a pin from the bleachers…we knew it wasn’t safe to sit nearofher. They were incoming freshmen the year of The Flood of 2016 and have only known the portable units asbusiness their high school. In we theare words of HHHS Principal MikeFloral, Kelley,a “Herbert Hoover In the community, happy to feature Elk River new flower shop is in not a place. It never has been. Herbert Hoover is part of the spirit that binds this community Clendenin, as well as Pinch Exxon which has been a part of the Pinch community for over 50 together.” The Huskie pride of the Class of in all Andrew of our hearts with their only years. Also, meet Pastor Nancy Didway, the2020 newresonates pastor at Saint Presbyterian Church, request: “AsPastor long as you keep us together, fine.” who joins Cherrie Sizemore of thewe’ll Elk be Hills Presbyterian Church as women leaders on the Elk River. This month ERL shines the spotlight on several businesses, including the new Elkview Health, As wewith watch the crocuses daffodils appear, the spring and peepers their voices and LLC, Vicki Spurlock,and Certified Nurse Practitioner, our make favorite Elk Riverheard, Florists, everything aroundUnlimited us awakens the cold, it’s and a good timeShop. to reflect what we ourselves Special Occasions andfrom Cantrell’s Florist Bridal Also, on don’t forget to check portray to others. EachDay dayspecials is a giftatand taking the time to restaurants. recognize the in each send other out the great Valentine’s many of our Elk River Wegood additionally should our spring commitment. TooKanawha often it’sCounty easy toCommission react and complain condemn our lovebe and a special thank you to the for their and second trout others rather than looking for good and lifting up those around us. Elk River has much to be release in the Elk River in Clendenin (also thank you to the Elk River Muskie Club and 25045-A proud of and may wefor always to be Elk River Thankful as well as High Elk River Strong. New Clendenin, Inc. theirremember contributions). Speaking of love, the HHHS Impact Show Choir hosted another marvelous dinner theater weekend-such talent! nextComing month, I saw a quote that I thought captured the hearts of all of us here on the ElkUntil River: Together is a beginning; Keeping Together is strength, and Working Together is success. May Cyndi Tawney we always join hands and proudly face our tomorrows together. Founder & Editor
Remember, there's no place like home...on the Elk River.
Remember, there’s no place like home...on the Elk River.
304.546.9243
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: Hoover Wrestlers, Region III Champions and EMS Kanawha County Champions.
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 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
CROWN CATERING 1 Main Street, Clendenin 304.548.6999 DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM 304.965.6661 85 Credes Landing, Elkview DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS 3414 Pennsylvania Ave. 304.343.2151
ALLEN’S LAUNDROMAT 304.548.7100 9 Main St, Clendenin
DR. JOHN RICHARDS 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. H 304.935.2513
APPALACHIAN AUTO REPAIR 73 Clio Road,Clendenin 304.548.5730
EDENS BODY WORKS, INC. 102 Neville Rd, Elkview 304.965.5900
April Curry, Xyngular Distributor 304.552.3965 oneforthebooksllc@gmail.com
ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY 304.965.6661 contact Joey Adkins, DDS
BECKY’S PET PARLOR 304.951.9162 Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman BILL’S USED CARS Rt 119 Elk River Road 304.548.4727
Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston 304.954.5721 ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE 304.965.7501 contact Gary W. Pauley II
BLUE CREEK HEATING & COOLING 304.965.9148 contact Bill Ross or Roy Crist
ELK RIVER AUTO. SUPPLY 304.965.5312 contact Glenn Pauley
BOWEN DENTAL Chas: 304.342.0146 / Clay: 304.587.7495 contact Stacy or Gary Bowen II
ELK RIVER CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Scott Collias 4710 Chimney Dr., Ste. D 304.965.2458
CANTRELL’S FLORIST 304.548.7700 7484 Elk River Rd, Clendenin
Elk River Floral 9 Main St., Clendenin 304.548.8998
CLENDENIN PHARMACY 304.548.5451 Elk River Nazarene contact Bill or Lindsay Ore Matuszkiewicz CREDE TRACTOR 304.965.1666 contact William Crede
143 Dutch Rd., Charleston (Mink Shoals Exit) www.elkrivernaz.com
There’s no place like home!
Elk Valley Pet Crematorium Located inside Elk Hills Memorial Park 4705 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston 304.965.0148 ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY 304.965.7979 contact Andi Geary, MPT ELKVIEW HEALTH LLC Vicki Spurlock, Nurse Practitioner 105 Credes Landing, Elkview 304.935.2026 ELKVIEW INSURANCE 304.965.7033 www.whiteinsurance.com ELITE ROOFING 304.989.4792 www.eliteroofingwv.com FORD AND SWEENEY 304.935.4801 51 Crede's Landing, Elkview Frostbite Dairy Bar 1 Cobb Ave., Clendenin/304.548.7413 1993 Main Street, Clay/304.304.532.0687 GABBY’S SEWING & MORE 304.437.3739 gabbyssewingwv.com GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE 304.965-7031 Order online at ginospizza.com GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN 304.548.7002 giovannispizzapower.com HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL 304.965.3331 / 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net
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
HOLSTEIN INSURANCE 304.965.9941 holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com
MATICS FUNERAL HOME 304.548.6611 maticsfuneralhome.com
RODNEY LOFTIS & SON 95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston 304.342.8200 and on Facebook
INDIAN LAKE 1111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview 304.965.5661
MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER 877.474.7332 www.meadowbrookacres.net
ROGERS HARDWARE 304.965.1077 Contact Bill Rogers
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 KNIGHT INSURANCE 304.548.4726 knightinsurance@frontier.com KNIGHTHORST 877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com LIBERTY TAX SERVICE 15 Main St., Clendenin 304.548.5820 MARA BOGGS ELLIS OLD COLONY REALTORS 304.541.7336/304.344.2581 maraellis.com MASTER CRAFTERS GIFT & PRIMITIVES SHOPPE 304.965.6222 Facebook: Master Crafters Gift & Primitive Shoppe
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 ONE FOR THE BOOKS 304.552.3956 oneforthebooksllc.com PAMALA’S GIFTS & TREASURES 304.548.7100 7 Main St., Clendenin PENNY PINCHERS 304.548.4005 11 Main St., Clendenin POCA VALLEY BANK 304.965.7730 pocavalleybank.com
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 Shafer Pre-Owned Vehicles, Trailers & RV’s 1420 Bufflick Road, Clendenin 616.227.5614 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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JEFF’S AUTO & TOWING 304.965.7525 22 Quick Rd, Pinch
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ALLEN'S LAUNDROMAT
7 DAYS A WEEK | 8AM - 8PM 9 MAIN STREET, CLENDENIN
CRE E U
Bill Ross Roy Crist 304.542.4128
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2,9, Hooks and Needles and Teens; Bring your own supplies 16,23 Adults Beginners through experts welcome 30 Elk Valley Branch Library, 6 pm Seuss Day 03 Dr. Clendenin Branch Library All Day, All Ages
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304.548.7100
march happenings
G & COO
304.541.3892
for all your hvac needs
LICENSE & INSURED WV#055448
304.965.9148
CD Scratch Art 03 Teens Clendenin Branch Library Teens/Tweens 5:30 PM
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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!
Family Fun: Celebrate Dr. Seuss! (Reg. Req.) Buy One, Get One Free Book Sale Elk Valley Branch Library Family, 5:30 pm 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 Sew Simple (Reg. Req.) Clendenin Branch Library 1 PM, Adults/Tweens
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Spring Break: Afternoon Movie at the Library Elk Valley Branch Library Family, 1:30 PM
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The Turtle Lady Elk Valley Branch Library Family, 11:00 AM
SALES & SERVICE
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The Turtle Lady Clendenin Branch Library Family, 2 PM
304.965.1666
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Homeschool Day (Reg. Req.) Clendenin Branch Library Family, 12:30 PM
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Clendenin Library Book Group Clendenin Branch Library Adults/Seniors 12 Noon
4731 PENNSYLVANIA AVE BIG CHIMNEY
MARCH 2020
Jump into Storytime 11 AM Playgroup 11:30 AM Clendenin Branch Library
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CREDE TRACTOR
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Jump Into Storytime, 10:30 AM Playgroup, 11 AM Elk Valley Branch Library
WILLIAM CREDE
EVENTS
Spring Break Fun: Plant a Flower Day Elk Valley Branch Library All Ages, All Day
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Spring Break: Drop-In Board Games & Building Blocks Elk Valley Branch Library All Ages, All Day
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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
Tragedy into Triumph Simulcast Event Elk Nazarene Church, 143 Dutch Road, Charleston (I-79 Mink Shoals Exit) 7 PM
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Elk Valley Book Group Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Maria Semple Elk Valley Branch Library Adults/Seniors, 12 Noon
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Teen Time: St. Patrick’s Day Fun Elk Valley Branch Library Teens, 6 PM
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Family Fun: Happy St. Patrick’s Day (Reg. Req.) Elk Valley Branch Library Family, 5:30 PM 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 under free DRAWING FOR HANDMADE QUILT TONIGHT Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5; Purchase at ERCC 10-1 daily or at Friday Jam Stuffed Animal Sleepover (Reg. Req.) Clendenin Branch Library Family, 6 PM
Elk Valley Advisory Board BIG Book Sale Elk Valley Branch Library All Ages, 5-7:30 PM
Valley Advisory Board BIG Book Sale 27-28 Elk Elk Valley Branch Library
Family Movie Clendenin Branch Library, 1 pm
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Rummage Sale Baby Items, Furniture, Clothes and More Clendenin United Methodist Church 121 Koontz Ave, Clendenin. 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Teen Times: Games Xbox, Wii, Twister, board games and snacks Clendenin Branch Library, 5:30 pm
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cyndi@elkriverliving.com
All Ages, 5-7 PM Fri; 10-3 PM Sat.
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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 Adult Crafternoon: Bookmarks (Reg. Req.) Elk Valley Branch Library Adults/Seniors, 1:30 PM Teen Game Night Elk Valley Branch Library Teens, 6 PM
ROAD SERVICE KEY LOCK-OUT SERVICING WEST VIRGINIA
MITCH YOUNG OWNER
MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING 100 FRAME ROAD ELKVIEW, WV 25071
304.965.6646
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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M MATICS MARCH 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
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ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
THE
ELK’s COOKBOOK Cheese Ravioli with Sage Butter and Garlic Sauce By Ninna Torres
I
can remember my mother in the kitchen. It was her sanctuary...a space full of boiling pots and hot skillets, creating appealing aromas that made my mouth water. I was always asking questions such as, “Mom, why do you always go to the garden and cut little leaves and throw them into everything you are cooking?” She would reply, “These, little Ninna, are my herbs, the ladies that bring every meal to life...a must for every kitchen.” This recipe is about the aromatic sage. Simple and full of flavor, it is most often used with poultry or pork, but is perfect for cheese pasta dishes.
DIRECTIONS Here’s What You’ll Need
Level: Easy
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1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese ravioli (Note: I prefer the package with three cheeses, ricotta, parmesan and romano)
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¼ cup butter (½ stick)
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2 T extra virgin olive oil ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh sage 1 garlic clove
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Total: 35 min Active: 20 min Coarsely chop the sage and smash the garlic clove and remove the outer skin. Cook the ravioli in a large pot of water according to the directions on the package; drain. In a large pan on medium-low heat, add the extra virgin olive oil and the butter (Note: the temperature is very important because we don’t want to brown the butter) After the butter has melted, add the garlic clove to the oil and butter sauce (this will infuse a wonderful light taste of garlic to the sauce). Remove the garlic once it starts to change color (do not leave the garlic in too long) Add the chopped sage in the pan and stir lightly. Add the drained ravioli to the sage butter and garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and if desired, you can also add some red pepper flakes. Serve with a warm baguette, a glass of your favorite wine, and enjoy!
CLASSIC STEEL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION
CHARLES STRICKER, PRESIDENT
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304.543.3825 | souflowers@aol.com | 304.965.2462 5106 elk river rd, elkview
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M I C H A E L' S UNIQUE STYLES
MARCH 2020 MARCH 2020
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Michael Ryan Michael Ryan OWNER/STYLIST OWNER/STYLIST
4636 PENNSYLVANIA AVE 4636 PENNSYLVANIA AVE CHARLESTON, WV 25302 CHARLESTON, WV 25302 michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com michaelsuniquestyles@gmail.com
aint Andrew Presbyterian Church in Pinch is rejoicing! After being without a pastor for three years, Reverend Nancy Didway is now their pastor, effective January 1, 2020. She is the first female pastor at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church since it opened in 1958.
Pastor Nancy came to West Virginia eight and half years ago from northern California where she received her Masters of Divinity from Fuller Seminary. She also serves as the pastor at Highlawn Presbyterian Church in St. Albans. She explained, “Presbyterian churches are finding ways to stretch our resources to allow us to be a more effective presence in the community. This new yoke that shares the pastor between St. Andrew in Pinch and Highlawn in St. Albans is the newest incarnation of those efforts.” She is new to the Elk River community and is excited to be at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church. Pastor Nancy said, “The people are so nice and welcoming and I love that West Virginians are just themselves and are always reaching out, neighbor to neighbor, offering a helpful hand.” The morning worship service at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church now begins at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Starting in March, there will also be an adult Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM. Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church is located at 80 Saint Andrew Lane in Pinch. Pastor Nancy would like to welcome everyone for fellowship, worship, and Bible study. For more information, call 304.965.3611 or see their Facebook/Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church. The church also hosts a 2-3 year-old daycare program and a Kanawha County Pre-K program. They are accepting registrations now for 202021. The 2-3 year-old class meets from 8:15 AM-11:15 AM and the pre-k class
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
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Women Pastors Accepting the Call
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Women Pastors Accepting the Call, cont. is Monday through Thursday,from 7:30 AM-1:30 PM. For more information, call Joyce Ballard at 304.546.3943. Even though Pastor Nancy may be the first female pastor at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, Elk Hills Presbyterian Church has had Pastor Cherrie Sizemore serving as their pastor for the past seven years. Pastor Sizemore said she, however, was not the first female pastor at that church; Elaine Rhodes served as pastor 25 years ago. The Elk Hills Presbyterian Church recently celebrated its 75th anniversary.
MARCH 2020
Pastor Sizemore completed the Authorized Lay Preaching program (ALP) which was a twoyear program and followed up with an extra semester so that she could be a commissioned pastor approved by the WV Presbytery. As a commissioned pastor she can accept a call for a church and perform baptisms, communion, and wedding ceremonies.
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She was born and raised in Charleston and she and her husband, Freddie, lived in Big Chimney for 22 years. She took the call to become pastor for Elk Hills Presbyterian while she was living in Big Chimney. Pastor Sizemore said, “As long as God blesses the ministry, we are all here together.” She welcomes everyone to their service at 109 Church Road, Charleston (Elk Hills near Olin’s Market on Route 119). Elk Hills Presbyterian offers two adult Sunday School classes in addition to their 11 AM Sunday morning worship service, seasonable Bible studies, and a monthly women’s Bible study. They also host Boy Scout Troop 161 which meets at the church on Tuesday evenings. For more information call 304.346.4013 or see their Facebook/Elk Hills Presbyterian Church. Photos by Joe Hoover
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MARCH 2020
NEW SATURDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET 8-11 AM & SUNDAY BUFFET 11-3PM DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE! 14 MAIN STREET CLENDENIN, WV 25045
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304.543.9930
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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.
WALKER PAULEY This month ERL is honored to recognize Walker Pauley as the Elk River Hometown Hero. He is a proud veteran, high school referee for football, basketball, and softball for WV, and is also known as the unofficial Herbert Hoover community activist on the Elk River. 1st Lt. Walker Pauley was an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and proudly served from 1968-1971 in Vietnam. He was wounded twice and was in the hospital in Japan for over a month with injuries. He received two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. He attended Elkview Junior High and his first year as a sophomore was at the new Herbert Hoover High School when it opened on day one. While at Hoover, he was very active in sports, participating in football, tennis, track and wrestling. He graduated from HHHS in 1966 and went on to attend Marshall University on a football scholarship as a running back. While at Marshall, he was drafted into the Army.
MARCH 2020
After serving in the Army, Walker lived in Virginia and went back to college and received his degree in computer science at George Mason University. He moved back to Elk River and worked at Cabot Gas, Hecks, Charleston Newspaper, Sara Lee, and then for Workforce WV where he retired four years ago.
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Walker has refereed football for 45 years and would like to referee until the new Herbert Hoover High School opens. He was presented with an HHHS shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony by Kanawha County School Superintendent Ron Duerring and Jim Crawford. Jim said, “Walker is the one who has kept the community constantly informed on the progress of the new HHHS and he is truly an Elk River community activist.”
Currently, Walker is planning an HHHS All Alumni and Staff Reunion for the year the new school opens. The reunion will be for all former students, staff, teachers, and administration. He said, “I am excited to plan this event which I believe will be the biggest alumni reunion we’ve ever seen on the Elk River.” Walker and his wife, Rita Godbey Walker, live at Pinch. They have a daughter, Teri Kennedy Beasley (married to Doug). Their grandson, Ryan Beasley, plays baseball at HHHS. Photo by Joe Hoover
NEW ONLINE MENU AT GIOVANNISPIZZAPOWER.COM
235 ELK RIVER ROAD SOUTH CLENDENIN, WV
548.7002
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PIZZA POWER
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for the win
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lk River Wrestlers are Champions
You aren’t seeing double--both Herbert Hoover and Elkview Middle School wrestling teams are champions! Herbert Hoover wrestlers captured the Region III Championship and Elkview Middle School wrestlers were victorious at the 2020 Kanawha County Middle School Championship. Hoover Wrestlers Rack up the Points at the 2020 Kanawha County Middle School Championship
MARCH 2020
For the first time in 20 years, the Huskies are Region III Champions. The team scored 226 points in the Class AA/A Region Championship. The WVSSAC State Tournament was held the weekend of February 2728 and Hoover also placed ninth overall as a team and Senior Ben Kee, captured first place in the AA/A 160 lb. weight class.
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Individual placers for the State Tournament were: First Place, Ben Kee; Second Place, Jonathan Pauley, Tyler Teel, Andrew Rollyson, Wyatt Baldwin, Zak Bailey, and Mason Atkinson; Third Place, Jordan Dempsey, Ethan Dye, Dylan Corbin, Zach Paxton; Fourth Place, Brayden Rollyson, Christian Hall, and Fifth Place, Nick Grayam. The Huskies also took first place victory at the AB Contracting, Bill Hughes Wrestling Invitational at Winfield High School. Herbert Hoover had 246 points for first place; Winfield had 175 points for second
place, and Parkersburg South B had 151 points for third place. Senior Ben Kee received the Most Outstanding Wrestler award for the upper weight classes. Wrestling seniors and alumni were honored at their victorious home quad match at Herbert Hoover against Clay, Sissonville and Roane County on February 5. Results were: HHHS 52, Clay 27; HHHS 72, Sissonville 9, and HHHS 78, Roane County 6. The Herbert Hoover wrestling team, coaches and parents extended a special thank you to all the alumni wrestlers who came out for the event.
Dylan Corbin, Ben Kee; Second Place, Jonathan Pauley, Mason Atkinson; Third Place, Tyler Teel, Andrew Rollyson, Wyatt Baldwin; Fourth Place, Jordan Dempsey, Zak Bailey, Zach Paxton, Nick Grayam, Brayden Rollyson; and Fifth Place, Christian Hall. At the Bob Stover Duals Ben Kee and Tyler Teel received most outstanding wrestler awards. Individual placers at the Superior Photo Scholarship Tournament were: First Place, Ben Kee, Mason Atkinson; Second Place, Dylan Corbin; Third Place, Zach Paxton; Fourth Place, Wyatt Baldwin; and Sixth Place, Jonathan Pauley, Tyler Teel. The Huskies also placed 3rd at the 2020 WV Dual Team Wrestling Championship at The Greenbrier; 8th overall at the WSAZ Tournament (3rd in AA) 8th out of 35 teams at the Christiansburg Big Blue Invitational; 2nd at the Braxton County Invitational; 2nd at the South Dual Classic Tournament; 1st at the Bob Stover Duals; 4th at the Superior Photo Scholarship Tournament; 2nd at Independence High School, and 3rd at the Jason Eades Duals in Point Pleasant. Coach Richard Harper said, “We’ve built a good solid foundation and we are moving in the right direction.” He also bragged on the Elkview Middle School wrestling program and their County Championship win and said he expected good things to come for HHHS this year and in the future.
Four HHHS wrestlers placed at the Christianburg Big Blue Invitational: Ben Kee, third place; Wyatt Baldwin, 6th place; Dylan Corbin, 7th place, and Zak Bailey, 8th place. At the Braxton County Invitational individual placers were: First Place,
Jordan Dempsy made history for Herbert Hoover High School by winning the first match in the Girls High School State Tournament. In fact, she won her first three matches, all by pin! But she didn’t stop there. She captured the first ever WV Girl’s Wrestling High School State Championship for the 100 lb. weight class.
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Two Herbert Hoover High School wrestlers emerged victorious at the WSAZ Tournament at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington on January 26. Ben Kee, senior, took first place in the 160 lb. division and Mason Atkinson, sophomore, placed fifth in the 195 lb. Division.
Jordan Pins for the Wins
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For the Win, cont. Jordan is a tenth grader at Herbert Hoover. She wrestled at Elkview Middle School and is now on the HHHS wrestling team. Coach Richard Harper said, “WVSSAC has been trying to see if there is enough interest to have a girls’ wrestling program.” Parkersburg South hosted the first Girls’ State Tournament and it was well attended by both middle and high school female wrestlers. Jordan’s weight class had six wrestlers which was one of the largest classes. EMS Captures County Championship The Elkview Middle School wrestling team captured the title of 2020 Kanawha County Middle School Champions, concluding with a record of 23-5 duals overall.
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Highlights include Sissonville Duals Invitational, Champions; Fayetteville Duals Tournament, Runner Up; WSAZ Tournament, 15th out of 124 teams (Mac Payne finished 4th at WSAZ Tournament), and Kanawha County
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Championship, Champions. Team standings at the counties were: Elkview 228.5, DuPont 156, Sissonville 135, East Bank 92, John Adams 85, McKinley 83 and Hayes 36. Additionally, every weight class of Elkview placed in the top 4 in the Kanawha County Middle School County Championship: (78) Lathan Chandler 4th; (84) Mac Payne 2nd; (90) Orien Taylor 2nd; (95) Johnny Cottrell 2nd; (102) Sam Giodano 1st; (110) Joey White 1st; (116) Kolton Fields 1st; (123) James Clendenin 3rd; (128) Hayden Payne 3rd; (135) Noah Franklin 1st; (145) Peyton Young 2nd; (155) Trenton Teel 4th; (171) Corey Myers 1st; (190) Riley Peyton 3rd; and (285) Caleb Bowman 3rd. Coaches for the EMS Wrestling team are Head Coach Gene George and Assistant Coach Scott Starcher. Photos were provided by Jadie Teel and the Fans of HHHS Wrestling Facebook page.
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Victor ‘Kee’ at the State Championship “The wrestler knows when his match comes, he shakes his opponent’s hand and the whistle blows...he stands alone.” -- Fans of HHHS Wrestling/Facebook Former Coach Steve Kee, Ben and Pat Kee
Championship Bracket Quarterfinals: 160 lb. Ben Kee (pin) Semifinals: 160 lb. Ben Kee (7-5) Consolation Bracket: First Round: 106 lb. Jonathan Pauley (5-0) 126 lb. Dylan Corbin (11-2) 132 lb. Tyler Teel (8-6) 145 lb. Wyatt Baldwin (9-0) Second Round: 126 lb. Dylan Corbin (7-6) 132 lb. Tyler Teel (8-6) 145 lb. Wyatt Baldwin (9-0) 170 lb. Zach Paxton (Pin)
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erbert Hoover’s red and blue colors filled the stands at the Mountain Health Arena in Huntington for the 2020 WV High School State Wrestling Tournament on the weekend of February 27-29. Hoover qualified 13 wrestlers in the 14 weight classes. It had been over 20 years since the Huskies had brought home a Regional Championship. They placed 9th overall as a team at this year’s WVSSAC Class AA/A State Wrestling Championship. Head Coach is Richard Harper and Assistant Coach is Kurt Dennis. Justin Rollyson also helps with the team.
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Senior Ben Kee powered through the tournament and captured a first place title in the 160-pound weight class. Coach Richard Harper’s smile said it all as the referee raised Ben’s arm in the air, signifying the first place win. Ben finished his senior year with a record of 52-3. His career record is 149-35. Ben is the son of Pat and Jenny Kee and the grandson of former wrestling Coach Steve and Lynn Kee of Clendenin.
Fire Departments from Pinch, Clendenin, and Frame, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, Clendenin Police Department, Officer Powell, WCHS, WSAZ, HHHS staff, students and parents, and the Elk River community gathered at the school and all along the road to the entrance of I-79 to show their support for the HHHS wrestlers as they left for the State Tournament on February 27. Dave Knight of Knight Insurance in Clendenin, also donated 2020 WV State Qualifiers/Region III Champion t-shirts for all of the HHHS qualifying wrestlers and coaches. Photos were provided by Jadie Teel and the Fans of HHHS Wrestling Facebook page.
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Tyler Teel's 100th Win
Delegate Dean Jeffries honoring Ben Kee.
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Muskie Expo Reels in the Crowd The Elk River Muskie Club celebrated another successful expo in Clendenin on Saturday, February 1. Thirty vendors packed the Koontz Gym where over 500 attendees from 7 different states came to enjoy the exhibits. Mark Shafer, Club President, said, “This was the best expo yet!” This is the seventh year the Elk River Muskie Club has hosted the expo fundraising event. The Club donates to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to help improve Elk River access. The Club recently partnered with Rodney Loftis and Son to upgrade the Clendenin Public Access and also donated to the recent Elk River Trout stocking. Dave Knight, Vice President of the Club, said, “This year we are planning to donate to the next Elk River Cleanup and to help upgrade the Blue Creek public access, also.”
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Tragedy into Triumph Simulcast Event Elk River Nazarene Church will be hosting a Tragedy into Triumph Simulcast event to provide real help and hope to people all over the Elk River area. This event is FREE to the public and will be held March 17-19, Tuesday-Thursday, at 7 PM. The simulcast will be shown exclusively at the Elk Nazarene Church at 143 Dutch Road, Charleston (I-79 Mink Shoals Exit).
This series will show how God can bring triumphant change into our lives, even in the midst of tragedy. On the first night, March 17, Pattie Mallette, mother of Justin Bieber, will share how abuse, addiction,and bad decisions almost led to her destruction until she found Jesus. Wednesday night will feature Kylie Bisutti, a former Victoria’s Secret Super Model, who will share what happens when you accept Christ and walk away from the “self” oriented modeling industry. The last night, Justin Wren, aka The Big Pygmy, UFC/ MMA fighter, will share what happens when the power of addiction meets the power of Christ. For more information, you can visit www. tn2simulcast.org (www.elkrivernaz.com) or call 304.342.6052.
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Don’t Be Caught Bookless Elk Valley Branch Library will host it’s BIG Book Sale this month! Early preview sale will be Thursday, March 26 from 5-7:30 PM. Regular sale dates will be Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, from 10 AM-3 PM. Tables will be full of exciting mysteries, romance, biographies, children’s books, crafts and hobbies, DVDs and more!
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The Elk Valley Branch Library is located at 313 Crossings Mall, Elkview.
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This is the big fundraiser for the Elk Valley Advisory Board to help with their annual budget. All proceeds will go toward the Annual Assessment. Come out and support your local library! Don’t sit inside without a great book in front of you!
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50 Spencer Road – Clendenin, WV 25045
(304) 548-4056
Pinch Exxon, a Family Favorite
The new Pinch Exxon maintains the same quality services, which includes oil changes (conventional and synthetic), exhaust/custom exhaust, computer diagnostics, air conditioning diagnostic and repair, tires, brakes, state inspections (car, truck, motorcycle, trailer and modified), and more. Lara and Jeremy both are certified to perform inspections; Jeremy is also ASE certified. In addition
to their automotive expertise, they diagnose and repair motorcycles and ATVs. Their labor rate is $60/hour for cars and trucks; however, for custom work or offroad vehicles, the labor rate is slightly higher at $75/hour, which Lara stated is very reasonable. Lara said they do not discourage people if they want to bring their own oil or parts to save money. “Even though we use local auto parts stores, if customers prefer to bring their own, then we honor that.” She said it’s all about what their customers prefer and what makes them happy. The St. Clairs retained the traditional name, Pinch Exxon; however, they sell unbranded gasoline, including regular, unleaded, and non-ethanol. They take pride in supporting other local businesses in the area and offering excellent customer service. Speaking of excellent
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inch Exxon has been a part of the Pinch community for as long as most of us can remember. It has been around for over 50 years and counting. Jeremy and Lara St. Clair became the new owner/operators in 2017 and have made it their goal to maintain the quality of service that the station has offered in previous years. “We serve so many families and their children and even their grandchildren,” said Lara; “Jeremy and I are ‘family people’ (six children and five grandchildren) and it is a pleasure to take care of our community’s families.”
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Pinch Exxon, cont. customer service, Steve Hunt, a familiar face in the Pinch community, will greet you when you pull into the station. He is always available to assist customers and check the air in their tires. Lara said, “Steve is an integral part of our business; he is here every day and he truly loves his community.” Pinch Exxon’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They take appointments and walk-ins. They are located at 239 South Pinch Road in Pinch. You can contact them at 304.954.7238. Find them on Google at Pinch Service Center or email them at pinchexxon@hotmail.com Photos by Joe Hoover
Jeremy St. Clair
MARCH 2020
Jeremy and Lara St. Clair
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Steve Hunt volunteers to check the air in your tires.
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THE
ELK REFLECTS
remembering paul mace By Joe Hoover and Carolyn Pirnat
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his month’s Elk Reflects was submitted by Carolyn Pirnat and Joe Hoover, in remembrance of John “Paul” Mace. Paul’s grandson, Justin Withrow, recently donated several paintings and artworks of Paul’s to the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum. He loved to paint a picture incorporating a three-dimension look by carving on a wood canvas and then adding pieces of wood or metal. His paintings and artwork can be viewed at the Elk River Communities in Kanawha County Museum located on the second floor of the Elk River Community Center (directly behind the Elkview Tudor’s). The museum is open every Thursday between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. John “Paul” Mace was born on October 19, 1919. Other than his stint in World War II, he lived on Elk River all of his life. He grew up just off the old Frame Road, behind the present-day location of Mitch’s Towing. Paul was quite an athlete growing up on the Elk River. He was a member of the Herd football team and played a couple of other varsity sports.
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Paul was stationed with the Army’s 101st Airborne division during World War II. Just a short time before the D-Day Invasion, Paul volunteered to go up in an experimental glider that had a metal skin covering to help protect the occupants from enemy gunfire. He understood that if this glider worked, one of the top brass would be using it to land in a secret location in enemy territory. On its first test flight over England, the glider was pulled behind a considerably larger plane, as the metal-clad glider was pretty heavy. Shortly after take-off, the glider was cut loose and it did not fly as well as anticipated. It crashed in the English countryside, killing the pilot and co-pilot. Paul managed to survive the crash with only a broken leg and a few bruises. They never made another glider with the metal skin.
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Even though he had a broken leg that was still healing, Paul served as a medic on the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, on June 6th, 1944. He was not deployed into the action until about the 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.
Paul was again thrown into action during the Battle of the Bulge in eastern Belgium. This would turn out to be the largest battle in World War II. Germany had over 400,000 soldiers and the Americans had about 600,000. This battle was the third deadliest campaign in American History. The battle began on December 16, 1944, and lasted until January 25, 1945. Paul’s position was over-run by the Germans, and he was taken captive along with five other American soldiers. They were taken to an old farm house that had a small, wired chicken coop attached to a barn. This would be their home for the next few months. Conditions were harsh as they were given only one slice of stale bread a day. Paul would tear his bread into three pieces and would eat one piece for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner. During his time in the prison camp, one prisoner managed to steal a fresh chicken egg. When caught, he was shot and killed by one
of his captors. Paul remained in the same camp for about six months, until they were freed by a group of soldiers from Patton’s army who were coming through the area. Their German captors apparently heard about the approaching Allied forces and fled during the night. After the war, Paul began working at A.W. Cox Department Store in Charleston, WV. On his first day at work he arrived a little early and was instructed to clean up one of the storage areas. So, he began clearing out some big empty boxes and some other stuff. Before he knew it there was a pretty sizable amount of trash in the hallway. What he didn’t realize was that all of the junk he was getting ready to throw out was blocking the time clock. A young lady named Virginia “Ginny” Rucker, who worked at the store, was trying to reach the time clock to punch in for work, but was blocked by Paul’s boxes. He helped clean a path to the time clock so she could punch in on time. This is where they first met. They began dating and, a few years later, they were married
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7th wave. He saw a lot of action that day, but was fortunate that he received no serious injuries.
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The Elk Reflects Remembering Paul Mace, cont. and lived in Big Chimney. They had a son, Johnny (John Paul Mace, II) and daughter, Rita Mace. During this time, he was a familiar fixture at the A.W. Cox Department store. He managed to keep all of their displays current with the season. He also made most of their “sale” signs. Because of his creativity, he would sometimes moonlight at the Diamond Department store as well as a couple of others. In 1967, they moved to a “new house” that he bought “as-is,” just off Boner Drive in Pinch. The “house” was just a bare cinder block basement. He finished his house and even had an area in which he painted pictures, and made signs for friends and local organizations. He was indeed a gifted artist. He didn’t just use a piece of canvas to paint on. He would paint on almost anything and would use a variety of different techniques.
He painted pictures on old-time 4’ crosscut saws and gave them to his friends. His son, Johnny, learned many things from his dad. He too, became an artist mostly in wood carving and often collaborated on a few projects with his dad. One of these endeavors was a three-dimensional painting of the grist mill at Babcock State Park. They spent over two years working on this project. (It currently hangs in the living room of the Boner Drive house.) After retiring, Paul was a regular at Maynor’s Market, along with several others - Charley Stuck, John Carper, Dana Campbell, George Daugherty, Jack Melton, George Reynolds and a few other well-known Elk River “celebrities.” They were affectionately known as “Maynor’s Mafia.” He often partied with these guys and a few more on the old, metal Elkview bridge next to the new “concrete” bridge. They would fish off the old bridge and have a fish fry with what they caught (sometimes they even took home more fish than they caught). Stories were told, some of which were even true. Guitars and maybe even a banjo were played. Dana Campbell would even play his harmonica occasionally. Paul passed away in 2015. His grandson, Justin, is continuing his grandfather’s legacy of service as he works in the Kanawha County 911 Call center and is a fireman with the Pinch Volunteer Fire Department.
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Photos by Joe Hoover.
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Look What ’s Blooming on Main Street “I must have flowers always and always.” -- Claude Monet
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here is a new flower shop in Clendenin. Pamala Allen opened Elk River Floral, LLC on February 10, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The shop, located at 9 Main Street, is full of fresh cut flowers, silk arrangements, seasonal wreaths, and live plants. They carry Candleberry candles, home decor, gifts, balloons, and specialty arrangements. Pam said, “We also offer bereavement items including wind chimes, throws, and fireside baskets.” Pamala is no stranger to the businesses on Main Street. She owns Pamala’s Gifts and Treasures and Allen’s Laundromat as well. Recently, Fingers-to-Toes Salon vacated its location inside Allen’s Laundromat and Pam said it was a perfect opportunity to open Elk River Floral. She said, “I was trying to think of
something that would help our Town and I am really excited to have a flower shop back on Main Street again.”
MARCH 2020
Patty Rose is working at the shop and is in charge of arranging the fresh flowers. Patty has years of experience and has even owned her own Primitive Shop at Bufflick. The shop will also have prom and special occasion boutonnieres and wrist corsages.
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Pam stated, “We will carry a good price range that fits the needs of our community.” She also said, “We deliver free in the Town of Clendenin city limits and we will deliver (with a delivery charge)
to Elkview, Bomont, Amma, Walton, Charleston, and Clay. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. Additionally, there is a weekend delivery service available for funeral services.”
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You can contact Elk River Floral at 304.548.8998 or on Facebook/Elk River Floral. Pam said, “We had an awesome Valentine’s Day kickoff and we invite everyone to stop by the shop and see what we have to offer.”
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THE
ELK’s journal The Wild Dancers By Moonwolf
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his month’s Elk Journal was submitted by John Ditchman of Clendenin. He moved here in 1999 from Cleveland, OH because his mother’s family (Schoolcrafts) has a lot of ties in WV. He was a contributing editor for the office newsletter at Ohio State University, often submitting crossword puzzles and articles. John works at Liberty Tax Office in Clendenin and writes as a hobby under his pen name, Moonwolf.
I had learned of the wild dancers years ago; how they emerged from the lake, once every 20 years or so, when the full moon fell on All Hallows’ Eve. How they danced wildly in the moonlight, and then disappeared. No one knew how or why; in fact, no one had ever actually seen them, or at any rate, no one had ever written down an encounter. Some had tried, but they had not seen the dancers, or were simply never heard from again. It was those disappearances that had kept the story alive for so long.
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Most did not believe these tales, but I did. I had heard the tales from my grandmother, who claimed that a friend she had known in her childhood had gone to the lake to watch, and was never seen again. I was determined to see the wild dancers and tell the world the truth of them. I had an idea that the dancers, like the sirens, lured unprepared observers into their dance. Or, perhaps, their noise or interference scared the dancers away. So, I enlisted some friends to help me, though they thought I was a bit daft.
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I had them tie me to an oak tree overlooking the lakeshore. I had them gag me so I could not make any noise to frighten the dancers. They bid me adieu as the sun set, and would be back in the
morning to untie me and hear the tale. I waited. I found it is really uncomfortable to be tied to a tree late at night! Maybe about midnight, when the moon was high in the sky, a dense, impenetrable fog appeared over the stony beach I was watching. I watched intensely as the swirling mists began to coalesce into dancing, human shapes. There was music playing from an unseen orchestra of insane musicians. The music was wild, atonal, cacophonous, and the dancers writhed to it. The dancers’ bare bodies glistened in the moonlight as they gyrated on the beach. As the music built and grew more wild and faster, so too grew the dance. The music took me up, and I struggled at my bonds to join with the dancers. I tried to call out for someone to untie me, but could make no sound. Other watches, previously hidden, were not so lucky. They came, dancing, from the woods and joined in the frenetic ritual on the lakeshore. As the music and frenzied dancing reached a crescendo, the obscuring fog instantly returned, hiding the dancers from my view. The pace of the music did not change, but it began to grow
fainter, as if the musicians were moving a great distance away. As the music faded, so did the fog, leaving behind only glistening rocks on the ground. I felt exhausted from the intensity of what I had seen, and collapsed against my bonds. That is how my friends found me when they came after sunrise. I told them I had seen nothing that night. That I had fallen asleep. That the dancers were just an interesting folktale. I can still see the ecstasy of those dancers, and especially of those who joined. I can still hear the insane music playing. How I wanted to join them. Perhaps, in twenty years, I shall. Even though I know that those who in that ecstasy are forever lost in the night.
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MARCH 2020
READER’S SUBMISSION
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his month we are sharing a photograph of a Blue Heron (maybe called a Great Blue Heron) along a creek in the New Hope Road area of Elkview, WV. Photo was submitted by: Tony Wayne Davis.
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
American Chemical Society Recognizes Clendenin With National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation
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he American Chemical Society (AMC) has recognized the town of Clendenin as the site for a National Historic Chemical Landmark, the first designation of its type in WV.
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West Virginia State University (WVSU) partnered in the effort with the Kanawha Valley Section of the American Chemical Society, the town of Clendenin and Union Carbide in achieving the designation.
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were made in the development of the first ethane-to-ethylene cracker and the development of ethylene derivatives that are still critical to the industry today. These technologies and innovations became the predecessors for future plants around the world.”
In October 1920, Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. was formed as a subsidiary of Union Carbide and Carbon Co. Carbide and Carbon Chemicals Corp. purchased a small gasoline extraction plant in Clendenin and began their work with small hydrocarbons which marked the dawn of the petrochemical industry. Completion of the hydrocarbon separation plant and ethane cracking plant in the summer of 1920 created the first petrochemical plant capable of separating light hydrocarbons from natural gas and manufacturing limited quantities of ethylene and its derivatives, which are used to make numerous consumer products.
By 1923, the company was ready to up-scale the facilities and started surveying sites for a new location. On November 30, 1923, a chemical plant in South Charleston, WV, was purchased from the Rollins Chemical Co. to serve as the new location for the first United States plant specifically designed to produce ethylene. Ethylene is one of the largest produced petrochemicals worldwide, and provides materials used to produce a vast number of products, including such items as garbage bags, food containers, industrial coolants, antifreeze, anesthetics, polyester fibers, and polyvinyl chloride which in turn is used to make things such as plastic pipe, flooring and sheeting.
“The plant in Clendenin represented the birthplace of the worldwide petrochemical industry,” said WVSU Associate Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael Fultz. “At that site, many important innovations
“At MATRIC we’re proud of our humble beginnings and our shared heritage with Union Carbide in South Charleston, WV,” said Steve Hedrick, chairman and CEO, Mid-Atlantic
Technology, Research & Innovation Center (MATRIC). “Not only did Carbide bring a diverse group of Ph.D.-level researchers and other highly trained engineers and chemists to the community, but also they led the development, testing, and commercialization of many of the products and processes that dramatically changed or influenced the petrochemical industry worldwide.” Hedrick continued, “Today, MATRIC continues to safely employ some of the very best critical thinkers on the face of the earth right here in South Charleston, and we’re at the center of exciting opportunities within the market.” Tim O’Neal, vice president and site director at Union Carbide Corp., a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Co. in South Charleston, said, “As a subsidiary of Dow, the recognition of Clendenin with a National Historic Chemical Landmark is a credit to the retirees and employees for carrying
on the Company’s legacy to deliver value growth and best-in-class performance in the regions in which we serve.” Clendenin Mayor Kay Summers said, “We are honored that the American Chemical Society has chosen to honor Clendenin with a National Historic Chemical Landmark. We are proud of our history as the birthplace of today’s modern petrochemical industry, and the work that began here that led to revolutionary technological advances for our nation and world. We look forward to working with all of the partners in this effort to place and dedicate the plaque that will forever mark this achievement.” A formal ceremony with the unveiling of the plaque is being planned in Clendenin for the fall of 2020. For more information, visit www.acs. org/landmarks and follow WV State University on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @WVStateU.
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Tammy Parker
MARCH 2020
INCOME TAXES
fast and accurate
Specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. Individual Tax Preparation Business Tax Preparation Yearly Tax Returns
304.935.4801 (304) 935.4801 INCOME TAXES ⊲ fast & accurate Small Business Accounting & Payroll
Be confident your taxes are done right. Give us a call today for an appointment or stop by our office conveniently located in Big Chimney across from United Bank.
Specializing in individual and small business tax & accounting. ExtendedTax Hours during Tax Season: ▪ Individual Tax Preparation ▪ Business Preparation - 9:00 accurate Monday - Friday fast8:30 and ▪ Yearly Tax Returns ▪ Small Business Accounting & Payroll 9:00 - 5:00 Saturday
INCOME TAXES Be confident your taxes are done right. Give us a call today for an appointment or stop by our office conveniently located at 51 Credes Landing at Elkview (off of the I-79 Elkview Exit)
Save $10 onON tax preparation fee SAVE $10 ON TAX PREPARATION SAVE TAX PREPARATION FEE PLUS FREE-FILE WITH THIS Specializing in individual and small e-file this card. FEE plus PLUSfree FREE-FILE THIS AD ADwithWITH business tax and accounting. 4626 Pennsylvania Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302
Individual Tax Preparation
Beck y’s Pet Parlor
Business Tax Preparation Yearly Tax Returns
Rebecca L. Briles & Kaitlyn M. Truman PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMERS
Small Business Accounting &304 Payroll 951 9162
Be confident your taxes are done right. Give us a call today for an appointment or stop by our office conveniently located in Big Chimney across from United Bank.
Extended Hours during Tax Season: 8:30 - 9:00 Monday - Friday
ELKRIVERLIVING.COM ELKRIVERLIVING.COM
166 North Pinch Road Elkview, WV 25071
5555
ELK RIVER LIVING