Elk River Living | Volume 08 | Issue 04

Cardiology Care Close to Home

Heart disease touches countless lives in our community. At Roane General Hospital, we’re dedicated to ensuring that expert cardiology care is within reach for those who need it most. From prevention and education to advanced diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation, our experienced team is here to deliver the exceptional care you deserve—close to home.

Tumble Starz LLC has just opened its doors in Clendenin at the Riverview Business Complex, located at 107 Koontz Ave., Suite 4. Owner Alicia Milam is excited to join the Clendenin business district, offering recreational gymnastics for children 3 years old and up!

Hello & Welcome!

Spring has a way of lifting our spirits, even when it arrives in bits and pieces. One warm, sunny day can help carry us through the rain and snow squalls that remind us Mother Nature can still hold a few surprises. But despite winter’s best efforts to linger, the signs of spring are all around us. Bradford pear trees and daffodils are already blooming, while redbuds and azaleas are beginning to explode with color.

My mom used to say, “Remember me in the springtime.” It was her favorite season. Her yard was always bursting with color—from the first blooms of spring right through late summer. Even now, I still find myself driving past her old house to see what’s blooming. It’s a small but comforting memory of our mommy and the joy she found in this beautiful season.

Along with the renewal that spring brings, our community was also recently reminded how precious and fragile life can be. Our dear friend and neighbor, Angela McFarland Born, was tragically killed in a car accident on March 5. Our hearts and prayers go out to her husband Bill and their wonderful family. Angela leaves behind a lasting legacy of love for her family, her faith, her friends, and the community she cared so deeply about.

In this issue, we’re proud to highlight the talented wrestlers from the Elk River area. From youth leagues to middle school and high school competition, our local athletes had an outstanding 2026 season—bringing home trophies, medals, and plenty of Elk River pride.

Be sure to also check out one of the newest businesses along the Elk River at Clendenin’s Riverview Business Complex: Tumble Starz LLC! Owner Alicia Milam is offering recreational gymnastics classes for children ages three and up. Their recent open house was such a success that additional classes have already been added to meet the growing interest.

Now that we have warmer weather, it gives us all a good excuse to get out of the house. Take a drive, grab lunch with friends, visit your favorite stores or enjoy a walk on the trail. It's great to soak in all of our Elk River goodness.

Stay safe, my friends—and I’ll see you on the ballfield!

Editor In Chief / Ken Tawney

Cyndi Tawney

Operations Director / Josh Tawney

Creative Director / Printer / The Printing Press Charleston, WV

Layout & Design / Katheryne E. Popp

Little Secret Design Co.

Photographer / Scott Abbott

Scott Abbott Photo

ON THE COVER

Meet Pee Wee wrestler Jewels Young! She not only captured 5th place in the 4U, 40 lbs Girls Division at the West Virginia Youth Wrestling Association State Tournament, she also was runner-up in the 4U, 35 lbs. Boys Division. Jewels is the daughter of Erica and Randy Young of Elkview.

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 expressly forbidden and punishable by law. Elk River Living is not responsible for unsolicited materials. All opinions expressed within Elk River Living belong to the feature’s author and are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers of CJT Publishing, LLC employees. Elk River Living and CJT Publishing, LLC reserve the right to refuse any idea, material or subject matter. Throughout this issue, trademarked names are used. Rather than denoting a trademark symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, Elk River Living uses the names in an editorial fashion, with no infringement. All trademarked names are still fully protected, and anyone who uses them without permission will be prosecuted.

This magazine depends on our advertising partners! Production, printing and mailing costs are offset by the participation of our valued local businesses. It is how we provide this service at no charge to you. Please take the time to review our Sponsors Page, and if you are in need of a product or service they provide, we ask that you give them a shot at earning your business. And let them know you saw their ad in Elk River Living!

Our ERL photographer, Scott Abbott and guest photographers who care about our communities and help make this magazine possible: Scott Abbott, Aubrie Abbott, J. Craig Allison, Tim Cunningham, Janet Six, Jill Moles Mullins

ADVANTAGE VALLEY

304.352.1165

1045 Bridge Rd, Charleston advantagevalley.com

AFFILIATED FINANCIAL GROUP

304.935.2230

4950 Elk River Rd., S. Elkview

AIS AFFILIATED INSURANCE SOLUTIONS

304.965.6911

4601 Penn., Ave., Charleston

ANR CONSTRUCTION

304.741.0377 | 304.546.6510

Randy Young, Jr. & Andrew Young

BECKY’S PET PARLOR

304.951.9162

Rebecca Briles & Kaitlyn Truman

BILL’S USED CARS

304.548.4727

Rt 119 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

BLANCH’S FAMILY DINER

681.230.2088

9 2nd Ave., Clendenin

BOXDROP MATTRESS & FURNITURE OUTLET

304.590.6094

2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston

BRANNON'S AUTO

304.935.2335

4039 Penn. Ave., Charleston

CABIN CREEK HEALTH SYSTEMS CLENDENIN HEALTH CENTER

304.548.7272

107 Koontz Ave. Clendenin

CANTRELL’S FLORIST

304.548.7700

7484 Elk River Rd., Clendenin

CENTRAL WV AGING SERVICES

304.965.9081

Local Charleston Office

CHAMBERS REPAIR & TOWING 24-Hour Towing and Lockout

304.965.5634

648 Shady Ln., Elkview

CLENDENIN MEMORIAL PARK

304.768.6331 or 304.541.3101

236 North Point Dr., Clendenin

CLENDENIN PHARMACY

304.548.5451

Bill Ore & Linsay Matuszkiewicz

CREDE TRACTOR

304.965.1666

Contact William Crede

DEAN JEFFRIES, STATE FARM

304.965.7024

85 Credes Landing, Elkview

DR. ANGELA B. ARMSTEAD, DDS

304.343.2151

3414 Penn. Ave., Charleston

EDENS BODY WORKS, INC.

304.965.5900

102 Neville Rd., Elkview

ELK FAMILY DENTISTRY

304.965.6661

contact Joey Adkins, DDS

ELK RIVER AUTOMOTIVE

304.965.7501

602 Railroad Ave., Elkview

ELK RIVER AUTO SUPPLY

304.965.5312

5082 Elk River Rd., Elkview

ELK RIVER

COMMUNITIES MUSEUM

304.965.6596

1078 Main St., 2nd Floor, Elkview

ELK VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY

304.965.7979

contact Andi Geary, MPT

E.L. ROBINSON ENGINEERING

304.776.7473

5088 Washington St., W. Charleston

elrobinsonengineering.com

FOUR TRAXX GARAGE

Poke Derrick, Owner

304.548.6784

214 Cobb St., Clendenin

GABBY’S SEWING & MORE

304.935.2360

4506 Penn. Ave, Charleston gabbyssewingwv.com

GINO’S PIZZA & SPAGHETTI HOUSE

304.965.7031

Order online at ginospizza.com

GIOVANNI’S - CLENDENIN

304.548.7002

giovannispizzapower.com

GREEN'S OF BIG CHIMNEY

304.965.3313

4509 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HAFER FUNERAL HOME & MYER’S CHAPEL

304.965.3331 | 304.965.3341 haferfuneralhome.net

HARDING'S FAMILY RESTAURANT

304.344.5044

2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston

HOLSTEIN INSURANCE

304.965.9941

holsteininsuranceagencyinc.com

INDIAN LAKE

304.965.5661

111 Indian Lake Dr., Elkview

JIFFY J’S INC.

Portable Restrooms

800.256.8657

KN CONTRACTING

304.965.9088

5146 Elk River Rd., Elkview

KNIGHT VEHICLE LICENSING

304.548.4726

knightinsurance@frontier.com

KNIGHTHORST

877.474.7332 www.knighthorst.com

LITTLE SECRET DESIGN CO.

304.427.6797

www.littlesecretdesign.co

GIVE OUR SPONSORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR BUSINESS, they care a great deal about you and the Elk River community!

MEADOWBROOK ACRES NURSING CENTER

304.344.4268

www.meadowbrookacres.net

MITCH’S 24 HR TOWING

304.965.6646

contact Mitch Young

MOUNTAINEER AUCTION

304.548.4056

contact Roger Mullins

NALU’S STYLE STUDIO LLC

304.343.2049

2777 Penn. Ave., Charleston

NANCY KUHL

SEWING & ALTERATIONS

304.965.4056 or 681.340.0409

PADDLERS BAR & GRILL

681.230.2061

12 Maywood Ave., W. Clendenin

PAXTON BUSINESS SERVICES

304.343.5666

4628 Penn. Ave, Charleston

PEGGY WHITE, REALTOR

Old Colony

304.395.0619

PENNY PINCHERS

304.548.4005

11 Main St., Clendenin

POCA VALLEY BANK

304.965.7730 | 1.844.782.2651 pocavalleybank.com

PUZZLED PISTOLS BOUTIQUE

4636 Penn. Ave., Ste. 2, Charleston www.puzzledpistolsboutique.com

ROANE GENERAL HOSPITAL

304.927.4444

200 Hospital Dr., Spencer

RODNEY LOFTIS & SON

304.342.8200 & on Facebook

95 Casdorph Rd., Charleston

ROGERS HARDWARE

304.965.1077

Bill Rogers

SCOTT’S SERVICE & AUTO REPAIR

681.230.2151

311C Elk River Rd., S. Clendenin

SLEEP INN

304.345.5111

2772 Penn. Ave., Charleston

SMITH'S FURNITURE, APPLIANCE & MATTRESS

304.965.7600

Elk Shopping Plaza, Elkview

SOLID ROCK CONTRACTING

304.444.4288

contact Phil Shaffer

STUMP-MATICS FUNERAL HOME

304.548.6611

www.stumpfuneralhomes.com

THE PRINTING PRESS

304.744.7949

143 Gaylor Ln., Charleston

TUDOR’S BISCUIT WORLD

304.965.7769

1083 Main St., Elkview

WALLY'S SUPERIOR PARTS & SERVICE

304.935.2287

5100 Elk River Rd., N. Elkview

XSPEC POWER

304.746.1139

Contact Emily Canterbury

YAK HOUSE RENTALS

304.941.2229

403 Elk Ave., Clendenin Reservations: yakhouserentals.com

$50 for 1 year, straight to your mailbox! elkriverliving.com

Stay connected to the heart of the Elk River with an annual subscription to Elk River Living. Each issue features favorites like The Elk’s Cookbook and The Elk’s Journal, along with uplifting stories that celebrate our neighbors, local traditions, and the shared spirit that strengthens our communities all year long.

APRIL EVENTS

DATE TIME PROGRAM

APRIL 2

DROP-IN 4:30-6PM TEEN TIME: HALLOWSPRING HAUNTED BIRDHOUSES

APRIL 7 11AM JUMP INTO STORYTIME

APRIL 7 11:30AM STAY ‘N PLAY

APRIL 14 1PM ADULT CRAFT: BUNNY EAR COASTERS

Libraries are more than just stores of books & knowledge. They are the cornerstone of neighborhoods & communities.

APRIL 16 DROP-IN 4-6PM FAMILIES CRAFTING TOGETHER: PRESSED FLOWER LANTERN

APRIL 22 1PM CLENDENIN LIBRARY BOOK GROUP

APRIL 23 DROP-IN 4-6PM FULL STEM AHEAD: BUILD & RACE!

APRIL 28 11AM DISCOVERY PLAY

Don’t forget about the Clendenin Book Kiosk located at 1 Cardinal Street. (beside Butterworth Park)

Open 24 hours a day for checkouts and after-hours book pickup!

DATE TIME PROGRAM

ELKVIEW

APRIL 1 10:30 AM

JUMP INTO STORYTIME

APRIL 1 11AM STAY ‘N PLAY

APRIL 6 5:30PM FAMILIES PAINT: APRIL SHOWERS **REGISTRATION REQUIRED **

APRIL 8 10:30 AM JUMP INTO STORYTIME

APRIL 8 11AM STAY ‘N PLAY

APRIL 9 5-7:30PM

BIG SPRING BOOK FUNDRAISER

APRIL 10 10AM-3PM BIG SPRING BOOK FUNDRAISER

APRIL 11 10AM-1PM BIG SPRING BOOK FUNDRAISER

APRIL 13 DROP-IN 5:30-7PM FULL STEM AHEAD: FLUTTER BY, BUTTERFLY!

APRIL 20-25 ADOPT A READING BUDDY! (WHILE SUPPLIES LAST)

APRIL 20 6PM TEEN TIME

APRIL 21 2PM ELK VALLEY BOOK GROUP: PROJECT HAIL MARY

APRIL 22 10:30AM JUMP INTO STORYTIME

APRIL 22 11AM STAY ‘N PLAY

APRIL 27 5:30PM

ADULT CRAFT: EMBELLISHED TASSEL BOOKMARK

APRIL 29 10:30AM DISCOVERY PLAY

APRIL 30 2PM

ADULT CRAFT: EMBELLISHED TASSEL BOOKMARK

BANG BANG CHICKEN BITES

By Gabi Strickland Walker. Gabi

is the creator and

editor

of

Walker Mtn. Eats Facebook

group, where she shares her delicious recipes which are tried-and-true tested on her husband, Gar, her girls, and her family, church family, and friends.

Gabi said, “This recipe is super yummy and a quick week-night dinner that everyone LOVED!” It’s perfect with the kickoff of softball and baseball season when you just need an easy throw-together dinner! Gabi said the original recipe stated it makes a good appetizer, but she served it over rice with a side of steamed broccoli and, voila, it was a perfect meal.

BANG BANG CHICKEN BITES

From the

INGREDIENTS

• 24 oz bag frozen CRISPY chicken nuggets

• ½ C mayo

• 3 T sweet chili sauce (I used Frank’s)

• 1 T Sriracha hot sauce (more if desired)

• Prepared Rice (I used Minute Rice)

• ¼ C sliced green onions - garnish

DIRECTIONS PREP 15-20 MIN

STEP 1 Preheat an air fryer** to 300 degrees. Add nuggets in a single layer to the air fryer basket, and fry until hot and crisp, about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time. You may need to work in batches.

STEP 2 While nuggets are cooking, stir mayonnaise, chili sauce, and hot sauce together in a large bowl until well blended. (Reserve a little of the sauce for garnish)

STEP 3 Prepare Minute Rice according to the directions. Steam a vegetable as a side dish, if desired.

STEP 4 Toss hot chicken nuggets in sauce until well coated. Top with green onions before serving over rice. Enjoy!

**NOTE You can also use the convection or air fryer setting on your oven. Spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet, and spray nuggets with cooking spray. Half way through cooking, turn nuggets over. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

FLIPS, FUN & Future Stars!

Tumble Starz LLC has just opened its doors in Clendenin at the Riverview Business Complex, located at 107 Koontz Ave., Suite 4. Owner Alicia Milam is excited to join the Clendenin business district, offering recreational gymnastics for children 3 years old and up!

Alicia has a limit of 5-6 students maximum per class to ensure every athlete gets individualized attention. She said, “Small class sizes allow for better instruction, faster progress, and a safe learning environment.”

Tumble Starz first kicked off their class schedule on Mondays and Tuesdays, offering classes hourly from 3:30-8:30 PM. Their Open House was so successful that they have also added classes on Thursday to accommodate more families! Alicia said, “The support has been incredible!” Private lessons are also available on Wednesdays. You do not have to be enrolled in a class to book a private lesson.

Alicia is excited to help grow and build strong, confident athletes in the Elk River community. Students rotate through a variety of skill-building exercises including tumbling, gymnastics, and mini trampoline. She has over a decade of experience. “I was in the gym from age 2-18,” she explained. “Then I opened my own gym and I couldn’t be happier. It’s definitely my happy place.”

One aspect Alicia emphasized is the importance of structure in her classes. “I focus on keeping our classes structured, moving from task to task, and emphasizing skill development.” She helps them focus on confidence, strength, and proper techniques.

“

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their tumbling skills, I’m here to help them shine.”

Spots are limited to ensure quality instruction, so call Alicia at 304.444.8680. Currently, there is a waitlist, but she will personally contact you as soon as a spot becomes available. Alicia said, “I cannot wait to welcome your family to Tumble Starz and begin this exciting journey together!”

Tumble Starz Hours of Operation

ONE-HOUR CLASSES

MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY 3:30-8:30PM

PRIVATE LESSONS ON WEDNESDAY 30 MINUTES SESSIONS

Wrestling excellence continues to run deep in the Elk River community. From youth leagues to middle school and high school competition, local athletes made a powerful showing during the 2026 wrestling season—bringing home championships, podium finishes, and plenty of pride for their wrestling programs.

The Herbert Hoover High School wrestling team once again demonstrated why it is one of the region’s most respected programs. They captured the D2 Region III crown and sent all 13 of their wrestlers to the 2026 Division II WV State Wrestling Tournament, where they then captured third place.

Meanwhile, Elkview Middle School finished third in the Kanawha County Tournament with three county champions, and Elk River youth wrestlers added to the success with numerous podium finishes at the Mountain State Wrestling Championship and the West Virginia Youth Wrestling Association State Tournament. Together, these results highlight the strength of wrestling throughout the Elk River area.

HUSKIES DELIVER AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT

At the WVSSAC State Wrestling Tournament, held March 5–7 at Mountain Health Arena in Huntington, Hoover wrestlers delivered an impressive performance.

Sophomore standout Josh Bostic captured his second State Championship and the team surpassed the school record for the most placers at a State tournament. Hunter Hughart added to his already impressive career by becoming a three-time state placer, while Mighty Lopez secured his second podium finish.

Hoover’s seven state placers (new school record) included:

• Josh Bostic State Champion

• Preston Rhodes Runner-up

• Mighty Lopez 3rd Place

• Hunter Hughart 5th Place

• Casey Siders 5th Place

• Brayden Tolley 6th Place

• Ethan Deal 6th Place

The Huskies qualified all 13 wrestlers for the Class AA-A State Tournament, an accomplishment that reflects the program’s depth and dedication. Regional champions included Preston Rhodes, Josh Bostic, Hunter Hughart, Elijah Cooper, Casey Siders, and Mighty Lopez. Other regional qualifiers were Brayden Tolley, Sam Snyder,

Brennan Harrison, Andrew Easter, Ethan Deal, Devin Silvas, and Tristin Shaffer.

Adding to his outstanding season, Bostic also surpassed the milestone of 100 takedowns. Andrew Easter and Mighty Lopez earned their 100th career victories, and Hunter Hughart surpassed over 150 wins. Also, Mighty Lopez received the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the upper weight class. Head Coach Richard Harper credited the program’s tradition of excellence and strong community support.

“

Herbert Hoover always has a strong showing year after year at the State Tournament, the coaches and wrestlers before me built this reputation, and I’ve had the honor of continuing it. It says a lot when more than 85 wrestlers, former wrestlers, parents, grandparents, and friends gather together to celebrate Hoover wrestling before the finals.”

- Richard Harper, HHHS Head Wrestling Coach

Assistant coaches include Kurt Dennis, Jonathan Harding, Tyler Smith, and Brad Rhodes. The team’s Mat Maids are Addisun DeBord, Paisley Cunningham, Peyton Cunningham, and Madison Harper.

ELKVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTINUES TO SHINE

The success continued at Elkview Middle School, where the team captured third place at the Kanawha County Tournament—finishing just four points behind the runner-up. Coach Gene George praised the team’s effort throughout the season. “I am really proud of this team,” George said. “We trained hard, and it showed on the mat.”

EMS crowned three county champions:

• Jaxon George 70 lbs Champion

• Aiden Belcher 116 lbs Champion

• Jacob Young 135 lbs Champion

Runner-up finishes were earned by:

• Thomas Johnson 123 lbs

• Braxton Cogar 155 lbs

• Graysen Taylor 145 lbs

• Dillon Wehrle 215 lbs

Assistant coaches include Wes Cogar, Mike Bayes, and Matt Wehrle.

YOUTH WRESTLERS JOIN THE TRADITION

Wrestling in the Elk River community starts early, with many young athletes competing year-round through local clubs such as Lead Dog, Competitive Edge, and Team Mahindra. These programs help develop the next generation of wrestlers who will one day compete at the middle school and high school levels.

Lead Dog, a feeder program for HHHS, is located in Clendenin and trains at the HHHS training facility. Recently at their Mountain State Wrestling Championship, Lead Dog had 11 wrestlers who placed and are now eligible to compete in the West Virginia Youth Wrestling Association Junior State Tournament.

Mountain State Championship Placers in their weight divisions:

• Ryder Hamilton 1st

• Xavier Mullins 4th

• Emerson Dodd 3rd

• Waylon Young 2nd

• Braxton Shaffer 1st

• Easton Leftwich 3rd

• Caius Parker 4th

• Braxton Harper 1st

• Candon Compton 4th

• Nathan Johnson 1st

• Blake Wehrle 2nd

Several Elk River youth wrestlers from Lead Dog, Competitive Edge, and Mahindra reached the podium at the West Virginia Youth Wrestling Association State Tournament, including:

• Kayden Dorsey Champion 8U

• Braxten Shaffer Champion 10U

• Kamryn Dorsey 2nd Place (Girls) 6U

• Jewels Young 2nd Place (Boys) 4U

• Braxton Harper 3rd Place 12U

• Elijah Crihfield 3rd Place 8U

• Axel Nary 4th Place 8U 70 lbs

• Brent Dunlap 5th Place 190 lbs

• Pyper Cunningham 6th Place 6U 63

• Thomas Johnson 6th Place 11/12

• Graysen Taylor 6th Place MS

• Aiden Belcher 7th Place 11/12

• Quest Bostic 7th Place 10U

• Easton Leftwich 7th Place 10U

• Braxton Cogar 8th Place MS 155 lbs

• Nathan Johnson 8th Place 11/12 135 lbs

• Jewels Young 5th Place (Girls) 4U 40 lbs

Across every age group, the Elk River wrestling community continues to prove that hard work, discipline, and strong support systems produce champions. From the youngest competitors stepping onto the mat for the first time to seasoned high school athletes competing for state titles, Elk River wrestlers are proudly carrying on a tradition of excellence.

YOUR BUSINESS IDEA: Egg to Omelet

Submitted By Sasha Strader, Faster WV Business Coach

Spring has sprung and the sap (and ideas) are flowing! You’ve got a great idea, but how do you make it into a business?

The Egg

The most important step of starting a new business is defining your idea: are you looking to sell an item, a service, or an experience?

Items: Soaps, salves, lotions, handcrafted items, foods

Service: Repair, consulting, design, organization, labor

Experience: Boat rental, trail rides, wedding venue, Airbnb

The First Crack

When you’ve figured out what you want to sell, it’s time to get an idea what makes you unique. If a customer has the option to buy something similar elsewhere, why would they choose you instead?

If you have soaps, maybe yours is made with locally foraged flowers. If you do repair, maybe you have experience with a particular product that is difficult to fix. If you have a cabin, maybe the building is historic or you leave fresh eggs in the fridge for visitors.

Tap again

Who will your customers be and how can you appeal to them? Are you primarily aiming for local customers or people passing through? Is your product something everyone needs, or a luxury people save up for?

Having an idea of what kind of customer you want will give you a better idea of how to win them over or where to sell and advertise. If you’re repairing cars, putting up an ad at the nail salon probably isn’t going to get you the most customers, but you could probably sell a lot of lotions and soaps there. Having this in mind will also help you in the next section.

Hatch

It’s time to think about how (and how much!) you would charge. Keep in mind the customer you identified above: how much can they afford, and how much do you think they’d be willing to spend. It never hurts to do some research into similar products or services to see what they’re charging.

Basic information to have for calculating your costs are building rental, utilities, subscription services, equipment, loans, supplies, insurance, and the amount of money you need to be making as your own employer to be able to work the hours you will be putting into the business. Of course, depending on your business you may not need all of those things.

How you charge will often be based on what you’re selling: items are sold by the unit and in stores or online, services are usually sold by the hour and generally in person, and experiences can be sold by the unit or by time.

It’s very important to keep in mind that some businesses are seasonal. For example, outdoor equipment rentals make a lot of money spring through fall, but next to nothing in winter. Your business may also see this dip if the bulk of your customers are travelers coming in from out of the area. If your business would be affected by this, what is your plan for the slow months? Sometimes that means different offerings, taking on seasonal work, or building strong cash reserves from the busy season.

Business coaches like myself are here to help you through figuring all this out and more!

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to me at 304-352-1165 or Sasha@AdvantageValley.com

CALLING ALL GILMORE GIRLS LOVERS!

WV local author Matt Browning has a new book release you won’t want to miss! Pick up your copy of “Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide” on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore today! Also, you can see Matt at his book signing at Books & Booze Fair in Charleston on April 19 from 1-5 PM or at Indie Bookstore Day at Plot Twist Books in South Charleston on April 25 at 10 AM.

Matt is also the author of “Bookstore Explorer: West Virginia,” a celebration of the Mountain State’s independent bookstores; “The Definitive “Golden Girls” Cultural Reference Guide”, an in-depth guide to the thousands of pop culture jokes from all 180 episodes, and “Chicks and the City,” a great story of Stu the chicken, who leaves the farm and ventures to the city.

Amazon said: The Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide is an in-depth look at thousands of topical references to people, places, movies, music, and events which make up many of the funniest lines on the ever-popular television series.

Excerpt by Matt Browning:

For more than 25 years, viewers have been visiting the fictional village of Stars Hollow, CT, and following along as Lorelai and Rory Gilmore traverse the ups and downs of life. Since its inception--and perhaps even more so as the years have passed--Gilmore Girls has provided hours of entertainment. Time and again, we have laughed, cried, celebrated, and mourned along with the residents of Stars Hollow across seven seasons--153 episodes, and a four-part revival series. And we show no signs of slowing down…

Gilmore Girls Pop Culture Reference Guide is designed as a read-along companion to accompany a viewing of the show. It is structured in episode order, beginning with the

pilot and moving through the revival series. When I was writing the book, it became apparent that I would need to develop a working definition of “pop culture.” Otherwise, the book would be thousands of pages or multiple volumes long. I decided to adopt the general categories of entertainment (movies, TV, music, literature), sports, news, politics, history, and other odds and ends like fashion or slang terms.

So pour yourself a giant cup of coffee, coffee, coffee, order one of everything on the menu at Al’s Pancake World (but don’t actually eat any of it); and cozy up for a binge watch of Gilmore Girls like you’ve never experienced before!

SHOUT OUT TO HOOVER BASKETBALL

Congrats! The HHHS girls had a great season, which concluded with a loss to Capital in the Region III AAA matchup. They closed out the regular season with a win on Senior Night at the Hoover gymnasium with everyone on their feet cheering.

It’s also a wrap for the HHHS boys basketball season, proudly finishing with a winning record of 12-11. They advanced to the regional championship with a win over Princeton, 43-39. The season ended with a 45-58 loss to Ripley with Dillon Hatfield scoring 17 points, followed by Riley Johnson with 15.

HI IMPACT 2025-26 SHOW CHOIR

In case you didn’t know, the talented Herbert Hoover Hi Impact Show Choir were the Grand Champions at Cabell Midland!!!! Kudos to this amazing group of kids and Director Kathy Silber!

BASEBALL, SOFTBALL & ELK RIVER YOUTH

Early March was full of preseason play with the boys team playing an intra-squad game, an opening scrimmage of the season against Cabell Midland, and a scrimmage against the Wayne Pioneers. The boys also hosted the Husky For A Day Baseball camp and had a large group of future Huskies! The Lady Huskies softball team was also busy hosting their own Herbert Hoover Softball Skills Clinic this season. Girls 3rd-5th grade and 6th-8th filled the Hoover field and fine tuned their skills. The Lady Huskies scrimmaged at Buffalo and at home against Hurricane, and are ready to take on the new 2026 season. Let’s Play Ball!

OUR ALL-AMERICAN ON THE RUN!

Maysen Fletcher continued her amazing journey by capturing 5th place in the 5000m with a 16:17 at New Balance Indoor Nationals.

FIRST AT HOOVER’S FIRST HOOVER 3D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT

Champions! Congrats to the HHHS 3D Archery Team for winning the first Hoover 3D Archery tournament! Individual placers in the girls division were: Champion Aleks Woody; Runner up Asia Means; 3rd place Brelyn Smith; 5th place Karley Bright; 6th place Elizabeth Chandler; 7th place Lilyan Galwey; and 9th place Jasmine Mace. Aleks Woody also won the high point award for having the best overall score in the girls division. In the boys division: Runner up was Dalton Bennett; 3rd place Noah Sodaro and 6th place Kemp Meyer.

Recently, the Hoover bullseye archery team finished as runner ups at the 3rd annual HH Home Sweet Home Archery tournament and the Hoover 3D archery team finished 3rd in the regional qualifier. Also, the Hoover 3D archery team won the St. Albans 3D Archery Tournament and ranked second in bullseye at the Bridge Tournament.

TRACK & FIELD INDOOR MEET

Did you know our Hoover Track and Field team travelled to Marietta College for an indoor track meet this winter? The girls team placed 19th out of 29 teams with only 4 athletes, and the boys team placed 10th out of 29 teams with only 8 athletes competing! Maddox White (9th) high jumped an impressive 5’8” and placed 7th, scoring 2 points for the team.

Levi Payne (11th) - Threw 29’-6” in shot put for an all time personal best; Boys 4x800m Relay - placed 3rd scoring 6 points for the team and setting a school indoor 4x800m school record;

Isabella Harris (10th) - ran 1600m and 800m cutting off 13 seconds on each of her previous best indoor times; Dylan Straight (10th) and Sam Born (10th) ran the 1600m placing 12th and 19th, respectively, out of 64 runners; Carli Monk (12th) - ran the 800m placing 19th; Emma Cottrell (12th) and Macie Smith (12th) raced the 200m Dash. Emma set the school record for the indoor 200m. Girls 4x400m Relay placed second scoring 8 points for the team and setting the school record for indoor and Boys 4x400m Relay also placed second scoring 8 points for the team and setting the school record for indoor track.

BRAXTON COUNTY NATIVE DR. JESSICA MCCOLLEY TO RECEIVE NATIONAL OSTEOPATHIC AWARD

Shared from Braxton News, by Shirley Shuman for WV News

SUTTON, W.Va. — Three-yearold Jessica Dennison once announced to her mother, “I want to be a doctor when I get big.” She did. Now, Dr. Jessica Dennison McColley will receive a national award from the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. The award, which recognizes individuals fostering inclusivity within osteopathic medicine, will be presented to McColley at the ACOFP National Conference in Orlando, Florida, on April 15.

The journey from a three-year-old’s declaration to a successful career in medicine and the upcoming honor has alternated between relatively easy and sometimes close-to-overwhelming experiences. McColley has survived them all and currently serves as the chief medical officer of value-based care and regional medical director for West Virginia and Kentucky for MedCap Health.

Educated in Braxton County schools, McColley loved school because she loved—and still loves—learning. She noted that she “[has] always loved science because there is always something new and interesting to learn, especially in medicine and technology.” However, she also likes literature, which she explained “has been a very familiar and comfortable subject for me.” Not surprisingly, this doctor writes poetry.

Teachers throughout her public school career recognized her love of learning. An elementary school teacher referred to her as “bright and inquisitive, always prepared for class,” and possessing “a thirst for knowledge.” A high school science teacher saw her as “an excellent student who easily assimilated information” and one “happy to help others.” Another science instructor saw her as “a very dedicated student” who “had clear goals.” Still another called her “challenging” and noted she always demanded to “know why” and was unsatisfied until she did know why.

Following her 2002 graduation from Braxton County High School, McColley enrolled at Alderson Broaddus

College. There she found two individuals who, she noted, inspired her. Inspiration came from Dr. Yam Tong, “who immigrated from Hong Kong to Chicago with the clothes he had on and worked his way through medical school and residency. He was amazing.”

Other inspiration came from her advisor, Dr. Tatiana Ahmed, who informed her that she didn’t need a bachelor’s degree to go to medical school. “So I don’t have one,” McColley declared. “I learned that I needed only 90 hours, including the required subjects. Of course I had to pass the MCAT. I did both and was admitted to West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.” She graduated in 2009 and went into residency.

In residency, she worked as a family medicine intern. Since this was “right before continuous work-hour rules, a 24-hour shift often bled into 36-hour shifts,” which accounted for one of the true challenges she met early in her medical career. An even more difficult challenge came after she finished residency and went into fellowship, a special one-year program. Hour rules did not apply, so she “worked 100-120 hours a week delivering babies in Chicago, Illinois.”

“Fellowship was the most physically challenging. By far,” McColley noted. “Working 100-120 hours a week is grueling. You forget your name. You fall asleep at the red light on the five-mile drive home.” In addition, she experienced sexual discrimination, which she said caused “the most mentally challenging time of my career,” then added, “I persevered nonetheless.”

Following all of this, McColley was recruited to work with the FQHC Cabin Creek Health Systems. Since then, she has become a leader in her field and has spoken locally, regionally, and nationally on various medical subjects, including co-location of family planning services with substance use disorder clinics, advancements in ADHD treatment, integration of behavioral health services in primary care, and integration of gender care in primary care.

Dr. Jessica Dennison McColley began her quest to become a doctor at the age of three. She achieved that goal and is now a well-known, successful doctor. She lives with her husband and three children in Elkview.

CLENDENIN BREWING CO.

MUSIC & EVENTS

ANGELA MCFARLAND BORN

The Elk River community recently lost an amazing woman, Angela McFarland Born, in a tragic accident. She was truly an angel on earth to so many.

On the day of her service, her friend, Tammy Braley posted on Facebook, “Today I watched hundreds of people stand in line and share stories of a life well lived. The line never ended. She was so loved and so known that the line truly did not end, but rather time ran out. Once the hour struck, it was sharing and worshiping. With tears and smiles, there was singing and praise to God through her example. What a blessing to witness the unwavering faith our dear Angela McFarland Born lived and instilled in her family. The impact she has had in this life is no doubt more than many will accomplish. She found her “Why” and she lived it well! We cannot always understand the plan, but we must trust in it. What a blessing to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Obituary for Angela Marie (McFarland) Born

Angela Marie (McFarland) Born, 52, of Clendenin, unexpectedly went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 5th, 2026. She was born in South Charleston, WV on June 11th, 1973, the daughter of Bill and Cecilia McFarland (Loop Pharmacy). Angie grew up in St. Albans with her younger sister and brother riding bikes and playing along the Coal River. From a young age, her strong personality and leadership gifting was evident in her participation in school organizations and clubs at Hayes Junior High and St. Albans High School where she made many lasting friendships. After graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan in 1995, Angie moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to pursue her masters degree in dietetics and where she made more life-long friends. It was in St. Louis that Angie surrendered her life to Jesus and began a life-long journey of following Him.

After marrying her husband John in 2001, they began a family that was rooted in their shared faith. Always eager to welcome others into her home, Angie was known for her hospitality, home-cooked food, and ability to make people feel at ease and welcome. In 2015, Angie’s love of waterfalls, hills, and trails drew her back to West Virginia’s country roads. At the call of the Lord, Angie and John began a strawberry farm with the specific purpose of impacting the community and blessing others by providing fresh produce for the Clendenin/Charleston area. Continuing her gift of hospitality, Angie also opened up a bed and breakfast on her property (Country Road House and Berries) where she served delicious breakfasts and hosted thousands of guests. Beyond the duties of being a strawberry farmer, inn-keeper, and diligently working outside the home (Valley Vital Care), Angie was also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister who greatly loved and valued the people around her. Angie was outgoing and full of fun, eager to make a friend wherever she went. She had a powerful ability to love and connect with others on a deep level which always led to rich and impactful conversations.

Angie enjoyed good food, dancing, walking the trails of West Virginia and rejoicing in God’s good gifts of creation and provision in her life. Angie always saw God’s purposes in every moment of the day, with a unique ability to see God’s good plans in even the most difficult situations. Her encouragement was life-giving, her enthusiasm was inspiring, her laugh was contagious, and her faith was so real. She lived in light of eternity, and those who knew her knew that she was daily led by her love for her Savior. She could often be heard sayingwhether of her life or of her projects- “this is for the generations”. She has indeed left a legacy of her deep love for the Lord and love for people, and she will be greatly missed.

Angela is survived by her spouse, John Born, of 24 years, her children Brooke Buente, JD, William, Samuel, Matthew, and Audree Born, her parents William and Cecilia McFarland (Jarrett), her siblings Cara Hoover (Patrick) and Keith McFarland (Laura Beth) and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and other extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Randolph Street Baptist Church, In Memory of Angela Born, 213 Randolph Street, Charleston, WV 25302.

Have you been thinking about getting more active or spending more time outdoors, but you’re not sure where to start? You’re not alone! One of the best things about the Elk River Trail is that it isn’t just a trail: it’s a community. Across the Elk River Trail Towns, there are groups forming around a shared love of fresh air, movement, and good company.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll, a bike ride, or an energetic run, there’s a group waiting to welcome you. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert or athlete to join! Just show up and enjoy the trail.

CLAY – ELK RIVER TRAIL TREKKERS

Clay is home to one of our newest trail groups, the Elk River Trail Trekkers, which officially launched this year. Their first meet-up took place March 14 at the Dundon Trailhead, and they now plan to meet every Saturday at 10 AM.

The Trekkers focus on making the trail enjoyable for everyone. This welcoming group encourages participants to go at their own pace and simply enjoy being outside. Walkers will head out on the trail for about 15 minutes before turning back, making this a perfect option for beginners, families, or anyone easing into a more active lifestyle. Their motto is simple: the goal isn’t distance — it’s showing up, getting outside, and enjoying the journey.

WAYS TO GET ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Submitted by Madison Stone, Executive Director of the Elk River Trail Foundation

CLENDENIN – CLENDENIN TRAILBLAZERS

The longest-running group along the Elk River Trail is the Clendenin Trailblazers. This dedicated group meets every Monday at 3 PM at the Clendenin North Trailhead near the water plant, where the trail enters the forest.

The Trailblazers offer a one-hour walk, run, or bike ride, giving participants a great way to build healthy habits while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Elk River Trail.

Whether you’re looking for a steady walking group or a little motivation to get moving, the Trailblazers provide a supportive and friendly environment to stay active.

GASSAWAY – THE ADVENTURISTS

For those who love a little variety in their outdoor fun, The Adventurists in Gassaway might be the perfect fit. This group brings together bicyclists, hikers, and paddling enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the outdoors with other adventure-minded people.

The Adventurists meet on the last Saturday of each month. Their gatherings are all about getting outside, trying new activities, and connecting with others who share a love of adventure.

GASSAWAY – BRAXTON COUNTY RUN CLUB

If running is more your speed, the Braxton County Run Club meets every Saturday at 10 AM at the Gassaway Trailhead. Runners of all levels are welcome, and the group offers a great way to stay motivated, improve your fitness, and enjoy the trail with others who share a passion for running.

See You on the Trail

The Elk River Trail is more than just a place to walk or ride, it’s a place where community happens. These groups make it easier than ever to get involved, meet new people, and enjoy the natural beauty of our region.

So lace up your shoes, hop on your bike, or grab a friend and come join one of these groups. Your next outdoor adventure — and maybe a few new friends — are waiting for you on the trail.

STAY CONNECTED

Many of these groups also host impromptu meetups and special outings, so following them on social media is a great way to stay in the loop.

You can find updates, upcoming events, and community activities by following these groups on Facebook:

TATERS IN THE GROUND

Local Gardeners Share the Traditions Behind a Good Potato Crop

By Laura Boggess Shafer. Laura

and her family manage a family farm in the Clendenin area. Keeping Appalachian values and traditions alive, she enjoys sharing her wisdom on gardening, canning, preserving, recipes and more with ERL readers!

For many local gardeners, spring doesn’t truly begin until the potatoes go into the ground. Potatoes are usually planted from late March through April, or as soon as the soil is dry enough to work without sticking to tools. Many families, however, follow traditions passed down through generations. My grandfather—and Frank’s grandfather as well—always preferred to plant their potatoes on March 17. Lucy Newhouse remembers that her brother planted his potatoes every Good Friday, rain or shine, and he always seemed to have a great harvest. Potatoes grow best in sandy or loose soil and need about 6–8 hours of sunlight each day. Before planting, seed potatoes are typically cut into pieces, making sure each piece contains one or two eyes (sprouts). Allow the pieces to dry for a day or two before planting to help prevent rotting.

Plant the seed pieces in trenches about 4–6 inches deep, spaced 8–12 inches apart, with the eyes facing upward.

Frank’s dad was always very strict about making sure those eyes were pointing up. Many local gardeners also say they have the best luck using Maine seed potatoes, claiming their harvests aren’t as good with other varieties. As the plants grow, gardeners “hill” the potatoes by pulling soil up around the stems. This protects the developing potatoes from sunlight. When exposed to sunlight, potatoes can turn green and bitter, and eating green potatoes can make you sick. While potatoes grow underground, they aren’t actually roots. Instead, they are thickened underground stems called tubers. When the potato plant flowers, it’s a sign that the plant has begun producing tubers beneath the soil.

Potatoes are usually harvested after the plants turn yellow and die back. Frank typically plows ours out in September, once the skins have set, which allows them to keep well throughout the winter.

Favorite Varieties

When asking around about favorite potatoes, several varieties came up again and again. Kennebec potatoes are a popular choice for planting. Developed in Maine in 1941, these white potatoes are versatile, high-yielding, and have a lower water content. That makes them excellent for frying and for making fluffy mashed potatoes. They also store well for long periods.

Frank’s grandfather always planted a row of Irish Cobbler potatoes because they produced earlier than most varieties. Developed in Massachusetts in the 1870s, they are small white potatoes with purple-tinged eyes and are best suited for short-term storage.

Lucy Newhouse is a fan of Red Pontiac potatoes. These potatoes have thin red skins with white flesh. The plants produce spreading foliage and beautiful purple flowers. Developed in Florida in 1945, they are another good choice for short-term storage.

Yukon Gold potatoes are favorites of Lisa Bennett and Justin Cottrell. Known for their golden skin and rich,

in Canada in the 1960s. Lisa mentioned that she’s occasionally had trouble with some having bad centers, but overall they are a reliable potato. She also noted they held up well in storage and didn’t become wrinkled—even into June of the following year.

Planting Traditions

Gardeners have plenty of ideas about the best time to plant potatoes. Justin recommends planting during the dark of the moon. The belief is that root crops grow downward when planted during the dark phase of the moon, while crops planted in the light of the moon tend to grow upward. Planting on March 17 is a long-standing Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. Planting on Good Friday was believed to help ensure a blessed and productive crop. Lucy, however, keeps it simple—she plants when the ground is ready.

With planting season here, many local gardeners are getting ready to put their seed potatoes in the ground. I’m hoping to get ours planted soon—and I can’t wait to see what kind of crop we’ll dig up this fall.

SPRING BACK INTO MOTION: Preventing Overuse Injuries

Submitted by Andi Geary, MPT, Cert. MDT, ATC at Elk Valley Physical Therapy. Andi is an honor graduate of University of Charleston where she played collegiate softball and volleyball while earning her undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine. She is also an honor graduate of WVU and earned a Master's degree in Physical Therapy in 1998. She is a nationally certified athletic trainer and obtained specialty certification in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in 2007. She is a proud HHHS alumnus.

As flowers bloom and the days get longer, it’s natural to want to get outside. Whether you’re digging in your garden, hitting the trails, or kayaking the Elk River, spring brings new energy. But if you were inactive this winter, your body might not be ready for a sudden burst of activity.

What Are Overuse Injuries?

Overuse injuries happen when we do too much, too soon, or too often. These aren’t injuries from a fall or sudden twist. Instead, they build up slowly from repeating the same movements over and over. Common symptoms of overuse injuries include:

• Muscle soreness that doesn’t go away

• Painful joints that ache when moving

• Tendons that feel tender to touch

• Swelling that doesn’t go down

Why Spring Can Be Risky

After winter, many of us jump back into activities at full speed. Our bodies aren’t prepared for this sudden change. Think about it:

e’ve been less active during cold months uscles might be weaker or tighter mina isn’t what it was last fall

e’re excited about the nicer weather and may do much at once

5 Simple Ways to Prevent Injuries

1. Start Slow: Begin with 15-30 minutes of your activity. Add a little more time each week - 10% is a good guideline. Your body needs time to adjust!

2. Warm Up Right: Never skip your warm up. Take 5-10 minutes to walk, do gentle stretching, and move your joints before any activity.

3. Mix It Up: Don’t do the same activity every day. Trying different things will let you use new muscle groups and give others rest.

4. Listen to Your Body: Pain is a warning sign. If something hurts, stop and rest. A little muscle soreness is normal, but sharp pain isn’t.

5. Use Good Tools and Form

For gardening, use tools with padded handles and kneel instead of bending. For sports, make sure your gear fits well and learn proper form.

Your Physical Therapist Can Help

Your PT is your body’s best friend when getting active again. We can:

• Check your movement patterns to spot problems before they cause pain

• Create a safe plan to build strength and flexibility

• Teach you specific exercises for your favorite activities

• Show you proper form to prevent strain

• Help you recover if you do get hurt

Don’t let an injury stop you from enjoying spring! With a little care and the right help, you can stay active and pain-free all season long.