Retirement Times
www.retirewv.net • 1-877-987-3847
What’s Inside
Page 3: Three Rivers
Page 4: Mountain Lakes
Page 5: Four Seasons
Page 6 & 7: Mountain Roads
Page 8 & 9: Morgantown
Page 10 & 11: Nicholas County Alive!
For Advertising Information Call:
1-877-987-3847
“Take me home, country roads.”
Spring & Summer 2015
Food&
Making Memories
Food! There are few topics in life that
generate as much conversation as food our favorite restaurants and recipes, what
we remember eating as children, food we
love and food we hate. Many foods
make you think specifically of a location,
and West Virginia serves a few dishes
that will make you remember it forever.
Among these dishes are anything
cooked with ramps. Trust me, once you
eat a ramp, you will never forget it. In
fact, the only ramp farm in the world is
located in Richwood, WV. What is a
ramp, you ask? Ramps are a wild onion
with a sense of garlic. They have a
strong (make that a very strong) flavor.
They may also be known as - wild leek in some fine dining establishments, but in
West Virginia, they’re ramps and they are
celebrated at a dozen different festivals
around the state in April and May.
Another food that is universally
associated with West Virginia is the
pepperoni roll. The pepperoni rolls
originated in northcentral West Virginia
as an easy-to-eat, all-in-one snack for
West Virginia coal miners. And it is
exactly what it’s name describes - bread
dough, wrapped around some savory
pepperoni, forming a roll that creates a
fresh-baked delicacy. The pepperoni roll
is so much a part of West Virginia that
former Senator Jay Rockefeller once
gave them to members of Congress as a
Secret Santa gift. Try one and you will
be looking for them over and over again
as you travel through the state.
Did you know the Golden Delicious
apple also originated in West Virginia?
The yellow Golden Delicious apple has
been ranked by the US Apple Association
as one of the fifteen most popular apples
in the United States. The first Golden
Delicious apple tree was discovered in
the late 1800’s on a farm belonging to the
Mullins family in Clay County, and is
today used in many recipes for apple
sauce and apple butter. The Golden
Delicious was designated the official
state fruit of West Virginia in 1995. To
learn more and to sample some tasty
treats, plan to visit the Clay County
annual Golden Delicious Festival in
September.
There are many foods to be found in
Fresh vegetables at Tamarack’s food court
One of The Dish Cafés
grass-fed beef burgers.
West Virginia that are common to
Appalachia, like bean soup and
cornbread, buckwheat cakes, venison
bologna, dandelion and mustard greens,
and horseradish stuffed pickles - they just
taste better in West Virginia!
This is probably why food, drink and
food festivals are such popular activities
in the state year-round, and some of the
best are found in West Virginia’s
Designated Retirement Communities.
While each county has its share of
wineries, county fairs and heritage
festivals, with its own cuisine, there are a
few food-related things to do that are
unique to each community.
If you are visiting Raleigh County, you
do not want to miss Tamarack’s A Taste
of West Virginia Food Court. While you
can also shop for some one-of-a-kind
West Virginia artisan treasures, no visit to
Tamarack is complete without making
the time to dine. The hard part will be
deciding what you want! Pickled beets,
Rainbow trout, fried green tomatoes?
How about starting with dessert? No one
can resist fresh cobbler, apple crisp or
bread pudding with cinnamon or caramel.
In Nicholas County, you will find the
annual Potato Festival. Hundreds of
people flock to Summersville each year
to celebrate “potato farming”, a
significant part of Nicholas County’s
heritage. Held in the fall, the Potato
Festival features a mashed potato eating
contest, potato sack racing, potato
decorating and all things potato!
While not exactly a food or a festival,
the Free Lemonade Days in Mercer
County are surely a unique event.
Conceived by the Bluefiield Chamber of
Commerce in 1939, free lemonade is
served in the community whenever the
temperature reaches 90 degrees. Due to
the mild temperatures, the lemonade was
never actually served until 1941 but since
that time, there have been many summer
days when a cool glass of lemonade was
just what the doctor ordered. After all,
with all this good food in the state, you
have to have something good to drink,
too!
The West Virginia State Water Festival
in Summers County features all of the
delights you would expect for a summer
outdoor event and the Annual Ramp
Festival in Monongalia County is famous
for its ramp chili. And the Jackson’s Mill
Jubilee in Lewis County lists home
cooked meals as one of its main
activities. So much food, so little time.
Hungry yet? Just remember - if you are
craving some good food, with a little
spice and history, plan a culinary trip to
the mountains of West Virginia. It will
leave you with a ‘taste’ for the ‘flavor’ of
somewhere you will not find anywhere
else.
West Virginia Retirement Times
4
Spring & Summer 2015
Mountain Lakes Designated Retirement Community
Calendar of Events
WV Museum of American Glass Open Mon. Tues. Thurs. Fri.
and Sat. noon - 4pm free admission
WVU Jackson’s Mill Farmstead General Store Open Tuesday
through Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
TALA Historical Tours Tuesday - Sunday noon to 6:00pm
beginning April 4
Deerfield Country Club Friday Night Buffet every Friday night
at 5:00pm during the summer months
Mountaineer Military Museum open weekends from Memorial
Day through Labor Day free admission
May 3 - Photo Tour 8am-12 & 1pm - 5pm - TALA
May 3 - Mothers High Tea, Formal tea and elegance 1-4 Museum of American Glass
May 9 - Stonewall Jackson Jubilee King & Queens Pageant LCHS
May 10 - Mothers Day Dinner - Robin’s Nest Travel Center
May 10 - Mother’s Day Brunch - Stonewall Resort
May 10 - Mother’s Day $10.00 off 4 floor historical tour TALA
May 16 - Customer Appreciation Produce Sale - Shop N Save
Express
May 16 - Architectural Tour - TALA
May 22 - Vietnam Wall Display - Mountaineer Military
Museum
May 23 - Memorial Day Parade
11:00 - Weston
May 23 - Memorial Day Vet-Together - Mountaineer Military
Museum
May 23 & 24 - Antique Fair - TALA
May 24 - Memorial Day Concert - Stonewall Resort
June 13 - Heritage and Wine Festival - Stonewall Resort
June 14-20 - Weston’s Amazing Week - Weston
June 14 - Pet Show and Pet Blessing 6:00 - Lively Park, Center
Avenue
June 15 - Dedication Ceremony for Lively Park - Center
Avenue, Weston
June 17 - Corn Hole Tournament - 6:00 - Lively Park, Center
Avenue
June 18 - WV History Challenge - 6:00 - LC Senior Center
June 19 - Car Show - Shop N Save Express
June 20 - Arts in the Garden - Garden Tours - Weston
June 20 - Street Fair and Cupcake Challenge - Main Avenue,
Weston
June 20 - Bottle & Table Top Antiques Show - Museum of
American Glass
June 20 - American Music Festival - Museum of American
Glass
June 20 - Architectural Tour 9am-1pm - TALA
June 21 - Father’s Day $10.00 off a 4 Floor Historical Tour
TALA
June 21 - Summer Knights Car Show - TALA
June 21 - Father’s Day Dinner - Robin’s Nest Travel Center
June 21 - Father’s Day Brunch - Stonewall Resort
June 27 - Ghost Hunt - TALA
June 27 - Jane Lew Lions Club Poker Run - Jane Lew
July 3 - Independence Day Concert - Stonewall Resort
July 4 - Fourth of July Parade and Celebration Fireworks Weston
July 4 - Independence Day Firework Display - Stonewall
Resort
July 17 & 18 - Spiker Farms Bull Ride - Spiker Farm
August 1 & 2 - Civil War Weekend - TALA
August 5 - Annual Gathering - Hackers Creek Library
August 7&8 - Biggest Yard Sale - Lewis County
August 22 - 8th Annual Stonewall Jackson Triathlon Stonewall Resort
August 22 Fused & slumped glass bowl or plate class
noon-4
Museum of American Glass
August 22 - Jane Lew Lions Club Children’s Safety Fair
Jane Lew City Park
September 3, 10 & 17 - The Rocky Horror Show 8:00pm - TALA
September 4, 11, & 18 - The Rocky Horror Show 11:00pm TALA
September 4 - Customer Appreciation Steak Fry - Shop N Save
Express
September 4-6 - Jackson’s Mill Jubilee - WVU Jackson’s Mill
September 6 - Labor Day Concert - Stonewall Resort
For more information about events contact Mountain
Lakes CVB, 888-238-8881 or visit
www.mountainlakescvbwv.com or contact Lewis County
Chamber of Commerce, 304-269-2608 or visit
www.lcchamber.org.
A Taste of Lewis County!
The Lewis County Chamber
of Commerce welcomes you to
visit and sample some of the
finest cuisine in the country.
With the variety of foods in
Lewis County there is
something for everyone on the
menu.
Hickory House Restaurant and
Event Center serves southern
barbecue and home style
cooking seven days a week. All
meats are smoked on site for
that smoky flavor that
customers love.
Stonewall Resort, a four
diamond award winner, offers three restaurants each
with a different menu. At Lightburn’s diners enjoy a
steak and seafood menu with a breathtaking view of
the Arnold Palmer Golf Course and Stonewall
Jackson Lake State Park. The variety continues at
Stillwater’s which is located in the Adirondack style
main lodge. Visitors enjoy a buffet style offering for
breakfast lunch and dinner as well as a complete
menu prepared by an award winning team. T.J.
Muskie’s is an excellent choice for a more casual
fare, overlooking the beautiful Stonewall Jackson
Lake. Muskie’s also provides live music and
entertainment on occasion.
Travel just a short drive down U.S. Route 19 to the
scenic Deerfield Country Club where guests enjoy
buffet style dining every Friday night during the
summer months at the clubhouse. Views of the golf
course can be seen from the dining room. Buffets
range from southern style fried chicken to seafood
night complete with drinks and desserts.
A visit to Main Street Cafe and Grill, located in
Jane Lew, will certainly come with its rewards. This
popular dining spot serves top rated lunch and dinner
to patrons complete with fresh made desserts from
Simply Delicious Desserts, a local favorite for sweets
and pastries. Dinner specials at
this restaurant range from baked
steak, jambalaya, and whiskey
braised salmon to pasta dishes
and prime rib specials served
with hometown hospitality.
Although Robin’s Nest Family
Restaurant is well known for
serving a 24 hour breakfast, this
establishment offers a full menu
24 hours a day, seven days a
week. Robin’s Nest is also
home to several events during
the summer months.
Step back in time at WVU
Jackson’s Mill and sample
buffets in historical style. Several times throughout
the year WVU Jackson’s Mill welcomes visitors to
buffets set in Mount Vernon Dining Hall.
If Mexican food is required for lunch or dinner, a
popular site can be found on Main Avenue in
downtown Weston; Los Amigos Mexican Food
welcomes guests with a variety of authentic Mexican
dishes sure to please.
For a quiet lunch or dinner we encourage a visit to
Thyme Bistro, whose chef was the recent winner of
the Cast Iron Cook-off. Thyme’s varied menu
includes one of a kind soups, entrees and desserts
that would please even the most discriminating of
tastes.
Lewis County is home to many fairs and festivals
all of which come complete with delicious food. The
variety extends from the Spiker Bull ride with fire
roasted Spiker Farm corn, authentic foods and teas at
the Civil War Tea at TALA’s Civil War Weekend, to
the Heritage Festival with fine cuisine and wine
tasting. Lewis County ranks high on tasty treats and
fine dining at its best. Come visit Lewis County and
sit at our table for delicious foods and hospitality.
Sherry Lambert , Executive Director
Lewis County Chamber of Commerce
West Virginia Retirement Times
5
Spring & Summer 2015
Four Seasons
Recreation & Leisure
If you’re looking for a
way to relax and
unwind, stay fit or just
play and have fun,
you’ll find it in Four
Seasonís Country. You
don’t have to travel far
from your doorstep to
discover a wealth of
sporting and leisuretime activities for both
spectators and
participants.
The area’s natural surroundings are the perfect backdrop for
outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, boating,
camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, and other
adventure-packed opportunities await you. Taking the scenic
route by foot, bike, ATV or automobile is a great way to
experience the region’s abundant beauty. The Bramwell area
has the newly-open trail head for entrance to the Hatfield/
McCoy trail system.
Bike trails including a family loop and excellent single track
trails are a fairly recent addition to Bluefield City Park, which
lies on the border of Bluefield, WV and Bluefield, VA.
The Heart of Appalachia Bike Route and Scenic Drive begins
its 128-mile journey across southwestern Virginia in Tazewell
Countyís Burke’s Garden. An 18-mile Scenic Sidetrail loops
this
fascinating
area known as
God’s
Thumbprint.
The
Appalachian
Trail and trails
in state parks,
city parks and
forests also
beckon to
hikers.
A trip to the East River Mountain Overlook offers a
panoramic view of Bluefield. At an elevation of 3,500 feet
above sea level, this mountaintop site was West Virginia’s
first Visitor Information Center in 1960.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the nearby
Gauley and New rivers or hit the slopes when the snow
flies just up I-77 at WinterPlace Ski Resort. Or, try your
navigation skills and cover some fascinating local territory
with geocaching.
The region’s sporting and recreational complexes
and facilities offer opportunities for all ages. Golf,
tennis, bowling, roller skating, softball, Little
League, gymnastics, indoor and outdoor swimming,
exercise classes, weight lifting, skateboarding,
ballroom dancing and other activities keep visitors
and residents alike on the move.
America’s favorite
pastime is enjoyed in a
big way in the area.
Mercer County has the
distinction of being
home to two professional
minor league baseball
teams - the Bluefield
Blue Jays and the
Princeton Rays.
The region’s calendar is
packed with fairs and
festivals. These fun-forthe-family events
spotlight an assortment
of topics from coal
mining, sheep shearing and bluegrass music to mountain-made
crafts, pumpkins and delicious cabbage rolls.
The Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce hosts the Cole
Chevy Mountain Festival every spring. The popular event
features live musical entertainment, carnival rides, arts and
crafts, food vendors and lots more fun.
County fairs are favorite summertime events. The annual
Tazewell County Fair, held the first week in August, draws big
crowds. The Mercer County Fair has hosted over 50 years of
family fun including
a rodeo, livestock
competitions, a pet
show, horticulture
judging and live
homegrown music.
As the leaves begin
to change, Bluefield,
Virginiaís Autumn
Jamboree and
Princetonís
Autumnfest, both in
September, offer
something for
everyone.
West Virginia Retirement Times
6
Spring & Summer 2015
Mountain Roads
‘Local’ food, West Virginia style
Calendar of Events
April 1: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Season
Opens, 304-256-1747
April 25: “Souper Saturday” Soup Stroll & Art
Walk” Festival, 304-256-1776
May 8: 22nd Annual Beckley Raleigh County
Chamber of Commerce Business Show,
877-987-3847
May 15: Fridays in the Park Summer Season
Begins every Friday at noon in Uptown Beckley,
304-256-1776
May 16: Sweet Treats Dessert Festival,
304-256-1776
May 30: Beckley’s Founder’s Day at Wildwood
House Museum 304-256-1776
May 30: Tamarack Appalachian Music & Art
Festival, 888-262-7225
June-August: WV Miners Baseball Season
Beckley, 304-252-7233
June-August: Theatre WV Outdoor Dramas
Summer Season Opens 800-666-9142
June 20: Daniel Vineyards Annual Wine
Festival, 877-378-1990
June 20: WV Birthday Celebration in Beckley &
Tamarack, 888-262-7225
June 27: Motorcycles & Car Show on the streets
of Uptown Beckley, 304-256-1776
July 17: Beckley’s Cruise In Car Show, Uptown
Beckley, 304-256-1776
August 28-30: 51st Annual Appalachian Arts &
Crafts Fair, 877-987-3847
August 28-30: 19th Annual Appalachian
Festival, 877-987-3847
August 29: Taste of Beckley, 304-256-1776
September 1: Beckley Area Foundation Annual
Labor Day Symphony Concert, 304-253-3806
September 5-13: Beckley’s Kids Classic Festival,
304-256-1776
September 19; Beckley Half Marathon & Full
Marathon through streets of Beckley
877-987-3847
October 2-5: October Sky Rocket Boys Festival
304-256-1747
October 3: Rocket Run 5K & 10K Run at
Rocket Boys Festival 877-987-3847
October 3: 25th Annual Chili Night,
304-256-1776
November 11: Beckley’s Veteran’s Day Parade,
304-256-1776
November 26: YMCA of Southern WV Annual
Thanksgiving Day Run & Walk, 304-252-0715
December 4-5: Appalachian Coal Town
Christmas 304-256-1747
December 5: Beckley’s Annual Christmas
Parade, 304-256-1776
Kevin Lucky,
D.D.S.
110 Johnstown Road
Beckley, WV 25801
In southern West Virginia,
‘local’ food often means
food grown in your own
backyard or garden or
caught in the local stream.
And what you don’t grow
is often easily obtained
from friends and neighbors.
West Virginia’s
Appalachian roots often
show up in the form of wild
or cultivated plants, berries,
nuts, and corn. The
infamous ‘ramp’, a wild
leek that is similar to a
scallion, is celebrated at its
own festivals each year as Tamarack Chef Jamie Henderson displays
WV Trout dinner
it comes into season.
Several southern West Virginia restaurants explore the ‘local’
concept in their own unique way.
Directions:
Mix together cornmeal, flour, salt, and black pepper. Toss
green tomatoes in flour mix. Make sure to knock off any excess
flour. Place medium sized skillet on medium high heat. Pour oil
into pan and let it warm in pan. Place green tomatoes into pan in
batches and cook for three minutes on each side. Remove
cooked tomatoes and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
Prepare Teays Valley Biscuits from mix according to package
directions. Spread ramp jelly on each biscuit. Place three slices
of green tomato on each bottom bun. Add two slices of bacon
and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of the tomatoes and serve.
More recipes are available here: †http://
www.tamarackwv.com/savor/our-chefs-recipes.html
TAMARACK: The Best of West Virginia
Tamarack, West Virginia’s Artisan Retail Center, offers A Taste
of West Virginia food court. Calling itself ‘a celebration of
regional cuisine,’ Tamarack offers daily specials such as
Tamarack’s Tuna Melt or Chicken Pot Pie, West Virginia
Rainbow Trout with Lemon Brown Butter and Braised Beef
Sirloin with Sweet Onion Jus. West Virginia-made jams and
jellies, salad dressings and mustards, and locally grown trout
and catfish are incorporated into daily menus.
Named one of ‘Top 100 American Eateries’ by Saveur
Magazine, and one of Southern Living’s ‘[Our] Favorite
Regional Restaurants,’ Tamarack is open daily year-round
except for Christmas Day, conveniently located at exit 45 of the
West Virginia Turnpike.
Here’s a regional favorite recipe from the Tamarack kitchen!
Famous West Virginia Fried Green Tomato Breakfast
Biscuit
Serves 4
1 cup All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Cornmeal
1 Tbs. Kosher Salt
1/4 Tbs. Black Pepper
4 whole Green Tomatoes
(cored and sliced 1/4 in. thick)
8 slices Bacon (baked for 15 min. at 350 degrees)
4 slices Swiss Cheese
1 Tbs. Olive or Canola Oil
Teays Valley Biscuits
1/4 cup Farmer’s Daughter Ramp Jelly
Miso-glazed salmon fillet from The Dish Café.
THE DISH CAFE...
The Dish Cafe, located in Daniels, WV, offers unique flavor
combinations and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has a strong
commitment to use regionally grown fruits and vegetables, grass
fed beef, and hormone free pork and poultry, while avoiding
artificial sweeteners, food dyes and genetically modified
ingredients wherever possible.
“Our concept was created by a group of partners who wanted
to offer healthy food choices to a community that’s quickly
discovering the health benefits of natural and whole
ingredients,” says Michelle Rotellini, president of The Dish
Cafe. “Our producers restore the land, not deplete it, and
support family farms as a way of life in our region. Your
purchase keeps the dollars and the food system local.”
The Dish Cafe offers live music on Saturday nights, and
features Taco Tuesdays and Paleo Wednesdays each week.
Some Southern favorites include house made pimento cheese
dip, fried pickles, and roasted porketta sandwich. Flatbreads at
the restaurant are made from scratch with organic flour and
agave nectar. Main dishes include rib-eye and filet beef, salmon
filet, and a dish called Ridiculously Good Chicken.
On the kids menu is a PB & Jam Sandwich on House Made
Waffles and the dessert menu features an Avocado Brownie.
The Dish Cafe is located at 1466 Ritter Drive in Daniels, and
can be found on the web at www.dishcafewv.com and on
Facebook.
Jan Care
Ambulance
Service Inc.
“The Only
One To Call”
www.Jancare.com
304-255-0717
Toll Free 1-800-446-6161
West Virginia Retirement Times
7
Spring & Summer 2015
UPTOWN TAILGATE FARMERS MARKET
Beckley features a seasonal open air market from July through September, on Wednesdays
from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Fridays in coordination with the Fridays in the Park series. The
market is held at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway Plaza.
“We have a mix of vendors at the market, mostly selling fruits and vegetables and herbs,
although we do have some eggs for sale,” says David Richmond, WVU Extension Service.
“Our vendors may change from week to week throughout the season. There’s a big demand for
honey, so we’re looking for those vendors and also for meat vendors this season.”
Audrey Stanton-Smith was a new vendor last year. “My husband has participated in the
Tailgate Farmers Market in the past, but last summer was my first year as a vendor. Buying
local not only means you’re buying fresh, it means your fruits and veggies aren’t adding to the
size of your carbon footprint as they make their way across the country to your table.”
“Our family grows produce without using any harmful chemicals, and that’s another
advantage of the Tailgate market -- customers can meet and speak face-to-face with the people
who grow the food, ask them about the seeds or their gardening techniques, share recipes,
learn something. It’s a win-win for the vendors, who may earn a little money for the time and
effort they put into their crops, and for the customers, who walk away with healthy, local food.
And because this is such a friendly community, you’re just about guaranteed to meet a new
friend or get reacquainted with an old one at the market.”
Richmond says the market welcomes new vendors from Raleigh and surrounding counties;
vendor applications can be found at the Extension Office, 322 S. Kanawha Street. The Uptown
Tailgate Farmers Market participates in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
Uptown Beckley Farmers’ Market is open July through September.
DOBRA ZUPAS RESTAURANT
Another twist on local food comes at Dobra Zupas, which translates from Slovenian to mean
“Good Soup.” Owned by Rebecca Zupanick and her husband, Joseph, the restaurant is located
in a cozy old Victorian house, 600 South Oakwood Avenue.
‘We have tried to stay with the Victorian architecture as closely as possible,” says Rebecca
Zupanick. ‘We’ve got a few pops of contemporary fixtures but we still try to make it real
comfortable and really kind of homey because it is an old house.”
The menu at Dobra Zupas goes well beyond the ‘soup’ referenced in its name, including a
wide-variety of bistro items for lunch - soups, sandwiches, and salads - while serving entrees
of pasta, steak, and seafood for dinner. Some favorites include Pear and Feta Salad and Grilled
Salmon BLT, as well as classics like Black and Bleu Filet and Prime Rib.
All the items on the menu are prepared using only the freshest ingredients. The staff at Dobra
Zupas takes pride in making their food from scratch. “We are pretty proud of that because it’s
more labor-intensive but we are trying to bring out that flavor with the freshest ingredients,”
she said. Zupanick says 95
percent of the breads they
feature on their menu are
made from scratch.
Because the menu is
constantly changing,
customers will always
have a choice of new items
to try. Dobra Zupas is also
becoming known for its
selection of craft and
difficult-to-find beers.
Dobra Zupas is located
on the web at
www.dobrazupas.com and
on Facebook.
1708 Harper Road, Beckley 25801
304-255-0134
Kevin Bailey,
D.D.S.
411 Carriage Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
304-252-4897
Dobra Zupas offers locally sourced fried trout.
408 Timberidge Drive,
Beckley
252-5452
BILL KINDER &
ASSOCIATES
Beckley ARH Hospital
Appalachian Regional Healthcare
The Medical Centers of the Mountains
255-3000
RETIREMENT &
ESTATE PLANNING
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Jack Tanner, Executive
Director
304-250-0250
800-924-8413
Beckley, WV 25801
964 RITTER DR.
BEAVER, WV
Raleigh County
(304) 252-9400
304-255-1397
www.raleighseniors.org
West Virginia Retirement Times
8
Spring & Summer 2015
Greater Morgantown DRC
Area is abuzz with activity
Calendar of Events
Activities, Fairs & Festivals
Want more information?
Call 1-800-458-7373
or visit us at www.tourmorgantown.com
April 23 AKC Dog Show
May 2 Cheat River Festival
June 13 39th Annual High Point National Pro
Motocross Championship
July 22 Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally
Arts Monongahela
Want more information?
Call 304-291-6720 or visit us at
www.artsmon.org
Monongalia County Parks
Chestnut Ridge Park
Want more information?
Call 304-594-1773 or visit us at
www.chestnutridgepark.com
Camp Muffly 4-H Camp
Want more information?
Call 304-284-8484
Mason-Dixon Historical Park
Want more information?
Call 304-879-4101 or visit us at
www.masondixonhistoricalpark.com
Monongalia Arts Center
Want more information?
Call 304-292-3325 or visit us at
www.monarts.bizland.com
Tuesdays Life Drawing Studio Sessions
Thursday Morgantown Poets
(Third
Thursday/month)
Thursday Bluegrass Jam
Saturday Drum Circle
(First
and second Saturdays/month)
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Want more information?
Call 304-293-1793 or visit us at
www.olliatwvu.org
Senior Monongalians, Inc.
Want more information?
Call 304-296-9812 or visit us at
www.seniormons.org
West Virginia Botanic Garden
Want more information?
Call 304-594-0153 or visit us at www.wvbg.org
April 25 Bird Walk
May 3 Amphibian/Wetland Walk
June 13 Yoga for Gardeners Workshop
July 19 Raised Bed Garden Demonstration
West Virginia Public Theatre
Want more information?
Call 1-877-999-9878 or visit us at
www.wvpublictheatre.com
July 8- 12 A Grand Night of Singing
July 15-19 Footloose
July 22-26 Smoke on the Mountain
July 29-Aug 2 Beauty and the Beast
West Virginia University
Want more information?
Call 304-293-SHOW or visit us at
http://calendar.wvu.edu/
April 9 University Arts Series - BÈla Fleck
and Abigail Washburn
April 16 Harlem Globetrotters at WVU
Coliseum
May 5 I Love Lucy Live on Stage
May 9 Ron White
Students are abuzz with the
conclusion of the spring
semester, and residents and
visitors alike are shedding
layers of jackets and snow
boots to greet the warm spring
air. Whether youíre zip lining
through the trees at the
Adventure WV Canopy Tour
or hiking the 4 and a half mile
Cheat Lake Trail, youíll find
that Morgantown has
something to offer people of
all ages and interests.
If walking along the Cheat
Lake Trail sparks your
interest and you can’t resist
the urge to take a cool plunge,
stop off at the new Cheat
Lake Beach and beat the heat!
The coastline may be
hundreds of miles away, but
Cheat Lake provides all the enjoyments of a day at the
beach right in your own backyard. Recreational boating,
jet skis, water skiing and tubing are all great ways to enjoy
the lake on a warm day.
The fish don’t mind the pristine waters of the 1,800 acre
lake either. A variety of fish stock the lake including
crappie, channel and yellow perch, bass, walleye, catfish,
and panfish. Also try the tailwater fishing pier for walleye
and sauger at dark when the feeding begins.†
Just a few short miles outside of Cheat Lake, youíll find
the Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground: a picturesque
haven for relaxation surrounded by the Coopers Rock State
Forest. The general public can enjoy the campground just
for the day and share lunch around a picnic table, or
choose from modern or rustic cabins to stay the night. The
grounds also offer RV and tent camp sites equipped with a
fire ring and picnic table, perfect for a camp side dinner in
the heart of nature.
A trip to Morgantown simply wouldnít be complete
without taking advantage of the scenic overlook at
Coopers Rock State Forest. Standing atop the rocks and
admiring the expansive rolling hills of Appalachia
provides visitors with a sense of Morgantownís unique
character. Natural art pieces surround the park in the form
of giant grizzly bears, sleeping giants, and eagles made
from woven twigs, grass, mud, and hemlock branches.
Local artist, Ben Gazsi, sculpts a brand new exhibit each
year, which remain standing until nature reclaims the
natural materials back to the forest floor.
While high Street can provide the nostalgia of stepping
back in time, the Morgantown Public Library can transport
you back to the time of your ancestors in The Aull Center
for genealogy research. Located in the 100-year-old
Historic Garlow House, you can browse the libraryís vast
collection of Morgantown city directories from the 1900s in
addition to marriage records, yearbooks, censuses, and
much more. The main library next door hosts access to
online Ancestry and HeritageQuest services for the public.
West Virginia University also provides helpful tools for
genealogy research in the West Virginia and Regional
History Center located inside the campus library. Within
this rich resource, you will find the most comprehensive
collection of historic photographs pertaining to West
Virginia in existence, in addition to historic newspapers,
telegrams, and books.
With the onset of warm weather comes a variety of fairs
and festivals in Greater Morgantown where there is truly
something for everyone! Kicking off the season is
Chocolate Loverís Day held every year in the month of
April along Main Street. Children and adults of all ages can
indulge in their wildest cocoa-covered fantasies with
samplings of chocolate creations at over 30 participating
businesses. One lucky winner will also receive a free trip
complete with 4 passes to Hershey Park!
The warm weather of spring and summer also unearth one
of Morgantown most popular seasonal attractions: the Mon
River Rail-Trail System! Visitors from all over the world
come to enjoy the Mon River/Caperton/Decker’s Creek
Rail-Trail each year, which are open for walking, cycling,
jogging, and roller blading. A total of 48 miles of crushed
limestone surfacing allows for a smooth, durable pathway
for wheelchairs and all types of bicycles. Designated as a
National Recreation Trail in 2006, the trail links urban and
rural communities, serves as an outdoor classroom, and is a
natural and cultural heritage park.
Even your favorite furry companions will have the chance
to meet up with their fellow canine pals at one of the areaís
several off-leash dog parks. Krepp’s Dog Park offers a
West Virginia Retirement Times
large, wooded area for fun with your best
friend located along the Krepp’s Park trail
system. Located along the Decker’s Creek
Trail is Stanley’s Spot Dog Park where large
and small breeds are welcome to mingle and
roam free, as long as the owner has a leash
visible.
Coming this summer, with great anticipation
and excitement, Morgantown will proudly
host its first-ever Minor League Baseball
team, the Black Bears, under the bright lights
of the newly constructed Monongalia County
Ballpark. The Black Bears will make their
debut in June as part of the New York-Penn
League’s six-team Pinckney Division.
Baseball games will stretch from June through
September and guarantee a night of familyfriendly fun that is sure to please everyone!
Finding a fun way to spend your days in the
Greater Morgantown area is never a challenge.
Itís choosing which activity to attend thatís the
hard part! Exciting things are happening each
and every day, and you wonít want to miss out
on the plethora of activities that accompany
the warmer temperatures. Visit
tourmorgantown.com for a complete listing of
calendar events, and start planning your next
trip to experience the friendly atmosphere that
makes the Greater Morgantown feel like a
warm and welcoming place all 12 months of
the year!
9
Spring & Summer 2015
West Virginia Retirement Times
For additional information, contact:
Audrey Williams, Executive Director
Nicholas County Alive! DRC
P.O. Box 385
Summersville, WV 26651-0385
email: [email protected]
(304) 872-1112
Summersville Chamber of Commerce
(304) 872-1588
email: [email protected]
Spring & Summer 2015
NICHOLAS COUNTY: A FOOD SMORGASBORD
Nicholas County is your
destination for a food
“smorgasbord experience”
consisting of many choices
offered to you by our national
chain businesses and restaurants
and offered to you by our locally
owned and operated ‘“Mom and
Pop” businesses and restaurants.
We thank our national businesses
and restaurants for being a part of
our smorgasbord. But, in this
article; our focus will be on our
locally owned and operated
businesses, restaurants, and
entities. Let us explore just a few
of these food smorgasbord choices
in Nicholas County.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
April 18 - Annual Feast Of The Ramson
Richwood High School, Richwood
Info 304-846-6790
June 12-14 - Annual Wv State June
Gospel Singing Convention, Mt. Nebo.
No Admission, Donations Accepted.
Info 304-872-1977
June 13 - Annual Past 80’s Party, Richwood
High School. Anyone Over 80 Is Welcome.
Info 304-846-5790
June 24-27 - Music In The Mountains.
Annual Festival Of Bluegrass Music.
Summersville. Info 706-864-7203
July 4th - Annual Independence Day
Fireworks. Summersville.
Info 304-872-3722
July 7-11 - Annual Nicholas County Fair
Summersville. Something For Everyone!
Info 304-872-1454
July 12 - Annual Scenic Mountain
Triathlon. Swim, Bike, Run In The
Monongahela National Forest.
Info 304-846-6790
July 24-26 - 65th Annual Wv State July
Gospel Singing Convention, Mt. Nebo.
No Admission, Donations Accepted.
Info 304-872-1977
July 27- August 1 - Annual Cherry
River Festival, Richwood.
Info 304-846-6790
September 3-6 - Annual Wv State
Labor Day Gospel Singing Convention,
Mt. Nebo. No Admission, Donations Accepted.
Info 304-872-1977
September 12 - Annual Wv State Singing
Convention Special Invitation Sing. Mt. Nebo.
No Admission, Donations Accepted.
Info 304-872-1977
September 11-12 - Annual Potato Festival
Summersville. Activities For Everyone.
Info 304-872-3722
September 19-20 - Annual Grape Stomping
Festival, Summersville.
Info 304-872-7332
September - Annual Craigsville Fall
Festival, Craigsville.
Info 304-742-6151
September - Annual Gauley Festival
Summersville. Sponsored By The American
Whitewater Association.
Info 1-866-boat4aw
September - Bi-annual Carnifex Ferry
Battlefield Re-enactment.
Re-enactment Of Civil War Battle
At Carnifex Ferry. Info 304-872-0825
partners
with seniors
10
Grow Your Own Food
In Nicholas County, we are an
independent people and
sometimes like to do as our
forefathers did—grow our own
food through gardens, fruit trees,
and raising livestock. We, also,
like to locally fish and hunt for
our food. If you ever find yourself
wanting to grow, fish, or hunt for
your own food, we have business
who can provide what you need to
help in your endeavor:
*Four Seasons Outfitter/
Donaldson’s Landscaping/
Greenhouse, Richwood (plants,
hunting, fishing supplies)—304846-2862 (see photos).
*Hardman’s Hardware,
Summersville (WV white halfrunner bean)—304-872-2821 (see
photo).
*Hardware That’s Us, Craigsville
“one dynamic thumbs-up town”
(local grains, seeds, plants)—304742-5291.
*Southern States Cooperative,
Summersville (nursery, WV
City of
Richwood
partners
with seniors
products)—304-872-3518 (see
photo).
*Johnson’s Sporting Goods,
Summersville (hunting, fishing
supplies)—304-872-4141.
*Glade Creek Greenhouse,
Summersville (plants)—304-8720664
Prepare Your Own Food
In Nicholas County, we like to
prepare/cook our own food. If
you would like to exercise or
expand your culinary talents, we
have businesses and entities who
have just the right ingredients you
need to “mix and fix”:
*Same list as above.
*Nicholas Pharmacy,
Summersville (health food and
ingredients, organic, gluten
free)—304-872-2777.
*New River Trading,
Summersville (contact resource
for local roots and herbs)—304872-3137.
Enjoy Fresh Produce and Meat
Does a juicy apple, a fresh ear of
corn, or a thick fresh steak that
you can grill to perfection get your
mouth to watering? Well, check
out our businesses and entities
who offer you fresh produce (inseason, some grown locally or in
WV) and fresh meat (some local
and WV):
*Summersville Tailgate Market,
Summersville (local fresh inseason produce June-Oct.)—
WVU Extension Service at 304872-7898.
*Jackson’s Meat Shop,
Summersville (fresh meat, meat
processing, fresh produce, other
local WV specialty food items)—
304-872-0209 (see photo).
*Four Seasons Outfitter/
Donaldson’s Landscaping/
Greenhouse, Richwood (fresh
produce including ramps, meat
processing)—304-846-2862 (see
photos).
Food Prepared Just For You
Do you sometimes like for
someone else to prepare and cook
food for you and, yes, sometimes
to serve you as well? From
international cuisine, to down
home cooking made from scratch,
to specialty food items; Nicholas
County has something to satisfy
your taste buds. Our specialty
food entities, restaurants, and
caterers are waiting to prepare just
for you:
*Patsy’s Sweet Temptations,
Richwood (various candy and
cakes)—for orders call 304-8466179 (see photo).
*Woodbine Jams & Jellies,
Richwood (18 berry and fruit
flavors and “Ramp Jelly”)—for
orders call 304-846-9661 (see
photo).
*Creative Cakes & Floral,
Summersville (cakes, cupcakes)—
304-872-7142 (see cake photo).
*Lora’s Family Restaurant, Nettie
(homemade meals and desserts)—
304-846-6447.
*Fenwick Dinner, Richwood
(homemade meals and desserts)—
304-846-2939 (see open sign
photo).
*Craigsville Dairy Bar, Craigsville
(open all year, ice cream, other
food)—304-742-5440.
*Ranch House, Craigsville
(homemade meals and desserts)—
304-742-6117 (see cowboy
photo).
NICHOLAS PHARMACY
421 Main Street
Summersville, WV 26651
J&J Body/Frame
& Towing, Inc.
24 Hour Towing & Road Service
Body Shop & Auto Repair
AAA Accepted • M/C & Visa Accepted
Heavy Hauling In-State & Out-of-State
3664 Canvas Nettie Rd.
Canvas, WV 26662
304-872-0952
Joe Humphreys, Owner
304-872-2777
NEIGHBORS CARING FOR NEIGHBORS
FREE Home deliveries of prescriptions
in Nicholas County and Cowen
“It’s nice to know you have a neighbor that cares.”
11
West Virginia Retirement Times
Spring & Summer 2015
*Café Acropolis, Summersville (specializes in Greek
and Italian)—304-872-0254 (see photo).
*Fat Eddies, Mt. Nebo (open March to middle October,
ice cream, WV style of hot dog, other food)—304-8729101 (see photo).
*Lakeside BBQ, Summersville (open May to middle
October, pork BBQ, ribs, other food smoked on site
and desserts)—304-872-6222 (see photo).
*Maloney’s Sports Pub and Grill, Summersville
(Serves lunch and dinner, burgers and sandwiches,
family friendly atmosphere) - 304-872-8200 (see photo
with shamrock sign).
*Mumsey’s Iron Skillet, Richwood (homemade meals,
desserts, specialty items, catering)—304-846-4442
(see fall photo).
*Fran’s Family Restaurant, Summersville (homemade
food and desserts, catering)—304-872-6184 (see
counter photo).
*Long Point Grille & Bar, Mt. Nebo (home-style and
Italian cooking, limited catering)—304-872-2011.
*The Celtic Cook, Summersville (a full catering
service with contemporary and regional food and
beverages, also, the on-site caterer of Summersville
Arena & Conference Center)—304-619-1001 (see
photo).
Local Food Festivals
The Feast of the Ramson/Ramp Festival is held in April
at Richwood celebrating “the ramp—delicious
mountain delicacy with a mystique of its own”.
Festivities include a ramp dinner, entertainment, craft
show, and, yes, a “ramp recipe contest”. It is WV’s
oldest ramp festival that had its beginnings in 1937.
Call the Richwood CVB at 304-846-9218.
In September, The Nicholas County Potato Festival is
held in Summersville. The Festival was started in 1969
honoring the potato crop of the year and potato
farming. Festival activities include a potato exhibit and
auction, a parade, food, entertainment, crafts, and
games. Call the Summersville CVB at 304-872-3722.
Held in September, The Grape Stomping Festival is
sponsored by and held at Kirkwood Winery located in
Summersville. Activities include food, games,
entertainment, and grape stomping. Call Kirkwood
Winery at 1-888-498-9463 (see photo).
Our Invitation To You
We invite you to make Nicholas County your
destination for a “food smorgasbord experience”. For
more information, contact and visit our fun filled Food
Festivals and our locally owned and operated “Mom
and Pop” businesses, restaurants, caterers, and entities
who make up a part of our Nicholas County food
smorgasbord. We, also, invite you to make Nicholas
County your “home destination” in one of our local
communities.
Audrey Williams
Executive Director
Nicholas County Alive! DRC
Note:
*Photos and information for this article were
provided in part by: the businesses in this article,
various websites.
*For more information on Nicholas County
contact: The Richwood CVB, The Summersville
CVB, City of Richwood, City of Summersville.
New River Trading
613 Hughes Streets
Summersville, WV
- OPEN Monday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(304) 872-3137
We Buy: Ginseng,
Yellow Root and
Other Root and Herbs
Call for price and full list
Forest • Streams • Dreams
433 Craigsville Road, Suite 2
Craigsville, WV 26205
FAST, DEPENDABLE SERVICE!
304-742-5001
Hours: M-F 9AM-7PM
SAT 9AM-2PM • SUN. Closed
Monongahela National Forest Is Your Back Door
BRUCE DONALDSON, PRESIDENT
190 Middletown Road
Richwood, WV 26261
(304) 846-2862
LOSCH &
MCCOURT, PLLC
William A.
McCourt, Jr.
500 Court St.
Summersville, WV 26651
304-872-5651 (Phone)
304-872-5652 (Fax)
Sheltered Workshop of
Nicholas County, Inc.
DBA Bright Horizons
16810 Webster Road
PO Box 730
Craigsville, WV 26205
304-742-6202
• Graphics • UPS Shipping
• Document Shredding
• Bottled Water Distribution
www.swnicholas.com
Community Rehabilitation Program