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
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