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The Morgantown Magazine info@themorgantownmagazine.com www.themorgantownmagazine.com

May 2012 - July 2012

The Arts are ALIVE!

Trash That Dress! A new tradition

Taziki’s: A Business

with a Mission

HOME TOWN FAMOUS Patty Colebank

Greater Morgantown’s original online source for what’s happening in YOUR town, YOUR community.

$4.00

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SUMMER2012

FEATURE STORIESPage 6 Trash That Dress!Page 14 Taziki’s: Healthy & AffordablePage 20 Arts Alive! Arts on the River FestPage 23 Home Town Famous: Patty Colebank, Patty’s Art SpotPage 32 Non-Profit Feature: Scott’s Run Settlement House

IN THIS ISSUEPage 5 Trinity Christian School UpdatePage 10 Toni’s TalesPage 12 Poetry CornerPage 17 Botanical GardensPage 18 See & Be SeenPage 19 Wine a little. . .Page 27 Investing 101Page 28 Stuff To DoPage 30 Fishing for WV Native Brook Trout

contents

We’d love to include your photos of the Greater Morgantown area throughout the magazine, possible future feature stories on your work or the photo subject or featured on the cover.

Please include the name of the photographer, a brief description of the photo, and a sentence giving

The Morgantown Magazine permission to use the photo.

Submission is the 6th of every month. Please send photos to: info@themorgantownmagazine.com with the subject line Photo Submission or submit online at our web site.

Send us your photos of Greater Morgantown!

Front and Back Cover

Judilynn & Matthew Tomlin. Photos by

Kerri Drake, In a Flash Photography Studio.

Trash The Dress photos courtesy of In a Flash Photography Studio.

Patty’s Art Spotand Taziki’s photos

by Scott Hoffer, Scott Hoffer Photography.

Keller Williams/Arts Alive! Performer 2012

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PUBLISHED BY Fate Publishing 722 Brookhaven Road, Morgantown WV 26508

Phone 304.212.4890 | Fax 304.212.4649 www.themorgantownmagazine.com info@themorgantownmagazine.com

The Morgantown Magazine is published four times a year: February, May, August and November.

Always free to read online at www.themorgantownmagazine.com

Vickie Trickett

Co-Founder | Editor-in-Chief | Creative Director Writer | Photographer

Jessica Buda Co-Founder | Editor | Distribution Manager

Subscription Manager | Writer

Feature Writer Jacqui Sikora

Columnists Bobbie Hawkins, Arthur Morris

Toni Morris, Kurt Skasik

Contributing Writers in this Issue Mark Binegar, Dani Bohnke, Kathy Harris

Barbara Howe, Toni Morris

Staff Photographer Scott Hoffer, Scott Hoffer Photography

Contributing Photographers in this Issue

Travis Carrow, Bobbie Hawkins

Advertising Sales Executives Tracy Thorne, Whitley Hall

Social Media Intern

Jackie Cook

Submissions: Stories ideas should be submitted by the 6th of each month to info@themorgantownmagazine.com or mailed

to 722 Brookhaven Road, Morgantown, WV 26508. Poetry Corner Entries, Stuff To Do submissions and photographs

should be submitted on our web site or emailed to info@themorgantownmagazine.com. Advertising rates are

available at www.themorgantownmagazine.com.Subscriptions: Standard subscription rate is $12/year for 4

issues. Fundraising subscription rate is $15 a year for 4 issues, with $3 going to the local school or non-profit organization of

your choice.

TriniTy ChrisTian sChool Morgantown, WV

Educating for Life

Now Enrolling K-3 – 12304-291-4659 www.tcswv.org

The Trinity Christian School Non-Profit Corporation admits students to Trinity Christian School of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities, generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school administered programs.

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Celebrate the Centennial of the Tibbs Run Reservoir on May 19th! by Barb Howe

Did you know Morgantown residents once got much of their water from the Tibbs Run Reservoir, which filled the area now surrounded by the Reservoir Loop Trail? Do you know what that tower was for that you can see from that trail? Or what type of building sat on the foundation near the tower? Have you seen what looks like a broken-down fence in the basin near the foundation during a drought? Or wondered why there was a dam along what’s now the Forest Trail?

Come learn the answers to these questions, and much more, as we celebrate the centennial of the Tibbs Run Reservoir on Saturday, May 19, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Botanic Garden. The celebration is free and open to the public.

There will be a brief formal program at 1:30 p.m. Then, you can enjoy refreshments and walk around the Reservoir Loop Trail to see our new interpretive signs that explain the importance of a public water supply for Morgantown, the construction of this reservoir and its operation, and the story of the reservoir after it closed in 1969. This trail is .72 miles long and is accessible to those with disabilities.

Barb Howe and Mike Caplinger worked with Erin and Dave Smaldone, George Longenecker, Linda Bagby, Jon Weems and Emory Kemp on this project. Ralph Lemley was the long-time reservoir caretaker, and his family members will share stories about him during the program and when you visit the sign for the Lemley home at the site of the Eclectic Garden. We could not have completed this project without their assistance! We also want to thank the Morgantown Utility Board for their support and Joshua Coit, who is organizing the installation of the signs as his Eagle Scout project.

The WVBG will include more information about the history of the reservoir on our web site at www.wvbg.org in the future and will also publish a small pamphlet with information about the history of Morgantown’s water supply that will be available on the 19th.

This project is being presented with financial assistance from the West Virginia Humanities Council, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily represent those of the West Virginia Humanities Council or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Photo above: Visitors to the botanic garden view the outlet tower that was part of the original Tibbs Run Reservoir.

MORGANTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1029 University Avenue, Suite 101

Morgantown WV 26505 phone 304.292.3311 fax 304.296.6619

Business After HoursWednesday, May 16, 2012

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

WV Radio Corporation

1251 Earl L. Core RD

Mark your calendar! Business After Hours Networking Events

June 20 and July 18

Chamber Consumer Expo October 26

Morgantown Event Center at Waterfront Place

Trinity Christian School Announces New Athletic Field GroundbreakingA ground breaking ceremony to celebrate Phase I of Trinity Christian School’s new Athletic Field will be held on April 11, 2012, on the school’s campus. According to Johan Pot, interim administrator and business manager, Phase I includes field excavation and construction, goal posts, and scoreboard. “Best in class athletic facilities that complement our excellent academic offerings and vibrant performing arts programs are intrinsic to the School’s mission and long-term growth. The ground breaking was an opportunity to share these develop-ments with our community and to recognize our key donors who have blessed and enabled us to achieve our Phase I goal,” said Mr. Pot.

Timbering and excavation began in mid-April, with field construction scheduled to start in late May to June. The field is expected to be ready to host sporting and community events in time for the 2013-2014 school year. Phase II will include the bleachers, press box and lights. For more information, please call the school at 304-291-4659.

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By Jacqui Sikora

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By Jacqui Sikora

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By Jacqui Sikora

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The time-honored tradition of preserving your wedding gown to pass down from generation to generation may have met its match. Now in current times, the modern bride is opting for a less traditional end to her wedding day attire. Trashing the dress, also known as “the fearless bridal” or “rock the frock,” has emerged as a new way to preserve timeless wedding memories. Put simply, brides are deciding that traditional wedding pictures are just too… well, traditional. Instead, brides

are opting to “trash” their wedding dresses while memorializing the event in pictures. When embarking on a trash the dress photo shoot, a bride’s imagination is the only barrier to success. Some brides chose to wear their gown in unusual settings, or with unusual accessories. While other brides go all out and literally destroy the dress in the process. “I decided to trash my wedding dress because I wasn’t pleased with my traditional wedding pictures. To me, my wedding pictures did not reflect who I am as a person and

who my husband and I are as a couple. So, this was a way to start a trend as opposed to following a cookie cutter wedding tradition,” says Judilynn Tomlin.

Judilynn Tomlin and her husband, Matthew, chose their fifth wedding

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anniversary to “trash” Judilynn’s wedding dress. “After five years, I wanted to get back in my gown and do pictures that were edgy,” Judilynn Tomlin recalls. The Tomlin’s hired local photographer Kerri Drake from In a Flash Photography Studio to take the pictures and to help the couple come up with great locations to really show their personal style. “I was all for doing the trash the dress photo shoot with Judilynn because she was never pleased with our original wedding pictures,” states

Matthew Tomlin. “Trashing the dress allowed Judilynn to express herself. We have both changed since we were married five years ago. It was fun being able to show that change.” “My favorite memory of the photo shoot was standing in the middle of the street with the photographer telling me to dip Judilynn,” Tomlin said. “Meanwhile cars are passing us. It felt like we were literally taking our lives into our own hands,” he fondly recalls. While some brides, like Tomlin, trash their wedding dress to show their personality. Other brides go to extremes like

spray-painting graffiti on their dress, taking photos while completely submerged in water or setting their dresses on fire. Theme photo shoots, like portraying movie characters or mythical creatures, also seem to be an emerging trend for trash the dress sessions. The possibilities are endless. But, one thing is for certain; the new tradition of trashing your wedding dress is gaining momentum and is poised to quickly become the new time honored tradition for the brides of our generation.

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Toni’s TalesDo over, Do overHow many times have we said to ourselves, “If only I knew then what I know now.” I think of it as sort of a game. Sometimes I find my self day dreaming about “What if?” What if I had done this instead of that. Of course I know that it is just a dream, but I think it can really be fun. One of the things I dream about is a different career choice.

I have been a teacher for over eleven years. I am an assistant professor in Community Medicine at West Virginia University where I teach health courses to under- graduate students. I love it. And my students tell me I am good at it in my evaluations. Never in my life did I ever think that I wanted to be a teacher, but here I am and I love what I do for a living. It is not easy for many people to say that they love their jobs, but I honestly do. Prior to being a teacher I was a nurse for over 20 years, for about 10 years, I worked at both jobs. Sometimes my nursing job was anything but fun. It was hard and trying and I worked with several surgeons who could be a real piece of work. There were days when I did really enjoy the job and I loved some of the people I worked with, but I never loved the job. I loved what I learned, but most of the time I dreamed about doing

something else. I tried many other things along the way and got two other degrees but I didn’t give up nursing until two years ago when I decided enough was enough.

One of my dreams was about what if I had become a teacher from the beginning and never been a nurse? What kind of teacher would I be? Especially since I teach health. I have no doubt that without all of those years of nursing experience I would not begin to be the teacher I am today. It’s all of the years of experience that I use when I teach. It’s all of the years of experience that taught me what I use every-day. So even if I had gone to school to study education, I wouldn’t have been as good of a teacher as what I think that I am today.

Other frequent dreams I have are things like, what if I didn’t go to college at all but went to New York to be an actress? Or, what if I had children? What if I hadn’t gotten married and moved to England? What if I had been born to rich parents who actually loved each other and was an only child? What if I were tall and beautiful and skinny my whole life? What if I were independently wealthy and didn’t have to work, what would I do with my time? What would I do if I were twenty again?

by Toni Morris, from her blog “Blogging My Way to 50.”

So many questions. And the answers will never be known. But this is what I am pretty sure about. If I didn’t grow up poor with a broken family, then I wouldn’t have worked so hard to get out of poverty by getting an education. Without my education, I wouldn’t have a job that I love so much. If I had parents who stayed together and loved their family then maybe I would not have been afraid to have children. And if I had children, I wouldn’t have had the time to do the things I have done like start a theatre company. If I had been tall , skinny and beautiful I may not have been a nurse at all, maybe I would have been a model or a ballerina (many a little girls fantasy). If I were wealthy and didn’t have to work, then I wouldn’t have met so many great people that I have worked with over the years. And if I were twenty again? Maybe I would do it again the exact same way. Because without everything I lived through, I wouldn’t be me. And I don’t think it is so bad being me. I can think of much worse things.

So yes, we learn by mistakes, but we also learn by experience, which is why I can be who I am and do the things that I have been able to do. So no major do overs for me. Nope, it’s move forward and see where it takes me next. Let us call it “ Move Overs, because I am coming through this life. So Move on Over!!!

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We are excited to offer our readers a chance to get feedback on their poetry.

Are you inspired by Maya Angelou, e.e. cummings or Dr. Seuss? Do verses run through your head? Are you interested in getting feedback on your work? Then the Poetry Corner is for you!

In each issue of The Morgantown Magazine, we will share up to two poetry submissions. Readers are encouraged to send comments and feedback that will be shared with the authors.

We will only consider original poetry. Submissions of all kinds are accepted - serious, funny, long or short.

Submit online at www.themorgantownmagazine.com or email your poems to:

info@themorgantownmagazine.com with POETRY SUBMISSION as the subject.

All poems submitted to The Morgantown Magazine are automatically considered for publication. Submission implies ownership and permission for The Morgantown Magazine to run in any electronic or print issue.

Deadlines There are no deadlines; entries are accepted throughout the year.

Share your thoughts with the author. Send feedback to:info@themorgantownmagazine.com with the poem title as the subject.

DADDY by Jessica Buda

I don’t call him daddy, but he takes care of me.

He comes home from work with hugs and kisses, he saved them all day for me!

At dinner he asks how my day was, and he listens to what I have to say.

Then after dishes we play trucks and cars, even though I know he’s tired from his long day.

When mommy goes to work, we hang out together and watch our favorite movies.

We have popcorn and we laugh at the best parts, then we watch them all over!

Every night at bedtime, he disappears you see,

But suddenly, instead, the tickle monster appears in front of me!

He chases me to my room, where my bed is the base,

Then he tickles me anyway just cuz its fun to see the smile on my face,

Now its time for prayers and he takes me and mommy by the hand and says...

Thank you God for the day we had, AND for the little boy in this bed.

On Sundays we go to church and then let mommy sleep for a while.

Then we all sit down to the dinner he’s made, and I think to myself and I smile....

No, I don’t call him daddy, but he takes care of stuff,

He hugs me, and loves me and he’s my biggest fan

And I think to be a daddy that’s enough!

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CENTERING PRECISION CONCENTRATION CONTROL OF MOVEMENT BREATH FLOW

Morgantown’s ONLY traditional pilates studio offering private, semi-private and small group

equipment classes for:

Reformer Tower

Cadillac EXO Chair Group Mat Classes

Pilates is a unique method of movement exercise that combines muscles

strengthening and lengthening with breathing to develop “the powerhouse”

of the body.

Classes offered daily.

1101 About Town Place Morgantown, WV 26508

www.pilatesofmorgantown.com

I personally feel that up until recently, Pilates has been the best kept secret. It has proven to be my favorite can’t-do-without workout ever! It keeps me strengthened, toned, flexible and even helps relieve stress. Kendra, from the Pilates Studio of Morgantown, is a great teacher...she has the beat equipment, she’s always upbeat, keeps us motivated, explains each move & how it’s beneficial and gives individual attention even in group classes. I always leave class feeling like a better, more relaxed version of me. I strongly encourage anyone who’s curious to give it a try! Jennifer Beattie

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“Fresh, Healthy, Affordable”

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Feeding Mouths

Taziki’s Stylewith a Mission….

by: Jessica Buda

“Fresh, Healthy, Affordable”… the collaborative mantra created by husband and wife team Doug and Nancy McIntyre in response to The Morgantown Magazine’s question, “Why Taziki’s?”. As part owners of the 16th licensed Taziki’s restaurant in existence, the McIntyres agree this statement is the main reason they chose the Taziki’s restaurant business model over any other. However, it’s clear that, along with their fellow business partners, this mantra is far from the only reason these business-minded locals have allowed this particular Taziki’s to grace Morgantown with its presence.

Taziki’s, located in the Suncrest Towne Centre, is a casual dining restaurant. It is owned by a collaborative group of five individuals, each with a mission for Taziki’s as unique as the restaurant itself.

Doug VanScoy and Michael Bodnar were the first to bring the Taziki’s name to Morgantown. As WVU graduates they wanted to give back to Morgantown and WVU. They have used their Mountainlair location as a pilot for the College of Business and Economics’ Hospitality & Tourism Program and they intend to bring the program into the Suncrest location as well. This will provide the students an opportunity for real world management experience and could eventually result in employment.

Jess Mancini, who holds a B.S.B.A in accounting and an M.P.A. in public administration, both from WVU, was initially intrigued by the Taziki’s concept, but made the decision to commit to the collaboration after he learned more about the management and point of sale system. He liked the concept of fresh food prepared on the premises. According to Mancini, who is the associate dean of administrative services at WVU’s College of Business and Economics, (in comparison to the WVU site), “The Suncrest store provides an atmosphere of a nice, sit down restaurant; where you can bring a date. It also carries legal beverages.”

Husband and wife, Doug and Nancy McIntyre, also have ties to WVU. Doug, a retired dentist, is a faculty professor at the WVU School of Dentistry. Nancy, who holds a Ph.D. in business administration with a major in management and organizational behavior, is an associate professor of management at WVU’s College of Business & Economics. She also serves as special assistant to the dean and the interim director of the Entrepreneurship Center. Their

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intentions were to give Morgantown a healthy, affordable alternative to the everyday burgers and fried chicken offered to those on the go. You can call ahead or stop by to order take out, but Nancy tells us “we love when people come and sit, drink wine or have dinner with their family”.

Although not an owner…yet…we can’t exclude Belinda Butler, better know as ‘The Taziki’s Lady’. As restaurant manager, she does her part to keep Taziki’s functioning like a well oiled machine. With a background in fine dining, Belinda brings previous Taziki’s experience to Morgantown from a Tennessee location. In keeping with their opportunistic mission, the business model will afford employees like Belinda, who show they can handle the demands of the restaurant industry, an opportunity to buy into ownership in future Taziki’s locations.

As for the brick and mortar itself, the design elements of Taziki’s restaurant have been well planned by the Taziki’s brand to give an aura of casual elegance all the while being family and kid friendly. With the installation of a wind screen, the outside patio will be open for additional seating during warm weather.

As for the food itself…it’s as fresh as it gets! They literally have no deep fryers, no microwaves, no freezers and no need for them. Everything is prepared and cut fresh daily, from the meat to the fresh veggies and the fruit. New menu items and specials are on the horizon, including a salmon dinner and roasted chicken.

With healthy food, helpful staff and hearty ambitions, these fabulous five business partners plan to open additional locations over the next few years. All the while they intend

to stay true to their purpose…give back to the community at large by providing healthy food choices and opportunities for individuals to grow in the hospitality industry.

Taziki’s is more than a mere “healthy alternative to fast food” as Nancy says. “This is a business on a mission!”

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Now you can get The Morgantown Magazine in your mailbox! Annual subscriptions are available for $12 for 4 issues.

Choose our Sponsorship Subscription at $15/year and will donate $3 to the area school of your choice.

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Mail to: The Morgantown Magazine 722 Brookhaven Road; Morgantown, WV 26508

Summer Nature Camp at the West Virginia Botanic Garden! by Barbara Howe

Do you have a child who loves to spend time outdoors exploring nature? If so, then the Summer Nature Camp at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, which is located at 1061 Tyrone Road in Morgantown may be the place for him or her! Campers will spend five days from June 11 to June 15 at day camp where they will learn about, explore, and immerse themselves in the natural world around them. Topics include trees, flowers, birds, insects, and environmental friendliness. Campers must be between the ages of seven and ten, while children between the ages of twelve and fourteen may be interested in becoming a Natural Leaders - junior counselors who will learn about a specific subject ahead of time and then assist in teaching and leading activities for one day of camp.

The camp day will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with before and after care also available. The cost is $100 per camper for the week and $75 per Natural Leader for the program (training & camp). After care for campers is $25 extra for the week or $5 per day.

For more information and to register, visit the West Virginia Botanic Garden web site www.wvbg.org and click on the Summer Nature Camp link or call Erin Smaldone at 304-216-8704.

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Morgantown is a great place to live. Not only do we live in a location with a thriving economy, but we also experience an incredible quality of life. “See and Be Seen”

is a modern day society page. This column will highlight activities that are planned, as well as feature photos and stories from recent social activities.

By Bobbie Hawkins

George and Ginny Armistead WVU Children’s Hospital Gala. Photo by Bobbie Hawkins.

1. Visiting One of Morgantown’s Great Wildflower Locations – WVU Arboretum or the WV Botanical Gardens.

2. Doing Your Duty – May 8 – Primary Election Day

3. American Red Cross Taste of Morgantown – May 1 – WVU Alumni Center

4. April 26 – Little Big Town Concert to Benefit WVU Public Theater – April 28

5. Burn The Floor – WVU Creative Arts Center – May 2

6. WVU Blue and Gold Mine Sale – WVU Coliseum – May 19

7. Kids Fair – Morgantown Mall – April 21

8. Mylan Park Spring Craft Show – Mylan Park – May 18-19

9. Walking Your Furry Four Legged Friend Along The Rail Trail

10. Relay For Life – May 30 – June 2

“Top 10 Places to ‘See and Be Seen’ in Morgantown

A flurry of activities is happening in the Spring of 2012. Do you want to “See and Be Seen”? If so, then plan on attending these events!

Jeff and Brandi Wells, Erin and Joe Newmeyer WVU Children’s Hospital Gala. Photo by Bobbie Hawkins.

WVU Children’s Hospital Gala. Photo by Bobbie Hawkins.

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Wine a little…it can’t hurt !As we approach the spring and summer months we are stepping into Rosé season with the hottest days still ahead. The beautiful thing about Rosé wine is their diversity and crispness to be enjoyed all summer long. I love the taste of a cold frosted glass of a dry Rosé and simple foods on a warm, dusky, summer night.

Once dominated by the infamous White Zinfandel, though not a bad wine, there is much more to Rosés than White Zinfandels. The most pleasant Rosés are made from dark skinned grapes. After the grapes are picked and crushed they remain in contact with the skins for a period of time chosen by the wine maker. In general the longer the period of skin contact, the darker and more tannic the wine becomes. Taking in all these factors, and the varietal of grapes used, Rosés can range in color from pale pink to verging-on-red. Rosé has the body of a red wine, but the lightness and fruitiness of a white wine. Rosés are generally considered dry but have a slight fruitiness to them, some also maybe spicy, floral or mineral.

by Arthur Morris (The Wine Rack)Rosé is the French word for “pink.” Rosés can be produced by just about any grape, including Grenache, Zinfandel, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Pinot Noir and grape blends. Rosé is mainly popular in the bigger markets, but catching up in the middle of the country. It is particularly hard to sell in America because the “mainstream” palate has not embraced Rosé as a summer sipping wine.

Although I am a fan of aging wines, Rosé wines should be consumed within two years or less. When Rosés are aged they tend to lose the taste of the fruit. Rosés should also be served chilled, in fact cold, and not over ice.

I am actually finding some of the best Rosés I have ever tasted, especially Charles and Charles Rosé 2011. It is made from 100% Syrah grown in Washington State and retails for around $13 a bottle. Our staff and regular consumers say it reminds them of a “Jolly Rancher.”

So now that you have the “Wine-Up” for the summer, grab your favorite bottle of Rosé to enjoy with your friends on the deck.

Cheers!

10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday

Closed Sunday

1225 Pineview Drive

Morgantown, WV 26505 304-599-WINE (9463)

Tired of wandering around trying to decide on the right wine? The Wine Rack offers a wide selection of wines at a great price – and you’ll be greeted by a

true wine enthusiast who can answer all your questions. Whether you’re choosing the perfect wine for a dinner party, a hostess gift or something special for your best client, you’ll love the friendly,

helpful service. And we do special orders and daily samplings too.

Forget self-service wine purchases. Come discover wonderful new wines and pairings at The Wine Rack.

Wine – Beer – Cigars – Gift Baskets – Chocolates

The selection you want. The expertise you need.The exceptional wine you’re searching for.

The Wine Rack.

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Yes, it’s the most inspirational time of the year… birds are singing, flowers are blooming and you guessed it, it’s time once again for Arts Alive! the new and expanded incarnation of The Arts on the River Festival, June 8-10.

The name of the game for this first year of Arts Alive! is variety and interaction. There will be 40-50 art vendors many with interactive demonstrations in several mediums such as paint and pottery. Their hope is to foster an interest and appreciation of the arts with all ages by providing the opportunity to experience the arts hands on.

Among the many exhibits will be characters such as Mr. Bubbles, an illusionist and balloon artists for the younger crowd, and a variety of music, food and belly dancers for the more mature participants. As well as tie dyeing, a blacksmith, a poetry slam and live painting with stories for everyone in between.

There will be more local cuisine as well as locally crafted beer and wines than in years past.

This year’s festival sees its 12th season with a greatly expanded repertoire. “It’s a whole new event,” explains Travis Carrow, chairman of the event. Joining the local artists, musicians and performers this year are regional and national level acts. Committee arts chair Jeannie Kuhn states (the festival) “has a whole new life...totally enhancing every aspect of the previous festivals.”

The purpose of the festival states Kevin Hamric, marketing committee chair is to “have fun and be amazed at the arts… take pride in what we have here in Morgantown... to keep the local vendors and artists’ element while attracting regional community (and) move towards the full potential.” “It’s a whole NEW event.”

Zach Deputy

Art exhibit at Arts on the River 2011.

By Dani Bohnke

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“It’s a whole NEW event.”

Organizers of Arts Alive! are passionate about the arts as well as the community and have sought to build on the traditional aspects of the festival as well as adding many new experiences, but they haven’t nearly reached their full vision of the potential scope of the festival. In future years, they hope to continue to reach out locally and regionally to foster more artists and performers as well as vendors, and stretch geographically to include the wharf district and becoming a “street fair” atmosphere similar to the Festiv-all event in Charleston, WV.

Planners of Arts Alive! are also hoping to include more local and regional organizations such as M. T. Pockets Theatre, Monongalia Arts and the MAC to independently develop and execute programs of their own under the umbrella of the Arts Alive! festival.

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Butterfly art

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Among the many exhibits will be characters such as Mr. Bubbles, an illusionist and balloon artists for the younger crowd, and a variety of music, food and belly dancers for the more mature participants. As well as tie dyeing, a blacksmith, a poetry slam and live painting with stories for everyone in between.There will be more local cuisine as well as locally crafted beer and wines than in years past.

Organizers of Arts Alive! are passionate about the arts as well as the community and have sought to build on the traditional aspects of the festival as well as adding many new experiences, but they haven’t nearly reached their full

vision of the potential scope of the festival. In future years, they hope to continue to reach out locally and regionally to foster more artists and performers as well as vendors, and stretch geographically to include the wharf district and becoming a “street fair” atmosphere similar to the Festiv-all event in Charleston, WV. Planners of Arts Alive! are also hoping to include more local and regional organizations such as M. T. Pockets Theatre, Monongalia Arts and the MAC to independently develop and execute programs of their own under the umbrella of the Arts Alive! festival.

Zach Deputy

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Zach Deputy

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I’ve known Patty for a while and I love her art—on any medium, so it should come as no surprise that a feature story on her has been on my wish list for a while. When given the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the Mistress of Pain, ask her anything I wanted and watch her create art--I jumped at the chance!

Patty and Craig Colebank began their tattoo business in September of 2008. Both had done their apprenticeships and been working at Thinkin’ Ink for several years. After the death of their friend and mentor, Youngen, in June of that same year, they decided in was time to open their own shop. Together they have over 30 years of experience in tattoo artistry, which is evidenced by the certificates and art that covers the walls of Patty’s Art Spot in Star City.

Patty Loy-Colebank studied art West Virginia University, but that’s not where her story begins. She has been drawing since she could hold a pencil. While in college, she found Thinkin’ Ink in Fairmont, WV. She hung out—a lot. Looking for an excuse to be there, she would offer to draw patterns for the artists. After a while Youngen realized she wasn’t going away and began giving her things to do. It wasn’t long until she was an apprentice under Youngen, and eventually, one of the most sought after tattoo artists in the area.

Craig Colebank, who graduated with a degree in sociology and anthropology in 1993, started tattooing in 1999, but his interest was born while in college. While finishing his degree, he did research papers and projects about tattoos and tattoo culture. He explored the tattoo culture by getting more and more work done, going to conventions and reading tattoo books and magazines. Craig got his first tattoo in 1991 and was hooked. “I had designed most of my tattoos up to that point and tended to be pretty meticulous and precise with the process. I always thought it would be cool to be a tattoo artist, but never seriously considered it as a career.”

In December of 1998, Patty and Craig were married. Soon after, they began talking about his tattooing; he certainly had the ability and desire. He started his apprenticeship which lasted 5 years.

Patty’s Art Spot is a bright, open and inviting space. The artists’ “studios” where the tattoos are inked have large openings in the walls that separate them. Patty and Craig

By: VickieTrickett

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work “side-by-side.” Patty is closest to the door. Stools line the wall in front of the window, which is where I perched to watch Patty, the Mistress of Pain, work her magic.

Patty’s canvas for the next few hours was Tracy Thorne, who was getting her third tattoo. Tracy had decided on a Phoenix rising from flames. In her 20 plus years of tattooing, Patty estimates she has done 40 to 50,000 tattoos, averaging 4 a day. If you are considering getting a tattoo, call now – they are booked 6 months in advance. Patty doesn’t keep anyone in her chair for more than 4 hours. “Most people are good for an hour and a half, but it gets harder after that. Four is long enough.”

Patty loves the freedom to “play.” She encourages anyone wanting a tattoo to have their own design or at least a concept. “If you are going to get a tattoo to express your individuality, why would you want to copy what someone else has?” Patty does not copy a design exactly and has never done the same thing twice. “There is always a difference.”

As I watch Tracy grimace as the needle gets to a sensitive area on her side, I ask how the “Mistress of Pain” moniker came about. While shopping at a pet store in Westover several years

ago, Patty was talking with Sue, the women checking her out, and learned that she was a wrestler. When she got to the car she noticed, written on the receipt was “P.I.F. Sue.” She mused with her friend, “Maybe that’s an anagram for her wrestling name, Painful Sue,” and they joked about what their wrestling names would be. Imagination took over and, with the help of friends, it wasn’t long before Patty WAS the Mistress of Pain.

With the growing popularity of reality shows, Tracy asked Patty how she felt about shows like L.A. Ink? Patty shares, “They are good for business, but it’s not the true reality of the tattoo industry. They sell drama without a real look at the experience of getting a tattoo. And they never talk about how much a tattoo will cost and how long it takes.”

Being in the back yard of WVU’s College of Creative Arts, I imagined there would be good supply of young, budding artist wanting to work in the tattooing field, but apparently not. A few have inquired and begun apprenticeships. Patty and her staff make it look easy, but an apprenticeship takes time and patience. If you don’t like to draw then this is not the field for you. Patty says, “If someone has artistic talent, I can teach them to be a tattoo artist. Without talent, I can teach them to be a tattooist.”

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Maybe a tattoo is not your thing. How about a piercing? Patty and Craig have the only certified piercer in the Morgantown area. Brandon Bailey says “I am Brandon the piercer, not Brandon the tattooist and piercer. I don’t do tattoos. That’s not what I’m here for.” Brandon knew he wanted a piercing long before his first one, which came at the age of 14. “I have been a professional piercer since 2007 and have loved every second of it!” Brandon, who also began his career at Thinkin’ Ink, is very serious about his profession. He is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), an organization that requires piercers to exceed the standards of piercing.

Patty never dreamed of or planned on being a business owner, but having good people to work with makes it easy. I asked her what she thought Youngen would say about where she is today and what she has accomplished. She smiled, and without hesitation, said “Knew you could do it.”

Patty’s Art Spot, located on University Avenue in Star City, is not just a tattoo shop, but also offers a gallery space and theme wall for local artists to show their work. Patty had always hoped that

some day she would have a gallery where she could share not only her work, but offer her fellow artists a place to showcase and share their art. She expected this would take some time to accomplish, but a series of strange events made it happen sooner than expected. Not long after moving into the current location, a car crashed through the front of the building. While making the repairs it seemed logical to go ahead with the gallery.

Patty is mostly known for her tattoos, but her art can also be seen in the form of walking sticks, sculptures, paintings and mosaics, to name a few. Skulls and skeletons are a fascination for Patty, but not for the reason you’d think. I asked about her walking sticks. “I like to manipulate nature,” she says. This is also true of her work with animal skulls and skeletons, which friends collect for her to use. She laughs as she adds, “Some people think I’m a witch because I use the skulls and skeletons of animals in my art, but I’m not.”

So, if your bucket list includes a tattoo or piercing, or you are an artist looking for a gallery for a show, make your way to Patty’s Art Spot. You will be welcomed with smiling faces, and I promise you won’t feel intimidated in the least. Tell Patty I sent you! And remember, NEVER be afraid to express yourself!

w w w . p a t t y s a r t s p o t . c o m

Patty’s Art Spot is located at 3399 University Avenue.

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Become Familiar with These Five Key Areas

As an investor, what are your goals? You can probably think of quite a few — but over the course of your lifetime, your objectives typically will fall into five key categories. And once you’re familiar with these areas, you can start thinking of what they’ll mean to you in terms of your financial and investment strategies.

So, let’s take a look at each of these areas and see what they might entail for you:

* Preparing for retirement — With advances in health care and a greater awareness of healthy living practices, many of us can expect to live two or three decades in an active retirement. To pay for all those years, you’ll need to save and invest early and often. So, while you’re working, take full advantage of your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, as well as con-tribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. After understanding your desired retirement lifestyle, your financial advisor can help you determine how, and how much, to save to provide for your income in retirement.

* Planning for the unexpected — You can’t see into the future, so you’ll need to prepare for anything that comes your way. By building an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, you can possibly avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for things such as a new furnace or a major car repair. And planning for the unexpected also means having sufficient life insurance to provide for your family in case anything happens to you.

* Educating your children — College is already expensive — and college expenses have been rising

Kurt A. Skasik, Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments

935 Cheat Road Morgantown, WV 26508

(304)284-9122 www.edwardjones.com

INVE TING: 101faster than the overall rate of inflation. If you want to help your children, or grandchildren, pay for school, you may want to invest in a college savings vehicle, such as the 529 plan. You can contribute large amounts to a 529 plan, and earnings have the opportunity to grow tax-free, provided withdrawals are used for higher education. (Withdrawals not used for education are subject to income taxes and a 10 percent penalty.)

* Living in retirement — Once you reach retirement, your investment emphasis will shift somewhat, from accumulating resources to making them last. By working with a financial advisor, you can develop a withdrawal strategy that can help make sure you don’t outlive the income you receive from your 401(k), IRA and other sources. At the same time, given the possible length of your retirement, you can’t ignore the need to invest for growth, so you may need to consider some growth-oriented vehicles in your portfolio to help your income keep pace with inflation.

* Transferring your wealth — When you’ve worked hard your whole life, you want to be able to leave a legacy — one that allows you to provide financial resources to the next generation and to those charitable organizations you may wish to support. So, when it’s time to think about transferring your wealth, you’ll want to consult with your financial and legal advisors to create an estate plan that’s appropriate for your needs. And because these plans can take significant time to create, you won’t want to wait too long to start.

So, there you have them: five key financial areas on which to focus as you travel through life. By doing your homework, planning ahead and getting the help you need, you can make the journey a pleasant and productive one.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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MAYMay 2 “Burn the Floor” 7:30 p.m. Curtain; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ccarts.wvu.eduMay 3 “Young Frankenstein” 7:30 p.m. Curtain; WVU Creative Arts Center ccarts.wvu.orgMay 5 “ARMAGEDDON 2012: Just A Fan A Christian Cox Comedy Show” 8 p.m. Curtain; M. T. Pockets Theatre Company www.mtpocketstheatre.comMay 6 Appalachian Spring Bike Spectacular 9 a.m. Wharf Parking Garage; $10 email: kellywilliams@msn.comMay 10 Women’s Only Garage Party benefitting Betty Puskar Cancer Center; $10 6 - 9 p.m.; Triple S Harley Davidson www.triplesharley-davidson.comMay 13 Mother’s Day

STUFF TO DO!May 11-13 WVU Commencement Weekend http://graduation.wvu.edu/May 17 “Bowfire” 7:30 p.m. Curtain; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ccarts.wvu.eduMay 18 &19 Mylan Park Spring Craft Show www.mylanpark.comMay 19 Raw Brawl - 10 Professional bouts 7 - 11 p.m.; Morgantown Event Center (304) 581-2810May 19 Tibbs Run Reservoir Centennial Celebration 1 - 3 p.m.: West Virginia Botanic Garden www.wvbg.orgMay 26 Suncrest and Marilla Pools Open www.boparc.org.May 28 Memorial Day

www.HarnerConstruction.net

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STUFF TO DO!May 30 “In The Heights” (musical) 7:30 p.m. Curtain; WVU Creative Arts Center www.ccarts.wvu.edu

JUNEJune 3 Old Morgantown Glass and Show Sale 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. VFW, Holland Avenue, Westover www.oldmorgantown.orgJune 4 to 8 “God Spell” Historic Metropolitan Theatre www.morgantownmet.comJune 6 Triple S 10th Annual Party Triple S Harley Davidson www.triplesharley-davidson.comJune 8,9, &10 Arts Alive! Annual Arts on the River Festival at Hazel Ruby Mc-Quain Amphitheatre (see page??) http://www.artsalivefest.com/June 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 “The Red Feather Ladies Get Revenge” and “The Red Feather Ladies Get Their Man” 8 p.m. Curtain - M. T. Pockets Theatre www.mtpocketstheatre.comJune 10 Wetland Habitats Botanic Garden Walk 2 p.m., www.wvbg.orgJune 14 Flag DayJune 16 Plant Sale and Butterfly Workshop 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Plant Sale 12 noon to 2 p.m. Butterfly Workshop www.wvbg.org

June 17 Father’s DayJune 19 Triple S Blood Drive 12 noon to 6 p.m. Triple S. Harley Davidson www.triplesharley-davidson.comJune 23 United Way Poker Run Triple S Harley Davidson www.triplesharley-davidson.comJune 24 Hypertufa Container Making Workshop 2 - 4 p.m. www.wvbg.orgJune 25 Mountain Festival Concert Festival Presents “The Half Lit Blue Grass Band” 6 - 8:30 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Park www.chestnutridgepark.comJune 27 - 30 “9 to 5” (musical) Metropolitan Theatre www.morgantownmet.com

JULYJuly 15 Nature Photography Workshop 1 - 4 p.m. www.wvbg.orgJuly 28 Ramble with Ken 9 a.m. www.wvbg.org

July 25 - 28 Wild and Wonderful Mountain Fest Motor-cycle Rally http://www.wvmountainfest.com/

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by Marh Binegar

My elbow and my chin hit the hard ground with a heavy thud. I saved my fishing rod, but I knew that elbow was going to hurt tomorrow. There. Then my senses came to me and I realized that fishing for the small, but beautiful Native Brook Trout in the Hills of West Virginia, was not just “Almost Heaven,” it in fact is Heaven on Earth.

Although it was twenty years ago, it seems like just yesterday when I took my first trip to what my buddy called a “brookie paradise”.

As we pulled in at the trailhead, I spied the stream with concern; it was definitely not what I was used to. The whole of the stream was at most ten feet wide and somewhere around two feet deep. I turned to my friend and eyeballed him with disgust, hardly thinking that the two hour drive and 4 a.m. wake up call was going to pay off. He sensed my concern, and reassured me, while pulling on his knee boots, that I was about to have the time of my life.

My first cast came at about a half a mile upstream, and three crossings later. I watched as a single splitshot and a tiny hook holding a fat mealworm splashed down in the rapids just above

a small beautiful hole that looked like a tiny version of what I’d been catching state stocked trout from

for years.

The strike was immediate and violent, although this fish was no more than nine inches long, it took me in and out of rapids with speed and grace that I’d never witnessed from the sluggish hatchery raised fish I’d caught in the past. When my ultra-light tackle had finally won the bout, I knelt on the bank, in the rocks, holding the most beautiful fish I had ever seen, a true work of art. As I released him back into the hole, I realized I was the one who was truly hooked on that cool spring morning.

I can honestly say to people who are interested in this sport that legwork and exploration are

the main factors in success. Sportsmen who are devoted to this species are usually very secretive

and protective of it, and give up information very reluctantly, if at all. And I hate to admit it but I myself

have sent a few unsuspecting individuals on a “wild goose chase” to protect some of my favorite streams.

Persons interested in this sport should seek out clean mountain streams, in deep cool hollows, where few

people travel.

Although the internet can be a great tool in getting started, I tend to enjoy the search for streams holding populations of

natives, as much as the fishing.

West Virginia Natives by Mark Binegar

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by Marh Binegar

West Virginia Natives by Mark Binegar

“I was tangled in laurel and greenbrier wondering

if my love of this sport was worth it”There is no need to go broke when pursuing native brook trout, your state fishing license, a small ultra-light rod (the smaller the better in my opinion), a quality reel (once again, small is best) spooled with a good 2 to 4 pound test monofilament, an assortment of small single hooks, I prefer a #14 straight shank or egg hook, using such hooks can sometimes result in a higher ratio of misses to strikes, but is well worth the lesser effects on your quarries health, as catch and release is highly important to the continuation of the species.

Other than the aforementioned tackle, a good set of knee high rubber boots, and some camouflaged clothing is really all you need to begin enjoying these wonderful fish.

My brother Michael and I have spent the last two decades chasing these beautiful creatures all over West Virginia and I would like to think have come out of this quest with a greater appreciation of this state and the secrets that it holds as well as the need for conservation of this resource. Unfortunately I have watched so many streams over the years fade from premium fisheries to nothing more than dead streams. The non-practice of catch and release is without a doubt the greatest enemy to this sport, and if continued will destroy it.

Although our native trout population is not a huge draw for tourism, it is something that our resident fisherman should be proud of and work to protect. If you are interested in this relatively obscure sport, then please get out there and do your homework, and raise awareness of the need to preserve one of this states greatest fish species, the Native Brook Trout.

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Scott’s Run West Virginia & The Scott’s Run Settlement House

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by Toni MorrisCoal companies and speculators began to accumulate mineral rights on Scott’s Run in the late nineteenth century, but the transition from agricultural to industrial economy did not make any significant headway until World War I stimulated the demand for coal to fuel the national war machine. Monongalia County produced a mere 57,000 tons of coal in 1899 and only 400,000 tons in 1914, but by 1921, tonnage soared to nearly 4.4 million. Most of this expansion is attributable to the development of Scott’s Run where, during the peak in the mid-1920’s, coal companies owned seventy-five percent of the taxable acres, and between thirty-six and forty-two mines were shipping coal. The coal boom beginning during World War I and continuing into the early 1920’s, was the first and last high mark for the industry on Scott’s Run. Amanda Penix, of Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. writes, “The economic downfall of the 1930’s caused many of the coal mines in Scott’s Run, and throughout Appalachia, to close or to operate sporadically. Coal miners, like the millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression, struggled to provide food and shelter for their families. It was at this time in Scott’s Run history that it became the poster child of American poverty.” A writer for the Atlantic Monthly declared that Scott’s Run was “the damndest cesspool of human misery I have ever seen in America.” According to writer Ronald Lewis, “Scott’s Run received so much attention because it was far more accessible to the outside photographers, reporters, social workers and government officials who aimed the media spotlight into this particular corner of the coalfields.” Amanda Griffith Penix from The Arthurdale Heritage, Inc, states that Lorena Hickok, an Associated Press reporter, wrote that Scott’s Run was the worst place she had ever seen with housing “most Americans would not have considered fit for pigs.” In 1933, there were tours that came to north central West Virginia to tour and inspect the effects of the Depression on the Appalachian coalfields. Hickok was a good friend to First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. Mrs. Roosevelt traveled with Ms. Hickok, social worker Alice Davis and Clarence Pickett, the executive secretary of the American Friends Service Committee. This group, a Quaker organization had been in Scott’s Run since 1931 to provide food, clothing and work skills to miners and their families.

Prior to this, local agencies such as the Council of Social Agencies and the County Welfare Board strived for many years to improve the condition of life in Scott’s Run. It was a heavy burden for the county because there was little money to share. Two Christian groups, The Bible School Movement and the Settlement House movement, used trained lay workers and volunteers to teach “Christianity to the ‘religiously needy’, but gave primary attention to the children. Most of the workers were young women who followed this avenue to leadership roles unavailable to them within the conventional structure of the church.” The Scott’s Run Settlement house was established by the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of Wesley Methodist Church. In 1922, this group began a Bible

school for the children of the area and a Sunday school. Gradually, the Settlement house began to offer courses in cooking, motherhood and life skills. In 1927, the permanent building was erected and continues to this day to offer the community services such as a food pantry and community programs. In the word of Lena Brookover Barker, in the autumn of 1938 she writes: The story of Scott’s Run Settlement House is like a romance of high adventure to those of us who worked at it from its beginning until its dedication. . . .I will now speak a few words about Scott’s Run. From around 1916 to 1922 the population of that coal field was estimated from six to nine thousand persons with very little religious instruction of any kind. In this article, I am only dealing with our own work. After the close of the World War many of the miners were out of work. There was much sickness, poverty and wicked-ness. Many important people from over the United States had visited it, as had also correspondents from the large daily newspapers and had written articles concerning the condition existing there until Scott’s Run was known all over the United States for its wickedness and lawlessness. I do not feel I am competent to judge whether they were right or wrong, but do know that they failed to mention the many good people that were there. Also included in the population were many of own people and people from nearly every country in Europe. Also, Mexicans and quite a large Negro population. But the Women’s Home Missionary Society felt the need was great and were determined to start some kind of missionary work. Mr. Ronald Lewis supports Ms. Barker’s description of the people living in Scott’s Run in his description of the area. “The 1920 manuscript census identified the following foreign-born nationalities among the adult (voting age) residents of Scott’s Run: Austrian, Bohemian, Canadian, Croatian, English, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Irish, Lithuanian, Polish, Rumanian, Russian, Scottish, Serbian, Slovak, Ukrainian and Welsh. Ninety-three percent of these immigrants were from Southern to Eastern Europe, and approximately 60 percent of Scott’s Run’s population was foreign born, with native whites and blacks divided about equally for the remaining 40 percent.” My family was Greek and was part of this group that Mr. Lewis speaks about. My grandparents owned and operated a pool hall and tobacco store. My grandfather was a union organizer and was very active in the attempt to improve the lives of out of work coal miners in Scott’s Run, as can be seen in the following photographs. My grandfathwer changed his Greek name to Morris while fighting in World War I. My father was one of eight children and you can see four of his older siblings in these photos. Mr. Ronald Lewis in his article about Scott’s Run summarized the decline of the area in this statement:

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Donate NowMail Checks payable to SRSH with Backpack in the Memo line to: SRSHPO Box 590Pursglove, WV 26546Website:www.srsh.org

This photo is of the same children taken later than the first, note they are wearing the same clothing, and indication of the poverty that existed during those times. Images of Scot’s Run, Betty Eddy, 2006, p. 113.

(Chris, Andy, Cleo and Pete Morris, Osage WV, circa 1930. Images of Scott’s Run, Betty Eddy, 2006 p. 112)

For online mapping systems, please use the following address:101 School StreetOsage, WV 26543 Phone (304) 599-5020 Fax (304) 599-8016

The residents of Scott’s Run survived the Great Depression through such imaginative coping strategies, but the 1930’s marks the beginning of a long slide into historical obscurity for this once teeming hollow. A number of explanations account for Scott’s Run’s short life and long, slow demise. The Great Depression, of course, was a national calamity, and Scott’s Run residents probably suffered more than most Americans from maladies of unemployment, ignorance, ethnic and racial prejudice, and the other corollaries of abject poverty. Many left the area in search of a better life, and a number of families were chosen for the new resettlement community of Arthurdale in neighboring Preston County, spearheaded by Eleanor Roosevelt.

TodayScott’s Run Settlement House (SRSH) has grown tremendously over the years. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, SRSH added more activities and programs to their agenda, including a day care center and senior citizen activities. Many volunteer programs are now available for high school and West Virginia University students as well as tutoring in all subjects. In the 1980’s a food pantry was added along with a Meals on Wheels program, sessions for young and single mothers and a juvenile delinquency program. After the 1980’s, Scott’s Run Settlement House did not function as an organized church, but Christian philosophy continues to be practiced throughout all of the daily activities. SRSH takes pride in enriching and strengthening individual and family life by providing experiences of growth in the lives of participants of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities, beliefs and capabilities. Backpack Snack ProgramThe state of WV’s Department of Health and Human Services considers children to be ‘at-risk’ if the family’s household income qualifies them for Free/Reduced Lunch. In Monongalia County, 41% of the children ages 5-11 receive Free/Reduced Lunch —2,300 children. Forty-one percent of the children in our own backyard are at-risk for food insecurity, at-risk of going without adequate supplies of food.

In response to the number of children in need, Scott’s Run Settlement House developed the Backpack Snack Program, which utilizes volunteers to pack bags of food for the eligible children of Mylan Park Elementary School to take home so that they are sure to have something to eat over the weekend. Bags full of goodies are composed of easy-to-open, easy-to-prepare foods that will provide the children at least 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 small dinners and a snack or two each weekend.

Currently, we serve 220 children each week, and that is only one elementary school. Our plans are to expand our summer program to include at least one more feeding site next summer and within the next year or two (depending on community support) to add the next elementary school full of children in need.

We cannot grow this program, we cannot serve these hungry children, without your support. Please take the time to spread the word, hold a food drive or donate now to the Backpack Snack Program today!

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c/o722 Brookhaven Road Morgantown, WV 26508

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