Taylor Made to Kick Off Concert Series

Stonewall Resort will kick off the summer season with hot country music by West Virginia’s Taylor Made and a lively fireworks display over Stonewall Jackson Lake this Memorial Day Weekend, resort officials announced.

“The Stonewall State Park Foundation is proud to host these rising stars for our first of eight free concerts this summer,“ said Steve Ludwig, director of sales and marketing at Stonewall Resort.

Hailing from Taylor County, Taylor Made is comprised of siblings Wendy Williams, Greg Duckworth and Brian Duckworth. The group is known for three-part harmony, featured prominently in the group’s first single, “Heavy Duty.“ The group recently won Music Row Magazine’s Country Breakout Award as Independent Artist of the Year and they have been featured on CMT for their song, “Things You Don’t Grow Out Of.“

Ludwig said the concert will begin at 6:30 PM Sunday and last approximately two hours. The event will be at the outdoor theater at the Roanoke Activity Plaza. At the conclusion of the concert, guests will be treated to a fireworks show over the lake.

The Summer Concert Series is provided through the generous donations of a variety of sponsors, including McFly Outdoors, Wal-Mart of Weston, Little General Stores, EQT, Lewis County CVB and Mountain Lakes CVB.

There is no cost to attend the concert. There is a $5 per car admission fee to enter Stonewall Resort State Park.

Information about upcoming concert dates and performers is available by viewing Stonewall Resort’s calendar of events, located on the resort’s website at www.stonewallresort.com.

More information also is available by calling 304.269.7400.

CGCC Recognizes Outstanding Students

WVDA Declares Quarantine to Protect Walnut Trees

West Virginia has declared a quarantine to prevent thousand cankerous disease from killing walnut trees in West Virginia.

The Department of Agriculture said Thursday that the quarantine went into effect May 20, 2013.

Plant Industries Division director Sherri Hutchinson says no walnut plants or plant parts from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington can be brought into West Virginia or moved through the state.

The quarantine also applies to areas of any state where the disease has been found.

The quarantine includes any hardwood firewood from infected areas, the fungus that causes the disease, and the walnut twig beetle, which infects trees with the disease.

Nuts, nutmeats, processed lumber and finished wood products such as furniture are exempt from the quarantine.

Little Pioneer Football Sign Ups - 05.29.13 - Wednesday

Glenville: Lions Club Carnival May 22 - 25, 2013 - Ongoing

Glenville Lions Club Carnival Is Coming to Town

The Glenville Lions Club will be hosting GAMBILL Amusement from Wednesday, May 22, 2013 – Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Foodland Plaza.

The Lions Club Hot Dog Stand will open on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM to start selling concessions.

Come out and join in the fun.

Public Notice: Vaccination of Dogs and Cats – 2013 - This Friday and Saturday

Gilmer County Assessor, Gary L. Wolfe, would like to announce that William R Moodispaw, DVM, will be at the following named places on the dates listed below, to vaccinate dogs and cats AS REQUIRED BY WV CODE §19-20A-1.

All dogs and cats, which have reached SIX MONTHS OF AGE AND HAVE NOT BEEN VACCINATED WITHIN THE PAST 24 MONTHS, are required to be vaccinated before June 01, 2013.

The fee for rabies vaccination will be $8.00 according to WV Code §19-20A-1.

Due to Dr. Moodispaw’s schedule, he will only be at the following locations on the dates and times listed below:

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013
08:30 - 09:00 AM Mouth of Jesse’s Run
09:15 - 10:15 AM Tanner
10:30 - 11:15 AM Heiney’s
12:00 - 01:00 PM Dawson’s Farm
01:15 - 02:15 PM Normantown
02:45 - 03:45 PM Cedarville

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2013
08:00 - 09:00 AM Court House
09:15 - 10:00 AM Camden Flats
10:15 - 11:15 AM Sand Fork
11:30 - 12:05 PM Mouth of Ellis
01:30 - 02:30 PM Somerville Store
02:45 - 03:30 PM Troy School

Kaylee Nicole Ash

Kaylee Nicole Ash is the name chosen for a daughter born to Joshua and Anna Ash of Weston, WV.

She was born Monday, May 10, 2013 at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.

The mother is the former Annalyn Beauharnois and works at Shop N Save.

The father is employed at Weatherford.

Maternal grandparents are Fred and Gina Roth of Chesapeake, VA.

Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Clovis O. Ash of Weston, WV.

Aaliyah Amaya Barnett

Jamie Heater and Michael Barnett of Weston, WV announce the birth of their daughter, Aaliyah Amaya Barnett.

She was born Tuesday, May 11, 2013 at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital of Weston.

The little girl weighed 7-pounds, 12-ounces and has one sibling, Braylynn.

Senior Appreciation Day at the Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center - May 09, 2013

Division of Natural Resources Warns:  Don’t Feed the Bears!

The Division of Natural Resources reminds all West Virginia residents that feeding black bears is a violation of state law, as well as a misguided disservice to our state animal, according to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the DNR Wildlife Resources Section.

“Some people will illegally set out food so they can get a closer look at this often secretive animal,” Carpenter said.  “However, these actions often lead to the destruction of the bear. Bear movements are tied to food sources. Bears that roam in and around residential areas in search of food are less likely to stay if they do not find anything to eat.”

Capturing and moving bears that have become accustomed to humans is a costly and often ineffective way of addressing the problem, especially if it just moves the problem from one place to another.

Bear populations have increased in both number and distribution in the past 20 years.  Bears are now found in areas where they have been absent for decades and have been reported in all 55 counties. Multiple reports of sows with cubs have been received from the northern and western portions of the state. “There is simply nowhere to move bears that have become a problem,” Carpenter said.

Human/bear interactions increase during the spring and summer for several reasons.  Natural food sources are at their lowest point when bears leave their dens in the spring. Bears often spend several weeks feeding on green vegetation while continuing to lose weight. High-energy foods such as serviceberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries do not become available until later in the summer.

In addition, the bear breeding season, which peaks from late June through July, puts many bears on the move.  During the breeding season, males will cover large areas while searching for females. This is also the time of year when adult female bears will chase off their yearlings so that they may breed again.  Human-related food sources are higher in calories and easier to obtain than natural foods.  All bears, especially yearlings that are on their own for the first time, will take advantage of easy food sources. Bears will continue on their way if they do not find easy food.

Bears quickly become habituated to handouts in the form of trash, bird seed, pet food and feed placed out for other animals, and lose their fear of humans. They then resort to raiding garbage, outdoor freezers, storage sheds, vehicles and other structures associated with people.  Unfortunately, when these activities are repeated, DNR personnel are forced to humanely destroy the offending animal for safety reasons.

“The unintentional feeding of black bears is something that can be prevented, “Carpenter said.  “Garbage should be secured in a bear-proof facility and placed out for collection on the morning of pick-up, not the night before. Food scraps that produce large amounts of odor should be sealed in a plastic bag before being placed in the trash. Food scraps should not be placed in a compost pile during the summer months. Residents should remove all outside pet food at night, and bird feeders should be taken down, cleaned, and stored until late fall to further discourage bears from feeding around human habitation. If you do not remove food attractants until after a bear has become a nuisance, you may have caused the death of that animal.”

Feeding of any wildlife should be avoided for numerous reasons, including, but not limited to, disease transmission, increased predation, habitat destruction around the feeding site, ethical concerns, and the animal’s overall health. Following these practical and common sense recommendations will reduce human-bear conflicts and assure that more of the state’s animals remain wild.

June Deadline for Storm Disaster Loans in WV

Small businesses and private nonprofits affected by severe storms last summer can still apply for federal disaster loans.

June 19 is the deadline to apply for economic injury disaster loans offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The loans are available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in 36 counties covered by a federal disaster declaration.

The SBA said Monday that loans of up to $2 million are available.

Interest rates are 3% for private nonprofit organizations and 4% for small businesses.

The loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses.

Gilmer County Senior Center Flea Market - May 28, 2013

Snyder Cemetery on Sliding Run Requesting Donations

Snyder Cemetery on Sliding Run Road at Stout’s Mills, West Virginia is requesting donations for mowing and upkeep expenses.

Please send donations to Jo Ann Roberts, 2117 Sliding Run Road, Burnsville, WV 26335.

Your help and support is appreciated.

Jo Ann can be contacted by phone at 304.462.8136.

Glenville: Sports Physical and Immunization Clinic - June 03-04, 2013

The Gilmer County School Based Health Center will be offering a sports physical and immunization clinic on June 03 and 04, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Gilmer County High School Based Health Center.

Athletes: It is mandatory if you wish to begin practice in June, you must have a completed sports physical and up-to-date immunizations by June 10th. All athletes can take advantage of these clinic days.

Current 6th and 11th Graders: It is now required that in order to enter 7th and 12th grades, students must have additional immunizations.

• 7th Graders must show proof of a booster dose of Tdap vaccine which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and a dose of MCV4 (meningitis) vaccine.

• 12th Graders also must show proof of a single dose of Tdap, plus a booster dose of the meningitis vaccine.  If your child will be turning 16 before school starts, they must get the meningitis vaccine booster in order to move to the 12th grade.

If your child is enrolled in School Based Health, sports physicals and immunizations are free. If your child is not enrolled but has insurance, that insurance will be billed; any remaining balance for sports physicals will be written off. However, if your child receives immunizations and is not enrolled in School Based Health, the cost is the responsibility of the parent or guardian along with any insurance you may have. If your child is not enrolled through the School Based Health Center, contact 304.462.8500 to request an enrollment packet.

If you do not plan to attend the clinic with your child, you must complete and sign a sports physical form or immunization consent for them. No physicals or immunizations will be given without a signed parental consent. In addition to a signed consent, your child must have a copy of any insurance card(s) and a copy of their current shot record.

You can pick up a sports physical form and immunization consent at Minnie Hamilton Health System, Gilmer High School as well as from local businesses.

Appointments must be made in advance to participate in the sports physical and immunization clinic days. Contact 304.462.7322 to schedule an appointment.

Gilmer County Clerk: Notice to Creditors and Beneficiaries - 05.23.13

The administration of the estates(s) of the following deceased is pending before the Clerk of the County Commission of Gilmer County, 10 Howard Street, Glenville WV 26351.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

Notice is hereby given that the estate(s) of the following has been opened for probate.  Any interested person objecting to the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative or the venue or jurisdiction of the court, shall file notice of an objection with the County Commission within ninety days after the date of the first publication or within 30 days of service of notice, whichever is later.  If an objection is not timely filed, the objection is forever barred.

All persons having claims against the estate(s) of the said following deceased, whether due or not, are notified to exhibit their claims, with the voucher thereof, legally verified, to the undersigned, at the County Clerk’s Office on or before August 20, 2013  otherwise they may by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate(s).  All beneficiaries of said estate(s) may appear on or before said day to examine said claims and otherwise protect their interests.

Claims against the estate must be filed in accordance with West Virginia Code 44-1-14a.

Clerk of Gilmer County Commission
Jean Butcher
10 Howard Street
Glenville, WV 26351

The date of the first publication of this Notice is : May 23, 2013

Cedarville 4-H Club Wins Environmental Awards

The Cedarville Centurions 4-H and Cloverbud Club participated in the 50th West Virginia Youth Environmental Day on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at North Bend State Park.

Approximately 1,500 participants attended and more than $11,000 in cash awards and scholarships were given in recognition of outstanding environmental accomplishments by the youth groups enrolled in the program.

The Cedarville Centurions 4-H Club received first place in the West Virginia State Parks Superintendents Association Awards for their flower and tree planting efforts at Cedar Creek State Park.

Presented by Kathy Metz, North Bend State Park Assistant Superintendent, the award included a check for $300, a recycled glass trophy and certificate.

Kaylene Snyder was presented a first place award in the Cardinal Art Poster Contest for her poster entitled Where Does Your Water Shed?.  The award included a scholarship to 2013 Junior Conservation Camp at Cedar Lakes, a recycled glass trophy, blue ribbon and certificate.

During the weekend, club members camped in tents on Friday and Saturday nights, visited Berdine’s 5 & Dime in Harrisville, tour exhibits, participated in a parade, scavenger hunt, hiking, fishing, and making crafts from reused materials.

The club would like to thank Vision, Vessels and Victory for providing camp supplies and the parents who made it a successful weekend.

Construction Zone Zero Tolerance

Highway construction season is officially underway here in West Virginia. State Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox stressed the need for safety on the roads.

“We really need people to focus, slow down and pay attention to what they’re doing,” said Mattox.

This spring and summer the DOH has about $500 million worth of road construction planned. That means thousands of construction workers will be doing the dangerous job of working on the roads while traffic zooms by.

One of the DOH slogans they want drivers to remember is this: “Zero Fatalities: Saving One Life at a Time.”

Mattox says all too often distracted driving in construction zones leads to accidents.

“We had two fatalities occur in our work zones last year and that’s two too many. Our goal is zero,” Mattox said.

There will be plenty of signage on the roads to tell you when you’re coming up on a construction zone. Then there’s the orange cones and barrels to give you another reminder. But maybe the most effective tool is the State Troopers stationed at major construction zones with lights flashing.

If you are caught speeding or driving recklessly through a construction zone and you are pulled over by police, you’re looking at a fine that’s doubled.

Mattox says the best advice is to put down your cell phone, place both hands on the wheel, slow down and be aware of your surroundings when making your way through construction zones.

Inaugural WV Trout Festival Set for June

West Virginia’s trout anglers are gearing up for the first-ever celebration of the state’s trout-fishing heritage.

The inaugural Mountain State Trout Festival has been scheduled to begin June 01, 2013 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.

The two-day event begins the day after the state’s final springtime trout stockings, and during the week when trout tend to feed most eagerly.

Event coordinator Phil Smith says the festival is a celebration of West Virginia’s sportsman’s heritage and the trout waters of the state.

West Virginia his home to more than 1,200 miles of trout streams.

The event is sponsored by the West Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited.

It will feature a fishing tournament and several presentations by trout-fishing experts.

Blackwater Falls Boardwalk Reopens Following Storm Repairs

Although it will be some time before the vegetative area at Blackwater Falls State Park’s iconic falls has regenerated completely, the boardwalk has reopened just before Memorial Day Weekend. The boardwalk had to be closed to the public because of damaged and downed trees caused by last fall’s major storm.

“Visitors enjoy the vantage points the boardwalk provides of the falls,” said Robert Gilligan, park superintendent. “We have some very dedicated employees who have gone beyond work expectations in getting it repaired and reopened. We also appreciate all of the local residents who have assisted us in getting the boardwalk reopened. This summer and into the future, visitors will observe nature’s self-healing and the continued recovery work by the park staff and local volunteers.”

Images of the damage to the Blackwater Falls boardwalk resulting from Superstorm Sandy in late October 2012 are posted on the photo gallery of Blackwater Falls State Park’s website, www.blackwaterfalls.com.

Blackwater Falls is located in Tucker County between the towns of Thomas and Davis. The park is open year-round and offers lodge and cabin accommodations for vacation consideration, camping, hiking, a full-service restaurant and a nature interpretive program. The iconic Blackwater Falls is nationally recognized.

Visit www.blackwaterfalls.com for more information.

G-Biz™: Log Cabin Crafts Open for Summer

Upper Steer Run Baptist Church Revival - 05.27.13

The Upper Steer Run Baptist Church of Normantown, WV will be entering into a Revival Meeting beginning on Monday, May 27, 2013, at 7:30 PM each evening.

We invite you and your family to come fellowship with us and hear the preached Word of God.

If you are unable to attend, please pray that the Lord will bless our gathering.

Elder Roger Stewart, Pastor

SAND FORK TOWN HALL: VETERAN’S PLAQUES DEDICATION CEREMONY – May 25, 2013

On Saturday, May 25, 2013at 5:00 PM the Town of Sand Fork will dedicate the first two granite plaques honoring Veterans from the Sand Fork Area and Gilmer County who have or are serving their Country.

The first plaques will list 52 names each, but all names submitted to date will be read and honored at the ceremony.

Additional plaques will be installed as they are filled..

Names may still be submitted to be added the plaques.

Everyone is invited to attend this ceremony.

Questions?  Contact Council Members Sue Edwards or Judy Jones.

Father Daughter Dance - June 15, 2013

Midway VFD Flea Market - 05.31.13 to 06.01.13

Glenville: Lions Club Carnival May 22 - 25, 2013 - Stating Today

Glenville Lions Club Carnival Is Coming to Town

The Glenville Lions Club will be hosting GAMBILL Amusement from Wednesday, May 22, 2013 – Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Foodland Plaza.

The Lions Club Hot Dog Stand will open on Monday, May 20, 2013 at 11:00 AM to start selling concessions.

Come out and join in the fun.

Gilmer County Public Library: Author Bill Church to Sign Copies of His Books on May 25, 2013

Author Bill Church will be at Gilmer Public Library on Saturday May 25, 2013 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, to sign copies of his book, Medicinal Plants, Trees and Shrubs of Appalachia.

The format the author uses is fantastic, and his book will appeal to a large range of readers.

Please join us on Saturday.

You will find more information on this site: www.tatepublishing.com/tipsheet/book.php?key=20464

Gilmer County Health Department: Food Handler’s Class June 06 and 13, 2013

The Gilmer County Health Department will be holding a Food Handler’s class on Thursday, June 06, 2013 and Thursday, June 13, 2013 all classes begin at 1:30 PM.

The Gilmer County Health Department is located on Mineral Road in Glenville, WV.

VVV: Food Give Away – Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Today

Visions, Vessels, and Victory will be giving out food and HBA items Wednesday, May 22, 2013 from 3:00-5:00 PM.

No applications!

No proof of income.

Open to Gilmer, Calhoun, Ritchie, and Doddridge counties.

Bring your own boxes and bags.

Have space cleared in you vehicle for your food.

Do not block driveways, roadways, parking lots, etc. at Appcon Lumber on WV Hwy 5 East of Glenville, WV.

We’ll see you there!

Deana J. Burke

GSC Criminal Justice Summer Camp Being Planned

With summer just around the corner, final preparations are being made for the annual Glenville State College Criminal Justice Summer Camp.

The four-day event will take place June 24 through June 28, 2013.

Organizers say it is a perfect opportunity for students in grades eight through twelve to get an in-depth look at what goes on at crime scenes and in the criminal justice system.

“The 2013 Glenville State College Criminal Justice Camp will teach the students a basic understanding of crime scene investigation. Hands-on activities will allow them to process a crime scene, develop suspects, and prosecute the suspects in a mock court proceeding.” said GSC Center for Criminal Justice Studies Lab Director Ron Taylor. Other activities include observing real-world cybercrime investigations, using of state-of-the-art forensics lab, and processing evidence for fingerprints. In addition, the camp will conclude with a trip to the Huttonsville Correctional Center where students will get a chance to view a real parole board hearing in process.

Taylor says the camp is popular because of criminal investigation shows such as NCIS and CSI that draw a large number of people to the television each week to witness crime scene investigations and crime solving skills. “Students attending the camp will have the opportunity to experience what they see on television first hand,” said Taylor.

Tuition is $350 and will cover food, housing, camp supplies, and the field trip. To register or for more information, contact Taylor at or 304.462.3090.

Glenville Mayor Allman-Duval Will Not Seek Third Term as Mayor

WV Receives Federal Approval on Education Flexibility Waiver (NCLB)

The West Virginia Board of Education has received a stamp of approval from the U.S. Department of Education on a proposal seeking relief from certain provisions of federal education law.

The West Virginia Board of Education and West Virginia Department of Education sought permission from the U.S. Department of Education to free West Virginia public schools from certain federal rules and deadlines so the state may focus more on improving learning and instruction. Those rules fell under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as the No Child Left Behind Act. The waiver allows West Virginia to use its own accountability system to more effectively identify struggling schools and to efficiently direct resources to struggling schools.

“This is an exciting time for education in our state,“ said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. “Quality education is the doorway to a vibrant, healthy economic future for our state. The flexibility schools now have will allow them to focus on achievement and improvement so that all students are prepared for college and career success.“

The U.S. Department of Education developed the flexibility process in 2011. In exchange for flexibility, states must show detailed plans for preparing all students for college and careers, targeting federal aid to students most in need, and pushing for better evaluation and support of teachers and principals. The state Board of Education submitted its waiver request in September 2012 in collaboration with several education stakeholders, including the West Virginia Governor’s Office and teacher organizations.

“With this approval, we believe our schools will have the flexibility they need to increase the quality of instruction and enhance student achievement,“ said West Virginia Board of Education President Wade Linger. “Our plan gives schools, especially those struggling with low performance, the ability to focus on continual improvement in every classroom and at every programmatic level.“

The ESEA Flexibility Waiver provides West Virginia with the flexibility needed to fully implement the Next Generation Content Standards and Objectives. The request also allows for the establishment of a high-quality accountability system that values individual student academic growth, supports schools, and expands the Educator Evaluation System pilot. The request still holds schools accountable for student achievement results but shifts from a large number of schools not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress to a smaller number of schools flagged for targeted support.

As part of the new West Virginia Accountability Index (WVAI) proposed in the ESEA Flexibility Waiver, schools will fall into five rankings: priority, support, focus, transition and success. Schools identified for targeted support will receive resources and support from various entities, districts, Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs), WVDE and others as appropriate.

“While we are excited about the opportunities that gaining flexibility gives our schools, we know the hard work is just beginning,“ West Virginia Superintendent of School Jim Phares said. “Our goal is to ensure that all West Virginia students graduate from high school truly prepared for college and career success.“

Honoring EMS Responders during National EMS Week

This week, our nation honors emergency medical service (EMS) professionals for their dedication to public service. As the HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response, I know how important their role is in disasters. As a primary care physician, I know how important their work is every day. People rely on EMS in disasters and other public health emergencies, as well as for personal emergency care.

We know that our health care system must be ready at a moment’s notice to respond to threats to the public’s health. Time and time again, disaster after disaster, EMS responders across the country have risen to that challenge, whether the community is impacted by a hurricane, wildfire, flood, bombing, chemical plant explosion, or pandemic flu. In recent disasters, we have witnessed EMS responders providing triage on the scene in Boston after the bombing, helping evacuate nursing homes in New York state after Hurricane Sandy, and caring for injured or ill patients as they were transported to hospitals in Texas after a plant explosion. Dozens of EMS responders give their lives every year in the service to our communities and our nation. Those who remain continue to take pride in being the people we can depend on even in difficult and dangerous situations.

To become better prepared, the nation is moving increasingly toward building coalitions bringing together EMS providers, public health agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, health care providers, home health agencies, emergency management agencies, and local businesses. EMS is a critical partner in our health care system, so I encourage EMS professionals to take an active role in helping communities forge and strengthen these partnerships. Given the regular interaction EMS responders have with these organizations in the community, EMS is uniquely positioned to bring potential partners together to plan for and minimize the impact that disasters have on health.

Disaster response and recovery requires a whole community working together. It’s one mission, one team. EMS is a crucial part of that team, there when every minute counts.

Division of Natural Resources Seeks Input from Stonewall Jackson Anglers

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will be conducting an angler survey at Stonewall Jackson Lake, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. The survey is part of the agency’s effort to evaluate two proposed fishing regulations.

Currently, a catch-and-release regulation is in effect for black bass (largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass), and a 30-inch minimum size limit with a two fish daily creel limit is in place for muskellunge. DNR proposes to allow a six fish daily creel limit for all black bass, one of which may be 18 inches or greater; and a one fish daily creel limit with a 52-inch minimum size limit for muskellunge.

A stamped, self-addressed postcard containing questions about the proposed regulations will be placed on windshields of vehicles parked at the following public fishing and boating access areas: State Park, Vandalia, Little Skin Creek, Jacksonville, and Pen Run.  Anglers are encouraged to complete the brief survey and mail the postcard to the Division of Natural Resources.

WV Resort Offering Help to Drug-Convicted Women

Women are daughters, each of us. That’s how Tammy Jordan, inspirational author, agriculturist and business owner, views it. So much so, she’s sharing her bounty with women unaccustomed to walking through doorways to opportunity.

Jordan is calling on her culinary experience and agriculture expertise in developing a curriculum to teach drug-convicted women valuable skills in food management and agriculture. The skills are intended to serve the women positively both in the job market and personally as they move out of a place of barrenness and into a place of fruitfulness. She has gained agreement to pilot the program in cooperation with the Greenbrier County Drug Court this summer.

“This is under the ‘training’ part of the Training and Retreat Center,“ explains Jordan of the sister companies to primary endeavor Fruits of Labor Inc. “The program will last eight weeks and will offer two nationally recognized certifications — ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Manager — to eight women.“

Two additional certifications offered to the women at her facility in Dawson will include West Virginia Welcome guest services (for frontline foodservice employees) and a county food handler’s certification. Following the success of the initial eight students, Jordan is committed to growing her concept by scheduling classes throughout the year.

As she relates her life to that of the ladies she seeks to serve, she does so not to count her own blessings, but to make her blessings count. Using what you have to benefit others is just one lesson she took from her parents — in particular, her mother.

You’d think Jordan had a hidden crew to help her maintain both her busy catering business, Fruits of Labor Inc., and her 218-acre Training and Retreat Center, “a place of sustainability in agriculture, lifestyle principles and spiritual growth.“

But there is just one other inside her industrial kitchen in the quiet Dawson countryside most days: Jordan’s mom, Dyanna. Together in business for 12 years, the two have provided excellent food and beverage services to mark key events in lives — weddings, anniversaries, carrying off the large and the small together, without falter. Their biggest crowd to feed, with additional help called in only for service, numbered over 1,500 people.

As Fruits of Labor Inc.‘s vice president and a talented cake decorator for over 40 years, Dyanna has served as both mentor and lead support to her daughter in growing her business and her mission. Jordan is quick to offer her gratitude for an ideal upbringing. “I am one of those rare people blessed with a family where the parents have been able to stay together and they’ve poured their lives into their children.“

Planting was a large part of what knit the family together. Still today, Jordan grows the food she prepares for her businesses and for distribution to food programs in her community. “We grew because it tasted better. And what you got from what you grew was sometimes exponentially more than you expected.“

For classes during the growing seasons, Jordan will teach her students using produce she’s grown on her own farm at The Retreat in Spring Dale, which she also uses extensively for women’s retreats and church groups. Near the program’s end, she plans to organize a dining service there during which farmers, chefs and others will get to network with the new trainees as potential, willing employers. She also has as a goal to host several train-the-trainer programs for others wanting to help the women in the drug court systems of their counties.

Greenbrier County Drug Court will help select the appropriate candidates, women who have demonstrated seriousness about getting their lives back on track and who have achieved a measurable level of sobriety to match their commitment. Jordan is hoping to make her program a model for others like it throughout the state, region and beyond, but it will only work to the extent each woman is ready for change. “They are coming voluntarily. They’re not being forced. We’re starting with a group that has the highest potential for success,“ states Jordan.

As part of the curriculum, author Jordan will employ her debut devotional, titled “The Door to Fruitfulness,“ and her second book, available to the general public in September, titled “The Seed Sower,“ a 40-day personal journey into sowing “positive seeds into the lives of others.“ Both are available through ShadeTree Publishing (www.shadetreepublishing.com).

When students put on their chef’s coats, says Jordan, it provides them a feeling of professionalism, excitement and changes in attitude toward opportunity.

“This is about getting them back on track and helping them to develop self-confidence,“ she says. “They’ll be able to hold down a regular job while building on their current resume and developing their people skills. They’ll also learn what it’s like to prepare and to eat nutritious food.“

The cost of the program is $150 per week for each participant — not a cost for profit, but to provide the resources needed to fulfill each certification. “We’re looking for churches and private donors to sponsor a week for the ladies in the program,“ appeals Jordan. So far, she has received donations enough to cover a full week of instruction for the first eight ladies. Her goal, with the cooperation of her community, is to provide scholarships for all.

“You look at the whole problem of drugs in our community and it can be overwhelming. Donating to this program is for those who say ‘Yes, I can do something.‘“

For more information about the program or for information on how to contribute, email or visit www.fruitsoflaborinc.com.

Thank You Gilmer Public Library - 05.15.15