Program | Travel
Program, Travel
Delegate Boggs visits with Troy Elementary Students
West Virginia House Majority Leader Brent Boggs (D-Braxton) was pleased to have the opportunity to visit with a group of students from Troy Elementary School last week during legislative interim meetings.
The students accompanied by Principal Judy Stalnaker and teacher Mrs. Dent, visited Delegate Boggs’ office after touring the Capitol, the State Museum and meeting with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and Senator Doug Facemire.
Delegate Boggs with Troy Elementary Students
Delegate Boggs commended these bright young students on the dedication they have shown to their education and their hard work and was honored to have the opportunity to talk with them during their trip to the state’s Capitol.
Vadis: Food Giveaway - Thursday, December 06, 2012 - Today
There will be a food giveaway Thursday, December 06, 2012 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Midway Volunteer Fire Department, Vadis Road, Vadis, WV.
Please bring a box or containers for your food!
Everyone Welcome.
TOWN OF SAND FORK VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
Labor Day weekend, 2012, the Town of Sand Fork proudly dedicated the Sand Fork Area Veteran’s Memorial.
At that time information regarding placement of names on the memorial was not complete. Guidelines are now in place.
Two large Granite Plaques have been ordered which will be used to inscribe names of individual veterans.
One will list Sand Fork area veterans; one will list Gilmer County area veterans.
It was our desire to keep this cost effective for everyone… instead of individual name plaques which would have been very expensive, several names will be listed on each plaque Cost will be $20.00 per name to be placed on the memorial.
Tentative plans are to have the first two plaques installed by Memorial Day 2013.
Interested persons should complete an application form, return with check/money order payable to Town of Sand Fork Building Fund in the amount of $20.00 per name.
Application forms will be available at Sand Fork Town Hall, Sand Fork Post Office, Sand Fork Baptist Church, Sand Fork Church of God, Gilmer County Senior Center or from any Sand Fork Town Council Member.
Questions may be directed to Mayor or Council members. Sand Fork Town Hall Phone: 304.804.2177
Names should be submitted by January 01, 2013.
SAMPLE APPLICATION FORM
_______________________________________________________________
Name of Individual to be placed on wall
Please Circle Branch of Military Served: Army Air Force Coast Guard Marines National Guard Navy
Years Served (i.e.: 1907-1922)
Resident of: Sand Fork Community or Gilmer County at Large
Name of Person to contact for questions ( ) _________________ Phone Number
Please submit this application and $20.00 check or Money Order via mail payable to:
Town of Sand Fork Building Fund
PO Box 88
Sand Fork WV 26430
G-Biz™: Sunless Sunday’s at TMAD Studio
Operation Wildflower 2013 Calendar Available
West Virginians already looking forward to the sights of spring and summer can get some early satisfaction by ordering an Operation Wildflower 2013 “Roadsides in Bloom” calendar from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The free calendar is sponsored by the DEP and the state Department of Transportation.
It includes the 13 best photos—as judged by state officials—of West Virginia wildflowers, photographed by West Virginia citizens and others.
The calendar features photos of flowers growing naturally along state roads or in Operation Wildflower beds planted by the state Division of Highways.
Twelve winning photos were selected to represent the months of the year and a grand prize winner’s photo is displayed on the calendar cover.
David Arroniz, of Kearneysville, is this year’s grand prize winner for his photo of cherry blossoms growing along Childs Road in Jefferson County.
Other winners include: Ann Walker, Hillsboro; Lynn Carr, Cool Ridge; Penny Johnson, Charleston; Gladys Mullins, Elkview; Kathryn Davis, Hambleton; Savannah Cantrell, Alkol; Cheryl Dalonges, Ridgeley; Raymond Harr, Franklin; Pamela Manning, Culloden; Eugene Walker, Hillsboro; Gary Bolt, Beckley; and Randy Timm, Webster Springs.
To order a calendar, click here; call 1.800-.22.5530; or email “dep.aah@wv.gov”.
If you call and get voicemail, please leave your name and address on the mailbox.
West Virginia’s Operation Wildflower beautification program is a joint effort between the DEP and the DOH.
It includes more than 250 acres of wildflowers grown along West Virginia’s roadways.
Braxton County Tire collection – 12.08.12
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s REAP program is hosting a local tire collection to rid Braxton County of old tires.
The event is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, on Saturday, December 08, 2012 at the Kenton Meadows Field in Gassaway.
Residents may dispose of up to 10 tires per person with a valid West Virginia ID for Braxton County.
The tires must be off the rims.
Only car and light truck tires 16 inches or less will be accepted.
Haulers and businesses are not allowed to participate.
REAP (Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan), within the DEP’s Division of Land Restoration, brings together all of the state’s cleanup programs to maximize the state’s cleanup efforts.
Glenville: Deb Ratliff’s ZUMBA CLASSES - Tuesday and Thursday
Zumba Classes on Tuesday and Thursdays at Gilmer County Recreation Center Shawnee Hall at 5:30 PM.
Come burn some calories and lets have FUN!!
$5.00 - First Class is FREE
Bring a friend.
Gilmer County Generator Program Update
According to Gilmer County Commission President Brian Kennedy, the standby Electric Generator program is in progress.
Generac has been in contact with those who signed up for the program.
Recently the calling slowed down due the Super Storm in the east.
Following are the options for generators:
20 KW = $3,850.00
17 KW = $3,600.00
14 KW = $3,200.00
There will be options available for small portable generators as well.
Brian indicated he will soon have the necessary information so people can contact the company themselves.
Stay tuned for further information.
Glenville: Deb Ratliff’s ZUMBA CLASSES - Tuesday
Zumba Classes on Tuesday at Gilmer County Recreation Center Shawnee Hall at 5:30 PM.
Come burn some calories and lets have FUN!!
$5.00 - First Class is FREE
Bring a friend.
Glenville: ZUMBA Class with Kelli and Dominique Collins - Mondays and Wednesdays
ZUMBA Class with Kelli and Dominique Collins
Mondays and Wednesdays. 5:30 PM.
Gilmer County Recreation Center
Lets have FUN and burn some calories too!
Glenville State College Students Participate in International Research Program
Glenville State College students have traveled to Japan again to study the ecology of plant invasion.
Natural Resource Management seniors Marilynn Burkowski of Hollis (York County), Maine and Ryan Thomas of St. Albans (Kanawha County), West Virginia traveled to Fukuoka, Japan in 2011. Ethan Epling of Spencer, (Roane County) West Virginia and Burkowski took the same trip earlier this year.
(L-R) Marilynn Burkowski, Dr. Rico M. Gazal, and Ethan Epling visit a national
park in Fukuoka, Japan, home to some of the largest Japanese cedar trees.
The purpose of the trips was to study the Tree-of-Heaven in a climate that differs from that in Glenville, West Virginia. Key attributes were studied in order to understand what makes the tree such a successful species despite varying climates. The tree was introduced to both countries from China and is considered to be an invasive species that threatens native forests.
“I was lucky enough to participate in this trip to Fukuoka, Japan,” said Burkowski, “It was such a great learning experience. The joint work we conducted with Kyushu University students will help us further understand the characteristics of the Tree-of-Heaven, a particularly aggressive invasive species in West Virginia. I feel very fortunate to have had a chance to interact with the people in Fukuoka, experience the culture, and visit beautiful sites in the area.”
(L-R) Marilynn Burkowski and Dr. Rico M. Gazal take leaf morphological and
physiological measurements of Tree-of-Heaven during their field measurements
on the campus of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan.
Not only will the research being compiled by students from both nations help in the continued study of the Tree-of-Heaven, but the program creates a unique opportunity for students. “I believe this trip has greatly benefited me by learning about the invasive species such as the Tree-of-Heaven, its various characteristics, and its growth patterns,” said Epling. “It has also taught me about other cultures in the world, and how they approach different aspects of forestry. I am very appreciative of this opportunity and will never forget the wonderful experiences I have had during this trip.”
Dr. Rico Gazal, GSC Associate Professor of Forestry, initiated the collaboration with Kyushu University in Japan, “It is such a great experience to introduce our undergraduate students to local and international issues in forest ecology through research. We spent a lot of time collecting data in the field that will explain the morphological and physiological similarities and differences between the Tree-of-Heaven in Fukuoka, Japan and in West Virginia. I hope to provide more opportunities to our undergraduate students to travel abroad and experience the world. I would like to also extend my gratitude to the administration of Glenville State College for their support in promotion undergraduate research at our college. My gratitude also belongs to the faculty, staff, and students of Kyushu University.” said Dr. Gazal.
The program will not only benefit GSC undergraduate students but also high school students. Glenville State College partnered with Gilmer County High School while Kyushu University partnered with Itoshima Agricultural High School in Fukuoka, Japan. Together they conducted further research on the history of the Tree-of-Heaven’s introduction into their local environment.
An Invitation to West Virginians to Contribute Photos for Military Recognition Tree
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin invite all West Virginians to honor our military men and women by contributing photos for the “Military Recognition” tree.
Those wishing to participate are asked to send in photos of their loved ones or friends who have served or are serving in the military. The photos will be displayed on the “Military Recognition” tree which will be located in the Governor’s Reception Room of the State Capitol Building during the holiday season.
“Whether serving here at home or half-way around the world, our military men and women have answered the call to duty time and again, ensuring our safety and our freedom. I’m grateful for their selfless service and I’m proud of the strong traditions they represent,“ Governor Tomblin said. “This year’s ‘Military Recognition’ tree provides us with the opportunity to showcase our gratitude to the men and women who’ve sacrificed for us and our country.“
“With so many West Virginian’s serving in our nation’s military, it’s important for us to keep in mind the families who wait patiently for their loved ones to return,“ First Lady Tomblin said. “I believe this year’s ‘Military Recognition’ tree will not only show our support for these families, it will honor those who have served and continue to serve-here at home and abroad.“
All photos, along with the form and tag below, must be received by November 23, 2012.
The form and tag can also be downloaded by visiting www.governor.wv.gov and clicking on the Governor and First Lady’s Military Recognition Tree icon.
Please note, photos will not be returned-they will be kept at the Governor’s Mansion.
Download Form and Tag for Military Recognition Tree
Weston: Holiday Baking Class - Saturday, November 10, 2012
5th Annual Take a Veteran to School Day
Senator Jay Rockefeller has announced the fifth year of West Virginia’s Take a Veteran to School Day program, which was created to link veterans and students in schools throughout the state and capture and preserve veterans’ real-life experiences.
“Paying tribute to the veterans who sacrificed so much for our country is so important and the Take a Veteran to School Day program is one great way to show our support and love for veterans. By asking veterans to share their stories with students across West Virginia, we are showing the next generation how much we value the contributions of the men and women who served in our armed forces,” said Rockefeller. “These stories are also recorded and archived, so generations to come can hear first-hand about the lives of the veterans who fought for our freedoms. As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this successful program, I am especially proud that we’ve touched the lives of so many students by giving them a chance to meet these American heroes.”
This year, there are 15 events for Take a Veteran to School Day across the state between November 07 – 15, 2012. Participating in this year’s program are the following high schools: Brooke, Buckhannon-Upshur, East Fairmont, Lincoln County, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Musselman, Nicholas County, Robert C. Byrd, South Charleston, Weir, Wheeling Park, Williamstown, and Wyoming East. In addition, a similar event will be held at the Boys & Girls Club in Huntington for the second year to expand the program beyond the high schools. Senator Rockefeller will take part in the Take a Veteran to School Day program at Morgantown High School.
Inspired by the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, high school students and students from West Virginia University’s School of Journalism, Concord University and Glenville State College will interview West Virginia veterans and record their oral histories. Those histories will then be submitted and archived in the Library’s collections.
“We are very pleased and honored that Senator Rockefeller has joined with WVCTA for the past five years in honoring our state’s veterans and ensuring that future generations learn of their service and sacrifices. The thousands of high school students that have participated in the “Take a Veteran to School” program since 2008 have benefited immeasurably from the senator’s leadership and his heartfelt commitment to veterans all over the nation,” said Mark Polen, Executive Director of the West Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association.
Out of more than 200,000 West Virginia veterans, about 605 have had their stories archived in the Library of Congress. Through West Virginia’s Take a Veteran to School Day program, more than 30 [confirming] could be added to the archives this year alone.
The Take a Veteran to School Day program is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the West Virginia Department of Education, as well as the West Virginia Legislature that passed resolutions in 2009 encouraging West Virginia educators to participate in future Take a Veteran to School Day initiatives. The program’s return to West Virginia schools is made possible by the West Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association and its member companies, Suddenlink Communications, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Shentel and Armstrong, and the HISTORY® channel who created the national initiative.
To learn more about West Virginia’s Take a Veteran to School Day program and to view photos from events, visit www.veteransinwv.com.
WVU Extension Service Offering Free Farm Management Training for Women in Agriculture
There’s a new resource for women who are interested in building or improving a viable farm business. Annie’s Project is a free, six-session training course being offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service that provides risk management training in business planning, record keeping, financial analysis, farm and food safety, and networking.
This localized approach to empowering women in agriculture is customized to meet the needs in our region, providing a unique peer-learning environment and helping ensure that every class is a valuable learning experience.
Anne Banks, a lifelong farmer from Ritchie County, is looking forward to learning new methods and to offering encouragement to young women who are just getting into farming.
“I like to see that these young girls are able to be confident that they can be a farmer, not just a farmer’s helper,” Banks said. “I like to see women able to express their way of doing it (farming) instead of trying to mimic the men,” she added, “because women do approach it differently.”
She feels that her years on the farm can help her offer real world advice that will help others be successful.
“The risks and the problems are probably always going to be there, regardless of how smart you are,” Banks explained, “and you have to learn to handle that.”
Organizers like WVU Extension Service’s Dee Singh-Knights agree that giving women the chance to build their confidence is key.
“The topics aren’t new but the delivery system is,” Singh-Knights, an agriculture economics specialist, explained. “We’re providing the opportunity to learn from local experts in an environment where women can relate to the struggles that their peers have faced in this industry.”
Twenty-nine percent of West Virginia’s farmers are women, according to Jennifer Williams, WVU Extension Service’s agriculture and natural resources director. No stranger to the farm herself, Williams received the 2011 Woman in Agriculture Award from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. She said that training opportunities like Annie’s Project are still a fairly new concept in the industry.
The number of women farming in West Virginia continues to rise significantly. Singh-Knights points to the fact that from 2002 to 2007, female farm-owners or operators in the state increased 31 percent, which was about three times the national average. That makes Annie’s Project a good bet for West Virginia.
The program will be offered in six locations around the state during the upcoming months. It will also be offered entirely online in the spring. Annie’s Project training is administered by members of the WVU Extension Service Women in Agriculture team. Special topics training will be performed by local experts dealing with site-specific concerns.
Thanks to grant funding, there is no charge for the training, but pre-registration is required and space is limited. To find out the Annie’s Project location nearest you, visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/ag-women.
You may also contact Singh-Knights “dosingh-knights@mail.wvu.edu” at 304.293.7606, WVU Extension Agent Daisy Fryman “daisy.fryman@mail.wvu.edu” at 304.462.7061 (Gilmer County), or 304.354.6332 (Calhoun County).
Annie’ s Project is offered in partnership with the WVU Small Farm Center, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia Farm and Food Coalition, and Farm Credit of the Virginias. Grant funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education.
Weston: Holiday Baking Class - 11.10.12
Gilmer County Senior Center Veterans Program - 11.07.12 - This Wednesday
Gilmer County Senior Center Veterans Program - 11.07.12
Glenville: Zombie Walk Food Drive
Zombie Walk Food Drive was held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in Glenville, WV.
This event was collaboration between the Glenville Mayor’s Office and the Glenville State College Science Fiction and Fantasy Guild.
“We collected over 100 items and they all were donated to the Gilmer County Community Resources, Inc. (CRI) to assist families right here in our community”, said Glenville Mayor Tashua M. Allman-Duval.
The Gilmer County CRI is always accepting donations so if someone forgot to bring something on Wednesday night or you were not able to make it.
Donations can be dropped off to JoAnn Stewart at CRI on Main Street in Glenville (located directly across from the park in the corner building, former State Farm building) or donations can be taken to Glenville City Hall and the Mayor and staff will make sure JoAnn gets it.
GSC Veterans and Military Ball November 03, 2012 – This Saturday
Members of the Glenville State College Student Veterans Association invite all to the Veterans and Military Ball on Saturday, November 03, 2012.
A cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 PM with dinner being served at 7:00 PM in the GSC Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom. The dance floor will open at 8:00 PM with music being provided by the 249th Army Band.
“We welcome veterans and military personnel to attend this event, especially those who have participated in our West Virginia Veterans Legacy Project. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our military and for the community to thank them for their service,“ said GSC Veterans Affairs Coordinator Jennifer Wenner.
Prior to the gala, the premier of the documentary A Tradition of Service: The West Virginia Veterans Legacy Project will be presented in the GSC Harry B. Heflin Administration Building Presidents Auditorium at 5:00 PM This event is free and open to the public and can also be enjoyed by those who are not attending the ball.
Tickets for the Veterans and Military Ball are $20 a person with semi-formal attire required.
More information Wenner at “Jennifer.Wenner@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6056.
Gilmer’s Drug Take-Back a Success
On September 29, 2012 Gilmer County participated in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Take-back Day.
This is an event held twice a year to promote proper disposal of prescription drugs and heighten awareness of safe storage in the home.
Approximately 20 lbs. of prescription drugs were collected at the WV State Police barracks in Glenville, with Sgt. Mark Yost on hand to monitor the event.
The Gilmer County FRN’s substance abuse prevention coalition distributed information on safe storage and disposal of medications, as well information about the dangers of sharing prescription drugs with others.
Nationally, the DEA collected 244 tons of prescription medications at a total of 5,263 collection sites across the country. Drugs dropped at each site during a take-back are then collected by DEA agents and taken away for incineration.
For more information on national take-back days, please visit the DEA’s website at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.
Thank you to Gil-Co Faith and Rite Aid pharmacies, the Gilmer Free Press, and the Glenville Democrat for helping to publicize the event and to everyone who participated to make it a success!
Women in Agriculture Workshop to Discuss Estate Planning - 10.29.12 - Monday
Estate planning is more than having a will and planning for the distribution of assets once death has occurred. Estate planning can involve wills, trusts, power of attorney, living wills, and beneficiary designations.
Often times people look at estate planning as “death planning.” This is not the case, and it should be viewed as a lifetime process to protect one’s assets from basic challenges. In fact estate planning should take place early on in life when you start to accumulate assets, and it should change and develop as your life evolves. Many people that have estate plans, do not realize that they are out-of-date, and should be reviewed and updated often.
WVU Extension of Gilmer and Calhoun Counties is hosting a Women in Agriculture Evening Workshop, Monday, October 29, 2012, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center, on West Virginia Highway 5 between Glenville and Grantsville.
Ron Hatfield, WVU Extension Family Financial Management Specialist, will be discussing estate planning and Daisy Fryman, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, will be giving an overview of the upcoming Annie’s Project that will take place starting in January of 2013.
The goal of this workshop is to help participants become familiar with the concepts of basic estate planning and to determine the initial steps to take for planning estate succession. This workshop is for individuals at all levels of estate planning; whether you have a plan in place or you do not have one at all, you will gain valuable information to help you move forward.
If you wish to attend this workshop, contact the Gilmer County Extension Office, 304.462.7061, or Calhoun County Extension Office, 304.354.6332, and let us know you will be coming. Refreshments are being provided by Gilmer County Farm Bureau.
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
Motivational Youth Speaker Presents Leadership Seminar to West Virginia Association of Student
Motivational Youth Speaker Scott Greenberg conducted a two day leadership workshop for 300 middle school and high school students from the West Virginia Association of Student Councils.
The conference was held on Sunday, October 14 Monday, October 15, 2012 at Jacksons Mill State 4-H Camp in Weston, WV.
The seminar, which marked the 48th state that Greenberg has spoken in, was comprised of messages about service leadership, building community, peak performance and overcoming adversity.
Greenberg, a motivational youth speaker who spent two years on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Student Councils, specializes in leadership training and workshops.
The two day conference he conducted at the 4H Camp in Weston, WV started off with ice breakers and team building games followed by a keynote, leadership workshops and sit down sessions with student council advisors.
Speaking for the Student Councils is something close to home for me, says Motivational Youth Speaker Scott Greenberg, I think it is primarily because many of my high school years were spent involved in student council.
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – October 30, 2012
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – October 30, 2012 - This Tuesday
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – 10.30.12 - Tuesday
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – 10.30.12 - Tuesday
Women in Agriculture Workshop to Discuss Estate Planning - 10.29.12
Estate planning is more than having a will and planning for the distribution of assets once death has occurred. Estate planning can involve wills, trusts, power of attorney, living wills, and beneficiary designations.
Often times people look at estate planning as “death planning.” This is not the case, and it should be viewed as a lifetime process to protect one’s assets from basic challenges. In fact estate planning should take place early on in life when you start to accumulate assets, and it should change and develop as your life evolves. Many people that have estate plans, do not realize that they are out-of-date, and should be reviewed and updated often.
WVU Extension of Gilmer and Calhoun Counties is hosting a Women in Agriculture Evening Workshop, Monday, October 29, 2012, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Calhoun Gilmer Career Center, on West Virginia Highway 5 between Glenville and Grantsville.
Ron Hatfield, WVU Extension Family Financial Management Specialist, will be discussing estate planning and Daisy Fryman, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, will be giving an overview of the upcoming Annie’s Project that will take place starting in January of 2013.
The goal of this workshop is to help participants become familiar with the concepts of basic estate planning and to determine the initial steps to take for planning estate succession. This workshop is for individuals at all levels of estate planning; whether you have a plan in place or you do not have one at all, you will gain valuable information to help you move forward.
If you wish to attend this workshop, contact the Gilmer County Extension Office, 304.462.7061, or Calhoun County Extension Office, 304.354.6332, and let us know you will be coming. Refreshments are being provided by Gilmer County Farm Bureau.
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – Tuesday, 10.30.12
Gilmer Public Library: Ghost Stories with Granny Sue - 10.16.12 - This Tuesday
Gilmer Public Library
presents
Ghost Stories with Granny Sue
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:00 PM
Free program for all ages
EVERYONE WELCOME
Well-known West Virginia storyteller
Susanna Holstein will share Appalachian
tales and ghost stories with us!
Gilmer Public Library
214 Walnut Street
Glenville, WV 26351
304.462.5620
Learn by Doing with 4-H
Across West Virginia, young people involved in 4-H are making a lasting impact. Our 4-H’ers are building robots, helping the environment, exploring math and science, traveling to new places, getting healthy and becoming leaders in their communities and beyond.
And while many parents might be scratching their heads, wondering how one organization can do all this, the answer is simple: 4-H makes learning fun. And as kids learn, they acquire skills and build confidence and become better citizens.
In fact, a recent national study of the 4-H “learn by doing” approach shows 4-H’ers are nearly twice as likely to get better grades in school and twice as likely to plan to go to college.
But for any youth-based organization to thrive, it takes the collective efforts of the children and families in our communities. There are opportunities throughout the year to become involved in Gilmer County 4-H. But, there’s no better time to enroll than October.
October 07 kicks off National 4-H Week, when young people can join the 4-H program in our area. There’s no charge to join and minimal charges for any activities.
When asking some local 4-Her’s and Leaders,“What has 4-H done for you?” here are a few of their answers…
“Well helping out with the kids and parents has made me less shy and more confident with myself. I love working with the kids with whatever we do.”- Jeannette Klapka, Leader.
James “Bub” Donaldson, 4-H Teen Leader President. - “4-H has helped me make new friends and has taught me to open up and interact with a lot of different people. 4-H has been all around good experience for me, and I am looking forward to what the future holds for me in the WV and Gilmer County 4-H Program.”
“I like that 4-H works with the children and the community and teaches the children responsibility, respect leadership and allows them to have fun in doing so!”- Greg Squires, Leader
“I have been in 4H since I was eight years old and have loved it ever since. Before I started 4-H, I didn’t get to do a whole lot with other kids but through 4-H I have made many friends and even had the privilege of being chief of my tribe (the Delawares) at Gilmer County 4H camp this year. It has given me so many opportunities to go places and do things that I would have never thought about had it not been for 4-H. It has let me meet new people and has let me not only have fun but help others. I have got to help at 4-H cloverbud camp and participate in the angel tree project all because of 4-H. I am so thankful for the impact 4-H has had on my life and on the person I am today.”- Hilari Sprouse, 4-Her.
Angie Lamb, Leader.- “4-H has given me the opportunity to be involved in a positive activity with my daughters. It has allowed me to express positive values, leadership skills, activities and community service with youth in my area. My passion is working with youth and teens and 4-H has allowed me to be positively engaged with youth and adults of all ages.”
“4-H means so much to me,” Valeri Sprouse, Teen Leader, Past President. “ 4-H it has taught me many leadership/presenting skills, it gave me the opportunity to see many places and do many exciting things, meet many friends, helped me learn more agricultural sciences, and even has helped with paying for my college (through project animal sales). It is a part of my life that I would never want to live without.”
Adrea Peggs, 4-Her. – “4-H has opened up a wide variety of activities I wouldn’t have been able to have experienced without it. I’ve met soooo many people, 4-H friends are forever.”
4-H is the largest youth development organization in West Virginia, and our nation. Nearly one-in-four West Virginia youth belong to the 4-H program.
Part of the program’s appeal is that it provides a safe and welcoming environment for children from various backgrounds to thrive. That same national study also found that girls in 4-H are more than twice as likely to participate in science, engineering or computer technology programs as their peers.
It isn’t a stretch to say that 4-H changes lives and opens the door for new opportunities.
A new 4-H program year is about to start. For information about 4-H opportunities in Gilmer County, contact Lisa Montgomery, WVU Extension agent, in WVU Extension’s Gilmer County office at 1365 Sycamore Run Road, Glenville, WV 26351 or call 304.462.7061.
WV Fall 2012 Foliage Report: Plenty of Peak Foliage to See This Weekend
West Virginia foresters report drastic color changes in leaves throughout West Virginia and anticipate peak or near peak color for this weekend in many areas, including Clay County, higher elevations of Preston and Pendleton counties, Coopers Rock State Forest, Tygart Lake State Park and Babcock State Park.
Clay County foresters report that most of the county is nearing peak and should be at peak by this weekend or early next week. Although oaks are still green, other species are very colorful. Widen Road from Birch River to Clay on the Elk River is the recommended drive.
Upper elevations of Pendleton County are at peak, and foresters say this weekend is the best for leaf peepers to visit. The recommended driving route is U.S. Highway 33 from Riverton to Franklin. In the county’s lower elevations, foliage is at 70% peak. Take U.S. Highway 220 from Upper Tract through Franklin to Moyers for a colorful scenic drive.
Higher elevations of Preston County are showing an abundance of reds, oranges and yellows and are expected to peak this weekend. U.S. Highway 50 toward Terra Alta and Aurora is the recommended drive. In the county’s lower elevations, foliage is reported to be at 65% peak and foresters say the best is yet to come, so keep these areas in mind for a future fall driving tour.
Coopers Rock State Forest in Monongalia County is always lovely, but this weekend it can’t be beat as a fall foliage destination. While in Monongalia County, be sure to take State Highway 7 to Wadestown for a colorful and pretty drive.
Tygart Lake State Park in Taylor County is at peak and reported to be exceptionally beautiful this year. One recommended route to the lake is U.S. Highway 119. The other recommended route to Tygart Lake is U.S. Highway 50 from Bridgeport in Harrison County, where foresters urge leaf peepers to come out this weekend for the best viewing of the season.
Babcock State Park, one of the most photographed sites in the state, is expected to peak this weekend or early next week. Babcock is known for its picturesque grist mill.
For those with adventurous spirits, consider hiking the Greenbrier River Trail from Cass to Caldwell. Of course, you don’t have to hike the entire trail for excellent viewing opportunities; you can drive to various locations along the trail and hike whatever distance you desire. Color all along the trail is reported to be worth the trip.
A full spectrum of color is reported in Wetzel County, where leaves are reported to be 80% peak. Drives along WV Highway 7 to New Martinsville and along WV Highway 2 along the Ohio River are recommended. Take a trip along WV Highway 88 through the Northern Panhandle counties of Brooke, Marshall and Ohio where foliage is approximately 60% peak this week.
Lower elevations of Tucker County are 90% peak, and some leaves that peaked last week at higher elevations are still holding on, especially along WV Highway 72 to U.S. Highway 219.
In the Eastern Panhandle, WV Highway 9 along the Cacapon River from Berkeley Springs to Paw Paw is a recommended drive again this week, as is a stop at the Panorama Overlook. Be sure to visit the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area in Berkeley County where gum and dogwood trees are displaying vibrant shades of red.
Hardy and Hampshire counties are reported to be 70% peak. Take new WV Highway 55/ Highway 48 from Moorefield to Wardensville and Old WV Highway 55 in Hardy County and U.S. Highway 50 from Romney to Capon Bridge and County Route 8/South Branch River Road in Hampshire. Drive through the renowned Trough area where you might spot bald eagles. Grant County’s WV Highway 42 is recommended from Maysville to Mount Storm. Peak can be seen at the highest elevations of the county.
Smokey Bear has a busy weekend planned with appearances at the Beech Fork State Park 2012 Heron Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2012 and at the Lumberjackin’ Bluegrassin’ Jamboree at Twin Falls State Park October 12 -14, 2012.
Be sure to take U.S. Highway 33 to the Black Walnut Festival in Spencer October 11-14, 2012. Foliage in Roane County is reported to be 75% peak.
U.S. Highway 50 through Wood, Ritchie and Doddridge counties is highly recommended. Foliage in Doddridge County is 90% peak.
Gilmer County Extension Service: What Is Brewing in Your County? – 10.30.12
Glenville: Deb Ratliff’s ZUMBA CLASSES - Wednesday and Thursday
Zumba Classes on Wednesday and Thursdays at Gilmer County Recreation Center from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
Come burn some calories and lets have FUN!!
$5.00 - First Class is FREE
Bring a friend.
More than 3,742 Pounds of Drugs Turned in Saturday
West Virginia sites participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back on Saturday collected a total of 3,742 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription drugs, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Resident Agent in Charge John Ryan.
Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back was the fifth national event of its kind and involved more than 5,100 designated sites nationwide, including 120 in West Virginia, in an effort to fight prescription drug abuse and theft.
West Virginia Master Gardener Program Accepting Applications - Deadline to Register Monday
West Virginia University Extension in Gilmer and Calhoun Counties is now accepting applications for the West Virginia Master Gardener Program.
This program consists of a volunteer training course designed to provide experienced home gardeners with the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.
Classes will be held two times per month on the second and fourth Tuesday, starting in October 2012 and ending in March 2013. There will be no classes the month of December.
In exchange for 30 hours of indoor and outdoor instruction, candidates must agree to donate 30 hours of volunteer service to West Virginia University Extension. Volunteer activities include but are on limited to demonstration and community gardens, public beautification projects, helping with farmers market, community gardening education, plant pest problem solving and many more.
There is a program fee of $85 for individuals and $95 for couples to cover the cost of the training manual and other materials.
Applications are being accepted through October 01, 2012.
For more information, please contact the Gilmer and Calhoun County West Virginia Extension offices: Gilmer County 304.462.7061, Calhoun County 304.354.6332.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 08 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Director, Cooperative Extension Service, West Virginia University.
Today IS Prescription Drug Take Back Across the State
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin today encouraged all West Virginians to collect their unused, unwanted prescription drugs and dispose of them today, Saturday, September 29, 2012, at participating National Drug Take Back Day locations.
“We must all work together—pharmacists, doctors, mothers and fathers—to keep prescription drugs out of the wrong hands. Through take back events, we can each do our part and remove unwanted, unused prescription drugs from the street,” Governor Tomblin said. “Throughout the past year I, and my administration, along with local, county and state leaders, have worked hard rid our hometowns of the drug abuse epidemic. While we’re making progress, we still have work to do. Events such as tomorrow’s National Drug Take Back Day empower us to take a stand and help clean-up our communities while protecting our families.”
Again, Saturday, September 29, 2012, is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s fifth National Drug Take Back Day.
To find a participating prescription drug drop-off location in West Virginia click H E R E.
GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble Performs in Europe
The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble are talking about their recent performance at the 2012 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria.
This was the third consecutive ITEC performance by the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble. The group was also invited to perform at the prestigious conference in 2008 in Cincinnati, Ohio and 2010 in Tucson, Arizona.
“Being invited to the ITEC is a major honor. For our ensemble to be invited to each of the past three conferences speaks volumes about the quality of our student musicians at Glenville State College,“ said Lloyd Bone Jr., GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Fine Arts Department Chair.
The GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble performed in Austria this summer.
(L-R) Brittany Lott, Jonathan Reid, Seth Stemple, Ryan Deems, and Travis Truax.
The GSC ensemble was one of about twenty collegiate ensembles from around the world that were invited to this bi-annual conference, which is the largest conference in the low brass discipline in the world.
The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of undergraduate Music Education majors and undergraduate Bachelor of Music majors.
The ensemble has performed in a wide variety of brass chamber music concerts on the Glenville State College campus and around West Virginia.
In addition to their performances at the ITEC, the group also was invited to the 2007 United States Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Washington, D.C. Bone is in his eighth year conducting the GSC ensemble.
Members of the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble who made the trip to the 2012 ITEC in Linz, Austria are: alumni Ryan Deems of Clarksburg (Harrison County), West Virginia, alumni Travis Truax of Saint Marys (Pleasants County), West Virginia, sophomore Brittany Lott of Petersburg (Grant County), West Virginia, sophomore Seth Stemple of Fairmont (Marion County), freshman Jonathan Reid of Clear Creek (Raleigh County), West Virginia.
The trip encompassed eleven days including travel to and from Austria. The GSC group also toured Vienna and Salzburg, Austria including: Mozart’s family home where he wrote most his masterpieces, his birth place, an historic castle, and Saint Steven’s Cathedral.
GSC junior Brittany Lott (right) with Carol Jantsch,
Principal Tuba of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.
Junior Voice and Music Education major Seth Stemple came to GSC to study voice under GSC Assistant Professor of Music Teresa Dody. The trip to Austria was Stemple’s first time to travel by plane. “This was a once in a lifetime experience for me. I had tears in my eyes when we visited Saint Steven’s Cathedral and got to see a rehearsal of Mozart’s Requiem. Mozart is my favorite composer, and I hope to sing his music professionally,“ said Stemple.
“The conference enhanced my respect for Euphonium and Tuba musicians. I got to meet Sergio Carolina of Portugal who is destined to be a star in the next generation of tuba players. He is really good looking too,“ said Brittany Lott of Petersburg (Grant County), West Virginia. Lott is a junior Music Education major. “I was planning on enrolling at Shepherd University, but my plans changed when I met Professor Bone when he was a guest director of our high school honor band. He made a great impression on me. I am very happy with my decision to become a Pioneer. Glenville State College is where I belong! When I become a music teacher, I will be able to use the experiences that I had on the trip to Austria to teach my students about different cultures. The entire trip was a wonderful opportunity,“ she said.
Tuba player John Reid of Beckley (Raleigh County), West Virginia is a sophomore Music Education major. This was his first travel outside the United States.“ The entire experience was tremendous. The atmosphere was very friendly and comfortable. The highlight of the trip for me was sitting next to Oystein Baadsvik, arguably the best tuba soloist in the world, on the plane ride home. We had a long conversation about tuba performances. I hope we are invited to perform at the next ITEC in 20014,“ said Reid.
In addition to performing at the ITEC June 20-23, the GSC Ensemble was also invited to play at the ‘Austria Festival of Nature’ along the banks of the beautiful Danube River in Linz.
“These GSC students represented our school at an amazingly high level. I received many compliments on how well our students performed and how seriously they approached the entire conference. Their landmark performance of adding vocals to euphonium and tuba pieces was very well received by everyone. I could not be more proud of this group,“ said Bone.
For more information the ITEC or the GSC Fine Arts Department, contact Bone at “Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6341.
West Virginians Urged to Participate in DRUG TAKE BACK DAY - 09.29.12
Senator Jay Rockefeller is encouraging West Virginians across the state to properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs during the fifth National Drug Take Back Day.
On Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and its partners will set up locations throughout the state to provide West Virginians the opportunity to rid their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
“Prescription drug abuse is plaguing West Virginia and the nation. It is tearing apart our families and communities, and we are losing far too many people from prescription drug overdoses,” said Rockefeller. “Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often without their knowledge. For that reason, I urge all West Virginians to take a few minutes to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of any expired or left over medicine at one of the many convenient locations across the state. This Drug Take Back Day is just one part of the solution.”
Background
In the last decade, West Virginia has experienced a tragic increase in deaths and overdoses from prescription drugs. Nine out of 10 of the drug-related deaths in West Virginia are because of the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, especially opioid painkillers. Rockefeller has been working in Congress for several years to raise awareness for the need to fight prescription drug abuse and has acted on the following fronts:
• Designated October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month.
Rockefeller has consistently been an original cosponsor of a Senate resolution designating October as “National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month” to draw attention to and educate the public about problems associated with drug abuse and misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Rockefeller will roll out several additional initiatives to combat prescription drug addiction next month.
• Added four Northern Panhandle counties (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall) to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program in August 2012.
Rockefeller pushed for the Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske to designate these counties as HIDTA counties, which qualifies them for additional federal funding to fight prescription drug abuse and trafficking. He also won an additional $39 million above the budgeted level for HIDTA.
• Invited the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to hold a Continuing Medical Education course for West Virginia health care professionals.
This course, Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain: Balancing Safety and Efficacy, will be held at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine on Friday, September 28, 2012, is open to all prescribers, and offers 6.25 hours of continuing education credits.
• Secured a provision in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bill in July 2012 to improve patient and provider education on drug abuse.
The provision, which was included as part of legislation to fund the FDA, requires a study on the best ways to develop and disseminate provider, pharmacist, and patient education tools on prescription drug abuse.
• Held a Senate hearing on March 22 on “Prescription Drug Abuse: How are Medicare and Medicaid Adapting to the Challenge?”
Rockefeller discussed the role of Medicare and Medicaid in preventing and treating the overprescribing, misuse of, and addiction to prescription drugs.
• Co-led a letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education with five other Senators,
asking the Subcommittee to reinstate funding for the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) program in Fiscal Year 2013.
• Introduced a bill to prevent the unsafe use of prescription drugs and reduce deaths..
The Rockefeller bill would promote both physician and patient education, and create a uniform reporting system for painkiller-related deaths. The bill would also significantly increase federal funding to help states create and maintain prescription drug monitoring programs that will stop “doctor shopping” and drug trafficking across state lines.
• Secured additional federal funds to help prevent prescription drug abuse.
In addition to his support for the HIDTA program, Rockefeller has consistently supported funding for important law enforcement programs, such as Drug Courts, Byrne JAG grants, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, and others. The Recovery Act alone provided $4 billion nationwide and $25 million for West Virginia to hire police officers, fight crime and drug abuse, and provide services for at-risk youth.
• Held a roundtable in 2011 with the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, state and local leaders, health providers, and law enforcement officials in Huntington. Rockefeller discussed how prescription drug abuse affects families and children in West Virginia.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: A Rx for Prevention - 09.29.12 - This Saturday
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Congratulations to Hunter Ashley for getting a 2nd place in the Discus throw. He may be a Freshman, but he can definately out throw a lot of sophmores, Juniors and seniors. Way to go Hunter. Practice always pays off. Proud of you.