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Wishes | Graduation

Wishes, Graduation

WV Senate President Jeff Kessler to Give GSC Commencement Keynote Address - 05.11.13 - Saturday

The Gilmer Free Press

West Virginia Senate President Jeff Kessler (D – Marshall County) is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 139th Glenville State College Commencement.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Jesse R. Lilly, Jr. Gymnasium in GSC’s Physical Education Building.

“We are so honored to have Senator Kessler spend the day with us and speak to our graduates as well as others in attendance.  I appreciate his taking time out of his busy schedule to participate in our 139th commencement ceremony,“ said Glenville State College President Dr. Peter Barr.

Senator Kessler was appointed to the West Virginia State Senate in November 1997 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Senator Larry Wiedebusch. He was then elected to the Senate in 1998 where he served during the 75th Legislature as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Insurance and the Select Committee on Economic Development. Senator Kessler was re-elected in 2000, 2004, and 2008. During the 76th, 77th, 78th and 79th Legislatures, He served as Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.  Senator Kessler was elected Senate President November 14, 2011 following a one-year term as West Virginia’s first and only Acting Senate President.

More than 210 students make up the Glenville State College Class of 2013 after completing their degree requirements in July 2012, December 2012, and May 2013. The graduates come from several counties throughout West Virginia as well as twelve other states (California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) and Canada.

For more information on the 2013 GSC Commencement, visit www.glenville.edu/commencement.php or call 304.462.4115.

WV Senate President Jeff Kessler to Give GSC Commencement Keynote Address - 05.11.13

The Gilmer Free Press

West Virginia Senate President Jeff Kessler (D – Marshall County) is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 139th Glenville State College Commencement.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Jesse R. Lilly, Jr. Gymnasium in GSC’s Physical Education Building.

“We are so honored to have Senator Kessler spend the day with us and speak to our graduates as well as others in attendance.  I appreciate his taking time out of his busy schedule to participate in our 139th commencement ceremony,“ said Glenville State College President Dr. Peter Barr.

Senator Kessler was appointed to the West Virginia State Senate in November 1997 to fill a vacancy created by the death of Senator Larry Wiedebusch. He was then elected to the Senate in 1998 where he served during the 75th Legislature as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Insurance and the Select Committee on Economic Development. Senator Kessler was re-elected in 2000, 2004, and 2008. During the 76th, 77th, 78th and 79th Legislatures, He served as Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.  Senator Kessler was elected Senate President November 14, 2011 following a one-year term as West Virginia’s first and only Acting Senate President.

More than 210 students make up the Glenville State College Class of 2013 after completing their degree requirements in July 2012, December 2012, and May 2013. The graduates come from several counties throughout West Virginia as well as twelve other states (California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) and Canada.

For more information on the 2013 GSC Commencement, visit www.glenville.edu/commencement.php or call 304.462.4115.

Calhoun County Residents Graduate from GSC – December 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

Five Calhoun County residents have completed their requirements for graduation during the 2012 Fall semester and received their degrees from Glenville State College.

•  Dana G. Ferrell of Chloe was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with specializations in Early Education (PreK-K) and Elementary Education (K-6).

•  Mark Eldon Geiger of Grantsville received a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.

•  Daniel James Nary of Millstone earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Management.

•  Jason Lehn Nettles of Chloe received a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.

•  Stephanie Fallon Stacy of Millstone was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice.


A recognition program for the December graduates was held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

These graduates are eligible to participate in the 139th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Lewis County Residents Graduate from GSC - December 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

Ten Lewis County residents have completed their requirements for graduation during the 2012 Fall semester and received their degrees from Glenville State College.

•  Courtney Lynn Clevenger of Weston graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in Music Education (PreK-Adult).

•  Erin Shay Fultineer of Weston was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Physics.

•  Rebecca Lee Johnson of Walkersville received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Computer & Information Systems and Architecture & Security.

•  John Brent Lockwood, III of Weston earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.

•  Donna Lynn Queen of Camden received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice.

•  Christopher Scott Rogers of Weston earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Business.

•  Chad Michael Stout of Weston graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Environmental Science and an Associate in Science Degree in Forest Technology.

•  Justin Charles Sumpter of Weston was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management.

•  Corey Ann Tucker of Weston received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a minor in Non Profit Leadership.

•  Aaron Neil Walker of Weston received a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.


A recognition program for the December graduates was held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

These graduates are eligible to participate in the 139th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Ritchie County Resident Graduates from GSC – December 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

•  Robert Devin Wells of Pennsboro has completed his requirements for graduation during the Fall 2012 semester at Glenville State College. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with concentrations in Health Education (5-Adult) and Physical Education (PreK-Adult).


A recognition program for the December graduates was held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

Wells is eligible to participate in the 139th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Gilmer County Residents Graduate from GSC – December 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

Six Gilmer County residents have completed their requirements for graduation during the 2012 Fall semester and received their degrees from Glenville State College.

•  Linville Filmore Couch of Glenville was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology and a minor in Social Work.

•  Nicholas Evan Dent of Glenville received a Regents Bachelor of Arts Degree.

•  Lora D. Gordon of Glenville earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with specializations in Early Education (PreK-K) and Elementary Education (K-6).

•  Robert Leroy Meyers II of Glenville received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in Music Education (PreK-Adult).

•  Richard Alan Smith of Glenville earned an Associate in Science Degree in Business.

•  Mary Virginia Wellings of Shock was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with specializations in Elementary Education (K-6) and English (5-Adult).


A recognition program for the December graduates was held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

These graduates are eligible to participate in the 139th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Braxton County Residents Graduate from GSC - December 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

Eight Braxton County residents have completed their requirements for graduation during the 2012 Fall semester and received their degrees from Glenville State College.

•  Barbara Blankenship of Gassaway was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with specializations in Elementary Education (K-6) and English (5-Adult).

•  April Dawn Evans of Sutton received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology.

•  Stephany Leann Harper of Little Birch graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and an Associate in Science Degree in Business.

•  Zita Rae Helmick of Exchange earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology.

•  Virginia Elizabeth Riffle of Exchange graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a specialization in Business Education (5-Adult).

•  Jessica Erin Stout of Gassaway graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with specializations in Elementary Education (K-6) and Multi-Categorical Special Education (K-6).

•  Susie Renee Wilson of Flatwoods received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology/Sociology.

•  Gayle Marie Wine of Sutton graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate in Science Degree in Business.


A recognition program for the December graduates was held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

These graduates are eligible to participate in the 139th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2013.

Gilmer County Residents Graduate with Honors from GSC

Thirty-four members of the Glenville State College Class of 2012 are honor graduates and wore gold honor stoles at the GSC Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 05, 2012.

To receive this honor, students must graduate Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3.50 – 3.69, Magna Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3.70 – 3.84, or Summa Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3..85 – 4.00.

The honor graduates received their stoles at a reception hosted by GSC President Dr. Peter Barr and wife Betsy at their home on May 03, 2012.

The following Gilmer County residents were recognized as honor graduates:

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr (L) and GSC Provost Dr. John Peek (R) presents Justin Brown
with their gold honor stoles at the GSC Honor Graduates Reception


Bachelor of Science in Accounting/Management/Marketing degree recipient Justin Brown from Linn, West Virginia;


Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management degree recipient Marilynn Burkowski from Glenville, West Virginia***;


Associate in Arts and Science in Business degree recipient Harold Carter from Glenville, West Virginia ***;

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr (L) and GSC Provost Dr. John Peek (R) presents Brian Griffith
with their gold honor stoles at the GSC Honor Graduates Reception


Bachelor of Science in Accounting/Management degree recipient Brian Griffith from Winfield, West Virginia in Putnam County who now resides in Glenville, West Virginia;

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr (L) and GSC Provost Dr. John Peek (R) presents Mackenzie Langman
with their gold honor stoles at the GSC Honor Graduates Reception


Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education degree recipient Mackenzie Langman from Glenville, West Virginia;

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr (L) and GSC Provost Dr. John Peek (R) presents Rachel Ramezan
with their gold honor stoles at the GSC Honor Graduates Reception


Bachelor of Science in Management/Marketing degree recipient Rachel Ramezan from Sand Fork, West Virginia;

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr (L) and GSC Provost Dr. John Peek (R) presents Lori Rosenburg
with their gold honor stoles at the GSC Honor Graduates Reception


and Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology degree recipient Lori Rosenburg from Troy, West Virginia.


“We are so proud of all of our honor graduates. Betsy and I congratulate them on their academic success during their time at Glenville State College and wish them the best in their future endeavors,“ said Glenville State College President Dr. Peter Barr.


** Marilyn Burkowski and Harold Carter did not attend the event but were also recognized as honor graduates (not pictured).

Calhoun County Resident Receives GSC Faculty Award of Excellence

Glenville State College Assistant Professor of Physical Science Larry Baker is the 2012 recipient of the GSC Faculty Award of Excellence.

Baker received the award at the 138th GSC Commencement Ceremony on May 5th. The 1988 GSC alum has worked at his alma mater for eleven years.

“This award was a total surprise, and I feel others at GSC are more deserving than I of this honor. I was blessed to be a graduate of this institution before moving on to graduate school. My GSC professors prepared me extremely well for success in academics and as a contributor to the community at large. Glenville State College has been my family’s college of choice for generations. I hope my son and others will find our institution as it is advertised: Where You Belong!” said Baker.

The Gilmer Free Press
GSC Assistant Professor of Physical Science Larry Baker receives the
GSC Faculty Award of Excellence from GSC President Dr. Peter Barr
at the 138th GSC Commencement Ceremony on May 05, 2012


Currently at GSC, Baker serves as Faculty Senate Vice President, science honorary Chi Beta Phi Co-Advisor, GSC Student Government Association Advisor, Higher Learning Commission Criterion Four Committee Member, and Promotion and Tenure Committee Chair.

In his community, he is a member of the Lion’s Club and The Gideons International, Troop 39 Assistant Scoutmaster, Calhoun County High School Cross Country and Track Assistant Coach, and Local School Improvement Council Board Member. Baker is a former Minnie Hamilton Board of Directors member and Calhoun Middle School Assistant Basketball Coach.

Baker, a graduate of Parkersburg South High School, received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics and General Science Education 5-12 from Glenville State College in 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics 9-12, Master of Science in Physical Science/Physics, and Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. He resides in Russett, West Virginia (Calhoun County) with his wife Vickie, a 1990 alum of GSC, and their son William, a ninth grade student at Calhoun County High School. His father, Edward R. Baker is a 1959 GSC alum.

GCHS Graduation 2012

The Gilmer Free Press

Sixty-two Seniors graduated from Gilmer County High School on Friday, May 25, 2012.

The ceremony was held in the Damon West Gymnasium where family, friends and members of the community joined in the celebration.

A reception was held in the commons area following the graduation ceremony.

Gilmer County High School
Class of 2012 Graduates

Emilio Aviles
Beaulah Bailey
Jesse Bell (Nathan)
Tanya Buckhannon
Chelsie Buckner
Hannah Burke
Ralph Calhoun
The Gilmer Free Press
William Coleman
Brian Collins
Katelyn Collins
Wesley Conrad
Elisabeth Coombs
Devon Dennis
Lucas DeMarino
Derick Ellison
Allison Fisher
David Frymier
The Gilmer Free Press
Samantha Gregory
Landon Gumm
Myretta Hardman
Tory Harkleroad
Kayla Huffman
Bradly Johnson
Seth Johnson
Breeanna Kazee
Heather Keilman
The Gilmer Free Press
Chelsea Knicely
Amanda Lamb
Maggie Lilly
Kati Losh
Michael McCord
Desirae Miller
Dylan Montgomery
Laken Moore
Jordan Morris
Erica Nicholas
Cassondra Pettit
Sydney Pettit
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Brittney Powell
Clarissa Price
Jessica Raulston
Joni Raulston
Kayla Richards
Devin Riffle
Nicholas Roberts
Lindsey Robinson
Kaitlyn See
Harvey Shackleford
Gary Simmons
Hannah Simmons
The Gilmer Free Press
Travis Small
Jessi Smith
James Smith, Jr.
Olivia Somerville
Jerry Stalnaker, Jr.
Gregory Steele (Tyler)
Amelia Stump
Bradley Summers
Brandon Summers
Tray Webb
Joseph White
Brianna Yost

The Gilmer Free Press

Alderson-Broaddus College Awards Doctorate of Public Service to McKinley

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Congressman David B. McKinley (R-WV) was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Public Service at Saturday’s Commencement exercises at Alderson-Broaddus College in Phillipi, West Virginia.

“It was truly an honor for me to receive this honorary doctorate from an institution that has been educating West Virginia’s finest for the past 140 years,” said Congressman McKinley.  “Alderson-Broaddus has been providing a quality education for students seeking various fields in liberal arts while focusing on their spiritual well-being, at the same time.”

Alderson-Broaddus College overlooks the picturesque Tygart River Valley in Philippi, West Virginia.

Alderson-Broaddus College is a health-related and professional educational institution.

Alderson-Broaddus College is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA, and the West Virginia Baptist Convention.

The annual commencement exercises took place, Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 PM in Rex Pyles Arena in the Memorial Coliseum.

James C. Justice, II, the C.E.O. and owner of The Greenbrier Resort, delivered the keynote speech, “Lead with Passion,” to 101 graduates.

WV Governor: Honoring Our Mothers

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This Sunday, we honor a woman who answers to many names. You may know her as Mother, Mama, Mommy, or simply, Mom. No matter her title, the responsibility she takes on and the gift she gives so willingly are often incomprehensible to us as children. It is often when we reach adulthood or we, ourselves, become parents, that we truly understand what our own mother has given us.

As an adult, Anna Jarvis of Grafton, West Virginia realized just how important her mother was to her and her entire family. In 1905, after the death of her dear mother, the Tucker County native began a crusade to honor her mother’s wish to establish a day to celebrate all mothers. Jarvis first brought the idea to St. Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, where her mother had taught Sunday school classes for twenty years. In 1908, the church held its first official Mother’s Day service. West Virginia became the first state to recognize Mother’s Day as an official holiday in 1912 and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday, transforming Anna’s dream into a reality.

The holiday quickly grew in popularity across the globe, and the tradition continues today with the annual celebration of Mother’s Day each May. The church where it all began, St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, now serves as a National Historic Landmark and is known as the International Mother’s Day Shrine.

Whether you live near or far from the woman who raised and cared for you and who loves you unconditionally, take a few moments to offer your appreciation. I encourage all West Virginians to fulfill Anna Jarvis’ dream and celebrate the mothers in your lives This year, show your gratitude for your mother with a simple “thank you,” a hug, or perhaps a gift from the heart.

Mothers give of themselves as they shape babies into children and children into adults. This commitment is lifelong—characterized by many ups and downs, twists and turns. We take each with our mothers holding our hand, giving advice, and watching us persevere—just as she taught us. I am grateful for the mothers in my life and thank them for all they’ve done and what they continue to do for my family.

From my family to yours, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

200 Graduate from Glenville State College on May 05, 2012

Approximately 200 students have officially graduated from Glenville State College in a ceremony that took place on Saturday, May 05, 2012.

GSC’s ‘Class of 2012’ includes nearly 200 graduates from throughout West Virginia and ten other states (Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia) as well as Washington, D.C.  Most of the graduates completed their degree requirements this semester, while some of the students completed their courses in July or December of last year.  Fourteen members of the Glenville State College ‘Class of 1962’ were also invited to participate in the ceremony and be recognized as 50-year graduates.

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U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) gives the keynote address at
the 138th Glenville State College Commencement on Saturday, May 05, 2012


U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) gave the commencement keynote address telling the students, “Today is your day.  You have the rest of your life ahead of you.”  GSC President Dr. Peter Barr then presented Honorary Doctorate Degrees to both U.S. Senator Manchin and West Virginia Senator Doug Facemire (D-Braxton).

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(L-R) West Virginia Senator Doug Facemire (D-Braxton), Glenville State College
Board of Governors Chair Sue Morris, and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) pose for
a photo before entering the Jesse R. Lilly, Jr. Gymnasium
for the 138th Glenville State College Commencement Ceremony


Dr. Barr also handed out three annual awards to a faculty member, an employee, and a student.  GSC Associate Professor of Science Larry Baker of Grantsville received the Faculty Award of Excellence.  GSC Graphic Designer and Public Relations Department employee Dustin Crutchfield, who is a native of Burnsville but now resides in Glenville, received the Classified Employee of the Year Award.  GSC 2012 graduate Marlon Henry of Montrose earned the Student Leadership Award before receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management.

The May 5th event was Glenville State College’s 138th commencement ceremony.

Glenville State College Commencement 2012

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Glenville State College Commencement 2012

May 05, 2012
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Physical Education Building
Jesse R. Lilly, Jr. Gymnasium

Best Wishes to Gilmer County Magistrate Carol Wolfe

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We would like to wish Magistrate Carol Wolfe a speedy recovery following her accident this week.

While campaigning, she fell down some steps and injured both her wrists.

Dr. Snead of Weston treated Magistrate Wolfe and put a cast on her right wrist which was definitely broken.

If the wrist heals properly Magistrate Wolfe will wear a cast for a month, if not, she will have surgery next Wednesday.

Hands of Pride Education Center in Glenville: Goodbye to 2010!

Hands of Pride Education Center in Glenville, WV

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The center started off the year with a balloon release of 2010,
letting the old year go “into the sky”.


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The center has many activities throughout the year.


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The message in the balloon:

If you find this balloon of mine - Please let me know where the journey has ended.


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My friends and I have said goodbye to 2010!


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Our wish for you with this balloon of mine is for you to have a

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Thanksgiving Day 2010

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On Thanksgiving Day we’re thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.

For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.

We’re grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.

The list of all we’re grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!

Thanksgiving Greetings From Senator Rockefeller

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There are so many reasons I am proud to be a West Virginian, and why I am thankful every day to represent our state in the United States Senate.  During this Thanksgiving week, I give special thanks for our sense of community and commitment to one another – for West Virginia’s hard workers, giving neighbors, and honest, good-hearted people.

West Virginians are some of the strongest, most resourceful individuals in the nation, and our greatest work is done when we come together to help each other in times of trouble or share in times of joy.

West Virginians work long hours – in the small businesses and mom-and-pop stores serving our communities, in the Veterans clinics and medical centers caring for our vets, in our mines – keeping the lights on in America, and in our classrooms training our state’s next generation.  I am so thankful for every one of our workers and all that they do – as social workers and caregivers, first responders, engineers and community leaders. Their spirit, optimism, and unending hard work keep our state strong.

We know that it is especially hard to celebrate holidays in a tough economy. We must keep working to get the economy moving in a way that creates jobs, restores home values, and protects retirement.  For those out of work or underpaid this holiday season – it is frustrating and hard – but we also know that West Virginians help each other through tough times.  I am thankful for everyone who has contributed time or other resources toward making sure that each of our neighbors has a meal on the table.  Holidays – in good times and bad – renew our spirits and remind us of the importance of family and community and faith.

As we join hands in prayer with friends and family and sit at the dinner table during this special time of thanks, it is my wish that not just during this holiday, but every day, we can work together to reach the greater good. I know that our resilience and constant efforts will help to create a brighter future for West Virginia and our nation.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.  May God bless you and your loved ones, our great state and the United States of America.

THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING

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Each year as Gayle and I join our family around the Thanksgiving table, we hold hands, say grace and reflect on our many blessings. We realize that not all families have the opportunity to be together, to be in good health, to have the support and resources that enrich our lives, and we pause to add a special prayer for all those who need to feel a sense of new hope.  During dinner, our seven grandchildren, from ages 18 years to 10 months, share their adventures and their activities. Through their eyes, we share in their youth and vitality.

As West Virginians, we know that people across this beautiful state are enjoying the grandeur of our landscape, the bounty of the woods and time with loved ones this Thanksgiving.

Our state has not had an easy year – we lost one of our most beloved heroes, Sen. Robert C. Byrd; we weathered turbulent economic times; and, we witnessed the tragic accident at Upper Big Branch mine. However, in our darkest hour West Virginians again emerged stronger than ever. During the grieving hours at Upper Big Branch, people across our state delivered support and gave those in despair hope.  We witnessed and felt the outpouring of love at Sen. Robert C. Byrd’s Memorial Service, where dignitaries from across the country and from all walks of life came to West Virginia to pay their respects. In addition, as a state we worked hard together to balance our budget, to encourage and invest in small businesses and to bring people together to hold our economy strong.  All of this makes us individually stronger and our little state a leader and a model for our country.

Gayle and I feel most honored to have had the opportunity to serve the wonderful people of this state as governor and first lady.  Now, I am truly grateful to the people of West Virginia for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve as your U.S. Senator. I know that my six years as governor has prepared me well for these new challenges that we will face. We have our work cut out for us – we need to find a way to come together and work with Republicans and Democrats alike to improve West Virginia and our country. I assure you that at each and every milestone, I will meet these issues with the same determination, forthrightness, and commitment that I did as your governor. I will never stop fighting for West Virginia – you have my word.

On behalf of both Gayle and me, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. God Bless America, and God Bless this great state of West Virginia.

Troy Elementary School: Good Luck in Math Field Day

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Troy Elementary School
wishes the best of luck to our
Math Field Day Contestants

3rd Grade
Lonnie Helmick
Destinee Lilly
Matthew Hulse
Alt. - Jared Frederick

4th Grade
Logan Pritt
Tiffany Cole
Autumn Frymier
Alt. - Ryley Fox
Taylore Whitehair

5th Grade
Bayley Wellings
Sada Wright
Allex Richison
Alt. - Allie Garrett
RuthAnn Cain

6th Grade
Emily Broome
Carly Sommerville
Cassidy Fox
Alt. - Mason Helmick
Caleb Gibson

Congratulations Adam Minigh Family‏

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Just wanted to say congratulations to Adam Minigh and family on the coming of a new baby!

We are hoping both Mom and baby are healthy and happy.

~~  Norma H.  ~~

National Grandparents Day 2010

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To ALL Grandparents: Thank You
Have a Great Day
Love and Blessings to All of You
The Gilmer Free Press


In celebration of Grandparents’ Day, families worldwide will be giving their elder members a special treat on Sunday.

The Day provides an excellent opportunity to show our elder members how much they are valued and loved.

A genuine repository of wisdom, instillers of time-tested values – these are some of the endearing ways in which they are generally regarded in our society.

Grandparents’ Day was initially a United States (US) holiday that was observed in the month of September to symbolize the “autumn years of life.”

It was initiated by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade of West Virginia in the US in her desire to spread cheer to the elderly in nursing homes and to encourage grandchildren to draw from the wisdom and experience of their grandparents.

The first Grandparents’ Day was celebrated in 1973.

Civic, business, church, and political leaders expressed their support of the event.

In 1978, the US Congress legitimized the celebration by declaring the first Sunday of September after the US Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day.

The legislation was signed by then US President Jimmy E. Carter. Later, it was adapted by many countries around the world.

The annual celebration of Grandparents’ Day provides an excellent opportunity for the younger members of the family to think of creative ways to surprise their elder members.

Gilmer County Senior Center: Huge Flea Market - This Week

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Father’s Day 2010

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We may not shower him with praise
Nor mention his name in song,
And sometimes it seems that we forget
The joy he spreads as he goes along,
But it doesn’t mean that we don’t know
The wonderful role that he has had.
And away down deep in every heart
There’s a place that is just for Dad…..

Happy Fathers’ Day to All Dads

Message from Gilmer County Sheriff Mickey Metz

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I would like to thank all of you that have been sending me flowers, cards, and most of all keeping me in your prayers!

I have had hundreds of calls, letters, and E-mails regarding your sincere concerns.

For that, I am very thankful! I had 6 blockages in my heart and had to have a 4-way bypass done on the 10th. Thankfully, we caught this before I had a heart attack!

I am recovering nicely at my home and I look forward to getting back to what I love doing; serving you, the people of Gilmer County.

I fully believe in my heart that there is not a more loving county than Gilmer, or a better place to live.
                                                     
                                                                                                      Sincerely Your Sheriff,
                                                                                                      Mickey E. Metz

Best Wishes: Gilmer County Sheriff Mickey Metz

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Best wishes go out to Sheriff Mickey Metz who was reportedly hospitalized at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.

He appears to be doing well after by-pass surgery.

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