January/February 2016
A Guide to Clarksburg, Fairmont, Morgantown, and the Surrounding Area
In This Issue Last to First Together Restoring the Robinson Grand Theater Gardner Winter Music Festival Visit our website!
threecitieswv.com 1
The Region’s First and Only Coal Fired Pizzeria Trattoria and Wine Bar Locally Owned and Operated
We cater!
Gift Cards available
COaL OvEn aRTIsan PIzza • anTIPasTI • saLads • PanInI
I-79 at Exit 124 304.808.6400 miamargherita.com
Contents 16
Contents
2 From the Publisher
Features
6 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrated Event explores his influence around the world 7 Gardner Winter Music Festival Celebrates 38th Year Join us February 26 and 27
24 Couples Hustle Dance Class Sponsored by BOPARC Free Workshop precedes start of classes 25 Calendar of Events 13
13 Restoring Clarksburg’s Robinson Grand Theater
Three Cities is published by DKWV Publications PO Box 824 Clarksburg, WV 26302 Publisher Donna Kirk 304.680.2238 dkwvpublications@frontier.com ©2016 DKWV Publications Layout and design Steven Joswick Submissions for Calendar of Events welcome
16 Last to First Together Initiative Empowers West Virginians Harrison County is first to implement the grassroots effort
Advertiser Directory
19 WinterFest Scheduled for February 6
6 See & Do Points of interest and activities
19 Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation’s Annual Meeting Open to Public
8 Accommodations Hotels, bed & breakfasts and more
23 MAC Hosts Tracing Faces Exhibit & Reception
8 Shopping Unique local shops and galleries
23 Renovated Ramada Conference Center A full-service hotel with vast amenities
12 Services Professional services to meet all your needs
3 Dining & Entertainment Dining, nightlife and entertainment for all ages
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From the Publisher
From the Publisher Welcome to the January-February 2016 issue of Three Cities, as we celebrate the new year and all the winter festivities planned for North Central West Virginia. Winter festivals, both indoors and outdoors, beckon you! Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the Gardner Winter Music Festival in Morgantown, and the Winter Jazz Festival in Bridgeport. Visit the Tracing Faces exhibit at the MAC, learn how to dance the Hustle, and join in on the family fun at Winterfest at Cooper’s Rock. As always, there are many events listed in the Calendar of Events toward the back of this publication. This issue features an overview of a new, important initiative happening in West Virginia, and launching in Harrison County. Last to First Together promotes the health and wellness of our citizens using evidencebased best practices. We want West Virginia to move from last to first on measures of health and well-being! Be sure to visit our website, threecitieswv. com, for links to sponsors’ websites and to view previous issues of Three Cities, and “like” us on Facebook. Cheers! Donna Kirk Publisher
Advertiser Directory The Three Cities Advertising Directory is organized by Dining, See & Do, Accommodations, Shopping, and Services. Establishments are listed alphabetically by location: Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont, Morgantown and surrounding areas. If your business or service area is interested in being included, please contact us at dkwvpublications@frontier.com. 2
Advertiser Directory / Dining & Entertainment
Dining & Entertainment Bridgeport area Mia Margherita miamargherita.com / 139 Conference Center Way, Suite 137 / Charles Point Commons, Bridgeport / 304.808.6400 Known for our house specialty Neopolitan Style pizzas baked in a unique coal fired pizza oven. We also feature a menu built off of the comfort foods our local Italian population grew up on, from and familiar to the San Giovanni Calabrian Region of Italy. Authentic Italian sandwiches, simple healthful salads, Italian casseroles, and traditional soups and stews. We use fresh foods and products grown and produced locally through our local growers and local farmers market. Mon–Thurs 11 am–10 pm / Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm / Sun 11 am–9 pm Oliverio’s Ristorante oliveriosristorante.com / Rts 73 and 50, Bridgeport / 304.842.7388 Since 1965, the Oliverio family has had a reputation for wonderful Italian food. They welcome you for pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steak dishes in an atmosphere that is a lovely contrast of new and old world. Dinners from $10.95, children’s prices. All legal beverages. Mon–Fri 11–10 / Sat 4–10 / Sun 4–9. Provence Market Café and Marketplace provencemarketcafe.com / 603 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport / 304.848.0911 Since 2002, nationally recognized Provence Market’s menu features South of France inspired flavors. Try our Duckling Michel, Champagne Scallops, or have your Filet Crowned with Crab and Wine Butter Sauce. We also offer locally sourced specials and nightly specials. Visit our website to view our full Lunch and Dinner menus. Chef Hart selected to the inaugural edition Best Chefs of America. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Adjacent Wine Shop. Like us on Facebook to receive our current events and activities. Tues–Thur 11–9 / Fri–Sat 11–10. Available for private parties Sundays and Mondays. Wonder Bar Steakhouse wonderbarsteakhouse.com / Bridgeport Hill, Wonder Bar Road, Bridgeport / 304.622.1451 “Top of the Town.” Its atmosphere of distinction makes it one of the state’s finest restaurants, specializing in hand-cut steaks, South African Rock Lobster, and other seafood dishes. Mon–Sat open at 5 pm. Closed Sundays. Reservations suggested.
Clarksburg area Minard’s 813 Pike Street, Clarksburg / 304.623.1711 Well-known family restaurant whose old-world
ambiance is the ideal setting for family recipe Italian food. Excellent steaks, chicken, and seafood are also offered. Once the Minard family home, there are six dining rooms, each tastefully decorated. Couples will love the romantic wine garden which seats just 12. Family-style dinners (for four or more) and children’s prices. All legal beverages. Sun–Thurs 11–10 / Fri–Sat 11 am–11 pm.
Fairmont area Colasessano’s colasessanospizza.com / 141 Middletown Circle, Fairmont / 304.363.0571 Established in 1950 by Filippo & Filomena Colasessano. Famous signature pizza and pepperoni rolls, as well as appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. Colasessano’s has been in business for more than fifty years. We are a dine-in and carryout pizza restaurant. Mon–Thurs 10 am–9 pm / Fri–Sat 10 am–10 pm Heston Farm Winery hestonfarm.com / 1602 Tulip Lane, Pleasant Valley Road Exit off I-79, Fairmont / 304.366.WINE Taste our large selection of traditional wines, whiskeys, and moon shine. Enjoy farm-fresh food in our unique indoor and outdoor dining areas, decorated with vintage farm equipment, rustic tools, and antiques. Mon–Sat 11–9 / closed Sun. Muriale’s Restaurant murialesrestaurant.com / 1742 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont / 304.363.3190 An award-winning restaurant serving the best in Italian cuisine and excellent steaks, seafood, and salads. Great service, a lovely atmosphere and an unbeatable children’s menu make this a best bet for family dining. A good selection of wines. Six dining rooms seat a total of 250. Banquet rooms accommodate up to 200. Deck dining. Open seven days at 11 am. Poky Dot thepokydot.com / 1111 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont /304.366.3271 Since 1950, the Poky Dot has meant great food and fun. It’s still true today! You’ll love to dine in this unique atmosphere. Breakfast is served all day; desserts are legendary. Come enjoy our wonderful décor: ‘fifties’ memorabilia, a wall of murals, and a working juke box! Open seven days.
Morgantown area Oliverio’s Ristorante oliveriosristorante.com / 52 Clay Street, Morgantown / 304.296.2565 Since 1965, the Oliverio family has had a reputation for wonderful Italian food. They welcome you for pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steak dishes in an (continued pg. 6)
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Breakfast • Gelato • Panini • Espresso Bar • WiFi • Catering Located in Suncrest next to Kegler’s, a café offering a cozy atmosphere for studying, meetings or a getaway from the daily grind at the office. Homemade soups and gelato, made-to-order paninis for breakfast, lunch or dinner. A full espresso bar to jumpstart your day the Tutto way. 755 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suburban Plaza, Suncrest • (304) 291-2444
See our full menu at www.tutto-gelato.com
Open Monday–Saturday 7am–9pm • Sunday 9am–9pm
WORLD FAMOUS PIZZA & PEPPERONI BUNS EST. 1950
Visit us at our new location behind the Middletown Mall! 141 Middletown Circle Fairmont, WV 26554 304-363-0571 www.colasessanospizza.com
Monday–Thursday 10 am–9 pm Friday–Saturday 10 am–10 pm
Feature / Martin Luther King, Jr., Around the World
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrated Event explores his influence around the world The program will feature music by the Flying Colors, Morgantown Children’s Choir, the Shack Neighborhood House After-School Program, and the Cheat Lake Elementary School Choir. There will be presentations on Dr. King’s influence around the world, and Jeremy Thomas will give part of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Art students from St. Francis Central Catholic School and Cheat Lake Elementary School provide posters to publicize the event. This program is free and open to the public, but those attending are asked to bring baby products, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies to support the work of The Shack Neighborhood House.
Did you know that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., travelled to many countries, For more information including Ghana, Nigeria, and India, and on the Community is remembered around the world on stamps, Coalition for Social in a comic book, and through statues? The Justice and this Community Coalition for Social Justice will program, please explore Dr. King’s global influence during go to ccsjwv.org its Tenth Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., or email ccsjwv@ Day Celebration on Monday, January 18, hotmail.com. 2016, at 2 pm at the Metropolitan Theatre, 373 High Street, Morgantown. Main Street Morgantown co-sponsors this familyfriendly event, while the City of Morgantown provides financial support.
atmosphere that is a lovely contrast of new and old world. Dinners from $10.95, children’s prices. All legal beverages. Mon–Fri 11–10 / Sat 12–10 / Sun 4–9 Tutto Gelato Café tutto-gelato.com / 755 Chestnut Ridge Road, Suburban Plaza, Morgantown / 304.291.2444 For the busy day, bustling morning, restful afternoon, late night snack, mid-day meal, lazy weekend, date night, family outing, rushed lunch, business coffee, sweet tooth, healthy choice, pick-me-up… For the Italian in you… Tutto Gelato Café. In addition to our gelato, our menu includes breakfast, pastries, paninis, soups, salads, pizza cones, all fresh 6
every day. We also offer catering. Mon–Sat 7 am–9 pm / Sun 9 am–9 pm
See & Do Bridgeport area Bridgeport Convention and Visitors Bureau greater-bridgeport.com / 164 W Main St., Bridgeport / 304.842.7272 / Bridgeport offers a little bit of something for everyone. From convenience and easy access to local flavor and off the beaten path. (continued pg. 8)
Feature / Gardner Winter Music Festival
Gardner Winter Music Festival Celebrates 38th Year Join us February 26 and 27 Shake off those winter blues and come to play or just listen at South Middle School in Morgantown, West Virginia. This festival showcases traditional Appalachian music with continuous on-stage performances, workshops, informal jam sessions, and socializing. GWMF gives traditional Appalachian music lovers a place to play, listen, dance, and learn in the cold dark of winter. The workshops are a wonderful opportunity to try an instrument. Everyone is welcome and musicians get in free with their instruments! Please join us Friday evening 6 pm to 11 pm and all day Saturday 9 am to 11 pm, February 26 and 27, 2016. Don’t miss the Square Dance in the cafeteria from 8 to 10 pm.
Worley Gardner started this festival in 1978 and his late wife Margaret continued it after his passing. A group of traditionalmusic-loving volunteers keeps it going today. Festival sponsors include PattyFest, Inc. and South Middle School. For more information, visit gwmf.org.
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Advertiser Directory / See & Do
Clarksburg area Clarksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau clarksburgvisitorswv.com / 321 W. Main St., Suite 2, Clarksburg / 304.622.2157 Find out more about historic Clarksburg and what it has to offer!
Fairmont area Main Street Fairmont mainstreetfairmont.org / Downtown Fairmont is a historic community located along the banks of the Monongahela River. With a history tied to the commercial production of coal, our culture is steeped in tradition. Our organization is working to continue to make downtown Fairmont an even better place with more opportunities for economic development and fun activities. Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau marioncvb.com / 1000 Cole Street, Suite A, Pleasant Valley / 304.368.1123 Check out our new website to find out what’s happening in Marion County!
Morgantown area Main Street Morgantown downtownmorgantown.com / 201 High St., Suite 2, Morgantown / 304.292.0168 Morgantown is home to over 26,000 people. With one of the strongest economies for small metro areas (CNN Money) Morgantown has much to offer. From outdoors activities, to a state of the art research institution, to a historic downtown rife with history, we’ve got it all. Nestled in the hills of northern West Virginia, Morgantown is a hop skip and a jump away from the Pittsburgh and Washington D.C. metro areas but is just far enough away to provide a relaxing and scenic ambience. Morgantown Art Association Gallery morgantownartassociation.com / Mountaineer Mall, Morgantown / 304.291.5900 We bring together all those individuals interested in the creative arts! Visit the studio to view monthly displays, participate in scheduled watercolor and oil painting classes. Tues–Fri 10 am–4 pm. Morgantown Convention and Visitors Bureau tourmorgantown.com / 341 Chaplin Road, First Floor, Morgantown / 304.292.5081 Active calendar of events on our website! Morgantown History Museum morgantownhistorymuseum.org / 175 Kirk Street, Morgantown / 304.319.1800 The Morgantown History Museum is a nonprofit institution and the first city-sponsored museum in the 8
Greater Morgantown area. Its mission is to preserve and promote local and regional history and to make it accessible to the citizens of Morgantown and visitors to the region. Tues–Sat 10 am–5 pm.
Accommodations Morgantown area Ramada Conference Center www.ramada.com / 20 Scott Avenue, Morgantown / 304.296.3431 Full-service hotel and conference center featuring 149 rooms, including suites, extended stay, and jacuzzi rooms. Offering the area’s finest hospitality in a very relaxing atmosphere. Meeting and banquet facilities accommodating up to 500 people. Search www.ramada.com Waterfront Place Hotel wphotel.com / 2 Waterfront Place and University Blvd., Morgantown / 304.296.1700 Beautiful, full-service hotel near everything— WVU, PRT, downtown, businesses and hospitals. Concierge level, two restaurants, three bars, spa, fitness center, wifi, covered parking, and meeting and banquet facilities for up to 1,500 people.
Fairmont area The Inn at Pettyjohn innpettyjohn.com / 1117 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont / 304.363.0100 48 completely renovated guest rooms, lounge, outdoor heated pool and spa, whirlpool and fireplace suites available; all rooms feature refrigerators, microwave, and 32” flat screen TVs.
Clarksburg area Hilton-Garden Inn Clarksburg clarksburg.stayhgi.com / 606 Emily Drive / 304.326.9200 112 rooms, featuring the latest in technology and ergonomic comfort. Each guest room features a spacious work desk and a hospitality center with microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. Business center complimentary and accessible 24 hours a day. Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Shopping Bridgeport area Artworks artworkswv.com / 601 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport / 304.842.7626 Owned and operated by artist Lotus A. MacDowell, Artworks specializes in custom framing and has an outstanding selection of art and unique gifts. Here you will find a large selection of MacDowell’s (continued pg. 12)
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At the Waterfront Place Hotel, every guest will experience the best in hospitality. During your stay, we welcome you to enjoy all the Waterfront offers including: The Spa at the Waterfront Waterfront Fitness Center
Regatta Bar & Grille Refinished Indoor Pool
Begin your encounter today by calling . . and mention “Three Cities” for the best available rate!
Two Waterfront Place Morgantown, WV www.WaterfrontPlaceHotel.com
Over 30 Local Artisans Great Handmade Gifts for the Entire Family Weekly Classes Led by Experts
27 East Main Street Buckhannon, WV Monday–Saturday 10:00 am–6:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm–6:00 pm
Contact Us (304) 460-2505 | mainstreetgalleryinwv@gmail.com Sign up and register for classes online at www.artistryonmain.com Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ Artistry-on-main-1420411154838359
Advertiser Directory / Shopping
original artwork and limited edition prints, as well as the work of a number of West Virginia and other nationally known artists.
Morgantown area Morgantown Art Association morgantownartassociation.com / Mountaineer Mall, Greenbag Road, Morgantown / 304.291.5900 Local and regional artists are showcased in exhibits of their work, many of which are for sale. Art includes oil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels, block prints, photographs, jewelry, and reproductions. Staffed by member artists. Come visit and talk ART. Classes and workshops offered during the day and evening. Tues–Fri 10 am–4 pm or by appointment. The Shoppes at Seneca Center senecacenter.com / 709 Beechurst Avenue, Morgantown / 304.692.7500 The former Seneca Glass Factory is a Morgantown landmark, restored and on the National Register of Historic Places. Today it houses a variety of shops offering gifts, women’s fashions, bath and body products, antiques and collectibles, and more. Services include Real Estate. Mon–Sat.
Sutton WV Everything Fiesta everythingfiesta.com / Flatwoods Factory Stores, I-79 Exit 67, Flatwoods, WV / 304.765.5383 Large variety of world-famous Fiesta, beautifully displayed. First-quality Fiesta and accessories and a large selection of second-quality Fiesta at discounted prices. Mon–Thur 10–6 / Fri–Sat 10–8 / Sun 12–6
Buckhannon WV Artistry on Main artistryonmain.com / 27 East Main Street, Buckhannon, WV / 304.460.2505 Over 30 local artisans. Great handmade gifts for the entire family. Weekly classes lead by experts. Mon–Sat 10–6 / Sun noon–6
Services Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Morgantown areas MVB Most Valuable Bank mvbbanking.com / Numerous locations and growing. Check out our website for the bank nearest you! We are a vibrant community bank founded on the principles of honesty, respect and accountability. MVB takes great pride in providing sound solutions for all your financial needs, from high interest checking, to home loans, business loans, and beyond. Our 12
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Collecting and preserving the history of Morgantown and the surrounding area 175 Kirk Street Morgantown, WV
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm
(304) 319-1800 morgantownhistorymuseum.org
Feature / Restoring Clarksburg’s Robinson Grand Theater
Rendering of proposed theater courtesy of WYK Associates, Inc
Restoring Clarksburg’s Robinson Grand Theater A vital component of Clarksburg’s plan for revitalizing its central business district is the restoration of its West Pike Street landmark theater as a regional cultural center. Clarksburg’s Art Deco-style vintage theater opened on February 5, 1913 as the Robinson Grand Theater. It was privately held and named the Rose Garden before the city of Clarksburg paid $430,000 for it last year. During a recent public hearing at Clarksburg City Hall, city and USDA officials revealed the city is applying for a $7.5 million loan with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If approved, the loan is to be repaid over 35 years at 3.25 percent interest. Officials are confident that through various cultural events, their investment will be a stimulus for the downtown Clarksburg area. Clarksburg is also pursuing a capital campaign, and has retained Progressity to assist with the campaign. The City has also partnered with
the Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation and the Barbara B. Highland Trust to ensure the theater’s success. The renovated Robinson Grand’s theater will seat 850-900, providing accommodations required for popular attractions such as symphony orchestra concerts. Additionally, the ballroom/multipurpose room will seat approximately 125 and will accommodate a wide range of events including meetings and weddings. The Robinson Grand will be a regional hub for local, regional, and national performances featuring concerts, movies, plays, recitals, and traveling art exhibits. Architectural consultants WYK Associates is contracted to design the restoration, ensuring the necessary improvements while retaining the historical integrity of the theater. In addition to the ballroom/multipurpose room, planned improvements include a basement for dressing rooms, a stage with an orchestra pit, concession stands, a catering kitchen, a digital projection booth, and handicapped-accessible restrooms. The project is tentatively set to go out to bid in February and should take 12 to 15 months to complete once construction begins. The target reopening date is December 24, 2017. Find more information on facebook.com/ RobinsonGrandTheater. 13
New faces, new entertainment, and new menus!
RAMADA CONFERENCE CENTER MORgANTOwN Hotel / Bar & Grill / Wedding Planning Enjoy a rustic escape with modern convenience at the Ramada Morgantown Hotel & Conference Center. Centrally located off Interstates 68 and 79 in Morgantown, WV, near West Virginia University, our hotel offers a stress-free escape from the everyday. Get a jump on a day of excitement with a free hot breakfast each morning, and unwind with a relaxing meal in our Heritage Room restaurant. Spend a night in, order room service and stretch out in one of our Jacuzzi suites. Join us in the Wit’s End Lounge for the latest in local entertainment and happy hour specials! Variety of weekly entertainment: Comedy Nights (first and third Friday of each month) • Karaoke Nights • Extended Stays • Ballroom for weddings, pageants, proms or any special events • On- and off-site catering • Each room offers refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemaker • Restaurant and Lounge • On-site laundry and work out facility • Free shuttle, internet, and parking
20 Scott Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26508 1.800.834.9766 / 304.296.3431 14 www.ramadainnwv.com
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Feature / Last to First Together
Last to First Together Initiative Empowers West Virginians Harrison County is first to implement the grassroots effort
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Feature / Last to First Together
“Building on evidence-based best practices from West Virginia and elsewhere, Last to First Together empowers West Virginians county by county, community by community, and family by family, to shape the future of their health and well-being. Its goal is to move West Virginia from the back of the pack in six key areas of health and wellbeing, to first in the nation. To do this, Last to First Together will help each county set up a sustainable structure and process to continually and equitably improve the health and well-being of its people. Last to First Together is a joint effort, calling on all the State’s academic institutions, faiths, businesses, non-profits, health systems, and government. Together, let’s show the nation that West Virginia can be first in health and well-being!” (from Last to First Together, Overview of a plan to improve the health and well-being of West Virginians, prepared by Alan Mills, Department of Health Policy, Management and Leadership, WVU).
ranked sixteenth; and in 2014, it placed first. In three years, it jumped from thirtyfirst to first! The goal for Last to First Together is for West Virginia to rank first among U.S. states in each of the following six areas of health and well-being by the end of 2025: healthy eating, tobacco use, physical activity, alcohol abuse, preventable injuries, and drug abuse. These focus areas were selected because each area: • is largely within an individual’s control, given adequate support and resources • is amenable to significant progress. Indeed, theoretically, if all West Virginians changed their behavior in these six areas tonight, West Virginia would be first in the nation tomorrow
• has significant impact on health. The chart below shows that together, these six areas are associated with nearly 60 percent of the years of life lost unnecessarily in the U.S. as a whole. Poor For years, West Virginia has ranked last nutrition alone accounts for 22 percent or nearly last for most measures of health of the years of life lost unnecessarily. and well-being in many published polls. In West Virginia the corresponding For example, each year Gallup-Healthways percentages are likely higher. develops a composite measure of well-being for all U.S. states, the WellBeing Index. It reflects the Causes of premature death following key components of well-being: purpose in 22% Poor nutrition life, social relationships, financial health, community support, and 17% Tobacco use physical health for people in each state. West Virginia has ranked last in the Well8% Physical exercise Being Index every year 41% from 2009 through 2014. Other causes
Last to First Together is a proposed plan to improve the health and well-being of all West Virginians. “Key steps are to get to know each county, set priorities, carry out health improvement initiatives, measure the performance, and report progress,” Mills explained. We know it can be done. In 2012, Alaska ranked thirty-first in the GallupHealthways Well-Being Index; in 2013, it
6% Alcohol abuse 4% Preventable injuries 2% Drug abuse This chart is based on data for the U.S. from Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Compare: Years of Life Lost 2010
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Feature / Last to First Together
“Population health improvement is not about starting a program with a short-term goal that, when reached, one can declare success, shut down the project, and go back to business as usual… (One must think of ) population health as an ongoing journey that requires contributions from many types of groups in different sectors across a region and at multiple levels. It is a team effort in which people take actions that, in some cases, fundamentally change how things are done.” from National Quality Forum, 2015
Last to First Together is designed for each county to be self-sustaining. WVU, together with foundations, will supply initial funding for the support team to help counties initiate their Last to First Together programs. Thereafter, each county’s health center, businesses, agencies, government, individuals, and other entities will support its program. It is expected that each county will fund a director of the County Health Coalition as well as Community Health Workers and a County Kitchen and Hearth. Healthy Harrison
Harrison County is the first place the initiative is implemented. When determining where to start, Mills said he was looking for a good Sustainability is key middle ground. The county’s ranking among Last to First Together focuses on wellness, West Virginia’s counties for demographic rather than disease. It also provides a local and health measures is about average, and structure and process for health improvement, the county’s population is large enough building personalized relationships with that the health improvement effects of the people, and providing resources to ensure initiative will be statistically significant. success. And finally, Last to First Together emphasizes sustainability, by leveraging Harrison County has a well-developed existing programs and resources, applying infrastructure, and healthcare data about evidence-based best practices, and creating the county’s people are readily available. a rich continuous learning environment to It also has good cell phone and internet connectivity, and is easily accessible, empower West Virginia’s communities. enabling the team to be onsite frequently. “This initiative takes a new grassroots approach to health improvement; it will Perhaps most importantly, the county’s customize programs to fit the needs, culture, leaders, including city mayors, school and environment of each community. It principals, employer executives, hospital will employ evidence-based best practices executives, and church leaders, strongly from the forefront of our knowledge about support Last to First Together. changing health behaviors. It will employ a Healthy Harrison is in the process of new county-based structure to implement identifying its Executive Director and Board its programs, including a coalition of county of Directors. Its members meet quarterly to leaders and a team of Community Health share progress and best practices. Look for Workers who will work with individual updates about Last to First Together and families. And it will be sustained over a Healthy Harrison in future issues of Three long period, so that healthy behaviors will Cities. For further information about the become ingrained in the cultures of West initiative, contact Alan Mills at Alan.Mills@ Virginia communities,” stated Mills. earthlink.net. Although the goal involves all of West Virginia, Last to First Together starts small by focusing first on one county before implementing the entire state program. It is expected that all West Virginia counties will be actively participating in Last to First Together within six years. 18
Feature / WinterFest/Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation’s Annual Meeting
WinterFest Scheduled for February 6 WinterFest, a family-friendly outdoors event, will be held on Saturday February 6, from 10 am to 3 pm at Coopers Rock State Forest in Morgantown. Fun activities for children and adults include sledding, kids’ obstacle course, cross-country skiing, a paint ball marathon (on XC skis), snowshoe trail, and the ever popular Women’s Frying Pan Toss. Try snow shoeing, go on a hike to learn how to identify trees in winter, or walk along our three-mile forest road to our scenic overlook Rayme Pullen will present Robert and back. Cross-country skis and snowshoes Schumann’s Papillons, Op. 2 at Waldomore will be available. All events are free. Food in downtown Clarksburg on Sunday, January and beverages will be available for sale. The 24 at 2 pm. Mrs. Pullen studied locally with event is hosted by the Coopers Rock Foun- Dr. Virginia Raad. She completed an underdation, a 501c3 organization devoted to graduate piano degree at Liberty University promoting outdoor recreation and protecting in Lynchburg, Virginia. Upon her return to the recreational value of Coopers Rock State West Virginia she studied piano performance Forest for public use. For more information, at Fairmont State University. Her playing has visit coopersrock.org. been described as insightful, sensitive, and lyrically interpretive.
Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation’s Annual Meeting Open to Public
Ms. Pullen’s performance is sponsored by the Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation as part of its annual meeting. The Foundation will distribute twenty grants from the Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation’s Community Arts Partnership program. Each recipient will speak briefly about the events they will provide in Harrison County during 2016. A “meet the artist” reception will follow the meeting. The Clarksburg-Harrison Cultural Foundation, Inc., was founded in 1972 with a mission to foster an art-rich environment and to encourage the development, recognition, and appreciation of all art forms. Included in this mission are activities to promote the growth and expansion of artistic, cultural, and economic development in Clarksburg and Harrison County. It is a member of Your Community Foundation, with support from West Virginia Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit HarrisonCulturalFoundation.org. 19
Advertiser Directory / Services
teamwork approach is designed to deliver extraordinary products and services, every day.
Morgantown area J. Douglas Crane, LC cranewvlaw.com / 150 Pleasant St, Morgantown / 304.292.3037 Call us when you need help with issues in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, corporate business, and estate planning. Mon–Fri 9am–5pm Groom groomstyleformen.com / 1006 Northpointe Plaza, Morgantown / 304.241.5634 At GROOM we are doing things differently. Our focus is to provide an amazing salon experience for men. Walk-in to GROOM and get a great haircut with style know-how. Relax with a scalp and neck massage topped off with a hot towel, then take in a little TV and a beverage. Walk out with style that is sure to please. Tues–Fri 10 am–6 pm / Sat 9 am–3 pm. Lauran Kirk Hair Artistry (LKHA) lkhasalon.com / 1003 Northpointe Plaza, Morgantown / 304.296.5542 Experience Lauran Kirk Hair Artistry. Experience
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the relaxation of the wash house, explore the inventiveness of the color bar, and gain style know-how at the toolbar or take home gallery. Learn how our team approach can benefit you, especially when schedules get busy. Our combined efforts will change your expectations of a salon experience. Tues–Thur 9 am–7 pm / Fri 9 am–5 pm / Sat 9 am–3 pm / Closed Sun and Mon. RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals remax.com / 709 Beechurst Avenue, Suite 24, Seneca Center, Morgantown / 304.292.3900 Located in Historic Seneca Center, we are a fulltime, full-service real estate office featuring residential and commercial real estate sales, accredited buyer agents, and real estate appraisals. The Spa at the Waterfront waterfrontplacespa.com/ Two Waterfront Place, Morgantown / 304.906.4380 In addition to a divine menu of spa, massage & wellness services, we also feature a full-size pool and wide range of gym equipment. Find balance again with The Spa @ The Waterfront. Mon–Fri 10 am–8 pm / Sat 8 am–8 pm / Sun 10 am–4 pm
Feature / Art Museum of WVU
Feature / Tracing Faces Exhibit and Reception / Ramada Conference Center
MAC Hosts Tracing Faces Exhibit & Reception Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) is hosting Tracing Faces, a multicultural exhibition focusing on diversity, in the Benedum Gallery. The exhibit opened in December and runs through January 30. Tracing Faces brings together artists from various cultural backgrounds in a unique exhibition where diversity is the predominant element. Using portraiture as the main platform of expression, each artist depicts his or her own perspective through personal experiences, memories, obsessions, feelings and approaches to life. The range of concepts, coupled with the various mediums and techniques used by the artists, provides a diverse aesthetic experience for the observer, with the narrative of one of the most direct appeals in art: the portraiture.
Transparency Constantine P. Anjulatos Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 18"
Join the MAC for a public art reception for Tracing Faces on Friday, January 15 from 5:30–7:30 pm. The reception will include light refreshments and the opportunity to speak with the exhibition’s artists. The reception and exhibition viewing do not have admission fees and are open to the public. For more information, contact ricardo@diceglia.com
Austerity Laura Beduz Digital Photography 8.27" x 11.69"
Renovated Ramada Conference Center A full-service hotel with vast amenities Under new management and featuring a host of renovations, Morgantown’s Ramada Conference Center is conveniently located off I-79 and I-68, and offers 150 guest rooms including jacuzzi rooms, suites, kings, doubles, and extended stays.
Friday and Saturday night. Ramada’s 100foot grand staircase creates the perfect backdrop for weddings, reunions, proms, formals, and pageants. The elegant staircase leads to a 4,000 square-foot ballroom that accommodates up to 420 seated guests.
The dining room, Heritage Grille, has been completely renovated and offers a new menu and dinner specials. There is also a separate buffet room for the complimentary hot breakfast and other buffet-style meals. Wit’s End Lounge has also been completely renovated and features a jukebox and pool table. The lounge offers a late night menu, Comedy Club the first and third Fridays of each month, and live entertainment every Wit’s End Lounge 23
Feature / Couples Hustle Dance Class
Couples Hustle Dance Class Sponsored by BOPARC Free Workshop precedes start of classes No white suit, no pointing to the ceiling, no have ranged in age from their 20s to their doing the egg-beater and strutting around 70s. The four-count Hustle is easy to learn. the dance floor! The Couples Hustle is Rest assured there will be no complicated instead characterized by chameleon-like “lead and follow” techniques taught in this qualities that provide an extremely smooth class. Instead participants learn a dozen look as dancers turn and rotate with movements that enable them to have fun and seamless motion around the dance floor. dance the night away for many years to come. Originally born during the disco craze, the Check out the YouTube link at: youtube.com/ Hustle has survived and has continued to watch?v=3UWgWM0KAOw grow in popularity with time. The Hustle Workshop is scheduled for Many past class and workshop participants Sunday, January 3 from 6 to 8 pm. The have been pleasantly surprised by the workshop is free of charge, without versatility and adaptability of this unique obligation. No registration is required for the couples dance. Participants dance the Workshop. Just join us at the Marilla Center. Hustle to Top 40 hits; disco classics; jazz; The fee for eight classes is $20 per person. blues; 60s, 70s, and 80s classics; and even Classes are scheduled from 6 to 7:30 pm to country music. on the following dates: January 14, 19, 26; This course will teach the four-count version of the Hustle, which is performed with minimal verticality or bounce-type movements. It’s similar in composition and style to swing, but puts far less stress on dancers’ bodies. Class participants
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February 2, 9, 16, 23; and March 1.
For more information, call BOPARC at 304.296.8356 or visit boparc.org/danceclasses-at-the-marilla-recreation-center.html
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events Through January 30 | Holiday Show & Sale Monongalia Arts Center (MAC) hosts its annual Holiday Show & Sale during regular business hours (M-F, 11 am–7 pm; Saturday, 11 am–4 pm). MAC’s Holiday Show & Sale offers some of the most distinctive holiday gift options in Morgantown, including unique gifts and artwork made by area artists. Paintings, photography, literary pieces, jewelry, fiber arts, cards, pottery, and more. For information, visit monartscenter.com or email info@monartscenter.com. Through January 30 | Tracing Faces Exhibit Reception on January 15. Monongalia Arts Center. (see related article on page 23) January 1 | First Day Hike Enjoy the first day of the new year by checking out the sights and sounds of Tygart Lake State Park. Join the naturalist on a hike along the Lake Trail. Meet at the Park Office/ Nature Center at 10:00 am. Nichole Streets First Day Hike leader. 304.265.6144 January 2, 16, 30 | Munchkins, Munchies & a Movie Call it “Date Night” or simply peace and quiet for adults. Children dine in the conference room while watching a family oriented movie, while parents enjoy their “adult dinner” at Apple Annie’s Pizza, drinks, movie and popcorn for the kids. Tygart Lake State Park. 304.256.6144 January 3 (*Every Sunday) | MAC & CHEEZ Improv Group Learn how to play again with the MAC & CHEEZ Players, Monongalia Arts Center’s community-based, open improvisation troupe. The MAC & CHEEZ Players meet every Sunday from 1–3 pm at MAC. Participation is open to the public, and no experience is necessary. Monongalia Arts Center, High Street, Morgantown. monartscenter.com, 304.292.3325
January 5 (*Most Tuesdays) | Open Life Drawing MAC hosts a two-hour, uninstructed weekly life drawing session with a live model on most Tuesdays from 7–9 pm. Participants may not be younger than 18 years of age. Easels are provided. $10. Walk-ins are welcome, although we recommend calling ahead to confirm space availability. Monongalia Arts Center, High Street, Morgantown. monartscenter.com, 304.292.3325 January 6 (*Every Wednesday) | MACglee The MACglee choral ensemble is a group of adults who love to sing and perform. The group’s rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings from 6:30–8:30 pm at Monongalia Arts Center. MACglee performs in a variety of music styles and hosts a spring and holiday choral concert. All new singers must audition, and questions and interest in auditioning may be directed to MACglee Music Director Ken Godwin at 304.599.2431 January 10 | 11th Annual Run to Read Half-Marathon First event of the MCPARC race series. This level and accurately measured course (USATF certified) is perfect for a “personal best” time. Register in advance, online or by printing a form and mailing it to save $10, or register the day of the race at the old visitor center. Prickett’s Fort State Park. 1–4:00 pm. Benefits Literacy Volunteers of Marion County, a United Way agency and a 501©(3) entity. For more information, email run2read@yahoo.com or visit runningintheusa.com/r2rhm/. January 12, February 9 | MACscriptwriters Monongalia Arts Center hosts a meeting of the MACscriptwriters on the second Tuesday of every month from 6–7 pm. MACscriptwriters offers a supportive, positive, and encouraging environment with a focus on helping scriptwriters—both new and experienced—to bring their new works to completion. The group is open to all types of scriptwriters, including playwrights, filmmakers, and comedians, as well as anyone writing musicals, living history, character monologues, television and/or any other type 25
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of public performance art. MACscriptwriters is an opportunity for participants to hear their script read aloud; get feedback; and make their own revisions before it is published, submitted, or performed. For more information about MACscriptwriters, or to get on the group email list, email group facilitator and Morgantown author Theodore Webb at twebb4502@gmail.com. January 15–17 | 32nd Annual Festival of Food and Wine A Fusion Culinary Tour of North America. The weekend will be highlighted by culinary seminars featuring cuisine from Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, and much more. Accompanied with the culinary seminars there will be wine tastings and classes along with whiskey tasting. During the day on Saturday, shop our Artisan Marketplace featuring homemade jams and sauces, wines, jewelry, antiques and much more! Don’t forget about the 6th Annual Iron Chef Competition where two seasoned chefs will have a cook-off for the prized trophy! Lakeview Resort and Conference Center January 16 | Third Annual West Virginia Grand Bash Benefits WVU Children’s Hospital at Ruby Memorial. During our 2015 event, we had over 3,500 in attendance throughout the day! Because of the individuals who bought tickets and/or attended, we were able to raise money and awareness for WVU Children’s Hospital and the patients they care for. 1–7 pm. Ruby Community Center, Mylan Park. For more information, visit wvgrandbash.com January 17 | Mountain Stage with Larry Groce For more than 30 years “Mountain Stage with Larry Groce” has been the home of live music on public radio. The two-hour radio show is produced in West Virginia and distributed by National Public Radio weekly on more than 150 stations across America and around the world via NPR Music and mountainstage.org. The show, which is recorded before a live audience, features performances by seasoned legends and emerging stars in genres ranging from folk, blues and country to indie rock, synth pop, world and alternative music, and 26
beyond. Singer/songwriter Larry Groce serves as the show’s host, artistic director and co-producer. The Mountain Stage house band includes jazz pianist Bob Thompson, vocalist Julie Adams, bass player Steve Hill, drummer Ammed Solomon and guitarists Michael Lipton and Ryan Kennedy. The band is directed by Ron Sowell. While based in Charleston, Morgantown has been the show’s second home for more than a decade. Scheduled appearances: Blitzen Trapper, Ruby Amanfu, Wild Child. 7 pm. WVU Creative Arts Center January 18 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Metropolitan Theatre. 2 pm. (see related article on page 6) January 19, February 16 | Artist Networking Event Artists of all disciplines are invited to attend Monongalia Arts Center’s Artist Networking Event (ANE), held on the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30–7 pm. Great opportunity for artists of all disciplines—visual, literary and performance art—to connect with fellow local artists over refreshments in a relaxed social setting. Meet and connect with new people, get involved in community art projects, and help make our community a more artful home! No admission fee. Monongalia Arts Center, High Street, Morgantown. monartscenter.com, 304.292.3325 January 21, February 18 | Morgantown Poets Morgantown Poets is an informal, not-forprofit, all-volunteer community group that meets from 7–9 pm on the third Thursday of each month at Monongalia Arts Center, providing literary enthusiasts in north-central West Virginia with the opportunity to express themselves, share their work, and network and to connect up-and-coming writers with more established authors. New writers are welcome. No admission fee. Monongalia Arts Center, High Street, Morgantown. monartscenter.com, 304.292.3325 January 22 | Bria Skonberg Quintet A powerhouse combination of emerging talent in the New York jazz scene. Leader Bria Skonberg is a triple threat musician—an award-winning trumpeter, vocalist, and com-
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poser. The Wall Street Journal proclaims that she is “poised to be one of most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation.” Skonberg demonstrates a dedication to jazz tradition but her wide range of influences (swing, reggae, soft rock, pop, classical and gospel) are all impacting her personal style that is rooted in hot jazz, world percussion, soul and modern effects. She was recently received a New York Bistro Award for “Outstanding Jazz Artist” and swept the 2014 Hot House Jazz Magazine Awards in all categories where she was nominated: Best Jazz Artist, Best Trumpet, Best Female Vocalist and Best Group for the Bria Skonberg Quintet. The quintet includes Evan Arntzen (clarinet/saxophone), Sean Cronin (bass), Dalton Ridenhour (piano) and Darrian Douglas (drums). 7:30 pm. WVU Creative Arts Center January 22 and 23 | Winter Jazz Festival Grammy-nominated Judy Carmichael and group headline. The Jazz academy takes place on Saturday with high school students from surrounding counties opening for Judy on Saturday night. Friday’s menu is sophisticated soul, with whiskey tastings between courses; sit-down dining. Saturday Is Mardi Gras with a creole flavor, dine-around style. Cash bar. Bridgeport Conference Center. Reservations will be available by calling the Benedum Center, 304.842.8200 February 5 | Fourth Annual Bob Huggins Fish Fry The Bob Huggins Fish Fry benefits Remember the Miners flagship program and the Remember the Miners Scholars Program, as well as the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment Fund at WVU’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. Special guests and information on tickets and sponsorships are available at www.remembertheminers.org, or by contacting Jason Parsons at jasonp@ remembertheminers.org. J.W. Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, West Virginia. mylanparkmk@gmail.com February 6 | Fasnachet Fasnacht is the pre-lenten burning of Old Man Winter. It occurs on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and is likened to Mardi Gras. It has its roots in the Swiss Winterfest. Saturday
afternoon features food, beverages, and open mic music in the Star Band (Red) Hall, a buffet at the Hutte restaurant, and browsing in the local shops. Masks from previous Fasnachts are featured at the Fasnacht Mask Museum. At 8:30 pm, a parade featuring large, often frightening, and quite artistic masks travels from the Red Hall to the Community Hall where the costumes are judged and the square dance begins. At midnight the efigy of Old Man Winter is cut down from the ceiling of the Community Hall, carried on the shoulders of the celebrants to the bonfire outside, and burned to signal the end of winter. Dress warmly! For more information, visit helvetiawv.com/Events/Fasnacht/Fasnacht February 6 | WinterFest Coopers Rock State Forest. (see related article on page 19) February 7 | Chatham Baroque Fairmont Chamber Music presentation. The acclaimed period instrument ensemble Chatham Baroque returns to our series after an absence of sixteen years. They have maintained a full calendar of national and international tours, musical collaborations and CD releases. Recent appearances include those with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Pittsburgh Opera, Wolf Trapp, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and many more. The Washington Post called them “Musically impeccable” and the Chicago Tribune said “a splendid period instrument ensemble.” St. Peter the Fisherman Church, Jackson Street in downtown Fairmont February 15 | Once Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Once is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments on stage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, Once draws you in from the very first 27
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note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dream...not living in fear...and the power of music to connect all of us. May contain strong language and/or explicit subject matter. While many find these types of events suitable for young adults (13 and older), parental discretion is advised. 7:30 pm. WVU Creative Arts Center February 26 and 27 | Gardner Winter Music Festival South Middle School. (see related article on page 7) February 27 | Annual Empty Bowls Monongalia Come join many of your fellow community members in an important fundraiser! Through education and continued community involvement, Empty Bowls Monongalia provides resources and broker assistance to Monongalia County agencies supporting individuals and families threatened by food insecurity. Hazel
and JW Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park from 11 am–2:30 pm. Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $15 per person. Children 10 and under eat free but do not receive a ceramic bowl. Purchasing a ticket in advance reserves a bowl on the day of the event. Tickets will be sold to walk-in patrons as available. Take-out is available any time from 11 am to 2:20 pm. For more information on how to volunteer, donate, or help, email information@emptybowlsmon.org or visit ebmon.org February 27 | Murder Mystery Dinner A body is found and the killer is on the loose, mingling and hiding amongst other guests. Can you solve the murder and find out who is the killer? Overnight package with room, mystery and dinner and Walk-in package with mystery and dinner only available. Murder and Merriment providing mystery and show. Who dunit? Who knows! Tygart Lake State Park. Contact: 304.256.6144
REENACTMENT OF FIRST LAND BATTLE OF CIVIL WAR
PHILIPPI, WV
SITE OF FIRST LAND BATTLE OF THE CIVIL WAR Civil War Ball Ladies’ Tea Food vendors & crafters
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JUNE 2-5, 2016
Parade Community Chorus Kids’ Day Entertainment
Talent Show Youth activities Pie Contest 5k Race
Contact Ed Larry at frank.larry45@gmail.com or call 304.457.3773. Find Blue & Gray Reunion on Facebook
20+ Breweries from around the country Homebrew demos BJCP Certified Beer Competition LIVE Entertainment Stay tuned for more details! Follow EXPLORE CLARKSBURG 304-622-2157