February 2014 Edition

FEBR UAR Y 2014 • AL WAYS FREE...

FEBRU ARY ALW

Located on Cedar Point Farm Trigg, VA Built in 1844 Torn down in 1954 Builder: Edward Stafford

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Antiques • Collectibles Pottery • Primitives Tools • Glassware Used Furniture and More!

Steve’s Little Flea New items arrive Daily!

You never know what you will find...

Interstate 77, Exit 52 Bland, Virginia Just past Dairy Queen 304-804-5871

Almond French Toast Hearts 6 slices of bread 2 eggs ¼ cup milk 1 ½ tsps almond extract, divided 2 tbsps plus one cup butter, divided 3 tbsps confectioners’ sugar Additional confectioners’sugar Sliced fresh strawberries Cut out bread slices with a 3-3/4-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter; discard trimmings.

In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, milk and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Dip bread on both sides in egg mixture. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Cook bread hearts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

For almond butter, in a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and remaining butter and extract; mix well. Sprinkle French toast with additional confectioners’ sugar. Serve with almond butter and strawberries. Yield: 3 servings.

Chocolate Cake ¾ cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 2 tsps vanilla extract 2 cups all purpose flour ¾ cup baking cocoa 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp baking powder 1 ½ cups 2 percent milk Frosting: 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup butter, cubed 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream 4 ½ cups confectioners’sugar Chocolate curls - optional Line three 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease and flour the pans and paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

Transfer to prepared pans.

Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a small heavy saucepan, melt chips and butter over low heat.

Transfer to a large bowl; cool for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.

Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 16 servings.

2 Way Candy 1 cup butter, melted 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened, condensed milk 3 pounds confectioners’sugar Cookies and Cream Bon Bons:

February Recipes...

Mutt’s

FURNITURE Lots and Lots of Primitives

Candleberry Candles • Florals • Collectibles Curios • Lamps • Rockers • Bedding • Primitives

Furniture for Every Room!

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat: 9:00 - 5:00 Wednesday: 9:00 - 12:00 Rt. 219 Between Peterstown & Rich Creek

540-726-2785 ½ cup cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs 1 pound white candy coating, melted Chocolate Covered Cherries: 54 maraschino cherries (2 – 10 ounce jars) patted dry 1 pound chocolate candy coating, melted In a large bowl, combine butter and milk. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until a smooth dough is formed. Divide in half; cover with plastic wrap.

For bonbons, stir cookie crumbs into one portion of dough. Shape into 1-in. balls.

Dip into white candy coating; allow excess to drip off.

Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm.

For chocolate-covered cherries, shape remaining portion of dough into 1-in. balls; flatten to 2-in. circles.

Wrap each circle around a cherry and gently reshape into a ball. Dip into milk

chocolate coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 9 dozen.

Chocolate Caramel Fondue 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel ice cream topping 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped Assorted fresh fruit and/or pretzels In a small saucepan, combine milk, caramel topping and chocolate; cook and stir over low heat until blended and heated through.

Transfer to a heated fondue pot; keep warm. Serve with fruit and/or pretzels for dipping. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

White Chocolate Popcorn 8 cups air-popped popcorn

2 ounces white baking chocolate, chopped 1 tsp butter 1/3 cup dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped walnuts ¾ tsp salt Place popcorn in a large bowl. In a microwave, melt white chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture and toss to coat. Add the cranberries, nuts and salt.

Spread onto waxed paper.

Cool until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 2 quarts.

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Place 2 cups in each of five resealable plastic bags or containers. Store in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Yield: 5 batches (10 cups mix).

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

Page 2

By Mary Wright In the dead of Winter, I’m thinking of…Summertime! You know that marvelous time when school is out and flowers are blooming, but most importantly, the lightning bugs are back. Everyone’s making plans and of course, there’s that infamous honey-do list. So, we all get just as busy as bees checking off the jobs one by one. Isn’t it mind-boggling that the yard, that we give no thought to in the Winter, is such a taskmaster in the Summer? The mowing, edging, trimming, vegetable gardens and flowers are like crying children. You’ve got to take care of them, right?? But, despite all the work, we’ve got to remember to make time for something fun too. I’m wondering, do families still fish together? It has been ages since our family went fishing! I have great memories of going fishing with my parents as a child.

You have to understand that Dad didn’t like to trust the lowly earthworms to just appear when we needed them. Dad would use a really awful smelling concoction in a squirt bottle on a little patch of grass in our front yard. I think it must have just gassed the poor little creatures out of their hiding places. Today, there would probably be some “Save the Worm” effort afoot, but in the 70’s, no one cared about them except as bait. Seems like his not so scientific experiment involved vinegar, mustard, and garlic powder and God

Mary Wright Mary is the majority owner of NRV Gateway Realty which serves Montgomery, Floyd, Giles, Radford and Pulaski. Her first novel, “Threads” is scheduled for publishing in Spring 2014. Her next novel which is in the works, “Eye of the Storm” is sure to be a great beach read.

Contact: Mary@NRVGateway.com 540 392-8908 Mary would love to hear your stories about life in the NRV!

knows what else…wait, that sounds more like a recipe for balsamic vinaigrette dressing! Well, anyway, it worked, those big, fat, juicy worms came rolling out and we snagged them for our great fishing adventures.

Sometimes, after a Summer rain, I swear I can smell worms. They are everywhere, even on the asphalt! Not

sure why they were such a challenge back then.

Before we ever got to a creek or riverbank, Dad insisted that I acquire at least a basic fishing proficiency. I practiced my casting skills at length and got quite competent, or so I thought. Hey, I managed to avoid the apple tree and the hedge in our yard.

Next, I learned how to put the hook on my line, add sinker weights and bait the hook. We used corn, salmon eggs and earthworms as bait. Mostly, Dad used the salmon eggs or flashy lures. If we used an earthworm, we had to cut them in half or more if they were extra long. I know, yuck!

Dad decided I was finally ready.

Dad, Mom and I headed down to the Little River in Riner. Dad put on his waders and ventured out with his crazy fishing cap on and a big grin on his face. While fishing from the bank, I felt a big tug on my line. I just knew I’d had hooked a big one and was so excited! With all my 12 year old might, I reeled the big fish in! Dad immediately started yelling. With all his hollering, I don’t know how we managed to catch any fish that day.

He’d drilled into my head the need to keep quiet so I wouldn’t scare off the fish. I was never quite sure if that was for the fish’s benefit or his??

Unfortunately, instead of hooking a big fish, I’d snagged my Dad and practically tore his shirt off of him. He wasn’t too impressed with all my newly acquired skills at that point.

Mom always packed some snack food or a light lunch to take with us. It was not an elaborate affair at all. It might consist of deviled ham, a loaf of light bread, Vienna sausages, peanut butter, Reese cups, apples, chips or the likes. Once while thoroughly enjoying my Vienna sausages, crackers and cold pop, out of the blue, I remembered that those same hands had been handling earthworms a few minutes earlier, yikes!

“Musings” Continued on Page 14...

Mary’s Musings...

Welcome: Sit down, prop those feet up, and relax while you enjoy The Front Porch...

Page 4 - Under The Influence..Part I By: Linda Hoagland Page 5 - Remembering Mercer County By: Jeff Harvey Heather’s Corner By: Heather Chandler Page 6 - Why Choose Concord University?

By: Sara Cameron Page 7 - Papa’s Pizzeria Opens Page 10 - Hair & Nail Boutique Page 11 - “Concord” continued Page 12 - Front Porch Quilting By: Julie Martin Page 13 - Coming Events Page 14 - Coming Events “Musings” continued Life’s Little Mysteries By: Marvin Hylton

Front Porch Monthly (FPM) 540-357-3760 304-928-6471 Owned and operated by: Sugar Run Media, LLC 457 Sugar Run Road Staffordsville, Virginia 24167 FPM is printed by: Beckley Newspapers 801 N. Kanawha Street Beckley, West Virginia 25802 Submissions and Advertising Questions: frontporchmonthly@yahoo.com

“A FEEL GOOD PUBLICATION IN A FEEL BAD TIME...”

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

By Linda Hoagland I never thought about guns very often. My only desire was that I not have one around the house because I might be apt to use one if you made me angry enough to want to blow you away from this Earth.

In an effort to think about how guns have influenced my life, the thought of my Aunt Bessie and Uncle Walter came to mind.

Of course, this is a story dredged up from retellings through the years so exactly how much of it is true is beyond my knowledge.

I believe I heard this tale from my Aunt Eliza who tended to be the black sheep of the family. She got a kick out of telling stories about her goodie-two-shoes sisters.

She was probably the only one on my father’s side that ever let me in on the events that yearned to be swept under the rug.

It seemed that Aunt Bessie was in an abusive marriage.

This happened about seventy-five years ago so divorce wasn’t an alternative.

Her first husband, I will call him Floyd, was a drunk, a mean drunk, who used Aunt Bessie as a punching bag.

He would channel all of his aggression and anger into his fists and direct them to various parts of Aunt Bessie’s body ranging from her head to her feet.

Most of the time he only left bruises to contend with, but occasionally a bone would break. A lie would be fabricated and Aunt Bessie would be carted off to the doctor’s office where she was made to proclaim that

she was so very, very clumsy.

Walter had seen many bruises and casts on Bessie and started to question her about the pain she was enduring. He also questioned her daughter, Stella, about the bruises that cropped up on her face, arms, and bare legs on occasion.

He started visiting Bessie whenever Lloyd wasn’t around which was quite often.

I guess there had been talk amongst the neighbors and towns people because Floyd managed to waddle back home one afternoon before Walter made his departure.

Walter slipped out the back door and was within earshot when Floyd began questioning Bessie.

Obviously, she didn’t give him the correct answer to his accusing question and the slaps and hits could be heard along with screams of pain from Bessie.

“Get out here, Floyd. Don’t be beating on a woman!”

Walter shouted to Floyd and the world.

Floyd lowered his fist that was poised to punch Aunt Bessie’s face and grabbed his hand gun that was hanging on the wall next to the front door.

He cocked it and stumbled out the front door to the porch where he waved the loaded gun around as he looked for his target.

Walter never dreamed the drunken fool would carry a gun outside with him.

Floyd was having a hard time trying to focus onto Walter so he started shooting randomly at anything or

Under the Influence (Part I)...

anyone that snagged his attention.

Walter sneaked around behind the house working his way to the side of the porch that stretched across the front of the clapboard structure.

Walter jumped onto the front porch totally surprising Floyd who was continuing to wave the gun around looking for his target.

Walter pushed Floyd forward forcing him down to the ground and they started rolling around with the loaded gun between them.

“Boom!” The gun went off followed by an anguished cry of pain and then silence.

Walter pushed Floyd off of him and remained on the ground trying to regain his composure.

Bessie opened the screen door to see who had won the fight.

There was no movement from her husband, Floyd, so she ran to Walter to help him to his knees and then straight up as he weakly stood to stare at what he had done.

The county sheriff made an appearance and proclaimed the death to be an accident.

Several months later, Bessie and Walter were married and lived in Bessie’s little house on the Coal River in West Virginia.

This story was one that told how a gun saved my Aunt Bessie’s life with the help of my Uncle Walter.

Whether that’s a true telling or not, I don’t really know.

The next story was told to me by my late husband of twenty-five years.

Sonny was a young married man in his twenties with a wife, Bennie, and a

couple of children. I was lucky enough to be wife number two.

His cousin, Chuck, was about the same age, also, with a family consisting of a wife and a baby girl.

Sonny called all family members cousins so I never actually knew the family connection.

Sonny said Chuck and Betty, his wife, were not getting along very well. It seemed that Chuck blamed the baby for causing the problems.

“Sonny, can you come over here?” asked a sobbing Betty.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

Sonny asked.

“He shot the baby,” she cried out in anguish.

“Who shot the baby?

What baby are you talking about?” he demanded.

“My baby! He killed my baby!” Betty screamed.

Sonny jumped into the car and raced to Betty’s house as the police were handcuffing Chuck and escorting him to the police car.

The baby had been taken away by the ambulance leaving Betty standing in the corner of the living room alone and in shock.

Sonny described the episode as one of the most horrible experiences he had ever lived through and never, ever wanted to see something like that happen again.

Chuck was convicted of murder, was paroled, and is now seeking to renew family and friendly ties.

I can’t see that happening, not in my house.

When my brother, Terry, was a teenager living in Cleveland, that was our home because that was where my dad found a job, when Terry got mixed up with the wrong crowd of kids.

There were all kinds of opportunities to jump into crime and my brother chose to hang with the crowd that robbed railroad cars from the train depot in the Flats. He was sixteen and knew everything there was to know about robbing railroad cars.

There as one thing he hadn’t learned, or perhaps I should say his buddies hadn’t learned, and that was how to handle a gun.

Terry said that his buddy was messing around with a gun, swinging it around like a big, bad, beast of a man, when the gun went off and the bullet hit Terry in the back.

He was taken to the hospital where his back was x-rayed and it was discovered that the bullet could not be removed for fear of paralyzing him.

The police questioned Terry and his friends and the story never changed so it was declared an accidental shooting.

My opinion was that he was shot in the back fleeing from robbing a railroad car. That has always remained my opinion and no one ever asked me what I thought because I was just a kid of fourteen at that time.

I have always been afraid to have a gun in the house.

My sons were small and I wanted them to have no access to such a deadly weapon.

Part II of Under the Influence in the March 2014 Edition

Page 4

Remembering Mercer County

By Jeff Harvey Hello, and welcome to “Remembering Mercer County”, a look at the history of Mercer County using various sources as background material.

The history of a community can be captured in volumes of books or in something as small as a Christmas ornament, in this case, the annual Christmas ornaments sold by the Princeton-Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.

Starting in 1993 and continuing until the present, the PMCCC has commemorated the history of Mercer County in ornament form, starting with 1993’s Virginian Railway Passenger Station.

Built in 1909 at the eastern end of Mercer Street, where the Princeton Railroad Museum now stands, a twostory, weather boarded

The Virginian Railway caboose at the Princeton Railroad Museum Photo by Jeff Harvey

building with dormer windows served as, first, the symbol for the largest employer in Princeton, then as a symbol of a heritage long-departed, until its demolition in 1979.

The depot had a large covered-porch entryway which led to the ticket office, separate waiting rooms for black and white passengers and the telegraph office. A stairway led to the second floor where the Virginian had its business offices.

In addition to its practical uses, the station, along with

its freight station to the south, initially employed 33 people.

After the shops opened just to the north of the station, the railway became Princeton’s largest employer.

On Sundays, the station was crowded with Princetonians who came to admire the passenger trains with their seven to eight coaches, plus the dining and observation cars to the rear.

The station’s days as a passenger depot came to a gradual end after World War II, when the use of cars and

Copies of “Horse Spoofs” are available for sale. Contact me, Heather Chandler, at 304-753-4078 to secure a copy of the book.

Thank you and God Bless!

buses greatly increased, forcing the Virginian to discontinue passenger service at the station. The last regularly-scheduled passenger train pulled out of the station on the afternoon of July 11, 1955.

Following the departure of the passenger trains, the building was converted into offices for the Virginian’s Telegraph and Signal Department After the purchase of the Virginian by the Norfolk & Western Corporation, effective December 1, 1959, the

building became rental property until it was demolished in October, 1979, ending the last vestige of Princeton’s railroad heritage.

Information for this column came from information written by brother and sister historians Jack and Margaret Ann Scott which was used or the cards which accompanied the ornaments.

Jeff Harvey is a veteran newspaper writer and columnist for the Princeton Times who lives in Athens, WV.

President, Robert Bennett, (far right) presents Ruritan pins to Bozoo's newest members at the club's Jan. meeting. They are from left to right Kathrine Cook, Destiny Cook and Zach Cook.

Remembering Mercer County, Bozoo Ruritan and Heather’s Corner ...

Page 5

By Sara Cameron The “Campus Beautiful” first snatches the attention of community and others with its immaculate appearance. Even with its physical impeccable exterior though, the interior, the heart of the institution, is not only through the excellence awards received, but the administrators, faculty and staff who are there for more than their paycheck.

Like any institution, there is bad just as there is good. The residence life is likely the most common complaint; as it isn’t exactly what most would call a 5 star dormitory. In Concord’s defense, though, renovations require money; and not just a few dollars.

Opportunely, there are several transformations in progress.

Another common hassle is the administration. If you want to get your ducks in a row, and in a timely manner, you need to know the people sitting behind the desk. Basically, make your connections, as they will likely get you where you want and need to go. This doesn’t mean you need to go talk every secretary’s ear off; be friendly and try not to get frustrated when things aren’t going the way you want them to. I can’t be certain, but I’m sure the secretary isn’t the blame for an error with your financial aid or schedule.

Those are the 2 most common complaints you are going to hear if you ask for the cons of Concord.

Again, making connections is the best advice, I as a student at Concord, can offer you; you need to know who you are talking to.

Speaking of knowing who to speak to… I was able to ask Dr. Kendra Boggess, Interim President of CU (Concord University) of her reason for believing Concord is the best. She

furnished us 3 reasons why she believes students should choose CU. “Top 3 Reasons I believe a Student should choose Concord University: Reason #1: Our StudentsFrom campus spirit to a community-

World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” in the “baccalaureate colleges (south)” category, or that we have well-recognized academic programs, NCAA Division II athletic programs, and over 70 clubs and

Campus Beautiful - Concord University

focused campus, you will get to experience all of the advantages a smaller school has to offer. Our active student body is engaged, friendly, and involved in our community. Whether it’s cheering on our athletic teams or being an active participant in any one of our numerous student organizations, you’ll easily find your place among CU students.

Reason #2: Our FacultyWe don’t mind telling you that Concord University was ranked among the top in the 2014 edition of U.S. News &

Why Choose Concord University?...

organizations where you can build skills and gain new experiences while having fun and connecting with those who are likely to be part of that incredible future you will create.

Reason #3: Our CampusYou’ve got to admit we live in a pretty spectacular state, and our campus in Athens, West Virginia, is no different. In fact, we refer to it as “The Campus Beautiful,” and rightfully so. Our 123 acres of scenic campus is far enough away from your home so you’ll be considered “away at college” by your

parents and yet close enough for easy visits back home when you need them.”

Dr. Boggess adds, “There are so many things that make Concord University special. From our strong academic culture to our rich legacy of community service, Concord is a place where anyone can come and feel right at home. There is something for everyone at CU. Our Faculty, Staff and Students spend well over 25,000 hours annually giving back to the community. Our motto is “Come to Learn, Go to Serve.” At Concord University, we place great emphasis on our students’ ability to use their education to serve the greater community and to create partnerships to do the same. The ability to take what you have learned and apply it into real world situations is another reason Concord University is a great choice to continue your education. We were named #1 Veteran Friendly Campus in the Nation in 2011 and continue to rank in the top veteran friendly campuses every year. We have several programs designed especially to help our veterans succeed.”

Concord University offers 4 graduate programs, thirteen undergraduate degrees and 1 online certificate program.

Graduate: Masters of Arts in Education Masters of Arts in Health Promotion Master of Arts in Teaching Master of Social Work Undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Education Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Social Work Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management “Concord” Continued on Page 11...

Page 6

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION... in Pearisburg, Virginia

Front row: Jared Farmer, Justin Farmer, Diane Farmer, Barry Farmer, Jessie Farmer, Britta Burdette, Shanna Rakes, Doris May, Becca Price, Marinna Dowdy. Second row: Katie McCroskey, Taylor Johnson, Cassie Martin, Jesse Fleeman, Nance (MiMi) Farmer, Mary Simpkins. Third row: Mayor, Robert Dickerson, Rick Tawney, Jeff Young, Earnie Simpkins, Debbie Morris

Pictured above: Marinna Dowdy, Katie McCroskey, Becca Price, Jessie Farmer, Taylor Johnson, Diane Farmer, Shanna Rakes, Britta Burdette, Doris May, Jesse Fleeman, Nancy (MiMi) Farmer, Grace Bailey, Mary Simpkins

HARVEY STREET ELECTRONICS Located Across From Food Lion • Pearisburg, Virginia

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Midland 9001Z: $119.99 Midland CB-1: $49.99 Delton Bluetooth Headsets Your choice of colors: Sapphire Onyx • Pearl

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540-921-1456 Prices Valid - February 2014

Black History Month at Craft Memorial Library

EMMA JEAN’S GENERAL STORE

Participants are invited to help Craft Memorial Library celebrate Black History Month! Join us Saturday, February 15th, at 2:00 pm and enjoy performances from the Faith Center Dancers and Stages along with different local poets. Whether you like music, dancing, or poetry, there is something for everyone.

Registration requested.

Register in person at the library, by calling 304-3253943 or online at http:// craftmemorial.lib.wv.us/ eventscalendar.html.

Craft Memorial Library is located at 600 Commerce Street, Bluefield, WV. For more information, please call 304-325-3943.

Enjoy The Winter In Mercer County

ANTIQUES GROCERIES

FEBRUARY EVENTS: 1 - Roanoke Symphony Orchestra 14 - “Sock Hop” 14-16 & 21-23 “Back to Vegas” 15 - Love Me Tender The Ultimate Elvis Valentines Day Bash 22 - WV Winter Warmer

Located Midway Between Peterstown and Hinton Just A Few Miles Off Of Rt. 12 in Marie, WV

• HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE • HEALTH • DISABILITY

(304) 466-3900

OPEN 7 - DAYS: 7:00AM - 7:00PM

• AUTO

The recently opened Hair and Nail Boutique, located in Suite H of the Peterstown Plaza, has been expanding their services over the past few months. The boutique, which opened in July of 2013, proudly boasts of only using organic products. According to owner and founder, Judy Bogenschutz, her boutique does not use “harsh chemicals” only organic products.

The boutique carries all organic products for their hair care and facial services.

Customers can purchase a variety of oils, shampoos and conditioners that are a blend of natural and organic products.

The shop continues to offer its customers hair styling, gel nails, pedicures, detoxifying facials, mud wraps and full body mud wraps.

Recently, though, the boutique began to offer its customers hair chalking along with eyebrow, mustache and beard tinting.

Bogenschutz commented that they now have a massage and body

practitioner on staff to offer their customers a relaxing massage.

According to Bogenschutz, another recent addition the salon offers to its customers is make-up for weddings, proms and other special occasions. The business presently employs four associates and offers early and after hour make-up appointments (by request) for wedding parties.

Bogenschutz reported her shop is a friendly, upscale salon; and she wants her customers to “feel relaxed and comfortable” while they are here.

The business is handicapped accessible and accepts all major credit cards. The business is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. till noon. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Customers may contact the boutique at 304-800-9130 or via email at jbogenschutz@suddenlink.net or check out their Face book page at Hair & Nail Boutique.

Article courtesy of: Virginian Leader Pearisburg, Va.

Eric Lester, Judy Bogenschutz and Jordann Lipscomb pose in front of Hair & Nail Boutique

Buck’s Service Center

Hair & Nail Boutique Open for Business

Bucky Reed Owner

RIVER MOUNTAIN SHEDS AND MORE, LLC A Division of Hillside Sheds WE ARE NOW AN AUTHORIZED DEALER OF CAROLINA CARPORTS...

PHONE: (304) 753 - 9901

Rt. 219 Market Street Peterstown, WV 24963

Hair and Nail Boutique Open for Business in Peterstown...

12’ X 24’ Dutch Barn Lights • Work Bench Many Custom Options See Today at Our Rich Creek Location

12’ X 24’ Pine Cabin 16’ Box with 8’ Porch One left! $5,400 Cash or Rent To Own!

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Glen Lyn, VA • Rich Creek, VA Bluefield, VA (Across from Fast Stop/Rt. 460)

Page 10

“Concord” continued from Page 6...

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geosciences Regents Bachelor of Arts Associate of Arts in Office Supervision Certificate Program: Tourism Management A significant amount of Concord University faculty and staff have diplomas from the institution. Students who graduate find themselves walking the halls not as a student, but an employee only a few years following their graduation. These are the people who have one simple reason for staying and that is they become part of the “Concord family”.

Mrs. Lindsey (Mullins) Akers 03’, Instructor of Communication Arts said, “I chose to return to Concord after earning my B.A. in Communication Arts because the small student to teacher ratio and small town feel made me fall in love with the campus”.

Much like Akers, Miranda Martin ’09, Systems Programmer with a BS in Business Administration and C o m p r e h e n s i v e Mathematics, fell in love with “The Campus Beautiful”,

Concord...

“Being a student here for years, Athens and Concord became my ‘home’. I feel comfortable here; like I am part of the Concord Family.

Also, it is such a beautiful campus, I feel lucky to work there. I believe Concord is better than other institutions because I am a true believer of receiving a Liberal Arts education. I believe Concord has proven to deliver a wellrounded education to all of their graduates”.

With all the good, though comes the bad. In all fairness, before choosing Concord University, and any institution for that matter, one must look at both pros and cons. The students’ voice is what truly matters.

Jonathan Lloyd, Junior, runs over his lists of pros and cons; “I chose Concord because it met all my needs with minimal strain. Pros: Affordable, good location, small classes that allow for much more in-depth discussion of material, despite its size plenty to do, especially for the creative.

Cons: Library needs updating for humanities and social science majors, scheduling conflicts and financial aid errors run rampant, a very “hush-hush” administration”.

Juli Phillips, Senior, says, “I chose Concord University as my undergraduate institution due to its small intimate setting. Here at Concord, students are able to have name-basis professional relationships with their professors,

whereas at larger institutions, professors may not know the student at all.

Concord offers both a quiet place to study as well as many extracurricular activities to keep students busy when they’re not focused on their school work.

Concord for me is a far enough away from home to where I feel like I’m on my own, but close enough when I feel home-sick and want to go home for a weekend to see my family. I left Concord for a year to pursue other academic opportunities, but quickly found myself back at “The Campus Beautiful.” I graduate in May, and definitely know I will miss this place and all the people I have met. It has the capability to give students fond memories, as well as a top notch education, as long as they are willing to go out and make them”.

Personally, I think Concord is a great school; but not for everyone. There are students who move from Florida or New York and it’s a huge adjustment because the weather is polar opposite and day-to-day life is different.

Concord is located in a small town and depending on what your definition of excitement is, you may or may not have to drive for 15-30 minutes to go to the mall or get a taco. I grew up here took my first steps at Concord when my mother attended many, many years ago. I love Concord as if it were my second home, but I’ll be the first to list all of its faults just as any institution

Page 11

has. The professors will know you by name, you’re more likely to get an extension on a project because you professor doesn’t have 50+ students names to remember, and has the ability to care about each one. The library staff is incredible; there is truly not another way to say it. I lived in the dorms for two years too long, and cafeteria food is far from mom’s home cooked meals. I am here for my education though, and I couldn’t and wouldn’t ask for better instructors or professors. I have an amazing advisor who knows me better than I know myself and I still talk to my music

instructor after a year of completing the course.

Concord University is perfect—if it’s what you’re looking for.

Dr. Boggess sums up the reason why students should choose ‘The Campus Beautiful” by saying, “I believe a member of our Parents Club summed it up the best, when she said “Every college has land and buildings; I think it is people who make Concord outstanding. This community is an enclave of very bright, highly educated faculty and administrators who care deeply about their students and empower them to succeed.”

In collaboration with

By Julie Martin When Winter rolls around, I always reflect back on the previous year to see what I have accomplished. I like to know that I have bettered myself in some way – either emotionally, spiritually, or physically. The New Year seems to roll around quicker with every year.

This year I found my thoughts going back to my West Virginia heritage. It seems most of what I have accomplished this year had a direct connection to my upbringing and I feel a deep heartfelt gratitude for the long line of noble women that run through my lineage.

I give thanks for my West Virginia ancestry and that connection I feel with the land. I am especially thankful

for the elder women in my family. Oh how I miss them!

They took me to dinner on the ground, to pick messes of greens on summer mornings and to call on the sick in bare-walled houses with a single light bulb hanging down. I give thanks for all the time that we just sat together on the porch, sipping cool homemade lemonade and rocking while we shelled peas, snapped green beans, and shucked corn.

I am forever grateful for the rustic beauty of country living that I learned to love as a child. For the lessons learned at the feet of wise women. And I give thanks for the profound luxury of getting to spend time as an adult with the older generations of my family. Sleeping in the bed

next to my greatgrandmother under half a foot of quilts, getting up in the morning and rushing to light the wood stove in the kitchen, then huddling together in front of it; cooking grits, eggs, and bacon while listening to the AM radio on the kitchen table; sitting on the piano bench together and singing from the old Broadman hymnal; listening to her tell me stories of growing up as a child under the loving care of her mother and fishing companion, Rebecca Lusk Lester.

They taught me to work and to make things with my hands and to be good stewards of what resources I was blessed with. I’m convinced children learn more about life, manners, friendship, and God when reared within several generations. The same wise council was passed down from generation to generation - “always build your house as the woman in Proverbs 31, then goodness and gladness shall follow you all your days”.

So here’s my promise to the great women that live on through me and my generation - I will live what you have taught me and only consume the freshest of foods and grow something

every season that delights the palate; I will stop buying clothes when I have a closet full of serviceable garments and sturdy shoes; I will endeavor to “build my house” in the fashion of the Proverbs 31 woman and find

contentment in what I have thus far acquired. And I will not be dismayed if I find people regard me as stodgy and strict or others find me hopelessly old-fashioned – in fact, that will be the sign that I’m keeping the promise!

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Page 12

Feb.1: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra – Chuck Mathena Center, Princeton, WV. Time: 8p.m. Admission: $18. Music lovers around the country celebrate the instrumental and choral concerts of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.

This performance includes compositions from Mozart and Bach. For more information: (304) 425 – 5128 www.ChuckMathenaCenter.org.

Feb 1: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra - Chuck Mathena Center, 2 Stafford Commons, Princeton, WV 24740. 8:00 PM. Virginias Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in Virginia west of Richmond.

This performance includes compositions from Mozart and Bach. 304-425-5128 Feb 4: Adult 9-Ball Pool Tournament - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville.

10:00 AM. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners Register 2 weeks prior Ages 50+ Min 4 Max 18. 276.223.3378 Feb 6: Chamber BOB (Business Over Brunch) Wythe Community Hospital, West Ridge Rd., Wytheville.

11:30am - 1pm, 1st Floor Classroom Reservations Required Lunch will be provided by Wythe County Community Hospital. Come and meet other business professionals that would like to do business with you.

Everyone will have an opportunity to give a one minute introduction. Bring a friend. 276.223.3365 Feb 6: 8 Ball Pool Tournament - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville. 5:00 PM. A prize will be awarded for 1st

place Ages 10 - 15 Min 3 Max 15 Register 2 weeks prior. 276.223.3378 Feb 7&8: Marriage Conference – THRIVE. All Nations Church, 1020 Stafford Umberger Dr., Wytheville. Cost $40 per couple.

Registration required. No matter how great your marriage is, it could always use a tune up.

Author and speaker Joe McGee will lead the session that will ignite passion, fun and adventure into your marriage. 276.228.5981 Feb 8: Girls Night Out Pajama Party - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville.

6:00 PM. We will socialize, eat and learn to make our own lip balm and jewelry all while relaxing in our PJs! Pizza, drinks and snacks will be provided. Ages 8 - 12 Min 4 - Max 10 Register 2 weeks prior. 276.223.3378 Feb. 10: Tourism Day at the Legislature, Charleston, WV. This event allows you to network with the tourism industry and your statewide representatives as well as showcasing the economic impact of Tourism on the West Virginia economy.

Exhibit Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. There is no fee to exhibit.

Feb 11: iPad Basics For Business - Wytheville Community College, Grayson Hall Room 219, 1000 East Main St., Wytheville. 9 - 11:30am Sponsored by the WythevilleWythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce.

Free.

Registration required. Bring your iPad to this hands-on, interactive workshop to explore how to navigate and discover some of the best

February Coming Events...

applications to organize your professional and personal life. 276.223.3365 Feb 11: Senior Potluck Luncheon - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville.

Valentines Theme, 11:30am - 1pm Open to Seniors 50+ Bring your favorite dish!

Drinks, utensils and paper products will be provided.

FREE! 276.223.3378 Feb 14: Kids Night Out Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville. 6 - 9pm Children will play games, enjoy arts and crafts, play sports and watch movies while parents enjoy their own free time. All activities will be supervised during the evening and children will be provided with pizza for dinner, as well as snacks and drinks to enjoy afterwards. Call for Fee Information Ages 6 - 12 Register 2 weeks prior.

276.223.3378 Feb 14: Lavender and Hearts Valentines Dinner - Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, Matney Flats, Wytheville. 6:30 PM. Reservations required.

276.621.4511 Feb. 14: David’s at the Club Valentine’s Sweet Heart Buffet – Time: 6p.m. – 9:30p.m. Price: $33.95 per person, plus gratuity and sales tax. Please make reservations early. For reservations and more information: (304) 327-9822.

Ext. 224 Feb. 14-16: Sweetheart Weekend at Pipestem! A two night stay package includes lodging at McKeever Lodge, dinner and a sweetheart dance. For reservations and more information: (304) 4661800

Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Sock Hop – Chuck Mathena Center, Princeton, WV. Get ready to twist and shout the night away at this old fashioned sock hop!

Featuring all of your sock hop favorites, a dessert buffet and a cash bar. Time: 7p.m.

Admission: $10. For more information: (304) 425-5128 www.ChuckMathenaCenter.org.

Feb. 15: Love Me Tender, The Ultimate Elvis Valentine’s Day Bash –Chuck Mathena Center, Princeton, WV. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Ultimate dates, Scot Bruce, portraying the early years, and Mike Albert, Delivering the untouchable 70’s Elvis. Time: 8p.m.

Admission: $20. For more information: (304) 425-5128 www.ChuckMathenaCenter.org Feb 15: WCC Bluegrass & Old-Time Jamboree - Snyder Auditorium, WCC. 7:00 PM. . Sponsored by Wytheville Community College. Seating is first-come, first-served.

276-223-4848 Feb 15: Love Me Tender, The Ultimate Elvis Valentines Day Bash - Chuck Mathena Center, 2 Stafford Commons, Princeton, WV 24740. 8:00 PM. Celebrate Valentines Day with the ultimate dates, Scot Bruce, portraying the early years, and Mike Albert, delivering the untouchable 70s Elvis. 304425-5128 Feb 20 – Mar 13: Learn to Line Dance - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville.

10:00 AM. Register by Feb. 13 Join other dancers and learn some fun Line Dances or just come for the great exercise. You never need a partner, but you can bring all

your friends and have a lot of fun and good exercise without knowing it. Instructor Christy Brecht Call for Fee Information All Ages.

276.223.3378 Feb 22: Cafe Saturdays West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery, 180 West Wind Dr., Max Meadows. 11 am till 3 pm. Great lunch special with live music. Every Saturday.

276.699.2020 Feb. 22: 2014 West Virginia Winter Warmer – (The Depot District) 529 Commerce Street. Downtown Bluefield, WV. Time: 3p.m. – 7p.m. The event will include FUNKY TUNES, NIPPY DRINKS, and CRAFTY FOODS. Musical performance by WV Music Hall of Fame, “The Carpenter Ants”, Bluefield’s favorite JC/BC special appearance by,” Vic Sorrell” and “The Lemon Drops”.

Don’t miss out on the smores’ bar and artisan foods prepared by David Hardin. Drinks will include; craft beer and wine, hot chocolate, and coffee.

Advance ticket purchase will be $20. Ticket price at the door will be $25. Ticket price includes music, food, and drinks. Ticket locations: Grants supermarkets, Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, and Mercer County Conventions and Visitors Bureau. For more i n f o r m a t i o n : www.beautifulbluefield.com Feb 26: Adult Ping Pong Tournament - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd. Wytheville.

6:00 PM. Double elimination style tournament. First place will be awarded. Ages 18+ Register by Feb. 13.

276.223.3378

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Feb 28: Open Kayak Playtime - Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd.

Wytheville. 6 - 7pm Discover some of the basic skills associated with kayaking and have loads of fun! Ages 6+ Register 2 weeks prior.

276.223.3378 Feb 28: Movie Night Wytheville Community Center, 333 Community Blvd.

Wytheville. “Frozen” 6 - 8pm Popcorn and drinks provided, bring a blanket or bean bag to sit on. 276.223.3378

Feb. 28: Rockshow Comedy presents, “Tim Hawkins” – Princeton Church of God, Princeton, WV. Time: 7p.m.

General admission: $22.00.

VIP: $42.00. All proceeds benefit Jonathan Powell Hope Foundation and Emma’s Touch Fighting Childhood Cancer. Sponsored by; Chickfil-A, Mercer Mall and Princeton Church of God. For more information and tickets: www.timhawkins.net or www.pcogwv.com

“Musings” Continued from Page 3...

together and using pliers and with a quick wrist motion, pulling out the backbone!

Voila, it was filleted!

I can still see my Mom coming to the top of the basement steps wondering why it was taking me so long to bring her veggies up. She saw me deep in my fish cleaning apprenticeship. I remember my Dad’s little smile and my Mom rolling her eyes.

So, Dad took her veggies up to her and left me to enjoy myself. Luckily, I didn’t have to deal with disposing of the bucket of gross innards. I never really knew what my Dad did with those, but we had some mighty fat cats around our place, hmmmm. I kept that little job for about two years until I finally wised up. Family work can make precious memories!

Once home, we planned a big fish fry, complete with Dad’s homemade hushpuppies with the yummy bits of onion. Wish I had that recipe now. We’d caught our limit and all our stringers were full. Of course, some of us (Dad) caught more than others, but who’s counting. Is there still a limit? Mom sent me to the basement to get some jars of her home canned green beans and tomatoes.

When I got down there, mesmerized, I watched Dad cleaning those fish with such dexterous motion. He dropped the disgusting parts into a bucket and put the freshly filleted fish into a bowl.

I begged him to let me try my hand at that awesome job. He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. He warned me to be careful with the sharp knife. In no time, I was slipping that blade under the gills on either side thus removing the head, cutting the tail off, slicing the underbelly and using an old rubber glove to remove the innards, then holding the stomach tightly pinched

By Marvin Hylton Those bitter cold days in early January just happened to coincide with the exact week that I had chosen to take a week’s vacation from work.

On the coldest days I had the luxury of tossing an extra log on the fire and sitting back to contemplate some of life’s little mysteries.

I never gave a moment’s thought about why I am here; my creditors remind me monthly that I am here to put money into their bank accounts so why I am here is no big mystery. Instead I pondered the little things, such as where my socks go when I put them in the dryer or why do I have so much trouble operating a microwave oven.

The clothes dryer has given me problems ever since I became old enough to operate one on my own. No matter how many pairs of socks I place in the dryer I never seem to take the same amount out when the drying cycle has ended. When I did my laundry at a nearby Laundromat I reasoned that any odd items of clothing that turned up in my basket were something whoever used that machine before me overlooked when they emptied it. It was a logical

Coming Events,“Musings” continued & Life’s Little Mysteries...

answer and I never gave it another thought.

However, once I had a washer and dryer of my own my logical answer just didn’t cut it anymore. Whenever something disappeared that I knew I had placed in the machine and something else appeared that obviously wasn’t mine I had no explanation that made sense.

I once put five pairs of white socks into the dryer along with a few other assorted garments. When the dryer stopped I removed three pairs of white socks, one blue sock, a green plaid sock, a gray sock, and one that appeared to be some shade of brown.

Now I ask, where did my socks go and where did the odd socks come from?

It is only a theory, but I believe there is a portal to another dimension inside of every clothes dryer. It isn’t open all the time but on random occasions the portal opens and some object within the dryer is sucked into the other side. I think that wherever those items go there is only a certain amount of room and once the capacity is reached something must be returned before anything else can cross over.

I suppose it could be compared to a pack rat. In this case if an item disappears from the dryer something else is exchanged for it. That wouldn’t be so bad if the item that appeared in my laundry basket was something that I would wear even if it wasn’t my choice of color. The problem is those things that turn up every once in a while are definitely not mine, especially those frilly lace undies that showed up a while back. I am

an old bachelor and there is no female in this house so how they got there is anybody’s guess.

I also believe there is an unseen force field that hovers around the countertop in my kitchen. I cannot begin to count the number of times that I have placed something on the counter so I would not forget it when I headed off to work. When I walked by the counter on my way out the door whatever I had placed there either had disappeared or somehow became invisible and I never had the time to search for it.

On the rare occasion that I did have time to conduct a search I could never find hide nor hair of the missing item.

When I returned home though, said item would be sitting right where I thought I had placed it before the search began. Apparently whatever causes that phenomena can make things disappear or reappear at will.

I have tried placing items there that I would like to get rid of but nothing ever happens then and when I return they are always right there where I put them. I suppose somehow the force or whatever it is can sense if the item is something that I really want or not.

I wonder if it is the same thing that is causing my problems with the clothes dryer or if it is only a distant relation. The next time I have a snow day to ponder the question I’ll give that some more thought. Now if I could only find my medicinal bottle that I thought I had under the sink. Wonder where that went to?

Page 14

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