Around The Panhandle May - June 2011

May & Jun 2011

M A G A Z I N E

The Apples don’t Fall Far From the Tree Things to Do...

S/town Street Fest Old Geezer Race

Winchester Blues House The Anvil Restaurant

1 on 1 with Natalie Tennant Meet Anthony Becht

Places to Go... $2.99

People to Know...

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FEATURES

On The Cover May & Jun 2011

May & June 2011

Things To Do

E M A G A Z I N

- 82 -

Shepherdstown Street Fest Celebrate the old and the new

- 106 -

FAll The Apples doThen’TTree FAr From

Norwalk Soap Box Derby Old Geezers Welcome

Places To Go - 12 -

Winchester Blues House Festival A summer event you can’t miss

- 75 -

The Anvil - Great food and a golf tournament to boot

People To Know

Things to Do...treet Fest

S/town S Adopt a Pet

The Blu The Anvil Restaurant

1 on 1 w Meet Anthony Becht

..

Places to Go.es H ouse

$2.99

People to Knoith Nw...atalie Tennant

Matt, Steve & Jason - 21 Cover Photo by Eric

Roach

Fargo

69

- 32 -

1 on 1 with Secretary of State Natalie Tennant

- 39 -

Get the inside scoop from Anthony Becht on his Football Camp

[4]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

contents 6 9

Dear Readers Photo Contest

10 Panhandle Puzzles 12 Winchester Blues

Festival - Mike Chalmers

17 Caption Contest 19 Panhandle Profile

Meet Michele from REDS Delivery

27 Places to Go

Dillon Farm Museum

32 People to Know

Natalie Tennant

47 Shenandoah Vet

Hospital

50 Rely on Rick

Anthony Becht

44 Our Top Ten

Best Roller Coasters

Street Fest Celebrate Old & New

Gain the Competitive 84 International Edge

Beauty School Education & Service 52 Panhandle Home

Health

86 Now It’s Your

Berkeley County Skate

57 Things to Do

Park

62 Panhandle

65

Carnival Treats

90 Inside Out with Eli

Healthy Living Healthy Core

93 Lending a Hand

Hospice Extends Quality Life

80 On the Road Michele covers the music scene

Over Here on the Other Side Humane Society

96 Your Money

69 The Unknown Eater

Turn - Recipes

36 Inside the Mind of Mimosa Fusion

a Hiring Manager 72 Womens Network 37 For Hire

We can do it

Ashley Walters 75 The Featured Eats 39 People to Know

The Anvil Restaurant

82 Shepherdstown

Matters

Financial Advice from Tony Price

100 Apples & Oranges

Amusement Parks

103 New to Town

Cafe Del Sol

106 Norwalk Soap Box

Derby

& Old Geezer Race



109

You Can’t Afford to Miss CLIP & SAVE

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Great Savings at Local Businesses

[5]

THE

{ x Around o b l i {Ma PANHANDLE May/June 2011 | VOL 3 | NO 1

PUBLISHER

Dear Readers: Okay, this will probably be the only time I ever say this, but I want you to close the magazine—yes, close the magazine. Now turn to the back cover and open up your calendar to mark down Pancakes for Polio, this Memorial Day, May 30th.

The Martinsburg Rotary will be serving a FREE breakfast to all area residents at War Memorial Park from 7 a.m. till 10 a.m. Bring the kids, get the neighbors out of bed, and come join us— Berkeley Parks and Recreation, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle—in eradicating polio.

Now, open the magazine back up and get ready for a reading experience like no other. This issue is packed with exciting features and awesome events, like the Shepherdstown Street Fest and the Winchester Blues House festival. Your appetites won’t be overlooked, either—we’re offering up some amazing food that pops off the page as if it’s sitting right in front of you. We get up-close with WV Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, and go behind the scenes at the Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital. We’ll also get the inside scoop, from Anthony Becht, on his Martinsburg Football Camp this June.

Maybe you’re sitting at your desk right now, or even in your living room, thinking about how nice it would be to have lunch from one of your favorite restaurants delivered right to you. If so, we’ve got you covered. And don’t act like you haven’t been giving some serious thought to amusement parks and roller coasters—after all, summer is all but here. Again, you’re going to love what we’ve got for you inside this issue.

Our cover has Steve, Jason, and Matt Roach in front of ATP’s official retail point—ROCS. I’ve been threatening Steve for over a year to try and get him and his amazing story into our magazine. Well, finally we managed to twist his arm far enough to get him to sit down with us. Steve, you have supported us from the beginning and inspired me in so many ways. I am proud to call you a friend and honored to have you and your boys on our cover. Steve is a pillar of our community and has done more for the Panhandle than most of us can ever dream about.

Enjoy.

Mike Hornby

EDITOR

Mike Chalmers

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Mike Hornby

James Schaffner

WEBSITE

Hornby Publishing LLC ProDesign , Brian Joliff www.professionaldesign.com

WRITERS

Mike Chalmers Eli Andersen The Unknown Eater Claire Gibson Webb Debra Cornwell Dana DeJarnett Victoria Kidd

Sandi Lilly Valentine Rick Hemphill Bonnie Williamson

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Fargo - Fargofotos.com All Photos unless otherwise specified are by Eric Fargo

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hornby Publishing Orchistrated Design

PRINTER

Panhandle Printing & Design

BUSINESS & CIRCULATION Kresha Hornby SEND MAIL TO

PO Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402

CONTACT US

AroundThePanhandle.com [304] 874-3252

Around the Panhandle is a bimonthly publication of Hornby Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The magazine is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos.

Distributed through subscriptions, advertisers, online and at ROC’S convenience stores throughout the Panhandle.

Mike Hornby Around The Panhandle Magazine 304-851-7461 mike@aroundthepanhandle.com Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AroundthePanhandleMagazine

Subscription price is $16.99 per year. Single issues $2.99. To subscribe, send check or money order for $16.99 payable to Around the Panhandle; PO Box 1254, Martinsburg, WV 25402 or subscribe online and pay by credit card at www.AroundThePanhandle.com.

Hornby Publishing, LLC | PO Box 1254 | Martinsburg, WV 25402 | 304.851.7461

[6]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

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Fully Accredited Oncology Program

Interventional Radiology Now Available at our City Hospital campus

New Cath Lab

Expanded Emergency Department

New ICU

Newly Renovated Birthing Center

In the past year, City Hospital

High-quality health care. . .

right in your backyard.

has seen tremendous growth and expansion. WVUH-East is committed to providing this community the best in facilities, services and programs to improve the quality of health in our area.

n New 20 bed ICU, all private rooms n Interventional Radiology Services n Emergency Department Addition Opening April 2011,

Full Renovations Completed September 2011 n Full Service Cardiac Cath Lab n WVUH-East Regional Cancer Program,

Accredited with Commendation

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o t o Ph

Do you have an eye for photography?

Show off your photo skills to the world and you could be our $50 lucky winner (one per issue).

Winner—or should I say, winners.

WOW! These are by far the best photographs entered to date. Not that the photos entered before these haven’t been really good in their own right, but this issue’s entries are so impressive, it leads me to believe they were taken by professionals And for the first time, we have a tie: so I had to draw from a hat the Winner.

Sorry but we only have one prize.

Winners in Hat Draw

1. Full Moon by Richard Harkness 2. Looking Ahead by Tripp Baronner 3. Three children by PLC Everything about these photos is perfect. Have you ever tried to set up for the perfect moon shot? If you haven’t, I suggest you try. And the lighting on the B&W photo of the man in the window is perfect. Need I say more? The crispness, and what we call in the industry—tack sharp—in the three children by the water shot, couldn’t be any better.

Honorable mention—Cherries by PLC, PLC—I love what you’re doing, keep it up.

Submit your photos at AroundThePanhandle.com or email mike@AroundThePanhandle.com.

[Don’t forget to read the important stuff] All photo submissions must include name and contact information and must be the original work of the submitter. Photos must be at least 300dpi and in .jpg or .pdf format. All pictures will become property of Hornby Publishing LLC. www.AroundThePanhandle.com

This page is brought to you by Fargo Fotos FargoFotos.com [9]

Panhandle Puzzling Send your completed puzzle to: Hornby Publishing C/O Puzzle 1004 P.O. Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402 for your chance to win $50

��� J�N� P�ZZL� 20�� BEACH SAND DOLLAR SEA SHELL OCEAN CASTLE WAVES SURFBOARD PALM TREES VACATION BEACH TOWEL SUMMER FLOWERS PICNICS BOARDWALK FISHING CAMPING HIKING SWIMMING SOFTBALL BASEBALL MOTHERS DAY FATHERS DAY SWIMSUITS TANNING VOLLEYBALL SNORKLING PLAYGROUND GARDENING SUMMER CAMP FLIP FLOPS SUNGLASSES RIVER RAFTING WATER PARKS CARNIVAL COTTON CANDY FUNNEL CAKE [ 10 ]

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MEMORIAL DAY FLAG SOLDIERS VETERAN FREEDOM REMEMBRANCE

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

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Crossword

Across

1. Large oval tropical fruit (5) 3. Meat pies (7) 6. Water flask (7) 7. Juice from cooking meat (5) 9. Beverage (3) 10. Sweet drink containing carbonated water (4) 14. Frankfurter served on a bun (6) 15. Often used with a cup (6) 19. Consumes (4) 20. Hard-shelled seed (3) 22. Very thin crisp brown toast (5) 23. Spicy sauce made from red peppers (7) 24. Small prickly cucumber (7) 25. Plant with hollow cylindrical leaves for seasoning (5)

Down

1. Spice made from nutmeg seed (4) 2. Aromatic herb with pungent leaves for seasoning (7) 3. Larder (6) 4. Sweetener (5) 5. Sauce made from fermented beans (3) 8. Downy fruit resembling a small peach (7) 11. Kind of porridge (7) 12. Meat from a domestic hog or pig (4) 13. Professional cook (4) 16. Sour or bitter in taste (7) 17. Meat from a mature domestic sheep (6) 18. Light meal (5) 21. Edible flatfish (4) 22. Drinking vessel with handle (3)

Spot

the

Difference

See if you can find the 16 things we photoshopped in these pictures

Send your completed puzzles to: Hornby Publishing C/O Puzzle 1004 P.O. Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402 for your chance to win $50 ALL PUZZLES AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON OUR WEBSITE

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 11 ]

Winchester Blues Festival Grows in Size and Character A summer event you simply shouldn’t miss.

- Mike Chalmers

Winchester is known for a few things that truly separate the Northern Virginia city from the towns and cities around it. The giant apple blossom festival every spring comes to mind, initially, as does the wonderfully charming and iconic historic downtown mall. Another event; however, has grown (and definitely continues to grow) into a must-attend date on the calendar for thousands of people from around the area, and beyond: Blues House—one of the few live music festival/fundraisers in the tri-state area, and certainly the only one of its kind in Winchester.

But to simply call it a live music fundraiser or a festival doesn’t quite cut it. Blues House is more than just a charity event, and more than just a bunch of bands up on a stage. It’s actually a twelve-year tradition, and has grown exponentially in recent years, as word has spread, and technology has allowed for better advertising and awareness.

Last year, approximately 2,000 people attended the show—now that’s a little

[ 12 ]

bigger than your average concert in the park.

For anyone who likes blues, well, this event is a no-brainer, and has probably been a staple for over a decade. But for those who are either new to blues, or simply like live music and musicrelated festivals, Blues House 2011 is an experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Aside from an impressive list of musicians and singers whose names have traveled the industry’s storied road, nationally and internationally, the event offers some regional talents and up-and-comers, as well. It’s a perfect blend of old and new— established and soon-to-be. And the adoring crowds know it.

“I got involved in 2000 by having a friend who owned the production company that was doing sound for the event,” remembers Joseph Boyd, chairman of Blues House, and stage manager on the day of. Eleven years later, he’s pretty much the face of this festival, as well as its largest cheerleader. “My involvement began as one day per year,

and now it’s almost a year-round deal,” he adds. “Both of my parents were big on volunteering but I would literally laugh at the idea when I was younger. Rewards?

Yeah right. Well, it’s true; when you give to others, it comes back to you in a way that is hard to explain unless you’ve done it. It’s just one of those things I can’t put into words.”

Boyd, 47, is one of many volunteers who put in untold amounts of work to make Blues House not just a wild success from an entertainment standpoint, but also as a charity event. That crew is often unseen, though there wouldn’t be a show, or a fundraiser without them.

“These are the people who come and stay for twelve to fifteen hours to make it happen—Kevin Thompson, Terry Oates, Scott Larrick, Bryan Bucher, Tom Davis, John Bryant, Melvin Gay, Matt Doleman, Alan Grossman, Jim Dick, Lauri Bridgeforth, Barbara Allegra, Susan Grossman, Marla Gilbertson, Angie Meyer, Lori Thompson, John Bracken, Chrissy Knotts—this group is the heart of

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

the show on the day of the event.” And such an effort is driven by a love of blues, and a passion for charity.

Since 2008, Blues House has chosen Habitat for Humanity of Winchester – Frederick Co.Va. as their beneficiary.

In 2009, enough money was raised to underwrite a Habitat house in Stephens City called “Blues House.” This wasn’t the first Blues House; in fact, proceeds from the first event in 1999 went to renovate an 1840s duplex in Winchester, on South Kent Street—to be the home of a Winchester police officer. The Blues House name was born. Since then, earnings have been donated to Celebrating Patsy Cline, Inc., Fremont Day Nursery, Caretakers (now Boys & Girls Club), Virginia Chapter 1 of Rolling Thunder® Inc., F.O.P. Ole Fredericktown Chapter #12, The Office of George Washington Museum, Blue Ridge Hospice, and several others.

“Habitat is like a full circle from where we started,” Boyd maintains. “The first year was the remodeling of a home in the historic district for a community resource officer. So with a blues festival refurbishing a house for a ‘man in blue,’ the name was born.

“The festival has raised funds to benefit a number of community organizations over the years, so the opportunity to team up with Habitat just made sense. The fact that we’re back in the home building and refurbishing aspect of it just brings us full circle.”

As the festival and its partnerships evolve, so do the responsibilities and the decisions that need to be made.

The Blues House Committee—Cheryl Connolly (executive director for Habitat), Joan Beverley (resource development director for Habitat), Cody Dearing, Mel Thomas, Shawn Reiser, Terry Hudson, Christian Schweiger, Marshall Beverley, Chuck Peterson, Vickie Dearing, and of course, Joe Boyd—is, essentially, the driving force behind the event.

As much work as Boyd puts in, he points out that he’d have a hard time balancing the project at all without the help of Joan Beverley. He freely admits that she works every bit as hard as he does—juggling the www.AroundThePanhandle.com

various dynamics that exist between the production and operation of a popular music fest with the vast responsibilities associated with her role at Habitat.

“The benefit of being able to work with an event and the people associated with an event of this magnitude is enormous for Habitat,” Beverley shares. “Obviously, the revenue generated is very important for us, but in addition to that, a great deal of public awareness is created for Habitat. We’re mainly a volunteer-based organization, and Blues House gives us the opportunity to educate people on who we are and what we do.”

Through volunteer labor, management expertise, and tax-deductible donations of money and material, Habitat for Humanity builds homes with the help of the homeowners. Houses are sold at no profit to partner families, and noninterest mortgages are issued over a fixed period. The mortgage payments are deposited into a revolving “Fund for Humanity,” which supports the construction of more houses.

As the organization’s website states: Habitat is not a giveaway program. It’s a “Hand Up” not a “Hand Out.” Each homeowner family is required to invest a minimum of 250 “sweat equity” hours into the construction of their home. This reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership among family members, and fosters the development of positive relationships with other people.

Sweat equity seems to be a theme in this equation, and as usual, honest hard work usually benefits everyone involved—and in this case, many of those benefactors just happen to be blues fans.

Though the event has literally traveled a winding road to get to its present location in Winchester, the passion to offer the fans a chance to enjoy and interact with some of their favorite artists, as well as the motivation to support the community through charity, never waned. It is, perhaps, this genuine characteristic among the many people who make Blues House a reality that has led to its emerging success as of late.

That, and let’s say, the Internet.

“I can’t begin to tell you how this (the Internet) has increased our fan base,” Boyd suggests. “It has opened us up to so many folks who’d never heard of us. I have folks coming from all over: Delaware, New York, Chicago, Texas. It never ceases to amaze me. And I don’t want to imagine how we would pull this thing off anymore without technology.”

Because of the modern, and everevolving, power of technology, Blues House 2011 is looking to set records for attendance. Whereas a realistic set of factors will have to fall into place for the festival to truly blow away recent numbers, Boyd is confident that this year has all the potential in the world to be the biggest event in the twelve-year history—and catapult it into unseen levels and expectations for the future.

After all, we are living in the age of overnight fame and viral publicity. If Blues House eclipses the 2,000-person mark this year, which it likely will (and could possibly smash), that number could explode in coming years because of social networking. In turn, the fundraiser merely grows along with the show, and everybody wins. It’s a thought worth considering for Boyd.

“Ha, numbers—we always try to figure this one out. There are so many factors that add or subtract to crowd size— weather, conflicting events, etc.—but I have a feeling this year, with word of mouth, social networking, more overall media coverage, and a very strong lineup—provided we have good weather— we’re going to have a banner year.”

As far as this year is concerned, the festival has truly come into its own as a summer destination for event lovers.

With the addition of a “Poker Run” and a possible Cornhole tournament, the fans are assured a diverse mix of weekend fun to go along with one of the stronger lineups in recent memory: Devon Allman’s Honeytribe; Terry Oates & the Mudcats; Mary Ann Redmond; Moondog Medicine Show; Jumptown; and more TBA. Red Fox Creamery will be serving up American fare standards, as well as ice cream.

Pizza, water, sodas, and adult beverages will also be available (with Yellow Cab company right outside the gates, to

[ 13 ]

discourage drinking and driving).

It’s also quite important to mention that this annual summer gathering of music, food, and fun wouldn’t happen at all without sponsors. Remember, this event is run entirely by volunteers, and depends on sponsorships and ticket sales to make those vital donations to the nonprofit organizations in the community. Contact Blues House if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, or just to donate—your contribution, needless to say, is greatly appreciated, and has a tremendous positive effect.

Regardless of how you get there or what you have to reschedule in order to put Blues House on your calendar, you need to make it happen. If this event was just a music festival, you’d still be talking about for the rest of the summer, but it’s so much more—and your support, by attending, will go such a long way towards helping Habitat for Humanity of Winchester – Frederick Co.Va. achieve its long-term goals. And if nothing else, you need to go simply to meet Joe Boyd and his crew (if you can find them). He’s the man behind the continued success of Blues House, and he’ll likely want to shake your hand as much as you will his.

“I started out doing this only one day a year,” he reminisces, “and now it takes me six to eight months a year to do it. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s still a blast. The best part is when a stranger walks up to me and tells me that they, too, had a blast. It just takes me back to my first day and truly is the icing on the cake.”

For more information, visit: winchesterblueshouse.com and/or check them out on Facebook at Winchester Blues House Festival. For more information on how to get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Winchester – Frederick Co.Va., visit: habitatwfc.org.

What: 12th Annual Blues House Festival When: Saturday July 16th, 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Gates open at 11 a.m.)

Where: Winchester Eagles Club Aerie 824 “Outdoor Pavilion” 700 Baker Lane, Winchester, VA.

[ 14 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

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[ 17 ]

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Picture this: You wake up late on a workday, scramble to get dressed and out the door, with no time to pack a lunch. With a busy day ahead, the prospect of lunch is just a dream. If you do manage to run out, chances are it will not be to grab anything more than a grease-soaked bun and fries. Wouldn’t it be so nice if you could pay a few dollars to have something delicious from a restaurant of your choosing, delivered right to you? Well, if you if you live or work in Berkeley County, your perfect lunch, dinner, or snack is just a phone call away.

panhandle

PROFILE

Michele Fisher

Reds Delivery • It’s Going To Be Hot!

Reds Delivery Service is the most recent business addition to a growing Panhandle and is the product of the imagination of owner Michele Fisher. She had lived in places where the delivery options were fairly standard and limited, and knew that if she would pay someone to run out and get something for her, then there was a good possibility that others would do the same.

“How many times did I think, gosh, can I get something delivered other than pizza?” she shares. With the help of fellow owner, Tierre Branson, the vision became a reality in June of 2008. They started out small, doing a test run with four local restaurants. The positive response gave them the green light they needed. Officially opening in July of 2010, Reds has expanded their delivery options to include thirty local area restaurants, such as Outback, Shoneys, Asian Garden, and The Daily Grind.

The concept is simple: You, the customer, are hungry and want something to eat. Maybe you don’t feel like running out, don’t have the time, or feel like cooking. The usual delivery options are not appealing and a real meal is a priority. Call Reds, tell them what you want, and for a few bucks on top of the cost of the order, a driver will pick it up and bring it to you. Now, instead of just a greasy, quick meal, delivery choices also include fresh and healthy options. More good news: if you just feel like a snack, there is no delivery minimum. They will bring you the milkshake you have been craving all afternoon!

The concept has caught on quickly in Berkeley County. With an average of seventeen calls each day, Reds drivers are hopping.

Customers include busy moms, local hotel guests, VA employees, and even hungry kids fresh off the bus—a new twist on the afterschool snack.

“We deliver to everyone!” enthuses Fisher. “We see the same customers over and over again and have a good rapport with them.”

And what happens when orders get backed up, as they potentially can with the lunch or dinner rush? “We make sure to stay in contact with the customer and give them an idea of wait time. If we are backed up, we let them know that we are behind. We like to under-promise and over-deliver,” Fisher assures.

Currently, Reds accepts orders between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the last call being taken at 9:30 p.m. They will deliver your meal for a flat $5 fee, on top of the cost of the order. In the future, Reds hopes to expand their service area throughout the Panhandle, but for now the young company works primarily with Berkeley County restaurants and customers.

For a full list of menus and restaurants, visit

www.redsdelivery.com or call 304-810-REDS.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

A Panhandle native, Fisher has been pleased with the successful introduction on the business scene. She had always wanted to start a business, but was not quite sure where to focus. With her own frustrations surrounding food delivery options, she honed in on something that interested her. “This was the one thing that I had to try. I didn’t want someone else to do it and then I would kick myself for not trying.”

Now picture this: You arrive home after that long, exhausting day and the grocery shopping has not been done and there is nothing for dinner. No worries—Reds will bring you that as well!

- Claire Gibson Webb

[ 19 ]

Call me to find out if you can save now.

Gary Kelley, CLU 304-263-4596 724 LAKEVIEW DRIVE MARTINSBURG garykelley@allstate.com

Savings based on national customer-reported data for new policies in 2009. Actual savings vary. Discounts subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. Š 2010 Allstate Insurance Company

R.M. Roach & Sons, Inc. Four Generations of Success - By Victoria Kidd

It all started with the hiring of a truck driver in 1927. The Texas Company had been operating at its location on East John Street in Martinsburg since 1917, and R. Mark “Mickey” Roach was hired ten years later to operate a tank truck as part of the firm’s kerosene and gasoline supply business. Today an incarnation of that business, R.M. Roach & Sons still exists in the Panhandle, and the story of the family who owns and operates it is an incredible account that truly needs to be shared with our community.

become manager of the gasoline and home fuel division of the business holdings of Trammell Hollis, the local business owner who was the commissioned agent of The Texas Company. When Mr. Hollis passed away in 1952, Mickey stepped in, purchased the business, and established a direct contract with The Texas Company. This allowed him the ability to sell Texaco products under the Roach name. Three years later, Mickey would incorporate his business as R.M. Roach & Sons.

The business that would be known locally for its ROCS and Roach Energy Divisions originally came from simple beginnings.

Mickey Roach would eventually be known as the original patriarch of R.M. Roach & Sons.

He would work his way up to

Mickey’s sons, Doug and Don, began working in the business in 1956. They proudly oversaw a period of rapid expansion for the company, including the positioning of the company to be the operator of a large number of the area’s gas stations. It

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

was at one of these gas stations that a third generation of the Roach family would begin his involvement with the company.

That third generation family member is Steve Roach, the current president and CEO of the company. After having worked in the business and ensured its success, Steve’s two brothers, Scott and Stan, sold Steve their interest in the company. Today, Steve is joined by his sons, Jason and Matt, who represent a forth generation of the family that continues their service to our community. Steve is very passionate about the future of the business, and is equally sure of the ability his sons have to lead the company to even bigger horizons. “I truly want my sons to continue to grow the business,” Steve explains. [ 21 ]

“They are the next generation.

Jason is a little older and has a lot of management experience.

Matt is a CPA with incredible business know-how. Between the two of them, they have all the right skills.” The next generation Roaches are already putting those skills to use. Jason is serving as the general manager of the ROCS division, and Matt is the chief administration officer. Both contribute to all other business areas whenever help is needed. Today, the three company stewards oversee more than twenty ROCS convenience stores and Subway restaurants.

They also have a large HVAC, Oil, and Propane division that supplies home heating and cooling services for our community.

can be—that it can get confusing.

Luckily for us, we have a pretty great family, and everyone wants the business to be the best it can be.”

It takes great skill to be able to successfully manage such a large business. One particularly necessary skill is the ability to balance work and life. This is difficult for anyone who works, but is particularly challenging for a family that works together.

Steve says that when he is with Jason and Matt, the three of them are always trying to think of ways to innovate and improve the business. To help maintain the balance, Tina, Steve’s wife, has instituted a very particular family dinner rule. “We have a rule that after six o’clock, there is no more talk of work,” Steve says jokingly. “You really have to do what you can to make that separation. It’s healthy.”

Making the business as successful as possible is a focus of all family members, but one could argue that they are equally committed to the Panhandle community. R.M. Roach & Sons is known locally for its community fundraising efforts, its charitable donations, and its conscious support of organizations that provide critical services in our area. Steve explains, “We feel that we have a commitment to the community. We give back and support a number of charities that have a special place in our heart. We want to make our community a better place to live, and we have a higher sense of purpose than just doing business.” Noteworthy community support includes the drastically reduced leasing rates provided for the youth-focused Berkeley County BMX/Skatepark facility on Kelly Island Road, as well as numerous in-store United Way fundraising efforts that raise thousands of dollars each year for the local chapter. “Martinsburg is a unique community in that it is a very involved community,” Steve continues. “The citizens really want to make the community

Jason and Matt echo their father’s sentiments about working with family, but find that the maintaining of clear communication channels and the ensuring of the ability to speak frankly with one another is critical to success. “It can be tricky working with family,” Jason admits. “It’s when we lose sight of the mission in business— making the business the best it

[ 22 ]

Matt sees working within the family as an opportunity. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to work and learn from my father and brother. This is the right fit for me because I get the chance to help the family and the community.” The two brothers are extremely committed to building a strong company that has a positive impact on our community. Matt recognizes that there is something special about their business. “We are a family and regional company with great employees who have worked hard to serve the community.”

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

better. We appreciate this and try to give back as well. We are the major sponsor of the Norwalk/ ROCS Soap Box Derby coming up in June” Their commitment to this area is further translated into a desire to provide the best possible service to the patrons of their business.

The Roach family believes that it is this service that sets them apart from other similar businesses in the area. Jason recalls how a commitment to service was instilled in him at a young age. “When I was younger, I rode around on the oil delivery truck, pulling the hose for the driver and filling customer tanks.

I remember going out with Dad to do a Christmas Eve delivery because he didn’t want to have to call in a driver during their time with their family, but also did not want to let the customer go through the agony of having no heat through the holiday.” This story is exemplary of the top-tobottom commitment expected of every company employee.

This type of customer dedication is taught at all levels of the organization. Steve is quick to express that all members of the organization, including himself and his sons, must be prepared to do whatever it takes to create a positive customer experience.

Steve teaches his employees the value of outstanding service through the exemplary service he provides to customers whenever he has the chance. Jason furthers his father’s sentiment by saying, “Our Company has done well because the family is full of hard workers, and none of us are scared to roll up our sleeves.”

There are nearly 200 of those hard workers who strive to make the company the best it can be. Beyond the success of their business, or the positive contributions to the community, the family is most proud of the

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

fact that they are able to provide a livelihood for so many of our neighbors. Jason believes that it is these individuals who make the company successful. “It’s important to mention the 200 people that make the business work. They are excited about working with us to make the business the best it can be.”

He emphasizes the critical role of these individuals. “Every employee plays a most important role in the business. They are the face of the company and are experts in their respective areas.”

The family believes that it has some of the best employees of any company in the area, and each Roach expresses gratitude for the incredible commitment of their employees.

The combination of customerfocused service provided by their employees, and the determination of the Roach family, has made the business both a Panhandle employer and a service provider of choice.

Whether you are a potential employee or a potential customer, R.M. Roach & Sons truly want to exceed your expectations.

The family is grateful for the support that the community has shown this business over the past fifty-nine years. Matt simply states, “Thanks for giving us a chance. The previous generations contributed a lot to the Panhandle, and we want to continue to do so.”

Undoubtedly, they will. If you want to learn more about the family’s history, the business’s future, or the ways they support our community, visit their website at roachenergy.com.

Better yet, stop by a ROCS and fill up, or grab a foot-long sub from a Roach Family Subway.

You’ll be glad to know that you have chosen to support a locally owned, community-conscious business.

[ 23 ]

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The creak of the leather harness and the chinking clink of the metal chains softly drift through the air along with the smells of the horses and the freshness of the earth. Amid the chatter of the passengers and the plodding thump of the horses and mules, another wagonload of curious visitors is slowly pulled into the field. Adding to the October day are the smells of apples freshly pressed into cider and apple butter cooking in large open kettles over wood-stoked fires.

The gathering crowd stands quietly watching two marvels of mechanical engineering slowly moving before them. The red of the tractor shines brightly in the sun and its pounding motor rhythmically adds to the cacophony of the mechanical clanking of the reaper’s chains as the stalks of golden barley are guided by the rotating wooden paddles into the click/clack of the cutter bar. It will take only two and a half hours to harvest one acre of grain, instead of the sixty-seven hours it used to take by hand. Horses pulled the reaper in the beginning, as this scene was replayed over and over from 1867 to World War II, and the world changed as a result.

The Dillon Farm Museum

Where the sights, sounds, and smells of agriculture rest within the tools.

- By Rick Hemphill

This scene, using original farm equipment, plays out each year during the annual fall show at the Dillon Farm Museum in Hedgesville, W.Va., by a group of dedicated volunteers, headed

by James Smith. “This is a part of history that needs to be kept alive, along with Civil War history and railroad history and all the other amazing things that have happened in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.”

Jim grew up on a small horse farm in Gilford and Braxton Counties, W.Va. He was a boy in the days when eighteen percent of Americans made

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 27 ]

agriculture their occupation and avocation. And like generations before him, horse power meant hard work, hay, and manure.

“My grandparents had teams of horses and we never saw a tractor on those hills until after World War II,” he says, with wonder still echoing in his voice.

“In fact, I got quite proficient plowing with horses.”

He remembers, “I left Charleston and came to Berkeley County in 1972, and I thought I had come to the Promised Land. The apple and peach trees were all in bloom and the whole countryside was white with the blossoms and the people were talking about their farms and equipment.

There must have been twenty dairies and now there are only five or six. The county has gone through a lot of changes since then.”

Jim is a large man with a soothing voice and a grandfatherly manner befitting his eighty plus years of service to the state of West Virginia and Berkeley County. “I have thirty acres here and we raised horses, pigs, and cattle until my health got to me,” he shares, and passes his hand through the air to show the sweep of his experience. “I’ve always wanted to be involved with farming, as it’s a very basic part of life.”

Jim’s respect for agriculture and tenure as Berkeley County’s School Superintendent coincided with similar desires by the late L. Norman Dillon. Building a new Hedgesville High School was the project that brought Norman Dillon and Jim Smith to their common heritage. In 1974, Norman Dillon donated ten thousand dollars, along with a variety of hand- and horsedrawn farm equipment, to create a place where children and adults could rekindle a connection to the land. The Dillon Farm [ 28 ]

Museum is right across the street from Hedgesville High School, on Route 9, and admission is free.

The Museum is more than just a reaper and a few hand tools.

The main building is divided into an office/reception/classroom area with a doorway opening to the heritage being passed to each new generation. The walls are covered with hand tools, each showing the hard years of service given to its owners.

They seem to be taking pride in the plantings and harvests they made possible. There is an order to the placement but many of the items are unfamiliar to most people today and they can seem haphazard.

In the center of the room is a large corn wagon built by W.P. Miller in Swamp Pond, W.Va., long before the turn of the twentieth century. It sits quietly, over fourteen feet long, with the sides well over seven feet above the ground. Its stature sets the tone for the room, and its wood is brownish grey with age. The steel-banded wheels want to take you over the Oregon Trail instead of carrying corn from muddy fields to a Martinsburg market. There is no seat on the wagon for the driver. Instead, he or she had to ride on the left rear horse to run the four-horse team.

“They rode on that horse so that when they passed another farmer going in the opposite direction, they could stop and talk while sitting next to each other,” Jim recalls with a smirk. ”That is why we still drive on the right-hand side of the road today.”

Inside another building sits the second half of the reaping process, reenacted each year. A huge metal box on wheels with belts and pulleys attached to the outside to operate the internal Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

gears and chains. At the turn of the twentieth century, it would have been connected to a steampowered tractor, but a smaller, red Farmall tractor sits under the front shed roof, patiently waiting to process the freshly cut barley and separate the grain from the chaff. “We donate the grain to a worthy cause each year,” Jim proudly announces. “We have five big tractors in the 1950s range that people have donated, and one 1920 Fordson, and it’s a major job to keep such big things under cover.”

There are hundreds of smaller tools and plows, one Surrey carriage, several reapers, mowers, shellers, grinders, and even a sprayer of unknown origin. Many of the items have yet to be cataloged and there seems to be no shortage of donations. “Part of our job is to find new items for our collection but we have to keep out the junk,” Jim grins.

Smaller wooden structures sit behind the main building in two lines, straddling the open areas used for demonstrations and displays.

In a long, open building sits one of the larger donations from the Giles family. “They brought a complete sawmill on a flatbed truck and we put it together, painted it, and it works perfectly,” Jim boasts. “You should see the kids just standing there gaping at the saws when it’s operating.”

He fumbles with a padlock on the wooden structure directly behind the main building. “My grandfather was a blacksmith, and you never forget the smells of the forge and the sounds of the hammer and anvil. We built this state-of-the-art blacksmith shop for display and to make all of the hand-wrought hinges on our doors, but now there are www.AroundThePanhandle.com

blacksmith classes on the first Monday of each month.” The Museum also finds space for other community organizations, including a monthly quilting society.

The museum is staffed solely by volunteers. Their dedication allows it to remain open most weekends for tours, although additional hours are available by appointment. “We’ll give a tour at the drop of a hat, if someone is interested,” Jim explains, encouraging everyone to come and see the wonders of agriculture. “I’ve given tours to people from all over the world, even where I was the only one speaking English, but they all seemed to understand and the equipment was familiar to them.”

Jim’s eyes brighten when he speaks about the future, even more than when he explains about the past. “We have plans to further expand the museum by building a bank barn for equipment storage, a functional milking parlor, and a farmhouse with a big kitchen to prepare the food for our two major fundraising events.” Those events take place on the first weekend in June and the second weekend in October. “We hope the museum can be the key to agri-business, agri-tourism, and connecting with the community’s past.”

Jim finally concedes, “My personal favorite piece of equipment is the reaper. That is the piece of equipment that allowed the farmers to harvest more grain so they could feed more people to help build this country to where we are today.

That is what started it all.”

[ 29 ]

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1 on 1 with Natalie Tennant A West Virginian We’re Proud to Call our Own Here at Around the Panhandle, we have the privilege of meeting many interesting West Virginians from the Eastern Panhandle and across the state. Entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, public servants, business owners, military, workers, coaches, athletes, and moms who make it happen have graced our pages. Meet Natalie Tennant, West Virginia’s Secretary of State.

Inspired by West Virginia Department of Commerce’s “Come Home to West Virginia” program, this article meets one person who stayed and made her life here. The successful program has concluded, and its purpose was to mine talent from [ 32 ]

former natives by encouraging new economy-savvy workers and entrepreneurs to move home to the Mountain State. “West Virginia is a great place to find and create opportunity,” declares Tennant.

People will leave their family and home state to seek opportunity.

What brings them back? What keeps them from going? Deep roots, familial ties, home state pride. In the short space that these pages allow, here is glimpse of Tennant’s West Virginia: After graduating from North Marion High School, and leading the Huskies as their Student Body President, Tennant studied

- By Debra Cornwell

broadcasting at West Virginia University. She broke barriers, becoming the first woman to officially serve as the WVU Mountaineer. In 1991, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree, and in 2002, earned a master’s in corporate and organizational communications.

For ten years, Tennant anchored the news in Clarksburg and Charleston, bringing attention to stories that affected the people of West Virginia. She then owned Wells Media Group, LLC, with her husband Erik Wells. We had the luxury, for this issue, to have a conversation with Tennant— truly one of West Virginia’s most enduring and endearing native daughters.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

ATP: What is your family history in West Virginia?

NT: On my father’s side, I am a seventh generation West Virginian. Richard Tennant came from Scotland in 1756 as an indentured servant and married his owner’s daughter. I take pride in knowing that my ancestors were part of what helped to shape this state and this country.

On my mother’s side, my grandfather came with his family from San Giovanni, Italy, as immigrants in the early 1900s.

My mother’s father was five years old. He began working in the coalmines in Harrison County when he was nine years old.

ATP: How has your family history in West Virginia influenced who you are today?

NT: Everything I do and everything I am is shaped by how I was raised and from where I came. I was raised on a farm where nothing was wasted, where we got by on what we had, and if we needed something, we made it, saved for it, or did without.

My parents always made us aware that where we are today is a result of all of our struggles and our rewards. That same determination is still there on the farm and those values and work ethic guide my life today.

My Italian background has given me the courage, perseverance, and ingenuity that allow me to think big and have high expectations of myself and my state.

ATP: What family traditions do you keep?

NT: I have a lot of family traditions that I hold dear. The first is being with family. While, as farm people, it is sometimes difficult for us to ask for help, the first people I can turn to are always my parents, brothers and sister, and my in-laws. We have

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the traditions of helping each other on the farm, whether it is putting up hay, helping with the garden, or mowing the lawns. We love to have cookouts, and I am considered the social director— many times because I will say we are having something at so-andso’s house. We have a tradition of making apple cider every fall, and we make it part of a Tennant reunion.

Of course, there are many Italian traditions we hold dear, as well, and they center around food. We have a traditional Christmas Eve dinner of all fish, and make many other traditional foods.

ATP: Tell us about where you are from—has that influenced you?

NT: I grew up on a farm outside of Fairview in Marion County. Both of my parents are educators—my dad was a high school principal and my mom was a teacher. I’m the youngest of seven children.

At an early age, I learned the value of a good education and the importance of putting in a hard day’s work, working on the farm, and baling hay alongside my brothers and sister. My parents instilled in us the value of a dollar, and how hard West Virginians work to earn a living. It’s their dedication to learning that shaped my values and made me who I am.

ATP: Like farmers, Italian families have a proud heritage in West Virginia. Do you participate in that community as well?

NT: My Italian heritage is very important to me. It is a tradition to attend the Italian heritage Festival every year in Clarksburg.

I sold pizza there for my Uncle Smitty, was an Italian Festival Princess, and last year was named the 2010 Italian Woman of the Year.

ATP: Why did you choose West Virginia University for your college education?

[ 33 ]

NT: I had siblings who went to WVU. But I always wanted to play basketball, and I thought if I did, I would want West Virginia across my chest so I could represent my state.

ATP: Why did you try out to be the Mountaineer?

NT: I have always had incredible pride in our great state, and so when I was at WVU, it seemed like the natural choice to share that pride and excitement with our whole school and all of the fans on game day. West Virginians are dedicated fans, and it was very special to participate in and support that deep sense of pride and tradition that’s a part of our sports and the school.

It’s that same pride and healthy competitive spirit that makes our state so great, and gives us so much promise for the future.

ATP: Why did you choose to stay in West Virginia—starting a family, owning a business, and serving the public?

NT: West Virginia is, always has

[ 34 ]

been, and always will be home to me. It’s where I was raised, where I attended school, and it’s where I chose to serve my fellow West Virginians in state government. I know how much our state, and we, can achieve, and I have high expectations for all of us. As secretary of state, I’ve worked to make my office as open and accessible to West Virginians as possible. This isn’t my government, it’s the people of West Virginia’s—I’m here to serve you, and so I want people to be as involved as possible in the work my office is doing, where we’re going, and the services we provide.

ATP: What’s your family life like now?

NT: My family is a very important part of my life. My daughter Delaney is nine years old, and I cherish all of the time we spend together—whether visiting my parents on the farm, or working on homework after school. Early this month, my husband Erik reported for duty. This spring, he will be deployed to Afghanistan, where he will spend the next

eight months as a lieutenant commander and public affairs officer in the Naval Reserves. We are incredibly proud of his efforts on behalf of our country, and look forward to his safe return.

ATP: How special is it to call yourself a West Virginian?

NT: I’m a lifelong West Virginian.

I was born and raised here, I went to school here, I spent my career here, and I’m proud to raise my daughter here.

And I know just how much our great state has to offer. I have high expectations for us, because I know how much our state can achieve. And I know how West Virginians get things accomplished—through good old-fashioned hard work. From here in the Eastern Panhandle to Marion County—where I grew up on a farm—to Jefferson County, to Raleigh County, and everywhere in between, West Virginians are hard working folks. We take pride in the work we do. My vision is for a state that works as hard as West Virginians do to build a stronger, brighter future for us and for our children.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Inside the Mind of a Hiring Manager | By Amy N. Panzarella, SPHR

You’re frustrated, disappointed, and confused—you have received yet another rejection letter from a company by whom you long to be employed! You have followed the proverbial rules about how to write a cover letter and resume. What is a person to do?

The process of applying for a position within a company that is inundated with resumes can be daunting at best. The question remains: “How do I get my resume in the hands of the hiring manager?”

The initial approach to applying for a position is submitting a cover letter and a resume. So how do you get yours to stand out amongst the hundreds submitted? Should you call the company as a follow-up once you’ve submitted the resume? How frequently should you call? When do you resign yourself to the fact that you are not going to be considered for a position within that company if the company doesn’t respond?

It’s not surprising that searching for a job creates anxiety and stress, however; there are steps you can take to maximize your opportunity to get in front of the hiring manager and wow him or her.

that the candidate misspelled the name of the company on the cover letter or resume! When there are over a hundred resumes submitted for the same position, and each person has equal qualifications, errors STAND OUT! * Find an editor. Ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your cover letter and resume for typos, formatting, errors, and “flow.” Is the resume easy to read? Is it two pages or less? Is there anything that pops off the page to the hiring manager and screams: “READ ME—I’m the candidate you want to interview!”

Hiring managers are very busy and they are looking for a quick snapshot of the most qualified candidate. You should not tell your life story in your resume. Remember, the cover letter and resume represents you and it is the first impression the hiring manager has of you. This can and will be a deal breaker if you’re not careful.

* Do your research. Be knowledgeable about the company, its mission, its product, and its culture. It does not make sense to apply for a position within a company in which you do not understand its mission or culture.

It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Even if you get the job, you will either be miserable or you will quit, and then it’s back to square one.

* Be creative. I remember working at a company where we were hiring for a marketing position.

This company was very popular— considered an “employer of choice” for the area. The competition for positions was fierce. We had a candidate who sent a note along with a resume and a package. The note read: “I would give my right arm for this opportunity.” Contained in the box was the right arm of a mannequin. Needless to say, he got the interview and was subsequently hired! He was creative, enthusiastic, and clearly took the time to think through the best way to make an impact so we would remember him.

* Be thorough. It might surprise you to know that a number of resumes are not considered due to the fact

* Don’t embellish your experience.

Be honest when writing your resume. If you embellish your

[ 36 ]

experience, it will come back to haunt you. * Change your voicemail. If you are applying for a position within a company, you should expect a phone call. Assess your current voicemail greeting to ensure that it is not offensive or obnoxious.

Hiring managers have been deterred to move forward with a candidate because of the voicemail greeting— “Sup…leave your digits and I’ll call you back—if I feel like it”—not exactly a great first impression. * Respond enthusiastically! If you receive a request from the hiring manager to answer a questionnaire as the next step in the hiring process, do it within the timeframe requested. Remember, this is a test of your interest in the company, and another opportunity to showcase why you are the best candidate for the position. Other candidates are being asked to do the same thing.

Do you really want to risk losing an opportunity for an interview because you neglected to respond expeditiously? Tick tock. * Don’t be a diva. When the hiring manager calls you to schedule an interview, you should be flexible.

You may be surprised to know how many candidates try to dictate the hiring manager’s schedule for their convenience. Trust me, the hiring manager has plenty of resumes and will happily move on to the next person if you are going to be difficult to schedule. Your willingness to be flexible is an indication to the hiring manager that you are eager to learn more about the company. * Be prepared. When you come to the interview, be punctual and don’t forget to dress for success. The

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

only exception to this is if the hiring manager specifically tells you NOT to dress professionally. Otherwise, remember the old adage: “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” Also, bring an extra copy of your cover letter and resume. The hiring manager usually has a copy, but he or she may invite someone else to join the interview that does not have this information. * Rehearse. This may be the performance of a lifetime. When you greet the hiring manager, shake their hand firmly (no wet noodles).

Make eye contact and engage in appropriate small talk. If the hiring manager offers you a beverage, accept it. This demonstrates that you are comfortable and willing to stay a while. It is also important to remember that there is a fine line between being confident and arrogant. * Don’t be negative. When you finally get that interview, do NOT talk negatively about the company you are currently employed or were formerly employed with.

For Hire: Ashley Walters

Help wanted. We do not see these words often enough anymore, and many of our neighbors have struggled to find meaningful work during the economic downturn of the past several years. This publication is primarily about the people of our area, and we want to take a moment in this and future issues to introduce you to a talented neighbor with a lot to offer a potential employer.

Ashley Walter is young, ambitious, and dynamic.

Despite experiencing the greatest of loss, she has grown up to be an incredible young woman with a positive outlook and an unrelenting drive.

At the age of seven, Ashley lost her mother to aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder where the body is unable to produce new cells needed to replenish spent blood cells. Loosing her mother would bring about tremendous change in her life. She left Northern Virginia and moved in with her grandparents. She was now in a new environment, at a new school, and in a new family situation. Grief was Ashley’s new companion, but she learned valuable coping skills through grief counseling provided at her school.

That experience would shape the rest of her life. Her mother could never be replaced, but the compassion of a stranger—coupled with the love of her remaining family—had gotten her through. She would go on to pursue grief counseling as a profession. As a recent graduate of West Virginia University, Ashley is ready to offer her skills, and she is seeking an opportunity to support patient care or administrative operations within a healthcare organization in our area.

* Remember when I said: “Don’t be a diva”? That applies in the interview too. Don’t start making demands about your schedule or compensation in the interview.

Remember, there is a line of people waiting to have their opportunity at the job you are interviewing for. If you are going to be difficult in the interview, it’s a clear indication to the hiring manager that you are going to be difficult at work.

Ashley’s accolades are no less than impressive. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the field. During her time at WVU, she participated in a number of complex behavioral studies that were designed to increase a student’s understanding of how behavior is learned.

Her program taught her proper research and documentation techniques, and she is adept at collaborating with others in order to complete projects within tight deadlines.

* Finally, follow up. Send a letter of gratitude to the hiring manager for taking the time to discuss the position with you. You think you are amazing and you know you can do the best job of any of the candidates interviewed. Unfortunately, the hiring manager does not know that yet. You must stand out and remind the hiring manager that you are eagerly awaiting this opportunity to be presented.

As a result of her academic success and her extracurricular activities, she was invited to join Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization.

During her time with this invitation-only group, she volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House, helping residents adjust to living away from home while their children were receiving treatment at local hospitals. She also was an active member of WVU’s Psychology Club and supported a number of fundraising and extracurricular activities for that group.

There is no question that the process of getting an interview can be wrought with challenges and frustrations. Don’t despair. Follow these tips, be patient, and your time will come!

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Academically, Ashley excelled, but her accomplishments outside the classroom are equally noteworthy. She is proud to have interned with Madison Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she used cognitive stimulation techniques to support individualized care programs for Alzheimer patients. She furthered her support of the facility by helping to lead and organize social events for the residents, facility staff, and visiting family.

In 2008, she was awarded a scholarship from the CIA Foundation. The CIA foundation supports the academic pursuits of the children of those who died during their period of service to the CIA, as her mother did. Having overcome this incredible tragedy, and finished her degree, Ashley is now ready to add value to the operations of an employer in the local area.

Ashley sites an incredible work ethic and drive as the qualities that have made her who she is today. “I’m as much of a perfectionist as one can be, without being obsessive,” She says. “I’m a hard worker and like to do things right the first time around, and I always do the best that I can. These characteristics are also what make me, me! I was always raised to do my best and to do it right.” For Ashley, the necessity for a hardworking employee, in the workplace, with incredible work ethic is “as true today as it was when my grandparents started their first jobs.”

If you are interested in learning more about Ashley’s story, as well as how she can support your business, please contact victoria@ompcg.com. - By Victoria Kidd

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Their rush of adrenalin began as the athletes crunched together in violent competition. Thousands of excited people quickly rise from their seats straining to see the ball as it spirals across the stadium. A split second later, one man running a predetermined path holds the crowd’s attention. He barely hears his labored breathing and the footfalls of the opposing team’s defense closing down upon him. He turns his head, straining to catch a glimpse of the football as he rushes toward where it will be. An opportunity waits impatiently as he stretches out to catch the ball while other hands try to stop him. The crowd roars!

Small opportunities await all of us each day, and what we do with them has a great deal to do with who we are. Anthony Becht has taken advantage of many of the opportunities presented to him over the years. He is one of the few professional athletes who get to live out those fantasies that the rest of us keep hidden deep within the proverbial 11-year-old who rises to the surface occasionally on a fall Sunday afternoon. Anthony played tight end until he was recently released from the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He maintains close ties to West Virginia, coming back regularly, after playing for the Mountaineers and graduating with a degree in marketing, after which he was drafted by the New York Jets.

Opportunities in West Virginia The 2011 Anthony Becht Football Camp - By Rick Hemphill

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

“West Virginia is my second home,” says Anthony. “They have embraced me with open arms and I am very happy to be a part of West Virginia these last fifteen years. My wife’s family is there and I have tons of friends all over the state, from Charleston to Martinsburg. It’s a great state. It is important go back and give back to the community that supported me and gave me my great opportunities.”

Anthony went on to play in over 150 straight games during his ten-year NFL career, with several teams, and has a keen memory of the opportunities that helped him along. He has always tried to give something back to the kids who

[ 39 ]

dream of playing team sports of any kind. The 2011 Anthony Becht Football Camp is providing another opportunity, for 1st to 8th graders, at Martinsburg High School, on June 27, 2011. Registration is online at: anthonybechtfootballcamp.com.

Yes, it’s a football camp, but this is a starting point, not just another fourth quarter recap. “I’m offering an opportunity to meet not just with me, but also to meet other NFL and West Virginia players,” Anthony explains. “To learn from the players and work with them, and to have a high time with the kids playing football.” But Anthony stresses that it’s not just about the game, but also about reaching children at an early age. “We have a mentoring program at lunchtime where the athletes speak about something in their lives, their opportunities, experiences, or academics. It’s about building character.”

Anthony is very proud of what the experience of the camp can provide, and that as a learning experience, football is not just for those with outstanding skills. “Some of the kids who are naturally good get a little more attention,” he maintains, while reinforcing his commitment to give everyone a positive experience. “All kids across the board should get equal opportunity, encouragement, and reinforcement while they are young, so that no matter how good they are, they can go out and play and be part of a team.”

A day at camp starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. and the children are listening with a level of attention that any elementary or middle school teacher could only dream about. The students have brought with them the essentials: cleats, sneakers, and a bag with their name on it. This is a non-contact camp.

No pads or special protective gear is needed, as the fundamentals of football are practiced with instruction geared to each child’s age, skills, and experience. Whether they are shaping quarterbacks, tutoring fleet-footed receivers, building blockers for the offensive line, or instructing future defenders, the camp staff provides the basics of each position, one on one, with

[ 40 ]

an instructor. Insights into the game from each player’s personal experiences, including examples from college and the NFL, punctuate each lecture.

Reaching out to young people is a central part of the experience.

“Many of these kids are coming in to the camp with backgrounds that we don’t know about, and they may have something that they are hiding or something they can’t talk about, and when they hear from these athletes, some of the things they have gone through,” Anthony continues with the inflection in his voice punctuating the power such role models can have, “the child can think ‘Wow, that is sort of what I’m going through.’ It might give them the confidence in their abilities to move forward and really do some good things in their life, or reach out to a mentor or teacher or parent.

“Sometimes, when a celebrity or athlete reaches out and says something that shows they are real people with everyday issues they’ve overcome, a kid’s attention span is a little better, and I have seen positives out of it.”

Anthony was raised in Philadelphia and early on was an Eagles fan, as one might expect. “As I got older, I looked to receiver Jerry Rice and Joe Montana of the 49ers, who just went out and won championships,” he remembers. “When I was kid, I never met a NFL player or really got to go to anything like this camp.

“I was very fortunate to have a full-time mom at home, and my dad never pushed me to do this or that. They just kind of embraced everything I did and were around at every game, and didn’t pressure me. Sometimes the parents go a little too far with it. Let the kids have fun; most of these kids, when they are younger, want to play sports, and can be easily discouraged.”

Looking back on his younger years, Anthony recognizes the value in letting a child explore his/ her interests, as well as potential.

“When I was at Mt. Senior Bonner High School, I played basketball,

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

football, and baseball. Baseball was my favorite and I thought it was my path as a catcher, but as I got taller and older, football became my opportunity.”

After high school, West Virginia was not his first choice. “I was searching for a college and I didn’t think I could go to a Division I school. I really had no prospects, but I sent a tape to West Virginia and got a call from Coach Nehlen, who said, ‘Do you want to be a Mountaineer?’”

An incredulous Anthony said, “Well, yeah!” He got a full scholarship and took full advantage of the opportunity. “That is one of the things in my life that I preach— taking advantage of those small opportunities, regardless of what people think, and really jumping on them.

“I really enjoy working with kids and giving back. And I’m hoping to get picked up for this next season.

Meanwhile, I am busy working with these camps.”

Anthony also has a radio show, where fans get an inside look (or listen) at what the players are thinking, and how they relate to various situations.

“Certainly, I would enjoy coaching,” he admits. “I think I have the ability to teach these kids how to do it right. Some of the kids that I have seen even coming into the NFL have not been able to maximize their potential because they are not getting that information on how to improve themselves at a particular position and what it really takes to make themselves better.”

Anthony sums up both the guiding principles behind his camp and his wisdom for students everywhere.

“I think that football, for one, teaches you valuable life lessons outside of the game—to learn to be competitive, responsible, to be accountable, and to show up on time for practices and scheduling.

These are some of the same things needed in the business world, and if you can learn them in grade school, then it’s a little easier in high school and college.”

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He emphasizes, as well, that a lot of kids want to play sports but they may not be as good as some of their peers. “It’s not about that. It’s about having fun, being with your friends, and socializing—learning to be better at what you do.”

As for the older students, Anthony advises, “While you are in high school, you should try different things—try as many different sports as you can. You never know what may open up an opportunity for you for a college scholarship, or some other profession.

“I have been very lucky, and there are a very small number of professional athletes out there compared to all of the kids.

Professional sports is a business and there is a lot of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work involved.”

But the real advantage of sports, Anthony believes, is that it often serves as a vehicle that people of all ages can use to reach their goals—without ever becoming a professional. “It gives you an expansion throughout your life on all of the things you can achieve.”

This writer was eleven years old when I attended my first NFL game.

It was 1964, at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. I will never forget the game or my awe in meeting Johnny Unites of the Baltimore Colts. I wore my jersey, emblazoned with his number 19, until it was reduced to rags. I am thankful that I still carry with me, untarnished by age but edited by time, those memories.

Thankfully, Anthony Becht has brought a similar opportunity, for countless young football players, to the Panhandle—to learn from some of the best, and create some lasting memories of their own.

Register online at: anthonybechtfootballcamp.com

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T

he Butler’s pride themselves on their ability to

grow high quality, wholesome fruits and vegetables.

If you want to know where it grows you need to

“Go Where It Grows.” The Butler family invites you to come and visit our market and our family... and let us share with you the bountiful harvest and other seasonal specialities fresh from our fields!

Seasonal Specials Spruce Up Your Yard With Spring Flowers Wide Selection of Mulch & Top Quality Topsoil Hand-Crafted Amish Furniture Red, Ripe Strawberries & Fresh Picked Asparagus Butler’s Best Jams, Jellies & Fresh Baked Pies And Propane Tank Refills for Grillin'

DIRECTIONS: Take Rt. 9 to Ridge Road & travel 2.5 miles.

OR Take I-81 Exit 14 & travel 1.5 miles West to 1793 Dry Run Road.

MARKET HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm

304.262.9414

Working for you here in the Panhandle!

304.267.4841 www.berkeleycounty.org

Providing Full Service Automotive & Industrial Machining Including: Alternator & Starter Rebuilding • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies

304-229-1162

2754 Tabler Station Rd Martinsburg, WV

Our TOP

10

Top Ten

Ultimate Roller Coasters On Earth Ever since the origin of roller coasters, mankind has been pushing the envelope to see how fast and hard a person can safely be hurtled down a track. The further you venture from a soft, comfortable ride, the more fun you’re likely to experience (if you’re a legitimate thrillseeker). Times have changed, needless to say, and the early days of ice slides and wooden coasters have been replaced with 100+ mph monsters, G forces, 400-foot drops, and hydraulic/steam power. We figured we’d make it easy for you, just in case you were thinking to chase down some of the beasts this summer.

10. Nemesis:

Alton Towers’ (England) leading ride is the aptly named Nemesis, a gut-wrenching thrillseeker’s inverted coaster waiting to take its retribution out on you through a sequence of crazy plunges and mind-numbing turns. Experience up to 4 Gs as you are propelled at 50 mph through four inversions. The ride corkscrews and loops along the 2,349-foot track for one-and-a-half minutes of sheer excitement.

9. Titan: Titan calls Six Flags Over Texas home, and puts each passenger through a bone-jarring joyride of twists and turns. The impressive layout includes a negative G camelback turn and a double helix turn that produces six full seconds of sickening G force (of up to 4.5 Gs). Titan has a massive drop, 255 feet at the tallest section, and reaches speeds of 85 mph during a 5,280-foot-long ride—lasting for three-and-a-half rather thrilling minutes.

8. Dragon Khan: Located at the Port Aventura theme park in Spain, Dragon Khan has a story behind it: the evil Prince Hu of Beijing has been brought back to life in the body of this roller coaster, and his fury is dealt out each time a human dares to climb atop his back. Whether you get into the story or not, Dragon Khan’s 4,165 feet of tangled, red steel track is so full-on that it will have your heart in your mouth for an entire minute! The coaster starts off with a 161-foot drop, with top speeds of up to 65 mph as you hurtle through its eight inversions.

The ride is remarkably smooth, and held the world record for the most inversions for many years.

7. Goliath: Residing in Six Flags Magic

Mountain, California, Goliath is a roller coaster of biblical proportions. Like its namesake, this ride was a world-beater when it was revealed in February 2000, though it has been subsequently overtaken by leaner, stronger, and faster opposition. Riders on Goliath experience up to 4.5 Gs for over six seconds straight! As you would expect, with a name like Goliath, the coaster towers at a monstrous 255 feet above the ground and the threeminute ride reaches speeds of up to 85 mph along its 4,500 feet of steel track. [ 44 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

6. Thunder Dolphin: The Thunder Dolphin, at the LaQua section of the Tokyo Dome City, is

an excellent coaster and it deserves extra kudos for a unique design around the building in central Tokyo.

The coaster starts off with a dizzying 218-foot plunge at a steep 80-degree angle. You then race around the track at speeds in excess of 80 mph, traversing a thrilling 3,500 feet of track and 26 stories.

5. Dodonpa: The Dodonpa at the Fuji Q Highland Park is the third fastest coaster in the world—so there won’t be much time to admire nearby Mt. Fuji. You’ll reach 107 mph in less than two seconds on this beast—faster than the fastest cars on earth could dream to be. Dodonpa messes with your mind from the start, as passengers are forced to wait anxiously in a darkened tunnel, before the countdown to an insanely fast acceleration out of the tunnel begins. And then you’re sent screaming down the track, only to get launched over two massive humps with ninety-degree drops on each side. At present, Dodonpa still holds the record for the fastest launch acceleration.

4. Top Thrill Dragster:

The Top Thrill Dragster is, essentially, the older and marginally shorter (and slightly slower) version of its archrival—the Kingda Ka. Now, marginally inferior means the drop is only 18 feet shorter and it rattles along at a whopping 8 mph slower. Both rides have the same short and intense duration, and you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. The Top Thrill Dragster, another Cedar Point all star, snorts and revs like a real dragster, and for some added fear, can sometimes stall at the top and roll back down in reverse—which is apparently normal on both this ride and the Kingda Ka. Again, whoa.

3. Millennium Force: Cedar

Point’s (Sandusky, Ohio) mammoth GigaCoaster, the Millennium Force, has terrifying turns that hurtle around 6,595 feet of steel track for well over two minutes. At the tallest section, you’ll endure a stomach-churning 300-foot drop. Passengers rush and plunge along the track through two separate dark tunnels and two crazy 122-degree overbanked turns that produce a gut-wrenching G force. Frequently heard phrases from the ten million people who have been on the ride include: “Ahhh,” “Ohhh No,” and “We’re gonna die.”

2. Steel Dragon 2000: What could cause the normally polite and somewhat restrained Japanese to squeal and scream in public? Answer: the Steel Dragon 2000. You might be used to getting on a rollercoaster and stepping off much sooner than you’d hoped—scream, scream, and it’s all over. Not on this ride. The Steel Dragon is quite the endurance coaster. It’s so long that you might actually deplete your ability to scream by the end of the record breaking 8,133-foot track. The Dragon also boasts a massive 306-foot drop from its tallest point of 318 feet, and zips along the steel frame reaching a maximum speed of 95 mph.

1. Kingda Ka: Arms down, head back, and hold on. The Kingda Ka may not be very long, but it’s bound to leave you wide eyed and twitching!

This coaster reigns supreme as the tallest, and is the world’s second fastest (Formula Rossa, in Abu Dhabi, reaches 150 mph). Located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, it towers high at 456 feet, with a 418-foot incline and a sickening drop at a sheer ninety degrees (with a half twist). From a completely stationary position, KingDa Ka will catapult a cart to 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Whoa. www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Quality and Professionalism at its Best Since 1989 we have been your leading service provider for all your plumbing, Septic, water conditioning, sewer & water line repairs & replacements.

If water runs thru it Powell’s Plumbing can do it!

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A True Measure of Professional Dedication.

- By Victoria Kidd

For most of us, pets are an important part of our family.

They interconnect their lives with ours from the very first moments they spend in our homes. Yes, we are suckers for their expressive stares and insistent nuzzles. When they are sick, we seek top-quality care to get our little buddy up and back to chasing anything that moves.

Fortunately for area residents, there is a local veterinary hospital that has been helping us care for these important family members for more than thirty-six years.

Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital originally opened its doors in 1974. Dr. K.W. Gilpin and his professional staff offered quality care and a genuine compassion for the patients they treated.

Prior to opening his business,

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the doctor’s formative years were spent working on the family farm, and the spark to attend veterinary school was born in the barns of that farm.

The combination of science, medicine, and service was appealing to him, and the office’s commitment to these three tenants is as apparent today as it was so many years ago.

Dr. Gilpin would go on to build a successful veterinary practice, but would also go on to marry and raise three amazing children.

His two sons, Dr. Darin Gilpin and Dr. Brian Gilpin, would also go on to be veterinarians, and today the family works together at the hospital. The story of his sons is similar to his own in that they too grew up in an environment where animals were to be treated with compassion

and kindness. Brian credits his desire to go into this field to the fact that he grew up watching his father. He has many memories of weekends spent helping out around the hospital.

“I can remember making farm calls and helping out in the kennel,” he relays. “I remember how so many of my father’s clients would speak so highly of him. He always worked so hard and tried to treat all of his patients with the highest level of care and compassion.” The impact of his father’s example shaped his life. “I could only sit back and admire my father and hope to be a similar example for my kids.”

Darin echoes his brother’s sentiments. “I was born a week before my father entered

[ 47 ]

veterinary school. I have watched him throughout my entire life, and I greatly admire his work.”

Dr. K.W. Gilpin is not only the Head Practice owner, but he is also the inspiration behind the family’s unique story. He was the motivation for his sons’ career choices, as well as a driving force behind the hospital’s earlier accomplishments. Darin recognizes that the family’s care of the patient and commitment to the community is what has ultimately led to the success they enjoy today.

As the community’s support of the business grew, the Gilpin family hit a milestone. In 2009, the family recognized that the location was simply too small to serve the community effectively.

At the time, they occupied a space of around 3,400 square feet. That year, they constructed a new office and relocated to 1152 Shepherdstown Road, in Martinsburg. The new 10,000-square-foot facility is a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, and it is the only facility accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) in the Eastern Panhandle. This coveted accreditation is awarded only to facilities providing the highest level of care, and Shenandoah Veterinary Hospital is one of only fourteen in the entire state of West Virginia to be recognized with this honor.

Take a tour of the hospital and you will assuredly be impressed.

With the opening of the building, the practice doubled it surgery space and more than tripled its exam room availability. Hospital staff now has access to the latest available technology, including digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound equipment, laser surgery equipment, and more. [ 48 ]

“We hope to continue to provide the most advanced care possible for a small animal veterinary hospital,” Brian says. “As our business grows, it will continue to be important to cultivate highly trained staff to be able to provide superior care for our clients and patients.

Technology will also be important to enhance our quality of care.”

Every detail of the environment has been created with the patients in mind. Dr. K.W. Gilpin explains, “Our state-of-theart veterinary hospital was designed by architects that specialize in veterinary hospital design.”

Inherit in the design is a consideration for the natural flow of a patient appointment, as well as the specific needs of a patient presenting an emergency situation. Every opportunity to create efficiency and an improved method of care has been made, and this is a measure of their professional dedication.

Couple their recognized professionalism with the practice’s size, and you can easily appreciate the impact their service has on this area. There are seven veterinarians on staff, each with a different area of expertise Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

and a variance of experience.

This is important to Dr. K.W., as it “allows for multiple opinions and group evaluations of difficult cases.” The registered technicians and the hospital support staff complement the doctors, giving each patient the most comprehensive array of medical care available anywhere.

The head doctor sees only positive growth in the hospital’s future. “We have a young staff with tremendous talent and skills.

Expansion of staff and medical procedures will grow as the community grows. Pets are very important to today’s families and this should only get better. Our state-of-the-art facility should attract clients who want the very best for their family member.”

That level and availability of care can make the difference between life and death for some of the furry “family members” they see.

Darin recalls one special case where a normal Saturday afternoon turned into a scramble to save a dog’s life. “Someone brought in a dog that had been shot with an arrow. It had lodged deep within the shoulder blades. That creates a lot of concern over broken bones, internal trauma, and www.AroundThePanhandle.com

muscle damage. We operated on the animal and removed the arrow. The dog ended up doing well after surgery, and he went on to recover from the injuries.”

Undoubtedly, such injuries would have killed the animal had it not been for the availability of the staff that Saturday afternoon.

There are countless other stories, and each speaks to the compassionate care of the hospital staff.

The three doctors are serious about the service they provide to our friends and neighbors.

They are compassionate about the care given inside the walls of the new hospital, and this compassionate love of animals spills over into their personal lives. Collectively, the three each share their affections with a number of pets. Darin shares his home with a seventy-pound Golden Retriever and a threepound Yorkshire Terrier (we’ll leave you to decide which of those two rules the roost.) Brian has two tabby cats, a horse, two goats, and three dogs—a Shih Tzu, a Golden Retriever, and a Yellow Labrador Retriever. Dr. K. W. Gilpin has two horses, two goats, three cats, and one dog.

He is quick to tell you that over the years, the family has had every type of animal you can imagine.

You can learn more about the facility by visiting their website at: www.wvvethospital.com.

The staff welcomes you to visit the hospital to see the amazing level of service offered to our community’s pets and their owners. Darin relays, “It is the equivalent of a human hospital.

It is really an experience you will not find anywhere else.”

Take a moment to meet the Gilpin family and their team of dedicated animal care experts.

It will be worth it to everyone in your family.

[ 49 ]

Rely on Rick

For Answers To Your Real Estate Questions

Gain The Competitive Edge Supply and demand is the factor to the current housing market.

Supply of existing and new homes increase each month as the sales barely chip away at the offerings.

Prices of homes will continue to fall until the demand catches up to the supply. Every home style, location, and price is abundant and available in the Eastern Panhandle.

A buyer can be very selective in what type of home they desire.

Never before has the selection and affordability been presented to those who can and want to be a homeowner, coupled with historically low financing terms.

For the seller, this scenario tends to lead them to disbelief. Just a few years ago, prices rose swiftly, causing a mad rush for buyers to stake a claim before prices for a home would make it impossible to ever own one. That frenzy was halted and stopped quicker than the market rose. This left many owners feeling that they paid too much, as the value or equity diminished. The fact of the matter is, that even if you bought during the peak, you still have a home.

Having a home or shelter is the main issue. If you bought to sell within a short time, to make a huge profit, your motive was not true to what home ownership awards most of us.

Your home should be viewed as an accomplishment, a shelter, and your castle away from the stress of everyday life. A home is your escape—you make the rules, you fill it with personality. It is an indicator of who you are. The

[ 50 ]

supply and demand will repeat at some point in time—increasing your home’s value. The price of homes will gradually increase once the supply has stabilized, and your home will again become a sound investment.

If you have to sell now, what do you do? You need a competitive edge to get your home noticed. If you currently have your home on the market and no one has made an offer, or worse yet, viewed your home, then something is wrong! * Price your home with comparable homes that sold in the past 180 days. * Have your home ready to show and move-in ready. * Have information readily available for a buyer’s questions. (service contracts, utility providers, and covenants & restrictions) * Keep the grass mowed and landscaped to attract buyers—to get them inside. * Have a home inspector check your home to make sure issues can be addressed before hand. * Call a CENTURY 21 Sterling Realty agent to help you sell your home. Listen to them for advice and guidance. Your agent deals with this every day and knows the market.

I often see sellers using an agency as an advertising company in order to see their homes in a magazine.

While this is an important part of selling your home, it isn’t the main aspect. Your agent wants to help you get the best possible price

for your home, and they want to perform a service utilizing the education, experience, and skills they possess. Listen to what your agent advises, as you are paying them to help you sell your home.

The facts present themselves on what homes are selling for. If you decide to list your home priced above the competition, you have already lost the “competitive edge.” Other homes on the market are already being seen by potential buyers.

Real estate signs, open houses, brochures, gadgets, and trinkets are not what buyers are looking for. Buyers are looking for a great deal! To sell your home, it must be priced right with a “competitive edge” over your competition. Price your home right and it will be sold!

We market on over 300 websites, alerting the world to what our homes are selling for. Visit the most up-to-date website for homes being sold in the Eastern Panhandle at www.CENTURY21. com. This site provides every listing in the area by all agencies utilizing the MLS (multiple list service). No other site provides more information.

304.263.2121 (office) 301.991.3454 (direct) Rick Boswell (Broker/Owner) Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Don’t play guessing games when it comes to your future.

Leave the game of chance to someone else You can count on us to be by your side through the entire buying or selling process. With our knowledge of the ins and outs of the business, you can feel confident you are choosng the best.

Rick Boswell - Broker

158 Crimson Circle - Martinsburg, WV 25403 - WWW.C21STERLING.COM - 304-263-2121

There’s No Place Like Home - By Bonnie Williamson The old cliché, “There’s no place like home,” apparently rings true when it comes to home health care.

“People are naturally exposed to different germs and bacteria in a hospital setting than they are normally exposed to at home. If you’re recovering from an operation, it’s much better to recover at home and receive care there,” says Lisa Bivens, executive director of Panhandle Home Health, Inc., a nonprofit home health care agency.

She continues, “Home health care is as old as nursing. Women used to give birth at home. Our society is going full circle. We’re going back to home care. Panhandle Home Health can provide the care you need in the comfort of home.”

Panhandle Home Health is a nonprofit home health care agency, serving Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson counties since 1976. Its

[ 52 ]

office is located at 208 Old Mill Road in Martinsburg. The organization has fifty employees and twenty-three independent contractors.

“We served thirteen hundred patients last year and provided thirty thousand home visits,” reveals Bivens. “Our licensed and certified staff includes registered professional nurses, medical social workers, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, registered dieticians, and certified home health aides, who all provide quality health care in the privacy and comfort of the patient’s home.”

Patients are not only more comfortable in their own homes but treatment at home is also much cheaper. The average Medicare cost per day in a hospital or skilled nursing facility is estimated at over $5,000 and $500 respectively. The average Medicare cost per home

care visit is approximately $132.

Bivens says hospitals are releasing patients a lot sooner these days, so good home health care is even more important.

“Patients often still have medical needs when they’re released, like wound care, or someone to monitor their medication,” she notes. “Home health care is a good transition from hospital care.”

Patients who have had heart attacks, joint surgery, strokes, diabetes, as well as those who need intravenous therapy (IV) and/or rehabilitation, can all take advantage of home health care. Certified home health aides can provide personal care services, such as bathing, shampoo, skin care, and assistance in exercises and mobility, with regular supervision.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Services available from Panhandle Home Health include care provided by registered professional nurses.

Nurses are accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants help to rehabilitate those with functional problems related to muscular, skeletal, or neurological illness. A licensed speech language pathologist is on hand to provide treatments to improve communication skills and swallowing disorders. In addition, occupational therapy is provided to improve skills needed for daily activities, such as eating, grooming, dressing, and homemaking.

To qualify for home health care, there must be a medical need certified by a physician, with care based on a plan of treatment.

There is no age requirement. Most insurances cover home health services. Specific information

regarding coverage can be obtained by the insured or will be obtained by the agency’s staff upon referral prior to initiating care. Patients must get specific criteria from their insurance.

Panhandle Home Health has a Charity Care Fund for donations to assist patients with limited coverage or no insurance.

In addition, the patient must need skilled and intermittent care. Bivens emphasizes, however, that home health care is “…not a long-term fix,” but based on short-term needs.

“Our goal is to return people to a level of independence,” she continues. “For example, someone who has had joint surgery might not be able to walk up stairs. He may not have the strength to do it.

We work with that person and his caregivers to ensure that he is safe at home and gets the care he needs.

We are the eyes and ears of the

doctor. We have to make sure the patient’s condition is stable and that he is progressing well.”

Bivens says that one of the most rewarding aspects of home health care is training caregivers.

“It’s amazing what a person can learn to do. Training the caregivers and patients can strengthen family bonds. They’re helping each other.

The patient is gaining independence and the caregiver is actually doing something to help the patient get well. Caregivers need to be able to help when they often feel they are in a helpless situation.”

Most of the patients seen by Panhandle Home Health personnel are fifty-five years old and older.

Over sixty percent of those patients are covered under Medicare.

“But we do see people of all ages—

Photo by James Atkins

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 53 ]

many post surgical patients, young adults, children, and even babies,” says Bivens. Panhandle Home Health professionals also perform well-baby checks.

“Once again, we’re the eyes of the doctors, and others. A patient can say they have heat at home. We arrive at the home and discover the heat is from the oven turned on.”

“A baby that is jaundiced or not gaining weight may need to be monitored. The child can have a very young mother who is overwhelmed.

We can help.”

Bivens has twenty-eight years of nursing experience. She says she is convinced that there are goodhearted people in the health care system who are patient advocates.

Bivens adds that Panhandle Home Health will link people to available resources in the community if they need additional assistance.

“I believe most nurses are like that. Patient advocates. Why be a nurse if you don’t want to help people? I think by nature nurses are advocates. You don’t stop being a nurse even when you’re at home.

Your family members always depend on you.”

“We want to make sure the home environment is safe. A patient may need assistance with meals. We would help them connect with Meals on Wheels.”

She also states that hospitals don’t always know everything about a patient’s home before that patient is released.

There can be mean dogs. Some neighborhoods are unsafe either because of drug activity or domestic violence. I was going to homes before the days of cell phones. It can be dangerous.”

Despite the fact that Panhandle Home Health has been in the area for more than thirty years, Bivens says too many people still don’t know about its services. She recommends people find out all they can about what’s available from the professional health care community.

Bivens also spent time as a home health nurse locally.

“People have to be their own advocates. Plan ahead of time. Write up your personal medical history and put it some place where your family members can find it. Ask your doctor about home health care. It will put your mind at ease.”

“There are all sorts of challenges when you go to someone’s home,” she reflects. “Snowstorms can make it very difficult to get to the home.

For further information, call Panhandle Home Health at 304-2635680, or visit panhandlehomehealth. org.

Photos by James Atkins

Lisa Bivens

[ 54 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

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you to the airport on time. When you arrive at your final destination, we’ll be there to pick you up. All for about what you’d spend in cab fare. And, we’ll do it all over again on your return trip. Now that’s making a statement.

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Berkeley County BMX/Skatepark

It’s all about the board.

- By Victoria Kidd

The constant rumble of polyurethane fixed wheels against concrete, wood, and metal drowns any other sound. The sharp echo of skaters, executing jumps and ollies, punctuates the rumble, audibly marking the skill of these young men and women. It is within this environment that you will find Tim and Ann Parker, two locals who have dedicated themselves to the provision of a safe, wholesome environment for area youth. The story of how they became involved in the operations of the park is intertwined with the origination of the park itself, and it is a story that makes one question the existence of fate and the intervention of higher powers.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

For many years, the leadership of the Berkeley County Parks and Recreation in West Virginia has wanted to provide a skate and BMX park for the young people in our community. Steve Catlett, head of the county’s Parks and Recreation division explains, “We looked at opening a skatepark for a number of years. The need for this park has been here for a long time, but this is an expensive endeavor and we just were not able to do it until now.”

Costs associated with the leasing of space, the building of ramps, and the provision of insurance for the facility had prohibited the project up to this point.

“As attitudes concerning this activity

changed, the premiums decreased, and we were able to investigate the project further,” Catlett adds.

In 2009, the Berkeley County BMX/ Skatepark opened its doors at 39 Kelly Island Road in Martinsburg. It offers the community the ability to enjoy a 6,100-square-foot facility for skateboarders and BMX bikers alike.

The project has been made possible through generous funding from the now closed Beth Jacob Synagogue and Jewish Community Center. Equally important is the dramatically reduced leasing rates for the space, provided by R. M. Roach & Sons, Inc.

[ 57 ]

“Without their involvement, it would not have been possible to get the endeavor off the ground,” Catlett says. The story of the park’s conceptualization, funding, and opening is only half its story. To fully appreciate why this venue is as successful as it is today, you have to be properly introduced to Tim Parker, the manager of the park.

Years ago, Parker needed a way to help fund the ambitious extracurricular activities of one of his sons. This is a man who thinks creatively to solve problems, and considered ways to bring in the extra financing needed. He knew that the youth in this area have a love of skating, but they were underserved. Together with his wife, Ann, he purchased a small inventory of common skating equipment and began selling it out of his home.

location was not a skatepark at all, but instead, a cold storage facility that was full of apples waiting for processing!

Business was slow, and it looked as if they would not be able to sustain the endeavor. Here is where the question of fate’s intervention is raised. One evening, while reading the local paper, Parker was surprised to find out that the apple-filled storage facility would soon become a venue for BMX and skateboarders. Surely, this would help his business, given its vicinity to the new park.

“We sold at flea markets and online at first,” Parker recalls. “We started with one display case, and eventually began looking for a local place to open a shop.”

The park struggled at first; however, and Catlett knew he needed to find a way to make the park sustainable or risk losing this resource for the community. “We invested a considerable amount of time and effort in the park,” he remembers, “and it started out strong, but we were not really seeing the volume we needed to sustain it. We recognized that we needed a resource that was tapped into that particular community to make it work.”

At some point, they relocated their operations to a small shop across the street from the current skatepark location. At that time, the current

There is no question that Tim Parker was certainly the right man for the job. He was recruited by the Parks and Recreation department to be the

[ 58 ]

resource that would help turn the facility into a self-sustaining recreational choice.

“Every program has to carry its own weight,” Catlett conveys. “We have to make sure that it is self-sustaining, because we do not want to take away from one program’s budget to float another program. We simply cannot do that.” Catlett credits Parker’s management of the park as the reason why the park is still open. “If it were not for Tim running the park, we would probably be closed right now. He has a real connection with the skaters and he has helped to drive the community’s investment into the program.”

Parker’s connection is certainly evident.

The park is now growing to the point where discussions are underway to increase the amount of leased space from R. M. Roach & Sons, Inc. Today, the staff has over one thousand liability waivers on file, meaning that more than one thousand people have participated in BMX or skateboarding activities.

People come from all local areas, and many distant locations to skate the park’s ramps. Parker relays, “We are the only facility of this kind within a 100 miles,

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

and we get people from all over. We have a guy that brings his son a couple times a week. He lives in Richmond, VA, and makes the trip so that his son can experience this.” All ages are welcome, too, and many of the avid BMX bikers are in their twenties and thirties.

Part of the draw for enthusiasts is the exceptional fixtures provided for skating and biking. The most intimidating ramp is twenty-four feet wide and twelve feet tall! It was privately funded by persons wanting to see the highest quality ramps for the local facility. No expense was spared during its construction, and Parker is proud of the finished work.

“Professionals would skate that ramp,” he explains.

The variety and quality of the park fixtures is awe-inspiring, but it is the variety of park visitors that is even more surprising. On Friday nights, the park waives admission during an event organized by Parker and his wife, supporters of Christian Skaters International. The night provides them an opportunity to speak about service to a higher power and also allows underprivileged residents the chance to

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

skate without paying a fee. Providing a means for all residents to enjoy the park is important to the Parkers. “We have a number of loaner boards, for kids who come in without a board, to skate on. We like to think that we are providing them a means to enjoy something that they normally would not be able to enjoy.”

Fridays see a large volume of visitors who vary in age and skill.

One may think that the activity itself and the mixing of such different youth would generate a measure of volatility, perhaps even leading to occasional fights. Such is simply not the case. Parker explains, “We have a zero tolerance policy. There are no second chances when it comes to behavior and safety. If you are a fighter, you’ll be banned. If you do not follow the safety rules, you’ll get caught. We have been entrusted with these kids for a few hours, and we are very serious about that.”

Both Catlett and Parker are quick to relay that there have been no serious accidents since the park has opened, and area parents have grown increasingly comfortable with the park and its management. “The parents know me,”

Parker says. “You’ll notice that the kids are here, and the parents are not.”

Parker has created an environment where parents can trust that their kids are in good hands and visitors of all ages can enjoy a safe, comfortable environment. “These kids are just trying to fit in,” he relays. “This is a sport that can be enjoyed by people at all skill levels. Unlike team sports, you do not have to be great at it to be allowed to enjoy it. These kids are just looking for a place to fit in, and here it is.” A visit to the park is demonstrative of that statement. “It is not about what you are wearing; it’s about the board.”

If you have not visited the park, stop by and check it out. You will likely find yourself as a park supporter once you know more about the Parkers and the environment that they, together with the leadership of Berkeley County Parks and Recreation, have created. To learn more about the park’s hours, fees, and events, visit www.mbcparks-rec.org/skatepark. html or drop by and ask for Tim. He’ll be happy to show you around.

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Volunteers Keep Busy At Berkeley Senior Services - by Kevin Knowles Others before self exemplifies the role of a volunteer. For Marlene Boarman, Darlene Bouserman, and Mary Crosby, volunteering at the Berkeley Senior Services Senior Center is something they get much joy from doing.

This group of gals is among 80+ volunteers who help further Berkeley Senior Services mission and provide a key cog in its success.

With the economy and our budget being what it is, we seriously couldn’t operate without these volunteers. These wonderful people combined have accumulated more| than Martinsburg-berkeley County West Virginia 8,000 volunteer hours over the

past year. The Berkeley Senior Services staff, as well as the seniors these volunteers serve, deeply appreciates all their work.

We are having our volunteer breakfast on May 18th, to say thank you for all they do.

It’s anything but hard work for Boarman, who says, “I love to volunteer because it is a great why to meet new people and stay active.”

Bauserman feels the same way about volunteering and also gets great joy out of helping other people.

Crosby says, “It makes my day when I can help someone.”

As for me, I was taught by my

Berkeley Senior Berkeley Senior Services Services A network of caring

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[ 60 ]

Welcome to Centra Bank!

mother and father to always respect my elders. I would like to think I carry that lesson with me daily into the work I perform at Berkeley Senior Services.

The desire to help others who are less fortunate is a major motivator for volunteering.

Volunteers stated most often that the ability to help individuals meet their needs, along with strong beliefs that people who have more should help people who have less, are major motivations that drive volunteers to be active in their community.

Giving back to their community, either financially or socially, are also major motivators for volunteerism.

Please make sure you acknowledge those volunteers you know. Whether it is a friend, neighbor, or family member, tell them how much you appreciate their altruistic efforts.

For more information about volunteering for Berkeley Senior Services, contact me, Kevin Knowles, Resource Development Director for Berkeley Senior Services, at 304-263-8873 Ext. 130—or email me at: kevin.rdd@ berkeleyseniorservices.org

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Panhandle

Healthy

LIVING

In the last issue of Around the Panhandle, this column focused on the importance of core strength and good posture. In this issue, you will learn the exercises to build and maintain core strength.

As a review, your core is your midsection—the muscles of your abdomen, back, and pelvic floor. A strong core can improve performance (not just for athletes), improve posture, increase balance and stability, reduce risk for injury, and help to avoid pain in the neck, back, and hips. A strong core makes it easier to do everything from swinging a golf club to reaching for a glass from a high shelf.

Core training exercises focus on muscles of the abdomen, hips, back, and chest. These muscles work together to balance and stabilize the body.

You need to do exercises for all of these muscle to balance out the muscle groups. If you only do crunches and bench press and then sit at a desk all

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Getting to the Core of the Matter

| By Dana M. DeJarnett, MS

day, you become front heavy pulling your body forward into a slouching position. Core exercises should open you up so you can sit and stand tall with good posture.

Core work can easily be incorporated into your current exercise routine. While doing any of your exercises—running, walking, weight training, stretching—concentrate on the muscles of your core. Any exercise you do standing, try doing while standing on one leg.

Any exercise you do on a bench or chair, try doing while sitting or lying on an exercise ball. By standing on one leg or sitting on a ball, you are destabilizing yourself and forcing yourself to work your core muscles to stay balanced.

Just remember to keep good posture. Good standing posture looks like this:

* A straight line from your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. * Head centered. * Shoulders, hips, and knees are of equal height.

When sitting on an exercise ball, your knees and hips should be at a 90-degree angle. Use the same upper body posture described above. Keep your back straight and your tummy tight. Form and good posture are more important than the amount of weight you are lifting to achieve maximum benefit from the exercise and prevent injury.

You should do core exercises 2-3 days a week. Here are some specific core training exercises to get you started:

Glute Bridge:

Lie face up on the ground with your arms at your side, knees bent, and heels on the ground.

Lift hips until knees, hips, and shoulders are in a straight line.

Hold for 2-3 seconds. Repeat 1015 times.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Side Plank:

Lie on your side with your forearm on the ground under your shoulder. Push your hip up off the ground. Create a straight line from ankle to shoulder. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.

Front Plank:

Start in a push up position.

Position hands directly under your shoulders, and with only hands and feet touching the ground, keep your body in a straight line. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times.

Birddog:

Get on your hands and knees with hands right under your shoulders and knees directly under your hips. Lift one arm and opposite leg straight out at body level. Hold for 3-5 seconds and repeat with other arm and leg. Repeat 10 times on each side.

Walking is also a good cardiovascular (gets your heart rate up) exercise that works your core. Walking uses the internal abdominal and back muscles with each step and creates a stronger core.

Remember, everyone needs good core strength.

A strong midsection provides your body with the strength it needs to perform everyday activities and prevent injury at any age.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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EMPOWER YOURSELF Re-Thinking the Mortgage Process

Get Answers from

“TEAM POWER”

and was manned by volunteers.

The main office is at 122 Waverly Court in Martinsburg.

The organization now has 130 employees. Two hundred and nine patients are seen daily.

Campbell says that over the past five years, the number of patients and families in hospice has increased by fifty-nine percent.

Hospice care can come into play when any number of factors are present, such as: if continuing treatments will increase suffering and not improve the patient’s condition; if the goal of care is keeping the patient comfortable rather than curing the disease; if a family member or caregiver shows signs of stress, fatigue, and is overwhelmed with the care responsibilities; if the patient desires a comfort-careonly approach to managing pain and other symptoms; and if the quality of life becomes more important than quantity of life.

Extending the Quality of Life for Those in Need - By Bonnie Williamson

L’Chaim, or “To Life,” is a toast in Judaism offered during times of celebration. It’s also a phrase that members of Hospice of the Panhandle want people to associate with their work: living, not dying.

Hospice of the Panhandle is a nonprofit organization designed to help patients and families “… do what they want to do and not be afraid of the end of life,” says Kathie Campbell, marketing www.AroundThePanhandle.com

director for the organization.

“Too many people think hospice means giving up. It’s a stigma that means deathbed. We want people to go to work and live their lives. Our theme is ‘It’s About Living.’ We give quality care and help people live through a terminal illness.”

With offices in Berkeley, Hampshire, Jefferson, and Morgan counties, Hospice of the Panhandle began in 1980

Hospice care helps people of all ages who have a serious progressive disease for which there is no cure, such as advanced heart or lung disease, Alzheimer’s or cancer, an individual who needs constant care or supervision, and someone who wants to make the most of the time he or she has left.

“Hospice care has been shown to extend life. We see it again and again,” notes Campbell.

The average length of stay in the hospice program in 2010 was 134 days. The median length of stay is thirty-eight days.

“Patients are empowered.

They know exactly what’s going to happen to them,” says Margaret Cogswell, Hospice of the Panhandle CEO. “Hospice representatives listen to patients and their family members with

[ 65 ]

love. Questions are answered.

We find out about their fears and help them address those fears.”

Cogswell has been involved with Hospice of the Panhandle since its inception.

Hospice services include twentyfour-hour on-call support from nurses, social workers, and chaplains; medical supplies related to the hospice diagnosis; and support from professional and volunteer staff. Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers.

However, Campbell emphasizes that care is provided for any eligible person, regardless of insurance or the ability to pay.

“We offer grief counseling to anyone in the community. You don’t have to be involved with the hospice program,” she adds.

Patients enrolled in hospice receive care at home or in nursing homes. A “hospice in the hospital” program also exists. The program ensures a continuity of care in transition from one setting to another, Cogswell and Campbell say.

Mitzi Hoke, of Martinsburg, the daughter of a hospice patient, says Hospice of the Panhandle was always there for her when her father had to be moved to different facilities. Eighty-threeyear-old Donald Kisner is in the last stages of dementia and has numerous other health problems.

“I know my dad isn’t in any discomfort. They maximize his comfort level,” explains Hoke.

“The nurses have tremendous skill. They take care of everything. I know my dad won’t get any better. Hospice is such a wellspring of compassion to help you through this.”

Hoke, an only child, works fulltime as a teacher in Hagerstown.

“I can’t visit my father every [ 66 ]

day. I know somebody else cares about my dad and is with him.

It has given me tremendous peace of mind and takes the guilt away,” she expresses. Hoke’s mother died suddenly, twenty years ago, leaving her angry and afraid.

“With my father, I can be a decision maker. I can make sure he gets the care he needs. And I can get the help I need. I won’t rail at his disease and keep on being angry.”

Hoke talks about a childhood friend who knew she had cancer at the age of twenty-nine. She faced her cancer, lived another thirty years, and died serenely with her family by her side.

“Hospice paved the way for her and her family. There was no turmoil, no denial,” she says.

Hoke met Campbell at different community events and was able to get her father into the hospice program.

Campbell emphasizes that it’s better to start with hospice care as early as possible.

“People tend to wait too long,” she laments.

For example, since January of this year, fifteen people who were referred for hospice care, passed away before they were admitted.

“We can hold the hands of the living and let those with a terminal illness live every single day to the fullest,” Campbell conveys. “People have things to say as they come to the end of life. Let them say it.”

Campbell says she has numerous speaking engagements throughout the year to get the word out about hospice and to tell people what they can do if they know someone who

might need the services hospice provides.

“We take care of each other here in the Panhandle. That’s what neighbors do,” says Reverend G.T. Schramm, Hospice of the Panhandle board president for twenty-two years, and volunteer chaplain for the program.

Hospice recommends a fourstep process to follow when speaking to someone about the program. Listen to the person to know their concerns; learn about hospice and explain the benefits of the program before naming the program; encourage that person to get more information and ask permission to arrange a free informational visit from the hospice representative; and make the call with that person at your side. A hospice representative will make a free information visit. Visits can be arranged in the evenings and weekends. There is no obligation to enroll.

“I want people to find their way to hospice,” says Campbell. “We offer a hospice liaison program to educate people in the community so they can talk to school groups, churches, and other organizations.”

Raymond Chandler, the famous author of hard-boiled detective novels, once referred to death as The Big Sleep. Hospice of the Panhandle offers a wakeup call, a way to approach The Big Sleep realistically with less stress and more dignity.

To inquire about hospice services for yourself or someone you know, contact Campbell at (304) 267-1870 ext. 214, or kcampbell@hospiceotp.org.

Contact Nancy Zenich, social services director, at (304) 2640406 or (800) 345-6538—or online at: nzenich@hospiceotp. org.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

New Home for Hospice - Bonnie Williamson Dreams may just come true for Hospice of the Panhandle. The organization’s “Building the Dream” capital campaign is close to breaking ground for its 14-bed hospice house inpatient unit.

“We have $2.3 million in donations. Once we hit $3 million, the ground-breaking will take place,” says Maria Lorensen, Hospice development director.

Last year, the organization purchased 19 acres of land on old W.Va. 9 that straddles the border of Jefferson and Berkeley counties. The location is 1.4 miles from the VA Center, across from Food Lion. The site also will include an office building, so Hospice’s four offices in Jefferson and Berkeley counties can be combined. “(The) hospice house is designed for short-term pain and system management,” Lorensen explains. “The patient stay would be from five to seven days. We are trying to make the setting as homelike as possible — we didn’t want it to look like a hospital.”

The hospice house includes 14 bedrooms with pullout sofas (so families can stay with their loved ones), kitchen facilities, a child’s playroom, and a chapel. The facility will also provide respite care for families who need a break from caregiving.

“There are numerous windows so people can look outside, as well as a lot of space for families—family sitting rooms and living rooms. We will also have covered porches so patients and their families can enjoy the outdoors,” Lorensen says.

She adds that the project has “tremendous” community support, with just over 250 donors having contributed to date.

Of the $2.37 million raised, all of the funds have come from local individuals and businesses.

“It’s been a remarkable outpouring from our community,” expresses Lorensen. “Given the challenging economy, folks have really dug deep and have made substantial commitments to ‘Building the Dream.’ I think the level of support speaks highly of the excellent work by and reputation of Hospice of the Panhandle.”

Late last year, the capital campaign literally hit the jackpot when lottery winner, former Berkeley County Sheriff and Magistrate W. Randy Smith, donated $500,000. Smith won a $79 million Powerball jackpot. His mother died under Hospice care in the 1990s. He’s doing his part to make Hospice’s dream come true.

Other major donors include Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races ($100,000), Bowles Rice McDavid Graff and Love ($100,000), Farmers and Mechanics Insurance ($100,000), Henry and Louise Willard ($100,000), the Center for Orthopedic Excellence ($75,000) and BCT ($60,000). www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Mimosa Asian Fusion Mimosa Asian Fusion Restaurant is the area’s first and only fusion dining establishment. Fusion food is mostly seen in Asian cuisine.

Sometimes, fusion restaurants simply serve dishes from different Asian cultures. In the purest sense of the form, fusion is where the different cultures, ingredients and, techniques come together in one dish. At Mimosa, they serve both—dishes that are “fused” and dishes that are separate in their culture.

Asian food does not need to always be Chinese take-out.

Mimosa is way beyond that played-out stereotype. With popular traditional dishes and signature fusion dishes, the food at Mimosa is fun, flavorful, sometimes hot and spicy, but never boring.

The surprise dish is the Green Curry Thai. Curry is a generic term for several spiced dishes in Asian and Indian cuisine. The definition typically encompasses turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

I like hot and spicy, and I don’t mind breaking out in a few beads of sweat. However, I don’t like no-flavor-nothing-will-cool-itoff heat. The green curry fits the former not the latter. The plate is beautiful with bright, crisp vegetables—red and green www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 69 ]

peppers, asparagus, carrots, and red onion. The coconut milk knocks back the heat just enough without diluting the flavors of the spices. There is also the slightest hint of sweet.

This is definitely on the re-order list. In addition to the chicken: beef, scallops, shrimp, and tofu are options for the entree.

Another excellent offering is the fusion dish: Zen Zing tuna. Served rare on a bed of crunchy seaweed salad, the tuna slices are lightly seared with a seasoned, toasted sesame crust and a smoky, spicy, soy mayonnaise. The Spicy Crab Meat Salad is served with cucumber, scallions, and masago (or roe), with a spicy mayonnaise. It’s topped with tempura breads for a bit of crispness to the bite. The General Tso’s chicken might be the best I’ve ever had—pieces of tender chicken breast enrobed in perfectly crisp breading with Mimosa’s fruity, sweet proprietary sauce. The crab wontons, and dumplings stuffed with seasoned pork, vegetables, or minced shrimp, are made at the restaurant, and you can taste the difference.

Mimosa is definitely family friendly. The children’s menu is excellent, with many reasonably priced choices. The offerings include french fries, honey chicken, chicken tenders, General Tso’s chicken, lo mein noodles, sweet and sour chicken, and sesame chicken.

All chicken served at Mimosa is fresh chicken breast. The server told me the tenders are handbreaded at the restaurant and never purchased frozen from a distributor. The price is right for a child’s menu, too: everything is $3.50 or less. No MSG is used on any item.

Another favorite with the kids is the fish tank. It’s actually three

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Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

At a

giant fish tanks—300 gallons each. Set end to end, it creates a twenty-four-foot-long divider between the bar and dining area. We all agreed that having something that’s alive is much more interesting than a painted screen.

Glance Mimosa Asian Fusion Restaurant

Overheard at the next table, a patron pushed back from the meal and pondered, “I don’t know how they serve such a great lunch for five dollars. It’s good, and plenty of it.” The daily lunch specials are offered seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. so customers don’t have to experience a mid-day crush to get their favorites.

Mimosa also offers a happy hour Monday through Friday with halfprice beer and rail drinks.

Winchester, VA 540•545•8482

First Impression

 Service



The restaurant seats 100, which includes the outdoor patio dining. They also offer curbside takeout, and party platters that are popular with businesses and organizations. Plenty of parking at the Orrick Commons Shopping Center makes Mimosa an easy and fast choice for lunch.

Food Quality/Taste

 Value for Money



My server reveals that Chef and Co-Owner Jian Lu used to be an IT guy, but he always wanted to own a restaurant, so he made a huge career change.

I also noted that Co-Owner John Schuman greeted many patrons by first name. It was a friendly, comfortable, relaxed atmosphere, and I get the impression that Mimosa really caters to its regulars and locals.

Overall Atmosphere



Mimosa distinguishes itself with excellent food, unique tastes, different ingredients, and friendly service. The high quality of the food is not reflective in the prices. Like them on Facebook as Mimosa Asian Fusion Restaurant or check out mimosafusion.com.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Women’s Network: We Can Do It - By Bonnie Williamson During World War II, Rosie the Riveter represented women who worked in factories, many producing munitions and other war supplies. Rosie’s theme was: “We Can Do It.” Women in the Panhandle now have an organization that can help them carry on Rosie’s tradition.

The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce now have a Women’s Network. The network was the idea of Tina Combs, president and CEO of the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber.

“We looked into starting something like this for a long time,” she explains. “We wanted a way to help women develop both personally and professionally, and encourage participation and recognition of women in the community.

Women have work and home responsibilities. When they become better leaders and more organized, the whole community benefits.”

Combs heard about other women’s programs while attending a

[ 72 ]

meeting of the Institute for Organization Management, a nonprofit professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She was inspired, and formed the Women’s Network in June of 2010.

“We started out with a mixer and then had two workshops. I have been thrilled with the reaction.

Each workshop had about one hundred participants. We are a very diverse group, with women of all ages and experience. We learn from each other.”

The Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary nonprofit organization with more than 800 members. The Women’s Network has more than 200 members. Network participants must belong to either the Berkeley County Chamber or the Jefferson County Chamber and pay a twentyfive dollar fee. And, yes, men can belong to the Network.

“Can Women Be Leaders?” was one of two workshops that started off the Women’s Network agenda last year, held at the Martinsburg

Holiday Inn. Gina Miller, vice president of Millers Electric in Martinsburg, was one of the attendees.

“There were a lot of women from a lot of organizations there,” she remembers. “We learned about women leaders in history, like Joan of Arc, who really made changes.”

Miller says the workshop members participated in something called speed networking.

“It’s sort of like speed dating,” she laughs. “You meet other women and exchange business cards.”

Networking for women is important but so is education. Combs is a firm believer in education. The Women’s Network workshop made Miller feel the same way.

The workshop speaker was Penelope Gladwell, an associate professor and lead faculty at Mountain State University’s Charles H. Polk School of Leadership and Professional Development.

“I had always wanted to get my masters in something. Penelope

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Gladwell is such an accomplished woman,” Miller notes. “I decided to get my masters in strategic leadership at Mountain State.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the more education a woman has, the more likely it is she will enter the workforce. Seventy-three percent of women, age twenty-five and over, who are working, have a bachelor’s degree.

The Women’s Network will continue to urge women to further their education. Ultimately, the longterm goal of the Women’s Network is to have four workshops a year and one all-day conference.

The first Women’s Conference was held this past April. Topics covered at the conference included mentoring, creating a healthy environment, conflict resolution in the workplace, and retirement strategies for women.

Combs says that despite the success of the Women’s Network so far, “Men and women are still not equal in the workforce. We face many challenges.”

The majority of working women still remain in secretarial or administrative assistant jobs. Many women face discrimination in the workforce, and can be subjected to the “glass ceiling.” They can be routinely passed over when it comes to promotions. The higher the position, the less likely a woman is to get it.

Another challenge is the fact that women still make less money than men. The U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that the median weekly earnings of women who work full-time is $657, or eighty percent of men’s $819. When comparing the median weekly earnings of people aged sixteen to twenty-four, young women earned ninety-three percent of what young men earned ($424 and $458, respectively).

Women also need to be more concerned about their health and fitness. “Women tend to think

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

about themselves last,” Combs admits. “They are far more concerned about those around them. This can lead to health problems.”

Despite the fact that traditional roles in the home are changing and some men are doing more work around the house, many women are still responsible for work outside the home and housework.

Stress can become a major issue.

“So many women are incredibly busy. That’s why having workshops is so important. Women can meet and talk and find solutions to problems,” says Combs.

There’s no question that women will continue to have their presence known in the working world. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that women will account for 46.9% of the labor force in 2018. Women are projected to account for 51.2% of the increase in total labor force growth between 2008 and 2018.

Combs also explains that many women entering the workforce for the first time need help. “We’re always thinking of new projects for the Women’s Network. For example, some women don’t know how to dress in a professional manner. We want to have a clothes closet so women can select the proper clothes they need for work.”

The women’s movement of the 1960s and 70s opened many doors for working women, as did the Rosie Riveters decades earlier.

Sometimes men feel threatened by working women. However, Combs says the Women’s Network has “had no resistance” from the business world.

“In the Women’s Network, we’re all learning. We want to help women to recharge their batteries. Learn new skills. Help others to find success. Re-energize. And, find joy in life.”

Combs would agree with Rosie. We can do it.

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The Anvil | Harpers Ferry, WV Good Food plus Golf for Charity

By Debra Cornwell Background On Washington Street, between Bolivar Heights and the Federal Arsenal, in Harpers Ferry, lies a restaurant with good food and a relaxed, casual atmosphere, called The Anvil. The restaurant’s moniker is after the off-Broadway play of the same name. Written by West Virginia resident Julia Davis, the play depicts John Brown’s pre-Civil War trial for his raid on the arsenal. No warring drama at the restaurant, though, only convivial hospitality for visitors and locals alike.

Danny and Ann Smith acquired the charming, rustic building, with its notable upper porch, in the late 1970s, but didn’t open their own restaurant until 1985. Native West Virginians who graduated with teaching degrees from Marshall University, the pair traveled east in the state for their careers and settled in Jefferson County. In their “salad days,” Danny moonlighted at Charles Town Races. By 1977, he was the manager of Harry M. Stevens, the food and beverage vendor at the track. The couple decided to do their own food and beverage pursuit, and The Anvil was born.

“The rustic, historic style of the building dictated a casual dining atmosphere,” reflects Ann. “We stayed true to the building’s appearance and serve good food in a comfortable setting.” Ann noted that the restaurant has a local following, but visitors to Harpers Ferry and

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Jefferson County make up most of the daily restaurant visits.

Food Chef Chuck Green, who has been with The Anvil almost two years, says, “There really isn’t a reason to revamp the menu and change our tried and true favorites. We have specials, and that gives us the opportunity to switch things up.”

Diners look forward to weekend fresh fish specials and prime rib on Fridays and Saturdays. Ann notes that Chef Chuck is a graduate of the Cordon Bleu in New York.

She agrees with Green, “We stay close to our original vision— casual American that is heavy on the seafood. Crab cakes are our specialty, and we have a Winter Oyster Fest which we run into spring, as long as the oyster quality holds up.”

I visited during the Winter Oyster Fest as well as a dinner in the spring. If you love oysters, this is the place to be. Oysters are served on the half shell, fried, steamed, Rockefeller, stewed, in a sandwich, and just about any other conceivable way. It is oyster-lovers heaven. The Anvil sources outstanding oysters— all large, fresh, and juicy. We had a delightful evening feasting on these succulent bivalves, enjoying a roaring fire and great company.

Fast forward to a warm spring day and we are seated at my favorite window seat—a booth in the pub room with a view of Washington Street. My dining partner savored The Anvil’s signature dish: a pair of jumbo lump crab cakes. The cakes were a generous, herby mound of deliciousness, and seated in a lobster-based hollandaise, which is good enough to be a pasta sauce on its own. The entree also includes a Chef Starch of the Day and a mixed greens side salad. My selection was the shrimp and mussels pasta.

Large, juicy shrimp and mussels were steamed and sitting in a bowl of penne with fresh rosemary, diced tomato, and wonderful white wine broth.

Other notable dinner entree selections include West Virginia trout. This pan-seared offering is [ 76 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

served with a lemon caper sauce, a side of pasta, and a vegetarian pasta tossed with sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, parmesan cheese, capers, and black olives in beurre blanc sauce.

On my next trip to The Anvil, during these warmer months, I plan on sampling the jumbo lump crab salad, which is served on a bed of mixed greens and choice of dressing. I might add a cup of the Marylandstyle crab soup.

One popular appetizer is the unique chips and salsa offering. Developed by the Smith’s son, the almostpastry flaky chips—white flour, spinach, and tomato—are served with homemade salsa. Two other crab dishes are outstanding at The Anvil: the crab balls appetizer, served with cocktail sauce, and the hot, creamy crab dip, served in a bread bowl with vegetables and crackers. The crab balls are the same recipe as the crab cakes and can be ordered for party platters.

The Anvil offers carryout party trays with two days notice, plus catering on and off the premise. The party room offers privacy for a group of up to thirty-eight. The main dining room is used for larger groups up to seventy. In warmer months, the sunroom and patio are available. The patio, with its charming fishpond, can accommodate a tent up to 30’ x 60’. According to Ann, The Anvil has lots of practice hosting birthday and anniversary parties, rehearsal dinners, and weddings.

The restaurant also has a 21-andover West Virginia gaming room with five slot machines. Maybe you’ll get lucky sitting in the slot chairs the Smith’s purchased from Las Vegas?

“J.B. would help anyone in need.

He was so unselfish and willing— some of his greatest traits,” says his mother. “He loved golf, too. When you put it all together, it makes sense to remember J.B. with a golf tournament that will help others.”

Ann, who is Rotary President, explains that the golf tournament is a Rotary Club of Charles Town Charitable Foundation Event.

The tournament and reception are held each year on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. This year it is May 27th. It has become so popular, it takes two golf courses to hold the tournament: Sleepy Hollow and Locust Hill. It’s a 1 p.m. shotgun start, and the reception at The Anvil starts at 5:30 p.m. Ann estimates, “We expect about one hundred seventy golfers and three hundred fifty for the reception.”

Additionally, she reveals, “The tournament has raised about $300,000 in eleven years to benefit community services, school programs, and nonprofit organizations.” Past recipients include Jefferson County Community Ministries and the Shenandoah Women’s Center.

Beneficiaries of this year’s golf tournament are: Jefferson High School and Washington High School baseball teams, Jefferson Memorial Park, Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic, Charles Town Rotary Angel Fund, and the J.B. Smith Fund at the Eastern Panhandle Community Foundation, which provides sustaining monies for the tournament’s selected charities.

Golf Tournament

Sponsors of this year’s event are Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Jefferson Security Bank, and Brookewood Construction of Gahanna, OH. Annual Sustaining Sponsors are Altona Farm, The Anvil Restaurant, and Snyder Environmental. Hole in One Sponsor is Kent Parsons Ford-LincolnMercury. Prizes Sponsor is BB&T.

At the age of twenty-three, the Smith’s son, Jeffrey Brenton “J.B.” Smith, was killed in an automobile accident on August 15, 1998. Less than a year later, they founded a golf tournament in his memory.

Like The Anvil and J.B. Smith Memorial Golf Tournament on Facebook. The Anvil offers a printable online coupon. Check out www.anvilrestaurant.com and www. jbsmithmemorial.com.

The 12-and-under crowd is welcomed with their own menu of linguine marinara, a trio of burgers, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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A Tale of Two Genres Ok, I’ll admit it…I’m a complete metal-head. I love heavy metal and it’s what I listen to the majority of the time. Don’t get me wrong; I own a wide variety of genres of music. The real truth of the matter is that the 80/20 rule applies here: I listen to 20% of my music 80% of the time.

I’d hazard a guess that most of you do the same. This month I tried out a new style, jazz, and spent some time with one of my favorite local metal bands.

I don’t own a lot of jazz music.

I do recognize the sheer genius required to perform freeform jazz and half-hour long jam sessions. It’s just not one of the genres that had ever really appealed to me. This is why I was pleasantly surprised with the recent performance of the Matthew Gillich Trio at Dish in Charles Town. Stepping into the room with the smooth sounds of trumpet, bass, and keys is like stepping into a day spa—you suddenly breathe deeper, your

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muscles relax, and you just seem to…decompress.

Matthew has been playing trumpet since the fourth grade, and was selected for the South Middle School jazz band in fifth grade. Private lessons soon followed, and his discovery of the great jazz artists fueled what has become his life’s passion.

Matthew, 20, currently studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

Matthew’s style of jazz is heavily influenced by two of his private instructors. “Right now I’m studying with James Moore and Jeff Bush, two of the top guys in Pittsburgh. These guys have been doing it their whole life; they’ve been on the road—they’ve been on the scene for years.” Other influences include the trumpet players Lee Morgan and Art Farmer. Although he feels his style is different, you can often catch the trio as a quartet, or even a quintet, styled after these artists with the addition of drums and sax. “Jazz is all about finding

your own voice through imitation, and right now what I’m working on is imitating things that they’ve played, but not who they are. I’m going to take things that they’ve played and apply them to who I am. We are all just different people.”

When it comes to introducing people to jazz, Matthew feels it should be based on personality.

Some people will like Louie Armstrong, and some prefer Charlie Parker. It all depends on the individual, and the person doing the introducing.

Matthew’s style is not harsh, but smooth and easy, and quite listenable. For me, it was the perfect introduction to a live jazz performance. It was structured, but not stiff, and free without being chaotic. If you are at all curious about jazz and would like to get your toes wet, I’d highly recommend catching the Matthew Gillich Trio the next time they are at Dish. They can also be spotted at Beans in The Belfry in Brunswick, Maryland,

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

on occasion. Dates depend on Matthew’s school schedule and available performers, as the trio is not a set group of members.

Matthew is also available for bookings, including wine tours and private parties. You may contact him at 304-261-6936, or at tigereyes85@comcast.net.

of the great metal bands of the 80s. The double barrel thunder coming from Eric and Doug provide the solid foundation of chest rattling sound that holds up the entire band. They are energetic, solid, and really fun to see live.

My other adventure this month was a trip to Harrisonburg to catch D.O.G.S. of Pray at a school benefit concert. DOP is made up of singer Bobbi Folk, her husband and guitar player Eddie Folk, guitarist Tom Meadows, bassist Doug Zirk, and drummer Eric Walter. If you like hard rock or heavy metal, this is definitely a band to check out.

The band is also deeply committed to their faith.

Each member is a solid Christian, and the lyrics and the way they treat their fans shows it. After the show, you can find them gathered at the merch table, signing photos, smiling, and even praying with fans.

They have shared the gospel with teens and adults alike, and are always willing to answer questions about their faith and their lyrics. Despite their heavy metal appearance, this band definitely stands for Christ, and they are not ashamed or shy about proclaiming it. It is a breath of fresh air to be able to listen to my favorite genre of music and have it be a completely positive experience.

The D.O.G.S. in DOP stands for Disciples Of God’s Son. Bobbi’s songs reflect a deep and inspiring passion for Christ, but with a heavy melodic edge. They played in our area back in 2009 at the Christian Enlightening music festival, where I was lucky enough to discover them. Since then, they have also appeared at 365 Church, and have shared the stage with everyone from Demon Hunter to Skillet.

Bobbi’s vocal range is stunning.

She has a powerful voice so filled with emotion that she can take you from head banging to quiet soul searching with ease. The hard driving twin guitar assault of Eddie and Tom will take you back to the days when hard rock was fun to listen to—reminiscent

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To contact D.O.G.S. of Pray, give them a call at (540) 3376609, or email them at dogsofpray@yahoo.com.

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Shepherdstown Street Fest

An opportunity to celebrate the old and the new. - By Bonnie Williamson Shepherdstown may be the oldest town in the state of West Virginia, but something new happens the last Saturday in June. Shepherdstown gets to show off.

The annual Shepherdstown Street Fest will be held June 25, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The festival is held on the two blocks of German Street, on either side of the town’s main intersection at King Street. A stage is brought in, local bands perform, and local vendors, artists, and businesses offer their unique wares.

“The Street Fest gives us an opportunity to celebrate our town, our culture. We have really talented artists here,” says Dave Rosen, a city councilman in charge of marketing the event.

“It’s a great opportunity to share

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all that our town has to offer in this great one-day event.”

Local bands set to perform include: Moondog Medicine Show, a blues band; Gypsy Ramblers, who play a mix of gypsy, jazz, dawg, and blues; The Golden Butter Band, who play a blend of edgy and melodic music; Bob Keel and the Aveys, folk; the Fox Hunt, rowdy country and bluegrass; Todd Coyle, blues; Holy Ghost Tent Revival, roots music; Dan Tait Trio, jazz; and Paul Pfau and the Dimestore Band, funk rock.

One speaker at the event represents a different kind of culture for Shepherdstown: running.

“The C&O Canal is close by and people hike, bike, and run near

the canal all the time,” continues Rosen. “Mark Cucuzzella, organizer of the annual Freedom’s Run marathon held here in October, will be giving a speech called, ‘Learn, Evolve, Run! An Introduction to Healthy Running and Walking.’ We have a real running culture here in Shepherdstown.” Cucuzzella operates the Two Rivers Treads store in town.

In addition, there will be a martial arts demonstration with Master Jong Lee’s students of the Jong Hap Mu Sool Martial Arts School.

This is the fifth year for the Shepherdstown Street Fest, explains Rosen. The festival is run completely by volunteers who, along with Rosen, include Lori Robertson, Chris Stroech,

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Cari Rosen, Sarah Poland, Dolores Nichols, Chris Crawford, Bob Keel, Jim Ford, and Donn Marshall.

Rosen credits Donn Marshall as the mentor for the event.

Marshall, a consultant for nonprofit organizations, moved to Shepherdstown from Washington, D.C., after the tragic days of 9/11.

“My wife Shelley was killed at the Pentagon. I wanted to move my children to some place safe.

Shepherdstown is a safe haven for me. It has been so wonderful here for us. Getting involved with the festival is my way of giving something back to this town,” he expresses.

All Photos by Denny Crosby of www.slainteimages.com

Marshall worked with Cindy Schott, one of the committee members who organized the first festival. Through Cindy, he met his current wife, Heather.

The Shepherdstown Street Fest was initially developed to fill a lull in activity in town during the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF). CATF, held at Shepherd University, is an annual event in which new plays are staged.

“The theater festival is held in July. By the third week of the festival, things began to slow down in town so we created the street festival to attract people,” Marshall notes. “We decided to change it to the last Saturday in June and always hold it then— create institutional memory.”

The festival depends on donations from the community.

Around the Panhandle is proud to be a platinum sponsor for the event.

For more information about the Shepherdstown Street Fest, call 855-787-3383 or email at info@ ShepherdstownStreetFest.org.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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International Beauty School, a full-scale salon and beauty school located in the heart of downtown Martinsburg, is easily accessible to much of the Eastern Panhandle. The school provides multiple cosmetology and aesthetics degrees, along with a wide variety of salon quality services for customers.

Students who are looking for job placement in a tough economy, or who wish to complete advanced training for a professional career, may enjoy attending cosmetology school, with the goal of working in a salon as a nail technician, hair stylist, or aesthetician.

All programs are open for financial aid for those who qualify. Students who wish to apply for financial aid should fill out the FAFSA form to see if they are eligible. New classes begin at the school monthly, and enrollments are accepted on a rolling basis. Potential students

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must be at least seventeen years of age and a U.S. Citizen. A high school diploma or GED is not required, but potential students without these qualifications must pass an Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam before enrolling.

When I spoke to Sharon Glover, the school’s manager and master instructor, she mentioned that one of the major benefits of attending the school, for students, is the large number of career opportunities that open up after completing a program.

Even in a tough economy, beauty and salon services continue to sell well. Nail and hair salons are frequently looking for qualified technicians, and stylists are often in demand at other professional agencies, such as nursing homes. In addition, one always has the opportunity to go into business and open their own shop or school.

International Beauty School

regularly provides students with a list of current job openings in the community to assist with career placement, and Glover states that graduates are frequently able to find jobs with larger salon chains that offer benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off.

Cosmetology is one of the fastest ways to advance into a professional career, as most degree programs last less than one year. Glover stated that the school is seeing an increase in students attending the school to learn cosmetology as an additional skill for supplemental income.

The International Beauty School enrolls 75 to 100 students per year. Students practice the art of cosmetology and gain experience hours towards their degrees while working under the supervision of licensed instructors. The school is the only one of its type in the tri-

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

county area. The school features a Cosmetology program, a Nail Technician Program, and an Aesthetics Program. Students are required to contract for at least six hours per day, but may attend for up to eight hours a day to accelerate their progress through the program, and graduate more quickly.

The Cosmetology program requires 2,000 hours at the school, and covers all aspects of hair cutting, styling, and coloring, as well as manicures, skin care, waxing, and more.

Students spend the first 600 hours of the program in classroom training, and the next 1,400 hours on the salon floor, working on both mannequins and walk-in clients, under direct instructor supervision. This allows them to work on both theory and practical application of the skills that they’ll need as a professional stylist.

The Nail Technician program requires 400 hours at the school, with 200 hours spent in classroom theory training and 200 hours spent in practical training on the floor. Students learn how to perform traditional manicures and pedicures, spa manicures and pedicures, apply acrylic nails, sculpture nails, and apply fiberglass wraps for clients who prefer fiberglass to acrylic.

The Aesthetics Program is a

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600-hour program, and all hours are completed under the direct supervision of Glover, the program director. Glover is the founder of the aesthetics curriculum in West Virginia; she helped to open a school in Fairmont before transferring to International Beauty School eight years ago. Students in the aesthetics program use medicalgrade products and learn to perform facials, treat acne and aging, apply body wraps and cellulite treatments, and apply makeup and perform waxing services. They are also trained to treat skin disorders and refer clients with skin diseases to medical providers for appropriate treatment recommendations.

International Beauty School students have a 96% passing rate with the state certification board, and the school will assist graduates in finding job placement. For those looking for a new career opportunity, or for high school students who don’t plan to attend college, the school can open doors into a highly successful field.

Salons are frequently looking for cosmetologists, stylists, and nail technicians, and an aesthetics certification can open doors for spa positions, more advanced certification programs for medical training, and more.

For customers who are tired of paying high rates for cuts,

coloring, and other salon services, International Beauty School’s salon may be an excellent option. The salon at the school offers an inexpensive alternative to a high dollar salon, and all services are performed under an instructor’s direct supervision, using salon-grade products. Haircuts start at $7, while a color and cut will only set you back $25. When compared to the $25-$100 you’d spend at a chain salon, the school quickly becomes a convenient alternative.

In addition, International Beauty School offers manicures, pedicures, and acrylic nails.

Maintaining a set of acrylics can quickly become a drain on the pocketbook, so popping into the school for a fill in or a polish change might help you balance your budget without giving up your manicures completely.

The students also offer facials, waxing, and a wide variety of other beauty services.

If you prefer to keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet, or if you’re interested in supporting a student working their way through school, stop

by International Beauty School for your next haircut or set of acrylics. For more information about the services offered, visit them on the web at: theinternationalbeautyschool. com.

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Now It’s Your Turn Recipes to Spice Up Your Life | Carnival Treats

Fried Pickles

Ingredients

Directions

0 degrees. eat oil to 35

ttermilk

bu Preh d 2 cups of -wheat flour zed bowl ad si m iu ed 2 cups whole m In a pickles. well. rpose flour and drained wl and mix 1 cup all-pu nts into a bo ie ed gr in y the salt Place all dr ckles out of 1 teaspoons ful of the pi ur. nd flo ha a ed t on ou Take ab aprika h the seas p it n o w o em sp a th te at 1 r batter and co ered pickles d place batt ne pepper o an n e , y ur a flo c p ss ts ce 1/4 Shake off ex se. old bay en into hot grea and are gold ilk rm til they float e tt un u b es f ic o sl s p le 2 cu Fry pick ve kle slices brown. ic p ill d r ja e done. Ser z 1 16o s until all ar le ck pi g in ok Continue co (drained) ng essi with ranch dr

Funnel Cake

Ingredients

3 eggs, beaten 2 c. milk 1/4 c. sugar 4 c. flour, sifted 2 tsp. baking powd er 1/2 tsp. salt

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Directions

Beat the eggs, add milk and sugar.

In separate bowl ad d sugar, flour, bakin g powder, and salt.

Add to egg mixture, beating until smooth.

Heat oil to 375 degre es and pour batter into hot oil through a fun nel.

Control the flow of batter by holding yo ur finger over the botto m of the funnel.

Make patterns, or sw irls with the stream of batter as it flows int o the hot fat.

When golden brown , drain, sprinkle with confectioners’ suga r,or top with your favorite fruit and wh ip cream.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Deep Fried Twink ies

Ingredients

Directions

Heat deep

6 Frozen fryer to ab out 375 d Twinkies egrees.

Mix togeth

e r milk, vin Popsicle egar and sticks oil.

In anothe r bowl, ble 1 cup mil nd flour, b k aking pow Add the d der and s ry ingredie 2 tablesp alt. nts into th mixing un oons vin e ti m l ilk s m m o o ix th. egar ture and c ontinue 1 Tablesp Push stick oon oil into Twink ie lengthw to use as ise, leavin 1 cup flo ah g about 2 ur until it cov andle, dust with flo inches ur and dip ers entire cake. into the b 1 tsp bak atter P la ing powd er un ce carefully in fryer. T 1/2 teas der with a he Twinkie poon salt will float, turn golde utensil to ensure e so hold it v n

s e l p p A l e m a r a C

Directions

en brown in 3 to 4 m ing. It sho inutes. uld Remove T winkies a nd place o towel to d n cooling rain. Rem rack or pa ove stick adding to per and let th ppings. em cool b efore Serve pla in or top w ith your fa vorite fruit sauce.

. ach apple ck into e ti s n e d o wo e butter, Insert 1 mbine th o c , n a p ring to a vy sauce yrup and milk; b a e h a In s gar, corn h heat. brown su ig -h ads m

iu r d meter re butte over me s il k o ic b t y thermo 0-40 s d n 2 a c a r l uga ) about 3 d stir unti brown s Cook an s (firm ball stage 2 cups e p re u syr 248 deg ht corn 1 cup lig nilla. minutes stir in va an c rn ) e c m heat; n o u fr o e ixture; tu v 4 d o 1 e 1 ( Rem dens aramel m c n t o o c h d to e apple in sweeten Dip each while the k mil coat. with nuts to le k n la ri il p n s ck, oons va by the sti 2 teasp Holding rm a w e ll ti s s pray so th mel is n stick ra e a d c o o ooking s c h it 8 w w r s ax pape e paper. m apple Spray w stick to th t o n l 8 mediu il w apples

Ingredients

Popcorn Balls

Ingredients

Directions

In a saucepan 2 cups wh over medium ite sugar heat, combine the su gar, corn syru 1 cup ligh p, t corn syru butter and wat p er. Stir and he at 1/2 cup b to 300 degrees utter F. Remove from heat, add vanilla an 1/4 cup w d food colorin ater g mix well.

1 teaspoo n vanilla e xtract Pour slowly over po pped popcorn 5 quarts p while stirring. opped pop Grease hand corn so s with oil Food Colo the popcorn do ring (opti esn’t stick to onal) hands shap your e into 3 inch ro und balls.

Note: Make su re to heat to th e hard crack stage of 300 degrees on candy thermom a eter. www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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ELI

Over Here on the Other Side I’ll get straight to the point; I don’t own a TV. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t watch certain shows or movies—it just means that I watch much less than the average person. In 2006, I decided that if I was going to start giving honest attention to my many thoughts, ideas, and dreams, then I needed to give them their proper time and space. Television was a tough but logical deduction from my life. And similar to when I gave up meat and processed foods, I certainly didn’t realize how much a part of my life television was until it was no more.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I went through a bit of a withdrawal—it wasn’t a huge habit in my life, but was a habit nonetheless. Pre-2006, the television served various roles within my process, from white noise as soon as I

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flipped it on when I got home from work, to both a late-night sleep-inducer and an early-morning day-starter. When I removed it from said process, and the withdrawal subsided (at least within reason: author’s note—it still hasn’t subsided fully, five years later), I was pretty humbled by how much easier it was for me to think, to plan, to analyze, to “get started” on projects, to work steadily on those projects, and to discover new uses for my creative brain.

Television may not have consumed me, but it consumed enough of me to have a serious impact on my ability to grow, and probably most important, my capacity to develop ideas and see them through.

And I was as guilty as anyone else, in that I lived vicariously through many of the shows I enjoyed—probably one of the most impactful consequences of television in general. By living through a certain program, even if but for an hour, or a half/hour, I wasn’t living through my own dreams, my own passions and potentials. Now, you might think that such a reality isn’t that dramatic, and that I’m blowing it out of proportion, but think about it for a second: if I did that for four or five hours a week (a very conservative number) or more, that was a huge amount of time that I wasn’t giving to personal possibility—to potential creative outlets, to discoveries within myself, to projects around the house, to my friends and family, to me.

I was giving that time to something or someone else, that was make believe, and not myself. You also might think to yourself that such a habit still doesn’t sound so bad, and that giving yourself to shows and movies five, ten, fifteen hours a week is exactly what you enjoy doing, so it’s not a loss to you at all. Well, I know how it worked for me, and it was like lifting a giant lead blanket from my life, in terms of what it did for my progression, so to speak. And so, I have to ponder: what would it

probably do for a lot of other people? Not everyone is creative, or extremely driven, or even passionate about much, but I know one thing about us as a collective unit—especially in this the good ‘ol USA— we waste an enormous amount of time not exploring our own lives—in all of its suggestions—and television plays a huge role in that.

As much as the industry has evolved, and as fascinated as many of us have become with what’s on the tube these days, the facts are a little startling—old news, yes, but then, not really news that we typically pay much attention to, regardless.

After all, the hours per day that average Americans watch TV only continues to go up and up. According to the Nielsen ratings company, as of April 2011, Americans are watching around five hours a day of television. Sounds almost too crazy to be true—but every study I researched had us in for between four and five hours, dating back five years or more. That’s 35 hours a week—pretty much a full-time job (but you’re not getting paid, though you’re definitely paying for it). Obviously that’s the average, so some of us watch less, some more. And I’m a bit of a stat nerd but I’ll try to corral the desire to do the long term numbers (and compare that to a million other numbers), though I will at least provide the big one: 35 hours a week times 52 weeks a year (approximately) = 1,820 hours a year— which comes out to around 76 days per year. The average American spends about 76 days a year stuck in front of a TV, essentially doing nothing but drifting off into a vicarious existence, and on many levels, ignoring vast portions of themselves and their own life in general. What if your boss came up to you tomorrow and said, “You’ve done a wonderful job these last couple months, and I’m going to give you seventy-six

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

paid days off, starting tomorrow!” What would you do with that time? How many projects would you get done, that you’ve been putting off, perhaps for years?

How many special moments would you have with the people you care about?

Would you (finally) get in shape? Would you take a trip, or trips? Would you find out something (or many things) about yourself that you had no idea was inside of you? Would you become someone you didn’t think you were capable of becoming? Or, would you just sit on your couch and watch an electric screen the entire time—not going outside, not exploring interests, not pursuing anything worthwhile. The questions, and possibilities, are almost limitless.

Seventy-six days—imagine the things you could do in 76 days. And, yes, I’m fully aware that it’s not truly all of those days in a row, but merely four or five hours at a time, but we all know what I’m talking about. You don’t think you can do a lot in four or five hours, every single day?

If not, you’re nuts, or you’re just a slob, and maybe you’re better off just sitting there doing nothing—more for the rest of us, I suppose.

And if we’re sitting there for 76 days in front of these things, we might as well be reminded of a few other numbers, as well as what we’re being subjected to. At latest check, 99% of us own at least one television. The average U.S. household possesses two or more. Sixty-six percent of American homes house three or more TVs. Over 70% of daycare centers use TV in abundance during a typical day.

Over 75% of parents would like to limit the amount of time their children sit in front of the tube. The average kid in America spends around 900 hours a year in school, but nearly twice that in front of the TV. Recent studies show that 25% of Americans read no books last year, and the rest of us only read between two and four books. What do you think the stats for kids were? In a word: lower. And what about what we’re all watching? Scary.

By the time most kids finish elementary school, they’ve seen between eight and ten thousand murders on TV. By the time they’re 18 years old, they’ve likely seen around 250,000 acts of violence. And I don’t think there’s enough space for me here to get into the various evolutions of sex, image, status, profanity, and advertising that saturates almost every aspect of our favorite entertainment medium these days. I’m sure we can all agree, we certainly don’t live in the fifties and sixties anymore, but it’s more than a little unnerving when you really sit down and think about what young people are being exposed to today through entertainment—much of that beginning with what’s on TV. And this says nothing of the physical consequences that come in to play—the patterns developed, the lifestyle adhered to—i.e. the mental and

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physical health consequences—and that, of course, represents everyone, all of us.

Currently, one in three Americans is either overweight or obese. Again, not rocket science: eat less and eat better, and find something physical to do on a consistent basis. However, this formula doesn’t exactly line up with the timehonored tradition of watching television.

And when you tie in the bombardment of advertising, very little of which is pleading with the public to put down the chemically enhanced, fat-drenched, mass produced and processed food (and/or go outside and exercise—thus watching less TV), well, you get what you get— an emerging nation of unmotivated, homogenized fat folk with all of the related ailments—almost all of which wouldn’t exist if people ate right and exercised more…and, inevitably, watched less television.

Getting back to numbers, though; probably most concerning out of all these stats is this one: As of last year, the average American parent admitted to only sharing meaningful conversation with their child for less than five minutes a week. I don’t even know if that needs any further comment.

I’ll tell you something a little peculiar.

When I started writing this piece, it wasn’t even going to be about this stuff.

It was actually going to start the way it did and then segue into some other avenues about technology and the future, etc.—as always, right? But once I started digging around for some basic stats, I got caught up in the reality of something as simple as TV—knowing what happened for me when I quasi-divorced my own.

The first thing almost everyone says to me when they discover that I don’t have a television is: Are you serious? What do you do? At this point, I usually laugh at that last question and respond: What do I do? As in, what do I do without TV? When they shake their heads yes, I then explain a handful of the hundreds, and likely thousands, of things that I do and have done since I broke up with my television. My explanations usually get modest reviews at best, and usually all end with the same postulation: Oh, well, you’re a writer, so I guess that makes sense. My response is usually along the lines of: As if it doesn’t, or wouldn’t make sense if you tried it?

again, things that have had nothing to do with writing. When I think about it, I can only imagine how so many people I know would benefit from ditching their televisions like I did. Of course, the irony is, that in the last five years since I made the decision, TVs have become exquisite works of technological form and function—which, sadly, is way more than I can say for the unceasing stream of shows that stink up these magnificent and boundlessly capable flat-screens.

But, such is the story of progress (an often flimsy designation) in our modern times.

Five years have amassed for me without that familiar appliance we all have come to expect will reside flamboyantly upon the main room wall, or strategically pedestalled all the same. Do I miss it?

You bet. I don’t miss the disturbing parameters of incessant noise and hyper speed within which shows seem to exist today, but I do miss a few channels.

I do miss sports, though it’s not like I can’t get almost all of the information I need from my trusty laptop. I’ve even considered actually making the plunge and purchasing one of these new plasmas, though it would merely serve as a wonderful staging ground for Netflix—I have to admit, laptops are convenient, but I wouldn’t mind laying back on the bed and watching a proper movie from time to time.

But TV? I doubt I’ll ever have it again, even as all the Web companies clamor to bring it to our many digital devices. I doubt it.

I’m on the other side now, and more than fascinated with what is happening over here.

For every writing-related endeavor I’ve discovered or pursued since I left the picture box in my mom’s basement, I’ve probably realized twice as many dreams, big and small, and completed that many projects of numerous size and scope, that I wouldn’t have, or would have, albeit under a drawn-out process that compromised their development—

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Berkeley County Humane Society Receives Facelift

- By Sandi Valentine

The Berkeley County Humane Society recently received a facelift, adding a new cat playroom, additional kennels and cages, a spay/neuter clinic, and more. The Humane Society will be holding an Open House on June 12th, 2011 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.), to allow the public to tour the new facility. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the animals, see the new structure, and learn about the services the Humane Society offers.

“It all started with the cat playroom”, says Joanne Overington, the Humane Society treasurer. “Shari and I were talking about how nice it would be for the cats to have a place to get out and play and exercise.” Located in the front of the building in a pleasant atrium, the cat playroom adds a pleasant touch to the shelter as you enter. Cats that are spayed or neutered, and up to date on their

vaccinations, are allowed to roam freely throughout the room, which features dollhouses for them to hide inside, a platform around the exterior wall, and a large climbing tree in the center of the room.

Instead of the dreary kennels or cages one would anticipate, this truly is a cat’s paradise.

The Humane Society’s Board had saved for fifteen years to add on this playroom. However, when they were ready to begin construction, it was learned that that the contractor who had given them their original estimate had passed away, and they would have to start over with a new agency. They had difficulty finding someone to work with their proposed budget, and decided to put the project on hold temporarily.

Then, they met Steve Demick. He agreed to work with their budget, agreed to work with the board and the Humane Society staff to design a remodeled building that was both practical and functional, and the rest is history. Construction on the cat room began with the Humane Society facilities remaining open the entire time.

When I spoke with Demick while touring the facility, he informed me that the bathroom and one wall were all that remained of the original shelter—the rest had been rebuilt piece by piece, without ever closing the facility.

Referring to the construction, Shari Persad, the Humane Society president, remarks, “Steve really took the lead to plan something

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Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

that would last long-term. We would give him an idea, and he’d help us to do it well so that the work would really last.” Overington adds, “Steve’s gone above and beyond what most contractors would do.”

As construction began on the cat room and the front office area, donations began coming in to contribute to the remodel. Alfred McKittrick’s estate provided a large donation that assisted with the remodel, and the Evelyn Kilmer Trust Fund also contributed funds for the spay/neuter clinic.

As donations arrived, more remodeling and construction were planned, and rooms in the shelter were named for the individuals who made donations. The project quickly took on a life of its own, and the entire building quickly received a facelift.

I spoke with Brandi Bowers, the Humane Society manager, about daily operations, adoptions, and how the community can assist the agency. She states that current adoption rates are $80 for dogs and $65 for cats. This includes the spay, or neuter, which is performed at the clinic. Adopted animals must visit a veterinarian within seven days.

The Humane Society also serves as a shelter for unwanted or stray animals, such as cats and dogs that are surrendered by their owners, or picked up from the street. In 2010, the Humane Society brought in 4,439 animals.

Sadly, only 1,262 of these animals were adopted. The agency exists to promote responsible pet ownership and care, promote spaying and neutering to reduce overpopulation, and to educate the community about pet related issues.

Volunteers who wish to assist the agency can do so by adopting an animal, by making a financial donation, or by dropping off any of the items listed on the Humane Society’s sign. This list changes occasionally depending on current www.AroundThePanhandle.com

needs, but typically includes the following: paper towels, bleach, dish washing soap, clay cat litter, towels, Pine Sol, liquid laundry detergent, 13-gallon trash bags, 39-gallon trash bags, blankets with no fiber fill, brown dry dog and puppy food, brown dry kitten and cat food, cat and dog treats, canned cat food, and canned dog food.

The Humane Society also offers low-income spay and neuter assistance to a limited number of applicants per year, as funding allows. Applicants must call the shelter to be placed on the waiting list, and will receive the neuter/spay of their animal for half price, if they are approved for the program.

Emergency relief care for pets is also available. If a pet owner is involved in an abuse situation, must be hospitalized for a long period of time, or is involved in another crisis, the Humane Society can care for the pet temporarily.

If the stay becomes extensive, foster care can be arranged for the animal until the owner can resume care. The Berkeley County Humane Society also offers private pet cremation services. Rates range from $150 to $200 depending on the weight of the animal, and include a handmade wooden urn and death certificate.

For more information about any of the services listed, or to volunteer or donate, contact the Berkeley County Humane Society at 304-267-8389 or visit online at berkeley.wvhumane. com.

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Your Money Matters...

Financial Advice from Tony Price

Understanding Your Rights with the IRS IRS—well, it’s not a four-letter word, but it is probably the most frightening three-letter word, or acronym, in the English dictionary.

A phone call or letter from an IRS agent can cause the manliest of men to quiver and break into sweats. Though it is wise to be respectful, and even cautious of the IRS, there is no reason to fear them. Many IRS agents may huff and puff, but at the end of the day, they are bound by the same set of tax laws as you and I. So as long as you are accurately reporting your income and documenting your deductions, you should have no reason to fear an audit! If you’ve been cheating, well then, good luck to you! However, not being prepared and not knowing your rights when it comes to an audit can be dangerous and expensive.

Here are a few things to be aware of if you receive one of those nasty notices.

The Right to Challenge: The IRS mails millions of notices each year, many of which are demands for more money. But don’t automatically assume those notices are correct. According to the Government Accounting Office’s own statistics, approximately 48% of these notices are incorrect.

So why do they continue to send inaccurate notices? They continue to send them because they know that most taxpayers would rather pay the money than challenge the IRS. So if you disagree with an IRS notice, respond promptly and many times you can get that notice

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cancelled or adjusted.

The Right to Disagree: The IRS agent conducting your audit does not have the power to increase your taxes. They will make judgments and opine on your documentation, but you have every right to disagree with their assessments.

The IRS statistics show that taxpayers win about 64% of those challenges.

The Right for Penalty Relief: If you’ve been the recipient of a notice, then you are no stranger to penalties. Did you know that there are over 150 different penalties contained in the tax law? The IRS has no problem slapping you with a multitude of penalties, but what they don’t tell you, is that many of these penalties can be abated if you can show you acted in good faith and not out of intent to deceive.

Typically a simple letter explaining the facts and requesting the penalties be cancelled will do the trick.

The Right to Installment Agreement: So, if you do end up owing the IRS money, things can get real ugly real fast. You will get monthly notices, each with increasing intensity, and inevitably culminating with the threat of liens and property seizure. If you can’t afford to pay the liability right away, you can negotiate an installment agreement. It is, in essence, a high interest rate loan, but many times it may be your best alternative.

Service, which is an independent organization within the IRS. They are the “friendly” side of the IRS, and have a good success rate in solving taxpayer issues.

The Right to Appeal: If you are faced with an audit, lien, or some other IRS judgment, you have the right to appeal. Once you receive the written judgment, you typically exercise your right to appeal via a written response. Depending on the size of the case and what’s on the IRS Appeals docket, it could be a year before your appeal is actually heard. If you and the IRS can’t seem to agree and you find yourself heading to tax court, you also have the right to represent yourself, but that is something I highly recommend you avoid—hire a tax attorney!

Remember, the most important thing to do when you get a letter from the IRS is to open it! Closing your eyes or sticking your head in the sand will not make it go away, and I promise it will only get worse.

If you have complicated tax issues, dealing with a potential large tax liability, or are just uncomfortable negotiating with the IRS, getting an experienced tax professional involved can be very helpful.

Knowing what to say, and more importantly, what not to say during an IRS audit, can be worth its weight in gold. But if you do decide to tackle it alone, remember, you have Rights.

The Right to Taxpayer Advocacy: If you are having no luck going through the normal channels, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

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Amusement Parks worth visiting this Summer Let’s face it: amusement park season is all but here. It’s time to get serious about your summer plans and hightail it to one, a few, or all of the parks on this list. Many of them, you might already know, while some, you may still have on your “to-visit” list. One thing is for certain; choosing one or all of these parks this spring or summer is likely to be one of the highlights of the year for you and your family.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a theme park located in James City County, Virginia, about three miles southeast of Williamsburg. From award winning landscaping, amazing shows, detailed theming, tasty cuisine, and thrilling roller coasters, Busch Gardens is universally appealing. It’s also the only way to tour Europe without leaving the United States. The park is more than just rides, and truly symbolizes quality over quantity. The shows, food, and attention to architectural detail are just as important as the vertical drop of the Griffon coaster. There is definitely something for everyone at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Six Flags America, MD

Six Flags America is a 131-acre theme park located in Largo, Maryland.

Featuring fifty-one rides and attractions, including seven roller coasters, four water rides, and a large water park, Six Flags stands as a worthwhile destination for any amusement seeker. The star attraction is the Superman: Ride of Steel—a hyper-coaster, which reaches a top speed of 73 mph while descending 205 feet. Aside from the notable selection of rides, and the wildly popular water park, Six Flags also boasts a wonderful array of food stands, shows, games, and beautifully shaded areas where guests can relax and catch their breath.

Hershey Park, PA

Hershey Park was created for the employees and relatives of Milton S. Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, on April 24, 1907, in Hershey, PA. Milton wanted to create a more pleasant environment for workers and residents in his community than any typical factory town of the time. Now offering sixty-two attractions—fiftyfive “dry” rides, and seven “wet” attractions—including eleven world class roller coasters, Hershey Park is one of the cleanest, oldest, and true-to-its-theme amusement parks in this country. Nestled amid 110 carefully maintained and scenic acres, visitors can enjoy one of America’s most unique and traditional amusement parks—including ZOOAMERICA (an adjacent zoo), Chocolate World, and tons of shops and food options. [ 100 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Kings Dominion, VA

Kings Dominion is a 400-acre amusement park located in Doswell, Virginia.

The park is currently owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, and was part of the former Paramount Parks chain. This popular destination for East Coasters offers speeds and thrills in excess of 70 mph. Intimidator 305 and Volcano are the most popular attractions at Kings Dominion, so hit them first. Beyond these two uber-coasters, the hottest rides in the park are: Dominator, Backlot Stunt Coaster, Flight of Fear, Grizzly, and Rebel Yell.

Once you have hit the headliners, circle back around the park, making sure to hit The Crypt, Avalanche, Anaconda, Shockwave, Ricochet, and Hurler.

Kings Dominion provides two sections set aside for families with young children: KidZville and Planet Snoopy. Most of the rides in these areas are pretty standard midway fare, similar to those found at a touring carnival.

Additionally, WaterWorks is free with park admission and offers twenty acres of water-filled activities for everyone.

Epcot Orlando, FL

Epcot is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 300-acre park is dedicated to international culture and technological innovation. In 2007, Epcot hosted approximately 10.93 million guests, ranking it the thirdmost visited amusement park in the United States, and sixth-most visited in the world. Future World focuses on emerging technologies while World Showcase features pavilions devoted to a rainbow of nations. From the start, the Disney theme parks have married technology and storytelling to whisk guests away to fantastic places. With Epcot, guests experience the most unique park in existence, with education, culture, thrills, and excitement all in one place. Among its twenty-two rides and attractions, you can blast off into space and hang-glide over California—all in one afternoon!

Cedar Point, OH

Cedar Point, the second oldest amusement park in the United States, sits at the end of a slender strip of land, at the edge of Lake Erie. It has beautifully landscaped gardens, lake views, a museum, an ice-skating show, plenty of shops and food outlets, as well as water rides, four children’s areas, a classic merry-go-round, and, of course, the roller coasters. Cedar Point bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, and we cannot exactly fault it.

Boasting 364 acres in Sandusky, Ohio, on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Erie, Cedar Point holds the world record for most roller coasters—with seventeen—some of which are among the world’s tallest and fastest. Cedar Point has a total of seventy-six rides and attractions, the most at any park in the world. Besides the main park, Cedar Point also features a mile-long white sand beach, an outdoor and an indoor water park, two marinas, several hotels, and Challenge Park—featuring attractions such as go-karts and miniature golf.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure, FL

It is best known as the home of the “Harry Potter theme park.” The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is by far the most popular section of the park. Arrive early and make the Theme Park Insider Award-winning “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride your first stop, or book a room at one of the three on-site Universal hotels to get exclusive early access each day.

After seeing the Wizarding World, other popular rides in the theme park include The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, and the Jurassic Park River Adventure, both of which will leave you soaking wet. Islands of Adventure consists of five islands, plus the Port of Entry, arranged around a lagoon.

Islands is also home to Mythos, winner of Best Theme Park Restaurant several times, by Theme Park Insider, and one of two full-service restaurants in the park. www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Café del Sol A Unique Experience—A Distinct Blend - By Victoria Kidd

For Winchester residents, Elvis has officially left the building. The former restaurant occupying the location at 50 Featherbed Lane was known for its over-the-top décor, including a large fiberglass statue of “The King.” When that business left Winchester, the building stood vacant, and local residents lost one of their dining choices. Luckily, the Featherbed Lane location did not sit empty for very long, and people passing by soon noticed that a new restaurant had quietly opened its doors earlier this year—Café del Sol. I wanted to know more, so I scheduled an appointment with one of the owners, Derek Helman. I drove to the location, parked, and walked in.

Upon entering the building, one is struck by the warm tones, cool lighting, and inviting atmosphere that were accomplished through a series of exhaustive renovations.

Gone were the neon lights, the sun-faded posters, and (naturally) Elvis. This new restaurant is like an oasis in the city. Every detail has been planned to make the setting as inviting as possible. Tall booths offer a measure of privacy and intimacy for quests. Table lighting is achieved through a clever mix of overhead fixtures and high-end wall sconces. Soft music plays at an appropriate volume. When you first visit the location, you simply have to stand for a moment, and take it all in. You too will find that each individual part of the building’s environment has been carefully engineered to enhance the diner’s experience of the food.

I am only able to take it in for a moment before I am greeted.

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Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Despite the fact that I was arriving a full fifteen minutes prior to the Café’s official opening time, the bartender smiles as he first welcomes me and then asks me how he can help. At my request, he sets off in search of Derek. Within moments, I am seated in one of the comfortable booths and speaking with one of the three visionaries responsible for bringing this dining opportunity to Winchester residents.

My first question is about the history of the café. This restaurant is really strikingly different from any other offering in Winchester, and I wanted to know more about its origins. Derek relayed the story of how David Juarez opened the first location in Pennsylvania and later partnered with Corey Leon to open two additional locations.

“This is the forth location,” Derek explains. “I own a restaurant in Martinsburg, and I have known these guys for a long time. They asked me what I thought about bringing the concept to this area.

I know a lot about Winchester. I have been in the area for a long time, and I am a graduate of the university here. I knew that we had nothing really like this.” Derek indicated to David and Corey that this location would be ideal, and the three partnered to make it happen.

After a few months of planning, renovating, and hiring, the doors opened for the first time. To allow the staff to become comfortable with the menu, the café had what is called a “soft opening.” Instead of advertising a grand opening, putting up balloons and staking signs out all over town, the owners quietly opened the doors and placed a few “open” signs out on Featherbed Lane. The first few visitors were those who noticed those signs. Those visitors, in turn, told their friends and neighbors about the amazing new restaurant that had opened. Repeat customers came. As had been achieved at previous Café del Sol locations, the momentum of word-of-mouth advertising built the first customer base. Business started to pick up,

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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even without advertising. They are now at the point where customers are so interested in their menu that there may be a short wait if attempting to get a table during the weekend.

The menu originated from David’s experience in pizza restaurants.

They now offer a wide variety of food, including gourmet pizzas, salads, paninis, quesadillas, and pastas. Derek says, “We describe ourselves as a West Coast café with Mediterranean style. You have a lot of healthy food choices on the menu.” The menu includes a number of dishes constructed from ingredients that are made in house.

“This maintains a high level of quality,” he explains, “but reduces the cost of the dish.”

Meal costs are extremely reasonable, with most dishes ranging between eight and sixteen dollars. The majority of the menu seems to hover at the ten-dollar price point, making it an affordable choice for area residents. The owners have strived to find a place where ambiance, quality, and affordability meet. “You get a relaxing environment and good quality food at a decent price,” Derek conveys. “That sums it up right there. At the price point we are at, the food quality is the best you can get anywhere around.”

To prove it, Derek fixed me two of the most popular items on the menu. The first was an avocado club sandwich, the café’s most popular item. The second was the Margarita pizza, which is one of my personal favorites. Within moments of the order being placed, the food is in my hands and I am on my way home. It smells incredible, and it is difficult to keep my hands off the homemade potato chips.

Grabbing a can of soda, I sit down for lunch. I start with the pizza.

Visually, this is not your standard Margarita pizza. Hand chopped basil dots the gourmet-sized pie. A cluster of roasted tomato bits invite me to taste and, upon doing so, I am not disappointed.

I consider myself to be a pizza

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connoisseur. Margareta pizza is my pizza of choice, and this is possibly the best I have ever had.

The delicate balance between the fresh mozzarella and perfectly proportioned garlic is pleasant to both the senses of smell and taste.

A hint of olive oil rounds out the flavor, and I struggle to stop myself before eating the entire pizza.

My attention turns to the avocado club sandwich. This is their most popular sandwich. Will my assessment echo the people’s choice? Taste is a funny thing. I may love a particular flavor, while my neighbor loathes it. However, after tasting this sandwich, I find it hard to believe that anyone would loathe it. The cool avocado flavor is expertly balanced with Maplewood bacon, tomatoes, and melted Swiss. The result? One heck of a good sandwich.

Both of these samplings echo Derek’s sentiment. “We make food that is exceptional. We do not compromise on quality or service.” The owners’ commitment to creating something really special is what has driven business at their other locations. “We have a loyal customer base at our other cafes.

That is the foundation of everything we do. Even now, only having been open for a short time, we have already started to build that base.

In the end, you just want to make sure that you have something you are proud of. Our names are on this endeavor, and that is really important. We are here to serve the customer great food and a great price, and that is what we believe will make us successful.”

Hungry? Want to try something new? Check out Café del Sol, a selfproclaimed “blend of West Coast style and East Coast sensibility.”

Visit their website to get a peek at their menu—delsolcafes.com—or stop by for one of their Stromboli, calzones, or gyros. You’ll be impressed, and I speculate that you too will be talking to your friends and neighbors about the new café in town.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

Get On Your Soap Box and Race Back in Time

- By Claire Gibson Webb

For some of us, the words “soap box derby” conjure thoughts of yesterday, when times were simpler, life was a bit slower, and people had time to put some work into creating their own fun. The technology of today was a mere dream, and necessity was the mother of invention. Think soapbox creations are a relic of the past? Think again.

The derby has returned home to Martinsburg, and it’s a collaborative effort, bringing both families and the community together.

The official title of the event is the ROCS Classic Norwalk Soap Box Derby, and this year, the First Annual Old Geezer Race is making its debut.

The Norwalk moniker harkens back to an industrial boom in the Panhandle, and the geezer label?

Well, that part of the title is worth a chuckle. I sat down with Ronald Butts and Max Mosse, a pair of selfdescribed old geezers, to talk about this iconic event. Butts will be racing in the Old Geezer event and Mosse is happy to be a soap box enthusiast.

Making its debut in 1936, the www.AroundThePanhandle.com

derby was a big deal in the closeknit Panhandle community. It all began with automaker Chevrolet.

At that time, it was required of any Chevrolet dealer to organize (with the help of the local newspaper) and put on such a race, if the community wanted to participate.

The response was enthusiastic; the depression years offered few choices for entertainment and even fewer chances to acquire extra spending money.

struck in 1952, when, in the midst of gearing up for the race, the owner of the Chevrolet dealership died of a heart attack. The race was cancelled that year, and when the new owner did not take an interest in it, the annual event ceased to exist.

“It was a big event here in town,” shares Butts. Even so, he could not participate in the actual race, as his father was a service manager for Chevrolet and rules prevented family from taking part. In spite of this, he maintained an active interest and enthusiasm in the event, from the beginning of the soapbox construction, right down to the moment it crossed the finish line. He is a significant part of the reason it is back in the Panhandle today.

And revive it they did. After a fortynine-year lapse, this classic event recommenced in 2002, with a lot of hard work, focus, and determination driving its return.

After the beginning years, the event took a brief hiatus during wartime, resuming again in 1946. Tragedy

“Time marches on, technology marches on, and it just died. There was no interest. But a bunch of us old gearheads decided to revive it!” exclaims Butts.

The idea was hatched in 1998 over a dinner meeting of the Norwalk Auto Club. Butts had occasionally thought about the return of soap box racing to Martinsburg, but never seriously, until that night when talking with fellow members. He knew it would take serious effort and the collaboration of many entities. He shares, “This isn’t something where you wake up one day and say we are [ 106 ]

going to have a soap box derby and it happens.” He spent a few weeks formulating a plan to present to the Martinsburg City Council.

First, for nostalgia’s sake, the race needed to be in the city proper, using the street on which it was originally raced. For this, the full cooperation of Martinsburg was needed. Coincidentally or not, Merle Bi Butts (no relation to Ron Butts), the very first winner of that 1936 race, just so happened to be on the City Council the night the plan was presented. “It was a done deal,” chuckles Butts. Next, they found a lawyer to help the event obtain the required 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

Finally, they needed sponsorship.

“We were going to be a first class act!” he declares. Roach Energy agreed to be the title sponsor and they have been on the board for the past twelve years. With all of these hurdles crossed, all that was left was to find kids interested in racing.

Both Ronald Butts and Max Mosse are firm believers in the rewards of derby racing. They both have granddaughters who have raced in years past, but their passion comes from more than just being proud grandpas. They both affirm that most everyone who has competed in a soap box derby has later made something of themselves in life.

Why?

contact sports. Our first winner (when the race came back to Martinsburg) was an asthmatic who had never been able to compete in anything. Our third winner was a boy with cerebral palsy. There are no limitations!”

For the less-than-soap box-savvy reader, this is a race that is based strictly on gravity. Quite simply, whoever makes it to the bottom of the hill the fastest is the victor.

“There is no secret to winning,” laughs Mosse.

The derby is open to anyone between the ages of eight and twenty-one. Entrants compete in one of three divisions: stock, super stock, or masters. Each division has a weight limit for the rider and car combined, and for the masters only, there is an age limit of ten—and the entrant must have one year of experience in another division. Cars come in a kit and must be built prior to race day. The fun will not stop there, however; winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to Akron, Ohio, to compete in the All-American race.

“Once you start, it requires commitment if you want to stay with it. It takes a lot of ingenuity,” Butts divulges. “Back then, kids built the cars themselves and were able to master various skills when building them.”

The Old Geezer Race, on the other hand, is a different story altogether. It is open to anyone, of any age. Businesses, organizations, or individuals (ahem…geezers) can compete. Contraptions of all types and imaginative qualities are welcome. There is no fee to enter.

The only requirement is that it must stop, steer, and fit on the start ramp.

Other than those prerequisites, it is all about having a good time. “The first rule is to have fun,” enthuses Butts.

Yet today, he sees a different, though just as important, value in the assembly process. “At the beginning of a season, kids and parents may be at a distance. But over time they come together and really connect on something.”

To see the derby for yourself, check out downtown Martinsburg on June 11th (the rain date is June 18th).

Look for the soap box cars, some crazy looking moving contraptions, and of course, keep an eye out for those geezers!

But the biggest reason to be excited about participating in such a race? Butts explains, “As arcane and ancient as this sport is, there is no other sport to equal it that can build a child’s self-esteem. For whatever reason, not all children can or choose to compete in physical

For any information, or to obtain entry forms, call Ron Butts at 304267-4675. You can also check out more general information on Facebook at Norwalk Soap Box Derby.

[ 107 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2011

HOSTEDTO BY THE PRESENTED BY PROCEEDS BENEFIT: PRESENTED BY:

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PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT PRESENTED B

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Pancakes for PolioPlus

Memorial Day • May 30th • Starting at 7AM

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