Around The Panhandle May - June 2012

May + June 2012

M A G A Z I N E

Bringing It Back To The Ville Things to Do...

Mezcal Mexican Grill CASA River Century

Lot 12 Public House Blueridge Wildlife Center

Jay Hurley The Tabb Family

Places to Go... $2.99

People to Know...

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FEATURES March & April 2012

Things To Do - 31 -

CASA River Century Making a difference in child’s life.

- 76 -

Mezcal Mexican Grill A Taste of Mexico in the Heart of Martinsburg—Salud!

Places To Go - 26 -

- 21 -

On The Cover May + June 2012

Blueridge Wildlife Center Ensuring the Future of our Wildlife

E M A G A Z I N

- 87 -

Lot 12 Public House Where taste and innovation meet

Bringing it ille Back to the V

People To Know

Things to Do..Mex. ican Grill

- 21 -

Jay Hurley The threads of history sew a man and a town together.

- 80 -

The Tabb Family Where nothing is wasted [4]

Mezcal CASA River Century

Places to Go..Publ. ic House

Lot 12 Blueridge Wildlife Center

People to Knoeyw...

$2.99

Jay Hurl Shawn Scales

- 12 Head Coach Kelly Church and Assistant Coach Chris Ruest pose in their office.

(Hey guys how about a smile!)

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

contents 6 Dear Readers 12 Bringing it back

to the Ville

19 Caption Contest 21 Jay Hurley

The threads of history sew a man and a town together.

26 Blueridge Wildlife Center

54 Shawn Scales 60 Rely on Rick 62 Help Wanted

Healthy Living

The Presidential Challenge

96

70 Envirotech

Making a difference in child’s life.

76

36 A & A Pools

Its time to say goodbye to bugs.

Mezcal Mexican Grill

80 Tabb Family

42 Josh Matheny

Bulldog Baseball

begins a new era.

48 Blueridge

Community & Technical College

50 Our Top Ten



Events that will happen in 2012

103

Apples & Oranges How to beat cigarettes, once and for all

99 Glascocks Farm

The Unknown Eater

Grand Re-Opening

- 76 -

66 Panhandle

32 CASA River Century

But first let me check your FB page

The Recipe for Success

in Modern Family Farming

Where nothing is wasted

84 Lending a Hand

Relay for Life

87 The Featured Eats

Lot 12 Public House

90 Now It’s Your

Turn - Recipes

92 Tax Advice

from Tony Prce

- 26 -

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 2012 | VOL 4 | NO 1

Dear Readers: As we enter our fourth year, you would think we would run out great stories from our little corner of West Virginia but in fact we haven’t even touched the surface delivering you Things to Do. Places to Go and People to Know. There are so many more great things, places and people to cover. I want to thank you the reader for all the amazing support over the last 3 years.

Our May issue is as packed with information about local people, events, destinations, and business as we could possibly make it. And we can’t wait for you to check it out.

PUBLISHER

Mike Hornby

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Victoria Kidd

EDITOR

Mike Hornby

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Mike Hornby James Schaffner

WEBSITE

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

WRITERS The Unknown Eater

Claire Gibson Webb

Debra Cornwell

Dana DeJarnett

Victoria Kidd

Rick Hemphill

Bonnie Williamson

Gracing the cover are State Champion Basketball Coaches - Kelly Church and Chris Ruest from Hedgesville High School. (There you go John R I do support the Ville).

It just shows how incredibly talented our youth in the Eastern Panhandle really are and I believe we now hold every major sports state championship here in the Eastern Panhandle.

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hornby Publishing Orchistrated Design

Open up your calendar to mark down Pancakes for Polio, this Memorial Day, May 28th. 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 in eradicating polio, raising funds for shelter boxes and providing summer camp scholarships for local kids.

PRINTER

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I have been bombarded with endorsement requests this year. My standard response is we don’t endorse candidates. It’s a stcky situation that quite frankly is above my pay grade. I feel that you the reader can make your own mind up as to which candidate deserves your vote. AND VOTE YOU MUST - I don’t care for who, or which party but at least do it exercise your right while displaying gratitude to every person who has fought for our freedom throughout history.

CONTACT US AroundThePanhandle.com

[304] 851-7460

Enjoy

BUSINESS & CIRCULATION Kresha Hornby SEND MAIL TO

PO Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402

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 2012

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he most exciting minutes of your life…May Happen

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MARKET HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm

304.262.9414

The Rotary Club of Martinsburg’s 3rd Annual

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The bottom line is this: As long as polio threatens even one child anywhere in the world, all children — wherever they live — remain at risk.

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Assistant Coach George Gosk - Former PG under Coach Church.

Statistician Steve Ashton - Longtime friend of the program.

Kimani King Best shooter on the team.

Assistant Coach Andrew Donato Former player at Fairmont Senior High School.

Aaron Sutton - Nicknamed “Big Country” for obvious reasons.

Calvin Burks - Lock-down defender, guards the other teams best player.

Juwan Powell - shortest player and the leading rebounder in the state championship game

Chris Shields - in Rahsaan three years has Shanton gone from 5’11” to - Quality 6’6” contributor Shawn Fisher Aaron Snider off the - a selfless - nicknamed bench player who “Birdman” after does whatever Chris Anderson of is asked of the Nuggets. him

Bringing it

Photo Courtesy of Mary Beth Kisner [ 12 ]

Assistant Coach Marcus Stenson Former HHS player, played for Ohio Valley College.

Tyler Butler - One of two four year varsity players on this years team.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Casey Horn - toughest kid on the team and the emotional leader

Chris Mouser - One of the hardest working kids in the program

Troy Markley A sophomore that is also the starting quarterback on the football team

Conor Williams - He and Aaron Sutton decided not to shave until we lost.

Eli Gates - 3 sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, QJ Peterson - 2 baseball. year 1st Team AllState selection, state tournament leading scorer.

Phillip Largent - hit game winning foul shot

Assistant Coach Joel Silver - former HHS player, still owns the state record for most 3’s in a game (9).

Ethan Waters - nicknamed “E-train” also plays on the Soccer team.

Coaches Kids from (L to R) Hannah Church, Dilyn Ruest, Peyton Ruest, Alex Church & Adam Church (leaders of the Student cheering section)

Head Coach Kelly Church - In 14 years has turned HHS into a consistent top 10 team in the state.

Bethany Brown - Coach Church’s girlfriend.

April Ruest Coach Ruest’s dedicated wife and love of his life.

Associate Head Coach Chris Ruest - 14 year assistant basketball coach, Former Head Soccer Coach at HHS.

Back to The Ville! www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 13 ]

Hedgesville High basketball team battles their way to the top.

— Mike Chalmers

Championships are elusive beasts— just check with any coach, player, or diehard fan. A championship title in any sport, at any level, is often a puzzling combination of pivotal details—usually all coming together at the perfect place and time.

Sounds crazy, right? And if a title is actually captured, there is never any guarantee that it will ever happen again. It’s such a delicate mixture of necessary events that need to occur.

Some teams summit the mountain only once. A few teams find a way to win several times. And most teams never win at all. Take the Hedgesville Eagles basketball team that just won the 2011/2012 AAA WV state high school basketball championship.

When was their last title? Forty-two years ago—1970—when they were single A. Now, think back to when Kelly Church arrived at Hedgesville and things started getting interesting—the buzz emerged, the team became a legitimate contender in the Panhandle year in and year out, the rivalries reached a feverish level. How long has that been?

Fourteen years. You want to know how difficult championships are to come by? Consider this: the kids that brought home the trophy for Church and Hedgesville High School two months ago weren’t even in pre-school when he took the reins in 1998.

Oh, but what a fourteen years it has been. Church has never had a losing season. Twenty-seven players have gone on to play college ball. Eighty-four percent of his players have gone on to college, in general. His teams have never had a collective GPA under 3.0. His players have a 100% graduation rate. And then there’s the stuff you can’t quantify—the excitement, the community enthusiasm, the recognition, the respect—even

The Eagles finished the season with a 24-6 record. Five of those losses came to Martinsburg and Washington, locally. The other one was to Morgantown.

the Hedgesville Basketball brand.

And make no mistake, there is a brand of basketball being played at Hedgesville High School, and the state knows all about it after fourteen years, and especially after the tournament this past March. What makes it all even more encouraging is the fact that Hedgesville hoops has a lot more to do with people, relationships, and values than many people in this area realize. Sure, solid people often make good athletes, and a well-coached team usually succeeds, but Kelly Church and his staff at The Ville are making sure that such a simple formula is at the root of every success they discover, and every title they bring home.

“We raise young men to be productive members of society—to treat people with respect and earn respect with their actions,” Church emphasizes. “If they also end up doing pretty well on the basketball court for us, then that’s certainly a bonus.”

Church brings a lot of energy to the sideline, but it’s not an accident, and neither is his commitment to his program and his players.

“You know, these kids have done tremendous things for me over the years, and a lot of that is off the court. This area is so intense with its sports, especially basketball, that it’s easy to get wrapped up with what’s just happening on the court.

So many people don’t get to see the relationships that we develop with these players, outside of the spotlight. That’s how I measure the success of this program. We all believe success will come if these young men have their priorities in order and they’re serious about both life and basketball.”

The Eagles won their first two games of the season by an average of 64.1 ppg.

And that’s pretty much the message you’re going to get from Kelly Church—every time. Sports transcends life; life transcends sports—and somewhere in the middle, you’ve got to figure out a way to become a solid human being, or you’re going to run into problems.

And like any successful program, the message filters down through the entire staff.

Chris Ruest is literally Church’s righthand man. You can see him on the sidelines, behind the scenes, at the school—just about anywhere, doing just about anything to assure the success of Hedgesville basketball. He joined Church in ’98, and is the only member of the staff left from that first year. It’s also fairly common knowledge that he could probably find success as a head coach just about anywhere he decided to go.

But, as Church points out (and Ruest concurs), their relationship, and the resulting efficiency, is more complex than your average don’t-fixwhat-ain’t-broke dynamic. Neither one of them can say with any great confidence what type of success or enjoyment they’d find without the other.

Ruest reflects, “I started coaching soccer at Hedgesville towards the end of my college career. After I graduated, I got my teaching job over at Hedgesville Middle. When I came down here to thank Mr. Dillinger for all of his help, he asked me if I was interested in coaching basketball. He said they’d just hired a new coach and he needed an assistant. I said, sure, I’d love to coach basketball. I met Coach Church after a soccer game one night in the parking lot. That’s how we met and started our relationship; it’s been a good one ever since.”

The state championship was one of six games during the season where Hedgesville scored 43 or less points, and still won.

The typical cost for a high school to install, operate, and maintain a shot clock system for their basketball program can easily exceed $10,000.

Hedgesville’s 33-32 victory over George Washington in the 2012 state championship was the lowest score in state title game history.

Church is quick to point out that Ruest would certainly find success as a head coach anywhere—he’s just not sure how he’d survive without him. “Sometimes, two people are simply more effective when they’re a team. Coach Ruest does so many things for this program. He’s already a head coach in many ways. We both joke around a lot—we’ve both had offers to coach elsewhere—but what would I do without another Chris? And what would he do without a Chris? Like all relationships, over time you either grow stronger or you grow apart. We work so well together, and our success is a reflection of that.” In honor of the relationship, Church gave Ruest a new title following the championship run: Associate Head Coach.

“Because he truly is another head coach out there,” Church affirms.

“He calls plays; he makes changes during the game; he scouts; he does so much.” A perfect example is a play that Church called late in the championship game against George Washington. Ruest changed part of it because he’d noticed that GW had made an adjustment. The change was the right call, and Hedgesville scored a crucial bucket. “I don’t know how many head coaches would turn to their assistant coach in the state championship game and say, ‘Draw up a play.’ The trust and loyalty is there. We’re truly a team, and because of that, I think the kids see that and the community sees it.”

is that both of us really, really want to win, but both of us can’t stand to lose. Because of that, we’re willing to put in an insane amount of hours.

I’ve got coaching friends all over the state and I know that not everyone is doing it the way we do it. Does that make us crazy? I don’t know. I like to think about what Gilbert Miller [Miller coached the 1970 title team] told me after we won the title: In order to do this, and to do it right, you have to be a little crazy.”

Ruest couldn’t agree more. “You know, we don’t see eye to eye on everything. There will be times when I see something one way and he sees it entirely different. But we sit in here and we go over it until it works—or we meet somewhere in the middle. No one’s feelings get hurt. We’re both here to make our team the best it can possibly be. Has my role grown more throughout the years? Sure. I think because we’ve been together for so long, people have finally started to watch him less on the sidelines, and they realize he does have good help, and I certainly pride myself on that. The big thing

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Crazy or not, Church and Ruest have obviously developed into a recognizable duo in the Panhandle, as well as the state. A title will only add to that credibility. But Church is adamant when it comes to the recognition of his entire staff. “All of my coaches are assistant coaches.

We don’t want to have a hierarchy because, in the end, there’s only one fall guy, and that’s me. Obviously, Chris has always been recognized as a little more, and that’s why I wanted to give him a different title, but every one of our coaches are equally important to the success of this program. We wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

To that end, Church is involved in the Freshman and JV programs, and in turn, each respective coach is also an assistant in the overall program. Andrew Donato, George Gosk, Jr., Marcus Stenson, and Joel Silver round out the coaching roster for Hedgesville’s three basketball classes. Trent Wysoki is the team trainer. As an extension of the loyalty and relationships already mentioned, Gosk, Jr., Silver, and Stenson all played for Church between 2000 and 2005.

The “family” designation gets thrown around in sports almost casually these days—which makes the instances where it genuinely flourishes all the more eloquent.

Basketball is truly a family affair at Hedgesville High. The tightknit, rural community is only fifteen minutes from Martinsburg but, at times, feels much farther. And a lot of pride is

The Eagles shot a sizzling 89.5% in the second half of their 62-36 state semifinal win over Parkersburg. evident in that separation—especially in its sports teams. Small towns across the country typically exhibit a devotion to their high school teams that often extends beyond the game and right into the living rooms, the local stores and restaurants, and even the farms. The enthusiasm and ownership between such a community and its players becomes part of the fabric of the town, the school, and everyone involved.

“I had been a head coach in Richmond, Virginia, for seven years. Some opportunities emerged and I had three schools to choose from. One was in Greenville, North Carolina; it was a very good basketball job. One was at Brett Favre’s old high school in Mississippi, which is where I had some family.

The third opportunity was here. Gale Catlett, who I knew from working some camps, told me that this was one of the greatest places in the world to raise kids. So I made the decision to come here, not based on coaching basketball at all, but because I knew it would be a great place to raise my kids.

“When I first came here, everyone assumed I was only going to be here a year. I was friends with Drew Catlett; Brady was his nephew.

Kenny Roberts was around, as well.

I knew we would be pretty good, no matter what. That being said, the reason I came here is the reason I’m still here—to raise a family. And I’ve certainly dealt with personal setbacks along the way. I guess, as part of my position here, people feel its necessary to sometimes judge me as a human being based on what they see on the sidelines. I can’t control that—I’m an extremely passionate coach. So many of the things that people say and think couldn’t be farther from the truth.

But if my children are any indicator of what type of father I am, what type of person I am, then that’s what I should be judged on—and I couldn’t be any prouder of that.” (It should be noted that an emotional Church admitted to me that perhaps

[ 15 ]

the best part of the entire state championship weekend for him was when Ruest assured him on the morning of the title game that he and the staff “had it covered”—and Church could spend the day with his daughter. Which he did, with utter gratitude.)

Regardless of how the state, and even the local communities, view Hedgesville basketball and its spirited leader, one thing’s for certain: the Eastern Panhandle has yet another state title in its possession—and it’s getting more and more difficult to overlook that fact. Church understands this as much as anyone. “Like I was saying recently, we clearly deserved to win the state championship. Does that mean that we were the best team in the state all year? I don’t know that it does. Our next-door neighbor beat us four times. Washington beat us once. Washington beat Martinsburg once. That speaks to how intense the rivalries are, as well as the level of play in this area. I’m friends with the coach at GW, and of course, we

all know various coaches throughout the state. I don’t know if anyone truly understands in our state what it’s like to have kids get in line at three o’clock for a game that tips off at seven-thirty, and the doors shutting during the freshman game.”

Church typically tells it how it is—most people that know him will confirm this. He accepts that his squad may or may not have been the best team in the state, but he also points out an essential detail: “We were the best team in the tournament, and that’s all that matters.”

The Eagles’ highlight season saw them perched atop the state rankings for a week and in the state tournament for a third consecutive year (and fifth time overall), with back-to-back twenty-win regular seasons—and plenty of battles along the way. But as Church alluded to all season long, battles and wars are two different things. The 2012 war campaign officially started with a dominant sectional win at

Washington High School in early March, followed by a characterbuilding 43–40 gut check win a few nights later on Robert C. Byrd High’s home floor in Clarksburg.

Nine days later, the Eagles ignored their seventh-seed tournament rank and edged the second-seeded Wheeling Park Patriots in overtime 39–37 in the state quarterfinals.

Two nights after that, the boys from The Ville emphatically re-introduced themselves to the state of West Virginia by hammering sixth-seeded Parkersburg 62–36 in the state semifinal—leaving no doubt that they belonged among the state’s elite. The following night justified a lot of things: forty-two years of waiting; fourteen years of “insane” work; five months of dedication. The battles were over—the war was won.

The Eagles defeated the George Washington Patriots (who, ironically, had beaten Martinsburg to get to the title game) in a last-second thriller 33–32 to claim the 2012 state championship.

The local press exploded with

The Eagles pose for our camera after enjoying lunch with the Rotary Club of Martinsburg

[ 16 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Phillip Largent (#23) - hits the game winning foul shot, he shot only 39% from the foul line during the season, talk about clutch.

adulation; the community embraced the team when they returned home the next day (and wouldn’t let go for weeks). Hedgesville High School basketball had finally reached the summit—there was so much to be thankful for, so many people involved, so many banquets to attend. The kids felt like celebrities.

The coaches could finally exhale.

The fans were in a frenzy. And the accolades rolled in.

One accolade in particular—The Journal’s Boys Basketball Player of the Year—was aptly awarded to star senior Q.J. Peterson—to go along with a second-straight firstteam all-state nod. Everyone in the Panhandle, and many people throughout the state, were quite confounded when “the powers that be” awarded state player of the year honors to Wheeling Park’s Boo Lathon (whom Peterson and company ousted from the playoffs in the first round). The award is given before the tournament begins. The decision would have likely been quite different had it been given a week later. Peterson led the tournament in scoring with 18.3 points per game, and along with fellow senior Phillip Largent, basically willed the Eagles through the bracket—as they’d done all season long. If it wasn’t Peterson hitting game-changing or –winning shots early in the tournament, it was www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Largent battling inside for rebounds and put-backs, and patiently sinking one of two foul shots with 4.8 seconds left in the final to bring the title home. Peterson averaged nineteen points per game this season and eclipsed the 1,000-point career mark while shooting forty-six percent along the way.

Obviously, every great group is only as good as the sum of its parts, and Church freely acknowledges that this wasn’t the most talented squad he’s ever coached. “But they played incredibly well together and they understood what was needed to win,” he asserts. “Did we have our ups and downs this season? Sure.

But they’re good kids, good people, and they realized that everyone stumbles, everyone gets tripped up, but it’s how you finish. You saw that in the Robert C. Byrd game, and again in the Wheeling Park game, and of course, in the final. You saw them for who they were as people, more than players, and that’s what I’m probably most proud of.

“Every year since I arrived here, I try to get the kids to understand that if they work harder—it’d be nice to work smarter, as well—but if they work hard, they’ll always have a chance. I have extremely high standards for these kids, because I know they can do it.”

And they did it. In the way that victory often does, fourteen years sort of became a blur when that final buzzer sounded and the scoreboard declared the Hedgesville Eagles as the best high school basketball team in West Virginia. Nearly two months have passed since that remarkable weekend. Finally, the dust has slightly settled. As of press time, Church indicated that it was all “just starting” to sink in. Which shouldn’t surprise anyone. As you might assume, an article of this nature could easily become a book.

Books have certainly been written on much less inspiring topics—and there was undoubtedly enough material.

But that’s the beauty of it. Such an accomplishment is so much more than just a victory in a game. It’s a culmination. And perhaps that’s why we’re all so captivated—because we’ve watched with fascination for years. In this case, fourteen years was long enough—nearly a decade and a half of sweat, tears, conflicts, compromises, realizations, sacrifices, relationships. In the grueling world of high school athletics, there’s no guarantee that the Eagles will capture the title again. But one thing is guaranteed: each player that walks through the Eagle program, like the ones that walked before them, is better for having done it.

[ 17 ]

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[ 19 ]

Jay Hurley—O’Hurley’s General Store

The threads of history sew a man and a town together.

— By Rick Hemphill

The town run in Shepherdstown meanders and winds through yards, under streets, and eventually into the majestic river dividing two proud states. Although it once provided the power for the grist and saw mills, as well as other businesses in the early years for the oldest town in West Virginia, it now quietly maintains a simple course—providing background

[ 21 ]

continuity that ties each generation’s past to the future.

“I was born upstairs here,” says Jay Hurley, owner and operator of O’Hurley’s General Store, situated within a carefully crafted wooden structure on that sharp bend on route 230, just at the edge of Shepherdstown. Hurley sits

comfortably in a wooden rocker, surveying his “Great Hall” and showroom. “My dad and mother ran a business here, and I grew up surrounded by the business.”

Hurley’s calm manner complements a steady voice capable of reciting a litany of O’Hurley family history— loosely based upon the portrait of a

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

man in an 18th century hat staring down from the Great Room wall.

He regularly relates such anecdotes to those patrons interested in a wonderfully entertaining, yet entirely fictional, O’Hurley family tree.

and it drove the inventory salesmen crazy. One day, a very frustrated salesman finally pushed the catalog at me and said, ‘Pick out what you want, I’m going to finish watching the ball game.’”

The real Jay Hurley, and his general store, are genuinely intertwined with Shepherdstown and its history, and in time, both have done better together than apart. “Shepherdstown was not kind to me growing up,” he continues, with a matter-of-fact countenance. “I was labeled not just an underachiever, but a total loss.”

So much in fact, that fifty years ago, he left—in search of something that would eventually take him full circle, to where he began. “For the next eighteen years, there was an opportunity somewhere else that took me somewhere else. I eventually went to work for General Electric and worked remote radar stations in the Aleutians, and Turkey, and this old country boy got a view of more than Shepherdstown.

Hurley stuck with at least one rule for his general store, “If it’s in the 1902 Sears Catalog, I want to stock it in my store.”

“The older I get, the more I realize there was a guiding hand in all of this. When I came back, the old desire to be a merchant began to materialize. I knew I wanted a type of general store that sold things particular to the early 1900s, and I attribute that to reincarnation. So I started collecting sources for things that I would like to have in my store.

I was visualizing what my store would look like for eight years prior to opening the doors.”

The business was up and running in November of 1979. Two years after he opened, that same salesman stopped by and gave him a look.

Hurley muses, “I knew immediately what he was thinking, so I called out, ‘You didn’t expect to see me still

“Making money has never been my top priority. It makes me feel good to know that people can find things they can use and appreciate.”

Hurley remembers a rocky start to the business, but the store would grow and mature, weaving itself into the town’s history and progress. “Shepherdstown was not what it is today,” he points out. “At the business meetings, we would discuss how to bring people to town, and you can’t bring people to town without businesses, so it was a chicken or the egg process.”

These days, O’Hurley’s has a steady community base, a relaxed atmosphere, and a little bit of everything. “We play music here every Thursday night—thirty-one years now,” Hurley boasts. “In fact, this past Thursday, there were thirty-two musicians here, and the place was packed with people.

In the early days, it was just me playing my hammer dulcimer on the front counter up there. Eventually, a guitar player joined, and then a fiddle player, and more over the years. Now we have ten to fifteen [musicians] every Thursday.”

He also knew what he wanted his store to be, and what he wanted to give back to his community. “I knew from the beginning that I wanted everything in the store to be practical and useful—something that someone could purchase and take home and use. People always know they can come here and purchase something for a gift that a person can use. That has always meant a great deal to me. Making money has never been my top priority. It makes me feel good to know that people can find things they can use and appreciate.”

From 1976-1977, Hurley’s father took ill, and he returned, eventually taking over the store in January 1979. He remembers, “The general store idea kept festering in my head.

I wanted to make the store look the way I wanted it to look, so I rescued some siding from some old buildings in Martinsburg. In fact, some of the siding is over a hundred years old.

The floors are out of a building on Burke Street in Martinsburg.”

Hurley’s endeavors certainly haven’t been limited to the general store. “I wanted to build a replica of James Rumsey’s steamboat,” he explains, with an easy confidence. “I got a group of interested individuals together and we called ourselves the GREAT JAMES RUMSEY STEAMBOAT RACE SOCIETY. I think the organization failed because I couldn’t get the title on the letterhead. So when the bicentennial of the invention of the boat came up in 1987, I would raise my hand in discussions and say, ‘We should

There is no store, of course, without the customer enticements of useful products. “The biggest thing was spending ten thousand dollars on stocking the store,” Hurley recalls.

“Being so frugal and never having stocked a store before, it was difficult to find just the right items,

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here did you?’” And the response?

“Absolutely not!”

[ 22 ]

build a replica of James Rumsey’s steamboat.’ After six or seven weeks of this, and I don’t know how it happened, I became the chairman of the steamboat committee.”

history centered around the run and the mills, where one family could get into manufacturing and make a decent living. The Reichart family made locks, and the Weiss family made pottery, while the Sheetz family made rifles, for generations.

It was these small cottage industries that really made the country work, and when the railroad came in the 1870s, the focal point changed from the town run, and small business, to the power of the railroad. When I was a kid, there were three grist mills still standing along the railroad.

The new phase of Shepherdstown is Georgetown on the Potomac.”

The steamboat undertaking certainly didn’t sink. “I had a few blacksmith friends through that whole project, and the chief naval architect of the U.S. Navy, who had relatives in town. He had just retired, and designed the hull for us,” Hurley smiles, bragging on the level of assistance and knowledge provided by the volunteers who showed up when they were needed. “Over a two-year period, myself and over sixty volunteers built the replica.

Granted, I was the one who thought of it, but it was a huge community effort.”

Hurley has had a front row seat for Shepherdstown’s evolution, and realizes that any progression requires a unique appreciation for both past and present. “We are a bedroom community for Washington, and a destination for people trying to get out of the city. I find it so interesting that people come up and say, ‘Oh, the country is so wonderful.’ We haven’t been country for a long time.”

To finance the project, the group sold commissions. Hurley elaborates with a smirk, “You could be a crewman for ten dollars, a boson for twenty, a pilot for fifty, a captain for one hundred, or an Admiral of the Fleet for five hundred dollars. We had quite a few captains and two Admirals.

“People think we spent $150,000, or up to $400,000, when the fact is, we built the steamboat replica for $12,000. We had a lot of volunteer labor and volunteer material.”

They launched the boat in 1987 and got it running the next year. “Since the steamboat, I’ve done things that I’m particularly interested in,” Hurley reveals. “I like aviation. I’m a pilot, and way too many years ago, I started building a home-built aircraft that is nearly finished. I want to get it done while I’m still young enough to fly it.”

Whatever the task, Shepherdstown is typically the focus of Hurley’s efforts, either directly or indirectly.

“I’m on the historic landmark commission, so I have an appreciation for the historic aspects of the town, and I’ve spent the last eight months shooting photographs and putting them together into the town poster. It’s my hometown, and my people.

“The history of Shepherdstown is really interesting. The original

“The people that come through these doors are the stories, We find out really wonderful things about people—who they are, where they’ve been, and things they’ve done. It’s all about people.”

“I can remember when we were country—when Charlie Conners lived down the road on the curve. He owned a field down the road, but he didn’t own the land in between that field and his barn, so he had to take his milk cows out of the barnyard, down the road to this field every day. He opened the gate to the field so everyone who lived on the road knew that if the gate was open, Charlie was going to be driving his cattle down the road. Except for President Carter and his entourage.

So here is this string of presidential automobiles, held up on Route 230, between here and Halltown, while Charlie Conners moves his cows to his field.” Hurley’s laughter whispers of an appreciation for progress, but also a yearning for different times.

“The people that come through these doors are the stories,” he continues. “We will engage people in casual conversations and things will surface. We find out really wonderful things about people—who they are, where they’ve been, and things they’ve done. It’s just people—it’s all about people.”

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[ 26 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Tucked away in Virginia’s countryside is an unassuming 200-year-old cottage that currently houses the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.

Commonly referred to as the BRWC, the center first opened its doors in 2004. Since then, this wellrespected non-profit organization has diligently pursued its mission to “ensure the preservation of native wildlife in areas where development has destroyed habitat and endangered wildlife.” Behind its inviting blue door, the center develops educational programs, researches wildlife diseases, and compassionately rehabilitates injured animals. Although the center occupies a space of only 800 square feet, it saves the lives of more than 1,400 injured and orphaned wild animals each year.

These animals find their way to the center after experiencing any number of traumatic events. Large majestic birds of prey are brought to the center after having been shot.

Small baby bunnies find themselves orphaned after their mothers are killed by outdoor pets. Injured box turtles cling to life—having been hit by cars while they slowly cross the twisting roads of the Shenandoah Valley. Yes, a variety of hazards threaten wild animals each day, and many of their lives are impacted as a result of what is commonly referred to as the human-wildlife conflict.

The BRWC is home to many animals representative of this conflict. The ultimate goal of the center’s efforts is to rehabilitate and release these animals into the wild. BRWC Director Dr. Belinda Burwell explains, “We work to rehabilitate the animals and ensure that they have the skills they need to survive in the wild.” Animals are separated into appropriately designed holding pens, where (when suitable) they are rehabilitated with other healthy animals of the same species. “Once they have recovered, we will evaluate them to determine if they can survive on their own. It’s important that they are able to find and catch food, identify and avoid predators, and simply thrive in the wild on their own.” Burwell says that releasing an animal back into the freedom of the wild is a particularly gratifying feeling.

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Most of the wildlife in the center’s care will complete their treatment and return to that freedom.

Unfortunately, others will never fully recover. These animals may have injuries that are too significant for full recovery, sometimes requiring that they remain in captivity for the rest of their lives—or if they’re suffering, they’re humanly euthanized. Resident animals of the center become living examples of native wildlife. They will contribute to the BRWC’s mission by participating in the educational programs that are central to the BRWC’s work. “We are very lucky to live in an area with such incredible biodiversity,” Burwell explains. “The focus of our educational programs is to teach the public how making small changes in the way we live can have a big impact on local wildlife’s ability to thrive.” As part of these efforts, the BRWC conducts an instructional Animal Camp for children, as well as more than fifty educational programs per year. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, the BRWC also offers internships and mentoring opportunities to the next generation of animal conservation enthusiasts.

Animals like Sugar, an adorable southern flying squirrel, and Briar Rose, a beautiful red-tailed hawk, teach program participants to respect the animals surrounding us. These lives, along with those of many bats, turtles, owls, raccoons, deer, and possums have been impacted by the human-wildlife conflict. Simple changes to daily life, such as refraining from cutting down trees during periods when animals are nesting, or keeping pets from roaming outdoors, can have a tremendous impact on wildlife.

BRWC programs provide instruction concerning such small changes while educating the public about how important wildlife is to the overall environment.

These programs are designed to build public interest in preservation and conservation, but they are only part of the overall strategy that the BRWC has developed to improve the long-term viability of local wildlife. The center’s research is the other part. As a rehabilitation facility, it has a unique opportunity

[ 27 ]

to monitor and record the health of the animals that come to the center.

The BRWC researches and records data that supports investigations into the health concerns of animals.

Through partnerships with research and conservation associates, such as the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, the center contributes to the study of everything ranging from white nose syndrome in wild bats to hemorrhagic disease in white-tailed deer.

For some animals, the three segments of the center’s mission— rehabilitation, research, and education—are all relevant to their care. Take for example the center’s recent involvement with a majestic bald eagle, perhaps the ultimate living symbol of this great nation.

This amazing bird wasn’t shot, but was poisoned by lead after eating meat that had been contaminated with lead fragments from a bullet.

The lead affected the bird’s nervous system, rendering it unable to fly, find food, or defend itself. Today, she is recovering in a large $100,000 continuous flight enclosure, designed to assist in the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, and owls. This amazing structure was completely funded by donor support, and its design allows her to continually work towards flying again. The center has been treating the bird, recording health information, and adding another voice to a growing national concern over the danger of using lead as a component of ammunition.

“Lead poisoning in birds of prey is a growing problem, with significance to all of us. People need to educate themselves regarding this issue,” Burwell emphasizes. She believes that once someone fully understands the dangers to people and wildlife associated with consuming meat shot with lead ammunition, the use of lead alternatives in ammunition begins to make more sense. Through its educational programs, as well as its prolific Facebook page, the center is raising awareness of this and other issues impacting wildlife in Virginia and beyond.

The center’s impact on wildlife is

[ 28 ]

clear, but the future and viability of its programs rely on funding and expansion. The current 800-squarefoot location is clean and organized, yet cramped and inadequate. Plans are already underway to build a 4,000-square-foot, state-of-theart building on the same property the center currently occupies. The new facility will be specifically designed for the unique purpose of rehabilitating animals and educating the public concerning the need to protect wildlife. While the current location prohibits public involvement in much of the BRWC’s activities, the new facility will provide more opportunities for educational programs and public participation in wildlife education activities.

“Ultimately,” Burwell says, “people need to understand that wildlife is important to the health of the environment, and human health.

We feel that the new facility will not only allow us to better care for the animals that come to us, but it will also allow us to better advocate for wildlife by educating the public.” The expanded center will provide the BRWC the opportunity to develop new ways for individuals to get personally involved in their mission, while increasing the breadth of their advocacy efforts.

Since these programs, as well as all of the center’s efforts, are not supported by state or federal funds, the center has the generosity of private individuals to thank for the majority of the funds that support operations. “Our supporters should know that we are having an impact here. We are saving a lot of wild animals. We are educating a lot of people. The support of our donors really matters,” Burwell assures. “Our donors, volunteers, and supporters need to know that they are appreciated, and they are making a difference.”

Truly, the BRWC is unquestionably making a difference, and they are charting that impact on their Facebook page. Followers are provided the chance to track animals throughout their treatment and release. Alternatively, the public can also visit the center’s website at www.BlueRidgeWildlife.org.

Individuals interested in supporting the center’s day-to-day operations, or the campaign for the new facility, can do so through the center’s website or by mailing their taxdeductible donation to the center directly. Most importantly, take a moment to get to know the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. Their work protects the amazing creatures of this area and educates us all to be more cognizant of how our decisions impact wildlife, including some of our tiniest residents.

Six Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Wildlife 1. A single cow can fill 400 1-liter bottles with methane gas, in a single day!

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3. Over 99.9% of all species on Earth have already gone extinct.

4. There are over 10,000 species of ants on Earth.

5. Scientists estimate that 9 out of 10 cases of Lyme disease go unreported.

6. Some scientists assert that all dogs, domestic and wild, share a common ancestor in the small South Asian wolf.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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Making a Difference in a Child’s Life

By Claire Gibson Webb

If you enjoy bike riding, supporting a worthy cause, or just being active in the great outdoors, don’t make any plans for Saturday, May 19th!

Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) is holding their sixth-annual CASA River Century fundraising ride, with all proceeds directly benefiting the local chapter of the organization.

Not a bike rider? Then come out and volunteer to serve those who are!

It’s a big event, with serious riders covering a 100-mile loop of both Jefferson and Berkeley counties.

Other riders, who may not want to exert as much time or effort, can opt for the lesser fifty- or twenty-fivemile rides. Participation in the ride has been steadily growing since its inception, with last year topping out at 230 riders.

“This year, we are hoping for five hundred riders,” enthuses Tim Hott, the man behind the logistics and coordination of such an event. Hott started as a rider four years ago.

After asking a rest stop volunteer how the organization did their www.AroundThePanhandle.com

fundraising, he decided to join the planning committee. Eventually, he co-chaired the committee, until this year, when he decided to focus on the logistics—everything from website redesign and route mapping to the volunteers manning the rest stops and the vendors showcasing their wares back at the starting point.

CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is part of a larger association of more than 1,000 programs across the United States. Their mission is simple, yet powerful: to act as a voice for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. A volunteer, or advocate, who has undergone intense training, is appointed by the court system to investigate a case. The investigation can involve everyone from the child and their parents to neighbors and doctors.

The end goal is to provide the judge, or court, with a recommendation on the best and safest permanent placement for the individual. If other services, such as counseling or housing assistance, are needed

for the child or their prospective caregiver, the advocate will coordinate with other agencies to ensure that those are provided.

Currently, there are approximately 100 active volunteers that have served as a voice for nearly 400 children in the tri-county area.

CASA-EP does not receive any state funding; all expenses are supported by grants, private or individual donations, and fundraising. They have several fundraisers a year, and the CASA River Century ride is their biggest net for support. Riders come from the Panhandle, but also from surrounding states—Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia, to name a few.

To generate increased publicity and interest in the event, Hott has reached out to bike clubs, such as the Washington Area Bicyclist Association—with a ridership of 25,000. Hoping to double the number of participants from last year, Hott is confident that it can be done. With future sights set on numbers that will soar well above 500, he admits that it is necessary to pace the growth, always keeping [ 32 ]

the experience of the rider in mind.

Planning for such an event is extensive. Even after the annual Saturday comes to a close, planners only take a month or so off, and then jump right back in to getting ready for the next one. The ride takes about a year to put together.

To date, the efforts are paying off, not only with increased ridership, but a steady growth of proceeds that directly benefit CASA-EP and the overall mission.

For those who come out to support a loved one, there will be plenty to keep them occupied while they wait. The ride will start in front of the Butcher Center on the campus of Shepherd University. A DJ will keep the supporters entertained and enthusiastic for the duration. Local area organizations and businesses will host vendor stations, and there will even be free food available to those who are mingling, cheering, and waiting. “We want our riders, and supporters, to come out and have a fun day and support a good cause,” encourages Hott.

All rider levels are welcome, and it’s not necessary to complete the entire distance selected. Registration fees vary, depending on the loop or route chosen. Help and support is readily available for anyone that may need assistance. Every rider is provided with a cue sheet that gives explicit directions on where to go, which will complement the markings along the roads. Also provided to every rider—a swag bag! These bags are full of goodies, such as wristbands and goo packs (an energy booster for those of us not familiar with bike rider terminology). Rest stops are strategically placed along the routes, equipped with volunteers, water, snacks, and restrooms. The ride is held rain or shine.

(Above) 1. Lisa Davis see off a rider. - 2. Jeanne Fisher, Lynn Deibert and Joyce Martin stop along the potomac for a scenic photo op. - 3. Entertaining the riders. - 4. Finished at last. 5. Getting started at Shepherd U. 6. Even the youngest of riders can participate (Below) Board Members: Stacy Lawing, Pam Curtis, Marilyn Schoon, Tim Hott, Lisa Davis, Samantha Muncy, Bill Wortley, Todd Johnson, Leslie Crabill, Phyllis Wright

Ready to ride? Visit www.

CasaRiverCentury.org for further questions, or to sign up. Not sure if you want to commit? You can register on site right up until the day of the race. If you are interested in finding out more about serving as a child advocate with CASA-EP, visit www.casa-ep.org. Better yet, come down to the starting point on May 19th, and check out the action!

[ 33 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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w w w . A A p o o l. n e t • 0 0 3 1 3 6 2 4 30 Monroe St. Martinsburg • 1-30

On May 19th, A&A Pools, in Martinsburg, will celebrate its regrand opening at 30 Monroe Plaza in the Berkeley Plaza shopping center— right across the parking lot from where the business has operated for twenty-two years. Nothing says spring like a fresh start, or in this case, a restart. If nothing else, one of the Panhandle’s most recognized and reliable businesses has finally moved into the space that it probably should have acquired over a decade ago. What does that mean to pool owners and enthusiasts around the area? Well, much more A&A, for starters.

The new building is more accommodating, and the lot itself will house an ever-creative array of pool options. Nothing will change about the outstanding personal service you’ve probably grown used to over the years, and the access to all of the products and accessories you need has only increased.

Owners Mike and Cindy Manor couldn’t be happier to finally brag on their new digs.

A&A Pools Celebrates its Re-Grand Opening Stop in and support one of Martinsburg’s friendliest traditions.

“Most people know this building as the old health food store—prior to that, it was the old Radio Shack,” Mike explains. “We tore the building down to the studs, rebuilt it, added to it, and just made it a nice, sound building. Now we’re up to fifty-four hundred square feet, and have future plans to dig more footers.”

The old store was a mere 2,200 square feet. Mike adds, “We either had to build something new from scratch, or rebuild something old.

We outgrew that place about fifteen years ago.”

With only two other pool shops in the area that also operate as stores, A&A’s expansion comes at the perfect time for a growing area entering pool season. Cindy points out that, despite the down economy, the pool business hasn’t really slowed down. “People still want pools—still love pools. They still want to gather with family and friends, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than the beach.” And she’s right. Even a basic family trip to Ocean City (MD) can easily run over a thousand dollars, and often way higher. Mike elaborates, “You take a decentsize family to the beach and you

[ 36 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

could spend four thousand bucks.

You bring back a couple hundred pictures. With us, you can put a nice eighteen-footer in the backyard for around fifty-six hundred—something that you can enjoy for fifteen to twenty years.”

A&A Pools is a family business. Mike and Cindy’s daughter, Amber, also works for the company. And the plan is to eventually introduce the four grandchildren into the process if they so desire—to keep it in the family as long as it operates. But that’s in the future. At present, Mike truly enjoys what he does, and Cindy learned very early that their business was about way more than just digging holes and selling supplies.

“I’ve always enjoyed water,” Mike conveys. “I like digging, creating things—art if you will. Just taking what the customer wants, and combining it with what I have in mind—it’s really satisfying.

Everybody usually likes what I leave behind.” Mike speaks to a collaborative process that requires significant people skills, as well as extensive knowledge of many construction, architectural, and artistic disciplines—though you’d never get this good ‘ol boy to admit that it’s anything more than just

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

something that comes naturally to him. And what’s “left behind” often exceeds the customer’s expectations, and certainly forms lasting relationships. “When a family walks through that door,” Cindy smiles, “it’s something that they want—it’s not something that they have to have. And it’s fun.

They come in and they’re happy.

We’re selling fun, memories. It’s the easiest thing to sell in the world. And because of it, we see these people for the rest of their lives. We watch those same kids grow up, and then they come in as adults when they want a pool for their kids.”

people, and it becomes clear pretty quickly when sitting down with them, that the Manors wouldn’t have it any other way. A&A has won The Journal Readers’ Choice Award for Best Pool/Spa store in the tristate area since 2002. That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from an understanding of people—of the community—even the geography at times.

Mike and Cindy see their customers for years, and establish bonds with many of them. They both confess that it’s more than a job; they become a part of their customers’ lives. “They come in here and they’re buying fun,” says Mike. “It’s not like at the gas pump, where you spend a hundred bucks and grit your teeth. You come in here and spend a hundred bucks because it keeps the water clean—because you want to.”

“I grew up in a farming family— my grandfather, my neighbors.

You grow up running tractors and plowing fields; you progress your way through the older you get,” Mike reflects. “Then I got into earth moving equipment—and I was always interested in water. The rest is history.” Mike confesses to having a very active mind—which has a lot to do with his interest in pools.

“I look at the lay of the land and then I ask the customers, what is your future vision—not just a pool, but what do you want to see in ten years? We set it up so they can add to it over the years and have something that’s really special.”

A&A Pools actually stands for “all about pools.” It’s a catchy little acronym, and quite representative, but it only tells some of the story.

This business is also all about

Mike and Cindy met in April of 1974, and were eventually married in July of 1976. Both of their parents went to Musselman High School together.

Cindy traveled a bit because her

[ 37 ]

father was in the military, but timing is everything, and during the year she spent at Musselman, she met Mike, who went to Hedgesville High.

However, Cindy’s family wasn’t done traveling, and her father’s responsibilities took them to Virginia Beach. Undaunted, Mike traveled back and forth for two years, until they got married, and finally settled back in West Virginia. The A&A retail store was established in 1989.

“We’ve been a part of this area for so long. It’s truly amazing when you meet a family from this community— when you watch their kids grow up,” Cindy observes.

Obviously, this area certainly hasn’t waited around to expand. And the Manors finally had to accept reality, as well, and expand themselves.

The old building simply couldn’t facilitate the retail store and the amount of business overall that was coming through the doors. The new store was built to meet the needs of the growing Panhandle, and that includes the evolution of the pool industry itself.

“At the old store, we went from twelve hundred square feet to twenty-four hundred square feet.

Once we got to that point, we brought in the pellet stoves to keep the employees working year-round,” Mike explains. “It worked out well because we kept you cool in the

[ 38 ]

“They come in and they’re happy.

We’re selling fun, memories. It’s the easiest thing to sell in the world.” summer and warm in the winter.” At the new store, customers will notice an elaborate showroom of stoves and fireplace options. “We started out, pretty much, on a smaller scale of what we have now—toys on the wall, supplies, pool construction, and service, of course. It started out just the wife and I—now we’re at six fulltime employees, and we’ll bring in two or three part-timers through the summer.”

Needless to say, there is no shortage of work for A&A Pools. Mike has the look of a man who loves his job—a vocation that clearly has him outside much of the day. And Cindy can be found buzzing around the showroom floor, behind the counter, manning the phones, and doing pretty much anything else you can imagine would be needed to run one of the Panhandle’s true success stories.

As they both acknowledge, there’s not a whole lot of time at the end of the day, or week for that matter.

But that hasn’t stopped Mike and

Cindy from contributing substantially to the Berkeley County Youth Fair.

They’re also heavily involved with kids programs at Christmas through the Sheriff’s Department. They’ve even built a few pools for the Make A Wish Foundation. Though it obviously consumes them, A&A Pools is a dream job for them both— and an immeasurable asset to the Panhandle.

Their newest location couldn’t be easier to notice, or access, on the Monroe Avenue side of Berkeley Plaza shopping center. In the coming days, the finishing touches for the grand opening will turn this project into a showcase in and of itself, and the public is invited to share in the excitement on May 19th, for the regrand opening. But just in case you need your A&A services now, they’re up and running—they never stopped.

You should just make a point to stop over and check them out on the nineteenth—for the fun of it.

Whatever your pool needs—indoor, outdoor, lighting, maintenance, supplies—A&A Pools, in Martinsburg, is your ultimate destination. Stop in and see Mike and Cindy Manor.

They’re more than just a pool store; they’re a symbol of what’s good about the Panhandle.

For more info, visit www.aapool.net.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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A Rich Legacy—A New Leader

Bulldog Baseball begins a new era with first-year coach, Josh Matheny.

— Mike Chalmers

We all have our own reasons for loving sports. Some of us admire the traditions. Some of us get lost in the action. Still, many of us feed off of the endless storylines. And true sports fans usually find themselves captivated with all of it. Very few sports possess as natural an alignment of theses components as baseball. Whether it’s a history of recognized names and steady success, or an afternoon of thrilling highlights and enthralling narratives, baseball grabs the attention of sports fans around the world for all the right reasons.

[ 42 ]

Fortunately for high school baseball fans around the Panhandle, there’s no better time than now. The local teams are deep into the final turn of their regular seasons. The competition in this area is notorious around the state, and in recent years, the WV state baseball tournament has seen a steady presence of Panhandle names—including four out of the last seven state title winners (Jefferson-3, Martinsburg-1).

One of those teams, Martinsburg, will seek to reestablish itself in 2012 as the king of the Panhandle’s

baseball powerhouses under new coach, Josh Matheny. A fifth state title overall wouldn’t hurt, either. We had a chance to sit down with the newest addition to Martinsburg’s rich baseball tradition and discuss his sport of choice, and a whole lot more.

MC: You’re a West Virginia guy.

You grew up a few hours from here.

JM: I did—grew up in Salem.

It was a great place to grow up as a kid. I played most of my baseball in Clarksburg, through little league and Babe Ruth. We won a state championship in 1998. Many of those guys, some

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

of my best friends, are from there. I moved to Philippi (WV) after graduation and attended Alderson-Broaddus. As soon as I graduated in 2004, I moved out here.

MC: Obviously, every kid that plays sports dreams of being a pro athlete at some point. You were no different. Did you also consider coaching as a part of your future?

JM: Sure, as a young player, you want to be a major league baseball player. What kid doesn’t? You know, I’m fortunate. I wasn’t a real talented guy, but I worked hard and was surrounded by guys who taught me the game. At some point, coaching emerged as a path that felt like a calling for me. And I love coaching; I love being around the kids—all of it.

It’s really enjoyable for me.

MC: Your first opportunity to coach in the Panhandle came seven years ago, across the county.

JM: Yes, my last seven years were at Musselman. I can’t say enough about how well I was treated there. I was given more opportunity there than probably most assistant coaches around the country—and the things I learned there I still use every day. They do a lot of good things—a very good program.

But I couldn’t be more excited to be here. Martinsburg was a great next step for me.

MC: How excited were you to get this opportunity at Martinsburg High?

JM: Oh, it was a dream-cometrue kind of situation for me.

To follow in the shoes of John Lowry, Jr., as well as all of the tradition here, it was just so exciting. And this is a talented group here; they work very hard.

This is a very exciting time for this program. It’s kind of a new era for Martinsburg baseball, [ 43 ]

and these kids have taken the transition extremely well.

Any time you have a coaching change, there’s going to be an adjustment in philosophies. The transition period has been very short for these guys, and they’ve done such a good job with it.

They’ve really bought in to what we’re trying to do.

MC: Speaking to that, every new coach wants to put their stamp on the program they inherit.

In Martinsburg, you inherited a successful program. What type of moves did you have in mind, and how much of it were you able to implement during the quick transition?

JM: I think about what Coach Larry Cooper said: “You know, it’s still the orange and black, but put your stamp on it.” I think about some of the small stuff we do as a team, whether it’s watching a movie or changing the logo on our hats, it signifies a new era. And I think the kids really love it. We preach every day—myself and the coaching staff—about values and doing the right thing. And we’re not here for just baseball. We consider ourselves almost fathers to these guys. They can call us at any time and talk to us about anything. And we have great kids. There haven’t been any issues; they’re all friends. It’s a great group. We’ve got five or six kids with a 4.0 or better. I think about when report cards came out. I told them I wanted to see their report cards. Within an hour of report cards coming out, I had twenty-five to thirty kids in my office.

MC: What have you been able to inject, in terms of your own baseball philosophy, into an already successful program?

JM: Well, I tell them the first thing is the classroom. It has to be first. We also consider ourselves a small-ball team, and a day-to-day team. I like to

focus on doing the small things very well, and the big things will fall into place. And I don’t hide the fact that we’re also trying to teach them life lessons, outside of baseball. We do something every day that will help them when they get out of here. In terms of baseball this year, we don’t have any consistent homerun hitters, but we do have twenty guys who can really play baseball. We run well, we’re good on defense, and we have great team speed. We may have homeruns from time to time, but we’re not going to rely on it. We’re going to hit the ball on the ground, work hard, and run the bases well. And that was a big transition from before, but they’ve done a great job buying in.

MC: You’re also an Algebra teacher here at Martinsburg High School. How has your professional experience been thus far?

JM: I can’t say enough about my job here. I love it. It’s a great place to work. The staff here is wonderful. They’ve been so welcoming, and the athletic department has made my transition extremely easy.

There are good kids here; it’s an extremely successful sports school and it’s just a great atmosphere.

MC: Something that struck me early on in my research for this story was the website (www.

DogsBaseball.com). It’s the best high school team website I’ve seen in a long time. As soon as I started exploring, I realized that the people in charge of Martinsburg Baseball are taking their jobs very seriously, as well as exhibiting a deep recognition for the tradition and success of the program. Was that part of your intention coming in?

JM: Well, it’s certainly been a group activity, so I can’t get all the credit. But that was Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

something I wanted to change.

With today’s world the way it is, if you’re not getting guys out there or getting information out to the community, then you’re behind the times. You know, we found a website we liked and we worked really hard, and it’s just a great website. It’s so important to get the guys’ names out there and get them some recognition. I really wanted the website to be a strong presence for Martinsburg baseball.

MC: How important was it to you to also honor the history of the program on the site? When I’m on the site, I not only see what’s happening with the program at present, but I can take a walk down memory lane, so to speak, and really experience the rich tradition of Martinsburg baseball.

JM: It was extremely important to me to establish that link.

Without the ones that came before us, we wouldn’t be here.

It’s that simple. But it goes beyond that. The history and tradition here is unbelievable, and these guys love the orange and black. And they’ll be Bulldogs for the rest of their lives. We’ve got an alumni game planned for the fall and I think that’s a big asset to us—for those guys to come back and stay involved in the program, and see that things are going well and we’re doing the right things. It’s how you build a program, and not just a good team.

MC: Whether this period will be looked back upon as the golden years of Panhandle athletics, or it’s simply the way things are, and will continue to be, how nice is it for you to be a part of the tremendous success that the schools in this area are finding in the state?

JM: Well, it’s championship level here at Martinsburg. I mean, I don’t know what the numbers are in the state, but we have the majority of the sports www.AroundThePanhandle.com

titles in every sport right here in the Panhandle. And it’s an honor to be a part of that—to carry the torch into spring and try to continue the success.

But we also teach the kids to stay humble and focus on the task at hand. There’s a lot of hype around the teams in the Panhandle, especially here at Martinsburg. We tell the kids to appreciate it but don’t become overwhelmed by it. Having such quality programs right here allows us to get championshipcaliber competition literally “It’s championship level here at Martinsburg. I mean, I don’t know what the numbers are in the state, but we have the majority of the sports titles in every sport right here in the Panhandle.” within a half-hour drive, and you just can’t compare that to anywhere else. It’s an extremely exciting time for Panhandle athletics—for players, coaches, and fans.

MC: What can you say about the guys you work with?

JM: You know, I can’t say enough about each and every one of our coaches. We’re all on the same page and every member of the staff plays a pivotal role in our success. It’s a privilege to work with these guys, it really is. Coach Cooper is what signifies Martinsburg baseball, and Martinsburg in general. He bleeds orange, and he’s done it for almost thirty years. He’s been here for every coach and is an absolute pillar of the program—an unbelievable asset to all of the programs, but particularly the baseball program. And I think of our newest coach, other than myself—Jason Kamlowsky.

He’s been a huge asset. He actually still works at Sherando High School (VA) but drives up

here everyday. You talk about buying in to being a Bulldog. He really knows his baseball and absolutely loves the kids. But like I said, it’s an honor to work with these guys—they know the game and they love the kids.

MC: You emphasized the facilities as part of your focus when you were hired.

JM: I did. We’ve got some capital projects underway. Martinsburg has one of the best playing fields in the state. But we definitely plan on building a new press box and improving the concessions, as well as the grounds around the field. It’s a great park.

A Friday night game at P.O. Faulkner Park is an outstanding time, don’t get me wrong, but we want to make it even better.

The sports facilities at this school are second-to-none, and we believe we can improve upon the baseball facilities to the extent that they truly represent the caliber of baseball at MHS. MC: What does it mean to you to live, work, and raise a family in the Panhandle?

JM: My wife is absolutely unbelievable. We have two small children, and it’s a full-time job itself. She’s amazing. And the first thing she always asks me is: How’d you guys do? I have such a great support system at home, and I cannot praise her enough.

Any coach’s wife—it’s a difficult thing. Coaching is a year-round job, and she’s right there behind me all the time. And I can’t imagine a better place to raise a family. We just love it here and I can easily see myself raising my kids here and making a career out of it. The team, my staff, family and friends—we’re all so proud to be West Virginians. The community’s been great—the school’s been great. It’s been an amazing experience so far. I can’t imagine anything else for myself.

[ 44 ]

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Blue Ridge Community This is a time of year that brings change. Heaps of snow shoveled during winter’s last stand surrender to the colorful blooms of spring (at least they did last year). The quiet of once-peaceful Sunday afternoons is punctuated with the sound of mowers being awakened for the first time in many months. Students of every age anxiously countdown the days.

The changes brought about by spring literally surround us this time of year, but for Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, commonly abbreviated as Blue Ridge CTC, the new season signifies more than just change. This is the last spring that the college will spend in the Dunn Building, on Stephen Street in Martinsburg—its home since 2003.

Blue Ridge CTC has roots dating back to a handful of unofficial programs offered by Shepherd College more than forty years ago.

In 1974, these programs would give rise to the official two-year nursing program offered by the then-named Community and Technical College of Shepherd. The college would spend several years operating from the basement floor of Gardiner Residence Hall on campus, before moving to Martinsburg in 2001. The Berkeley County Council championed

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

the college’s relocation from the beginning, helping to secure an initial operating location at the Blue Ridge Outlets Complex. The council would later offer a subsequent location on the ground floor of the Dunn Building, the very same site that holds many of the county’s offices today.

Blue Ridge CTC President Peter Checkovich praises the advocacy of the council, while recognizing that moving to Martinsburg has been one of the single biggest contributors to the success of the institution.

“The response from the community has been great since the very beginning,” Checkovich says. “We are here to serve this community, and in doing so, we feel that we are elevating the status of local workers by providing high-quality educational programs at a reasonable price.”

Checkovich, who was first named president of CTC Shepherd in 2004, believes that it is this complete desire to serve both students and the Eastern Panhandle that has created the foundation for the college’s growth. While located on Stephen Street, the college expanded its offerings and solidified its place in the Martinsburg community. In 2006, the college was officially renamed Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

Today, Blue Ridge CTC is the fastest growing community college in West Virginia, and ranks among the fastest growing community colleges in the country. It offers studentfocused academic programs that help prepare a diverse student body for career entry or university transfer. Students can pursue education in allied health, business, technology, and many other areas.

The wide range of high-quality programs, coupled with affordability, has led to the college’s swift success.

To best serve future students, Blue Ridge CTC will move into its custom-designed campus this summer—located at 13650 Apple Harvest Drive, off of WV Route 45 in Martinsburg. The building itself is a landmark of architectural beauty, but its value to this community is not in aesthetics alone. The 55,000-square-foot facility has been expertly outfitted with six science labs, eighteen classrooms, a campus bookstore, a deli, and an internet café. This new footprint represents a 22,000-square-foot increase over its current space. With continual growth in enrollment, the availability of this additional space is invaluable.

Checkovich asserts that the time for this move is now. “Community colleges have always offered a great bargain when it comes to education.

[ 48 ]

and Technical College

— By Victoria Kidd

Four-year universities are seeing double-digit increases in the cost of tuition, while we have continued to offer excellent education at an affordable price.” He also recognizes the growing need for additional education and training among a workforce distressed by recent economic factors. “The economy has undoubtedly had an impact on people’s ability to make a living, and many seek additional training to help them better compete in this job market. We’ve seen our high school programs increase, and we have certainly seen an increase in enrollment by working adults.

The new building affords us an opportunity to serve even more students.”

While his staff expresses excitement about the move, Checkovich himself senses an undertone of sadness concerning the Dunn Building they will have to leave behind. “It’s really bittersweet,” he says. “The relationship we’ve had with the county has been incredible. This entire situation has been a textbook case as to what can happen when people collaborate. We have the county to thank for a lot of our success. We have grown into a wellrespected institution here, largely because of the county’s support.”

Checkovich’s gratitude is only

[ 49 ]

surpassed by his optimism for the future of the college, and he expresses excitement regarding the institution’s ability to continue its tradition of service in the new space.

The college will be continuing that tradition from the Apple Harvest Drive location beginning in July. The state-of-the-art campus has been designed to maximize the academic benefit to the student, to enhance the student experience, and to better support the educators who deliver the academic programming.

The inherent design of this programming aims to alleviate common barriers to education, including those faced by working adults or other individuals requiring flexible, convenient scheduling.

Such characteristics have allowed the institution to become the educator of choice for much of the surrounding community. And along with so many new options, the Panhandle will still find itself with full access to familiar programs with proven success records—like the EDGE program. It offers high school students a chance to earn college credit while still completing their high school classes. Additionally, many local healthcare organizations and businesses have established partnerships with Blue Ridge CTC to create and facilitate workforce

development options that improve the performance of their staff.

Participation in these programs helps students to build skills necessary for either subsequent academic or workforce performance.

Building these skills has been at the center of the college’s objectives since the very beginning—a time when they operated with just two full-time employees. The beautiful new campus will unquestionably help the more than 100 current staff members to fulfill their mission of “fully developing the individual potential by preparing students with college-level communication skills, knowledge and awareness of society, and fundamental thinking and reasoning skills that support career readiness and lifelong learning.” This mission will continue to drive Blue Ridge CTC, but its staff will always remember the humble beginnings from which the organization has grown.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the programs offered by Blue Ridge CTC, visit www.BlueRidgeCTC.edu or call the Admissions Office at 304-260-4380.

Most importantly, take a moment to get to know this incredible institution that is fueling local economic development through the education of a competitive workforce.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Our TOP

10

Top Ten

The Top 10 Events That Will Happen in 2012

Suffice it to say, as we usher in a new year, there is certainly a degree of optimism and hope that we carry with us. We have our New Year’s resolutions and an angle on how we’re going to approach the upcoming months. Fate, however, tends to play a part in the eventual outcome of our prearranged plans. Well, you’re in luck this year. Depending on whether you read this, you can get ahead of the curve by planning around and/or in conjunction with what can be expected to take place in 2012. The whole Mayan thing (or Harold Camping) notwithstanding, we (and our friends at TopTenz.net) want to keep you in tune with the quickening pulse of 2012. So if you didn’t know what to watch out for this year, look no further, this list pretty much covers it. Read on…if you dare!

10. Natural Disasters

Ok, this may sound like a given. After all, what year doesn’t come with a slew of natural disasters? From earthquakes to erupting volcanoes, we can certainly expect Mother Nature to rear her head in 2012. The question, really, is how bad of a disaster season will the world experience? If 2011 was an indication, we can expect some serious carnage. While one shouldn’t expect apocalyptic-level disasters, we still better brace ourselves. Major earthquakes (those that register 6.0 or higher on the Richter scale) are on the rise. There were 205 major quakes last year—way up from 2010 and 2009, which registered 173 and 161 quakes, respectively. It’s not improbable that a major quake will be seaborne, which in turn, could trigger another massive tsunami like the one that devastated the coast of Japan last year. There are a number of simmering hot spots around the world that are primed and ready to blow. Hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, sinkholes, flooding, mudslides, volcanoes—are all on tap for 2012.

So batten down the hatches, make sure your insurance is paid up, and call us when it’s over!

9. Middle East Conflict: Target — Iran

The Middle East will continue to be a hotbed of international attention and intrigue. In particular, the confrontation with Iran is expected to get even more intense. Expect to see military action of some kind carried out against the Iranian regime in 2012. The pressure is already being amped up. Several world leaders have already publicly proclaimed that Iran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon, with the implication that if they do, military action will be imminent. And of course, Iran assures that any type of military engagement aimed at them will result in a war of all wars. With stronger economic sanctions being administered steadily, Iran continues to threaten the closing of the strategic Strait of Hormuz—where 20% of the world’s oil transits through. The U.S., for its part, has stated that it will not allow this to happen, and has moved more military assets into that area. Get ready, folks, this might get worse before it gets worse.

8. Sports, Sports, and More Sports Professional sports is a

$70 trillion+ industry worldwide. It’s an indicator of the passion and love that we all share for the time-honored tradition of athletic competition. Whether it’s Lionel Messi, Tiger Woods, Manny Pacquiao, Tim Tebow, or Jeremy Lin, we follow our favorite athletes and storylines with equal parts fascination and devotion. Many of us live quite vicariously through our favorite teams and individuals, and advertisers and merchandisers couldn’t be happier. There are more ways to gain access to our favorite sports, and represent our loyalty, than ever before, and it seems that the more our needs are met, the more we crave. Call it a necessary distraction during tough economic times or the simple progression of something we’ve been enamored with for thousands of years.

Either way, 2012 will certainly represent a year in sports like no other.

7. Occupy Wall Street Will Fade To a Footnote In History

The Occupy Wall Street movement didn’t start out as such. It began as a protest, and a fairly simple one at that. The idea was to show support against the perceived corruption of multinational corporations and major banks that were seen as the cause of the economic problems challenging America. What began as a demonstration in Liberty Square, located in Manhattan’s financial district, spawned into a grass roots movement that no one saw coming. Six months in, the calls for economic reform and the Occupy Wall Street protest were encamped in over 100 major American cities. Even more telling, a number of countries globally (at least 80, according to reports) took up the cause, as well. However, the movement never seemed to establish the necessary leadership and collaborative organization required to do battle with Corporate America, as well as the government (wait, those are two different things?). Despite a genuine desire for reform, the Occupy movement will take its place in American history as a spirited effort for change during a time when the country certainly needed it. And who knows, the next time around, it might not go away so diplomatically.

[ 50 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

6. Scientific Breakthroughs

The thing about scientific breakthroughs is that, outside of the scientific community, they don’t make a lot of headlines. However, these breakthroughs, inventions, and discoveries are the basis for every gadget and toy that we enjoy using today. No one thought much about the development, and then introduction, of the Internet—and now, who among us could imagine life without it? One of the most interesting things that 2012 will bring is the beginning of a venture called the Human Connectome Project. This bold endeavor seeks to map the “wiring” of the human brain. This project holds the promise of not just learning more about the most advanced computer on the planet, but perhaps understanding the keys to unlocking the remedies to various conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Also expected this year are the results from experiments to prove or disprove the existence of the Higgs Particle (also referred to as the God Particle). Huh? Google it. Here’s one more: ever watch sci-fi flicks and notice the flexible computers that look like digital newspapers? Well, we’re still fairly primitive to it, but at least this year, Samsung and Nokia plan on rolling out the first mobile phones with flexible displays. Flying cars? That’s so 2011!

5. The Arab Spring Continues and Spreads

In December of 2010, a guy by the name of Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in a public square in Tunisia, in response to the social injustices taking place there. Henceforth referred to as the “burning man,” this one moment of selfimmolation sparked a cry for freedom and action that spread across the region. We all saw what happened next. Protests erupted, groups planned and organized, and governments fell. This was and is the real thing.

Look at the results so far: Tunisian President Ben Ali was ousted as a result and the government overthrown; Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and his government suffered the same; Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was eventually killed. The spark of freedom that exists in the hearts of everyone only needed to be kindled.

Now a blaze, a wave of revolution is spreading across the Middle East, carried on a current of discontent borne of suffering and oppression. As Syria boils, and international leaders debate as to what course to pursue in relation to the turmoil, dictatorships across the world are likely looking over their shoulders, and rightfully so.

4. U.S. Economy Improves

Depending on the source one chooses to buy into, the U.S. economy is either improving, stable, or getting worse. The American populace, for its part, is becoming very restless and discontent with any news other than good news. But who can blame us? Recession, scandal, corruption, protest, political tumult—the confidence of the American consumer isn’t exactly flying off the charts. The good news is that all signs are pointing toward a modest recovery in 2012—but a recovery nonetheless. Stocks are rallying, and with greater frequency. The housing market is also showing signs of life. As a result, applications for home loans have seen an increase in recent months, and 80% of surveyed consumers believe that now is the best time to purchase a home. And more people have jobs to pay a mortgage, as unemployment is creeping down towards 8% nationally. All told, if the trends continue (and we believe they will), the U.S. will see noticeable improvement with the economy in 2012.

3. The European Economy Will Stabilize

If you’ve been paying attention to news from abroad, then you are aware that the financial situation in Europe is not pretty. There has been talk of dismantling the European Union, devaluing the Euro, and other draconian measures—all of which would result in a very nasty economic reality that would be felt across the globe. In many ways, the European problem is similar to the American one, in that its origins can be traced to a sluggish global economy, a real estate speculation that burst, risky (and outright bad) lending and borrowing practices, and (of course) banking industry bailouts. This resulted in a sovereign debt crisis with a number of EU members (namely Greece, Ireland and Portugal, and Italy teetering). The good news is that the EU is moving swiftly and decisively to shore up the problem. Equally, throughout this mess, the Euro has actually remained stable (dismissing fears of the currency going into a tailspin), and GDP for most of the EU has either remained stable or experienced growth.

2. The Olympics

For two weeks, from July 27th until August 12th, the eyes of the world will be tuned into the London Olympics. The entire United Kingdom is pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable experience. They have their hands full after China’s amazing job in 2008. While everyone expects London to put on a great show, one would be hard pressed to imagine that it will come anywhere close to the opening ceremonies in Beijing. But that’s why we love competition. Nevertheless, the games in London will be significant in its own right. The city will host athletes (a little over 10,500 in number) from 204 countries, competing in 302 events—including newcomers BMX racing and golf. The host country is expected to fair well in the medal count, as well as the podium regulars: America, China, and Germany. Bring on summer!

1. U.S. Presidential Election

The U.S. President is quite often referred to as the “leader of the free world.” That could be argued in recent years, but one thing certainly hasn’t changed in this country: political unrest. This election is being debated, analyzed, and digested with a fervor that truly represents the political passion this country was built upon. And everyone is watching. For Americans, the issues revolve around the economy. For the world, it’s all about foreign policy. The novelty of Obama’s historic achievement has certainly worn off under the pressure of multiple in-house disasters (some achieved, some inherited), as well as a number of international calamities. It also seems that America itself is divided along political lines like never before. Talk radio and partisan news outlets have emerged with vigor and whipped their followers into perceived frenzies. One of the greatest challenges to whomever assumes the 2012 presidency will be trying to facilitate the division of the country—as represented in part by the division of the very government that represents it. Rest assured, the U.S. presidential election in 2012 will likely reflect the volatility of the times.

We don’t envy anyone in line for that job. Good night and good luck!

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 51 ]

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—Fitness Trainer — By Bill Powell – Reader Submission

The sweat is pouring, your muscles are screaming, and you wonder why you do it. But deep down, you know why—because of how far you’ve come. In the background, Kelly Clarkson is singing: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger….” Shut up, Kelly!

Shawn Scales is relentless, motivating—and is just killing me. “Big workday!” he exclaims.

Every day I am in Boot Camp is a “big workday.” But I’m here, along with the rest of the class, because I don’t want a little workday.

I could do that on my own—like I did for so many years before I started attending the “church” of Shawn. “Push it!” he yells.

Shawn, 39, was a football star at Virginia Tech in the nineties, and later played in the NFL with the 49ers and Steelers, as well as the Calvary Stampeders in the CFL. He now spends his time in West Virginia and Virginia, conducting boot camps, training school-age athletes, and working with private clients throughout the area. His followers include highly regarded high school athletes, middle-aged women reacquainting themselves with physical activity, and everyone in between.

Darren Arndt was an All-State defensive end at Martinsburg High School over the past few years, and is now a scholarship athlete at Shepherd University. He has worked with Shawn for a couple of years, and swears by him. “Shawn knows where my limits are and pushes me to them. My speed, explosiveness, and stamina are noticeably better because of my workouts with him.”

Most of Shawn’s biggest successes, however, aren’t always with young athletes—but with an “older” crowd. Steve Truax is with the Air National Guard, and is one of Shawn’s more “mature” clients. Why does he come to the grueling boot camps? “I come because the challenges are always changing, and he kicks my butt. But I keep coming back because it works.” Mike Gregory, one of Truax’s colleagues, agrees, “I would not do this workout in the gym by myself. My confidence has increased dramatically.”

Shawn worked hard to get where he is today.

His early family life included five siblings, and was filled with the kinds of obstacles that might

[ 54 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

have caused many of us to just give up. But with the guidance of caring adults and hard work, success was inevitable. His ability to overcome challenges certainly shaped his athletic life, as it does his approach to fitness today. The national fitness champion doesn’t just talk the talk.

“My philosophy is to make fitness fun and different for everyone. But a person needs to work hard to get the results they want.” Growing up for Shawn meant that every day was a “big workday.” He now helps others overcome some of the common obstacles we all face: fitness, diet, and confidence.

Kimberly Crockett prosecutes in the courtroom by day, but comes to boot camp even when she’s worn out, because “…it is the most rewarding thing I have given myself.

I feel much stronger and have more energy when I attend boot camp.”

Boot Camps with Shawn are anything but boring. Routines and exercises are constantly changing, so the muscles never get comfortable. Think that last class was a little easier than the one before it? That feeling won’t last, and you risk stares of consternation

from others if you even whisper it.

Shawn does most of his work out of Poor House Farm Park in Martinsburg—but he also serves clients and groups in Virginia. Yes, he does make house calls and team calls. “When someone requests my services to help them improve their health, it excites me because I get to share my passion with them,” he stresses. “I truly enjoy helping others to achieve their best in life.” Shawn transitions with ease from small groups to teams to individuals—all part of understanding athletes, because he is one. “I got into training through sports-specific methods. I worked with athletes in football and basketball. Two years of training with me, and they’re ready for collegiate athletics.”

And word is starting to spread.

With the Panhandle’s emergence as a hotbed for championships and “next-level” athletes, the one-on-one training business is in demand—though there’s still nothing like a good group session to snap people of any age back into reality. Shawn’s newest boot camp consists of high school and middle school students. From the look in

their eyes during class, they clearly think he’s crazy. But by the end of it, the understanding and sense of accomplishment is clear. And, of course, the best indication of success is that they keep coming back for more.

Business is booming for this athletic father of two. A typical class with Shawn consists of anywhere between twenty and forty participants. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms, and are mentored by the veterans. Some of Shawn’s students have two years with him—others less than two months. But like most things in life, you get out of it what you put into it—and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better example than a former professional athlete with a degree in Health and Nutrition.

Whatever your fitness needs, the Panhandle has a new answer: Shawn Scales. If you need a “big workday,” or something more specific, come see him. He’ll be waiting. For more information, email Shawn at trainingedge22@yahoo.com or call 703-565-7209.

Shawn with some of his morning class.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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STAYCATION IN THE PANHANDLE I hear this all the time: there is nothing to do around here— especially for kids. I have to wonder what it is exactly that these folks want. I probably have agreed with, or perhaps made the same statement myself, until I researched and discovered what our communities have to offer. In any event, I find that being in this area has so much to offer. The proximity to so many destinations is astounding. The Mountain State has mountains, rivers, wilderness, lakes, and more. We live an hour and a half from the nation’s capital, as well as Baltimore, MD. We are five hours from the Big Apple. And the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is just a road trip away—with accommodations to suit the needs of anyone.

The area is also full of history, and daytrips can be enjoyed by all. Battlefields, museums, and small communities await your curiosities.

Our area also has four seasons, with plenty of opportunities.

In the summer months, we can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, rafting, golfing, camping, and picnics. Depending on your budget, the sky is the limit. Then again, many activities don’t require much money at [ 60 ]

all. Being a parent, I recall the times spent with my boys when they were young. It’s amazing that the camping or fishing trips were the most memorable, and the cost was minimal. With gas prices increasing, we need to find alternative, cost-effective events.

Being in real estate, I see many homes that offer “Things To Do.” Make your home a getaway. If you have the space, a pool or hot tub can add a lot of fun to your home. Camping in the backyard (with a campfire) is a great way to get everyone together, as well. If you live in an area that doesn’t offer much yard space, you can always enjoy the local parks, swimming areas, or even the Potomac River. The new buzzword for what I’m describing is “staycation.” Instead of traveling and lodging, you can delete that expense by staying at home and doing things nearby that are much easier on the budget. This also stimulates your local economy instead of fueling the economy of the area you would have traveled to. Honestly, being bored in this area is not an option. There is just so much to do if you just look and watch for the events. Park days, community days, and downtown

events are just a few—not to mention events that support worthy causes.

Personally, I kept coming back to this area. Having lived in the suburbs of Philadelphia and Baltimore made me appreciate what the Panhandle has to offer.

Ask anyone who commutes to work more than an hour, and the response is usually the same: escaping home from the congestion is paramount, even though the commute is lengthy.

Dorothy may have said it best in the Wizard Of Oz—there really is no place like home. And John Denver hit the nail on the head with “Take Me Home Country Roads.” I kept coming back, and it seems I’m here to stay.

If you own your home, make it a place that has “Things To Do.” If you need a home, now is the best time to make that move.

Selection, prices, and amenities are endless. Mountain vistas, river access—even horse friendly and golfing communities are available. Just about anything you desire is within reach in the Panhandle. Have a great staycation!

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Consider owning a property at River Bend. CENTURY 21 Sterling Realty has the info to make your “STACATION� a close destination for many years to come.

Spend a day, week, month or summer at your own vacation location. Call our office at 304-263-2121 and ask for a River Bend agent to assist you. We will gladly give you the grand tour, answer your questions and help you with your purchase.

Welcome to River Bend RV Park. Our Park is a 400 acre recreational-vehicle camping resort with seasonal activities for members, their family and their guests. We are unique in that our members own their own lots! We are located on a striking peninsula on the Potomac River, near the Falling Waters, WV district. We are only a short drive from the Washington and Baltimore metro areas as well as other major cities in Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia. The park is open with utilities from the beginning of April through the end of October, but our members have access to their property throught the entire year.

Our members enjoy amazing views, swimming pools, a miniature golf course, a kids & youth Center, church, tennis and basketball courts, laundry facilities, a convience store, a deli and lounge, and the option to enjoy our Horseshoe and Boat Clubs.

We appreciate the support, patronage and loyalty of our communities.

Looking forward to another 25 years serving our community is our quest.

Rick Boswell (Broker/Owner) 158 Crimson Circle - Martinsburg, WV 25403 - WWW.C21STERLING.COM - 304-263-2121

Help Wanted:

But First Let Me Access Your Facebook Account! | By Amy N. Panzarella, SPHR

Recently, there has been a great deal of debate among hiring managers and job candidates regarding the appropriateness of utilizing social media to learn more about a job candidate’s background and behavior outside of the workplace. One can argue about the ethics around the issue of using this information to make a hiring decision. The fact remains that an act that is unethical does not necessarily equate to an act that is illegal. As a human resources professional, I am perplexed at the audacity it requires for a hiring manager to use information from a social media platform to determine a candidate’s worthiness for hire. Conversely, as someone who has been on the job market, I am equally perplexed at the ignorance of job candidates who reveal their deepest, darkest secrets on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter. While there is a great deal of advice from experts about this topic at our disposal, there is simply no rulebook to dictate what is right or wrong. So today, ladies and gentleman, I will be your guide on this confusing journey.

For all of you HIRING MANAGERS: Isn’t it challenging to resist the temptation to Google a job candidate or peek at Facebook? If you haven’t succumbed to this temptation—why not? After all, this is a prime opportunity to gain insight into the extracurricular activities of a future employee. You may also gain information about the type of people your future employee associates with, and whether these people measure up to your, or the company’s, standards.

Perhaps you will learn about a religious or political organization the job candidate is associated with that conflicts with the very nature of the business you support. You might ask yourself why this is such a bad thing. Knowledge is power, right? Wrong!

In many cases, a hiring manager can inadvertently (and sometime intentionally) make decisions about a job candidate that are in direct violation of federal law.

For example, it is illegal to discriminate against a person for their religious beliefs.

As a hiring manager, you bear the burden of defending your reason not to hire a qualified candidate for a position. This can prove difficult if your only rationale is that you did not approve of what you saw on Facebook.

If you have accessed social media to gain insight into a job candidate’s life, did you

[ 62 ]

find what you were looking for? Were you sorry you did it? Did it make a difference in your hiring decision? The bottom line is that you can’t “intentionally forget” what you already know. Once you have the image of the job candidate’s partying ways burned into your mind, will you ever be able to take the candidate seriously? Is the job candidate’s demonstrated behavior on social media indicative of the behavior you can expect at work? Really? What additional harm might be inflicted if you partake in this activity of peeking into a job candidate’s personal life?

Let’s face it: the chances that an employee is going to behave inappropriately at work is minimal, regardless of the story told on social media websites. Social media is not the crystal ball you need to make the right hiring decision. My methods may be archaic by today’s standards, but I firmly believe that performing a thorough job interview is all the insight you need to make the right decision. The hiring process, if conducted correctly, includes: a prescreen interview, at least one face-to-face interview, reference checks, background check, and possibly, job assessments. Managers would be well served to remove themselves from the personal lives of their employees and job candidates. Take it from me—“hiring managers”—ignorance is bliss when it comes to your candidate’s personal lives!

Now it’s your turn JOB CANDIDATES. If you are serious about acquiring the job of your dreams (or even a position that will pay the bills for now), you must earnestly select your references, scrutinize your resume, and review the content on your social media sites! You may ask: “Why does it matter what my Facebook contains?” It matters for many reasons. First, many people fail to realize that they have not secured their personal information (including photographs) from the public. If your profile is not secure, almost anyone can view your photographs and wall posts.

There is significant potential to reveal far more information than you intended. If the hiring manager you are interviewing with has not read this article, they may take advantage of an opportunity to review your personal information on a social media platform. You must ask yourself whether this is information you would not be embarrassed for others to see. The best practice is to keep your

social media platform, such as Facebook, secure. Additionally, you should consider whether the information contained in your profile, on your wall posts, and in your photographs is indicative of the impression you want to leave on others—especially your future boss. Remember: you can be tagged in photographs that others have included in their social media platforms.

Therefore, you should always consider your behavior—especially when you think no one is looking.

In today’s age of technology, there are few aspects of our lives that are held sacred.

People can discover information about you through the touch of a few buttons.

Are you comfortable with what they will find? Can you explain it if necessary?

Should you have to? You should hope that the person making the hiring decision is someone that will consider your employment based on your qualifications and merit. However, you are wise to assume that the hiring manager will take every opportunity to dig up information about you. Set yourself up for success (and a job offer), and show yourself as an upstanding, classy, and professional individual that any company would be proud to call their employee. Keep the most personal aspects of your life between you and the people they belong—not on Facebook or other social media outlets for the entire world to see. Treat your social media site as if you want to become President of the United States at some point. With this knowledge, EVERYTHING you ever post on your site will become public record, like it or not.

Hiring managers want to make the right hiring decisions, and job candidates want to be considered on the basis of their qualifications and experience. Social media is a great tool for communicating to widespread audiences, but hiring managers must use caution and tread lightly when temptation calls to access information about their job candidates.

Conversely, job candidates must assume that the information contained on their social media platforms is visible to everyone, and consider whether this is a positive way to promote themselves.

Hiring managers and job candidates: if you demonstrate your integrity and ethics at all times—the rest of the process will fall into place!

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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Panhandle

Challenge Yourself!

Healthy

LIVING

| By Dana M. DeJarnett, MS

www.presidentschallenge.org

The United Health Foundation released America’s Health Rankings for 2011. The good news is that West Virginia moved up two spots, ranking healthier. Our state is now ranked #41. West Virginia’s strengths are: low prevalence of binge drinking, high per capita public health funding, and low incidence of infectious disease. Our challenges are: high prevalence of smoking, obesity and diabetes, high rate of preventable hospitalizations, and many “poor mental and physical” health days per month.

a day to prevent this trend.

The deficit can be in calories consumed, in physical activity, or a combination of both. Sixtyfour calories is equal to about one chocolate chip cookie, or walking for fifteen minutes at 3.5 mph. Without this decrease in calories, the average U.S. child in 2020 will be four pounds heavier than a child of the same age in 2007-2008. More than twenty percent of the children would be obese—up from 6.9% today.

Have fun.

Specifically, in the past ten years, obesity in West Virginia increased from 23.2% to 32.9%, and diabetes increased from 7.6% to 11.7%. Similar trends can be seen nationally. A report released by the Physical Activity Council states that one million more people slipped into the sedentary category in 2011.

Sedentary lifestyles contribute to upward trends in obesity and diabetes. However, there is good news in the report: 100,000 children, ages six to twelve, increased their physical activity in 2011.

Obesity, diabetes, and many other health issues can be prevented or treated with healthy eating and physical activity. If you had the ability to prevent disease though simple, low-cost measures, wouldn’t you do it?

A simple tool that can help is Get moving. the PALA+ Challenge, from the

President’s Council on Physical Fitness. PALA+ Challenge is the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. In six short weeks, you can be on the path to a healthy lifestyle! The Challenge incorporates physical activity and healthy eating goals. PALA+ is free and open to all ages.

Starting the PALA+ Challenge will help you commit to daily physical activity, healthy food choices, realistic goals, and steady progress tracking.

Earn awards.

This is good news because another study released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reports that without For Adults: the goal is thirty changes in eating and physical minutes of physical activity activity habits, more than one at least five days a week, or in five children will be obese in 8,500 steps a day—using a 2020. The study calculated that, pedometer. Also, focusing on a on average, all it would take is healthy eating goal each week awardsThere Program a deficit ofPhysical sixty-four activity calories & Fitness is paramount. are eight

The President’s Challenge

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The President’s Challenge is a program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.fitness.gov

healthy eating goals to choose from. Start with one and add a new one each week.

For Children 6-17 years of age: the goal is sixty minutes of physical activity at least five days a week, or 12,000 steps a day, using a pedometer, as well as following the same healthy eating goals as adults.

The healthy eating goals include: • Make half your plate fruit and vegetables • Make half your grains whole grains • Choose fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, or cheese • Drink water instead of sugary drinks • Choose lean sources of protein • Compare sodium in foods like soup and frozen meals—choose foods with less sodium • Eat some seafood • Pay attention to portion size Some tips to help you increase your physical activity include: For adults: • Use a push mower to mow the lawn • Go for a walk in a nearby park • Take the stairs instead of the elevator

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

• Dance while you do your chores • Clean out the garage or attic • Take a walk break at work • Volunteer to become a coach or referee

www.presidentschallenge.org

• Sign up for a group exercise class • Organize a group exercise class at your work place For children:

• Take your dog for a walk

• Join a sports team, or try a new sport • Go to the park

Have fun.

• Help with yard work or chores • Play tag

• See how many jumping jacks you can do • Dance to some music

To sign up for the PALA+ Challenge, go to www.PresidentsChallenge. org. You can sign up to participate with the Healthier Panhandle Group.

You can print a log sheet or log your efforts online. If you don’t have online access, call 304-264-1287, ext. 1814, and I will send you a log form.

Through the PALA website, you can also receive an award for your efforts. WVUH-East would also like to reward you for your efforts.

Once you have completed the sixweek Challenge, send your log form to Dana DeJarnett: The Wellness Center, 2000 Foundation Way, Suite 1200, Martinsburg, WV, 25401. If you have completed online, call or email me at ddejarnett@cityhospital. org. Be sure to include your name and phone number. You will need to be able to pick up your reward at The Wellness Center.

Sign up today! Get your co-workers, family, and friends to join you on your path to a healthier lifestyle.

Let’s all work together to reverse West Virginia’s unhealthy statistics.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Get moving.

Earn awards.

The President’s Challenge Physical activity & Fitness awards Program The President’s Challenge is a program of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.fitness.gov

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What if it’s always you?

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It’s Time to say Goodbye to Bugs — By Debra Cornwell

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Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Pests have plagued man since the dawn of time. Because there is no complete eradication of all pests in society, only pest control, it seems like an in-demand service, due to concerns of public health, the economy, and the environment.

Described by some as “an evolutionary arms race” between humans and pests, best practices for safe and effective treatment is always evolving. One local company is at the forefront of the war on pests.

“Rodents and cockroaches are the top triggers of asthma attacks in children,” according to Nick Petti, president and chief operating officer of Enviro-Tech® Pest Services.

Petti, a Charles Town resident, is based professionally in Brunswick, MD. “Ticks cause Lyme Disease, and mosquitos spread West Nile Virus. These are all serious, lifethreatening illnesses.”

Bedbugs not only infest homes and hotels, they can infest schools. Economically, pests can be devastating, not only to crops, but to property owners with termite damage in their dwellings.

Environmentally, pests can damage ecosystems, and they aren’t limited to insects, either. Animals and invasive plants can threaten human safety—animals by direct contact or spreading disease, and invasive plants by choking habitats and even increasing fire-spread danger.

“We consider ourselves protectors of health and the environment,” Petti states. “We customize pest solutions with the lowest impact on what we call non-targets, such as people and pets. Enviro-Tech uses Integrated Pest Management, which is more comprehensive than just spraying chemicals. We also work to reduce our organization’s carbon footprint.”

Serious about environmental stewardship, Enviro-Tech® is working toward building a vehicle fleet that is half hybrids. Petti explains, “We draft, evaluate, and refine annual goals for green innovations, and we want the community to know that we are available to speak to schools and organizations about green initiatives, in addition to why pest control is important for a healthy community. We have really cool visuals that kids love, too!”

Supporting the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, local schools, and the Discover Downtown Charles Town organization are priorities for the firm.

Petti credits improved pest control, along with better healthcare and better sanitation, as a contributor to improved quality of life. He reminds, “There are simple things, like washing one’s hands frequently, not letting dirty dishes pile up, and keeping exterior doors closed, that help prevent problems with pests.”

Due to the mild winter, Petti says fewer pests died off, so bad bugs will be plentiful. “Carpenter ants are back, and we’ve seen termite swarmers early. There are so many seasonal pests, and every season has its own challenges.” EnviroTech® service technicians examine the risk factors at a client’s location.

“If deer are problematic in the yard, we can address nuisance wildlife control, including other animals.

Need help with preventing mice from coming inside? We do that. Have a problem with ticks and mosquitos?

We can treat for that. One step might be adjusting landscaping.”

(Left) Jeremy checks a CENTRICON Termite Bait System installed homes to trap termites. (Right) Put to the task by our photographer, Jeremy bets he can find termites on just about any propoerty.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 71 ]

Established in 1985, Enviro-Tech® utilizes the The Sentricon System to eliminate termite colonies—a yearround green product that uses only a few grams of an active ingredient, instead of hundreds of gallons of chemicals. The active ingredient is placed discreetly around a yard in little green stations. Sentricon is the only termite product to ever receive the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. Petti says Sentricon eliminates the need for drilling and trenching, and is great in area’s where run-off into bodies of water is a concern.

Elliott, a black and tan terrier, is the company’s secret weapon for detecting bed bugs. The Petti family rescued the high-energy Elliott from an animal shelter. After finding a specialized school in Tampa, FL, the Pettis sent Elliott for three months of training, then trained with him for one week. “When he puts on his harness for work, he is very

professional and focused. He loves working, so he works hard and plays hard,” says Petti’s wife, Jeannie.

Enviro-Tech® is so successful that Petti now offers franchises nationwide. With partners in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and Nebraska, the business is poised for expansion. “First, we get to know franchise inquirers, to see if it’s a good fit.” Petti says he looks for people who model Enviro-Tech’s ideals of superior customer service and environmental consciousness.

“If someone is qualified, but held back by financial challenges, we get them help with where they need to be,” he says. Knowledge of pest management is not required, but good communication skills and some management experience are a necessity.

Enviro-Tech® training includes building business and marketing plans, understanding cash flow

forecasts (local, state, and federal requirements), setting up bank accounts, setting up payroll, brand training, sales training, technical training, Quickbooks tutoring, proprietary software tutoring, hands-on training in the Brunswick office, and working in the field with technicians. “We follow up with each franchisee for annual fine-tuning of business and marketing plans,” assures Petti, “but we provide support and continuing education throughout the year.” Enviro-Tech® can even provide housing during training.

“Enviro-Tech Pest Services is among the top fifteen percent of pest management companies nationally,” Petti points out, “and everyone at Enviro-Tech is dedicated to protecting our clients’ family, home, and environment.”

For more information, visit www.

EnviroTechPestServices.com.

(Left) Envirotech sprays a repellant around the exterior of the home as part of the service contract.

(Right) A specially trained dog sniffs out bed bugs

[ 72 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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Mezcal

A Taste of Mexico in the Heart of Martinsburg—Salud!

Mezcal Mexican Grill may be a recent addition to the Panhandle’s restaurant scene, but there is nothing recent about the experience of its owners, or the flavor of its food. Ramon and Rita Gomez have been in the food business for twenty-seven years in various locations on the East Coast, but now call Martinsburg home.

After months of hard work and renovations, the couple opened Mezcal on November 15th, in downtown Martinsburg, on the corner of King and Maple. Rita fell in love with the location, despite concerns about other similar restaurants in the area. Undeterred, they knew that with the federal building located across the street, and a lawyer’s office nearby, foot traffic would be strong. And they were right. “My wife was really excited about the corner, and confident that we could make it,” muses Ramon. “Now, thanks to the customers, word has been spreading and business has been good. We see it getting stronger and stronger every day.”

The restaurant derives its name from tequila that hails directly from Mexico—yes, the one with the worm inside. Tequila comes from the agave plant, which diners can find gracing the Mezcal logo. Diners will

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Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

also find an array of thirty entrees to choose from, and that’s just for lunch! “Everything is prepared fresh daily,” according to Ramon. The most popular dish is the burrito San Jose.

It also happens to be his personal favorite. Stuffed with grilled chicken, Mexican sausage, rice, beans, and topped with cheese dip and pico de gallo, I had a hard time not choosing it for dinner. Fajitas or San Jose?

Fortunately, convincing my dining companion to order the San Jose, so I could order the fajitas, didn’t take a whole lot of effort.

We’d just finished munching on the complementary chips and housemade salsa when our entrees arrived, fragrant and sizzling. It also didn’t take much effort to devour both dishes. The fajitas were savory, and full of flavor—fresh peppers and onions. Topping each one with pico de gallo and a dab of sour cream impressed me just fine. So impressed was I, that despite the fact that I was already well on the way to full, I requested more tortillas and finished the entire skillet.

My companion loved the burrito, declared it «the best ever,» and has suggested at least twice since our dinner outing, that we return to Mezcal to share the San Jose. And there’s a reason for that—it’s at least a foot long, and nearly impossible to consume in one sitting (if you’re normal). Dessert was simply out of the question!

The Gomez couple takes pride in serving authentic Mexican food, made from family recipes. The Mezcal chef, Rojelio, turns each recipe into the flavorful delights that appeared on our table. Ramon declares, «I think he is one of the best cooks that God gave me. He is the one making the business!»

Indeed, Ramon attributes much of the restaurant›s early success to the crew running the show. «Without them, we are nothing.” He is equally glowing about his base of customers, emphasizing that they are «the best any business can have.»

Rita and Ramon strive to make Mezcal family friendly and comfortably appealing. The night we paid a dinner visit, we discovered exactly that. We were led to the back of the restaurant, where a

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 77 ]

cozy arrangement of tables and chairs accommodated us tastefully.

We took the time to peruse our surroundings. The decor is muted but touched with splashes of color, and without some of the cheesy, garish baubles that typically grace many a Mexican restaurant. The diners around us chatted in Spanish and English, seemingly at ease and enjoying one another.

The opening months have been so successful, that the couple is already considering expanding their enterprise and opening up another Mezcal in the area. The Gomez family has made the Panhandle their home and truly love it here. Ramon and Rita, both born in Mexico, have found contentment with their seven children. From California to Northern Virginia to West Virginia, the latest destination appears to be the right fit. «We love the people. It›s quiet, the schools are great, and our kids are doing better in school. It›s better here, not only for us, but for the kids,» expresses Ramon.

Stop in for lunch or dinner any day except Sunday, and you’ll likely see at least one member of the Mezcal duo smiling, greeting, and serving customers. Swing in on a Monday evening where you can get a freshly mixed margarita, frozen or on the rocks, for just $1.99. Pair it with the burrito San Jose and you’re sure to head home stuffed, and happy!

Preview the menu, or get a coupon, by visiting www.MezcalMexicanGrill. com. Catering options are also available.

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At a

Glance Mezcal Mexican Grill

301 W. King Street Martinsburg, WV 25401

304•579•8939

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 Overall Atmosphere



Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

RE-ELECT MAYOR

GEORGE KAROS

I ask for your vote and support for Mayor, City of Martinsburg, in the General Citywide election on June 12, 2012. Early voting begins May 30 through June 9, 2012. For nearly 38 years, I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of this community, serving as a Councilman-at-Large from 1974 until being elected as Mayor in June 2000. I have served as your Mayor, with your support, for the past 12 years. I am an active community member, work well with Local, State and Federal officials, provide leadership and experience and have strived to be a consensus builder between the governing body, citizens and businesses.

I have always put people first, both as the Mayor and a Pharmacist. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you as Mayor of the City of Martinsburg. I believe the best is yet to come for our great community. I will continue working with you, the citizens and businesses, to plan for our future.

I again ask you for your vote and support on June 12, 2012. Feel free to contact me at 304-267-8077 or at Patterson’s Drug Store at 304-267-8903 if I can be of any assistance to you. - George Karos - Mayor

Arndt-McBee Insurance

If you consider farmers to be unskilled labor, you better not be talking to Cam Tabb, of Kearneysville. The Tabb family has lived and farmed in Jefferson County since 1872. They own and farm land in Jefferson County and rent one farm in Berkeley County.

“I think every farmer is a practicing environmentalist. We practice what we preach. We use and recycle our own materials, as well as materials from the community. We don’t throw anything away,” he assures.

The decline of the family farm is a continuing trend in the agribusiness.

According to www.ehow.com, farm conglomerates, like ConAgra, are taking the place of the family farm.

Census records indicate that in 1900, more than 39% of the American population worked on family farms.

By 1940, the figure dropped to

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23.1%. By 1970, only 5% of the population farmed—a number that dropped to 2% by 1990.

wheat, sorghum (numerous species of grasses), and hay. All of this takes place on 1,800 acres.

Farm conglomerates have been taking over agriculture. They have higher production but cause damage to the soil, and taint groundwater with excessive amounts of fertilizer and pesticides. The Tabb family is dedicated to keeping the environment healthy. As a result, business is growing.

And the business is strictly a family affair. Lyle C. Tabb and Sons, Inc., consists of Tabb, his son Lyle, his brother Howard, his wife Jane, and even his mother, Virginia.

Kenny White is the only non-family farm worker. “Lyle oversees the bookkeeping, along with my mother, though mom is semi-retired,” Tabb alleges. His wife does the invoicing and Howard manages the cattle herd.

Tabb is the fourth generation to continue the farming tradition.

However, he has expanded the business, at 1040 Leetown Pike, to include numerous operations, like mulch production, livestock bedding, sifted topsoil and compost, and renting containers for wood and manure removal. The family also raises corn, soybeans, barley,

Expanding the business into so many different areas didn’t happen overnight. “I started out as a dairy farmer,” Tabb explains. “Cows have to be milked two times a day, 365 days a year. And you have to know what you’re doing. You have to be

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

aware of the conditions of the cows.

Is a cow limping or not eating its feed? It takes skills to know the animals and respond to them.”

When the Tabbs saw that the dairy farm wasn’t profitable, they phased out the dairy business, deciding to raise beef cattle instead. Tabb currently has 600 Black Angus cattle—raised on antibiotic- and hormone-free feed. “We sell the whole cow. They run about seven hundred to eight hundred pounds of meat to put in the freezer.

Generally, four or more people will go in on purchasing the meat. We have two markets—either selling to individuals, or a stock sale in Hagerstown, Maryland.

“Our customers want to know where their beef comes from, and they want to be sure the animals are handled the right way. We don’t sell our beef until it’s truly ready. The cows have enough fat to give flavor to the meat. Too many farms sell their beef too soon.”

Tabb says the public lets him know of other needs that he can provide.

In 1991, he began a composting business. “We found that so many processes we were doing every day could be turned into other businesses. We’re a combination farm,” he boasts. The Tabb Farm includes containers on the property where the public can dump leaves and grass. Compost is a mixture of various decaying organic substances, such as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. On the farm, composting takes place in seven different locations. Some materials are hauled to the farm. “Most of the compost I produce. It’s used in lieu of commercial fertilizer.”

(Above) Three Generations of the Tabb Family—(Left to Right) Howard Tabb, Jane Tabb, Lyle Tabb, Virginia Tabb and Cam Tabb (Below) One of seven different compost locations on the 1800 acre farm

Tabb processes all types of materials, from deer carcasses to food waste from the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Martinsburg. He even composts fish from the United States Department of Agriculture facility in Leetown. Animal manure is also composted, and used for fertilizer.

The farm is in the process of having a new composting area constructed.

Even the retaining walls for the new composting site are made from recycled cement, called Texas blocks.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 81 ]

Tabb jokes that he is known as the composting guru in the area. “I’ve been doing this for twenty years. It’s an extension of the business. You have to work at it and know what you’re doing. I give talks to different communities to help out, and help them manage many of their waste materials.”

For the animal bedding operation, Tabb uses clean wood, collected from house scraps, pallets, and rafters.

Wood chips from power line crews are used for bedding for the cattle.

“We don’t take demolition material— no painted wood,” he emphasizes.

The wood is ground twice. One of the machines used on site has super magnets that removes the nails. The nails are marketed as scrap metal.

Tabb explains that wood bedding is particularly good for horses. With the Charles Town Race Track nearby, and many other thoroughbreds in the area, wood bedding is a popular item.

“The horses won’t eat the wood bedding like they will straw bedding,” he says. “With straw bedding, if it’s wet, horses can get thrush, a condition like athlete’s foot. Wet straw also gets mold, which can affect a horse’s respiratory system.”

Another machine on site separates dirt from stumps of wood. The wood from the stumps is ground into mulch, and the dirt is used for topsoil. All maintenance on the many machines on the farm is simply done

by Tabb and his family. And there’s no need to advertise, “We make a quality product, so people find us,” Tabb smiles.

And does the work on such a dynamic farm ever end? The answer is yes. Tabb enjoys spending time with his six grandchildren. “A seventh grandchild is on the way,” he laughs. “Being a grandparent really is a big deal.”

For additional information about the Tabb Farm and its many offerings, call Tabb and Sons, Inc., at 304-6765703.

[ 82 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

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Fight to End Cancer in our Lifetime: Relay for Life — By Bonnie Williamson

Cancer. The disease strikes fear in the hearts of everyone. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, in the early part of this century, twelve million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide each year—and the disease affected one in every three persons born in developed countries.

Though the disease is terrifying, the fight against it is relentless, with an untiring dedication to ending cancer once and for all. Relay for Life fundraising events are held in every county in West Virginia. On Saturday, June 2nd, from noon until 6 a.m. the following day, the Berkeley County Relay for Life will be held on the track at Martinsburg High School.

Relay for Life is the primary fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. It began in Tacoma, Washington. In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office and show support for all of his patients who had battled the disease. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed: running marathons.

In May 1985, Klatt spent twentyfour hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma. He ran over eighty-three miles. That first year, nearly 300 of Klatt’s friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course. Throughout the

[ 84 ]

night, friends donated twenty-five dollars to run or walk with him for thirty minutes. His efforts raised twenty-seven thousand dollars to fight cancer.

Klatt wanted others to join him in the mission to fight cancer. Over the next few months, he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event, known as the City of Destiny Classic 24Hour Run Against Cancer. In 1986, nineteen teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the historic Stadium Bowl, and raised thirty-three thousand dollars.

Relays for Life have been taking place all over the country ever since. However, in Berkeley County, people don’t run, they walk. Barbara Henry is Community Manager for the American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division in Falling Waters, WV. “In the Berkeley County Relay for Life, participants are survivors, or the family of survivors. We have one hundred percent school involvement.

Participants raise money with bake sales, raffles, and dinner dances.

There’s online fundraising. Corporate sponsors donate, too.”

Last year’s event had 2,000 people participating in the relay with 109 teams. “We raised $314,000. We were the number one relay in the state for the third year in a row,” Henry smiles. “People in this county are so generous and caring. They understand that there needs to be a cure for this disease. There are more than two hundred kinds of cancer. A

tremendous number of women have breast cancer.”

According to www.BreastCancer. org, about one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes.

In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women, along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. And men are not immune.

About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in 2011. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.

As previously stated, the Berkeley County Relay for Life consists of people walking around the track.

“This is not a competition,” Henry emphasizes. “When you walk the track, you remember someone with cancer who has touched your life.

You want to save lives and create another birthday.”

Cancer survivors are a big part of the relay, according to Henry. The relay starts with a Survivors’ Lap. Survivors are invited to circle the track together. Caregivers are also given recognition. Tents are located around the track, since the event takes place all night. “Cancer never sleeps, so people walk the track at night. Night is the worst time for cancer patients—a very lonely time.

You fight to make it through the night, then when the sun comes up, you start the fight all over again.”

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

After dark, there’s a Luminaria Ceremony. Candles are lit inside bags filled with sand—each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer. The Luminaria display surrounds the track.

Among the different laps at the Relay for Life are some that allow for a bit of humor—like the clown lap and the bad hair lap. “We laugh. We cry. We meet great people all day long,” Collinson adds.

Henry has been with the American Cancer Society for four years. Her husband Sonny became involved with the relay. Sadly, he eventually died of cancer. “He was very passionate about the relays and battling cancer,” she maintains. “He kept me going. He hoped some day that enough funds would come in for a cure, so no one would have to endure what he did.”

According to the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, by the American Cancer Society, progress is being made. The rate of death in the United States from all cancers combined continues to decline, going back to the early 1990s. Death rates decreased on average 1.6% per year between 2004 and 2008. The rate of new cancer cases among men decreased by an average of 0.6% per year between 1994 and 2008. For women, the rate of new cancer cases decreased 0.5% per year from 1998 through 2006, and stayed the same from 2006 through 2008. For children, the rate of new cancer cases increased 0.6% per year from 2004 through 2008. Death rates, however, decreased 1.3% per year for children during the same period.

Ken Collinson, a volunteer, and chairman of the event, also had a loved one die of cancer. “My sister died from ovarian cancer. Once you do the Relay, it’s a life-changing experience. You meet survivors and their families. You share a common bond and celebrate survival.”

Collinson echoes Henry’s assessment that cancer never sleeps. “We don’t sleep either. With research, we can save lives—about a thousand lives a day. We want to wipe out cancer with the Relay for Life.”

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

For the second year in a row, death rates from lung cancer have dropped

among women. Lung cancer death rates in men also dropped, as they have since the early 1990s.

The report attributes the decline to states with comprehensive anti-tobacco programs. Women’s death rates from lung cancer start dropping many years later than men’s because they start smoking in large numbers much later.

Colon cancer death rates, and the rate of new cases, continues to decline, which the report attributes to improvements in the use of colon cancer screening. The rate of breast cancer cases declined from 1999 through 2004, and stayed the same from 2004 through 2008.

“When you’re fighting cancer, remember—you’re not just one person,” Collinson promises. “There are many in this fight. It’s an honor to do this.”

For more information about the Berkeley County Relay for Life, contact Barbara Henry at 304-2718818 or visit www.BerkeleyRelay. org.

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Where taste and innovation meet

Lot 12 Public House |

Berkeley Springs, WV

By Debra Cornwell What a memorable and enjoyable meal! I’ve been on the “grab-aquick-bite-business-lunch-dinnergala-fundraiser” dining circuit for a few months, so I chose Lot 12 Public House in Berkeley Springs at the first opportunity to dine out “just because.” I chose well. Who wouldn’t love a restaurant where the chef comes out of the kitchen while carrying his glass of wine to check on his guests?

During the drive to Berkeley Springs, although it is considered local, one can shed the stresses of a busy life from a few miles east. There is just enough change in scenery and terrain that Berkeley Springs seems like miles away. Arriving at Lot 12, then, is all the sweeter.

Berkeley Springs, or Bath, West Virginia, was founded in 1776 around the warm springs, which still draw visitors to “take the water.”

In 1777, Captain John Swann of Washington County, Maryland, was the original purchaser of Lot 12 in the town’s deed book. In 1913, a lovely Victorian-style home with a wrap-around porch was built to take advantage of the leafy-treed promontory overlooking the town.

It is here that Chef Damian Heath and his wife, Betsy, opened Lot 12 in 1999. Economically, they’ve seen it all: before the boom, the peak of visitor spending, the bottom, and the slow climb out. The fact that the Heaths are celebrating

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Tuna nachos - Crispy wontons piled high with sushi-grade tuna dressed with ponzu and wasabi-drizzle,

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thirteen years in business in 2012 is a testament, not only to their business sense, but especially to their creative menu and abundant hospitality. Betsy, an Inwood (WV) native, remembers, “We didn’t have a grand plan. After several years of working for restaurants and caterers in other cities, we wanted to express ourselves with our own food style— to create our own food and dining experience—so we moved to back to Damian’s hometown and did just that.” Chef Damian admits, “The peak was fun—we were stretching the limits with food, and no one was worried about pricing.”

Opening the restaurant at a time when locavore and organic were not prevalent in the national, much less local, lexicon, the Heaths are pioneers of sorts in that movement.

“We can’t be one hundred percent local because we serve seafood,” Damian explains, “and there are a few other ingredients that come from outside the area. When we started, it was difficult to get certain products, and out of necessity, we worked with local farmers to get them to grow what we need.”

Speaking of local, Damian says there was a buzz in town when it was known he was moving back to open a restaurant. “The folks were curious

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and hopeful about our project, and local folks still support us. We’re a special occasion restaurant for residents, and we’re a popular spot with visitors, as well as those with vacation homes in the area.”

To be sure, Lot 12 is fine dining— upscale comfort food with a modern twist. Damian says he casts for every palate, but not in a pretentious, foodie way. The menu has something for everyone.

There’s also an intimate bar— perfect for enjoying a martini with a savory appetizer. (If you’re so inclined, Lot 12 pours distinctive wine, microbrews, and fine spirits.)

The double-parlor dining room is cozy and engaging, but not crowded. Dining on the porch in warm weather, while taking in the view, is a must. Our server, Becky Hutchinson, also an Inwood native, has been with Lot 12 since day one, and provided attentive, informative service.

For dinner, we selected the freshest of the fresh—ramps and morels.

There’s just something wild and wonderful about cooking with these gourmet delectables—prized and delicious, and at the skilled hands of Chef Damian, quite heavenly.

Our feast began with soup for me,

a salad for one guest, an appetizer for the other guest, and an appetizer for the table—wild ramp vichyssoise, spinach salad with goat cheese, sautéed morels, and tuna nachos.

There were several surprising things about the vichyssoise. I’ve always experienced it chilled—this one was warm, and with the crème fraiche, very decadent. The ramps were bright but not overpowering, and the ham juliennes absolutely zinged with flavor.

Spinach salad is spinach salad, right? At Lot 12, it’s truly something special. Topped with local goat cheese medallions tossed in panko crumbs and quickly sautéed, the local spinach is then dressed with a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette.

Damian learned a simple yet divine preparation for morels from a master chef in Ireland—sauté in butter and cream and deglaze with duck stock and sherry. Served with sippets of artisan bread for sopping the incredible pan juices, this dish is made more precious by its seasonality. Wait, someone tell me those sippets were for juice sopping?

If I committed a faux pas, it was worth every drop!

Tuna nachos? It’s a simple concept— something that might be seen more frequently along the West Coast—

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

but surprising in Morgan County.

My mouth is watering as I recall the crispy wontons piled high with sushigrade tuna—yes, piled high. With Napa slaw and paper-thin jalapenos scattered about, then dressed with ponzu (a citrusy soy sauce concoction) and wasabi-drizzle, this creation is bright, tangy, and crunchy, with the rich smoothness of the tuna.

After a palate-cleansing and -pleasing intermezzo of pear sorbet, we could hardly wait for the main course—two for crisp-roasted duck and one for Lobster Thermidor.

When the server passed the plate of duck in front of me, a stunning aroma caught my attention. The rosemary in the potato cake leapt off the plate—mashed potato-y inside and crisped on the outside, with an herbaceous perfume. Duck is a rich, silky, dark meat, and when the skin is crisped to a thin, crunchy perfection, and served in bourbon pan juices, the flavor and texture is transcended. The classic Lobster Thermidor featured a lobster tail in a pool of brandy cream sauce with pearls of pale yellow saffron couscous—a sumptuous dish.

Can you believe we had room for more? Dessert hash, coconut rum crème brûlée, and a warm brownie with chocolate sauce and banana ice cream rounded out the meal.

The crème brûlée was superb, with a sweet crunchy lid and rich creaminess beneath. Honestly, I didn’t get to taste the brownie and ice cream; I think that tells the story. Dessert hash is a combination of diced doughnuts, raisins, apples, and walnuts, with vanilla ice cream and caramel. It’s one of the most uniquely delicious desserts I’ve eaten—and the proper finish to a wonderful evening.

Chef Damian Heath serves the crisp roast duck entree.

Dessert hash is a combination of diced doughnuts, raisins, apples, and walnuts, with vanilla ice cream and caramel.

Tucked away charmingly on a perfect hillside in Berkeley Springs, Lot 12 Public House is a place where taste and innovation meet. The result is an award-worthy dining establishment, and a lovely chance to get away “just because.”

Find them online at www.Lot12.com and on Facebook at Lot 12 Public House.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Now It’s Your Turn Recipes to Spice Up Your Life | Sauce up your Summer

e c u a S Q B B e d a m e m Ho Ingredients

mato sauce p & 2 cups to hu tc ke ps 2 cu own sugar ses 1 1/4 cups br 2 cup molas vinegar & 1/ e in w d re oke 1 1/4 cups red liquid sm hickory-flavo on po es bl 1 Ta c minced garli wder 1/2 teaspoon 4 tsp chili po 1/ n powder & io on p ts 2 ry seed 1/ aspoon cele ika & 1/2 te pr pa on po 1 teas amon ground cinn 1/4 teaspoon er cayenne pepp 1 teaspoon pepper 1 tsp black 1 tsp salt & s of butter 2 Tablespoon

Directions

ium an over med In a saucep the er th ge to heat, mix own ato sauce, br uid ketchup, tom liq s, se ar, molas sugar,vineg ason Se . er tt bu smoke and r, chili onion powde with garlic, ed, se ry ika, cele powder, papr and lt sa e, nn ye cinnamon, ca pepper. simmer to low, and Reduce heat inate ar M . es minut for up to 25 re fo be r 1 hour your meat fo e for uc sa e m so ve cooking. Sa grill. meat on the basting your

Hollandaise Sauce

Ingredients

3 egg yolks 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 dash Tabasco 1/2 cup hot melted butter

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Directions

In your blender, com bine the egg yolks, mustard, lem on juice and Tabasco. Blend for about 5 seconds or until mixed Heat butter in the m icrowave for about 1 minute, or until completely melted and hot. Se t the blender on high speed, and po ur the butter into the egg yolk mixtur e in a thin stream.

It should thicken alm ost immediately.

Keep sauce warm un til ready to use.

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

3 cups fr esh basil leaves 1 1/2 cu ps chopp ed walnu or pine n ts uts 3 to 4 clo ve dependin s garlic g on you r taste 1/4 cup grated P armesan cheese 1 cup oli ve oil salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

plain ntainers

nce) co 2 (8 ou yogurt seeded peeled, s r e b 2 cucum ed and dic live oil poons o 2 tables ed on, juic 1/2 lem to taste pepper d n dill a lt sa d fresh choppe n o o p s 1 table eeled garlic, p 3 cloves

Directions

In a food processor, blend together b asil leave s , nuts, garlic, salt ,pepper a nd cheese. P our in oil s lowly while still blending.

G reat to use on fish and c hicken.

Directions

nder, or or ble olive s s e c o r er, dp In a foo ogurt, cucumb y per, dill e p e in p b , m lt a co s , e ic ellon ju s until w oil, lem . Proces to a separate c li r a g and sfer for at ed. Tran igerate fr combin e r d n vor. ver a best fla dish, co our for h e n o t leas

M arinara Sauce Ingredients

Directions

1/2 cup e xtra-virgin olive oil 2 small on ions, finely chopped In a large casserole po 2 garlic cl t, heat the oi a medium-h oves, fine l over igh flame. A ly choppe dd the onions an d d ga 2 stalks ce rlic and saut lery, finely e chopped are translucent, ab until the onions 2 carrots, ou t 10 minutes th e peeled an celery, carrot . Add d finely s, and 1/2 te chopped each salt an aspoon of d pepper. Sau te until all th vegetables 1/2 teasp e are soft, ab oon sea sa out 10 minut lt Add the tom es. atoes and ba 1/2 teasp oon freshly y leaves, an simmer unco d ground black pep vered over lo per w heat until sauce thicke the ns, about 1 2 (32-oun hour. Remov and discard ce) cans cr e th e ba y le ushed af. Season th tomatoes sauce with m e ore salt and pepper, to ta st e.

(T 2 dried ba he sauce ca y leaves n be mad ahead. Cool, then cover an e 1 day d refrigerate.

Rewarm over medium heat before using. ) www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Form B y To n y P r i c e

ES

If you are a small business owner that files a Schedule C to report your sole proprietor or LLC (limited liability company) business income, you need to pay attention to this article. Schedule Cs have seen heightened scrutiny in IRS audits, and have been center stage in recent IRS “tax gap” estimates.

T h e t a x g a p i s t h e d i ff e r e n c e b e t w e e n w h a t taxpayers owe the IRS and what they have p a i d . T h i s p a s t J a n u a r y, t h e I R S r e l e a s e d the 2006 tax gap figures, which was the first since 2001. Why are they just now releasing 2 0 0 6 ? We l l , y o u h a v e t o r e m e m b e r t h a t t a x r e t u r n s a r e f i l e d i n t h e s u b s e q u e n t y e a r,

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CURRENT STATUS

Small Business Owners

and then it takes significant time to compile a n d a n a l y z e t h e d a t a . T h u s , m o s t Tr e a s u r y reports utilizing tax return information are typically several years old.

From 2001 to 2006 the tax gap increased from $345 billion to $450 billion. Of that $450 billion, approximately $372 billion is attributed to underreporting in the following categories: As you can see, Schedule C underreporting i s b y f a r t h e l a r g e s t c a t e g o r y. N o w, w h e n you consider that the tax gap has grown an estimated ten to twenty percent by the end o f 2 0 11 , i t ’s n o w o n d e r t h a t t h e a u d i t r a t e for Schedule C tax returns has substantially

Non-business underreporting

$73B

Schedule C underreporting

$193B

Overstated deductions, exemptions, and credits

$42B

Payroll taxes

$20B

Corporate income tax

$39B

Estate tax

$5B

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

SCHEDULE C

i n t h e I R S ’ B u l l ’s - E y e

increased. Based on 2010 IRS figures, Schedule Cs have a 300% higher chance of being audited than either a partnership or an S-Corporation. Of the Schedule Cs audited in 2010, the average adjustment exceeded $9,000.

Here are your primary areas of concern:

Wo r k e r M i s c l a s s i f i c a t i o n – To o many times, small business owners misclassify workers as independent contractors. I’ve heard a myriad of r e a s o n s a s t o w h y, b u t t h e p r i m a r y reason is, they believe they have a choice! Unfortunately that is not the case. Remember the old saying: “If it walks like a duck, and it quacks l i k e a d u c k ” ? We l l , i f y o u h a v e o n e of these feathery friends working for you, you need to be treating them as a W- 2 e m p l o y e e , a n d t h e r e b y p a y i n g t h e e m p l o y e r ’s s h a r e o f p a y r o l l , unemployment, and other taxes.

Failing to Issue Information Returns – Most businesses are

required to issue 1099s for fees paid to individuals, other than employees or corporations, which exceed $600 during t h e y e a r. F a i l u r e t o p r o p e r l y f i l e a 1 0 9 9 w i l l t r i g g e r a p e n a l t y, b u t t h e b i g g e r concern is that, in an audit, the IRS will disallow the deduction for the fees you p a i d t h a t v e n d o r. T h i s a d j u s t m e n t c a n be substantial.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Bad Accounting Practices and Record Keeping – This is your

major area of concern! The proliferation of QuickBooks, and similar accounting software, has been both a blessing and a curse. It has enabled every taxpayer to more easily maintain and a c c e s s t h e i r f i n a n c i a l d a t a . H o w e v e r, i t does not educate the taxpayer on the intricacies of what is considered income or a deductible expense, nor does it help you determine if something should go onto a balance sheet or an income statement. This has lead to a false sense of security that “my accounting records are accurate.” The QuickBooks ease of use has led to an abundance of over-deductions attributable to the inclusion of non-deductible personal expenses, and the failure to properly include all income.

What should you do? If you have a Schedule C in your personal income tax return, you need to talk to your accountant about these issues. If you don’t have an accountant, find one. It is not a question of whether you will be a u d i t e d b y t h e I R S — i t ’s a q u e s t i o n o f when. And if you don’t have someone with a strong accounting background maintaining your financial records, chances are you have issues that need addressed. Better to deal with them now then during an audit!

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In the U.S., 443,000 people die every year from cigarettes. On average, people that smoke die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers. You’ve been telling yourself to do it for weeks, months, years. There are a million and one psychological and social reasons (excuses) you haven’t quit. You recognize and have heard them all.

Heck, you agree with most of them.

But, for whatever reason, you just won’t. Not for yourself, for your family, or your friends. Your body would beg you to quit if it could, and it would tell you this: Twenty minutes after quitting, your blood pressure and heart rate decrease, while the body temperature of your hands and feet increases—a very good thing! At 8 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood reduces to a normal level.

Lowering the amount of carbon monoxide in your blood can give you more energy and give your body the oxygen it needs.

At just 24 hours, your risk of having a heart attack decreases significantly. At 48 hours, your sense of smell and taste improves dramatically.

Take a deep breath if you’ve come this far—enjoy what you’ve been missing! After 2 weeks, your

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circulation improves, exercise becomes easier, your lung function begins to improve, and you begin to lose your smokers cough. In 1 to 9 months, coughing, sinus problems, shortness of breath, and fatigue decrease as your lungs regain normal function. Between 5 and 15 years after quitting, your risk of having a stroke returns to that of a non-smoker. In 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease and infarction becomes similar to that of people who have

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never smoked. Your risk of death returns to that of a non-smoker.

The average cost of a pack of cigarettes in WV is $4.75. A pack-aday habit will cost you approximately $1,680 a year. That’s a pretty nice vacation. Or a nice payment into an annual retirement fund. And just imagine what you’ll pay out over the years in medical bills. Our friends at WebMD.com have offered up some advice for those of you who are ready, but just need a final push.

Know Why You Want to Quit To get motivated, you need a powerful, personal reason to quit. Maybe you want to protect your family from secondhand smoke. Maybe the thought of lung cancer frightens you.

Or maybe you’d like to look and feel younger.

Choose a reason that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up.

Don’t Go Cold Turkey Going cold turkey isn’t easy to do.

Ninety-five percent of people who try to stop smoking without therapy or medication end up relapsing. The reason is that nicotine is addictive.

The brain becomes used to having nicotine and craves it.

In its absence, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal occur. You’re

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

better off gradually decreasing your cigarette use, so that your body and mind can adapt.

Try Nicotine-Replacement Therapy When you stop smoking, nicotine withdrawal may make you feel frustrated, depressed, restless, or irritable. The craving for “just one drag” may be overwhelming.

Nicotine-replacement therapy can help reduce these feelings. Studies suggest nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches can help double your chances of quitting successfully when used with an intensive behavioral program.

Ask About Prescription Pills To ease nicotine withdrawal without using products that contain nicotine, ask your doctor about prescription medications. There are pills that help reduce cravings by affecting chemicals in the brain. They may also make smoking less satisfying if you do pick up a cigarette.

Other drugs can help reduce troubling withdrawal symptoms, such as depression or inability to concentrate.

Don’t Go It Alone Tell your friends, family, and coworkers that you’re trying to quit.

Their encouragement could make the difference. You may also want to join a support group or talk to a counselor. Behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps you identify and stick to quit-smoking strategies. Combine behavioral therapy with nicotine replacement products and/or medication to boost your odds of success.

Manage Stress One reason people smoke is that the nicotine helps them relax. Once you quit, you’ll need another way to cope with stress. Try getting regular massages, listening to relaxing music, or beginning some type of regular exercise program. If possible, avoid stressful situations during the first few weeks after you stop smoking.

triggers, so try to drink less when you first quit. If coffee is a trigger, switch to tea for a few weeks. And if you usually smoke after meals, find something else to do instead, like brushing your teeth or chewing gum.

Clean House Once you’ve smoked your last cigarette, toss all of your ashtrays and lighters. Wash any clothes that smell like smoke, and clean your carpets, draperies, and upholstery. Use air fresheners to help rid your home of that familiar scent. You don’t want to see or smell anything that reminds you of smoking.

Try and Try Again It’s very common to have a relapse.

Many smokers try several times before giving up cigarettes for good. Examine the emotions and circumstances that lead to your relapse. Use it as an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to quitting. Once you’ve made the decision to try again, set a “quit date” within the next month.

Get Moving, and Eat Better Physical activity can help reduce nicotine cravings and ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you want to reach for a cigarette, go for a walk or a jog instead. Even mild exercise is helpful, such as walking the dog or pulling weeds in the garden. The extra calories you burn will also ward off weight gain as you quit smoking. Don’t try to diet while giving up cigarettes—too much deprivation is bound to backfire.

Instead, focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. A Duke University study suggests these foods make cigarettes taste terrible. This gives you a leg up in fighting your cravings while providing disease-fighting nutrients.

Avoid Alcohol and Other Triggers Certain activities may boost your urge to smoke. Alcohol is one of the most common www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 97 ]

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The Recipe for Success in Modern Family Farming

- By Debra Cornwell

Warm light shone through my sunroof as I wheeled my car up a winding road, past acres of foliage, through the highlands of Morgan County. My destination? The eighty acres of Glascock’s Produce— its panoramic view made more enjoyable by the juicy perfection of a fresh honey crisp apple.

Diversification and flexibility are key components to the farm’s offerings.

They grow over thirty kinds of vegetables, and often many varieties of those types, including asparagus, beans, corn, collards, eggplant, pumpkins, squash, and tomatillos.

They also harvest fruit trees, vine fruit, and tree nuts. Additional products include: wildlife feed, corn stalks, straw bales, harvest wreaths, baked goods, prepared foods, and brownie-in-a jar kits. Prepared foods include: chutneys, jams, jellies, pie fillings, apple honey BBQ sauce, Bloody Mary mix, peach daiquiri mix, pasta sauce, and fruit butters.

Mark and Laura Glascock, both 40, and together over twenty years, represent the modern, successful American farmer: smart, hardworking, fearless, passionate, and ahead of the curve. Mark laughs, “The good thing about farming is that you can choose which eighty hours a week you want to work. My grandfather used to joke that for farming, one needs a strong back and a weak mind. However, it is absolutely true that what you put into it is what you get out of it.”

If you are what you eat, then it stands to reason that what you put in the soil is what you eat, as well. Named the Eastern Panhandle District Conservation Farm of the Year last May, the Glascocks were nominated for their soil and water conservation practices. They care for the land that cares for their crops, and work to conserve water, enhance the soil, and increase harvests. Their farming techniques include tunnels, irrigation, and mulching.

With a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services grant, the Glascocks developed an irrigation system to water five highly productive acres of crops. “The sun shines all the time. I knew I needed to conserve water, so I stockpile

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[ 99 ]

it via 16.9 acres of catch that includes the gutters of my house,” Mark explains. The rain goes into a fourteen-foot-deep pond that holds 1.5 million gallons of water. The pond drains to a pump house. Then, the water is carried by a pipe, which is buried beneath the frost line, up to the garden, where the lowpressure drip system spaghettis out to the rows of plants.

Rye grass is the winter cover that prevents erosion and adds nutrients to the soil. The Glascocks use plastic mulch for weed control, which also reduces the need for herbicides.

Mark has built tunnels over some crop rows—small arches with plastic covering, similar to tents. Each tunnel represents a growing zone when layered, so he can plant and harvest certain crops earlier, like corn. Forget “knee-high by the Fourth of July,” Mark is harvesting sweet corn then, or as early as June 28th. He notes that they grow all the vegetables from their own heirloom seeds.

With their recent accolades, the Glascocks might seem like an overnight success, but it’s a success that has taken decades. Mark and his children are the third and fourth generations of Glascocks to farm at this location. He explains that his grandfather, Gary Glascock, Sr., started with 600 acres on Highland Ridge Road. Each of his three sons inherited about 200 acres—Gary, Jr. operates the original Glascock Orchards. Mark’s father, Steve, hosts guided hunts for pheasants, quails, and chukars, also known as partridges, on some of the land at his farm—Quail Hollow. His uncle Albert owns ABG Farm. Mark and Laura have been in the produce business since 1991 at this location, on his father’s land.

The Glascocks truly live farming twenty-four-seven. Some of the best houses were conceived as a drawing on a napkin. Mark and his father did just that. His purposebuilt farmhouse is utterly unique.

The large brick rambler, with its sweeping, curved brick porch, exquisite brick detail, and fourteen brick arches, sits over an English basement that includes the packing operation and a cold storage room.

[ 100 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAY • JUNE 2012

Mark relates that he attended a meeting where Senator John Rockefeller said that West Virginians only produce about ten percent of the food they eat. The senator hopes that percentage will increase to twenty-five. “Since 2002, the buy fresh—buy local concept has steadily gained customers,” Mark explains.

“People want to know where their food comes from; they care about the security of their food. They want real food that tastes good—not the bland stuff that comes from megafarms. We can sell directly to the consumer the day after we pick.

Buying from your local farmer is the simplest and most primitive form of direct marketing.” He notes that customers are willing to pay a premium price for a premium product.

With the ever-growing locavore trend, the Glascocks see a positive future for themselves and for other farmers like them. Laura serves as the chairperson of the Farmers’ Market Committee of the Morgan County Association of Food and Farms, a non-profit organization with the vision of making Morgan County a food and agricultural destination.

She emphasizes, “When the local industry comes together, we are strong.”

Selling at the markets is competitive. According to Mark, “Draw a ring around the Washington area with a 125-mile radius—you’ve got the Eastern Shore at one point and the Blue Ridge Mountains/ Shenandoah Valley at another. There is tremendous choice, and everyone has their special niche. To be successful, we are open to new ideas and are always experimenting with growing. Once you try our produce, especially if you use Laura’s recipe cards, you will be a customer for life.

Our farm is a labor of love.”

Visit the Glascocks at farmers’ markets located in Berkeley Springs from March to December, in Leesburg year-round, and Ashburn, Reston, and Burke (VA), from May through Thanksgiving. You can also find them online at www.

GlascocksProduce.com, though Laura says calling them is best, at 304258-1431.

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[ 101 ]

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