Around The Panhandle March - April 2013

March + April 2013

M A G A Z I N E

Your Outdoor Living Solution

Things to Do...

Wonderment Puppets 9 Dragons

Bunker Hill Antiques The Chesapeake Crab

The Granite Guys Meet Joanne Cooke

Places to Go... $2.99

People to Know...

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FEATURES March & April 2013

Things To Do -9-

The Wonderment Puppet Theatre Come be a kid again

- 93 -

The 9 Dragons in Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Places To Go -9-

- 73 -

On The Cover March + April 2013

Bunker Hill Antiques Everything Old is New Again

E M A G A Z I N

- 81 -

Chesapeake Crab Company Home of the “Big Fish Sandwich”

People To Know

Your outdoorn Living SoLutio

- 28 -

Things to Do..Hill. Antiques

Meet the Granite Guys of Hagerstown

Bunker 9 Dragons

.

Places to Go..ent Puppets

Wonderm The Chesapeake Crab

w...

People to Kno Joanne Cooke

$2.99

Meet The Granite Guys

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Joanne Cooke Proprietor of the Gourmet Cooke

[4]

- 19 Brian Miller, owner of Miller’s Residential Creations is the solution for your outdoor living, construction or renovation project this spring .

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

contents 6 Dear Readers 54 New HIPAA 9 Bunker Hill Antiques Regulations 14 Panhandle Profile 58 JC Smith

Rocky Ridge Landscaping & Nursery

64 Rely on Rick 66 Budget Blinds of

17 Caption Contest 19 Miller’s Residential 23 Sunfire Rebrand

28 Two Granite Guys

40 Gourmet Cooke

Elegant Bites and Much More

45 Wonderment

Myths About Guns

Offers a Legacy of Service

78 Now It’s Your

- 93 93 The Featured Eats

9 Dragons - Cuisine Fit for an Emperor

97 Eastern Panhandle

Entrepreneurs Forum

100 Boltz Hardware

Continues Tradition, Offers Uniques

Turn - Recipes

81 The Unknown Eater

Puppets 86

Be a Kid Again

48 Our Top Ten

Fueling Your Athlete

Mechanics

34 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Waters

Healthy Living

73 Farmers &

We do it all and we do it every day

Martinsburg

70 Panhandle

Total Energy Solution

Understanding the Importance of Home

Chesapeake Crab Co

Celebrating 10 Yrs Hancock Dental

89 Cecil’s Building

& Supply

- 40 -



103

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 March/April 2013 | VOL 4 | NO 6

Dear Readers:

And so it begins—the changing of the season. I realize it technically happens next month, but give a guy a chance to look forward to warmer weather, longer days and playing golf again. As Old Man Winter starts to ease his frigid grasp on our lives, we can start to plan all those spring projects. There is no place like home and this issue focues on just that.

The Eastern Panhandle Home Builders Association’s Annual Home Show draws the best of the best. We have hand-picked just a few of these to showcase for you. Brian Miller graces our cover even though his right-hand man Shawn is apparently way cuter according to my mother. Brian and his team are a small growing company that has a bright future in the panhandle. Amongst the home related articles you will meet John and Chrissy Smith, a couple whose passion shines in their finished work. We visit Boltz Hardware which has been a fixture of our community for decades and decades.

We do have something for everyone as we take you behind the scenes at the Wonderment Puppet Theatre with Mr. Santoro. Our Unknown Eater sneaks a peek at the Chesapeake Crab Company, a quaint little joint where you can enjoy a great meal, and quite a bit more. We’ll take a fascinating journey through Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Waters. An architectural master-piece just a few short hours from the panhandle.

Writer Deb Corwell sneaks a peak at Hollywood Casino’s newest restaurant, The 9 Dragons. This authentic Hong Kong inspired gem combines food, style, and flair to captivate the panhandle’s hungry. You need to check this place out—if you’re still one of the dwindling few who haven’t.

At Around the Panhandle, we attempt to bring you the accounts of people and places that make this area special, and represent some of its most inspiring features.

Ok I have to bring it up, the hot topic of the moment - guns, our top ten addresses some myths from both sides of the issue. We would love your input and feedback on guns, gun control, siociety, your 2 cents if you will, just visit our facebook page and give us your thoughts.

PUBLISHER

Mike Hornby

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER

Kresha Hornby

EDITOR

Kathy Hornby

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Mike Hornby James Schaffner

WEBSITE

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

WRITERS

The Unknown Eater Jim Scott Debra Cornwell Dana DeJarnett Victoria Kidd Rick Hemphill Bonnie Williamson Natalie Greene Bethany Davidson Rick Boswell

PHOTOGRAPHY

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

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Hornby Publishing

PRINTER

Panhandle Printing & Design

BUSINESS & CIRCULATION Kresha Hornby SEND MAIL TO

PO Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402

CONTACT US AroundThePanhandle.com

[304] 851-7460 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.

Mike Hornby - Publisher Around The Panhandle Magazine 304-851-7460 editor@aroundthepanhandle.com Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AroundthePanhandleMagazine

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

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

Subscription price is $18.99 per year. Single issues $2.99. To subscribe, send check or money order for $18.99 payable to Around the Panhandle; PO Box 1254, Martinsburg, WV 25402 or subscribe online and pay by credit card at www.AroundThePanhandle.com.

[6]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Surgical Excellence at WVUH - East James M. Carrier, M.D.

If you’ve been putting off surgery or going out-of-state for a procedure you thought was not offered locally, maybe it’s time you meet the expanding surgical staff at WVU Hospitals-East

Robert Cicchino, Jr., D.O.

and learn about all of the new procedures now offered here – close to home.

• Bariatric Lap Band • Gall Bladder Surgery • Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia • Laparoscopic Appendectomy • Barrett’s Esophagus Ablation • TIF Surgery for GERD (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

• Upper GI Endoscopy

Wesley L. Harris, M.D.

• Cancer Surgery • Breast Surgery • Colonoscopy • Laparoscopic Colon • Thyroid Surgery • Ventral & Inguinal Hernia Repair • Skin & Soft Tissue Surgery • Trauma Surgery

Jessica E. Johnson, D.O. Jan C. Kletter, M.D., M.S. John Thomas, M.D. Ophas Vongxaiburana, M.D.

Pictured from left to right: Robert Cicchino, Jr., D.O., John Thomas, M.D. , Jessica E. Johnson, D.O., James M. Carrier, M.D., Wesley L. Harris, M.D., Jan C. Kletter, M.D., M.S., Ophas Vongxaiburana, M.D.

®

Call our WVUH-East Physician and Services Referral Line at 1.888.WVU.1DOC / www.wvuh-east.org / 304.264.1223

830 Bowman Ave Hagerstown, MD 21740 • 301-739-5510

www.thegraniteguysonline.com

10307 Auto Place Hagerstown, MD

301-739-7283 800-800-4727 www.hagerstownhonda.com

Everything Old is New Again

By Bonnie Williamson

There’s an old saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Well, Bill Bowen of Bunker Hill Antiques Associates, has more than 35,000 square feet of both junk and treasures at 144 Runnymeade Road, Bunker Hill, West Virginia. Of course, he considers them all treasures.

Bowen became the owner of the antique mall in 2001.

“This is actually my third career. I was a Coast Guard officer for 26 years then spent 13 years as a software contractor for the Coast Guard. This is something I always wanted to do,” he says.

He admits to being a collector and being particularly fond of sports memorabilia. Bowen rents space in the two-story antique mall to 30 vendors. Bowen’s daughter-in-law Michelle Charoensawadsiri is also on site on the second floor with her Suga Mama Cakes business.

Bowen takes items on consignment but also goes to auctions, yard sales, and estate sales.

The building was originally a woolen mill back in 1910. It still has two loading docks. “It truly is an amazing space. There are five huge safes here I use for storage and what I call an Alfred Hitchcock elevator from about the 1920s with sliding bars,” Bowen says. It’s sort of a birdcage elevator style. Bowen only uses it for people who might have trouble going up and down stairs.

Bowen acquired an old addressograph machine that actually belonged to the mill. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the label on it.

It came home,” he says.

Bowen has four other employees. He is at the mall every day unless he’s out seeking other items to sell. The mall stays open to the public every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And no item is too unusual. “We have a little bit of everything,” Bowen says.

One unique item is a life-size statue of Robert E. Lee he has yet to sell. “The gentleman who still

Bill and Monica Bowen

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[9]

owns it bought it in honor of Lee’s 100th birthday. He tried to sell it to museums but no one was interested.

So here Lee remains,” Bowen said.

Other unusual things for sale are a seven-foot hand-carved alligator, an Amish buggy and African tribal masks.

Items are displayed in different sections. Each section covers about a 10 feet by 15 feet space.

A jewelry section is in the front of the mall. “The jewelry is the first thing people see. Most of it is upscale estate jewelry. Many sterling silver items,” he says.

Bowen says he has just about every period of furniture. He has a bureau from 1770, Victorian furniture, a Victrola from the early 1900s, a piano from the 1880s and what’s called mid-century modern furniture.

“Mid-century modern is hot. Lots of chrome, red metal. Things from the 1950s remind many people of their childhood. They find a little bit of their past. They really connect with it. They’ll say, ‘Hey, I remember my grandmother or mother had something like that.’ I have about 1,000 vinyl records for about $3 a piece, I have some first edition books and old radios,” he says.

There’s china, crystal, and a section with country-style items.

A large section of the second floor is devoted to Christmas items. He has two rooms that have things for “man caves.”

“Men like signs, pipes, and pipe holders even if they don’t smoke,” he says.

Bowen has numerous baseball gloves, jerseys and other sports memorabilia. One cabinet has original World War II articles, including a German helmet.

“I only want original World War II things,” he emphasizes.

The mall has Howard Products for finishing furniture, West Virginia Fenton Art Glass, and food products for the Worthy Student Scholarship

[ 10 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Fund at West Virginia University.

Bowen said he continually changes the displays so people who have been to the mall will always see something new. He also updates his displays on Facebook.

“I’d say it takes people at least two hours to see everything in the store.

There is just so much to see,” he says.

Bowen says even though he truly enjoys what he’s doing now, the business can be a tough one.

“Especially when the economy is like it is. This kind of business has suffered along with the rest of the country. I don’t carry things you absolutely have to have. You don’t really need the things I carry,” Bowen says.

He says there is also the battle between ordering items on the Internet versus going to a brick and mortar store. Bowen does use his website at www.bunkerhillantiques. com to handle requests from customers.

However, Bowen says he can’t complain. People find him. He enjoys what he’s doing. He even watches television shows about his trade.

“My grandchildren and I watch the History Channel’s ‘American Pickers’ show. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz go around the country picking things to sell. I had to laugh when my grandkids said the pickers were not buying enough stuff. Passing up on items they usually went for. I told the kids that it’s just a television show,” Bowen says.

Bowen does seem to prove that one man’s junk is another’s treasure.

There’s a lot to see at Bunker Hill Antiques. Composer Peter Allen had it right when he wrote: Don’t throw the past away You might need it some rainy day Dreams can come true again When everything old is new again Happy shopping!

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 11 ]

A Lifetime

of

SmiLeS

We are committed to educating parents and children of all ages on the importance of good dental hygiene.

Our highly trained staff has a childfriendly approach to dental care.

We treat each patient and parent as we would our own family.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children first visit a pediatric dentist within six months after the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday.

Dr. Robert Mansman Dr. Yemisi Akinrefon Dr. Hassan Davalloo Ghajar Dr. Stephanie Lee Dr. Saba Sarraf Dr. Michelle Stovall *Patients can remain with the same doctor throughout their care.

Contact us at (301) 668-2662 or fredpedo@orthodon.com to schedule an appointment.

• Maryland Healthy Smiles, WV Molina Solutions and Most Insurances Accepted • Trained in the Treatment of Children with Special Needs • Se Habla Español

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HOME INSURANCE WITH THE RIGHT

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

NEW ALLSTATE HOUSE & HOME I’m proud to protect homes in our community.

When it comes to protecting your home, it’s nice to have an agent who knows the area. I can help customize a policy just for you, so you pay only for the protection you need. Call me today!

Gary Kelley, CLU 304-263-4596

724 LAKEVIEW DRIVE MARTINSBURG garykelley@allstate.com

Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Northbrook, IL. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Company

panhandle

PROFILE

John Johnson

Rocky Ridge Landscaping & Nursery – Martinsburg, WV

by Kathy Hornby

March is here! It’s hard not to start thinking of the promise of warmer days ahead. Trees start to show signs of life, new shoots begin to break ground and the world around us starts to come alive!

We cannot deny that Nature has a way of awakening our senses, not only by the signs of the new plant life surrounding us but by the emergence of the baby birds and wildlife as well. There is nothing quite like that morning “wake up” to discover that overnight the landscape has been “painted” green. These first weeks of the Spring entice many of us to give our personal space a makeover. After all how can nature be wrong? It seems to tell us, “Put aside those cold, bleak, bare treed winter days and join with me, come alive.”

A paved, flower bordered path to our front door will give our visitors a special welcome. Perhaps an updated fence, a water feature to attract the birds or a rock garden to add contour to our front yard?

Maybe it’s time to screen that ugly view, or “hide” unfriendly neighbors?

An evergreen shrub might solve that problem? Like so many of us, we don’t know where to begin. We know we want a pretty, welcoming garden, we know we want to encourage birds to frequent our space but we don’t have a green thumb or the expertise! This is the time to consult the experts. Whether you are planning a full new landscape, a new paved path or driveway, additional trees or just some color in existing flower beds, you’ll find everything you need and friendly helpful folks at Rocky Ridge Landscaping and Nursery.

Owners, John Johnson and his wife Renie Morrow opened their family business on Apple Harvest Drive in Martinsburg, 20 years ago. John has worked in the plant, landscaping industry his entire adult life. He explained to me this is all he ever wanted to do. His passion for what he does becomes very evident after spending a short time in his company. A University of Maryland graduate he specialized in Agronomics. He spent the first part of his chosen profession employed in Charles Town, WV. Renie, a life-long resident of Berkeley County handles

[ 14 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

the “retail” side of the business, whilst John is more involved in the contract side. John’s qualifications and experience are definitely an asset when discussing ones landscaping needs. As a very keen gardener myself and an “import” to this area, I have no idea of what will and what won’t grow in this part of the world. Originating in Africa, we didn’t have to deal with extreme temperature changes and most “sticks” just grew, I personally found John’s expertise extremely helpful. Although the majority of their business focuses on residential properties, Rocky Ridge Landscaping have been contracted to landscape many commercial properties too. A very personable, helpful, “handson” John, is more than willing to consult with you on your gardening, landscaping needs. He and his crew will generally complete installation within a couple of weeks, depending on the season.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Rocky Ridge Landscaping and Nursery specialize in “new” plants, trees and shrubs. If you’re wanting something new, different and not the “norm” visit their retail garden center at the same location. This Spring would be an ideal time to move away from the ever popular “easy-to-grow” annuals, speak to Renie, experiment with something new. Starting early April you’ll find all your gardening needs, from seedlings, (perennials and annuals), to hanging baskets, to shrubs and trees. Looking for those “deer resistant” plants or prefer only native plants? Renie will advise you on the best choice for your specific project. Shake the dust off those gardening gloves, look at your front yard with “new” eyes. A colorful front yard and welcoming entrance will not only brighten the neighborhood but will brighten your spirits as well. Just the addition of a few rocks, pavers, bright smiling pansies and a pedestal bird bath can

make a huge difference!

A visit to Rocky Ridge Landscaping and Nursery will cover many of ones hard-scaping and fencing needs too. They are distributors for many paving stones. Don’t be deterred by the “family business” aspect and expect higher prices. Surprisingly, you’ll find lower prices here than at the larger retail stores. In the showroom you’ll find garden features like water fountains, bird baths, statues and a wide range of paving stones available, what they don’t have in stock they will special order.

Well worth a visit and “consultation” for a personal, gratifying experience.

John is mostly there, throughout the year for consultations or he can be reached at 304- 263-2335 Garden Center Hours of business.

Spring and Summer: Monday Saturday 9am to 5pm Spring only: Sunday - 1pm to 5pm

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You spend a third of your life in bed.

Don’t you deserve the best mattress?

All mattresses are not created equal. That’s why at Grand we have nearly 70 different models to choose from with factory-trained staff to help you understand the range of choices and match your needs with a new mattress that’s right for you. Whether you choose an innerspring or a memory foam mattress no one in the area sells more mattresses than Grand. Ask about our Free Same Day Delivery, free removal of your old mattress and 125% price guarantee.

www.grandhomefurnishings.com

It has been our pleasure serving you for the last 10 years.

Hancock Dental Center Joshua R. Hancock, DDS, PLLC

1829 S. Loudoun St. Winchester 540.662.0912

welcoming new patients

311 Pendleton Drive Martinsburg, WV 25401

304.264.9227 info@hancockdentalcenter.com facebook.com/hancockdentalcenter hancockdentalcenter.com

Caption Contest Show us your funny side! Submit your caption and you could win!

Are You The Next Lucky Winner?

#1023

”They see me roll’n!!!

#1024

Riding!!!!!”

Keep the comments coming!

Thanks to all our readers who gave us something to laugh out loud about!

Congratulations to our lucky winner: David Childers via Facebook Check out other great captions that were submitted on our facebook page

www.facebook.com/ aroundthepanhandle.com

Become a fan on facebook to participate.

. . . e r e H s e o G n o i t p a C r u o ...Y

The Winning Caption Receives $50!

Three easy ways to enter!

Submit your caption online at: www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Email your caption to: Mike@AroundThePanhandle.com Subject: Caption #1024

Mail your caption to: Around the Panhandle - Caption #1024 PO Box 1254, Martinsburg, WV 25402

All entries become property of Around the Panhandle and Hornby Publishing LLC.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 17 ]

KEEPING THE HEAT ON FOR FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

ok and for every new fan we’ll donate $1 towars

Like Roach Energy or Rocs on Facebook, and for every new fan we’ll donate $1 to Warming Hands and Hearts.

Temperatures are dropping and each year there are thousands of families in our area that need assistance in paying their utility bills. Roach Energy,

ROCS Convenience Store and the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc. are partnering again this year to raise funds for this amazing cause.

Please visit www.RoachEnergy.com to learn how you can help.

Propane, Heating Oil & Air Conditioning With no administrative charges ever deducted from the Warming Hands and Hearts fund, every dollar raised goes directly to help those in need.

HOW IS YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY? Aprilaire Humidifier

$699 Installed Air Filter

$399 Installed Your Total Energy Experts

www.SunfireEnergySolutions.com

Your Outdoor Living Solution

By Victoria Kidd

What if business owners stopped focusing exclusively on the “bottom line” and instead started focusing on truly satisfying customer needs?

Sure, businesses may claim to spend exhaustive efforts in their drive to create happy customers. Their ever-present marketing materials use fancy buzzwords to convey this drive, but, in practice, are the people of those businesses really so invested? What would be the result if they were?

Perhaps the result would be a business like Miller’s Residential Creations, one of the Eastern Panhandle’s top choices for new construction, remodeling, decks, hardscapes, and more. Brian Miller is the man behind this local business, and he asserts that satisfying customer needs should be the highest priority for any business owner.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Miller’s business has been helping customers transform their properties since 2004. Miller himself has been in this line of work for much longer than that. “I started working in the construction field when I began work for my best friend’s father throughout high school,” Miller explains. After graduation, Miller transitioned this after-school work into a full-time position. His career continued to progress, allowing him to work on a variety of construction projects in D.C. and Virginia.

In 2004, his travels led him to his current life in West Virginia. While the journey from high school to the Eastern Panhandle was, like that of many entrepreneurs, hardfought, it resulted in Miller finding a community within which he could thrive. “I felt completely welcomed when I moved here,” Miller says.

“This region quickly became home.”

Nine years later, Miller has built a

reputation that has allowed him to carve out a healthy, local customer base.

Miller believes that his success is the result of his distinctive approach to building relationships. “You build relationships through honesty,” he says. “Contractors in general have a bad reputation, and you hear a lot of horror stories about what people have experienced in the past. Those stories make you try even harder to exceed their expectations.” Miller has strived to make sure none of his customers have such horror stories following the completion of services.

He recognizes that his business may not be as large as some of his competitors, but to Miller, this is an advantage. While Miller’s Residential Creations can perform nearly any construction service, Miller defines his business by describing it in terms of three distinct service [ 19 ]

areas. He says, “We are small and focused. There are three divisions for our business. The first is new construction, meaning something detached, like a separated garage.

The second is remodels, renovations, and add-ons. The third is outdoor living such as decks and hardscapes” All three divisions are of equal importance to the business, but it is the latter two that create the biggest opportunities for Miller’s unique talent to shine. “When you are adding on to a structure or adding an outdoor living area, you want to make sure that it looks like it has always been there. Everyone has seen buildings where the addition is obvious, but I take pride in making sure the additions fit with the existing structure.”

The ability to create “new” while respecting the “old” is a rare talent, and Miller believes that the underlying effort that makes such possible is his complete focus on the customer’s needs. Miller spends exhaustive effort in the early planning stages of the project, and it is this effort that allows him to plan

[ 20 ]

projects in a manner that nearly guarantees customer satisfaction.

When asked to explain what influences led him to operating in such a manner, Miller invokes his father. “My father was a wise man,” Miller says. “He said that in order to be successful, you need to shut your mouth and open your ears. It’s a simple philosophy that has worked for me all these years. I simply meet the client, ask questions, and go from there. We don’t have a cookiecutter model for every project. We listen to the client, and we make sure that the plans address their needs.”

Through such listening, Miller seeks to understand how the family actually lives inside the space. This understanding helps his team to make sure that the end result is one that truly works for the family.

According to Miller, these efforts may take nine months or a year to result in a contract, but that effort is worth it. These discussions create not only the foundation for a well-executed project, but also the foundation for a long-lasting relationship with his customers.

“Anyone who is considering a project should look through my entire portfolio and call any of my clients,” Miller says. “They will be happy to talk to them about what it is like to work with me. My reputation, our reputation, is exceptional. Not many contractors can say that.”

So what does the future hold for a business that has truly been founded on the idea that a complete focus on customer satisfaction is paramount to all other concerns? Miller wants to see calculated growth that does not compromise his service philosophy. “I want to continue growing customer awareness of what we do and how our services are fundamentally different from others out there,” Miller says. He is adamant that he will continue to focus on his customer’s needs, even indicating that while there may be some hiring in the company’s future, it will be controlled growth. Today, the business handles one to two projects at any given time. When it is time to grow, Miller indicated that he will initially only take on three to four projects at once, thereby

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

making certain the quality of any one project is never compromised.

The quality is, after all, what Miller’s Residential Creations is known for, and Miller himself is ever mindful of how quality work impacts customer relationships. “I want the people of the Eastern Panhandle to increasingly recognize this business as a top choice for their projects.

Once people learn more about us, they usually realize that we may not be the biggest, but we are one of the best. I want people to be willing to wait for us to be available for their project.”

Miller’s aspirations may not be that far off. His past customers are already more than willing to recommend his work, and his business philosophies are certainly a means to continue that trend. He says it best when he says, “When the job is done and we shake hands with the customer, I want to make sure that they are happy, above all else.”

The sincerity of these words is further amplified when he talks of the near-impossible separation of his personal service ideologies from those ingrained in his business. “I have put my heart and soul into this business. It has become an extension of who I am, and I can honestly say that I am proud of what we have done. It’s a great feeling to walk away from something that you built, and it is an even better feeling to know that you have improved someone’s satisfaction with their home while doing it.”

For anyone considering new construction projects, remodels, renovations, additions, or outdoor living projects, Millers Residential Creations is a top choice. You will assuredly find that their drive to satisfy your needs is second to none.

You can learn more about them by visiting their website at www. millersresidential.com. Better yet, call Miller directly at 304-754-8006.

He will be happy to further explain how his focus on ultimate customer satisfaction can transform your opinion of contractors.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 21 ]

We are neighbors taking care of your neighbors.

Heartland

Serving the Martinsburg community since 1973.

Heartland has a long standing reputation for providing quality care to the Martinsburg community.

Our caring team provides long term skilled nursing care and short term complex rehabilitation care for patients transitioning from hospital to home.

Thank you to the staff of Heartland for providing quality care to the patients and residents we proudly serve and thank you to the Martinsburg community for your ongoing support.

Heartland of Martinsburg 209 Clover Street, Martinsburg, WV 25404 304-263-8921

Sunfire Rebrands as Panhandle’s Total Energy Solution Provider

By Bethany Davidson

Repainting trucks and vans and replacing the logos on company uniforms, those little details are the last remaining elements needed to complete the rebranding of Sunfire Hearth, Patio, and Spa. The company with its 35,000 square foot showroom on East Stephen Street has been known as a leading provider of hearth and stoves, patio furniture, hot tubs, grills and accessories for the last decade. But since August of 2012, Sunfire has slowly been transforming itself into much more. With a new name, a new logo, and a whole new set of service offerings Sunfire Energy Solutions is now the Eastern

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Panhandle’s total energy solution provider.

The rebranding comes as Sunfire merges with the Roach Services division of Roach Energy. In addition to the high quality products and services that Sunfire has always provided, the business has expanded to include HVAC equipment sales, HVAC maintenance and repair, indoor air quality checks, commercial services, and equipment service plans, items that were previously listed under Roach Services.

While Roach Services has been providing HVAC maintenance and

repair for years, this aspect of the business was relatively unknown.

“We’ve done it all these years, but I who consider myself someone who knows the area and what’s going on didn’t know they did HVAC and the family’s a friend of mine,” says Kevin Knowles, General Manager of Sunfire Energy Solutions.

With all of these options, along with the company’s increased emphasis on solar panel sales and installation, Sunfire is a one-stop-shop for any heating and cooling system for home and business.

“We’re hoping we can turn these

[ 23 ]

customers who are coming in to buy a stove into potential HVAC customers” says Bethany AllenPerez, Sunfire’s marketing and promotions manager. “There’s a direct connection to the products for HVAC and let’s take a wood stove,” adds Knowles. “If you have a wood stove your house is going to tend to be dry and we sell humidifiers. Our sales people will talk to [customers] about the quality of air in their home and this is something that hasn’t been done. A regular hearth company would not be selling something like a humidifier with their stove.”

“We’re making that push towards more energy efficient solutions for people’s homes,” says AllenPerez. “Nobody wants to pay a huge electric bill at the end of the month.”

This push includes the emphasis on the sales and installation of solar panels. “It’s becoming more and more affordable,” she continues.

“We’re getting all of our people really well trained on it.”

PAUL ROSNER - Sales Manager at Sunfire Energy Solutions

“We want the word to get out that we are more than just an oil company. We are solar. We have all types of alternative heat whether it’s wood burning stoves, pellet stoves, or gas furnaces,” Another energy efficient offering is geothermal. Geothermal heat pumps are similar to regular heat pumps, but they rely on the stable, even heat of the earth instead of the heat found in outside air. While they may be expensive up front, according to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal pumps can lower energy bills by 30 to 40 percent.

In addition to expanding their products and services, Sunfire Energy Solutions is also expanding the areas that they service. The company has primarily worked within the three counties of the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, but as the company expands it is also looking to expand its client base.

[ 24 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

“Huge opportunities are beginning because of where we are situated,” says Knowles. Areas of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are easily accessible. “Our plan with our technicians is to have them trained in every one of those states that we serve. If not then we would have certain people just trained for those states to do work. That is our goal, but we do have someone on staff now that is licensed in every one of those states,” continues Knowles.

Although there has been a great deal of change throughout this process, the one thing that has remained constant is the quality of service that customers receive. Sunfire takes pride in its reputation and ability to provide customers what they want. The business is known for its dependability and the professionally trained and certified staff can build a system and maintenance program to suit any budget without skimping on quality. “Our installation teams have been at it a long time,” says AllenPerez. “They are very experienced and very knowledgeable. I think that’s an asset when purchasing with us.”

“If it’s about price,” says Knowles, “you’re always going to find more, you’re going to find less. If it’s about quality of work and one thing we have is quality, then we believe that whatever the price is, we’re giving you the best bang for your buck. And when we’re done, we’re not just finished with you. We stay with you through the whole package.”

For more information on all of the energy solutions that Sunfire can provide for any home or business, visit their website at www. sunfireenergysolutions.com or stop by their showroom located at 301 East Stephen Street in Martinsburg, West Virginia and talk to the sales staff.

“We want the word to get out that we are more than just an oil company. We are solar. We have all types of alternative heat whether it’s wood burning stoves, pellet stoves, or gas furnaces,” says Knowles.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 25 ]

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Two Granite Guys: We do it all and we do it every day

By Rick Hemphill Granite was and is created deep in the fire of earth’s furnace of molten rock and during volcanic eruptions. The fire rock is old. It looks out across the Gaza Plain in Egypt sitting as the huge blocks that are the pyramids and their cousins carried water in the Roman aqueducts almost to this day. Most of the granite available today which is cut and polished for your kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity was created millions of years before fish swam in the sea or dinosaurs rumbled across the landscape.

Tom Simon and his long time partner Herbie Bennett have been cutting and polishing slabs of granite for kitchens, bathrooms and even poker tables here in Hagerstown for over seven years. “We started out in a little garage in Greencastle,” Says Tom Simon remembering when he and Herbie decided to start the

[ 28 ]

business on their own. “We outgrew that in a month and so we have been here ever since.” “We were able to pick the best of the best guys to work for us and we take care of them and they take care of us.” “I enjoy the look of the finished granite piece and the customer coming in and tell us that we have done a great job.”

“As a kid I was always interested in stone, landscaping and walkways, walls and stuff like that but I was always into rock,” Tom continues remembering his beginnings, his still youthful enthusiasm for granite breaking into his voice. “I didn’t know how much until I saw granite.”

“I walked into a granite shop and I saw a showroom like this one here with granite all around and I knew right there that is what I wanted to do,” says Tom of his love of working with stone. “I told them I would

work for them no matter how much they paid me.” “I knew I would be good at it and once I was in it I was hooked.” “They hired me that day.”

Tom and Herbie can provide you with just about any kind of stone kitchen covering you might need. “Granite is the #1 thing people want in their house,” Tom says authoritatively.

“It is the number 1 surface.” “The other one is quartz but it is not as beautiful as Mother Nature can make stone and it is not as heat proof as granite.” “Granite has natural beauty and is a hard natural surface.” “It is something people want and I am glad they do.”

Granite is heavy weighing 20 lbs per square foot. “A slab is between 1000 and 1200 pounds,” Tom explains from personal experience.

“We use a hydraulic lift to bring the slabs inside and put them

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

on a hydraulic table which lays them down and helps move them around.” “It is transferred around by forklift and manpower.” “It is manpower that moves it in to the customer location.” “In the door, up the steps.” “Installations can get a little crazy sometimes but we have a bunch of young big strong guys doing our lifting to move the granite around.”

“Shortly after I first started a bunch of slabs fell on me and I got hurt,” Tom remembers. “I was working too hard on a leg that didn’t work as well as it used to, so I began to help my daughter as a Mister Mom and just helping out with granite on the side.” “I loved stone and working with it.” “Then my partner Herbie came along and said let’s take this to the next level.” “I have been in the business 20 years or more but seven years ago we started the business as the Granite Guys and things have been going good.”

Herbie is a great guy we just go together,” Tom says having a friend and business partner in one. “I do more of the customer relations and he does the running of the shop.”

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

“He gets the projects produced and out the door.” “My wife Noreen handled the books at first.” “When we first started Herbie and I didn’t have the will or desire to get us legal and deal with the licenses and stuff so Noreen took care of all of that for us.” “She would sit on the phone for hours dealing with the licensing, taxation and stuff.” “It was him and I and we split it down the middle with Uncle Sam.” Granite as a natural stone comes in different colors and granulations.

“Not all the tops are all solid granite as some are Labradorite, Quartzite, Limestone, or Marble and some are harder than others,” Tom explains clearly enjoying his favorite topic. “Blacks are the hardest and densest.” “Marble is not something you put in a kitchen as it will scratch and dent and is easily affected by acids and stuff.” “That is why Marble is in bathrooms and fireplaces, and the hard stuff of granite mostly goes in kitchens.”

Granite comes from all over the world. “We order in the slabs from Brazil as they are one of the biggest exporters,” Tom says noting that

most granite is imported. “There are states that have granite and limestone and marble but most of ours are brought in from overseas.”

“There is some Dakota Mahogany we get from out west and grey granite from Georgia that is used mostly for monuments and curbing and government buildings and stuff like that but not as a kitchen cabinet.”

“Uba Tuba is the most common granite we use,” Tom says slowly spelling the unusual name of the Brazilian rock. “It is black with flecks of gold and blue in it.” “The cost varies according to what other stone is embedded in the granite.”

“Labradorite has an iridescent shimmer.” “It is a blue/green color has a lot of wow factor in the colors and that is more expensive.”

“Different areas of the world produce different granites due to the amount of iron or sandstone in it.” “I am not a geologist so I don’t know all the physical details but they are different.” “The lighter colored ones are sometimes a little more porous while the absolute black is the densest and least porous granite.”

“With this economy we are doing

[ 29 ]

mostly remodeling,” Tom says very enthusiastic about his business in his casual laid back manner. “It is a recession proof job if you are good at what you do.”

“And the big question, how are we going to get this thing into your house through your doors.” “There are more details then you might think.”

The Granite Guys want their customers to be satisfied and understand what granite and other natural stone tops can do for you.”

“Come in and talk to us about what you want to do.” “We are a plethora of knowledge.” “We want you to know everything you need to know about granite, quartz, marble or whatever.” We want you to be happy with it and make certain you know how to maintain it.” “We go over how you are going to use it.” “We are very detailed and the worst thing you could do is put granite into your house and forget something or didn’t think about something.” “We go over every detail.” “We love the stuff so it is easy to talk about the colors and types and edge details.”

“Whether to overhang a certain amount or about the backsplash, the radius or clipped corners, stove details, other appliance issues to did we cut enough holes for the faucets.”

And granite although hard can be brittle. “The smaller the piece the more brittle it is,” Tom acknowledges. “The thinner you get the granite the more brittle it can be.” “If you have a 10 foot long 4 inch wide backsplash and you pick it up wrong or bump it as you go through a doorway carrying it into the kitchen it may snap that granite in a minute.” “You have to be very careful with it especially if you have big pieces like a sink.” “You have to be really careful moving it.” “Once it is put into place and shimmed up and glued then it becomes solid as a rock.” “It becomes one with cabinet and the surface is durable.”

[ 30 ]

Even a rock like granite needs some care from time to time. “Granite comes about 1 ¼ inch thick and we call it 3 centimeters,” Tom explains as he would to any prospective customer. “It is a natural stone and

it needs to be sealed.” “Actually the darker/black granites may not need the sealing as it is very dense stone.” “It is the lighter, grayer, browner granites that have fancier colors that require more sealing.”

“The darker ones don’t stain as easily as the lighter ones either.”

But sealing the stone is simple and lasts a several years. “All you need to do is seal it every once in a while and it is just like cleaning it,” Tom says with a slight grin. “You spray it on and you wipe it around and it is sealed again for a year or two.” “Granite will suck up what it wants and the sealer acts like a wax coating.” “Usually a sealer lasts for 3 to 5 years depending on the chemicals used on it or the exposure to heat.” “Our recommended product is used to seal it before we install it and we leave instructions with the client on how to care for their new stone top.”

“Every day is fun,” Tom says clearly enjoying his business. “There is country rock on the radio in the back it is not a high stress job.” “We Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

don’t like stress so we keep this low stress.” “We are about doing a good job and we don’t sweat the little things.” “You do that and everyone is happy and that makes a better job for the customer.” “If you want it done at a fair price and done right and on time you should be using the Granite Guys.” “We have a great reputation and we strive to please each customer the best we can.”

“We were never happy when we were working for other companies and we always thought we could do it better or more ethical,” Tom remembers back to when they started. “So for our business we got the best saw guy, the best installers, the best sink guy and we pay them well and we give them vacations, and Christmas bonuses.” “We take care of them and in return they take of us.” “So by being fair and ethical and not being greedy we have built a business that has a great reputation and our customers tell their friends and help sell our stuff for us.” “Word of mouth is the best sales staff.”

“In fact our most challenging job is coming up,” Tom continues. “We have to do all these elevator lobby

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

walls and that is going to be a rough job on a time schedule.” “The measurements are critical to the project.” “If the measuring fails then it fails all the way down the line.”

“We have been doing 2 jobs a day for 7 years, about 700 jobs a year.”

That is about 5000 jobs since we have been in business.”

“Table tops are very easy as anything that has big radiuses and sharp corners are easy to do,” Tom says as he explains some of the ways in which granite can be used.

“We sometimes make the sink out of granite and so we make a big granite box.” “The sides are epoxied together and many times they are like a farm sink so you see the front.” “It is time consuming and it has to look good.” “Sometimes they want a granite dish drainer on the sink and we will refuse to do that.” “Setting your dishes directly on the granite to dry will eventually chip your plates and you will chip or break the little gutters in the granite dish drainer.” “The granite is brittle and there is no way to polish inside the grooves in the drainer.”

sinks and even outside grills,” Tom says expanding on the uses and pitfalls of the stone. “Not every granite can go outside.” “You won’t hurt the stone but you would hurt the finished surface.” “Now they coat the granite tops with an epoxy to fill in any nooks and crannies and make the granite shinier and less porous.”

“Outside any pits or epoxy would dry out and you would have a hole or crack or fissure in the surface.”

“We seldom modify the face of the granite it is usually just cutting and polishing the edge, polishing the surface is a big job.”

“We do outside kitchens, tables,

The Granite Guys are located at 830-A Bowman Avenue in Hagerstown and they are committed to making your job look the best that it can. “This table came right out of the earth and it’s beautiful, Tom says with a sweep of his hand across their displays. “Nowadays there are hundreds and hundreds of colors.” “We do everything here.”

“We do it all and we do it every day.”

“We don’t sell lumber here we only do granite.” “Go to the professionals who have the experience and know how to do it for you.” You can email Tom at twograniteguys@yahoo.com.

[ 31 ]

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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Waters

By Rick Hemphill

There is something about the forests of Pennsylvania and the unmistakable sound of water rushing down to the streams, rivers and finally to the ocean. It is a comforting sound and one that draws something inside each person toward it. Whether a waterfall is huge or just the drop of a stream a few feet the closeness of nature is compelling.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed a house in 1935 that brings that closeness to nature something to see. Looking almost futuristic and yet perfectly placed in the 5000 acre Bear Run Nature Reserve which includes some of the most rugged landscape in Western Pennsylvania, the house “Falling Waters”, sits as an artistic expression of architecture amid

[ 34 ]

the rushing torrents of a waterfall cascading unconcerned under portions of the house.

“Water runs under part of the house,” says Lynda Waggoner, the Director of Falling Waters and Vice President of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy which has operated the site since 1963. “I think that the waterfall is the feature that takes everyone’s breath away,” Lynda continues her excitement bubbling up as she speaks about the house she has spent over 30 years working with in one form or another starting as a guide in High School and later as conservator prior to her present position. “We all love waterfalls.” “It is human nature.”

“But to combine that wonderful element of nature that we all love

with architecture creates a very personal experience.”

The Cantilevered structure was a radical design in the late 1930’s and it was one of the first buildings ever built with reinforced concrete. “A cantilever is the primary design that Frank Lloyd Wright used for falling waters,” Lynda explains drawing on her experience as a guide. “It is really drawn from the natural site because the ledge that makes the waterfall itself is a cantilever.”

“What happened was the earth, and shale that was underneath the rock ledge eroded away so it left this ledge over which the water falls.”

“Mr. Wright saw that and it became the inspiration for the house.” “It became the unifying element that tied the house to the site.”

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

The house was finished in 1938 for Edgar and Liliane Kaufmann, the owners of the Kaufmann Department Store in Pittsburgh, at a cost of $155,000.00 and was featured along with Mr. Wright in Time Magazine.

The Kaufman’s lived in the home until it became the property of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in 1963. Over 4.5 million people have visited Falling Waters since it was opened to the public in 1964.

“Frank Lloyd Wright was stretching the design and technology of the time, Lynda says speaking with admiration for the intricacies of the design. “Over 160,000 people visit falling waters each year and 74% of them travel over 4 hours to get here so it is a big thing for them to come here.” “Falling waters is on the bucket list of places to visit,” Lynda adds with an unquenchable enthusiasm. “The Smithsonian said it is one of the places you need to see before you die and Travel and Leisure Magazine lists it as the only site in the United States of the top 10 places to see in the world.”

“It is an incredibly rich experience,” Lynda says from her experience. “It is the harmony between nature and the work of man and art.” “It exists in total harmony and we feel at home in nature with this house.” “It provides a very unique experience of high design and the natural world.”

Lynda takes her job very seriously and caring for a work of art is not for the faint of heart. “Being responsible and caring for one of the greatest works of architecture on the planet is challenging,” she says taking a long breath as if to marshal her resources as well. “Leaving art out in the rain is one of our constant challenges.”

“This is an unconventional building that is stretching technology and design in the creation of Falling Waters.” “Some of the Challenges are structural and some are because it was built as a home.” “Today most buildings are built to last about 50 years and are not built to be a museum that we would hope to last hundreds and hundreds of years.”

“So the challenges of upkeep are not unlike those of one’s own house.”

“You think things are good, fine and in good shape then you find out

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

you’ve got a leaky roof or something similar.”

“Falling waters was designed to provide an imaginative solution to living a life with nature without intruding on it, Lynda explains. “It is the technique of the house that cantilevers stretch out over the waterfall and then inside the house the furniture is cantilevered from the walls, so there is this wonderful sense of unity that one experiences that is very satisfying and people love it.” “It is very powerful,” she says with personal authority understanding that the imaginative solution has presented several large repair issues for the Conservancy.

“First of all the cantilevers are an unconventional and unique design and in 2002 we realized that they were sagging and we had to strengthen them,” Lynda says underlining one of the major attractions of the design and upkeep. “We just realized that we have some new cracking and tearing of the concrete so we recently put in monitors to determine if these are a continuing structural issue or whether they are just natural fluctuations that are causing the cracks.” “Then there are these flat roofs in a northern climate,” she continues with a smile creeping out in her voice. “There are reasons flat roofs occur in the Mediterranean, California and Arizona and they have never been popular in the north because they do not shed snow and water which we have here in abundance.” “So we do have periodic episodes of leaks in the house and they occur in different places.”

“The setting creates issues itself over time,” Lynda adds from experience. “We have a very dense tree canopy here and Wright was all about nature.” “All of his architecture was about weaving the building into nature to connect people to the landscape and natural settings.”

The main house is 5,330 square feet with 2885 square feet of indoor living space and 2445 square feet of terraces. “The house is not climate controlled and subsequently has high humidity in the summer and is very

dry in the winter.” “It has no air conditioning and cannot be modified without major reconstructions which would modify the design elements and ruin the architectural experience of the house.”

The design also incorporates the local stone. “We have unconventional stone walls in which he used natural local stone and used it in ways to mimic the way the stone occurs in nature,” Lynda explains a tone that instills both admiration for the intricacies of the design and trepidation toward the maintenance issues. “We are trying to deal with that.” “The stone pops out from the walls a bit.” “It is a very rugged look but it doesn’t shed snow.” “It is very beautiful to see but what ends up happening is that the water seeps into the seams and mortar joints and so we have water entering the house that way as well.”

Frank Lloyd Wright also designed the furniture in the home which is also on display. “The original Wright design for the wooden furniture in the house was just a thin layer of pine veneer over marine quality plywood,” Lynda says her voice still lifted with enthusiasm. “And with the furniture now over 75 years old some of the glues are beginning to fail on that.” “We have a big effort conserving the wood.” “We do that all year while we are closed.”

Although like any house maintenance is ongoing it is worth the effort to visit and experience.

“The harmonious union between art and nature is what people should take away,” Lynda exclaims.

“That is what it is about.” “It is an extraordinary place.” “There is nothing else like it.” “I have been here for almost 30 years in one role or another and I am still thrilled in showing a family by it.” “It is a great work of art.”

“People always assume that you just come here for tours but we have other attractions as well,” Lynda says excited by the many ways Falling Waters can be appreciated. “We also have architecture camps for high school and college students that are on site camps and last multiple days.” “The students stay overnight on site in other buildings, not in the

[ 35 ]

house.” “They get to spend time in the building one on one so to speak and we have other programs for lifelong learners where again they get to spend time with the building.”

“On March 15th, 2013 we open for the season,” Lynda says expectantly.

“We are open every day but Wednesdays, that is our closed day.”

“One can get on the grounds but the house is not open for tours on Wednesdays.” “There are in depth tours that begin early in the morning at 8:30am.” “Regular tours begin at 10:00am and continue throughout the day.” “More in depth tours are held at the end of the day as well.”

“It is an easy drive to Falling Waters from Martinsburg,” Lynda says.

“You just drive on I- 68 which is a beautiful highway to here.” “We are only an hour from Morgantown WV and US Route 40 is only about 10 miles away.” “This is a beautiful part of the world.” “Right here we have the highest mountains in Pennsylvania and the deepest gorges.” “This is a very rugged spectacular landscape.”

“It is very important that people get reservations because the demand is very high,” Lynda explains. “Very often if you don’t have a reservation you can’t get in.” “We turn a lot of people away.” “The tour is about an hour but if you plan on coming to the site you should plan on spending at least 2 hours to enjoy the site.”

The information on their website is complete and is worth visiting.

“There is a webcam on our website and you can use that to see what things look like right now,” Lynda says excited that people can get a real time view. “You can see the amount of water in the stream or what effect the weather is having on the site.” “There are different things going on during the year,” Lynda says with direction and understandings of the many different reasons people visit the house. “We have lots of artistic people here.” “It is not a place where people come to paint it or anything like that but just to look at what the artistic expression is.” “Architects come from all over the world to see the engineering and design firsthand.”

“It is interesting, in that unlike

Photos by Christopher Little, Courtesy of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy [ 36 ]

other museums that feature aspects of design we have people from all walks of life come here.” “You don’t have to be an artist to understand it or enjoy and appreciate it!” Lynda says again noting the broad appeal of the house and setting to the visitors. “Angelina Jolie surprised Brad Pitt with a tour on one of his birthdays and they loved it.”

Lynda efficiently summarizes Falling Water’s effect on its’ visitors. “People come here from all walks of life and it does capture that almost primordial desire to become one with the natural world.” “And to other people they are just inspired by the phenomenal work of artistic and engineering achievement.” “Almost everyone has a profound visceral response to the house.” “When we survey people as they come out of the house they have a difficult time articulating a response.” “Invariably it is captured by just the word WOW!” You can find more information and a live webcam @ www.fallingwaters. org.

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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Gourmet Cooke Catering Elegant Bites and Much More

— by Bonnie Williamson

“Food is a sensory experience. The taste, texture, color and smell of perfection.”

Joanne Cooke, the proprietor of Gourmet Cooke Catering of Martinsburg, has those words on her website, and works toward perfection every day.

“I do all sorts of catering, from corporate lunches to events for several hundred people. Four years ago, the hobby became a business,” says Cooke.

She has four employees. Two of whom, Jodee Arndt and Margie West have been with her since she started. She does have as many as 20 people on call when she has to handle bigger events.

Cooke uses the kitchen at St. Joseph’s School to prepare her creations. “I was always very active in volunteering with school and church work. I helped them out so now I utilize the school facility,” she says.

Cooke does the catering for school fundraising events. One of the theme meals was “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

“I made a foot-long hotdog called the West Virginia Home Wrecker.

It had everything on it,” she says, laughing.

Cooke started taking cooking seriously when she was 18. In 1990, she says she got “her foot in the door” when she began working at the Brasserie Restaurant in Owings Mills, Md., that specialized in northern Italian cuisine. She then found herself moving from place to place with her husband Timothy, who works for the Veterans

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Administration. He is presently the assistant director at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg.

“Traveling around is a great experience but you always have to start over again,” she says.

She found jobs at a variety of different facilities, even working in a butcher shop.

“I worked at a care home in Tucson, Arizona, that had 30 residents. I was in charge of breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she says.

It was in Tucson that Cooke met the person she refers to as her mentor.

“Chef Alan Kaufman was at the El Conquistador Restaurant at the Hotel Sheraton. He took me under his wing. I was right there at his side, soaking up everything he taught me like a little sponge. I was in charge of the a.m. and p.m. banquets,” says Cooke.

Cooke says she also had the

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privilege of learning about pastries from Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, one of the top ten pastry chefs in America.

This training served her well when she made cupcakes for the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.

Still, Cooke says that a lot of her skills are self-taught, “hands-on experience.”

As she proudly says on her website, “My creative and culinary skills are a perfect match for any event. From small intimate parties to large scale events or even a church fish fry. I’m ready to get cooking.”

And she means it. Cooke has catered events with as many as 350 people.

“I do a lot of traveling. When you’re out in the field and there’s no prep kitchen, you have to be creative.

It can be challenging. You can’t anticipate everything that will occur.

You have to come up with solutions,” she says.

Cooke likes to give as much of a

personal touch to her catering as she can. She pays attention to detail. When she does weddings, she always packs a little food for the bride and groom.

“I do that so they can eat. There is so much going on at the wedding, they never get the opportunity to taste the food,” she says.

Her website features menus for all different tastes and health requirements, from gluten-free meals to vegetarian meals.

Cooke participates in a variety of charity events. For example, she was part of the “Taste of the Panhandle” event, sponsored by the Martinsburg Rotary Club.

Cooke admits that her favorite event is cocktail parties.

“I specialize in elegant bites. Hors d’oeuvres. Finger food is so much nicer than a buffet. There are so many different ways to present the food. Presentation is everything,”

[ 41 ]

she says.

Some hors d’oeuvres she offers include Vietnamese summer rolls with a dipping sauce, Greek salad in cucumber cups, caprese salad skewers, goat cheese, onion tartlets, petite beet and arugula salad, crispy duck in lettuce wraps and shrimp with avocado salsa.

Another area Cooke handles is special lunches. Cooke’s customers can order a $12 lunch box with a wide variety of foods to choose from, including The Posh, oven roasted turkey, bacon, cheddar, tomato and sprouts on multi-grain bread; The Swanky, pot roast, caramelized onion and fontina on marble rye (served warm); The Chic, traditional or curried chicken salad on a petite croissant and The Uptown, roast beef wrap with pickled veggies and Asian slaw. Sides or soup choices can include Israeli couscous salad, roasted tomato soup or sausage and orzo soup. The box lunch also includes dessert, like carrot cake or chocolate chip cookies, and a beverage. The box lunches are delivered in individual black boxes with utensils and napkins.

Cooke tries to have as much variety as she can in her repertoire.

“It’s very rare that I use the same menu more than once,” she says.

Word of mouth from former customers is the main source of Cooke’s business. She is also on Facebook.

Cooke is in the process of looking for another site for her business.

She also would like it to be a family affair.

“My children Kelsey, 13; Zachary, 11; and Lauren, 7, love being part of the business and helping out. I hope to make this a family business as they get older,” she says.

Cooke’s website is www. gourmetcooke.com or call 304-2686664.

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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Wonderment Puppet Theater: Come be a kid again

By Bonnie Williamson A place where a kid and a parent can be a kid. That place is Wonderment Puppet Theater at 412 W. King Street in Martinsburg.

“We want children to run around and be kids. We have balloons on the floor. A hallway that is touchy touch, made up of puppets and materials puppets can be made out of.

Children can touch the puppets and make their own. And, in that same hallway, parents can see pictures of the many puppeteers who were a part of their childhood. Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob, Fred Rogers, Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop. Expect the unexpected here,” says Joe Santoro, the man behind Wonderment Puppet Theater. Literally.

Santoro is the only puppeteer, but not a one-man show. His many characters are the main event.

He has more than 50 puppets. He and his puppet pals perform six different shows a year, twice a day

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on Saturday and Sunday. Shows are recycled every two years except for “Peter Rabbit” and the “Nutty Nutcracker.” Those two shows take place every year.

in any direction with the show.

The possibilities are endless. The audience becomes part of the show.

The puppets interact with them,” he says.

Santoro does most of the voices but some are prerecorded with his voice and the voices of other friends.

Santoro began making his own puppets when he was very young.

He worked at Disneyland for a while and credits Disney for reintroducing puppetry as much more than just a kiddie show.

“He makes all the puppets. He knows what he wants. He can look at just about anything and visualize a puppet and a personality for that puppet,” says Santoro’s wife Jane.

Santoro, who is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., grew up watching Warner Brothers’ cartoons, like Bugs Bunny, and watched many performers from the 30s and 40s like Spike Jones.

“I love slapstick. You’re constantly moving. I’ve been to many puppet shows that are boring.

They shouldn’t be. You can go

“Look at The Lion King on Broadway.

Those are puppets. Disney was influential in giving puppetry a comeback,” he says.

He also is a great admirer of Fred Rogers, of “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.” He sent a letter to PBS, praising Rogers after the puppeteer’s death. He received an 8 x10 photograph of Rogers, which he treasures.

Santoro has a background in art.

[ 45 ]

He taught school in Buffalo, New York, but moved down to Florida to escape the Snowbelt. He worked part-time at Disney’s Magic Kingdom then eventually made his way to West Virginia, where he teaches art at Hedgesville Elementary School.

However, he was always making puppets and attending puppeteer conventions all over the country.

He took his puppet show on tour during the summer, performing in parks, festivals, county fairs and birthday parties. However, touring posed some challenges.

“You never knew what the environment would be like when you arrived. At one festival, we were told to set up near the bandstand where a group was playing 50’s music. The audience couldn’t hear our show.

Once we were in a cornfield with spitting llamas. Another time, we were placed right next to the porta potties. Not good. Plus, you never knew what the weather would be like. I met a lot of great people and learned a lot, but it was time to move on. I wanted to find a controlled environment,” Santoro says.

Santoro searched the Eastern Panhandle, Virginia, and Maryland for two years, seeking a theater and finally settled on the historic building that houses Wonderment.

The theater celebrated its fifth anniversary in March.

“We’re one of the few puppet theaters around. The one in Charleston, W.V. recently closed.

So many people have never seen a puppet show, a live puppet show with quality,” says Santoro.

In the beginning, Santoro literally walked the streets to encourage people to come to the performances.

He would greet them outside of the theater. “I went up to people and said, ‘Come to Wonderment and hold on to your eyeballs so they don’t pop out of your head!’ People started to come and told their friends. Word of mouth advertising worked,” he said.

However, Santoro says it took about two years for things to get started.

“People would walk in thinking we

[ 46 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

were a Chinese restaurant. However, we started attracting the families of preschoolers and home-schooled kids. We finally caught on. People realized we weren’t a franchise.

We’re unique. There’s nothing like this anywhere,” he says.

Santoro invites everyone to come to what he calls “a world of enchantment for the whole family.”

The theater’s audiences range from about two years old to ten. However, older kids have found the shows fascinating, too, says Jane.

“We had a 12-year-old boy come in. I guess he was dragged in by his parents. He was intrigued and ended up wanting to make puppets himself,” she says.

Santoro likes to take a familiar story and give it a different twist. For example, in the story of “Hansel and Gretel,” he has the witch owning a pizzeria. The story of the “Three Little Pigs” takes place in a circus with the Big Bad Wolf as ringmaster.

One of the pigs does an animal act with Fluffy the Kitty Cat, who is actually a shark.

“I take Cinderella and place her at a Sock Hop instead of a ball. Once again, expect the unexpected here,” Santoro says.

Santoro will be offering “Three Billy

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Goats Gruff” in the fall. The current show is “Peter Rabbit.”

“I want to do ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at some point, but that’s a couple of years away,” Santoro says.

Shows last about a half hour.

The puppets actually talk to the audience. The audience becomes part of the show, Santoro says.

“This is all brand new to them.

People bring it to life. I give them what they want. Run around, talk to the puppets. The shows are totally family-focused,” he says.

“Joe does an introduction before the show. He then ducks behind the stage where the puppets appear.

One child asked me, ‘Where did that man go?’ when the show started. He didn’t realize Joe was the puppeteer,” Jane says.

Santoro squeezes into the small space where his puppets and audio equipment are located. The room where the performances take place has benches along the walls, but the youngsters sit on the floor for the show.

“They love it,” says Jane.

“The theater is a small area. Very personal. Children can see how puppets work,” Santoro says.

“And you can make puppets out of almost everything. Bottles, yogurt containers. I have hand puppets, stick puppets, all kinds of puppets.”

Children can have birthday parties at the theater. Santoro has a special room for such events.

“The Birthday Room literally pulsates with light and life. The lights are activated by clapping and motion,” he says.

Many different types of birthday packages are available, including Balloon Dance Central, which features face painting, dancing and a party light show.

The theater has a Wall of Fame where pictures of children who had birthday parties are proudly displayed.

“Someday I’d like to have birthday parties outside. A fantasy birthday garden,” Santoro says.

Santoro is always planning new things.

So, if you want to be part of the show, visit Wonderment Puppet Theater. Go to the website at www. wondermentpuppets.com or call 304-258-4074.

[ 47 ]

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Our TOP

Top Ten

Top 10 Myths About Guns

Firearms are a controversial topic worldwide, and while you’ve probably taken a side in the debate, there may be some assumptions you’re making that color your decisions. So I’m going to help you by going over some myths about guns on both sides of the fence, because it’s always better to knowledgeably argue your subject than to proclaim ignorance. For the record, this list is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Anyone who owns a firearm should seek out training, and information about their legal use in the areas you live or visit.

10. Suppressors (aka Silencers)

This myth regularly shows up on lists of lies Hollywood tells about guns (right next to “if you run out of ammunition, throw away your gun”). Suppressors, sometimes called silencers, are designed to reduce the speed and sound of the gas that propels the bullet out of the barrel of the gun. The way a cartridge works is that a pin, or striker, in the gun hits a primer (usually on the round,) which ignites powder and sends the bullet projectile out of the barrel. By slowing the escaping gas, you can reduce the amount of sound produced. It can also work by reducing the speed of the bullet, reducing the sonic boom or crack.

Again, you can reduce the sound, but not eliminate it.

On most rounds, you can get a 30-40 decibel reduction.

In quieter rounds, like the popular small-game .22 caliber, this means a pretty significant reduction in volume from around 140 db to the 110-120 db range.

But still, that’s a very loud sound, and repeated exposure can result in hearing loss. You should always have

hearing protection when using firearms.

9. Semi-Automatic Firearms

When I say “semi-automatic”, many people have an image in their head of a man on a rooftop with an M16, pulling the trigger and firing off thousands of rounds (again, thanks to Hollywood). This is a false image. In a semi-automatic firearm, whether it’s a pistol (like the Glock 17), rifle (including the controversial AR-15), or shotgun, when the round is fired, the expanding gas from the cartridge launches the projectile and then opens the chamber, ejecting the spent cartridge and, if available, using a spring system to slide the next cartridge into place ready for the next trigger pull. The gun will not fire the next round for you, and most guns are designed to prevent this from happening. This works out to one trigger pull per shot, similar to how you have to pull a trigger in a revolver to fire the next round.

Fully automatic weapons, that fire multiple rounds with one trigger pull, do exist, but they are mostly illegal for citizens to own in the United States (you have to go through some serious federal licensing headaches).

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

8. Assault Weapons

There’s a lot of debate over the use of “assault” weapons, but sadly, there’s not a lot of actual information. So let’s sort through what we actually have. Many gun rights advocates argue that there is no real definition of an assault weapon, and they would be incorrect. The term “assault weapon” was legally defined in the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban as a semi-automatic firearm with a detachable magazine, that contains characteristics one would find on military firearms.

Simply put, it’s a civilian version of a military weapon. Gun control advocates argue that assault weapons are much more dangerous than the average hunting rifle. And they are equally wrong.

The vast majority of add-ons that turn a hunting rifle into an assault rifle are mostly cosmetic: pistol grips, folding stocks, flash suppressors – things that the shooter may appreciate, but have no real bearing on the function of the gun or on its ability to fire rounds. These are semi-automatic weapons: one trigger pull per shot, just like a revolver or your granddad’s hunting rifle.

7. Stand Your Ground

In the US, while you do have a right to defend your life with deadly force, there are two basic theories on how to apply that deadly force in self-defense: duty to retreat, and stand your ground. A few states in the US use a legal standard called “duty to retreat,” which basically says that, while you have the right to defend your life with deadly force, you need to make every possible, reasonable effort to get away from your attacker before using that deadly force. While this sounds nice in theory, in practice it means that a person who has to use deadly force to defend their lives may have to appear in court and be tried as a potential murderer, spending tens of thousands of dollars and potentially ending up in prison for the rest of their life, all because someone else tried to kill them and they didn’t want to die. On the other end of the spectrum, you have “stand your ground,” or “castle doctrine”. Basically, this doctrine states that whatever space you’re occupying at the moment, you do not have to leave that space, in order to defend your life. If someone is coming to kill you, you can pull your weapon and stop them with deadly force.

Some states that have this law also protect those who’ve used it from criminal and civil liability. Again, it’s great in theory, but not so much in practice. There have been dozens of cases where judges and juries have grossly misinterpreted these laws, acquitting people who chased down attackers out of revenge. Between the extremes, you also have a patchwork of laws around the country that fall somewhere in the middle. Some states allow a citizen to only use the castle doctrine defense in their homes. Other states say they don’t really have a duty to retreat in law, do so in practice. Gun laws are very complex and that’s why it’s very important to know what they are before you purchase and use a firearm.

6. Magic Bullets

Every so often, there’s a new concern over a new type of “cop killer” bullet that will magically defeat everything in its path. The truth of the matter is this: there is no such thing as a magic bullet. However, knowing how your bullet will behave when it reaches its target is crucial in deciding what kind of bullet you need to choose. Let’s talk about hollow point bullets. Hollow point bullets are designed to dissipate their energy into their target, reducing penetration into the target, thus lessening – but not eliminating – the likelihood of coming out the other side and harming someone else. In contrast, a full metal jacket is designed to penetrate its target, and continue until it slows to a stop.

That’s why hollow points are usually recommended as a good personal defense round; it’s more likely, should you have to use it, to stay in the bad guy and not harm anyone else. Over the years, design names and manufacturing tricks have given some a great deal of concern.

The key to remember is that, at the end of the day, there’s not much you can do to a bullet to make it more or less dangerous that hasn’t already been done.

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[ 49 ]

5. Self-Harm

You may have heard that you’re 43 times more likely to kill yourself or someone you know than you are to kill a criminal with a gun. This statistic is from a study done by Dr. Arthur Kellerman back in 1986, and is used by gun control advocates to challenge the usefulness of owning firearms. But is it a myth? And the answer is: kinda. The devil is very much in the details of the strongly criticized study. Part of the problem is that Kellerman, in his study, only focused on gun deaths and not gun use, ignoring incidents where guns protected, but did not take, life. He was also criticized for failing to provide complete data, recognize contradictory studies, and include suburban or rural areas in his studies. However, common sense does dictate that people who own guns are more likely to use them than people who don’t, often in tragic ways. Statistics show that more gun deaths occur via suicide than by homicide and accidental shootings combined. My personal advice is that if you do choose to own a weapon, please make sure that those who you trust have a plan to remove your guns in case you show signs of suicidal behavior. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please get help. In the US, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255.

4. It’s Easy to Buy a Gun

After tragic events, there’s often a focus on how firearms are acquired by members of the general public, usually focusing on strengthening requirements and restricting access to certain types of weapons. The result has been a series of laws that have been designed to keep guns out of the wrong people’s hands. If you’ve never bought a gun, you may be surprised at all the hoops you have to jump through to get one. To start off with, many states have some sort of licensing or permitting process for guns and gun owners, which can take weeks or months to complete. Once you have your permit or license, you have to meet a fairly long set of federal requirements (age, legal status, mental status,) in order to purchase a firearm. Federal firearms license dealers are required, by law, to do an instant background check on you, to make sure you’re not on the FBI’s long list of people who aren’t allowed to own a gun. Only after you jump through all the hoops, are you allowed to walk out the door with your gun.

Even private sales between people can be very complex. There’s also the part where you have to pay money for your gun. Guns, in case you’ve never been shopping for one, tend to be expensive, and fluctuating supply and demand can quickly drive prices up. Even in the cheapest of times, guns are an expensive investment. You can easily expect to spend $300-600 on a decent lowercost handgun, rifle, or shotgun, and it’s very easy to spend more. This doesn’t include the cost of licensing, accessories, and ammunition. Training classes and range time are also prudent investments that can cost big money. If you go hunting, purchasing the right equipment is a big investment, as is the investment of processing your harvested meat. Used guns can save you some money (usually 20-30%) on your investments, but make sure to have them checked out by a knowledgeable person before you buy them.

3. You Need a Big Gun

“Why do you NEED an AR-15?” It’s a common enough question by those who favor gun control, and if your focus is personal defense, a smaller weapon would probably suffice. When we get down to simple practicality, a lot of people who look at guns get weapons far more powerful than they actually need, and in doing so, can put others at risk. If you live in an apartment complex with people on the other side of the typical apartment paper-thin walls, while it may be cool to own a larger caliber handgun like a .45, you take the risk that a missed shot (which you are legally liable for) will go through the wall and injure someone other than the person coming after you. A smaller caliber firearm with the proper bullets can defend your life without creating a higher risk of injury. The same concept exists for hunting. A lot of deer hunters tend to favor large rounds like the .30-06 Springfield (called the 30-aught-six) to take down their prize whitetail. The problem with the .30-06 is that in areas where the distance between you and the target is likely to be less than 100-150 yards, the 30-06 is overpowered. A less powerful round, like the 7mm or 270, is plenty powerful to quickly take down a deer and not do major damage to the carcass. I’ve talked to some hunters who encourage people to hunt deer with a teeny little .22, but I ignore them because a .22 is more likely to cause the animal needless suffering, than to actually take it down. The key here is to think of guns as tools, and you need to pick the right tool for the right project. If you wouldn’t use a 30 pound sledgehammer to pound in a nail for a family portrait, then you probably shouldn’t use an overpowered gun to hunt squirrels. Similarly, if you wouldn’t use a tack hammer to try to break up concrete, you probably shouldn’t use an under-powered gun to take down a grizzly bear.

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

2. Gun Control and Crime Rates

One of the biggest debates in the US is whether gun control actually reduces the rate of crime. Gun control advocates point out that other countries with heavy gun control tend to have lower murder rates, while gun control opponents point out that, where strict gun control has been implemented in the US, violent crime has skyrocketed. So what’s the truth?

Well, if we look at the top 20 cities for murders per 100,000 residents, we find that nine of them are in seven of the states with the strictest gun control laws in the country (Newark, NJ; Baltimore, MD; Oakland, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Stockton, CA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; and Buffalo, NY). However, 11 of them are in states that have fewer restrictions on guns, with the top three most dangerous cities (New Orleans, LA; Detroit, MI; and St. Louis, MO) all in states that have a lack of gun control. So what can we draw from this?

Well, the first thing is that gun control doesn’t actually work. Even if Chicago isn’t as violent as New Orleans, it’s still a violent place to be, where handguns were banned up

until recently and yet, mysteriously, people were still murdered with them. Scientific studies have backed up this conclusion.

It’s like the laws against illicit drugs: those drugs are illegal and yet, people who shouldn’t acquire them still do so. The solution?

Well, there is a correlation between gun violence and another metric: socioeconomics. To put it simply, the same cities you tend to see on the top of the murder list are the same cities you see on the top of the poverty rate list. So the question then becomes: what can be done to lift those poverty-stricken areas out of poverty? If you come up with a workable solution, let us know.

1. The Second Amendment

Lots of international folks wonder why the US doesn’t just ban all guns, and the reason is found in our Constitution: the Second Amendment. The problem is that most people don’t really understand what the Second Amendment means, and the result is a lot of arguing on both sides.

So I’m going to try to help clear things up. First, let’s look at the text: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Now, to today’s folks, the second part of the Amendment is fairly clear, but that first section gives us a lot of pause. Gun control advocates argue that, since most states have replaced the militia with the National Guard, then the right to keep and bear arms for the average citizen isn’t really covered here. Therefore, gun ownership is a privilege, not a right, that should be revoked. The problem: that’s not what the Amendment says.

You have to consider the historical context. The US was a country born of war, where the average citizen could grab his musket or Pennsylvania long rifle, walk out the door, and join up with some other average citizens as a small militia group. They could be used to conduct small raids against the British and their militias, to weaken the armies prior to everyone fighting in the big battles.

When the war was over, the standing army was heavily reduced, and militias would be called up if needed. In other words: the militia was, pretty much, the military of the country.

This leads us to two elements of interpretation. First: since common men could be called into service to protect the country, they would need to be armed, and so, the right to bear arms would have been needed for national security. However, the other element is that, because these men had just fought a Revolution against the British militia and government, the right to bear arms represented the right of the citizens to protect themselves against a tyrannical government. In order to keep the government in check, the right to bear arms was needed. This second interpretation is backed up, heavily, by the recorded discussions on the amendment by Patrick Henry, Noah Webster, George Mason, James Madison and, ultimately by the Supreme Court in US v.

Cruikshank and Presser v. Illinois. In other words, because a person could be called up to militia, and because our government could become a tyrannical dictatorship, the right of the people to arm themselves shall not be infringed.

Where the real debate kicks in, is whether this right can be limited. And the answer to that question is: yes. Much like your first amendment rights don’t cover slander or screaming “fire” in a crowded theater, your second amendment rights can be limited within reason. The Supreme Court has said, in US v. Miller, that the government does have the right to restrict access to certain firearms – in that particular case, a sawed-off shotgun. There’s also been a few cases – including the recent District of Columbia vs. Heller - that have determined the rights of the government to restrict firearms access to felons and the mentally ill. In other words: the Second Amendment protects your right to bear arms, but can be reasonably limited for the purpose of public safety.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 51 ]

Chronic Wounds

Sigma 40 Hyperbaric Chamber

WVU Hospitals East is pleased to TYPES OF WOUNDS TREATED • Diabetic, Pressure, Arterial and Venous Type Ulcers • Trauma • Cellulitis • Non-healing surgical wounds • Wounds not healed in 1 month TREATMENT METHODS INCLUDE: • Advanced wound dressings • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy • Bioengineered Tissue • Debridement • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy • Wraps to decrease lower leg swelling SPECIALISTS INCLUDE: • General Surgeons • Podiatrists • Infectious Disease Specialists • Physical Therapists • Nutritionists • Diabetic Educators • Lymphedema Therapists AVAILABLE ONSITE: • Bariatric stretchers & chairs, the Sigma 40 Hyperbaric Chamber • MRI, CT Scan, Interventional Radiology

announce the opening of the Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at City Hospital.

Sometimes a wound stays open longer due to blood flow problems, infection, diabetes, or poor nutrition.

Our specially trained clinical team can help heal wounds that just won’t heal on their own.

Located on the 1st floor at City Hospital Robert Bowen, MD, Medical Director Ginna Reep, RN, Director

For more info, call 304.264.1314

Get the Girls together for a Fabulous Spaaaah..... Day

304.821.1333 • 35 Hovatter Drive, Inwood, WV 25428

New HIPAA Regulations and Finding the Right Business Associate

By Jim Scott, President of Records Management Solutions (RMS)

The US Department of Health and Human Services recently released final regulations that address recent legislative changes made to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s privacy and data security rules. In addition to prohibiting the sale of protected health information (PHI) and the use of it for marketing and fund raising purposes, new standards will be applied to how to determine what qualifies as a breach of unsecured PHI by a health plan or business associate.

The regulatory impact on business associates One of the most significant pieces of the regulatory updated is that business associates are held to the same standards for protecting PHI as covered entities. This means that vendors providing services to healthcare entities can be fined and penalized by the Office of Civil Rights for inadequately protecting PHI. For example, a company providing records and information management services to a hospital or clinic can be held liable for data breaches occurring during the possession of PHI. The new rules will take effect on March 26th, with a compliance date of Sept 23rd and will include companies offering the following solutions: • • • •

document scanning and imaging records retention document shredding hard drive destruction

[ 54 ]

Strengthening patient privacy For several years, the number of healthcare data breaches has significantly increased. So the new regulations do much to strengthen patient privacy protection within HIPAA which was initially enacted over 15 years ago. In that time, and in light of technological advances as well as the implementation of electronic medical records, some might say that the changes are long overdue. Nonetheless, the new regulations will provide additional protection for PHI. Finding a HIPAA compliant service provider With the number of data breaches within the healthcare industry at an all time high, there’s no denying the need for tighter regulations that lead to better protection of PHI. As a result, healthcare entities will need to become more discretionary in choosing the right vendor for information management and data security solutions. Looking for a provider with the following enhance your organizations HIPAA compliance:

While the new regulations will not require business associate agreements as vendors will automatically be held liable under HIPAA rules, a provider with past business associate experience will most likely have implemented enhanced procedures and policies for the security and protection of PHI. A red flag should be thrown up if a potential service provider is unable to provide you with any this information or is not familiar with the recent legislative changes.

Records Management Solutions provides information destruction services for healthcare providers throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. To find out more please contact us by phone or fill in the form on the page.

• very strong security and privacy programs • enhanced data protection

procedures • written compliance programs • understanding of federal privacy regulations • proven track record providing solutions to healthcare entities • past experience with business associate agreements

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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John and Chrissy Smith

Understanding the Importance of Home Home. It’s a word that conjures a special connotation, unique to each of us. Our home shelters our families and provides us with a place to rest from a day of hard work. It’s a place of comfort, security, and love. The principals of JC Smith LLC—a wellrespected residential, commercial, and multi-family construction resource in the Eastern Panhandle— understand how important our homes are to us. From decks and fences to disaster restoration and additions, they work tirelessly to ensure the quality and longevity of their work.

Such aspirations are achieved [ 58 ]

through the passionate dedication of John and Chrissy Smith, the “J” and “C” behind “JC.” The business opened in late 2009 and accepted its first contracts in 2010, but John and Chrissy’s experience is much more substantive than that. John began working in construction as a framer when he was just nineteen years old. He moved progressively through a series of increasingly complex projects, building foundational experience in all of the areas of construction that are offered by the business currently. Chrissy’s experience is complementary, as she worked in operational positions relevant to the day-to-day

By Victoria Kidd

management and optimization of the business.

Each of them had successful careers, yet they recognized that there was opportunity beyond their endeavors with their thencurrent employer. “We knew that our approach to solving problems and working with customers was fundamentally different,” Chrissy explains. “Confidence stems from experience, and we knew that we had the experience, as well as the drive, needed to run this business.

We were sure that we could be successful with our own mission and product.”

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Their success has led them to complete hundreds of projects of all sizes, including everything from the simple renovation of small bathrooms to the end-toend building of a home from the point of clearing the lot to the point of delivering the customer’s keys. (In fact, they have built more than 700 new homes requiring such comprehensive efforts.) For them, success is not measured or confirmed by how many projects they have worked on, but instead by how most of those projects are initiated.

“We do not put too much of our budget into marketing,” Chrissy says. “Our phone rings everyday from referrals. People who have worked with John know his work, and they want to either work with him again or refer their friends.”

Even the company’s website indicates that prospective customers can ask to review the company’s customer evaluations (which are completed by the customer at the end of each project). Prospective customers can also ask to speak to a former customer directly. There is an underlying confidence in such a bold statement, and their customer enthusiasm spans across all aspects of JC Smith’s service offerings.

Part of their success in garnering such satisfaction, according to John, is that all JC Smith employees share John and Chrissy’s passion for what they do. “Every one of us knows that when we are in a person’s home, it is an intimate and personal thing,” John says. “These are people’s assets, regardless of if the structure is residential or commercial. We want to be there to identify the

customer’s needs, give them the facts about what is required, and help them make a decision that will give them the greatest benefit.”

At the end of each job, the company makes sure that the project did indeed result in that benefit and was completed to the customer’s specifications. An exhaustive walkthrough is conducted, and any areas of concern are addressed before the project’s closure.

Subsequently, the customer also receives the aforementioned survey to make certain they have an ample opportunity to fully express themselves and provide feedback.

Throughout the process, John and Chrissy want to make sure that their work serves the customer’s needs and complements the lifestyle of those who will ultimately use

Before

After

Before

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

After

[ 59 ]

the structure. John relays, “We want to help customers make wellinformed decisions, no matter what size the project is. It can be as small as the installation of kitchen cabinets, but I still want to make sure that the project fits the criteria for appropriateness to the family’s lifestyle.”

That is certainly a level of attention and consideration that their customers can appreciate. It is an attention that is derivative of John’s passion for his work. When asked what project was his favorite, John says, “Truthfully, every job is exciting for me. I love seeing the before and after. It may sound simple, but it’s a true, heartfelt answer for me. I feel the best about the jobs where the customer calls me up after completion and says, ‘you guys met every expectation and then some.’ That is a customer who is completely satisfied, and that makes me feel good about what I do.”

According to Chrissy, the customer can expect that level of commitment from every JC Smith employee

[ 60 ]

on every project. “We try to set expectations up front, and we work as the customer’s partner to take the pressures and stress from the customer’s shoulders,” Chrissy says.

John and Chrissy both recognize that constructions projects can be very taxing on the customer. Their desire to fully shoulder the burden of the project’s management endeavors is something that applies to projects of all sizes.

A large-scale example of this desire is the completion of the renovation of the Bloomery Plantation Distillery in Charles Town, West Virginia. The property was built in the 1700s, and its renovation required attention to detail and respect for the historical nature of its structures. After months of hard work, the project was complete and the property owners were pleased. Potential customers can closely examine the transformation (for this and many other projects) by “liking” the business’s Facebook page.

The completion of this particular renovation marked the close of JC Smith’s first large-sized project, but it also paved the way for the name

of JC Smith to become recognized for quality throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

That reputation is expanding to include activities beyond their current construction efforts. The pair’s future plans include offering what they call “home health checks.”

Chrissy explains, “People get oil changes on their cars, but your home needs similar maintenance and attention too. There needs to be more focus on the maintenance of the home.” Chrissy sees it as the mission of JC Smith to help people maintain the asset they paid so much for by monitoring for common problems and issues. Such monitoring can assuredly detect and eliminate issues before they become a problem for the home-owner.

For more information about JC Smith, visit www.jcsmithllc.com or call 304-754-9424. Be sure to check out what previous customers had to save by clicking on “portfolio.” John and Chrissy will be happy to discuss how their commitment to topquality service can make a satisfied customer out of you!

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

State of Insurance.

State Farm® delivers both.

Take the guesswork out of your insurance. Whether it’s car, home, life, or more, a State Farm agent can help you feel good about your coverage, as well as the price you’re paying.

GET TO A BETTER STATE™. CONTACT AN AGENT TODAY.

Jerry Williams, Agent Bob Snyder, Agent 1885 Edwin Miller Boulevard 211 N George Street Martinsburg, WV 25404 Charles Town, WV 25414 Bus: 304-263-0882 Bus: 304-725-7077 www.jerrywilliams.us bob.snyder.bvc3@statefarm.com

Dave Piepenbrink, Agent 15 Hovatter Drive Inwood, WV 25428 Bus: 304-229-0029 www.inwoodinsurance.net

Dawn Newland, Agent 1664 Winchester Ave Martinsburg, WV 25405 Bus: 304-267-2919 www.dawnneland.com

Carol Shaw, Agent Rt 50 East Romney, WV 26757 Bus: 304-822-4545 www.carolshaw.biz

Judy Ball, Agent 334 South Main Street Moorefield, WV 26836 Bus: 304-538-6166 www.judymball.com

Lana Shultz, Agent Luke Christie Ins Agcy Inc 1119 South George Street Luke Christie, Agent Charles Town, WV 25414 1772 Valley Road Bus: 304-728-7416 www.lukechristie.com Bus: 304-258-3085 lana.shultz.bv80@statefarm.com

Eric Gates, Agent 1802 W. King St. Martinsburg, WV 25401 Bus: 304-262-0300 www.ericgates.net

Kay Lewis, Agent 1885 Edwin Miller Blvd Martinsburg, WV 25404 Bus: 304-263-0882 www.kaylewis.biz

Pam Neely, Agent 5724 Hammonds Mill Rd Martinsburg, WV 25404 Bus: 304-274-5959 www.sfinspringmills.com

Tammy Sirbaugh, Agent 217 Oak Lee Drive Ranson, WV 25438 Bus: 304-725-5433 www.tammysirbaugh.com

statefarm.com® State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI), Bloomington, IL 1101259.1

The Hogging Up BBQ Festival will be held at the fairgrounds off Route 11 in Clear Brook, VA. This is a sanctioned KCBS event, full of bands, vendors, wineries, beer garden, food, and a KCBS BBQ Competition! Fun for the whole family! See serious barbecue competitors from many states descend upon the fairgrounds smokin’ it up to win fame and fortune! Listen to the tunes of Stoney Creek Bluegrass, Circa Blue and other rising country and bluegrass artists like Kirsten Sowers! Find a complete band lineup on our website. The Hogging Up Festival is seeking vendors, sponsors, bands, participants and of course you the public . Visit www.hoggingup.com for details.

We Rent It All! Monthly February thru June Plays at the Apollo Apollo Theatre www.apollo-theatre.org

First Saturday’s Starting Feb 2nd Classics at the Apollo Old time matinee movies www.apollo-theatre.org

March 30 Easter Egg Roll on the Square Downtown Martinsburg mainstreetmartinsburg.com

April 20th & 21st Tough Mudder Competition Gerrardstown, toughmudder.com

April 22nd thru May 11 3rd Annual Art and Earth Juried Exhibit Redbrick Gallery berkeleyartswv.org

April 27th Book Faire & Chocolate Fest Downtown Martinsburg mainstreetmartinsburg.com

We Rent It Al

May 11- Heritage Days Downtown Martinsburg 304-267-4434

May 11th & 12th Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Airshow martinsburgairshow.com

304-264-8801 www.travelwv.com

115 North Queen Street Martinsburg, WV 25401

We Rent We Rent It All!It

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304-728-6657

610 N. Mildred St, Ranson, WV

610 N. Mildred St, Ranson, WV 25438

Rely on Rick

For Answers To Your Real Estate Questions

304.263.2121 (office) 301.991.3454 (direct) Rick Boswell (Broker/Owner)

Upgrade To Be Competitive So often when I meet with potential sellers, they resist making any upgrades or improvements to their home. Most of the time, they think the choices they make will not match what the buyer is looking for. Kitchen, flooring and paint allowances really are not that attractive to potential buyers. I have found that most buyers want a home that is ready to move into. That is why they call it “Home.”

In our competitive market, buyers have so much inventory to compare and they often choose the home that has less work involved for them. If your home is not at the top of its game, it may not get an offer. More than likely it will get passed by for the house that does have current updates, including kitchen, flooring and fresh paint.

Be careful though as going overboard with dumping money into your home doesn’t mean you get

that investment back. Look at your neighborhood or area and compare what other homes offer. You are selling your home, and your agent has shown you comparisons of other homes on the market. What is stopping you from viewing those active homes similar to yours? I encourage you to compare what other competing homes have that yours doesn’t have or vice versa.

The biggest factor is the size of your home, number of bedrooms and baths as these will carry the most weight on an appraisal. Just because you have marble floors and granite counters doesn’t mean you are competitive and value must be reasonable to the appraiser.

If your home is fifteen years old, you may need to update your kitchen and the carpet probably needs an update as well. Go to a home show and talk with vendors to see what is popular today. Find out what the most common colors, appliances and paint that consumers

are purchasing. Most vendors will come to your home and provide you a quote of what the upgrades would cost you. Now you have the education you need to make that intelligent decision. You do not have to have the highest quality, but you do want to make sure the finished product looks great and is functional.

Think about it this way. Your home is identical to another home in your neighborhood. Both houses are priced the same, however you have your interior freshly painted and installed new flooring or carpet.

Which home do you think will get an offer first? Take it a step further and put your price $4000 higher. You still have the edge, and will more than likely be considered. Same scenario plays out for kitchen upgrade or any other enhancement you incorporate.

You just do not want to go beyond the normal and go over the top.

You may fall back in love with your revamped home and may decide not to move. But if you really have to sell and need to sell, you may want to consider making your home look as inviting, fresh and clean as you can for the new potential owner.

Declutter and depersonalize just like a new home builder showcases a model home. Your time and effort will be rewarded by getting your home sold faster.

Call us to discuss what options are available to you. We offer free market evaluations and can assist with ideas that will help you sell your home.

[ 64 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

CENTURY 21 agENTs aRE fasT. WE’RE TalkiNg lighTNiNg-fasT. fasT likE fiND YoUR DREam homE – bliNk – YoU’RE liviNg ThERE. okaY, maYbE NoT ThaT fasT, bUT ClosE. ®

CENTURY 21 agENTs. smaRTER. bolDER. fasTER.

Becky Rice 304-261-7226 jbeckyrice@aol.com

Rick Boswell Broker/Owner

CALL 304-263-2121 OR VISIT WWW.C21STERLING.COM TODAY!

158 Crimson Circle. Martinsburg, WV 25403 © 2011 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® is a registered trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated.

STERLING REALTY

Scott Mackinnon - Owner at Budget Blinds of Martinsburg

The right fit for your budget and you are going to be happy.

Light streams in through the windows unfettered by obstructions or filtered through colored fabrics.

The reflections from the house fed back to the street seem cold and uninteresting. Is a house, just a house or can it be much more? Who lives there and what is the story that the light from their windows tell?

need for this type of business where you have customer interaction.” “You are helping customers find what they need for their house,” Scott says with an honest enthusiasm. “Most people shop for window treatments once, twice or 3 times in their lives.”

“You are in their home and you can’t get more personal than that!”

“I always wanted to be a small business owner,” says Scott MacKinnon the owner of Budget Blinds of Martinsburg. “My wife is from Martinsburg and I am from New Jersey.” “My wife has an art background and really helps in the decorating.” “Budget Blinds of Martinsburg is a local franchise serving Berkeley and Jefferson Counties here in the Panhandle.”

“We are the largest window covering company in the nation.”

Scott’s enthusiasm for his new occupation shows that he has made it his avocation as well. “You are helping a customer with the look of their house inside and out,” Scott says with a broad smile and a genuine concern for his customers.

“You are helping them change the appearance of their home from curb appeal outside to the warmth and comfort inside.” “There are privacy concerns, fashion concerns, security concerns, and more to deal with and you can’t pick these things out in a box store.” “You can’t match your sofa color or your wall color from memory.” “I like that aspect of this business.” “We are not confined to fixed brick and mortar.” “We are not in a store front.” “We are coming to the customer.”

“When we moved down here we could have been anything,” Scott says explaining how they got involved with window coverings, “We were both school teachers before this and we looked at several different businesses.” “We saw the [ 66 ]

By Rick Hemphill

Scott travels by appointment. “I’m not one to be confined,” he says honestly. “I like being on the road going from house to house.” “You go to people’s homes and businesses and work with them.” “It is a good fit for me and I have been doing this for almost 10 years now.”

“We go out and take the exact measurements of the windows and go over the product choices,” Scott explains with the experience of a provider who enjoys his work.

“The client has concerns that could include fashion ideas and heat issues or the fading of the floors.”

“We choose the product style and all the products are custom made for us.” “We install everything within 2 weeks.” “Our products include plantation shutters, modern shades, wood blinds and almost everything has a lifetime warranty.” “We come back and do all the installation and cleanup so it’s us from start to finish.”

“Our most popular treatment is the louvered doors on the inside of your windows called plantation shutters,” Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Scott says ticking off the various other window coverings that are in style right now. “They are huge right now.” “Fabric Roman Shades are popular along with a lot of woods, your bamboo, and grass reeds.”

“We do solar shades which really take care of the heat, glare and ultraviolet light.” “And we are doing a lot of motorized shades with a remote control or a timer.” “We also sell a lot of solar powered shades with solar panels that are motorized to follow the sun to keep the shades charged up.” “You can have that shade up and when then sun comes up the control can lower the shade to cut that daytime heat and then when the sun goes down the shade can be automatically raised.”

“We can cover any shape or size of windows,” Scott says without boasting. “And we have all the largest vendors at our fingertips, so there is no window we can’t have a shade made to cover.”

Budget Blinds of Martinsburg is still a family franchise. “I met my wife in New York City,” Scott says smiling as he remembers. “And we both ended up teaching at the same school.”

“After we got married and our first child came along we wanted to move somewhere better for the kids and so we came back to Martinsburg.”

“There was a housing boom going on at that time and it was a no brainer to get in this business.”

“It has worked out well.” “My wife comes out on calls to meet with the customers and helps with some of the bookkeeping and clerical stuff but with 3 young children she is pretty busy.”

“When I first started in the business a whole house installation took me so long,” Scott relates as he remembers how far they have come

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

since returning to Martinsburg. “The reason people call us is not just for design.” “People do not want to hang their blinds and shades.” “They have measured wrong before or they have ordered the wrong color and they do not want to do it themselves.” “This is an investment in their home and it is going to last a long time so we take great care in what we do and make sure it’s perfect.” “During the installation we move the furniture out of the way and take down the old blinds.” “Installation is one of those things that after the first few years I have down pretty pat.”

“I love my customers,” Scott exclaims with excitement. “I have met so many friends here in the panhandle.” “This is just a tremendous place.” “I get hugs when I leave and the people here are just wonderful.” “I don’t have a sales meeting with a customer I have a conversation.” “We spend time sharing about our families.”

“I give credit to this community.”

“I think the people are just more genuine that where I came from.”

“That is the joy I get out of the business.” “It’s not about me it’s about the customer and they are happy they called me for window treatment.”

The house sometimes speaks for itself. “I look at the direction the house is facing,” Scott says as he relates his expertise and methods of assessing a customer’s needs. “As soon as I get inside I am talking with the client and we are looking at samples but the house tells a story all by itself.” “The décor of the house has design characteristics in the browns, blues, or grays, or other colors that accentuate the house.” “The customer may have conservative, traditional or modern furnishings and a lot of the time

people are afraid to take risks or are afraid to change.” “Look you are going to change your area rug, your furniture your wall color and you want your blinds to last forever.”

“When I install these blinds you are going to have a refreshed house.”

“It is going to look so different for such a small investment.” “Do what works now and don’t worry about what is going to last forever.” “Your area rug is more expensive than the blinds you are going to put in.”

“Design for today but you don’t always have to do white.”

“Our Customers are trustworthy and generous,” Scott continues his enthusiasm for this area clearly bubbling over. “I just want customers to feel comfortable.” “My approach to meeting with them is to give them an educational experience.” “I go over all the aspects of the blinds or shades with them.” “I want them to understand that this is not just a sales meeting and not just about the blinds or shades or shutters.” “It includes the quality of their lives.” “The blinds can do many things.” “They can soften the light, they can make this room feel warmer, and they can make this room more comfortable.”

“If a customer has migraine headaches I can block out this room during the day.”

“Regardless the house is going to look refreshed from the outside,” Scott says with authority and confidence. “People have a story to tell and that is part of our meeting and the fun within the business.”

“For small children many people want the room to be a bit dark so as not to wake sleeping babies,” Scott adds noting that there are many different circumstances that can affect what a customer needs.

[ 67 ]

“They want the cords and details to be kid safe and pet safe.” “If you are concerned with heating costs then we have products that can help reduce heating costs.”

“Most people don’t know a lot about the products that are available because the first time they bought blinds, they bought mini-blinds when they were renting or bought their first house or condo,” Scott says relating the way many people think of blinds as an afterthought. “Now it is their second time around and they want to invest in their home.”

“I am always reading the women’s and home magazines to keep up with today’s fashions,” Scott confesses. “After 911 people wanted safety but now people are getting more into fun and colors and home automations are becoming popular.”

“Today’s homes have more windows and people prefer more natural light in their homes with a lot more home automation.” “You can log in to your home from work and adjust your heat, or raise and lower blinds in a theater room.” “People are investing in their homes and recreating a safe environment for entertaining instead of going out.”

“2012 was one of our best years,” Scott says with pride in his achievement and the self satisfaction of helping his customers. “I am very involved in the Chamber of Commerce and with the movers and shakers in this community.” “I have [ 68 ]

done several commercial window treatments for the local banks and the Blue Ridge Community Technical College and on the Leed Certified, American Public University systems.”

“We do a lot of their work and that has a trickle-down effect.” “When people who are working there see your work they contact you for their personal stuff.” “We just have a great network of people who support us by referring their family and friends to us for their work.” “We advertise less and less every year.”

“More and more the phone rings and we ask,” “how did you hear about us and more and more the answer is,” “oh you did work for my mom or my sister.” “So we have been fortunate and through hard work and effort we have been taking care of our clients.” “We enjoy that and there is nothing phony about it.” “I take it personally.”

The products designed to last. “You can get 20 years of use out of your window treatment and that is in a south facing window exposed to as much light and sun as you can get,” says Scott with a firm belief in his products. “We build them to last forever.” “We use nylon cord on our products so nothing frays or rots.”

“The average person redecorates every 7 to 10 years and our lines will last far beyond that.”

“Most of the stuff we do is ecofriendly,” Scott continues. “Our wood blind plant grows all their

trees.” “Then they harvest those trees and burn the sawdust to fuel the plant.” “All of our products are Greenguard indoor air quality certified not to have any aerosol release inside your home.”

Scott didn’t learn the business overnight and the company wants to make certain he has the tools to help his customers. “We have a lot of ongoing training,” Scott says acknowledging things are constantly changing. “I have an eye for this stuff and my wife was an art major.”

“The company is always providing webinars and other training to help us provide the best for the customer each month.” “This year we are going to launch a new commercial division for hotels, restaurants, and government buildings.” “We will have a different vendors and different support because this is a different animal than our residential clients.”

The satisfied residential customer will still be Scott’s primary concern at Budget Blinds of Martinsburg.

“You are going to have a caring educated person to come to your home to help you choose your windows treatments,” Scott says with honest enthusiasm. “You can feel confident in that what we advise you with is going to be the right fit for your house.” “The right fit for your budget and you are going to be happy.”

Call Scott for an appointment 304262-9101 Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

2013 Save Money

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Feel Secure

We’ve Got You Covered.

Martinsburg, WV

Panhandle

Healthy

LIVING

Recently, at my daughter’s sporting event, she had a break between events and needed something to eat. She wanted something warm. We checked out the host team’s concession stand and the only options were hot dogs or nachos. Not ideal choices for an athlete needing to fuel for an upcoming strenuous activity.

With the most common choices at local youth sporting event concession stands being nachos, hot dogs, pizza, candy… what are athletes supposed to eat for optimal performance?

Concession stands provide convenience for families with busy schedules. It can save families from having to pack snacks and meals for the athlete and their siblings. The convenience comes with a price on your family’s health and your child’s performance and enjoyment of their sport.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that, on average, youth sports participants eat more fast food, drink more sugar sweetened beverages and consume more calories than those who don’t participate in sports. Another study from San Diego State University found that kids 7-14 years of age were inactive for an average of 30 minutes during practice.

A typical 10 year old only burns about 175 calories during an hourlong basketball practice, not really enough to justify the fast food dinner or concession stand food.

These poor food choices, if continued, can lead to future weight problems, Type 2 Diabetes, heart

[ 70 ]

Fueling Your Young Athlete | By Dana M. DeJarnett, MS disease and certain types of cancer.

Good choices will not only help performance but will prevent or reduce childhood obesity and keep your family healthy. Also, trying to exercise on an empty stomach or too full with the wrong foods can be detrimental to performance as well as how you feel while playing.

Why spend all the time training and practicing and not do what you can nutritionally to be your best?

For those of you who run concession stands for your child’s sport, I hope that you will consider offering healthy choices. I understand concession stands are used as fundraisers for teams but remember you are also fueling athletes. If kids feel sluggish from high fat, sugar and sodium foods, how can they enjoy the game and feel good about how they performed. Aren’t they there because they want to play to the best of their abilities? Proper nutrition before, during and after is a simple step to improve performance and enjoyment of the game.

Athletes should eat a sufficient amount of calories to support activity, growth and development.

Include carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, grains) for efficient fuel, a moderate amount of protein (lean meats nuts, nut butters, edamame) to build and repair muscle, and a small amount of healthy fat (nuts, avocado, olive oil) for sustained energy throughout the day. Also, remember to stay hydrated.

Children have a poor sense of thirst and don’t sweat as much as adults so they need to be reminded to drink. Water is the optimal choice for most activities. Sports drinks are only needed for strenuous activities

that last more than 60 minutes.

Pre-game meal should be eaten 3-4 hours before event or practice and consist of complex carbohydrates, a moderate amount of protein, and a small amount of healthy fat. Keep to food that you are accustomed to eating.

How many youth sporting events have your kids participated in where “snack moms” provide food after practice or a game? Post- game snacks and meals can be just as important as pre-game. Postgame food helps in recovery from strenuous activity.

Post-game snack or meal should be eaten within 30 minutes of exercise.

The snack or meal should include carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of healthy fat to replace energy lost and repair muscles for optimal recovery. Low fat chocolate milk has an ideal combination of protein and carbs and makes an excellent post exercise recovery drink.

Sweets and simple carbohydrates can give a sugar rush and then crash about 30-45 minutes later. High sugar foods can cause cramping, dehydration, nausea and diarrhea.

You don’t want that to happen during a game or practice. There is a place for treats in your life but during and after an athletic event is not one of them.

Top snacks or meals for athletes that can be easily prepared and served at home, or packed to go or served at concession stands include: • Carrot sticks and hummus • Cereal with low fat milk

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

• Oatmeal • String cheese and whole grain crackers • Smoothies with fresh fruit and yogurt but not added sugar • Pretzels • Low fat yogurt • Trail mix • Fresh fruit • Granola bar • Broth based soup • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread • Hardboiled egg • Turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread • Pasta with red sauce and chicken • Fish or chicken with sautéed vegetables and brown rice • Pasta salad (avoid cream based dressings or mayo) • Salad with grilled chicken • Bagels Things to avoid: • Packaged, highly processed or fast food • Heavy cream soups and sauces

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and mayo • Candy and sweets • Sweetened sports drinks and sodas • Fast food, pizza, fried foods When reading food labels, look for foods with no high fructose corn syrup, additives, preservatives or artificial colors and flavors. Limit sugar and saturated and trans fat. Look for protein and fiber but be careful to not have too much because it may cause an upset stomach and cramping. Also, avoid additives that increase fiber and protein artificially. Read the ingredient list. Purchase foods with a short list of ingredient and ingredients that are all natural and the least processed. If you can’t pronounce it or don’t recognize it, it is probably artificial.

Coaches and parents can be good role models. Good nutrition messages should come from coaches and be supported by parents.

Encourage healthy team snacks and

avoid unhealthy foods as rewards.

Sell healthy foods and beverages at concession stands. Consider nonfood ways for fundraising such as car washes, walk-a-thons…

Participation in recreational or competitive sports at a young age has benefits beyond the sports field.

Participation helps children create healthy habits for a lifetime. Children build their “self-regulatory strength.”

This strength or will power can spill over to making healthy choices with food, keeping up with homework, improve test scores… Athletics builds confidence, promotes good health and fitness and decreases risk of obesity in childhood which in turn can reduce risk of obesity in adulthood. Enhance the benefit of youth sports by encouraging and modeling healthy food choices. It is a simple step that can keep your kids in the game for a lifetime.

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Farmers & Mechanics Offers a Legacy of Service

by Debra Cornwell

In the late nineteenth-century, insurance was non-existent or hard to come by in the Mountain State.

Recognizing this need, thirty-five men--a combination of farmers and business owners--pooled their money to protect themselves from catastrophe and laid the groundwork for one of the oldest and most successful, continuallyoperated businesses in the state.

Since December 8, 1877 Farmers & Mechanics Mutual Insurance has been working hard for the people of West Virginia. By early 1878, F&M’s first policy was issued for $2,000 to cover dry goods and notions.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Board Chair/Treasurer J. Wayne Lancaster of Martinsburg muses, “If you saw a company that has been around since 1877, that tells you something doesn’t it? It would behoove you to find out what that company does and why they’ve been around for so long,” as well as what that company can do for you.

When F&M leaders say, “We understand the challenges our policyholders face at a local level,” it is quite literal. Lancaster, who has been with Farmers & Mechanics for 20 years, says the makeup of board members hasn’t changed

much over the decades. “It’s almost unchanged,” he reflects, “with the addition of a dentist and a real estate professional, the board is still comprised of local orchardists, general contractors, bankers, farmers, and business owners. We seek out policyholders who are outstanding citizens in the community and who would serve our policyholders well.”

Today, Farmers and Mechanics Property and Casualty Companies are represented by over 450 licensed agents and more than 130 independent agencies in 53 of West

[ 73 ]

Virginia’s 55 counties and is the seventh largest homeowner carrier and the third largest farm-owner carrier in the state. Headquartered in Martinsburg in a large, dignified brick building on Edwin Miller Boulevard since 1994, F&M added its first two independent agencies in 1960 and the network has grown since then.

By 1962, F&M had written its first homeowner’s package policy that included dwelling, personal property, and liability. Until then, only fire policies were written. Today the company offers insurance for property including mobile homes, auto, farm, and commercial needs.

Many of us may cringe as we write checks to insurance companies and might wonder, “What’s mutual about insurance if I don’t have claims?” A

[ 74 ]

mutual insurance company is 100% owned by its policyholders. If profits are earned by the company, those profits are returned to policyholders through dividend distributions or reduced premiums. Mutual insurance developed in England in the late 1600’s to cover loss due to fire. In America, Ben Franklin introduced the concept in 1752 with the establishment of the Philadelphia Contributorship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire. Mutual insurance companies are now available worldwide.

Conversely, a stock insurance is owned by stockholders, that is, investors who have purchased company stock. Any profits are distributed to stockholders not policyholders.

As a company headquartered in

Berkeley County which insures West Virginia residents and businesses and employs local and state residents, the F&M board feel they are stakeholders in the community, too. In 2012 Farmers & Mechanics was named the prestigious Corporate Winner by the Eastern West Virginia Foundation--a regional non-profit that manages granting funds to benefit local charitable organizations. F&M also supports Hospice, United Way, Boys & Girl Scouts, various little leagues, the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library, and 4H. Many F&M employees volunteer for various organizations including the United Way Day of Caring and Relay for Life. Lancaster declares F&M is invested in the community, “We feel, and we know, we have an obligation to the community, and as long as we can afford it, we intend to so!”

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

An insurance company is also an accurate repository of a certain type of community history-natural disasters. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy dumped 30 inches of snow in central West Virginia resulting in power outages and roof collapses. The company settled 1,200 claims throughout West Virginia from the June 29, 2012 derecho alone, and F&M President/ CEO Foster Sirbaugh of Berkeley Springs says only two claims received complaints. The February 2010 Snowmageddon actually started with a December 18, 2009 snowfall that never melted plus a late January 2010 snowfall all piled on top of each other. Sirbaugh says there were many collapses due to the weight of the snow and ice. In February 2009, there was a night time wind event in the Eastern Panhandle which resulted in large

business signs falling down plus many rooftops damaged. Local residents may remember other significant events including the April 1991 windstorm and a May 1988 hail storm. Sirbaugh says that most claims from these events are from wind damage, power interruptions, fires, and trees on homes or cars.

steadily grown from its policyholders initial investment. In 1940 F&M listed over $115,000.00 in assets, and in 2012 F&M has over $51 million in assets.

F&M has also weathered economic disasters. “Some of our policyholders have suffered the loss of their homes. When our policyholders are challenged, the company is challenged, but we have weathered this countrywide financial crisis fairly well,” says Sirbaugh. Lancaster interjects, “We do work with policyholders in distress, and we practice sound banking. Although the economy has dealt us a notable ding, we are able to sustain excellent service to policyholders.” F&M has

excellent coverage, and personal service.” Sirbaugh is emphatic, “We have the best service--the personal touch only someone you know can offer. Our staff and board of directors continue to carry on the legacy and tradition of superior service along with our long standing commitment to the State of West Virginia and the communities we serve. We really do belong to West Virginia.” Visit www. fmiwv.com.

Lancaster and Sirbaugh agree, “We want people to know we have competitive rates,

Publisher’s Note -Have you ever known someone who just makes you smile every time you think of them - I am blessed to know Miss Vickie Elliott www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 75 ]

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Now It’s Your Turn Recipes to Spice Up Your Life | Bake Some Bread

Blueberry Bread ions t ec ir D s t n Ingredie

a loaf ees. Grease to 350 degr en ov t ea Preh pan. lt in wder, and sa r, baking po ga nilla su va , d ur an flo Mix oil, egg, l. Stir milk, er is just tt ba til a large bow un fold flour mixture ith flour then extract into ueberries w af bl lo t ed us D ar d. ep blende ur into pr e batter; po them into th pan. a toothpick d oven until te ea eh pr n, 60 to e Bake in th mes out clea the center co to in ed rt se in 70 minutes.

ur l-purpose flo 1 1/2 cups al te sugar 3/4 cup whi der baking pow 2 teaspoons salt 1/8 teaspoon 1/2 cup milk table oil 1/4 cup vege

1 egg t vanilla extrac 1/2 teaspoon ueberries 1 1/2 cups bl

Zucchini Bread

Ingredients 3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil 2 cups white sugar

2 cups grated zucchi ni 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon bakin g powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup chopped wa lnuts

[ 78 ]

Directions

Preheat oven to 32 5 degrees .

Grease and flour tw o 8x4 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and frothy. Mix in oil and sugar. Stir in zucchini and van illa. Combine flour, cinnamon, sod a, baking powder, salt and nu ts; stir into the egg mixture. Divide batter into prepared pans.

Bake for 60 to 70 mi nutes, or until done.

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

Ciabatta Bread

Ingredients

1 1/2 cu ps water 1 1/2 tea spoons s alt 1 teaspo on white sugar 1 tablesp oon olive oil 3 1/4 cu ps bread flour 1 1/2 tea s machine poons bread yeast

Soft Pretzels ctions e r i D s t ien

Directions

Place ing redients in to the pan order sug of the bre gested by ad machin the manu cycle, and e in the facturer. S Start. elect the D ough Dough will be quite st icky and w resist the temptatio n to add m et once cycle is co lightly flou mpleted, ore red board , cover with flour. Place dough for 15 min on a a large bo utes. wl, and le t rest Lightly flo ur o Divide into r use parchment lin ed baking 2 pieces, and form sheets.

Place loa ea ves on pre pared she ch into a 3x14 inch lightly flou ets, dimple oval. r. Cover, a surface, a nd let rise approxim nd in a draft ately 45 m free place inutes. for Preheat o ven to 42 5 degrees F Dimple do ugh for a second tim the oven, e, a positioned on the mid nd then place loave minutes. D dle rack. B s in uring baki ake for 25 ng 10 minute to 30 s for a cris , spritz loaves with water eve pier crust . ry 5 to

water. r in warm a g u s n spoo . a nd 1 tea ut 10 minutes . Make yeast a and salt bo e r, a to a lv , in g y o u s m s is rm a D re 2 cup and fo d until c flour, 1/ ater. re. Mix Let stan gether st mixtu blespoons of w to a e ix y m t d s l, n a a w e e ta o y il o th b o ry e e tw e c d tive In a larg center; add th ry, add one or large bowl, pla c wrap oons ac d e ti a s is th il la 4 teasp o in p re r y ll a h tu we ite sug ver wit the mix l smooth. Lightl oon wh h oil. Co , about 1 hour. ugh. If 1 teasp r (110 a do the dough unti coat wit e te iz to s a w in rn soda and tu oubled Knead ps warm baking e bowl e until d th c 1 1/4 cu in la issolve p h d g l, u rm w o a ) o d s w b e a e larg degre r rise in es. In a ose flou and let d divide 50 degre all-purp 4 to n e 5 cups rface an v u o s t d r a a e a re g h u Pre tly flo ist into white su to a ligh a rope and tw h pretzel t water. n o 1/2 cup o h t u in o lt c sa ip ea dough ce into aspoons aped, d sheet. ach pie n, turn 1 1/2 te is all sh baking le oil hen rise l pieces. Roll e b h d W g e ta u s e o a g d e re a v e g u n th a q o f e n o o o 2 p ll s 1 place into Once a 1 table tion and oda shape. aking s pretzel oda solu b s p g u in c . k 2 a b 1/ rowned r salt. into the , until b water s h koshe t it te o w u h in s le p k 4 cu Sprin for 8 m d oven topping reheate p alt, for s in r e e h k s Ba ko

Ingred

Ban an a Bread

Ingredients

1/4 cup w hite sugar 1 teaspoo n ground cinnamon 3/4 cup b utter 3 cups su gar 3 eggs

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

7 very rip e bananas, mashed 1 (16 oun ce) contain er sour cr eam 2 teaspoo ns vanilla 2 1/2 teasp oons grou nd cinnam 1/2 teasp on oon salt 3 teaspoo ns baking soda 4 1/2 cup s all-purpo se flour 1 cup cho pped waln uts (optio nal) 1/2 cup ra isins (opti onal)

Directions

Preheat oven to 300 degr ees. Grease four loaf pa ns. In a smal l bowl, mix together 1/4 cup suga teaspoon cinn r and 1 amon. Dust pans lightly with cinnam on and suga r mixture.

Cream butter and 3 cups sugar. Add eggs, mashe d bananas, sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon. M ix in salt, baking soda and flour. St ir in nuts, and raisins.

Divide into prepared pans.

Bake for 1 ho ur, or until a toothpick comes out cl ean.

[ 79 ]

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Chesapeake Crab Company It would be impossible to escape noticing a five-foot crab attached to the top of a building anywhere, but on Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg, WV, it’s a real eyecatcher. An icon on the street since 2005, it lured me in once to buy a bushel of hard shell crabs in 2006.

At that time, the Chesapeake Crab Company seemed more like a seafood market with its picnic tables and basic menu. The restaurant business is tough enough, and in a fickle economy it is doubly so. The fact that Chesapeake Crab Company has been in business for seven-anda-half years makes it worthy enough for another look and taste.

Make no bones about it, the restaurant is not situated at the beach, and there is no West Virginia scenic mountain vista to enjoy. The building is likely a former Esso gas station and is located right on a busy street. It’s not a place for ambiance, but the folks who work there give a hale and hearty greeting and are eager to please.

One enters at the center of the building which has seating. To the right is the section with the food counter and to the left is another area for tables which strikes me as a great place for a club meeting or casual party. In total, the establishment can seat about 40.

The decor is appropriate for casual seafood with an artful seaside mural.

We were a hungry and chatty party of three and discerned that owners, Brett and Jackie Ballam,

[ 81 ]

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

were originally from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. When he retired from the police force, they moved to Sharpsburg. Missing the quality and style of seafood that they were accustomed to on Kent Island, they decided to do their own thing. Armed with nothing but their personal taste, family recipes, and their ability to cook for their friends and family, they found the building in Martinsburg and were on their way.

Oysters Rockefeller, really? Don’t be fooled by casual dining at Chesapeake Crab Company. I ordered this “just to see” and I was surprised not only at the splendid flavor, but the oysters were large. It is the real deal, perfectly executed. My tastebuds were fully alerted.

One of my companions ordered the fish sandwich. Yawn, right? Although it is called the Big Grouper, the menu description says it is a filet so we fully expected a square filet that fits on a typical round bun. When the sandwich arrived, it looked like the whole huge fish! Gorgeous moist fish in a perfectly golden crust the size of flattened football, the sandwich could easily feed two. Oh, one can never eat a boxed frozen patty again.

Diner number two is a picky little thing. “Take this off, put that on the side, send that back, can we change this?” She said the crab imperial was amongst the best she had ever eaten. I don’t know. I didn’t get any.

It was served with generous lumps of crab meat and butterflied shrimp tucked alongside then covered with a delicate yet tangy (a hint of dijon?) lemon butter sauce and baked.

It’s not a dish you’d think the local fishmonger would whip up, but it’s a clear winner.

I ordered the Po Boy with the clams and scallops option--pick two of Grouper, clams, shrimp, oysters, scallops. Fried and topped with melted cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a spicy remoulade, this large sandwich is on a great fresh sub roll. Clearly, the seafood is fresh not frozen and perfect in size-21-25 count shrimp and U10-20 scallops.

Our menu choices each included side dishes that did not disappoint. We tried homemade stewed tomatoes,

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 82 ]

old fashioned cucumber and onions, and homemade coleslaw. I make my own cucumber and onion salad, and this one is better; it’s the recipe I wish I had. The rough-shred coleslaw is my favorite style--lots of crunch with a creamy tang. We heard the stewed tomatoes are a secret family recipe--very nice.

Stuffed to the gills, pun intended, I ordered three items for take out-shrimp salad and two soups. The shrimp salad is outstanding and made with nice large shrimp--not pitiful watery salad shrimp. The shrimp salad was so good that the next time I have to take a covered dish somewhere, I’m taking my fancy bowl to the Chesapeake Crab Company and telling them to fill it up. I will be pleased to take credit for this dish of plentiful shrimp with some crunch from celery and a creamy mayonnaise dressing with some kick. The scallop and mushroom chowder is made with sauteed button mushrooms and a touch of cream with plenty of scallops. It’s like the surf and turf of the soup world-- a taste of the earth meets a taste of the sea. It works and is delicious. I’m a big fan of vegetable soup and the Maryland crab soup would be great without the crabmeat and seafood spices. It has a rich hearty broth with lovely chunks of vegetables. The crab meat takes it to another level.

[ 83 ]

My biggest realization is the fact that I can get great seafood dishes locally year-round. I don’t have to plan a trip to Chincoteague or make a crab run to Hampton. I don’t have to wait for summer. I don’t have to wait for a month ending in “r.” I don’t have to get dressed up to go to a fancy restaurant. I can get take out if I want. It’s right here, it tastes like summer, and I’m so happy about it!

The Chesapeake Crab Company sells some sides by the pound, platters, seafood by the pound, bushel, or dozen depending on type and they offer carryout, on-site catering, and crab feed parties.

Don’t forget the barbecue--ribs and pulled pork are cooked on site. Want the perfect sweet for an endnote--try a homemade cake pop. Visit them at www.ChesapeakeCrabCo.biz or like them on Facebook as Chesapeake Crab Company.

Chesapeake Crab Co 1014 Winchester Ave. Martinsburg, WV 304•262•0077

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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By Bethany Davidson Joshua Hancock spent the first two years of college bouncing around from major to major. “I didn’t really have a profession in mind,” he admits. Then in the summer of 1994, the young student spent some time working in the dental lab of the VA Medical Center with his father, who was previously the Chief of Dentistry there. “That’s when I realized the artistic side of dentistry,” says Hancock.

“I had always been drawn to art and science throughout school and dentistry connected both for me.”

So when the Martinsburg native returned to West Virginia University, he completed his Bachelor of Sciences degree and in 1999 earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Hancock completed his residency in general practice in Hampton, Virginia and briefly practiced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but the dentist had a desire to serve in his hometown.

“As we looked long term at where we wanted to be, we decided it would be nice to come home to raise our children near family and provide [ 86 ]

dental care to a community we know so well,” says Hancock.

Joshua and his wife Kathy returned to the Eastern Panhandle and in January of 2003 they established the Hancock Dental Center. “I can remember being so excited to schedule the very first patient,” says JeriLynn McClure, the practice’s office manager. “When we first opened it was just the three of us and Dr. Hancock did all the cleanings himself.”

A lot has changed for the practice, currently celebrating its tenth year of providing dental healthcare to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

“Our practice has seen significant growth over the years,” says Lisa Pulse, Dr. Hancock’s assistant. “We have improved chair side techniques and upgraded equipment.” Rachel Boyd has also joined the practice as a dental hygienist, which has allowed Dr. Hancock to focus on what he loves to do and allowed the practice to take on more restorative and complex cases.

According to Kathy Hancock, Office Support Director for the practice, a major change over the past ten years has been how the staff has come together as a team.

“Everybody just complements each other so well that I think it does improve the experience.” “I have been very fortunate to have JeriLynn and Lisa since opening the office,” says the doctor. “Over the years we have built a relationship based on trust and respect. In essence, we have a close knit team that demonstrates their commitment to the way we provide care to our patients every day.”

“Dr. Hancock is very relaxed, upbeat, and always has a smile on his face,“ says McClure. “That goes a long way. We truly enjoy our work here and look forward to coming into the office every day. I think people can tell when you enjoy your work.”

But despite all the changes within the dental center, the one thing that has remained the same is the high quality of dental care provided

by Hancock and his staff. “One Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

amazing thing about my husband,” says Kathy Hancock, “is he had a vision of what the practice was going to be and how it would run and he has stayed true to that throughout the last ten years.”

At Hancock Dental Center, “we believe the quality of life, physical health and mental well-being are directly related to a healthy mouth and attractive smile,” says Dr. Hancock. High quality dental care and patient comfort are the goals for Hancock and his team. But perhaps the most unique thing about this dental practice is the time commitment given to each patient.

Each patient is given a dedicated appointment time.

“I enjoy understanding the patient’s perspective when it comes to helping them with their dental health,” explains Dr. Hancock. “For me, it would be hard to do that bouncing from room to room. My patients are the most rewarding part of going to work each day,” he continues. “I have the opportunity to help them improve the way that they perceive themselves by doing what I love to do.”

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Hancock Dental Center provides a number of procedures from basic, restorative dentistry to cosmetic dentistry as well as restoring implants and making dentures. The practice prides itself on providing “dental health care” versus “disease care.” They focus on thorough exams – checking the overall health of a patient’s teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary.

“Painful teeth and gums and missing teeth make it difficult to eat healthy foods properly. Infections in the mouth put a definite strain on the immune system. Additionally, a healthy smile can help improve one’s self-confidence and improve their mental outlook. People just feel better when they can eat, smile, talk, laugh and interact with others without pain and worry,” says Hancock.

“We feel confident that we can meet all of your dental needs,” says Dr. Hancock. “Our goal is to make your smile as healthy and beautiful as possible and feel that our job is to ensure that you understand the

best options for maintenance and treatment.”

As the staff of Hancock Dental Center celebrate their tenth anniversary, they also look forward to what the future holds for the practice. “We want to continue with training courses so that what we provide is not stagnant and it’s evolving with technology and more current treatments,” says Kathy Hancock. “I want us to grow and serve the community as best we can,” says Office Manager JeriLynn McClure. “We have a great patient base. Many are like family to us.”

Hancock Dental Center is currently accepting new patients.

Appointments can be made by calling (304) 264-9227. More information about the practice and the procedures it offers can be found online at www.hancockdentalcenter. com. You can also check out their latest special and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ hancockdentalcenter.

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By Bonnie Williamson

With people nationwide still hurting from the downturn in the economy, the term stay-cation has become a way of life for many of them.

Stay-cation is when an individual or family stays and relaxes at home.

If you stay at home more, you become much more aware of your surroundings. You get ideas to make things more beautiful.

Stay-cations have been a shot in the arm for businesses like Cecil’s Building Supply, Inc. located at 210 Adams Street in Martinsburg.

“We’re one of the oldest running businesses in the area. We have great customers and have been very fortunate,” says Cecil’s sales manager Marshall Wilson.

Cecil’s began business in 1972. Cecil was the name of the original owner.

Wilson says the name remained

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because people knew it for so many years.

Wilson describes Cecil’s as the source of masonry building supplies in the Eastern Panhandle, supplying such building materials as brick, block, stone, mortar and fireplaces.

The company’s website boasts, “We’ve helped shape our growing community, brick by brick, and block by block, one customer at a time.”

Cecil’s has provided building supplies used for the Morgan County Courthouse and Blue Ridge Community Technical College and Spring Mills Primary School.

“No matter the size of the project, we’ll get you the materials you need,” Wilson says. “We want the best products for our customers. We’ll get products from all up and down the

east coast. You want it, we’ll find it.”

There’s no question Cecil’s has also benefitted from the latest do-ityourself trend in home improvement.

There are several reasons why homeowners choose to tackle projects on their own. According to the website, do-it-yourself.us, many tutorials and information sources are available about most types of home improvement projects. These can help people complete projects quickly and efficiently. An added incentive is you can save money by doing projects yourself. Also, doing your own home improvement projects gives you all the control, and can ensure the project turns out exactly as you want it. Finally, do-it-yourselfers have fun and enjoy a sense of accomplishment when their projects are finished.

Wilson says a husband and wife put in their own 300 square-foot patio, firewall, a fire-pit and 200-foot garden wall.

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

“That was an extremely ambitious project,” he says.

Still, Wilson warned that many of the do-it-yourself programs on TV make many jobs look far easier than they actually are.

“We’re right up front and honest with our customers. Many of the TV projects get finished in a half hour. That’s not reality. Sometimes people get halfway through a project and realize they better call in a professional. It’s a double-edged sword,” he says.

Wilson adds that he and his employees are with their customers right from the beginning on projects.

“We’ll come out and look at what they want done for no charge. We give them plans and manuals to guide them. We’re with them every step of the way. We even take pictures of finished projects and show them off,” he says.

Wilson, who was born and raised in Charles Town, has been at Cecil’s for eight years. Cecil’s has about ten employees, depending on the season.

The company offers help to people who want to do the work themselves, but also has a list of contractors who can do the job for the homeowner.

“We value our customers. We know what we’re talking about. If they ask for help, somebody here will know of someone who has done a similar project. If we don’t know it, we’ll get back to you. We have many repeat customers. Life-long relationships with many, too,” Wilson says.

Cecil’s has a showroom to give customer ideas. Wilson said the store offers a large inventory of regular and hard-to-find items, will deliver to job sites and doesn’t shy away from special orders.

“We had one customer who literally wanted yellow brick for her yard. A Yellow Brick Road like in ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ She got it. We had another customer who wanted the same stone for his shower like he had for his house. We found that too,” Wilson said.

During the winter months, people are interested in fixing up their fireplaces,

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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building fireplaces or outside fire-pits or rings. Wilson says Cecil’s has all the masonry materials a customer would need and also gas logs or materials for a gas burning unit.

Supplies for fixing up chimneys are also on hand.

Cecil’s has a variety of products, covering many homeowner needs like foundation vents, dampers, window wells, fireclay, glass block, metal lathe, flue caps, masonry ties, firebrick, flue liners, masonry anti-freeze, mortar dye, rebar, chimney block, concrete mix, steel decking, access doors, sand, gravel, construction chemicals, walk slabs and tools.

The store carries a wide selection of regular and colored mortar. Mortar makes up about 22 percent of what your eyes see when you look at a brick wall.

The store has a variety of block like concrete block, architectural block, and acoustical block. There’s a large selection of both natural and manufactured stone.

One of the most popular materials selected by homeowners is tumbled paver.

“It looks like Italian stone. Like an old rugged and beat up road. It’s natural with no square edges,” he says.

Wilson says Cecil’s also helps people with their landscaping plans, carrying block for retaining walls, and materials for garden walls and courtyards. Customers come in with ideas for patios or even an extra parking spot. Decorative gravel is available. Some varieties include brick chips, crushed up pieces of brick; brown sandstone; small pieces of rounded pebbles in brown and tan and rainbow chip, small, white, marble-like pieces, with tints of purple and pink.

“More and more people want to dress up the outside of their homes. We can help them do that. We’ll find the answer for you,” Wilson says.

And, like the woman who wanted her own Yellow Brick Road, more and more people are finding, with a little fixing up, “There’s no place like home.” Thank you, Dorothy, rather, thank you Cecil’s .

Cecil’s Building Supply is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturdays until April. The website is www.cecilsbuildingsupply. com.

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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Charles Town, WV.

Cuisine that is Fit for an Emperor

By Debra Cornwell Have you been to Hong Kong, lately?

Me neither. However, after dining at 9 Dragons, I’ve taken a culinary journey worthy of an Emperor. . .or Empress. It is a real treat when a restaurant has a rich story--food, service, presentation, decor, and interesting traditions.

Located at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, 9 Dragons occupies the space formerly known as the Sundance Grille. From the congenial greeting, to the jasmine tea poured at the table, to the thoughtful packets of wet towels to cleanse the hands of diners who have been gaming, 9 Dragons sets the stage for a memorable meal.

Manager Kin Tsoi started his cooking career 30 years ago in Hong Kong.

To clinch the job as manager at 9 Dragons, he had to pass an exacting food competition-like audition by preparing 12 dishes in an hour for nearly 20 executives. His grace under pressure prevailed, and Kin has gone on to create an authentic and extensive menu for 9 Dragons. He then assembled the team that produces these Hong Kong delights. Executive Sous Chef at Hollywood Casino, Christian Evans says, “Kin trained his carefully selected staff in six weeks and is the primary communicator for his team members who mostly speak Chinese. Everyone, including servers, had to pass a test on the ingredients.”

Notably, the menu is written in English with Chinese and Vietnamese translations on the sidebar.

9 Dragons is no strip mall Chinese

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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take out. Like all Hollywood Casino food, the elevated cuisine comes from a dedicated kitchen and everything, down to the hoisin sauce, is made from scratch.

Evans notes that, “The restaurant is separate from the gaming environment. Tucked in the back corner, every effort has been made to create a quiet, relaxing atmosphere” Soothing music plays and a few discreet, well-placed flat screen televisions allow patrons to keep an eye on sports or news. In Feng Shui, water is associated with prosperity and luck. Water, like energy, needs to flow so a lovely waterfall feature graces the wall near the restaurant entrance.

The interior incorporates the typical black and red associated with Chinese restaurants, but the sleek lines of the decor are complemented by textured fabrics like burnt-cut velvet and are accented by colors of putty and bronze.

We started our dinner with the most mouth-watering sushi and sashimi-eel, yellow tail, white tail, salmon, shrimp, and the spectacular Dragon Roll. Although the words are often used interchangeably, sushi and sashimi are distinctly different. Sashimi is very fresh raw fish that is sliced into thin pieces. Sushi is a dish made with vinegared rice and can contain raw fish but can also include cooked meat like shrimp or no seafood at all such as a cucumber roll. The sashimi and sushi we tasted were of the freshest highest quality with a chilled silky texture and a delicate luscious flavor. Skillfully prepared, the Dragon Roll is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Although a Japanese delicacy, sushi and sashimi of this caliber is at home on the 9 Dragons menu.

Another popular appetizer is a shrimp and crab lovers delight. The golden snow crab claws with shrimp are prepared in panko--Japanese bread crumbs--and served with sesame oil.

Ever so bold, I felt like a Food Channel chef when I tasted the jellyfish salad.

Chilled with scallions and an herbed soy sauce, the painstaking preparation includes briefly boiling the jellyfish then rinsing the free-swimming marine animal for three hours. The julienned jellyfish is dressed with vinegar, soy sauce and ginger. The dish has a gelatinous crunch with a sweet tang from the sauce. I wonder if there is such a thing as a peanut butter and jellyfish sandwich?

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Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

From the “BBQ” section of the menu, I ordered Peking Duck. The divinely seasoned and roasted duck is served in properly cut slices. My expert server, Hoi Chan, explained and demonstrated the traditional way to enjoy the dish--pick up a slice of duck with your chopsticks, dip it into the house made hoisin sauce, place the meat on a steamed bun, garnish with scallions, fold the bread over the meat, and nibble away. Hugely popular, the restaurant sells about 20 Peking Ducks a day. I savored and lingered over each bite appreciating the magnificence of this dish.

Roasted Pig Belly is another standout from the “BBQ” menu. It’s presented golden, crispy, and succulent with another cooked-for-hours house made sauce--sweet bean. Like the duck, the pork belly is rich, juicy, and cooked to perfection.

Hunan Crispy Whole Fish is a presentation delight. The whole Rockfish is coated in a water chestnut powder, crispy fried, and served head and tail on like it swam onto the plate.

The technique preserves both the firmness and delicate flavor of the fish.

The wok-seared sirloin is another crowd pleaser. WIth asparagus, peppers, onions and chef’s sauce, the vegetables are perfectly crunchy and the beef is tender and juicy. The kitchen has also mastered the noodle, whether wide rice noodles, drunken chicken noodles, or pan-fried noodles in the form of crisp vermicelli. Diners can pick a noodle then add beef, chicken, seafood, pork, or vegetable.

Perhaps the most popular dish at the restaurant is the 9 Dragons seafood fried rice. With plentiful shrimp and scallops and huge pieces of King crab, the fantastic dish was a favorite at our table.

Even though I rarely drink alcohol, the specialty cocktails on the menu tempted even me. The Dragon Eye would be an awesome signature drink at Halloween. Made with Plymouth gin and lychee nectar, the red libation features a lychee fruit at the bottom staring up at you like an eyeball. The always-fresh fruit lends a perfumed sweetness to the drink. The Drunken Dragon is a perfect homage to the orchards of the Eastern Panhandle.

With Grey Goose le Poire, Peach Schnapps, and apple juice, this sumptuous sipper reminded me of

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

spring in the Blue Ridge. The most memorable cocktail was the Magic Dragon. A spectacular shade of blue-tinged lavender, this drink is a masterful mix of Absolut vodka, blue curacao, lychee nectar, and violet extract. Beautiful to behold and better to drink, this is what purple would taste like if it was a flavor.

A little research reveals why 9 Dragons is a culturally significant name for the restaurant. Even to the casual observer, it is obvious that the dragon figures prominently as a cultural icon in China and Vietnam. The earliest Chinese Emperors were thought to be related to Long, the Chinese Dragon.

Legend says that when the Emperors died, they were immortalized as dragons, hence, the attribution of the dragon as a symbol of Imperial power.

As the symbol for many Chinese dynasties, the dragon is incorporated into the Dragon Throne, on ancient flags, on tombs, and in palaces and gardens. Considered powerful, the dragon symbolizes good luck, strength, and excellence and is still used in daily language to compliment someone who is “like a dragon.” The dragon also symbolizes dominion over water including rain, typhoons, and floods.

In the Chinese Zodiac, the dragon is one of the symbols used to describe personality traits. Curiously, more births supposedly occur in dragon years. I’m guessing it is in order to harness the power of the dragon for their children.

A popular Chinese story is the Nine Offspring of the Dragon. Nine, as the largest possible single digit, is considered special, and dragons are noted in terms of nine attributes such as 117 scales, 9x13; 81 Yang, 9x9; 36 Yin, 9x4. As a result, nine is reserved for the Emperor who wore nine dragons on his robe.

So there is the answer--9 Dragons, a symbol of strength, good character, and good fortune, serves cuisine fit for an Emperor and the lucky guests of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Slots. Tsoi says 9 Dragons quickly developed a regular following since its opening in August 2012, and the customer reviews have been consistently outstanding. The accolades are well-deserved.

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Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum Inspiring Local Business Owners Since 2001

By Victoria Kidd

There is one universal truth that every entrepreneur will tell you. This truth is that opening, growing, operating, and sustaining a business is hard. It is a task that, despite its rewards, is not for the faint of heart. For local entrepreneurs or those considering entrepreneurship, the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum (EPEF for short) offers a place to gain insight, become inspired, and commune with like-minded locals.

The EPEF is a dynamic, nonprofit organization comprised of experts from surrounding business and the local technical community. Its mission is to promote the formation and growth of innovative businesses, an objective that arguably strengthens the overall local economy. Each month, the EPEF offers free events that are open to anyone who operates an established business locally or who is in the early stages of opening their business. It is a unique organization in that it is the last remaining forum still operating within West Virginia.

Whitney Barrett, the forum’s main point of contact, coordinates logistics for the EPEF’s monthly meetings.

Barrett spends her days as a Program Manager for the Jefferson County

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Development Authority. (The Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan County Economic Development Authorities, along with a steering committee of dedicated members, direct and organize the EPEF.) Concerning the organization’s formation she explains, “The forum began in 2001 as a local spin-off (like many others throughout the state) to the West Virginia Entrepreneurs Forum.” That organization, unlike the EPEF, was unable to garner the support and attendance necessary for continued operations. In 2009, it disbanded and, out of respect for the EPEF’s success, transferred its remaining operating funds to the EPEF. Since then, the EPEF has continued to offer programs that are designed to provide information and networking opportunities that help local businesses stay successful. Each month, participants can attend a presentation on a topic of importance to business owners. Previous programs have covered topics such as advertising through media, product development, tax issues, trademarks, risk management, and more. Presenters come from a wide range of industries, and sometimes even include local political figures, industry leaders, and

respected business owners. Businesses of all sizes and all entity types can find something of value from participation.

Barrett says, “Programs focus on information that supports business growth. Business owners are busy and often stuck behind office doors, so we do our very best to bring information to them.”

Aside from the presentation itself, participants are also allowed a chance to network and mingle with other attendees. “Attendees can expect a warm welcome, friendly business conversation, encouragement, and a dynamic representation of business resources,” Barrett says. “The event begins with a networking hour when refreshments are served, and there are ten local business display tables which are available for browsing.” Given the sometimes isolating nature of business ownership, this opportunity to network is of great value to the event’s attendees.

On average, the program will draw approximately fifty guests, but a recently scheduled event in January drew almost seventy people, demonstrating that the local business community recognizes the inherent value offered by the programs of the

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EPEF. Attendees come from a wide range of industries, but most are small business owners or individuals who are interested in starting a business.

Representatives from larger business entities also attend, as do employees and affiliates of a growing number of annual sponsors.

Those working behind the scenes to create these opportunities do so because of a strong belief that entrepreneurship is critical to local economies. Barrett says that there are many initiatives to promote entrepreneurship within the state. She remarks, “It is home-grown businesses that have helped the state and the Eastern Panhandle thrive. Some of them grow into large employers.

Others stay small, but still contribute significantly to our economy.” It takes businesses of all sizes to really build strong communities, and organizations like the EPEF are absolutely critical to the success of entrepreneurs.

The continued success of local businesses is the end goal of the EPEF’s operations. These operations are founded on the belief that the future economic vitality of the Eastern Panhandle is built with entrepreneurship as its backbone. A culture of innovation, a proliferation

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of available support and resources, and visible success models are keys to building this backbone.

Barrett remarks, “We want people to know that there is a free resource at their disposal. We’re happy to meet the needs of the community if there is a topic of interest they would like for us to address.” There is an open avenue of communication between participants and those working to make the EPEF successful. Interested individuals can visit their website or connect with them on Facebook.

The desire to continually increase participation and improve the quality of offered programs is apparent, but such is a desire that is not exclusive to Barrett. Everyone connected with the EPEF wants to use the forum as a vehicle to drive local business success and economic growth.

Those invested in the forum’s success include its sponsors. In addition to Around the Panhandle magazine, the forum’s 2013 sponsors include Accurate Systems, Avalon Resort, Bathfitter, Blue Ridge CTC, Chris Livingston, City National Bank, Comcast Business Division, Comcast Spotlight, Depot Florist, Historic McFarland House, HMS Technologies, United Bank, Merrill Lynch, Panorama

at the Peak, Mid-Atlantic ProTel, Remax 1st Realty, River Riders, Specialized Engineering, Techmethods, Triad Engineering, and the WV Manufacturer’s Extension Partnership.

For those who want to see the forum’s value first-hand, meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. The networking hour, complete with offered refreshments, begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program starts sharply at 6:30 p.m. The meeting location rotates between venues within Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties.

In the past, meetings have been held at the Purple Iris, The Historic McFarland House, The Inn at Charles Town, and Panorama at the Peak. The EPEF announces program and venue information in advance on its website, www.jcda.net/epef. Visitors to that site can also sign up to receive emailed updates announcing information about upcoming programs.

If you are a business owner or an up-and-coming entrepreneur, be sure to check out the Eastern Panhandle Entrepreneurs Forum. By doing so, you will certainly gain access to a wealth of information and resources that can help your business thrive.

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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Boltz Continues Tradition, Offers Uniques

by Debra Cornwell

Since 1905, and maybe earlier, there has been an operational general store at 500 Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg. Twenty-eight-yearold Anthony Wright is ably leading Boltz Hardware, Garden Center and General Store into its second century of business. “I purchased the business from my grandfather Charles Linton in 2011 and bought the building last year.” Linton had purchased the business from the Boltz family in 1974.

University and saw myself as a cost controller for a large corporation. I also worked as an electrician.” With a sharp business acumen, Wright realized that when his grandfather retired, buying the business was the right thing to do. He adds, thoughtfully, “The mechanics of how a business operates appeals to me, but I really enjoy meeting new people and helping them find what they need. We take time with our customers.”

Although he worked at the store a bit for his grandfather, Wright didn’t grow up with the design to own Boltz. “I wanted to do something different,” he says, “and I never thought it would be this. I studied business and finance at Shepherd

With the longevity and low turnover in ownership of such a business, Boltz has served generations of local families. My family alone can account for at least four or five generations of shoppers at Boltz.

“We are community-oriented and

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focused on customer satisfaction.

We provide our customers with great products and useful services and work with each customer one-onone to provide unparalleled service,” Wright promises.

Wright has introduced a diversity of goods at Boltz based on customer demand. “We keep in stock what customers expect us to have and then branch out from there,” he says. There is hardware aplenty, particularly unique items like skeleton door locks for old homes and all the bits and bobs a homeowner may need but a big box store would not have.”We don’t compete with Lowes. We are not a paint and lumber store. We do have the little hard-to-find items for

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

repairs, especially for older homes,” he states. Wright emphasizes that he pays attention to product mix and is very responsive to customer needs.

One of the many unusual finds at Boltz is West Virginia University merchandise--Boltz is one of the area’s largest purveyors of WVU fan gear including hats, scarves, tailgating accessories, you name it. In addition to hardware, Boltz carries housewares including cast iron cookware, aluminum scoops, dinner bells, and canning supplies.

Customers can also have keys made, have blades sharpened, have window screens fixed, and get glass cut. Another unique item is their extensive selection of crocks, lids, and weights. Made in Ohio, the crocks are food safe and made with lead-free glazes.

Three unusually successful items for a store known for its hardware are candy, flags, and vintage-style plastic Christmas decorations.

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Christmas candy has long been a staple at Boltz, but the hardto-find sweets have proven so popular that they’re now offered year-round. Wright and his staff think of everything--there’s even a freezer for already-frozen candy like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and York Peppermint Patties. The decorative flags sold at Boltz are applique-style not printed and are double-sewn.

Wright says 2012 was the first year Boltz has sold lighted, vintage-style Santas, snowmen, elves, lamp posts, even a complete nativity set at Christmas. “We never advertised, we sold out,” he reveals, “and we even have pre-orders for next year. There was a guy who said he found a snowman on eBay that was $30.00, but it would cost another $70.00 to ship it.”

Yearly standbys in the garden center include seeds in packets and bulk plus hanging baskets, flower bedding, and vegetable plants.

Wright plans a larger selection of

vegetable varieties from his custom grower plus organic seeds. Boltz offers a custom bird seed mix that contains no filler. It’s so popular the store sells about 60 tons a year.

According to Wright, it is a misconception that a small store is more expensive than a big box store.

“Last year, we had the same plant for $1.25 at a better quality than a big box store offered for $2.99.

Our solar salt for water softeners is another good value. I don’t plan any big changes at the store. We offer good products, reasonable prices, and good service. I will stay true to our core so our customers can count on us. We have the extra things that make a house a home.”

Wright reports he is developing a website for Boltz. In the meantime, customers can like Boltz Hardware, Garden Center and General Store on Facebook.

Around The Panhandle | MAR • APR 2013

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

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$100 OFF

Cellulite Package With Free Consultation, If paid in full, Expires 4/30/13



304.821.1333 • 35 Hovatter Drive, Inwood, WV 25428

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