Around The Panhandle January - February 2011

Jan & Feb 2011

M A G A Z I N E

Ready-Set Cheer

Things to Do...

Walk w/the Pink Angels Eat Better - Feel Better

Inside the Woods Massanutten Resort

Meet Maggie Drennan Big Riggs Farm

Places to Go... $2.99

People to Know...

BetteR Value, BetteR liVing...

BetteR HuRRY!

New

LocatioNs

LoweR

*FRee FiNisHeD LoweR LeVeLs

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FEATURES

On The Cover Jan & Feb 2011

January & February 2011

E M A G A Z I N

Things To Do - 26 -

Visit the Woods Resort

Ready-SeRet Che

- 42 -

Our Top Ten Take an Iron man or Two

Places To Go - 65 -

Aspen Hall Charlie gives us the inside scoop

- 93 -

Massanutten Resort For All Seasons and all Reasons

..

Things to Do.the Pink Angels

Walk w/ Eat Better - Feel Better

Inside th Massanutten Resort

Meet Ma Big Riggs Farm

..

Places to Go.e W oods

w...

People to Knoggie Drennan

$2.99

Meet the Girls from Cheer Shock

ATP finds out what it takes to mold young ladies into athletes

- 21 Cover Photo by Eric Fargo

People To Know - 45 -

Meet Maggie Drennan

- 57 -

Gereald Bland gives us a tour the Top Kicks Military Museum

[4]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

contents 6 Mailbox 9 Photo Contest 10 Panhandle

Puzzles

12 As Ready as I’ll

ever be by Mike Chalmers

15 Panhandle

Profile

Meet Michele from Graphic Tees

17 Caption Contest 26 The Woods

Sitting down with Joy for the inside scoop

30 WEPM

Hans Fogle gives us a tour of Prettyman Broadcasting

34 Lynn Jones

Making a Difference

37 Big Riggs

Where Success Continues to Grow

42 Our Top Ten

72 Racks of the

Toughest Athletic Challenges

45 Meet Maggie

50

Rely on Rick The Golden Opportunity

Services

Making later years Golden

57 Top Kicks

75 The Featured

Such a Good time it’s hard to believe

52 Berkeley Senior

A Living Testimony of Passion & History

Panhandle Eats

The Rib Room

80 Now It's Your Turn - Recipes Breakfast

84 Inside Out with

Eli

Never a better time than now

88 Lending a Hand

Battling Breast Cancer one step at

a time

62 Panhandle

Healthy Living

90 Your Money

Starting out with Focus and Results

65 Aspen Hall

Where History meets Hospitality

68 The Uknown

Eater -

Tropical Smoothie

Cafe

Matters

Financial Advice from Tony Price

93 Massanutten

Resort

For All Seasons and all Reasons

98 Apples & Oranges

Vacuums - Upright and Cannister



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 January/February ‘11 | VOL 2 | NO 11

PUBLISHER

Dear Readers: First off, I want to congratulate the Martinsburg Bulldog football team—what an outstanding season! It was the first time an Eastern Panhandle football team has won the AAA football title, and you did it in style with a perfect season.

An undetermined illness kept your leader, Kam Puller, from joining you in the trenches, but you rallied together and kept him in your hearts throughout the season. This is the side of sports we should be celebrating and focusing on; I hope the Panhandle never finds itself using the court system to determine what happens in a game played by our young people. A special shout-out goes to one of ATP’s extended family—# 57 Caleb Follero. All of us at the magazine, as well as your parents, are extremely proud. Keep up the hard work and do it again next year, ‘Dogs!

Well, a new year is about to start and yes, my wife and I have done it again; we are expecting our second child in as many years. Dexter has been a complete angel, so I just know our karma has to run out. Fingers crossed for a girl this time. To think, four years ago I was single, childless, jobless, and miserable. I now have three wonderful boys: Matt (16), Andy (13), Dexter (1), and hopefully our first daughter on the way (that’s what I promised Kresha anyway). It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you’re happy and surrounded by family and friends backing you up—and, of course, a beautiful wife who supports and loves you. It’s a job most people can only dream about.

Our newly elected officials will be in office soon, and let’s just hope and pray it’s not the same old politics as usual. We in The Panhandle have elected new council members, a new senator, and re-elected our congresswoman. It’s time to put politics aside and do what is best for the people who got you there.

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

Mike Hornby

EDITOR

Mike Chalmers

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Mike Hornby

WEBSITE

Hornby Publishing LLC ProDesign , Brian Joliff

ADVISORS

Kresha Hornby Stewart Hornby Fred Hollida Rick Boswell

Mike Hite

WRITERS

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

Sandi Lilly Valentine

PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Fargo Fargofotos.com

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Orchistrated Design

PRINTER

Panhandle Printing & Design

BUSINESS & CIRCULATION Kresha Hornby SEND MAIL TO

PO Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402

CONTACT US

AroundThePanhandle.com [304] 874-3252

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

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

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

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

[6]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

IT’S YOUR TIME to

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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter GAMBLE TOO MUCH? For free confidential help call 1-800-GAMBLER in West Virginia or 1-800-522-4700 everywhere else.

o t o Ph

Do you have an eye for photography?

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

I really like the use of black and white submitted in this issue. Some photos just look better in black and white and the fact that you guys know when that is, is a compliment on your photographic eye. I love how Charly submitted both photos, one horizontal and one vertical.

Which one would you pick as your favorite. Notice how Charly frames the horizontal photo with the light house in the final third of the photograph, this is called, “the rule of thirds”, it just makes the picture better. As far as the photo

by Angie of her dad’s (Wayne Shilling) car. This is great lighting for the car but maybe next time, get a macro shot of some cool chromed out engine part or parts with the Candy Apple Red in the background or periphery. Don’t just shoot the entire car, get close to some of it’s intricate parts.

Winner

Lighthouse By Charly Landon

Honorable Mentions

Old B&W Truck by Christy Sewell Wayne Shilling’s Car by Angie Clark

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

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

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

[9]

Panhandle Puzzling Send your completed puzzle to: Hornby Publishing C/O Puzzle 1001 P.O. Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402 for your chance to win $50

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Chocolate Snow Mountains Happy New Year Ski Lodge Ice Storm Valentine Snow Shoe Champagne Candy Card Lover Hearts Fireworks Black Eye Peas Hot Cocoa Roses Flowers January Romance February Romantic Dinner Confetti Paul Revere Cupid Groundhog Shadow Winter Presidents Washington Lincoln Countdown Resolutions Time Square New York Balloons [ 10 ]

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Mailman Be Mine Sweetheart Carnation Garnet Amethyst

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Primrose Pisces Capricorn Aquarius Leap Year Firewood Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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Crossword

Across

1. Edible agaric (8) 4. Sour to the taste (4) 7. Shaped and dried dough (5) 9. Aromatic herb (5) 10. Major food fish (3) 11. Sometimes added to flour and water to make 7 Across (3) 12. Downy juicy fruit (5) 13. Rind (4) 14. Parallel metal bars used to grill meat or fish (4) 18. Oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh (5) 19. Large pot for making coffee or tea (3) 20. Alcoholic drink made with juniper berries (3) 21. Bread maker (5) 22. Dairy product (5) 23. The leaves are used fresh or candied (4) 24. Round red root vegetable (8)

Down

2. Full of relish (5) 3. Round citrus fruit (6) 5. Sweetened mixture of milk and eggs, baked, boiled or frozen (7) 6. Meat usually sliced thin and fried (5) 8. Thick edible yellow root, sounds Scandinavian (5) 13. Usually large round fruit of the squash family (7) 15. Kitchen appliance used for cooking (5) 16. Large oval tropical fruit with smooth skin and juicy aromatic pulp (5) 17. Tart filled with rich unsweetened custard; often contains cheese, ham or other vegetables (6) 20. Okra (5)

Spot the Difference See if you can find the 20 things we photoshopped in these pictures

Send your completed puzzles to: Hornby Publishing C/O Puzzle 1002 P.O. Box 1254 Martinsburg, WV 25402 for your chance to win $50 ALL PUZZLES AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD AT

WWW.AROUNDTHEPANHANDLE.COM www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 11 ]

1911

1931

As Ready As I’ll Ever Be…

- Mike Chalmers

As yet another new year and, essentially, a decade begins, it’s hard not to notice a subtle bewilderment within our processes, our outlooks. With a block of years neatly stacked in front of us between now and 2020, one might get the sense that we face the future with a lot less assurance that life as we know it will be something we recognize in two years, five years, ten years. Yes, we certainly “face” the future, as we always have—as we can only do—but that doesn’t necessarily suggest that the future we are facing is anything like the ones we have faced in decades past. The times ahead are exciting, absolutely, at least they should be, but perhaps they lack that tangibility, that organic structure we’ve come to rely on throughout history, especially as this time of year rolls around ever so reliably. Ten years ago, as the zero turned to a one in the far right column of what we know as the endlessly ascending annual date, who among us could have foreseen such a decade of absolute transformation? Now, ten Times Square ball drops later, the

[ 12 ]

1921 zero is again about to convert to a one, but what precedes it is a ten-year shift in almost everything we used to recognize about life. While not asserting that any eras or particular timeframes throughout history are or were any less important than the other, I’d feel confident suggesting that the last ten stacks of ten, all the way back to 1910/1911, has been and perhaps will have been the most transformative in American history.

As the zero in 1910 turned to a one, this country crested that notorious first hill in the roller coaster that the next hundred years would represent, without a doubt—each following decade defined by its own mantra and monumental collection of events, occurrences, and characters. It’s almost too much to take in when you really sit down and think about it, or is it? Was history as intense as it looks on paper in the present? That’s a question I always have on the back burner. As always, I can only speak to the times through which I’ve lived. I suppose the first decade or two of the twenty-first century will look pretty intense to history

1941 students a hundred years from now, tumultuous even, on the virtual pages of their hologram books. If everyone’s still around in the capacity that we are now, I’m sure the methodical flip of the zero-to-one from 2010 to 2011 will likely stand for a roller coaster as fast and furious as the one I’m looking back upon in this paragraph. It makes sense that it will, with probably much higher, scarier hills, steeper drops, and tighter turns.

But since I’m writing about it, I guess I’m also admitting that the times we’re living in now are in fact, intense, penetrating even. Do they compare to WWI, the Roaring Twenties, The Depression, WWII, The 60s, or Vietnam? I don’t know. Those are some striking headlines. What I do know is that the most recent time the zero turned to a one, ten years ago, it was followed by a decade that will no doubt be scrutinized and debated over for many years and probably decades to come. Or (and in these high-speedinstantly-updated-and-upgraded times that we have come to understand, there’s always an or)—or, though it would be a

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

bit anticlimactic, the years that we are about to thrust ourselves within, and which will in turn thrust themselves right back upon us, will be so dynamic and continuously re-relevant as to leave the beginning decade of this century a simple notation for it’s mere presence at the bottom of a hundred-year stack of unimaginable eras. To this, however, we can only speculate, for now.

The last time the zero turned into a one in this century, things really started heading in a direction that changed all of us, everything, forever. Well, I say forever, but I’ve also heard that nothing is forever.

But does that include social unrest, technological advancement, political corruption, military conquest, religious influence—or was whoever originally said that just talking about relationships, love, etc.? I’d make the case that much of the aforementioned bewilderment that seems to permeate from our present social position in history has its roots in an emerging loss of faith. The reasons are many. The digital age, as elastic and sweeping as it has allowed our lives to become, is also quite wayward—never 1951

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

truly what it seems or what it promises to be. Sure, I can email a person and meet them tomorrow, or buy a product and have it arrive in a few days, but at the same time, my entire identity can be stolen and my life turned upside down in an instant, virtually. Words I use or pictures I take can easily be copied and pasted by someone else and marketed as their own. With businesses opening and operating only so long as to appear marketable enough for resale within the same industry, workers are increasingly losing the sense that they belong to something worthwhile, something relevant, and more importantly, permanent. Workplace retirement plans are a thing of the past, and social security for me, huh? Pensions, health insurance, investments—all constructs of a not-too-distant past that, today, exist as loosely defined and practically hypothetical as the un-lived future they precede. They say that, especially with us humans, hope never dies. But does faith? Has our faith in traditional means of societal structure, order, balance, potential…has it waned—in the wake of

1961

loosely defined modern inventions that are supposed to be providing us with a similar stability but are only making us more disconnected and ultimately less faithful? Do we seem to have much more on the surface, within our modern lives, but much less just under that delicate exterior? Sometimes it feels that way. I can say that my hope in certain things, throughout my life, and certainly as I get older, hasn’t seemed to waver at all, but my faith in a lot of things has—especially as that faith relates to the future, and how I see certain essential constructs within our society slowly deteriorating as people gravitate towards inventions and perspectives and even dreams that are only loosely defined, or temporary by design. Certainly not to say that I’m pining away for the good old days—I would be hesitant to say that I even know what those are (they definitely weren’t the 80s or 90s), but I’m not sure that I, even amidst this modern churning template we exist upon, have the utmost faith that any directions we’re headed in—politically, financially, militarily, technologically, socially, existentially—are

1971

[ 13 ]

worthwhile enough, well-built enough to rely on, to build a life around, or to have faith in.

The last time the zero turned to a one, we were barely in our seats before the picture exploded to life with a scene of towers falling, followed by a frenzied war effort—still in the works—followed by a historic economic collapse, a technological Renaissance, an equally historic political shift, the slow continuance of the collapse, the war effort, and the hideous merger of the two, pervasive corporate fraud, the realization that historical significance does not a president make (even one left with an utter disaster to clean up), environmental and political disarray (both closely related), and an odd consumer-driven spend-a-thon, that seemingly knows no bounds, and has somehow managed to stay above water even within said continued collapse.

Amid myriad accomplishments, events, and happenings, both enormous and minute, all of this (above) is what we carry with us into the next decade and beyond (providing that the decade actually begins from this point forward)—a decade we have no idea what to expect from. Judging by how incredibly fast everything changed over the last ten years, it’s hard to even speculate as to what awaits us in the next two, let alone ten, or twenty.

Looking back, I feel almost as if I just finished a sprint—barely edging out my competition—only having to simmer down and re-focus because I now have to run another, longer sprint against even faster competition. So much happened, so fast, between January 2001 and today, it’s hard to conceptualize what comes next, or what we will not only learn, but become bored with, and then simply discard over the next few years.

Ultimately, I feel like these times are even more relevant to someone in my generation—Gen X, of course. We are perhaps one of the most unique generations in history—go figure—the exclusive possessors of a direct link to both the pre-digital age and the omnipresent interface of technological “now.” No generation before us or after us will be able to lay claim to such

[ 14 ]

an exquisite duality—and the certain irreplaceable qualities we possess as a result of it. If anyone should be prepared for what we can only guess is to come, it is most certainly us. We have the modern capacity to digest the ever-changing complexities that constantly emerge in front of us, and the appreciation and understanding of a time when life moved along just fine without any of it. I guess I’m a bit of a holdover, hiding in plain sight, in real-time—but then, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

1981

1911 The first Indianapolis 500 car race, Ray Harroun wins at 74.59 mph.

1921 West Virginia became the first US state to enact a sales tax.

1931 Construction of the Empire State Building is completed in New York City, just 410 days after construction commenced

1941 The Japanese Navy launches a surprise attack on the United States fleet at Pearl Harbor, thus drawing the United States into World War II..

1991 2001

1951 U.S. President Harry Truman declares an official end to war with Germany.

1961 The Vietnam War officially begins, as the first American helicopters arrive in Saigon along with 400 U.S. personnel.

1971 Walt Disney World opens in Orlando, Florida becoming the world’s largest and most visited recreational resort.

1981 Just 69 days into the presidency of Ronald Reagan. While leaving a speaking engagement in D.C., President Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley

1991 The United Nations deadline for the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from occupied Kuwait expires, preparing the way for the start of Operation Desert Storm.

2001 We will never forget, 9/11/01

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

panhandle

The average American consumer may have a dozen or so t-shirts peppered throughout their wardrobe. Bright, plain, tight, comfy, touting a cause or a favorite team—these staples of fashion have endured decades of everchanging styles. In the Panhandle, many residents are sporting such shirts designed and produced right here in our area.

PROFILE

Michele Bates | Graphic Tees Livin’ the T-Shirt Dream

Michele Bates, owner of Graphic Tees, Inc., is a southern gal with artistic flair who brought her creative side to Martinsburg in 1996. After relocating from Atlanta to be closer to family, she met local business owner Brad Sensel of Sensel Signs, and he asked her if she would be interested in working with him. Wanting to give her creative side an outlet, she agreed and began working within the screen printing side of the business. What is screen printing? Well, if it can be worn, wording or images can be printed upon it—from t-shirts and sweatpants to bags and backpacks, and everything in between. If something more professional is desired, then embroidery of corporate wear, jackets, or polos is also an option. Ten years of learning the business later, Sensel approached Bates with an idea: buy the screen printing portion of Sensel Signs, and go into business on her own. The idea stuck, and after some negotiations, she became the owner of Graphic Tees in June of 2008.

She started as a one-woman show, but soon after, realized she was going to need some help. Currently, Michele, along with two full-time employees, is keeping busy with a steady stream of orders, large and small. Graphic Tees is the only shop in town that has a six color automatic press, allowing for the production of up to 400 shirts an hour. “We are not afraid of big orders,” she jokes.

The ability to produce large quantities is crucial in a growing and busy Panhandle. Graphic Tees prints approximately 100,000 shirts a year, in orders of varying sizes. They recently produced 2,000 shirts for the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge Air Show, but they are more than happy to make items for youth groups, non-profit organizations, baseball teams, schools, fraternities, sororities, and even birthday parties. All that is required is a minimum order of twelve and the event will be outfitted in style. Perhaps the customer has an inspiration for a design, but needs a little assistance to make it a reality. “It’s so fun when a customer comes in with a basic napkin sketch and I can take it, tweak it, and put it on a shirt and their face lights up. Now that is awesome!” exclaims Bates.

With a positive and motivated attitude, Bates and her crew are dedicated to producing quality items for Panhandle customers. Soon, however, it may be more than just locals utilizing her services. One of the more recent additions to the menu of services at Graphic Tees is the production of promotional items such as pens, hats, yardsticks, and key chains. Anything can be personalized with a business logo or slogan. Eventually, Bates would like to go global with these products, but her first priority is local customers.

“We are dedicated to our community, want to support our schools, and try to support our local businessmen,” she asserts. “We want to keep costs competitive while still keeping in mind the economic struggles that people are going through. We might not be the cheapest, but we are the best!”

Excellent customer service is the goal at Graphic Tees. With that in mind, they strive for quick turnaround times, personal assistance, and coming soon, an online feature that should prove to be the ultimate in convenience.

Customers will be able to design their own T-shirt and place the order right from the comfort of their own home. If the home delivery option is chosen, clients would never even need to leave the house. Just a few clicks of the mouse can produce the customer’s very own masterpiece!

Store hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at their Martinsburg office. If those hours are not convenient, Bates is more than happy to make an appointment for after hours, or even the weekend, to work with a customer’s schedule. Her willingness to accommodate the clients she serves is just one of the many reasons the business has been the recipient of both the Best Screen Printing and Best T-Shirt Store for the last seven consecutive years. All credit cards are accepted. Just bring your idea; Michele and company will bring it to life!

Need more information? Check out Graphic Tees on Facebook or at: www.graphicteesinc.com.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

- By Claire Gibson Webb

[ 15 ]

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Cheer Shock

Developing Character & Confidence

- By Victoria Kidd

Character. Positivity. Confidence.

These are all things that parents strive to build within their children, and many Martinsburg area parents are turning to an amazing group for help. Cheer Shock is a selfsustaining, nonprofit association that organizes a co-ed all-star competitive cheer and dance team serving young people ages three and up. In addition to www.AroundThePanhandle.com

learning all about gymnastics, cheerleading, and dance, participants have an opportunity to travel to local, regional, and national competitions. One such competition is actually held right here in Martinsburg.

The Martinsburg Matchup is the only competition of its caliber in this area. The event, held yearly in December, is a real crowd

pleaser, drawing around 1,000 spectators and participants. Last year, in its infancy, the event hosted nearly 20 teams from around the country. Registrations for the second annual competition neared 30 teams, delighting Cheer Shock and its co-host, the Coastal Corporation.

The Coastal Corporation is the largest cheerleading and dance company on the East Coast. In [ 21 ]

addition to their involvement with the Martinsburg Matchup, they host close to 30 events in more than 15 states each year.

Their partnership with Cheer Shock has been critical to the success of the event, as well as the long-term viability of Cheer Shock as an organization.

the event, but the real prize is the award of BATC (Battle at the Capital) bids and U.S. Finals bids for teams with exceptional performances. Bids open the door to these large competitions, and provide another opportunity for participants to compete and win.

Renee Clark, the treasurer, describes the value of the event and the partnership between the two organizations as ideal.

“They have been great,” she expressed. “They provide the judges and a lot of the necessary marketing materials. We provide the manpower for the event and its local promotion.

Everybody wins. The kids get to compete and have a great time, Coastal benefits, and we are able to raise funds for later competitions and operations.

Last year, we made over $3,300 from the event. Since we are a nonprofit, these funds are critical for us.” For the participants, the value of the event is even greater. Team trophies and a grand championship award are provided at the conclusion of

Competitions are part of what sets the organization apart from local schoolaligned cheer squads. All-star teams are unaffiliated with schools, although many of the participants also cheer for their local middle and high school teams. Rhonda Turner, founder of Cheer Shock, explains, “The big difference between schoolaffiliated and all-star teams is a competitive edge. A lot of girls get into all-star teams solely to compete and travel.

High school teams only have a limited number of competitions each year, but by being involved in both school and all-star teams, they can participate in competitions throughout the entire year.” Winning, at least for Cheer Shock participants,

[ 22 ]

parents, and leaders, is a state of mind. Competitions, regardless of the outcomes, teach these young people the value of hard work, the necessity of graceful losing, and the joys of winning something for which they worked so hard. “When I started the group, I wanted to show the kids that if you do your best and you feel your best, you’ll be your best. It’s as simple as that.”

The young people who are involved with the organization echo that sentiment. Kandice and Amber, two senior-level participants, were all smiles when talking about Cheer Shock.

“You basically get an instant group of friends,” Kandice said. “Not to mention a great workout,” Amber interjected, “and when you come here, it is like being with family. We are all really close.” The two girls have been involved for many years, and have nothing but positive comments about the methodology and leadership of the group’s organizers. They even help with the training

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

and monitoring of the younger kids, and both agree that being involved provides a great way to gain new friends, travel, and compete.

Involvement from parents is also extremely critical to Cheer Shock and the realization of its mission. Misty, parent to a second-year participant, had many positive things to say about the changes she has seen in her daughter. “She has grown a lot. She was shy, and she has really grown out of that. It’s hard to believe that she has come so far in two years. These coaches are amazing.” She will admit that there is an equal level of commitment required from parents and participants.

“They have three practices each week, and it does require some time, but it is worth it. I get excited watching her grow and compete. Seeing her on stage is just great. I see a lot of positive change in my daughter. She has learned that if you really want to do something, you have to work for it.” Misty expressed gratitude for the people behind the scenes that make it all possible, and encouraged other interested parents to come to a practice and see what the group is all about.

The group’s organizers strive to build great relationships between parents, coaches, and participants. This family-like atmosphere is a critical piece of the formula that makes Cheer Shock so successful. Adam Pletcher, the group’s president, works to maintain a safe and positive atmosphere, as well as, to promote Cheer Shock’s mission. “It is all about building confidence, good sportsmanship, self-esteem, good health, and a positive outlook. We pour our heart into this group and most of our free time too.” He discussed the challenges of running a large nonprofit and pulling together

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 23 ]

such a complex competitive event. “It is not cheap to run this event or to keep the organization going. We are always seeking sponsors and new ways to raise funds, because it is so important for us to keep the costs associated with participation as low as possible. We are a nonprofit and have no paid staff, so we really depend on events like the Martinsburg Matchup to keep us going. Our participant fees are very reasonable, and we have to fundraise to keep them this way. This helps families stay involved despite the troubled economy. We just do the best we can for the kids.” Cheer Shock also performs at community events and participates in a number of local charitable events. They have even adopted a local highway, demonstrating to the young participants that community involvement is an important part of citizenship.

If you talk to the group’s organizers, you will hear a sincere love for the organization and the participants. Their Facebook page provides a glimpse into this sincerity.

“We are a team more than just in the sports sense of the word. We become family and friends! We share fun times with each other and always welcome new members and friends with open arms!”

These people genuinely want to create a safe environment and an affordable means to grow positive characteristics in the young people of our community. Interested parents can bring their child to a practice session to see what the group is all about. If you want to learn more about getting involved or supporting the group in other ways, you can visit their website at www.cheershock. com or you can send an email to CheerShock@hotmail.com.

[ 24 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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Building a Legacy of Hospitality - By Debra Cornwell

“Can you believe we are not done yet?” says attorney Sally Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer of Potomac Valley Properties, Inc.— parent company of The Woods Resort in Hedgesville. Her father, Ray Johnston, founder of PVP and The Woods Resort, is described as a civic-minded, action-man by nearly every one who ever met him—a visionary. With Ray’s passing, his family is tasked with developing and maintaining his vision. “My dad created a lot of happiness for people,” states Joy Johnston Johnson, [ 26 ]

VP/Secretary of PVP and Director of Marketing and Sales at The Woods.

“We’re still here—providing superior experiences for our resort guests and superior value for our homeowners.”

Origins “In 1957, Ray and I honeymooned at Cacapon and fell in love with the area,” reminisces Madeline Johnston, Executive VP of PVP and Conference Coordinator at The Woods. “Ray was born in 1934 in Minnesota, and was a teacher there. Before

we were married, he served in the Navy for two years. He was active in Minnesota, serving on our local city council and then as a delegate to the Minnesota legislature. By 1966, he determined that selling property was more lucrative than teaching— although he never got over teaching.

We moved to Virginia—I’m originally from Madison—and Ray commuted to Hedgesville until we moved to The Woods in 1977.”

From 1968-75, Ray developed lots and built houses on over 2,400 acres

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

in the Hedgesville/Sleepy Creek area of Berkeley County.

Ray must have been the type of person to see a need and then find a way to meet it. The commute from Reston to Hedgesville was long, so he flew his helicopter between IAD (Dulles Airport) and Hedgesville (Madeline and her daughters recall many late evening dinners at Dulles with their father). Consulting with geologists, Ray learned topographical maps and engineering as he drew the 30 miles of roads at The Woods.

Next, he learned about the science of fluid mechanics when planning for water and sewer service. His talents developed beyond armchair-architect to design the restaurant and lodge.

Sally marvels, “He just got on the bulldozer and started creating!”

Ray was inspired by the planned community concept in the Lake Anne part of Reston. He took a new town tour of Europe for more inspiration, and expanded the vision of The Woods as a self-contained community.

Moving Forward Comprised of nearly 2,000 acres assembled over a twenty-five year period, The Woods has seen 1,397 homesites being developed by PVP since 1976-most of which are improved by a home. There are still some lots to be sold. According to Sally, “If we incorporated, we’d be one of the biggest towns in Berkeley County.” PVP employs about 175 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees.

“Where it goes in the future, I leave to them,” Madeline says of her daughters. “This is all Ray’s creation, but we worked hard on it together.

Now, Sally and Joy work hard at it, and they are doing a great job.

They’ve worked their way up.” Joy

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 27 ]

agrees, “I’ve sold hot dogs, washed dishes, bartended, waitressed, hosted and done bookkeeping.” “But,” she adds emphatically, “I did not, and do not, cook!”

“We work to expand my father’s vision, and we are always moving to the next stage,” reveals Sally. “We take what we have and see where we can improve, such as customer service, facilities, menus and products—although we couldn’t fully realize Dad’s vision of a self-contained community where you work and live.”

Andy Michael, Vice-President and Treasurer of PVP, and Resort General Manager, adds, “Not only are we still here, but we are still giving back to the community.

PVP officers each serve on nonprofit civic or professional boards at the state and local levels. We support The Woods Scholarships, awarded to Hedgesville High School and Berkeley Springs High School students. We sponsor events. We have been partnered with Hedgesville Elementary and High schools in the Business Education Partnership. The Woods allows students to use its recreational facilities for practice and tournaments. Employees annually raise money for the March of Dimes’ March for Babies and the Bowl for Kids Sake. We also support Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle, the AIDS Network of the Tri-State, the United Way and the PASS program (Providing Academic and Self-Esteem). Not only are the PVP officers active, our residents have a strong tradition of volunteering in the community. Many gifted and accomplished retirees who now live at The Woods share their skills by volunteering in great numbers.”

So what’s the future like for The Woods Resort in this economy? Sally notes, “We saw it coming, but not this deep. Client expenditures here

[ 28 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

are discretionary-second homes, golf, and massages are all wants, not needs.. Our market dropped before the primary market. We’ve weathered some tough conditions: two housing recessions, soaring interest rates, gasoline shortages—to name a few. It’s never been like this and never this deep. We had those few good years, and we were not left a lot of inventory. There are several other reasons were are in good stead, including outstanding, long-term planning and maintaining strong bonds with our homeowners, who are an excellent source of referrals.”

Community, Resort & Golf There are three aspects to The Woods: the resort, the golf club and the residential community. The restaurants and spa are open to the public and are a great idea for gift cards. For Valentine’s, the rooms with fireplaces and vaulted ceilings are particularly romantic. The Woods hosts a variety of social events, including wine tastings and beer tastings. Joy laughingly interjects, “Who knew you could drink beer with cheesecake?” Besides Romance packages, The Woods books Girlfriends Getaways, Ladies Night Out, Weekend Crop (Scrapbooking Retreats), birthday parties and anniversary parties. On the business side, The Woods is conducive to corporate retreats, executive retreats and team building. Small groups and groups of up to 125 people are easily accommodated.

The resort includes the Walden Restaurant, the Walnut Pub, five conference rooms, four breakout rooms, sixty lodge rooms, 6 fourbedroom Meadow Houses, two 18-hole golf courses, a snack bar, five outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools, a fully-

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

equipped 14,200 square-foot Sports Center (including indoor swimming, whirlpool, saunas, tennis, racquetball, gymnasium and exercise studio—plus a coin operated laundry) and the Sleepy Creek Spa. The Sports Center is actually home to the Sleepy Creek Spa, featuring retail space, a salon, wet and dry treatment rooms and a relaxation room.

Sally points out that The Woods is popular for family reunions. There are amenities and entertainments aplenty, yet the setting is private and tranquil. The four-bedroom houses are ideal for such a reunion. Each house has an equipped kitchen and an outdoor grill. In addition to the previously listed activities, volleyball, horseshoes, hiking, and the game “corn hole” are available.

are snowbirds. Others stay forever, selecting Hedges Chapel as their final resting place.”

Although the Eastern Panhandle is the poorer for Ray Johnston’s passing, a little over two years ago, we are still enjoying the benefits of his legacy, which is ably guided by his family.

For more information, see www. thewoods.com, follow on Twitter at TheWoodsResort or like The Woods Resort on Facebook.

Golf at The Woods is semi-private.

Members get preferred tee times and no greens fees. Regional golfers look forward to charity tournaments at The Woods. The 18-hole Mountain View course is a 6,600-yard championship layout with a mountain backdrop. The 18-hole Stony Lick course is a 3,700-yard course built around Whites Run, a stream that meanders through many of the course’s spectacular valley holes.

Both courses were designed and built

by Ray Johnston.

The Woods II Community was master-planned by Ray Johnston and is unique among West Virginia developments and Shenandoah Valley resorts. In the approved plan, over 75 percent of all homes face fairways, ponds, Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area or some other recreational amenity—dramatically increasing the value of such homesites. Sally says, “Some people come for a resort or conference visit, and then make their resort life their full-time life. It’s a very active retirement though. Some residents

[ 29 ]

Visiting WEPM 1340 for me was a little like taking a school field trip— only this time, I was furiously taking notes and trying to keep up with the conversation. After a whirl of introductions and a tour of the station, I spent some time chatting with radio hosts Hans Fogle and Fred Persinger II, two guys who really love what they do.

National, Statewide, Local WEPM 1340 Has Got You Covered

- By Claire Gibson Webb

Since 1946, WEPM has been a staple of our Panhandle community, consistently delivering local sports and news as it happens. Owned and operated by Prettyman Broadcasting, the idea for a local radio station was conceived over 60 years ago by C. Leslie Golliday, a former mayor of Martinsburg. Golliday owned other stations and had a vision of a network of radio stations across the state of West Virginia. Hence, the “Eastern Panhandle Martinsburg” was abbreviated to “EPM” and WEPM came to fruition. Decades of success have been marked by consistency, relevancy, and the dedication of WEPM employees and hosts.

A typical day at WEPM starts out at 6 a.m. with a blend of news and sports.

The morning schedule continues with various talk shows, both local and syndicated, and beginning at noon, all the way through 5 a. m., sports lovers can listen to ESPN radio to their hearts content.

This field trip would not have been complete without getting to spend an hour or two talking to the faces behind the voices. If you are a regular listener, you know that News Director Hans Fogle is also the host of Panhandle Live, a daily show covering local news and interests. Coming on board with WEPM in December 2007, Fogle has pushed the show towards the success it enjoys today. “I used to have to call four or five people and ask if they would come on the show. Now people ask me, and I’m usually booked for an entire week of shows by Monday.” What accounts for such a shift in interest? “I would like to think that people now have a face and a name to associate with the show.”

Fogle does all of his own bookings, so

[ 30 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

chances are good that if you call with an event that you would like discussed on air, you will speak directly with him.

No news or local interest item is too big or too small to talk about on Panhandle Live. Guests have ranged from local farmers to former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes. Prominent West Virginia politicians Manchin, Capito, Rahall, and Rockefeller have also all spent time with Fogle on Panhandle Live. His dream guest interview? “A president,” he declared. “I would love to have the person who receives so much criticism or so much praise, on the show, just to talk to them as a person and hear it straight from them.”

With our proximity to the D.C. area, this dream may just come true one day.

As news director, Fogle’s primary goal is to alert as many outlets as possible that WEPM wants to cover their event.

With Metro News covering statewide happenings, Fogle tries to get out to as many local events as possible occurring in the tri-county area. In a typical week or month, regular events include the Berkeley County Commission meeting, as well as City Council and Board of Education meetings. When the notso-typical news occurs though, WEPM is right there to cover it. The station won an award for its coverage of the hostage situation that occurred in Berkeley County in June 2009.

“Whenever we can get out to a breaking news situation, we do— if for no other reason than to let people know to avoid the area,” Fogle explained.

Graduating from Shepherd University with a degree in mass communications, it was not radio that interested him.

However, when Fogle needed three credits to complete a semester, he signed up for a radio practicum.

After a semester recording news and putting it in automation, his interest was aroused. He began to get more involved, eventually landing his own show on Shepherd’s airwaves and earning the WSHC radio award for his contributions to college radio. www.AroundThePanhandle.com

He began interning at Prettyman Broadcasting and the rest, as they say, is history. A part of the station since December 2007, Fogle plans on doing what he loves at WEPM for the foreseeable future. “This is a fun job—lots of work but lots of fun. I would like my job to grow into what I want it to be, rather than moving on to something else.”

Fogle has goals for Panhandle Live and the news, as well. Right now, the push is to expand technologically and archive all of the local WEPM shows online, so that people can utilize the Internet as an option if they missed something.

Currently, everything local streams live online, but the website is being redone to allow listeners access to a segment they may have missed. As news director though, his main goal is simply to stay on top of what is happening in our area. “I never want it to be an empty chatter sort of show. I want it to be relevant, where someone can tune in and find out something new.”

Shifting focus, the rest of the afternoon was spent with another guy passionate about what he does. Fred Persinger II is the program director for Sports.

With a sports-heavy Panhandle and an enthusiastic population, he is a busy man. This year, 116 high school games were broadcast live—a number Persinger wants to improve.

“It’s important for the kids who are playing, for the parents who can’t get to the games, and important for the community,” he expressed.

Aside from his love of sports, the community aspect is what keeps Persinger so devoted to his career.

He maintains that it is important to be a presence at games, alerting the community that their local station is there for them. With so many other options though, I wondered why listeners should tune to WEPM for sports information. He was quick to point out that, although there are other options, there are not many that present them live. “The community doesn’t have to wait for the evening

[ 31 ]

news or tomorrow’s paper. We give it to you now.” He went on to share that WEPM solidifies their community connection by being the only station that covers every high school in the Panhandle. As his programming is the only place to get consistent Panhandle sports, Persinger and his team work hard to put the best product on the air. While he cannot be at every single sports event to cover it live, Persinger does try to ensure that the schools are evenly broadcast. What doesn’t get live coverage will likely get a visit by a member of the WEPM sports programming team for a coach interview or a quick update.

It’s not just local sports that get attention, however. One NFL game per week is covered during the fall, as well as other games from ESPN, including bowl games. Nightly (from 6:06 p.m. to 7 p.m.), listeners can find out what is happening in WVU athletics with Mountaineer Sports—a program heard statewide. The Thundering Herd at Marshall University is also given airtime. During football season, a late night wrap-up of all West Virginia high school football games can be heard.

And, did you know that WEPM is the oldest station affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles?

Despite an already full schedule, Persinger is excited about a few new additions. Coverage of girls basketball and softball was recently added—a timely addition, as it turned out. The Jefferson girls softball team made it to the state tournament, a game that Persinger now counts among his most memorable in broadcasting. Also added, this past fall, was a two-hour pre-game show, consisting of all things football. While the live coverage will be of a local game, the pre-game show will focus on state football happenings, as well as local. WVU sports, interviews with high school coaches, and updates from teams all over West Virginia will be the bulk of the show. The final halfhour will be live from the site of the local game being broadcast that night.

[ 32 ]

Persinger comes to the Panhandle from southern West Virginia with twenty years of radio experience.

As a five-year-old youngster, he already knew what he wanted to do in life. Essentially, he grew up in the business. With a father he looked up to, who worked in radio as the voice of a local football team, he made his career decision early and stuck with it. He started with his own show at a country station in Bluefield doing some play-by-play work. Sports truly are a central passion in this director’s life and he has been focused on it since he was little. “I took it seriously; I wouldn’t even sit with my friends or family when I went to games because I would be at the top of the bleachers with a headset so I could listen to the game.” He has now been at WEPM about a year and has found a place where he can live out his passion.

“There is nothing better than sitting up in a press box on a Friday night!” he told me, excitedly.

Community is at the core of the WEPM mission, evident through conversation with both directors.

Fogle and Persinger are dedicated to ensuring that the public is informed about local happenings. If you have a sports or news event you would like promoted or discussed on-air, a simple phone call to either guy will accomplish that. Fundraisers, community events, sports games, meetings—all of these are noteworthy, and they want to talk to you about them.

To find out more about this great local resource, or if you just aren’t convinced yet about AM radio, check WEPM out on Facebook or online at www.wepm.com. You can listen to them there, or at 1340 AM. News tips are always appreciated, but will be verified before being put on air.

To promote anything sports related, talk to Persinger. The station-tocommunity connection is over 60 years deep, and WEPM is here for you!

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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Supporting the Effort Abroad Local military support group reaches out to soldiers in need.

- By Kevin Hurlbrink (Reader Submitted Article)

In the fall of 2003, Lynn Jones set out to form a support group for families of deployed military personnel. Jones was left in a state of constant worry and angst by the simultaneous deployment of her only two children in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, in the late summer of that year. Jones felt that if she could reach out to others who were sharing her situation, she might be able to put her strife a bit at ease, while helping them to do the same.

What started out as weekly meetings between a handful of family members of the deployed, simply sharing stories, worry, and seeking comfort in each other, has since blossomed into a non-profit organization called the South Washington County Military Support Group. Over the

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last seven years, the organization has continued its weekly support group effort, but in addition, holds fundraisers, charity events, and accepts donations for patriotic memorabilia in order to raise money for supplies and postage for the group’s annual Holiday card drive.

The Holiday card drive was actually an idea that Jones had uncovered after speaking to her children as the 2003 holidays were approaching.

It had been brought to her attention that many of the other troops deployed with her children received very little correspondence and some of the soldiers even lacked sufficient hygiene items. Jones found this appalling and unacceptable. Just days later, the South Washington County Military Support Group moved into action.

In the group’s first year, they were able to collect, package, and send over 12,000 Christmas cards to troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2003, the group has nearly doubled its participation and output year to year—mailing nearly one million Christmas cards and several thousand care packages containing hygiene items, snacks, and stationary supplies to deployed military in all branches of the service, including guard and reserve components.

Initially the tasks carried out by the group were tackled by a handful of volunteers who mostly resided in the Boonsboro, Md., area. Participation has grown each year, and this year, participation was at its highest to date, with volunteers drawing from the quad-state area.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

There were participants from Greencastle, Pa., to Winchester, Va., and all areas in between.

Local businesses, countless civic organizations, schools, and churches have all gone above and beyond to ensure the success of the Holiday Card Drive each year. On November 28th of this year, the group’s 70 participants assembled 624 care packages at Camp Manidokan in Dargan, Md., comprising over 102,000 Christmas cards containing $2,700 worth of phone cards. The packages were promptly mailed off in order to reach the troops just before Christmas.

For the past six years, radio stations such as WAYZ (Greencastle, Pa.) and WTRM (Winchester, Va.), have aided the group each year by donating air time and promotional efforts to help spread the word about the support group and their card drive. Jones’ employer of

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20 years, Food Lion, prints and disperses 50,000 Christmas cards throughout their South Eastern stores. Food Lion’s Headquarters annually sends two pallets of donated food, hygiene, and stationary items for the troops’ care packages. This year, Food Lion additionally pledged $2,000 toward the support group’s nearly $9,000 postage bill.

Jones and the South Washington County Military Support Group have also established ties with many guard units in the area in an effort to make the holidays a bit brighter for those who end up on deployments during this time.

The turnout and donations this year were so overwhelming that the group was able to donate the items that were too large to mail overseas to the 167th Airlift Wing, Family Readiness Group, the Veterans Hospital (both in Martinsburg), and the South County Food Bank in Boonsboro, Md.

Perhaps the most notable donation made on behalf of the group comes at the end of the holiday season. When all the dust settles from the card drive; when the last package is mailed off; when all the bills are paid, the South Washington County Military Support Group annually releases their remaining monetary donations to the Fischer House Foundation. The Fischer House Foundation provides housing and expenses for the families of troops who have received debilitating injuries in combat.

Lynn Jones will proudly attest that the outreach and participation of the quadstate area is unrivaled, and demonstrates what community support and compassion is all about. Nowhere can a more overwhelming effort be found than here in our area.

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Bigg Riggs Farm

Where Success Continues to Grow

By Victoria Kidd

There is a farm out Route 50 with a truly remarkable story. The story of Bigg Riggs Farm begins in the thirties, a tumultuous time period of remarkable similarity to our own. The American economy was reeling from the stock market crash of 1929. Drought and overfarming had turned much of Middle America into a barren wasteland that would come to be known as the Dust Bowl. Political upheaval in Europe would eventually lead to the outbreak of World War II. Americans were filled with an anxious uncertainty, yet Calvin Riggleman’s great-grandfather took a risk and planted his first few trees in Hampshire County,

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West Virginia. Today, the vision of a successful orchard is a reality, and Calvin grew up in the shadow of those trees.

His love of the family farm was formed over years of working the land alongside his Uncle Jerry and his grandfather, a man affectionately known to him as “Pappy.” The young man grew up knowing the value of hard work and dedication to one’s values.

As his high school days came to an end, Calvin had a decision to make concerning his future. He will tell you that the decision was actually very easy. He believed that the country that had provided

such great opportunities to his forefathers was deserving of his service, and he joined the United States Marine Corp. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq. It was in those deserts that a new chapter in the story of Bigg Riggs Farm was written.

I had a chance to sit down with Calvin and talk about his service and its impact on the future of Bigg Riggs Farm. During his first tour of duty, he was assigned to man a light-armored reconnaissance vehicle. For over six months he lived in the vehicle, sharing the space with several of his comrades. “We had a lot of

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down time,” he remembers. “I started talking about the farm we have owned for more than five generations, and I mentioned that I would like to get the products to more people.” His friends, Craig Erlanger, Walt Faschi, Alan Reifenberg, Kyle Conley, and Dan Gorman, were immediately intrigued.

“None of them had lived this life, and they were interested. We started talking about the growing seasons and ways we could provide the things we sell yearround.” Calvin laughs and recalls how he learned what farmer’s markets were while in Iraq. “We had always sold directly to the customer from our fruit stand on 50,” he says. He had never even heard of a farmer’s market. The group agreed that this was the first thing he was to look into when he got home. It would help him reach a larger audience, they reasoned. Now they needed to figure out a way to offer more products for longer periods. “I started thinking about a local store in Romney. They have shelves of canned and dry goods made from locally-grown produce. When I discussed this with everyone, we knew we had stumbled on something.”

Calvin returned to his family farm in Hampshire County and started thinking about the suggestions he had received from his friends. He talked with other local farmers, found resources, and picked his first product for experimentation. A full load of hand-picked peaches and the services of a local private label packaging company yielded delicious peach jam.

“I poured everything I had into it. I maxed out my credit card to make it happen. It was a risk, I know. We sold that entire batch up at the fruit stand in no time.

I thought, ‘Hey, I’ve got a good thing here.’ The next week I made apple butter. We sold two batches of that within just a few weeks. I knew this was it.” [ 38 ]

Bigg Riggs Farm had turned a corner. Calvin would spend the next several months creating an amazing menu of products using ingredients straight from the West Virginia soil. By the end of last year he had started selling canned goods, dry salts, and baked breads. Trial and error led the family to the perfect combination of farmer’s markets and other venues. All the risks and hard work were starting to pay off when something really amazing happened.

“I started going to growers’ meetings with Whole Foods Market. We had already been selling apples to them, and I wanted to try to get our shelfstable products in the store. I met with the people in the distribution center for the Mid-Atlantic region. They liked the products and everything has been selling very well in their markets since this past June.” In addition to a large number of locally-owned businesses, customers can buy Bigg Riggs Farm products from Whole Foods Markets in Fairfax, Springfield, Vienna, and other locations throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland. Their market is growing, and between working the fields and delivering product to new locations, Calvin finds himself busier than ever before.

The success of Calvin’s endeavors has not diminished his love of this country and support of those in the armed services. Each year the family packages somewhere around 200 jars of their bestselling hot pepper jelly and other products to be shipped to service members stationed overseas. With the motto “God Bless America” printed on the label, these jars carry the farm’s message to soldiers and consumers alike. “We just feel like it is the right thing to do,” he remarks, with a smile. “I love this country; it’s the greatest country in the world. I find out the name of someone serving in a unit overseas and I send the package Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

to them with a request to pass the goods out to those serving in that area.”

This love and generosity is only part of what makes the farm’s story so interesting. Calvin relayed some surprising facts during our interview. There is a reason that he desperately wants people to learn the joy and value of buying locally-grown goods. Much of the produce purchased from local supermarkets is shipped in from outside of the United States. Many fruits and vegetables are actually grown in Mexico, China, and other South American countries. Turn over any apple in the produce isle and you should see a “product of” label. Many of the labels will surprise you. It is hard to imagine food traveling hundreds of miles to reach my table, but it is the reality.

Farmers like Calvin are paving the way to a new reality. Food grown with caring and personal attention is being handpicked right here by our neighbors. In the case of Bigg Riggs, these neighbors are proud veterans with a history of farming these lands since before the Civil War. The preservation of this history is of critical importance to Calvin. When asked what his long-term vision for Bigg Riggs is, he thought for a moment before answering. “I don’t want it to disappear. I want us to keep growing.” Maintaining the viability of the farm is his challenge, and he intends to meet it with a continued commitment to the farm’s values and a love for the hard work that has kept the farm going for five generations.

instructs. The awesome sauce, a wing sauce/ranch dressing hybrid, is intended as a dip but doubles as a great salad dressing. If you love seven-layer dip, try the black bean and garlic dip as a base layer. You can really use your imagination when developing uses for the products. Pick up a jar of their pasta sauce or a container of their rib rub, and you can take pride in knowing that you are not only getting an amazing product, but you are supporting a local, veteran-owned business.

For ordering information, opportunities to buy online, and recipe suggestions, check out the farm’s website: www. biggriggsfarm.com.

The history and values of the farm are evident in the quality of the fruits, produce, and canned goods you can buy. Consumers eating the products will note the food’s amazing flavor and unsurpassed quality. The farm’s hot pepper jelly, Bloody Mary mix, apple pie filling, and assorted jams have been tremendously successful, and many products can be used for a variety of purposes. “Mix the hot pepper jelly with some cream cheese and it’s amazing,” Calvin www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Top Ten Toughest Athletic Challenges

Is your daily routine at the gym boring you? Is your jogging route not giving you the same satisfaction it once did? And are you tired of athletic events that only last a couple of measly hours? Then it sounds like you need more pain and suffering in your life!

Luckily, there are numerous sporting challenges that have been designed for the sole purpose of torturing their participants with insane demands. Taking part in any one of the following 10 events should be enough to ensure that you never want to exercise again! Or, perhaps you’re just the kind of maniac who has been waiting for an article like this for years….

10. The Tough Guy

9. The Barkley Marathon

The Tough Guy is a 12km foot race, but don’t let the short distance fool you. The creator of the course (some crazy British dude), believing that nature can’t provide a racetrack that’s hardcore enough for him, has built a series of obstacles that combine aspects of American Gladiators with war training drills. Competitors climb up log walls, shimmy up poles to slide across high ropes, run through fire pits, navigate through sewer pipes, wade across chest deep water, and crawl under barbed wire while smoke bombs go off over their heads. Oh, and it takes place in the middle of January. Events have been known to attract up to 6,000 people and injuries are common (two people have died), prompting a “death warrant” of a waiver. What are you waiting for—grab your friends and start training!

The Barkley Marathon, held at Frozen Head State Park, Tenn., is a 161km run, but that’s not the hard part. It’s the staggering 18,000-meter climb that causes problems; well, that and the fact that there isn’t a trail for you to follow and the whole area is covered in thorns, briars, collapsed trees, and so on. Plus it’s always raining in Frozen Head (encouraging name by the way). Since 1986, only nine people have finished the race within the allotted 60-hour time frame. Too harsh? Then just do the 40-hour, 97km “fun run” instead.

8. Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

It’s obvious this race means business—just look at how they spelled “extreme.” At 226km, it’s about the length of an Ironman triathlon, but there are enough differences to make even seasoned Ironmen look relatively average. For starters, the race takes place in Norway, so for the swim, the water might reach 17C, if you’re lucky. The bike leg is pretty standard, except you’re doing it up a mountain with the last 17km going up an extra 2,000 meters on rocks. Oh, and there “might” be Xtreme weather conditions…have fun with that—tell us how it goes.

7. The Marathon des Sables

Running a marathon is a nice achievement and all, but if you really want to challenge yourself, you should run six of them over consecutive days (if you’re a real runner). And you should do it in southern Morocco, at a time of year where the temperature tends to be around 50C. And forget about paved roads; it’s rocks and sand dunes for you. And did we mention that you have to carry your sleeping bag, food, and other supplies on your back, and that you have to cook for yourself every night? About 700 people enter the event each year (right around 700 more than we’d expect). The total distance ends up being roughly 243km, and the record completion time is 19.5 hours. There is prize money, but most contestants are just interested in not dying.

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Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

6. Everest Challenge

Contrary to what you might think from its name, this two-day, 332km bike race actually takes place in California. Don’t worry, it still has a vertical climb of 9,144 meters—you’re pretty much biking uphill the entire way, sometimes at a grade of 20%. And since it takes around 14 hours to complete the challenge, your legs have little chance of coming out intact—assuming you even finish. But at least the view is nice.

5. The Ultraman

If you’re anything like us, you scoff at normal triathlons and consider Ironman events to be a light warm-up before stretching. Now, The Ultraman is more our style—a three-day, 515km race held annually in Hawaii since 1983. Day one consists of a 10km swim through the ocean, followed by a 145km bike ride. Day two has contestants biking for another 276km, and day three concludes with an 84km run— the equivalent of two marathons. Only 35 people are allowed to compete every year, and the winner usually boasts a completion time of just under 24 hours (slacker).

4. The Simpson Desert Bike Challenge

This is the biking equivalent of the Marathon des Sables, as contestants spend five days cycling across remote parts of the Australian outback. Most of the 590km is spent going over sand dunes and rocky plains, all the while putting up with intense heat and swarms of bugs. You might get relief from some rain, but then, that tends to create bogs that are incredibly difficult to bike though. And of course, there’s always the killer bugs and reptiles to think about. The winning time is usually around 40 hours. On the plus side, participants can have a support crew to prepare meals, do laundry, and so on—lazy!

3. Yukon Arctic Ultra

First off, anything with Yukon in the name, take my name off the list. And what is it with these challenges and being “Ultra?”—which doesn’t even begin to describe this event—a 702km race through the arctic, where participants can complete on either bikes, skis, or, if they hate themselves, foot. The average temperature is -20C (and can get as low as a horrifying -55C), and blizzards are common. And there’s gotta be some angry polar bears in there somewhere. This is the only race on the list that requires a headlamp, 48 hours’ worth of emergency food, and, most worryingly, an avalanche shovel (a small portion of the junk you have to carry around with you).

There’s a strict limit of 13 days to finish, though most never do (again, just not motivated I guess—which is unfortunate).

2. The Iditarod

Easily the most famous event on our list, the Iditarod is a 1,868km dog-sled race across Alaska. Of course, it’s the team of 16 dogs that’s doing most of the work, but the whiteout conditions, blizzards, and wind chill (that can drop to a balmy -73C) makes this event tough on everyone, even people just reading about it. The sheer length is a huge factor; the record completion time is just under nine days—taking some racers as long as 15 days. Think about this race next time you take Fluffy out to go potty and it’s barely snowing, and all you both wanna do is scurry back inside.

1. The Atlantic Rowing Race

Yes, that’s Atlantic as in “Ocean.” Beginning in 1997, and held every two years, the race starts in the Canary Islands and ends in the West Indies.

At 4,722km it’s longer than every other event on our list combined, and the 2009 version took contestants anywhere from 40 to 90 days to complete. Any race that requires quitting your job or likely getting divorced might be a little too long, but then again…hmmm. This race also redefines insanity. Most of the boats are manned by pairs, or teams of four—because wackos usually come in twos. A few particularly nutty souls have even braved the event alone over the years. I don’t know, call me crazy, but three months straight, sitting on a frisbee in a kayak, with nothing to do but row, doesn’t sound so bad. Have these pansies ever been in Wal-Mart on Black Friday? Doubt it.

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[ 43 ]

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Such a Good Time, It’s Hard to Believe.

Margaret Drennen, knows that life is what you make it.

When Margaret Drennen reflects on the first piece of property she purchased, in Jefferson County in 1982, (land that would eventually become Cress Creek Country Club in Shepherdstown), she is simply forced to quote herself: “It was just so beautiful, I couldn’t bear to think that the property around me would go to someone else.

I looked around and thought to myself, I’m not sure I bought the right ten acres.” Drennen had purchased one of four ten-acre sections of land from the owner of Willowdale—which sits “across the way” from Cress Creek now. She had been offered the land but had a heck of a time deciding which plot she wanted. “I talked him into selling me the other sections, but when I looked out beyond that, I wasn’t sure that I didn’t like the surrounding land even more.

So then, I just told him, sell me the whole darn thing.” With that transaction, Drennen became the proud owner of 360 picturesque acres just off of Shepherd Grade Road in Shepherdstown, and admittedly had no idea what she was going to do with it. As fate would have it, while walking the

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property with a friend one day, the friend mentioned that it reminded her of a place in Charleston, a golf course. Drennen knew immediately what the future held for this exquisite piece of land. “My husband and I were both golfers and I knew he’d love to have a golf course here. We both belonged to Chevy Chase (Montgomery County, Md.), which is also why it’s named Cress Creek—I wanted to use the ‘CC’ in the name.”

They’d originally planned to simply sell the land off to pay for the golf course, and then there would be a community surrounding the course, but the land didn’t perk, so they had to bring out their own water and sewer. Obviously, the cost of the operation climbed to less than desirable heights, but the Drennens were fortunate to become friends with some talented designers and stuck with their dream, and Cress Creek officially opened in 1988.

Almost twenty-three years later, the mere mention of the name Cress Creek elicits thoughts of toptier service and accommodations, a renowned golf course, and a

prominent community. Drennen’s creation is synonymous in the state, and beyond, as a symbol of luxury.

But there’s more to it than just the name, or even a growing tradition.

There’s the story of its owner.

Drennen, whose maiden name is Morton, was born in Charleston, W.Va., on May 10th, 1917, and spent her first thirty years there.

She remembers a childhood spent having fun and enjoying time with her family—during the Roaring Twenties. Her father was a partner in a coalmine, Cox-Morton to be exact—one of the original coal companies in West Virginia— and though her family wasn’t devastated by The Depression, they certainly experienced and were living around or through tough times like everyone else.

Like most of the Americans who also lived through that indelible scar on our history, she doesn’t see the comparison between that period of time and today’s recession—knowing that there is no comparison. Of all she has seen and experienced, however (and admitting that trying to explain how she feels about each of the many

[ 45 ]

eras she has lived through would be way too long of an interview), she does have one inevitable concern: that Americans are not living responsibly enough to prevent another Depression, and that we don’t want to bring that kind of disaster upon ourselves. Two good things, nonetheless, did come out of that decade for her: she took up golf at around age fourteen— playing mostly at Edgewood Country Club in Charleston—and she fell in love in 1938.

She recalls not necessarily being in love with her future husband, Bill, at first sight. “He had been in town for a little while, practicing law.

He’d grown up in Charleston and had recently returned. The night we fell in love, I’d actually gone out on a date with his friend. But, we were dancing at one point, and well, we fell in love.”

They were married at around the time America was getting out of The Depression but getting into a whole new mess: WWII. Bill found himself on a plane, watching for

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submarines off the Cuban coast, and eventually around Africa, but survived and made his way back home when the war ended.

He returned to the law firm he’d worked with before the war and quickly rose to prominence over the next decade in the area of tax law—which was a burgeoning field at the time—becoming one of the best tax lawyers in the state.

Along the way, Bill and Margaret had four children—assuming life was good and that West Virginia would be their family’s home for years to come. But success breeds its own brand of upheaval, and at the behest of a friend, who was the Attorney General at the time, Bill applied for and acquired a position as a United States tax judge.

Though they hadn’t necessarily planned on ever leaving their home state, the Drennen’s traded one capital city for another in 1958, and lived in Washington for the next thirty-five years.

Drennen confesses that the next three-and-a-half decades in the nation’s capital were nothing short

of spectacular. She continued to remain heavily involved in volunteer work and social causes, but also experienced fully the amenities that came with living amongst Washington’s political elite. “I believe I owned more evening clothes than I did normal clothes,” she admits. “We had a wonderful time in Washington.”

Of course, that wonderful time also came with its equal share of stress, responsibility, and years of hard work. So when Margaret, at age 65, decided to acquire nearly four hundred acres in Shepherdstown and build a golf course, well, Bill, who was looking forward to retirement, thought she was out of her mind. “He was thinking retirement,” she smiles, “while I was thinking, ‘this is my time.’”

Drennen acknowledges underestimating the sheer enormity of the project that was to become what Cress Creek is today. “I got myself in a big ‘ol mess. Before I even realized what I was gonna do with it, I just realized, this was gonna be so much

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

work… what in the world was I gonna do?”

Bill had already been involved in the development of a country club back in Charleston and understood quite well the headaches that were on the way for his wife (and likely him), and didn’t see this as a worthwhile segue into his wellanticipated retirement.

Her son-in-law, Hank Walter, offered his assistance at that point and, today, is someone who Drennen credits with truly taking Cress Creek and making it what it is. She refers to him as Mr. Cress Creek. “He was the one who came in and started looking around to see what made sense. He established a business plan and started asking questions like: What’s the most realistic thing to do with this land; maybe a golf course isn’t the best

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idea— maybe something else will work.

But I said, ‘I don’t want something else, I want a golf course.’” Hank has, essentially, been the general manager since day one, while Drennen humbly refers to herself as the wheelbarrow. “I couldn’t have done it without him,” she concedes.

So, for over twenty years, Cress Creek Country Club has presented the Eastern Panhandle with an ever-evolving touch of accommodative elegance, sports luxury, and residential class. What perhaps began as a purchase of the heart for Margaret Drennen, quickly grew wings, and became a passion to carve out her own project, to find her own sense of achievement.

Plus, she just really wanted to build a nice golf course.

It’s always interesting when you get to hear the backstory behind something that holds as much value to the area as Cress Creek. Much like the endless backstories to almost any endeavor—a simple notion here, an idea there, a conversation, a realization—anything could have altered Drennen’s thinking in even a subtle way, but enough to change her approach to those 360 acres of rolling beauty she purchased in 1982. Though she probably didn’t envision the complexity of the end result to her initial project—one that the community and surrounding areas, today, simply refer to by name—Drennen’s original instincts told her that something special was rooted in that land, and that something exceptional could rise from it. Whether it was a really nice golf course, or an entire community

[ 47 ]

and country club that exists as a symbol of sophistication in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, her instincts were on the mark—the belief that the project was going to be worth the effort.

Hank remembers a more serious conversation concerning a potential direction the Cress Creek project could have gone in. “We brought in a market consultant and their assessment was favorable that this land was good for two recreational amenities. They said the land qualified for two things: either damn up Cress Creek, which was called Swearingen’s Run in those days, flood the hundred-year floodplain, and sell properties around the lake, or build a golf course. They strongly recommended that we didn’t build a golf course, because there wasn’t any maintenance with a lake. I’ll never forget; Margaret started reading the contract and looked up and said, ‘Oh, but my husband and I play golf, we don’t like boats.’”

At one point in the Panhandles’s history, Bedington (Berkeley County) was quite possibly the largest facilitator of watercress in the world—as a result of the low PH levels coming out of the limestone in the area’s surrounding caverns— supplying almost every grocery store on the East Coast with the plant. The creek that ran through Drennen’s property was overflowing with the stuff, thus supplying her with the two “Cs” needed to name her emerging project.

After telling the consultant that a golf course/community was the direction they were going to go, the consultant agreed that such an idea, though more maintenance-heavy, was still likely a worthwhile investment, based on Shepherdstown’s market value at the time. To say they hit the ground running after that would definitely be an understatement.

They sold the first twelve lots in a month and merged the entire effort (golf course construction, development infrastructure and layout, and residential and utility construction) under one giant

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project umbrella. It all just became a massive enterprise under one central theme. They opened in 1988 with a 9-hole course and never looked back. Cress Creek now boasts 160 homes, with twenty additional homes in the North Hill section either available or nearing completion, and of course, one of the nicest 18-hole courses in the state.

Drennen officially left Bethesda and moved to Shepherdstown around 1990, and insists that she loves everything about this area. “I can’t imagine three more different places,” she reflects, in reference to her thirty years in Charleston, followed by thirty-five in D.C., and, to date, twenty in Shepherdstown— though she goes on to explain that she wouldn’t change a thing about her life. “In Charleston, we were so close with our friends—such a close group. In Washington, it was more acquaintances than friends, and my time there was mostly as a housewife, a mother, and a volunteer. Washington was a lovely place to raise the children. And now, in Shepherdstown, I’ve got my family back around me, and the area, especially Cress Creek, is so special—I have so many friends here.” Though she lost her husband ten years ago, she considers herself blessed to still be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Perhaps knowing this has allowed her to officially ease back on the reins a bit with golf over the last few years. “For sixty-five years, I kept telling myself, this is gonna be the year I learn to play this game,” she muses. “Well, I guess I never learned. I miss the walks, and the beauty of it, but I don’t miss the game that much.” Then again, maybe she doesn’t have to; her life is full of a richness that comes from fulfilling your dreams, and age clearly hasn’t factored in to what is perhaps her grandest pursuit— something she knows probably better than anyone. “When I contrast my life in my mind—what it would have been had I stayed in Bethesda or Charleston—all I can see is gloom and getting old, all of that. It’s hard to believe that at ninety-three, I can still be having

such a good time.”

As a testament to feeling good (and full of continued purpose), Drennen doesn’t just attend, but still runs the weekly management meetings at Cress Creek, and has been an avid supporter of charities and local organizations from the start—receiving significant recognition over the years for her involvement with and support of the many entities within the community that depend and thrive upon such charity. Friends of Music, Hospice, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, and Shepherd Daycare Center—just a handful of the organizations she continues to stay involved with. She even received a Paul Harris award from Shepherdstown Rotary five years ago—one of only five non-Rotarians to receive the award.

Cress Creek stands today as not just a representation of quality in our Eastern Panhandle, but also as a story of one person’s desire to see a vision come to life—whether that vision was as clear as she needed it to be in the beginning or not. Margaret Drennen is not just the owner of a country club, but more the possessor of a story, a life, that weaves its way through some of the most important eras in this country’s history. As she made her way through each era, each experience, one destination stood out more than the rest—a charming collection of land in a quaint little historical town in the state where she was born and raised. She felt something special as she gazed out over what would become her home—and what would become so much more. What she created has since involved and affected more people than she could ever hope to count, and they simply have her to thank—a woman, who at sixty-five years young, decided to build a golf course in Shepherdstown—who at ninety-three, continues to smile as she realizes what it has become for so many people, and what it continues to be, for her.

For more information on Cress Creek Country Club, visit: www. cresscreek.com.

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The Golden Opportunity Most of us certainly have heard of the record-breaking values of GOLD. With values so high and so much talk about GOLD, you would hopefully feel that now is the time to sell, not buy, this precious commodity. Remember when everyone was buying real estate and the prices seemed as if they would never be affordable again? Sorry to bring that subject up; however, we are living the fallout of that disaster.

Prices are still falling as I write this story. We feel that it will never stop, which is human nature, and once again, consumers are on a bandwagon waiting for the masses to make the next move.

If history repeats itself, this cyclical period will come around to some consistent normalcy. Prices will begin to stabilize and a new normal will be experienced. In business practice, my philosophy has been to do the opposite of what others are doing. In fact, I bought a real estate brokerage when others were closing up shop. It made sense to me that if I can survive in the lean times with my business plan, I certainly could survive the fat times.

In simple terms, if everyone is selling chickens, then I want to sell ducks!

This entire magazine “Around The Panhandle” came to be during the same trying economic times—just proves that if you want it, you have to set your goals, plan your work, and then work that plan. If I can survive, you can survive. You just have to want it bad enough.

Right now is a perfect time to get some gold of your own. The time has never been better to consider a career in real estate. Positioning yourself in a

[ 50 ]

market that is soon to explode with opportunity is paramount. Those in real estate today are true survivors who are weathering the storm. Acquaintances often ask me, “Are you still in real estate?” As if I got in the business to make some quick money when times were good, then off to the next new fad.

For some reason people forget that jobs can transfer someone to another area; a promotion can turn a renter into a buyer, and marriage can mean a home for a new couple. Death, divorce, and loss of jobs can also create the need for real estate transactions. Someone has to take care of the needs of these consumers regardless of what overall condition the real estate market is in.

My office is one of those offices that assist in any market to help those in our community. During the downturn, skills have been developed, sharpened, and tailored to the changes we are all experiencing—getting back to basics, using modern technology, and staying on top of lending trends.

Many aspects of the business seem to change on a daily basis.

Consumers, now more than ever, need the assistance and guidance of true real estate professionals. So many factors are to be considered, and the average consumer can be a target of great losses by trying to do it alone.

Buyers generally aren’t charged for using an agent. This holds true for new homes, builder’s homes, and many unrepresented seller homes or FSBO’s. Why wouldn’t you use free representation to help you negotiate the best deal? Your guess is as good as mine!

I extend to you an opportunity to consider a career in real estate. If you

are between jobs or would like to be in business for yourself, this may be your answer. The West Virginia Real Estate Commission requires ninety hours of instruction to sit for the real estate exam. Once licensed, you have the ability to represent buyers and sellers in real estate transactions within our state. The instruction doesn’t teach you how to market yourself or create your business, but it does educate you in the principals and practices that protect the consumers you represent. Not all companies offer training or education to help you get on the path to success.

CENTURY 21 Sterling Realty has the backing and tools at your disposal to get you started and stay on track. You have heard of the “Gold Standard”— that is who we are.

CENTURY 21 Sterling Realty would like to talk with you about a career in real estate. If you are new to the business, or have been in the business, we can help you reach your goals and your full potential. All it takes is your willingness to learn, and not be afraid of being successful. I look forward to discussing an opportunity with you.

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

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“When I get up in the morning and go to work, I put my hand on the doorknob, and I know there is someone behind that door who really needs my help,” says Wilma Lynn, a Lighthouse caregiver. Lighthouse in-home care is one of the many integral programs that Berkeley County Senior Services offers. Talk to any staffer at BCSS and they will tell you that they may be the only person-to-person contact a senior citizen receives. Can you imagine a time when your only daily human interaction is with the aide assigned to look after you?

Making Later Years Golden - By Debra Cornwell

Many folks think BCSS is just the Senior Center. Not so.

“There is a misconception about who we are and what we do,” explains Executive Director, Linda Holtzapple, who just marked her eighth anniversary with the organization. “We offer a diversity of services and programs to meet many, if not all, senior needs. It’s not just a place to go—although we do provide a warm, safe, fun environment for seniors to socialize, which is an important part of their well-being. Either through our own services, or by partnering with other agencies and organizations, we are there for the elderly through end-oflife care.

“Eight years ago, the in-home program was in danger of closing. We now serve forty-eight participants through Lighthouse alone, and have a waiting list of nearly sixty seniors who need help. I found some grant funding to keep the in-home program going, and we made some changes so we could meet our expenses and serve more participants. Our greatest challenge today is finding enough

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Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

funding to serve the elderly who are on our waiting list.”

Operating out of The Pink House on High Street in Martinsburg, the largest arm of BCSS is in-home care, which offers the Lighthouse program, two Medicaid programs and a VA (Veterans Affairs) in-home program. There’s a private pay option for seniors of any income level, but it’s limited by availability of staff. The department has six full-time staff and 102 part-time home health aides.

Shirley Huntzberry, RN with inhome care, explains, “We get a call about, or from, someone who needs help. We do a phone triage and then a registered nurse does a home assessment to determine which program is a fit. We look at functional limitations, disabilities and what environmental services they need.” Ryan Bird, a social worker/case manager, notes, “Each program requires a different level of need, and we must find the best match.”

“Clients are happier to stay in their own environment.

No one wants to lose their independence,” says Diane Boyd, in-home Program Care Manager. Shirley adds, “Our goal is to help people remain in their own homes as long as possible instead of a nursing home or other institution. We make sure they have a clean body and good nutrition, make sure their environment is clean, and help them access their appointments. That’s a start in helping them remain in their own environment.”

“Essentially, our services can help put off long-term

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 53 ]

institutional care as physically, safely and healthfully as possible,” Ryan explains. Diane agrees, “And our services are a lot more cost effective for participants than nursing homes, too.”

Diane, Shirley and Ryan relay a now humorous, but then, not-so-funny story about the misconception of services offered. “We had a lady call and ask us to clean her gutters. We asked if she needed in-home care or any other services, but she said ‘No, just clean my gutters.’ When we didn’t meet her expectation, she called every federal and state politician from Washington to Charleston who then called us and asked: “Why are you denying services to this lady?’ We help with personal care, grooming, hygiene, nutrition and medical care. In addition to in-home care, BCSS offers adult day/respite care, transportation, meal delivery, grocery shopping, notary, assistance with bill paying, assistance with letter reading/ writing, Medicare part D—plus activities, classes, fitness and lunch at the Senior Center. But we don’t fix gutters!” they laugh.

“Our senior citizens gave us the opportunity to be who we are today. If we don’t take care of our elderly, who will?” intones Resource Development Director, Kevin Knowles. “Government funds are diminished. People forget about seniors, but you know what? They paved the way for us. We have to give back to the seniors who got us here.”

Two new fundraisers are scheduled for BCSS in 2011.

On March 5th, there will be a Celebrity Sports Breakfast, with a collection of notable

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Redskin alumni, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Martinsburg. In April, a golf tournament will benefit BCSS. Contact Kevin at the Senior Center for more information.

Sponsors are needed and greatly appreciated. Kevin says, “We rely heavily on donations and sponsorships to maintain or add programs, or enhance our existing ones.”

Linda adds, “Not only do we appreciate the businesses who partner with us, we give them added value by placing them in front of senior citizens. Seniors are still consumers, and they are very loyal. Seniors know who supports them, and they reciprocate as best they can.

Businesses also know they are helping to provide vital programs for the elderly. One of our corporate enhancements is our Senior Spirit newspaper—it has a circulation of twenty-six thousand.”

It’s obvious that BCSS staff have a passion for their work. Many workers have ten or twenty years of service. “There are people here who could make more money in the private sector; they are giving up a lot to take care of ‘your’ grandmother, ‘my’ mom, etc.,” declares Kevin. “I know that I am blessed to be here. I get so much pleasure from the hugs and handshakes; nothing can ruin my day.”

When people of any age lose power over their choices, they lose hope. Berkeley County Senior Services extends opportunities, independence and hope for seniors. See www. berkeleyseniorservices.org and www.wvseniorservices.gov for more information.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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Gereald Bland knew what he wanted to do with himself pretty early on—or perhaps he just really knew what he didn’t want to do. But sometimes, that’s as good a motivator as any. At seventeen, he got his dad to sign for him and he joined the Army—immediately heading from their home in Seneca Rocks, W.Va., to Fort Knox, Ky., for sixteen weeks. Gereald’s father was a teacher and a farmer. He’d purchased his father’s (Gereald’s grandfather’s) farm when Gereald was a young boy and, in addition to teaching, began to farm the twenty-five acres for corn, barley, and hay. Because he was a teacher, the senior Bland was able to avoid a trip to WWI, but the military fascinated young Gereald, so much so that he couldn’t wait to join—eventually even acquiring his GED from the Army. One thing he definitely didn’t want to do was farm.

“I spent most of my childhood outside; Seneca Rocks was my backyard,” remembers Bland. “But I wasn’t as impressed with farming as I was with the military. Something about it just held my intrigue. I wanted to join as soon as possible.”

A Living Testimony of Passion and History

Petersburg’s Top Kick’s Military Museum

His intention was to spend twenty years in the Army and then retire. What would happen after that was anyone’s guess, but Bland was propelled by his interests, and though perhaps not always fully prepared for what was around the next corner, he took it all in as part of the journey.

“My first impression of boot camp was: ‘Different.’ The time we had to get up and then lights out, the structure, all of the different people; I never had that before.

It was a new adventure.”

Bland had originally signed up for the Army Transportation Corps, and after training, was sent on his first trip, overseas, to drive trucks for delivery and transport missions: troops, supplies, etc.

He was too young to go to Korea, so he was placed on the transportation list.

That first tour found him in Europe from 1951 – 1954, and when he returned, he was assigned to Fort Lewis in Washington (State)—to train as a combat engineer.

This position would, essentially, be

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 57 ]

the foundation of Bland’s military career, and define much of his experiences throughout.

The job found him developing an expertise in road building, minefield construction and/or cleanup, temporary bridge building and maintenance, and all of the related and resulting training and support of other units. Bland reveals that his unit did everything that the infantry did and more.

He spent a couple of years involved in the combat engineer program at Fort Lewis and then, between 1956 and 1958, went to Alaska with the 2nd Engineer Battalion as a driver’s training and testing instructor. From ’58 to ’61, Bland found himself at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax, Va., where he and his team supplied the bridge for engineer training. In 1961, it was back to Europe for tour number two, from ’61 – ’64. He discovered that a lot of the same names and faces were still around, though Bland’s title and duties were quite different this time. For his second tour, his job was to maintain the construction and maintenance of a 300foot floating bridge, including training all of the other engineer battalions on how to make and maintain the bridge, etc. The job required them to be out in the field for substantial amounts of time, though Bland notes that he never saw any action. Nonetheless, the work was intense and left little to no room for error. After all, these guys were engineers. Without a working knowledge of how to construct such a complex apparatus, the soldiers in the field were at an enormous disadvantage, and operations would certainly be equally compromised. Fortunately, Bland’s second tour wasn’t all intensity and focus, especially after his wife arrived.

It could probably be said that the initial impetus to explore, for Bland and his wife, Virginia, had its roots in Alaska—during the time he was stationed there. No strangers to the quick road trip, they shared a love of the open country and made an effort to get out [ 58 ]

and see it as much as possible. Bland claims he’d “go back tomorrow” if he had the money. That passion resumed once Virginia got over to Europe. Bland remembers itching to get out and explore as his “field” assignments were approaching their end.

“With work, we’d be out in the field, literally, for maybe thirty days,” he remembers, “and then they’d have us come back to base for maybe two or three weeks. She and I would take off whenever we had some time. I still had an eight-to-five when we were back on base—cleaning the bridge, the trucks, the components, and getting everything back in working order—but we got out there and saw a lot of it.”

Bland had his favorite pick-up shipped over to Europe for the purpose of road-tripping with his wife. That truck eventually found its way through England, Switzerland, Austria, Holland, Germany, and France. And then it came back across the pond when Bland’s European tour number two was over in 1964.

He was assigned back to Fort Belvoir in ’64 and stayed there until September 1966, whereby his unit had become a fully operational bridge company, and was shipped off to Vietnam as a complete bridge unit: vehicles, bridge, components, all of it. At this point, Bland was a platoon sergeant with approximately twenty-eight men assigned to him. Vietnam, though potentially more dangerous, still possessed many of the responsibilities and requirements that he’d grown accustomed to within his career at this point. There was an enormous amount of supply and troop transport that needed to be done, which often required “the bridge.” As with Europe, Bland claims to have seen little action in ‘Nam, but the workload certainly didn’t let up.

“We operated mostly within secure areas, but when the bridge was on location, at least half the platoon was always ready to go all the time,” he recalls.

This particular tour in Vietnam ended up Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

being one of two. In 1967, Bland headed back to Alaska (actually took a fortyfoot house trailer with him and lived in it for three years), whereby he was eventually promoted to first sergeant.

He was in Alaska until 1970, and admits to loving every minute of it. But with the promotion came certain responsibilities, and he found himself heading back to Vietnam for a second tour that spanned from late summer 1970 to the spring of ’71. And true to his word, or at least to his plan, Bland retired after that second tour and moved back to Petersburg, W.Va.—though his childhood fascination with the military certainly wasn’t exhausted.

“When I got back home, I was looking for a salaried position and took the civil service test. There was an opening at the Fish Hatchery, which was four miles from my house. I ended up getting the job and was there for twenty-one years.”

Bland had no problem adjusting to his new role, which still felt slightly familiar in ways—since it involved two things he was very familiar with: trucks and traveling.

“We raised fish, stocked fish—stocked all over West Virginia—along with the Federal Hatchery. I was on the road mostly, stocking various waterways for twenty years. I met someone everywhere I went—someone interesting—the road was a good trip for me, always a good trip…something different happening all the time.”

He retired from the state in 1993 and began working for the organization Human Resources—a federal company that helps people prepare for and find employment. He worked there for three years, traveling all over the state, yet again—though he admits that most of the money he made during this endeavor went towards a little project he’d begun in 1982 with the purchase of an old jeep.

“We bought a little jeep and started taking it to car shows. I made it look military and everyone loved it.

Whenever we’d show up, everyone was always drawn to our vehicles; we’d have www.AroundThePanhandle.com

huge crowds around our jeeps. We went to a lot of shows; between ’82 and ’94, we went from one civilian jeep to six military jeeps and a truck.”

Bland did most of the work himself, utilizing skills he’d learned through two careers, spanning more than forty years—though he claims that he merely “learned as he went” over time. The side project became so popular, the Blands decided to just keep on going with it, and in the middle of the summer of 1995, they decided to build a building and start a museum. Initially, the structure was meant to store vehicles, but then, as time and interest moved along, the museum developed a military aspect—complete with everything Bland could get his hands on (or afford) over the years. The result, today, is Top Kick’s Military Museum in Petersburg, W.Va.—a growing twobuilding complex (soon to be three) that houses a collection of military vehicles, weapons, communications, and field gear that spans over a century. The official count is: more than twenty jeeps, over ten trucks, two ambulances, three track vehicles, an endless assortment of weapons, field gear, mess gear, rations, radios, uniforms (from WWI to Iraq), and pretty much anything else you can possibly think of as it relates to U.S. military paraphernalia. The simple wish of Bland is to educate his visitors to the experience of our armed forces. All of that said, this is not simply Army surplus; one doesn’t truly get the idea unless they visit. It literally is one of these see-it-to-believe-it places— history on display through equipment.

The original “room” was 30 x 60 feet but grew thirty feet larger in 1996. In 2003, the Blands added another 20 x 50 room, and are presently working on a lean-to style garage (16 x 100 feet),

[ 59 ]

attached to one of the other buildings, to keep the vehicles dry. At this point, preservation is the name of the game, especially as winter settles in tightly around Top Kick’s. Since traffic is at its slowest during the cold months, Bland can usually rest easy; two visitors a week is pretty normal for this time of year. The lovely thing about seasons, however, is that they change, and that good ‘ol warm weather beckons people out of their homes and out into the world— often to explore—something Bland can appreciate.

“We probably get over a thousand people a year,” he reckons. “It’s not necessarily a high-traffic business, but it gets pretty lively. People from all over the world come through, and we get a lot of high school kids in from New Martinsville and Moundsville during the school year.”

Bland confesses that Top Kick’s is not a money maker, but then, it’s also a living testimony to how the history of a nation can be seen through one man’s passion and the resulting lifetime of related experiences. “It’s the only one like it in the state—a place where people can come and see the military eras through the equipment. We get a lot of repeat customers. I try to respect and represent every era, as well—appreciate it—from the Civil War all the way up to Iraq. You’re not going to get this type of thing in most museums, and their stuff is usually roped off or behind glass. You can walk right up to the stuff in my place, and I try to avoid the politics of war and military and just be diplomatic with my display: here it is, this is what it is, what it does—it’s here to look at.”

Top Kick’s is primarily run day-to-day by Bland and, at times, his wife, who he admits may not be as passionate about the museum as her husband, but has certainly been along for the adventure for fifty-eight years. Virginia joined him in Europe for his second tour and worked at the local PX for about a year. She continued to work at a sewing factory in Petersburg, as well, but perhaps most important is the bond she has shared with her husband through mutual interests and undertakings. They both love Alaska, having visited and returned many times for both career and personal [ 60 ]

reasons. They traveled through as much of Europe as they could possibly squeeze in during the second tour. And now, at an energetic 78 and 73 years young, Bland and his wife are still sizing up the next escapade. They’d like to repeat an extended trip to Alaska they took in ’92; they have 2012 marked on their calendars for that one. Fortunately, the museum won’t miss a beat if and when they do decide to set sail.

“My daughter, Iva Marie, lives right next door and also assists,” explains Bland.

“She does a good job at the museum; she’s more interested than her mother, plus she works with a lot of military recruiters through her job.” Iva Marie has been with Human Resources, as well, going on twenty years. As part of the Bland voyage, she went to kindergarten in Germany (learning perfect German), grade school in Alaska, and ended up graduating from Petersburg High School.

Although he lovingly refers to her as a “spoiled Army brat,” Bland is plenty thankful to have her around. “She bought a house right beside us about ten years ago. We still travel to auto shows— military vehicle shows; we’ll go out to Dayton this summer for the International Military Vehicle Club show. We feel good knowing she’s around to take care of things if we’re on the road.”

The road—a steady theme in Gereald Bland’s life, and an adventure that started when he was just a young man with a simple fascination. As roads often do, this one curved and crossed through different countries, up and over vast bodies of water, and through endless mountains and valleys—eventually finding its way right back to where it started. A life with such balance might have you wondering what is left out there that Bland could possibly want.

“A tank!” he exclaims. “And maybe a helicopter!”

It’s not hard to imagine that Top Kick’s will soon have a couple of new arrivals on display, if Bland has his way.

For more information on Top Kick’s, visit: www.topkicksmilitarymuseum.com or call 304.257.1392.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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Calendar ofmountain EventsFestival with April Spring

October

June 25-27 West Virginia Rail 2010 February 12th South Side Express Valentine Dinner Train Celebrating 100 Years April 29 - May 1st 19th Annual Spring Mountain Festival July30th 2 City ofCivil Petersburg 100thRides Year Celebration April War Train July 3 - 21st Fourth2nd of July Celebration Festival May19th Annual Harman’s Fly Fishing Event May Fort Mulligan Day Festival July28th 17 Wildernest Inn BeerFest JulyAug 4th2-7 Fourth TriCounty FairOf July Celebration Festival July 9th SummerTime In The Mountains Dinner Train Sept 4 Mountain Magic Bulls & Barrels July 30th - August 6th Tri-County Fair Oct 16 24th South Heritage Side Express Autumn Splendor Dinner Train September Days Nov 5-6 Christmas Open House Around October 15th Autumn Splendor DinnerTown Train November 4th -5th Old Time Christmas Open House Nov 19 Old Time Christmas Evening Nov. 24th - Jan 1st “Twas Welton Christmas Festival of Lights the NightPark Before Christmas” December OldChristmas Time Christmas Hop Nov 20 2nd - 3rdOld Time Parade Shop in Petersburg December 9th T’was The Night Before Christmas Dec 3-4 Old Time Christmas Shop Hop December 10th Old Time Christmas Parade in Petersburg Dec 11 South Side Express December 10th SnowFlake Train With Santa SnowFlake ExpressExpress Train Ride withRide Santa

Autumn Splendor Dinner Train

includes mick Souther’s musical Civil War Train Rides may Fort mulligan Day - Civil War Theater at the Landes Art Center Punishing pain pounded in June Romance on the Rail Dinner Train November Christmas Around Town and Bob Reynold’s head.

Open House July Fourth of July Celebration Festival A vessel in his brain had ballooned and was Potomac Eagle with Fireworks and Parade seeping blood. A stroke was imminent.

December SnowFlake Express Train Ride August Tri-County Fair neurologist André Fredieu, a withInterventional Santa specialist in delicate, minimally invasive procedures at Winchester Medical Center stepped in. With a

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“Many people often say motivation doesn’t last…well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” -Zig Zigler January is National Get Organized Month. Why January? It is natural to think about starting new at the beginning of a new year. Getting organized, making goals to improve health, or changing behaviors can

[ 62 ]

Starting the Year off With Focus and Results

| By Dana M. DeJarnett, MS

happen at any time of the year. The key is that you are ready.

The most important question you can ask yourself when determining if you should make a New Year’s Resolution this year is, “Am I ready?” By mid-January, 30% of those who have made resolutions are slacking off. Within six months, less than half are sticking with their resolution. You need the right level of motivation and commitment to be successful. And your motivation

should come from within. External motivators, such as: your mother said you should, or your spouse wants you to…don’t usually last.

Before blurting out your New Year’s Resolution as you are toasting in the New Year, take some time to consider what changes you need to make, what changes you are capable of making, and what has enough meaning to you that you will be motivated enough to accomplish.

The point of New Year’s Resolutions

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

is to make next year better than last year. To decide on what resolution you want to make, write down any and all ideas. Brainstorm all the areas of your life you might want to improve: financial, physical, emotional. Narrow them down to the most important, the most likely accomplished, and what might have the most impact. If health is your priority area, think about scheduling a physical with your doctor or a fitness assessment with a trainer at your gym. Both can help you assess the areas you need to work on and help you create a plan.

Once you have decided on your resolution(s), consider the following factors: * Make your resolution Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Using this SMART goal technique will help you put a plan in place to help you accomplish your goal. * Make a plan. Write it down. If your goal is to exercise three days a week, set up a plan of how you will achieve this. Do you have a membership to a gym? Are you going to walk with a friend? Your plan should include the action steps you will take to achieve your goal. * Know that it’s going to take hard work. Any change is hard because you are doing something outside of your comfort zone. Eventually, the new habit will become your comfort zone. * Have a back-up plan. There will be setbacks. Have a plan as to how you will get back on track. Assess your past achievements—good and bad—and determine what worked and what didn’t.

your plan includes improving your diet, get rid of the unhealthy food in the house (not by eating it all). Give it away to a food pantry or others in need. Take a class on healthy nutrition to give you the tools and skills to make better choices. If your plan includes exercising more, join a gym with staff that can help you set up an exercise program that is right for you. * Keep your motivation going, DAILY. Keep a journal to track your progress. Take it day by day—better to tackle in small increments. Post quotes and pictures that remind you of the goal you want to achieve.

Sign up for motivational blogs or podcasts on the subjects related to your goal (Google has an app where you can sign up for email updates on your choice of topics). You can also use Google calendar alerts to remind you of your goal daily. * Ask for support from friends and family. There may be someone close to you who is trying to achieve the same goal. Family and friends can support your changes if they know what they are.

Think about making small changes throughout the year that will add up to big changes. Make a plan that includes one change a month for the whole year. For each new month, keep the change you have accomplished and add on another.

Just think, by the end of the year you will have made 12 changes that can have a major impact when combined. Some can be small, such as: always taking the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator. Others can be more challenging, like quitting smoking. Here are some examples of changes you can make to improve your health:

* Include a fruit or vegetable with each snack and meal. * Be thankful for one thing everyday. Write it in a journal. * Drink green tea. * Set aside 5 minutes each day to stretch and do deep breathing exercises. * Eat less meat or go meatless. * Eat a higher fiber cereal for breakfast. * Try a new exercise such as yoga or water aerobics… * Try a new healthy food each week.

The Wellness Center at City Hospital has programs that can help you accomplish your health resolutions.

Our staff of certified trainers can work with you to develop an exercise plan based on your goals.

We have a registered dietitian on staff who can work to develop an eating plan that is right for you. If you are interested in joining The Wellness Center, stop by for a tour of the facility or call 304-264-1232 for more information.

The Wellness Center also offers a full range of educational programs to help you learn the skills needed to accomplish your goals. These programs include: Eat Well for Life, Drop 10 in 10, Discover Relaxation Within, and The Spectrum (formerly Ornish Advantage). Programs will be offered starting in January. Please call 304-264-1287, ext. 1814, or email ddejarnett@cityhospital.org for more information.

* Create a no-fail environment. If www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 63 ]

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Aspen Hall Inn—Where History Meets Hospitality

By Sandi Lilly Valentine

On a blustery December morning, I made my way up Boyd Avenue towards Aspen Hall Inn. Bracing myself against the chill, I approached the stately property, admiring the holiday wreaths and topiary that decorated the porch and grounds. I was promptly greeted by the innkeeper, Charles Connolly, who proceeded to guide me on a historical tour of the building. Charles possessed an intimate historical knowledge of the property, which, combined with his knack for storytelling, made for a memorable morning.

As we entered the Inn, Charles explained to me that Aspen Hall is the oldest home in the city of Martinsburg, dating back to 1745.

He walked me through the warm inn, which he was beginning to decorate for the holidays. He explained that he’d like to tell me about the Inn’s history, as well as how it fit into the industrial, religious, and political history of our area.

The property was originally a Quaker settlement, a stone home owned by one Edward Beeson, that

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was fortified to withstand Native American attacks. After Beeson’s death in 1750, his wife’s brother, John Mendenhall, came to live on adjoining land. He worked to expand the property, adding on to the home and building a grist mill, planting an orchard, and making other improvements.

During the French and Indian War, the family obtained a dispensation from the Quakers in order to supply General Braddock’s army with fruit and grain. During the war, Washington garrisoned troops on the Mendenhall property several times. Charles explained that the Quakers had played a large part in founding the original settlements of the area, making the Inn an important part of Martinsburg’s religious history.

When Edward Beeson, Jr., came of age, he inherited his father’s property. In 1771, he began to expand the house, and constructed the main, or Georgian, section.

During this construction, he lived in a residence located on the property, near where the Old Courthouse Square shopping

center stands today. The Beeson property stretched for more than 80 acres, from Boyd Avenue to where Route 11 currently runs.

Beeson was one of the city’s first “Gentlemen Trustees” when Martinsburg was established in 1773, making his family a crucial part of Martinsburg’s political history.

During the Civil War, the 106th New York Infantry Regiment camped in defensive embankments on the Aspen Hall property. These embankments can still be seen. In addition, the mansion was used as a Civil War hospital. Blood stains are still distinguishable on the wooden floors beneath the carpet in an upstairs suite— grisly remnants of past surgical proceedings.

Two other additions were added to the main house in 1790 and in 1900, to increase the size of the mansion. The property, at its peak, included mills, barns, warehouses, and other smaller dwellings. It extended down most of Boyd Avenue, and expanded through nearly 80 acres of Martinsburg.

[ 65 ]

The current property is much smaller, resting at the very end of Boyd Avenue, at the end of the broad, tree lined street. This industrial development placed the inn at the center of Martinsburg’s industrial history.

After an in-depth historical tour of the Inn’s architecture, Charles began to discuss its current use.

He purchased the Inn in 2004, with plans to develop a bed and breakfast. He renovated some areas of the mansion, adding custom cabinetry to the kitchen, removing fire damage, and working to restore the Inn to its former splendor. During the process, he discovered graffiti left from previous renovations.

Workmen had signed their names and initials, along with the date— 1788! This graffiti now resides under Plexiglas, so that visitors to the Inn can enjoy this small but interesting piece of history.

Charles quickly realized, however, that it was more cost-efficient to operate the property as a series of short-term rental units for medical and business professionals. He now rents out the four guest suites by the month, as well as renting out a cottage and an apartment on the property. This allows him to fulfill what he sees as his most important role— acting as a historical steward for the property—while earning the income necessary to maintain the Inn. Aspen Hall, as a property, represents many facets of our local cultural heritage. For this reason, Charles feels it is important that the Inn have a steward that will maintain the property, working to preserve it’s historical relevancy and heritage. However, he has decided to pass this duty on to a new steward, and is placing Aspen Hall on the market. He hopes to find a buyer who will work to maintain the cultural heritage he feels the Inn holds.

[ 66 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

F

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Call Now For Winter Rates

The

unKnown Eater Exploring Things to Do & Places to Go Around the Panhandle

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Eat Better, Feel Better.

Post-holiday shopping requires endurance and sustenance. In between our store-to-store dash at The Commons Shopping Center in Martinsburg, we determined it was time to refuel. Maybe a little smoothie break would put some pep in our step? We opened the door to Tropical Smoothie Cafe and simultaneously said, “Wow, it smells really good in here!” The next comment was, “Ooohhh, they have a lot more than just smoothies!”

Sometimes, tropical and beachy decor hovers on the edge of tacky and doesn’t play well this far inland or this far north. On this cold, dreary day, all the holiday trimmings were gone from stores and shopping centers, and the Tropical Smoothie Cafe was a bright, warm, welcoming spot of respite.

[ 68 ]

If you are what you eat, then TSC’s philosophy: “If you eat better, you’ll feel better,” certainly makes sense. The menu promises the best quality ingredients: gourmet breads, fresh vegetables, real fruits and premium meats and cheeses.

Obviously not forgotten are the

real fruit smoothies, in addition to a delicious selection of fresh salads, grilled flatbreads, bistro sandwiches, toasted wraps and even breakfast items. On the day of my visit, three soups were offered, as well.

Toasted wraps work—what a surprise to me. I thought the wrap would get too dry, but the slightly crunchy consistency is great. I was reluctantly given a taste of my friend’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken wrap. One of the perils of dining with The Unknown Eater is sacrificing a taste of your food— which was loaded with chicken, low fat mozzarella, Southwestern rice with corn, black beans and asparagus, onions and Jamaican Jerk sauce, on a white tortilla. Can we quote Emeril? Bam!

Next up: the Wasabi Roast Beef Bistro Sandwich was generously portioned and has only 390 calories. It starts with a wonderful toasted ciabatta bread—piled high with roast beef, pepper jack, wasabi caesar dressing and some romaine lettuce to cool it down. It’s another hit on the menu chart. I sampled The Italian sandwich, too.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

What stood out was the pesto—so fresh and bright green, like when I make it at home. The $3.99 grilled, flatbread sandwiches are a great deal with all the quality ingredients and flat-out taste you’d expect from TSC.

Although I’m not into the smoothie culture, my companions were well-versed in smoothies. I’m a convert now. True to their name, Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers these delectable treats in a variety of tempting categories: coffee smoothies, dessert smoothies, low fat smoothies, supercharged smoothies and super fruit smoothies. Smoothie drinkers can even charge up their treat with supplements, such as energizer, Matcha Green Tea, Multi-vitamin, whey protein, soy protein, stress defense, vitamin C immune complex and weight management. For smoothies with chocolate, Ghiardelli brand is used. All of the smoothies can be made with a choice of turbinado sugar, Splenda, honey or no sugar at all, and the real fruit pieces are prepped everyday. Some smoothie flavors are seasonal, and Cranberry Truffle is a winter favorite. I sampled my child’s Awesome Orange smoothie—orange, white chocolate and non-fat yogurt. In TSC lingo: “premi-yum and fantaste-ic!”

Lucky for undercover me, the owners of the TSC’s in Winchester, Martinsburg and Hagerstown were in the store, so I asked them a few questions. I mentioned how professionally I was greeted and how knowledgeable the staff was about the menu. Owner Steve Seminaro says, “Every person is painstakingly trained. We can have food out of the kitchen in about five minutes and a smoothie out in www.AroundThePanhandle.com

[ 69 ]

three minutes. A happy staff means happy customers. If you have a quality product and can take care of people, you will succeed, even in this economy.”

Jessica, Steve’s wife and business partner, says TSC delivers catering.

“With a fifty-dollar minimum food purchase, we will deliver to our customers. We treat our customer’s events, and our food, like it is five-star all the way!”

Steve added that they are eyeing other locations nearby for expansion, and may even add a drive-thru feature. “Once people eat here, they fall in love with Tropical Smoothie Café—it’s addicting.”

In 2008, Tropical Smoothie Cafe named Camp Sunshine (which is located at Sebago Lake, Maine) a National Charity Partner. Through TSC’s National Flip Flop Day Fundraiser, families with children who have life threatening illnesses are able to attend camp. The next National Flip-Flop Day is set for June 17, 2011. In previous years, customers who wear flip-flops to TSC were given a free 24-ounce Jetty punch smoothie. Donations to Camp Sunshine are encouraged.

Local fundraisers at Tropical Smoothie couldn’t be easier. For a scheduled Spirit Night, a portion of the entire sales from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is donated to the designated organization—no messing with receipts, etc.

At a

Glance Tropical Smoothie Cafe Martinsburg, WV 304.264.4445 Winchester, VA 540.667.0002 Hagerstown,MD 301.579.3898

First Impression

 Service

 Food Quality/Taste

 Value for Money

 Overall Atmosphere



See: www.tropicalsmoothiecafe. com for links to micro-sites for the TSC stores in Martinsburg, Winchester and Hagerstown. Sign up for Club Tropical for games and discounts. [ 70 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

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The Rib Room | Charles Town, WV The Turf’s Tasty Traditions

By Debra Cornwell Right on the menu, it states: “Turf Motel & Rib Room, proudly serving Charles Town since 1955.” Although the proper name of the restaurant is Rib Room, it is fondly known as The Turf, and it must surely be the longest running restaurant in Jefferson County.

There is a proud tradition of great food and great service behind that longevity.

Although The Turf has been around for years, maybe it’s time to re-tell the story?

Of course, The Turf street sign must be mentioned. It has beckoned diners and overnight guests for a long time, and must have been quite a sight when the sign was first illuminated. Once out of style, it is now retro/vintage-backin-style and an iconic landmark at the eastern gateway into Charles Town.

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Turf Co-Owner Terry Marcus remembers, “Fire destroyed the restaurant and office area on November 16, 2000, lending to the creation of the newly opened section with expanded office area and complete new hotel-style amenities. When my father negotiated the original lease with Pizza Hut, he said, ‘No way will that building have a red roof. If you (Pizza Hut) walk, I’ll be stuck with a red roof!’ It’s the only Pizza Hut, former or present, that doesn’t have a red roof.” With the foresight and business acumen of the senior Mr. Marcus, the building was successfully reconfigured

[ 75 ]

to accommodate The Turf.

One of the Marcus family’s earliest enterprises in town was The Southern Restaurant, at the current United Bank location, followed by The Southern Motel, across from the current Turf location. Terry says, “My grandfather and father started that restaurant in the early 1950s. We’re still a family business—my brother Ron is coowner; his son, Duane, directs our daily restaurant operations; his daughter, Tiffany Sowers, is our hotel manager.

My sisters, Lana and Karen, contribute in an abundance of ways. Even my mother, Scottie, is still involved. Our Turf family is much bigger, though.

Sarah Nabors has worked here since the doors first opened on July 1,1955.

It’s the only job she’s ever had. Sarah still answers the phone, ‘Turf Diner.’

Would you tell her any different? I’m not! We have other employees with [ 76 ]

twelve, fourteen and twenty years of service.”

For a restaurant to be around that long with so many longtime employees, they must be doing quite-a-bit-of-something right. “If I can get customers to come in, I know they will come back,” Terry says proudly, with a nod to his staff and cuisine.

The Turf is the place to go in Jefferson County for steaks, chops and ribs. Terry says the fresh, hand-cut USDA Choice beef comes from a supplier in Berkeley County who uses local farms. The Turf supports the Jefferson County Fair by purchasing hogs for the homemade, hardwood smoked, chopped pork it serves. By the way, that pork goes on the pig-version of sliders—The Turf’s own Squeakers!

On a recent visit to The Turf, our party

feasted on a variety of excellent menu offerings. We started with Chef Sean Deblois’s Famous Crab Dip. The creamy, warm dip is chock-full of fresh, jumbo lump crab meat with just a slight kick of spice. The toasted pita triangles are the perfect accompaniment—tortilla chips would be too salty. The crab cake is similar in taste—only in a baked, cake form. The crab cake is so rich and decadent that I could barely finish it— just what a crab should be.

Ribs are de rigueur at The Turf; the full rack of ribs is meaty and tender. Rib sauce, something that varies widely from restaurant to restaurant, can make or break even the most succulent ribs. This rib sauce is a “make.” It’s a thick, luxurious concoction of sweet, spice and heat. It’s guaranteed that the eater will have sauce from ear to ear.

Plenty of wipes and napkins will be needed.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

Next up was another house specialty: The Prime Rib. Justly called “the best prime rib dinner” in town, around, wherever—it’s true. There’s no hiding the quality of meat in a prime rib; it’s either good or it’s not. The Turf’s prime rib is superior—high quality meat, perfectly prepared. My personal plea: please don’t order it well done. Save that for hamburger.

Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish. The Turf’s spinach saves some calories and is prepared in a stock rather than a cream sauce. Terry and I agree that The Turf has the best spinach ever. If you hate spinach, you will like it. If you like spinach, you will love it. If you love spinach, I am not responsible for your reaction!

Lasagna and pastas have been on The Turf menu for a long time. We ordered the lasagna, and I can tell you it’s stacked and stuffed—wide noodles, baked in five layers—filled with ground beef, mozzarella and ricotta. One would be hard-pressed to find a lasagna this good anywhere else.

Chef Deblois says he doesn’t mess with perfection. “We have a broad menu which includes pasta, chicken, steak and ribs. I freshen up some of the tastes, but we stay true to our Southern

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roots and many of the original recipes. I’ve been here almost ten years, so I have a good feel for what people expect—great food, great service, great value. We try to meet that expectation with every meal.”

To me, The Turf is a gem that is hidden in plain sight. “There’s no two ways about it,” said one of my guests, “this place turns out great food.” The Turf also serves breakfast and lunch. For more information, see: www.turfmotel.com.

Editor’s note: The ATP family learned, sadly, while going to print with this issue, of the unexpected death of Terry Marcus on December 6, 2010. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Marcus family, the staff at The Turf, and the countless people who can say they had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Memorial

contributions can be made to the Washington High School Athletic Department: 300 Washington Patriots Drive, Charles Town, WV, 25414.

[ 77 ]

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Now It’s Your Turn Recipes to Spice Up Your Life | Breakfast Favorites

Crab and Swiss Quic he Ingredients

y beaten 2 egg, lightl 1/2 cup milk yonnaise 1/2 cup ma cornstarch 1 teaspoon ab meat 1/2 pound cr s redded Swis 1 1/2 cups sh cheese crust nbaked pie 1 (9 inch) u

Directions

ven to 350 1. Preheat o degrees ium bowl, 2. In a med , r eggs, milk mix togethe rch. a st rn co and mayonnaise s ab and Swis Mix in the cr ll. e sh ie p r into cheese. Pou en reheated ov 3. Bake in p to in d e rt inse until a knife s out quiche come e th f center o inutes. t 30 to 40 m clean, abou

Crepes

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flo ur 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butte r, melted 1 can of pie filling ( blueberry, cherry, strawberry) whip cream

[ 80 ]

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs.

Gradually add in the milk and water, stir ring to combine. Ad d the salt and butter; beat until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oile d frying pan over medium high heat.

Pour about a 1/4 cup of batter for each cre pe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.

3. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.

4. Stack crepes wit h wax paper between them so they don’t stick together.

5. Fill crepe with wa rm pie filling and top with whip cream.

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

Directions

1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup 1. Melt bu croutons tter in an 8x8 dish or sm 1/2 cup all cassero inch glass baking shredded le dish. Ad and toss to Cheddar cheese d crouton coat. Spri s n croutons. kle chees In a large e on top o 4 eggs b f o milk and d wl, beat to ry mustard gether eg 3/4 cup g . s, c P routons a milk nd cheese our egg mixture ov e . r h S am,onion 1 teaspo , green pe prinkle on cubed on dry m ppers. Co wrap, and ustard ver with p refrigerate 1 cup co lastic overnight. oked ham 2. Prehea , cubed t oven to 1 onion c 375 casserole hopped stand at ro degrees. Let om tempe o 1 green ven heats rature wh pepper d . ile iced 3. Bake in 1 can of mushroo preheated ms drain oven for 4 (optiona ed until eggs are set.

0 minutes l) L , e t cutting. C sit for 5 m an also be inutes befo fr re ozen and later. microwav ed

avy r G d n a s t i u c s i Sausage - B Directions Ingredients se flour ll-purpo wder 1 cup a king po oons ba p s a te 1 1/2 alt spoon s 1/8 tea milk , 1/2 cup argarine er or m tt u b n oo 1 teasp melted

GRAVY: sausage ulk pork b d n u ne o 1/2 p margari utter or b n o o p flour 1 tables urpose ns all-p o o p s le 3 tab ps milk 1 3/4 cu alt spoon s 1/8 tea epper spoon p 1/2 tea

g ur, bakin mbine flo milk o c l, w o 1. In a b ombine nd salt. C dients powder a stir into dry ingre er; rounded and butt . Drop by d baking d e d n le b rease just until onto a g ls fu n for 10-12 o o p degrees tables 0 5 4 t a e n. ak sheet. B until golden brow or s te ook the u in m cepan, c o u a s a in ln while, heat unti 2. Mean r medium until melted. e v o e g a r saus in butte ink. Stir ally stir in longer p r. Gradu u o fl h it w to a boil; Sprinkle er. Bring p p e over p d an s. Serve milk, salt 2 minute r fo r ti s cook and biscuits.

Duc hess Sweet Potat oes

Ingredients

1 cup fres h or froze n blueberrie s

Directions

Lightly grease a baking pan (11x7 and 2 inch deep). S pread 1/2 of th e bread into pan. sprinkle with cream ch 8 slices of eese cubes, blueberries an Texas Toa d remaining br st Bread cut ead. into 1 inch In a separate cubes bowl combine eg gs & milk and beat till w ell blended. P our over 8 oz chille bread mixture d cream c an heese aluminum foil. d cover tightly with cut into 1 Refrigerate fo /8 inch cu r at least 8 hours but no bes more than 24 8 eggs hours.

Preheat oven to 350. Bake 1 1/2 cup covered for 30 minutes, un milk cover for 25-3 0 more until top is puffy an d center is se t. Serve with Blueberry or M aple Syrup www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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ELI

Never a Better Time than Now

by Eli Andersen

I was going to write about this a while back but the opportunity sort of fell through the cracks, I suppose.

Instead of a 2010 recap or even a 2011 motivational speech, I couldn’t help thinking about a number of things that haven’t been addressed as much as I think they should be—things that have been steadily bubbling on my backburner(s) for quite some time. As a new year steps into focus, yet again, it’s pretty obvious that we have waded through some serious muck to get where we are today—especially over the course of the last few years. A lot of that muck can be directly linked to corrupt people, groups, and companies that are in positions of power and influence in this country.

To say it’s a shame that we’ve become so placated to such a fact is, well, the grandest of shames. Our country has found a way to divide itself severely along political lines, and it stands to ruin us. Combine that with the mountain of corporate corruption that has permeated the very fiber of our daily lives, and everything in it, and the future of America isn’t looking so stable. But even with that in mind, I was still somehow a little stunned over something I heard last summer—and I can’t seem to shake it. Taxes—though not in the way the word by itself suggests. I actually thought of taxes when I was listening to NPR and heard an [ 84 ]

alarming piece of news about how much money (my money—your money—our money) in Iraq has gone completely unaccounted for (Iraq, of course, being as hastily shoved into the shadows as is bureaucratically possible). With the utter mess of the auto bailouts proving that, once again, our hard-earned money is a joke to the people who call themselves our leaders (including the many CEOs who are just as powerful or more so than many of the politicians), this report on Iraq did more than just disturb me—it enraged me.

Last summer an audit performed by the U.S. Inspector General found that, of the $53 billion that had been spent in Iraq on “reconstruction,” $9 billion was completely unaccounted for. One of the lovely explanations given by officials at the Department of Defense is that the money gets allocated to so many different groups, so many different people, on so many different levels, that it’s hard to track—that there’s so many people in charge, that no one’s in charge. What! That’s the best you can do? Thousands of people have died defending this concept! Of the $9 billion, fully $2.6 billion was handed out without any paperwork at all. No one’s in charge—so you just give them my money? Bear in mind, these are the people who are running this mess,

and the one in Afghanistan (and likely the one in Korea soon)—quite startlingly, the people in charge of pretty much everything: politicians, CEOs, military brass, and, well, terrorists.

Nine billion dollars. Think about that for a minute. Our money—yours and mine. Gone. I wonder where it could be? Wait, I know—um, let’s see—in the hands of anyone and everyone wandering around the Middle East—likely in the hands of people and groups who are plotting, this second, to do harm to Americans and American interests—plots and plans that will cause even bigger messes that will in turn need cleaning up with, again, our money, and, unfortunately but likely, the lives of soldiers and/or innocent people. Kind of makes you feel like picking up another shift, a little overtime, doesn’t it? On a side note: I guarantee you if I moved over to Iraq, or anywhere in the world for that matter, and forgot to pay my property taxes on my twenty-fiveyear-old motorcycle, they’d find me in a week—I’d be sitting in a hut somewhere, drinking goat’s milk and sweating, and a skinny teenager, having run thirty miles, would hand me an envelope. On the outside it would say: Dept. of Revenue. On the inside it would say: $43.75 due to the state of West Virginia, or

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

risk further action—starting with your name in the paper like you’re some derelict class clown who got in trouble and now has his name on the board. And we’re so desensitized by everything as a culture that no one even really notices this colossal perversion happening right out in the open—probably because corruption has become a consistent part of our national ethos, starting from the top down, as well as the ever-evolving worship of all things money related (status, image, possession, control, worth). All the while, we hear the number nine billion and it goes in one ear, out the other. If I went on vacation for a million seconds, I’d be gone for about eleven days. If I went on vacation for a billion seconds, I wouldn’t return for thirty years.

That’s the difference.

You know, every person or group in this world is subject to inspection; you can only be associated with certain philosophies and events for so long before the world starts to read between the lines. Sort of like the idea of being able to choose where your taxes go. Not literally all of them, but maybe what percentages go in what directions. See if a hammer keeps costing a hundred dollars in the Army then. See if we’re so quick to jump into futile causes then, or get involved in thousandyear-old religious conflicts that only have something to do with us because of oil. See if our government doesn’t start thinking like it asks Americans to think—with measure and restraint, with common sense, and an actual concern for the greater good. Let’s see how loose everyone in Washington is with our money when we determine where some of it goes for once. It’s a thought, a theory—not a solution by any means, but a worthwhile debate. I’ve been working mostly on 1099s for years and it gets harder and harder every year to convince myself that sending that big check to the government is the right thing to do. I mean, I www.AroundThePanhandle.com

wouldn’t go hand it to some idiot on the street who I know is going to immediately waste it, give it away, lose it, or launder it. It just feels more and more like that’s what I’m doing when I give it to the government.

Yeah, I’ve got my freedom, and I couldn’t be more proud or thankful for it, but I also work very hard and have given a ton of money to my government, since I was fourteen, to honor and protect all of my freedoms and luxuries. If I’m going to hold up my end of the bargain, I want to know that my government is holding up theirs, and it just doesn’t seem like they are—which is very distressing and altogether awful for the future of this nation. And yes, we all know that the Articles of Confederation didn’t work because it gave states the option to pay taxes. Well, what do you think happened? Shocker.

Of course you have to have a steady supply of taxes in order to sustain a modern, productive homeland— especially over the long term. But that’s not what this is about; it’s about having a say in the matter. I mean, if Washington can take my hard-earned money and lose it in the dessert because too many morons are in charge, then why can’t I have a say in where it goes? This plan can’t possibly be worse than what they’ve already done with it—which is LOST it (or likely gave it away like naïve little kids wading in waters of corruption much deeper than what they’re even used to at home).

Just raising a question. Of the thirty percent, or more, that you take from me every year, can I have a choice as to where fifteen percent of it goes?

You can do whatever you desire with the other fifteen percent, but I’d like to choose where my fifteen percent goes. Maybe there’s a national list of ten or twenty areas where my chosen taxes can be allocated—a realistic list. Perhaps if we forced the government to tighten its belt a little like us citizens, then we might see who the really crooked ones were/ are; maybe the crap would rise to the

top. You have to wonder and/or hope that, within a model similar to this, or somewhat close in theory, economic and national security decisions across untold levels would be arrived at with much greater responsibility, measure, and ethical oversight.

Social programs and education funding in America is an absolute abomination. Salaries for policemen, firemen, teachers, social workers—a slap in the face compared to the responsibility and/or scrutiny associated with each. Think about it; could you come up with a dozen or so things that would benefit enormously from an injection of funding—things that are worthwhile and relevant to the progression of something good for people, for the country? I bet you could. There could even be an “app” that I can follow that tells me where my taxes are going and gives me real-time updates as to how they are being used, etc. A guy can dream, can’t he?

And how about some of that tax money, my tax money, going towards a massive national recovery program for all of our wounded soldiers—something that runs the full spectrum of patient care and loops back to include all veterans. I’d put my taxes towards that, especially when many of these poor kids are getting sent out today to places and situations that have “futile” written all over them, but they still go, and risk their lives—mentally and physically. Why should any of them ever worry about medical or health care again? Who’s answering that question? Who’s addressing that concern? This entire script needs to be flipped in the most profound way imaginable—but I don’t know that we’re even concerned enough, collectively, to give it the attention it needs—a definite topic for future discussions in this, the year 2011.

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NO ONE

should go cold this winter.

But some of our neighbors might.

When the temperatures drop, many families in the Eastern Panhandle struggle to warm their homes.

Please help them keep the heat on.

Warming Hands and Hearts coordinates existing government and community resources then supplements those dollars with Warming Hands and Hearts donations.

The United Way of the Eastern Panhandle serves as the fiscal agent for Warming Hands and Hearts with no administrative fees or overhead. That means every donated dollar is used to provide heat for a family in crisis.

DONATE TODAY. Help our neighbors keep the heat on.

Mail your check to: United Way of the Eastern Panhandle 218 W. King Street Martinsburg WV 25401 Please put “Warming Hands and Hearts� in the memo line. For more information, call (304) 263-0603.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. www.uwayep.org

Battling Breast Cancer One Mile at a Time

According to BREASTCANCER.ORG and The American Cancer Society:

• About 1 in 8 women in the United States (between 12 and 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

• In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed, along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 39,840 women are expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, though there has been a decrease in death rates since 1991.

These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advancements, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.

• Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. More than 1 in 4 cancers are breast cancer.

• White women over the age of 40 have a higher rate of breast cancer than African American women over the age of 40. However, African American

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

women under the age of 40 have a higher breast cancer rate than white women under the age of 40. African American women are also more likely to die from the disease.

• As of 2010, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. • A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of breast cancer.

• About 5-10% of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations (abnormal changes passed through families).

• The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).

Notable in the last few bullet points is that, at best, there is still around 50-60% of women who will get breast cancer “sporadically”—as coined by

WebMD.com—meaning the majority of breast cancer cases, inevitably, happen without a direct family history or link to the disease.

An article doesn’t need to be written about how scary cancer is, any kind of cancer. The disease has plagued society the world over for as long as anyone can remember—killing hundreds of thousands annually. Fortunately, breast cancer has been on the decline for the last decade or so—results that can be, in part, attributed to some shifts in hormone-based treatments for women, as well as increases in funding for related research—funding that has seen a steady rise to go along with national and international awareness campaigns. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a 25-year-old tradition that aims to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, and cure. The campaign also creates an exchange of information and support in regards to those

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affected by breast cancer.

Specifically, within this decade, most of us have seen a substantial increase in awareness—the Pink Ribbon becoming an almost universally recognized symbol of the cause. Walk around in a major American city during October, and you’ll likely see much of the skyline adorned in pink light. Even the NFL has subscribed to the cause; over the last few seasons, football fans have grown accustomed to watching their teams take the field accessorized in a color not typically associated with the testosterone-driven Sunday institution: pink (note—thousands of men will also die every year from breast cancer). Simply put, more awareness equals more interest, participation, funding, and research. All of that equals a steadily strengthening arsenal in the fight against breast cancer.

Campaigns are numerous and farreaching—anywhere from major media-sponsored events to more regional and localized efforts—though all of the work eventually supplements one cause: defeating breast cancer.

Around the Panhandle, one local group has taken it upon themselves to carve out their own section of the battlefield.

Their name is the Pink Angels, and they are organized by Lisa Catalano, the co-owner of Master Dry, LLC in Martinsburg—an owner-operated restoration service company that has been operating in the Panhandle and surrounding areas for over eight years.

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Catalano and her team’s focus and dedication to the cause of fighting breast cancer stands as a modern symbol of the movement’s overall saturation and growth. Admittedly, Catalano has never dealt with breast cancer personally, or even had an immediate family member diagnosed, but that certainly hasn’t compromised her mission to get as many people in the area involved in the fight against it,

or caused such passion to waiver. She describes the Pink Angels as more of a family than an awareness group.

“We do so many different fundraisers; we’re all so interrelated in our efforts.

We’ll ask for donations from local businesses, we do an Easter breakfast, we put sponsors on t-shirts, we sell holiday candy, jewelry, we partner with the fire department, we do a Longaberger basket bingo, we’re joining the Martinsburg Home Show this year, we’re in the papers and on the radio, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to generate funding and get more people involved.”

Inevitably, what Catalano is describing is the yearly walk the Pink Angels complete in D.C., organized by Susan G. Komen For the Cure (formerly The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). Often referred to as simply Komen, the 28-year-old foundation is considered the most wellknown and best-funded breast cancer organization in the country, and with over 100,000 volunteers, the largest breast cancer charity in the world. This year’s walk, the second for the group, will take a weekend to complete, in September, and will cover 60 miles—a distance Catalano and her team know is more like a walk in the park compared to what cancer victims have to go through. Komen walks take place all around the country; Catalano and her team participate in the D.C. walk because it’s the closest big city to host one. As far as the team goes, The Pink Angels came about last year in a rather unceremonious way. Catalano simply opened up her mail and started reading over something that gave her pause.

“I got a postcard about breast cancer in the mail from the Avon organization,” she remembers. “I researched it and decided it was something I needed to involve myself in. I knew it was going to become a new part of my life. The more I learned, the more my views changed about cancer.”

Catalano realized that the impetus for various fundraising causes and efforts is usually put in motion after the fact—

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

after something has already happened.

She doesn’t see it that way, and her philosophy is the foundation upon which her team is built.

She expounds, “Just because I’ve never had it, or my mother hasn’t had it, isn’t a reason to not get involved. So many people wait for something to happen and then raise money. I want to be proactive with this, because you never truly know.”

By the end of the summer last year, the Pink Angels were walking the 39-mile course through D.C., in their first Avon Walk for Cancer, having only been organized for a few short and hectic months. Like most of the other groups, The Angels, essentially, set a goal to raise money (in this case, $10K), and almost nailed it. With a full year to fundraise, their goal for 2011 is set at $25K. Once they set the goal, the information is sent to Komen and the team, as well as supporters and followers, can watch the money meter go up and up via a personalized team link on the Komen website. As the Pink Angels fundraise, all of the proceeds get sent to Komen, and the results begin to show as the meter rises (the link for this year’s race is: www.the3day.org/ goto/ThePinkAngels).

Given the economy, as well as the fact that Catalano’s company (Master Dry) is a 24/7 response-based operation,

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

the day-to-day process of organizing, fundraising, networking, and advertising can force them to become quite resourceful, and almost consumes everyone involved. But again, they all keep thinking back to the victims.

Regardless of whether they have experienced breast cancer first hand or not, each member of The Pink Angels certainly knows someone who has, and that’s what keeps them grounded, focused, and motivated.

“This year, we’ll have anywhere from four to six people walking, but we accept all comers,” Catalano expresses.

“We probably have about ten people actively raising money in general. And it has certainly become a family affair.

My kids got involved last year and are involved even more this year. I want them to learn that life isn’t always about making money; it’s also about giving back.”

With the extra help, The Angels are looking for as much exposure as possible, and obviously, any kind of help is welcomed with open arms.

Catalano continues, “We like to keep this entire process local; we’re proud to represent Martinsburg at the walk.

But we need local support—any kind of support. Anyone who wants to help us will be welcome.”

As the winter months give way to

longer days and warmer temps, The Pink Angels, in addition to the continued chipping away at that $25K target in every way possible, will also begin their actual training for the event.

After all, 60 miles in three days is not exactly an intelligent expedition for the untrained. Catalano says that they will often meet together to get some roadwork in over the weeks prior to the event. This year, she is going to opt out of the tent city format that participants can adhere to, and instead book some hotel rooms for her team— as a way to stay healthy for the grueling physical test.

She emphasizes greater preparation across the board this year, as well. “Last year, I walked the last thirteen miles on blisters; there’s just not much you can do about it—we all did. But, they’re worth it. We probably lacked last year in training, but this year we’re going to have to squeeze in the training— around the massive amount of related work.”

But as Catalano so aptly states, the work is well worth it.

For those interested in joining The Pink Angels operation, or looking to support the team in general, simply call Master Dry, LLC at: 304.274.6868. They can also be followed on Facebook as: The Pink Angels.

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Your Money Matters...

Financial Advice from Tony Price

Opening New Doors in 2010— Walking Through Them in 2011 The roller coaster that was 2010 has officially ended! This time last year, we were lamenting over 2009 and trying to be optimistic for the upcoming year. After all, 2009 was a monumental failure for most businesses, so 2010 had to be better… right? So, was it?

As with many financial questions, the answer to that one is dependent upon whom you ask. Many businesses soared and many ceased to exist during the year, but overall, I’d have to say that 2010 was financially better across the board then was 2009. The recession has officially ended, the banking market has been saved (at least temporarily), unemployment has leveled off, and the housing market is no longer in a free-for-all. I agree that things are not perfect right now, but I think we at least feel we’ve reestablished a solid footing to be able to move forward upon.

So what’s in line for 2011? Technically, our longest recession since World War II, ended in June of 2009, but is in fact, growing. However, with unemployment high, consumer spending sluggish, and forecasted growth of less than three percent, it’s hard to get too excited for the upcoming year. But there is reason for optimism! Small business is what typically pulls our economy out of a recession, and current research is showing that small business profit margins are running at a five-year high because of recent savvy costcutting practices. Once revenues do pickup,

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these businesses will be first in line to scoop up new employees. As this happens, the proverbial train will start to roll and you will once again see a robust economy.

So what are some trends to look for in 2011?

The recent financial crisis annihilated our concept of “business as usual,” so the world is ripe with potential. Based on some recent economic data, here are a few potential trends in 2011.

Healthcare Reformed. With recent legislative changes and our ever-aging population, opportunities abound in the healthcare industry. Currently, ten of the twenty fastest growing occupations are healthcare related, and according to the Department of Labor, the industry will create more new jobs in the next decade than any other industry. Many venture capital firms are looking for innovative IT solutions related to healthcare, as well as entrepreneurs with creative “home care” ideas.

Tourism is Back. Many industry reports show tourism has recovered remarkably and is expected to reach record numbers by the end of 2011. During the year, international trips are expected to grow over five percent, domestic over one percent, and hotel revenues by at least four percent. The Smartphone app market has grown to a billion-dollar industry in just a few years, but yet is still in its early stages, so opportunities abound for tourism-based applications.

Shopping. Half of all Americans are now members of at least one social network, and now they are also spending money while they’re at it! E-commerce has officially gone social. Facebook users spent an average of $67 in the first quarter of 2010, and it’s estimated to increase fifteen percent in 2011.

The Age of Man. Guy-dominated industries were hit extremely hard during the recession, but they appear to be making a strong return. Online newsletters and websites are booming, with advertisers flocking to UrbanDaddy and Thrillist, which cater to a younger, more educated, and affluent reader.

Unfortunately, recessions are inevitable!

They wreak havoc on our day-to-day lives and cause hardships for many of us. But one thing is for certain; as business owners, it makes you take a new look at how you do business, forces you to become lean and efficient, and opens the doors to new markets and ideas.

I know I speak for everyone with the magazine when I say thank you to all the readers for a successful 2010, and have yourself a very happy and successful 2011.

Social Networking Meets Social

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

Your Partner For Success At the foundation of any successful community are the people who come together to realize a shared vision. At CoxHollidaPrice, we offer a unique combination of professional services to meet all your needs.

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Massanutten Resort

For All Seasons and All Reasons - By Debra Cornwell

We were looking for a fun, relaxing, casual getaway—not too far away, not too expensive, and with an assortment of activities and dining options. The push pin landed at Massanutten Resort in McGaheysville, Va.—about 12 miles west of Interstate 81 at Harrisonburg. It had been years since my husband and I were there—both of us visited Massanutten in our youth. My, how some things have changed, and all for the better!

After the familiar windy climb up Resort Drive, soaking in the autumn splendor, we arrived at the Woodstone Check-In

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

Building—gateway to the Woodstone Recreation Center and the Woodstone Meadows Condominiums. A glass interior wall in the lobby revealed the heated, aquatic delights on the lower level. The check-in personnel were friendly and knowledgeable, and a well-staffed concierge desk figured prominently in the entrance hall for more detailed itinerary planning.

While perusing the activity booklet, I wondered if residents in the Harrisonburg area fully exploit the recreational opportunities at Massanutten, or is it like a case of living near Disney World or Las Vegas? Residents only go there

when out-of-town guests arrive— seeking adventure. Seasonal passes for a variety of activities would surly entertain even the most curmudgeonly teenager, and would make “a most awesome stocking stuffer, dude.” Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, FlowRider surfing, zip line, go-karts, horseback riding, hiking, golf, tennis, and, yes, a whole indoor/outdoor waterpark are just some of the offerings at Massanutten. It’s family bonding time and the kidsters won’t even know it!

Our spacious suite of condominiums at the end of Redstone Drive were nestled

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comfortably within a brand new building. Located on the first floor, the door that opens from the main hallway revealed a small foyer with two more doors—one to a smaller one-bedroom unit, the other to a larger one-bedroom unit. The views from all the windows and decks overlook the fifth hole of the Woodstone Meadows Golf Course, which is bordered by a creek and a dense woodland. If condos aren’t your thing, hotel rooms are available.

There is an electric fireplace in each unit, as well as two LG flatscreen televisions—one over the living area fireplace and one in the bedroom. There’s an attractive and functional kitchen with linens, plates, glasses and cutlery, and a very lovely decor with comfortable furnishings—something in the “new traditional” range with a modern and relaxing color palette.

The huge, corner, jetted tub in the large unit’s bedroom would be welcome after a day of skiing, or just because it’s there—a good enough reason for me.

In a flash, suitcases were emptied, bathing suits were on, and we were off to the waterpark. The indoor portion of Massanutten WaterPark is always 84 degrees F. Aside from water adventures, the building houses a candy confectionary, a huge arcade, shopping and dining.

When you check in at the lowest level of the attraction, you are assigned lockers, but don’t forget to bring your towel. We forgot, though we easily coped. My husband and son headed straight for the body slides. Starting at thirty-nine feet high, the slides provide 250 feet of slipping and sliding fun. I, on the other hand, spent countless lazy laps on the Blue Ridge Rapids— going round and round with my [ 94 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

floatie, strategizing on how to avoid getting wet by the sprays, cannons and dumping bucket. We all soaked in the Shenandoah Hot Springs, a hot tub the size of a swimming pool that connects to the outdoor waterpark, in season. My husband had a blast on the FlowRider— the first and largest FlowRider in Virginia. Boy and board were separated quickly on the first try, but he got it on the next try and was soon “hanging ten” in The Pipeline, much to his delight.

The Massanutten website makes the lofty claim that menu selections at the Fareways Restaurant and Lounge are prepared “without a flaw” by Executive Chef Michael Ritenour. Remarkably, dinner lived up to that standard. I chose the special: filet mignon with jumbo lump crabmeat and sautéed spinach, all in a pool of port wine and bourbon reduction. The special was served with roasted red potatoes. Since I love spinach, I wouldn’t object to a fork full without crabmeat. Can you imagine that the large chunks of crabmeat were so plentiful that I couldn’t get a fork of spinach without spearing crab meat? What a “problem” to have! The large filet was grilled to a perfect medium (melt-inyour-mouth tender). My husband chose pan-fried trout topped with an interesting combination of hot peppers and honeydew. He didn’t share, and his plate was clean. The little one was so tired from the waterpark, he fell asleep in the booth. Although we had reservations, and there wasn’t a wait, the restaurant was full and had an animated buzz.

Tranquil and serene, The Spa at Massanutten offers many ways to pamper and de-stress. The next morning, I booked a one-hour www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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Swedish massage with Myranda. It only took about five minutes to get to the deep breath of relaxation— the signal to a masseuse that deep relaxation is achieved. Some people are so stressed, it can take several sessions before they reach true relaxation. The staff at the Spa are professionals in whatever treatment you choose: massage, body treatments, skin care and nail care. I was impressed that the entire staff had such an expression of peace and welcoming.

The building itself is only about a year old, and has a retail area of tempting salon products.

activities. Cancellation policies vary and since many activities are physical in nature, many have rules and procedures.

Now that we’ve rediscovered Massanutten, we’ll be back. It’s a great place to forget about the stresses of daily life and simply

catch your breath. We could all use a little more of that.

For more information, visit www.massresort.com or like Massanutten Resort on Facebook.

- DC

It’s clear that Massanutten takes on distinct personalities with each season, and each season has a vast array of activities and offerings.

It’s best to plan ahead by spending some time on the website or on the phone with the concierge. By booking your recreation in advance, you guarantee your spot in those

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Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

2

Named for Ulysses S. Grant,

General of the Union Army and 18th President of the United States, Grant County is the ‘HeartBeat’ of the Potomac Highlands.

1 ACCOMMODATIONS

•

WILDERNEST INN • 304-257-9076 888-621-2948 wildernestinn.com

NORTH FORK • MOUNTAIN INN

ATTRACTIONS

Steeped in ancestral heritage, Grant County is known for warm hospitality, breathtaking mountainous landscapes and abundant natural resources.

Bed & Breakfast BREATH OF HEAVEN BED & BREAKFAST 304-257-4971 703-509-1565 breathofheavenbb.com

3

Make

1. smoke hole

Come! Enjoy trout fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, wilderness hiking and more! Discover the Four Season Paradise we proudly call Home.

Grant County West Virginia

304-257-1108 northforkmountaininn.com

Your Tourist Destination!

earThen ForT

ABRAM’S CREEK RETREAT • 304-446-5383 703-328-1840

• •

abramscreek.com

EAGLE’S HAVEN & BEAR’S DEN • 304-257-9076 888-621-2948

• • • • • • • • •

ltdvacation.com

FORT HILL MOTEL • 304-257-4717 forthillmotel.com HARMAN’S NORTH FORK • COTTAGES 304-257-2220 800-436-6254 wvlogcabins.com

HOMESTEAD INN • 304-257-1049 304-257-9564 Fax THE HERMITAGE INN • 304-257-1711 800-437-6482 JUST PLANE ADVENTURES • 304-749-7000 justplaneadventures.com MOUNTAIN RIVER RETREAT • 703-727-9413 mtnriverhome.com NORTH MOUNTAIN • VACATION RENTALS 304-257-5411 northmountainrentals.com

PARK MOTEL • 304-257-4656 parkmotel.org SMOKE HOLE LOG CABINS, • RESORT, COTTAGES & LOG MOTEL 304-257-4442 800-828-8478 smokehole.com

4. sPrinG moUnTain FesTival 5. ForT mUlliGan civil war 6. sPrinG rUn TroUT haTchery 7. PeTersbUrG TroUT haTchery 8. Fishing in The norTh Fork oF

Hotel/Motel

hermitageinn.net

caverns dolly sods wilderness area 3. eaGles nesT oUTFiTTers canoeinG / camPinG

4 2.

ACTIVITIES

• • • • • • • • • • •

TrouT / Bass Fishing Camping • hunTing WaTer skiing • kayaking CaTCh & release Fishing Canoeing • roCk ClimBing mounTain Biking • golFing oFF-road reCreaTion WildliFe • Bird WaTChing

sCeniC moTorCyCle Tours Wilderness hiking • airporT horseBaCk riding

The soUTh branch oF The PoTomac river mononGahela naT’l ForesT smoke hole biG bend recreaTion area Greenland GaP miliTary mUseUm moUnT sTorm lake soUTh mill creek dam soUTh side dePoT exPress PerForminG arTs cenTer Fine arTs & handcraFTs FairFax sTone welTon Park

2

8 5

‘Hofothmee Goldetn’ Trou

G r a n t C o u n t y C o n v e n t i o n a n d Vi s i t o r s B u r e a u 126 south main st. petersburg WV 26847

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Grant County Convention Visitors Bureau South Main St. Petersburg, WV 304.257.9266 voice • and grantcountywva.com web126 email26847 • grantcountycvb@frontiernet.net 304.257.9266 voice • grantcountywva.com web • grantcountycvb@frontiernet.net email

For nearly 30 years, Mr. Vacuum has been the Eastern Panhandle’s vacuum specialist, and the only store in the area to supply multiple, brand new, top quality vacuums, shampooers, and hard-to-find parts and supplies for almost every vacuum brand ever produced. In addition to the sale of the best-made vacuums from around the world, Mr. Vacuum is also the area’s leader in service and repairs for ALL makes of vacuum cleaners and shampooers, as well as service calls for central vacuum systems. With an incredibly fast turnover rate, often 24-48 hours in most cases, you can be assured that your cleaning needs will not go unattended for an extended length of time. Let’s take a look at what Mr. Vacuum has “in store” for you today.

Top Uprights: 5. Oreck Element Power Team (Best Bang for your buck) MSRP - $329.99 - Ultra-powerful and amazingly lightweight, this 9-lb. vacuum is a feather in your hands thanks to its ergonomically designed Helping Hand Handle. The single-speed Element Pro Series is a brand-new model and perfect if your family is on a budget, but you’re not willing to sacrifice performance. Also included is Oreck’s Deluxe Handheld Vac—your personal assistant—giving you a better way to clean stairs, furniture, ceiling fans, molding, bookshelves, curtains, drapes, and virtually any other job. Two for the price of one, makes this a great value!

4. Panasonic MC-UG775 (Best Heavy Duty Construction) MSRP - $499.99 - The Panasonic MC-UG775 is a unique combination of all the convenient features you want in a standard household vacuum combined with the durable construction of a commercial grade vacuum. Traditional wear points of the vacuum, such as the brush roll, the bottom plate, the handle, the handle release pedal, and the motor are all made of solid steel or aluminum (NOT plastic), to ensure that these common wear points will not fail. Utilizing one of the strongest suction motors in the vacuum industry also ensures that the deep down, carpet damaging dirt particles are removed with little to no effort, in a single pass.

3. Dyson DC25 Animal (Best Bagless Upright) MSRP - $549.99 - By far the best bagless upright vacuum on the market today, the Dyson DC25 Animal gives you the power of “Root Cyclone” technology, the maneuverability of the “The Ball,” and the pet hair pick-up power of the “Mini Turbine” attachment for your couches, chairs, steps, and everything in between! The Animal is a maintenance-free vacuum, meaning: no bags to buy, no filters to buy, no NOTHING to buy—not even routine maintenance or repairs for 5 years—thanks to Dyson’s all-inclusive 5-year warranty and Mr. Vacuum’s exclusive 5 years of free service!

2. Miele S7 Swing (Best Quality and Filtration) MSRP - $799.99 - Miele, considered by many as the Mercedes-Benz of the vacuum cleaner industry, holds true to its slogan of “Immer Besser” (forever better) with their flagship upright vacuum, the S7 Swing. Masterful German engineering and quality construction go together with ease in each one of these hand-assembled masterpieces. Each component of the Swing is designed and produced to mandate to the strictest quality control standards, and is hand assembled by a single person in Miele’s Bielefeld, Germany plant. To understand the immense amount of engineering that has gone into the Miele S7, you simply MUST see one for yourself!

[ 98 ]

Around The Panhandle | JAN • FEB 2011

1. Simplicity X9 Synergy (Best Cleaning Performance) MSRP - $1139.99 - As the world’s only vacuum cleaner utilizing two suction motors simultaneously, the Simplicity X9 Synergy is the world’s BEST cleaning vacuum, period. Similar to the Panasonic MC-UG775, the Simplicity X9 Synergy features all the same metal components and goes steps further to include the metal telescopic wand, metal axles in every wheel, metal bag door latch, and metal body components that are subject to wear. A 100% sealed HEPA filtration system also ensures that none of the deeply embedded dirt this vacuum removes from the carpet ends up in the air that you and your family breathe. The Simplicity X9 Synergy also features a full set of on-board tools and attachments, finger tip controls for switching from carpet to bare floors, LED headlights that will NEVER blow or burn out, and a lifetime belt which will never burn, break, or need replaced. The X9 Synergy is simply the best all around upright vacuum you can own on the market today!

Top Canisters: 5. Oreck Quest (Best Straight Suction/Value) MSRP - $199.99 - The brand-new Oreck Quest is perfect for households with bare floors and minor vacuum cleaner needs. The Oreck Quest has great suction power, metal telescopic wands, a combination rug and bare floor tool, and dusting and crevice tools to tackle almost every cleaning need. The Quest also has variable speed control to easily turn down the speed of the motor for jobs such as drapes, to prevent damage of delicate materials. A great value for an exceptional name, Oreck!

4. Panasonic MC-CG902 (Best Bang for your buck) MSRP - $299.99 - The feature-rich Panasonic MC-CG902 gives you everything you need in a canister vacuum and more. A full-size Powerhead has height adjustment controls, reset protection to prevent belt breakage, and a quick release stepon control for easy removal of the wands—for corners and edges. A full set of attachments are housed on-board, making it easy to find the precise tool for the job. The MC-CG902 has HEPA filtration, as well—perfect for allergy sufferers. Best of all, the entire vacuum can be conveniently controlled with your fingertips at the handle of the hose!

3. Electrolux UltraActive (Best Bagless Canister) MSRP - $469.99 - The Electrolux name exemplifies quality. The UltraActive has an easy-empty dirt cup that allows for quick dumping of the dirt container without fumbling with messy filters. A full-size powerhead with fingertip controls, height adjustment, quick step-on wand release for corners and edges, variable speed control for the motor (to handle the delicate jobs), HEPA filtration, and the quality that goes into EVERY Electrolux product, makes this the perfect bagless canister.

2. Electrlux UltraOne (Best Features and Options) MSRP - $799.99 - The flagship vacuum in the Electrolux line, the UltraOne is easily the quietest vacuum produced today, with all the power, performance, and quality you’d expect from the Electrolux name. This vacuum is so quiet that the only noise produced is from the sound of high-speed airflow ripping through the powerhead and wands. The UltraOne is fully controlled at your fingertips with four simple buttons: “on/off” / “brush” / “auto” (detects floor surfaces) / “min/max” (adjusts the suction in five specific increments for any cleaning job). Sound suppression foam as well as HEPA filtration combine to prevent air and dirt leakage back into the air you breathe.

1. Miele Capricorn (Best Quality, Filtration, Performance) MSRP - $1199.99 - The Miele Capricorn is the epitome of over 80 years of German engineering and top-of-the-line quality. Every component of the Miele Capricorn is produced to exacting standards far beyond that of other manufactures. The Capricorn has a full-size powerhead with handle release, height adjustment, and quick wand release for corners and edges, along with a self-adjusting brush roll not found in any other canisters. The 1200-watt suction motor is fully variable in six increments at the touch of a button on the hose handle.

Steel telescopic wands allow the height to be adjusted for extra reach, or to simply fit right in your hand during use. The Capricorn is a 100% sealed HEPA certified vacuum cleaner, meaning that not just the filter in the Capricorn is HEPA rated but so too is the entire vacuum itself—releasing ZERO airborne particles—the only vacuum in the world capable of this. Simply put, the Miele Capricorn is the BEST all around canister vacuum available today.

www.AroundThePanhandle.com

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The Martinsburg Rotary club would like to thank its sponsors for the 2011 Kelley Kisner Taste of the Panhandle

2011 Kelley Kisner

HMS Technologies Roach Energy Farmers and Mechanics Insurance Company City National Bank MVB Bank Pill and Pill Bowles Rice McDavid Graff and Love Senator Rockefeller Marilyn and Bill schoon Martins Distributing Around the Panhandle Magazine CNB Bank Edward Jones Curtis Engineering/Lodestar Llamas Depot Florist BB&T Bank Alpha Associates Gary Kelley

January 22, 2011 at the Historic McFarland House 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Electrolux Is Here!

Best Carpet Cleaning In Its Class*

The Quietest Premium Canister Vacuum* UltraSilencer DeLux

™

UltraOne

The Whisper Quiet, ™ All Surface Cleaner.

Ultra Filtration.

Ultra One.™

Mfg # EL7066A

™

Serving the Eastern Panhandle for nearly 30 years.

Mfg # EL7070A * Among canisters with a motorized nozzle.

Priced $500 or more.

Per ASTM F1334.

304-263-3515

Great All Around Vacuum, Perfect for Bare Floors Maximus

™

Maximize Cleaning. ™ Minimize Dirt & Dust.

Mfg # EL4200A

732 Foxcroft Ave. Martinsburg, WV 25401 * Among canisters with a motorized nozzle.

Priced $500 or more. Per ASTM F608.

High Quality, Superior Performance © 2010 Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.

www.mrvacuuminc.com Follow us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/MrVacuum

COME FOR THE DAY

OR PLAN TO STAY!

Like what you See ?

Zip Line and Canopy Tours

Two Golf Courses

Complete

Relaxation

NOW AVAILABLE at your local

ROCS

Dining

and Nightlife

Convenience Stores massresort.com . 540.289.9441

facebook.com/massanutten Indoor/Outdoor WaterPark . Snow Sports Spa . Golf Packages . Outdoor Recreation Condo Rentals . Concerts & Festivals

Massanutten

Resort

www.aroundthepanhandle.com

CLIP & SAVE Great Savings at Local Businesses

 Sales, Service & Installation

$10.00 off Any Service Call

Craigo Service Company

304-263-2649

54 GM Access Rd, Suite J. Martinsburg, WV 25403

Residential & Commercial • Heating & Air Conditioning Humidifiers & Air Cleaners • Maintenance Programs Ice Machines, Fryers & Ovens • Kitchen Equipment

www.craigoservicecompany.com



MARTINSBURG SHOPPING PLAZA

603 B Winchester Ave | Martinsburg, WV

304.263.3322 MYBROSPIZZA.COM

OPEN EVERYDAY! M-TH, SUN : 11AM-10PM FRI-SAT : 11AM-10:30PM

Salads • Paninis • Pasta • Hot & Cold Subs • Wraps Italian Specialties • Mexican Specialties • PIZZA!

DINE IN, TAKE OUT, DELIVERY

 Where Beauty Starts from Within 304.821.1333 • 35 Hovatter Drive, Inwood, WV 25428

 Some of Our Signature Services: • Skin Care Treatments • Manicure • Pedicure • Signature Body Treatments • Massage • Waxing • Spa Packages

CLIP & SAVE Great Savings at Local Businesses



Craigo Service Company

304-263-2649

54 GM Access Rd, Suite J. Martinsburg, WV 25403

www.craigoservicecompany.com



Sales, Service & Installation

$10.00 off a

1 Time Maintenance

Residential & Commercial • Heating & Air Conditioning Humidifiers & Air Cleaners • Maintenance Programs Ice Machines, Fryers & Ovens • Kitchen Equipment

FIVE

$5 OFF

For Dine In -ORTake Out Only

BROTHER’S

Any Order PIZZA $25 -OR- More

OFF

(Not Valid for Delivery)

 $20.00 off Body Glow “Body Scrub”

Exfoliates dead skin cells removes impurities and stimulates circulation leaving your skin smooth and glowing.



15% Discount on Any Treatment at Sleepy Creek Spa Valid through March 31, 2010.

M-Th only, no holidays.

Not valid with any other offer.

Call 304-754-7977 for appointments.

CLIP & SAVE Great Savings at Local Businesses



MARTINSBURG

171 Retail Commons Pkwy (In the Commons) Martinsburg, WV 25403

WINCHESTER

(304) 264-4445

152 Market Street (In Rutherford Crossing Center) Winchester, VA 22603

HAGERSTOWN

(540) 667-0002



(301) 579-3898

3 Convenient Locations

Any Sandwich, Wrap or Salad Valid at:

17301 Valley Mall Rd (Inside the Valley Mall) Hagerstown, MD 21740

$2 OFF WINCHESTER, MARTINSBURG, HAGERSTOWN

Valid at WINCHESTER, MARTINSBURG, HAGERSTOWN location only.

Please present card when ordering. Not valid with any other coupon or offer. One discounted wrap, sandwich or salad with card per customer per visit.

20% OFF ENTIRE BILL 1 Coupon Per Check • Expires 03/31/11



SPRING MILLS SELF STORAGE 304-274-5158 254 T J JACKSON DR, FALLING WATERS, WV 25419 24-Hour Access - Lighted and Secure.

Open 10-5 Mon thru Fri and 10-2 Saturday



DANA DEGRAVE Home Financing Specialist Branch Production Manager

304.260.4080 dana.degrave@afsb.com

317 Aikens Center Martinsburg, WV 25404

“Contact me for a List of Foreclosures”

CLIP & SAVE Great Savings at Local Businesses



MARTINSBURG

171 Retail Commons Pkwy (In the Commons) Martinsburg, WV 25403

WINCHESTER

(304) 264-4445

152 Market Street (In Rutherford Crossing Center) Winchester, VA 22603

HAGERSTOWN

(540) 667-0002

17301 Valley Mall Rd (Inside the Valley Mall) Hagerstown, MD 21740



(301) 579-3898

3 Convenient Locations

99¢ Smoothie Buy Any Real Fruit Smoothie, Get One for 99¢! (equal or lesser value) Valid at: WINCHESTER, MARTINSBURG, HAGERSTOWN

Valid at WINCHESTER, MARTINSBURG, HAGERSTOWN location only.

Please present card when ordering. Not valid with any other coupon or offer. One 99¢ smoothie with card per customer per visit.

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS Monday thru Friday from 4-7 pm FREE WI-FI in the TAVERN All Day Every Day

LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY



Mention this Coupon and Get your

FIRST MONTH RENT FREE On any 5 x 10 or 10 x 10 Storage Unit (Deposit of 1 month rent required) Month-to-month agreement $10 Admin. Fee for Security Code

304-274-5158



Larry A. DeMarco, ABR, GRI Realtor / Associate Broker RE/MAX Real Estate Group 1314 Edwin Miller Blvd., Suite 200

& Team

Martinsburg, WV 25404 (304) 263-2600 - Office (304) 676-8040 - Cell

Mention this ad & receive a FREE Home Warranty or Home Inspection.

(Up to $400 value-call for details)

www.LarryDeMarcoSellsHomes.com

Craig Loy, Broker

Start the New Year off with Style

Doing More than just selling you Insurance

Insuring West Virginians Since 1877

www.fmiwv.com

25 Administrative Drive • Martinsburg, WV 25404 304-263-0809 • 800-444-1917

HOMEOWNERS • MOBILE HOME DWELLING FIRE • FARM OWNERS COMMERCIAL • BUSINESS OWNERS AUTO • UMBRELLA • ARTISAN