Cultivating Success in Our Communities -- Progress 2019

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A supplement to The Intelligencer, News-Register, The Times Leader, Tyler Star News and Wetzel Chronicle February 27, 2019

Strengthening Our

NEIGHBORHOODS Success in Community Development From one of the nation’s best public park systems to a growing focus on helping those in need, the Upper Ohio Valley continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Oglebay Park serves as the region’s crown jewel, hosting families from around the region for decades. With offerings such as championship golf, skiing, swimming and numerous special events and festivals such as Oglebayfest, there’s something for everyone.

Grand Vue Park in Moundsville, as well, continues to see growth and new offerings for local residents.

The Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling also continues to experience success, and is set to see its mortgage paid off later this year.

Since the Greater Wheeling Convention and Visitor’s Bureau purchased the Capitol nearly 10 years ago, more than 464,000 people have come downtown to see a show. CVB officials said they have some plans to continue upgrading the theater once the mortgage is paid off.

Another event that has bolstered the downtown community is the annual Cancer Research Classic. After 11 years at Wheeling Jesuit University, the high school basketball showcase organized by Dr. Gregory Merrick just finished its first event at WesBanco Arena, and by all accounts it was a huge success.

The CRC has hosted some of the nation’s top high school basketball players, many of whom are now NBA stars.

Community is about more than just how we relax; it’s also about how we take care of one another.

Organizations such as the Unity Center, operational since 2005, are helping those suffering from the scourge of addiction, and making the region a better, more welcome place to live.

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Progress

SOME KEYS TO THE CAPITOL’S SUCCESS: • By saving the historic theater, the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau created a community asset.

• Attendance at events at the Capitol has exceeded expectations.

• Events at the venue also drive economic impact on other businesses in the community, such as restaurants and hotels.

• Diverse programming provides “something for everyone.”

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Capitol Theatre Set to Pay Off Mortgage This Summer

By LINDA COMINS Staff Writer WHEELING — With attendance growing for Capitol Theatre events, the facility’s mortgage will be paid off in June.

Frank O’Brien, executive director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which owns the theater, said, “We’re excited in 2019 that the entire debt service of $1.6 million will be retired in June of this year.

That’s going to open up a lot of opportunity.”

After making monthly payments for 10 years, “it will be nice to retire that loan and burn the mortgage,” he said.

Retiring the theater’s mortgage also signifies that “it will be forever a community asset ... It’s going to be always reinvested back into the community,” he said.

The next major investment in the property will occur this summer with the installation of a new fly system, which is the equipment used to lower or raise backdrops or sets on stage.

At present, O’Brien said, “The fly system is original to the building. It doesn’t meet requirements of today.

It needs to be able to handle more weight and be able to move quicker or slower.”

An economic impact study was conducted before the CVB purchased the Capitol in September 2009. Comparing the study to reality, O’Brien

File Photo

With hard work and plenty of investment, the Capitol Theatre in downtown Wheeling has become a community asset again. said, “Not only has it been a positive result, we’ve actually exceeded some expectations.”

For instance, attendance has surpassed the study’s projections.

Actual attendance for events at the Capitol Theatre totaled 464,000 for its first nine years of operation under the new ownership, for an average annual attendance of 51,555, he said.

The 2009 study projected that “if we could get 50,000 people a year to attend events, it would have a $3-$5 million direct economic impact on Wheeling and Ohio County,” he said. “So when you look at that number (51,555), we’ve incredibly succeeded in hitting a target number for economic impact.”

When the study was conducted, officials also did a survey to support the projections.

O’Brien said 1,800 people who attended Capitol Theatre events were surveyed; of that number, 87 percent said they went out to eat and spent additional money in connection with attending a show. The calculations included expenditures for such things as gasoline purchases, parking and overnight stays in area hotels.

Discussing the theater’s success, he cited “a very diverse programming model which, I think, is very good for the community. There’s something for everyone.”

In February, for example, the Capitol hosted “the fantastic Wheeling Symphony doing Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, then two days later you have country music star Dwight Yoakam, who’s going to appeal to a different group,” he said. “You mix that up with Seinfeld and film festivals of iconic movies and some Disney movies.”

The Capitol Theatre won’t show first-run movies, but officials would like to offer more classic films and hold film festivals related to various themes.

On another strong note, O’Brien said, “The partnerships that we’ve formed for this whole endeavor are extraordinary and in some ways unique to Wheeling. ... This partnership has brought tremendous positive results.”

(Please see CAPITOL, Page 11)

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Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 3

Tourism Council Takes Pride in Belmont County

By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Tourism Council continues to flourish, and the nonprofit agency takes pride in the many communities, attractions and events it markets, according to Executive Director Barb Ballint.

With the words “Strong Roots — Bright Future” worked into the Belmont County logo, posted on the tourism council’s website, the agency welcomes visitors to an area rich in history and natural beauty. Each venue offers a variety of festivals and fairs, beautiful lakes and parks and is home to several museums representing the communities’ history and strong roots, Ballint said.

“Our role as the tourism office is to market the area, our attractions and our events,” Ballint explained. “We have two premiere events — our Belmont County Fair and the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.”

The Belmont County Fair, which has been an annual family tradition and a staple in the community since 1849, promotes and encourages agriculture, industry, schools, science, art and other interests of Belmont County. This year’s festival is scheduled for Sept. 4-8.

Ballint said the fair attracts thousands of visitors each year and garners a tremendous amount of participation and pride among residents and area youth.

“It’s a chance for our younger youth, especially our 4-H youth, to showcase their projects that they have been working on throughout the year,” Ballint said while speaking about the Belmont County Fair.

The Pumpkin Festival is a fourday event that features various activities such as a royalty parade, car show, 5k run/walk, antique and classic car shows, craft displays and much more. Ballint said when tourism council members visit travel shows around the state and throughout the country, it’s common to hear from folks who have visited the festival. This year’s Pumpkin Festival is scheduled for Sept. 26-29.

Ballint said many communities throughout Belmont County host smaller festivals and events, including a few new ones such as the Christmas in the Village of Powhatan and Martins Ferry’s Winterfest and Strawberry Festival. The

“There’s community fairs and festivals throughout Belmont County that will start in May, and there’s just about something going on every weekend in the county ... ” — Belmont County Tourism Council Executive Director Barb Ballint File Photos by Scott McCloskey

ABOVE: A cow is entered for judging at the Belmont County Fair. BELOW: The fair is one of the Belmont County Tourism Council’s premiere events each year.

SOME KEYS TO THE BELMONT COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL’S SUCCESS: • A 3 percent lodging tax provides funding for operation of the tourism council.

• The council’s board of directors members area local residents who take pride in the community.

• A variety of attractions and events take place in the county each year, giving the council plenty of opportunities to help attract visitors to the area.

“There’s community fairs and council hopes to showcase these events even more over the next festivals throughout Belmont few years. She said these events County that will start in May, and there’s just about something going continue to grow annually.

With its office located at the Ohio Valley Mall, the tourism council is governed by a board of directors consisting of seven board members and solely funded by the 3 percent lodging tax that was implemented by the county commissioners, according to Ballint. She said Ohio state law requires those funds be spent on the promotion of tourism within the county.

Ballint said the tourism council continues to be very successful because it is “governed by a board of directors that have a great sense of pride in their communities.”

In addition, she said the county has been “blessed” by the natural gas and oil industry, because it has increased the county’s revenue from the lodging tax.

“When I started here five years ago, there were only two part-time employees but we now have four employees in our office,” she said.

She added that the two new employees’ sole purpose is to market the attractions and events of Belmont County through the use of social and digital media and print on every weekend in the county ... advertising.

“So this office is growing and as small as the Brookside Community Days to the Belmont County we are becoming more visual,” she added.

Fair,” Ballint said.

4 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Grand Vue Park Keeps Getting More Wild and Wonderful

By SHELLEY HANSON Staff Writer MOUNDSVILLE — People have been enjoying everything “wild and wonderful” about Grand Vue Park for decades, but in recent years the park has taken outdoor recreational entertainment to another level.

The most recent addition is the Aerial Adventure Park, which includes a zipline, aerial rope, climbing tower, Euro Trampoline, a giant swing, Mega Jump and rappeling wall.

Park officials say the zipline provides not only a thrilling ride, but also great view from high above the park.

The aerial rope course also provides sweeping views of the park, and offers a physical challenge in the form of walks across ropes, bridges and planks. The climbing tower looks like a giant rock Photo Provided wall and is meant to test people’s Grand Vue Park’s Aerial Adventure offerings include this climb- strength and endurance. ing tower.

The Euro Trampoline allows

visitors to try and jump higher than they ever have before while connected to bungee-like cords. The giant swing is not like the swings from one’s childhood, but is meant to offer just as much fun.

The many improvements and additions made to the park were kicked off by the installation of its new pool, which has been a hit for vacationers and locals. It features a sloping, beach-like entry to the main pool. The adjacent colorful baby pool has water features that spray and dump water onto the children.

In 2016, the park constructed four new tree house-style cabins dubbed luxury accommodations by park officials. Depending on the cabin chosen, each sits anywhere between 20 to 60 feet off the ground. The new cabins offer fewer bedrooms compared to the larger traditional cabins, but also have a more modern look to them.

(Please see PARK, Page 7)

SOME KEYS TO GRAND VUE PARK’S SUCCESS: • The Aerial Adventure Park is a unique venue for outdoor recreation — for those with the nerve to brave its heights.

• The renovated pool area is popular with park guests and local residents alike.

• Unusual luxury accommodations such as tree house-style cabins attract plenty of overnight guests.

• Partnerships with local government and area vendors provide a variety of opportunities for the park.

Belmont County Enrichment Fund Has New Name, But Same Mission

By SHELLEY HANSON Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A local charitable fund may have a new name, but its goal remains the same — to help organizations help the residents of Belmont County.

The Belmont County Enrichment Fund, formerly the Smith-Goshen Rice Enrichment Fund, has had much success since its inception. It has granted nearly $300,000 to nonprofits in the past five years, said Lova Ebbert, a board member with the fund.

“We’re actually the same group with the same mission. We did the name change to make it more encompassing. It’s a fund that anyone in the world can donate to. Every dollar has been used for the good of Belmont County,” Ebbert said.

Money has been donated to fire and police departments, the Staying Clean Club, Salvation Army, food pantries, after-school programs, and more.

Ebbert said the fund began after a group of mostly farmers negotiated a lease deal with Rice Energy. As a way to give back to community, the group decided to use some of their earnings to establish the fund.

Since most of the farmers were located in Smith and Goshen townships and Rice Energy was involved, they decided to name the fund Smith-Goshen Rice. However, to make it more clear as to who the fund ben-

SOME KEYS TO THE BELMONT COUNTY ENRICHMENT FUND’S SUCCESS: • A group of local landowners came together to create the fund in support of the community.

• Energy companies have partnered with the landowners, providing additional resources for their efforts.

• The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley administers the fund.

efits, members decided to change the name.

Ebbert said the fund has a board of committee members — Larry Cain, Gabe Hays, Natalie Brown, Neil Rubel and herself — that reviews the grant applications and chooses the recipients. Ebbert said the fund anticipates giving away $50,000 in grants this month.

(Please see FUND, Page 10)

Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 5

Unity Center Provides Haven for Those in Recovery

By LINDA COMINS Staff Writer BENWOOD — Fourteen years ago, the Unity Center’s founders sought to create a unifying place where people in recovery from addiction could attend meetings, hold social gatherings and forge a spirit of community.

Today, those dreams have been realized as fellowship continues to develop and programs grow at the center, now in its second “home.”

Describing the purpose of the facility, Executive Director Mary Hess said, “The founding members were from a variety of fellowships. They wanted to create a home base for people going through recovery.”

When the Unity Center was founded in 2005, the organization rented meeting space in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2314 Chapline St., Wheeling. A couple of years later, Aldersgate officials offered to sell the building to the Unity Center.

The former church remained as the center’s home for several years until the cost of repairs and maintenance became prohibitive for the nonprofit group. Officials then sought a new site.

In December 2017, the Unity Center moved from Wheeling to a modern, two-story structure at 4850 Eoff St. in Benwood. Previously, the building had been

SOME KEYS TO THE UNITY CENTER’S SUCCESS: • The Unity Center now has its own permanent home, which is owned free and clear by its parent organization.

• The center’s board of directors is expanding to include more local residents with a broad base of expertise.

• Volunteers provide classes, workshops and other services at the center.

used for medical offices.

Hess said a philanthropist bought the Benwood building for the group’s use, with the stipulation that the purchase price be repaid in two years. Ohio Valley Recovery Inc., the center’s parent organization, made the final payment for the property this past December — a year ahead of schedule.

Buoyed by that positive devel-

Photo by Linda Comins

Mary Hess, executive director of the Unity Center, examines architectural drawings for a major remodeling project planned at the facility in Benwood. opment, the Unity Center’s board has launched an effort to raise funds to remodel the facility and expand services.

The cost to renovate both floors of the building is estimated at $450,000, Hess said. At present, she added,“We have about $100,000 committed for the remodeling.”

Ohio Valley Recovery also is expanding its board of directors.

Hess said Rabbi Joshua Lief of Temple Shalom, Wheeling, and Matt Porter, plant supervisor of Ziegenfelder Co., Wheeling, have joined the board.

Lief has considerable knowledge of nonprofit organizations, while Porter practices “compassionate hiring” of workers at Ziegenfelder’s frozen treat factory, she said. The company has received national recognition for

offering employment to people in recovery.

“They’re going to help us grow,” she said, referring to the new board members’ expertise.

As the center expands its services, a volunteer-led arts and crafts group now meets at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Volunteers from Marshall County Partners in Prevention conduct “Better You” self-help and parenting classes at the Unity Center from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

In keeping with its main mission, the Unity Center serves as a meeting site for six different types of support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Smart Recovery, Dual Recovery Anonymous, Refuge Recovery and Adult Children of Alcoholics. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are traditional 12-step fellowships.

“Smart Recovery is a scienceand evidence-based program that helps with behavior modification versus a spiritual program,” Hess explained.

Dual Recovery Anonymous is designed for people who have a mental illness, anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder in addition to an addiction. Refuge Recovery is a Buddhist-inspired recovery program.

(Please see HAVEN, Page 8)

6 – The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers

Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Local Chapter of A Special Wish Flourishes in New Location

By SCOTT McCLOSKEY Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A Special Wish Ohio Valley Executive Director Alicia Freeman plans to build on the great foundation and legacy that John Mattox established for the nonprofit agency beginning in 1994 when he became founder of the local chapter.

Freeman said the nonprofit continues to grow and find new ways to raise funds for the charitable organization, which recently moved to a new St. Clairsville office just west of Belmont Hills Country Club along National Road.

Over the past 26 years, the Ohio Valley Chapter of A Special Wish has granted over 500 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Belmont, Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Jefferson, Marshall, Monroe and Ohio

SOME KEYS TO A SPECIAL WISH’S SUCCESS: • A solid foundation built by local chapter founder John Mattox placed the organization on firm footing.

• Local businesses and organizations provide monetary and other types of support.

• A new office provides more space for the group’s work and activities.

Photo by Scott McCloskey

Ohio Valley Chapter of A Special Wish Executive Director Alicia Freeman is pictured in the agency’s new St. Clairsville office. counties. Freeman said the mission of A Special Wish is to enhance the quality of life for children under the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness

or disorder by granting their special wish. All of the funds donated to the Upper Ohio Valley Chapter stay in the Ohio Valley to grant wishes to local children and families.

“A Special Wish is the largest wish-granting organization in the state of Ohio ... and we are the third-largest wish-granting organization in the country,” Freeman said, noting she felt a strong calling to leave the corporate world and go work for a nonprofit.

The St. Clairsville native is beginning her second full year as the agency’s execu-

tive director.

“When God tells you to do something, you listen. ... It’s the best blessing I could have ever received,” she added, Freeman said she hopes to continue building on the great foundation Mattox established for the local agency.

“When I first came on board ... I had a fear of the shoes that I had to fill. ...

He is such a great mentor,” Freeman said of Mattox. “He was very, very involved with bringing all this here.”

Formerly located in an office at Ohio University Eastern, in 2018 the local chapter relocated to the new office when the Goodman Group stepped up and donated the larger space.

“The growth has been amazing, and we’re super excited and very blessed to have the community support that we have,” Freeman commented.

She said the organization will grant as many wishes as it possibly can within a year for children who are deemed by their medical team to have a life-threatening illness, as long as the agency can get the wishes funded.

(Please see SPECIAL, Page 11)

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By ROBERT A. DEFRANK Staff Writer ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A fundraising effort to support efforts to keep children off drugs has achieved success after success, and the Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Car Bike and Truck Show Festival is coming to the Ohio Valley Mall once again this September.

Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, who served as an organizer along with Classy Chassis Car Club members and others, said the event has taken off since its initiation in 2017.

“Our third car show/festival is going to be held at the Ohio Valley Mall on Sept. 14, 2019. For the first year, we netted the sum of $22,243.71. For the second year (September 2018) we netted $40,927.64,” Fregiato said.

His wife, Belmont County Clerk of Courts Cynthia Fregiato, is in charge of fundraising. She said the volunteers already have received more than $15,000 for the 2019 event, and more than 30 people have donated money and services.

“We have a list we add to every year when we think of someone who may be interested or someone who has expressed an interest,” Cynthia Fregiato said. “The first year, honestly we were overwhelmed with the sponsors.”

“We’re excited that this event has become a huge, huge Belmont County event, not only fundraising for its intended purpose, it has become a social event, basically a fes-

SOME KEYS TO THE STAYING CLEAN CAR SHOW’S SUCCESS: • Cooperation by many groups and individuals helps to attract sponsors and attendees to the event.

• Local students have opportunities to get involved with the event, helping to drive the anti-drug message home to even more young people.

• Holding the event in a central, well-traveled location such as the Ohio Valley Mall helps raise awareness of the event and its mission.

tival for the entire county and all of the surrounding areas,” Frank Fregiato said. “It’s well-attended by those individuals who are into classic cars, and it’s well-attended by individuals who have no interest at all in classic cars.

“The real issue is: Are we being successful in the grade schools?” he said, adding

Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 7

Park (Continued from Page 2) In addition to the aerial adventures, the park continues to offer entertainment to those who want to keep their feet on the ground. For example, mountain biking tournaments are held there, in addition to disc golf.

There are also day camps for children, in addition to camp sites for families.

Outdoor exercise classes also are held at the park including yoga and cardio.

Manager Craig White attributes the park’s success to its successful partnerships in the Ohio Valley, such as the Marshall County Commission, vendors, contractors, builders and Marshall County Schools.

“Our staff works very hard to put a good product out there to the community,”

he said.

In terms of what is new with the park, White said the summer youth camps will be “enhanced this year,” though he did not want to give away any details yet.

He noted the day camps are run by teachers and principals from the Marshall County Schools system. The camps run for seven weeks and about 40 children attend each week.

The park also continues to work with the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the park and its offerings.

“We work with the CVB and they help us to promote our area to many different locations in Pittsburgh, Ohio and West Virginia,” he said.

“Our staff works very hard to put a good product out there to the community.”

— Grand Vue Park Manager Craig White

Photo Provided

Mountain bikers get ready to participate in the GVP Mountain Bike Challenge, held at Grand Vue Park in Moundsville.

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Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Oglebay, a Gem of a Park, Continues To Shine WHEELING — If Col. Earl W. Oglebay could see his former farmland today, he most assuredly would be pleased with the development, care and respect for the beautiful park property that bears his name.

Often referred to simply as Oglebay, this municipal park operated by the Wheeling Park Commission, has been called the “crown jewel” of city parks. With 1,500 acres of rolling hills, lush gardens, lakes, playgrounds, three golf courses incuding two championship courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, spa, dining and first-class guest accommodations, Oglebay continues to expand its offerings to please all ages.

Upon his death in 1926, Oglebay willed his Waddington Farm property to the people of Wheeling “for public recreation.” Two years later, city leaders accepted the property and established the Wheeling Park Commission to operate the newly named Oglebay Park.

In 2018, Oglebay celebrated its 90th birthday. Over those nine decades, the park has grown considerably and developed a wide range of facilities aimed at recreation and relaxation, drawing visitors from the local area and throughout the nation.

During the birthday celebration, longtime employee John Hargleroad remarked how Oglebay draws visitors near and far to enjoy year-round activities from golf to skiing.

“This is such a remarkable park system we have here, and Oglebay is the crown jewel,” Hargleroad said. “It’s a remarkable institution around the state and across the country.”

Hargleroad, current director of Oglebay’s National Training Center, said parks and recreation professionals and international festival groups hold training schools at Oglebay. “It’s kind of neat to have that impact globally in a park here in Wheeling,” he said.

Among its many amenities are the Good Zoo, the only accredited zoo in the state. The park is also home to two of four accredited museums in the state — Oglebay Institute’s Mansion and Glass museums.

From its free summer outdoor concerts to its no-holds barred fall Oglebayfest, the park keeps families and individuals coming back for what is better known as “the traditions” of Oglebay.

Winter months also offer plenty of fun with the annual Winter Festival of Lights that has been in

“We’re always open to more types and different fellowships. ... We want to be able to continue to provide a variety of roads to recovery...”

— Unity Center Executive Director Mary Hess

File Photos by Scott McCloskey

SOME KEYS TO OGLEBAY PARK’S SUCCESS:

ABOVE: Oglebay Park’s skiing and snowboarding facility is always a popular attraction. BELOW: The blooming of the tulips at Oglebay is a much-anticipated event each spring.

• Unlike most municipal parks, Oglebay Park is financially self-sustaining.

• Among Oglebay’s most popular features is the Good Zoo, West Virginia’s only accredited zoo.

• Over the years, the park has adapted to its guests’ changing desires, adding the West Spa, as well as a ropes course, trail system and Segway tours. place for more than 25 years. The driving-tour festival offers dozens of large and small holiday lighted displays as well as special activities for youngsters to enjoy the Christmas season.

In recent years, Oglebay’s prized Wilson Lodge has expanded its overnight accommodations from 123 rooms to 258 rooms, while the number of park cottages has grown from 23 to 53. The cottages are

modern with a rustic appeal. They are very popular with golf groups and family reunions. The park accommodates weddings, banquets and balls on a regular basis.

In recent years, the park introduced a ropes course, trail system, Segway tours, skiing and snow tubing. Swimming, tennis, golf and horseback riding continue to be popular, while beautiful walking trails and gardens also appeal to na-

ture lovers. The West Spa offers a bit of pampering after a busy day.

“Oglebay could not exist without the generous support of various individuals in the region ... We are self-sustaining, and a lot of people don’t realize what a challenge that is. Most city parks rely very heavily on tax support and, of course, we don’t,” Hargleroad said.

Linda Comins contributed to this report.

Haven

(Continued from Page 2) The Adult Children of Alcoholics group assists people who grew up in a dysfunctional family to see how the dysfunction is affecting them as adults.

As a center, “we’re always open to more types and different fellowships.

We would love to have a GA (Gamblers Anonymous) group. Celebrate Recovery meetings have been held in the past,” Hess said. “We want to be able to continue to provide a variety of roads to recovery, no matter what the addiction is.”

The organization also serves as a place for people in recovery to celebrate holidays in a non-threatening atmosphere. Events include Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner and gatherings for New Year’s Eve, the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, the Unity Center still owns the former Aldersgate church building, but the board is trying to sell that property.

Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 9

Cancer Research Classic Drives Economy, Search for Cure

By SETH STASKEY Staff Writer WHEELING — More than 12 years ago, Dr. Gregory Merrick — the director of the Schiffler Cancer Center at Wheeling Hospital — had an idea.

An admitted basketball junkie, Merrick wanted to create a showcase basketball event that would bring the premiere high school players and teams in the United States to the Ohio Valley.

So, he created the Cancer Research Classic.

Merrick wasn’t done there. He wanted the event to become the best prep hoop spectacle in the country.

With the 12th annual event just wrapped up in early January, Merrick has achieved both of his goals with the event, but he’s nowhere near ready to rest on his laurels.

“We’re all extremely proud of the (CRC’s) growth,” Merrick said.

“It’s seen as one of the best in the country in terms of the basketball and that’s allowed us to branch out into different aspects, too.”

Originally, on top of bringing the basketball to the Ohio Valley, Merrick also wanted to use the sport as a vehicle to promote men’s health.

That still continues to be the CRC’s main mission, but the event has grown into other avenues, too.

“We’ve done really well in promoting men’s health and we’ve really worked hard to promote Catholic education,” Merrick said. “We want to do as much as we can to tie sports into helping young people to have better opportunities.”

The Cancer Research Classic’s growth can be attributed to support from sponsors and donors such as Wheeling Hospital, the city of Wheeling, Oglebay Park and more.

It’s not hurt the fact that more than 20 current NBA players made a stop in Wheeling during their prep days.

“The support we’ve received has allowed this to become a second-tonone event,” Merrick said “We’ve done an excellent job of taking care of the players and teams to the point where they want to come back.”

The growth of the event was proven at this year’s event, when the opening night drew nearly 3,000 total people. That number increased by a thousand for the Saturday lineup, which featured La Lumiere against Montverde Academy in the showcase game.

Those kinds of crowds wouldn’t have been feasible had the event not shifted to its new home at Wes-

SOME KEYS TO THE CANCER RESEARCH CLASSSIC’S SUCCESS: • By using basketball as a vehicle, the Cancer Research Classic promotes men’s health.

• Sponsors and donors, such as Wheeling Hospital, the city of Wheeling and Oglebay Park have helped the event grow.

• Moving to a larger venue at WesBanco Arena allowed the event to host larger crowds this year.

Banco Arena after spending its first 11 years at Wheeling Jesuit University’s McDonough Center.

“It was marvelous (at WesBanco Arena),” Merrick said. “We simply outgrew Wheeling Jesuit. We expect to grow on the numbers we had this year, too. WesBanco Arena is a great place to watch a game, and the people there have done a great job of making it a first-class athletic venue.”

An important new addition to this year’s event had nothing to do with anything on the court.

Through a partnership between the CRC, Wheeling Hospital and XTO Energy, the Drug Free Clubs of America’s Ohio Valley chapters in Belmont and Ohio counties were able to provide any area youth, who is a card-carrying member of the club, free admission to the event.

Merrick indicated that will continue into the 2020 event, too.

“We’re always looking for additional ways to impact young people’s lives,” Merrick said. “Tom Burgoyne (Ohio County Drug Free Club) and (Martins Ferry Police) Chief (John) McFarland were both very pleased with the response the event got, and they’re both planning to make it bigger and more prominent next year.”

On top of that, for the first time this year, a CRC team arrived in the Ohio Valley a few days early and took part in a community service project. Bishop Gorman from Las Vegas helped at Catholic Charities

ABOVE: Dr. Gregory Merrick, center, is the founder and director of the annual Cancer Research Classic, a basketball showcase that brings premier teams and players to the Ohio Valley each January. The event has had a huge impact on the area economy. He’s shown here receiving a donation from Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Frank O’Brien, left, and the city of Wheeling, presented by City Manager Robert Herron.

Photo by Seth Staskey

RIGHT: Wheeling Park High School has been a consistent entrant in the Cancer Research Classic. The Patriots lost to Moon in the 2019 event despite a strong showing by junior Alex Vargo, pictured.

Photo Provided

on the eve of the event.

“We would surely help find service projects or options for teams,” Merrick said if other teams wanted to take part. “Gorman does that in almost every event it takes part in, but it would be nice to see other schools begin to do the same.”

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Progress

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Fund

The Belmont County Enrichment Fund receives a $10,000 donation from EQT Corp., a natural gas producer serving Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The fund was established in 2013 by a group of landowners working in conjunction with the former Rice Energy and previously was known as the Smith-Goshen-Rice Enrichment Fund. It awards grants and donations to nonprofits and charitable groups in Belmont County.

Pictured, from left, are Natalie Brown, Gabe Hays, Bradley Bodkin from EQT, Lova Ebbert, Neil Rubel and Larry Cain.

(Continued from Page 4) Ebbert said if there were any kind of major disaster in the county and related money was needed, the fund could help in that capacity as well.

“We’re keeping a reserve on hand. You never know what might happen,” Ebbert said.

Ebbert said the fund cares about the community and wants to be able to help Belmont County for years to come.

And while it does receive some donations from oil and gas drilling-related companies, once those industries are gone it will be up to the residents to take care of the county, she said.

The fund is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley.

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Capitol

The Intelligencer/News-Register, Times Leader, Wetzel/Tyler Newspapers – 11

Special

(Continued from Page 2) Partners involved in the venture include Wheeling Heritage, city of Wheeling, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ohio County Commission, and the Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, which operates the theater.

“Because of our partners, foundations came to us and said, ‘What can we do?”’ he said, adding that about $1 million in donations from foundations has been used to install new seats, carpeting and wall treatments in the theater.

“I think that is outstanding,” he said regarding the foundations’ support. “It shows that everyone has an investment in the theater.”

The Capitol Theatre fills an important role “to keep this a vital, invigorated area and looking at arts and culture. People need to have the finer things in life at an

affordable price,” he said.

Concerts and shows presented at the Capitol are comparable in quality and variety to what is featured in larger cities such as Pittsburgh, but are offered at competitive prices. Ticket prices are lower for Capitol shows, plus parking is much more affordable in Wheeling than in Pittsburgh, he noted.

In addition, the venue boasts a central location on Main Street and convenient east and west access from Interstate 70. Plus, the theater is close to the 10th Street parking garage.

The theater was built in 1927-28 by a couple of Wheeling businessmen who were “bringing the world of entertainment to fellow Wheelingites,” O’Brien said.

“It was a great thing to be able to do then and to be able to continue now.”

(Continued from Page 6) She said that last year it granted 12 wishes, but her goal is to grant 25 wishes within a one-year span.

Freeman said just to be able to grant wishes for local children and their families at no cost already makes the agency a success. She said she and organization board members like to make the entire wish trip or experience “as special as possible.”

“The most rewarding part for me is to see the look on the child’s face when we tell them that their wish has been granted,” she explained. “The more I work with the families, they become part of our family.”

Freeman said the local chapter continues to look for creative ideas for fundraisers and is always looking for volunteers to step up and help with the wish process. She said last year was the first year for the organization’s biggest fundraiser, when it hosted the Lip

If you know someone who could benefit from a wish, call 740-449-2063.

Sync Challenge Ohio Valley at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack’s showroom. She said plans are being made for a second annual Lip Sync Challenge on Oct. 19, and organizers are already looking for contestants and sponsors.

If you know someone who could benefit from a wish or you would like to get involved with the agency, contact alicia@ spwishov.com or call 740-449-2063.

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Wednesday, February 27, 2019