Thursday, November 6, 2014
Cabell Midland boys are state runner-up, Page 7 50 Cents Volume 116 Issue 44
“All American” Milton VFW cooks up apple butter
By Michael Circle
michael@theputnamstandard.com
Milton’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post is the state’s newest “All American,” a distinguished title given to high profile posts within West Virginia. Post Commander Ray Hatfield said he hopes the new title along with a lengthy list of community events and sponsorships will entice area veterans to join and become active. “When we ask for donations for our youth programs, if they
know we are an All-American post, they’ll know we’re doing something right with programs that are being recognized by the nation’s leaders,” Hatfield said. “It means prestige in our community.” Hatfield and other post members work hard throughout the year supporting the community where they live. One popular activity is its fall apple butter sale. It is the post’s biggest fundraiser. The money raised from the sales will help support the post and fund youth activities. “Our main thing is supporting
the veterans that are in need and our youth,” Hatfield said. “We’ve got to tell these kids that are coming up about patriotism and the sacrifice that’s been made by people in the service. The kids might not know where their freedoms and liberties come from.” Each quart of apple butter will cost $8. It helps pay for the rewards
See VFW, Page 5 Harland Blake, a member of the Milton VFW, uses a rake to stir the apple butter.
Barboursville considers splash park By Amanda Smythers amanda@theputnamstandard.com
If you like tearing up the dance floor, Top Hat Ballroom may be the place for you. Top Hat, owned by Paul and Gail Patton and located on U.S. 60 in Barboursville, offers dance lessons, yoga, pilates and fitness classes. The Pattons opened their doors in July of 2006 and haven’t looked back since. “We had been taking dance lessons in Huntington, but Paul was very nervous to
The Barboursville City Council has approved the Barboursville Convention and Visitors Bureau to apply for funding to install a splash park next to the amphitheater in Barboursville City Park. This project, coordinated by CVB Director Brandi Beasley, is slated to begin construction no later than April and be open by the time school is out, assuming the village can come up with the funding. Beasley said she has already submitted a grant to the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program which in July announced a proposed distribution of $43.38 million. Of this distribution, $463,345 has been allocated for West Virginia. Beasley’s grant requested $100,000, which, if granted, would require an equal match from the village. “We’re keeping our options open,” said Finance Director Diana Roy. “But we are prepared to do the 50/50 match.” Beasley is also preparing a grant proposal for the Building Better Communities Grant Program, administered by the American Water Charitable Foundation in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. The foundation has earmarked $2.5 million to the program and is accepting grant applications until Dec. 5. Beasley intends to request $150,000 for
See Top Hat, Page 4
See Splash Park, Page 6
Linsy and John Gillenwater, a fatherdaughter pair, practice their meringue moves.
Dancers take hats off to teachers By Amanda Smythers amanda@theputnamstandard.com
Nat and Debra DeBruin have been attending Top Hat ballroom lessons for seven years.