My Morgantown eMagazine by Vickie Trickett

Spring 2015 Volume 3, Issue 1

My Morgantown eMagazine www.My-Morgantown.com

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Vickie Trickett Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® 2015 - Morgantown, WV, USA Rape & Domestic Violence Information Center, Inc. Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT) What is Walk A Mile in Her Shoes®? There is an old saying: “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes. It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun and it gets the community to talk about something that’s really difficult to talk about: gender relations and sexual violence. Why is this a “Men’s March”? Most awareness events and discussions on how to stop sexual assaults are targeted almost exclusively to women. We want to invite men to join in the discussion on how to end sexual and gender violence in our community. How to Sign-Up Step 1: REGISTER for the walk ABOVE Step 2: Start collecting pledges. Step 3: Setup a fundraising page at

Managing Editor Lisa Romeo Columnists Beth Pike, Revive Fitness Judy Spade, Cafe Bacchus Contributing Writers in this Issue Jordan Bailey Beth Pike Lisa Romeo Collaborations Kirk Skasik, Edward Jones Financial Photographers Chelsi Baker Greg Haddad Lisa Romeo Vickie Trickett Katie Jo Vozniak

www.crowdrise.com/rdvic2015wam Step 4: Invite your friends and family members to participate Step 5: Show up w/shoes ready to “Walk the Walk” Check-in and on-site registration begins at 1p.m. at WVU Mountainlair Green. Walk starts at 2 p.m. The individual who raises the most funds receives a prize.

Questions, submissions and feedback: Submissions: Story ideas should be submitted to Lisa Romeo at lisa.romeo@my-morgantown.com or mailed to My Morgantown eMagazine, 722 Brookhaven Road, Morgantown, WV 26508. Photograph submission should be submitted on our web site or emailed to info@my-morgantown.com. Advertising rates are available at www.my-morgantown.com.

Published by FATE PUBLISHING COMPANY, LLC. 722 Brookhaven Road Morgantown WV 26508 Phone 866.711.1677 | Fax 304.932.0273 www.my-morgantown.com info@my-morgantown.com

contents Dish on Dining...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Get your GREEN on at the Boston Beanery

The Almighty Secret to Mind & Body Success................................................................................ 12 Nutrionist and Personal Trainer Beth Pike Gets Us Motivated for Spring

One Piece at a Time Art........................................................................................................................................................ 20 Featured Artist Michelle Furlong

Within 3 Hours.................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 A TRUE fishing story by Managing Editor Lisa Romeo

Holiday beverages from Judy Spade, The Alcoholist Columnist. A new column featuring special cocktails for every season. .............................................................. 10 Charity Roster

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening Downtown

Upcoming events by organizations

Updates from Main Street

and businesses supporting local

Morgantown on projects and

charitable agencies.

upcoming events.

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Your one-stop-shop for everything happening in and around Greater Morgantown. Visit my-morgantown.biz to sign up for the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most comprehensive directory of restaurants, events, entertainment, shopping and more. Listings added daily!

MariosFishbowl.com

GET YOUR GREEN ON AT

By Lisa Photos b

Morgantown has been the home of an Irish pub and restaurant that has prospered for over thirty years. The original Boston Beanery Restaurant & Tavern opened its doors in 1983 at 321 High Street, withstanding the test of time. Notorious for its warm, tavern-style atmosphere and patterned after 19th century New England pubs, known as Beaneries, the location on High Street is one of the few long-standing businesses in downtown Morgantown.

High Street Boston Beanery - Interior The downtown Morgantown Boston Beanery has been the place for many locals and WVU students to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day since the mid-80s. This year, both the High Street and Evansdale locations will hold their 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Celebration. The celebration will kick-off on Saturday, March 14th with Irish Platters, Pots O’ Gold, Lucky Leprechauns, and lots of Green Beer. The celebration will continue until St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday the 17th, with Irish Music, Irish Food, giveaways, and more! So if you’re looking to get your green on, the Boston Beanery is the place to go. Check out the following links for details on these events. High Street, Morgantown Boston Beanery Over the years, the Boston Beanery has expanded its franchise to three other locations in West Virginia, one in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania. In Morgantown, you can find relatively the same Irish pub fare at the Evansdale location on Patteson Drive and at the Boston Beanery at Pines Country Club on Point Marion Road. Other locations can be found at the Tygart Lake Lodge in Grafton, WV; in the Uniontown Mall near J.C. Penny’s in Uniontown, PA; and in Market Square East in Harrisonburg, VA.

Downtown Boston Beanery Facebook page Evansdale Boston Beanery Facebook page Boston Beanery website Highlights from the Menu The Boston Beanery restaurants have quite a variety of delectable fare on their menus. Two favorites of mine are the Reuben Sandwich and the Grilled Monte Cristo, both served with curly fries. Over the years, these two sandwich platters have become “comfort foods” in my book. With the variety of appetizers,

T THE BOSTON BEANERY

a Romeo by Chelsi

soups, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, steak, chicken, ribs, pizza and pasta available on their menu, it is easy to find something for everyone. There’s nothing like warming up on a cold day with a bowl of the Beanery’s French Onion Soup or Lobster Bisque. Moving on to their appetizer menu, it boasts their Harbor Crab Dip served with warm French bread. Is your mouth watering yet?

Other than the two favorites I mentioned earlier, the Whaler Sandwich and Beanery’s own Boston Beanwich made with Boston baked beans, Applewood smoked bacon, and Cheddar on Grilled Italian bread are great choices.

Variety of Beverages

Bacon Cheddar Burger & Curly Fries The lunch and dinner entrees also offer a wide variety at reasonable prices. On the Quincy Market Seafood menu, you’ll find the Beanery’s Signature Crab Cakes and Crab-Stuffed Flounder. The Barbeque Ribs Dinner and Chicken Strips Platter highlight the Steaks ~ Chicken ~ Ribs menu. Two new items on their Signature Pasta menu include Chicken and Veggie Alfredo and Muscles Marinara. And we can’t ignore the Burgers and Boston Garden menus where you’ll find the Original Pub Burger and the Chopped New England Chicken Salad and (another classic favorite!), the Filet Mignon Salad. If you’re looking for something other than a sandwich or dinner platter, the choices on the Little Italy Gourmet Pizza menu are a nice change. The Beanery Blitz and The Revere pizzas top the list. Last but not least, the Beacon Hill Grille menu items have been staples on the Beanery’s menu for years.

To complete your meal at the Boston Beanery, ask for the Drink Menu that offers a large selection of drink specials, beer and wine to compliment the menu. Buzztime trivia is held every Tuesday at 8 p.m. and Happy Hour runs Monday–Friday from 2-6 p.m. with ½ off All Things Irish. Enjoy and… May the luck of the Irish be with you!

St. Patrick’s Weekend 3/14 through 3/17 Pots of Gold & Giveaways every hour on St. Patrick’s Day! Irish Platters for $9.99 Irish Kisses $4.25 ½ gal. Jugs o’ Green Beer $9 Irish Car Bombs $4 Jello Shots $1 3/17 – Eggs & Kegs @ 9 a.m. with FREE T-shirt to first 25 guests WVAQ Live Broadcast, Bagpiper, Pots of Gold every Hour and more! March 1 begins a count down with a daily drink specials!

JUDY SPADE

THE

ALCHOLIST COLUMNIST Writing about living, loving

and learning about imbibing.

Judy Spade, co-owner of Café Bacchus, uses mixology as a creative outlet. She feels that she can compete (at least a little) with her husband’s creative talents in the kitchen by mixing it up at the bar. This past Sunday, we were enjoying a new addition to the specialty cocktail list and I suggested she write a column about seasonal cocktails. She quickly agreed, grabbed a piece of paper and started writing. Enjoy! Cocktails are associated with various holidays. Right now, we’re between the sweetness of Valentine’s Day and the whiskey and beer drinking holiday that is St. Patrick’s Day. So, to ward off those winter blahs I suggest this tropically-inspired rum drink that includes rosemary simple syrup*, lime and pineapple juices. In addition to the rosemary simple syrup the trick to this drink is to ‘spank’ the rosemary to release the oils and aroma and then add it to your cocktail. It’s a beautiful garnish and an essential element to the drink which we named appropriately, the “Spankin’ Rosemary.”

*To make rosemary simple syrup, heat equal parts of water and sugar (1 cup sugar and 1 cup water) plus 3 to 5 small sprigs of rosemary. Bring to a boil and then simmer in a covered pot for 2 to 3 minutes. Let stand for about half hour (until cooled), then strain out the rosemary. Use the rosemary simple syrup to taste in the drinks. Keep refrigerated.

For Easter you may want to try your hand at a “Pink Bunny.” You should start now by infusing marshmallow peeps in vodka. Fill a wide mouth, quart jar with peeps. Add vodka of your choice until full. Keep refrigerated and shake daily. The peeps will start to dissolve. When Easter nears, strain out the vodka from the remaining peeps. Then use it for the Pink Bunny Easter Cocktail: You’ll combine cranberry juice, clear Crème de Cocoa, infused peeps vodka, Godiva White Chocolate, garnish with a pink bunny peep and enjoy! Cheers, Judy

THE ALMIGHTY SECRET TO MIND & BODY SUCCESS by Beth Pike

With the warmth and sunshine fast approaching in the months ahead, now is the perfect time to dust off that determination sitting on the shelf, pick up that inspiration laying in the dimly lit corner and get to work building a strong, inspiring “you!” I am here to offer you the almighty secret to beginning, and succeeding, with any fitness and lifestyle goals imaginable, and that would be: the list. I love making lists! As a successful business owner, I have dedicated myself to hours of seminars, books, and research on organizing, motivating, efficiency, etc. In

all of my ﬁndings, one monumental point was key: writing things down! Have an idea? Write it down. Do you have things to get done? Write it down. Goals you want to reach? You guessed it! Put it in ink!

of ﬁtness (and the almighty list!), I have “listed” a few things to help you start a ﬁtness journey towards success in 2015! Grab your pen and paper and let’s get started.

As a physical trainer, I find this to be extremely beneficial for me and my clients. Seeing your goals in black and white helps to program the mind, and programming your mind for motivation is really where a fit and healthy lifestyle starts. I believe that if you reshape your mind, you will reshape your body. So, to honor my love

The type of training you do is everything. Resistance training should be the foundation of your ﬁtness routine. It’s that simple. Work every muscle group hard, frequently, and with an intensity that creates a massive metabolic disturbance that will leave your metabolism elevated for several hours post-workout. In other

Lean muscle mass is your BFF -

I maintain a busy schedule. Beth's workouts make me find the time in my schedule to exercise. Kerrie Boyle words, you should look like a sweaty, tired, happy mess when you’re done training. The majority of calories burned are determined by our Resting Metabolic Rate, or RMR. Calories burned outside of our resting metabolism (through exercise and the thermic effect of feeding) is a small contributor to the overall calories burned per day. RMR is largely a function of how much muscle you have on your body - and how hard it works. Activities that promote, or maintain, muscle mass will increase the metabolic rate.

Drop it like a squat - Full body

workouts in a super-set, tri-set, or circuit format with noncompeting exercises create the biggest metabolic demand. These exercises must be done in a rep range that generates lactic acid (that stuff that makes you so sore that you walk funny) and pushes

the lactic acid threshold. Training legs, back and chest will burn more calories and elevate metabolism more than an isolated

approach of training one body part. Rep range should be 8-12, although

going higher will work just as well with a less-trained population.

Pizza vs Abs - I am from the South: the land of bacon and gravy. I totally understand the temptations of being surrounded by bad food. The struggle is real. I get it. However, you must realize that there is NOTHING that can be done training-wise to undo a poor diet. Please do not work against yourself on your ﬁtness journey by eating a pizza and calling up your trainer for a session. That is exactly like asking us to help you achieve your goals and then punching us in the face. You must create a caloric deﬁcit while focusing on in-taking healthy amounts of protein and essential nutrients through carbohydrates,

vegetables, fruits, etc. We live in a generation of nutritionally starved people. There are plenty of calories to go around, but “calories” and “good calories” are two completely different things. You can eat plenty and still starve your body of the complete proteins and essential nutrients it requires. Need some extra lovinʼ? Love your body by eating clean and it will love you right back! You’re welcome.

I was apprehensive about having a female trainer. However I learned quickly that Beth can and does press you to the limit. As John Mellencamp sang, Hurts So Good.

Greg Haddad

All the cool kids have food diaries - This goes back

to the almighty secret. There are tons of great phone apps out there to help you log your food and count your calories. My clients and I use My Fitness Pal. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s informative. You can choose the app that’s right for you, or use a trusty ole notebook, but make sure you are logging those calories and taking in the right amount needed to keep your body nutritionally fed to meet your ﬁtness goals. You’ll be amazed at what you’re really eating once you write it down and look back at it.

Spring cleaning time - A great way to start your

clean eating is to do away with anything in your kitchen that’s not healthy. Yes, that includes that package of Oreos you keep hidden in the back corner of the pantry “in case of emergency”. Next, you need to make a grocery (wait for it…) list. Once you have rid your home of foods that beckon to you in the quiet of the night from the far corners of your kitchen cabinets… it’s time to grocery shop. Your shopping list needs to contain more things from the produce department than anywhere else in the store. Eat your veggies, children! For more information on how to make the right kind of grocery list, give Revive ﬁtness a call. (See what I did there? Smooth.)

For over a year now I have worked with Beth, Her training, persistence and support have allowed for me to reach weight loss goals, nutrition improvements in diet, decreased BMI and increased muscle tone and strength. She rocks because she kicks gluteus maximus! Paul Daugherty

Match made in Heaven - Proper nutrition coupled

with the correct training will help you reach your goals significantly faster than just committing to one or the other. Need a little research to back that up? Me, too. I am a proud nerd who loves science and research. In one example, researchers assigned overweight subjects to three groups: diet-only, diet plus aerobics, diet plus aerobics plus weights. The diet group lost 14.6 pounds of fat in 12 weeks. The aerobic group lost only one more pound than the diet group. Their training was three times a week, starting at 30 minutes and progressing to 50 minutes over the 12 weeks. Nothing special, but the weight training group lost 21.1 pounds of fat. That’s 44% and 35% more than diet and aerobic-only groups respectively. The addition of aerobic training didn’t result in signiﬁcant fat loss over dieting alone. So as you can see, diet and resistance training must go hand in hand, my friend. It’s a blessed union.

I love Revive Fitness and Beth because she keeps it fun and keeps you motivated. When you think you can't possibly do one more exercise, she helps you find it in yourself to make it happen. I love the results and the fact that I can feel myself getting stronger. I love that she comes to you because there are no excuses to bail on the gym. Kristen Frodelius

Look at that body. I work out - Lastly, have fun

people! Working out does not have to be some dreaded event that you drag yourself to and from on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s the small things that help motivate us.

To encourage fun training I shall leave you with one more, wait for it…there it is…LIST.

Music - This is a great motivator. Make yourself a

Beth is very knowledgeable, engaging and committed as a trainer. She is able to customize workouts and nutrition advice to match my specific lifestyle and goals. She checks in on me outside of our training session to make sure I am staying on track. And best of all our workouts are fun! The hour goes by really fast because we are chatting and laughing the whole time! Ashley Hardesty Odell

playlist of all your favorite tunes. You will be surprised at the extra burst of energy that comes along with the thought ‘this is my jam!’

Good Influences - Team up with that annoying friend who always wants to go work out and do something active. Make them your accountability partner. (There is one in every group. You know who they are.) Let them inﬂuence you to become just as annoying about taking care of your body as they are. Seriously. Do it.

Swag - New exercise apparel is a fantastic morale

booster! We shop for parties, work events, holidays, etc., so I see nothing wrong with grabbing those awesome new pair of running shoes or those bright colored shorts you’ve been wanting. If you feel good about yourself while you’re on your “date with the weights,” you’ll often work harder. True story.

Lifestyle - You have heard me refer to all of this as a ﬁtness “journey.” That is because your health and taking care of yourself should not be a destination. It is ongoing. It is a lifestyle change. It’s not a fad diet, it is YOUR diet. You get one amazing body to help you through this life. Show your gratitude by treating it well. Now, look at your almighty and powerful list, throw away those Oreos, lace up those new kicks, play your favorite jam, and let’s do this! See you on the top of Mount Awesome.

Dedication is the word I would use to describe Beth Pike of Revive Fitness. I enjoy that she takes it a step further by bringing personal training directly to my front door! Zachary Anderson

BETH PIKE

Trainer Nutritionist Motivator

Beth Pike is a mobile Physical Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Consultant who relocated to Morgantown, West Virginia in 2013 from Newnan, Georgia. Beth quickly fell in love with the magic of the rolling hills and people of this lovely state and considers herself an honorary Mountaineer. She graduated at the top of her class from the National Personal Training Institute with a diploma in Personal Training and Nutrition. Beth is passionate about living life fearlessly and uses fitness to change her corner of the world for the better.

CHARITY REGISTER Celebrate Seuss March 14, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Morgantown Public Library

Alzheimer’s Fundaiser Monday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Morgantown Public Library and the Shelly A. Marshall

sales to DANN’S ANGELS on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Associa-

Foundationpresent: Celebrate Seuss. Celebrate beloved chil-

tion for education, research and awareness from local business-

dren’s author Dr. Seuss and his many wonderful books at this

es, great music from The DJ Dollar, and light refreshments.

TIN 202, located at 202 High Street, will donate 20% of total

fun, FREE family program. Taste Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Make Obleck, Play Games, Make Crafts, Shake and make your own butter. Listen to a story and visit many more activity stations. www.facebook.com/events/793785037365181/

Boys and Girls Club Charity Fashion Show March 16; 7 to 9 p.m.; Mountainlair Ballrooms WVU’s Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter (PRSSA) is hosting its 6th Annual Boys and Girls Club charity fashion show. Proceeds from the event will support the Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club (MBAGC) of Morgantown, WV. The event will feature clothing from local boutiques, raffle prizes from local businesses, great music from The DJ Dollar, and light refreshments. Individuals interested in purchasing tickets may do so prior to the event for $5 or the day of the event for $7. Parking is available at the Mountainlair for $1.25 an hour or free parking is available after 5:00 p.m. a short walking distance from the Mountainlair, near the West Virginia Junior College. For more information regarding the event, to purchase tickets, or to find parking, please contact Diana Payne 304-916-8407.

Walk A Mile in Her Shoes 2015 Sunday, April 19; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Hazel Ruby McQuain Park There is an old saying: “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. ” Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® asks men to literally walk one mile in women’s high-heeled shoes. It’s not easy walking in these shoes, but it’s fun and it gets the community to talk about something that’s really difficult to talk about: gender relations and sexual violence. Why is this a “Men’s March?” Most awareness events and discussions on how to stop sexual assaults are targeted almost exclusively to women. We want to invite men to join in the discussion on how to end sexual and gender violence in our community. More info: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-a-mile-in-her-shoes-2015-morgantown-wv-usa-registration-15911143659.

WE SAY NO MORE. TOGETHER WE CAN END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT. The person you confide in most at work. The girl in your study group. The guy you play basketball with. Your teenager’s best friend. We all know someone who has been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Now, for the first time, every major organization in the country that works on these issues has come together to raise awareness and get everyone involved. Called NO MORE, this symbol stands for the hope we all feel that domestic violence and sexual assault can be eradicated in our lifetime. Use NO MORE: • Wear it on a t-shirt or button. • Make and sell your own products to support local shelters and hotlines. • Share it on Facebook and Pinterest. • Tweet about it. • Highlight it on your company’s website. • Incorporate it into events at your office, on your college campus or in your child’s school. There are hundreds of ways you can help bring NO MORE to life! With every new supporter, we are closer to being part of a society where no one will stand for this violence and where no one will ever have to be a victim. To learn more about NO MORE, find out how to start using the NO MORE symbol or to join the thousands of others who have said NO MORE, visit www.nomore.org. Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NOMORE.org) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/NOMOREorg) for regular updates.

I SAY NO MORE BECAUSE

One Piece atA Time Art by Jordan Bailey

Michelle Furlong is an eccentric woman who communicates kindness through many forms of art.

When asked what her preferred medium is, she promptly says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no medium.â&#x20AC;? Michelle uses many different unconventional canvases to present her art to the world. By using these various canvases, she has found a way to spread her world of kindness.

“Life is Art,” according to Michelle, “everything that we, as people, do is art.” Her most soughtafter art piece is a multicolored cat statue that she has given the name Just. The flagship art piece, Just, conveys Michelle’s message of kindness to all that know her work. The vibrantly colored cat contains messages that should inspire people to change their lives for the better, such as, Respect Earth, Don’t Judge Others, and Just Love. Michelle doesn’t consider herself an artist because she is doing what she loves. She believes that she was just put on this earth to promote peace, love, and kindness. “The title of artist has too much pressure on it,” Michelle says as she describes who she is. She never really thought the title of “artist” fit who she was as a person. “People expect a level of perfection from artists, my art may not be perfect, but it will always be kind.” Promoting kindness and making the world a better place is Michelle’s main goal as a human being.

When asked if her art reflects Morganotwn, she replied, It doesn’t

reflect Morgantown. It reflects human nature. Michelle currently resides in Morgantown with her husband and main support system, Rock Furlong. For many years, Michelle worked in an office to support her family because her husband was unemployed while obtaining his American citizenship. She felt that she was “out of place” at the job and didn’t want to be caught in her coworkers’ negative loop. Feeling that the negative gossip in the work place stifled her creativity, she decided to make a change. When she left that

job, Michelle felt a newly found freedom to create again. Although Michelle doesn’t profit from her art work monetarily, she benefits from the “high” she gets from seeing the finished product. Furlong began her pursuit of making the world a better place through her art at the early age of twelve. When she would ask her mother for money for paint supplies, her mother would respond, “There are three kinds of paint in the closet, and there are rocks.” Without hesitation, Michelle took that paint and began to paint the rocks she would find in her yard. In the beginning, she would use sticks to paint with since that was all she had at the time. Today she uses skewers to paint with, which are quite similar to the sticks that began her journey into art. The first quote that she painted on a rock was, “To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.” It’s a prize possession she still owns today.

Tamarack known as West Virginia’s Artisan Retail Center is a tourist attraction in central West Virginia that contains a fine arts gallery. A couple of month ago, Michelle submitted some of her multicolored Christmas ornaments to the creative director of Tamarack. Her work was rejected because the creative director characterized her ornaments as being “too common.” However, Michelle takes the criticism with a grain of salt and says that her art being in Tamarack, “Wasn’t meant to be.”

If I create enough of this stuff, it will make the world better. Then my world will be better. ~ Michelle Furlong

When Michelle begins an art project, she envisions the finished product in her head before she actually starts creating the piece. First she comes up with a positive thought. Then, she thinks about how and what she is going to need to finish the piece of art. When she says, “I have no medium,” she means that she will use any canvas that she feels necessary to get her message of kindness across. She has designed Christmas ornaments, decoupage chairs and tables, and sculptures to promote peace, love, and kindness. She is currently working on painting the walls of the Bartlett House, the local homeless shelter, in Morgantown. Michelle has committed herself to using her art to change people lives for the better and help people change the way they think. She is the queen of kindness. Michelle’s favorite quote by the Dalai Lama is Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. She has incorporated this quote into her life and art.

News & Updates fom Main Street Morgantown

Chocolate Lovers’ Day The 16th Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Day will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Downtown and Historic Wharf District of Morgantown. Chocolate Lovers’ Day is a one-day chocolate extravaganza inviting the public to indulge in an array of chocolate creations. For $5 per person (children under 5 are free), registrants may sample tasty chocolate treats at each participating business while accumulating points towards the grand prize drawing. This year the grand prize is 4 tickets to Hershey Park in Hershey, PA. On Chocolate Lovers’ Day, registration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Monongalia Arts Center (107 High St., beside Hotel Morgan), Tanner’s Alley (416 High St.), Arts Monongahela (201 High St., beside Huntington Bank). Registration will end at 2:30pm. For more information on this and other Main Street Morgantown events, visit DowntownMorgantown.com.

Within 3 Hours...

A True Fishing Story: Spring Trout Season in WV By: Lisa Romeo Spruce Knob Lake, WV Photo by Lisa Romeo

As the sun spreads its warmth over frozen rivers and streams in our Mountain State, hope fills the minds of those who enjoy one of America’s most enduring pastimes…Fishing! Whether you’re an expert or novice angler, spring trout season in West Virginia is one of the best ways to shake cabin fever after enduring months of cold, snowy, winter weather. The WV Division of Natural Resources begins trout stockings in area waters in January. Though during the months of March through May, some of the prime fishing waters see weekly stockings of rainbow, golden, and brown trout. Out of the over 200 rivers, streams, and lakes that are stocked each spring, three prime waterways, known as some of the best trout fishing spots in the State, happen to be within three hours of Morgantown.

In this article, we’ll highlight the Cranberry and the Williams Rivers that run through Greenbrier, Webster and Pocahontas Counties, the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Grant County, and Spruce Knob Lake in Pendelton County. We’ll also visit a little gem of a fishing spot right outside of Morgantown that’s a great place to teach kids of all ages a skill that will stay with them a lifetime. Like the saying goes,

{

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

}

~ Anne Ritchie

The Cranberry River The Cranberry Wildlife Management Area and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area near Richwood, WV, can be accessed in just under 3 hours from I-79 S/US-19 S and WV55 E. The Cranberry River and its tributaries run through this area which is part of the Monongahela National Forest. The Cranberry and its small tributaries are known as some of the finest trout streams in the eastern United States.1

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Catchâ&#x20AC;? by Lisa Romeo My Big Catch

Cranberry River

The Cranberry River stretches about 35 miles in all, with the North (+/- 2 miles long) and the South (9 miles long) forks winding through Cranberry Mountain and Black Mountain at elevations 3,800 feet and above. This stretch of river, along with its tributaries, provides more than enough opportunity for anglers to make good use of their trout stamps. For the more adventurous angler who prefers the challenge of a fly rod, a section of the Cranberry River, called Dogway Fork, is reserved for fly-fishing only.

I can personally attest to the fact that fishing for trout in some of the smaller tributaries of the Cranberry can make for a most interesting fishing experience. The picture above is of me a few years back when a friend and I ventured down to the Cranberry backcountry to try out the cool waters known for its rainbow, brown, golden and brook trout. After loading up the poles, tackle box, cooler and bait on our shoulders, we started out down a hiking trail that followed a pristine and lively running creek into the forest. Three miles later, we finally stopped and prepared to drop our poles in a pool below a set of small rapids. It seemed like only minutes before I felt the tug on my line and that little feller in the picture was hooked. As I remember, we hiked back with a good little catch of brown trout to pan fry over the campfire that evening.

Throughout this area of the Gauley Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest, several pay campgrounds, free campsites, and picnic areas are available near the banks of the Cranberry River. Some of the campsites along the river banks provide rustic shelters on a first-come, firstserve basis.

Cranberry Glades

The Cranberry Wilderness area has a lot to offer beyond an adventurous fishing experience. Check out the links on the next page for more information on enhancing your time on the Cranberry. Source: FlyFisherman.com

Rustic Shelters-Cranberry R

The Williams River

Informative Links

Rated one of the five best trout fishing streams in West Virginia, the Williams River offers cold, clear water and stockings amounting to 27,000 pounds of trout per year. The Williams is stocked from January to October with weekly stockings from March through May. A 22-mile stretch of river, from above Day Run Campground down to the Laurel Run coal tipple is stocked with regulation size trout. A popular section of the Williams for anglers is near the Tea Creek Campground which is a rustic camping area in the Monongahela National Forest just off of the Highland Scenic Highway.

Cranberry River Area Cranberry Campground Big Rock Campground Cranberry River Primitive Campsites Cranberry Glades Botanical Area Cranberry Mountain Nature Center Cranberry Backcountry – Hiking Cranberry Wilderness Area – Biking Highland Scenic Highway Williams River Area Dispersed Camping on the Williams Tea Creek Campground Day Run Campground WV DNR Trout Stocking Schedule WV DNR Daily Stocking Report WV DNR Trout Stocking Map

Williams River

The Williams and the Cranberry Rivers are only about 30-40 minutes apart via the Highland Scenic Highway and give fishermen the chance to make one trip to fish in two of the best trout fishing spots in the State. Many anglers choose to hike or bike into the more remote fishing holes to enjoy the sights of the surrounding forest and put some distance between other anglers and themselves. The options are nearly endless with miles of accessible river between the Williams and the Cranberry, and various ways to access the cold, clear mountain waters. CHECK OUT THE MAP ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE DETAILING THE CRANBERRY WILDERNESS AREA OF THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST THAT ENCOMPASSES THE CRANBERRY AND WILLIAMS RIVERS.

Rainbow Trout

Broook Trout

Brown Trout

NOTE THE LEGEND FOR FINDING CAMPGROUNDS, SHELTERS, FISHING PIERS, HIKING TRAILS AND MORE. ~ Trail map via fs.usda.gov Golden Trout

North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac Just west of Petersburg, WV, is the small town of Cabins where I spent many summers as a child enjoying the cool, clean waters of the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Up river, though some 40 miles to the south, the North Fork forms near Big Mountain (elev. 3,882 ft.) and flows past Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County to Grant County where it joins with the South Branch at Cabins. Twenty-six miles of the North Fork of the South Branch is stocked weekly from March through May. This stretch runs from Riverton (below Seneca Rocks) to Cabins, and is accessible via Routes 28/55. Various routes will take you from Morgantown to this area known as the Potomac Highlands. In a little over two hours, the winding, scenic drive east over the West Virginia mountains will lead you to yet another trout fishing paradise.

North Fork, South Branch of the Potomac

The North Fork is populated with an abundance of brown and rainbow trout. Golden and brook trout can also be found in stretches of the river. Easy access to the banks and excellent wading waters along the river attract traditional anglers and fly fishermen alike. The WV DNR maintains several area boat launches for those who prefer to fish by canoe or kayak. A popular and privately maintained section of the North Fork, in an area run by Harman’s Cottages, stocks about 6,000 lbs. of trout each spring. This 1 ¾ mile section is near Smoke Hole Caverns and boasts private access to trophy rainbow, brown, brook, tiger and golden trout. The private access is free to guests

of Harman’s Cottages and their luxury log cabins. More information on their private trophy trout fishing and cabin rentals can be found at www.wvlogcabins.com.

Spruce Knob Lake ~ L. Romeo

If you’re in this area and want to check out another good fishing spot, you can travel about an hour or so south of Cabins on Route 28 to Spruce Knob Lake. Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia at an elevation of 4,863 feet. As part of the Monongahela National Forest, it contains more than 100,000 acres of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and a 23 acre lake. Spruce Knob Lake is the highest lake in the State at an elevation of 3,840 feet. It has an average depth of 7.5 feet, with a maximum of 19.5 feet. A boat launch is available to campers, and three wheelchair accessible wooden fishing stations provide access to fishing from the bank. This area offers 43 rustic campsites with pit toilets and drinking water. The lake is well stocked with trout weekly from March through May. I can attest to this lake being one of the most relaxing places to setup a camp chair and cast a line. A few summers ago, I spent a day doing just that and caught a good little mess of trout (pictured below). Though it rained a few times throughout the day, it was worth getting a little soaked. The scenery around Spruce Knob Lake is just beautiful.

Trout at Spruce Knob Lake ~ L. Romeo

The Gem a.k.a. The Trout Pond Just a few minutes east of Morgantown is the little gem of a fishing spot I had mentioned earlier. It is known as the Trout Pond at Coopers Rock State Forest. This 6-acre pond was formed by damming Glade Run and is located on the north side of the forest. It is accessible from the Coopers Rock’s exit of I-68E.

Whether you want to spend a few hours or a whole day partaking in one of America’s favorite pastimes, the Trout Pond has a lot to offer. This is a great place to take the family for a day of fishing fun. There is plenty of room for kids to learn how to cast and keep from snagging a line. And there’s a pretty good chance they’ll catch a few trout.

The Trout Pond is stocked bimonthly March through May. There is a handicap accessible fishing station just off the main parking area. A boat launch is available for canoes and small boats from the main road. A trail wraps around the pond on both sides for those who want to fish from the bank on the upper end of the pond. Fishing from the banks near the parking area and boat launch is easily accessible and provides flat, level spots to set your chair, cooler and tackle box. Restrooms with pit toilets are located off the parking area.

Note: Keep an eye on the WV DNR Trout Stocking Schedule for the best time to visit the Trout Pond. Chances of catching your limit increase on the day of, or few days after, the pond is stocked.

Weekends tend to bit a busier time, but late afternoons see most serious anglers packing it up. The Trout Pond is open daily until dusk, so there’s a plenty of time to teach the little ones a great life lesson. Or if you’re a local angler itching to get your pole in the water without having to travel far, the Trout Pond is just the right little gem of a fishing spot for you.

Trout at Spruce Knob Lake ~ L. Romeo

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Brotherly Love. -- Talan and Zepp. Photo by Katie Jo Vozniak

CENTERING

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I personally feel that up until recently, Pilates has been the best kept secret. It has proven to be my favorite can’t-do-without workout ever! It keeps me strengthened, toned, flexible and even helps relieve stress. Kendra, from the Pilates Studio of Morgantown, is a great teacher...she has the beat equipment, she’s always upbeat, keeps us motivated, explains each move & how it’s beneficial and gives individual attention even in group classes. I always leave class feeling like a better, more relaxed version of me. I strongly encourage anyone who’s curious to give it a try! Jennifer Beattie

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N MORE “BUT HE’S SUCH A NICE GUY”

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