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Films featuring WV’s 2014 Water Crisis to be shown in Lewisburg this weekend

06.05.18

Crick in the Holler, courtesy Ursula Ellis

Many have heard of, or lived through, the Water Crisis that happened in the Kanawha County, WV area in 2014, when the Elk River was contaminated with the chemical MCHM, leaving 300,000 people without access to clean water. The event received national attention and was featured in multiple news articles and films, through fictional short stories, investigative journalism, and documentaries. Two of those films will be featured in Lewisburg this weekend.

The WV premiere of Crick on the Holler, a fictional short story set during the Water Crisis will be screened and will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker and WV native, Ursula Ellis.

What Lies Upstream, a documentary/political thriller featuring the water crisis, will also be featured.

To learn more about this chapter in WV history, head to the Lewis Theater in Lewisburg, WV this Saturday, June 9th at 7pm.

The event is free, and is sponsored by Greenbrier River Watershed Association, Friends of Lower Greenbrier River, and Indian Creek Watershed Association.

Find out more about the event »

View the trailer and interviews with the filmmaker for Crick in the Holler »

Are you interested in starting a project that gets people moving? Try this.

06.05.18

Annual Holistic Health and Wellness Fair

On April 28th, hundreds of people gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Charleston for the 4th Annual Holistic Health and Wellness Fair. The event was a part of Tai Chi Catalyst4Change, a local project aimed to teach members of the community Tai Chi and improve the balance, agility, strength, flexibility, stamina, muscle tone, and coordination of participants. The project not only holds weekly Tai Chi sessions at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, but also works with after-school students at Mary C. Snow Elementary School.

Their efforts are a part of Try This West Virginia, a statewide coalition of local leaders who are trying to knock West Virginia off the worst healthy list one community project at a time. Try This WV has helped to recruit, train, and fund more than two hundred teams like this one in Kanawha County, in just the last four years.

The Prevention Research Council at WVU released a report evaluating the model used in Try This WV. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from across Appalachia and is in the process of being reviewed by national public health journals for publication.

Read the report »

One of the study’s main findings is that in the first year, every $1 invested by Try This West Virginia into local communities, those communities were able to generate $11 in matching funds with the assistance of volunteer time, in-kind donations, and other grants.

Try This WV is a coalition that thrives because of statewide partnerships including the Bureau for Public Health, KEYS 4 Healthy Kids, Step by Step, WVU Extension Service, the Benedum Foundation, WV Community Development Hub, WV Healthy Kids and Families Coalition, and many others that serve as steering committee members.

Are you interested in starting a community project that gets people moving or eating healthy foods?

Join in at the Try This WV Conference, June 15 and 16th. The conference will host over 40 workshops sharing knowledge and resources that you can take back and use in your region. If you already have a project in the works, attend the conference with a team of three, and you can apply for a mini-grant that qualifies up to $3,000. Register for the Try This WV Conference here: www.trythiswv.com/conference.

Woodworker Eddie Austin runs national business out of Lincoln County

06.05.18

Ash Credenza by Eddie Austin Woodworks

BY DAN TAYLOR, ENERGIZING ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM COORDINATOR, THE HUB

Eddie Austin is a unique entrepreneur in Lincoln County, with a very unique story, but one that should be an inspiration to all West Virginians.

Eddie’s business is based in one of the communities The Hub is working with as part of the Energizing Entrepreneurial Communities program, and it serves as model for others who are looking to start or grow their local businesses.

A woodworker and craftsman who has been building handmade furniture for over fifteen years, Eddie sells to people across the state, the country and even the world. You might find his high end cabinetry and furniture in Charleston, Philadelphia, Chicago, California, Austria and more places, but the whole time he has been a resident of this beautiful, rural county. His woodshop, located on Route 34 in Lincoln County, near the Putnam border, once belonged to his mentor and father-in-law, Jim Probst.

Eddie’s interest for furniture making was sparked in high school when he began working for the local furniture maker. “The business found me,” he said. During his senior year in High School, after the restaurant he was working for closed down, Probst made him the offer to come to work for him, starting out sweeping the floors.

After training there for some time, Eddie then attended the University of Rio Grande, graduating first in his class with a degree in fine woodworking technology. “I started out making Shaker tables and ended up making 18th century Queen Anne desks and dressing tables,” he recounts, “That is really where the skills all started and knew I could make a career out of this.”

Custom closet by Eddie Austin Woodworks

His work is all custom, prototyped pieces, created one at a time for the customer.

As for advice to young entrepreneurs starting out, Eddie wants them to know, “People won’t come to you, you have to go to them. Step outside of your comfort zone and write your own plan yourself. And communicating with your customers is key.”

He has a new venture on the way with a business partner, as well. Collaborating with the Coalfield Development Corporation, with whom he has previously worked with developing their woodworking training program, Eddie will be opening the “Red Light Barber Shop” in downtown Hamlin as part of Coalfield’s redevelopment of the Henson Building on Walnut Street.

Hamlin used to have one red light, removed years ago, and their business goal is to create so much traffic downtown that they have to bring the red light back!

Quality product, not volume of product, is what is important to Eddie. In his woodworking, being the top of line is what he sets out to do. “Set goals, and chase the best in your field,” he says.

But, creating community is important to him as well. “The people are the most important thing in my business. Clients become friends and that is so rewarding. I love getting to know the people who want a piece of my work in their homes or businesses. Anyone that makes something wants their customers to appreciate it as much or more than they do. It’s so rewarding that I get to make pieces for people who truly love what I do,” he shared.

Find out more about Eddie at www.eddieaustinwoodworks.com.

City Lab: Research shows that innovative businesses are common in rural areas

05.29.18

BY RICHARD FLORIDA FOR CITY LAB

One of the most persistent myths in America today is that urban areas are innovative and rural areas are not. While it is overwhelmingly clear that innovation and creativity tend to cluster in a small number of cities and metropolitan areas, it’s a big mistake to think that they somehow skip over rural America.

A series of studies from Tim Wojan and his colleagues at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service documents the drivers of rural innovation. Their findings draw on a variety of data sets, including a large-scale survey that compares innovation in urban and rural areas called the Rural Establishment Innovation Survey (REIS). This is based on some 11,000 business establishments with at least five paid employees in tradable industries—that is, sectors that produce goods and services that are or could be traded internationally—in rural (or non-metro) and urban (metro) areas.

The survey divides businesses into three main groups. Roughly 30 percent of firms are substantive innovators, launching new products and services, making data-driven decisions, and creating intellectual property worth protecting; another 33 percent are nominal innovators who engage in more incremental improvement of their products and processes; and 38 percent show little or no evidence of innovation, so are considered to be non-innovators…

Read the full article on the City Lab site »

Charleston Gazette-Mail: Charmco man’s ramp business smells like success

05.29.18

via wildwestvirginiaramps.com

BY JENNIFER GARDNER FOR THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL

It’s not quite like Christmas. But come April every year, Bucky Dorsey’s local post office handles an awful lot of extra shipments — and a whole lot of stink.

Wafting between stacks of cardboard boxes is a garlicky, onion odor. The stench is all too familiar to those who grew up around ramps, a member of the lily family that’s sometimes known as a wild leek.

Dorsey is a resident and native of Charmco, a small town between Beckley and Lewisburg. He’s the one dropping off packages at the post office — and sending a piece of West Virginia all across the country. His ramp business has reached nearly all corners of the United States, with the exception of Hawaii. While the ramps may be popular at local restaurants, many of his customers seem to be those longing for home…

Read the full article on the Charleston Gazette-Mail site »

Charleston Gazette-Mail: FCC official says funding available for mobile broadband expansion

05.29.18

BY MAX GARLAND FOR THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL

A Federal Communications Commission official fielded questions Friday from West Virginia’s U.S. senators, along with development and broadband stakeholders, on how the state can maximize its chances of securing funding for better mobile internet service.

Michael Janson, deputy director of the FCC’s Rural Broadband Auctions Taskforce, centered his presentation at BridgeValley Community and Technical College on how parties can challenge what areas are eligible for up to $4.53 billion in funding for mobile broadband expansion.

“I can say that this is the largest, most engaged turnout that I have had for one of these outreach events,” said Janson, who called the Mobility Fund II “one of the highest priorities in the FCC today.”

The visit comes after shortcomings in data likely eliminated seven West Virginia counties from a chance at getting up to $1.98 billion in support for improving fixed internet speeds — a fund where there was no ability to challenge what areas were eligible…

Read the full article on the Charleston Gazette-Mail site »

Home Rule puts St. Albans, WV on the path to brunch

05.29.18

BY KATELYN CAMPBELL, APC VISTA, THE HUB

The residents and visitors to the city of St. Albans could soon be enjoying mimosas over Sunday brunch thanks to a new ordinance making its way through their city council.

The “brunch bill”, authorized by the Legislature in 2016, would allow appropriately-licensed restaurants and private clubs in St. Albans to sell alcohol on Sundays beginning at 10am. Similar brunch bills have been passed in municipalities around the state through the Municipal Home Rule Pilot Program, which was established by the Legislature in 2007.

Prior to the creation of the home rule pilot program, cities and towns in West Virginia only had the authority to take actions that are explicitly laid out for them in the state’s Constitution. This meant that it was difficult for municipalities to quickly address challenges that are either emerging around the state (like abandoned properties) or are hyper-local (like couch fires in Morgantown).

Over the past 11 years, 34 cities and towns around West Virginia have gained access to home rule privileges through a competitive application process, allowing them to pass ordinances addressing issues like code enforcement, property maintenance, intergovernmental collaboration, and, of course, brunch.

In order for St. Albans to get this brunch ordinance on the books, they’ll need to submit an amendment to their Home Rule application to the Municipal Home Rule Board and get it approved before bringing the brunch ordinance back to council for a vote.

The next Municipal Home Rule Board meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, July 11 at a location that has yet to be determined.

Pocahontas County Artisan Co-op a model for collaboration — GLAM Series

05.29.18

Exterior view of Pocahontas County Artisan Co-op. Image courtesy Anne Walker.

BY SALLY DESKINS, EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, WVU LIBRARIES

What’s GLAM? GLAM stands for galleries-libraries-archives-museums, and, for this series, The Hub is partnering up with Sally Deskins of WVU Libraries to put a spotlight on what happens when groups and institutions related to these collaborate. As Sally says, “Sharing resources can bring in more audiences, and lead to a better course for sustainability amongst all, as opposed to seeing each other competitively and bringing each other down.”

Read all of Sally’s GLAM columns here and read more about the series here.

Interior view of Pocahontas County Artisan Co-op. Image courtesy Anne Walker.

Anne Walker is the Mayor of Hillsboro, West Virginia, as well as a member of the Pocahontas County Artisan Cooperative. For this interview, the WVU agriculture alumna shares about her fabric artistry and involvement with the Co-Op plus their collaborations with various organizations from Pocahontas County Art Guild to Mountain Music Trail to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park and more…

Sally Deskins: Tell me about your background and why you got into what you do.

Anne Walker: My personal background is in the field of agriculture. I graduated from WVU with a Bachelors’ of Science in Agronomy and a Master’s of Science in Agriculture Education. I joined the Pocahontas County Artisan Co-Op in August of 2013, as a fabric artist, making purses, totes, and aprons. I began sewing as a stay at home mom and started an online business to give my family extra income for fun things, like eating out and vacations we couldn’t afford otherwise. My first project was a diaper bag for myself soon after my son was born in 2005. I’ve always enjoyed creating handmade items and products, even through college. I fell into being a fabric artist as a way to earn extra money.

SD: Tell me about your organization and your role, what you do.

AW: The Pocahontas County Artisan Co-Op was formed in 2007 but was granted non-profit status in 2009. Currently, we have 35+ artisans and crafters in our organization. Our focus on the region’s arts and crafts heritage has attracted a blacksmith, broom maker, basket maker, stonecutter, several quilters, and wood craftsmen making everything from spoons and cutting boards to clocks, scrollwork, and fine furniture. We also have artists working in watercolor and oil, photographers, jewelry-makers, and members creating specialty foods from local sources. We are a business incubator, assisting regional artisans in advancing from hobby to cottage industry. We are also committed to promoting the arts in Pocahontas County through public demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions and community-based educational activities.

I am currently serving on the Marketing Committee, where we promote art, our artists, and events through different media outlets.

SD: What are some ways you have or will collaborate with either outside organizations or groups?

AW: In the past, the Pocahontas County Artisan Co-Op has collaborated with the Pocahontas County Art Guild in providing publicity for their guest artists as well as gift certificates for their redemption. We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Art Guild for use of their current space for meetings and other events. In addition, we are currently in negotiation with the Art Guild and our landlord the Marlinton Depot Committee to provide a public art space at the McLaughlin Cabin (which has been restored). Our hope is that our facility along with the McLaughlin Cabin will provide public space for classes, demonstrations, and events for the community of Pocahontas County.

In addition to the Marlinton Depot Committee and the Pocahontas County Art Guild, we have a membership in the Mountain Music Trail, and the Mountain Arts District. Both of these promote mountain culture through art and music events, as well as websites. Our Co-Op is a stakeholder at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. We operate a seasonal gallery behind the Cass Depot for about 8 months of the year. Our artisans display and sell their work to train enthusiasts who come to Cass for a unique turn of the century train experience. Lastly, we collaborate with the Marlinton Opera House, in that we sell tickets for their events.

Our membership is active in the community’s fairs and festivals during summer months. For the last 3 years, members have provided demonstrations, along with make and take crafts at the Little Levels Heritage Fair held in Hillsboro, WV at the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum. In 2017, the Watoga Foundation began “Art in the Park” during Labor Day weekend. Our Co-Op shared its Hotel/Motel funding and supported this event when other grants fell through. We continue to be a sponsor in 2018.

SD: Why is collaborating important to you and/or your position, and WV/society moving forward?

AW: Our Co-Op provides opportunities to individuals who would not have ready access to tourism markets on their own. Collaborating amongst other groups helps our members to network and promote their art. Also, Pocahontas County has high tourism but low socioeconomic standing in the state. Financial and human resources are limited for various reasons. However, pooling resources and efficiently utilizing hotel/motel monies to improve the local economy has a positive impact on our citizens as well as our children. Retirees who move here benefit from the social interaction such events and classes create.

SD: Any advice or tips for people wanting to collaborate—how do you approach people about it without knowing them? How do you think up such ideas?

AW: I would advise anyone looking to collaborate with different groups or organizations to start out volunteering for that organization in order to learn its mission and to network with its members. Non-profit organizations, no matter where they are located, are always in need of human resources. People are more apt to listen to your ideas if they see you are willing to help and want an open and honest dialogue. Collaborative ideas can come from many sources. Mostly, I see collaboration as a way to fill a void in a community. Openly and honestly discussing problems or issues is a great way to learn of a need or void in your community.

Interested in having your group or initiative featured as a part of GLAM? Email Sally at sbdeskins@mail.wvu.edu.

Charleston Gazette-Mail: Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to change the way it receives funds

05.22.18

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Team

BY JOE SEVERINO FOR THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL

The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation will soon have more money for its charity work after its funds are converted into a corporate format, the organization says.

The organization will give out $3.2 million in aid this year, but the foundation estimates it may have around $300,000 more to give to the community by next year.

This comes after the foundation filed a petition in Kanawha County Circuit Court to have existing trust funds converted into corporate funds, according to a statement from the foundation.

Trust funds attract more administrative fees from banks causing the total value of the funds given from the donors to the foundation to drop. Converting funds into corporate format allows the organization to retain more of a fund’s money, officials with the nonprofit said…

Read the full article on the Charleston Gazette-Mail site »

Belington’s Golden Rule building seeing a new day

05.22.18

Golden Rule building in downtown Belington

BY JOLYNN POWERS, AMERICORPS SERVICE MEMBER, BARBOUR COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND WOODLANDS DEVELOPMENT GROUP

In the small town of Belington stands a 116 year old building that is reminiscent of West Virginia’s heyday of coal, and the money it once brought to Barbour County. The Golden Rule building, which was built by the Shinn family, served the local community as a grocery store and later a department store. Seventy years later with the closure of several coal mines, decline of the population and the loss of jobs, the three-story building fell on hard times. Left to decay and become an abandoned storage building, the Golden Rule’s future was questionable.

In 2014, the historic building, having one of the few water powered elevators left in North America, was listed as an endangered property by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia. It took another four years for things to change for the future of the Golden Rule.

As the name of the building implies, “Do on to others as you wish them to do unto you”, the Woodlands Development Group (WDG) of Elkins, West Virginia is taking on the challenge of bringing the structure back to use.

In March 2018, the building officially changed ownership and the slow work of rehabilitation began. Using a combination of historic tax credits, forgivable loans, and grant money, WDG’s intent is to convert the upper two floors into 10 apartment units, with retail space on the first floor.

Included in this plan is space for the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad ticket booth, a small museum space, and an artist market. Meanwhile, a former grist mill located on the property will house a community space with outdoor seating.

Woodlands Development Group is working in partnership with the Belington Revitalization Committee and The Barbour County Development Authority to meet the needs of the community with quality housing and new jobs within the main structure.

The first sign of progress that the community will see are the boards going into the window spaces in the upper levels of the building. The boards are painted with brightly colored images and inspirational sayings to help residents know that a change is happening. The other, less obvious change is the clean-up of the interior of the building. Loads of trash and recyclables have been left all throughout the building and must be removed before any serious construction can begin.

With some of the items that were left behind in the building, the partners hope to have a fundraiser for the rehabilitation of the building. The event will involve local community members who want to see a better future for the building, all donations will go towards the rehabilitation costs.

The hope is that the Golden Rule will once again be a center of activity and community life in downtown Belington. Its rehabilitation will add much needed quality housing and will be an economic driver for the area.