Homeschoolers of Taylor County

Join other Taylor County homeschoolers for a


“Meet and Greet”

Saturday October 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

at the Taylor County Public Library, upstairs.

Bring your favorite book for discussion

Terror on the Tygart

3rd Annual Terror on the Tygart Haunted Hayride.

When: October 28 and 29

Where: Tygart Lake State Park

Time: Rides begin at dark

Grafton Volunteer Fire Department Basket Bingo

Grafton Volunteer Fire Department Basket Bingo

featuring Longaberger® Products.
When: November 6
Where: St. Augustine Social Center
Time: Doors open at 1:00PM Bingo starts at 2:00PM
Proceeds: Go to the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department

Grafton Volunteer Fire Department now has a

new website online
at http://www.graftonvfd.us/
We will be using this site for upcoming events
and other happenings at the fire department.

4th Annual Fall Festival

Tygart Lake State Park is currently accepting applications from crafters for the 4Th Annual Fall Festival. Festival date are Saturday October 15 and Sunday October 16, 2011. Show hours will be 10-6:00 on Saturday and 10-4:00 on Sunday. Interested crafters can email Stephanie.L.Bailey@wv.gov or call 1-304-265-6148 to obtain a registration form. Space is limited and is on a first come first served basis.

Stephanie L. Bailey, Activities Coordinator
Tygart Lake State Park
Route 1, Box 260
Grafton, WV 26354

Spirit of Grafton 2011 Schedule of Events

Thanks to http://www.graftonwv.org/ for the schedule of events!

Friday May 27, 2011
6:00-9:00 pm - opening of the Grafton Municipal Pool for the 2011 Season. Pool Party with DJ.
6:00-7:45 pm - Grafton's Got Talent Prelimiaries for ages 16 and over
8:00-9:30 pm - Band - Ryan Cain and the Ables "If you love early rock and roll you will love this band".
8:00 pm - Historic Lantern Tour of the Grafton National Cemetery.

Saturday May 28, 2011
12:00 - 2:00 pm - Grafton's Got Talent Prelimiaries for children under the age of 16.
2:00-3:30 pm - George Shingleton Concert
3:00-6:00 pm - Petting Zoo
3:30-4:15 pm - Mario Orsini - Illusionist, Magician and Mentalist
4:00 - 6:00 pm - Community Picnic
4:15-5:00 Dance Chambers
5:00-6:00 Wild World of Animals Exotic Animal Show
6:00-7:30 Grafton's Got Talent Finals
8:00-10:00 Taylor Made Concert
10:00 Fireworks

Sunday May 29, 2011
11:00-4:00 Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show
3:00 West Virginia National Cemetery Program

Monday May 30, 2011
6:30-9:00 Memorial Day Breakfast at City Hall
10:00 144th Annual Memorial Day Parade
12:00 144th Annual Grafton National Cemetery Program

Taylor County Photography Contest at the International Mother's Day Shrine. For more information contact the IMDS at 265-1589.

Taylor County Arts Council presents their Annual Juried Art Show at Gallery 62 West.

Life Along the Tygart

Throughout the course of civilization human kind has developed and thrived next to rivers. Native Americans and the pioneers were no exception to the rule and life along the Tygart Valley River has flourished throughout our recent history. This beautiful river flowing through Grafton contributed to our own economic development in the mid 19th century with the likes of the rail and timber industries. Without the river Grafton would in likely-hood not exist. Life continues to commune with nature as we go about our daily lives and as we take advantage of the bounty of our river. Old neighborhoods centered on the river are being revived and we are looking for new avenues for economic development.

The Tygart Valley River springs to life high above Valley Head in Pocahontas County. The Catawba Indian Trail followed the river to join the Seneca Trail at Elkins and the Native Americans traversed this trail in search of food and established villages along the river. David Tygart, for whom the river was named, and Robert Files were the first known white settlers to settle along the banks of the Tygart. Files cabin was located near present day Beverly and Tygart’s cabin was located two miles north. They arrived in 1753 or 1754, during the winter the Files cabin was attacked by the Indians. Files and his wife and five of their six children were killed. One son escaped and ran to Tygart’s cabin to warn them of the attack. They all fled the area for good and it would be another eighteen years before white men settled along the river.

Some 80 years after Tygart settled on the river, W.W. Fetterman purchased 1000 acres, which included the “great falls” of the Tygart Valley River. The Native Americans referred to those falls as the “Evil Spirit Falls” because they were difficult to get around. Early settlers named them “Hard Around Falls” and later referred to them as the “Falls of the Great Muddy”. Fetterman established a sawmill by building a water mill race using black powder for the first time in the area. In 1847 a gristmill was built which produced flour that was marketed under the name of “Pride of the Valley”. In conjunction with the arrival of the railroad, Valley Falls sprang into a thriving community including a post office, sawmills, a blacksmith shop, coffin factory, and a large hall for fiddle playing, round dances, clog steppers, and Virginia Reel fans. Farther south on the river another boomtown was taking form. With the arrival of the railroad, Grafton was coming into it own.

Without the natural resources of the river it would be difficult to imagine any life worth living. We must be mindful that the conditions were right to develop a town in the 1850’s. Those conditions were water, industry, transportation, and labor. Life is so dependent on the right conditions. Once again, the current conditions call for tourism within Taylor County and we must take full advantage of our natural resources such as Valley Falls and Tygart Lake in order to recreate bountiful life along the beautiful Tygart.

Why Grafton, West Virginia

In Jonathan Crane’s “The Open Boat” the opening sentence is “none of them knew the color of the sky”. That certainly cannot be said of this bright Saturday morning in Princeton, MA. The color of the sky is so blue it almost defies description. The sun is shining and the two feet of snow on the ground reflects only brightness. From my office windows I can see the tall spire of the Congregational Church next door and across the street the clock tower of Mr. Good now’s stone library where the bell calls out each hour of the day. The picturesque landscape of the town common is quintessentially New England with the memorials to past wars and past local heroes of one sort or another. The wafting blue smoke in the air from nearby chimneys makes it a scene worthy of Messrs. Currier and Ives. As I take in the view my thoughts travel over distance to far away, Grafton, WV, home.

Certainly, it can be argued why one would allow their mind to travel the distance when the current view is so beautiful. I often wonder that too, just as I wonder why our old black and white cat would prefer the cool hard wood floors to his soft bed that is place strategically below the window allowing for the warm sunshine on a cold winter day. Of course, I know the answer to both of the questions we, as well as our old cat, prefer the place that is most comfortable whether that be physical or psychological. I recently read that “home is where you are wanted” and as I thought about it, the statement it seem to strike a universal chord within that rang true. The statement also allows that no one particular place is home and that is also true and for those to be fortunate enough to be wanted in more than one place how do you choose home. Following that logic one can say home is the place you choose rather than a place that is chosen due to work or some other commitment.

Why Grafton, WV as opposed to say Grafton, VT or Grafton, MA. Those two towns have magical beauty that few places can claim. One a real live town set around a common that you might see in a postcard the other Grafton, VT seems almost too perfect. I choose Grafton, WV for one simple reason “the people” and O yes I was born there. I was shaped by the rugged hillside streets and by neighbors who lived in the houses perched on those same streets with steps so steep that you might wonder if you will ever make it to the top. Those same people passed along values and traditions that are endemic to small town America. They love everyone in spite of themselves and can’t seem to help it. They feed and comfort just for the sake of caring. Some are so sensible you wonder why they didn’t complete a PhD. The kindness of those people who have the deepest roots in Appalachia is unsurpassed by any I have met.

Furthermore, the area offers arts and entertainment. Where else would you find a coffee shop that offers live music on the weekends and Theology night during the week? In my travels I haven’t found that combination anywhere. You can also find a group of citizens dedicated to the Arts as much as their dedication to their church. Additionally, you can observe the longest ongoing observation of Memorial Day than any other city or town in America. You also see the birthplace of Mother’s Day and how such a community honors both women and children. Lastly, the natural beauty of Tygart Lake will take your breath away. During your visit to Grafton; WV will find a simple way of live, filled with the values that you thought had long passed. For all of the above listed reasons and more I choose Grafton, WV.

Ron a native of Grafton, WV shares his time between Grafton and Princeton, MA.

The Hillbilly Gypsies

The Taylor County Arts Council and the International Mother's Day Shrine are pleased to annouce An Afternoon of Music with the Hillbilly Gypsies on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 2 PM at the Mother's Day Shrine, East Main St, Grafton, WV . Mark your calendars and save the date. More details to follow. Visit the Hillbilly Gypsies at the following website for a sample of their music. You won't be disappointed. http://hillbillygypsies.com/

Worldwide Spin in Public Day - Saturday September 18, 2010

Worldwide Spin in Public Day - Saturday September 18, 2010

The Fiber Addicts, who meet at The Grafton 123 once each month have announced their participation in the WORLDWIDE SPIN IN PUBLIC DAY [note the acronym: Spin in Public (SIP). Susan pointed out the appropriateness of this for the Coffee House ;) ].

On Saturday September 18th between the hours of
10:00am - 3:00pm
at The Grafton 123 House of Coffee
123 W Main St
Grafton, WV

these awesome ladies will share their skills with the public!

"If you spin, come join us; if you don't, come and we'll show you how!

Bring your wheel, spindle & fiber and join us for the World Wide Spin in Public Day!

for more information call Susan at 304-265-3266

SPIN with us or just come and WATCH."

I can tell you that I find this process fascinating.
An incredible fusion of old-time skill and modern creativity.

Summer Picture Request

I finally replaced the blog header (a beautiful, but unseasonal shot); I put up the Red Caboose, but I know we can do better than that. Last time I put out a picture request we got some amazing stuff. Let's do it again.

Send summer pics here: MK@Grafton123.com
Thanks!

Streetscape Phase II

The western end of the downtown portion of Main Street is getting a facelift to match the beautiful work on the east end of town!

For more details, I'm blogging about it over here: http://www.grafton123.com/

For all the hard work and to all the hard workers: Thank you for doing so much for progress in Grafton!

Relay for Life

An overnight relay for life will be held on Main Street in Historic Downtown Grafton.
The International Mother's Day Shrine will be Relay Headquarters.

Saturday June 26th - Relay for Life of Taylor County
4:00pm - Registraion Begins
5:00pm - Survivor Reception
6:00pm - Opening Ceremony/Survivor Lap
6:15pm - Caregiver Lap
8:00pm - Dove & Baloon Release
10:00pm - Luminaria Ceremony
11:00pm - 4:00am - Entertainment/Games
4:30am - Closing & Fight Back Ceremony

Green Building Demonstration - Spirit of Grafton Memorial Weekend

Everyone has heard of Green Building. Come and see what it actually looks like as father (builder) and son (architect) join forces to construct a full-scale mock-up illustrating advanced framing and insulating techniques for your roof, walls, and floor.

We will be starting the installation Saturday morning, the 29th, inside the Cohen Building (Main Street, directly across from the Grafton Fire Station) and will be constructing throughout the day. The installation will then be on display Sunday the 30th, and Monday the 31st. Feel free to stop in and observe the process.

Taylor County West Virginia

Taylor County West Virginia

Mother's Day Events

Saturday May 8, 2010

Mother's Day Founder Festival at the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum, located 3 miles south of Grafton on US Rt. 119.
10:00am-4:00pm - Tours of the Museum, food, craft vendors, & door prizes
2:00pm - Program begins with a Flag ceremony and continues with music & a period fashion show representing each decade of fashion since the early part of the 20th century. Historical facts on raising children in each era will bring the program to life, highlighting the differences and similarities of each age.
6:00pm - Country Music Show
For more information call 304-265-5549

Sunday May 9, 2010

2:00pm - The International Mother's Day Shrine will host the annual Mother's Day Program

This little kitten has alot to smile (and PURR) about! Her name is Awdry, she is a 9 week old Blue Cream kitten who was found abandoned with some siblings a few weeks ago. Since being saved she has been tested, vaccinated, spayed and well fed. She has been loved and her sweet story has been posted on over a dozen adoption related websites.


This week Awdry was adopted by a loving couple who drove all the way from Chicago Illinois to add this little love to their family.
Now some of you may ask "WHY would someone drove 9 hours to adopt a PURR Baby?" My answer is: Because we made her so special!

It takes alot of work and alot of love to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of abandoned cats and kittens each year. Alot of hard work and dedication is what the PURR volunteers put forth to make sure these babes are healthy, happy and on their way to furrever homes that appreciate how special each cat is.
They are ALL special. Every cat, every where has a story. The stray you see hiding in that abandoned building? Maybe he once had a home, maybe his mother had a home and was then thrown out because she was in heat, or became pregnant. Maybe he was LOST. Maybe she had been left behind when her family moved away, maybe she had been abandoned for one of the hundreds of excuses we hear at PURR. The fact remains, every cat who is feral or stray is there because at one time a human being was not responsible for their pet.
Strays and ferals are social problem, society and humanity has let them down. They aren't pests to be disposed of. They are domesticated creatures to be cared for. For information on TNR (Trap-neuter-release) programs and how to start one please visit: http://www.alleycat.org/
It is kitten season once again in Grafton West Virginia and around the world. This year we will see hundreds of kittens, hundreds of cats. This year we will spay and help spay hundreds of females so the won't contribute to the staggering overpopulation problem we face. There are 45 cats for every 1 person in the US.
In West Virginia over 77% of cats who go to shelters are destroyed. That is shocking right?

PURR is a no -kill facility. For information on advocating this practice please go to http://www.thenokillnation.com/.

Things you can do to help:

• Spay and neuter your cats. There is no excuse for a litter of kittens.


• Talk to others about spaying and neutering;


• Don't adopt FREE kittens, it only adds to the common excuse "but I always find homes for my kittens". For every one free kitten adopted 200 are euthanized in shelters. AND the healthcare screening is well worth adoption fees from shelters!


• Support your shelters and rescue groups! PURR WV is funded solely by donations!


• Volunteer. Groups like PURR need your help, and your time. You'll be glad you shared love with a homeless feline!

Please contact us to find out how you can help! http://www.purrwv.org/ Look for our table at the Spirit of Grafton Celebration and our float in the Memorial Day Parade!

MontCoal Miners Benefit 40 Hour Music Marathon

"Live Mic Entertainment is hosting a 40-hour Music Marathon to benefit the MontCoal Miners' Familes at Vintage Hall in Grafton, WV on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 beginning at 6:00am through Saturday, April 25th, 2010 at 10:00pm. All proceeds will go to the WV Council of Churches to be distributed to the miners' familes and can be made at any BB&T bank location. Several area musicians and bands have donated their time and talent for this worthy cause.

If there is anything you or your company would like to contribute to this event, please contact me at 304-657-5870. You may also get more information on our website, www.vintagehallwv.com.

Thank you for your time and interest.

Respectfully,

Jennie Shuman
Live Mic Entertainment"

The Character of a town

It’s easy to call home the place where you live. However if you are born, raised, and educated and live in one location all or most of your life, you tend to take for granted the character of a town. Sometimes it takes someone from outside to affirm the charm and beauty of a town.

I have been living in Taylor County for over 5 years. The longest I have ever lived anywhere in my adulthood. After 3 countries, 3 U.S. states, and plenty of miles in between, I have settled in Taylor County. I am not sure how long I will be living here, but while I do, I will enjoy it and take advantage of all it has to offer.

So what is the Character of a town? The answer is not as easy as the architecture or the commerce. The character of a town is based on its people and their ability to make visitors and newcomers welcomed, while providing for generations of residents of great living conditions.

Grafton in this case, is located in the middle of two distinct roads: Highway 50 that goes from Ocean City, MD, to Sacramento, CA passing through 12 states, and U.S. Highway 119 starting in DuBois, PA in the North and ending in Pineville, KY at the south, covering the state of West Virginia. These two highways, dating before the Interstate system, historically have brought large amounts of visitors, added to the train passengers who often stayed or stopped in Grafton. Because of this the city became a landmark in the state.

Recently with the Interstate, and the move of CSX to Jacksonville, FL, the town lost the large influx of visitors to the occasional traveler, who took an interest in the lake and the Mother’s day monument. The character of the town changed and all that remains from its past luster is in the memory of the elderly and history books.

We face two options then to define our character: One option is to do nothing, keeping the town as a time capsule, or as some define it, a mausoleum to the past. The other option is to invest and hand over the town to the young people to set the future of the town so their children will remain here and make “home” a great place to live. Either option will require sacrifice, but very different outcomes.

I love being in Taylor County, I see a tremendous potential in this town. However, I believe that the character for as charming as it is; needs to be refined and restructured. This is a great place to live, it’s a great place to visit, and mostly a great place to be. As I raise my children here, I want them to be proud of where they were born and live. We are to learn from our heritage and history, live in the present and prepare for the future. This is not only true for the character of our community but for our lives as well.

WBOY Restaurant Road Trip: Grafton 123: Spurring Local Tourism Economy

Here's the link to the story at the WBOY wesite:
http://wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=73391

"This week's Restaurant Road Trip takes us to a small-town restaurant with big plans.

GRAFTON -- Every Wednesday we take you on a trip to a new and exciting local restaurant.
This week, we make a stop a little Taylor County coffee shop that has big dreams of transforming an entire city.

Last year, 2009, was a good year for the restaurant industry in Grafton. Bon Monge opened in downtown and a new sports bar, Strykers Bar and Grill, opened next to the bowling lanes.

But only one restaurant made the list of "101 Best Places to Eat in WV" and that restaurant is the Grafton 123.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Grafton, the 123 is easy to find. A prime location near the courthouse keeps business steady and its big signs outside promise plenty of treats to those just passing through.

The Grafton 123, first and foremost, is a coffee house......"

Read the rest here:
http://wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=73391

Christmas Parade in Downtown Grafton

from the Mountain Statesman:

"The 2009 Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 4pm on Saturday, December 5th. Those lining up for the parade will be doing so on Latrobe Street starting at 3:30pm The parade will go from the Post Office down Main Street and will end in the Grafton Fire Department. The Gigantic Toy Giveaway will follow the parade. If you are interested in participating in the parade contact Bobby Jennings at 304-265-3333 before noon on Friday, December 4."