One, two, three, four, five.

One, two, three, four, five. 

Every five seconds, an elderly person is abused. One in ten people over the age of sixty experience this abuse.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and residents of Marietta may have noticed the displays outside of the Armory on Front Street. The display has 253 pinwheels representing reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Washington County last year. The displays are just one of the avenues that the Washington County Elder Abuse Awareness Coalition uses to promote awareness and education around the issue. Elder abuse often goes unnoticed by the general public but remains a serious issue for those personally impacted.

The Washington County Elder Abuse Awareness Coalition is working to prevent just that. Their mission states that they “ensure older residents of Washington County live with dignity, integrity, independence, and without abuse, neglect, and exploitation.” While the Coalition supports ongoing advocacy, June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. 

The types of elder abuse are widespread, but scamming is one of the most common. Scams include callers posing as the IRS asking people to retrieve money to send to them (the IRS will never call you for information). In addition to basic scams, scammers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and offering tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information.

 Many elderly people remain unaware of potential scams and find callers trustworthy. The older generation is the most likely to be taken advantage of with a phone scam. 

In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.

Some elder abuse is not as clear cut. A substantial amount of elder abuse cases are committed by friends and family. “In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member,” said Deanna Green of the Washington County Department of Jobs and Family Services. She is “tasked with investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in Washington County.” 

Part of the concern is the targeted population – the number of Americans that are 65 years or older – will double by 2060, from 46 million today to 98 million-plus. This is a problem everywhere but very much so in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Specifically, Washington County Adult Protective Services received 248 reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in 2019. Green notes that, comparatively, older adults who have been abused have an increased risk of premature death than those who have not been abused.  

In addition to the health implications and moral injustice, another major concern is that elder abuse cases cost older Americans $2.9 billion to $36.5 billion annually. Green said that two local cases involved more than $800,000 lost each. While many cases are lesser, some “people’s life savings of $50,000 is gone, which is just as tragic,” she said. For Green to investigate the claims, they must meet the standard for abuse and not be living at a nursing home (nursing home cases are referred to the state). 

Washington County employees created the Coalition to promote Adult Protective Services and allow a better reach and connection with their service area. Their main goal is to keep the elderly population safe and in their homes as long as they wish. They do this through educational opportunities that can prevent future abuses and encourage proper reporting of current abuses. Additionally, the Coalition provides help with medical referrals, medication, and other aging needs.

With the implications of Covid-19,  they are working more toward creative approaches to continue serving their community including education packet distribution and meals on wheels. Typically, they host an in-person event where the proceeds go to Compassionate Animal Resources for the Elderly (CARE). They were not able to do so this year, but encourage support of this program. 

Other partners in this work are the Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Southeastern Ohio Legal Services and Retired Senior Volunteer Program. In addition to those partners, home health professionals, the Sheriff’s Office, an area psychologist: Dr. Gail Rymer, and the Prosecutor’s Office, are all necessary to work toward prevention. Green commends the organizations and individuals and said that the Prosecutor, Nicole Coil, genuinely prioritizes elder abuse.

Reports of elder abuse can be made to 740-434-0531, or after-hours emergency to 740-236-7095.

As Green said, “it really takes a village of people” to solve the problem.

The post Protecting Seniors from Elder Abuse appeared first on Clutch MOV.

In response to the pandemic, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has given over $50,000 to address area COVID-19 concerns. These funds have supported grants that assist nonprofits in providing food, rent and utility assistance, as well as hygiene and school supplies. Beyond community members’ increasing needs, the Foundation has also found that COVID-19 significantly impacts nonprofits, causing a change to programming and services and a need for new revenue streams. Marian Clowes, the Foundation’s Associate Director for Community Leadership, is particularly concerned about arts and cultural organizations, who rely heavily on ticket sales.

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation has received increasing requests to address increasing food insecurity. One local nonprofit that received funding thanked the Foundation for coordinating support for local families. “As the person working directly with the recipients, I want to say that it was a real lifeline for some families who were caught in the unemployment limbo,” they shared.

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Hunger and Safety Net Funds address food insecurity and other emergency needs. One grantee, the Mountaineer Foodbank, received $6,000 which will provide much-needed support to pantries in all PACF-served counties: Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood counties in West Virginia, and Washington County, Ohio.

Many of the formerly homeless youth served through our Transitional Living Program have lost employment and are struggling with food insecurity.

In addition to funds used to increase local access to food, the Foundation granted $4,620 to the Children’s Home Society for their Transitional Living Program, supporting food needs for youth. “Many of the formerly homeless youth served through our Transitional Living Program have lost employment and are struggling with food insecurity,” shared Shelley Plauché-Adkins, Children’s Home Society of WV’s Regional Director. “These funds will enable Children’s Home Society to provide food boxes to 22 youth and their children over the next 12 weeks.”

Other grants are assisting with meal programs, including $2,000 to the Friendship Kitchen and $5,000 to the Wood County Senior Citizens Association to expand meal deliveries. Anticipating additional community needs, the Foundation granted $7,500 to help clients who are facing financial hardships to meet their basic needs, including rent and utility assistance, to SW Resources.

All of this work and financial assistance would not be possible without key partnerships, including the Sisters Health Foundation which gave a $25,000 grant to the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s Safety Net Fund. “The Foundation is matching 1:1, and we are jointly awarding grants to organizations addressing food insecurity, the needs of seniors, and mental health and addiction issues,” said Clowes. Thanks to this partnership, Calhoun County Schools have been able to distribute $3,000 in hygiene products and school supplies to families in need.

The Foundation is also collaborating with both the Truist (BB&T) and EQT Foundations, as well as receiving continued community support through individual donations. Judy Sjostedt Ritchie, Executive Director of the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, appreciates the opportunity to partner. “EQT Foundation’s generosity and continued partnership with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation will ensure that local needs that arise due to this COVID-19 pandemic are supported in a prompt and efficient way,” she said.

We anticipate making more distributions soon and we encourage the community to continue supporting these important charitable funds.

Other local partners in the COVID-19 response include area businesses like Solvay and Star Plastics, as well as Piggly Wiggly, who encouraged employees to support the response efforts and provide the Boys and Girls Club with food gift cards. Additionally, they are coordinating response efforts with the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley to share accurate and up to date information, address gaps in services, and meet community needs.

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation believes that community needs will only increase as the pandemic lasts, and is committed to working to address the growing need for food access, and rent and utility assistance. Nonprofit organizations should reach out to the Foundation if they are in need of assistance or have additional information about client needs at 304-428-4438 or by email to marian.clowes@pacfwv.com.

The community can continue to make an impact by donating to the Safety Net Fund and/or Hunger Fund, here. “We anticipate making more distributions soon and we encourage the community to continue supporting these important charitable funds,” said Clowes. “We are very grateful for our donors’ help, enabling us to meet the needs of our community.”

The post Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Meets Local COVID-19 Needs appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Here in the Mid-Ohio Valley, the community is grateful, now more than ever, for our area nonprofits fighting to provide support and resources to address increasing community needs. These efforts are made more manageable in Marietta and Washington County thanks to the work of the Marietta Community Foundation. In a statement shared on April 7th, the Marietta Community Foundation announced a partnership with the Sisters Health Foundation to help with providing meal delivery to area seniors. “We are awarding $10,000 to Community Action to assist with transportation and food costs for meals being delivered to seniors. This grant should help them sustain these efforts through April.”

The Marietta Community Foundation is committed to serving this community, supporting area food pantries and providing vulnerable populations with as much as they are able. Additionally, the COVID-19 Community Response Fund will be used to support Washington County nonprofit organizations that are involved in the frontline efforts to serve the needs of those most affected by the virus and contain the spread of COVID-19. Due to increasing local needs, the Foundation has expedited the process via this application. This grant is intended to meet an immediate emergency need of the organization. 

The Marietta Community Foundation has intentionally developed a community plan that is receptive to community needs, proactive to upcoming concerns and adaptable as changes may be needed. The first phase of the plan was addressing the needs of the most vulnerable population that had to social distance immediately to stay safe. Harvest of Hope relies on volunteers, many of whom are vulnerable themselves, to drive and distribute food, so the Foundation has stepped up to deliver for Harvest of Hope.

The other component of Phase One is supporting Community Action as they increase the meal delivery efforts to senior clients, including delivering meals on behalf of the O’Neill Center – the $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation will assist with this effort, among others.

We want to help as many people and households as possible by stocking our local food pantries who are already being overwhelmed by demand.

Area nonprofits are just as appreciative of these efforts as the Marietta residents. “Community Action has always been a strong partner of the O’Neill Center, and that partnership has never meant more than it does now,”, shared Connie Huntsman, Executive Director. She added, “We see each person’s individual need and look for opportunities to meet their unique circumstance.” Meeting the diverse and individual needs is certainly a goal during this time and can be seen through the additional phases. 

With Phase 2, Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation, said, “We want to help as many people and households as possible by stocking our local food pantries who are already being overwhelmed by demand.”

The Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry is grateful and commented on the increasing need. “On any given day, our freezers are normally full, but right now at least one is completely empty. We have been serving three times the amount of clients than we normally do,” said Director, Sherry Hill.

The Foundation purchased $10,000 worth of food to deliver to the 13 pantries serving Washington County, working every day to prevent food insecurity. In addition to supporting pantries, the Foundation wanted to serve another group of our community’s most vulnerable: kids that would normally be eating meals at schools. Phase 3 is working to address this need.

By pulling together, giving back, and volunteering, we are able to help and bring back that sense of control.

The Foundation has worked with local Rotary clubs to award $12,000 to the Boys & Girls Club, GoPacks, and Ely Chapman each for meals and other services. “By pulling together, giving back, and volunteering, we are able to help and bring back that sense of control,” said Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director at the Boys and Girls Club. 

These three phases were made possible by the dedicated work of the Marietta Community Foundation staff and Board of Directors, as well as important community partners, including the Sister’s Health Foundation, which granted $25,000 toward the above initiatives. Other partners include Warren’s IGA, Marietta Noon Rotary, Marietta Morning Rotary, Marietta Rotary Foundation, Washington County Women’s Giving Circle, Harvest of Hope and multiple anonymous donors.

Including donations from donors and the Sisters Health Foundation, the Foundation has given a total of $52,250 to support the above organizations as well as Joe Momma’s Kitchen and Marietta/Belpre City Health Department. Phase Four will focus on sustaining these measures until further notice. The Foundation believes in the importance of collaboration and proactive planning to meet the ever-evolving needs of the community during this crisis, said Allender.

The community can stay up to date on community needs and the Foundation’s efforts by following the Marietta Community Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you want to donate to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund or volunteer with a local nonprofit in need, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.

“Though we don’t know what the long term effects of these nation-wide safety measures,” said Allender, “one thing the community can count on is that Marietta Community Foundation will be here to help protect and provide for our community.”

The post Marietta Community Foundation Takes Action to Meet Community Needs Amid COVID-19 appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Formerly The Coffee Bar, The Cocktail Bar Revamps its Image and Offerings

If you’re looking for a night out, happy hour or a Sunday brunch, you’re bound to find all of the above on Market Street in downtown Parkersburg. Amid a variety of local choices, The Cocktail Bar, formally The Coffee Bar, stands out with its modern facade and intriguing menu. A downtown destination of its own, the restaurant recently updated its name to reflect its more diverse offerings.

The Cocktail Bar is owner Zak Huffman’s first restaurant, but not his first entrepreneurial adventure in the Mid-Ohio Valley. His venture into the restaurant business was motivated in part by his experience launching other start-ups, as well as the joy of engaging with customers. The result is a restaurant that has truly become a ‘third place’ for many of its patrons, known for its community-minded culture, support of local artists and musicians, and its great atmosphere. It’s a place to celebrate people’s commonalities over a shared experience, a drink, and of course, great food.

On the menu, you’ll find inspired dishes that compliment the craft cocktails, local brews, and wine served up at the bar. Their cajun-style shrimp tacos, for instance, pair perfectly with a margarita. Huffman said they were inspired by some of their favorite bars and restaurants across the state, including the famous Purple Fiddle in Thomas, WV, which also serves coffee and lunch during the day. In addition to their smattering of appetizers, small plates, and entrees, crafts beers like the Mountain State Miner’s Daughter Oatmeal Stout and their specialty cocktails are highly recommended. Oh, and their hummus platter, which was inspired by their Market Street neighbors to the north, Chams Lebanese Cuisine.

In fact, all of the downtown restaurants serve as inspiration for Huffman, who strives to contribute to the niche restaurant and nightlife scene found in the heart of the city. One can start with a glass of wine and appetizer at the Blennerhassett Restaurant and Lounge (formerly Brunello), head to the Parkersburg Brewing Co. for a beer end the night at The Cocktail Bar for a fun night of trivia, karaoke, or dinner. The variety of late-night options now available make it possible for diners to extend their time in downtown and hop around, which has not always been the case.

Although we haven’t seen a huge increase in new businesses yet, what we lack in quantity we make up for in quality.

“I’ve seen downtown evolve so much just in our five years here,” said Huffman. At first, he said The Coffee Bar primarily served those who worked downtown. “Now, people from out of town – some as far as Athens – come to downtown specifically to enjoy the growing scene. Although we haven’t seen a huge increase in new businesses yet, what we lack in quantity we make up for in quality. There’s not one business downtown in my opinion that doesn’t compliment it well.”

The early success of the bar concept challenges notions that downtown Parkersburg is primarily a working lunch destination or that Marietta is the only downtown that is happening on the weekends. During The Cocktail Bar’s “Name That Tune” and karaoke contests, the space is typically full of happy patrons having a good time. Their themed trivia nights, recently named #5 Top Trivia in the State in Best Things in West Virginia magazine, have quickly become popular local events. Open until 2:00 am, The Cocktail Bar is the last place to close up downtown most nights.

Along with the name change, the restaurant has undergone interior renovations since it first moved into its current location, including a build-out of the bar, new art installations, and of course the West Virginia mural, a nod to Huffman’s passion for community that extends beyond Parkersburg to encompass the entire state. The next phase includes adding fifteen additional seats to the bar, high-top tables, and high-back booths.

Since it first opened five years ago as The Coffee Bar, The Cocktail Bar has played a role in making downtown a destination – and Huffman has high hopes for continued revitalization in Parkersburg. He said he would like to see the City of Parkersburg keep an open mind and take some risks and adhere to the belief that downtown can be wonderful again without holding onto the glory days of the past or ‘the good old days.’ “We see so many once abandoned cities have people return and implement some really crazy ideas that work and boom, there’s a revival.”

Our bartenders are asked almost daily if there are any nice apartments over these businesses because they’d love to live downtown.

Huffman acknowledged a need for more residential spaces downtown. “With the increased traffic to downtown, our bartenders are asked almost daily if there are any nice apartments over these businesses because they’d love to live downtown. And right now, that’s missing.” And with ideas, Huffman said, people need funding. “We would love to see a financial institution believe in downtown and more grants from the state to help people who have the passion to take on these projects.”

From brunch every first Sunday of the month (featuring $10 bottomless mimosas) to live music every Friday night, The Cocktail Bar is its own unique destination, increasingly, like downtown Parkersburg itself. Huffman said he’s had some folks come in and say they haven’t been downtown in years, only to discover something new – a great testament to the important role local small businesses can play in revitalizing a neighborhood.

The post The Cocktail Bar Shakes (and Stirs) Things Up appeared first on Clutch MOV.

This summer, the MOV welcomes back for the fifth time a theater festival that wonderfully pairs an outdoor Shakespeare play at Muskingum Park with a Broadway musical at People’s Bank Theater. Many will fondly remember last summer’s performances of Twelfth Night and Guys and Dolls. The festival standard of excellence continues with two classics: Romeo and Juliet and Bye Bye Birdie. Romeo and Juliet opens this Thursday – June 27, 2019, at 8:30 p.m. and Bye Bye Birdie opens the following night at 8:00 p.m.

All performances:

Romeo and Juliet: June 27, 29, 30 at 8:30 p.m., as well as July 3 and July 7 at 8:30 p.m. Free for all to attend at East Muskingum Park.

Bye Bye Birdie: June 28 at 8:00 p.m., June 29 at 2:00 p.m. and July 5 and 6 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available for these performances at the Peoples Bank Theatre.

The Pioneer Summer Theater Festival thrives under the leadership of Andy Felt, whose substantial theater credentials include studying Shakespearean acting in London and his current role as Associate Professor and Artistic Director of the Marietta College Theatre. As the primary administrator, he is switching his energy from logistics and directing to the success and future of the festival. He further (as his peers say) serves as an advisor to the other show directors, attending some rehearsals and providing a different perspective which helps build a team and a support system.

The two directors, Emily Heugatter and John Galas, are appreciative of Andy’s guidance as he has a “good, solid, artistic eye” as opposed to the often more business-minded show managers. In some festival updates, shows now require all directors to meet more specific qualifications; directors have academic resumes and provide a truly professionally run show. All directors and upper-level production staff – from the stage manager to the choreographer and set designer – are required to be professionals with academic resumes and thus, viewed as Marietta College employees.

One such Marietta College adjunct is Sara Keller, a second-year graduate student at Ohio University. Sara has held several jobs as a costume designer and brings her talents to the Marietta production; talents that were observed by this writer and a Clutch photographer during a Romeo and Juliet costume parade.

Andy discussed working through the challenges of managing increased numbers of cast/crew, a name change, and dividing the festival between two off-campus locations. Overall, he is excited about the festival’s continued success and growth both in numbers and recognition. Speaking of festival expansion, the cast and crew have expanded to around 50 people, from four professionals to fifteen, and from fourteen pre-professionals (current theater college students) to twenty-one. These actors and crew members hail from all over the country and can boast of many accomplishments – the actress who plays the Madame role is about to do a national tour of American in Paris. Many of the actors have parts in both shows, providing a unique opportunity to see people’s range in different roles. In addition to a great cast and crew, having professional directors is a tremendous asset to the festival. The two shows’ directors have a wealth of experiences from national and international tours to national academic honors to published authors. And, both directors come to town with the support of talented and experienced spouses that can offer their expertise in various roles.

Romeo and Juliet’s director, Emily Heugatter, an Associate Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma and author of Playground Shakespeare: bringing the Bard to Life, no doubt brings a smart interpretation of the play to Marietta. Telling a story that’s oft-told, Emily brings her expertise and draws upon the history of the MOV to set this Romeo and Juliet in an Ohio River town of Verona in 1861, and the Montagues on the union side rival the confederate Capulets. Love grows as war tensions remain. Building upon the familial and generational history (a great draw for a town energized by the release of David McCullough’s The Pioneers) her play highlights the natural landscape and historical political divides of Ohio and across the river to Virginia.

The idea of having friends and family across the river takes on new meaning during the civil war where lines and borders have heightened political significance. Emily overlays a contemporary feeling to encourage audience members to ask themselves “Is this us? Can we see ourselves in this?” She highlights the humor and how the play is more complex than just a tragedy though once Tybalt and Mercutio die, the play quickly turns to tragedy. More than tragedy, this play shows that teens caused their families to mend their divisions. The Ohio Valley Shakespeare Conference, also here in Marietta, is sure to be impressed by this show from the costumes to the performers and certainly the direction. This year’s play and musical were selected to balance each other and be family friendly. And, while at first glance may not have much in common,  both have strong rebellious teens and similar thematic elements around the power of youth.

Bye Bye Birdie is directed by John Galas, a graduate student at the University of Georgia. John performed in several national and international tours for Broadway before beginning his masters. And, fittingly, one of John’s first shows as an actor was Bye Bye Birdie. This 1960s musical includes Elvis-inspired music and two sides of a story of America. There had never been a show about youth culture before –youth and amateurs produced, wrote and acted in the show. And its debut on April 14, 1960 was quite the surprise. John repeated a quote about the show: “That’s when Broadway discovered teenagers and the world trembled.” As teenagers balance the yearning for adulthood with the innocence of youth, they have to worry about the threat of being drafted. Both shows reveal the political significance of teenage rebellion; in addition, the characters are thinking about struggles beyond their years from warring (literally) parents to the possibility of the draft and premature death.

The performances of these two classics will provide a unique experience for lovers of theater and musicals alike. Enjoy the relaxed outdoor atmosphere under the lights of the park, or the opulent glamor of the Theatre—or treat yourself to both!

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If you’re a local resident who has not made your way to House of Wines yet, what are you waiting for? From the wine and beer store, to the older feeling of the dining area, to the truly terrific views of the Muskingum River. Going to House of Wines provides more than just dining, it provides the opportunity to shop (my favorite!), learn more about the food and wine as you eat and drink and enjoy an atmosphere for more meaningful conversation.

House of Wines is always one of my favorite places to eat (and drink). The food is always prepared fresh and becoming a regular includes the benefit of knowing the servers. It was a girls night out, so we all arrived about 7:00 and were shown to a nice table a bit away from the noise of a few other bigger tables. As always, the table presentation and environment was lovely. Let Wine Wednesday (and MOV Restaurant Week) begin!

Our server, Angela, is a great resource on all things wine and she even makes the desserts! She started off telling us about our restaurant week options and the wine pairing that is a special House of Wines touch. Though, a few of us are fans of the newer Wine Tasting Machine, so we were excited to get the wine cards and sample some of the 8 different wines. One friend, Nicole, chose to go with the $12 wine pairing for the 3 courses and she was very happy with all of the wine choices. Though I think the first glass may have already been consumed before the appetizer arrived…oops!

After some sampling at the wine tasting machine and first glasses decided upon, we began with the appetizer course. Our group tried both options: the Butternut Squash Croquettes with Sage Cream Dipping Sauce and Cordon Bleu Strips with Honey Mustard. Everyone loved the Butternut Squash, the feedback was the sauce is amazing, and would be on literally anything. The fresh parmesan on top and spinach underneath added a nice touch. Even my friend Nicole who is not a huge fan of squash said “people that don’t like butternut squash will flock to these.” The other appetizer was less popular among our group, Raquel wished there would’ve been a bit more cheese inside; though, people thought it was cooked well – crunchy but tender ham on the inside.

After some wine refills, the main course came out, we all chose the Pan Seared Trout, served with Cheddar Polenta Fries, Green Bean and Caper White Wine Sauce. I am already partial to trout, it has a great flavor and this Trout was no exception. The lemon, capers and green onions great touch, and the fish was tender. The green beans paired well with the trout and we just soft enough. The polenta fries were a bit too salty for most of us, but overall everyone was satisfied with this dish. It was recommended to squeeze lemon over hole plate, and dip fries into sauce on plate.

And, last but certainly not least – Dessert! Our table tried both the Chocolate Cheesecake with Chambord Sauce & Fresh Raspberries and Coconut Cake with Rum Frosting, Pineapple Compote & Toasted Coconut. I loved the Chocolate Cheesecake, it was more of a mouse consistency, reminding me of a flourless chocolate torte and the raspberries were delicious – kudos Angela! The other dessert also had rave reviews, though pineapple is not my favorite in a dessert, the frosting and coconut were awesome!

We left House of Wines full and happy, everyone was very happy with the food (or maybe that was the wine), jokes aside, we are always impressed with the presentation and quality at House of Wines. Everyone especially loved the Butternut Squash and both desserts! And, when you stop by this weekend for restaurant week or sometime as the weather gets nicer to sit on the patio, don’t forget to stock up on beer and wine before you leave, definitely the best place around for wine and an opportunity to mix and match a six pack to try new craft beers.

The post MOVRW 2019: House of Wines appeared first on Clutch MOV.

On the cold days of February, there aren’t many things that will warm you up quite like a Galley Old-Fashioned. I first had an old-fashioned at the Galley and it is definitely my first choice cocktail here and the best old-fashioned in town. Or on the occasional 60 degree day like we had this week, the newly updated cocktail menu offers another good selection: the Marie Antoinette. This cocktail is sweetly named after our town’s inspiration and is a favorite among all who try it.

Be sure to stop by The Galley during this year’s MOV Restaurant Week for a cocktail and one of the delicious appetizer, entree and dessert choices. The warm lighting is perfect for a happy hour or two after work or a cozy, intimate dinner. The booths in the back provide comfort and a nice view of the restaurant (as well as of a TV for those who more sports-inclined). My favorite spot to eat a meal is at the bar at The Galley, where you can watch the bartenders make the hand-crafted cocktails right in front of you and enjoy great conversation.

Start off Restaurant Week with a restaurant classic – the calamari which certainly does not disappoint. With a bit of spice, The Galley’s version is zesty, hand-breaded calamari, served with bread banana peppers and a house-made chipotle mayo. This is a go to appetizer any night of the week and goes well with a draft beer or white wine. If you’re in search of a lighter option the mixed green salad is made fresh to order with several delicious veggie toppings.

Now, onto entrees where you have three great choices: Marinated Hanger Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and French Fries, Herb Roasted Chicken with Spinach, Cheddar Grits & Cipollini Onion Ragu, or the Westor Ross Salmon with Oyster Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Asiago Dumplings. I tried the Salmon entree and was very impressed with the presentation and taste. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the asiago dumplings provided a complementary, though unique flavor. I definitely recommend. As a server at the Galley, I have been consistently impressed with the combinations and sauces that our Chefs use. All three of these choices are newer menu items, and I do not believe one could go wrong. As someone who doesn’t eat steak

I cannot say that I have tried the Hanger Steak, but oh the Chimichurri Sauce is pretty amazing, and I imagine goes great with the steak. I further consulted another server who calls the herb roasted chicken “one of her top picks.” Kat Collins further describes the chicken as juicy in a good way and the cheddar grits as one of her favorite parts. If you’re considering glancing at the regular menu, I can’t recommend the salads enough – the Little Gem Caesar with Salmon or the Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese Salads both offer lighter fare. Another quick favorite, though newer to the menu is the Gemelli pasta which is made in-house, served with a bacon cream sauce, crispy brussel sprout leaves and butternut squash – a great fall and winter dish!

To save the best part for last, there are two great dessert options: Hummingbird Cake and Espresso Creme Brulee. As someone who loves and consistently orders creme brulee, I decided to branch out and try the Hummingbird Cake. Okay, this cake could be a meal in itself! But, definitely a meal you will not want to miss. There are some light flavors of banana, cinnamon and other great spices. This is definitely a dessert to try!

As I mentioned, I work at the Galley, I mention this to let you know I may have a bit of a bias, but then again, I am spending time outside of work to describe these menu choices. The Galley is a place where once you go you almost always come back and that is how I feel about working here, I enjoy coming to work and on days off, coming in to eat. Before I started working at the Galley, both the restaurant and the Adelphia were common destinations for my friends and I; now, it is even more of a stopping place, whether coming for a great meal at the beginning of the night or closing the bar with good live music at the end of the night! Not only are the food and drink choices superior, the staff are friendly and welcoming. Make sure to look at the upcoming Seventh Son Brewing Company Beer Dinner – a 5 Course Pairing on March 21 6-9.

I encourage all to make it to the Galley before the end of MOV Restaurant Week and after!

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