Stacy’s Family Farm planted its roots in the Mid-Ohio Valley in 1899 when Albert and Lina Frost Stacy purchased the 24 acre tract of land that still encompasses the Stacy Family Farm today. 

“The river bottom ground I grew up farming (Oak Grove Farm) is very productive and grows fruit and vegetables well. The farm we purchased (Reno Farm) is great due to the sandy loam soil which is great for our strawberries and other crops,” co-owner Todd Stacy said. 

Through the years, the Stacy Family Farm has seen generational turnovers, but the farm has always remained in the family as they have farmed various crops including pumpkins, blueberries, squash – and of course, strawberries (although Stacy mentions that while everyone else loves them, after 20 years, he’s burnt out). 

There is something about planting a small plant or seed into the ground, taking care of it, making an end product, and then someone being able to enjoy it when it’s ready.

“I enjoy farming. There is something about planting a small plant or seed into the ground, taking care of it, making an end product, and then someone being able to enjoy it when it’s ready,” Stacy said. “ I also enjoy farming with my family and watching my child grow up on the farm. We all have disagreements from time to time, but the good days well outweigh the bad.”

According to Stacy, the farm is truly a family operation with every member of the family doing their part to keep the business going. 

“My mom and dad are the only “full time” people on the farm. Bill, my dad, retired from his off-the-farm job about four years ago and farms full time along with my mom, Janet. Me and my wife (Aimee) still work off the farm to maintain insurance for ourselves and our daughter (Hannah) but we fulfill important roles in the operations,” he said.

During picking season, his wife and mom focus on running the stands, maintaining the books, paying the bills, and managing employees. His sister, Amanda, has moved from the Marietta area for her job, but brings her husband and children back to visit and help on the farm as often as they can.

Me and my dad do the majority of the labor day-to-day work on the farm.

“Me and my dad do the majority of the labor day-to-day work on the farm. My brother, Tyler, wants to come back to the farm. He is a welder through the 168 Local and works at different places in the area. He’s always been there to help when we needed extra labor or had big jobs that needed to get done, but he’s wanting to take a more active role in the farm which we appreciate and welcome.  

While farming runs in Stacy’s blood, he has also spent time perfecting the science of farming through formal education on the subject. Stacy is a 2010 graduate of Marietta High School where he met his wife. After high school, he attended the Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute and graduated from there in 2012. Stacy and his wife both maintain jobs off of the farm as well and rely on additional resources to keep the farm running to its full potential.

“We use a wide variety of resources. We have friends who grow the same crops as us – we all share ideas or experiences to get through hurdles. We also use experts such as doctors or extension agents through multiple different universities who help us,” he said. 

Along with changing hands, the farm has seen changes both good and bad that enhance the rich history of its time in this area. 

He worked hard and smart to get us where we are today. We started with strawberries in 1995 and have been slowly adding crops as years have passed.

“After a rough time in the 80s, when farming and the financial situation were a little rough, my dad purchased the home farm back and a few pieces of equipment back after a bankruptcy. He worked hard and smart to get us where we are today. We started with strawberries in 1995 and have been slowly adding crops as years have passed,” he said. 

However, the changes that the farm has seen are one of the best parts for Stacy. While working with family and seeing the seasons affect the farm, Stacy enjoys all aspects of farming and watching the vision for the farm evolve. According to Stacy, the ideas surrounding the farm change daily, but that depends on all sorts of factors.

“Starting with bare soil in the spring or summer, planting a small seed or plant, then watching it grow and produce a product that so many people can enjoy is one of the most rewarding parts of this job,” he said. 

Growing the physical farm for continued enjoyment has been a challenge for the Stacys. In the past, they remained limited on what they could produce simply because of the land available. The new farm has given them the opportunity for expansion into new types of crops and growing processes. Additionally, the Stacys take pride in using as many local items to keep their farm going as possible.

I hope people always come back for the fun they’ve had on the farm – the memories that can be made and cherished for years to come when picking strawberries or working them up to eat.

“We try to use as many small or local businesses as we can.  From car and truck tires, fertilizer, seeds, and anything in between, we use local materials when we can,” Stacy said.

Stacy’s commitment to local seems to work both ways as the community comes out in large every year to participate in the u-pick strawberry season at the farm. 

“I hope people always come back for the fun they’ve had on the farm – the memories that can be made and cherished for years to come when picking strawberries or working them up to eat. Then, hopefully it is because the strawberries taste so good and they are returning for the flavor,” Stacy said. “From supporting us in the purchasing of our Reno farm, to bringing us food, jams, etc of things they have made from our products – we love all of our customers.”

The support from the community and the ability to really integrate his family into the area and the farm is what builds the basis of the farm and its mission.

“It’s always awesome to know that all the hard work we did together works out and that we meet some of the goals we set earlier in the year. Then watching my parents having a smile on their face watching their grandkids grow up and start helping on the farm is awesome, too,” Stacy said.

Stacy Family Farm is located just outside of Marietta and welcomes visitors. For those interested in visiting, their Facebook keeps the most up-to-date hours and information about the u-pick seasons.

The post A Family Legacy: Stacy Family Farm appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Aliens have overtaken the art wing at Parkersburg High School (PHS), but judging by the other murals around them, they seem to be there in peace and love. Operating under a grant from the state, PHS students brightened the hallways in the art wing of the campus under the direction of art teacher Emma Romanowski. Romanowski applied for the state grant which was geared towards exciting students about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) electives. Romanowski’s approved grant allowed 16  students five days to complete 10 murals under her guidance. 

“I’m hoping that this program helps kids get the confidence to be able to paint around the school and paint for teachers because there’s support around the building – every single department has at least one or two teachers who were like ‘hey, paint something in my room,’” Romanowski said. “So I’m hoping that this is kind of a segue into being able to paint more around the school and like a catalyst to get them involved with the flood wall mural that’s going on and the art center mural. There are so many opportunities.”

Romanowski cites the Parkersburg art boom as one of the main reasons that she decided to pursue the grant noting the experiential learning that she can provide in this situation will give them the confidence to start creating art for the project. 

Half of the things that we know about cultures that have long since passed are their art, their pottery, their tools, and their cave paintings.

“Art is a universal concept for people and that’s important for high school students to understand because it does change your worldview. One of my favorite quotes ever, loosely goes ‘after civilizations crumble, art is all that’s left.’ Half of the things that we know about cultures that have long since passed are their art, their pottery, their tools, and their cave paintings,” Romanowski said. 

Romanowski, a 2010 graduate of PHS, believes in the long standing traditions of the high school. As a high school basketball player, she remembers her coach walking their team through the halls of the field house where it’s lined with photographs of past state championship teams and notable athletes. 

“It felt so haunting and almost alive in itself. I want to build that with art. If we can get that concept of students pouring themselves into the walls – pouring themselves into actually creating something here, then I really hope that they echo that when they get older. No matter where they go, it’s kind of like blowing the seeds of a dandelion – if you can foster that notion of the universal construct while they’re here, then, as they go they kind of just sow the seeds of creation. If you can do that, you can literally change the country and it starts in the hallway here, treating each other like they’re treating each other. It’s just beautiful,” she said. 

For her, the project is a piece that will allow the students autonomy over their space. As a high school student, things often remain prescribed, but this project allows them the ability to have a say in their space.

What I want is for them to walk through this hallway and kind of shed the nine to five dreary white walls and be able to be like, ‘Whoa, okay I can breathe again.’

“You kind of pour yourself into everything that you do when you create, and by pouring yourself into the literal walls of this school, I think it kind of gives kids a connection,” Romanowski said. “What I want is for them to walk through this hallway and kind of shed the nine to five dreary white walls and be able to be like, ‘Whoa, okay I can breathe again.’ Then, I think the color will just slowly, infectiously spread to the rest of the building.”

Romanowski remained hands-off as much as possible during the week, letting the students be the driving force behind the project while maintaining the state guidelines of nothing political, nothing religious, and nothing that is copyrighted. All mural designs must be original content. 

“At the beginning of the week, I gathered everyone and said ‘Hey, we’re gonna pretend like this is a client so that you know how to speak to people. Your client gave you an open concept: you can do what you want, as long as it falls within these guidelines.’ It wasn’t planned, but it’s all peace, love, and outer space in this hallway. Basically I’ve been a gofer all week which is the role I wanted to have during this program,’ she said.

The hallway, previously described as “institutional” is now full of original art pieces that liven up the space. Ella Wells, a rising junior, is one of the students who chose to participate in the project. For Wells, school has always been a place of stress and an opportunity like this allowed her to become excited for school again and for the coming year. 

Because of the quarantine, it’s been hard getting back to talking to people, and this has been a wonderful experience of getting back out there feeling like I’m part of something.

“Recently, I’ve lost a lot of motivation for painting, which I’ve really missed. So whenever I heard about this idea with Miss Romanowski, I thought it was a great way to get out of my shell and meet more people. Because of the quarantine, it’s been hard getting back to talking to people, and this has been a wonderful experience of getting back out there feeling like I’m part of something,” Wells said.

Wells, the designer behind the desert-influenced space-themed mural, chose her inspiration after seeing the others and wanting to help create cohesion in the hallway. 

“I’m really into UFOs. I thought it would be really cool to have a UFO in the art hallway. I have a bracelet, which I’m wearing, that’s a rainbow UFO. I knew I wanted to do something inspired by that,” Wells said. “So I went on Pinterest and I found this cool inspiration of this tie dye ray coming out of the UFO. I knew instantly I wanted to do something like that, but at first I found it very difficult to make the tie dye. I realized I was relying too much on someone else’s creativity. I wasn’t using my own. So I just kind of said, ‘Let’s go for this,’ and I made it my own and I really like it.”

Wells’ participation and growth within the program is exactly what Romanowski envisioned when she applied for the grant. For her, the focus is on growing and strengthening the art presences in the community as a placemaking activity. 

By letting people do public art, it gives them ownership to the town. I think that’s incredibly important, because we’ve seen how it’s revived the town already.

“If you think about the kind of art revival that’s going on in Parkersburg, you have to focus on younger students if you want that to continue. People are leaking out of West Virginia, and not just Parkersburg, but leaking out of West Virginia,” Romanowski said. “I chose to come back, but I think that a lot more people would have stayed and invested in the community if they would have had a place. By letting people do public art, it gives them ownership to the town. I think that’s incredibly important, because we’ve seen how it’s revived the town already.”

Rising senior and Big Red Marching Band Drum Major, Courtney Rather, jokingly mentioned that she chose to participate because the program gave her permission to do what she had wanted to do for a long time already – draw on the walls. Rather’s mural bridges the gap, both physically and artistically, between the art hallway and the band hallway featuring flowers leading into a rainbow and a music staff that becomes musical notes. Her work is part of a collaborative effort between herself and several other band students who chose to participate in the project. 

“Art is important to high school students because high school and middle school, specifically, is a very vulnerable part of teenage life. We have a lot of emotions; a lot of built up things and creativity is one of the greatest ways to just get everything in your head out, which is why I personally like to do all sorts of arts. So music, painting, drawing – all of that is something that really just helps me get through life way easier,” Rather said.

Watching the students take the project from start to finish has been the best part for Romanowski. While the program starts at 11 a.m, she had students who wanted to come in at 8 a.m. and that drive surprised her and inspired her. 

“They’re not only just gung ho about getting it up on the walls, but they’re gung ho about helping each other. The amount of people who were walking down the hall, and they’ll say, ‘hey, can you hand me some blue?’ Then they mix up blue and hand it up. It’s an insular community and I’m just blown away,” she said. 

The post Paint the Halls: New Murals at PHS appeared first on Clutch MOV.

There’s nothing more American than eating hot dogs on the Fourth of July – except for maybe making it into a competition to see who can eat the most hot dogs in a 10 minute time span. For The Locker Room, this tradition saw its 14th iteration in the Mid-Ohio Valley this holiday. The rules are simple – contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs as possible and then they must keep it down for one additional minute. 

“When I bought the Locker Room Sports Bar back in 2006, I was looking to host events and do things that the Mid-Ohio Valley had never seen. What better way than a traditional 4th of July hot dog eating championship? It’s always a lot of fun and we have been able to help raise money for good causes through it. We started this event 14 years ago as a way to provide some entertainment to the Mid-Ohio Valley and celebrate our nation’s independence,” The Locker Room owner Ike Eastwood said. 

For Eastwood, the contest is a great way to bring the community together and continue his business’ focus on giving back whenever possible. The Locker Room donates and participates in many area causes including being strong supporters of The Gospel Food Pantry and sponsoring a local softball team. He believes that the hot dog eating contest is a great way to really bridge the gap between different people in the community.

“People from all walks of life are welcomed and have competed. Anyone and everyone is welcome. Over the years we’ve done dance battles, rap battles, karaoke, concerts and many other events. All of these things help bring together the community, but the one thing that’s universal is the love for hotdogs,” Eastwood said.

Well, almost. 

Second place finisher Reed Byers, who would rather eat just about anything else than a hot dog, was slated to compete to set a Guinness World Record on July 9 for most jumping jacks in a 24 hour period with a matching fundraising goal of $24,000. However, an injury caused him to postpone the event leading him to sign up for this competition and turn it into a fundraising challenge instead. 

“As a human, I deserve to treat myself better than that. I didn’t puke, thankfully, but I felt like I’d been poisoned,” Byers said. “The fundraising began after I realized I committed to an event without much purpose beyond eating hotdogs. With the fundraiser I was working on being postponed, it seemed like a natural fit.”

Despite his distaste for the American classic, he persevered in good humor and completed the challenge downing 10 hot dogs and raising over $1,200 for How to Save a Life – a GiveMore Connections program that aims to provide community services in youth development, health & fitness, and mental health support.

“There is such a tremendous wealth within our community here in the Mid-Ohio Valley – I think it’s vital we focus on that – especially in our youth and cultivate a generation of stewards, who take pride in building a healthy community. Connecting people with positive events and causes is just one piece of that. It provides us a sense of purpose, belonging, and allows us to invest in our future – together,” Byers said.

People like helping, and when you’re able to make the connection so people can – that’s what building community is about.

This year’s winner, Jimbo Slice, is the four-time reigning champion of the contest and enjoys participating because he gets to engage with the area in a non-conventional and entertaining manner. Slice was able to eat 16 hot dogs with time to spare. 

“It’s a great time to interact with people in the community and it’s always good to help and give back to the community whenever possible. This is just one of the ways that can happen” Slice said. 

The event involves many pieces of the community, possibly more this year, as Byers sourced sponsorships and community donations to help him complete his fundraising goal of $1,000. As part of the competition, he sought pledge donations per hot dog eaten as well as flat donations from supporters. For the event, each dog consumed was worth $50. 

“I reached out to Piggly Wiggly because I was told they have the best sauce in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Without hesitation Jim Oppe agreed to donate the product and to provide me with a shirt to wear during the competition. The Root Beer Shack could not have been more excited to donate a dozen of their premium hot dogs to help me get some practice in before the event,” Byers said. “People like helping, and when you’re able to make the connection so people can – that’s what building community is about.”

Eastwood plans to continue hosting the competition every year and using his business to promote good in the community. 

“In future years we would love to see the event grow in both competitors and attendance. Fourteen years have gone by since the first one and we couldn’t have dreamed it would have become as big as it has – one day maybe ESPN will be covering Marietta,” Eastwood said.

The post Doggone, the Dogs are Gone: Marietta’s 14th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Soon, the bare bricks of the downtown Parkersburg area will be brought to life with the broad brushstrokes reflecting a community purpose, cause, and effort. Parkersburg placemaking swung into full gear at The GoodSpace Murals and Lunch on June 30. Community members from across the town gathered to listen to local music and share ideas concerning the GoodSpace Murals that will eventually splash across the sides of The Art Center and The Actors Guild. 

The project is a result of The Downtown Arts Collaborative – a series of arts groups in the Mid-Ohio Valley that is housed under WVU Parkersburg. For President Chris Gilmer, the arts are an important part of the community and one that he is hopeful to see expand throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“Community is the most important word in ‘Community College.’ We have to be of and for the community we serve and it’s an honor to be. We can’t be a hidden gem or an underused resource, it’s our responsibility to step forward and not only feed the workforce development needs, but also the mission oriented service,” President Gilmer said. 

Greta McLain is the muralist bringing this opportunity to the community. She is the owner and artistic director of GoodSpace murals which has completed placemaking pieces all across the United States. Great painted her first mural at nine years old. After that, she decided that painting with her friends and bringing people together through art was the only thing that she wanted to do. After studying it in college, she formed a career by using it to create positive social change through GoodSpace. 

“So I think it’s really important for us to feel like we have power in our communities and power in the direction that things are going. One of the things that I hear about, about shifts and the possibility or the threat of gentrification, is people feel like the development in the direction of their communities is out of their hands,” McLain said. “So there’s something really powerful about inviting everybody in and saying, ‘I want us all; we’re all going to paint together, we’re all going to talk together. Your voice is just as important as this other person’s voice and it is just important as this other person’s. We cannot be a community unless we’re all together, and then a mural can represent the power of the collective, and it can also show who actually lives here and be a way for people to feel like they’re telling their own stories.”

McLain developed three questions that she asked the community to answer while they were at the event:

• What do you love about Parkersburg?
• What are you dreams/hopes for the future of Parkersburg? What would you like to see happen here?
• What would you like to change about Parkersburg?

McLain developed these questions with Senta Goudy of WVU Parkersburg and Jessie Siefert of The Parkersburg Art Center. The team hoped that the questions would be simple enough to get straightforward answers, but profound enough to signal true feelings. The goal was to create a definition, a problem, and a solution from the answers to these questions.

“So the definition is what we love about Parkersburg and what Parkersburg is now. Then the challenge would be like, ‘what do we want to change?’ So then people can look around and do something that unites us: being able to critique our home, and not having somebody else critique our home. When we critique our own home, we’re saying we’re going to change,” McLain said. 

The murals will be a completely community drive project down to the painting and installation. McLain believes in the power of communities coming together to complete these projects.

“We’re using an indirect mural technique called ‘the parachute cloth technique.’ And what we do is invite everyone to paint on as synthetic canvas, and then once it’s painted, we actually glue it up on the wall with a matte medium. So it’s kind of like paint on paint on paint, but it will get installed like permanent wallpaper. Then, we paint over the seams and we seal it, and at the end of the day it will have the appearance of being painted directly on the wall,” McLain said. 

In placemaking, the design of public spaces hinges heavily on the use of local assets and talent to create spaces that feel like they belong to the community, often promoting health and well-being.

“It is a visual representation of the intangible and the tangible world that is around us and they’re things that people can unite around, and share a common vision around and this one is going to be especially important because it’s going to be one that’s not done for the community, it’s going to be one that is done by us. And we’re all more invested in the things that we feel like we own and participate in,” President Gilmer said.

Downtown PKB, another organization working toward creating intentional spaces in the Parkersburg area through strategic initiatives, is focusing on creating more public art in the downtown space. 

“Anytime there’s a project like this, we want to be involved in helping them get the word out about it or helping them to try and fundraise for it whenever we can. This is activating the space and creating uniqueness. We see people down here all the time with our selfie stations interacting –  guests from the hotel (The Blennerhassett) will come out and stand in front of that big banner over there and get their photo taken. It’s a placemaking activity, but it’s bringing back life,” Downtown PKB Executive Director Wendy Shriver said. 

The project is slated to begin painting soon with the final installation happening with an anticipated finishing date of three months. For those interested in participating in the process, the Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s Facebook page will have the most up-to-date information. 

The post Downtown PKB Welcomes GoodSpace Murals appeared first on Clutch MOV.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for I Scream

In the middle of June, a run in with the Headless Horseman seems unlikely. Unlikely, but not impossible at I Scream Sundae in Ripley, W.Va. where everyday is Halloween. The exterior of the building is almost unassuming with a few touches of scare here and there, but the real magic happens once the doors open. 

On the inside, bistro lights shine upon a decor style best described as “friendly horror” with a life-sized Jack Skellington standing guard outside the women’s restroom and an eye-level vintage Pennywise looming in the black light lit men’s restroom. The Creature from the Black Lagoon gazes down in a frighteningly friendly way directly across from the wall of Creations. Horror fans will be delighted to see signed photos from their favorite horror films as well. Charessa Wilkinson, owner of I Scream Sundae, loves Halloween – and she built her business around that. 

“Everything I’ve ever done, I know nothing about. From ice cream to real estate to coffee – I’m just a massive risk taker,” she said. “Three years ago we did a haunted house called The Gogo Scare Show and it was 24 rooms. I fell in love with the show and working with the teenagers. I wanted to create employment and so we put the haunted house with ice cream and made I Scream Sundae.”

The Scream isn’t just a local thing; it’s more like a destination.

For Charessa, creating jobs for local teenagers was one of the most intriguing reasons for opening her own business. She wanted to employ teens and young adults who had an alternative look and struggled to find employment elsewhere. Additionally, she employs her step-son, Josh, as one of the newest Screamers behind the counter. She jokingly added that he’s become one of the best decorators even though the girls are typically better at the job.

“I’m kind of slow and meticulous, but if we don’t have a lot of customers, I can be really good at it,” Josh said.  

While Wilkinson had the heart behind opening an ice cream shop, she’ll be the first to admit that she didn’t have the research or the plan. She hadn’t even made the first Creation before deciding to open the business, but she hoped for the best and opened her door with five different Creations. From there, the menu has grown to house over 30 Creations, B-Movie Creations, Bloody Sundays, Screams by the scoop, Slashed Throats, and Frankenweenies. During the holidays, she likes to rotate out different themed Creations like The Nightmare Before Christmas in December and My Bloody Valentine in February. 

“Ripley is all about small business, and about bringing people into the town, so it’s been really good. However, The Scream isn’t just a local thing; it’s more like a destination. People are driving hours to see us. Last week we had North Carolina that came here just for us,” she said. “ We get a lot of teenage birthdays. One drove here from New Jersey – I think they said it was 13 hours, but it was her dream to come here. So, we take it very seriously and I’m very honored to be able to do this kind of stuff and make sure it’s a good experience for them.”

I went out with our Corolla, my tattoos, tee shirt and jeans, and then I found lots of respect for being myself.

Being a small business owner is hard work, but Wilkinson says The Scream is just what she does for fun even being a fully thriving business in its fifth year. According to her, her real gig is being one half of the Sold Sisters realty team which sits adjacent to I Scream Sundae. 

“We’ve been number one in Jackson County since we opened and I think we’re fifth within the Ohio Valley MLS with around 20 agents. Just like ice cream, I knew nothing about it and it took my sister a year and a half to talk me into it because I felt like a used car salesman. I wasn’t going to dress up so I was like ‘I’ll just change it.’ So, I went out with our Corolla, my tattoos, tee shirt and jeans, and then I found lots of respect for being myself,” she said. 

Wilkinson’s success in Jackson County did not surprise her because of how the community rallies around small businesses. She’s been a fixture in the community for 17 years and love the people and the general atmosphere that comes with the territory.  After the reception of her other two businesses, she expanded once again to open, “Hallowbeans,” an eight-month-old horror themed coffee shop located above I Scream Sundae. 

“It’s decorated similarly, but I tell people it’s more of an adult-themed haunted house because there are things like heads on stakes.Then, there’s a whole room of clowns because I discovered I can’t really have clowns down here (I Scream) because some people are really terrified,” Wilkinson said.

I think entrepreneurship is in my blood. My great grandfather started the Tower Mountain bus line in Cross Lanes many, many years ago and my parents are entrepreneurs so it’s just something I enjoy.

Their coffees, teas, and food items in Hallowbeans follow in the vein of horror as well featuring drinks like King Kong – a dark mocha with banana and the TikTok drink featuring red bull which Wilkinson describes as being a virgin trash can. 

“One of the things that really helped us take off was the bagels that we have. We have in-house cream cheeses too, but these bagels are rainbow colored and huge. They’re just so good,” she said. 

However, the brightly colored bagels and horrifying screams aren’t the only reason that people keep showing up in droves to The Scream and Hallowbeans. Wilkinson’s background in marketing and communication along with her creative tendencies have really helped her create a brand that people instantly recognize. She created the logos for her businesses and is the artistic vision behind the creations as well which includes expanding into new ways to serve – like The Hive – six flavors in one egg carton. 

“I think entrepreneurship is in my blood. My great grandfather started the Tower Mountain bus line in Cross Lanes many, many years ago and my parents are entrepreneurs so it’s just something I enjoy. It’s also a chance to be very creative and very artistic and this is my outlet to be able to do that,” Wilkinson said. 

I also really like Buffy the Vampire Slayer because we take the hearts and put toothpick daggers in them.

The creativity and the people are what keeps Wilkinson showing up each day. Fans of The Scream come from all over the United States and often message her with ideas or send small, horror-themed gifts to help decorate the space – like a signed photo from Michael Myers. These pieces highlight the ice cream creations that parade out from the kitchen –  Smooshed Smurf, Butterbeer, Scooby Snacks, E.T., and more.

“My favorite one is the Killer Clown from Outer Space. That’s one of the original ones that has the most stuff and it pays very close attention to its source material. And then, I also really like Buffy the Vampire Slayer because we take the hearts and put toothpick daggers in them,” Wilkinson said.

The atmosphere of The Scream is promoted by The Screamers who get to have fun while at work interacting with customers and decorating the Creations. 

“I really like working here just because it’s a really chill environment. Everyone is really fun to work with and I get along with them really well. It’s a creative environment and I love decorating the Creations,” Screamer Shelby Gregor said. 

Channeling her best Professor Trelawney, looking into the future, Wilkinson isn’t sure exactly what she wants to do, but she hopes to keep expanding and offering new employment in the Jackson County area.

The post I Scream Sundae appeared first on Clutch MOV.

The Office Whiskey Parlor Opens in Parkersburg

She pulls a beautiful oblong bottle from the top shelf and explains the amber colored liquid – a whiskey aged in charred barrels and finished in port barrels. It’s the perfect drink for someone who enjoys flavor notes of caramel and spice. She knows who might enjoy that drink, how to serve it for the best flavors, and other options if that isn’t the perfect choice. She knows just about everything there is to know about whiskey.

The Office Whiskey Parlor owner, and Parkersburg native, Amber Deem saw a niche that needed to be filled in the Mid-Ohio Valley and sought to fill that shortly before the lockdowns began with COVID-19. With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, she wanted something that wasn’t a full scale restaurant, but still offered food and drinks – a spot where people could come to relax. However, with her experience, she knew immediately that those types of businesses are rarely profitable because it’s a small market. That’s when she started to think about introducing liquor – whiskey specifically – to her business model. 

“Whiskey doesn’t exactly get a good rap, it gets kind of a bad name in the industry. It’s usually the torch holder on bad things happening or things happening that you don’t remember. But, unbeknownst to a lot of people, whiskey is actually something that’s becoming very popular,” Deem said. 

More Than a Mixer

Whiskey gained popularity around the time of prohibition, but began fading in popularity until recently. According to Deem, whiskey masqueraded as a drink that was either shot or mixed with Coke, but she’s working to change that and focus on the whiskey sippers who enjoy scotch and other sipping whiskeys. 

“A lot of people started digging deeper into whiskey as to the components and how it’s made – like the flavors, the aromas that go behind all of that, the processes between. They even study the beginning of distillation, to the finish in a barrel or particular barrel to change the flavor, or to add flavors,” Deem said. 

Deem began exploring the mechanics of whiskey when she began to consider the business. Coupled with her years of experience, she is a walking library of knowledge on the drink. 

“I started doing my research which ranged from reading, to going on the particular whiskey brands’ websites, reading and researching what they have to say, what they use in their distillation processes, what specific type of oaks they use in their barrels, and then a lot of research through internet and on TV,” she said. 

Balance is key and so is consistency in the recipe – meaning that every time it’s made, no matter who makes it, it’s the same. We always want to meet that expectation.

With this wealth of knowledge, Deem is happy to educate her guests and to help them select the best drinks on the menu for themselves. Her menu features over 60 types of whiskeys and cocktails. For those without a fully expanded palate for whiskey, Deem suggests her blended drinks that feature drinks like Salted Caramel Tea which debuts a salty caramel whiskey that starts with a butterscotch and ends with a caramel flavor or the Heat Wave that utilizes the mango habanero whiskey – sweet at the start and spicy at the finish. There’s even the Island of Misfits made with a Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey with flavors or pineapple, coconut, and nutmeg. 

“People can be turned away from whiskey very quickly – sometimes it has to do with the first time they tried it. The drink that was made with too much alcohol in it or there was not a proper balance to the drink, and that has shunned them away from that drink. If you drink margaritas or martinis, and the first time you tasted it, it tasted like straight tequila or straight vodka, you probably wouldn’t drink it again. Balance is key and so is consistency in the recipe – meaning that every time it’s made, no matter who makes it, it’s the same. We always want to meet that expectation,” Deem said.

Parlor Perfect

Deem has built the entire reputation of her business on the expectations of her clients. From the decor to the business casual dress code, the aesthetics of The Office Whiskey Parlor – a name given because the building used to be a set of small offices and they continued calling it, ‘The Office,’ – are exactly what the clients want. The intimate speakeasy-styled rooms facilitate easy conversation with light music in the background. 

Deem is adamant that The Office Whiskey Parlor continues to be a place where people can relax and have conversations without the distractions of typical bar experiences. She noted that Parkersburg has an overabundance of sports bars where people can catch the game or buy buckets of beer – and she’s watched many of those places come and go as she’s studied the local bar scene over the years. While she believes that they absolutely have their own merits in the world of bars, it’s not what The Office Whiskey Parlor should be. 

This is somewhere where you can come and get face-to-face time with people and you can actually sit and enjoy the conversation, enjoy some light food, and have some nice cocktails.

“Way back in the day, people had parlor rooms in their homes. This is where the gentleman conducted business, had drinks between businessmen, and traded items. There were even marriage proposals from other landowners – they would discuss the dowry. And so this is much like that. This is a place where you can go and you can conversate. We keep a light music so that people can enjoy conversation,” she said. “There are no TVs for sports, there are no pool tables, there’s no dartboards. This is somewhere where you can come and get face-to-face time with people and you can actually sit and enjoy the conversation, enjoy some light food, and have some nice cocktails.”

The expectation in the atmosphere is echoed in Deem’s liquor choices. The Office Whiskey Parlor carries no well liquor whatsoever. For those not drinking whiskey, they can select from Citron and Don Julio Blanca tequila, The Botanist and Hendrix gin, and a handful of other top shelf liquors for martinis, margaritas, other mixed drinks, and four types of beer. Deem has noticed that the Mid-Ohio Valley seems to enjoy martinis and her menu caters to that. Additionally, her menu clearly details each ingredient in every drink so guests know that they’re getting a quality cocktail every time. 

The Office Whiskey Parlor carries food as well. Mainly a light appetizer menu with dishes like salmon bites, bruschetta bites, spinach and artichoke dip, and a meat and cheese tray. Guests can also find four different types of paninis on the menu and two desserts. Right now, they are even offering a seasonal strawberry shortcake. Additionally, they feature a happy hour special every Tuesday and Thursday from open to close. Deem adjusts her hours based on what her clients need. If they’re staying longer, she’ll stay a little longer too with lower table turn-around times which don’t bother her at all because she’s not there to rush customers out the door. In fact, time stops at The Office Whiskey Parlor as all the clocks are set to two minutes after 5 p.m. Small touches like this carry on throughout the entire establishment.

“It was a year in the making. It was paint colors, it was matching paint colors with the flooring, and making sure everything kind of flowed. It was little stuff like this [end table] where you don’t want to be leaning up from your chair reaching clear across to this table. You need a table here and it’s all very intentional. Everything you see is an intentional design from the curtains, the pattern in the curtains, the rug, the darker woods, designs of stills in the beginning. There are even prohibition pictures to remind people where it began,” she said. “They say green is extremely bad for food and drinks because it makes your skin wash out, but I wanted pops of it. So I went with our bankers’ lamps and plants that are all around.”

There are hundreds, hundreds of different types of whiskey and I have 65 bottles on this wall – I have more than 100 bottles in the building.

Deem remains intentional throughout her selection of products as well. In selecting her liquor, she tries to source as many West Virginia-based options as possible including Smooth Ambler and West Virginia Fruit and Berry. As she grows, she hopes to continue sourcing locally and even has some surprises coming up for West Virginia Day featuring a well-known state food from an in-state baker. Her diverse offerings in food and liquor allow her the same benefits in her customer base. 

“We have 22 year olds, all the way up. I was amazed at some of the younger crowd coming in – most of them are usually interested in places that are trendier like sports bars or places with unusual cocktails, but they’re here,” she said.

“I spoke to three guys that were sitting here one night and they were in their mid to late 20s and they said they really loved it. One said he wasn’t really into whiskey and was drinking a margarita, but he loved it too. They said we needed somewhere with just more than 10-12 types of whiskey. There are hundreds, hundreds of different types of whiskey and I have 65 bottles on this wall – I have more than 100 bottles in the building.”

Top Shelf Selection

Deem’s wall of whiskey stands proudly lit inside the main entrance featuring brands like Angel’s Envy, Isaac Bowman, Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve, and Pendleton just to name a few. All of the whiskeys on the wall are served in a table side service style meaning that the bartender will come to the table to craft the drink in front of the customer and served neat or on the rocks. All drinks on the rocks are served with spherical ice. For those who can’t decide, they can benefit from Deem’s whiskey flights – also served table side. 

“I offer six flights. We have five regular flights that were designed by us. And then we have a flight, that is a private flight, in which you can create your own – you choose four whiskeys off the wall and they come by the ounce. We bring four bottles and we pour them right in front of you and then you have the opportunity to sip and try,” she said. 

The glasses Deem uses are specifically designed to encourage whiskey sipping and will not allow anyone to shoot the beverage instead. They are designed with a bulb in the bottom to create a proper swirl and then are narrow at the top to encourage a good olfactory experience for the sipper too. 

Get the taste that the distillers created because that is what they wanted you to taste, that was the flavor you were supposed to get.

“It gives you a chance to actually taste the flavors, to break the flavors up in your mouth, and actually taste everything that went into the design,” Deem said. “I always tell people before you try something on the rocks or with water, try it neat. Get the taste that the distillers created because that is what they wanted you to taste, that was the flavor you were supposed to get.”

If the drink is still too strong, then Deem recommends adding water or drinking it one the rocks so the other flavors can come through. Adding water slightly lowers the proof which helps reduce the burn in the final tastes. It will break up the bonds and sometimes even release more flavors than what can be tasted when drinking it neat. Deem loves interacting with her customers and pouring them the perfect whiskey to help them relax.

For those who want to spend an evening in The Office Whiskey Parlor, expect to be carded at the door – no one under 21 may enter and every guest must have an ID and adhere to the business casual dress code. For those who may not be drinking, an ID is still required, but there are soft drinks as well as the food menu to pass the evening. Reservations are not accepted for traditional tables, but guests can reserve the larger parlor room by calling ahead. The Office Whiskey Parlor is located at 4100 College Parkway in Parkersburg and is open Tuesday – Thursday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. 

The post Cheers to Parkersburg’s New Whiskey Bar appeared first on Clutch MOV.

A kayak trip with her kids 12 years ago has turned into a new business venture for Jenny Southall Bartlett of Wild River Kayak Co. Noting that there isn’t a lot for younger people to do, and how much her children enjoyed kayaking, Bartlett noticed an unfilled niche in the local outdoor adventure industry. She always wanted to own her own business and the timing finally came together for her to pursue it. With the help of her children naming the business, she went out on a limb and opened up shop.

“The most challenging part about starting my own business was overcoming my own fears of becoming a business owner and finding the resources,” she said. “Traditional kayak rental stores usually have set routes where they drop you off and pick you up. We let you pick where you want to go and we deliver the kayaks. Not everyone has a vehicle where they can haul kayaks and we want everyone to enjoy kayaking.”

This year, Bartlett is focusing on strategic growth, but the vision for her business evolves daily. Next year, she hopes to have a fleet of at least 50 kayaks with a broader delivery zone. Currently, Bartlett delivers all over the Mid-Ohio Valley and as far as Seneca Lake in Ohio. 

“In regards to expansion, this year we are keeping things small. We have a facility we are looking into for the start of next summer and have plans to become a reseller for a well known kayak company,” she said. 

My favorite part about calling the Mid-Ohio Valley home is just that, it’s home. I’ve traveled quite a lot and you just can’t beat the view of our local area.

Bartlett is a born-and-raised native of the Mid-Ohio Valley growing up in Washington County, Ohio and graduating with a degree in business and accounting from Washington State Community College. There, she has raised her four children into adulthood and works full-time as an inventory specialist for a local HVAC company.

“My favorite part about calling the Mid-Ohio Valley home is just that, it’s home. I’ve traveled quite a lot and you just can’t beat the view of our local area. In my free time, I love being outside camping and hanging out with my children, their significant others, and my dogs” she said. 

For Bartlett, the love of the Mid-Ohio Valley is what inspires her to grow her business here. 

“We have so many different bodies of water and so many areas to explore, we have already had people from out of town book with us, so it’s an additional recreational activity we can offer people coming to visit our area,” Bartlett said.

Bartlett is a strong proponent of shopping and supporting local in her own business. All of her marketing materials are produced locally as well as the t-shirts and stickers for Wild River Kayak Co. Bartlett even made a point to purchase her kayak fleet from another local business. The reciprocity of giving between local businesses and the community is part of the small business experience for her. 

“The most rewarding part of this journey has been the support from my family, friends, and many others in the community. Just knowing people want to see you be successful is very rewarding,” Bartlett said. “I’ve truly been surprised by the amount of people excited to see us bringing this to the area. I knew there was a need, but I did not realize how many people were hoping for this very thing.”

Bartlett thinks the “very thing” is the experience of being in nature and exploring it from a different perspective and one of the reasons she fell in love with the activity. Additionally, with people making their way out of their houses, she thinks the community is ready for some outdoor activities that are cost effective and family friendly.

You can see more wildlife from the water than you can from the banks. Some of my favorite spots are the Little Muskingum River, Veto Lake, or the AEP Ponds out SR 83.

“My favorite part about kayaking is the peacefulness and being so close to nature. You can see more wildlife from the water than you can from the banks,” she said. “Some of my favorite spots are the Little Muskingum River, Veto Lake, or the AEP Ponds out SR 83.”

For those who are unfamiliar with kayaking, Bartlett offers lessons. She loves showing people her love of the activity and thinks that teaching someone is one of the most rewarding parts of operating her business. 

“On opening day we had a young man who was terrified of water and ended up out on a kayak for three hours. It took him about five minutes to learn the ropes and now he is buying his own. If you don’t have experience, but want to go, we will send a guide to accompany you. Basically, no experience necessary,” she said.

For anyone who wants to try their hand at kayaking, Bartlett recommends that people reach out to her on her Facebook page, website, or by calling 740-526-4798. 

Wild River Kayak Co.’s pricing structure is:

• Hourly: $10
• Half Day (five hours): $45
• Full Day (8-10 hours): $65
• Two Day Rental: $100
  

The post Wild River Kayak Co. Launches in MOV appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Green, the color of envy, paints the walls. Large gold letters reminiscent of traditional knuckle tattoos sprawl across the door and windows spelling out the name of the shop. Meg Rataiczak, owner of Lady Envy Tattoo, opened those doors in early December of 2020, but her love for tattooing and her path toward owning her own business started long before that. 

However, Meg will be the first to admit that she didn’t have career plans to grow up and become a tattoo artist. Originally, luck landed Meg in a tattooing apprenticeship while she was attending college studying fine art and graphic design. However, she quickly fell in love with the art while she was learning. 

“It was entirely fate and circumstance that I started tattooing, but I fell in love with it very quickly. I have no idea what I would be doing if I weren’t tattooing right now. I have always kept an open mind and didn’t tie myself to anything, so it’s hard to say where I would be without tattooing,” Meg said. “I draw, paint, and create graphics a lot outside of tattooing. I also work with stained glass when I can find the time. Any art project I can get my hands on, I will.”

As Meg grew as a tattoo artist, she made invaluable connections with other artists in other cities which helped her to start to form ideas for how her shop would look in the future.

“Getting to watch and learn what others were doing has helped me shape what I want my shop to operate like. Also, Instagram has always been a huge help to me as far as making connections and marketing my own work as well,” she said. 

I am so honored to be asked to put my art on people’s bodies for the rest of their lives and I am grateful every day to know that so many people want my work on their bodies.

Those connections continue into her clients too. Other than being able to make a living on her art, the connection she has with clients who respect her opinions and artistic background help her to grow as an artist. 

“Return clients are my biggest reward. Artistic freedom with tattoos is another big reward for me. I am so honored to be asked to put my art on people’s bodies for the rest of their lives and I am grateful every day to know that so many people want my work on their bodies,” she said.  

Thinking about the experience of being tattooed or pierced, Meg decided to open her own shop in Marietta. For Meg and the other artists in her shop (two other tattoo artists and one piercer), client experience is paramount. They work diligently to make sure their clients feel safe, heard, and comfortable. 

“I needed to have a better environment for myself in order to do the same for my clients. Again, being tattooed is an experience, and I wanted to make sure my clients have a great one. Also, artistically, I have flourished since opening my own shop. Environment is everything,” Meg said. 

After opening, there has been no shortage of people who want something by Meg tattooed on their bodies.

“Meg has always exceeded all of my expectations when it comes to her work. I’ve gone to her since her apprenticeship, and she’s literally never let me down. Her art is always unique, beautiful, and fun,” said Kyleigh Hawes, Parkersburg resident. 

Meg chose to name the shop something that felt classy and strong and settled on Lady Envy Tattoo. She went through an entire notebook filled with names, but always returned to that one. After she decided on the name, her business grew rapidly.

I am very grateful to be working with three other people who care so much about treating their clients so respectfully.

“At first I expected it to be just myself, but before I could even open, I had gained two other coworkers who also needed a change of environment. Recently, we have even made room for a third artist who sought the same thing we did. I am very grateful to be working with three other people who care so much about treating their clients so respectfully,” she said. 

Meg’s vision for her business continues to strengthen with each passing day. Meg believes that they have created a beautiful, safe space for their clients and has a deep pride for everyone who has contributed to that atmosphere. However, there are always challenges in success.

“Learning to say no has been the most challenging thing as a tattoo artist. Sometimes potential clients and the artist they reach out to don’t click, and that’s ok. Knowing that and recognizing it, as well as communicating it politely, is a really important step in making sure each client’s experience is as great as it can be,” Meg said.

Again, Meg returns to the client experience as the cornerstone for her business. 

“The amount of clients who have specifically told us that they feel much more comfortable and relaxing in our new shop has been far more than I expected. That was my entire goal, but I didn’t fully realize how important it was until I started getting so much positive feedback,” she said. 

I feel more appreciated, respected, and represented as an artist than I ever have in my entirely artistic career.

The positive feedback continues into Lady Envy’s support in the general community as well. Lady Envy makes a point to support local business through art projects like t-shirt designs, printing locally, and hiring local artists for projects that they can’t complete on their own. Meg also credits Marietta Main Street’s Public Art Committee with helping Lady Envy to reach out to other artists and locals with whom they trade and commission work. 

“The support and growth I have seen since moving to Marietta in 2014 is astounding. Downtown is flourishing, and I feel more appreciated, respected, and represented as an artist than I ever have in my entirely artistic career. The locals here are all about helping their neighbors, and that kind of support and community is the reason I love living here,” she said.  

When Meg transitioned from her previous studio to opening her own she relied on the support of the community and her clients to get her to where she is today.

“While opening my own shop, I was very grateful and impacted by how supportive all of my friends, family, and clients were. They were patient until I got up and running again, and I had a very large number of people offer to help us paint, find services,  and clean to help get us up and running even faster,” Meg said. 

Keeping the shop up and running in a manner that supports the happiness of all involved is important to Meg and how she structures her business model. 

“Everyone at my shop operates separately, and we share a space. I am not their boss, they don’t have ranks, we all just share a building and encourage one another. We all work how we choose is best for our lives and mental health. Everyone being happy and healthy is inspiring to me,” Meg said. 

Going forward, Meg has big goals for her shop and how she plans to manage it. Particularly, curating an artful space for the artists and the community.

Everyone that works at my shop right now creates art in several ways other than tattooing, and I’d really love to expand to add room for all of us to have access to art studios and bigger equipment.

“I see my business expanding, but not adding more workers. Rather I see it expanding to add room for other art forms. Everyone that works at my shop right now creates art in several ways other than tattooing, and I’d really love to expand to add room for all of us to have access to art studios and bigger equipment for making art like stained glass, pottery, vinyl printing, etc.,” she said. 

For those who want the experience at Lady Envy Tattoo, the shop is located at 432 2nd St. in Marietta. Online, they can be found on Facebook and their website.

The post Lady Envy Tattoo appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Full Circle Yoga leads Yoga at the Point in Downtown Parkersburg

Sangha, or community, is the heart of yoga. It’s where practitioners can gather and experience a sense of peace, belonging, and love. Full Circle Yoga is bringing that experience to the community as a whole with the return of their free Yoga at The Point classes.

“Yoga is a practice that enhances overall awareness and mindfulness of one’s mind and body. It is a practice that can be used for stress relief, anxiety reduction, physical health and strength, and brings peace to the mind in more ways than one can count. It fosters self love, self growth, and teaches you how to be a positive light in your community. When we practice and cultivate that love and joy within ourselves, we are able to spread it to all those around us. We raise the vibration of everything around us and it creates a beautiful ripple effect out into our town,” Full Circle yoga instructor Cassie Cline said. 

In 2016, Full Circle Yoga owner Cheryl McHugh partnered with the former Point Park Marketplace to create a downtown experience that focused on healthy habits. From there, it grew into what it is today – 19 free classes throughout the course of the summer. Each class is sponsored by a local area business that sees and supports McHugh’s mission.

Yoga at the Point is a local and free activity the community can take part in to be that healthier version of themselves.

Dr. Callie Rader, Dawn Injury and Wellness Center

“As an integrative wellness office in the Mid-Ohio Valley, we specialize in chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical therapy with overall wellness being the ultimate goal for all of our patients. We enjoy being a part of everyone’s goal to be a healthier version of themselves – and that includes activities outside of our office. Yoga at the Point is a local and free activity the community can take part in to be that healthier version of themselves. Full Circle Yoga has done a wonderful job of creating an event to help our community, and we just appreciate having the opportunity to be a part of that,” Dr. Callie Rader said, chiropractor and owner of Dawn Injury and Wellness Center, a community sponsor

According to Cline, this class is the perfect fit for anyone who wants to practice. The class focuses on a beginner friendly experience featuring a hatha yoga practice which means the sequence of classes is designed to boost the students’ confidence creating a “capable and joyful experience.” Cline also noted that since the class takes place outside, participants get to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as well. 

“Having Yoga at The Point is a value to the community because it’s something everyone can do. Even if you aren’t flexible or athletic, everyone can benefit from yoga. I love going because I always see a familiar face, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s free,” Parkersburg resident Sami Daggett said. 

The Yoga at The Point classes encourage people from all backgrounds to attend and immerse themselves in the unique experience. For Cline, it’s one of the best parts of teaching because she strives to make a difference by showing her students their inner strength and joy. The experience of teaching and watching her students have breakthrough moments sets her mood for the entire week.

“It’s a fun and inclusive environment that feels like home. Our lineage of yoga believes that we can make our practice accessible to anyone. Regardless of race, religion, gender, body type, age, and ability, anyone can attend this class. Students are encouraged to do what feels good in their own bodies and there are plenty of modifications offered by teachers so that even the absolute novice and most experienced patrons will gain something from the practice,” Cline said. “Yoga is great for overall health and wellbeing in so many ways and it would be difficult to find someone who wouldn’t benefit from the practice.”

I love getting to meet the various people that come to Yoga at The Point and getting to teach others that may not have access to the studio classes because of proximity or cost is a treat.

Cassie Cline, Full Circle Yoga

McHugh loves seeing the community gathering peacefully during her classes. For her, one of the most important aspects of this program was bringing yoga to the people and not just waiting for them to come to her studio. Cline shares in McHugh’s vision and carries it out during her instruction.

“It’s a fundamental belief for yogis that we are to continue to spread the light and love we discover through our practice. I love getting to meet the various people that come to Yoga at The Point and getting to teach others that may not have access to the studio classes because of proximity or cost is a treat,” Cline said. 

McHugh continues to pour into the community through the Give Back program. Each week, Yoga at The Point participants who are able are encouraged to bring a donation to a preselected local agency in need. McHugh works with the sponsor of the class to determine who they would like to help and according to McHugh, it’s a great way for those who are benefiting from the free yoga to give back.

Classes start on May 26 at 6 p.m. and will continue through the summer at Point Park in Parkersburg. Kids Yoga is offered on June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. near the flood wall. Updates on classes and the Give Back program are frequently posted on the Yoga at The Point Facebook page.

The post Yoga at the Point Returns appeared first on Clutch MOV.

Audra Broach Opened The Williamstown Equestrian Last Year

The barn sits on rolling hills with beautiful horses dotting the landscape. A large stable and arena nestle among those hills. Two dogs, Snickers and Mason, run around greeting the guests as barn cats lazily drape themselves in the flower beds. 

Audra Broach opened her doors at The Williamstown Equestrian almost one year ago. What started as a pipe dream that she kept to herself blossomed into a growing business that has taken roots in Williamstown, W.Va. Broach began her career with horses while many were just past mastering the bicycle. At age seven she began riding on her family’s small cattle farm in Virginia.  As she grew up, she realized that it would become more than just a passion, but also a career choice. 

“I was about to apply to vet school, but then I heard of this riding school called Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center. So, my dad and I made the trip and we went to visit the school. I signed up that day. I did the full program and fell in love even more. I never wanted to leave and I just wanted to stay at the school, but I left and moved to Florida and New York to work with horses before I got my job at Meredith Manor,” Broach said. “And then, I took a giant, scary leap of faith and built this.”

As Broach motions around her, “this” entails the entirety of The Williamstown Equestrian. The barn offers boarding, training lessons, and sales. There are outdoor riding spaces, an indoor arena, and a state of the art boarding facility. Though for Broach, it’s not only a physical facility, it’s the realization of many dreams.

“It gives me chills just thinking about it. I cried a lot and prayed a lot through it. I couldn’t have done any of this without my partner. We were just talking about our dreams one day and I said, ‘I really, really want to own my own place. I really want a barn that I’m in charge of and students with whom I can share my passion.’ He just looked at me and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ Literally the next day we started planning,” she said. 

I wanted the barn to be somewhere that everyone – all the clients, the borders, me, and my family wanted to be.

Finding land that was suited for a barn was difficult, but they were able to find the current piece and make it workable. When they first purchased the land, there was no electricity, water, or level ground, but Broach loved the location because it’s easy for people to get to and she loves the small-town pride of Williamstown and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley area. 

“You know, I wanted the barn to be somewhere that everyone – all the clients, the borders, me, and my family wanted to be. So I want a very family-oriented location – just a happy place that everyone can enjoy being,” she said. 

In creating a family-oriented barn, this means maintaining healthy and happy horses and creating connections between her clients and their horses or the horses on which they learn. 

“I want the boarders and the people whom I teach –  I want to make their relationship better with their horses and we teach people of all ages and all skill sets starting from little four year olds to 78 year olds, and just teaching them and sharing the love of horses,” she said. 

Broach credits her time at Meredith Manor for bringing out her love for teaching. While she began as a student, she left as a teacher and that shaped her future identity.

“I know I found my love of teaching there. Before I left as a student, I just wanted to ride horses all day. Then I started teaching there and seeing someone have those lightbulb moments, makes you feel really good as a teacher. So my love for teaching blossomed there,” she said.

With over 25 years of experience with horses, Broach enjoys passing on her love of horses to her students still. However, learning to love and understand a horse can be a tremendous amount of work which is where having trained professionals like Broach and her team can make all the difference.

When I can have a rider start learning how to correctly communicate to the horse, everything becomes a breeze, and then they’re having more fun.

“I love seeing my students succeed. There are a lot of mechanics in understanding a horse and learning how to communicate in a horse-logical way rather than a human-logical way. We think very differently than the horse, so getting students to understand how the horse really moves and works and understands makes for a better relationship. So when I can have a rider start learning how to correctly communicate to the horse, everything becomes a breeze, and then they’re having more fun and they enjoy the horse a lot more,” Broach said. 

As her business grew, Broach realized that she would need help to keep up with the demand for her services. Her team consists of two other women, Kylie and Cat, who were handpicked by Broach to help keep the business running in a manner that she expects to keep her main goal in sight – happy humans and happy horses. Everyday, they clean stalls, check the horses over, and generally make sure the horses are happy, pampered, and well cared for. For Broach and her team, it’s a labor of love. 

“Kylie was one of my boarders. She’s kind of been with me from the get go. I needed someone who was a people person who could help me start teaching the younger kids and the beginners. She has really stepped at the plate – everybody loves her and she’s doing awesome. Cat was actually another student from Meredith Manor – and we just kind of hit it off. Her work ethic is amazing, super reliable and dependable. We just work really well together so she came with me after she graduated,” she said. 

However, as much as she enjoys teaching, there are other aspects that keep her barn running smoothly. The office work and bookkeeping happens in Broach’s office located inside the barn which is adorned with salvaged barn wood from the original barn on the property, office furniture from her family home, and plenty of horse memorabilia and gear. 

“I think the hardest part is the business aspect, because I am horses all the way. I have to be a bookkeeper and in the office, but I want to be out there all the time. I always want to be getting back to my horses,” she said. 

Broach acknowledges that the business segments are still important to keeping her horses happy so she puts extreme attention into scheduling her horses throughout their weekly lessons and maintaining good horses at the barn. Often, she chooses horses based on the current needs of the barn to make sure no horse is being overworked or becomes unhappy. 

Being able to put life’s craziness aside and being still is an invaluable skill.

“If someone wants a Thursday lesson, I’ve got to look through and make sure I have a horse available because I’m not going to overwork and I have to make sure that the horse and person are a fit for each other. My horses are top priority,” she said. “If they’re not happy, they’re not going to want to do their job so that is the big thing.”

Creating those strong, healthy bonds between horse and rider are important for safety, but also for creating the riding experience that Broach wants for all of her students. 

“Horses are mirror images. So if you are angry or frustrated or sad, they know it. So they’re very therapeutic. You always have to kind of check yourself. If you’ve been having a rough day, you don’t want to bring that into your horse so you’ve got to figure out how you personally can kind of resolve it, work through it as an individual, so that your time with the horse is even better,” she said. “Being present is a great skill to have, whether it’s having to be present at work, having to be present on a horse being or being present with your kids –  being able to put life’s craziness aside and being still is an invaluable skill.”

Broach plans to continue her business here and continue making the Mid-Ohio Valley her home. Within her business, she uses local suppliers and contractors as much as possible with her vet and farrier both small, local businesses as well. 

“I love all the pride this community has for itself and I want to keep being a part of that in whatever way that I can,” she said.

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