Your shoes tell the story of your life. Whether they are beat-up tennis shoes worn with the grime from laboring in the garden or leather strappy sandals made for a night out on the town, your shoes are a part of you. In each mark or stain, you see memories of first dates or rushed mornings on the way to work – you see little, random pieces of life that have made lasting impacts.

My hiking shoes, while still somewhat new (aged with a little mud splatter and some broken thread), have tales that are as vivid as the day I traveled in them. Such is my recollection of Harpers Ferry.

Situated on the very tip of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle in Jefferson county, Harpers Ferry is best known for its involvement in the Civil War including John Brown’s Raid. In October 1859, abolitionist John Brown raided the military arsenal at Harpers Ferry in an elaborate plan to establish an independent group of freed slaves in the Maryland and Virginia mountains. The easternmost town is also noted for the convergence of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, the Winchester & Potomac Railroad and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.

While the journey to Harpers Ferry is just a little over four hours from the Mid-Ohio Valley, it is best to give yourself plenty of time to experience all of the wonders the little town, and surrounding area, have to offer. Researching and making a travel itinerary will make certain you don’t miss a thing on your trip, but don’t hold yourself down to every scribble and bullet point on the list- enjoy every moment and make them all leisurely ones.

Day 1: If you find yourself pressed for time, maybe hitting the road at four or five o’clock on a Friday, I suggest stopping half or three-fourths of the way and resting for the night. There are plenty of options for those wanting indoor plumbing and a continental breakfast, but if you truly want to rough it, choose from more than six national and state parks/forests in the region.Green Ridge State Forest in western Maryland will trick your senses into believing you are still in the Mountain State. The rolling peaks with mixed pine trees are seamlessly stitched together like a patchwork quilt. Plus, it is only a little over an hour away from Harpers Ferry. Oh, and if you do decide to sleep under the stars, I have three tips: make camp before dark, practice making a fire before you leave, and keep anything that smells away from the campsite (Insert “Office” joke – “Bears eat beets”).

Day 2: Any adventurer, or aspiring hiker, will come to know the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or simply, the A.T. This marked trail runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, passing through 14 states. Approximately 2,184 miles long, it is famous for its many hikers and backpackers (thru-hikers) that attempt to travel the length within one season; about six months. Four of those miles run through Harpers Ferry, where the A.T. Conservancy is located, and is considered the halfway point for many thru-hikers. As you enter the small stone building, you instantly become inspired by those before you, each tired yet smiling face on printed photo paper stare at you with the accomplishment of their 1,000 mile. With that, you are ready to hit the white blazes and begin your trek. The only question is: are you a south or northbounder?

Winding down the path from the A.T.C., passing Jefferson’s Rock, you will eventually find yourself on the paved roads of downtown Harpers Ferry. One of the most sturdy foundations in the town is St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The Gothic-style building was the only church the escape destruction during the Civil War. From St. Peter’s, the brick-laden streets lead to the Point where the Footbridge to the C&O Canal will cross the Potomac River into Maryland. The northbound expedition on the A.T. transforms into the Maryland Heights trail, which reveals the most beautiful view of the river town, but will also test your “height” of perseverance and stamina. When the folks at the A.T.C. said it was a strenuous hike, they weren’t kidding!

If you look closely, you can still see the advertisement for Mennen’s Borated Talcum Toilet Powder in the rock above the train tunnel.

In the cozy nook of my living room, a black frame holds the cross-stitch that says, “The best view comes after the hardest climb.” I can attest this is the honest truth. Running through Civil War forts and trenches, the rocky path is an upward battle of 1,600 feet. Yet, my shaking quads and labored breath stilled after reaching the peak. I said Harpers Ferry was the easternmost town in West Virginia, and when situated on the overlook, the state’s Eastern Panhandle outline is clear – carved out by the Potomac and Shenandoah River. Yeah, the best view.

After hiking 9.2 miles and burning 957 calories in four hours and 43 minutes, the tummy rumbles. That is why you turn to the White Horse Tavern for a most delicious meal. Known for their burgers and brews, this conveniently located restaurant served up the perfect chicken and cheese with a side of housemade kettle chips and chipotle ranch dipping sauce that had the right amount of kick to send my tastebuds soaring (after eating beef jerky and apples all day, anything would have satisfied by stomach).

The people and history surrounding Harpers Ferry make it a must-see if you are traveling the state, or just want a quaint weekend getaway. There are many more trails, eateries, and locally-owned shops to visit. The Murphy-Chambers Farm trail located in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park allows visitors an easy 2.2 mile run from the park’s visitors center into the most important area battlefield. The Murphy-Chambers Farm is where General A.P. Hill lead 3.500 troops and captured the Union in a tide that turned the Civil War to favor the Rebel army.

Oh, and be sure to look out for the the outline of John Brown’s Fort. The fort was originally on the property before moving several more times to its home in Downtown Harpers Ferry.

Whether you are an avid hiker, history-lover or want to scratch a destination off your bucket-list, Harpers Ferry has it all. All you have to do, is take the first step!

The post Just Trekking Thru: Harpers Ferry appeared first on Clutch MOV.

The gear pulls the filament, burning it, until it transforms into a mere liquid. Back and forth, layer by layer, the liquid glides over a heated print bed in ultra-fine lines building and building. Hours, minutes, seconds later, your masterpiece is completed. 

It has been over 30 years since Chuck Hull invented the first 3D printer, but the machine has progressed as its technology has and is opening new opportunities for every field of study and personal hobby. From cosplay, to pizza and musical instruments, 3-D printers and other technologies such as laser cutting and industrial sewing have aided makers, scientists and artists alike in their careers. 

Now, residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley have the opportunity to use these state-of-the-art machines to pursue their hobbies or small business goals. 

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center, in partner with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley will host its grand opening at 5:30 pm on Sept. 6 in the Workforce and Economic Development Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Funded by the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the Entrepreneur Center is a makerspace where technology and creativity meet in an effort to expand the entrepreneurial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) movement in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The center will provide the public access to technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, Arduino (electronic prototyping platform), industrial-capable sewing, and more. 

“Tres Ross of the Ross Foundation has led efforts to bring entrepreneurial methods to the Mid-Ohio Valley with Innovate MOV,” said Michele Wilson, WVU Parkersburg Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development. “We are grateful for the support of the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia so we may encourage the development of small business endeavors.” 

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet Anthony Wilson of Wilson’s House of Cosplay, Dominique Holl of Holl’s Chocolates, Tony Workman of Classic Plastics, and Cindy Moore of Cindy’s Simply Sewing to learn how these area residents turned their interests into careers. Laser cutting and 3-D printing demonstrations, as well as meet-and-greets with the 501^st Legion and James Hamilton with his Star Wars BB-8 droid, will take place. 

The 501st Legion is a volunteer organization formed to bring together costume enthusiasts that celebrate the Star Wars franchise by attending pop-cons and contributing to charity and volunteer work. Members build their own detailed, replica costumes using the same machinery found in the Entrepreneur Center. 

Attendees will also be put in a drawing for a gift basket including a coupon for a WVU Parkersburg community education class, t-shirt, 3D printed cookie cutter and more. The Entrepreneur Center coordinator will also be there to answer questions about membership affordability, hours and policies. 

“We are excited to invite the community and show guests they have the resources and creative support to pursue their passions,” WVU Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center Coordinator Logan Mace. “The Entrepreneur Center truly is where inspiration meets innovation.” 

For more information, contact Logan Mace at Logan.Mace@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 606, and visit Facebook @WVUPWED for details on future classes and events. 

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We all know what heartbreak feels like; that ache deep inside your chest that longs to embrace the past. Well, the 2017 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Vocal Group of the Year, Flatt Lonesome, knows what heartache sounds like. “Silence in These Walls” is a pot boiling over with emotion, and it is sure to bring back memories of loves left behind.

Flatt Lonesome is comprised of six musicians: Dominic Illingworth (bass), Kelsi Robertson Harrigill (mandolin/vocals), Paul Harrigill (banjo), Buddy Robertson (guitar/vocals), Charli Robertson (fiddle/vocals) and Michael Stockton (resophonic guitar). If you have not already guessed it, three of the band members are siblings, and two are married. Sibling harmony is the best to come by, because the almost inseparable vocals produce the sweetest sound.

This sweetness translates into every cut of this new record thanks to the genius of Paul Harrigill. Paul and Kelsi are the main songwriters for this bluegrass group. The husband-wife duo have at least seven writing credits on Silence in These Walls. These include: “Gently Please Tell Me Goodbye,” “Falling” and “All My Life.” Much of the album is melancholy, but the soulful lyrics and instrumental breaks the Harrigills penned make it something you want to listen to on repeat.

“Falling” is a perfect example of the solid picking and bright vocals Flatt Lonesome is capable of. This song circles around the idea of literally falling in love with that someone through romantic evenings dancing in the moonlight. The calm, easy-going track is one-of-a-kind on this album compared to other numbers like “It’s Just Sad” in which the singer’s lover has left, and she is just left with memories which she compares to “priceless souvenirs.” Not to mention, it gives Michael Stockton the chance to show off some of his dobro skills.

Compared to the last three albums Flatt Lonesome has recorded, this one is the most outstanding. I believe the reason why it is resonating so much with the bluegrass world is because it is different compared to what other artists are cranking out. Alison Krauss is the queen when it comes to slow and sappy songs about love and loss, but Silence in These Walls could even put her in a corner.

It takes guts, but more importantly belief in your talents as an artist to pursue an album that goes against the status quo. Flatt Lonesome continues to raise the bar for themselves, and in doing so, they continue to demand presence in the bluegrass genre. Their creative, original and cover material makes them a great band to listen to on and off the stage.

In the end, writing songs about wishing you never met a man, needing to build a bridge to get over love and crying all day over a man who went away was a big pay-off for the group. I foresee more IBMA nominations for Flatt Lonesome. Who knows, maybe they will take Album of the Year in 2018.

(You can order your own copy of Silence In These Walls here!)

The post Silence in These Walls appeared first on Clutch MOV.

When seeking employment in a professional career or internship, do not fall into the abyss of online applications. Typing your street name, previous experience and references 10 times over becomes a tedious process. Instead of looking at the computer screen, look to the MOV Career Fair.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and WVU Parkersburg will present the MOV Career Fair 2017 on Wednesday Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the College Activities Center on campus. This event is a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce MOV, Results Radio, Veterans Assistance, WorkforceWV and the Workforce Development Board of the MOV.

“Senator Manchin has co hosted several job and resource fairs in cities throughout the state already…in an effort to get West Virginians back to work. We are happy that Parkersburg is the next location. Our students, alumni and jobseekers in the community are ready and deserving of this opportunity,” Jennifer Randolph, Director of Career Services and MOV Sector Partnership Coordinator said.

There are over 80 employers waiting to reach their hand out to potential employers. Some of this organizations include: the Bureau of Fiscal Service, Highmark Health, Memorial Health System and N3. Also, veterans resources and several military branch recruiters such as, the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve and the United States Marine Corps will be in attendance.

The old saying, “dress to impress” holds true when attending this career fair, or any for that matter. These helpful hints can maximize your time and help you make a memorable first impression.

“Jobseekers should bring plenty of resumes to distribute to employers. Even if you are not currently looking for a job, you should still dress professionally,” Randolph said.

Knowing  how many resumes to bring depends on how many organizations you are interested in joining. It is also recommended to research an employer before approaching them. By taking the time to learn more about a company and its services, you better understand its expectations. You can use this knowledge to start a conversation about job vacancies.

Last, but not least, a jobseeker should follow up with their contacts. By reaching out a second time, via phone or email, not only signals to the employer that an individual is truly interested in a position, but is also considerate.

To help remember these tips and tricks, WVU Parkersburg Career Services produced a video for jobseekers. This is an important piece of material for students and members of the community. Speaking of students, it is never too early to start looking or applying.

“Many students think because they aren’t ready to start working immediately, they don’t need to go. You do not want your first job fair to be the one where you need to land that job. Students should go to this event to get the experience, so they will be prepared and confident at the fair that matters most,” Randolph said.

For more information, or to visit a full list of employers, visit the career website.

The post MOV Career Fair appeared first on Clutch MOV.

A fiddle is another name for the bowed instrument that is more often called a violin. Even though many joke in saying a violin is just a fiddle that went to college, the difference between the two is in the style of playing. A fiddler enjoys old-timey bluegrass like Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs, whereas a violinist is moved by the stylings of Mozart and Vivaldi. For Parkersburg resident, Ray Fought, his success in the music world has come from the fiddle.

Ray has been active in making and repairing the stringed instrument since 1980. The first fiddle he built was for local musician, Jim Newberry, and Ray never stopped until he built 73 unique bodies, all with a different story. What is interesting about most of his fiddles, are the scrolls.

The scroll is located at the very top of the fiddle; right above the pegbox. It is usually carved in the shape of a volute, or a rolled up spiral. However, Ray sometimes adorns his with carved heads of animals, humans and other objects like basketballs and footballs. Also, whittling the scroll cuts down on the weight of the instrument. One of Ray’s carved animal heads features a ram.

“On the ram’s head, if I would have cut the horns out of wood, they would have snap off. Instead, for the horns, I used a clothes hanger, cut it, bent it, built it up with saw dust and glue and sanded it. Heck, you couldn’t knock those horns off with a hammer!” Ray said.

It is hard to say how long it takes to make one fiddle. It depends on how much time and the pace at which Ray works at to get the job done. Every fiddle is taken from three quarters of an inch wood and then gutted out until it is down to one quarter of an inch. Many of Ray’s instruments have a double maple back and a single spruce top. Even though he has used walnut in his endeavors, it is a porous wood that absorbs the sound.

“I think I’ve got some outstanding fiddles. At least, that’s what everyone tells me anyways,” Ray said.

Ray even received this compliment from W.Va. Senator, Robert Byrd. Not only did Senator Byrd travel to Ray’s home and play about every one of his fiddles, but Ray also built Byrd two fiddles, one of which the senator played on national television. The other was a bedroom fiddle. A bedroom fiddle can be played late at night while everyone is in bed, and they will never hear you. It is basically a stick with stings and a bridge, and it is great for beginners to bow on. Ray would go on to play for Byrd when he was running for office.

“After playing a show, Senator Byrd would make a speech and then say, ‘Ray, go down there and get me that brown fiddle.’ He always liked one of my brown fiddles that I got down in Nashville. Its nickname is Ole Hoss,” Ray said.

Ray started playing about the time he started carving and constructing. As men and women would come to his house and try out his fiddles, he got to watching them and learning a few licks and tunes. In the end, Ray taught himself and is still learning. His method of learning involves listening to recordings of musicians like Merle “Red” Taylor and Jake Crack. After getting a song in his head and being able to hum it for a few days, Ray sits down and puts his fingers to the board.

When you are making music that is as good as Ray’s, it deserves to be shared. Many musicians have been welcomed into the Fought home over the years. More so, they have become acquainted with Ray’s “cellar” or music room that is set up outside in a red and white shanty.

“Fellas like Jack Miller and Glenn Smith would come over to the cellar, and my wife would fix a big apple cobbler or donuts with coffee to bring to us. Everyone had a good ole time just pickin’ and playin’ into the night,” Ray said.

One time, Smith gave Ray a piece of wild cherry and asked him to make a fiddle out of it. According to Ray, it was probably the best one he ever made, and he hated to give it up after it was finished. Well, after Smith passed away, he made a call asking to buy the beautiful, dark fiddle back. Unfortunately, the instrument had made its way to the Appalachian Mountains of N.C.

“I forgot about it until I was sitting here one evening and the phone rang. I almost didn’t answer it thinking it was a telemarketer. The lady on the other end of the line told me she had one of my fiddles and called it a masterpiece!” Ray said.

She told him she would like to put the Smith fiddle back in his collection. For $50, the fiddle was in the mail the next morning. It made its long journey home wrapped in a pillow case and carpet.

Even though Ray has spent many nights playing in the cellar, his favorite place to take the stage has been Renfro Valley. Located in the “Bluegrass State,” Renfro Valley has seen the likes of Opry Stars Hank Cochran, Willie Nelson and Ray Price. Speaking of Price, Ray Fought used his carving skills to make Price a walking cane.

“It gives you a special feeling when you walk out there and you look at 1,500 people. The first time I ever went out onstage, I said to myself, ‘Well, I’m just gonna go out there and play that thing like I do at the High Rise.’ That is what I put in my mind, and that is what I had done. I did pretty good, and that crowd just gave me a big ole hand,” Ray said.

Nowadays, Ray still plays every Thursday night at the High Rise in Parkersburg. He takes out Ole Hoss and makes rosin fly off his bow when he takes off on tunes like Soldier’s Joy and Angeline the Baker. Ray may be 88-years-old, but he can still play like the young man that was starting his career in 1980.

“I can feel the rhythm when I play, and that is what keeps me going through each song. More importantly music keeps me going through each day – it is what picks you up when you are down,” Ray said.

The post Carving out the Notes appeared first on Clutch MOV.

John Denver sang about it for good reason. West Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the country with its high mountain peaks, quaint countryside towns and picture perfect sunsets. While life may be “older than the trees” in the Mountain State, it is actually seeing its 155 birthday, and WVU Parkersburg is more than ready to celebrate.

Friday, June 23, WVU Parkersburg is hosting a West Virginia Day concert from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the College Activities Center (room 1536). The concert, which is open free of charge to the public, will feature local artists Steve Hussey and Jake Eddy as well as an opening performance by Tracie Goode. Not only is this an opportunity for the community to come together, but it a chance for it to recognize the music and heritage that the state is built on.

“We are excited and honored to host an event that celebrates the best of what being a West Virginian means, and doing so with some of our most talented local musicians. We hope our community comes out to celebrate this beginning to a new tradition with us,” Anthony Underwood, Vice President for Student Services said.

The Mid-Ohio Valley is full of talent like musician Tracie Good. Her full and powerful voice draws influence from the blues, folk pop and classical rock. The passion found in each of her songs truly matches the soul of original Appalachian music.

“Getting to use my songs to celebrate West Virginia becoming a state feels incredibly appropriate. West Virginians stood up for what they believed was right. Similarly, many of the songs on my album, Until You Feel Alive, are about learning to stand up for yourself and what you know is true,” Tracie said.

Another group that draws on the innocence and raw emotion of music is Steve Hussey and Jake Eddy. Both individuals are recognized state and region wide for their tunes. Steve is well known for his songwriting and performances with acts like Eddie Money and the Davidson Brothers. In addition, Jake, a state flat picking champion, just released the album “Smart, Phone!” in April.

The two started collaborating in 2014 and went on to record the full-length album “The Miller Girl.” The lyrics and rhythms transport the listener back to the simpler days.  It is hard to stop the foot from tapping when listening to the meshing of the banjo and guitar and vocal harmonies.

“It means a lot to be able to play on this day. Americana music, and the banjo specifically, is well known in Appalachian culture. Sort of our claim to fame in a way,” Jake said.

Do not miss out on this event celebrating West Virginia’s birthday! However, be sure to arrive early to get a seat, because space is limited. For more information, or to stay up to date with various college activities and events, visit their website.

The post WVU Parkersburg Celebrates West Virginia’s History appeared first on Clutch MOV.

After the rainbows and butterflies of a wedding engagement pass, it is time for the bride to start sorting through the endless color schemes, floral arrangements and gowns she has saved to her Pinterest. But, the biggest decision to make is selecting the venue. The mountains of West Virginia offer the perfect backdrop for a truly magical ceremony, and Herot Hall is ready to help make dreams come true.

While it is named after the wealthy mead hall where warriors gathered to drink and celebrate in the Old English poem “Beowulf,” Herot Hall is a rustic barn located in Kenna, W.Va. Being only a 35-minute, southern drive, Kenna is just a hop, skip and a jump from Parkersburg. Arriving at the location, you know why the state is called “Almost Heaven.”

“When you visit our farm, you find a beautiful environment to enjoy God’s creation. He paints the sky with orange and pink sunsets, allows the mountain breeze to flow through and provides us with a wonderful spot to host any gathering,” owner Walter Moore said.

On the rolling green hills sits a remodeled barn featuring elegant spaces. Inside, the mind flows with endless possibilities for a wedding reception. One can imagine the chandelier reflecting light on the wooden panels and french doors as guests dance the night away. Outside, there is a deck complete with picnic tables and other outdoor seating. Last, extending from the barn is a large concreted area where couples may say their “I dos” while overlooking the blueberry farm.

That’s right, not only is Herot Hall made complete with dressing rooms, bathrooms, Wi-Fi and a PA system, but it also has a pick-your-own blueberry farm. Walter, a pharmacist, planted thousands of bushes in 2008, and after a long wait, he opened his doors in 2011 for berry lovers to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

“It took a while to get to where we are now, and I have killed more than 100 bushes while experimenting – the soil has to be prepped a certain way. Not to mention, our pickers can’t have tobacco around the plants, because it could carry a virus that can kill the berries,” Walter said.

However, nothing can kill the vibe at Herot Hall Farm. The fruit is plentiful, the fields are easy to walk and the view from the barn is breathtaking. Whether you are looking for a quiet afternoon picnic, to pick berries for your grandma’s famous pie or a venue to host a celebration, this Kenna farm is the place to do so. Walter is proud of the land he tends to and what it has to offer.

“I hope the berries can produce for a good 30 or more years, and I pray that someone will keep up with this after I am long gone. This land is too beautiful to become a housing development,” Walter said.

Plan your next event with Herot Hall Farm. For more information, call 304-933-7799.

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