Valley Voice

Featured this week: Renee Anderson

The heat and humidity appear to have settled in for a stay but those clouds have a silver lining as the rain and morning dew mean we don’t have to worry about wild fires and smoky air and the gardens sure do thrive on it! 

Speaking of gardens, if anyone would like to provide a report on just how their agricultural efforts are progressing this summer (brags and successes, pests and problems, or just reflections on growing), I would be thrilled to include it in this column. Photos are also welcome!

Happenings of interest to the Hacker Valley community in the next few week include two first-time, free, and rather unique events, both on Saturday, July 18.

The first is a Cupcake Social at the Hacker Valley Sr. Building beginning at 2 pm. So what exactly is a

Cupcake Social? According to event organizer Faith Bender, a young aspiring baker who became part of Hacker Valley when she and Stephen Bender tied the knot last winter, it is a community get-together where Faith will share her cake decorating skills on a small scale and attendees will trim out cupcakes together. It is also a social time, and with that comes food, so you may bring a treat or covered dish to share but that is optional. Cupcakes, icing, etc. will be provided and the Senior Center is furnishing drinks; there will be several raffles and drawings with all proceeds benefitting the Hacker Valley Fire Department, so be sure to bring a little wagering cash. Appropriate for children of all ages, everyone is

welcome but Faith would appreciate knowing in advance how many will be attending in order to have enough supplies on hand; give her a call or text at 304-644-326.

On the same day at Holly River State Park from 1-5 pm, “Dr. Jekyll’s Institute of Monster Studies” will

transform the Windy Gap One-Room School into a free walk-through museum of WV cryptids and monstrous tales from pop culture. Call the park office at 304-493-6353 for more info.

It sounds like one could combine cupcakes and cryptids into an adventurous afternoon of family fun!

Last week’s colunmn mentioned naturalist-led activities at Holly River; sorry to announce that they are all on hold for now as the naturalist is out with health concerns.

And remember our Holly River pool when the afternoon heat cranks up! By demonstrating to the state

powers-that-be that the pool is a well-used and much-needed park asset, we can hopefully guarantee its longterm future!

The Northern Webster County Improvement Council works on many projects including roadside beautifucation; they are responsible for the flowers and flags you see when driving through the valley.

Thanks to Marcia Brewer, Jim Bunner, and Sherry Watt for their efforts to feature the Stars and Stripes as we celebrate 250 years since the founding of our nation. The south end Welcome to Hacker Valley sign on Rt. 20, damaged by an unknown cause, has been repaired and reposted by volunteers Dusty Anderson, Janet Fliegel, and Jim Bunner. The Wheeler Overlook roadside marker appears to have mysteriously disappeared; anyone with pertinant information may contact any member of the

organization or email president Glenn Miller at moose1957@gmail.com On a brighter note, the Wheeler informational plaque with historial photos was recently updated and replaced with a larger

more legible display inside the gazebo overlook thanks to Cindy Miller and Marcia Brewer. Check it out next time you are by there!

The Improvement Council is also getting involved in the Big Yard Sale events of August 7-8 by sponsoring a Community Yard Sale at the Cleveland Roadside Park. With free set-up, high visibillity along Rt 20, a food sale, portapotty, and plenty of room for vendors, this should be a great one-stop-to-shop location. Interested vendors may contact Glenn Miller at the above email, by texting him at 304-

932-2240, or by reaching out to other members of the group.

Last week’s Council-sponsored Red Cross Blood Drive at the park drew 14 donors and 15 blood products for a successful and ife-saving afternoon; the next drive is scheduled for Tuesday, September1 at the park.

Do you have a Hacker Valley Happening you’d like to see here? Perhaps a report or progress being made with one of the many projects going on in the valley, a Fire Department update, a family event

folks would enjoy hearing about, a church activity open to the public, an newsy item of note? Just message or email me at reneea@mountain.net and I will try to include it. Until next time, carry on!