Habitat for Humanity – ReStore
Article By: Paul Long Photos By: Josh Triggs While some businesses and organizations may slow down during the winter months, the staff and volunteers of Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle are as busy as ever, getting the organization’s latest home ready for occupancy. Habitat, an affiliate of Habitat International, has been active locally since 1993. During that time, the organization has built 35 homes and is currently working on its 36th. Of those, all but two are located in Berkeley County. Jefferson and Morgan counties have one Habitat home apiece. Typically, executive director Ed Grove said recently, Habitat strives to build one or two homes per year. For the past several months, the local Habitat organization has been branching out into what Grove calls “critical repair.” The goal of this program, he said, is to help residents “age in place,” thereby keeping the elderly and disabled in their homes. “That’s a program we’re investing in, in a major way now,” Grove said. Critical repair entails performing much needed maintenance work, building wheelchair ramps and remodeling bathrooms, among other things. Habitat for Humanity of the Eastern Panhandle is also investing in a micro homes project as part of the organization’s disaster relief arm. The idea first took hold last June during the severe flooding that killed 23 people and devastated large portions of southern West Virginia. State Sen. John Unger, a minister in three churches in the Eastern Panhandle who is also Habitat’s director of development, was in the southern part of the state at the time and saw the devastation firsthand. “The need was for immediate shelter there,” Grove said. “People were living in tents, garages and sheds.” Habitat recently launched a partnership with the James Rumsey Technical Institute in Hedgesville to help build micro homes to be shipped to Clay County. Students in Rumsey’s carpentry, electrician and plumbing classes are working on the project. Habitat signed a contract with the school to produce one home, while a $75,000 grant from Procter & Gamble – which is opening a large production facility in southern Berkeley County later this year – will provide funding for two more. A fourth micro home is being built by a group of inmates through an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Corrections. It’s exciting seeing this as a place where inmates can participate in a positive, constructive way,” said Grove. Most of the new Habitat homes being built locally these days are located in the Auburndale subdivision in the city of Martinsburg. The organization has already completed five houses there, and the one currently under construction is going there as well....
Thomas Shepherd Inn
Article By: Tula Mason Photos By: Josh Triggs Shepherdstown, WV, home of prestigious Shepherd University and known for its quaint, small-town charm. With its proximity close to virtually every historical hot spot related to the Civil War in the Eastern Panhandle area, this town is a popular destination for history buffs from all over the country. Just a short drive from town will find yourself arriving at your choice of Antietam National Battlefield across the bridge that takes you on a scenic ride over the Potomac River into Maryland or to Harpers Ferry, WV by way of a breathtaking drive which will ultimately lead you to this historic town where John Brown fought to end slavery and was hanged for his efforts. This charmer is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers where the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet. With all of this rich history to be enjoyed, naturally, vacationers want to stay in an establishment equally as impressive and fraught with history. The Thomas Shepherd Inn is the perfect place to hang your hat and rest up for those historical adventures while at the same time basking in the history that belongs to the Inn itself. As you reach the four way stop in Shepherdstown, you can’t help but notice the grand beige brick Federal-style building with dark green shutters and trim situated on the corner of German and Duke streets. This is the home of one of the finest bed and breakfast establishments in West Virginia, the Thomas Shepherd Inn. Over its 33 consecutive years of operation, this historic inn has continuously remained open for business even during those periods when its owners and subsequent Inn Keepers have changed, which has been only happened on three occasions. This is not only a testament to the popularity of the Inn, but also its owners both past and present. I must say that this fine establishment seems to naturally evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility as soon as you walk through the door, only to be followed by a heartfelt greeting from current owners David and The property located at 300 West German Street in historic Shepherdstown, West Virginia was not always a bed and breakfast. Built in 1868, the building served for many years until 1936 as the parsonage for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Shepherdstown. During this time it consisted of a parlor, dining room, kitchen and three “chambers” aka bedrooms. It was in 1936 when Dr. Halvard Wanger and his wife, Dr. Sarah Elizabeth McFetridge purchased the property for $6000.00 and set about the task of adding the Duke...
Retro Drive-In Style Diner and Bar
Article By: Chelsea Cornwell Photos By: Josh Trig Remember the ‘good ole’ days’? Way back when we could, innocently, go to the drive-in restaurants where all the boys and girls would get gussied up, make sure their muscle cars were waxed and gleaming in the light of the sunset. There were neon signs and good old-fashioned food along with a bar service and sweet innocent summer fun. That is the very esthetic that Backseat Bar and Grill in Winchester, Virginia gives off. When you first walk up, you pass a vast amount of outside, fenced in patio seating, while inside there are vibrant red booths, high-top tables with classic bar stools and retro car signs hanging on all of the walls. In the very center is an oval bar that looks like it came straight out of a time machine and landed here from the post-war celebration that was the 1950’s. In all of its glory, the modernization of this very nostalgic landscape with 10 jumbo flat screen TVs that include Sunday Ticket for all you football lovers out there and a stage for live music every weekend, makes it easy to see that this isn’t your classic joint, as it is universally appealing to all things modern. For those that love a wonderful bar, Backseat Bar and Grill will not disappoint; with domestic bottled beers (Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Michelob Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Bud Light Aluminum, Busch N/A, Natural Light) as well as a variety of draft beers (Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Hefeweizen, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Yuengling,) and topping it off in the beer department they also carry many imported and specialty beers (Corona, Heineken, Heineken Light, Rolling Rock, Smirnoff Ice). If you prefer wine or specialty drinks, those are also available upon request. Nearly 2-3 times a month they house live bands that play on the weekends, using their easy access stage and huge amount of space given for customers. For example, the weekend of, newly elected, President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Backseat Bar and Grill had a Trump Inaugural Bash that featured a band called The Rumblers, one of the many local gigs they have housed. With just a five-dollar cover, or free entry if you wore anything with President Trump on it, I’d say that’s pretty affordable for live entertainment. Following them on Facebook is a good way to stay in the loop about the up-and-coming events that they put on. While the bar and entertainment are certainly a highlight of the Backseat Bar and Grill, it is also quite the family atmosphere. “We don’t want people to...
Valley Homes & Style Magazine | February & March 2017 Edition
February & March 2017 Edition
Inwood Dance Company
Changing Young Lives Through Dance at the Inwood Dance Company By Laura Emmons Changing Young Lives Through Dance at the Inwood Dance Company The Inwood Dance Company, including the Inwood Performing Arts Company, has brought a high level of artistry to our community since 1982 under the ownership of Denna and Winston Smith. Currently in its 34th season, the Inwood Dance Company is proud to bring The Nutcracker Ballet to the region again this holiday season. A Humble Beginning Denna Smith grew up in Inwood. At age four she started her instruction in ballet at the Ewing School of Dance under the tutelage of Dorothy Ewing. After receiving a Master of Arts from American University in Washington D.C. she went on to study dance all over the United States and abroad. She and her husband, Winston Smith, competed professionally in ballroom dancing. Denna always knew she wanted to teach dance to young people, and at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, she developed the skills she would use to do that. Seeing a need for a high quality arts program in our community, she brought her passion for artistic leadership back home. In 1982 they built one dance studio. By 1985 they added a second studio to their building. They have renovated the building twice since then, adding two more large studios, practice rooms for private music lessons, a kitchen/lounge, offi ces, a costume/ wardrobe room, a library, a boutique that specializes in dance wear and supplies, and a Hall of Fame. A History of Excellence From the beginning, Denna has focused on providing a high level of instruction at the school, hiring quality faculty and supplementing the permanent staff with guest instructors and choreographers, as well as providing opportunities for masters classes. The first master instructor Denna hired for the company was Mistress Shan Dai, who was a principal dancer and teacher for the Central Ballet of China and the Beijing Dance Company. She brought a Russian style of ballet instruction to the company to complement the Royal Academy style taught by Denna. Now the Inwood Dance Company offers a blend of different movement qualities, offering a greater exposure to students for the whole realm of dance art. Denna seeks out guest teachers who are not just exceptionally talented dancers, but who nurture and mentor her students. Often these guest dancers will participate in productions, allowing advanced students the opportunity to perform pas-de-deux with professional partners. National Recognition The Inwood Dance Company is a member of Regional Dance America, a national association. Membership is by invitation only, and member companies must adhere to a common set of...
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