Podcasts about Allegheny Mountains

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. Volunteer West Virginia offers grants for AmeriCorps programs…West Virginia Northern Community College receives funding to boost manufacturing and production skills…and West Virginia's “snow bowl” offers the ultimate winter sport experience…on today's daily304. #1 – From VOLUNTEER WV – ​Volunteer West Virginia announces a funding opportunity through AmeriCorps State Formula grants for eligible applicants. Potential applicants will apply to operate an AmeriCorps program solely in West Virginia utilizing at least five AmeriCorps members beginning in fall 2025 or spring 2026. Volunteer West Virginia, the state's commission for national and community service, challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. The commission administers West Virginia's AmeriCorps service programs in cooperation with local and state grantees.  To apply, visit volunteerwv.gov. Learn more: https://volunteer.wv.gov/Grants/Pages/AmeriCorps-Formula-Funding.aspx   #2 – From WTOV9-TV – West Virginia Northern Community College has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Strengthening Community Colleges Initiative. The funding aims to create more job opportunities for students by developing pathway programs that lead to living-wage careers. The college's initiative, known as M.A.P.S. 2.0, will focus on manufacturing and production skills. Students entering the advanced manufacturing career and technical education program from high school will develop skills in advanced manufacturing while earning dual credit. The grant is focused on redesigning programs to ensure the production of workers needed by employers like Form Energy. As unique economic opportunities unfold in the Ohio Valley, the hope is that students will be able to stay local, enter the industry, and earn competitive salaries. Read more: https://wtov9.com/news/local/west-virginia-northern-community-college-secures-15m-grant-to-boost-job-opportunities   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – High in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia lies a scenic valley with a Canadian-like climate in which it can snow 10 months out of the year. Though only two hours from the Washington beltway, the Canaan Valley receives more snow than the snowiest reporting station in Maine and a shorter growing season than Fairbanks, Alaska. Scientists have determined that elevation, position, and orientation are all contributing elements that notably support the valley's three ski areas. More specifically, the cold temperatures, increased precipitation, and the valley's similarity to a “huge bathtub” conspire to create its remarkably wintry conditions.  Want to experience this phenomenon for yourself? Plan a ski getaway to Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Timberline Mountain or White Grass Ski Touring Center. Check out wvtourism.com or wvstateparks.com for more information on snow sports in Almost Heaven.  Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/03/strange-phenomena-canaan-valley-wv-west-virginia/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. A national study ranks West Virginia as the state with the highest inbound migration in 2024…a local businesswoman earns a mini-MBA through a crash course offered through a Goldman-Sachs WV cohort…and discover why the Canaan Valley region is referred to as the snow bowl…on today's daily304. #1 – From YAHOO – If you're thinking about moving to West Virginia, you'd be in good company. According to the 48th Annual National Movers Study, West Virginia was the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration (66%) last year among states experiencing more than 250 moves with United Van Lines. The Mountain State jumped nine spots on this year's inbound list, compared to the 2023 National Movers Study. The top motivations for moves to the state included wanting to be closer to family (35%) and a new job/company transfer (31%). Located in the Appalachian region, West Virginia is known for its range of outdoor activities, affordable housing and lower cost of living compared to the national average. Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/top-states-where-americans-moved-222125614.html   #2 – From WVDN – Marsha Waybright has earned a mini-MBA through a 12-week crash course offered by the very first West Virginia cohort by Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses education program.  Waybright manages three businesses in Jenningston, West Virginia: Laurel River Club Bed & Breakfast, West Virginia School of Traditional Skills and Mama Bear Protection.  She is one of 26 business owners who recently completed the program, designed to strengthen her business skills. BridgeValley Community & Technical College ran the program's with modules on themes including marketing, accounting and operations.  Over 111,000 small business owners like Waybright account for 98.8% of the state's businesses and employ nearly half of the state's workforce.  Read more: https://wvdn.com/150933/?es_id=0798aeaeac   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – High in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia lies a scenic valley with a Canadian-like climate in which it can snow 10 months out of the year. Though only two hours from the Washington beltway, the Canaan Valley receives more snow than the snowiest reporting station in Maine and a shorter growing season than Fairbanks, Alaska. What circumstances lead to this strange phenomenon? According to scientists, the reasons are as complex as they are simple. Christoph Vogel and Robert Leffler determined in a study of the region that elevation, position, and orientation were all contributing elements that notably support the valley's three ski areas, including two alpine resorts and a Nordic ski center. More specifically, they point out that the cold temperatures, increased precipitation, and the valley's similarity to a “huge bathtub” conspire to create its remarkably wintry conditions, which includes an average snowfall of 134 inches. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/03/strange-phenomena-canaan-valley-wv-west-virginia/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

A state commission that addresses food insecurity sends recommendations ahead of January's General Assembly… It's likely that, for the first time, Virginia's next governor will be a woman… Localities along the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia and West Virginia want the federal government to lift low power restrictions to improve responses to 911 calls….

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Motorcycle riders flock to The Talon, a scenic, winding motorsports route that winds through the New River Gorge…the High Technology Foundation has been awarded a grant to fund operational expenses for a statewide collaborative entrepreneurial assistance program…and get the scoop on great things developing in Almost Heaven with Innovators and Entrepreneurs…on today's daily304.   #1 – From WV EXPLORER – The global attention that one of America's newest national parks has garnered is boosting interest in The Talon, an exceptional new motorsports route in southern West Virginia. The 18-mile stretch of two-lane US-60 that skirts the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is growing fast as a favorite route for motorcyclists and other adventure motorists. According to cyclist Jeff Lanham, founder of “Backroads of West Virginia,” the Talon explores some of the most scenic mountain lands in the U.S. and provides a variety of highway conditions, both relatively straight and exceptionally curving. The four other routes the organization is promoting include The Ridge—21 miles, following an upland range of hills north of Charleston; The Seneca Trail—213 miles, following the old Seneca warpath (US-219) through the Allegheny Mountains; The Trail of Dragons—244 miles, following WV-16 from Saint Marys to Tazewell, Va.; and The Shenandoah Sidewinder—65 miles, following US-33 from Seneca Rocks to Harrisonburg, Va. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2024/11/04/new-national-park-boosts-talon-motorsports-route/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGWES1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVPvFh-OeRwcAkohDf0DI_Y15T7VWoB8jwzCUUgGkiBpxWcIKh9ZRuV-xQ_aem_9TDDbuAulLCTdjQRfq33GA   #2 – From TECH CONNECT – The High Technology Foundation has been awarded $848,800 by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to fund operational expenses for a statewide collaborative entrepreneurial assistance program.  The initiative is part of the EDA's commitment to foster economic development in regions impacted by the decline in coal industries. The project will be matched with $212,200 in local funds, bringing the total investment to over $1 million. The program will provide critical support to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the technology sector across West Virginia, according to Jim Estep, president and CEO of the High Technology Foundation. Read more: https://techconnectwv.org/high-technology-foundation-receives-848800-from-u-s-department-of-commerce-to-support-small-business-and-entrepreneurial-growth-in-west-virginia/   #3 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Get the scoop on all the good stuff happening in #YesWV. Check out “Innovators and Entrepreneurs,” a segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Subscribe to the daily304 YouTube channel so you don't miss an episode! Read more: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbTIXU2Zp-Km1gNK2YeXfnsVd91rSHh0b   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. A $9.8 million grant will help create a first-of-its-kind electric battery plant in Bridgeport…a new educational program will teach outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship to Mercer County 5th graders…and get your skis ready--Snowshoe Mountain opens for the season on Nov. 27…on today's daily304. #1 – From WBOY-TV – A Bridgeport-area company has been awarded a $9.8 million grant to create a new battery plant and train coal miners to work in it. The Associated Press reported back in 2022 that Sparkz planned to build an electric battery factory in Taylor County off U.S. Route 50 near Bridgeport in the 482,000-square-foot AGC glass factory that closed in 2009. The Department of Energy said that Sparkz has been selected to begin contract negotiations with the government for the project, which is expected to create 75 new jobs in the area. As part of the project, Sparkz has signed a neutrality agreement with the United Mine Workers of America to provide training to former coal workers. Read more: https://www.wboy.com/news/taylor/9-8-million-grant-will-help-create-first-of-its-kind-battery-plant-in-taylor-county/   #2 – From WVVA-TV – A new educational program was announced for Mercer County Schools, and aims to teach 5th-graders responsible outdoor recreation habits and environmental stewardship. According to Visit Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the new initiative is in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the West Virginia Department of Education, and is titled “Leave No Trace.”  In 45-minute sessions, students will learn how to minimize their impact on nature, respect wildlife, and practice sustainability while exploring. The goal of the program is to connect students with the outdoors and educate them on the importance of preserving nature for locals and visitors. Read more: https://www.wvva.com/2024/10/22/outdoor-education-program-coming-mercer-county-schools/   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Snowshoe Mountain ski resort will open for its 50th anniversary on Nov. 27, weather permitting. The announcement follows the region's first snowfall, which descended on the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Allegheny Mountains, in mid-October. Resort spokesman Shawn Cassell said planning for ski season, a year-round endeavor, reaches a crescendo with the first snow. A 50th Anniversary Celebration is planned for Dec. 19-22. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2024/10/16/snowshoe-mountain-ski-resort-2024-opening-day/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Oct. 11, 2024  Explore the rugged beauty of West Virginia's longest trail…Lewisburg's culinary scene is again ranked No. 1 in the U.S. among small towns…and Newell manufacturer Marsh Bellofram embraces innovation and excellence in #YesWV …on today's daily304. #1 – From WOAY-TV – Do you want to enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer in West Virginia? The 311-mile Allegheny Trail runs the length of West Virginia, passing through beautiful, rugged scenery in the Allegheny Mountains. That means if you are a hiker, if you are a biker, if you like the canoe, if you like the kayak, if you want to learn a lot about West Virginia's history, this trail offers everything for you today. Soon, the trail will connect with Sweet Springs in Monroe County. They have about a half mile to go, but even so, right now, you can enjoy plenty of activities for the kids by just hopping off the Allegheny Trail and this sweet spot in West Virginia. Arietta Dupre of Sweet Springs Resort Park says kids can pick up a scavenger hunt map and get a prize for completing the hunt. The resort is also working on an ADA trail and area with interactive activities including birdwatching. Learn more at www.sweetspringsresortpark.org and www.hikethealleghenytrail.org. Watch the video: https://woay.com/one-tank-trip-hike-bike-run-or-walk-west-virginias-longest-trail/   #2 – From REGISTER-HERALD – If, as the saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home, then Lewisburg might very well be the strong, vibrantly beating heart of southern West Virginia. This 242-year-old town in Greenbrier County retains its historic charm while also adapting to survive in the present. In fact, many of the most historic structures in Lewisburg have been repurposed and are in use today, some as boutiques and small markets but many as unique restaurants and bistros that offer patrons a diverse range of culinary experiences. In April, Lewisburg was ranked No. 1 on the USA Today 2024 Top 10 Best Small Town Food Scene list for the second year in a row, beating out small towns all over the United States for the top spot. Visitors are treated to the culinary delights of  The French Goat, The Humble Tomato, the Livery Tavern and many more unique local eateries. Learn more about the local dining scene at greenbrierwv.com. Read more: https://www.register-herald.com/news/life/epicurean-titan-lewisburg-s-culinary-scene-proves-culinary-excellence/article_e12782de-29e9-11ef-bf75-bf8d58597dad.html   #3 – From WV DED –  Marsh Bellofram, headquartered in Newell, West Virginia, epitomizes a rich history of American manufacturing and a forward-thinking approach to modern industry needs. With a legacy stretching back to the mid-20th century, the company has evolved through strategic growth and a commitment to excellence.  The company's products serve a variety of applications, from weather stripping for the airline industry to seals for food and beverage, and gas regulators for residential, industrial, and commercial use. Why does this global manufacturer say #YesWV? West Virginia's supportive business environment, combined with the state's commitment to fostering innovation and industrial growth, aligns perfectly with Marsh Bellofram's goals.  Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/marsh-bellofram-embracing-innovation-and-excellence-in-west-virginia/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

For 150 years, the diseased, the deranged, and the dying came to Lychhurst Hospital for comfort and healing. What they found there was something far more sinister.In 1844, Lychhurst was built, stone by cursed stone, deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.Originally intended as an exclusive resort for the wealthy, Lychhurst would suffer through multiple incarnations—military hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, psychiatric facility, and more—before finally being abandoned to steep in its own sickness, but through all the hospital's changes, one thing remained the same…Lychhurst holds onto its ghosts.The halls still echo with the footsteps of doctors long dead. The rooms resound with the cries of patients long silenced. The tunnels still thrum with the castoff energy of lives long abandoned.Visiting hours have started. The doors are open, and you are expected.Come tour the most haunted hospital in the world. Come visit our Hospital of Haunts. 23 Wards. 23 Ghosts. 23 Stories.At Lychhurst Hospital, we've got the cure for what ails you.Featuring stories from:Christy Aldridge, Simon Bleaken, Bridget D. Brave, Brooklyn Ann Butler, Lexx Christian, Rebecca Cuthbert, Blaine Daigle, Heather Daughrity, Jason Daughrity, Joe DeRouen, John Durgin, Stephanie Ellis, Joshua Loyd Fox, Jennifer Anne Gordon, Gage Greenwood, Caleb Jones, Marie Lanza, Stephen Mark Rainey, Jeani Rector, Susan H. Roddey, Cat Scully, Westley Smith, and Mer WhineryForeword by Clay McLeod ChapmanEdited by Heather DaughritySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 150 years, the diseased, the deranged, and the dying came to Lychhurst Hospital for comfort and healing. What they found there was something far more sinister.In 1844, Lychhurst was built, stone by cursed stone, deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.Originally intended as an exclusive resort for the wealthy, Lychhurst would suffer through multiple incarnations—military hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, psychiatric facility, and more—before finally being abandoned to steep in its own sickness, but through all the hospital's changes, one thing remained the same…Lychhurst holds onto its ghosts.The halls still echo with the footsteps of doctors long dead. The rooms resound with the cries of patients long silenced. The tunnels still thrum with the castoff energy of lives long abandoned.Visiting hours have started. The doors are open, and you are expected.Come tour the most haunted hospital in the world. Come visit our Hospital of Haunts. 23 Wards. 23 Ghosts. 23 Stories.At Lychhurst Hospital, we've got the cure for what ails you.Featuring stories from:Christy Aldridge, Simon Bleaken, Bridget D. Brave, Brooklyn Ann Butler, Lexx Christian, Rebecca Cuthbert, Blaine Daigle, Heather Daughrity, Jason Daughrity, Joe DeRouen, John Durgin, Stephanie Ellis, Joshua Loyd Fox, Jennifer Anne Gordon, Gage Greenwood, Caleb Jones, Marie Lanza, Stephen Mark Rainey, Jeani Rector, Susan H. Roddey, Cat Scully, Westley Smith, and Mer WhineryForeword by Clay McLeod ChapmanEdited by Heather DaughritySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 150 years, the diseased, the deranged, and the dying came to Lychhurst Hospital for comfort and healing. What they found there was something far more sinister.In 1844, Lychhurst was built, stone by cursed stone, deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.Originally intended as an exclusive resort for the wealthy, Lychhurst would suffer through multiple incarnations—military hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, psychiatric facility, and more—before finally being abandoned to steep in its own sickness, but through all the hospital's changes, one thing remained the same…Lychhurst holds onto its ghosts.The halls still echo with the footsteps of doctors long dead. The rooms resound with the cries of patients long silenced. The tunnels still thrum with the castoff energy of lives long abandoned.Visiting hours have started. The doors are open, and you are expected.Come tour the most haunted hospital in the world. Come visit our Hospital of Haunts. 23 Wards. 23 Ghosts. 23 Stories.At Lychhurst Hospital, we've got the cure for what ails you.Featuring stories from:Christy Aldridge, Simon Bleaken, Bridget D. Brave, Brooklyn Ann Butler, Lexx Christian, Rebecca Cuthbert, Blaine Daigle, Heather Daughrity, Jason Daughrity, Joe DeRouen, John Durgin, Stephanie Ellis, Joshua Loyd Fox, Jennifer Anne Gordon, Gage Greenwood, Caleb Jones, Marie Lanza, Stephen Mark Rainey, Jeani Rector, Susan H. Roddey, Cat Scully, Westley Smith, and Mer WhineryForeword by Clay McLeod ChapmanEdited by Heather DaughritySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 150 years, the diseased, the deranged, and the dying came to Lychhurst Hospital for comfort and healing. What they found there was something far more sinister.In 1844, Lychhurst was built, stone by cursed stone, deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia.Originally intended as an exclusive resort for the wealthy, Lychhurst would suffer through multiple incarnations—military hospital, tuberculosis sanatorium, psychiatric facility, and more—before finally being abandoned to steep in its own sickness, but through all the hospital's changes, one thing remained the same…Lychhurst holds onto its ghosts.The halls still echo with the footsteps of doctors long dead. The rooms resound with the cries of patients long silenced. The tunnels still thrum with the castoff energy of lives long abandoned.Visiting hours have started. The doors are open, and you are expected.Come tour the most haunted hospital in the world. Come visit our Hospital of Haunts. 23 Wards. 23 Ghosts. 23 Stories.At Lychhurst Hospital, we've got the cure for what ails you.Featuring stories from:Christy Aldridge, Simon Bleaken, Bridget D. Brave, Brooklyn Ann Butler, Lexx Christian, Rebecca Cuthbert, Blaine Daigle, Heather Daughrity, Jason Daughrity, Joe DeRouen, John Durgin, Stephanie Ellis, Joshua Loyd Fox, Jennifer Anne Gordon, Gage Greenwood, Caleb Jones, Marie Lanza, Stephen Mark Rainey, Jeani Rector, Susan H. Roddey, Cat Scully, Westley Smith, and Mer WhineryForeword by Clay McLeod ChapmanEdited by Heather DaughritySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donate to our October 2024 OVERCOMING THE DARKNESS campaign at https://weirddarkness.com/overcoming. Weird Darkness is narrated by professional full-time voice actor Darren Marlar. IN THIS EPISODE: In 1856, two young children – Joseph and George Cox – disappeared in the Allegheny Mountains. The story is tragic… and it also has a bizarre ending. (Lost Children of the Alleghenies) *** Is he an elf? A troll? Not only is it hard to classify Latin America's El Duende – but it's even difficult to know if he's good, evil, or just a mischievous menace! (Duende The Menace) *** Bachelor's Grove Cemetery just outside of Chicago is a mystery. No one knows exactly how it got its name; no one is sure when the first burial there took place or why it has since been abandoned; there is no explanation for the strange lights that are often seen there, or the ghostly lady, or the phantom horse and rider. (Bachelor's Grove Cemetery) *** A man is found in a graveyard with a bullet to his skull, barely alive. He died later – but what exactly happened to him is a bit of a mystery. Our guess though is that it had something to do with him being a grave robber. (A Grave Robber's Fate) *** Forensics has come a long way over the years, making it harder and harder for criminals to get away with crimes – particularly brutal crimes where DNA is usually left behind because of a struggle or physical assault. But despite technological advancements, there are still those cases that remain unsolved – and we'll look at a few murders of women whose cases still can't be closed. (Unsolved Female Murders) *** How's the saying go… “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?” That's good advice for the living – but probably even more apropos when dealing with female ghosts! (Famous Female Phantoms) *** Imagine you're in a small town and suddenly you begin seeing people around you starting to change into beastly creatures. They begin attacking those around them, ripping them apart, eating like wild animals. Then suddenly you begin the transformation yourself… you are becoming a werewolf. But you were never bitten by a monster, nor were the townsfolk. How could this be happening? This actually happened in a small town in France… and one of the theories as to how it happened will not only surprise you, but have you wondering if it will happen to you someday. (The Town That Turned Into Werewolves)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Cold Open and Show Intro00:05:35.813 = The Town That Turned Into Werewolves00:22:53.521 = Famous Female Phantoms00:28:51.261 = Unsolved Female Murders00:42:35.969 = Duende The Menace00:49:28.303 = Bachelor's Grove Cemetery00:55:12.504 = A Grave Robber's Fate00:59:53.366 = The Lost Children of the Alleghenies01:05:54.158 = Show Close01:08:34.779 = Bloopers/OuttakesSOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…BOOK: “Hunting The American Werewolf” by Linda Godfrey: https://amzn.to/45p1poXBOOK: “A Terrible Mistake – The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments” by H.P. Albarelli Jr.: https://amzn.to/3OD2RgRBOOK: “Forbidden Archeology's Impact” by Michael A. Cremo: https://amzn.to/45nqwbEARTICLE: “El Duende – San Pedro Folklore” by Angel Nunez: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckmmwvj“The Town That Turned Into Werewolves” by Nick Redfern: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckmamyj; and ViralNova.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckv3xfh“Famous Female Phantoms” by Carolyn Cox for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ye2zatz7“Unsolved Female Murders” by Selme Angulo for List Verse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5f9jzc3e“Duende The Menace” by Dean Traylor for Owlcation.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/b3aswdu“Bachelor's Grove Cemetery” by Kathi Kresol for Haunted Rockford: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdkj9323“Lost Children of the Alleghenies” by Orrin Grey for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/nayey92p“A Grave Robber's Fate” by Robert Wilhelm for Murder By Gaslight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3xvtu6k4Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2024, Weird Darkness.= = = = =Originally aired: August 14, 2023CUSTOM LANDING PAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/WerewolfTtown

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. With its mild temps and colorful leaves, fall is perfect weather for motorcycle riding -- and Pocahontas County has the perfect roads for your two-wheeled adventure…Watch out! Here come the men in black as the annual Mothman Festival returns to Point Pleasant…and learn how West Virginia is establishing itself as a national leader in digital identity solutions…on today's daily304. #1 – From POCAHONTAS COUNTY –  When the late summer sun shines over the rolling hills and dense forests of West Virginia, it's time to check the fluids and tire pressure and set off on an unforgettable motorcycle adventure.  Pristine landscapes and winding, twisty roads make Pocahontas County an unparalleled experience for motorcyclists seeking both relaxation and/or excitement.  Among the most iconic routes is the Highland Scenic Highway, with breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains. As you roll along, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas, lush valleys and the serene beauty of the Monongahela National Forest. For a more challenging ride, try Route 66 from the historic logging railroad town of Cass to the base of Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This route features a mix of swooping, tight and swift turns taking you from Pocahontas County's past to the present.  Check out the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitor's Bureau online for more scenic rides and must-visit sites in nature's playground! Read more: https://pocahontascountywv.com/late-summer-early-autumn-motorcycling/   #2 – From WOWK-TV – It's almost time once again for the event that draws thousands of people to Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The Mothman Festival takes place Sept. 21-22 along Main Street near the Mothman Museum. The annual festival commemorates the 1966 sighting of the Mothman in the TNT area of Point Pleasant. The Mothman Festival will feature a variety of attractions, events and entertainment, including the Mothman Hayride through the TNT area, cosplay opportunities, photo ops with the iconic Mothman Statue, TNT bus tours (which are already sold out for this year), and a virtual Mothman 5K.  Check out Mothman Festival on Facebook for the schedule. Read more: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/mason-county-wv/mothman-festival-brings-entertainers-paranormal-speakers-to-point-pleasant/   #3 – From WV DED – The West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub is dedicated to establishing West Virginia as a national leader in digital identity solutions while driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for residents through secure and equitable digital identity technologies. Phillip Merritt, Vice President and COO of Lakota Software Solutions, and co-founder Aaron Wilson left their jobs at NASA to pursue careers in the growing field of biometric identification in their home state of West Virginia.  They founded Lakota to create state-of-the-art technical solutions in the expanding biometrics industry right here in the Mountain State. Last year, Lakota partnered with TMC Technologies, another West Virginia-based company, to win a large contract to build a biometric system for the Somalia government. Watch the interview on Innovators & Entrepreneurs. Watch now: https://westvirginia.gov/techhub/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Saturday, April 6, 2024. The WVEDA helps an iconic potato chip maker boost production and hire more workers at its Parkersburg plant. WV's nightlife is hopping--from drive- in movies to casinos to stargazing. And visitation is up on Highland Scenic Highway…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV COMMERCE – Mister Bee is the only potato chip made in West Virginia. New owner Mary Anne Ketelsen was determined to make sure the brand would be around for generations to come.  When Ketelsen took over in 2018, the operation needed to be completely rehauled. Thanks to financing from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Mister Bee was able to triple their capacity, make new products, and hire more people. Check out the video on YouTube and visit Mister Bee online to learn more about their tasty products.  Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2tA4mAlFhk #2 – From WV TOURISM – As the chill of winter fades away, the spring awakening in West Virginia begins. The days get longer, and the nightlife is spirited. This season, capture the magic under the stars with some must-try activities in Almost Heaven.  Grab some popcorn at the drive-in. Yes, drive-in movie theaters still exist, and West Virginia is home to several. Pipestem Drive-In Theatre is celebrating 50 years of movies. The town of Meadowbrook houses the Sunset Drive-In Theater and Ellis Restaurant, the oldest operating drive-in in the Mountain State.  Check out one of West Virginia's luxurious casinos and let the good times roll among the star-studded skies. For action-packed entertainment, visit the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in New Cumberland. Double down on the excitement at the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort just outside of Charleston.  Take a trip to go stargazing. Calhoun County Park is a renowned location for an adventure at dusk. During your travels in Pocahontas County, swing by the Green Bank Observatory to view the largest fully steerable telescope. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven adventure. Read more: https://wvtourism.com/3-late-night-adventures-to-try-this-spring-in-west-virginia/   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Traveling through a windswept landscape of spruce and cranberry, a scenic parkway that explores some of the highest elevations in West Virginia is attracting more visitors. The Highland Scenic Highway is now among the most popular scenic routes in the Mountain State, and it's growing more popular as a destination by the year, especially in the last two years, according to area officials. “There are many more visitors coming to Pocahontas County,” says Cara Rose executive director of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, “and while I don't have traffic counts specifically for the highway, we're seeing more motorcycles and more cars with bikes and kayaks.” The 43-mile parkway, which ascends into the Yew Mountains, a subset of the Allegheny Mountains, allows visitors to explore a variety of highland environments without walking far from the car—cranberry glades, spruce forests and the highest waterfall in the state. Some must-sees along the way include the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, the Falls of Hills Creek and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2024/04/01/highland-scenic-highway-marlinton-west-virginia/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Heavy Snow winds down over New England and Sierra Nevada.High Winds likely for Central Great Basin and FourCorners/Intermountain West.Critical Fire Risk for Central/Southern High Plains this weekend.A very strong and impactful low pressure system, which has already broughtheavy snow to the Sierra Nevada, will spread rain and snow into theinterior West over the next couple of days. Tonight, heavy snow over theSierra Nevada will weaken as the focus for snow, rain and wind shifteastward. Over the next 24 hours, between 6-12 inches of snow is expectedto accumulate over the Sierra Nevada; ranges of northeastern California,northern Nevada, Sawtooth; and the Blue Mountains. High winds willaccompany this system, particularly over parts of the Great Basin andIntermountain West, where sustained winds of 35-45 mph and gusts up to 60mph are possible. High Wind Warnings and Watches are in effect for thoseareas as a result. Snow showers spread into the Northern/Central RockiesFriday night into Saturday, with 4-8 inches possible over those areas.This system will reorganize and quickly intensify as it emerges over theFront Range this weekend. High winds, warm weather and low dew points willsupport a Critical Risk of Fire Weather over parts of the Central andSouthern High Plains beginning Friday and continuing through at leastSunday. Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will develop over theCentral/Southern Plains on Saturday night, while snow continues over theNorthern Rockies/High Plains.Meanwhile, in the East, a deep upper-level trough will slowly move off theNortheast Coast over the coming days. The associated low pressure system,which has already dumped several inches of snow over parts of theNortheast and New England, will linger around Downeast Maine over the nextcouple of days, spreading snow showers across the state and surroundingareas. Tonight, the heaviest snowfall will come to an end, but between 4-8inches may still accumulate as the parent low lingers nearby. Snow showerscontinue over the Allegheny Mountains tonight, producing around 4-8 inchesof snow. An omega block upper-level pattern will support below averagetemperatures across the West and East and above average temps in theCentral U.S. over the next couple of

Timothy G. Huguenin is a hillbilly writer of the strange and spooky, living in the dark Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. He is the author of the books Little One, When the Watcher Shakes, and Unknowing, I Sink. His short stories have appeared in various publications including Vastarien, Cosmic Horror Monthly, and The Saturday Evening Post.

We travel back east to the great state of Pennsylvania! First, Lauren shares the tragic story of 11 year old Shauna Howe. Her savage kidnapping and murder caused her hometown to implement a trick-or-treat ban that wouldn't be lifted for 15 years. This story contains topics of child rape, assault and murder, so please be advised. Next, Kenzie covers a government conspiracy theory involving a possible Civil War era treasure. Was it a government cover up or was there never any treasure to begin with? This episode is sure to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, so buckle up!--Follow us on Social Media and find out how to support A Scary State by clicking on our Link Tree: https://instabio.cc/4050223uxWQAl--Have a scary tale or listener story of your own? Send us an email to ascarystatepodcast@gmail.com! We can't wait to read it!--Thinking of starting a podcast? Thinking about using Buzzsprout for that? Well use our link to let Buzzsprout know we sent you and get a $20 Amazon gift card if you sign up for a paid plan!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1722892--Works cited!https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yta4QOa3v1nS3V-vOcYPNx3xSgv_GckdFcZj6FBt8zg/edit?usp=sharing --Intro and outro music thanks to Kevin MacLeod. You can visit his site here: http://incompetech.com/. Which is where we found our music!

Hello and welcome back to Breakfast with Mom!Today I wanted to highlight an actor who was once in the military.  I really didn't know much about but was an excellent actor, but I'm glad I took the time to get to know him a little better.  Charles Bronson was born Charles Dennis Buchinsky on November 3, 1921 to Walter and Mary Buchinsky.  He was the eleventh of fifteen children, into a Roman Catholic family of Lithuanian origin in Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania, in the coal region of the Allegheny Mountains north of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Resources: https://news.va.gov/109046/veteranoftheday-army-air-forces-charles-bronson/https://blog.togetherweserved.com/2023/08/16/charles-dennis-buchinsky-bronson-u-s-army-air-force-1943-1945/https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veterans-charles-bronson.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bronson#MarriagesSay What!:https://apnews.com/article/queen-elizabeth-ii-fraud-walking-stick-daa683a637a21a97adee13f82e1bc9d9Festival link: https://truecrimepodcastfestival.com/tickets/Promo Code: BREAKFASTAll the things: Music: "Electronic Rock (King Around Here)" by Alex Grohl https://pixabay.com/music/search/electronic%20rock%20king/ (to be added to computer)Logo Artwork: Strawbeary Studios https://www.youtube.com/@StrawbearyStudios/featuredEpisode was researched, written and edited by ShanoaSocial Media:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090200010112X (formerly Twitter): @breakfastmompodEmail: breakfastwithmompodcast@gmail.comWebsite: https://breakfastwithmompodcast.com/

Does Virginia have the country's best mountain golf course? In this episode of the LINKS Golf Podcast, the hosts chat with Mark Fry, Director of Golf at The Omni Homestead Resort, about the historic golf offerings at “America's First Resort” in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Jan. 8  Blenko Glass' wood mold maker has been working at the facility since he was 18 years old. WV supports a robust industry in technology & information services. And see the stars in Almost Heaven's dark skies…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV PUBCAST – In an era of speed, algorithms, and increasing automation, Blenko Glass in Milton holds true to its ethos: handmade “from sand to hand.” Blenko Glass' creative director James Arnett says Blenko is unique in being handmade in this day and age. The process includes the careful steps of workers in the shop's dance of molten glass, heat and classic wooden molds. In a workshop with so many vital pairs of hands, one pair touches most everything in the shop: the shop's wood mold maker, Daniel Chapman. Like most workers at Blenko Glass, Chapman just needed a job when he was hired on at 18 years old. Chapman worked with his mentor, Robert Smith for about five years before taking over the woodshop. “It's really neat to watch Daniel Chapman interact with our shop floor on a daily basis,” Arnett said. “His cumulative wisdom about how glass is blown from the side of working wood really informs the way that we do everything on our hot shop floor.” See for yourself how the process works. Visit www.blenko.com to schedule a tour. Read more: https://wvpublic.org/inside-appalachia-from-sand-to-hand-with-blenko-glass-wood-mold-maker/    #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Technology & information services is an emerging industry in #YesWV. This growing cluster of researchers and practitioners includes university research facilities, government agencies and commercial enterprises. In particular, the north-central region of West Virginia has been described as the “Silicon Valley of America's biometrics activity.” These strengths, combined with our state's skilled workforce, low cost of doing business and high quality of life make West Virginia a great place to relocate, invest and expand. Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/information-technology/   #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia includes some of the darkest regions of the night sky in the eastern U.S. While regions near its largest cities may be bright enough to wash out many stars, residents of more than 50 percent of the state enjoy star-spangled nights. The most significant areas of dark skies in West Virginia occur where populations are lowest or are least concentrated and where mountain walls shut out light from cities and light sources such as surface mines and gas wells. The state's most brilliant night skies arc across the Allegheny Mountains of the eastern state. Remote peaks and vast national forest areas sink into darkness otherwise known only over the vast Atlantic Ocean. Plan your own dark skies getaway in Almost Heaven. Visit www.wvtourism.com/stars to learn more. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/12/28/where-are-darkest-night-skies-in-west-virginia/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Jan. 5  WVU & West Liberty receive grants to fund careers in forestry. A $5.1M grant will support new jobs in WV's growing tourism industry. This hiking/biking trail is a gem in the Blackwater Canyon. WV partners with LG Electronics to bring more jobs to #YesWV…on today's daily304. #1 – From WVU – To properly maintain and care for West Virginia's diverse landscape, the state needs highly skilled people who are prepared for urban and community forestry careers to improve and maintain the health of trees and green spaces.   A partnership between West Virginia University and West Liberty University, in cooperation with several local organizations, has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to support urban forest planning, management and job training in Wheeling. This grant comes from the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program.   “There is a high need for climbing arborists, and there is not much training outside of a four-year degree for this profession,” Karen Cox, WVU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in Ohio County and principal investigator on the grant, said. “This program will create jobs and skilled workers to maintain utility lines, restore power after storms and right-of-ways and improve the care of trees.”  Read more: https://extension.wvu.edu/news/2023/12/11/wvu-extension-west-liberty-university-receive-grant-to-train-low-income-residents-for-tree-careers   #2 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia's Department of Tourism is putting a $5.1 million grant to good use. The money will help create new jobs and support the 53,000 jobs that currently exist in the tourism industry. The U.S. Economic Development Administration provided the grant. The plan is to use the money to support different projects throughout West Virginia. The grant has already funded programs in K-12 schools across all 55 counties in West Virginia. These programs focus on tourism and hospitality. Various educational and economic departments joined forces to make this possible. Last year, the department started a new initiative named Tourism Works. The goal is to prepare for an expected increase of over 21,000 tourism jobs annually by 2025. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-tourism-department-receives-5-1m-grant-to-boost-job-opportunities-and-industry-growth/article_691f97ba-a9b8-11ee-a206-b3f29500dfb6.html   #3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – If you are looking for an exhilarating outdoor mountain biking adventure in West Virginia, the Blackwater Canyon Trail is an absolute must-visit destination. Located in the picturesque Allegheny Mountains, this trail offers a breathtaking experience for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Stretching over 10 miles between Thomas and Hendricks, the trail is renowned for its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and challenging terrain. The trail traverses through dense forests, meanders alongside the scenic Blackwater River, and leads visitors to breathtaking overlooks that showcase the depth and beauty of the Blackwater Canyon. It even passes through the famed Blackwater Falls State Park. The park is an ideal location from which to base your outdoor adventures. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to reserve lodging. Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/gorgeous-little-known-path-wv/   #4 – From YAHOO! – The State of West Virginia and LG Electronics have announced a strategic initiative to grow new business ventures in West Virginia to advance the development of new technologies for renewable energy, healthcare and industries of the future. The businesses, developed by LG NOVA, LG Electronics' North America Innovation Center, are expected to bring 275 jobs to West Virginia and spur the growth of new technologies, investments and economic development for companies and people in the area, the start of an innovation corridor across the Appalachian Region. Alongside LG's jobs creation, NOVA West Virginia Investment Fund, an impact fund, plans to channel $700 million in project investments in West Virginia over the next five years to grow these businesses. The project investments will be used for development and growth in West Virginia.  “This is a tremendous day for our great state," West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said. “This partnership with LG Electronics is a game-changer, and it's going to create hundreds of good-paying jobs, spur investment in new technologies, and help us build an innovation corridor across the Appalachian region.” Read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/west-virginia-lg-announce-strategic-213000366.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALYhCZ81eiH_Ac_kv7dFEIjVtyRnkt6OvkGeYD-zGtSa7Z0LiHxIcM5Z0f2DmdklAOQhyBL52xgFMFlHHJsdCP9UKlZE3ODIpCL9TF-tDMvVUsl5RUEXDuumT23gmETgdlp3-sp5Oq0jLhwJ2T48zlMHuq-qMtz-gVWDCdyDnMHk Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Nov. 27  Discover knockout scenery, history and culture in southern WV. Learn how SEED SPOT helps WV entrepreneurs. And WV schools implement new technology to make safety a priority…on today's daily304. #1 – From ATLANTA MAGAZINE – The bar is set undeniably high for any visit to West Virginia.  The forested ridges and folds of the Allegheny Mountains, threaded with narrow valleys and winding rivers, offer knockout scenery, particularly in fall. And outdoor activities, such as hiking and whitewater rafting, abound. Travel east with, from the perennially cool small town of Fayetteville to the historic mountain town of Bramwell, to discover a trove of cultural offerings, from the anticipated (coal mine tours and mountain crafts) to the unexpected (a Cold War–era bunker and an acclaimed French restaurant). Visit www.wvtourism.com for more road trip ideas in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://www.atlantamagazine.com/southbound-articles/road-trip-guide-to-southern-west-virginia/   #2 – From WV BUSINESS LINK – If you are just learning about SEED SPOT you might be wondering why a Phoenix-based nonprofit wants to work with West Virginia entrepreneurs. With West Virginia's entrepreneurs and small business owners being the driving force behind the growing local economy, SEED SPOT can play a small role in supporting this emerging ecosystem. The nonprofit offers a supportive space and community for underrepresented entrepreneurs to test and refine their ideas, receive personalized, judgment-free mentorship from experts who reflect their own lived experiences, and receive the education and resources they need to build and sustain their ventures.  SEED SPOT's current programming options include a 2-day Launch Camp, an 8-week Impact Accelerator Program, and an Alumni Program. Learn more: https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/10/31/seed-spot-in-west-virginia-nurturing-underrepresented-entrepreneurs/ #3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Leaders of West Virginia's primary, secondary and collegiate level schools are turning to technology and increased security as they consider the possibility of gun violence in schools. BridgeValley Community and Technical College in South Charleston is in the process of installing a gunshot detection system, says President Casey Sacks. The technology will consist of strategically positioned sensors within buildings that will automatically transmit alerts through a platform if gunshots erupt. Other colleges and universities say they have added additional security cameras or police officers, while increasing the amount of training in preparation for potential shootings. With the goal of student safety, Governor Jim Justice announced the School Safety Initiative by the state Department of Homeland Security in 2022. The initiative aims to provide guid­ance to school personnel, students, par­ents and community members to detect and prevent school violence by recognizing threatening behavior in students and providing the tools necessary to seek assistance in the event of a crisis or threat. In addition to the state's school safety initiative, more than 50 West Virginia schools are implementing a live video analytics platform called ROC Watch that they will use to identify visitors and help administrators manage building access before guests enter the school's front office. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/keeping-schools-safe/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Nov. 20  The Mon Forest receives funding for several improvements. Can't make it out so watch the latest Folklore Music Exchange concert? You can watch it online! And Oglebay Park kicks off its annual Festival of Lights…on today's daily304. #1 – From WV EXPLORER – The Monongahela National Forest has received $1,092,000 million in funding from the Great American Outdoors Act to support three projects in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia. According to Kelly Bridges, spokesperson for the Monongahela, the three projects include improvements to Tea Creek Mountain Bike Trail, repairs to Holcomb Bridge in Webster County and the installation of stream-crossing structures for trout fisheries in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. The investments are made from the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established by the Great American Outdoors Act. The Great American Outdoors Act addresses the growing $7 billion backlog of deferred maintenance on national forests and grasslands.    Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/06/08/monongahela-national-forest-trout-bridge-bike-projects/   #2 – From DAILY304 – The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present a Mountain State Music Concert from the Folklore Stage in Charleston, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  Nov. 10th's guests include Grace Campbell and Dalchord. You can find the concert on the daily304 channel on YouTube. (And don't forget to like and subscribe!) It's a concert from your couch! Sit back, relax, and enjoy LIVE music from West Virginia. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_xG81AkfFQ   #3 – From WEIRTON DAILY TIMES – Santa Claus has flipped the switch on the Christmas lights at Oglebay Park, ushering in the official start to the 2023 holiday season in the Ohio Valley. Bob Peckenaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission, highlighted what visitors to the park will see as part of the 39th annual Festival of Lights. New this year is the winter carnival near the Levenson Shelter. There's an acrylic ice rink, a small train ride and decorated trees there. A climbing wall, carnival food and fire pit can also be found at the spot. And at the entrance to the park leading to Wilson Lodge there is also something new — colored orbs in different shapes that create a dance The lights will shine each night from dusk to midnight through Jan. 7. Read more: https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2023/11/making-spirits-bright-oglebay-turns-on-festival-of-lights-for-the-holidays/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Students, design a dog-themed ornament for display at the Culture Center! WVU Tech partners with local contractors to open a Construction Management learning space. And discover natural beauty, recreation and more in Tucker County…on today's daily304. #1 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – It's time to get creative! West Virginia students are invited to design their own dog-themed Christmas ornaments in the 19th annual First Lady Student Ornament Competition. The contest is inspired by West Virginia's Friends With Paws school therapy dogs as well as Babydog, Governor Jim Justice's dog. Students from every grade, whether public, private or home-schooled, are eligible to participate, according to a release from the Office of First Lady Cathy Justice. Winners will be invited to virtually join the Joyful Night Celebration, an early December holiday event held at the State Capitol, where officials will show the ornaments and the Christmas tree. The winning classes will also receive a gift card for class supplies. All submitted ornaments will be displayed at the Culture Center in Charleston over the holidays. Read more: https://www.wboy.com/holidays/west-virginia-students-invited-to-create-dog-themed-ornaments-for-competition/?ipid=promo-link-block1   #2 – From METRO NEWS  – West Virginia University Institute of Technology has partnered with some regional contractors to welcome a newly-renovated, first-of-its-kind in the state Construction Management learning space. WVU Tech's Construction Management program joined Jarrett Construction last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space, which is expected to help expand the now only 3-year-old program and attract more students to the construction industry. The project was made possible through funding contributions from Jarrett Construction, as well a work crew able to get it done in time provided by Rob Moyer, the facilities manager at Tech. Jarrett Construction Services President John Jarrett is a former graduate of WVU Tech who has been in the construction industry for 40 years. He said the school is doing a great job training educated, experienced students to enter the workforce, and the company wanted to do something to support their efforts in return. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/24/wvu-tech-cuts-the-ribbon-on-renovated-space-for-its-new-construction-management-program/   #3 – From BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS –  When it comes to unforgettable hikes, the Allegheny Mountains are not to be overlooked. Situated in eastern West Virginia, Tucker County offers access to the alluring Alleghenys, the lush Monongahela National Forest, and quaint mountain towns to create lasting memories. Blackwater Falls State Park is a great place to take in the seasonal changes, as it offers over 20 miles of hiking trails and a 57-foot cascading waterfall as a centerpiece.  Explore over 47 miles of trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness. This natural area leads you through a diverse range of ecosystems, from open meadows to dense forests, and provides opportunities to discover the region's unique ecosystems.  Tucker County is also home to excellent biking, fishing, climbing and other outdoor recreation. End your outdoor adventures with a stop in Davis, Thomas, or Parsons. These charming mountain towns all offer their own taste of West Virginia, with welcoming restaurants, breweries, and places to stay. Visit www.gettuckered.com to learn more.  Read more: https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/sponsored-content/wild-and-wonderful-trails-in-tucker-county-wv/   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Wednesday, Sept. 27  Snowshoe hosts a thrilling week of world-class mountain bike racing …Does your business have a vision? 3 Steps 2 Startup offers advice for getting ahead…and FestivFALL returns to the Capital City next month…on today's daily304. #1 – From POCAHONTAS COUNTY CVB -- The thrill of downhill racing, the endurance of cross-country marathons and the excitement of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Series are all coming together at Snowshoe Mountain Resort starting today through Oct. 1. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Pocahontas County in Almost Heaven, this event promises to be a high-octane extravaganza like no other.  The series kicks off with an invigorating new addition to Snowshoe – the Cross Country Marathon World Cup (XCM). Covering a grueling 62-mile course through the Allegheny Mountains from Snowshoe to Durbin and back, this race will test riders' endurance and skills along Snowshoe Mountain's backcountry trails. This year, for the first time, the XCM race is open to amateur riders without the need for a pro license. Test your mettle on the same course as the professionals, starting just minutes behind the elite riders in the Marathon of Snowshoe! Read more: https://pocahontascountywv.com/gearing-up-for-uci-mountain-bike-world-series/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=september_2023   #2 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP – In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the significance of having a clear and compelling vision cannot be overstated. A vision serves as the North Star, guiding a company's strategies, decisions, and actions. It not only provides direction but also inspires stakeholders to work towards a common goal.  In its blog post, 3 Steps 2 Startup explores the importance of vision and how it shapes the trajectory of businesses. Learn how to foster innovation, cultivate employee engagement, and build a strong brand identity. Working with 3 Steps to Startup and WVCAP (West Virginia Capital Access Program) will help you overcome challenges and lack of clarity in your dreams and aspirations by helping you follow a clear plan and goals that will help you reach both financial stability and entrepreneurial success.  Learn more: https://3steps2startup.com/2023/09/01/nurturing-success-the-power-of-vision-on-world-dream-day/   #3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL –  It's shaping up to be a busy season in the Capital City. FestivFALL, Charleston's annual fall arts and music festival, returns Oct. 13-22. The event sees the return of favorites like the Harvest Art Fair, the Carriage Leaf Trail Walk and Glow in the Park at Slack Plaza. New for this year include the City Center Dead, a tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead, the Down & Dirty Country Music Festival, and the West Virginia International Film Festival's A Film Under the Stars, presenting “Ghostbusters.” The Clay Center also has released the schedule for its next season of Sound Checks, which kicks off Oct. 6 with Indie rock band Harbour. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts_and_entertainment/in-short-festivfall-returns-sound-checks-lineup-announced/article_fa3ce78d-1cb6-5db9-94d9-9524b6695328.html   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Our guest today is Taylor Coffman. Taylor is an actor, and the author of Substack Rare Disease Girl. She grew up outside of Pittsburgh , in the Allegheny Mountains, as well as the Washingon DC area. She's had an re-occurring role on HBO's “Silicon Valley”, and appeared in CBS's “Life InPieces, Rachel Dratch's “Late Night Snack', and Ryan Murphy's “FEUD”. Taylor also worked on Jimmy Kimmel Live for many years. Today, she'll be talking with us about dealing with mental health issues while being blindsided by a rare and potentially deadly disease.See you this Monday at 6pm PT on our Youtube Channel: youtube.com/mentalhealthmondays

The podcast where we talk about gravel bikes, adventure biking, bikepacking, bike camping, or just playing bikes. This episode is all about West Virginia & Virginia gravel in the Allegheny Mountains. We have some great discount codes to share… On either the Salt Stick website OR the JoJé website when you reach checkout use the code ‘LOVEYABYE' for 20% off all items. Over at CutawayUSA use the discount code GTD20 to take 20% off your order. If you are in the market for a new hydration pack check out Orange Mud and use the discount code FF23RAINES to take 15% off your order. These discount codes and links will be in the show notes https://saltstick.com/ https://jojebar.com/ http://cutawayusa.com http://orangemud.com

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Aug. 18 Meet the Unger sisters, college students who have spent their summer helping to restore a historic Elkins hotel…discover history, natural wonders and small-town charm in the Greenbrier Valley…and tours of the Tygart dam resume…on today's daily304. #1 – From THE INTER-MOUNTAIN–  Anyone visiting downtown Elkins this summer has likely seen the humongous boom lift being used for renovation work at the Tygart Hotel. Making use of the piece of equipment is the father and daughters team of Past Respects, a company based in Spencer, working on the bricks on the front of the building. Frank Unger and his daughters, Savannah and Marleigh, have spent several weeks this summer “repointing” the bricks of the historic hotel. Part of that work has involved using the large lift to reach the upper floors. “It has been enjoyable,” Savannah Unger said. “I always enjoy it when we work together as a family. Elkins is a really pretty area too, so just the drive up here is nice. The project in general was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. It is a huge building.” Along with the front of the building, the group also worked on the chimneys on the hotel. Their goal has been to complete one floor a week and currently they have the third through the sixth floor completed. Both sisters -- college students who began working with their father at a young age -- encouraged girls to take a look at all types of work. “To all the young girls out there, you can be a lift operator too,” Marleigh Unger said. Read more: https://www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2023/08/stong-sisters/ #2 – From TRAVEL AWAITS – If West Virginia is “Almost Heaven,” then Greenbrier Valley is heaven's welcome center, enticing visitors with breathtaking natural beauty, charming historic towns, and an outstanding array of activities.  Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains in a region of the southeastern part of West Virginia, it is well known for spectacular scenery, opportunities for a variety of outdoor adventures, and premier golfing destinations. The valley also prides itself on an impressive food and beverage scene. A blogger shares her first visit to the Greenbrier Valley and some of the many memorable experiences, including The Greenbrier Resort, the Greenbrier River Trail, Hawk Knob Hard Cider & Mead, Lost World Caverns and more. Read more: https://www.travelawaits.com/2898397/best-things-to-do-greenbrier-valley-west-virginia/ #3 – From WV NEWS –  Tygart Lake State Park in West Virginia has resumed offering tours of its dam after an eight-year hiatus. Since the tours' reopening in July, they have been in high demand, with dates fully booked through the beginning of September. Stacy Lewis, the Tygart Dam resource manager, emphasized the importance of offering these tours to the public. “I think that it's good for them to understand the mission that the USACE [U.S. Army Corps of Engineers] has, along with the state park and kind of why we're here and why Tygart Lake is here because of the dam,” Lewis said. “It's a big part of our community, so it's good that we're able to get people back in there and take them on a tour.” The tours are free and last about an hour and a half. They begin at the top of the dam and continue down and through it. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear as there is a significant amount of walking and descending steps involved.  Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/tygart-lake-state-park-resumes-dam-tours-after-eight-year-hiatus/article_4ddee61e-0939-505c-8c5f-feca707febb4.html?fbclid=IwAR3WFi5_UJMzLOpZYIN9N68Ch86DRomczUy7p4Ko_rFM3Lo5yXfiv8f7bDU_aem_ARC89Ikt5ObjskMeb1G3zq66Szn-KZrHYl4JHZOYJOfNdbgY5Jq3ve0BDq9WrDw4Liw&mibextid=9R9pXO   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.  That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.  

PLEASE SHARE THIS EPISODE in your social media so others who loves strange and macabre stories can listen too! Find all of podcasts I host at https://weirddarkness.com/links.IN THIS EPISODE: In 1856, two young children – Joseph and George Cox – disappeared in the Allegheny Mountains. The story is tragic… and it also has a bizarre ending. (Lost Children of the Alleghenies) *** Is he an elf? A troll? Not only is it hard to classify Latin America's El Duende – but it's even difficult to know if he's good, evil, or just a mischievous menace! (Duende The Menace) *** Bachelor's Grove Cemetery just outside of Chicago is a mystery. No one knows exactly how it got its name; no one is sure when the first burial there took place or why it has since been abandoned; there is no explanation for the strange lights that are often seen there, or the ghostly lady, or the phantom horse and rider. (Bachelor's Grove Cemetery) *** A man is found in a graveyard with a bullet to his skull, barely alive. He died later – but what exactly happened to him is a bit of a mystery. Our guess though is that it had something to do with him being a grave robber. (A Grave Robber's Fate) *** Forensics has come a long way over the years, making it harder and harder for criminals to get away with crimes – particularly brutal crimes where DNA is usually left behind because of a struggle or physical assault. But despite technological advancements, there are still those cases that remain unsolved – and we'll look at a few murders of women whose cases still can't be closed. (Unsolved Female Murders) *** How's the saying go… “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned?” That's good advice for the living – but probably even more apropos when dealing with female ghosts! (Famous Female Phantoms) *** Imagine you're in a small town and suddenly you begin seeing people around you starting to change into beastly creatures. They begin attacking those around them, ripping them apart, eating like wild animals. Then suddenly you begin the transformation yourself… you are becoming a werewolf. But you were never bitten by a monster, nor were the townsfolk. How could this be happening? This actually happened in a small town in France… and one of the theories as to how it happened will not only surprise you, but have you wondering if it will happen to you someday. (The Town That Turned Into Werewolves)SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM THE EPISODE…BOOK: “Hunting The American Werewolf” by Linda Godfrey: https://amzn.to/45p1poX BOOK: “A Terrible Mistake – The Murder of Frank Olson and the CIA's Secret Cold War Experiments” by H.P. Albarelli Jr.: https://amzn.to/3OD2RgR BOOK: “Forbidden Archeology's Impact” by Michael A. Cremo: https://amzn.to/45nqwbE ARTICLE: “El Duende – San Pedro Folklore” by Angel Nunez: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckmmwvj “The Town That Turned Into Werewolves” by Nick Redfern: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckmamyj; and ViralNova.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckv3xfh “Famous Female Phantoms” by Carolyn Cox for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ye2zatz7 “Unsolved Female Murders” by Selme Angulo for List Verse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5f9jzc3e “Duende The Menace” by Dean Traylor for Owlcation.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/b3aswdu “Bachelor's Grove Cemetery” by Kathi Kresol for Haunted Rockford: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bdkj9323 “Lost Children of the Alleghenies” by Orrin Grey for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/nayey92p “A Grave Robber's Fate” by Robert Wilhelm for Murder By Gaslight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3xvtu6k4 Visit our Sponsors & Friends: https://weirddarkness.com/sponsors Join the Weird Darkness Syndicate: https://weirddarkness.com//syndicate Advertise in the Weird Darkness podcast or syndicated radio show: https://weirddarkness.com/advertise= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness theme by Alibi Music Library. Background music provided by Alibi Music Library, EpidemicSound and/or StoryBlocks with paid license. Music from Shadows Symphony (https://tinyurl.com/yyrv987t), Midnight Syndicate (http://amzn.to/2BYCoXZ) Kevin MacLeod (https://tinyurl.com/y2v7fgbu), Tony Longworth (https://tinyurl.com/y2nhnbt7), and Nicolas Gasparini (https://tinyurl.com/lnqpfs8) is used with permission of the artists.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =OTHER PODCASTS I HOST…Paranormality Magazine: (COMING SEPT. 30, 2023) https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2023, Weird Darkness.= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =TRANSCRIPT: https://weirddarkness.com/archives/16638This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3655291/advertisement

Today's guest is Teresa Mull. Teresa grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. She received a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Dallas and interned for Laura Ingraham and at The American Spectator magazine in Washington, DC. Teresa traded the fast-paced lifestyle of D.C. for the mountains of Idaho before returning to her roots and her coal-mining hometown, all while continuing to grow her career in conservative journalism. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, New York Post, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, American Conservative, and many other publications. Teresa is currently an assistant editor of The Spectator World, a policy advisor for education at The Heartland Institute, and part-time editor of The Philipsburg Journal.  Mull is publishing a book on wokeism this August, Woke-Proof Your Life. Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! AND our new perk for $10 and up patrons 15% off coffee at Run Your Mouth Coffee! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Teresa Mull. Teresa grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. She received a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Dallas and interned for Laura Ingraham and at The American Spectator magazine in Washington, DC. Teresa traded the fast-paced lifestyle of D.C. for the mountains of Idaho before returning to her roots and her coal-mining hometown, all while continuing to grow her career in conservative journalism. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, New York Post, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, American Conservative, and many other publications. Teresa is currently an assistant editor of The Spectator World, a policy advisor for education at The Heartland Institute, and part-time editor of The Philipsburg Journal. Mull is publishing a book on wokeism this August, Woke-Proof Your Life. Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! AND our new perk for $10 and up patrons 15% off coffee at Run Your Mouth Coffee! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest is Teresa Mull. Teresa grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. She received a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Dallas and interned for Laura Ingraham and at The American Spectator magazine in Washington, DC. Teresa traded the fast-paced lifestyle of D.C. for the mountains of Idaho before returning to her roots and her coal-mining hometown, all while continuing to grow her career in conservative journalism. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, New York Post, Fairbanks Daily News Miner, American Conservative, and many other publications. Teresa is currently an assistant editor of The Spectator World, a policy advisor for education at The Heartland Institute, and part-time editor of The Philipsburg Journal.  Mull is publishing a book on wokeism this August, Woke-Proof Your Life. Subscribe to John's Finding Freedom Show solo feed. Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Get access to all of our bonus audio content, livestreams, behind-the-scenes segments and more for as little as $5 per month by joining the Lions of Liberty Pride on Patreon OR support us on Locals! AND our new perk for $10 and up patrons 15% off coffee at Run Your Mouth Coffee! Check out our merchandise at the Lions of Liberty Store! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to We Have Hope! In today's episode, we sat down with Justin Zimmerman, Head of School at Linsly in Wheeling, WV to learn more about their school. Linsly is an independent day boarding school that offers grades five through twelve. They offer day time school as well as boarding school for the upper grades. Founded in 1814, Linsly is the longest standing boarding school west of the Allegheny Mountains. They offer need based financial assistance, and are also a HOPE provider!Linsly's mission is to promote academic excellence, inspire lifelong learning, develop future leaders, and emphasize character development. Tune in to learn more about this well established schooling option in the Tri-State Area.Episode Highlights:Background on Justin ZimmermanWhat is Linsly School?A typical day at LinslyCulture at LinslyFinancial AidStudent ExpectationsApplication ProcessMore on Linsly School: Linsly School WebsiteMore on Love Your School/Links Mentioned in Episode:Visit Our Show Notes Page HERE!Kim@loveyourschoolwv.orgLeah@loveyourschoolwv.org www.loveyourschool.orgVisit our Facebook HERE!

Welcome back to The Main Thing Podcast! Our special guest, Kate Reed, is a wise and gifted teacher whose passion for discovery will inspire you. Kate Reed works with leaders across West Virginia in her role as Communications & Development Manager at Leadership West Virginia. Kate also works as Co-Founder & President of Wonder & Grow, a non-profit she co-created in 2018. Its mission is to ignite a sense of wonder and grow understanding and connection with the natural world through curiosity driven exploration and mindfulness practices.  Kate earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master's Degree at George Washington University. She is a certified teacher, experienced in yoga, along with various modes of meditation and mindfulness. Kate spends her free time exploring in nature with her family in the  Monongahela National Forest among the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia. Settle in and get ready. Over the next nine minutes, you will discover why Kate Reed is one of the wisest people I know.   Resources Wonder & Grow website Kate Reed on LinkedIn Book Kate mentioned “Lord Teach Me to Pray” on Amazon   Stay Connected with Us www.TheMainThingPodcast.com Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook - @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn - The MainThing Podcast   Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski Public Relations + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell   Ready to Help Support the Growth of this Podcast? Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding.   Content You'll Love in This Episode [0:02:00] - Brief bio for Kate Reed [0:02:58] - Opening dialog [0:03:13] - Explore the meaning and richness of wonder [0:04:57] - Growing up in nature amidst the Allegheny Mountains [0:05:48] - Kate paints a word picture of the Monongahela Forest [0:07:32] - How Skip and Kate are connected [0:08:31] - Opportunity for you to keep the pipeline of wisdom flowing [0:09:42] - Kate shares her Main Thing wisdom lesson [0:10:24] - Kate recalls when her Main Thing crystallized; a special book [0:11:33] - Story of a recent time when Kate had to apply her wisdom [0:12:19] - Signals inside our bodies tell us we need to slow down [0:13:28] - Thank-you and goodbye [0:13:50] - Outro

This week we sit down with Amy Davison from Trek Travel to discuss the explosion of gravel travel trips in the 2023 line up. With three North American trips (Bentonville, Vermont and Virginia) and three European trips (Girona, Tuscany and Swiss Alps), Trek Travel has some amazing gravel trips planned using the local knowledge of their experienced guides. Trek Travel Website  Episode Sponsor: Athletic Greens Support the Podcast Join The Ridership  Automated Transcription, please excuse the typos: [00:00:00] Craig Dalton: Hello, and welcome to the gravel ride podcast, where we go deep on the sport of gravel cycling through in-depth interviews with product designers, event organizers and athletes. Who are pioneering the sport I'm your host, Craig Dalton, a lifelong cyclist who discovered gravel cycling back in 2016 and made all the mistakes you don't need to make. I approach each episode as a beginner down, unlock all the knowledge you need to become a great gravel cyclist. This week on the broadcast. We welcome Amy Davison from track travel. Trek travel is literally having an explosion of gravel trips for 2023. They've been in the gravel game for a few years with their gerona gravel trip, which I took at the end of 22, but they're back for 23 with an expanded roster of six trips, three in north America and three in Europe. I'm excited to sit down with Amy and go over all the details. Before we jump in i need to thank this week sponsor athletic. athletic greens I feel like everybody's been talking about athletic greens recently. I was just listening to Ted King's podcast and he was talking about his daily athletic greens routine. Like me, he takes athletic greens every day. My personal routine is mix it with a cup of ice. I love it. Cold. guess the big question is why, why do I take athletic greens? As you may recall, I've been taking athletic greens for going on five years. I was looking for something that would replace my desire to have a multivitamin in my life. I knew I wasn't getting all the nutrients I needed in any given day in a simple powdered format. Athletic greens contains 75 vitamins minerals and whole food sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin. Multi-mineral probiotic green superfood blend and more, it all works together to fill those nutritional gaps in my diet, it helps increase energy and focus aids with digestion and supports a healthy immune system. All without the need for a counter full of pills. Let's start your 2023 with a simple, sustainable nutritional habit. So, whether you're looking for peak performance, better health, we're just covering your bases. Athletic green makes it easy to invest in your energy immunity and gut health. Every day in a simple fashion, simply visit athletic greens.com/the gravel ride and join health experts, athletes, and health conscious go getters around the world who make a daily commitment to their health. Athletic green to the special offer for podcast listeners, simply visit athletic greens.com/the gravel ride. And you'll get a free year supply of vitamin D and five free travel packs today. Again, that's athletic greens.com/the gravel ride. Without business behind us let's jump right in to my interview with Amy Davison from Trek travel Amy, welcome to the show. [00:02:52] Amy Davison: Thank you for having me. [00:02:55] Craig Dalton: I'm excited. I just learned about the massive expansion of gravel travel trips the Trek is gonna be offering in 2023. After my wonderful experience in Gerona, I had to get you on the line and talk about everything that's going on before we dig into some of those trips. Let's just start by, uh, let the listener know where you're from, who you work for, how long you've been working at Track Travel. [00:03:20] Amy Davison: Sure. I live in Spearfish, South Dakota at the North Edge of the, the Black Hills, the great place to ride. I work for Trek Travel and I I'm a trip designer for trip travel, but I started back in 2005 as a. So, had a couple different roles here. I absolutely love working in the cycling industry, so it's, uh, led to [00:03:44] Craig Dalton: a long career. Yeah. I imagine all that time guiding yourself has left you with a pretty good sense of what it takes to design a trip. As a trip designer, what does that really mean? [00:03:58] Amy Davison: Hmm. Well, trip designers are the ones who build the structure. We book the hotels, we design the routes and build the routes in the software and book all the restaurants and basically just put the shell together. And then we convey it. We're sort of the, the hub of the wheel. We convey it to every team within trick travel. Explain it to sales. And then we hand it over to the guides when it's time to run. And when they're running the trip, it's really their baby. And then we work very closely with them to sort of tweak it and modify it. But we then sort of take it back at the end of the season and massage out anything we wanna change and then get it ready for the next year. So we're actually planning, we're working in about three years. at once. So it's very different than being a guide when you're, when you're out there guiding, you are laser focused on each day of each trip and really the hospitality end of taking care of the guests. So it's, uh, it was incredibly beneficial for me to be a guide and then turn into a trip designer. And that's how most of our trip design teams won. They were. and they then sort of wore both hats. And then some of us just moved into the trip design world and some of us continue to [00:05:18] Craig Dalton: wear both hats. That makes sense. How long has truck travel been in business? [00:05:24] Amy Davison: This our 21st year. [00:05:27] Craig Dalton: Wow. And, yeah. Has historically, have the trips always been on the road or were there off-road c. [00:05:33] Amy Davison: Mostly on the road. We did have mountain bike trips for a while, but this is our first foray into gravel, aside from Giana gravel that's been around for a couple of years. But, uh, yeah, primarily [00:05:46] Craig Dalton: road far. Interesting. So, you know, obviously I've got personal experience on that Jer Gravel tour. What was it that was sort of suggesting that an expansion would be, uh, you know, greeted with enthusiasm from your, from your. Well, just the growth [00:06:03] Amy Davison: of gravel in general. I mean, it's just exploded over the last several years. And all of our well met a big contingent of our guides and our team loves to ride gravel, and that's what they're doing in their free time, whether they're bike packing, they're just out riding the gravel. And so we've been talking about it for, for a few years because it's just, become such a big industry and the, the pandemic probably delayed this launch by, by a bit, but because of the scarcity of bikes and the uncertainty of everything basically. But [00:06:40] Craig Dalton: When you, as you introduced J, the Gerona gravel trip originally, were there, what kind of things were going through your mind in terms of bringing some of these, a newer athletes to gravel offroad? Like how do you think about trip design to make sure that everybody joining the trip is comfortable with the progression of technicality or amount of climbing or what have you? Mm-hmm. . [00:07:04] Amy Davison: We have what we call rider levels and we rate every trip and we, so we are going for a variety of trips. And then we rate each trip going to the rider level and we spell out on our, on our website how difficult it is. And that includes distance, terrain so how hilly is it? And also surface type because, you know, gravel. Very broad, and we do our best to sort of, put them into a matrix so people can see the range of trips that we offer, and then select what might be the best for them. And then we, I spend a lot of time with our trip consultants sort of explaining all this in detail so they can help steer people in the right direction. So we do try to offer a a, a breadth. Of options for people who may have more experience or less experience. And then we also, when we're designing the trip on each day of the trip, we have multiple ride options. So we try to allow, uh, for different rider levels, like on any given day, the guides will help steer people toward what option might be best for them any day of the week. Because as you experience sun, Each day's ride is quite different as well. And Jerome, I know they, the rides kind of build in technicality throughout the week and other trips like Shenandoah Valley, they build to a big climb at the end of the week. Uh, but the, the climb is an epic ride in their area, but it's actually paved the climb and the sun paved. It's just part of a, a larger loop and much of the loop is gravel. So each trip is different. And really the goal is you identify an area that is desirable, would be a, would be a great place for the trip, and has of course wonderful gravel riding. And then I like to say, you see what the area offers you and then you take advantage of it. So I don't go in with a preconceived notion of, I'm gonna design this trip in this way and it's gonna be for these people. I go in with a, let me learn about this region. Let's see what the best, you know, what it has to offer, and then we'll design accordingly. And then we'll describe accordingly. Because, you know, we, our, our, even our regular trips there's a, there's a wide variety of types of trips. So we don't try to force anything, we just try to call it what it is and, [00:09:38] Craig Dalton: uh, make it shine. . Yeah, it was, it was definitely interesting, and I noted it in those, the first day of the J travel, the, the gravel tour was just that assessing of the rider's abilities. Mm-hmm. , and it was pretty easy, you know, it was casual. It wasn't like anybody was testing mm-hmm. , you know, can you break, can you skid, can you go over a log or what have you. Yeah. But you could tell that the guides were being conscious of like, okay, what's the, what's the dynamic of this group? What are people's eagerness? Do people wanna ride? All day long, do they wanna not ride some days? And it became surprisingly easy to strike that balance in our group. Mm-hmm. , you know, the few, few guys from California that I went over with, we were eager, eager to ride as much as humanly possible, so mm-hmm. , you know, on occasion we'd come home and say, we, Hey Mickey, we wanna ride some more. And he would give us a GPS route and we would just go out there. Pedal to our heart's content while others were electing to take days off. And to your point, like there definitely was a progression in, in skills, in elevation and everything along the way. I don't think anything would've you know, been out of reach of, you know, most gravel cyclists, but there definitely would've been days that if you were a beginner, and one of the guys in my crew was a little bit more of a beginner that mm-hmm. a couple of the. made him think a little bit more. You don't really get that. Yeah. On a road bike, you put on the brakes, and even if you're descending aldus, you just keep the bike in control and it's, you know, it's no harder than your local mountain. But with the gravel, I think with everything, you know, all the natural terrain in front of you, it's often a little bit challenging and your eyes get wide and you think, can these bikes really withstand this treatment? Yeah. [00:11:22] Amy Davison: Yeah. It's. , it's definitely some, like you said, you have to, you have to think more and gravel and really watch your speed on this descent. And the guides are incredible. They, their wheels are turning before you meet them. They, they get a little intel on everybody and, uh, their wheels are turning immediately cuz they always wanna make it the best trip and. For every single person on the trip. And that first day is critical in sort of getting to know people a little bit during the bike event, and then sort of, you know, as assessing how everyone's doing during the ride because they're, they're already planning the next day, the next day and the next day. So yeah, it's. It's, it's quite a feat, but they're, they're really good at it. And when they know the terrain like Nikki, you know, it's local and j it's uh, it's pretty special what they can do, even with a larger group of people. Like, like you said, they, they're more than happy to give you some extra routes or, you know, go on another ride with you after everyone else is done and having close ride beers. . So it's, yeah, it's really, it's [00:12:39] Craig Dalton: really a fun time. You mentioned the bike fit element of it, and this was my first trip where I've ever ridden a bike provided by the organization. Mm-hmm. , obviously I was excited them being truck bicycles. In Jer in 2022, it was the, the Dnet, but I believe for, for 2023, you're moving over to the checkpoint. Mm-hmm. . [00:13:00] Amy Davison: We are, yeah. Very exciting. Checkpoint SR seven. Top of the line, electronic shifting. It's, uh, shaman, it's, and it's a two by, so a two by 11 speed. Uh, we'll set it up to bliss and we're gonna bump the wheels to 40 fives instead of the stock forties that come on them. And, uh, yeah, it's gonna be a great ride. And I think that the rationale is we really want these trips to be accessible. Everyone and we thought this is the bike that provides the most comfort and the most stability and can handle the widest variety of terrain, cuz we also have to select a single bike for all of these trips. [00:13:44] Craig Dalton: That we all thought would work. I, I think you're spot on there. I think, you know, it's, it actually to me it has two benefits. One, for newer riders, having the fatter tire is gonna make 'em more comfortable. It's gonna make it roll over stuff easier. A little sp smoother ride. But for more experienced riders, those 40 fives are gonna allow you to really tear it up and get after things and have a lot of fun. Mm-hmm. ? [00:14:06] Amy Davison: Mm-hmm. . Yeah. I have a, have the same bike here at home, so I've been really enjoying. Trying it out and it's just, and it actually rolls great on pavement too, so, it's, they're just so, there's such versatile bites [00:14:21] Craig Dalton: there. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I have to say I was a little bit jealous cuz Mickey was already on a checkpoint and I was eyeing his big tires that from time to time as we got in the roof for terrain, cuz that's what I typically ride at home. Yeah. [00:14:34] Amy Davison: Yeah. The. All, I would say, all the guides who could get their hands on a checkpoint in the last couple years, uh, who ride gravel have, have absolutely [00:14:42] Craig Dalton: taken advantage of that. Yeah. So we, we we're moving from one gravel trip in 2022, all the way to six gravel trips, both in North America and in Europe. I'd love to just kind of talk to you about a, let's first get on the table, where are we going in 2023, and then B, let's just talk a little bit about each. [00:15:04] Amy Davison: Sure. Yeah. Yeah, it's very exciting. This has been the, the better part of the second half of 2022, and my world has been spent putting these together in collaboration with, uh, a lot of our guides and other tDCS. So we have three North America and three in Europe. In the North American trips in, in order are Batonville and Vermont and Shenandoah Valley, and. , the European trips are post J with that, the spring trip. And then we'll do Tuscany and then we'll do Swiss Alps and then we'll come back to Jer. [00:15:41] Craig Dalton: Amazing. And when you say an order, is that a chronological order throughout the year when the trips are offered? Alright. [00:15:48] Amy Davison: Spring. Yeah, by season. [00:15:51] Craig Dalton: Gotcha. Well sort of taking 'em one by one. And let's start in North America to begin. Bentonville, Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, and then Vermont. Mm-hmm. What attracted you to those areas? And maybe as we go through one by one, just kind of give a highlight of what, what people might expect on that trip. Sure. [00:16:09] Amy Davison: Boy, we, we, we debated many, many, many destinations and at the end of the day, we were. Kind of zeroed in on destinations where we have guides who live there. That was a big factor because planning gravel, uh, having local knowledge is indispensable in, in planning the best routes. And, and so that was one big factor. And then all kinds of things sort of come into play. But we were. Pretty quickly narrowed it down to three that were relatively close to each other. And and then of course you have to cherry pick the best times to ride in these places. So, you can't pick all spring destinations, for example, so you're playing with all kinds of things and put, putting the puzzle together. But Batonville we, we actually had a, a good shell of a. Put together for Bentonville that we offered as the self-guided trip a couple years ago. And we have a guy who lives there. And, uh, so we, that one was, that one was a no-brainer because Bentonville has got the, all the infrastructures, everyone knows it's the mountain biking capital of the world. It's, it is incredible for mountain biking, but it is also incredible for gravel. You talk to any of the locals there, they're like, yeah, it's pretty, it's pretty special. And the beauty of this trip is it's five days and so you can always tack on a few days on either end, grab a rental mountain bike and go hit the trails either before or after. But the gravel there is outstanding without being too difficult. It really is. We're riding mostly in Rolling Farm. And the, the highlight of the trip is of course modeled after the big sugar race. So the gravel on the, uh, sort of northern side of town is absolutely epic. It's fast. Yeah. And it's, it's fun And it's beautiful. So you've got that, but you also have a great hotel in town. The 21 C Museum Hotel, which is an art museum, turned into a hotel on the square and the food is incredible. So we're going to eat at the preacher's son and Conifer and the hive at the hotel for dinners. So this trip is absolutely packed, and I didn't even mention the art. We're gonna also visit Crystal Bridge's art museum in addition to riding through it, but, , we're gonna visit the campus for like an introductory tour so that that trip is just absolutely [00:18:39] Craig Dalton: packed. Great stuff. Yeah. It's such a great community and it's mm-hmm. dark when you arrive there, just how infused cycling culture is. There's bike paths everywhere you need to go and yeah. You know, as you said, the gravel is great. It's very accessible, but it's a hell of a lot of fun as an experienced athlete too, as you, you know, as you ramp up the speed going down those hills. Oh yeah. Rocks on those. You know, it, it's exciting and exhilarating. Yeah. But again, like if you're, if you're going a little bit slower, it's totally accessible to a lot of riders and then all those great things to do in Bentonville, like it definitely, I can see why that made it high up on your list of places to put a trip. [00:19:19] Amy Davison: Yeah. I mean the, it's really special when you arrive in a town. You just feel like, oh, this is home for cyclists. Like they love bikes, they love bike people, they're everywhere. Yeah. How about [00:19:34] Craig Dalton: that was really special. Yeah. Yeah. And to your point about like geographically locating the trips, you know, within a reasonable distance, it's probably lost on many listeners that you've got a lot of logistics. You've got vans you need to bring to bear. You have the actual bicycle. You need spare bicycles, spare parts. So there's a lot of moving pieces to this trip that make it logistically complicated for you at Trek Travel. But honestly, logistically simple for the guest because we just arrived with our shammy and our helmet and our shoes. And you'll take care of the rest. [00:20:10] Amy Davison: Yeah, and we don't even have to bring a helmet cause we have those too. But that is one, I think one thing. always has set travel apart is our partnership of Trek and the bikes that we provide. And if you look at gravel whether the gravel tourism industry most, uh, well, I can't name that's not true. Most do not include a bike and I will just say no and include the bike like a checkpoint SLR seven. Electronic shifting. I mean, it's all the bells and whistles just like our damani is for our regular trip. And, and so that that is one really exciting sort of piece of the puzzle that, that sets us apart. And it, it absolutely, yeah, our business is complicated. It always will be, but we all tend to thrive in the chaos and do our best to present a, a seamless experience for the guests. That's the. . [00:21:10] Craig Dalton: Yeah. And then I guess if we're going chronologically, next step would be domestically would be the Vermont Gravel Bike tour. Mm-hmm. , do you wanna jump into that experience? [00:21:18] Amy Davison: Yeah, absolutely. So Vermont has been in the tri travel portfolio since the company began. Uh, we've always run trips outta Sto Vermont in the Green Mountains, so that, that's where this trip begins. We'll start at the Green Mountain in Insto, uh, and do a couple of rides around there. We'll do a sugar tasting there, or a sugar tour. Learning about maple syrup and how it's made, and of course, do a taste of it. So you get a little Vermont flavor in there. And then from there we're gonna ride from hotel to hotel, and we're gonna go to the northeast kingdom and stay in a, in, out in the country. Just outside of Eastbrook. So a lot of people know that area for great mountain biking as well, but there are endless gravel roads. I'm think of Vermont as the home of gravel really. They've been riding gravel there before. Gravel was cool because they have more gravel than pavement. It's just everywhere. So, the rides there are about 70% gravel. And, and they're hilly. Can you go from the Green Mountains up to. It's equally hilly in the Northeast Kingdom, but, uh, very rural. I would say the highlight is the ride from hotel to hotel. You pass through prospering, which is a small town very accustomed to cyclists and outdoor enthusiast of all sorts. And we'll have lunch at the general store called Jenny. As we pass through. I think that's gonna be a, a great experience just to. I feel like experienced small town life in, in Vermont. And then we will end with at, at the, we're staying at a small in, in, at Brooklyn to end the trip and they are cycling enthusiasts there and they also put on fabulous meals. So I'm, and I think it'll be, it'll be This spectacular trip. Incredible food throughout high-end accommodations and phenomenal dirt road [00:23:20] Craig Dalton: riding. That's so fun. It's such a pretty state. I've only ever ridden on the road there, but, but definitely aspire to ride gravel once I get back there. [00:23:29] Amy Davison: Yeah. Yeah. It's, uh, it, it's gonna be good one for sure. [00:23:34] Craig Dalton: And then next up on your, your summer tour of gravel in the United States is the Shenandoah. In Virginia, that was probably the one on your list that I was most surprised about. So can you talk a little bit about that trip? [00:23:47] Amy Davison: Yeah, absolutely. I was actually looking at another region and it just sort of wasn't panning out and I I just kept driving and went, uh, to Harrisonburg. One of our trip consultants lives there and we've kind of had it on the radar for a while. We also have a contingent that lives in North Carolina and. Loves to come up to Virginia to ride. So it is a well kept secret and that's is another place where as soon as I got into town unannounced I started knocking on doors and immediately I was like, yes, this is a bike funded town. These people love to ride. They're excited about bringing more cycling, tourism to the area. And it's , it's unique in that it, it's a valley, obviously Shindo Valley, but it's got the mountains on both sides. The Allegheny Mountains and the Smoky Mountains. So you've really got everything at your disposal. So we've got riding in rolling Farm country, and then you've got Epic climbs on either side of the, so we're gonna feature. I climb to what's called reddish knob, which is one of the high points of the state. It's on the West Virginia border and that, that's actually a paved climb through National Forest and a paved descent, but the rest of that loop is gravel. So it's gonna be an epic day at the end of that trip. Panoramic views at the top and a nice change up from the rest of, of the writing, but, It's a destination where I think it'll surprise and, and delight people because maybe you haven't heard of it, but if you dig just a little bit, you'll, you'll see that there's a, there's quite a cycling culture there, great mountain biking as well, and almost anywhere there's gonna be great mountain biking. Gravel is gonna go hand in hand, [00:25:41] Craig Dalton: so, . Yeah. Yeah. I think there's a lot of people in Virginia right now listening who are saying, hallelujah, . Yeah. Don't let the secret out, but, but we are proud of where we ride. I told Yeah, , [00:25:53] Amy Davison: I feel a little bad about that. But [00:25:56] Craig Dalton: yeah. You know, gravel riders we're, we're sort of, we can blend in. Right. I, I yeah, I have a little bit of experience in that area on the mountain bike, as you, you were mentioning. It's a great mountain bike area, and when I was cutting my teeth as a young mountain biker out of Washington DC we would get into that region on our mountain bikes to go race some of that kind of classic East Coast races down [00:26:16] Amy Davison: there. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. It's and I also, I recall having guests on a trip in California, uh, years ago who were like, you've gotta come to Virginia. They were live, they live near DC and they were like, it's absolutely epic. You would love it. It's the riding is endless. Like you have to come to Virginia. So, Hopefully they're listening and they're probably like, it's about time It's been so long. [00:26:46] Craig Dalton: Nice. So now let's hop over to the, uh, to the European trips. I forget the chronological order. Are we starting in Gerona over there? We're starting [00:26:54] Amy Davison: in Gerona, yeah. Yeah, because Okay. It's just. got great weather spring and and fall. So we're starting in j that is our, uh, only level four trip, which means it's a little more advanced. So the, some of the gravel riding is more technical. We, it's the only trip where we incorporate some single track and some connectors that say are unmaintained roads, so they get a little more gnarly. What we've been seeking out elsewhere. So that that is one thing that sets Jonah apart. And the other thing is, we've had it running for a couple years now, so it's a well-oiled machine. We have a handful of local guides there who love it. And it's, it's really their trip. I mean, they, they've made it what it. So a lot of a lot of culture, uh, infused there, a lot of local knowledge infused there and great little hotel in the center of this charming little town. So, yeah, [00:27:58] Craig Dalton: absolutely, and I'll, I'll refer the listener back to a couple episodes where I've interviewed both our guides while I was over there and gave a little bit of my day to. Of that trip as well as an original episode going back, gosh, I think mid pandemic when I was hoping to go very early on, maybe in Oh wow. 2020 that, uh, that you Yuen came on and talked about that trip as well, so, oh, we've covered that territory. I'm a big fan of Jer. I feel like anybody who's. Into cycling knows that that's just a hub and a, a great place to be. [00:28:28] Amy Davison: Absolutely. Yeah. But what I guess I didn't realize is how epic the, the gravel is there in addition to the road driving. [00:28:36] Craig Dalton: So Yeah, a hundred percent. Like the, just so much of the Mickey was saying, you know, they had all these old rail lines that then got, uh, you know, repurposed into gravel roads and they just, they litter the town from every direct. Yeah. [00:28:50] Amy Davison: Yeah, it's, I'm heading there in uh, February, so I can't wait to do a couple of the rides that you got to go [00:28:58] Craig Dalton: on. Awesome. Yeah. Awesome. And then what's up O next Over in Europe. [00:29:03] Amy Davison: Tuscany. Yeah. Okay. [00:29:05] Craig Dalton: So Tus is [00:29:07] Amy Davison: another Tuscany. Oh yeah, the Bianchi. It's gonna be amazing. It's another region that Tel has, you know, been, uh, running trips in forever. And we all love it. Uh, it just never gets old. I got to guide there in 2015 and got to ride some of this gravel. So anyone who is a gravel enthusiast probably knows about the race throughout Bianchi and also the aka uh, vintage cycling race. And our trip really blends those two together. So we spend some time around Oli and, and near Sienna first hotels near Sie. Uh, riding some of the bki and AKA roots. But you get to experience wine country and you get to have lunch, I think it is in Oli, and visit the AKA store. And you also get to have coffee and a little tour of Sienna where you're watching the end of any race. So it's like from clop cross races, Toki, they end. In the Piazza in Sienna, and it's just like an incredible experience. So we're, we're going to, uh, do that on the trip and then we're gonna finish near Ticino a little bit further south. And the riding just goes on and on. And it was some of my favorite writing when I was there in Southern Tuscany where it's a little less touristy and you're sort of getting off the beaten path. And we have a couple of guides who, you know, one in particular who really rides gravel a lot there and knows all the ins and outs of the gravel roads. So he got to put this together and, uh, he's, uh, I think really made it shine. The other fun piece of it is that the second hotel is actually in equator, which we don't typically stay in. So it's like a working farm that also is a hotel. You know, it's the definition of farm to table dining, basically. This, uh, a agrima is very high end. It's absolutely beautiful. And our final night will be a, a meal that is paired with wines from their cellar. Some of their, some of their older favorite ones. So it's going to be an absolutely epic trip with great riding. And of course, I mean, you're in Tuscan, so outstanding food and. , [00:31:36] Craig Dalton: uh, to pair with it. Yeah. Super cool. I imagine, and, and I've never ridden there myself, but just seeing strata Bianca, that the dirt roads are, I mean, relative in the spectrum of these gravel trips in Ima, it seems like these are sort of smoother dirt roads than elsewhere. [00:31:52] Amy Davison: I would say, yeah. Honestly, for all of our trips, the goal was to find. Smoothest gravel roads that we possibly could. So we're not trying to search out the most difficult, gnarly technical riding. We're trying to make these accessible to, to everyone who has even a bit of gravel experience. So they're just comfortable riding on loose surfaces. Cuz you can't avoid hills and cornering and so you need a little bit of experience. But these, I, I would say Vermont. . The dirt, the dirt roads are super hard packed and like sometimes they're just dirt. You, you don't even have, you have very little gravel and Tuscany probably have more gravel consistently. But the roads are, are fairly smooth. They're just healing. [00:32:42] Craig Dalton: Yeah. And are they sort of the punchy style climb? [00:32:46] Amy Davison: Yeah, I would say Vermont and Tuscany are known for short, steep hills. That's just the nature of the riding there. Uh, you really can't get away from it. So, similar to our, our regular Vermont trip and our regular Tuscany trip. These are, these are hilly trips. Batonville is a little flatter. It's more like rolling farmland, Ando Valley, more rolling farmland with the big. . So they all are, you know, slightly different, but in general you can never escape hills and, uh, we're looking for mostly smooth dirt roads with a, not a crazy amount of gravel, so relatively non-technical [00:33:28] Craig Dalton: ready. Got it. Got it. And then that final trip of the year heading over to the Swiss Alps. [00:33:34] Amy Davison: Mm-hmm. . Yeah. This one is super exciting. Again, one of our guides lives there at the, this trip is on the eastern side of Switzerland in the Anine Valley, and it starts in a town called school. And one of our long standing, amazing guides lives there. And she's been dreaming about getting this trip on the, on our docket for years. So she put this together in addition with one of our troop designers who is a ski instructor in St. So that's where the trip ends on the other side of the valley, uh, near St. Maritz. And you're basically riding in the valley surrounded by the Alps and glaciers the entire time. So that means that the terrain is hilly. Inevitably when you leave the valley, you're going, you're going up. So it's more long, gradual climbs. But the, uh, what's unique about this one is it's mostly, uh, most of the gravel is on bike pads, and then most of the other riding that's not gravel is still a designated bike route. So it's very little traffic there. I mean, that's to be expected when you're riding gravel to begin with, but here it'll be. Very, very little traffic and a combination of gravel bike pond and really narrow paved lanes going from town to town up and down this valley. Then of course there will be a fondu dinner. So people get to experience that and just incredible views of the, of the valley and the, it's pristine. I just look at the pictures for that trip. . I, I, I have to [00:35:19] Craig Dalton: go. It's, yeah, I was gonna say that's the only one I haven't seen The pictures on the website are just ridiculous how scenic it is. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's beautiful. I love it. Well, that's super exciting just to one, get the overview of all these great trips that you have planned for 2023, and I'm super excited for you guys to continue to get feedback from riders as to what they like and don't like about 'em and mm-hmm. . You knows what an exciting journey to, to sort of have six new trips on the calendar. [00:35:51] Amy Davison: Yeah, it's, uh, I've been doing this for a while and this is like unprecedented for me in terms of, you know, what I get to do on, on the day to day. So I'm really excited to get this out there. I know that our guides are too, I mean, everyone who helped design these trips is gonna be working them next year, and I know that they'll evolve. It's absolutely the way. All of our trips work. We take feedback from the guides, from the guests, and the more we sink into a region, the more we learn about it, the better the trips become. So this will definitely evolve, and as we learn, I sure hope that the entire category just continues to grow. . [00:36:31] Craig Dalton: Yeah. You know, as I've said many times on the podcast before, I'm just, I'm a big fan of this idea of gravel travel and as much as I like going to do events and races, for me it's more about being in that region and sampling a bit more. And sometimes I get drawn into, whether it's the length of the event or just, you know, wanting to perform. I'd limit my riding because I just wanna be able to complete that one day ride. And sometimes I leave those regions thinking, gosh, like I wish I was just riding every single day a little bit less. Yeah. Than putting all my eggs into this one one day. [00:37:08] Amy Davison: Yeah. Yeah. I mean that's the beauty of, of these vacations is you really can, you really get to sink into a region and see and ride day after day after day. It's kind of [00:37:20] Craig Dalton: hard to go. . Yeah, yeah, totally. After that. Totally. Yeah. There's something to be said for having nothing to do, but ride all day and pretty much have the logistics all taken care of for you. Mm-hmm. . [00:37:34] Amy Davison: Yeah, I mean, I hear that from, from my friends. It's, it's truly what I love to do and my free time as well. So now that I live in a place that is full of gravel, I. We have people visiting and we go out for, for four days, and it's, for me, it's the best vacation I've ever had. And for them, they feel like they're on a TR trail trip, so. [00:37:58] Craig Dalton: It's, uh, I bet that's really fun. You bet. You better watch out. You may have some listeners knocking at your door wanting a person to turn Hey, [00:38:06] Amy Davison: bring it on. I, I already have a planned . [00:38:11] Craig Dalton: Thanks again, Amy. I really appreciate the time and I'm excited to revisit this conversation at the end of the year and see how everything goes. Yeah, [00:38:19] Amy Davison: me too. Awesome. Thank you for having us and for bringing attention. Gravel travel. Hopefully it's just gonna keep growing and I look forward to doing more myself discovering more destinations. [00:38:33] Craig Dalton: Big, thanks to Amy for joining the show today. I'm super excited to hear that Trek travel is doubling down on gravel travel for 2023. I don't know about you, but they're more than a handful of those destinations. I'd love to ride in myself. I've covered a few, but absolutely. I encourage you to go to the truck, travel.com website and check out those pictures, particularly for the Swiss trip. It just looks absolutely spectacular. A huge, thanks to athletic greens for being a long time supporter of the show. Remember head on over to athletic greens.com/the gravel ride. To get your free one-year supply of vitamin D and five free travel packs. Added to your order. If you're interested in connecting with me, please. Join the ridership that's www.theridership.com. That's a free online cycling community where you can connect with me and other gravel athletes for around the world. If you have the ability to support the show. Please visit, buy me a coffee.com/the gravel ride. Until next time. Here's to finding some dirt under your wheels

In the Southwestern part of PA in an area known as the Laurel Highlands the western most portion of the Allegheny Mountains rise and extend across 75 miles pushing their way toward Northern WV where they disappear into a series of hills just shy of Morgantown.  This ridge is commonly referred to as the Chestnut Ridge and has become synonymous with High Strangeness.  Stores of UFOs , bigfoot activity and even flying creatures have been reported in this strange stretch of land. A Recent investigations by seasoned researchers and a documentary film crew managed to capture some of the strange activity that has been reported on the ridge for decades including strange lights and an earie metallic sound.Strange lights in the woods and weird metallic sounds can be found in several prominent UFO cases from around the world, such sounds were also described by witnesses of the most popular WV legend the MOTHMAN during its initial sighting.  These findings have only seemed to validate some of the research that long time UFO and cryptid researcher and investigator Stan Gordon has been documenting for years.  Veteran researchers Stan Gordon, Eric Altman and Tom Mihok join us as we probe the High Strangeness and weird phenomena of the Chestnut Ridge on this episode of wild & weird Radio.Hosts: Ron Lanham, Joe Perdue, Jessi Leigh NOTE to the fans! Thank you for helping us to continue to grow!   Our podcast has now reached over 30,000 people world wide and now we need  our YouTube family to join in as well.Please help us to increase this channels numbers and support even more future content from Wild & Weird WV .  Subscribe and share this page to your friends today.  If you are listening on podcast be sure to download the episode!  Each week we will highlight the city and country with the most downloads! Thank you all!Consider supporting us by  visiting our shop and picking up an item or two.Visit The Wild & Weird Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/wildandweirdwvAlso Visit:Hellbent Holler: https://hellbentholler.com/Searching for the Spectral Bigfoot - Sasquatch Unearthed: The Ridge (New Paranormal UFO Documentary)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wljtf...

In 1889, a dam broke on the South Fork Reservoir, some 12 miles east of Johnstown, Pennsylvania in a valley of the Allegheny Mountains. Raging waters surged down the valley and swept over the town, taking 25 lives and causing some $50 million in damages, a considerable amount for those days.

Listen to a fun-loving chat with laughs with Tracy and Deb Shaver on signature weddings and stylish events you can create with personalized touch of rustic elegance at Mountain View Farm in Mount Solon! Hear the story of how these upstate New Yorkers made their way to the Shenandoah Valley now sharing their breathtaking panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains and stunning sunsets on the farm with others. Learn about the original 1929 structures on their property that add to the charm of the place. Discover how the two levels of the barn are utilized for events and the vintage shop, Lulubunny Home. Find out what vintage and other items are available for you to borrow including a 16-foot tall triangular arbor! Hear about other venue features including an outdoor pavilion with fire pit; dedicated climate controlled space for wedding parties and the new handicap accessible restrooms. Listen to a tender fun story of being able to host their daughter's prom there during the pandemic. Learn about the charming chalkboard couples use in photo ops to personalize their selection of this venue for their special day. Plus, don't miss the story behind the Harley available for photo ops on the farm and more! Cheers! Mountain View Farm Facebook: Mountain View Farm (with logo Mountain View Farm of Mt. Solon, LLC) Instagram: @mountain_view_farm_event_venue Website: https://www.mountainviewfarmofmtsolon.com/ Address: 453 Badger Rd, Mt Solon, VA 22843 Phone: (540) 208-3474 To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: @x2comedy

Marci Kornegay chats with Chris Stafford about the bike ride they did together when they took on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail from Point Lookout State Park in Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a total of 427 miles over eight days. Marci, 42, and Chris, 70, combined their athletic backgrounds and adventure seeking spirits to take on their first long distance cycling challenge. The ride would involve two days on the road in southern Maryland to reach Washington, DC. From there they joined the Columbus & Ohio Canal Path (C&O) that runs from Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD, arriving three days later. it is there that the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) begins and runs over the Allegheny Mountains reaching 2392 feet at the Eastern Continental Divide, shortly after crossing the Mason Dixon Line, arriving in downtown Pittsburgh, PA. It was an epic adventure for them both, not knowing what was around every corner along the way, and where some situations would mean facing real fears head-on. Marci takes on the role of host as she interviews Chris about the trip, what it felt like to take on such a big challenge, why she did it, what she learned from it, including her fear of heights, and what advice she would have for other women to dare to be bold.Marci and Chris were also raising money to feed Ukrainian refugees via World Central Kitchen. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RidingforUkraine to donate.#ridingforukraineFor more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women's sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the ONLY GLOBAL PODCAST FOR WOMEN'S SPORT with more than 60 hosts, 1600+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. Every episode is a WiSP SPORTS ORIGINAL PRODUCTION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.

Amy and Dan Lopata section hiked the Finger Lakes Trail over 2020 and 2021. With over 60 different hikes, they traversed the trail from West to East from the Allegheny Mountains to the Catskills. In this episode, they share:Things learned along the wayTransformation to lighter gearUnique perspective coming from trail running to hiking Challenges of hiking this trail Highlights of the FLT Sections they recommendTips for new hikers to the trailTips for being a good hiker and advocate for the landListen to Christy Post give an overview of the Finger Lakes Trail in Season 5, episode 11Connect Amy and Dan LopataInstagram: @amylopataFacebook Group for Hiking Posts: Finger Lakes Trail Hikers & FriendsConnect with/Learn about the Finger Lakes Trail Conference:Instagram: @fingerlakestrailAbout the Trail: Finger Lakes TrailTrail Maps: Interactive Trail MapsFacebook: Finger Lakes Trail ConferenceConnect with Lori:Instagram: @thehikepodcastTwitter: @thehikepodcastFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehikepodcast)

Christy Post of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference shares how the FLTC supports the growth, maintenance and organization of New York State's Finger Lakes Trail.  We go over trail basics, trail events, volunteer and member opportunities and some of the reasons you should explore the Finger Lakes Trail.The Finger Lakes Trail System includes the main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path and the summit of Slide Mountainin the Catskill Forest Preserve. The main FLT is 580 miles long. There are six branch trails and 29 loop trails and spur trails that extend from the main FLT. These branch, loop and spur trails currently total 412 miles. Including the Main Trail and all branch, loop, and side trails, the Finger Lakes Trail System offers 1,000 miles of hiking.The Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. (FLTC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of dues paying members and governed by a Board of Managers duly elected by its membership in accordance with its written Bylaws.Mission – The mission of the FLTC is “… to build, protect, enhance, and promote a continuous footpath across New York State for the enjoyment and health of residents and visitors. Forever!” The FLTC was founded in 1962. It works in cooperation with its members and various organizations to develop and maintain a premier hiking trail system in New York.Membership – More than 1,400 individual and family memberships currently support the FLTC through annual dues ranging from $15 to $60 and through donations. Approximately one fourth of these members actively volunteer to operate the organization and its programs, and to build and maintain the trail system. You can join the FLTC, renew your membership, and make a donation here.Connect with/Learn about the Finger Lakes Trail Conference:Instagram: @fingerlakestrailAbout the Trail: Finger Lakes TrailTrail Maps: Interactive Trail MapsFacebook: Finger Lakes Trail ConferenceConnect with Lori:Instagram: @thehikepodcastTwitter: @thehikepodcastFacebook: @thehikepodcastEmail: hikepodcast@gmail.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehikepodcast)

It's time to talk radio on the radio! In this episode, we explore some of the research beaming out of the world's largest fully steerable radio dish -- the Green Bank Telescope (GBT)! We hear from Brenne Gregory, a Scientific Data Analyst at GBT, about her trek from the rolling hills of Scotland to the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. Will keeps his finger on the pulse of a pair of neutron stars, and Alex listens for a lawn mower at the heart of the Crab Nebula.   Astrobite:  https://astrobites.org/2021/08/21/double-neutron-star-trouble/   Space Sound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5BQV3WX80E   Green Bank REU and Internship page: http://greenbankobservatory.org/about/careers/

Join us for a casual fun chat with folks that feel like family at Old Town Cidery aka the cider yard! Listen to their story with Kelly Kinsey, Tasting Room Manager; Stephen Kelly, Cider Maker; and David Glaize, Co-Owner. Since 1937, four generations of Glaizes have produced premium fruit harvests between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.  Learn about the apple growing industry; interesting facts about it and the pandemic pivot they made that ties their current location of the cider yard with their family heritage. Hear the story of the Cider Maker; learn about cider making and who does the taste tasting from Stephen Kelly. Discover the variety of ciders they have; their most popular flavor; what a Tasting Room Manager does; the kinds of events you can enjoy there and how you can use their venue for your private events from Kelly! Find out about vintage apples and the wide variety of apples they grow. Plus, get David's advice on enjoying the outdoors no matter what the weather per the sage advice from his father.  It's a fun one with more in store, give it a listen and enjoy. Cheers!  Learn more about Old Town Cidery visit: https://oldtowncidery.com/ To connect via social media… Instagram & Facebook: Old Town Cidery To learn more about X2 Comedy visit: https://www.x2comedy.com/ Facebook & Instagram: X2 Comedy 

A menagerie of tortured souls is said to lurk in these corridors deep in West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. […]

Bio for Monique Allen Monique Allen is a Business Coach, Life-Scape & Regenerative Landscape Professional and CEO & Creative Director of The Garden Continuum, a landscape design/build and fine gardening company in Massachusetts. Episode highlightAs a bilingual Armenian-American, Monique Allen had a plethora of cultural influences in her childhood. Listen in on how she combined the many identities she holds to establish her own workplace culture in the landscaping industry.LinksEmail: Monique@TheGardenContinuum.com Website: www.TheGardenContinuum.comSocial media: @monique.allen, @thegardencontinuumLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquetgc/Quotes“When I felt the safest, it was when I was connected to the ground.”“It's hard to believe in nature and not believe in a force that's a little bit greater than your gas pedal.”TakeawaysChildhood IncidentsAs a child, Monique visited her maternal grandparents in the Allegheny Mountains in Maryland, where she felt a “cellular connection” to nature. She grew up with a “3rd culture mindset”, living in Paris and then in an Armenian community in the United States, speaking Armenian, French and English.Influential Groups Even though Armenian cuisine is her comfort food, Monique has always felt like an “outsider Armenian”, because she isn't as fluent in the language. Her Christian friend and her family took Monique under their wing, and she immersed herself in the religion. Temperament and Personality InfluencesMonique has a naturally positive mood and outlook but can also be serious and demanding of herself and other people, which she attributes to her “abrasive upbringing”. She has had to unlearn any destructive behaviours from the past and reconnect to her easy temperament. Cultural EpiphaniesMonique once had an employee who had the vision, skills and abilities for the job, but she couldn't find a cultural common ground with her. When another employee said she may not be a cultural fit, Monique began learning about culture in the workplace and how that fits in with her company.Advice to an Employer Monique is a stickler for organization, clear communication and data - “Vagaries make me crazy”, she quips. However, she does not believe in micromanaging and even works in a separate space from her employees, so they can be autonomous in a “trust culture”. More Great Insights! Visit Monique's website to buy her book, Stop Landscaping, Start Lifescaping, read her blog and access many resources to get started in this field. If you are a green industry professional, reach out to her for business coaching to scale your company to the next level.

Let's cruise down the National Freeway straight into C-Land. This week our hosts take us deep into the rolling Allegheny Mountains in the Maryland Panhandle and after an Old Line State adventure, Laken dives into the terrifying, unsolved murder of Jean Welch and Chance explores the age old feud between the Snallygaster and the Dwayyo (Hexenwolf). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theplacesyg/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theplacesyg/support

Team Tango visits with Anthony Price, Executive Director of the Gold Star Ride Foundation. They learn about the non-profit organization and the cross-country motorcycle rides where they bring comfort and assistance to Gold Star families. Special Guest: Anthony Price.

The most difficult mental and physical feat of my life!

Gayle Manchin becomes first West Virginian to co-chair Appalachian Regional CommissionIn Segment 1, Gayle Manchin, new co-chair of Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) thirteenth federal co-chair, talks with hosts Mark Curtis about what ARC is about and how it began after former President John F. Kennedy visited West Virginia. Manchin was the former First-Lady of West Virginia, former President of the Board of Education, and is currently the first ARC federal co-chair from West Virginia.How Corridor H may lead to more tourism in West VirginiaIn Segment 2, Gayle Manchin discusses how the Appalachian Regional Commission is assisting with the construction of Route 48, commonly known as Corridor H, and the significance of the route.Corridor H would extend from Interstate 79 (I-79) in Weston, West Virginia, eastward across the crest of the Allegheny Mountains to I-81 in Strasburg, Virginia. Doing so would shorten the trip to Washington D.C. by an estimated one hour and allow tourism to flourish in West Virginia with tourists from Washington D.C. Victims’ families’ attorney discusses Reta Mays’ sentencingIn Segment 3, West Virginia Attorney Tony O’Dell talks about the recent sentencing of Reta Mays, a fraudulent nursing assistant, who confessed to using insulin to murder seven elderly patients at the Clarksburg Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.Mays was sentenced to serve seven consecutive life sentences, plus 20 years for an eighth victim she tried to kill, on Tuesday, May 11.O’Dell talks about what the families want out of their lawsuit against the VAMC.Suddenlink to submit improvement plan for West Virginia customersIn Segment 4, Charlotte Lane, the Public Service Commission Chair, discusses the letter she wrote to the heads of Suddenlink, requesting for them to submit a plan by Monday, June 7. The plan should detail what the company will fix to address common complaints West Virginia customers have, such as bills not being posted promptly, cut-offs being done in an untimely way and excessive 911 fees being charged to customers.  Lane also says she wants to see plans for a Suddenlink Customer Call Center in West Virginia. There are no call centers in the Mountain State at this time. She also wants the company to properly train technicians who can fix the problems many customers call about. Suddenlink has 350,000 customers in 31 West Virginia counties.   

An interview with regional poet and author Patricia Thrushart. She writes on her website: I am a writer and poet living in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains just outside of award-winning Cook Forest State Park in the Wilds of Pennsylvania. The beauty of Northern Appalachia and its forests informs my poetry. A poet writes to satisfy a need to express emotion or document life; having readers actually interested in sharing those moments is both exhilarating and humbling. Beyond my poetry, I write narrative nonfiction books that explore the lives of historical women whose stories have been lost to time. https://patriciathrushart.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nafco/support

For some, winter can be a difficult time -- dark and cold. For others, time outside in the winter is a powerful experience. After everything we've been through in the past year, getting outside can be one way to help with the stress. Taking a break from social media and the news, getting bundled up and venturing out into nature, even just for five minutes, can help.  In this episode of Inside Appalachia, we'll go outside into a cold, crisp forest on a winter hike. We'll hear why the winter months actually provide unique opportunities to hear birds.  We'll also learn about a group of Italian immigrants who escaped religious persecution and moved to the mountains of North Carolina. They brought cultural traditions, including winemaking, to this small pocket of Appalachia.  And we'll also delight in one town's twist on the classic West Virginia slaw dog -- the “Marmet Yellow slaw dog.” The dish has been around since the 1930s but isn't widely known outside this tiny Kanawha County town.  Love Of Snow A few years ago, Reid Frazier, a reporter with the Allegheny Front, wrote a story about his children's love of snow, and what it taught him about embracing the simple joys of the new year.  Birds Of Winter Andy Kubis, a producer for The Allegheny Front headed out for a winter hike with Gabi Hughes, an environmental educator at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve north of Pittsburgh. The reserve is run by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Their aim was to find out what there is to see and hear in the coldest months of the year. Blocking A Pipeline Some of Appalachia's most rugged and beautiful places are located along the Allegheny Mountains. Straddling Virginia and West Virginia, this stretch of mountains is the site of the 300-mile Mountain Valley Pipeline, a major natural gas pipeline project. But it's still incomplete.  This is partly because of activists. The Yellow Finch tree-sits have blocked the pipeline in Virginia for more than two years. In November, a judge ordered the protesters out, but the tree sitters are still there. Inside Appalachia co-host Mason Adams has been reporting on this issue for the last six years. He recently visited Yellow Finch, and brings us this update. Using The Bright Sunshine Companies and government officials are promising to use more renewable energy as a way to address climate change. One way to do that is to build solar farms, but a solar farm needs flat land. That's something that's in short supply in Appalachia.   Developers have found some flat land in portions of Appalachia, including in Pennsylvania. StateImpact Pennsylvania's Rachel McDevitt reports how the solar industry could take some communities by surprise. They might just push back. Hot Dog! Folkways reporter Zack Harold takes a long look into a hot dog slaw recipe that is being revived in a town near Charleston, West Virginia. He called up Inside Appalachia host Caitlin Tan to talk about this unique take on the iconic West Virginia hotdog. Making Wine In the 1890s, a few dozen Italian immigrants settled in Valdese, North Carolina. They built communal bread-baking ovens, they made a special type of sausage, played bocce ball and they made wine. Rebecca Williams of our Folkways Reporting Corps has the story. 

We’re back for the ninth and final installment of the 1918 YA novel, “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds).” It’s part of Christmas Past’s “Ber Months Bonus” series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts" over at christmaspast.media Music in this episode We Are the Rain — Aakash Gandhi via YouTube Audio Library Relaxing Piano Music — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

We’re back for the eighth (and next-to-last) installment of the 1918 YA novel, “Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds).” It’s part of Christmas Past’s “Ber Months Bonus” series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. Stay subscribed for more Christmas fun throughout the Ber Months all the way up to Thanksgiving Day when the REAL Christmas season episodes begin.  Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech The Christmas Song — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

We're back for the seventh installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." It's part of Christmas Past's "Ber Months Bonus" series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. As the countdown to Christmas grows shorter, the danger grows higher for the girls of the Flamingo Camp Fire. Find out what peril this episode has in store! Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks! Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

We're back for the sixth installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." It's part of Christmas Past's "Ber Months Bonus" series of episodes for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. We're now about halfway through the story and in this installment, the action takes a breather, while the Christmas spirit ramps up a bit in Hollyhill.  Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks! Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Gaena" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

Continuing our "Ber Months Bonus" series, we're back for the next installment of the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds)." The plot takes a bit of a breather in this installment, as everyone reacts to the harrowing events from last time. Stay subscribed for new installments every few days over the next couple of weeks! Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Silk and Silver" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

Welcome to the next installment of Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). Brian is reading this 1918 YA novel to kick off the Ber Months for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. This time, we check in on the boy scouts as they set out on their own holiday plans, only to stumble upon a devious plot!  Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Gentle Marimbas" — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

We're continuing our Ber Months bonus series for those of us getting an early start on the Christmas season. Brian is reading the 1918 YA novel, Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). Last time we left the girls, they were on a train ride, and hostess Marion was disturbed by a mysterious letter. Let's see what happens next! Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Night Light" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

Welcome back. We're continuing where we left off from the 1918 YA novel, "Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Success Against Odds). It's a fitting kickoff to the Ber Months Bonus episodes of 2020. Stay subscribed as I continue bringing a few chapters in each installment every few days until the story is complete.  Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

For many of us, the start of the 'Ber Months' marks the beginning of the holiday season. So today, on Ber Months Eve, I'm launching a new Story Time miniseries. Because COVID will make Christmas of 2020 a Christmas against the odds, I thought it would be fitting to read the 1918 YA Novel, Campfire Girls in the Allegheny Mountains (or: A Christmas Against Odds).  I'll read one or two chapters in each installment until the story is complete. Happy Ber Months, sugarplums!  Music in this episode “Relaxing Piano Music” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech "Turning" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive Keep in touch christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Facebook page Facebook group Twitter Instagram

In the continuation of our interview with esteemed UFO and paranormal investigator Stan Gordon, he relays case studies that indicate that the event at Kecksburg may have been merely one incident in a long and continuing saga of High Strangeness.  In his 61 years of research so far, beginning in 1959 at the age of ten, Stan has interviewed thousands of UFO witnesses and hundreds of people who've claimed to confront Bigfoot.  In the decades of data collection and analysis, reaching a crescendo with the Pennsylvania UFO "Flap" of 1973 and continuing to this day, a startling and incomprehensible pattern began to emerge.  Many of these accounts of two traditionally thought of as disparate types of phenomena, UFOs and Bigfoot, occurred in the same places and within days, hours, or minutes of each other.  In a few of the most bizarre cases, Bigfoots appeared to interact with a UFO encounter, as if one may be responsible for the other.  Yet reports over the years weren't limited to these two favorites of Forteana.  Stan had also investigated connected reports of other cryptid sightings, strange environmental phenomena, spirit activity, and had himself come across footprints of 3 and 4-toed unnatural creatures, along with classic Bigfoot tracks that inexplicably stop as if the being had vanished.  A significant number of reports originate in the Chestnut Ridge region, an approximately 75 mile-long westernmost ridge of the Allegheny Mountains extending into West Virginia.  However, incidents have spread out like a virus over the decades to cover most of Pennsylvania.  Some paranormal researchers would be hesitant to publicly consider an association between these marvels or even scoff at the notion.  But a lifetime of investigation leaves Stan with the conclusion that a mind-blowing connection between these cases indeed exists.  That these connections would be statistically unreasonable to ignore, and this camp of thinking is growing.  As we conclude this interview, one might be wondering, what are the implications if a correlation is real, and if it is, is Chestnut Ridge, the Skinwalker Ranch of Pennsylvania? Visit our website for a lot more information on this episode: http/www.astonishinglegends.com/2020/8/15/ep-185-correlation-of-strangeness-with-stan-gordon (http://www.astonishinglegends.com/al-podcasts/2019/7/14/ep-149-dan-susan-micah-hanks-and-missing-time)

A folk story from the Appalachia region of the United States. Joseph and George Cox are known through the Allegheny Mountains as The Lost Children of the Alleghenies. George and Joseph Cox, then aged seven and five respectively, disappeared from their home in Pavia on April 24, 1856. Their dead bodies were found several days later in the surrounding woods and they were buried in the Mount Union United Methodist Church cemetery in nearby Lovely. There is a small memorial to them in the Spruce Hollow forest in Blue Knob State Park, Pennsylvania. Story shared by Podcast Host: Don Mast, Co-founder of Ruff House Marketing Contact Don by email at donald@ruffhousemarketing.com, Storyteller, and Co-Founder of Ruff House Marketing. Co-Host, Michael Allison, Artist, Historian, Storyteller. Owner of StudioEFX. You can contact Michael by email: mjallison.studioefx@verizon.net . Follow us on Twitter @PodcastAboutEv2 Follow us on Instagram @podcastabouteverything Follow us on Facebook @podcastabouteverything News Articles & Links: Usnews.com Retrieved 27 September 2018 https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/pennsylvania/articles/2017-11-04/are-lost-children-still-haunting-mountain Roadsideamerica.com Retrieved 27 September 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180927220721/https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/59496 Alison Krauss released a song written by Julie Lee and John Pennell about the story entitled "Jacob's Dream". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuUXcrRaQa8

Garth Newel Music Center , situated in the Allegheny Mountains in Bath County , Virginia, is less than 3.5 hours from Washington D.C., but it’s a world away. Founded in 1973, Garth Newel is home to one of America’s premier chamber quartets. Join the conversation with violinist Teresa Ling, Evelyn Grau (viola), Isaac Melamed (Cello), and Jeanette Fang (piano). Afterwards we’ll visit with Shawn Puller, Executive Director.

Welcome back Wine and Dime listeners! In this episode I sit down with Margie Keller of Woody Lodge Winery located in Ashville, PA. As you all know by now, I use the vineyard metaphor all the time! Well in this episode, I get to actually talk about a Vineyard, and Wine making! Margie shares with us her extraordinary journey to becoming a wine maker, from her humble beginnings to an award winning wine maker. She even sent me a bottle of their wine to enjoy while recording the show. Margie was the perfect guest to lead off Women’s History Month, and I think you’ll soon see why! So sit on back, open a bottle of your favorite Woody Lodge Wine and enjoy the show! Margie Keller Woody Lodge Winery (https://woodylodgewinery.com/) Tucked away in the hills of the Allegheny Mountains of Central Pennsylvania, we made our wines public from amateur wine making to professional wine making in fall 2013 when Woody Lodge Winery was born.  The love of fine wines has made our lodge the heart of Ashville, Pa and the surrounding area.  We are constantly growing and adding to the your experience at our lodge. We offer a cozy rustic atmosphere with an elevated deck that is perfect for a romantic date, or time with friends.  Entertainment is offered weekends, no cover charge and you can call ahead to reserve a table. Wines for all palattes: Our main varieties include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Traminette for our main whites and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chambourcin, Concord for reds. We also have fruit wines and dessert wines for you to come and sample as well.   Where to find us: To have our wines readily available in the surrounding areas, we have began to offer them in Giant Eagles, Martin's grocery stores, Levity Brewing in Indiana, Pennsylvania as well as some local six packs.  Our complete list of locations can be found at our locations tab on the website. We opened our first satellite location downtown Indiana, Pa in Spring 2018.  Its the place to be on your lunch hour, you can bring in your own food, have a glass of wine and socialize. Chocoholic Cherry (https://woodylodgewinery.com/chocoholic-cherry-750ml/) Cherry Wine and Chocolate Blended to Taste Just Like Chocolate Covered Cherries! 2017 American Wine Society Bronze winner 12.5% Alcohol Volume THIS EPISODE WAS PRESENTED BY Amy Irvine AND IN COLLABORATION WITH The Seneca Lake Wine Trail (https://senecalakewine.com/) AMY IRVINE ROOTED PLANNING GROUP 10 EAST MARKET STREET CORNING NY 14830 WWW.ROOTEDPG.COM (https://www.rootedpg.com/) EMAIL: AMY@ROOTEDPG.COM

RABBIT STEW FOR YOUR SOUL: 20 Recipes with a Dash of Storytelling Bob Ford has been hunting rabbits since he was a kid and has traveled the country with hunting beagles. Over the years, Ford has developed many recipes for rabbit, and you will find just a few of them here. He developed these recipes over more than three decades. Some go back to meals that the author’s mother made. Visits to restaurants inspired others. An abundance of harvested rabbits inspired some of the recipes, while others were created for those hunts where just one rabbit is brought to the game vest. Rabbit meat (domesticated) is now very popular, and while Bob created these recipes with wild game, they certainly would work well with domesticated rabbits as well, making adjustments for the increased size of domesticated rabbits. Rabbits are a sustainable source of protein and very low in fat. The contents of this book are recipes developed by a good hunter, who is a good home cook. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Bob Ford is a United Methodist pastor who has lived most of his life in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, except three years at seminary in Ohio. He has spent 23 years in the pulpit and 34 years following beagles in the same Alleghenies where he was born, raised, and worked. Ford is an award-winning magazine columnist, blogger, and author. His work has appeared in The American Beagler, Better Beagling, Hounds & Hunting, HARK-N, Sporting Classics Daily, and Fur-Fish-Game. He is also the author of the Beagle Tales series of books. He lives in the hills with his wife, Renee, and a pack of hunting house beagles, where he serves as a pastor. 

The book's title is derived from an episode that occurred during George Washington's visit to the region in 1770. While attending a frontier social event at a locale in the upper Youghiogheny, he was challenged by a local rowdy to a wrestling match. Upon enduring this verbal abuse for over an hour, Washington finally obliged him. with devastating results. This story is among Washington's various adventures around the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers. that are recounted in this book.Those two rivers are among the few natural waterways in the world which flow northward. Washington, though, was not the only notable figure to visit this area during the period between 1700 to 1900. For instance, Nicholas Roosevelt was the first scion of that notable family who became well-known in western Pennsylvania when steering one of the earliest steamboats upon the Monongahela. Moreover, the first British settlements west of the Allegheny Mountains were located along these rivers. Various of the essays within the work trace the evolution of the economy of these valleys from being an agricultural "breadbasket" to a heavy industrial powerhouse, specializing in basic steel production.The list of notable local personages appearing in these pages range from the legendary "Queen"Allaquippa of the Seneca to Philander Knox, a Brownsville native, who had become a prominent corporate attorney, as well as a prominent national Republican politician by 1900. https://www.sunburypressstore.com/Wrestling-with-George-and-Other-Tales-of-Western-Pennsylvania-9781620063026.htm ABOUT THE AUTHOR Miles S. RIchards is a retired history educator currently  residing in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. 

Whether gliding like a bird through the tree canopy on a zip line, or kayaking the serene Jackson River to the soundtrack of nature, find out how The Omni Homestead has an activity to inspire every soul. Explore the great outdoors with Travis Braxton and Brey Batten, recreation supervisors, as they talk about the adventure waiting to be discovered in the Allegheny Mountains.

Dive into the adventures of the early airmail pilots who flew blindly across the Allegheny Mountains, stopping in Bellefonte, PA, on the first leg of the transcontinental airmail route, and hear from Bob Hines whose Uncle Dan wrote an early history of the airmail pioneers.Thanks to the following artists whose work was used in this production:Creative CommonsAttribution; Non-commercialSynthetic engineTimbrehttps://freesound.org/people/Timbre/packs/7226/Attribution OnlyBi-Plane taxiLoveburdhttps://freesound.org/people/LOVEBURD/sounds/329615/#College Football GameTimmyg62https://freesound.org/people/timmyg62/sounds/328623/#Vintage Biplaneshttps://freesound.org/people/craigsmith/packs/24881/Steam trainhttps://freesound.org/people/eliasheuninck/packs/10652/Baseball hithttps://freesound.org/people/AmishRob/sounds/214989/#Wind Sound effectKarashttps://freesound.org/people/Karas_Homemade_SFX/Prop washhttps://freesound.org/people/Cheeseheadburger/sounds/141522/#Mournful Musichttps://freesound.org/people/SoundFlakes/sounds/457243/#Piano moodhttps://freesound.org/people/HerbertBoland/packs/8036/Old plane fly-byhttps://freesound.org/people/Yap_Audio_Production/sounds/219539/#Harmonicahttps://freesound.org/people/n_audioman/packs/18582/CC Non-Commercial Share AlikePineapple Raghttp://freemusicarchive.org/music/Various_Artists_Kazoomzoom/http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Joplin/CC Public DomainPatriotic Songs of Americahttp://freemusicarchive.org/music/New_York_Military_Band_and_the_American_Quartet/The Great One-Stephttp://freemusicarchive.org/music/Victor_Dance_Orchestra/Planehttps://freesound.org/people/jenninexus/sounds/275806/#vanehttps://freesound.org/people/14FPanskaBenesova_Barbora/sounds/420048/# 

Episode 61: The Fascinating History of Eastern Elk Eastern Elk once roamed widely across the eastern United States. They lived in the New York Adirondacks and the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Elk thrived in Big Bone Lick, Kentucky and the Northwest Angle in Northern Minnesota. Listen and learn about the fascinating history of the extinct eastern elk and some questions that still need to be researched. Historical Accounts William Penn and Samuel De Champlain documented elk in the 1600s. John James Audubon painted a picture of an eastern elk from PA in the 1850s. Vernon Bailey classified them in the 1930s with the Audubon's painting. The Academy of Science Museum in Philadelphia displayed a skull from Potter County in 1853. Remains have been found in the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, central Michigan and Cassadega Lake, New York. How Many Eastern Elk Were There? Ernest Thompson Seton predicted that at the time of European contact, there were 10 million elk ranging across North America. This implied that there could have been several million elk in the East. Here are some interesting questions that need more thought. If elk were so prevalent in the East at that time, why weren't they being utilized as a primary food source by Eastern Woodland cultures? Is the story of mass populations followed by European extirpation the whole story? What type of habitat did ancient eastern elk prefer? Subscribe to the East to West Hunting Podcast wherever you listen, follow along on this journey and find out.      

Wherein we explore all the fun, adventure, and history, not to mention fitness, that can be found on this beautiful and unique rail trail. Hear from Bryan Perry, Executive Director of the Allegheny Trail Alliance, with insider tips and information on how to have the best experience, view the WQED DVD/video, and hear why the GAP is the nation's "friendliest, long distance bike trail." The GAP trail was founded in 1995 and the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA) is a coalition of seven trail organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland that is charged with promoting and enhancing the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile, multiple use, rail-trail system between Cumberland, Md. and Pittsburgh, Pa. And for most of us, it's definitely a blessing that it's almost completely flat. None of those punishing hill climbs you get in some of the other mountainous biking trails around here! In fact, can you guess how old the youngest biker rider is who completed the entire trail as a through-ride? Four. Years. Old.  Completed in 2013, the GAP connects to the 184.5 mile C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland and provides a non-motorized, nearly level trail system between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The Great Allegheny Passage section from Cumberland to Ohiopyle is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, one of eight nationally designated scenic trails. The Great Allegheny Passage trail is open daily, dawn to dusk. You can download a printable map of the GAP Trail or the C&O Canal Towpath  and you can access those links from our shownotes at www. wildful.wordpress.com. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a scenic, safe, and satisfying 150-mile rail-trail through the Allegheny Mountains, it's the longest such trail east of the Mississippi River. In Cumberland, the GAP connects to the C&O Canal Towpath, which runs from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland along the Potomac River. Using both trails, riders can trace a 334-mile path outlining our country’s westward expansion. Details at www.gaptrail.org.

Join Executive Chef John Ferguson and Junior Sous Chef Michael Adams for a culinary journey through The Homestead. From chef’s garden to table, our delectable dishes and inspiring cuisine draw from the Allegheny Mountains’ natural wonders.

Everyone knows America's legendary origins — 13 colonies fighting off the tyranny of the British Empire to form our Union — but did you know there was, if only for a brief time, an extra-legal 14th colony? If that blows your mind, you'll be even more astounded to find out its name ... it was called Transylvania. It was made possible by a famous name, too, a man called Daniel Boone. On this episode of America's National Parks, The Transylvania Purchase, a land which laid its gateway at a gap in the Allegheny Mountains, now known as Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where the borders of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee meet. More information, music credits, and a transcript are available at nationalparkpodcast.com/14thcolony

Micro Produce was founded under the shared principles of its parent company Allegheny Genesis LLC; to promote seasonal sustainability by encompassing the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains and their importance to the lives of those who live here. Micro continues to promote sustainable agriculture by devoting time and resources to further research in sustainable greenhouse operations. The management and operational team behind Micro consists of both professional chefs and horticulturists, working together to expand culinary arts and scientific research by stretching the limits of agricultural productivity. Continue reading Episode 17: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture with the Allegheny Mountains at Positively West Virginia.

It's a fallish day in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, the rural home of Green Bank Observatory and the world's largest fully steerable telescope. Rippled clouds hang low over the site's hulking 100-meter radio dish, itself undergirded and overhung by bright white scaffolding. The browning leaves are nearly gone. And the visitor center director, Sherry McCarty, has agreed to give me the astronomy center's new SETI tour ($40, reservations required).

Historian Kathleen Waters Sander tells the story of B&O Railroad President John W. Garrett and the B&O’s plan to build a rail line from Baltimore over the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River. The B&O’s success ignited "railroad fever" and helped to catapult railroading to America’s most influential industry in the nineteenth century. After the Civil War, John W. Garrett became one of the first of the famed Gilded Age tycoons, rising to unimagined power and wealth. Sander explores how—when he was not fighting fierce railroad wars with competitors—Garrett steered the B&O into highly successful entrepreneurial endeavors, quadrupling track mileage to reach important commercial markets, jumpstarting Baltimore’s moribund postwar economy, and constructing lavish hotels in Western Maryland to open tourism in the region. Kathleen Waters Sander teaches history at the University of Maryland University College. She is the author of "The Business of Charity: The Woman’s Exchange Movement, 1832–1900" and "Mary Elizabeth Garrett: Society and Philanthropy in the Gilded Age." Description courtesy of Johns Hopkins University Press.

Today on our Jesse Tree, we are considering David as we move along our Advent journey to Christmas. You probably remember David from the story of his defeat of Goliath, the giant with a slingshot. The symbol of David is a shepherd’s crook. When I see a crook it reminds me of the long sticks or branches that my brother and I whittled at the beginning of each summer we spent in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. We used the stick for protection, to keep rattle snakes away as we went picking huckleberries. When David was young, he used a shepherd’s “crook” for a variety of purposes as he spent years in the fields and mountains with the family sheep. As shepherd, we can imagine that surrounded by the peace and harmony of nature, David’s love for God and for his creation grew. We have clear evidence that in those years David opened his heart to the voice of God. Our proof is his poems and songs which we call the Psalms, found in the Old Testament. We are certain that Jesus learned to pray the Psalms of David like all Jewish children, from his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. In the New Testament, Saint Luke writes in his Gospel that Jesus’ last words from the Cross were “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” This prayer comes from verse 5 of Psalm 31. Now, for more than a thousand years the followers of Christ have prayed the prayers of David to thank God, to praise him for his great goodness and to ask divine blessings upon each moment of each day. This prayer for all Catholics is called the Liturgy of the Hours, sometimes called the Breviary or the Divine Office. The shepherd’s crook or staff has another meaning which comes from the shepherd’s responsibility to guide and care for the sheep. David received a new kind of staff (a royal scepter) when he at a very young age was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel. This and other stories of David are found in chapter 16 of the book of Samuel. The last and perhaps most significant aspect of David’s life is one of genealogy. Well, Jesus too had ancestors. Listen to a few lines from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1: “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary….” Further in the same first chapter we read of Jesus Christ: “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the House of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” Musical credit: "O Holy Night" · Christine Westhoff · Timothy Allen Hark ℗ 2014 Christine Westhoff

When Mark Twain visited in 1884, he claimed to spy a little bit of hell in Pittsburgh’s smoky appearance. Twain’s observations are among the many riveting firsthand accounts and anecdotes to be found in the archives of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Great War hit home after the sinking of the Lusitania, which carried more than a dozen Pittsburgh residents. A few years later, cheering throngs of black and white residents lined downtown streets to welcome African American soldiers returning home from the conflict. The Ringling Brothers Circus held its last outdoor performance here in 1956 and left eight hundred show workers without jobs in the city. With these stories from the archives and more, veteran journalist Len Barcousky shines a light on the hidden corners of Pittsburgh’s history. Until his retirement in 2015, Len Barcousky had been a longtime editor and reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the oldest newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains. He covered the city’s history in his “Eyewitness” columns, and he received his BA from Penn State and MBA from Columbia University.

Once upon a time, best-selling author Loree Lough literally sang for her supper, performing before packed audiences throughout the Midwest. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two for her grandkids or to sing at weddings or funerals, but she mostly just writes. Over the years, her stories have earned hundreds of industry and Readers’ Choice awards and 4- and 5-star reviews. Loree has nearly five million copies of her books in circulation, and in March 2014, she added her hundredth published book to the shelves. She has written fiction and nonfiction for kids and adults (2,500-plus articles and 68 short stories), and four of her novels have been optioned for movies. . Loree loves sharing learned-the-hard-way lessons about the craft and the industry, and her comedic approach to teaching makes her a favorite (and frequent) guest of writers’ organizations, book clubs, private and government institutions, and college and high school writing programs in the U.S. and abroad.. A writer who believes in “giving back,” Loree dedicates a portion of her income to Soldiers’ Angels, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and several other worthwhile organizations. She splits her time between a tiny home in the Baltimore suburbs and an even tinier cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, where she continues to perfect her Critter Tracks Identification skills. She shares her life with her real-life hero, Larry, who rarely complains, even when she adds yet another item to her vast collection of “wolf stuff.”  Midwatch interviews Christian authors, artists, movie producers, indie film makers, ministers and just about anyone with a story of faith. The show is built around discussing faith and building encouragement to our listeners. Broadcasting primarily online through our servers to the world and across the USA on RevMedia Network. Midwatch has reached over 3.5 million listeners over the past 3 years. Join us for a show full of faith, humor, special guests, truth, entertainment and encouragement

Alex Smith has a deep voice & deep roots in the Allegheny Mountains of northern New York. He was a punk rocker in high school, but at 23 makes music of the folk/Americana vein, about the people & places of his rural home.

Listen Here: Ronnie Ray Jenkins is one of 11 children who spent his youth in the coal patch of the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. Truly, “A Coalminer’s Son,” Jenkins is the author of six novels, and several collections of short stories, each one with a lesson. He wishes to keep readers and imaginations alive and […] The post Podcast: Keep On Readin’! appeared first on JenningsWire.

Shaun and Nathan start looking into the mystery of the Flatwoods Monster with Frank Feschino, Jr. www.flatwoodsmonster.comFive years after the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico crash story, the most terrifying UFO encounter in history occurred. On September 12, 1952 the United States Government was shocked when a damaged UFO penetrated this country’s airspace and crash-landed on a farm in the small town of Flatwoods, West Virginia among the Allegheny Mountains. Moments later, a group of curious local townspeople set out to investigate the scene. Upon inspection of the woods and crash area, these unsuspecting locals were confronted by a nightmarish being that would change their lives forever. Near a large tree, the terrified eyewitnesses described seeing an entity that towered over twelve feet tall and was of tremendous size.Download G&D 04-17-11

Tom Watson is one of the most enduring professional goflers since the late Sam Snead. In 2009, nearing his 60th birthday, he led the British Open much of the way before losing in a playoff. It was the feel-good sports story of the year, and will be talked about for as long as games are played and reported.     That stunning performance led to a revised British Open age limits that exempts him for at least five more years at the world’s oldest major championship. Watson has won it five times among his eight PGA Tour majors in a career further notable for memorable victories over Jack Nicklaus, golf’s best ever, on the biggest stages.Watson won 39 times on the PGA tour with an aggressive, fast-paced style. Six times he was PGA Player of the Year, five times the leading money winner. Playing mostly on the over-50 Champions Tour now, he has won 13 more times there including five senior majors.Watson was born in 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri, and has stayed, true to the Midwest’s solid values. He lives today on a farm outside Kansas City, and can be found doing chores and riding his wife’s cutting horses when he’s not on tour (he admits to falling off a horse only twice).His father Ray, a long time scratch player, introduced him to golf at age 6. A young Tom soon developed into a state amateur champion at age 17, and went on to play for Stanford University, earning a degree in psychology in 1971. He joined the PGA Tour that same year and won his first tournament, the Western Open, in 1974. After losing leads in both the 1974 and 1975 U.S. Opens, Watson had the reputation of a choker, which was broken following his break-through year in 1977, where he won both the Masters and the British Open.At the 1977 British Open, often referred to as the “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry, Tom played the final two rounds in 65-65 to Jack’s 65-66, finishing with a clinching birdie. It’s been called the Tournament of the Century. In Watson’s 1982 U.S. Open win at Pebble Beach, he holed a touchy chip shot from the greenside rough to birdie the 71st hole—arguably one of the greatest pressure shots ever—and then birdied the 18th to top Nicklaus.After competing as part of the U.S. Team in the 1977, 1981, 1983 and 1989 Ryder Cups, Watson captained the 1993 U.S. Ryder Cup team through a closely contested tournament, pulling out the victory from behind in Sunday’s singles match.Throughout his career, Watson has been a respected sportsman and spokesman for the sport. He received the U.S. Golf Association’s prestigious Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship in 1987 and was elected to the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame the following year. In addition, Watson won Golfer of the Decade for the 1980’s, celebrating his 19 wins and 86 top-10 finishes over the decade.For 25 years Watson hosted the Children’s Mercy Golf Tournament, a benefit golf event featuring famous participants like Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino in his hometown of Kansas City, with proceeds going to a local children’s hospital. Over the 25 years, the tournament donated over $12 million to the hospital.In addition to Watson’s fundraising and volunteerism for the children’s hospital, he has also been tremendously influential in Clubs for Kids, which began in the 1980’s and was the precursor for The First Tee of Kansas City, for which Watson is the Chairman of the Advisory Board.When Watson’s long-time caddie, Bruce Edwards was diagnosed with ALS in 2003, Watson began searching for funding for a cure for the debilitating disease. Following Edwards’ death in 2004, Watson helped start the Bruce Edwards Foundation for ALS Research and the subsequent year he began the Bruce Edwards Celebrity Classic with renowned author, John Feinstein, raising nearly $3 million over the first five years of the tournament.Over the past several years, Watson has become increasingly involved in helping support our troops by participating in trips to Iraq in both 2007 and 2009, where he celebrated Thanksgiving with the troops, gave golf lessons and delivered donated golf equipment, just "delivering a little bit of home" to the troops during their tours. He has also visited and raised funds for our Wounded Warriors to whom he says we owe as much help as possible.Watson succeeded Snead as the second golf professional emeritus at the renowned Greenbrier resort, located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, which has been a favorite destination of his for over 30 years. He first fell in love with the place during the 1979 Ryder Cup which was the same week as his first child, Meg, entered into this world.Watson has a strong work and practice ethic and has admitted to hitting a “million practice balls” in order to continue honing his game. He’s considered one of the best foul weather players in the game, giving credit to his growing up in Kansas City, playing and practicing in the winter ice and snow.Especially following his 2008 hip replacement and 2009 performance at the British Open at age 59 ½, Watson is considered a hero to Baby Boomers who want to stay active in “the game of a lifetime.” Top teachers and players believe he’s swinging the club better today than he was in his prime.Watson carries solid credentials as a communicator. He does well-received clinics for charities, such as the First Tee, as well as his corporate sponsors, with a helpful demonstration of golf technique usually followed by revealing question-answer sessions and entertaining imitations of peers. He has done television commentary for ESPN and ABC.Watson’s monthly article in Golf Digest is the No. 1 golf magazine’s most popular instructional feature. He has always enjoyed helping pros and amateurs alike with straightforward, tough-love lessons, concentrating on the basic fundamentals of grip, body posture, and ball position, without which, he tells his pupils, they can't be taught.Through Tom Watson Design, Watson has produced over a dozen courses in the U.S. and abroad with a lot of hands on supervision. He keeps both the less-skilled players and varying wind conditions in mind as he works with the existing landscape to build beautiful, high quality courses. Watson’s first U.S. solo-designed project, Cassique (Kiawah Island, South Carolina) was named in the top 10 list of America’s Best New Private Courses by Golf Digest in 2001.Watson’s first instructional DVD, Lessons of a Lifetime, is being introduced in 2010, and will be followed by his fourth instruction book in 2011. Both the DVD and book focus on his time-tested swing tips -- and adjustments he has made and recommends to stay competitive. An earlier book on the short game, “Getting Up and Down,” with famed illustrator Tony Ravielli, was a NY Times best seller and became a golf classic.Tom constantly gives the credit for his success to the people who helped him throughout his life and career. In his early years his dad and Stan Thirsk built the foundation for his swing with a solid no-nonsense approach which served him well and from which his game blossomed. His desire, determination, and dedication had a lot to do with his success. This combination of mentors and a hard work ethic has been the key to a long and still continuing career.    www.tomwatson.comClick here for the Deal of the Week courtesy of Golflandwarehouse.com use promo code "GTR" for BIG discounts! Thank you to our GTR Partners please visit their sites and support the businesses that support GTR! Slickstix Avila Beach Golf Resort Blacklake Golf Resort Golflandwarehouse Avila La Fonda Hotel Inn at Avila Beach Email Mike and Billy at info@golftalkradio.com with questions, comments or whatever!

Several historians argue that the first educational institution for women, west of the Allegheny Mountains, was founded in Granville.