By Stephen Smoot
A dry as dust summer led straight into a tropical air fueled stormy September. The rains continued right up until the day before the Pendleton County Chamber of Commerce held its annual gathering – this year out in the cool open October air.
The rains cleared for a couple of days and allowed the festivities to continue without interruption or inconvenience. As the sun traveling through a clear sky dropped behind the ridges to the west, it illuminated what few trees already shed their green. A gentle breeze carried whiffs of smoke from the communal fire pit as the business, nonprofit, and government communities of Pendleton County came together for food, fellowship, and fun.
As the program started, Kristen Dingess, chamber board president, stated, “We hope you will enjoy it. We could not have wished for this weather. It’s absolutely amazing.”
She added that “we thank Jonathan Zinn for sharing his music with us” and told how Elizabeth Scott, chamber president, talked him into sharing his musical stylings that evening. Dingess then told attendees, “We’ve been doing great things with the chamber,” especially in “rebuilding” membership. The chamber has tripled its slate of members during the past year.
Dingess also discussed the recent purchase of an events stage that local individuals and businesses can rent.
Celebrating the audience, she said, “It’s times like this when the community comes together that we realize why the Chamber’s here.”
Mountain Cajun Getaways hosted the event. The Circleville nonprofit, operated by military veteran Chris Grimes and his wife, Melissa, serves as a family retreat for veterans. It helps spouses and children reconnect with military family members returning from deployment.
Chris Grimes gave the pre meal prayer, saying, “We give thanks to our Lord Jesus.”
Country Roads Catering served a meal of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken breast with sides and desserts as well. Adult beverages were sold by Gulp and Gallop, who pulled their trailer onto the grounds. A family-style atmosphere prevailed as adults gathered to meet and speak while children happily ran around and played in the yard.
Scott rose to speak next, saying, “I’d like to thank you guys for coming out.” She went on to add that “I wanted to have it on the North Fork side,” then said, “in 22 years, we’ve never had a chamber dinner on this side of the mountain.”
Grimes opened his keynote address after that. He said, “We appreciate you coming to the metropolis of Circleville.”
Grimes explained the background, purpose, and ongoing mission of Mountain Cajun Getaways. He shared that many veterans and their families tell them that they like being “untethered from the world. We walk in the woods. We do things we’d never do at home.”
That could include maple syrup making, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoor environment surrounding their family home. These types of activities set visitors “on their journey to working together as a family.”
“It’s incredible the memories they make,” Grimes went on to say.
When Grimes concluded, Scott took to the podium again to hand out the chamber’s community awards.
Grant Memorial Hospital, a facility recently purchased by West Virginia University Medicine, won the Corner Stone Award for larger businesses in the region demonstrating leadership. Debbie Turner represented GMH and shared some of its expanded services options for patients since merging with WVU Medicine.
Franklin’s newest business, the downtown coffee shop Elevated Grounds, earned the Small Business of the Year Award. A visibly emotional Tiffany and Kevin Rawson accepted the award. Kevin Rawson explained “my dream growing up in this community was to give back to this community . . . I never imagined I’d be a business owner in my community.”
Tiffany Rawson stated that selling coffee proved extra special to her and her family. She shared that “my first cup of coffee was with my grandfather,” and that she feels his love and support even now as she serves their customers.
Warner’s Drive-In and Cultural Center earned the Nonprofit of the Year Award. Jessica Basagic spoke on behalf of their board, several of whom were in attendance. She said, “My great-grandfather built it in 1952” and that they had enjoyed a banner year of attendance, record-breaking concessions sales, and the upcoming addition of a performing arts stage.
Donna Evick earned Outstanding Volunteer of the Year, in part for producing dizzying numbers and options of scrumptious desserts for community events.
True to form, Evick could not accept in person – because she was volunteering with a local fire department that evening.
Jared VanMeter earned the Young Professional of the Year Award. Along with his wife, Katie, they own a Franklin dry cleaning business, rent out vacation properties, and have also restored the Historic McCoy House into a crown jewel of Franklin architecture. VanMeter thanked his wife and mother for their constant support and encouragement.
Bruce Minor, Franklin Town Recorder and leader in the Pendleton County first responder community, received the Carole Hartman Memorial Award for leadership. Scott said, “Bruce, we really appreciate you” and described the late Hartman as “really a true leader.”
