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  • Greenbrier Journal

    Welcome to the Greenbrier Journal. We are a news publishing business located right here in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Our mission is simple: to cover local news and politics. Signing up is completely FREE, so get started today.

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    • Local News
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      GCEAS 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff

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      Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and experience a fiery showdown at the Greenbrier County Emergency Ambulance Service (GCEAS) 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff, taking place on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at the GCEAS Base, located at 257 Third St, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
      In an exciting twist, this year's chili cookoff is open to the public, promising a sizzling day of fun and flavor. For a mere $5 donation, attendees can indulge in a variety of chili offerings crafted by competing teams and even cast their votes to crown the chili champion of the day.
      With its doors wide open to chili aficionados and novices alike, the event promises to be a flavorful gathering that not only supports the GCEAS but also showcases the culinary talents of local chili enthusiasts.
      Event Details and Regulations
      The GCEAS Chili Cookoff welcomes chili enthusiasts of all backgrounds, whether you're a seasoned team with secret family recipes or a solo chef looking to make a spicy statement. Here are some key details and regulations to note:
      Team Requirements: There is no team minimum, and solo teams are permitted. Entry Fee: A $40 entry fee is required and should be paid at check-in. Check-in and Setup: Teams can begin checking in and setting up their cooking stations at 11 AM. Cooking Methods: Competitors are allowed to cook their chili using propane, portable grills, or stoves. Teams are responsible for bringing all necessary equipment and supplies, including canopies if they wish to use one. On-Site Cooking: All ingredients must be prepared and cooked on-site. This ensures a level playing field for all competitors. Event Schedule: The event kicks off with a meeting of participants at 11:50 AM, followed by prep and cooking starting at noon. Judging: The moment of truth arrives at 4 PM when three anonymous judges will assess each chili in a double-blind judging process. Only the event organizers responsible for registration and collecting samples will know which chili belongs to each team. Prizes: An exciting part of the event is the prize distribution. Fifty percent of the entry fees will be donated to GCEAS, while the other half will be awarded as prizes. The breakdown includes 35% for 1st place, 10% for 2nd place, and 5% for 3rd place. On-Site Facilities: Please note that there will be no water or electricity available on-site, so teams are encouraged to bring any water they might need. For those looking for more information or to register for the cookoff, you can contact Shelly Mabe at 304-667-2410 or Tom Cannon at 304-661-0986. Additional details can also be found on the GCEAS website at www.gceas.org/chili.
      The GCEAS 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff is set to be a spicy, community-driven event that not only celebrates the love of chili but also contributes to the essential services provided by the Greenbrier County Emergency Ambulance Service. Mark your calendars and bring your appetite for an unforgettable day of chili, camaraderie, and competition!
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    • Local News
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      Penny Pitch Prepares to Spread Holiday Cheer in Greenbrier County

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      Penny Pitch, a community initiative in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, is getting ready to brighten the holiday season for local families once again. With Christmas just around the corner, the program is on a mission to ensure that every child in the community has a reason to smile during the festive season. As the leaves fall and the temperature drops, Penny Pitch is also focused on helping neighbors in need stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter.
      For many children, Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation, as they look forward to the surprises the holiday season may bring. However, not all children are fortunate enough to be guaranteed these delightful surprises. Many families in Greenbrier County face financial challenges, making it uncertain whether they can provide their children with the gifts and necessities that make Christmas special. Additionally, as the colder weather approaches, it becomes increasingly vital to address the issue of heating and warm clothing for those who may be struggling to keep the cold at bay.
      The Penny Pitch program has been a beacon of hope in Greenbrier County for numerous years. The heartwarming initiative operates on a simple principle – the community coming together to provide support for those in need. Service clubs and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to interview families and identify their specific needs. Meanwhile, generous individuals from the community and beyond open their hearts and wallets to donate to the cause. Together, this collective effort transforms the holiday season into a warm and pleasant experience for children and families across the county.
      If you or someone you know is in need of assistance from Penny Pitch this year, the application process is straightforward. Application forms are available in various locations, including the Mountain Messenger newspaper, City National Bank, and through the United Way. Several local social service agencies also distribute these forms. For those who prefer digital convenience, Penny Pitch can be reached via email at [email protected], and they are also active on Facebook.
      As Penny Pitch gears up for the holiday season, the program's organizers are encouraging anyone who can contribute, in whatever capacity, to join the cause. Whether it's through financial donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every effort counts. Together, the Greenbrier County community can make sure that no child goes without the joy of Christmas or that no neighbor faces the harsh winter without the warmth they deserve.
      This holiday season, let Penny Pitch be a shining example of the power of unity and compassion, reminding us all that the true spirit of Christmas is in giving and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.

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    • Local News
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      Bingo For Breast Cancer

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      It's time to mark your calendars for a delightful afternoon of bingo, refreshments, and camaraderie, all in support of a vital cause – breast cancer awareness. The "Bingo for Breast Cancer" event is set to take place on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Rainelle Medical Centers - Community Room, and it promises to be a day filled with fun and fundraising.
      Organized by a dedicated team of volunteers, "Bingo for Breast Cancer" aims to raise awareness and funds to provide mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women. The event is open to everyone, and your $20 ticket will get you 15 games of bingo. That's not all – attendees can also look forward to a range of delicious refreshments to keep energy levels high during the games.
      In addition to bingo and refreshments, the event will offer an opportunity to purchase breast cancer merchandise, allowing participants to take home a token of their support. This not only makes for a meaningful souvenir but also contributes to the cause.
      Breast cancer continues to be a pressing health concern, affecting countless women and their families. Regular mammograms are a crucial tool in early detection and improved outcomes. However, not all women have access to these potentially life-saving screenings due to financial constraints. "Bingo for Breast Cancer" helps bridge this gap by raising funds to provide mammograms to those in need.
      Events like this are not only vital for fundraising but also for fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Participants can enjoy an afternoon of thrilling bingo games, make new friends, and leave with a sense of fulfillment knowing they've supported a great cause.
      So, whether you're a seasoned bingo player or a novice, whether you've been personally affected by breast cancer or just want to show your support, the "Bingo for Breast Cancer" event welcomes you with open arms. Your presence and contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of women in need.
      Don't miss out on this opportunity to have fun and support a great cause. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at 2:00 PM, and head to the Rainelle Medical Centers - Community Room. Tickets are available for $20, and all proceeds will go toward providing mammograms for uninsured or underinsured women.

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    • Business News
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      Planned Power Outage for Facility Upgrade in Greenbrier County

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      In an effort to upgrade essential facilities in Greenbrier County, a planned power outage has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Should adverse weather conditions arise, a makeup date of November 1, 2023, has been arranged.
      Approximately 165 customers in the White Sulphur Springs area will be affected by this temporary interruption of electrical service. However, it's important to note that Downtown White Sulphur Springs will not be impacted by the planned outage.
      To ensure that affected customers are adequately informed, an automated call will be made to the phone number associated with their account. This notification system aims to minimize any inconvenience and help residents plan accordingly during the scheduled outage.
      The planned power outage is a proactive measure taken to upgrade and enhance the facilities in Greenbrier County, ultimately benefiting the community by ensuring a more reliable and efficient power supply. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the scheduled date and time and make necessary preparations to minimize disruptions during this brief interruption.
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    • Education News
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      Learn to make 3D cemetery dioramas during Carnegie Hall-o-ween week.

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      Carnegie Hall-O-Ween celebrates Halloween with a week’s worth of special family fun events and classes. Running from October 23 through October 28, Carnegie Hall-O-Ween offers exciting and informative opportunities to get you ready for Halloween and Trick or Treat.
      On Monday, October 23, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., learn to construct a spooky hidden Halloween themed scene in the Altered Art: Graveyard Book Dioramas workshop led by Carnegie Hall Teaching Artist Teri Hartford.  For students 13 years of age or older. 
      This fun class will teach participants how to create custom dioramas using a hollowed book and a spooky collection of die cuts, mini lights, and specialty papers. Haunted houses, bats, ravens, ghosts, witches, and tombstones abound in this creepy and creative seasonal workshop. Registration is $18 and all materials are provided.
      For more information on Carnegie Hall-O-Ween or for a complete list of classes and workshops and to enroll visit carnegiehallwv.org/classes-and-workshops or pick up a Classes & Workshops brochure at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, West Virginia.
       
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    • Entertainment News
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      The Carnegie Classics Series with Barbara Nissman begins its second year with 'Rock with Rachmaninoff!' on November 11

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      Carnegie Hall’s Classics Series is a three-concert series hosted by Steinway “Legend” and Lewisburg resident Barbara Nissman, designed to introduce classical music and Carnegie Hall to new audiences, as well as inspire and entertain current classical music enthusiasts. The Classics Series second season kicks off celebrating Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150 birthday on Saturday, November 11, at 7 p.m. in the Hamilton Auditorium. 
      One of the last great pianist–composers in a grand tradition stretching back to Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt and Brahms, Sergei Rachmaninoff pushed the values of the Romantic era deep into the 20th century. He earned most of his music a central place in the standard repertoire that has never wavered, thanks to his clear sense of instrumental drama and, in author Michael Kennedy’s words, “a gift for long and broad melodies imbued with a resigned melancholy that is never long absent.”
      The Russian, born in 1873, took up the piano at age four and graduated from Moscow Conservatory in 1892 (as part of a starry class that also included Josef Lhevinne and Alexander Scriabin). Rachmaninoff’s youthful collection of solo piano pieces titled Morceaux de fantaisie included the darkly dramatic Prelude in C-sharp minor that would become a worldwide hit, though its huge success was bittersweet for the composer; that prelude tended to overshadow much of his early music, and a lack of copyright agreements between Russia and the West meant that Rachmaninoff earned little from its ubiquity across Europe and the U.S.
      In 1901, his melody-rich Piano Concerto No. 2 paved the road to Rachmaninoff’s success, with the composer at the piano for its premiere. He also composed deeply Russian choral works, many songs and three operas, as well as major sets of variations on themes by Chopin and Corelli for solo piano, plus two books of Etudes-Tableaux.
      Disturbed by political turmoil in Russia, Rachmaninoff began to work in the West in the early 1900s. He first toured America in 1909-10, performing his Third Piano Concerto in New York under Gustav Mahler. Rachmaninoff emigrated after the Russian Revolution of 1917, eventually settling in the U.S., where he was in demand as both a conductor and a pianist.
      He built a new home in Switzerland in the early 1930s, but he returned to the U.S. permanently as war blighted Europe. Rachmaninoff’s final performance, a few weeks before his death in 1943, featured Chopin’s “Funeral March” Sonata. 
      Barbara Nissman is an internationally renowned concert pianist and since 1989 has been a West Virginian “by choice,” residing on a farm in Greenbrier County. Hailed as “one of the last pianists in the grand Romantic tradition of Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Rubinstein,” Nissman has performed as soloist with some of the world’s leading orchestras. and has worked with some of the major conductors of our time. Inducted into the inaugural class of Steinway Legends chosen from more than a century of Steinway Artists, Nissman is regarded as one of the world’s great concert pianists. With a mission to bring her passion and joy to audiences around the world, Nissman continues to inspire and uplift people through her music. 
      In 2014 she formed her own record label, Three Oranges Recordings (threeorangesrecordings.com) that now includes a discography of over 30 recordings with many more projected for the future. In 2017 the Three Oranges Foundation was established to further its mission of making classical music accessible to a wider audience and to promote Barbara’s various educational projects including a series of educational video master classes.
          
      For more information on Barbara Nissman please visit www.barbaranissman.com.
           
      Tickets are $25/adults and $5/students. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.carnegiehallwv.org, call 304.645-7917, or stop by 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV.
      The Carnegie Classics Series is made possible with support from the James F.B. Peyton Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Additional funding is also provided by Eugene and Annie Jeffus.
      Carnegie Hall WV is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala. 
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    • Local News
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      NOAH Foundation Reschedules Car Show

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      The NOAH Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting various causes, has made the difficult decision to reschedule its much-anticipated NOAH Car Show and Fundraiser. Originally scheduled for October 14, 2023, the event has been moved to November 4, 2023, due to adverse weather conditions.
      In an official announcement posted on social media, the NOAH Foundation expressed its regrets for having to postpone the event, citing concerns about the potential challenges posed by the weather. The organization stated, "Unfortunately, due to the rain, we need to make the difficult call to reschedule this event. Please stay tuned for a future date, and we hope you can still attend!"
      However, the NOAH Foundation remains optimistic about the rescheduled event, expressing gratitude to all its supporters for their understanding and patience. The new event date of November 4, 2023, is contingent upon weather conditions, ensuring that the event will proceed smoothly.
      As an additional measure to avoid any date confusion, the NOAH Foundation has created a new event page on Facebook and encourages attendees to share the new link with their friends and fellow supporters.
      The NOAH Car Show and Fundraiser is a special event dedicated to raising awareness for Child and Infant Loss. This event carries a poignant significance as it is organized in memory of Justice Allen Woods, emphasizing the importance of supporting families who have experienced such heartbreaking loss.
      The NOAH Foundation is proud to partner with Backroads of Appalachia, a non-profit organization dedicated to motorsports, economic development, addiction recovery, and tourism. The rescheduled event promises to be a day filled with motorsports excitement, food, and local vendors, with Lowe's in Lewisburg, West Virginia, serving as the venue for this meaningful occasion.
      Mark your calendars and join the NOAH Foundation on November 4, 2023, as they honor cherished memories and create new ones. Don't miss the opportunity to support this important cause and enjoy an unforgettable day of motorsports, community, and togetherness.
      For more information and updates on the NOAH Car Show and Fundraiser, please visit the new event page on Facebook or the NOAH Foundation's official website.

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    • Local News
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      Taste of Our Town (TOOT) 2023

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      The highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, known affectionately as "Taste of Our Town" or TOOT, kicked off in downtown Lewisburg on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Despite the occasional drizzles and light rain, warm temperatures prevailed, drawing both vendors and visitors in droves to this lively event.
      Spanning from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, TOOT showcased the culinary talents of over 44 vendors, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes that catered to a wide range of palates. From savory to sweet, attendees were treated to a culinary journey that encapsulated the diverse flavors of the region.
      But TOOT was more than just a gastronomic adventure. Live music filled the air with a delightful ambiance, setting the perfect backdrop for a day of indulgence. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a man on stilts skillfully crafted intricate balloon animals, captivating the hearts of children and adults alike.
      Carnegie Hall, the primary beneficiary of this fundraising event, seized the opportunity to display its artistic prowess. The event featured an art showcase, where attendees could admire and purchase unique creations, further supporting this cultural gem in the heart of Lewisburg.
      Despite the intermittent rain showers, a sea of enthusiastic attendees made their way to downtown Lewisburg, turning the 2023 TOOT into a resounding success. Thousands of people gathered to enjoy this vibrant celebration of community, culture, and cuisine.
      To ensure accessibility for all, the Mountain Transit Authority (MTA) Bus provided shuttle services, shuttling guests from the lower Walmart parking lot to the heart of the event. This service made it easy for everyone to participate in TOOT's festivities without the hassle of parking.
      The official 2023 TOOT event exceeded expectations, offering a wide array of delights. It was a day where foodies reveled in delectable dishes, art enthusiasts admired creativity, music lovers swayed to the rhythm, and children found joy in balloon animals. This annual fundraiser for Carnegie Hall is more than just a culinary adventure; it's a celebration of the Lewisburg community's vibrant spirit and a testament to the enduring legacy of TOOT.
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    • Health News
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      Robert C. Byrd Clinic Hosts Health Fair Focused on Prevention and Education

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      On October 12, the Robert C. Byrd Clinic in Lewisburg played host to a Health Fair aimed at promoting community health and wellness. The event took place in the east wing lobby of the clinic from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM and brought together healthcare providers from across the region to offer a range of services and educational opportunities.
      One of the primary focuses of the Health Fair was vaccination. Attendees had the opportunity to receive both flu and COVID shots, underscoring the importance of vaccination in the ongoing fight against these viruses. In addition to vaccinations, the clinic provided free blood pressure checks and distributed COVID test kits to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the community.
      Mako Labs, a local laboratory, offered $25 lab screenings for various health markers, including HBA1c, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and Cholesterol. This affordable screening initiative aimed to empower attendees with valuable health information to better manage their well-being.
      A highlight of the event was the "Strollin Colon" walk-through exhibit, which was set up outside the clinic. Catherine Whitworth, a representative from the WVU Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of colon cancer screening in her presentation. "We are educating people about colon cancer screening because early detection is key to preventing it," she noted. Whitworth also spoke about the new recommendations, suggesting that individuals start getting screened as early as age 45 for colon cancer. She highlighted that basic tests, such as stool samples, can be just as effective in detecting colon cancer as a traditional colonoscopy.
      Whitworth stressed the critical importance of early diagnosis, explaining that early-stage colon cancer is treatable. Unfortunately, more than half of West Virginians are diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer, resulting in a survivability rate of only 15%. The message was clear: people should get tested sooner rather than later.
      The Robert C. Byrd Clinic's Mobile Clinic was also on-site during the Health Fair, offering free tours and discussions about the services it provides. The Mobile Clinic will be visiting various locations regularly, including Rainelle every Tuesday of the month, Alderson every first Thursday, White Sulphur Springs every third Thursday, and Ronceverte every fourth Thursday. This outreach effort is aimed at ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to residents in different parts of the region.
      Beyond healthcare services, the event also highlighted community activities such as "Walk with a Dog." This free walking program, led by Dr. Dina Schaper, invites individuals to meet every Monday at 4:30 PM at Hollowell Park. The program not only promotes physical activity but also encourages social connections within the community, fostering a sense of well-being and unity.
      The Robert C. Byrd Clinic's Health Fair was a comprehensive and community-oriented event that not only provided essential health services but also prioritized education and prevention. By bringing together healthcare professionals and community members, it demonstrated a commitment to the health and well-being of the Lewisburg region.

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    • Government News
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      Lewisburg Fire-Company 20 to Conduct Fire Hydrant Testing

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      In an effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of firefighting operations, the dedicated members of the Lewisburg Fire-Company 20 are gearing up for a vital task this weekend – the testing of fire hydrants. This operation is slated to take place North of I-64, with the testing commencing on Fairview Road, and it will also encompass the Renick Fire district.
      As the weeks unfold, Lewisburg's finest firefighters will be diligently testing fire hydrants within the Lewisburg and Caldwell areas. But why is this information being relayed to the community, you may wonder?
      The significance lies in the crucial role that fire hydrants play in ensuring rapid response and ample water supply in the event of a fire emergency. To guarantee these hydrants function optimally when needed, firefighters will perform a series of tests that involve flowing water from the hydrants.
      It's important to note that the water used during these tests is sourced from the same water lines that residents rely on for their daily water consumption. Herein lies the cause for an occasional inconvenience that some residents may encounter.
      During fire hydrant tests, as water is forced through the hydrants, it can agitate any sediment that may have accumulated inside the water lines. This can result in a temporary discoloration of the water, often manifesting as a brownish hue.
      It's essential for residents to remain calm if they observe brownish water during these tests, as it poses no health risk. In time, as residents use water in their daily activities such as flushing toilets, doing laundry, or running tap water, the brownish tint will naturally dissipate.
      Should you experience brownish water in your home, there's a simple solution – let the water run for a short duration to help clear any discolored water from your plumbing system. This straightforward step will aid in restoring clear water.
      Lewisburg Fire-Company 20 is committed to addressing any questions or concerns regarding this matter. If you have inquiries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact them at 304-645-3237 or 304-667-3976. Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.
      Lewisburg Fire-Company 20 recognizes that this operation may bring about some temporary inconvenience for residents. However, they emphasize the importance of ensuring the proper functioning of fire hydrants, which ultimately contributes to the safety and well-being of the community. Your understanding is valued, and they extend their apologies for any inconveniences that may arise during this essential testing process.

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