Photos were taken by Ridgeview News and Clear Blue Skys Studio (marked)

The great joy at the 1982 Foundation’s Spring Fling had to be experienced to get a full understanding of what success looks like in a Community such as Calhoun County. The year 2021 was a breakthrough year for the citizens who came to realize that, just as it was 150+ years before, this land is worth fighting for, and fight they have! Not the traditional fighting of the Civil War, but a battle over politics, control and attitudes of apathy.

The participants of Saturday’s event were so fitting.

The Resourceful

One of the many things that is often taken for granted in Calhoun and surrounding Counties is the talent that lies in the people. The 1982 Foundation have done their part to offer artisans, farmers, bakers and service oriented businesses the opportunity to discover methods of marketing themselves and retailing their products here and afar. The Calhoun County Community Center will continue driving local business by opening up the down stairs of the Center to Businesses that will draw Day Trippers into the facility and around the County. The Foundation plans to enter the retail world themselves in the same location with the opening of a Commercial Kitchen, Restaurant and Microbrewery. These projects and many more stem partially from the Calhoun Bootstraps Organization which is helping to increase traditional and non-traditional business opportunities in Calhoun County .

Vendor pictures were taken by Terry Hickman and Ridgeview News

The Recovery

Drug and alcohol abuse can be scary. What’s more frightening is when you’re the one battling a substance use or alcohol use disorder and you don’t have a solution to the problem or the support necessary to win the battle. Aaron Spaur, a member of Celebrate Recovery and personally starting his last term toward a BA in Psychology with a minor in addiction science, has fought the battle and has a desire to make a safe space for others in the fight. Aaron and the 1982 Foundation are renovating the old bus garage to house a Recovery Center to provide resources in Calhoun County. During the afternoon program, Aaron, Sarah and J.K. Spoke about the program, shared their stories of addiction recovery to what is now a successful life on the other side.

In hopes of offering weapons for the battle with recovery, the 1982 Foundation invited Kara Prunty to the Spring Fling to present the WRAP, program. The Wellness Recovery Action Plan^® or WRAP^®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be. It was developed in 1997 by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals.  It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world to address all kinds of physical, mental health and life issues. WRAP has been studied extensively in rigorous research projects and is listed in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. One of the outcomes of the Spring Fling program was that Calhoun FRN is now looking into offering the program locally.

The Re-Creation of Recreation

The Calhoun County Community Center made headlines Statewide in their battle for the New Pool Facility located on the Wayne Underwood Field across the street from the Community Center. All along Crystal Mersh, 1982 Foundation President said, “This isn’t about the pool, it’s about progress.” Through her vision the citizens could see hope in overcoming a long history of anti economic behaviors from the local powers. It was unbelievable that someone would have to fight to invest over 8 million dollars in a community. But they did. And some unexpected warriors were toddlers to high school age students who, with swimwear and pool noodles convinced the citizens of Calhoun that the pool was only the beginning.

The pool was dedicated and named “The Saundra Johnson Community Pool” with a ground breaking ceremony at the Spring Fling afternoon program. Steve Johnson and Shawn Johnson Burns, two of the three children of Emory and Saundra Johnson attended to honor their Mother. Steve, Shawn and (Kari Johnson Cupp who was unable to attend) made significant donations to the pool project.

The Reliable

Throughout the 1982 Foundation’s growth process there have been individuals that were always available to volunteer, share a word of encouragement, or step into the heat of the battle. Far too many to name. But there have also been State and National leaders that have taken the time to support the Foundation’s efforts and shown up at events such as the weekend Spring Fling to let Calhoun County know, they’re watching. They’re watching and they’re impressed with the achievements of The 1982 Foundation and its supporters. Speaking to those in attendance Saturday was Delegate Roger Hanshaw and representatives from Senator Carol Miller and Senator Joe Manchin’s office.

Also showing their support was officials from HOPE Gas who provided the 1982 Foundation with the deed to an adjoining small tract of land, free of charge.

The Reasons to Rejoice

The final group of pictures may appear (and are) random shots of the Spring Fling Event. But they’re far more than that when you spend the time looking closer. What you see is a community coming together, supporting each other and enjoying their time together. This is why the 1982 Foundation spend their time, money and efforts in Calhoun County. To restore memories of days going by and to create memories for the future generations. In a world filled with so much heartache and evil, the wholesome events that have taken place through the Foundation makes it a worthwhile project to support.