For all of Creation there have been things that have occurred behind the scenes that the average people didn’t know about. When Noah built the Ark, he and God had been having conversations about the state of the world that the world wasn’t aware of. God wasn’t happy. It reminded me of a story from my days of working with Marietta Bible College when their Choir Director, Jon Layner stood outside of a meeting that had been held with President, Dr. Myron Guiler and other church leaders. Dr. Guiler had raked them over the coals for something… not sure what, but as Jon stood there (who happen to be blind) he said to the person who walked up beside him, “Boy, the big guy’s mad today.” To which Dr. Guiler (who was standing beside him) replied, “I am the big guy!” I still laugh at that story every time I think about it.
The relativity of that story is that Jon didn’t realize who was standing beside him and sometimes we don’t always see or know what’s in our own community.
Much like the state of the world in Noah’s day, the picture below very much depicts the State of Calhoun County less than five years ago.
Behind the scenes in those days, I fully believe there was conniving by political leaders that kept our community in the state of oppression. On the inside of bank vaults was money made on the back of Calhoun citizens through the use or abuse of tax dollars in the form of refusal to allow or pursue industry and opportunity for the people they served. Every opportunity to expand our reach, or promote the God given talents of Calhoun people was rejected and never brought to light. But now, we are witnessing the rebirth of our community and I feel as if many of the people are standing next to the change, but like Mr. Layner and Dr. Guiler, they’re failing to see the “Big Guy.”
In Noah’s day the world refused to listen to Noah’s message to get on board the ark, and be saved. All but Noah and his family perished in the flood. Before anyone get’s ridiculous, I’m not saying anyone in this story is “God.” I’m saying that we, all of us collectively, see what we want to see. And often time we miss an opportunity to get on board, but stay in the past.
I was driving through Grantsville this week which is a rare occurrence in my caretaking of Mother. But as I drove through the City I looked at bustling efforts around the Avalon campus, the pool, the new bright red benches before you cross the bridge into Town, the flowing flowers pots hanging from the picturesque light poles. I crossed the bridge and there was a coffee truck in the public parking lot with a line outside, new benches were in front of the 1982 Foundation Office …. It was amazing! A little time away from town caused me to be more appreciative of the changes.
Out the street, Calhoun FRN’s new venture of “Bert’s Place” received its first tenant; even before the completion of their renovations they are making life better for someone. Unfortunately that goes back to a behind the scenes story of some things that haven’t changed like state staff not doing their jobs in taking care of children. But I’ll leave that for another day.
I want to focus on the positive, and not lose sight of what we can do better at.
Crystal Mersh, President of the 1982 Foundation shared photos on social media that tell the story of how far we’ve come, in a far better way than I can with words…
The difference is breathtaking! But it’s truthfully just the tip of the iceberg. There are still conversations going on behind the scenes. We are hopefully past the days of covert operations to stop progress and politicians who rather than do something simply state “Well I ain’t against it.”
Behind the scenes are a group of political, business and non political people who are advocating on Calhoun County’s behalf and are opening doors for progress. They’re not perfect people, and if you look for faults you will likely find some. I’m not here to put anyone up on a pedestal, I simply want to share some of the wonderful things happening in our Community.
Last week the grand opening ceremony was held for Bert’s place that will offer low income housing that will be recovery friendly. The facility when finished will be an attractive business at the entry to the west side of Little Kanawha Drive. A trip down Main Street shows businesses with their store front’s clean and beautifully decorated. It also shows some empty storefronts which will hopefully lead to some new and reopened businesses. Turn the corner to Route 16 North and sitting atop the hill is Minnie Hamilton Health System which boasts a new expansion that looks like it was set down out of a large city! And while the beautiful facility is grand, the grandest part will be the new services that will be offered through the expansion.
Construction continues to unfold on the Avalon Campus that also brings a new era of blending the historical old school with a contemporary addition of a preschool, restaurant, shopping and a swimming pool that would compete with any resort for beauty.
For the first time in decades young people are experiencing being a part of the business industry with summer jobs and proving that they are more than capable of the daily operation of a business. The Saundra Johnson Aquatic Center instills confidence and educates their staff in marketing and public relations that no doubt will carry the lifeguards and restaurant staff into their future jobs and make the youth of Calhoun County sought by companies who want business savvy young people.
Roll on down highway 16 South to the Calhoun County Park and recreational opportunity abounds with one of few disc golf courses in the State, the newly built Waypoint Zero campground as well as previously built Campgrounds with electricity, summer entertainment on a large fully equipped stage and cabin rental with unimaginable growth potential in the future.
The Arnoldsburg Community Park on Route 33/119 has been a staple in South Central Calhoun County where local youth ball games, family reunions, and the annual West Virginia Molasses Festival is held each fall. The large community center is equipped with a spacious kitchen and serving area and a fairly new outdoor pavilion that is wonderful in hosting outdoor concerts out of the weather.
The Upper West Fork Park suffered a devastating fire with loss of their community building, but out of the ashes will come beauty with a new facility that will be built out of the flood plane and offer a venue to host their music nights, festivals and more in an area not far from Interstate 79.
Each of these areas that I mentioned are the central focus of our communities but far from the only assets. Calhoun County is filled with beautiful land and beautiful people, we just need to slow down and take note and do better at sharing what we have.
Recently Commissioner Eric Lupardus wrote a letter to the Governor and press in hopes of drawing attention to the positive movement in Calhoun County. He and the other Commissioners are making the effort to make people aware on a State level that we have something to offer and Calhoun County is more than ready to shine.
| Governor Morrisey and Members of the Press, I appreciate you taking a few moments to read the attached letter. Too often, rural communities like Calhoun County are defined by statistics that tell the story of poverty and population loss. I would ask that you instead consider the story of what can happen when a community refuses to give up. Over the past several years, local government, private investment, nonprofits, and volunteers have worked side by side to build opportunities where few existed before. Avalon is the centerpiece of that effort—not just for Calhoun County, but for families across a seven-county region. The attached letter explains why this project matters, what has already been accomplished, and why operational startup funding is the final piece needed to transform years of work into lasting economic opportunity. We are proud of what our community has built. We simply ask for the opportunity to show you that rural Appalachia is not asking to be rescued—it is asking to be recognized and given the chance to succeed. I would be honored to personally welcome Governor Morrisey and members of the media to Calhoun County to tour Avalon, Waypoint Zero, Minnie Hamilton Health System, and the many projects demonstrating that rural economic development can succeed when communities work together. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read the attached letter and consider visiting one of the hardest-working communities in West Virginia where 50 new jobs are on the line. Respectfully, Eric J. Lupardus President Calhoun County Commission |
I encourage you to drive your community and send me pictures of the beauty you see!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2233921674072540 Yes, it is. Lets keep it that way.