"Are some things worth saving?"

Fellow neighborhood advocate James "Jay" Bowen asked me this question: "Are some things worth saving?"

Jay said, "This is a picture of the dam and the old Howell's Mill near Ona, WV. The building structure appears to be sound and the dam has been there for decades. However, it has been allowed to deteriorate and many of the components have been taken. There is a large buildup of debris above the dam. A lot of dams such as this have been removed throughout the country to allow for free-flow of the waters and fish migration. This section of water has produced some very large Musky, good sized largemouth bass, and many catfish among others. There is easy access to this site but limited parking. What, if anything, do you think should be done?"

I'm going to have to think about this one. Anybody else have ideas?

(Click on the "Post Comment" button just below this post and add your two-cents worth.)

How to dispose of household bulk items

Disposal options
February 27, 2009 @ 11:15 PM
The Herald-Dispatch

If you need to have bulk items removed from your home, here is what you need to know:
HUNTINGTON:

The Huntington Trash Drop-off Facility is located at the Dietz Hollow Landfill on South High Street in Guyandotte. It is open only to Huntington residents. The facility is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. The facility does not accept loads larger than a pickup truck, no more than one load per month, and no contractors, landlords or rental companies can drop off materials.

The following materials cannot be taken to the Drop-off Facility: paint cans with paint in them; tires; freon-based appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers); and cans or other containers with chemicals in them. City residents also can receive free large item pickup from Huntington's Public Works Department. To schedule a pickup, call the department at 304-696-4431.

CABELL COUNTY: Contact Allied Waste Services, which serves several Cabell County municipalities, including Huntington, at 304-525-1631. The Web site is http://www.disposal.com/.

Remove tree stumps now, and plant a new tree in their place!

Have you noticed the hundreds (yes, hundreds) of tree "stumps" through out the city of Huntington? I have, as I spend a lot of my time in the various Huntington neighborhoods.

Les Brown was quoted as saying, "Someone's sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago." We citizens must become aware of the poor physical condition of our elderly trees and face the fact that large trees have been cut down over the years (leaving only their stump as a memorial) and never replaced. When was the last time a tree was planted in Huntington with the interests of future generations in mind? It takes decades for a tree to mature? If we don't start removing stumps and planting trees in their place, the citizens living in the Huntington of the future will not have large trees to enjoy - their beauty, shade and environmental advantages will be a thing of the past.

Others have noted the value and beauty of trees:

Except during the nine months before he draws his first breath, no man manages his affairs as well as a tree does. - George Bernard Shaw

If I thought I was going to die tomorrow, I should nevertheless plant a tree today. - Stephan Girard

A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.- William Blake

A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit. - Elton Trueblood (1900-1994)

"When I judge art, I take my painting and put it next to a God made object like a tree or flower. If it clashes, it is not art". - Paul Cezanne

The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.- William Blake, 1799

For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.- Martin Luther, 1483-1546

He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he provideth a kindness for many generations, and faces that he haith not seen shall bless him. - Henry Van Dyke 1852-1933

I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree. - Joyce Kilmer 1886-1918

A woodland in full color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart. - Hal Borland

If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees. - Hal Borland

I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do. - Willa Cather 1873-1947

Human subtlety will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple or more direct than does Nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing is superfluous. - Leonardo da Vinci. It is time to start - we need a strategic plan to systematically remove all tree stumps throughout the city and to begin a long range planting schedule for new trees. Huntington ... let's keep it clean and green!

Show me the money!

Bryan Chambers of The Huntington Herald-Dispatch emailed me with this information about the federal stimulus funding for West Virginia: “The state (West Virginia) is getting a total of $1.8 billion. Of that, there is $80.7 million statewide for sewer and water projects, according to an AP story this afternoon. It appears the DEP will play a key role in determining how that money is spent. The DEP said in the AP story they will take public comment through March on what to do with the funding and assign funds to eligible projects by Aug. 17.

As for road, bridge, highway and all other infrastructure projects, the state is getting $215 million. Gov. Manchin released a list of 109 projects today that will take up the entire appropriation. In Cabell and Wayne counties, there will be a few paving contracts here and there as well as fixing some slips and slides, but there's nothing sexy in our region (I believe Christian Alexandersen is preparing a full list of road projects for tomorrow's paper). The largest funded project was an expansion for the East Beckley bypass ($30 million). Manchin also noted in the story that because of restrictions in the stimulus bill, approximately 70 percent of the state's roads and bridges were not even eligible for stimulus funding. Therefore, I am assuming that most projects, such as the Old Main Corridor, that local communities hoped would get funding never had a shot to begin with.

West Virginia’s estimated share of the federal stimulus is nearly $1.8 billion. About $323.6 million is devoted to the highway projects and other key infrastructure work, and in the process creates, or saves, jobs.

That infrastructure funding also includes $80.7 million for water, sewer and storm system projects. The Department of Environmental Protection must submit a plan by Friday for spending that portion, Manchin Public Policy Director Lara Ramsburg said Tuesday. WV DEP Secretary Randy Huffman told the House Finance Committee later Tuesday that his agency would seek public comment on that plan through March, and assign the funds to eligible projects by Aug. 17. Those will all either begin construction, or be under contract, by Feb. 16, 2010, he said.”

(Thanks to Bryan for making us aware of how the stimulus funding will flow into our state and area.)

Create Huntington - The Community in Action!

REMINDER: The next Create Huntington Chat 'n Chew is scheduled for this Thursday, February 26th from 5:30 - 7:00 pm in the lobby of the Frederick Building. Chat 'n Chews are always free and open to the public. Food service is available at 21 at the Frederick. As you probably know, Chat 'n Chews are a time when people who want to make Huntington better can meet to brainstorm, come up with creative solutions, and begin to take action. Please feel free to share this email with friends and others you feel may be interested. Please also post this to your Facebook and MySpace page, if you have one.

****************************

At this meeting, we expect to have groups on-hand to discuss:

Several downtown art projects, including:

* The team that is working on using temporary gallery space in downtown businesses
* The Reflections Gallery project team (see http://www.blogger.com/www.reflectionsgallery.org <file://www.reflectionsgallery.org/> ) for info.

Another group has formed to create a website that specifically targets people who are thinking about moving to Huntington. Based on a similar site in Charleston, it seeks to provide positive, useful information to potential new residents and to help position our City as a great place to work and live. They are seeking volunteers to:
* Help write content for the site
* Assist with a promotional plan

Urban gardening - We’ve seen a lot of interest and energy here. Currently, there is a team working to restore the Veteran’s Memorial on 3rd Ave and Veteran’s Memorial Blvd. They need volunteers to help with:
* Purchasing and planting rose bushes
* Purchasing and installing flag poles
* Acquiring flags for each of the branches of the military
* Purchasing and installing lighting
* Upkeep of the area once it’s completed

The area also has groups interested in community gardens, urban forestry, and a host of other gardening and beautification projects. There may be a discussion about developing a garden space/beautification effort along Hal Greer Blvd, as part of the community's new Weed and Seed program.

Creating a destination - We’ve been asked by the Mayor’s office to brainstorm ideas that would create a destination in Huntington. The genesis for this resulted from a conversation about Chattanooga acquiring the Delta Queen to be a boutique hotel. We want to investigate concepts (hotels, museums, parks, galleries, or something else) that could become a destination spot and an anchor for the community. Though several expressed interest, we didn't get a chance to work on this last week. Please join us to begin working on this initiative.

Let your voice be heard This is actually less project than initiative. One of our Chat 'n Chew regulars brought to my attention that there are many great things happening in the area. Many of these items are covered in the media. We're encouraged to take a minute when we see a story about what's going on, and write a letter to the editor or go to the media company's website, and post a positive comment on their blog. There are many negative voices in the community. It's our responsibility to let the positive voices be heard, too.

Other projects that have been discussed at recent meetings and may come up tomorrow include:
* the WV 5K
* Recycling
* preparing for Cabell County's 200th Anniversary
* establishing clean-up teams for major thoroughfares
* hip hop as a community and economic development tool
* promoting a community events calendar,
* looking at new options for schooling.

Please bring your ideas, input, and energy to the meeting. If you have a particular topic in mind and would like to encourage others who might be interested to meet you at the meeting, please send me an email by tomorrow morning and I will forward your interests to the group. There will be a sign-up board in the lobby when you arrive. Feel free to list your project or idea on the board so that others will know your interest and can begin helping you.

(This up-date was sent to me via email by Create Huntington member, Thomas McChesney.)

Federal Stimulus Funds - Top of the "To Do" List for the City of Huntington

The State of West Virginia will be receiving its infusion of stimulus funds from the federal government shortly. Our city and area have many needs that will create immediate jobs, if funded.

What two projects should be #1 and #2 on the City of Huntington's "To Do" list? Well, the only two that will never be affordable without federal assistance, are my choices for immediate funding. (Oh, yes, I am aware that projects are supposed to be "shovel ready". However, we've never had the money to complete the required engineering and construction documents. So, let's get these two "shovel ready" as quickly as possible.) Here are the top priorities, in my humble opinion.

#1 - Replace the City of Huntington's combined sanitation and storm sewer system.

#2 - Close down the Deitz Hollow Landfill and establish a modern recycling-oriented solid waste disposal system in our area so we are no longer held hostage by landfill sites outside of our state.

What are your suggestions for projects that should be funded by the soon-to-come stimulus funds - realizing that without massive federal funding these two projects will never come to fruition?

Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their city!

One element of the City of Huntington administration's proposed 2009-2010 budget is the administration's recommendation to increase the city's user fee from $2 to $3 per week for every person employed within the city.

The $1.5 million dollar projected revenue produced by the increase is purported to be earmarked for hiring four police officers, a street sweeper driver for the sanitation department, the purchase of three police cruisers and paving three miles of streets. Obviously, these things require funding, and we citizens must be willing to do our fair share for our hometown. The folks who are working are doing their part.

As I mentioned in a recent guest column in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch, I am retired and on Social Security, and I am not required to pay the weekly user fee. However, I have made a decision to pay the $3 per week to pay my share. I will write my personal check for $3 for the 52 weeks of 2009 ($156) and deliver it to the City of Huntington Foundation tomorrow morning (that's when I get my next social security check). I will ask that the foundation make it available to the City of Huntington's general fund for use in helping to fund the items discussed above.

We have many other citizens in Huntington who are are not required to pay the user fee, as they do not work in the city, but are able to afford $3 per week. I challenge each of those folks to write a check for your contribution to the user fee account. No, we are not required to pay the fee, but should we not come to the aid of our city?

I am confident in our new mayor, city council members and city employees. I salute each of you, and I enthusiastically pledge to contribute the current annual amount of the user fee for all future years. I believe in the future of Huntington, and if I have learned one thing in my 67 years, it is this: You do not get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. We all have a role to play.

I encourage our city council members to support our new administration's request for an increase of $1 per week in the user fee. The city government cannot improve the livability of our neighborhoods and commercial areas without the money to ensure that our city is safe, kept clean and in a good state of repair.

That is the challenge I make to you. It is a call to action for people who, like me, believe in Huntington and Cabell County. So let us shake off the hubris and go to work. For retired citizens and others who can afford to do it, mail your volunteer "user fee" to The City of Huntington Foundation, attention: Ms. Maxine Loudermilk, President, 800 5th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701. As our city continues to re-create itself, you will be glad you helped.

Please note: It is requested that you make your check, payable to The City of Huntington Foundation in a single check for $156, which is one-year's worth of the $3 per week fee. The foundation is not set up to take small weekly, or monthly payments.

WV House Bill 2139 Introduced - Litter Reporting Program

House Bill 2139 would establish a volunteer litter reporting program that would utilize trained volunteers to report and collect information necessary in enabling the county sheriffs to issue citations to individuals violating the state's litter laws. Duties of a trained volunteer would include: reporting the motor vehicle registration plate number, date, time and location of a person observed littering; collecting other evidence such as taking photographs at the request of the county sheriff, providing testimony in court proceedings relating to litter violations observed, and providing other assistance in litter enforment as requested by the county sheriff. In no even could a volunteer participate in the direct apprehension or arrest of a litter violator.

First Lady Speaks at Business Volunteer Council Luncheon

Neighborhood advocate, Jay Bowen, reports that First Lady Gayle Mansion was the keynote speaker at the Business Volunteer Council luncheon on February 17 here in Huntington. According to Jay, this was her second visit/speech encouraging community involvement in Huntington this year. Jay said, "It certainly helps when the first couple are leading the charge for improvement in the state." (Jay is the one on the left.)

Bottle Bill Presentation in Charleston Tomorrow - Public Encouraged to Attend

When: Thursday, February 19, 1:30 PM., House Chambers, State Capitol Building

What: Presentation to Joint House Judiciary and Finance Committees.

Who: John Ferrari, President of NexCycle’s California Operations. John will present the environmental and economic implications to West Virginia presented by the Bottle Bill including job creation. NexCycle-California provides beverage container redemption services to affected Grocers/Retailers mandated by California’s Beverage Container Redemption Act of 1986. It is a subsidiary of SMI (Strategic Materials Incorporated), the largest glass recycler in the United States with thirty-one plant operations in the US, Canada & Mexico.

For more information about NexCycle visit http://www.nexcyclecalifornia.com/

It's Time for Action on a WV Bottle Bill!

West Virginians use over 1 billion containers each year, the majority of which end up in landfills or along our highways. Eleven states have Bottle Bills and no statewide bill has ever been repealed. Oregon’s is the oldest and was enacted in 1971. Several states are working to expand their laws to include plastic water bottles. Please ask your legislators and Governor Manchin to support bottle bill legislation.

Let's promote graffiti art for the community's enjoyment!

What is the difference between ill-placed and destructive graffiti and planned and admired art? This photo is a fine example of public art that is being enjoyed, while not defacing public or private property.

Believe it, or not, I'm riding on a sidewalk chalk drawing by well-known chalk artist Julian Beever. He created this massive drawing on the concrete pavement inside of the city of Charleston's (WV) new minor league baseball park. I could feel the spray of the "water" in my face (notice the alligator waiting for me at the bottom).

I would like to see the development of a central location and "canvas" that will allow graffiti artist's to show off their talent. We could have sponsored contests and the artists could express themselves in a open and prideful way. What do you think?

How to report an illegal "open" dump

Jim Ross asked me how to report an "open" dump in Cabell County. The fastest way is to go to the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection reporting page at this link:

http://www.wvdep.org/Item.cfm?ssid=18&SS1ID=817&page=./reap/PPODDumpReporter.cfm

You can remain annoymous, if you wish. Thanks to Jim for his inquiry.

Waste Disposal of the Future?

I just received this info from Jay Bowen, a neighborhood advocate and co-founder of Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter, our litter abatement volunteer organization (we now have 1511 neighborhood volunteers).

Jay suggested we Google this:

"plasma arc waste disposal"

And be sure to check out this link:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/24/magazines/business2/Prob9_Wastedisposal.biz2/index.htm

Google this:

"waste to energy"

And be sure to check out this link:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/saving/recycling/solidwaste/wastetoenergy.html

The future of our cities demands a technological approach to the issue of solid waste disposal. This is one idea. It is comforting to know that their are people hard at work on a solution.

Health Fair, Volunteer Training and Canned Food Drive

EVENT - "Healthy Heart, Helping Hands"

A Free Health Fair, Volunteer Training Seminar, and Canned Food Drive
Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of Ironton and Faith In Action of the River Cities will take place on: Saturday Feb 14th 10am-2pm, Valentines Day - 201 N. 5th St in the First Presbyterian Church of Ironton Fellowship Hall

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF IRONTON OH, Fellowship Hall - Faith In Action of the River Cities and First Presbyterian Church of Ironton are sponsoring a Free Health Fair, Volunteer Training Seminar, and Canned Food Drive titled “Healthy Heart, Helping Hands” on Saturday, February 14th, Valentines Day from 10am-2pm. The Fee Health Fair runs from 10am-Noon, and from Noon to 2pm there will be a Training Seminar with free lunch for people wishing to become a Volunteer with Faith In Action to help those in need in our community. Throughout the day there will also be a Canned Food Drive from 10am-2pm. Your donated canned goods will be distributed to area Food Banks and the local Mission. So, dig into your pantries, buy a few extra cans at the store, and help feed those in need in our community.

* Snow-date is set for Saturday March 14th.

For more information, or if you are interested in lending a hand, please contact:

Faith in Action of the River Cities
Rose Thornburg - Exec. Dir.
848 Ninth Ave.
Huntington, WV 25701
Office: 877-367-1271
fiarc@comcast.net
www.fiarivercities.org (under construction)

First Presbyterian Church of Ironton
201 N. 5th St. Ironton, OH 45638
Office: (740) 532-0601
Eve Atkinson - Member
Home: (614) 917-0848 or (304) 697-1402
firstpresironton@gmail.com
www.firstpresironton.org

I Respect the Talent of Graffiti Artists', BUT ..........

I have lived in cities where graffiti artists are respected and given areas where they can display their talent. I respect graffiti Artists and their work, BUT .......... when graffiti is painted on private property and public buildings, IT IS JUST PLAIN WRONG AND DESTRUCTIVE! It doesn't demonstrate talent; it demonstrates anti-social behavior and "tags" all graffiti artists as irresponsible and self-absorbed! If you are a graffiti artist, what gives you the right to "paint" on public or private property? It is extremely difficult and expensive to remove, and the "mess" devalues the abused property and its neighborhood. Shame!

Why not talk with the city government to see if a "canvas" can be designated for your art? It would be a proper way to have your art appreciated. Graffiti Artists, I'll help arrange a proper place to paint; call me @ 304-523-7902. We can all meet and even plan monthly contests!

Consolidation of Enslow and Beverly Hills Middle Schools

Here is a simple solution to this school consolidation issue:

Temporarily relocate the students at Enslow to the Beverly Hills school. Tear down Enslow and construct the new consolidated school on the Enslow site.

What are your opinions on the location of the new school?

Just received information from Robin Howell and Jay Bowen regarding one of the many beautification projects being undertaken by the citizens' volunteer organization HARC (Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition). Jay Bowen reported:

"One of our HARC projects coming up. This is an area at the downtown post office that at one time was well maintained but has suffered from neglect over the last few years. We are going to plant flowers, including the Veteran’s Rose and help the different armed services organizations install their flags. It will be a lovely site once again honoring our veterans."


The following information was sent to us by Gene and Robin Howell. If you want to be involved in this project to honor our veterans - living and dead - here is how you can do it:

Yes, I would like to purchase a Veterans’ Honor Rose bush for the Veterans Memorial garden on Memorial Blvd. and 3rd Ave. in Huntington. Veterans’ Honor“10% of net sales from our 2000 Rose of the Year winner supports American veteran’s health care. ( More than $ 516,200 donated to date.)” One of the most magnificent red roses ever is a fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country. Plump buds unfurl into huge, high-centered blossoms in a bright , true red. As the raspberry-scented flowers mature, their bright color is softened by overtones of pastel pink. The fragrant flowers last up to two weeks in the vase!” Jackson & Perkins $19.00 each, or 3 for $ 54.99. Make your checks payable to HARC , P.O. Box 312, Huntington WV 25708. Checks must be in by February 14, 2009.

If you want to purchase but cannot get the check mailed in time, please call Jay Bowen at: (304) 634-8342.

Guyandotte's SwineFest 2009 Gearing Up!

I just received this email from Rick Simmons regarding Guyandotte's SwineFest 2009:

"It is hard to believe that SwineFest2009 is only seven months away. SwineFest2008 was very successful and we have been dubbed as the festival that is restoring Community Unity to Guyandotte. Rocky and I have been brainstorming since October to come up with ideas that will broaden SwineFest, we need everyone's help.

On Feb. 28 at 5p.m. at the Guyandotte United Methodist Church we will be hosting a SwineFest organzational kick-off/fundraiser. Mayor Kim Wolfe will be our guest speaker. There will be a dinner consisting of Roast Beef, Mashed potatoes/gravy, Southern-Style Green Beans, Rolls, Drink, and Dessert. Cost of the dinner will be $7.00. All funds will benefit SwineFest 2009. We will also have a Gospel Sing with Family Prayer and Francis Jarvis. Any elected officer will have an oppurtunity to speak and we will be announcing the first ever National Recording group to perform in Guyandotte.

As I said before,we need your help and ideas to make SwineFest a continued success. All money raised from SwineFest goes back into our community. Feel free to invite everyone you know. See ya Feb. 28th ."

Richard "Rick" Simmons
304 525-1248
afriend46143@yahoo.com

Rocky Frazier
304 522-6582
rockyfrazier@comcast.net