Neighborhood Issues in Huntington and Cabell County

Huntington's Black Community and Chief of Police Will Resolve Profiling Issues

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:51:00 +0000

The Cabell-Huntington Chapter of the NAACP is claiming members of the African-American community have been the victims of illegal racial profiling. The NAACP and the Huntington Black Pastors' Ministerial Association say they are not indicting the Huntington Police Department, but they do say there is a need to temper the actions of law enforcement officers in the African-American community. Huntington Police Chief Skip Holbrook said he was surprised by the claim.

Holbrook is an excellent law enforcement administrator, and the members of the NAACP executive committee and members of the association of black pastors are all highly respected members of our community. We are confident that the chief and members of the NAACP and the Black Ministerial association will meet immediately to review the claims of racial profiling. If profiling is occurring, we have confidence in Chief Holbrook's commitment to fair and equal law enforcement, and he will investigate the issue and resolve it - in a timely manner. Holbrook has said he is willing to meet with individuals about allegations of racial profiling, and he takes pride in the Huntington Police Department's goal "to provide organizational transparency."

We are confident the groups will participate in prompt, frank and open discussions to ensure the continuing cooperation between the citizens of our various neighborhoods and the Huntington Police Department.

Citizens of Huntington have the desire for a safe and secure hometown for each and every person. Let the talks begin!

Huntington Woman Shows Compassion and Love

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:43:00 +0000

I received this email this morning from Huntington resident, Mary Clayborn, who is a neighborhood advocate for our hometown and a member of Create Huntington:

"The morning is cool and overcast as we started out a very normal morning. Knowing our routine would be broken for a few minutes at the bank, we were ready to get on with our day. Jaylen, my two-year old granddaughter, is already excited about saying good morning to everyone, and "bye-bye" to mommy, as we arrive to drop my daughter off for her work day.

Jaylen and I are taking our time meandering home this morning. The van is quiet except for Jaylen singing and playing in her car seat. The dogs are lying on the floor, the van is warm, and all is well. We are safe and loved.

The window of the world opened up for me, as I was sitting at the light beside the TTA terminal. A woman and man were busy getting ready for their day. I had a birds eye view of their makeshift bedroom, and the world did too, if it were only to stop for a moment to see this sight.

The woman was picking up their bed clothes from a night's sleep. The man gently helped her up off of their bed. As she put away their belongings. she stowed them away, as if they were the most valuable possessions they owned. I was so mesmerized by this sight. I pulled the van over and continued to watch this event unfold before my eyes. They didn't stop at the bathroom to brush their teeth, or to wash up in the bathroom. They didn't stop by the kitchen to get a fresh cup of coffee, or grab a slice of toast. They took their time getting their belongings together. As they got ready to leave their home for the day. They spoke a few words to one another. They reached for one another to hug and give a big kiss.

The woman stood alone and watched her man off to parts unknown. She watched him until he was out of sight as though she was a mother seeing her child off to school. She had two large ferns with her as she began to move slowly down the alley. I could not help but be touched by the display of gentle care I had witnessed between these two homeless people.

Their bedroom is the world ... not inside a safe house. Their bathroom is wherever they can find one. Their kitchen is a convenience store, if they have enough aluminum cans to sell for the day for money to buy food at the store. They will eat whatever they can find, and will be content to find one another at the end of the day.

I could not help but notice her clothes were thin and very worn. I drove around the street and stopped the van and ask if she would except some warm clothes. She accepted my love gift of clothing that had been donated the day before ... almost the size she could wear. Such a tiny lady.

I ask her if she needed a coat, and she said she did. She said she could wear a large jacket and her husband could wear a 2x in men's. She in turn asked me if I could help her with a blanket, or two, because the nights now get cold. As, I watched her go down the alley. I was reminded that love is a gift and a treasure for us to find and hold onto. I knew in my heart that today I would search by emails and phone calls for two coats and some blankets to return tonight back to the "bedroom of the world" to see Cheyenne and her husband ... with a little bit of help and a whole lot of love.

As we drove away, our van was still warm, and Jaylen was talking to one of the dogs, which had gotten up to see why the motion of the van had stopped. We slowly started our journey back home to our warm comfy place for the day. I felt warm and good inside as we continued our drive, knowing that I had just met the most impressive person of the day ... Cheyenne. She had the biggest and brightest smile, one I have not seen on any one's face in a very long time.

She is homeless, and she has no immediate family to trust and rely on, except for her husband. However, Cheyenne has that one precious thing, love. We all dream about love, but they have it.

They lost their jobs several years ago and became homeless. I was also reminded to tell each one of you whether I know you personally, or not, you matter to me."

Sincerely,

Mary

Note - Mary needs two blankets and two Jackets - size large for a woman and size 2x for a man - for this couple. Call her at 304-781-1061, and she will pick them up.

Huntington Street Division Responsive in Picking Up Bagged Leaves

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:42:00 +0000

After blowing all of the leaves off of the street in front of our residence and bagging them, we called the City of Huntington Street Division and advised them that we had about twenty bags of leaves we removed from the street and the city's property. The nice lady on the phone took my name, address and phone number and advised me that she would have them picked up. They were picked up within 48-hours.

If each property owner will bag all fallen leaves on your property and place them at the curb, the street division will pick them up, but you must call them to schedule the pick-up. Do not merely rake them into the gutter, as this practice is harmful to our combined sanitation/storm water sewer system and, also, reduces the number of on-street parking spaces.

We encourage city residents to assist our city government by raking/blowing and bagging all fallen leaves on your property and in the street at the perimeter of your property. The city does not currently have enough equipment, or manpower, to remove fallen leaves throughout all of our neighborhoods. However, they have announced they will pick up bagged leaves, if requested.

So, bag them. Then, call the City of Huntington Street Division at (304) 696-4483. If you do your part, the street division will do theirs. Let's all work together to make our city a better place to live, work, study and play!

City of Huntington Street Sweeper Attacking Fallen Leaves

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:35:00 +0000

Several people have mentioned that the city's street sweeper has been seen cleaning fallen leaves from our neighborhood streets. Although the operator must deal with getting around parked cars, he is doing an admirable job. We saw them in our neighborhood, which is near Julian's Market on 12th Street on the southside. Before the fall season has ended, we will see the continuation of the trees shedding their leaves. The Street Division is doing the best they can do with the equipment they currently have to use. Our compliments to them and the City of Huntington.

We encourage all property owners, who are physically able, to rake and bag your property's fallen leaves and place the bagged leaves on the curb for pickup by the city. If you really want to be of assistance to the city and your neighborhood, why not rake the leaves in the street in front of your home, bag them and place them on the curb for pickup? Let's all help our city by pitching in to present a "clean and green" appearance for our home town? To have your bagged leaves picked up by the city, call the City of Huntington Street Division at (304) 696-4483.

Dancing with the Tri-State Stars set for Nov. 7

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:53:00 +0000

"Dancing with the Tri-State's Stars" is set for Nov. 7, and Delegate Kelli Sobonya will be dancing the Cha Cha for a good cause.

Dancing with the Tri-State's Stars is a dance competition to benefit Ebenezer Medical Outreach. The event will be Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Tickets are $20 and are on sale at the box office and through Ticketmaster. Here is the official Ticketmaster link:

Dancing W/ Tri-State Stars tickets, dates. Official Ticketmaster site.

The lineup of "Tri-State stars" includes: Dr. Eric Arnold, chair of the Kinesiology Department at Marshall University; Dr. Rick Booth from Valley Health; Sabrina Conley, director of health and wellness at the YMCA; Dee Delancy with WOWK-TV.

There's more: Sean Hornbuckle, Marshall's student body president; Brandi Jacobs-Jones with the city of Huntington; Brittany Mills, Miss West Virginia United States; former Marshall University head coach Bobby Pruett; Marshall Reynolds of Champion Industries;

And even more: Rich Blankenship, mayor of Ironton, Ohio; William Smith, superintendent of Cabell County Schools; Kelli Sobonya, West Virginia delegate; Carol Templeton, principal of St. Joseph Grade School; JB Miller of Miller in the Morning; Huntington Mayor Kim Wolfe; and Randy Yohe with WSAZ.

Some of the Tri-State’s stars will dance the salsa, the tango, the cha cha and the jive all for an incredible cause. Ebenezer Medical Outreach has been providing health care for the uninsured for years in Huntington and the surrounding area. Your attendance will support the cause and your applause will choose the winner. Be there to support your favorite dance!

A few corporate tables are still available. $500 and $1,000. The $1,000 tables are on the floor. Both types of corporate tables receive 8 tickets and attendance to the pre-show mix and mingle with the dancers and food & beverages.

Program ads are also available for sale. More information is available by calling 304-529-0753, Ext. 118. Additionally, you can e-mail ashleythompson@emohealth.org; or, call Kelli Sobonya (304) 733-9169. Her email address is Sobonya4WVHouse@aol.com.

Notice by City on Development Projects is Needed

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:09:00 +0000

The City of Huntington's current policy for notifying residents of proposed development projects and zoning appeals that affect residential neighborhoods is inadequate. An example of its shortcomings was obvious recently when a developer's plans for building 25-30 apartment units, along with 100 storage units at 745 3rd Street in West Huntington was considered by the Huntington City Council at its September 28, 2009, meeting.

It was revealed that a developer had applied for a $300,000 Federal Home Program Grant which would require an undetermined number of low-income housing units. No one could verify the required number.

A large group of residents from the neighborhood surrounding the proposed site attended the city council meeting to protest the rezoning ordinance and development proposal for the address. The neighborhood group voiced several concerns as to the inconsistent and flawed manner in how the rezoning ordinance was handled. They were alarmed that only sixty (60) notification letters were sent to residents near the subject property, most going to addresses outside of their district (District #4) which were not impacted by the proposed development.

Thankfully these residents were concerned enough to distribute fliers to the residents close to the project. They had no prior knowledge that the zoning change ordinance would be on the agenda for a final vote at the city council meeting.

The group was additionally concerned about the sewer and sanitation problems, traffic issues. Fortunately for the neighborhood, the rezoning has been canceled because the property owners withdrew their offer to sell the property.

The city council should implement a better notification process that informs a larger number of residents. If possible, to everyone in the affected district. The current 200-foot radius used for notification is not ample to allow citizens who are impacted by ANY proposal to voice their opinion.

Please contact your city council representatives and ask them if they would raise this issue in one of their upcoming meetings. Request that they vote to make an inquiry into the idea of changing the Huntington City Code, making the code more appropriate and responsive to those of us who live within the city of Huntington.

The westside neighborhood group wants to make sure other Huntington residents are aware of what could happen in their districts without ever hearing from the city about drastic changes that may affect the quality of their lives, environment and property value.

For further information, please call Mary Bryan at (304) 525-2255, or Terry Ballard at (304) 522-3461. They brought this situation to our attention.

Trick-or-Treat at the Minton Street Kid's Peace Garden

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Huntington, WV – Residents of Northcott Court, Minton Street, Fairfield, or anyone out and about on Trick-or-Treat night is welcome to visit the 1016 Minton St. Kid’s Flower Peace Garden!

During Huntington’s Trick-or-Treat night – Thursday, October 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – the Huntington Community Gardens (HCG) volunteers will be handing out candy, hot apple cider, and other healthier options to area youth and offering the neighborhood a chance to tour the garden.

Also, don’t forget to visit the AD Lewis Center’s “Trunk-or-Treat” where area children can ask for candy and other nutritious options within the safety of the parking lot.

For further details, contact:
HCG Project Coordinator, Jennifer Williams at 304-840-2500
Assistant Coordinator, Eve Atkinson at 304-697-1402.

Message to Members of Create Huntington and Those Who Would Like to Be

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:37:00 +0000

Message to the Members of Create Huntington and Huntington Residents Who Would Like to Be; from Member Stacy McChesney.
--------------------
Support [for Create Huntington] is appreciated, but we NEED You Now!

Believe me, I get it. Between work, school, kids, parents and everyday life - it's hard to carve out an hour. But, if you can make one hour for yourself, you will discover new energy, meet new people and learn about things happening in our community - things you've only "wished" about.

Never been able to make it to Chat n Chew? Here's your chance. Come as you are, MONDAY evening, 5-6 p.m., in the lobby of the Frederick Hotel. Remember, it's not a meeting, so you can't possibly be "too late" - and you can leave anytime.

You see, now through Tuesday, over 400 community and business leaders are in Huntington to see what we've been up to. We need you to step up and set the example. All you have to do is smile, strike up a conversation or point someone who looks lost in the right direction - there's nothing to it. If you want to take it to the next level formally volunteer, please check in at Conference headquarters at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Third Ave. & 8th Street, and ask for Julie Hewett. It's nothing physical, but they do need you to direct people.

Don't miss: TODAY, public sessions, 1-4 p.m., ($39) pertaining to writing a business plan for success, green jobs, unlocking creativity and social media. Live music, Bluetrain, 4:30-6:30 p.m., lobby of the Frederick Hotel (FREE), Jamie Oliver's Kitchen is open 5-8 p.m. (FREE), Mountain Stage / five acts, including Kathy Mattea, 8 p.m. @ the Keith Albee Theater ($20).

TOMORROW: The Conference really kicks into gear and you may walk up and register. Go to http://www.facebook.com/l/257ed;www.createwv.com for a detailed agenda. After the events are over, we will return to Thursday night think tanks, EVERY THURSDAY, 5:30-7 p.m. Quality of place and change of pace begins with you. We can't do it for you, but we will meet you half way. Create Huntington!

Californian Rehabilitating Huntington Structures Compliments City of Huntington

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:31:00 +0000

A San Francisco woman will be returning to Huntington on October 17th to continue what she refers to as "my grand experiment." She contacted me after viewing our blog for several months. Here are some comments she made regarding her project to rehabilitate two houses here in Huntington. She was complimentary of the City of Huntington. Here are some of her comments:

Lessons Learned About Huntington, WV
By Michele Foose

In Huntington, don’t be afraid of permits or building inspectors. It is easy and affordable to get a building permit in Huntington. Although you have to troop down to their offices, once you get there [Huntington City Hall] Nita, the woman who issues permits, is very helpful and informative. In fact, she gave me several good tips to reduce my permitting costs.

The building inspectors I met with were informative, reasonable, and mostly friendly. I had one surprise visit from a building inspector and he started out by being officious and very authoritarian. However, after he saw that I was really trying to do a good job, he was supportive and helpful.

Here is a suggestion I would like to offer: For a novice like me, it was difficult to learn just what was required for a major rehabilitation of a residential structure. For homeowners trying to do work for themselves, or for a community group trying to do a quality job on a tight budget, it would be helpful if the City of Huntington’s Department of Building Inspection would put together a code guide pamphlet for Do-It-Yourselfers (DIY). The pamphlet should list key areas of concern, general guidelines, and best practices presented in a simple, user-friendly layout. It should include guidelines for window and electrical outlet placement, requirements for appliance venting, fire and safety issues, tips for grounding electrical systems, etc. This one-source guide should be readily available to people trying to do a good job with their DIY projects.

Bottom Line: The City of Huntington Building Inspectors must be stretched-thin, as it was sometimes hard to get in touch with them, but they were helpful, reasonable, and for me, they were a valuable resource.

Create WV Conference is Less than a Week Away!

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Submitted by Anne Durham, Communicator, Create Huntington Board of Connectors.

Dear Creative Friends,
It is hard to believe, but the Create WV Conference is less than a week away! On Sunday, hundreds of the state's brightest, creative and most influential people will be arriving to experience Huntington first-hand, and they will be here for three days. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community to improve its statewide image and our success depends on how well we "show up" and show off"! So please, make plans to get involved! Recruit your family and neighbors and forward this e-mail to everyone you know in the community!

Here are some conference announcements:

More Downtown Windows Needed: Artwork has been placed in empty storefront windows downtown as part of ArtGawk! Festivall Charleston. But the volunteers have more artwork than windows! If you have downtown display space, please contact Carter Seaton at carterseaton@comcast.net.

Special $99 Registration Rate: Create WV is offering a special $99 registration rate for Create Huntington volunteers who have helped with the conference. (The normal conference rate is $299.) The $99 rate applies to students and artists as well. This is an affordable opportunity to learn strategies and skills that will help you be more effective in your community, business,educational and economic work. Register NOW!!

Conference Volunteers Needed: Conference volunteers are needed to welcome people to Huntington by being available to answer questions, provide support and give a warm welcome to attendees. To sign up to volunteer, please contact Julie Hewett at jkhewett@julnet.com.

Conference Briefing: Everyone interested in making the Create WV Conference a positive experience for the attendees is encouraged to attend Chat and Chew at the Frederick Hotel lobby, Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a full briefing to help residents and volunteers understand events and needs prior to the conference.

Be watching for more Create WV Conference listserve announcements throughout the week. Thank you for your efforts to make this a highly successful event for Huntington!

Mountain Stage Live - Keith Albee Theatre

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

You're Invited to Celebrate WV Talent on the Mountain Stage! Ask almost any listener of public radio around the country and chances are they're a fan of - or at least heard of - Mountain Stage.

For over 25 years, Larry Groce, Andy Ridenour and team have been putting West Virginia on the cultural map with an eclectic live music showcase featuring diverse musicians in traditional roots, folk, country, gospel, blues, rock and other genres.

Mountain Stage is a classic example of the creative economy at work. It has improved West Virginia's "brand" image around the world and has brought cultural experiences to us that never would have been accessible otherwise.

We are honored and thrilled that a special Mountain Stage concert featuring Kathy Mattea and many other artists with West Virginia roots will open the Create WV 2009 Conference on Sunday, October 18, at 7pm at the beautiful Keith Albee Theatre!

We invite you to attend whether or not you're attending the conference. Conference-goers attend FREE, but non-conference attendees can also attend for only $20. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.

If you're anywhere near Huntington on Sunday, October 18, please join us!

The Huntington ArtGawk - October 8 Through November 5

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:55:00 +0000

The Create West Virginia Conference is less than two weeks away and dozens of citizen volunteers are working to prepare the downtown area for this important event. One of these efforts is ArtGawk.

Regional artists will display their work in storefronts in downtown Huntington from Oct. 8 through Nov. 5. The exhibit, called ArtGawk, is in conjunction with the Create West Virginia Conference, scheduled for Oct. 18-20. More than 50 works of art from about two dozen artists
will include paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, ceramics, fabric art and sculptures.

The art will be displayed in windows along 9th and 10th streets from 3rd to 4th avenues and in the 900 block of 3rd Avenue. The display is patterned after ArtGawk during FestivALL Charleston and is sponsored by Taylor Books and FestivALL Charleston. Information is
available at info@FineARC.org.

For more information, contact Naomi Bays at naomi@apartmentearth.net or Carter Seaton at carterseaton@comcast.net.

Register now for the Create WV Conference at http://www.blogger.com/www.createwv.com. There is now a $99 registration rate for artists, students and Create Huntington volunteers who have been working on the conference. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to welcome the state's top thinkers in economic development and culture to Huntington and learn some great ideas for our own community!

City Should Focus On Plan To Remove Fallen Leaves From City Streets

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:02:00 +0000

With all of the rain we have been blessed with this summer, it portends a heavy down flow of leaves on City of Huntington streets in the next few weeks. The prompt removal of leaves from our streets in the fall of the year has been an issue within the city for several years. In my travels around the thirteen Huntington neighborhoods, it is obvious that the streets are not being cleaned by the city. Leaves remain from last fall and the storm sewers appear to be in need of cleaning, as they are filled with a myriad of items and debris.

We are hopeful that our new city administration is planning to demonstrate a new approach to removing leaves from city streets this year in a prompt and efficient manner. Leaves block street gutters and storm sewers, causing street flooding, obstructions to vehicle parking and create fire hazards.

Mayor Kim Wolfe and the City of Huntington departments have improved the day-to-day operation of our city government. This particularly critical operational task is important to the continuing community efforts to create sustainable "clean and green" neighborhoods. We have confidence that they are up to handling the task.

Still A Great Idea! Why not?

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Tigers on the Prowl? Cows on Parade? Buffalo Roaming?

by Richard Cobb on Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:12 pm

Local businessman, Pryce Hayness, III, shared with me one of his creative ideas. He is now a registered member of Create Huntington. Pryce attended Auburn University in Auburn, AL, and he shared information with me about the Tiger on the Prowl art project promoted by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce in Conjunction with the Auburn University Industrial Design Department.

Tigers on the Prowl, is a community art project that has enhanced the Auburn community and embraced the Auburn University spirit. Two Auburn Chamber volunteers, who saw Chicago's "Cows on Parade" felt that Auburn would be an ideal setting for Tigers.

What's that got to do with Huntington, you ask? Pryce dreams of having a "Thundering Herd" roam along the Old Main Corridor, which is 4th Avenue from Marshall University's Old Main Building on 16th Street down to 8th Street in downtown Huntington. Pryce's idea is that "Marco" and his buddies would be constructed, painted and decorated by local artists. Then, they would be placed along "the corridor" to spiritually connect our university and our downtown business and entertainment area. Anybody care to expand on Pryce's creative idea? What other public art could be added to connect the Marshall campus to downtown? Great idea, Pryce!

Youth in Service to Their Community

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Subject: Huntington Community Gardens

"Members from Trinity & St. John's Episcopal church 4th & 5th grade youth group ... volunteered their time with the Huntington Community Gardens. [Twenty-six] people came out to help tonight! Tonight (9.23.09) pansies, and root vegetables were planted in and around the Dr. Carter G. Woodson housing." (Casey Williams reported this to us. She is a coordinator for the City of Huntington's Weed and Seed program, with headquarters in the Barnett Center at 10th Avenue and 16th Street.)

What Is The Personal Responsibility of Each Huntington Resident?

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:26:00 +0000

One of the hardest lessons we have to learn as humans is you can not force others to do as you wish and you must make choices based on this. The only thing we truly have control over is our own inner thoughts and outer actions. We can provide information, influence and suggestions to our loved ones and associates, but the desire to change must be within the individual. Accountability and responsibility involves claiming our own power and using our wisdom to create different results in life. Accountability occurs either consciously or unconsciously and can be changed the same way.

If we discard cigarette butts through the open window of our car or as we walk down a street, it is our choice. If we don't properly package our household garbage before placing it outside for pickup and it is scattered all over the neighborhood by the wind and animals, it is our choice. If we don't vote for our leaders, it is our choice. Problem is our choices effect other people. If we mess up the environment, someone else has to clean it up. If we really don't care, it doesn't bother us.

I care. So, every day members of the Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter volunteer group hit the streets to do our part to try to keep our city from being totally overrun with litter and blowing solid waste. There are currently about 1,937 members of our Adopt YOUR Block organization here in Huntington. Each member has committed to keeping the block on which they live free of cigarette butts and litter discarded by thoughtless children, teens and adults.

If you would like to adopt your block, email me at richardcobbsr@comcast.net, and I will deliver you a "litter-gitter" stick. With one of your sticks (no cost to you), you won't even have to touch the things you pick up. Just put the litter in a bag and put it outside with your regular household trash and the City of Huntington Sanitation Department has agreed to take it.

Please join us in taking individual responsibility for your block - JUST YOUR BLOCK, that's all! Thanks for caring enough to get involved. Questions? Call me - 304-523-7902.

Marshall University's Student Newspaper Reports On Citizen's Efforts To Beautify Huntington

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:39:00 +0000

Here is an article in The Parthenon, Marshall University's student newspaper, related to citizen and MU students' efforts to improve the city of Huntington's image. Here is the link:

http://media.www.marshallparthenon.com/media/storage/paper534/news/2009/09/16/News/Efforts.Of.Beauty-3772839.shtml

City Should Enact A Moratorium On Paving Over Brick Streets For Proposed Study

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Brick "pavers" are a special kind of brick. In some ways, bricks are better than some other materials. The bricks adjust independently of each other and don't get the cracks.

The Huntington (WV) City Council should enact a moratorium on paving over pre-designated city streets that are constructed of historic brick "pavers." This is necessary to preserve the history and character of our city. The designated brick streets should be included in a long-term plan for repair and maintenance.

There are other reasons to maintain the brick streets. Let's not forget the character and ambiance of neighborhoods. While brick street work is very expensive, very labor intensive, there is a heritage we wanted to preserve. If you overlay a street, you've got to overlay the whole street. If you protect and preserve a brick street, you are just fixing those areas that need repairs.

We encourage the Huntington City Council to consider an ordinance to place a moratorium on laying asphalt on any brick street until a study is done to identify those brick streets that should be retained as brick.

Cabell-Huntington Health Department Flu Shot Clinic Is Well-Organized

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:01:00 +0000

The Cabell-Huntington Health Department is holding a seasonal flu shot clinic for high risk individuals who live or work in Cabell County, or the City of Huntington. Today's clinic (September 11 from 9:00am to 3:00pm) at the Health Departments main location at 703 7th Avenue, Huntington, was well-organized, professionally managed and convenient. Everyone should take advantage of this free clinic.

High risk individuals include:

All children 6 months to 18 years of age
Adults 50+ years of age
Women who will be pregnant during flu season
Health care professionals
Adults and children with high risk conditions such as; immune disorders, asthma, chronic lung diseases and cardiovascular diseases (this does not include hypertension)
Adults and children with neurological deficits that produce an increased risk of aspiration
Household members and caregivers of any of the above listed groups.

No appointment is necessary for this free clinic. Please bring your Medicare Card, if you are enrolled. Every effort will be made to accommodate all individuals in the family, so that attendance at multiple clinics is not necessary. Please print this form, fill it out, and take it with you when you get your flu shot. Seasonal Flu Personal Information Form 2009

For information on the Flu Clinic, call the information hotline, 304-526-3397. For information about seasonal flu and pneumonia, please read the information provided on the links below. Seasonal Flu Shot Information 2009 Nasal Flu Vaccine Information 2009 Pneumonia Shot Information 2009

Vaccine for H1N1, or Swine Flu, is not expected to be available until late October. As information becomes available, the Health Department, the media, and the flu information hotline will be updated. Please remember that good personal hygiene measures can limit the spread of the flu virus. This includes (but is not limited to):

covering your mouth when you sneeze and discarding the tissue in a closed container.
Frequent hand washing with hot soapy water.
Avoiding rubbing your eyes.Avoid going out in places such as schools, workplaces, theaters, etc. if you are infected.

Let's work together as a community to minimize the consequences of the Flu. Get your shot!

Erika Osborne Exhibition - Monday, Sept 14, 2009

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:18:00 +0000

ERIKA OSBORNE EXHIBITION: BIRKE ART GALLERY - MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2009.

RECEPTION BEGINS AT 5 PM FOLLOWED BY THE ARTIST'S LECTURE AT 7 PM IN SMITH HALL, ROOM 154.

Erika Osborne received her BFA from the University of Utah in painting and drawing and her MFA from the University of New Mexico. Osborne's artwork deals directly with cultural connections to place and environment; she taught environmentally-based field courses at the University of New Mexico and has developed two similarly driven courses in her current role as assistant professor of painting and drawing at West Virginia University. She has exhibited extensively throughout the United States and has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards, locally, nationally, and internationally. Her work has been highlighted in regional publications along with national art magazines such as Art Papers, Sculpture Magazine, and Southwest Art Magazine.

Byron Clercx, Chair
Department of Art & Design
College of Fine Arts
Marshall University
304-696-5451

Guyandotte Gearing Up for Another Fun Neighborhood Event

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:56:00 +0000

Excitement is in the air! The residents of Guyandotte are getting pumped up about SwineFest 2009, scheduled for Septenber 10-12. Events will include; Confederate Railroad in Concert, Pig Roast, Ghost Tours,Wrestling,Gospel Sing, Country Music, Street Fair, Cruz-In, and many other exciting events. But first we have some work to do.

On Saturday September 5, from 8 a.m-4p.m. we will be taking to the streets for the semi-annual Guyandotte "Shine Time." Volunteers are needed to help clean-up our community in preparation for SwineFest. Volunteers will meet at The Guyandotte United Methodist Church, The City of Huntington will provide dumpsters for large items and tires.

Lets pull together to keep making Community Unity work. For more information call Rick Simmons at 304 525-1248

Vote today - Huntington-Ashland Area - the Best Place to Live

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:39:00 +0000

I know this poll isn't scientific, but just the fact that folks are voting shows a big change in attitude for the citizens of the Huntington area. What a boost it would be to become #1. Please vote!

Click here: Kiplinger's Best Cities - Best Places to Live, Smartest Cities for Your Future

Thanks,

Richard

"THAT'S NOT MY JOB!"

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 22:14:00 +0000

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job! Everbody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everbody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

(When was the last time you did something for your neighborhood? Remember you ARE somebody!)

Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter-Gitter. Call me for a free litter-gitter stick and "VOLUNTEER" safety vest. Richard Cobb 304-523-7902 - and I'll deliver them to your front door.

Community Gardens Group Supporters Continue to Bring Huntington Neighborhoods Together

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Eve Marcum-Atkinson, a valuable leader of the Community Gardens of Huntington organization, sent me this report on their continuing mission of developing sustainable neighborhood gardens.

Eva writes: "This project has continued to bloom, because of so many people putting-in-the- time to make it happen.

And then there’s Jennifer Williams, a powerhouse of ideas, momentum, and communication – she’s been the one who’s arranged the locations and contributors for all of our events, planting and otherwise, contacted the right people to make them happen, getting the support we needed. Jenn has created a new unit of measure for me as to what one person can accomplish in very little time.

And then there’s Casey Williams, who’s raw energy at each planting project was just what we needed to get it done. And then there’s Kelly, Ginny, Will, Stephanie, Paige, Mary, Marcella, May, Robin, Gene, and of course Tim…

Really I could make a personal list of over 40 people who have been there for us at a time when we really needed them, and I could hug them all.

My lung health of late has gotten bad again, and I wasn’t able to be there to help plant at Carter G. Woodson or at HARC’s (Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition) latest planting. One has to be able to breathe, before one can dig in the dirt. I hope to be sufficiently on the mend to attend the next large planting. I’ve managed to be quite productive in front of the computer; taking an hour, here and there, over the last 10 days when I was able; to address the many tedious parts of any organization – proposing plans & schedules, researching, organizing, working on website content, working with my hubby to build a Grants database, etc. I think you’ll be amazed at what Jenn and I post as our calendar of coming events early next week, and our list of plans for next year that I’m hoping we’ll have in a post-able format by the end of September.

Thank You Richard for all your support. It has been exactly what we’ve needed on numerous occasions, kept us inspired and kept us going."

If you want to get involved in making Huntington a better place, go to this sight and get involved:

communitygardenshunt@googlegroups.com

Another Summer 2009 Beautification Project by HARC

richardcobbsr@comcast.net (C. Richard Cobb, Sr.) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:43:00 +0000

Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition (HARC) volunteers are busy, again, this summer of 2009 beautifying several locations in our hometown. This particular project is the Veteran Memorial, which is adjacent to the Downtown Post Office. The grounds around the memorial have long been neglected, but last summer the HARC volunteers worked to clean the grounds up and began the development of flower beds to show proper honor to our veterans - living and dead. Thank you, HARC volunteers! Huntington's pride and community spirit is showing!