Boone students exceed expectations in all subjects, test scores show
by FRED PACE, EDITOR
BOONE COUNTY – Boone County public school students reached or exceeded proficiency scores in the most recent West Virginia Educational Standards Test (WESTEST2). The number of Boone County students reaching the “at or above” proficiency level has increased in math at all grade levels, and in reading at the elementary grade levels, according to the most recent WESTEST2 data. “This is great news for Boone County and our school system,” said Boone County Superintendent of Schools John Hudson. “I am proud of all of our schools. Even the schools that were not able to jump over the proficiency bar still showed individual student growth and improvement.” Boone County Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa Beck said under “No Child Left Behind” federal standards, proficiency is defined as the number of students meeting or exceeding grade level expectations in each subject. “It requires that all students in the country are proficient by 2014,” she explained. “Schools also must meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). More than 60 percent of Boone County schools meet AYP for student achievement this past school year. This is an increase from last year.” Beck said that all parents were to receive WESTEST2 student score reports, along with an explanation letter and brochure on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. This week, the West Virginia Department of Education is launching a new Web site, which will go deeper into student achievement data. “The Web site will feature individual student growth,” Beck said. “As opposed to student proficiency, student academic growth is defined as the change in an individual student’s performance from one year to the next, regardless of proficiency level. The student growth data will allow teachers to personalize learning based on individual student needs. We will not just be looking at how the school does overall, but focusing on individual student needs.” State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorea Marple has focused West Virginia schools on the value of constant improvement and student academic growth, Hudson said. “Dr. Marple acknowledged that meeting Adequate Yearly Progress under No Child Left Behind is a tough task for schools, but indicates that across the state and in Boone County, more students are making the grade,” he said. Marple recently visited several Boone County schools to welcome students back to the new school year and also to offer them a challenge. “She was very impressed with the students, staff and personnel she spoke with and challenged our students to read more outside of the school setting,” Hudson said. “Many students have accepted the challenge to read more at home and outside of school and we are proud of all of our students who have a commitment to learning. Our goal is that all students graduate from high school prepared for college or the work force.” The Web site developed for parents to provide resources that can be used at home to help with more rigorous school work can be found at http://wvde.state.wv.us/parents21 Additional WESTEST2 data can be found online by visiting http://wveis.k12.wv.us/nclb/public12/nclbmenu.cfm
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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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7.95x6      DakotaBall          South lineman  Dakota Ball  of Scott High School .   photo by chris dorst
7.95x6 DakotaBall South lineman Dakota Ball of Scott High School . photo by chris dorst
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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 3 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 26 views | 0 0 comments | 1 1 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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