Our Town, Inc. has completed two of their downtown seasonal projects and we are looking forward to sharing our Sprout Into Spring: Tiptoe Through the Tulips event for March 2022.

Thank you goes to Sue and Holt Chenoweth, who opened both their garden and tree farm to allow us to collect cornstalks and pine. Also, appreciation to Ann and Bob Baird, who joined us in cutting their own cornstalks for donation to the fall event.

Wooden cut-out oak and maple leaves were distributed to the community to paint and add to the cornstalk and scarecrow displays for the October Scarecrow Festival. We had 89 scarecrows and 117 leaves created and returned to place along the streets of downtown Elkins.

As in the past, we had the participation of children, youth groups, school classes, families, organizations, businesses and individuals. Everyone from our community was invited to participate and basic materials, as always, were provided for free. No one is excluded.

Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints volunteered their services during set-up and tear-down days. Our Town members along with their family members and friends were present to complete the day’s work.

Twenty gnomes appeared along the streets of Elkins in December. This project was a collaboration with students from Elkins Mountain Schools. The missionaries joined us again. Our Town hopes that continuing to include young people in our projects will develop leadership and a sense of pride in community.

In addition, hats that were created and donated by Elkins Sewing Center last year were spruced up by a group of Lady Shriners that included Pat Nestor, Lena Umbright, Sandy George and Bobbie Valentine.

Two-foot wooden cut-out trees were readied for community members to paint and develop with their own designs. 61 trees were distributed and displayed. Requests exceeded materials on this project which will be taken into consideration for the future.

The cut outs were graciously created by staff and volunteers from the WV Wood Technology Center in conjunction with Elkins Builders Supply and oversight by committee member, Penny Heflin. These were and later were sold for a nominal fee following each event. Proceeds are then used for the next project. Thank you to all those who made the purchases to help us move forward.

Our Town joined with members of Emma Scott Garden Club and WV Extension Master Gardeners to create a cheery, snow globe-like window that was given a Merit Award by the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. This eliminated one empty storefront during the holiday season. Our Town members also participated in the Christmas Parade and handed out Christmas tree ornaments provided by Brenda, Bill and Barbara Brown.

Our Town members received feedback from local people and from others from out of county and surrounding states in appreciation for the opportunity to view the exhibits where they could come to Elkins and shop and dine, making a day or evening of the event.

We also appreciate the support of The Inter Mountain and local media who continue to promote our events. The social media and individuals who post our projects spread our message of joy and free entertainment for all. Thank you, too, for those who surprise us by making monetary and material donations when it is least expected.

Our Town, Inc. is hoping to continue to show support for our businesses, our community members, our youth and to promote involvement of everyone in the life of our town with smiles and a positive spirit.

Bobbi Trimboli,

Volunteer for

Our Town, Inc.

Tammy Dolly

President, Our Town, Inc.