Neighborhood Issues in Huntington and Cabell County

Deja vu all over again! All American City in 2020?

2009-06-26T14:20:00.003-04:00

Huntington Herald-Dispatch February 11, 1959
By HARRY FLESHER

Citizen action, citizen awareness, citizen courage—these are the prerequisites of a better decade ahead for Huntington. This was the consensus of a group of Huntingtonians picked at random at last night's All-America Award dinner and asked about their feelings about the future for Huntington.

Courage to face the requirements of necessary taxation was stressed by the only man interviewed who holds a city job. He is Robert M. Levy, counsel for the Huntington Sanitary Board. Mr. Levy said that it takes courage to undertake major projects, and that it is regrettable that the most expensive project in which the city is involved is one forced on the city. That, of course is, the sewage treatment facility. Water users of Huntington are pouring between $850,000 to $900,000 annually into this project. Said Mr. Levy, "I visit a friend on Long Island in New York. His property taxes on a $38,000 house amount to $100 a month. This would amaze the average Huntingtonian and it amazes me. But I am likewise amazed at the great number of governmental services he receives for his money. We just have to have courage to face the necessity for more taxes if we are to have better services, a better city."

F. M. Boon, a retired postal employee, declared, "This All America City award was won by the citizens of the city who became alert to the conditions prevailing here. Alertness will be necessary if we continue to make progress."

Mrs. H. M. Albers, who is active in many civic affairs and as a Republican political leader, said, "I would like to see more citizens attend Council meetings and express their views on community projects.” I would like to see more people supporting civic organizations that propose and work on worthy projects. People should remember that we only get what we are willing to pay for."

Joseph Slash, principal of Douglass High School, said, "I am convinced that there is but one answer to community problems. That is in the cooperative efforts of all of our citizens. This award we have won should be a signal for us to join hands to reach other worthy objectives."

Fred Marcum, manager of the Adel Division of General Metals: Corp., declared, "This award is bound to attract the interest of manufacturers interested in locating new plants. However, the need exists for so many additional improvements, which can be so quickly enumerated. It will be in moving to solve these other problems that we will attract new industry in the future."

Max K. Jones, manager of the Huntington Water Corp., who made a major contribution of time to the development of Cabell Huntington Hospital and Memorial Field House, two of the facilities on which the award was based, declared, "The future looks good to me. There is so much that lies ahead and there are so many evidences of the will to get the necessary things done."

Mrs. Robert Van Blaricom former president of the Woman's Club of Huntington, said, "Winning the All-America Award is just a beginning. We are long overdue for a complete survey of our city's needs, a survey which should be followed by plans for accomplishment and development of a financing program. As a city we dare not bask in this present glory."

Mrs. Paul Bauer, a member of the Huntington Charter Board, said, "While we are thinking about municipal improvements, we must think also about our schools. Industries will be attracted by improved municipal services, but industries require schools for the children of their employees. We can attract people and industries when we can offer a sound educational system that will inform the average student and help the gifted student."

Two men stressed that the problem of additional Ohio River bridge facilities is the most pressing one and said the community can best show its go-ahead spirit by beginning immediately to obtain these benefits. The two men are Roy V. Graham, president of the American Business Club, and Malan H. Clark, long active in the United Commercial Travelers and other civic organizations.

Olin C. Nutter, superintend, of Cabell County schools, interview yesterday afternoon emphasized that while support of extra school levies was one of the community activities which the award was based, schools "still are in need improvement and citizens interest in this field is more important today than ever in the past."

Circuit Judge John W. Hereford told The Herald-Dispatch, "The spirit of progress in Huntington is better than I have ever seen it, and I know that we are on the threshold even greater accomplishments.

Be Ready! U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championship - July 2-8, 2009

2009-06-25T13:45:00.007-04:00

I just received this information from Huntington's Create Huntington organization:

The Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is hard at work preparing for the 16,000 guests who will be coming to Huntington and Barboursville for the 2009 U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championship July 2 – 8. About 280 soccer teams from 13 states will compete during the six-day event that begins July 2. Among the states represented are New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware.

This event is estimated to generate a $12.5 million economic boost to the region -- including between $7 million and $7.5 million in tourism money for Huntington alone.

Anyone who has a restaurant, retail business, attraction or event that will be open in Cabell County during this time can contact the CVB at 304-525-7333, or email CVB President, Tyson Compton at tyson@wvvisit.org, to arrange to be listed on the CVB Web site. You can also contact the CVB for a soccer tournament sign to put in your windows.

Create Huntington is asking local businesses to put their best foot forward during this time. Please take the time to clean up the area around your business including weeding, mowing and collecting litter.

This is a great time to perform any needed building repairs, painting, landscaping, etc. Empty storefronts should have butcher paper covering the windows and any old signs taken down – preferably with ‘For Rent’ signs and contact information displayed.

Volunteers are still needed to assist with the logistics of this massive effort. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kheng Yap-McGuire at 304-525-6042, or Craig Warner with the CVB at 304-525-7333. Tournament volunteers are encouraged to participate in one of the volunteer workshops before the tournament. Volunteers have their choice of workshops at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., or 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, or Wednesday, July 1, at the new Huntington Visitor’s Center on the corner of 11th Street and Veterans Memorial Boulevard.

Let’s show the world that we love and take pride in Huntington!!

Thank you!!

Create Huntington

Tim White Selected as One of Top Ten Finalists for Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame

2009-06-24T14:37:00.004-04:00

Today – at 11AM at City Hall – representatives from Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame – announced that Tim White, Weed and Seed Coordinator for the City of Huntington, was selected as one of the top ten finalists for the Hall of Fame Award!

Now we need to get out the vote - Vote online at www.energizer.com/halloffame. Voting opens June 26 and runs through Aug. 7. Winner will be announced in September. The winner gets $10,000, $5,000 to donate to their favorite charity and a meet-and-greet with Cal Ripken Jr.

You can vote once a day everyday – please pass this along to your family and friends and encourage them to vote for Tim White – let’s win this award together!!!!!!!!

To contact Tim:

Tim White
Weed and Seed Coordinator
City of Huntington, WV
whitet@cityofhuntington.com
304-751-6251

The Chance to Serve is a Precious Gift

2009-06-24T10:52:00.002-04:00

There's an old Thomas Edison quote I've always liked: "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

It's no secret that the city of Huntington faces some enormous challenges right now, and meeting them will take a lot of hard work. But in that work lies an equally great opportunity -- a chance to serve. And I do believe the chance to serve is a precious gift indeed.

"There's nothing to do in Huntington!" NOT!

2009-06-23T17:37:00.003-04:00

Thomas McChestney sent me notice of these upcoming events:

Cabell County Arts and Music Project is seeking artists for their event this Saturday:

Wayne and Chris Worth formed the Cabell County Arts and Music Project (CCAMP) as a way to bring performing and visual artists together and to help stimulate the arts community in Huntington. From 6 – 11pm on June 27th CCAMP is hosting an exhibition of the arts at The Galleria (the former Huntington Arcade Building) on 4th Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, or to display or perform your art, please call 304-942-6959.

Reality Rock Band Camp is scheduled to begin next Monday:

Just two days later, on June 29th Kathi McKay Stafford, owner of the new Huntington House will host a 4- day camp for musicians. The camp will feature clinics from the band OnesAll, with classes in guitar, bass, drums, keys, and vocals. For more information, go to http://www.huntingtonhouse.info/.

You’ll also want to check out OnesAll at the Heiner’s Summer Concert Series at Pullman Square on July 2nd.

Allowing the City of Huntington to Tackle Blight

2009-06-17T16:59:00.003-04:00

According to an article in last Sunday's edition of the New York Times, a study last summer by the Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit group in Durham, NC, living near a foreclosed home knocks an average $8,667 off the value of a property, and abandoned homes contribute to an increase in violent crime.

It is good that the City of Huntington is in the process of identifying owners whose properties are in a state of disrepair, abandoned or dilapidated. The West Virginia Legislature has armed Huntington with measures to hold owners responsible for the condition of their property. It is well pass time to resolve the issue of our deteriorating housing stock.

Guyandotte Gearing Up for Another Fun Neighborhood Event

2009-06-16T18:45:00.002-04:00

The revitalization of Guyandotte is taking strength from the residents of the community. Several of them have joined together to produce the GUYANDOTTE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY YARD SALE.

The organizers of SwineFest 2009, in association with VFW 9738, will present the event on Saturday July 4, 2009, from 10 am to 5 pm. It will take place in front of the VFW, which is located on Main Street in Guyandotte.

Music will be provided by Guyandotte's own Gary Sellards and The Stoned Country Band. There will also be an inflatable and games for the kids, Hot Dog Sale, Baked Goods auction, Commmunity Yard Sale and surprises galore.

The organizers encourage everyone to bring a lawn chair and join in on some good ol' fashioned fun and plenty of COMMUNITY UNITY. For more information, you can call Rick Simmons at 304-525-1248.

Litter Gitters are Super Heroes!

2009-06-15T07:14:00.004-04:00

While attending the West Virginia Writer's Conference at Cedar Lakes in Ripley, WV, this weekend, my wife and other writers were asked in one session to write a short description of what they would do if they were a "Super Hero". Here is what she wrote:

"From one hundred yards away, I see the cigarette butts gathered in wet globs by the curb. As if commanded without my knowledge, my arm extends its full length, my fingers form a circle with my thumb and the butts are sucked in a perfect arc into my sleeve. It's like the reverse path of a Kobe Bryant 3-pointer!

My arm relaxes and I continue my walk to the grocery store. One more block - clean for at least the day." - Carter Taylor Seaton

Huntington's "Adopt YOUR Block - Be a Litter Gitter" group of 1906 volunteers do it the old fashion way (one butt at a time), but they are Super-Heroes to my wife and me.

An Idiot's Guide to the City of Huntington's Sewer Fee Increase

2009-06-14T11:23:00.008-04:00

On June 1, 2009, the City of Huntington Sanitary Board ("Sanitary Board") filed an application for a certificate of convenience and necessity to construct improvements to its sewer system and to extend sewer service to Kinetic Park, an area of future development in its service area. The Sanitary Board's application further seeks the Commission's approval of the financing of the project.

The Sanitary Board estimates the total construction cost for the proposed project to be $11,115,000.00. The Sanitary Board is seeking a $7,966,000.00 grant-like loan from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act ("Stimulus Package") and a grant in the amount of $3,149,000.00. As of the filing of this application, the Sanitary Board has not received approval of funding.

The Huntington City Council, at a special called meeting on June 9, 2009, approved on a 9-1 vote an Ordinance proposing a two phase increase in its sewer rates and charges. Phase 1 of the proposed increase in rates will become effective 45 days after adoption of the Ordinance. Phase II of the proposed increase in rates will become effective upon completion of the sewer system improvements and extension project or upon commencement of debt service associated therewith, whichever first occurs.

The increased rates are based upon the Sanitary Board receiving $7,966,000.00 funding through the Stimulus Package and the $3,149,000.00 grant funding. Should funding terms be different, the rates would be adjusted accordingly.

Rates:

Customer charge is $2.86 per month
First 2,240 gallons of water used per month - $3.85 per 1,000 gallons
Next 12,720 gallons of water used per month - $2.80 per 1,000 gallons
Next 134,640 gallons of water used per month - $3.61 per 1,000 gallons
Next 7,330,000 gallons of water used per month - $3.50 per 1000 gallons
All Over 7,488,000 gallons of water used per month - $1.62 per 1000 gallons

(This information was taken directly from the legal notice posted in the Huntington Herald-Dispatch by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia - Charleston.)

Family demonstrates civic commitment

2009-06-12T20:02:00.006-04:00

David Sheils, President of the St. Marys Medical Center Foundation, and members of his family recently donated $450 to the City of Huntington Foundation for use by the Adopt YOUR Block - be a Litter-Gitter, a Huntington (WV) litter abatement group consisting of over 1,850 citizen volunteers.

I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Sheils family members for their commitment to our hometown. What a wonderful display of citizenship.

In addition, David and teams of employees at St. Marys Medical center are active in keeping the Highlawn neighborhood "clean and green".

City Government Moving in Positive Way to Address Issues of Dilapidated and Nuisance Properties

2009-06-09T08:41:00.004-04:00

It is most encouraging to see the City of Huntington Administration and the City Council aggressively addressing two of the most critical issues in our hometowns - dilapidated structures and nuisance properties. As we "Create" the Huntington of the future, the physical appearance of our business districts and neighborhoods must be a top priority.

Civic Life Institute. Connecting People to Public Issues

2009-05-31T12:48:00.003-04:00

I would like to invite you to participate in a unique opportunity designed to strengthen the life of your community: the 2009 Civic Life Institute, Connecting People to Public Issues. The Institute, which will be held June 8-9 at the University of Charleston, is hosted by the West Virginia Center for Civic Life, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes public engagement in issues that affect West Virginia and the nation. At the Civic Life Institute, you'll learn how to work with a wide range of people in really productive community conversations, and you'll learn how to take those conversations to the next level--a level where your community can move from dialogue to action.

The Center has more than a decade of experience working with citizens on our state's most pressing issues. The issues we have addressed with our partners in West Virginia communities, including health care, education, childhood obesity, supporting young adults in West Virginia, and helping working families. We are currently working to develop additional community dialogues on issues ranging from substance abuse to the quality of our water in West Virginia.2009 Civic Life Institute:

Connecting People to Public Issues

Do you need more citizens working with you to make your community more active and vibrant?

Do things get stalled in your community because no one knows what direction people will accept?

Do you wish you could increase your skills in helping your community find common ground for action?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you'll want to attend this year's Civic Life Institute.

What You Will Learn

At the Civic Life Institute, you will learn a wide range of skills to use in your communities:

Learn a process for moving from community dialogue to action·

Learn how to moderate community discussions of public issues·
Discuss strategies for organizing community dialogue initiatives·
Network with others who are working to build strong communities ·

Engage in deliberation of issues important to our state, including:

- Preventing substance abuse in West Virginia
- Creating opportunities for our young adults to thrive
- Improving the quality of our water
- Dealing with childhood obesity in West Virginia

Institute Registration Details

The Institute runs from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Monday, June 8th and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Tuesday, June 9th.Registration fee is $95, which includes all curriculum materials, issue guides, and meals.

Lodging is available on the UC campus for an additional $40 per night. You can pay personally in advance of the Institute, or request that we bill your organization.

For More Information, Contact . . . Jean Ambrose at http://www.wvciviclife.org/

Enrollment is limited. Register today!

A dialog about racism is needed in Huntington and Cabell County

2009-05-08T15:12:00.011-04:00

Racism is an issue that we have been unable to comfortably discuss in this country. How about in the city of Huntington and Cabell County? Are we willing to risk participating in an ongoing dialog that will lead to the elimination of discrimination and a new era of normalized human relations?

I have been following the blog of Brotha Pruitt, Reparations Leader and Chairman of the Committee for African-American Reparations. Let's start with his point of view and, then, anyone who wishes to participate in our discussion can add their comments by clicking on "Post Comments" at the end of this posting. We will not allow postings of inappropriate comments.

First, here is Brotha Pruitt's position posted on his blog: "Racism has a much greater impact on Black and White Americans than folks can possibly imagine. It is preventing blacks from organizing to expose the problem and it is preventing whites from learning the true value of blacks and the achievements they have provided for America ’s benefit. It is time for Black and White Churches, Organizations and Colleges to take a lead role in hosting and sponsoring Racism and Reparations Conferences.

The only way we are going to reconcile wounds from racism and facilitate racial healing between blacks and whites is to start talking about the issue. If we continue to avoid the matter it will get worse. It is a shame to see blacks and whites avoid their duty to make America a better place, which starts by talking about racism from an educated point of view. It is as though church and community conscious folk are relieving themselves of their obligation to relay faults of the past to our present generation, so that problems of this nature won’t continue to get worse.

Now that there is a Black President it should be easier for folks to talk about racism, but Obama is avoiding the issue as if he were afraid to admit he is black. That is just how serious and dangerous racism has become. Here we have a black man in the most powerful office in the world, acting as though race was never a problem, and that there is no need to discuss racism, even though it is bringing all of America down! Look people we know racism was and is a very serious problem in America, but nothing was ever done to reduce and/or eventually eliminate the problem. Since people never addressed the issue it has grown to inflict both physical and psychological damage. African-Americans need reparations to repair this damage.

As long as racism exists we can not have freedom, justice or equality. It seems as though racism has worked its way into the church and social settings as a type of spiritual warfare and social constraint, which are preventing blacks and whites from talking about racism. Racism is much more serious than you think.

When my dear friend, Osagie Ayanru, forwarded me Pruitt's blog comments, I emailed him to say: "Osagie, what is being sought in the way of reparations? Surely, the payment of money will not resolve racism! It is a human issue today, just as it has been throughout history. Hate, abuse and rejection practiced by one human against another human is a personal moral failure. It is not a problem of color - it is a failure of each to repent of their sin of hate and prejudice and resolve to treat every person, regardless of differences, with respect and dignity."

To that, Osagie (who was born and raised in Africa) answered: "Richard, it is an issue that never seems to go away. The fundamental issue as I see it, is a need for some form of apology--which has been hard to come by--in order, to engender healing on the part of African-Americans. African-Americans, suffer from--as a result of enslavement--what I refer to as, psychic damage. Unlike us, continental Africans, they were enslaved and we were colonized. Therein, lies the difference in our coping ability viz a vis, the Europeans.

There are some in the reparations movement, who point to Jewish reparations after WWII and the acknowledgment of their holocaust, which never happened in the case of African-Americans. Others have resorted to legal actions or lawsuits intended to identify and legally punish companies--especially, in Chicago--that prospered from the trade in human cargoes.

Some point to the fact that other racial groups were likewise, enslaved and as such, the situations of African-Americans, are not much different; this position is not quite true as other racial groups, were essentially, indentured servants. The key difference in indentured servitude was that there was hope for freedom and there was freedom. The enslaved African, never could harbor such hope of freedom as enslavement was indeed, tantamount to a life sentence.

In the final analysis, the ability to get along as humans, is what is desired. It takes superhuman effort and willingness to actually deal with people on the basis of the content of their character and not on the color of their skin. It is a great challenge and most importantly, it is a work in progress. We all have to individually and collectively contribute our best to the realization of this much-desired and needed ideal."

Now ... this is where you can participate. Post your feelings about racism and America's long standing fear of discussing the history of America's racism and involvement in the slave trade, racial injustice and prejudicial treatment of non-whites. Anybody care to comment on Pruitt's and Ayanru's point of view? (Just click on "Post Comments" just below this posting. You can make your comments anonymously, if you wish.)

My Four New Friends at the Little Victories Animal Rescue Group Shelter

2009-05-04T21:04:00.010-04:00

After attending a meeting for new volunteers last week, I was given my marching orders today by Chuck Games, Volunteer Coordinator, and traveled to the Little Victories Animal Rescue Group's (no kill) Shelter this afternoon. I am now an official puppy "socializer".

Being an old country boy, I grew up loving all animals and have always had a special "way" with creatures - large, small and very tiny. Upon arrival at the shelter, I was given a short tour, and I explained to the caretaker that I am good with animals and wanted to spend my volunteer time "socializing" pups. I was escorted to one of the many small kennels and introduced to four new arrivals. I was given permission to enter the kennel. I got in, plopped down in the middle of the gravel and was mobbed by four of the most excited pups you have ever seen. It took two hours to get them to settle down. I accomplished it by talking softly to them, letting them crawl all over me and by attempting to simultaneously pet four love-starved little-ones in need of lots of human attention and love - they got it.

Sitting in the same position, indian-style, for almost three hours, I gained the confidence of my new pals. As I left their small kennel, two were sleeping and two were lying beside me enjoying my attention. Need I say more ... I can't wait to get back out there to see them!

If you are down hearted, or otherwise need an emotional lift, consider volunteering to share yourself with the animals at this much needed community animal rescue facility; you'll be glad you did!

For information about how you can gain some furry new friends - email me at richardcobbsr@comcast.net.

Mayor's Committee Kicks Off "Huntington Clean Sweep"

2009-04-26T09:04:00.006-04:00

The office of Mayor Kim Wolfe planned and organized the first inaugural "Huntington Clean Sweep", which kicked off yesterday and will continue through May 2, 2009. Citizens are encouraged to make sure their own property is nice and tidy so that our hometown projects our community pride.

Jay Bowen reports: "This group of eager young people are ready to pitch in and clean up. They are from the Baptist Church in Altizer and spent the previous night sleeping in cardboard boxes. They hungered for 30 hours and got a big surprise when the police made them move their cardboard city. They learned many valuable lessons in just 2 days; what it is like to be homeless and the meaning of keeping the community clean. They picked up litter, painted curbs, and removed graffiti. When questioned what they learned from the cleanup, they said they will never throw out a piece of litter and they really hate cigarette butts.

Jay

PS: Yes that is the Mayor in the background to the right. He was there bright and early."

Trees for Tomorrow Campaign to Reforest Huntington

2009-04-23T19:56:00.006-04:00

Here is the latest from Jessica Pressman, who is heading up the Trees for Tomorrow campaign, a unit of the Create Huntington citizen volunteer organization. This campaign has short term and long term strategies for replacing and increasing the number of trees within the city of Huntington! Our city's citizens of the future deserve beautiful trees, and we have the responsibility to plant trees today so future generations can enjoy the fruits of our efforts.

Jessica wrote: "Great news! Our fund is ready to accept donations! Please have your donors make their checks out to Foundation for the Tri-State. In the memo line of the check, please write "tree seedlings". I'm hoping we can order our (2000) seedlings in ten days or so! Bravo to everyone for their hard work! I know for sure that we've raised over a thousand dollars, and I know some of you still haven't had the opportunity to collect yet! If you are able, I'd appreciate it if you could let me know roughly how much you're donating so that I can keep track myself without having to call the Foundation "

Checks can be mailed to:

Foundation for the Tri-State
PO BOX 7932
Huntington, WV 25779

Youth Event at Weed & Seed Facility on Earth Day 2009

2009-04-23T00:12:00.004-04:00

Jay Bowen, sent us this short report about today's youth event at the Weed & Seed facilitities on 10th Avenue at Hal Greer Blvd.

"The Community Gardens and Huntington Weed and Seed projects celebrated Earth Day in a big way. We had the Governor, Mayor, State Senator and many other celebrities join in and lend a hand. A local Native American group provided music and Home Depot built the raised planters and supplied materials. Many volunteers had displays or booths on good earth husbandry and citizenship. However, I think this picture really captured the spirit."

Jay

An Open Letter to the Residents of Huntington About Re-Foresting Our Hometown

2009-04-20T20:48:00.002-04:00

April 20, 2009

Dear Residents of the City of Huntington

I am writing to make you aware of a wonderful opportunity you have to purchase trees for the city right of way in front of your home. This plan will enable residents to help reforest the city for a very reasonable price.

If you would like to purchase a tree to plant on the city right of way in front or your property or on any right of way in the city, simply take the following steps:

1. Contact me, Courtney Cross, Chairperson of the Urban Forestry Advisory Committee for the city of Huntington, via e-mail cproctorcross1@aol.com or by calling 304-525-7894.

2. I will provide you with a list of trees that are available from our wholesale supplier.

3. You will select your tree(s) from the list and write a check to the Foundation for the Tri-State Communities with a notation that the check is for UFAC—short term fund.

4. Send your check to the Foundation, or give it to me and I will deliver it to the Foundation.

5. The Foundation will order your tree.

6. The City of Huntington will pick up the trees.

7. The City of Huntington will plant the trees.

8. Residents will water and help to care for trees.

** Your donation to the Foundation is tax-deductible.

This is a win / win situation for the residents and the city of Huntington. Please do your part to help replenish our urban forest right away. When you purchase a tree you will add to your property’s value, while helping to beautify and reforest the city. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors too.

Sincerely,

Courtney

Courtney Proctor Cross, Chairperson
Urban Forestry Advisory Committee for the City of Huntington

Let's make every day Earth Day in Huntington

2009-04-19T21:19:00.007-04:00

Now that the West Virginia Legislature has enacted a law authorizing non-police to issue littering citations, the City of Huntington City Council and the City Administration have the tool to eliminate litter and the improper handling of household garbage. The City Council members and the Mayor must act swiftly to implement a strategy. We would like to suggest a plan.

Education: An effective public education campaign must focus on our need to change inappropriate behavior. An educational public service advertising campaign plan with a litter abatement theme will engage people who litter and mishandle trash, with a deliberate message to be more responsible and respectful. The new program will educate Huntington residents and visitors that this behavior is wrong, and the billboards and public service announcements will serve as notice that enforcement will follow, beginning on a date certain.

Enforcement: To be successful, this anti-litter campaign will include an appropriate level of enforcement as a deterrent to littering behavior. Citation Officers who observe littering acts will issue citations to individuals.The City of Huntington will train 40 community volunteers living in the 13 recognized neighborhoods, who will have authorization to issue litter citations. The new citation officers will focus their administrative citations on individuals who actually litter, result in the levying of fines that will lead to behavior change. These citations will encourage respectful behavior, simply by the financial consequences of the illegal act.

Abatement: The long-term challenge continues to focus on the City of Huntington’s Department of Public Works’ ability to respond more often and more quickly to the rising number of litter complaints and requests for enforcement. An ever-expanding trash and litter abatement collaboration will nurture a proactive response by property owners, tenants, landlords, property owners, government agencies and government-funded agencies, while stressing the need to keep the areas at, or around, their localities clean and litter free.

The goal of an ongoing educational campaign and a consistent enforcement effort is to regain Huntington's prior reputation as a clean and physically attractive community. The overall litter abatement strategy is to create a public awareness of the negative impact of litter and scattered solid waste. This will lead to a dramatically expanded public and private participation in eliminating street and alley litter, and/or sponsored cleaning activities, rather than waiting for the limited resources of the City of Huntington’s Public Works Department to respond.

Litter shames us all. The time is now - It is time to reclaim the pride of our hometown. Remember, together we can accomplish anything we can imagine! Viva La Huntington!

Earth Day Weed and Seed Youth Event Scheduled by City's Weed and Seed Organization

2009-04-16T09:54:00.009-04:00

The Weed and Seed program is holding a youth event for Earth Day, April 22, from 3pm to 7 pm. There will be about 20 different organizations represented at the event. Each will be offering a hands-on activity, or game, for children to perform to help them learn more about the earth and how to protect it. The idea is to empower children to take personal responsibility for caring for our environment.

At 4pm, there will be a tree planting ceremony. We will have Native American flute and drum players playing for the ceremony. Governor Manchin, Mayor Wolfe and Miss West Virginia will take part in the ceremony. Our premier sponsors of the Community Gardens project, Home Depot, will also take part in the ceremony along with other sponsors.

At 4:45, Moses Honda will be doing a presentation of their new Honda "Insight" hybrid car and their clean diesel car. They will show how the technology works and why it is important. We are also hoping to have Home Depot do some sort of clinic or presentation.

The Original Glorious Church next door to the Barnett Center will be selling home cooked food for a fundraiser for their church. Papa Johns will be on site selling pizza by the slice for $1.50 per slice. All profits from this will go to the Weed and Seed program. The Pita Pit will also be on site offering discounts and free food for those who want healthier fare. They will even offer free delivery to the site for families to eat there. There will also be an opportunity to purchase "Dream Big. Have faith. Act Now" Huntington Community Action T-Shirts for $10 adult, $7 child.

The Little Earth Angels children's community action group will be asking for donations for their Beanie Baby/Webkins drive. Please bring a new beanie baby or Webkins animal to be delivered to the local hospitals children's wards.

TTA will have trolley or bus shuttles from several sites around Huntington to the center in order to promote public transportation as a "Green" idea.

The Re-Tree Huntington group is requesting that people bring in 3 and 5 gallon plastic pots to plant tree seedling in for next season.

Inexpensive food and beverages will be available for sale.

Huntington's Alleys Reflect Poorly on Business Owners and Residents

2009-04-15T07:56:00.003-04:00

Cities are starting to see the thousands of miles of alleys that line the backside of homes and buildings in a new way. According to an article in USA TODAY, rather than dismissing them as dark, dank and often dangerous spots used mainly for trash pickup and garage access, They are treating them as valuable real estate that can help the environment and improve city life. The "green alley" movement is gaining momentum.

In Huntington (WV), alleys reflect poorly on business owners, residential property owners and tenants. With the current attention being given to our citywide cleanup, let's not forget the alleys. If you haven't driven any of our alleys lately, be prepared to be shocked ... it is not a pretty sight. Let's get them cleaned up and kept clean, and then we can use our imaginations to find ways to utilize them in creative ways to enhance the quality of life in Huntington; as in cafes, green spaces, modern lighting, picnic areas. Why not eliminate the large waste dumpsters in favor of color coded plastic bags? Other cities are already using alleys for walking and biking, instead of driving.

Currently, our city is infamous for its unkempt alley ways. Let's get with it!

HARC Members Query City Council Members About Harris Riverfront Park

2009-04-14T17:13:00.007-04:00

Gene Howell, a board member of the Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition (HARC), and his wife, Robin, a member of the group, sent this letter to the members of the Huntington City Council today.

Dear City Council Members,

We must realize the extreme importance of Harris Riverfront Park to the downtown area of Huntington. It is one of the city’s greatest assets. It is obvious that at one time the park was well maintained and in beautiful condition.

Unfortunately, it fell by the wayside as other projects in the city took priority. It was left to become an undesirable area for families to spend a relaxing day and has become a hang out for teen gangs, drug dealers, panhandlers, vandalism, prostitution, vagrants and graffiti artists. This undesirable behavior along with the foul language overflows into the city on the other side of the flood wall creating a menace to the image of the downtown and other areas and is an affront to residents and out of town visitors who frequent the park.

After working at the park as volunteers, spending our own money to beautify the park with flowers we have observed a lot of this negative behavior. Although there has been a slight improvement in the last year we have a long way to go. This has all happened while under the city’s control.

As we read the Herald-Dispatch this morning, we were very disappointed that the resolution with the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District was delayed by some of the city council members. Jim McClelland has done an excellent job of maintaining our other parks for years. His crew is well trained, efficient, and competent. He has a keen eye for detail and the vision for what a beautiful park should look like.

Every effort should be made to bring this resolution to a successful conclusion that will be worth the cost to the city tax payers. It is a known fact that when an area is beautifully maintained and properly patrolled it becomes a desirable destination. We would invite each of you to visit the park periodically to familiarize yourself with the ongoing problems there and realize the necessity and advantages of professional control of a public park.

Sincerely yours,

Gene and Robin Howell, Members of the Huntington Area Revitalization Coalition (HARC)

2009-04-13T16:56:00.002-04:00

Here are some highlights of the 2009 legislative session among the 215 bills that were passed:

Healthcare reform: increased coordination of state's healthcare programs - SB 414

Governor's energy plan: increases the use of alternative & renewable energy to 25% of all output by 2025 - SB 297

Securing unemployment compensation fund: maintain its solvency at minimal cost - SB 246

Industrial safety: Reporting of accidents to authorities & public in a timely manner - SB 279

Establishing carbon sequestration rules: promotes pilot projects - HB 2860

Pension loophole fix: prevents double-dipping - SB 244

PROMISE scholarship funding: increasing funding to allow more students to receive scholarships protecting the program's long term viability - SB 373

Early voting expansion: allows counties to create additional early voting locations - HB 2464

Veterans' yellow ribbon GI Bill: allows veterans to attend WV colleges at in-state tuition rates - HB 2335

Updating the state building code: promoting energy efficiency - HB 2976

Teachers' Retirement System: extending the deadline for teachers to convert back to the old system helping to ensure the system's solvency - HB 2870

Take action, speak up, and help promote the work of your elected officials. For more information on specific bills you can visit the Legislature's page.

Critical Litter Control Legislation Passed by WV Legislature

2009-04-13T12:13:00.004-04:00

Cabell County's government and the City of Huntington have just been given powerful new "teeth" by the West Virginia Legislature to help eliminate litter and illegal dumps!

Senate Bill 440 grants additional authority to county litter control officers, specifically to issue citations for failure to prove lawful disposal of trash and creating, contributing to or allowing an open dump.

In addition, House Bill 3197 bill will go a long way in bringing under control the endemic litter problem in Huntington. Here is the bill, which has been sent to the governor for his approval.
H. B. 3197

SUMMARY: Authorizing municipalities to permit non-police officers to issue citations for littering

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §8-12-16b, relating to authorizing municipalities to permit non-police officers to issue citations for littering.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §8-12-16b, to read as follows:

ARTICLE 12. GENERAL AND SPECIFIC POWERS, DUTIES AND ALLIED RELATIONS OF MUNICIPALITIES, GOVERNING BODIES AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES; SUITS AGAINST MUNICIPALITIES.
§8-12-16b. Special litter prevention officers.
Every municipality that has adopted an anti-litter ordinance pursuant to section five of this article shall have plenary power and authority to provide by ordinance for the appointment of special litter prevention officers, whose duties include the enforcement of municipal anti-littering ordinances. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, those officers may also be assigned to perform other duties or be presently employed by the municipality in another capacity and have these additional duties assigned to him or her. In the performance of these duties, such special litter prevention officers shall be vested with the power to issue citations, issue summonses and sign complaints. Such special litter prevention officers shall display a badge or other sign of authority. The governing body of the municipality may require such special litter prevention officers to give bond, payable to the municipality, in its corporate name, with such sureties and in such penalty as the governing body may see fit, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties.

Now, let's make this work! We encourage the City Council of Huntington to pass an ordinance to initiate this strategy immediately.

Huntington Museum of Art Names Brown Volunteer of the Year

2009-04-10T10:49:00.003-04:00

The Huntington Museum of Art named Charles Brown "Volunteer of the Year" for 2008 - 2009 at its annual volunteer luncheon this week. He has been volunteering and demonstrating at the museum for 7 1/2 years and has donated over 1000 hours of his time. Charles is a well known wood craftsman at the State of West Virginia's Tamarack art center in Beckley, and he will be demonstrating there on April 17, 18, and 19.

Our congratulations to Charles for his service to the museum and our Huntington Community and his designation as the Huntington Museum of Art Volunteer of the Year for 2008-2009.