“Wild, Wonderful &
Almost Heaven WV Open For Business”
Mountain State Rural
Express July, 2010
Message From WV State Director Bobby Lewis Inside this issue:
Earth Day in April, National Home- highlights our accomplishments and
ownership Month in June, and a staff allows you to get to know us a little
eager to utilize all regular and Ameri- better.
can Recovery and Reinvestment Act Earth Day 2,3
(ARRA) funding = a very busy quar- Please feel free to share this informa-
ter once again. tion with others and contact us for Multi-Family Housing 3
further information on how we can be
We hope you enjoy this edition of of assistance to you and/or your com- Homeownership 4
our quarterly newsletter, which munity. Month (Randolph Co.)
Community Facilities 5
New Emergency Services Facility Dedicated Homeownership 6
In Jefferson County, West Virginia Month (Wood Co.)
The building dedication was held for Congresswoman Shelley Moore Honorable Patsy Noland—Jefferson Romney Personnel 6
the Jefferson County Emergency Ser- Capito gave congratulatory remarks County Commission Vice-President, Participate in 2010
vices Agency’s (JCESA) Operations as another featured guest speaker. JCESA Board of Directors, JCESA Home Show
Center on Friday, May 14, 2010 in Appropriately enough, an emergency Building Committee members,
Ranson, WV. occurred during her speech and the JCESA Administrative Staff, Mayor
Feds, Farmers and 6
operations center was in full emer- Peggy Smith and USDA Rural Devel-
On hand and a featured guest speaker gency alert with ambulances and opment Office of General Counsel Friends Feed Families
for the formal ceremony was USDA emergency personnel in action. (OGC) and her administrative assis-
Rural Development’s Housing and tant Pat Foote. Page-Kincaid PSD 7
Community Facilities Administrator “With the growth of Jefferson
Tammye Trevino, who was accompa- County comes more demand on The JCESA Operations Center was WV Community 7
nied by her Chief of Staff Kathy McEn- EMS,” remarked Capito. “This is the funded, in part, with a $1.3 Million Development Hub
tee. backbone of any community, and this U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural
facility sets the future here for Jeffer- Development Community Facilities Multi-Family Housing 8
“We did something right,” Trevino son County and that’s the most Direct Loan. The land for the facility
stated. “I hope it’s not the last pro- important thing.” was donated by Fairfax Crossing, Frametown VFD 9
ject. We need more community and LLC, and the City of Ranson. Office
housing projects. Call us.” She was Other distinguished guests included equipment and furnishings were Hardy 9
glad to see the completed essential West Virginia USDA Rural Develop- donated by American Public Univer- Telecommunications
facility. ment State Director Bobby Lewis, sity, Data Direct, Moose Lodge 948
and River Riders. Webster Springs VFD 10
The new 6,700 square foot state-of- The Edmonds Family 10
the-art center contains administra-
tive offices, a conference room, a PACE Enterprises 11
training room, crew quarters and
three bays. The facility replaces Greenbrier Valley 11
JCESA’s former home—an extremely Rural Fire Dept.
cramped, converted service station
on Lancaster Circle in downtown Raleigh County Public 12
Ranson. Library
Architect services and building design Mt. Zion PSD 13
were performed by Alpha Associ-
ates, Inc. of Morgantown, WV. The Civil Rights Review 13
construction of the facility was com-
pleted by Minghini’s General Con- Wheeling Senior Expo 13
tractors, Inc., of Martinsburg, WV. Town of Fayetteville 14
Row 1 (l to r): Paula Moeller (Community Facilities Specialist); Pat Foote (OGC); Kathy McEntee (Housing & Community WV NACS and NASP 14
Facilities Chief of Staff); Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito; Tammye Trevino (Housing & Community Facilities Adminis-
trator); and Anna-Marie Lantz (Area Specialist). Row 2 (l to r): Bobby Lewis (State Director); Gail Bennett (Public Affairs People’s Gardens 15
Specialist); Howard Page (Area Specialist and Civil Rights Coordinator); Julie Quirk (OGC); and Craig Burns (Area Direc- Contact Information 16
tor).
Page 2 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
USDA Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Earth Day:
Three Communities Across West Virginia Benefit
Marking the 40th anniversary of Service District, Webster mately 198 additional households The project will eliminate this
Earth Day, Agriculture Secretary County, WV. A loan of in southeastern Wayne County, health and environmental threat
Tom Vilsack announced that 69 $1,270,000 and a grant of WV. Residents in the proposed with the construction of 36,500
water and environmental pro- $3,560,000 were approved to service area currently depend on feet of sewer line, numerous
jects will provide critical waste upgrade the existing wastewater wells that typically provide unreli- pumping stations, and necessary
and wastewater infrastructure treatment plant with a new se- able service. Construction will accessories.
improvements and help protect quential batch reactor and disin- involve 118,000 feet of waterline,
water quality and the environ- fection system. The project is several fire hydrants, and one For additional information on the
ment in 36 states. West Virginia necessary due to difficulty in booster pump station. This grant Water and Wastewater programs
was selected to receive funding meeting state environmental is a subsequent funding commit- of USDA Rural Development, visit
for three projects. protection permit requirements ment to cover a funding shortfall www.rurdev.usda.gov/rus or con-
and will affect approximately 588 with the project. tact our office at (800) 295-8228.
Earth Day is observed annually customers.
on April 22 to raise awareness While on site for the Earth Day
about the role of citizens, busi- Funding for Lavalette Public Ser- 2010 celebration, USDA Rural
nesses and communities in pro- vice District, Wayne County, Development not only presented
tecting the environment and WV, was announced on April 22, Lavalette PSD with a plaque com-
ensuring a cleaner, brighter fu- 2010. A loan of $,420,000 and a memorating their Earth Day pro-
ture for generations to come. grant of $1,611,000 was awarded ject, but also a ceremonial big
Since the first Earth Day celebra- to extend public water and fire check for the additional funds
tion in 1970, the event has ex- protection service to approxi- recently awarded.
panded to include participation mately 128 additional households
by citizens and governments in along County Routes 21, 23, 25, The last stop, made on April 23,
more than 190 countries around 25/1, and 25/2 in the Stonewall for Earth Week was at the cere-
the globe. District of Wayne County. Resi- mony celebrating Logan County
dents in the proposed service Public Service District’s funding
“Earth Day is the perfect oppor- area currently rely on wells or announcement.
tunity to make such announce- cisterns that are subject to bac-
ments of investments that help terial contamination from Logan County PSD was awarded a
improve the economy and the groundwater. Construction will loan of $1,512,000 and a grant for Cowen PSD, April 21, 2010:
quality of life for our rural resi- consist of 17 miles of waterline, $8,728,600 to extend public Pictured seated (l to r): Ken
dents,” stated Bobby Lewis, several fire hydrants, and neces- wastewater collection and treat- Woodard (US Army Corps of
West Virginia USDA Rural De- sary appurtenances. ment service to approximately Engineers, Project Manager); Nate
velopment State Director. 263 new customers within Logan Henson (US Army Corps of Engi-
Lavalette Public Service District County. The lack of a functioning neers, Engineer Intern); Johnny
Earth Day, or as some refer to it, was also recently awarded a wastewater system in the pro- Sandy (Cowen PSD Board Mem-
Earth Week began on April 21 $1,300,000 grant from USDA posed service area currently re- ber); Pauline Miller (Cowen PSD
for Rural Development. Funding Rural Development to extend sults in the direct discharge of Board Member); Richard Wayne
was announced for Cowen Public public water service to approxi- wastewater into local streams. (Cowen PSD Manager); Alice M.
King (Region IV Planning & Devel-
opment Council); and Patti Mead-
ows (Cowen PSD Secretary).
Pictured standing (l to r): Daniel
R. Shorts (Pentree, Inc., Senior
Project Manager); Joe Crickenber-
ger (USDA Rural Development
Area Specialist); Craig Burns
(USDA Rural Development Area
Director); Nancy Taylor (USDA
Rural Development Area Techni-
cian); W.D. Smith (Region IV Plan-
ning & Development Council);
Bobby Lewis (USDA Rural Devel-
opment State Director); Shelly
Robinson (Cowen PSD Office
Manager); and Tom Oxley
(Pentree, Inc., Project Facilitator).
Page 3 July, 2010
USDA Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Earth Day:
Three Communities Across West Virginia Benefit (continued)
Lavalette PSD, April 22, 2010. Row 1
(l to r in both photos): Terry Booth
(Representative for Honorable Nick J.
Rahall, II); Bill Lewis
(Secretary/Treasurer, Lavalette PSD);
Darrell Wellman (General Manager,
La valette PSD); Dennis L yons
(Chairman, Lavalette PSD); and Bobby
Lewis (State Director, USDA Rural
Development). Row 2: Jim Booton
(Wayne County Clerk); Robert Pasley
(President, Wayne County Commis-
sion); Don Purdue (Delegate); and Ron
Stollings (Senate).
Logan County PSD, April 23,
2010 (l to r): Paul Hardesty (Logan
County PSD official); William Bais-
den (Logan County PSD General
Manager); Harry Keith White
(Mingo County Delegate); Greg
Butcher (Logan County Delegate);
Jeff Eldridge (Logan County Dele-
gate); Honorable Nick J. Rahall, II
(Congressman, 3rd District); Ben
Lowe (Logan County PSD Chair-
man); Art Kirkendoll (Logan
County Commission President); Ear
Ray Tomblin (Senate President);
Ron Stallings (Senator); Willie
Akers (Logan County Commis-
sioner); Denny Godby (Logan
County Commissioner); and Bobby
Lewis (USDA Rural Development
State Director).
Multi-Family Housing Staff Strengthens Partnership
With Housing and Urban Development
USDA Rural Development Multi- Some of the programs discussed Acting Housing Program Direc- Area Specialist Robin Coberly
Family Housing staff took advan- at this first meeting was: FHA tor David Cain discussed the presented an overview of the
tage of the invitation to participate Mortgage Insurance Programs; Section 538 Guaranteed Loan Prepayment process and Area
in cross-training with the Housing HUD Multi-Family Rental Assis- Program, Multi-Family Housing Specialist Brian Childers dis-
and Urban Development (HUD) tance Program; and Public Hous- Preservation and Revitalization cussed the Farm Labor Housing
office in Charleston, WV on April ing. Demonstration (MPR) Program, Programs (Section 514 Loans
28, 2010. and the Housing Preservation and Section 516 Grants).
On May 5, 2010, USDA Rural Grant (HPG) Program.
The objective of this training, Development reciprocated the
hosted by Michael Torreyson gesture and hosted a training ses- Area Specialist Shane Houck
(Supervisory Project Manager), sion on their Multi-Family housing provided information on the
was to learn more about each programs at their State Office Section 515 Rural Rental Housing
agency’s programs and how they located in Sabraton (see picture Loan Program.
could work together. to the right).
Page 4 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Rural Development Celebrates
National Homeownership Month in Randolph County, WV
Now, that’s Gratitude and Happi- Pictured Below: The Sexton family—Connor,
ness! They say “a picture is worth a his grandfather Kenny Sexton, his mother Jama-
thousand words” and this happy lyn, and grandmother Beverly.
young man brings meaning and life to
the cliché.
Jamalyn Sexton and her three year
old son, Connor, are happy new
homeowners. A celebration was
held in their honor during June
2010—National Homeownership
Month—in Elkins, Randolph County,
WV. Federal, State and Local gov-
ernment officials, stakeholders, lend-
ing partners, and family members
were present.
Distinguished guests and/or speakers
included: Mary Elisabeth Eckerson
(District Director, Office of Honor-
able Shelley Moore Capito); Bobby Pictured to the left:
Jamalyn Sexton ex-
Lewis (USDA Rural Development
pressed her gratitude
State Director); Jon Rogers in a heart felt speech
(Director of Homeownership, FAHE/ Pictured Above: Proud new homeowners, Jamalyn to all those involved in
JustChoice Lending); Julia Elbon Sexton and her three year old son, Connor, hold the making her dream of
“Key to Homeownership” presented to them by homeownership come
(Board, Member, WV Housing De-
USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby true.
velopment Fund and Randolph Lewis.
County Commissioner); Laura Rye
(Community Investment Consultant, Pictured Left: Mary
Federal Home Loan Bank Pitts- Elisabeth Eckerson,
burgh); John Elza (Executive Direc- District Director for Pictured Below is Rural Development employ-
tor, Homeownership Center); Karen the Honorable Shel- ees with the happy new homeowners in front
ley Moore Capito, of their new home. Row 1: Connor. Row 2
Jacobson; and Honorable Duke Tal- delivered congratula- (l to r): Penny Thaxton (Housing Specialist);
bott (Mayor, City of Elkins). tory remarks from Shelly Hickman (Area Specialist); Homeowner
the Congresswoman. Jamalyn Sexton; and Craig Burns (Area Direc-
Officials at USDA approved a special tor). Row 3 (l to r): Jeff Hunt (Area Special-
set-aside of $25 Million in mortgage ist); David Cain (Acting Housing Program Di-
funds for low– and moderate-income rector); and Bobby Lewis (State Director).
homebuyers in Central Appalachia non-profit lenders are being given
through JustChoice Lending, a re- unprecedented access to fast-track
gional non-profit financial intermedi- the deployment of federal funds.
ary backed by the Federation of
Locally, the HomeOwnership Center
Appalachian Housing Enterprises of Elkins is connecting homebuyers
(FAHE). with this financing program.
Loans originated through this pilot In May, 2010, the first WV home-
program feature payment assistance buyer to benefit from this program
and interest rates as low as 1% to closed on her home—Ms. Jamalyn
Sexton. The home purchased was
ensure affordable payments. The built by Highland Community Build-
Demonstration is the first partner- ers and is located in Highland Mead-
ship of its kind nationwide, wherein ows, a new neighborhood located in
Elkins, Randolph County, WV.
Page 5 July, 2010
Community Facilities Loans and Grants
For Rural Libraries
Public libraries are culturally and Community Facilities Grants are and purchase equipment required be issued to secure direct loans,
technologically critical to the authorized on a graduated scale. for operation. but cannot be used for guaran-
rural communities they serve. Applicants located in smaller teed loans.
They are important to bridging communities with low popula- Funds can be used to purchase
the digital divide, enhancing the tions and low incomes will re- shelving, furniture, computers, What Is The Maximum Grant
economic vitality of and improv- ceive a higher percentage of audio-visual equipment, distance Assistance?
ing the quality of life in rural grants. Grant funding limitations learning equipment and bookmo-
America. are based on population and biles. Depending on funding availability,
income, economic feasibility and USDA Rural Development will
The Secretary of Agriculture has availability of funds. A loan may be made in combina- provide up to $500,000 in addi-
designated $100 Million in USDA tion with other Community Facili- tional dedicated grant funds to
Rural Development Community Who May Apply? ties assistance such as a grant, each of our State Offices for
Facilities Program funding for applicant contributions, or loans library projects.
public libraries. Loans and grants are available to and grants from other sources.
public entities such as municipali- How Are Applications Processed?
The Community Facilities funds ties, counties and special-purpose What Are The Terms?
will give rural communities the districts, as well as non-profit Applications are handled by
opportunity to improve their corporations and tribal govern- The maximum term for all loans is USDA Rural Development field
library facilities, enhance educa- ments. Applicants much have 40 years. However, the repay- offices. Rural Development staff
tional opportunities, and improve legal authority necessary for ment period is limited to the use- will be glad to discuss a commu-
economic conditions. Library construction, operation and ful life of the facility or any statu- nity’s needs and the services
construction or renovation pro- maintenance of the proposed tory limitation on the applicant’s available from USDA. Field staff
jects will also create and save facility. They must also be finan- borrowing authority. can provide application materials
jobs in the construction and cially sound and able to organize and current program informa-
library service fields. and manage the facility effec- What Is The Interest Rate? tion, and assist in the preparation
tively. of an application. You may also
General Program Description Interest rates for direct loans are visit the website for additional
Repayment of the loan must be based on current market yields for assistance: http://
The Community Facilities Pro- based on tax assessments, reve- municipal obligations, although www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs.
gram provides loans and grants nues, fees or other sources of loans for facilities impacting prime
to assist in the development of money sufficient for operation or unique farmland may require a Other Rural Development
essential community facilities in and maintenance, reserves and slightly higher rate. Certain other Opportunities For Rural Libraries
rural areas and towns of up to sufficient debt retirement. direct loans may qualify for a
20,000 in population. USDA lower interest rate, depending A Notice of Funding Availability
Rural Development is committed Rural Development is aware that upon the median household in- (NOFA) was published to pro-
through its Community Facilities libraries are not revenue- come of the residents of the com- vide financial resources for de-
Program in ensuring that essen- generating and depend heavily on munity to be served. ployment of broadband service in
tial facilities—such as health care local property taxes to maintain rural America. This notice in-
clinics, police and fire stations, operations. Although there may The interest rates for guaranteed cludes a grant funds set-aside for
schools, libraries and child care be challenges in developing these loans may be fixed or variable and bringing broadband connectivity
centers– are readily available to projects, the agency will spur are determined by the lender and to rural libraries. These funds
all rural Americans. interest in library facilities by borrower, subject to USDA re- can be used in combination with
providing grant funding opportu- view and approval. Community Facilities assistance.
Direct loans can be made to nities that are not typically avail- S e e h t t p : / /
applicants who are unable to able. What Security Is Required? www.broadbandusa.gov.
obtain commercial credit. Rural
Development can guarantee How May Funds Be Used? Bonds or notes pledging taxes or
loans made and serviced by lend- assessments will be accepted as
ers such as banks, savings and Funds may be used to construct, security if they meet statutory
loans, and mortgage companies enlarge or improve public librar- requirements. Where State laws
which are part of bank holding ies. This can include costs to permit, a mortgage may be taken
companies, or members of the acquire land needed for a facility, on real and personal property.
Farm Credit System. pay necessary professional fees, Tax-exempt notes or bonds may
Page 6 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Rural Development Celebrates
National Homeownership Month in Wood County, WV
USDA celebrates National Home- forces with the Wood County
ownership Month annually in June. Habitat for Humanity to work on
This year’s theme—”Protecting two homes on 14th Avenue on
the American Dream.” A strong South Side in Parkersburg, WV.
nation is made up of strong fami- These are the 50th and 51st
lies and safe, decent and affordable homes for the Wood County
housing contributes greatly to Habitat for Humanity.
rural America’s quality of life.
This volunteer service helps
The employees of the Ripley, remind us that the Dream of
USDA Rural Development Area Homeownership is achieved
Office work daily to help low– and “one nail at a time.” It is reward-
very-low income individuals obtain ing to physically work with the
financing to purchase and repair volunteers who give from their
homes and to provide affordable hands and their hearts to build a
multi-family rental housing for the better community.
low– to moderate-income families,
the elderly and to persons with The Ripley office serves rural
disabilities. areas of Wood, Wirt, Pleasant,
Ritchie, Mason, Jackson, Roane,
The employees (pictured to the Calhoun and Doddridge Coun-
right (l to r) Ruth Meyers, Area
Technician; Alishia Anderson,
ties. If you would like additional
information on how USDA Rural
Romney Personnel Participate
Office Automation Clerk;
Brenda Fisher, Area Specialist;
Development can assist you,
please call (304) 372-6231, op-
In 2010 Home Show
Brian Childers, Area Specialist; tion 4. The office is located at “Bob the Builder” is pictured
and not pictured Cathi Ludwig, 530 Freedom Road, Ripley, WV. thanking Wendell Alt, Area Spe-
Area Technician) recently joined cialist in Romney, for giving him
information about USDA Rural
Development’s housing pro-
grams.
Wendell and Area Technician
Linda Smith hosted a booth at
the Potomac Highlands Home
Builders’ Association’s second
annual Home Show in May 2010.
Several individuals visited the
booth and secured information
on Rural Development programs.
Feds, Farmers and Friends
Feed Families
USDA is partnering with the nity Center. RFNH depends on
Office of Personnel Management support from individuals, busi-
to participate in Feds, Farmers nesses, churches, and other or-
and Friends Feed Families—a ganizations and has provided
summer-long food drive for childcare and outreach services
federal employees. to the local community for over
60 years.
West Virginia State Office USDA
employees are participating by Donations
collecting donations of non- will be
perishables for Rock Forge taken June
Neighborhood House (RFNH) 23 to Au-
located at the Sabraton Commu- gust 31.
Page 7 July, 2010
Page-Kincaid PSD Celebrates Funding
With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Page-Kincaid Public Service Dis- Recovery and Reinvestment Act
trict held a Ribbon Cutting/ (ARRA) funds.
Dedication at the Ingram Branch
Wastewater Treatment Plant on Through the partnership of fed-
May 17, 2010, to celebrate yet eral and state funding sources,
another bolster to the infrastruc- Rural Development provided
ture in their area. $3,550,000 for the Ingram
Branch-Wriston Wastewater
Keynote speaker for the event Treatment Plant & Extension
was The Honorable Nick J. Ra- Project—$550,000 in loan funds
hall, II. Congressman Rahall and $3,000,000 in grant funds.
noted how all those involved
played a vital role in making this The project is providing sewer
project come together. service to approximately 149
new customers in the Ingram
West Virginia USDA State Direc- Branch and Wriston areas along
tor Bobby Lewis gave comments Loop Creek on WV Route 61.
on how fortunate West Virginia The wastewater system creates a
Pictured (l to r): Bart Jackson (Page-Kincaid PSD Manager); Ken Fox
was to be able to boost the healthier environment for resi- (Page-Kincaid PSD); John Tuggle, P.E. (Pentree, Inc.); John David (Page-
amounts spent on infrastructure dents and will help prevent Kincaid PSD); Ken Smart (Page-Kincaid PSD Chairman); Congressman
projects similar to this one in the harmful nutrients from reaching Nick J. Rahall, II; Bobby Lewis (USDA Rural Development State Direc-
past year due to the American Loop Creek. tor); W.D. Smith (Region IV Planning & Development Council Executive
Director); and Teresa Miller (USDA Rural Development Area Specialist).
Hub’s Statewide Networking Session
Deemed Huge Success
USDA Rural Development’s The session took place at the man, Executive Director of West Those funds will be used to pro-
State Director Bobby Lewis, Bridgeport Conference Center, Virginia Community Development vide technical assistance and
Community Facilities Specialist Harrison County, where the atten- Hub, Inc. training funds to the West Vir-
Paula Moeller, Area Specialist dees participated through both ginia Community Development
Steven Poe and Public Affairs structured and informal exercises. During the afternoon activities, Hub, who will act as an interme-
Specialist Gail Bennett were four The Hub was presented with a diary to development capacity
among over 100 that attended “This was a great opportunity and a ceremonial check for $251,706 by for ten rural West Virginia com-
the networking opportunity huge success. The folks attending USDA Rural Development State munities.
provided by West Virginia Com- have such a passion to share ideas, Director Bobby Lewis. The Hub
munity Development Hub, Inc., work together and succeed in their was approved for a Rural Commu- More detailed information about
on April 28, 2010. communities,” stated Kent Spell- nity Development Initiative Grant this networking session and The
through Rural Develop- Hub may be found at
ment’s Community Facili- www.wvhub.org. More informa-
ties program earlier that tion on Rural Development
month. programs can be found at
www.rurdev.usda.gov/wv.
Pictured (Row 1, l to r): Bobby Lewis (USDA Rural Devel-
opment State Director); Steven Poe (USDA Rural Develop-
ment Area Specialist); Paula Moeller (USDA Rural Develop-
ment Community Facilities Specialist); Kent Spellman (West
Virginia Community Development Hub, Inc., Executive Di-
rector); Jean Ambrose (Hub Chair): and Jim Cooper (Hub
Board Member). (Row 2, l to r): Doug Arbogast (Hub
Board Member): Beth Campbell (Hub Board Member); Josie
Cuda (Hub Board Member); Herk Conner (Hub Program
Coordinator) and Stacie Dei (Hub Board Member).
Page 8 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Multi-Family Housing Specialists
Participate In WVCARH Meeting
On May 13-14, 2010, David Cain The Multi-Family Housing Special- Maranda Bolin received the Man- really about us (me, you, owners,
(WV Acting Housing Program ists provided Management Train- ager of the Year award for a Family developers), they’re about the
Director/Multi-Family Housing ing on the Tenant Certification Section 515 Multi-Family Housing families that we provide a home
Specialist) and Area Specialists Process and Tenant Eligibility property. Ms. Bolin is the site man- to. Their quality of life is what’s
Robin Coberly of Elkins, Brian Requirements. Participants were ager at Tremont Park Apartments, important. If we keep that as
Childers of Ripley, and Shane provided with current posters that a 36-unit complex managed by our focus, we will all be success-
Houck of Beckley, participated in must be posted at their proper- Cygnus Management Group. ful.”
the West Virginia Council for ties, Tenant Grievance Proce-
Affordable & Rural Housing dures, and information on the Orman Hall received the Manager In an effort to continually edu-
(WVCARH) 2010 Annual Meet- Generic Cleanup of Clandestine of the Year award for an Elderly cate and train those responsible
ing and Continuing Education Methamphetamine Labs. Section 515 Multi-Family Housing for the management of the Multi-
Training held at the Charleston property. Mr. Hall is the site man- Family Housing properties,
House Holiday Inn located in During a question & answer ses- ager at Village Manor Apartments, a WVCARH and USDA Rural
Charleston, WV. sion conducted by the Multi- 12-unit complex managed by Bar- Development are tentatively
Family Housing Specialists, such boursville Housing Authority. planning another training meeting
There were approximately 85 items were discussed as Reason- to be held in late summer or
participants at the meeting. able Accommodations, Self- Becky Minsker received the Man- early fall of this year.
Attendees included owners, Evaluations & Transition Plans, ager of the Year award for a Guar-
management agents, regional/ Disability/Handicap Accessibility, anteed Section 538 property. Ms. For more information on the
property managers, on-site man- Leases, Income Verifications, Fam- Minsker is the site manager at Jenna Multi-Family Housing program,
agers and maintenance person- ily Assets, Medical Expenses, and Landing Apartments, managed by you can visit the website at
nel. Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Encore Management. www.rurdev.usda.gov/mfh or you
Plans (AFHMP). can call us at (800) 295-8228 to
Sources from outside the Agency Mr. Lewis stated that “without be put in touch with the appro-
provided training on Manage- On Thursday evening, a banquet management we don’t have a pro- priate personnel.
ment and Fair Housing; Kitchen was held to honor the West Vir- gram, and without you we don’t
Appliance Repair; Lock Repair & ginia site managers. Bobby Lewis, have management...you all are one
Re-Keying, Reducing Your Insur- WV USDA Rural Development of the most important piece of the
ance Risk, Mold & Risk Control, State Director, attended the ban- Multi-Family Housing puzzle.” He
and Time Management. quet to present the Manager of further stated that “we must re-
the Year awards. member that these programs aren’t
Pictured below (l to r): David
Cain, Acting Housing Program
Director/MFH Specialist; Robin L.
Coberly, Area Specialist, Elkins;
Shane Houck, Area Specialist,
Beckley; Orman Hall, WV Manager
of the Year for an Elderly Section
515 MFH property; Brian Childers,
Area Specialist, Ripley; and Bobby
Lewis, WV USDA Rural Develop-
ment State Director.
Pictured above (l to r): David Cain,
Pictured above (l to r): David Cain,
Acting Housing Program Director/MFH
Acting Housing Program Director/
Specialist; Robin L. Coberly, Area Special-
MFH Specialist; Robin L. Coberly,
ist, Elkins; Shane Houck, Area Specialist,
Area Specialist, Elkins; Shane Houck,
Beckley; Maranda Bolin, WV Manager of
Area Specialist, Beckley; Becky Min-
the Year for a Family Section 515 MFH
sker, WV Manager of the Year for a
property; Brian Childers, Area Specialist,
Section 538 Guaranteed MFH prop-
Ripley; and Bobby Lewis, WV USDA Rural
erty; Brian Childers, Area Specialist,
Development State Director.
Ripley; and Bobby Lewis, WV USDA
Rural Development State Director.
Page 9 July, 2010
Frametown Volunteer Fire Department
Receives Funding For Turnout Gear
On May 27, 2010, USDA Rural In addition, Rural Development
Development State Director recognized (see picture below)
Bobby Lewis and Community Junior Fire Fighter Chase
Facilities Specialist Paula Moeller McCourt. Chase was responsi-
presented Frametown Volunteer ble for finding the funding oppor-
Fire Department with a ceremo- tunities of USDA Rural Develop-
nial check in the amount of ment on the web and sharing
$75,000. that information with the Fire
Department, leading them to
The Community Facilities Loan in Rural Development for assis-
the amount of $25,000 and tance.
Community Facilities Grant in
the amount of $50,000 will assist Chase has been a Junior Fire Pictured above (l to r): Bonnie Petty, Rose McCoy, Shannon Dickey,
the Fire Department in obtaining Fighter with the Frametown USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Lewis, Angie Short,
25 sets of turnout gear. Volunteer Fire Department most Chase McCourt, USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Spe-
of his 16 years of life. cialist Paula Moeller, Debbie Roberts and Mike Roberts.
Hardy Telecommunications Presented
With Certificate of Congratulations
Hardy Telecommunications, Inc., Hardy Telecommunications is a Among others, congratulatory Pictured below, row 1 (l to
was awarded a $9,494,483 Loan nonprofit rural telephone coop- remarks were delivered by r): Hardy Telecommunica-
and a $22,153,791 Grant (a total erative committed to working Chris Strovel, field representa- tions General Manager D.
of $31,648,274) through USDA together with its members, and tive for Honorable Shelley Scott Sherman and USDA
Rural Development’s Telecom- other nonprofit organizations Moore Capito (2nd District, Rural Development State
munications program. This fund- and public institutions, to serve WV). Director Bobby Lewis. Row 2
ing was made available through the needs of the people of Hardy (l to r): Gerald Smith, Board
the American Recovery and County. A tour of the facility followed Director; Arlie W. Funk,
Reinvestment Act (ARRA). the ceremony. During the Board Secretary; Phyllis B.
July 8, 2010. Bobby Lewis, State tour, General Manager Scott Cook, Board President; Loring
The Hardy OneNet Fiber-to-the- Director for West Virginia Sherman explained the dynam- E. Barr, Board Vice-President;
Home project is a fiber-to-the- USDA Rural Development, pre- ics of their operation and and Harold Michael, Board
home network providing afford- sented Hardy Telecommunica- helped those on the tour envi- Member. Row 3 (l to r):
able, reliable ultra-high speed tions with a Certificate of Con- sion what this funding will ac- Greg Zirk, Board Member;
Internet access, VoIP, and video gratulations during a ceremony complish. Chris Strovel, Field Represen-
services to underserved areas in held at their Lost River, WV tative for Honorable Shelley
Hardy County, West Virginia. It location. Moore Capito; and Stanley
will be a turning point for under- Moyer, Hardy County Com-
served rural mountain communi- Hardy Telecommunications Gen- mission.
ties, allowing instant access to eral Manager D. Scott Sherman
share information and ideas with opened the ceremony with the
others across the world, and Pledge of Allegiance and back-
increase knowledge, productivity ground information on this pro-
and prosperity. ject and the future of the organi-
zation.
Page 10 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department
Holds Check Presentation Ceremony
A check presentation ceremony Team for search and rescue of
was held for Webster Springs other firefighters in distress. This
Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., will supplement an existing camera
on July 12, 2010. already owned by the department
which is used for search and res-
The Volunteer Fire Department cue of civilians.
secured a Rural Development
Community Facilities loan of Keynote speakers were: Don
$10,200 and a $30,300 Economic McCourt (Deputy Fire Chief);
Impact Initiative Grant for the Congressman Nick J. Rahall (3rd
purchase of a 12-lead cardiac Congressional District, WV); and
monitor and a thermal imaging Bobby Lewis (WV USDA Rural
camera. Development State Director).
Front Row (l to r): Kyla
The new cardiac monitor will Don McCourt, Larry Clevenger Groves; Paula Moeller (USDA
replace an out-of-date monitor and Richard Rose, Emergency Rural Development Community
and will allow the fire department Services Director, provided a Facilities Specialist); Don
to continue to operate the ambu- demonstration on the equipment McCourt (Deputy Fire Chief);
lance it runs for the Webster to the crowd (see picture to the Robin Payne; Scott McCourt; and
Memorial Hospital. The monitor right). Congressman Nick J. Rahall, II.
is accompanied by educational Back Row (l to r): Bobby Lewis
software to train the firefighters Other Rural Development person- (USDA Rural Development State
and will also be used by other nel attending the event were Director); John McCourt; Larry
medical personnel in the county. Shelly Hickman (Area Specialist) Clevenger; Payton McCourt;
and Paula Moeller (Community Gary Simmons; Danny Davis; and
The thermal imaging camera will Facilities Specialist). Honorable Billy Skidmore
be used by the Rapid Intervention (Mayor, Town of Addison).
A New Home For The Edmonds Family:
A Matter of Needing More Space
John and Loddie Edmonds came to children, and a place for Mom to
Rural Development in May 2009 study. They sold their mobile
to explore their options on buying home and put a contract on the
a home. They were living in a house.
single-wide mobile home with four
children. The Edmonds family closed on their
housing loan in July 2009 and imme-
Mr. Edmonds works full-time for a diately started putting their touches
local cable company and Mrs. on the house.
Edmonds is going to school to
become a paralegal. The twins The three year old twins have
were a surprise and made their decorated their room in Disney’s
home too small for the growing Princess™ décor while the older
family. sister has her room decorated with
paintings of horses. At press time,
USDA Rural Development certi- Rural Development was not certain
fied the family’s eligibility for the how older brother William was
housing program, provided them decorating his room.
with a price range of the amount
they could afford to finance, and John and Loddie are landscaping
requested them to begin looking their yard and said the family could
for a home. not be happier with their new
home.
It wasn’t long before the Edmonds
family found a home that had four Pictured above (l to r): Alison, John, Loddie Audrana, Katelyn and
bedrooms, a family room for the William Edmonds sitting on the front porch of their new home.
Page 11 July, 2010
USDA Rural Development Employees
Tour PACE Enterprises, Inc.’s New Home
May 20, 2010. USDA Rural De- evaluated and counseled to de- Beehive Café features gourmet able for delivery in the greater
velopment State Director Bobby termine talents and career goals. sandwiches and is open from 7 Morgantown area. Their website
Lewis, Community Programs Then, training is provided to a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through also allows online ordering.
Specialist Janna Lowery, and polish the individual’s unique Friday. Boxed lunches are avail-
Community Facilities Specialist talents and overcome shortcom-
Paula Moeller received a tour of ings. Finally, the person is either
the new home for PACE Enter- introduced to a local employer
prises, Inc. or is employed in one of PACE’s
business endeavors.
PACE moved into their new Pictured in front of the
facility at Mylan Park in The organization was formed in Beehive Café (l to r):
Monongalia County in April 2010 1972 and was originally PACE Bob Pirner (Director of
(see bottom picture to the TEC. Today, it is a leading pro- Development); Loretta
right). Although the move took vider of employment services for Hartshom, Alanna Har-
a little longer period of time than people with disabilities in North vey, Greg Morris (CEO),
we would all like, the results of Central West Virginia. Some of and USDA Rural Devel-
the wait are phenomenal. the services it can provide to opment State Director
businesses and government agen- Bobby Lewis.
The construction project was bid cies are custodial, grounds main-
out in 2006. Bids were higher tenance, shredding, product
than anticipated and with the assembly and packaging, com-
assistance of a $1,250,000 Small mercial sewing, labeling, bulk
Cities Block Grant and a Rural mailing, and food services.
Development Community Facili-
ties loan of $800,000, Phase I of The new facility allows PACE to
the construction began. The offer state-of-the-art shredding
exterior was completed in 2008. services. The shredding services
The organization then success- meet strict compliance require-
fully secured a grant in the ments to protect confidential
amount of $1,480,000 from the information. More information
Economic Development Admini- can be obtained from their web
stration to complete the interior. site: www.paceenterprises.org.
The mission of PACE Enter- A commercial kitchen in the new
prises is to help people with facility allows students to be
disabilities obtain meaningful trained in basic food service skills
employment. A person with a and prepares the students for
disability comes to PACE and is real world employment. The
Greenbrier Valley Rural Fire Department, Inc.
Holds Check Presentation Ceremony
Greenbrier Valley Rural Fire new truck and affordable financ- Greenbrier River on that bright,
Pictured (l to r): Kellis Miller
Department, Inc. (GVRFD), lo- ing. sunny day. They recently
(Lieutenant and Treasurer);
cated in Talcott, Summers showed off their new pumper
Ron Miller; Paul Greene, Jr.,
County, was in need of a new They wanted the new truck to truck in the parade for John
(Firefighter); Honorable Nick
pumper truck. The old 1974 be their “first-out attack engine” Henry Days in Talcott July 9—
J. Rahall, II; USDA Rural De-
Ford Tanker had become unsafe on fire calls. 11, 2010.
velopment Specialist Kitty
to drive and was a hazard to be
Saddler; Lloyd “Chuck” Gore
on the road. GVRFD serves an On Saturday, June 19, 2010, that
(Chief); Stacey Conrad
area of over 82 square miles that dream became a reality. Rural
(Firefighter and Secretary);
includes mountainous two lane Development was able to pro-
Gary Lyall (Firefighter); Coty
roads, therefore, a safe and de- vide GVRFD with low interest
Yancey (Firefighter); Jonathon
pendable truck is a necessity. loan funds and grant funds.
Meadows (Firefighter and Vice
-President); and Angela Grim-
Stacey Conrad contacted Rural In celebration, a check presenta-
mett (Firefighter).
Development with a dream for a tion was held near the scenic
Page 12 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Rural Development Participates
in Bookmobile Dedication
What a beautiful day for a book- summer school programs along Pictured to the left (l to r):
mobile dedication! Friday, June with apartment, neighborhood and USDA Rural Development Area
11, 2010. The sun was out in summer camp stops,” Knapp ex- Specialist Nancy Shoemaker-
full force and the new bookmo- plained. “So, as you can see, the Dingess, State Director Bobby
bile had arrived for the Raleigh bookmobiles are going non-stop Lewis and Area Specialist Kitty
County Public Library. year round.” Saddler (along with Public Affairs
Specialist Gail Bennett, not pic-
The library has been saving money tured) took a full tour of the new
for several years and with this bookmobile, gaining insight to its
$27,000 Community Facilities many modern features.
Grant from USDA Rural Develop- USDA Rural Development State
ment, made possible due to the Director Bobby Lewis presented
American Recovery and Reinvest- the Raleigh County Public Library
ment Act (ARRA), they were able with a Certificate of Congratula-
to purchase the new bookmobile. tions and donated the book Who
Raleigh County Public Library Now, they are saving money and Moved My Cheese? by Spencer John-
had two bookmobiles—both raising funds to get the other son, MD to the new bookmobile,
over 20 years old and over bookmobile replaced. although you can see from the
60,000 miles on them, nearing picture to the right that the new
the end of their useful lives. Zelma Wright (pictured here bookmobile has already been fully
Those bookmobiles were be- with the celebratory cake) was populated with books, newspa-
coming very inefficient, costly to one of the many “Friends of the pers, periodicals, etc.
repair and not modern in design Library” members that were on
or features. hand to assist with this joyous
occasion.
The bookmobiles are used to
serve the rural areas of Raleigh
County where there are no
libraries. Many of the residents
of these areas are not able to
journey to Beckley to use the
library services. They serve
almost 100,000 children, seniors,
and disabled individuals each
year.
USDA Rural Development Cub
Reporter Mikhaila Missimer in- Federal, State and Local officials,
terviewed Gary Knapp, librarian funding partners, Raleigh County
and bookmobile driver, and re- Public Library Board members,
ported on her findings via the “Friends of the Library” members,
USDA Blog at http:// and other community members Pictured Above-Front Row (l to r): Carolyn Lucas (President,
www.usda.gov/blog/usda/entry/ were all on hand to attend the Board of Trustees); Danny McMillion (Library Director); Gary Knapp
h2_usda_rural_development_rec dedication (see picture to the (Librarian and Bookmobile Driver); Kitty Saddler (USDA Rural Devel-
overy. right). opment Specialist); Nancy Shoemaker-Dingess (USDA Rural Develop-
ment Specialist); and Ricky Moye (Legislator). Row 2 (l
She spoke with Mr. Knapp about to r): Bobby Lewis (USDA Rural Development State
the bookmobiles’ schedules. The Director); Phil Lewis (Representative for Honorable
bookmobiles go to every ele- John D. “Jay” Rockefeller, IV), Linda Sumner (Legislator);
mentary school in Raleigh Honorable Emmett Pugh (Mayor, City of Beckley); Wil-
County every three weeks; they liam H. Baker (Board of Trustees); and Bill Wooten
also go to day care schools, pri- (Legislator).
vate schools, senior citizens’
homes, the Moose Lodge 1606,
apartment housing and private
neighborhood stops. Pictured to the left: Cub Reporter Mikhaila Missimer
reporting on the progress of the Raleigh County Public
“In the summer, our job is still Library Bookmobile project. Also pictured is her assis-
not over. We go to eight to ten tant, Peyton Missimer.
Page 13 July, 2010
Rural Development Joins Mt. Zion PSD Groundbreaking Ceremony
Mt. Zion Public Service Dis- With a total project cost of
trict celebrated their water $5.2 Million, USDA Rural De-
system extensions project velopment is pleased to partner
with a groundbreaking cere- with the Appalachian Regional
mony on June 23, 2010. Commission (ARC) in funding
this project.
This project is expected to
extend water service to ap- USDA Rural Development has
proximately 155 new custom- committed loan funds totaling
ers in the Sand Ridge, Sassa- $1,450,000 and grant funds
fras Ridge, and Russet areas of totaling $2,250,000 to the pro-
Calhoun County, and along ject, representing 71% of the
Pictured above (l to r): Shirley Mace, Mt. Zion PSD; Virginia M. McDon- Route 16 South into the Orma project cost. The ARC grant
ald, USDA Rural Development; Roscoe Gainer, Mt. Zion PSD; Kevin and Minnora areas. The pro- totals $1,500,000 and is being
Helmick, Calhoun County Commission; Scott Westfall, Calhoun County ject will also serve the balance administered by the Mid-Ohio
Commission; Tim Meeks, Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Council; and David of Millstone. Valley Regional Council
Walker, WV House of Delegates Member. (MOVRC).
West Virginia USDA Rural Development
Chosen To Participate in Civil Rights Management Control Review
West Virginia USDA Rural Pictured to the left are the Rural Development re-
Development was selected by view team and employees of the complexes reviewed (l
their National Office in Wash- to r): Sherry Hess (TM Associates Management);
ington, DC, to participate in a Robin Coberly (USDA Rural Development Multi-Family
nationwide Civil Rights Man- Housing Area Specialist); Diane Price (USDA Rural
agement Control Review in Development National Office Civil Rights staff); Tamara
April 2010. Smedley (USDA Rural Development National Office
Civil Rights staff); Martha Hanson (Pennsylvania USDA
Nine Multi-Family Housing Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Coordina-
complexes and two USDA tor); and Regina Wines (TM Associates Management).
Service Centers were re- Not pictured—other Rural Development review team
viewed for compliance with members: David Cain (Multi-Family Housing Special-
various civil rights laws and ist); Craig Burns (Area Director); and Howard Page
regulations. (Area Specialist).
Rural Development Employees Provide Outreach
At Wheeling Senior Citizens Expo
Rural Development Specialist tion, senior and family refer-
Wendy Pagot (pictured right) rals, and senior transportation.
and Public Affairs Specialist
Gail Bennett attended the The partnership built between
39th annual Senior Citizen Family Services and Rural
expo in Wheeling, WV, on July Development has proven to
15, 2010 to provide program be very beneficial to the cus-
information to the over 700 tomers of both agencies.
attendees.
Attending the expo gave the
This expo is sponsored by the Rural Development employees
Upper Ohio Valley Family not only the opportunity to
Services. They serve the up- provide Section 502 housing
per five counties of the North- and Section 504 Repair &
ern Panhandle of West Vir- Rehabilitation program infor-
ginia. Their services include, mation to the attendees, but
but are not limited to, credit also a collaborative network-
counseling, homebuyer educa- ing opportunity between ven-
dors and organizations.
Page 14 Almost Heaven WV Mountain State Rural Express
Grand Opening Held For WV NACS and NASP
Opening Of New Sales Office Hold Reorganizational Meeting
On Thursday, May 27, 2010, The Town then began the process Members of the West Virginia to discuss recent accomplish-
Fayetteville held the ribbon cut- of constructing a new maintenance National Association of County ments, and to plan future goals.
ting for its new office for the building and finally renovated the Supervisors (NACS) and members
Huse Memorial Park Cemetery old maintenance building into a of the West Virginia National While enjoying the conference,
and Mausoleum. This was the new sales office for the cemetery Association of Support Personnel Rural Development Area Direc-
final step in a project they began and mausoleum. (NASP) recently met with State tor Alan Harris was presented
approximately six years ago. Director Bobby Lewis. with the 2010 Ray Turknett
The Town celebrated the opening Blood, Sweat & Tears Award
The Town of Fayetteville owns of the new sales office with stake- This meeting was considered to (see picture bottom left)!
the Huse Memorial Park. Mayor be a reorganizational meeting of
James Akers had a dream for the two groups. Attending the The Blood, Sweat & Tears
many years to build a mausoleum meeting, held at the State Office, Award is named in honor of
at the cemetery. There was also was (pictured below, l to r): NACS’ founding and longest
a need for a new maintenance State Director Bobby Lewis, Area serving president and is consid-
building and a new office building. Specialist Bruce Martin, Business ered the most prestigious award
and Cooperative Program Special- presented by NACS.
In 2006, USDA Rural Develop- ist John Comerci, Area Specialist
ment closed a $1,588,000 loan Kitty Saddler, Area Technician The selection of a recipient is
for the Town to accomplish Phyllis Buettner and Area Special- made by an awards committee,
these goals. holders, government officials and ist John Fullen. appointed by the National Presi-
the local residents. Light refresh-
After several obstacles, the new ments were served, including the
mausoleum was opened in Sep- cake pictured above in the shape
tember 2008. of the mausoleum itself. State
Director Bobby
Lewis (pictured
left) was on hand to
provide comments
on behalf of USDA
Rural Development.
A tour of the new
sales office at the
Huse Memorial Park Information concerning this reor- dent, and is based on the recipi-
Cemetery and Mau- ganization and membership details ent’s service to NACS and its
soleum followed. will be forthcoming in the near members.
future and made available to all
employees. Mr. Harris is a long time propo-
nent of the Association, having
The 2010 Convention of USDA’s first joined in 1995. He has
National Association of Credit served in varying capacities on
Specialists (Rural Development both the state and national levels,
and Farm Service Agency), Sup- including as President of the
port Personnel (Rural Develop- National Association.
ment), Support Employees (Farm
Service Agency), and District Di-
rectors (Farm Service Agency)
was held June 19-23, 2010, in
picturesque Portland, Maine.
These associations work to pro-
vide means of communication
between field staff and National
Office staff on matters relative to
improving the service each mis-
sion area provides to rural Amer-
Pictured (l to r): Alan Harris (Rural Development—WV), 2010 Na- ica. Members from across the
tional Association of Credit Specialists Blood, Sweat & Tears Award nation gathered together in sup-
Winner; Rene Patton (former winner—IL); Bill Terrell (former win- port of the Associations’ missions,
ner—OK); and Danny Jackson (former winner—MO).
Page 15 July, 2010
Ripley Employees Participate in
Presidential People’s Garden Initiative
As Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to pay off for the City of Ripley’s season as a result of employees’
announced that People’s Gardens elderly population. A small initial generous TLC (tender loving
existed in all 50 states, two US terri- harvest was gathered by Farm Ser- care).
tories and three foreign countries, vice Agency employee Gina Knotts
USDA Service Center employees in and Rural Development Technician Gina and others have been
Jackson County broke ground on Cathi Ludwig (pictured below l to spotted in the sun, wind and
theirs. r) for delivery to the Ripley Senior rain staking, fertilizing and
Citizen Center on June 29, 2010. weeding the garden. Tomatoes,
Employees of the Farm Service beans, peppers and summer
Agency, Natural Resources Conser- The Center is sure to benefit from squash can be seen popping out
vation Service, Western Conserva- ample fruits and vegetables this and soaking up the sun.
tion District and Rural Development Employees perform this volun-
worked together to bring the Peo- There are other service centers tary service on their personal
ple’s Garden Initiative to life in Rip- participating in this initiative, time, which ties this initiative
ley, WV. such as the McMechen Service to the national “United We
Center where you will find Serve” campaign started in
The Garden was constructed by “The Pepper Patch.” The State 2009.
Service Center employees directly Office, located in Sabraton,
behind their offices and includes h a v e s t a r t e d a All food grown is donated to a
significant fencing to deter the abun- “butterfly/pollinator” garden local food bank, soup kitchen,
dant wildlife from reaping all of the (see article below). or other non-profit organiza-
rewards. tion. Tied to this effort,
The initiative is a voluntary please see the “Feds, Farmers
The tireless efforts of the USDA program made possible through and Friends Feed Families”
Service Center staff have now begun both monetary and physical article on page 6 of this publi-
labor donations of individuals. cation.
Employees of Sabraton Professional Building Participate in
Presidential People’s Garden Initiative
The Sabraton Professional Building, With the help of donations and
which houses the State Offices of Premiere Nursery and Landscape
USDA Rural Development, USDA Supply, the garden is taking shape.
Farm Service Agency, USDA Natural Some butterflies have taken refuge
Resources Conservation Service and in the garden and there is a variety
the Tri-Ag Federal Credit Union, of other flowers and plants flour-
features a butterfly garden as part of ishing and hopefully attracting
the People’s Garden Initiative. pollinators. These pollinators are
essential in food production.
In addition to the butterfly
garden, the Sabraton facility
features bioswales. These
bioswales serve as storm water
runoff conveyance systems and
remove the silt and pollution
from surface runoff water.
In 2009, the People’s Garden
Initiative led to USDA donating
over 34,000 pounds of produce
The initiative encourages all USDA Pictured above (l to r): Leanne to local charities.
facilities to serve the community and Dilsworth (Farm Service Agency)
environment by developing gardens, and Charlotte Elliott-Friend
traditional or nontraditional. If an (Natural Resources Conservation
actual garden is not feasible, the Service) work amongst the flow-
initiative encourages volunteering at ers and plants within the butterfly
a community garden, school or com- garden recently planted at the
munity center. Sabraton Professional Building.
“Wild, Wonderful & Open
For Business”
State Office
1550 Earl Core Road, Suite 101
Morgantown, WV 26505
Phone: 304-284-4860 OR 800-295-8228
Fax: 304-284-4893; TTY/TDD 304-284-4836
Gail.Bennett@wv.usda.gov
Almost Heaven WV
Mountain State Rural Express
We’re on the Web!
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wv
USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to:
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, DC 20250-9410.