LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Springtime is time for renewal
Story By Eric Cravey
After enduring our recent winter, it could be too easy to become cynical about springtime.
However, spring is way too powerful and positive for any possible negative thought to hold it back or change its course.
Weeks of accumulated snow have since melted, we’ ve stashed away our winter coats and associated layers of clothing for lighter fare and may even be planning a springtime get away.
Whatever your plans may involve, it’ s time for a renewal— longer, sunny days, warmer weather, warm hearts and greenery.
The mountains come alive with lushness and the sounds of birds returning from their winter homes. Animals give birth. Couples get married. Hopes springs eternal.
One of my fondest childhood memories took place each spring. My parents’ house did not have central heat and air so we slept with the windows open.
I remember lying on my bed after waking up on Saturday mornings to the sound of my Uncle Curtis’ tractor out in the front field tilling the soil to make way for spring planting.
The morning dew met the emboldened mid-morning sun and the tilled red Georgia clay. The smell was as close to heaven as one could get.
Scents of iron and minerals emanated through the air which sent a gratifying thought running
DEPARTMENTS
• Letter from the Editor, 5
• Diversions, 6-7
• Along the Way, 8-9
Wild Blue Phlox
through my mind of the bounty that would come at fall harvest— peanuts. And, if we were fortunate, we’ d be invited to a peanut boil.
The renewal at play is that the soil was getting replenished after playing host to a harvest of soy beans during the previous planting cycle. Crop rotation keeps the land fertile and viable to grow crops that feed families.
Bounty and renewal are right here today. And those are two key elements of springtime.
The hills and mountains of West Virginia will come back alive with lush greenery, the state’ s wildflowers will do their jobs to bring us all joy and we will become renewed with a fresh spirit of getting out
• Recipes, 10-11
• Harbingers of spring, 12-14
• Renaissance man, 15-17
Steven Porterfield
and enjoying the state’ s‘ Wild and Wonderful.’
In this issue of South, we touch on renewal, history and joy.
In terms of renewal, writer Dee Dee Ellison has an informative piece about West Virginia wildflowers. She even talks about the various species and how to find them in the wild.
For history, we take you to Hinton and the eclectic shop known as Rindercellas and how it’ s growing and creating a cool vibe.
And, finally, we have a feature on Beckley native Jamie Lester and his love of art, music and being a creator.
Enjoy!
Eric Cravey is editor of West Virginia South and The Register-Herald in Beckley, W. Va. He is a frustrated artist and writer, lover of rescue dogs, great conversation, his family and simply meeting new people. In his 38-year career, he has won multiple awards, including“ Stringer of the Year,” in-depth reporting, breaking news and best editorial writing.
• A touch of whimsy in Hinton, 18-20
MASTHEAD
Editor Eric Cravey
Photography Steven Porterfield, Jay Young, Evan Fedoorko
Managing editor Andy Patton
Copy editor Michelle Schultze
Contributing writers Eric Cravey, Dee Dee Ellison
Cover photo Steven Porterfield
Cover and pages design Taraea Anthony
Recipes Andy Patton
Publisher Terri Hale
Advertising managers Lisa Stadelman and Jeremy Basham
Marketing consultants Debbie Maxwell, Peggy Weidensall, Ashley Counts, Patty Gorman
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