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Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry Community Community Community NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
November 2012 Volume 9 Issue 11
The Town’s official website has useful information including important notices, ordinances, meeting minutes,
official applications, and events calendar and newsletters. Visit us at www.harpersferrywv.us
In Tribute to Don Alexander
1937-2012
When Don Alexander first came to Harpers Ferry and persevered through the process
of getting approval to build his home and was able to solve the complexities of a very
challenging building site, we should have known then that Don was the right person to shepherd us through
the rebuilding of Potomac Street. In my mind and I’m sure in the Town’s mind, Potomac Street and Don are
one in the same thing. The home he built is a credit to the community and thanks to Don’s determination and
vision, Potomac Street will be as well.
Our project to rebuild and improve Potomac Street has had a long and trying
history. Don was there from the very beginning, pitching the vision of a more
attractive front door to our community, qualifying for grants and securing
matching funds, navigating the design process and property negotiations, all this
in bringing us to the point of being in sight of the finish line. We can now see that
finish line thanks to Don’s unrelenting commitment and dedication to inching us
along the way.
Without Don’s involvement, we could not have made the progress we have.
Once again, we recognize that one person can make a difference. Thanks also to
Terri in her less public role of supporting Don and the project. Her hard work,
help, and encouragement have been indispensable.
We will carry on and take Don’s vision of this project across the finish line
knowing that Don will be watching over us as he has all along the way.
Most of all we will miss Don’s warm heart and unassuming and considerate
nature and our gratitude will remain long after Potomac Street is rebuilt
and is a welcome improvement to our community.
Mayor Joe Anderson
Inside this issue:
Calendar
Contact Info
2
Events 3
Council Meeting Report 4
Tree Committee
Womens Club Town Garden 5
New Stairs !
Foundation News
6
Planning Commission 7
Volunteers Needed
Hearts for the Hungry 8
Olde Tyme Christmas
Highlights 9
Town Shopping / Dining 10
2
Town Calendar At Town Hall, unless noted otherwise
Nov 22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday, Office Closed
Nov 23 Christmas Tree Lighting, 7pm Gazebo Park
Nov 24 Shop Local - Small business Saturday! (see page 10)
Nov 26 Historic Landmarks Commission meeting 7pm-8:30pm
Nov 27 Souper Tuesday, Bolivar Community Center, 6:30pm (see page 3)
Nov 28 Harpers Ferry Foundation Board meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Nov 28 Harpers Ferry Foundation Business meeting, 7pm-9pm
Nov 30-Dec 2 Olde Tyme Christmas (see page 9)
Dec 1 Town Council Work Session on Comprehensive Plan Action items, 10am-12pm
Dec 1 ATC Holiday Party, 9-5 (see page 3)
Dec 4 Planning Commission meeting, 7pm-8:30pm
Dec 5 Municipal Court, 7pm-9pm
Dec 6 Tree Committee meeting, 7pm-9pm
Dec 8 Christmas Parade, 2:30pm (see page 3)
Dec 8 - 9 Olde Tyme Christmas (see page 9)
Dec 10 Town Council meeting, 7pm-9pm
Dec 11 Potomac Street Project Steering Committee, 1-2pm
Dec 17 Police Committee meeting, 8am-9:30pm
Dec 17 Trail and Town Alliance meeting, 5pm-7pm
Dec 18 SouperTuesday, Bolivar Com. Center, 6pm (see page 3)
Dec 19 Town Christmas Party, Train Station, 7-9pm
Dec 20 Water Commission meeting, 7:30pm-9pm
Dec 24 Christmas Eve Holiday, 12pm-4:30pm, Office Closed
Dec 25 Christmas Holiday, Office Closed
Communicating with the Mayor and Council
Mayor Joe Anderson 304-582-2377 [email protected]
Recorder Kevin Carden 304-535-2206 [email protected]
Council Betsy Bainbridge [email protected]
members Jerry Hutton [email protected]
Dan Riss [email protected]
Charlotte Thompson [email protected]
Greg Vaughn [email protected]
Town Hall Phone: 304-535-2206
Something to be thankful for - Drake's Return
If you happened to see this poster on telephone poles around town,
you will be happy to hear that Drake was indeed found and returned
home the day after he went missing. Hikers found the dog wandering
on the Appalachian Trail (near Storer College). Deborah Fleming,
relieved and thrilled with Drake's return said "It's a mystery he was
able to make it all the way there from East Ridge Street." And it’s a
miracle he was found.
Town Website
Town Hall Hours Monday– 8:30-12 & 1-4:30
Tuesday– 2-4:30 Wednesday– 8:30-12 & 1-4:30
Thursday– 8:30-12 Friday– 8:30-12 & 1-4:30
Save the Date!
December 19, 7-9pm
Community Holiday
gathering at the Train Station
Details to follow
3
Join us for the annual community
Christmas Tree
Lighting, Friday,
November 23rd, 2012 at
7pm at the Town Gazebo.
Cookies will be provided by the
Harpers Ferry Women’s Club. Hope
to see you there.
42nd Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration November 30 - December 2nd and Dec 8 & 9. Just
around the corner! For detailed information, of each
days events see Page 9 or go to the website http://
historicharpersferry.com. For pictures from last
year’s celebration, click here .
SouperTuesday Dinner, December 18
The SouperNatural Kitchen has served SouperTuesday meals to over 300 people since January 24, 2012 and we
have donated over $1,000 of food. We are presently identifying families in need to sponsor during the holidays.
Please come to our final dinner of 2012—we have some very special events planned:
* Music by Jennifer Maghan
* Class on Juicing by Kim Huneycutt of Harpers Ferry Massage Therapy and Wellness Center
* Black Dog Coffee and, for the first time, coffee and dessert included with your dinner
* Portugese Caldo Verde soup
* And a raffle that will include some very special items
* Meadowsweet Botanicals will be there for your last minute holiday shopping (teas, massage oils, soup
packs, body care and medicinal herbals).
Class starts at 6 pm and dinner at 6:45. Dinner includes soup, bread, coffee, tea and dessert.
Tickets are $15 online at www.paypal.com (use [email protected] as
payee) Children 10 and under are $5 and under 5 are free. Tickets also available at the Canal House and at Dr.
Harris’ office on Taylor St. in Bolivar.
Holiday Party at the ATC!
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will hold its 10th annual AT Community Holiday Party on Saturday,
December 1 from 9 am to 5 pm, at 799
Washington Street. Join us for coffee, mulled
cider, homemade cookies and other treats, and you
can even do some Christmas shopping in our gift
shop. Free parking available. From 10 am to 12
and 1 to 3, Brian King, one of the foremost experts
on AT history, will sign his new coffee-table
book The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating
America's Hiking Path.
Harpers Ferry/Bolivar Christmas Parade Saturday, December 8 You are invited to participate in the parade Please contact Chris Higdon at the Friendship Fire Company
at 304-535-2211 no later than Nov. 24th, 2012. Parade begins at the Visitor Info Center at 2:30 pm and
runs down Washington Street to Union Street.
4
Council Report for November
At its November meeting:
1. Submittal of a grant application for legal review of a draft stormwater
management ordinance was approved.
2. The Planning Commission budget was reallocated to provide a required
local match for a tree maintenance grant submitted to the WV Division of
Forestry.
3. A heat pump maintenance contract for Town Hall with Shenandoah Air
Conditioning and Heating, Inc. was approved.
4. The Planning Commission presented a report reviewing progress to date on Comprehensive Plan
action items and recommendations developed during the past year’s visioning process. The
Council set a worksession for 10am, Saturday, December 1st at the Town Hall meeting room to
discuss the report’s suggested priorities and recommendations. click here to view the report.
5. An ordinance text amendment prohibiting text messaging while driving, was remanded to the
Ordinance Review Committee for further review and clarification.
6. A salary scale for Water Works job classifications and adjustment of the salary of Chris Styer, on
his completion of qualification for the Class I Operator position, were approved.
7. A bid proposal from Bonded Applicators, Inc., for repair of the Town Hall roof and replacement
of the Post Office roof at the cost of up to $25,000 expended from the General Government
(Capital Projects) budget category was approved.
8. The first reading of amendments to Article 905.05-Schedule of Water Rates, increasing water
rates 4% across the board, was approved.
9. The Budget and Finance Committee reported on a public meeting on Room Occupancy Taxes
and on preparations to notify landlords of requirements to obtain a Business License and pay
B&O Taxes.
10. The second reading of a rewrite of Article 735 – Business and Occupation Tax to update the
ordinance for consistency with State Code was approved.
11. The first reading of new Article 740-Reciprocal Information Exchange ordinance to permit the
exchange of tax payer information with the State was approved.
12. A snow removal service proposal from Courtney and Sons Towing was approved.
13. The subcommittee reviewing the Planning Commission’s draft parking and traffic ordinance
update and proposed parking policy (residential parking permit program) made a report on their
on-going review.
Anyone wishing to review any of the documents or information considered by the Council (the
Council “packet”) for past (or pending) meetings can find them on the town website
(www.harpersferrywv.us) under “Council Docs”. The documents are posted to the website the
Friday before regular Council meetings. A paper copy is also available in a public meeting notebook
available at Town Hall.
Give the gift of the Town Newsletter ! Forward your newsletter to friends and relatives, so they
can see what a great town you live in !
5
Tree Committee News On November 3, the Tree Committee planted two more street trees on Washington Street near the
Children's Park. The new trees, both dogwoods, are from the approved Street Tree List. (Click here to
view list.) All the committee members participated, even Chairman Kevin Carden who arrived on foot
without crutches!
The Tree Committee was successful in obtaining a WV Division of Forestry tree maintenance
matching grant of $3,200. Member Christy Huddle, who wrote the grant application, says the work
will help reduce damage in mature trees during high wind storms. The contractor will also prune all the
new street trees (and some existing ones) for proper form.
Woman's Club and Town Combine Efforts The Woman's Club of Harpers Ferry provided the labor
and a generous gift card from Meadows Farms Nursery
along with a like amount from the town funds to acquire
a load of mulch for the Town Garden. Last week, the
much needed mulch was spread in the front garden and
the garden containing the forsythias. Many thanks go to
the town and also to David Cummings for picking up the
mulch and unloading it in the area for us. Woman's club
members provide the maintenance of the garden year
round and will soon be decorating the fountain with
holiday greens.
Deer Duking It Out in Town New Harpers Ferry home owner Ben Baker sent
in this photo he took of two bucks locking horns
with the note: "Here is the picture taken at the
terminus of Lancaster Street right behind the
Park Service's Johnson Building about 6-weeks
ago. Never a dull moment on Camp Hill."
Steve Malstedt demonstrating the
correct way to mulch a tree. (Photo
by Shelly Cox)
Shelly Cox pounding in a
support stake while Steve
and Don Burgess hope she
doesn't miss.
Shelly supervising while Steve
enlarges the hole dug by Mike
Kennedy earlier.
6
Maryland bikers
watering up
Foundation News
Year End Community Celebration – On Nov 2, “Beyond the Lens Photography” hosted the
Foundation's annual celebration and fundraiser at the old funeral home on Washington Street.
Approximately 50 supporters and friends of the Foundation attended and enjoyed a convivial evening
of wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres and prepared dishes. A lively and successful fund raiser auction
followed. We welcome all the renewing members as well as the folks who signed up for 2013
membership.
Status of the $15K Community Participation grant
1. Hire a profession consultant: Draft RFP will be available for informal review by HF and Bolivar
Councils in December.
2. SmartPhone app for visitors: Target date is Feb 15 so it will be available for spring tourist season.
3. Prototype tear sheet is done and ready to print.
$7.5 K MAPP Grant - This grant is written and waiting to be submitted. Turnaround time is 45 days.
We will soon submit this grant with the expectation the money will be available in the spring.
Kiosk Upgrade – Having received positive comments on the decorative painting that helps attract
visitors to the kiosks, the Foundation has asked the artist, Autumn Beckett to continue her work on the
rest of the kiosks as weather allows.
Potomac Street – We have all been saddened by the sudden passing of Don Alexander. Don was not
only a dear friend and colleague, but his expert knowledge and perseverance have been a driving force
on the P-Street project. We will surely miss him.
Submitted by Al Alsdorf for the Harpers Ferry Foundation Board of Directors
New stairs arrive just in
time for Olde Tyme
Christmas!
Dave Cummings trimming
the Town Christmas tree
7
Photo by Dan Innamorato
The
Appalachian
Trail
Conservancy
Halloween
Pumpkin
Carving
Contest was
great fun!
Tony Catanese posing
with his men
Lincoln, joining
Confederate and Union
soldiers next to the
Camp Hill B&B
Planning Commission Report
On November 6, the Planning Commission completed its report on a review of the 2007 Comprehensive
Plan Action items and forwarded it to the Town Council at its November 12 meeting. The Town Council
had requested this report after the visioning process was completed. Here are some highlights:
* Of 67 Action items listed, 30% are done, 22% are underway and one is no longer relevant.
* Several key ordinance updates are underway and should be completed before a Plan update.
* Many Goals & Objectives not connected to listed Action items have also seen much progress.
* Significant issues have arisen since 2007.
This progress is very good given that a comprehensive plan is typically written with a 20-year time frame
and is revisited in a comprehensive manner every ten years (required by WV law). In light of the new
Vision and visioning documents, the Planning Commission recommended seven high priority items for
the next 6-9 months:
* Assign 2007 CP Actions to relevant bodies.
* Review and enact key ordinances now underway.
* Budget for and start to recruit a part-time (shared?) Town Manager.
* Develop and publish a long-term capital improvement (infrastructure) plan.
* Develop detailed plans to attract additional residents and to foster better use and preservation of our
housing inventory.
* Create a “Village Quality-of-Life” group to work on relevant Plan Action items.
* Engage Tree Committee about broadening scope (membership?) to include additional relevant
“natural environmental” Plan Actions.
Photo by Laurie Potteiger
8
Veterans
Day Parade;
“Pete”
Murphy and
Esther
Birney,
World War
II Veterans.
Harpers Ferry Mayor Joe Anderson (left of wreath) and Bolivar Mayor
Bob Hardy, (right of wreath).
Photos by Bob DuBose
Openings Available for Volunteers
There are vacancies (some open in January 2013) on both the Planning Commission and Water
Commission. Volunteers interested in serving, should send letters of interest by December 3, 2012 to
Mayor Anderson at PO Box 217, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. For further information, click on the
indicated contacts:
Planning Commission - Jay Winchester; Water Commission - Barbara Humes
Hearts for the Hungry:
A Big Thanks to Bolivar and Harpers Ferry
As we celebrate Thanksgiving we want to thank all for the wonderful
people for the Hearts for the Hungry Food Drive. Our two towns should
be proud of the united effort this year that has delivered even more food
then last with over 4500 pounds of food donated to the Jefferson County
Community Ministries. Wilts fruit stand on US340 also contributed a
truck load of apples and potatoes to the food drive. We cannot thank
everyone enough for all who made this food drive such a tremendous
success. Please visit http://www.jccm.us or click here.
Bob Hardy, Mayor of Bolivar
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Harpers Ferry
Luther Osment, Pastor of Camp Hill United Methodist
Photos by Bob DuBose
9
Olde Tyme Christmas 2012: Highlights For complete schedule, click here
November 30 – Friday
6:30 Reception - Shenandoah Street Tent
7 Opening Ceremony - Yule Log Celebration on Shenandoah Street followed by caroling up
High St. Luminaries lit after.
7:45 Archangels Choir at St. Peter’s Christmas tree lighting following concert with A Soldier’s
Christmas poem “Pickets Christmas” by Paul Martz
8:15 Living Nativity at St. Peter’s
December 1 – Saturday
All day Bake Sale & Soup Sale at Thomas Hall (in back of St. Peter’s Church), both days
9-5 Appalachian Trail Visitor Center Open House, 799 Washington St. Cookies hot cider, coffee.
10-5 C. W. Whitehair Book Signing at the Village Shop
12-5 Horse and Wagon Rides – Shenandoah St.
12 -1 Children’s Storytelling Hour - Sponsored by ATC Seasonal Stories, all ages, Train Station
1 Barbara Bailey Bradley - Harpist at St. Peter’s
1-3 Ornament Making then Balloon Sculptures at the Train Station
2-4 Mr. & Mrs. Santa - Strolling High & Potomac Streets
3 North Hagerstown High School Chorus at St. Peters
4:15 Wonderment Puppet Theater at the Train Station
6 & 8 Living Nativity, St. Peter’s
Luminaries lit at dusk
December 2 – Sunday
1 Manassas Chanticleers – at St. Peter’s, then strolling streets
1 Tuba Christmas – 175 High Street
3 Madeline MacNeil on Dulcimer at St. Peter’s
4 O’Be Joyful - Rick Garland at St. Peter’s
4:15 Wonderment Puppet Theater at the Train Station
December 8 - Saturday
1 Rolling Coyotes at St. Peter’s
2:15 Charlestown Middle School Chorus at St. Peter’s
3:30 Jefferson Co. High School Jazz Band at St. Peter’s
4:30 Angel Band at St. Peter’s
December 9 – Sunday
1 Apple Capital Chorus at St. Peter’s
2 Steampunk Stroll – Meet at Bus Shelter on Shenandoah Street
2:15 Merlins Beards at St. Peter’s
3:30 Middletown High Vocal Ensemble at St. Peter’s
Events will be held weather permitting.
Full schedules, additions and changes will be posted at lower town kiosks, venues and Merchant
Association member businesses; click here for more.
Please thank merchants who have contributed towards this event as noted by plaques ”I supported
Olde Tyme Christmas.”
10 Town Shopping & Dining
Olde Tyme Christmas, winter holidays, visits from guests, friends and relatives - below are a few places
that will welcome you for the holidays.
SHOPPING
Appalachian Trail Visitor Center
Maps, books, DVDs & apparel; 9a-5p/7 days.
799 Washington Street - 304.535.6331
Cool Confectionaries
True treats from the past. Taste the candy. Enjoy.
144 High Street - 304.461.4714
Harpers Ferry Historical Association Bookshop
Books, videos, photos & toys.
723 Shenandoah Street - 304.535.6881
Harpers Ferry Wine & Gourmet Shoppe
Wine & accessories, cigars, specialties & sundries.
196 High Street - 304.725.9544
The Hodge Podge
Cameras, T-shirts, replicas & antique glassware.
148 High Street - 304.535.6917
Mary Adams
Handmade jewelry, handbags & soaps.
170 High Street - 304.535.2411
Olde Towne Liquors
Liquor & snacks.
1000 Washington Street - 304.535.2153
The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry
Hiking, camping, travel gear, apparel & footwear.
Bikes, toys, candy, camera supplies & apparel.
106 Potomac Street - 304.535.2087
Steam at Harpers Ferry (on the steps)
Art, prints, books, comics, cards & newspapers.
180 High Street - 304.270.0672
Tenfold Fair Trade Collection
A variety of goods for the conscientious consumer.
181A Potomac Street - 304.579.8525
The Village Shop at Harpers Ferry
Candles, figurines, home décor & gifts. Bakery.
180 High Street - 304-535-6911
The Vintage Lady
Jewelry, clothing, gifts & West Virginia glass.
180 High Street - 304.535.1313
Westwind Potters
American craft gallery featuring functional art.
144 High Street - 304.535.2511
DINNING
Cannonball Deli
Pizza, subs, salads, wraps, ice cream & shakes.
148 High Street - 304.535.1762
Coach House Grill
Full-service restaurant.
160 High Street - 304.535.1257
The Coffee Mill
Espresso, sandwiches, salads, soups & candy.
140 Potomac Street - 304.535.1257
Hannah’s Train Depot
Casual, family-friendly dining - lunch & dinner.
201 Potomac Street - 304.535.1333
Village Shop Bakery
Homemade baked goods, hot/cold drinks.
180 High Street - 304.535.6911
Mena’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
Dine-in, carry-out or deliveries available.
914 Washington Street - 304.535.6362
Private Quinn’s Pub - Open daily, year-round.
American cuisine & Irish-American atmosphere.
109 Potomac Street
Scoops
Homemade ice cream, cookies, hotdogs & coffee.
173 Potomac Street - 304.535.6654
Secret Six Tavern
Lunch & dinner 7 days a week. Entertainment.
186 High Street - 304.535.1159
Swiss Miss
Ice cream, frozen egg custard & sandwiches.
143 Potomac Street - 304.535.1250
Town’s Inn Restaurant & Pub
Indoor/outdoor breakfast, lunch & dinner.
179 High Street - 877.489.2447