Special Community Issue

WVLiving magazine has always strived to bring our readers the best stories from around the state. But this is an extra special issue. As our state faced unparalleled challenges, West Virginians stepped up, opened their hearts and their wallets, and helped their fellow neighbors. A month ago, we reached out to you and asked you to share stories about people and organizations that have gone above and beyond to help others during this time of need and businesses that have retooled as a result of the pandemic. We asked you if you had experienced positive changes, made new connections, or found ways to get back to your roots that could inspire others.

Don’t miss our upcoming travel issue of WV Living , which will be on newsstands the first week of July! We are going retro and returning to yesteryear with an awesome summer road trip–themed issue! Subscribe today at wvliving.com

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And you responded. These are your stories. This is your issue. There are no advertisements, and no one funded or sponsored this piece. This is our special community digital issue—sourced from the community for our community. On the last page there’s a People Finder index listing those featured in the publication. After reading these stories, I’ve never been more proud to call myself a West Virginian. They are a reminder as we hit the reset button to continue to think about our communities. I implore you to make it an intentional habit to safely support our restaurants, retail establishments, and local businesses. If you follow me on social media (and if you don’t, please do: @WVLiving on Facebook and, on Instagram, @TheWVEditor and @WVLiving), you know I’ve launched an initiative called #WearLocalWV. Every week I post a selfie showcasing items purchased from local businesses around the state. We also created a filter you can put on your photo with the hashtag #WearLocalWV. In these unparalleled times, every act of support helps our small businesses. So please join me in helping market them with our #WearLocalWV social media shoutouts and challenge three friends to do the same. It’s a reminder to be more conscientious of where we are spending our hard-earned dollars. When we support a local business, our money goes further—it makes our communities stronger and more vibrant.

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1. I purchased this baseball cap from Lost River Trading Post in Wardensville and my earrings were designed by artist Judy Belcher, purchased from Tamarack. 2. I found my orange and turquoise dress at Ivor’s Trunk in Charleston, necklace was made by artist Joan Stamp and purchased at ETC in Wheeling, wedding ring is from Jacqueline's Fine Jewelry. 3. I recently purchased this awesome shirt online from The Initialed Life in Charleston, my West Virginia necklace is from The Vintage Lady in Harpers Ferry, and earrings from Ivor’s Trunk in Charleston. 4. This baseball cap from The Delmonte Market in Elkins gets lots of use and earrings by Tygart River Pottery. 5. My T-shirt is from Screech Owl Brewing in Bruceton Mills and my earrings are made from recycled Coca Cola cans by artist Merideth Young, purchased at Tamarack. 6. I found this baseball cap at Hoot and Howl in Morgantown.

NIKKI BOWMAN MILLS, Editor

We All Make Snafoons Enjoy a compilation recapping some of our governor’s most memorable press conferences.

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