The gift is the largest in PHG’s history and will be used in support of its efforts to combat substance use disorder in the Potomac Highlands region.

According to PHG Executive Director Mike Landis, the funding will specifically aid in the expansion of the CravAlert system, a patient monitoring tool designed to provide real- time support for vulnerable and high-risk individuals during critical mental and behavioral health transitions.

“It connects the person with addiction or early recovery with us. If they’re struggling or having problems, we can be alerted, and we can provide an intervention to keep them on the right track,” he said.

Landis said the CravAlert project started three years ago, but there was little to no funding attached to it to get it off the ground. “This grant, this gift here, will allow us to complete it and maybe take it even further,” he said.

Substance use disorder remains a persistent challenge in the Potomac Highlands region. The CravAlert system is a new step in addiction recovery, using wearable technology, real-time data monitoring, and peer recovery coaching to help prevent relapse and save lives.

“Recovery isn’t just about treatment; it’s about sustained support, timely intervention, and giving people the tools they need to succeed,” said Charlie Maddy, President of Burke & Herbert Bank. “CravAlert is a game-changer because it allows for proactive care, not just reactive responses. We are honored to support Potomac Highlands Guild in this effort to empower individuals on their recovery journey,” he said.

PHG provides programs and services in behavioral health, addiction treatment, and community initiatives to clients in Pendleton, Hampshire, Mineral, Hardy, and Grant counties.

PHG has an operating budget of around $14 million and receives the bulk of its funding from the state’s Bureau for Behavioral Health, according to Landis. He said PHG serves around 3,000 clients across the five counties at any given time.

Landis said he views this as a true partnership with Burke &  Herbert. “I would like to thank Burke and Herbert Bank with providing us a grant that will help us continue our project and for a lasting partnership in helping the communities we serve,” he said. “That’s how you build as a community. That’s how you build as an agency.”

“Potomac Highlands Guild is a pillar in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, specifically in Hardy, Grant, Pendleton, Hampshire, and Mineral counties offering essential health and recovery services, and we are proud to stand alongside them in this mission,” said Maddy.

The Hardy County Committee on Aging receives Federal funding through Title III for senior meals. Region VIII distributes the funding to each county in the 15-county region. Each month, HCCOA bills Region VIII for the previous month’s meals served. The monies then are received at the end of the month.

The money

Many people feel that their meal is paid in full by the government funding but that’s not the case. HCCOA receives $7 for every meal served at the center to people over the age 60; $7.50 for delivered meals and $5.50 for frozen meals. Recently, with the increased price of food, the cost of a meal has risen to over $10 per meal. That’s an average difference of $3.34 per meal! This cost difference is why we ask (not require) each meal participant to contribute money as they can. No one will be denied a meal if they cannot donate!

Why your donation is important

Recipient and community donations help to guarantee that our meal program continues to assist the many seniors of Hardy County. Without contributions, it will be in jeopardy. Many businesses, churches, local government and community organizations also contribute to our nutrition program to ensure it’s continuation. Without everyone’s generous contribution, our nutrition program could not exist.

If you or your business, church or community organization would like to participate in our meal sponsorship program, please give us a call at 304- 530-2256 for more details.

Events: Crochet, Thursday’s at 1:00 pm (NOTE THE NEW TIME!) Story Time – Wednesdays at 10:00, every 1st Saturday at 10:00 December 12, 5:30pm – Diamond Art bookmark painting, ages 14 & up. Only 20 spaces available, please call to reserve your spot 304-538-6560 December 14, 10:00 – 11:30 – Christmas craft and a visit from Santa!

New fiction:

Trial by fire : a novel by Danielle Steel

Born to a French mother and American father, graceful Dahlia de Beaumont has been sole owner and CEO of the venerable family perfume business based in Paris since her early twenties, following the death of her parents. For twenty-five years, after losing her young skier husband in an avalanche, her life has centered on running Lambert Perfumes and being a devoted single mother to her four now-adult children: indecisive Charles, volatile Alexa, kind-hearted business visionary Delphine, and dreamy artist Emma. Now fifty-six, she has an “arrangement” with a married French man but has been questioning that relationship. Dahlia comes to San Francisco on a routine business trip to check on her stores in the States. But shortly after her arrival, brush fires ignite in Napa Valley. Watching the sweeping devastation on the news, Dahlia is moved to help. But doing so will bring unforeseen consequences that endanger not only her life, but her entire future.

Over the edge by Irene Hannon

As the sole witness to a murder, Lindsey Barnes is already on edge. Now she’s being targeted by someone who wants to discredit her testimony. Or is she? Police detective Jack Tucker must determine if it’s true, and if so, who’s behind the campaign to destroy her credibility–and perhaps her life.

To die for by David Baldacci

Travis Devine has become a pro at accomplishing any mission he’s given. But this time it’s not his skills that send him to Seattle to aid the FBI in escorting orphaned, twelve-year-old Betsy Odom to a meeting with her uncle, who’s under federal investigation. Instead, he’s hoping to lay low and keep off the radar of an enemy–the girl on the train. But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise around the death of her parents. Devine digs for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy bigger than he could’ve ever imagined.

Now or never : thirty-one on the run : a Stephanie Plum novel by Janet Evanovich

She said yes to Morelli. She said yes to Ranger. Now Stephanie Plum has two fiancâes and no idea what to do about it. But the way things are going, she might not live long enough to marry anyone. While Stephanie stalls for time, she buries herself in her work as a bounty hunter, tracking down an unusually varied assortment of fugitives from justice. She can’t hold Ranger and Morelli at bay for long, and she’s keeping a secret from them that is the biggest bombshell of all. Now or never, she’s got to make the decision of a lifetime.

New Non-fiction

From under the truck : a memoir by Josh Brolin

Weaving a latticework of different strands, moving back and forth through time, Brolin captures a life marked by curiosity, pain, devotion, kindness, humor. He recounts an unconventional childhood far from Hollywood. Raised on a ranch in Paso Robles, California, he was surrounded as a child by the wolves, cougars, and other wild animals gathered by his fearless and explosive mother, Jane Agee Brolin. Her tragic, early death haunts this book, and the force of her unforgettable personality is felt throughout.

The small and the mighty : twelve unsung Americans who changed the course of history, from founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon

Through meticulous research, McMahon discovers history’s unsung characters and brings their rich, riveting stories to light for the first time, proving that the stories of ordinary Americans who never make it into textbooks are often the most remarkable.

American heroes by James Patterson

U.S. soldiers who served in overseas conflicts– from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan–share true stories of the actions that earned them some of America’s most distinguished military medals, up to and including the Medal of Honor. They never acted alone, but always in the spirit of camaraderie, patriotism, and for the good of our beloved country. There has never been a better time for all of us to think about duty, sacrifice, and what it means to be an American hero.

The wall of life : pictures and stories from this marvelous lifetime by Shirley MacLaine

MacLaine shares a memoir in photographs, chronicling her life with 150+ images from her personal archive.

New Easy Readers

The helping sweater by Rachel Davisson Más

It’s finally cold enough for Maya to wear her favorite sweater! But when her cat pulls a thread loose, her beloved sweater quickly begins to unravel. Maya is heartbroken, but she doesn’t have time to fix it before school. She starts to realize that maybe her sweater can help other people–and that’s when the magic begins! Maya uses her sweater to help folks in her community throughout the day. But of course, what goes around, comes around and when Maya needs help, someone comes to her rescue.

Who took my lollipop? By Doug Cenko

Someone took Squirrel’s lollipop…and he’s BIG MAD. It was pink and blue and stripey and delicious. He bought it with his own lemonade stand money! And now it’s GONE! Can the lollipop thief be found before Squirrel loses his temper? Or will his friendship with the other playground animals be hurt by his anger as he madly searches for the culprit?

Wake up, moon! By Lita Judge

A playful squirrel defies bedtime, delighting in a playful snow romp with forest friends, until drowsy eyes and sleepy yawns signal the time for a cozy rest.

Tumblebaby by Adam Rex

A sleeping baby rolls out of the house and across the nation on a series of larger-than-life adventures.

New Non-Fiction
“Like a Rolling Stone: A Memoir” by Jann S. Wenner – Wenner brings readers inside the music, the politics, and the lifestyle of a generation and cultural change that swept America and beyond.
“Prisoners of the Castle: An Epic Story of Survival and Escape from Colditz, the Nazis’ Fortress Prison” by Ben Macintyre – Macintyre explores Colditz, one of history’s most notorious prisons – and the remarkable cast of POWs who tried relentlessly to escape their Nazi captors.
“What If? 2” by Randall Munroe – Munroe provides his best answers yet to the weirdest questions you never thought to ask. As he consistently demonstrates, you can learn a lot from examining how the world might work in very specific extreme circumstances.
“The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II” by Buzz Bissinger – Bissinger takes readers from the playing fields of America’s campuses where boys played at being Marines, to the final time they were allowed to still be boys on that field of dirt and coral, to the darkest and deadliest days that followed at Okinawa.
“Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships” by Nina Totenberg – NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers a memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly 50 years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You” by Stephen R. Covey – Covey outlines his vision for those in the prime of life – whatever age you may be – urging all to continually grow in contribution, learning, and influence.
“Holiday Cookies: More Than 100 Very Merry Recipes” by Brian Hart Hoffman – Over 100 recipes divided into mouthwatering categories. You’ll find everything from thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, holiday twists perfect for a cookie swap, chocolate decadence and everything in between.

New Easy Readers
“Finding Fire” by Logan S. Kline – After a hard rain douses the family fire, a brave young boy sets out to search for more fire to bring home before the cold season sets in. Along the way, he’ll face many challenges, from perilous mountains to fearsome predators to raging rivers, and find something wholly unexpected: a friend.
“Yellow Dog Blues” Alice Faye Duncan – Traveling across the Mississippi Delta, Bo Willie searches blues landmarks like Dockery Farms and Beale Street for his missing dog.
“I’m a Unicorn” by Helen Yoon – What happens when a one-horned calf with impeccable logic is convinced they’re a unicorn?
“Hey, Bruce!: An Interactive Book” (Mother Bruce) by Ryan T. Higgins – Three mice guide readers on quest for a fun reading experience, with a reluctant Bruce as the star.
“Maya’s Song” by Renee Watson – This picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of poet and activist Maya Angelou, whose words have uplifted and inspired generations of readers.
“Even Robots Can Be Thankful!” (Robots) by Jan Thomas – In three stories, Red Robot and Blue Robot learn that gratitude is not always easy, but best friends are something to be thankful for.
“Construction Site: Road Crew, Coming Through” (Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site) by Sherri Duskey Rinker – Told in rhyming text, seven new road-building machines set out on a job – building, rolling, paving, and painting a brand-new road.
“If I Were Saint Nick: A Christmas Story” by the Cat in the Hat – The Cat in the Hat considers all the ways he would improve on celebrating Christmas if he were to fill in for Saint Nick.
“Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend” (Little Blue Truck) by Alice Schertle – There is someone new on the farm and Little Blue Truck knows just how to make the newcomer welcome.

During his press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 30, Governor Jim Justice mandated West Virginia students in elementary and middle school return to in-person instruction on Tuesday, Jan. 19. “This will give teachers and staff time to prepare,” Justice said.

The governor followed his announcement with some statistics. 

“The transmission rate for students under the age of 15 is 0.02 percent,” he said. “The transmission rate for staff is 0.3 percent. 

“We are failing at virtual learning. According to the Department of Education, one-third of students are failing in at least one core class. 

“There has been a 50 percent reduction in Child Protective Services referrals. 

“Kids are suffering and we need to change that.”

Justice also said all teachers and staff over the age of 50 will receive the COVID-19 vaccine over the next two weeks. Once everyone over 50 receives the vaccine, others will receive it. 

Students in grades 9 through 12 will return to in-person instruction as long as the county is not designated “Red” on the Department of Health and Human Resources County Alert System Map. 

“Winter sports will begin on March 1,” Justice said.

Winter sports had been postponed until Jan. 19. 

According to a press release from the West Virginia Department of Education, parents will still have the option to keep their children in virtual learning regardless of the Governor’s mandate.

The release also indicated the Saturday Education Map will no longer be published. Instead, the DHHR map will be used to determine high school in-person learning.

Dr. Clay Marsh, the West Virginia Coronavirus Czar, quoted a study done in Iceland that said students under the age of 15 are 1/2 as likely to contract and spread COVID-19. “That tells us the classrooms are safer than the community,” he said. 

Prior to the governor’s announcement, Hardy County was in the process of returning students to school on Jan. 4. As a result of the announcement, Hardy County students will return on Jan. 19.

Vaccine Distribution

Justice said of the 86,800 doses of COVID-19 vaccine the state has received, as of Wednesday, Dec. 30, only 37,862 have been administered. “That’s not good enough,” he said.

Justice has always maintained that the state has the most vulnerable population because of the aging population and adverse medical conditions. 

Justice reported everyone in the state’s long-term care facilities – nursing homes and assisted living facilities – were vaccinated.

According to Brandon Tooten, community relations manager, the E. A. Hawse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has vaccinated 41 residents and 44 employees.

Justice further ordered everyone 80 years old and older, living outside long-term care facilities, be vaccinated immediately.

“When we get everybody 80 and older, we’ll start on everybody 70 and older,” he said.

The governor ordered the National Guard to distribute vaccine to counties so that teachers may be vaccinated, as well as those 80 years and older.

In a press release following his announcement, the governor indicated local health departments will be responsible for administering vaccinations to residents 80 years and older.

The Hardy County Heath Department held a vaccination clinic on Sunday, Jan. 3 for Hardy County residents 80 years and older.

COVID Statistics

West Virginia passed the morbid milestone of 1,300 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, Dec. 29. 

As of Dec. 30 in Hardy County, there were 149 active cases, 18 people in the hospital and 7 deaths attributed to COVID-19. 

Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask when in public, maintain a distance of six feet between others and wash hands frequently.

On Nov. 14, Governor Justice mandated masks must be worn indoors in public buildings. 

“I can’t tell you how happy we are to be at this point,” said Health Department Administrator Bill Ours. “Our staff has worked tirelessly through this ordeal and we are happy to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

The E. A. Hawse Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Baker received a shipment of the vaccine on Tuesday, Dec. 15.

According to Bandon Totten, Community Relations Manager, AMFM, requested vaccine for its more than 2,000 employees and 1,200 patients statewide. AMFM is the parent company of E. A. Hawse N&RC.

The vaccine will be distributed by the center’s in-house pharmacists.
“This is a momentous day for our patients and employees and provides hope for ending the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John Elliot, owner of AMFM N&RC. “Being a part of history and among the first in the US and West Virginia to receive the vaccine is remarkable. I am so thankful, but make no mistake, we will not let our guard down and will continue to wear face masks, social distance and follow the CDC guidelines closely. We are doing this for our patients, each other and our communities.”

AMFM operates 19 skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers throughout West Virginia.

Valley Health System also received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday. Officials there proceeded to distribute it and began administering the vaccine. Doses were transported to hospitals in Front Royal, Woodstock, and Luray.

Valley Health’s two West Virginia hospitals received and began vaccinating workers on Thursday.

“This is an incredibly exciting and momentous day for our caregivers and for our community,” said Iyad Sabbagh, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Valley Health. “Since March, our healthcare workers have been challenged in ways we could not have even imagined a year ago. This vaccine has been the light at the end of the tunnel ever since.”

According to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Phase I of the vaccination program will include workers in hospitals, long-term care facilities and pharmacies. This includes staff and nursing home/assisted living residents.

Next will be people in community infrastructure, emergency response, public health officials and first responders. This includes police, firefighters, 911 Center employees, corrections staff and local health department staff. 
Other health care workers will follow. 

Teachers and people who work in education along with those considered critical services for continuity of government, utilities and transportation are also part of the Phase I distribution.

It is estimated that these individuals will receive the vaccine between December and February 2021. 

The vaccine will be distributed to the general public beginning in February and March 2021, with special emphasis given to those over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions.