The new sizzlin' place to be in town is Hot Braza 4-26-2011



Hot Braza-The Brazilian Bar can be part of your meal.



    by Olivia Hefner

   

    The atmosphere within The Hot Braza leaves something to be desired at the least. The walls are plain and fake potted plants line the walls along with large televisions. It doesn’t exactly scream, “Fabulous Brazilian food sold here!”  However, they certainly do have some of the best food in town.

One of the most interesting things about The Hot Braza, which is located on Avery Street, is the fact that they have a Brazilian buffet. The buffet is served daily and it includes a full salad bar, soup of the day and a traditional all-you-can-eat Brazilian meal. The buffet is only served from 11 a.m – 2 p.m., but it only costs $7.95.

The salad bar is just a typical bar with several dressings and a vegetable plate. Be sure to try the vegetable dip – it’s fabulous. Immediately after the salad bar is the hot bar. Keep in mind that the plates for the hot bar are actually on the right side of the bar, on the other side are more salad plates, which are significantly smaller.

    Spicy smelling foods seem to be the staple at the bar, try everything. The rice and black beans, a traditional Brazilian staple, are always on the bar. They are probably the best beans and rice in the area too. The meatballs have sort of a kick to them as well and compliment the noodles perfectly.

    The bar also offers something uncommonly found in the area – fried bananas. Fried bananas are amazing. It’s half of a banana that has been fried in a sweet breading.  They turn out crunchy on the outside, while the warm banana-inside is practically melting – so delicious.

    Other than the bar, customers can order off of the full menu, which includes a variety of traditional dishes. The menu prices are a little steeper than the bar, but the portions are equal to the price.

    Finally, The Hot Braza pulls out all the stops for dessert. They offer a great caramel flan that has a really thick consistency. They also offer a passion fruit mousse and chocolate cake. However, the one dessert that cannot be missed is the blueberry cheesecake. The cake is massive and covered in perfectly tart blueberries. The reason that it is so delicious is that is doesn’t taste like a complete block of cream cheese like most restaurant cheesecakes. The cheesecake was wonderful and a perfect end to a really great, traditional meal.

We all Scream for Scream 4 4-26-2011

by Sami Daggett

   

    It has been ten years since the ghost face killer has haunted Sidney Prescott and those around her.

    “Scream” fans everywhere have all been anticipating the release of the newest addition to the horror franchise, and they will not disappoint with “Scream 4.” The film, directed by Wes Craven, made over $18 million at the box office during opening weekend.

    Just like most “Scream” films, number four hosted several celebrities, including the inevitable return of Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox. Along with the veterans, were newcomers Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettierre.

    There are many similarities in the newest film compared to the three previous Craven directed slashers. The story line is based around Sidney’s hometown of Woodsboro, which starts facing tragedy again after Prescott’s return home. The plot is comparative to other scary movies and often pokes jokes at the predictable scenes.

    With each new film comes at least one new killer. And with each new killer comes several murders. Sidney’s younger cousin, played by Emma Roberts, takes over the role of the high school girl struck by tragedy and made famous by Sidney in the first film.

    The rules of a horror film are broken because of the new decade. No longer are people safe because they’re a virgin or simply because they didn’t say, “I’ll be right back” when leaving the room.  Anyone and everyone is a target for “Scream 4.”

    It’s up to the viewers to decide if the newest movie matches up with or surpasses the others, in my opinion, it most certainly does. “Scream 4” is fantastically entertaining and at times, even a little scary.

      Viewers can catch “Scream 4” in theaters now, along with, “Rio The Movie 3D,” “Arthur,” “Hanna,” “Soul Surfer,” “Your Highness,” “Hop,” “Insidious,” “Source Code,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,” and “Limitless.”

Olivia's Outlook 4-26-2011



Olivia Hefner



        by Olivia Hefner

      Student A and Student B are freshmen in a 100-level class. Student A attends every class and develops proper study habits. Student B never shows up, but reads the book. Both students pass the class. Two years later Student A and B are in a 300-level class. Student A once again attends every class and devotes a large portion of time to the class. Student B shows up for the tests, reads the book and fails the class. 

        Students A and B attended a college without an attendance policy, and, in the end, they both got what they deserved. However, Student B did not waste the instructor’s time with ridiculous excuses of illnesses, “car trouble” and various other reasons because there was no reason to lie to skirt around a policy.

        Students are paying to attend college and, therefore, should not be subjected to a college-wide attendance policy past the freshman year. Students who wish to waste money and not attend upper-level classes are only hurting themselves in the long run. However, freshmen are often caught up in the newness of college and actually attending classes can be tough.

        In upper-level classes, having a student who shows up every other three classes and tries to make up their work compromises the education of those who do show up. Most colleges believe that having an attendance policy will prevent this, and all students will show up for classes. Not true. Students see an attendance policy as a loophole. If they can miss two classes, they’ll miss three and claim a deathly illness that kept them from class for three weeks. If the attendance policy were eliminated, these students would not need to make excuses and take advantage of the professors who are too kind to the students taking advantage of them. They simply would not show to class and would lose points for late work instead of being given extra time for “illness.”

        Illness does occur, but a responsible student can e-mail the professor in ample time to explain the illness, ask for the work and have it turned in on time without an issue.  The other problem is how awful these students are treating the teachers. The professors at the college are more than helpful to students who need help and offer their time and resources to make sure they succeed. When a student shows sporadically for class asking for help and time extensions, they are taking time away from the class and the professors’ time – which is not endless. They have lives, too.

        The only exceptions to a mandatory attendance policy are freshmen. Freshmen should be required to attend x amount of classes, based on x amount of hours in the class. Since freshman year is full of new experiences and is really the first taste of college life, they require a little more of a rigid structure. It builds good study habits and attendance habits. If freshmen learn attendance habits in the first year, there may be fewer students like Student B in the long run taking up time, taking advantage of the teacher and taking college like a hand out.

Couple Makes it Work 4-12-2011



Gina and Doug pose for a picture after going out to dinner.



   by Abbie Sweeney

   

    Freshman Gina Sikorski is sweet, pretty and silly according to her boyfriend of eight-and -half-months freshman Doug Gillespie. Gina likes being with Doug because he is handsome, a good listener and he also makes her laugh.

    The couple met at the Jackson pool in the summer of 2010. They both worked there, but they had different job descriptions. Working as a lifeguard was Gina’s job while Doug worked in the basket room where he took money for people to enter the pool area.

    In this couple’s case, it was the girl who made the first move. Gina gave Doug her number, and he decided to text Gina. The couple spent the rest of their summer working together at the pool. When it came time to go to college, Gina left for West Virginia University while Doug stayed at WVU Parkersburg.

    Staying at home for Doug made sense to him because he could get his core classes complete. Also, there is a big difference in tuition between WVU and WVU Parkersburg.

    However, Gina made the decision to go up to WVU. “I always wanted to go away,” Gina said. Even though she was about two hours from home, the couple still saw each other every weekend. If Gina wanted to come back home she had to ride back from Morgantown with her sister. “I normally drove up to see her,” Doug said.

    When the Drake concert was given in Morgantown Oct. 7, Doug bought the tickets for him and Gina to attend as a birthday gift for her.

    But her decision to go away to college did not last long. She only stayed at WVU for her first semester and is now attending WVU Parkersburg. “I came back because I was just confused about my schooling,” said Gina. 

    After all the stressing of the first semester finals was over, the couple spent their Christmas together. A pair of diamond earrings was Gina’s gift from Doug, while she bought him a very expensive Egyptian cotton bedspread.

    The break from college could not last forever. The couple started their second semester at the same college both studying in education.

    Not only are they in the same building for this semester, but they also share two classes together: English 102 and First Aid. “We are not the couple that like does each other's homework. We just remind each other about different homework assignments and when test dates are,” Doug said.

    With the classes that the couple does not have together, Doug will wait outside for Gina or the other way around.

    Gina lives in Williamsotwn and Doug lives in North end Parkersburg. So because Doug’s house is kind of on Gina’s way to the college, she picks him up every morning before class.

    Separate from all the schoolwork, the couple likes to watch movies together and spend time with each other’s families. Since the couple started dating, they always wanted to go walk down by the river by the floodwall. But, because of construction, the floodwall has been kept close.

    However, on Valentine’s Day they could walk by the river. The wall was actually open. Unfortunately just because it was open it didn’t mean that they were still allowed to be down there. “We actually made it past the floodwall opening for the first time, but shortly after we got across it the construction workers told us that we needed to leave,” Gina said.

    Also for Valentine’s Day, Gina made Doug a homemade cake and card. She also went out and bought a box of chocolates. Doug gave her a bouquet of flowers and cupcakes. 

    The sense of caring from Valentine’s Day carries on throughout their whole relationship. “We don’t really fight,” said Doug. If the couple has any kind of disagreement, they talk it out and move on with their relationship.

    Both Gina and Doug plan on graduating from WVU Parkersburg. However, Doug wishes to continue his education and receive his master’s degree at WVU.

Facebooking Can Lead to Love 4-12-2011

         by Chris Mixer

   

   “I’ve never met anyone that makes me feel the way she does,” explains 22-year-old student, Alikka Stephens. He further elaborates on his story by telling how he and the “love of his life,” Sarah Allen, met.

    It was spring of 2010 and Alikka had been having the time of his life, as he had just been released from the bonds of servitude at his mother’s house. After moving in with some friends in an apartment, the search for work proved to be more difficult than he had imagined.

    After many dead ends, he finally found employment at the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.  Shortly after that, he acquired a Ford Mustang that he and his grandfather had been working on for the past few months. All he needed was a lady in his life and everything would be “copacetic.”

    It wasn’t until a few weeks later that he would find his potential soul mate. They met each other on Facebook.

    “At first, I was a little scared about meeting him, but shortly after, I was so glad I did. He is such a good guy,” said Sarah while flashing Alikka a playful smile.

    “I know, right?” her partner interrupted. “I was kind of scared that she might be an axe murderer or something,” he joked. “But, in all seriousness, it is probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”

    They decided to meet at a mutual friend’s house. “I felt like it was love at first sight,” said Sarah dreamily gazing at her man. He couldn’t help but to smile and gave her a big kiss.  

    All summer long they went on crazy adventures, whether it was in town or in its’ rural surroundings. Taking romantic strolls through some of the local parks, such as Mountwood and North Bend. When they’re not enjoying nature, the two lovebirds often watch movies together, as they both pride themselves as being “movie buffs.”

    After nearly a year of dating, they decided to take their relationship to the next level and moved in together. Shortly afterward, Alikka got into a bit of trouble and had to serve one full day of jail time after crashing his Mustang into a number of parked cars. While away on his “vacation,” Alikka was let go from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel and forced to look for other work.

    It was around this time that Sarah talked him into going to college to make his search for work easier.  “I was unsure about it at first but, the more she tried to convince me, the better the idea sounded. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for her. She takes really good care of me, if you know what I mean,” he said with a wink. Sarah did not hesitate to slug him in the arm, and then they both giggled.

    While Alikka is planning to get his Master’s degree in psychology, Sarah is getting her Bachelor’s degree in accounting. “We make an excellent team,” claimed Sarah. “We have some of the same classes together which is super helpful for when I need a study partner.”  “And she usually does,” Alikka laughed. Although Sarah obviously did not find this nearly as funny as he did.

    “Everyone says that living together really tests the strength of the relationship but we haven’t had any problems yet. I think that means that we are meant for each other,” Alikka explained. “The only real issue we have had with each other is deciding which movies to watch in our down time.”

    The promise ring on Sarah’s finger raises the question of marriage. “Not anytime too soon,” Alikka quickly replied. “While we are both very much in love, we are not in a rush to get hitched.” “Yeah,” Sarah agreed, “It will probably be after school, when we are both financially stable and can afford the perfect wedding.” A look of excitement rolled over her face as she explained their plan. “And we definitely plan on having some kids,” she said.

            These lovebirds have a long and arduous journey ahead of them but, they reassure their friends and families that true love will prevail. “I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with her. She is the girl of my dreams and nothing will ever change that,” Alikka said, as Sarah gave him a look inferring mutual agreement

Relationship Blooms From Friendship 4-12-2011

    by Trey Bailey

   

    Who says a Sagittarius and a Leo isn’t compatible?  Just ask Shayna Brooks and Josh Burns and they will have a love story to show that these signs are very right for each other. 

    Shanya is the oldest of three.  Brooks currently works as a retail part-time manager at Charlotte Rousse. 

    Burns is the youngest of three children of Bernice and Charlie Burns of St.Marys, W,Va.  Burns is a transporter at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital and is head of a Chemical Response team.

    Shayna and Burns first met at the Marietta Brewery a few years ago.  As they both recall; their first meeting was very lack luster and could have been easily forgotten.  Burns described it by saying,“All I can remember is Shaya wasn’t talking to me at all when I first met her and honestly that drew me towards her even more.  That is the main reason why I stayed in contact with her afterwards.”

    After the two first met, both ended up moving away from the area.  Burns moved to Concord to attend college while Brooks moved to Tennessee with family.  The two would describe their contact with each other during this time as “friends touching base.”

    When the two of them returned to the Parkersburg area, fate came into play.  They describe their reuniting as purely coincidence.  Burns said “I wasn’t even aware that she was back in town until I was in the mall and a buddy of mine pointed her out.  I knew I had to go in and talk to her and we were dating shortly after.”  The two have been dating for two years this April.  Or, as Brooks put it, “two years and three days.”

    Brooks has attended classes on and off at WVU Parkersburg for the past three semesters as a business major.  When asked if she will continue studies here she replied, “I like the college experience but  I think it is going to be easier for me to finish my college with online courses.  I still intend to take those courses through WVU Parkersburg.” 

    Burns has attended WVU Parkersburg and Concord University.  He only needs three classes to complete his Associate’s in Arts degree.  When asked about his college experience Burns described it as “a great experience”.  He also had great things to say about WVU Parkersburg “WVU Parkersburg is probably the best place for college that someone in this area can attend.  I have studied at Concord and the difference is basically the time the instructors have to help students..” He went on to add, “Most teachers there (Concord) had classes of a hundred or more students, while here teachers have much more opportunities to help.”

    The two of them have also taken a class together here, medical terminology.  Brooks said “It was great taking a class with Josh.  It was so much easier to have someone there at all times helping me at the college and at home.   I enjoyed the time we spent studying.” 

    Burns gives advice to students now, “Just take one day at a time.  If you don’t, you'll never get anywhere.” 

    The couple enjoys their time together.  Since they have recently moved into a home together in Vienna, W.Va. 

    They enjoy long walks to the river, watching movies on their days off and many other activities.  Burns describes the time they spend together, “We do everything together honestly.  If I’m going golfing, Shanya is usually with me.  If I am going to visit friends, she is right there with me.  We do everything together.”

    Although the young couple are still a “work in progress” as described by Burns, they are very happy with each other. “I enjoy every memory we make together and hopefully there will be many more,” Brooks said. 

    When asked about marriage as a possible future plan Brooks simply said with a smile, “It’s all up to him.” 

    Burns also spoke freely on advice for couples, “I think the biggest thing that breaks up couples is patience. It's so easy to just get mad about something on the spot, but if you take the time to be patient and calm down you’ll see that having an argument really wasn’t the answer to the problem.”

                                                                                                                                  When questioned about the couple’s ability to juggle school, work and their personal life Burns said, “It’s kind of a hassle trying to juggle all of these things but it’s totally worth it.” Brooks also added with a laugh, “I sometimes get frustrated but when I get home and relax, I also can see that everything we are doing is worth it.  So, like usual, I’m agreeing with Josh.”

College Proves Difficult for Newlyweds 4-12-2011



Lindsey and Joe Lynch enjoy spending all their free time with one another.



by Sami Daggett

  

  College students don’t always see their lives as being full of excitement. Choosing between good grades, getting enough sleep and having a social life can often make students feel like they can’t have it all. With the constant classes, exams and stresses, having a normal life can seem difficult.

    For college student Lindsey Knost and her now husband, Joe Lynch, the stresses became much more intense after deciding to get married to each other in May 2010.

    Joe and Lindsey met when they both worked as managers together at the same restaurant. The two hit it off immediately and it didn’t take them long to get married. Now, the pair shares a home in Williamstown, W. Va. with their two pugs.

    Lindsey has been going to WVU Parkersburg since the fall of 2010 and her new husband took on the responsibility of paying the tuition.

    The couple manages their life well. Both partners have jobs and Lindsey, of course is often busy with schoolwork. They admit having more free time to be with each other would be nice, but still save time for each other every day to sit with on the couch to watch their favorite movies and television shows.

    Lindsey originally went to Ohio Valley University for her first year of college. After tuition became too much to handle, she made the choice to come to WVU Parkersburg. She said, “OVU was a much more hands-on college and the counselors are there to help guide you through the entire process of getting your degree. It’s not like that at WVUP. You’re expected to do everything on your own. But I understand it, OVU is a private college, so it’ much easier for that one-on-one experience.”

    “There are certainly things I don’t like about WVUP, but overall it has made a positive impact on my life. Because of the low tuition rates and the fact that campus is close to home, I’m able to live a much happier life with my new husband.”

    Because of her current job as a Pharmacy Technician, Lindsey takes only six hours a semester. She is taking two online classes now and hopes to graduate in 2013 with a Marketing degree. She is aware marketing and Pharmacy are two completely different categories, but enjoys her job and is able to make a decent living while attaining her dream.

    When asked what she kind of job she would like to have after she graduates, Joe answered jokingly for her, “a housewife.” Lindsey then quickly corrected him by saying she’d like to work in advertising for a local company.

    Joe works at Suddenlink as a customer service representative. He is happy to pay for his wife’s education. He smiles at the mention of him paying the tuition.

    When they do have spare time, they love to walk their dogs, watch the television show and “House.” The couple is also very active in church.

    The couple attends Lynn Street church of Christ where they help out with church functions and those in need. Giving back to the community helps the Lynch’s find a balance in their lives.
    “You feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself when you're able to help people. It really is a great feeling and we just love spending time with our church family.”

    It became obvious within the first few minutes of talking with the couple that they are truly in love with one another. Joe would often stroke Lindsey’s hair as she was speaking and share the occasional loving glance. After being married almost a year, the two still seem to be off on their honeymoon.

   With many couples, the reality of marriage sets in as soon as the reception is over and the guests go home. Although the couples have their troubles at times (their car had broke down a few days prior), they make no mention of being angry or getting into fights with one another.

Love Conquers Even Distance 4-12-2011



Kelli and Joel Guitierrez kiss to seal their love.



by Susan Moore

   

    Most people begin looking for love early in life and are lucky enough to find it.  Others give up looking all together and end up finding exactly what they were not expecting to find.

    When Kelli, a recent graduate of WVU Parkersburg, and Joel Gutierrez, a current student at the college, met in 2008, Joel’s brother Jesse was about to leave to work in Iraq.                

    As many were gathering to see him off on his journey, a silent connection was happening.

    “I was not looking for anything long term,” Kelli said. 

    “Neither was I,” added Joel.

But in typical fashion, when people are not looking for love, it finds them.

    Kelli was a single mom at the time, trying to support and raise her son, Alec.  Joel was living in Chicago, working full-time and doing pretty well for a young guy.

    But on that fateful night, something happened that would change their lives forever.  Their long-distance relationship began.

    Joel left shortly after the party to return to Chicago, but the connection that they made that night continued.

    Long-distance relationships are not easy ones to maintain, but Kelli and Joel made it look simple. 

    “We talked as much as we could,” Joel said. “But we were expecting nothing to come of it at the time,” added Kelli. From sun up to sun down they were texting, talking and whatever other communication method they could use to keep in touch.

    Joel would often come to West Virginia to visit and Kelli made the venture to Chicago to keep this relationship going. 

    But the traveling began to take its toll on both Kelli and Joel.  During a call one day, Joel threw out a thought he had.  He felt it was time to make the move to West Virginia and bring some stability to this relationship. Joel gave up a great job and the majority of his family to be near Kelli.                 “It was all about her,” Joel said about his decision.

  But this move was not easy on him.  He had left a comfortable paycheck in Chicago and was having a difficult time adjusting to West Virginia. But he stayed because of Kelli, and settling down was what he was prepared to do. 

    About six months after his move, Joel thought he was ready to propose.  One evening after everything had settled down, Joel did what most men fear and asked Kelli for her hand in marriage. It was not the grand gesture of which most women dream.  Yet it was simple and heartfelt, matching the nature of their relationship.

    After the initial shock wore off, Kelli responded with a "yes," and they were off to share the news with Kelli’s son Alec.

   But much to Kelli’s amazement, Joel asked Alec for permission to marry his mom.  In which Alec respond with an enthusiastic "yes" to match his mom’s response. 

   Soon, a wedding was planned and Kelli and Joel were married on August 7, 2010. But that is not the end of their love story. Kelli and Joel share a love that most would want.  But love is not always easy.

   “We struggle sometimes to find our balance,” Kelli said.

But for the Gutierrez family, each day is filled with love and laughter, mixed in with some arguing and reasoning.

   “We are still getting to know each other,” Joel said.  “There are some days where moving back to Chicago seems like the right thing to do,” he continued.

   But due to the love and support of his wife, he knows their love will persevere.

    To Joel, the loving and understanding nature of his wife keeps him grounded.  “She is an amazingly fun, open, and creative person," Joel added.

    For Kelli, it is the big heart and Joel’s devotion to making her and Alec’s life a great one that keeps her going each day.

    “He is patient, romantic, and a complete spoiler,” Kelli said as she described her husband.

    In the end, love is all anyone is looking for and Kelli and Joel Gutierrez seem to have found it. Taking it one day at a time, this couple is finding what it takes to keep the balance between family, love and life.  Kelli and Joel still have many chapters to write in their love story.

James and Cari's Love Endures Hectic Schedule 4-12-2011



Cari and James at Their Wedding.  They will have been together 11 years in August.



by Rachel Terzo

   

    You can’t tell Cari and James Talarico that love at first sight doesn’t exist. These two lovebirds debunked that theory.

    Cari met James through her sister who was also her roommate at the time. “He was sweet, we were friends right off of the bat, then we became best friends. We started dating after two weeks of knowing each other! It scared the crap out of me when he told me he loved me, but I knew I loved him back after he volunteered to watch my sisters’ kids so that my sister and I could go to a concert together. He is such a sweetheart!”

    According to Cari, after making James wait for the return “I love you,” he didn’t even know how to reply when she finally uttered those words! The Talarico’s eloped after a little over six months of being together. This adventurous, spontaneous duo will have their 11th marriage anniversary this August, but they have been together for almost 12 years.  Being parents of five children, that gives them little time to reminisce and celebrate their anniversary. They have two girls, 11 and 10 years old, and three boys, 8, 6 and 4 years old.

    “You know you’re in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams,” says Dr. Seuss. Well, sometimes in her dreams is the only time Cari gets to see her husband, or right before bed.  Both Cari and James are full-time students and full-time parents. “When we’re not working on homework or helping with our kids’ homework, going to church, soccer or karate night, we try to spend time with each other as long as we’re not completely exhausted!” Schedule discrepancies are understood between the couple, and they spend as much time together as they can with their hectic agendas.

    Cari and James do just about everything together. They are both currently active in their church. The two have a true appreciation for nature and the outdoors. They go rock climbing and hiking, horseback riding, they attended rodeos and they have volunteered for Habitat For Humanity. They also participated in an organized peace rally for a local fallen soldier this past fall. The Talaricos do just about everything together.

    She had only one minimal complaint about her husband, and she takes it in stride. “It drives me nuts when he tells me I should have made a list! I'm very laid back, and a fly by the seat of my pants type of person. He’s more organized. It drives him crazy that I’m not sometimes!” Colin Raye says, “I laugh, I love, I hope, I try I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So we're really not that different, me and you.” Cari and James learn to take their differences in stride, and understand that they are actually a lot alike, even in their differences.

    Plenty of people are pondering how to get a relationship to survive these days, especially when the media illustrates so many failed relationships? Cari has a “life is too short” mentality pertaining to love and life. “Laughter is a big part of our relationship. We’re just big goof balls. We try not to take things (and each other) so seriously. You have to be able to laugh at and with each other. We are good enough friends to be honest with each other but still be light-hearted about things.”

    Even for those who aren’t completely familiar or don't follow the Bible, this quote from 1 Corinthians 13:4 may ring a bell: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” The Talarico’s faith in God is a big contributing factor to the success of their relationship. The couple shares ideas, views, and worship. “Our faith and God is #1 in our lives. Both have always been very important to us and is definitely something we have in common.”

    While maintaining their own relationship, they maintain one with God also, which in turn helps maintain theirs. They both head leadership programs at their church.

    Education and extra-curricular activities are extremely important to the Talarico family and their children. “Before anything else, we are parents. We want our children to know the value of a good education, so we make sure one of both of us are there to help them with homework and answer any questions they may have.”

    Cari says that they haven’t had cable television for over six years because they manage to stay busy doing other things. “We don’t miss it, and what’s the point? We’re too busy to watch TV anyway! We don't know what to do with ourselves if our schedule isn’t full every day.”

    She admits that while she is a major advocate for her children and their education, snow days are a relief from what can be a grueling schedule with five children. The Talarico kids are involved in an array of activities such as soccer, karate, and school and church programs. Cari was a professional photographer for 11 years, so she has been able to capture lots of memories with her husband and kids.

    Unquestionable love, God, their similarities and differences, and their mutual love for their children nurture Cari and James Talarico’s relationship. Some may find it comforting to know that love can still exist and exist extensively, even for people with hectic schedules. When it seems like there is no time in the day to even think about love, these two have learned not to take for granted what little time they have, and enjoy each other and their lives to the fullest.  In the words of John Lennon, “Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.”

Love Lasts Over the Years 4-12-2011

    by Olivia Hefner

   

     It begins like any other good love story – boy meets girl. She was a slight, pretty curly-haired twelve-year-old girl. John was a tall, gangly thirteen year-old with a knack for sports and an eye for one certain girl. It didn’t take long before these two became inseparable; not much has changed since. Sixty-four years later, John and JoAnn Hefner are still together.

    “I let him chase me until I let him catch me,” JoAnn said as she teased John about how they ended up being a couple. John smiles and says that he is “just lucky to have her.” John and JoAnne grew up in Cedar Grove and still reside there to this day.

    “I can remember going over to her house after school and having to walk home late at night – it was completely dark out. I always just hoped to sneak back into the house before mother noticed I was gone,” John said, “We spent all of our time together. One winter, we just had gobs of snow and Jo had the perfect sled. My, it was a beautiful sled. A buddy and me took off riding it and crashed it into a tree; that thing split into a million pieces – we really mangled that thing. I told her that I would buy her a new one, but I guess I never did.”

    True Big Reds through and through, John and JoAnn are both graduates from Parkersburg High School and both were highly active in sports. “I was in the GAA (Girls Athletic Association) and monitored an eighth grade boys’ gym class. I taught them how to climb ropes and everything,” she said. John was an All-American baseball player, a prominent member of the football team and the quarterback of the 1952 North/South Game.

    “After I graduated, I thought about attending Fairmont. However, once I got there, I saw all these grammatical and spelling errors on their entrance papers – and I pointed them out. For some reason, it just wasn’t the school for me,” JoAnn said with sarcasm in her voice.

    John played basketball for Salem University and the University of Charleston, but his draft number for the military was coming up quick. To avoid an unfortunate draft, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. Before John deployed, he and JoAnn were married. They then moved to Illinois where John was stationed.  There, they had their first child, a daughter named Suzanne.

    As is military custom, John was transferred to a base in San Antonio, Texas. While being stationed in Texas, John was riding on the back of a truck on base. The driver was speeding through the base and an unexpected curve caught him by surprise. Unable to handle the curve, John was thrown from the back of the truck and proceeded to roll head over heels multiple times.  Although on the outside he looked fine, John had suffered severe brain trauma. He was whisked off to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in New York. “I had to go with him, but I couldn’t take care of both him and Suzanne. I had to send her home to stay with her grandmother while I stayed in New York tending to John. That was really hard,” JoAnn said.

    With the severe brain damage, the doctors didn’t think he would recover, but love has a way of healing things. “The doctors didn’t even think he would make it, one of his surgeons even sewed a needle up in his head thinking that it wouldn’t matter either way,” JoAnn said. While John was there, JoAnn was like a surrogate mother to all the injured soldiers. “The hospital would host movies and every time there was a show, I would line all the men up in their wheelchairs by the elevator. I would take them down two by two until everyone was situated.”

    Once John was discharged from the Air Force with an honorable discharge, the pair returned to Parkersburg and their daughter who was then 18 months old. Although, they were home, things were still rough. “I can remember sitting on the floor, crying and feeling so overwhelmed by the amount of pills I had to make sure were organized for John,” JoAnn said. “I certainly couldn’t have done it without her,” he said.

    John was not a quitter and went back to school to support his family. He graduated from Parkersburg Community College and started work at Shell Chemical. He and JoAnn had their second and final child, a boy named after his father.

    Now, John helps JoAnn as she is recovering from two open-heart surgeries within two months. “I promised that I would be there through all of it, and that I wouldn’t leave her side,” he said. He held true to his promise, and both are still living in Cedar Grove.

                                                                                                                                                                  Now, the couple travel, spend time with their grandchildren and just take life one day at a time. So, their story ends as any good love story does – a man and a woman, growing old together and still being in love.

Curtis, Bonnie Richards Love at First Sight 4-12-2011

by Jeff Bell

   

     It was not much of a homecoming when Curtis Richards left the military and returned to Doddridge County, W.Va. His home had really never given him much more than heartache and hunger after the passing of his mother; but it was still far better than military life.

    “The military was not the life for me, but I should have planned a little better before I left,” he said. As he sat in the house, debating where he would look for work, a knock at the door would change his life.

    The girl at the door was an older member of the local Girl Scouts, out selling cookies door to door. Curt recognized her as Earlene Yvonne Tuttle, Bonnie to all who knew her, a pretty young girl from down the road. Trying to hide his attraction to a girl five years younger than he, Curt put on his manliest face and said, “What! I don’t want any of your damn cookies.” Bonnie simply stated, “You don’t have to be rude mister, just don’t buy any then.”  Weeks drifted by, Curt could think of nothing more than the look on Bonnie’s face when he snapped at her. “I can still see her face that day, I made her mad, scared her and hurt her feelings all at once, and I felt terrible,” he said. One day, after hours of boredom proved too much, Curt gathered himself up for the walk into the general store or pool hall: the trip that changed everything.

    After buying a soda, Curt walked through the front door of the store and bumped directly into Bonnie, spilling his drink all over the floor. Bonnie looked at him and simply grunted, “HUMPH!” as she brushed past him and headed out the door. Curt ran directly after her, apologizing for the mess as he left. “I knew the store clerk, and boy was he mad,” Curt said.

    “Excuse me miss,” he yelled as he scampered down the front stairs, “Are you still selling your cookies? I would really like to buy some, if they are not too much.” Bonnie stopped and said, “Mister, we don’t just walk around everywhere carrying our cookies in order to sell them at the drop of a dime,” she stated. Curt responded, “Well, can I walk you home and buy them there?” Their walk, purposely the long way around the hill, gave plenty of opportunity to talk, laugh and plan a first date.

    The first few dates allowed Bonnie to see the true softness and big heart inside a guy who the rest of the community only knew as tough and somewhat mean. "I knew he wasn’t really that tough all along,” she said. The two grew close as the months flew by; Curt worked at a turkey farm while Bonnie attended school. “If you ever had to work there, you would always want ham for Thanksgiving dinner,” he said.

    The romance led to a marriage on May 9, 1966. Their son Jeff was born in February of 1968. Curt, in an attempt to improve their lifestyle, enrolled and attended Barber College in Huntington while Bonnie stayed home, caring for the household and new son. “

    In those days, the trip to and from Huntington was rough, there wasn’t any of these nice four lane highways until later,” he said. Curt would visit on weekends, leaving with heartache again every Sunday.

    After graduation, Curt was able to obtain employment in Parkersburg and moved the family to town with him. Soon, Bonnie gave birth to their second child, Sherene - Sherry for short. The expanded family called for a larger house. Curt found a cheap lot in Vienna and built a small house to Bonnie’s standards, of course. Another form of good luck was about to change the small family’s financial status.

    While cutting the hair of a local politician, who happened to be a regular in the shop, Curt learned of an opening within the Parkersburg Water Treatment Plant. He left work early and applied for the position, using his customer as a reference. Weeks of testing and interviews prevailed and Curt was hired into the plant as a level one operator.

    Life moved along: the children grew as Bonnie stayed home with them, Curt advanced through all of the necessary milestones to eventually become the chief plant operator and the family moved to a 25 - acre mini-farm with nice big brick house. 

    One evening, while sitting on the front porch, Bonnie said, “Honey, the kids have grown, your job keeps you busy, I would really like to go to college now.” In his typical gruff voice he responded, “If that’s what you want, do it.”

    Bonnie enrolled at WVU Parkersburg immediately where she eventually earned a degree in education. After teaching at several different jobs including Adult Basic Education and various substitute locations, Bonnie accepted a position at Jackson Junior High School in Vienna. Bonnie taught for almost nine more years and retired at the same time as Curt.

    The couple now spends their days together, spoiling each other, their six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  “Life has been full of all kinds of bumps and turns, but it’s been really great. After all is said and done, we ended up with a pretty great son-in-law, you can print that,” Bonnie said with a smile.