Huntington Quarterly Autumn 2022

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EPIC WIN Why Marshall’s victory over No. 8 Notre Dame

is incomparable in Thundering Herd football lore

Summer 2022 Autumn 2022

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Huntington Quarterly

Publisher HQ PUBLISHING CO. Editor JACK HOUVOURAS

Office Manager DANA KEATON Art Director SUZANNA STEPHENS Senior Graphic Designer KATIE SIGLER Contributing Writers KATIE LEE BIEGEL, JAMES E. CASTO, MATTHEW DeBORD,

JEAN HARDIMAN, JACK HOUVOURAS, AMANDA LARCH, CLINT McELROY, KEITH MOREHOUSE, DAWN NOLAN, KATHERINE PYLES, CARTER SEATON

Contributing Photographers KATIE LEE BIEGEL, THE BLUE KNIGHTS, ADAM GUE, HALLMARK, HUNTINGTON MUSEUM OF ART, HOSPICE OF HUNTINGTON, RICK LEE, LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY, SHOLTEN SINGER

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Made with a Mac

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CONTENTS AUTUMN 2022

7 Editor 10 Wine

24 Hidden Gem 28 Holiday Gift Guide 52 The Retreat 58 Four Decades of Caring 70 United We Stand 79 Ad Index 80 Last Laugh

EPIC WIN Marshall University shocked the football world when they traveled to South Bend, Indiana, and upset No. 8-ranked Notre Dame in what many are calling the greatest victory in school history. 36

shares a hearty recipe for the upcoming holiday season. 14

SLOANE SQUARE Huntington’s eclectic new art gallery is taking the town, and the art world, by storm. 16

KATIE LEE BIEGEL Huntington’s favorite chef

GUYAN AT 100 Steeped in a proud history, Huntington’s premier country club is celebrating its centennial. 64

law enforcement officers who take pride in helping others. 46

BLUE KNIGHTS Meet the motorcycle loving

ON THE COVER: Running back Khalan Laborn celebrates Marshall’s epic win over No. 8-ranked Notre Dame.

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[ ed i t o r ] Marshall’s Greatest Win

Jack Houvouras

S ept. 10, 2022. It was simply a perfect day in South Bend, Indiana. The sun was shining, the football stadiumwas sold out andmy fiancéeTracy and I had seats on the 50-yard line. Marshall vs. Notre Dame. As I sat there waiting for the kickoff, I found myself feeling a bit conflicted. That’s because I grew up rooting for two football teams — Marshall and Notre Dame. Actually, I was a Fighting Irish fan before I started cheering for the ThunderingHerd due tomy parents longtime friendship withTom and Eleanor Conaty who lived in the beautiful Tudor home overlooking Ritter Park. Dr. Conaty and his six children all graduated from Notre Dame and St. Mary’s College in South Bend, so they were rabid fans of all things Irish. Along with the Conaty clan, I attended my first Notre Dame game when I was 8 years old. I still remember it like it was yesterday because Notre Dame crushed Northwestern 44-0. They would go on to record an undefeated season, upset Alabama 24-23 in the Sugar Bowl and win their ninth national championship. After an introduction like that, I was hooked; and I have rooted for the Irish ever since. Meanwhile back in Huntington I was attending my first Marshall games at the old Fairfield Stadium, which didn’t quite measure up to the lure of Notre Dame. The two programs couldn’t have been more diametrically opposed. Even as a young boy I recall thinking that these two teams would never meet on the field. But then something remarkable happened. Marshall University built a new football stadium in 1991 and hired two brilliant coaches in Jim Donnan and Bob Pruett, and star athletes started finding their way to Huntington. The Thundering Herd would go on the win two Division I-AA national championships, move up to the big leagues and post a long string of winning seasons. Sports fans around the nation started to take

notice of Marshall especially when they beat such teams as Clemson, South Carolina, Louisville, BYU and Maryland. And there was the 2003 upset win over No. 6-ranked Kansas State on their home field. Still, I never imagined that Notre Dame would ever invite Marshall to South Bend. When I first heard the news that the two teams would meet, I was both shocked and elated. I immediately circled that date on my calendar and began counting down the days. Back on the 50-yard line in South Bend, the game was underway and my emotional conflict quickly resolved itself. I was a Marshall alum who loved Herd football, and this was the one game in the history of the pro gram that I wanted to see us win. While everyone else was predicting that Marshall would get routed by No. 8-ranked Notre Dame, I had a feeling. I told friends before the game that Marshall could win. “Remember Kansas State,” I said knowingly. They all just shook their heads at me and smiled. Then it happened. Marshall outplayed one of the premier programs in the history of college football and won the game. As Notre Dame fans filed out of the stadium, I just sat there silently in the stands with my head in my hands. After everything the football pro gram has been through — from the dark days of 1970 to today — this, to me, was the greatest victory in the history of Marshall University sports. When I finally looked up, I saw several Thundering Herd players in the endzone hugging while others were lying on the ground taking in the historic victory. That moment really got to me, and tears ran down my face. I reluctantly left the stands and for the rest of the evening was imbued with the most tremendous sense of joy and pride I have known in years. It was the most surreal feeling, as if I was in the midst of a long dream. But I wasn’t, and that day will long be remembered as one of the greatest in my life.

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UpFront Top Wines under [w i n e ]

By Matthew DeBord

$20

L ong ago, when I entered relative adulthood and was able to buy my own wine a regular basis, the “cheap” category was just that. The wines were mediocre at best; there was a vast amount of “jug” wine that was more about volume than quality; and anything under $20 was a risk. Luckily, by the late 1980s, that situation was rapidly

days when only bland whites were found in the bargain bin. Let’s get to it! 1. Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone ($15) Currently available in the 2020 vintage, this is the best under-$20 red wine money can buy. Kermit Lynch is a legendary importer fromNorthern California who has long looked to France’s southern Rhone region to

changing thanks to a growing U.S. market for wine and a massive num ber of technological advancements in winemaking. Fast forward to the present, and even wines under $10 can be quite good; while the $20 price is so saturated with quality that you literally can go into almost any wine shop, grab a $20 bottle off the shelf and be guaranteed an experience that would have impressed a 1970s era oenophile who wouldn’t pop a cork for anything except a reputable French Bordeaux or Burgundy. Over the years, I’ve amassed a decent list of reliable wines under $20 that are unlikely to fail you, no matter the setting or the menu. My list is hardly definitive, but you

find overlooked gems. This wine is his entry-level masterpiece, show casing his preferred full, rich, fruit style, but with layers of pleasing complexity. I used to buy this wine by the case and keep it on hand as my go-to house wine. 2. Monte Antico ($13) The Italian “Super Tuscan” reds that redefined the country’s repu tation are expensive and hard to get, but this bottling is well known among enthusiasts as a “secret” Super Tuscan that’s produced near some fancy Italian vineyards but doesn’t carry a huge price tag. It tastes like a wine that costs three times more, with supple fruit and substantial complexity.

Winemaker Kermit Lynch’s, whose Cotes du Rhone is the best red wine under $20 that money can buy.

should be able to locate what’s on it in most wine shops, grocery stores and online retailers. The biggest plus is that you can now obtain reds, whites, roses and sparklers that all delight for $20 or less. Gone are the

3. Coppola Rosso ($13) The famous movie director’s winemaking organiza tion has produced this California red blend for over a decade now, much to the delight of bargain hunters.

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“ Over the years, Ive amassed a decent list of reliable wines under $20 that are unlikely to fail you ... ” ’

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It’s not an American version of an Italian wine, but rather a summary of the Golden State’s debt to French grapes, with some California stalwarts thrown in. This blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel and Syrah is your pizza wine for eternity. 4. Erath Pinot Noir ($20)

This lovely Oregon Pinot Noir hovers around $20 but can be found for less. It’s an ideal introduction to the Oregon style, which is far less fruit-forward than California Pinot and more like classic red Burgundy. Much lighter than Cabernet and Merlot, Pinot Noir from Oregon is defined by rich aromas and delicate fruit flavors. 5. Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling ($15) Riesling is stupidly undervalued, the world’s least expensive great wine. This version from Washington State is less challenging to understand from winemak ing tradition than the German version, but it’s completely delicious, with nimble fruit flavors and a nice mineral undercurrent with crisp acidity. 6. Hess Select North Coast Cabernet ($19) Cabernet Sauvignon is the definitive California red wine, but the best stuff is pricey. This offering

a familiar aperitif. One flute of Asti, however, is a nifty way to start off din ner. The M&Rmega-brand makes my favorite Asti to pour into that flute. 9. FranziaDarkRedBlend ($17) What?! A box wine? Well,

let’s be honest. When you invite a bunch of people over for a party, why not simply fill up a few carafes rather than constantly pop corks? Box wines used to be derided, but their quality has come way up; and although nobody seems to know

gives youCab power at a more reason able sticker. And while it isn’t so phisticated, if you just want

what this “Dark Red Blend” actually contains, the blend is passable and ideal for a crowd. Franzia is also the biggest name in decent bulk wine— it created “Two Buck Chuck” for Trader Joe’s — so this boxed product won’t disappoint anyone but the more committed snobs. 10. Barefoot Rose ($9) I don’t l ike rose ver y

G one are the days when only bland whites were found in the bargain bin

to throw a few steaks on the grill and have a straightfor ward dinner, you

can’t do better. 7. YellowTail Chardonnay ($7) My cheapest wine under $20 is also one of the

much, but the pink wine is wildly popular; so here’s my recommendation: find a cheap one and buy in bulk. Barefoot can be found just about everywhere; and while it’s not a great wine, no rose really is. For summertime quaffing, however, it’s perfect.

more basically satisfying. Hailing fromAustralia but findable all over the U.S., YellowTail’s Chard is blissfully uncomplicated, with juicy tropical notes and a dollop of oaky goodness that makes it the ultimate fun-loving fried chicken partner. 8. Martini & Rossi Asti Spumante ($12) An unintended consequence of themulti-decades wine boom that we’ve all enjoyed is that some old-fashioned wines have been cast to the wayside. Good old sweet and bubblyAsti Spumante, a northern Italianwinemade from the Moscato grape, is one. All manner of international sparkling wines, most dry, have displaced what was once

MATTHEW DeBORD , a native of Huntington, is a former associate editor at Wine Spectator magazine and the author of several books on wine. He currently resides in New York City and is the senior editor for the Transportation & Lifestyle section of Business Insider — a business, celebrity and technology news website.

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UpFront

[r e c i p e ]

Season’s Greetings From Katie Lee Biegel

By Jack Houvouras Photos provided by Katie Lee Biegel, Hallmark and Lucy Schaeffer Photography

C hef, television celebrity, author, movie pro ducer, wife and mother. There aren’t many roles Milton, West Virginia, native Katie Lee Biegel can’t master. She is the co-host of The Kitchen on the Food Network. The show has been nominated for multiple EmmyAwards, including Outstanding InformativeTalk Show and Outstanding Informative Talk Show Hosts. She is also the host of Beach Bites with Katie Lee on the Cooking Channel and a judge for the Food Network’s popular Halloween Baking Championship series. You can also find her on Meat Sweats on FoodNetwork.com and the upcoming digital series WhatWould Katie Eat? She’s also a regular on such shows as Beat Bobby Flay , Best. Ever. , Rachael Ray and Today on NBC. Her cookbooks include Endless Summer Cookbook (2015), The Comfort Table (2008) and The Comfort Table:

Everyday Occasions (2009). Her first novel, Groundswell , was published in 2011. The novel was adapted into a Hallmark movie earlier this year and premiered on the network Aug. 21, 2022. Groundswell the movie fol lows an Atlanta chef named Emma, played by actress Lacey Chabert, who travels to Hawaii on the heels of a personal setback. There she meets a surf instructor named Ben whose lessons help her to regain her footing. “It was thrilling to work with Hallmark and bring my novel to the screen,” said Biegel. “This project has been a long time in the making, and it’s a dream come true to see my characters brought to life for viewers.” Today Biegel resides in the West Village of New York City with her husband Ryan, daughter Iris and their rescue dog Gus. We caught up with her recently and invited her to send us a recipe for the holidays. She suggested our readers try her take on Prime Rib and Brussels sprouts. Sounds delicious to us. Prime Rib with Beef Gravy by Katie Lee yield 6 to 8 servings active time 30 minutes total time 3 hours 15 minutes (includes standing time) ingredients One 6- to 7-pound bone-in prime rib (to make slicing easy, ask your butcher to cut the bones from the meat, then tie them back into the roast)

Katie Lee Biegel's first novel has been adapted into a Hallmark movie, which premiered on the network Aug. 21, 2022.

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Shaved Brussels Spr outs Salad by Katie Lee yield 6 to 8 servings active time 10 minutes total time 15 minutes ingredients 2 cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, sliced 1/ 4 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper 1/ 4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups low-sodium beef stock 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard a few sprigs fresh thyme a few sprigs fresh rosemary 1 clove garlic, smashed 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar directions Use the tip of a knife to make slits in the fat of the prime rib and stuff them with slices of garlic. In a small bowl, mix the salt and pepper. Create a crust of salt and pepper all over the meat. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 o F. Put the prime rib on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast the meat for 10 minutes, then turn the oven temperature down to 350 o F. Roast until the meat registers 120 o F on an instant-read thermometer for medium-rare, 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (about 15 minutes per pound). Remove the meat to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let stand for 20 minutes. In the meantime, pour off most of the fat from the roasting pan, leaving a few tablespoons. Put the roasting pan on top of the stove over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the fat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, to cook out the taste of the raw flour. Vigorously whisk in the stock and mustard. Add the thyme, rosemary and garlic. Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, whisking, until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the vinegar and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer to a serving dish. Remove the ties from the prime rib. Slice the prime rib and bones and serve with the gravy.

2 tablespoons minced shallots 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 1/ 2 cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper 1 pound (455 g) Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed 1/ 4 cup (35 g) chopped dates 1/ 4 cup (35 g) diced Manchego cheese 1/ 4 cup (35 g) chopped almonds directions In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and shal lots. Let stand for 5 minutes, so the acidity in the lemon juice can begin to break down the shallots.Whisk in the mustard and honey until well combined. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Season aggressively with salt and add pepper to taste. In a food processor fitted with the slicing blade, pro cess the sprouts until all are thinly sliced. (Alternatively, use a knife to thinly slice them, or buy a bag of already sliced sprouts in the produce section of your grocery store.) Add the sprouts, dates, cheese and almonds to a salad bowl, drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat. The salad can be dressed 15 to 20 minutes in advance if you like more tender Brussels sprouts.

JACK HOUVOURAS is the publisher and editor of the Huntington Quarterly . In 2021, he was inducted into the Marshall University School of Journalism Hall of Fame.

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UpFront

[a r t ]

Jimmy Hobbs and Jamie Sloane are owners of the Sloane Square Gallery.

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THE SQUARE gallery SLOANE

Huntington’s new art gallery is taking the town, and the art world, by storm. By Carter Seaton Photos by Rick Lee

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H un t i ng ton’ s relatively new Sloane Square Gallery at 611 14th Street West is unlike any other art gallery you’ve ever vis ited. No one shushes you when you enter; instead, one of the owners, usually designer Jimmy Hobbs, greets you warmly and offers you candy from the bowl near the front door. Fresh flowers grace the room. Display ped estals feature unique purses . Mannequins sport clothing designed to coordinate with the art. Vintage breakfronts hold glassware or vintage jewelry. Nearby, someone may be playing the gal lery’s grand piano. Cozy seating groups scattered throughout the room entice you to sit, study

ph i l o s ophy, wh i ch sparked the 13-year-old dream that came true with their grand opening on July 1, 2021. “Our inspi rat ion came f rom want ing our own platform to in spire other people,” said Sloane, a Huntington native who spent much of his life in Columbus, Ohio, before returning home. He started his career as a music com poser, but 15 years ago put that pursuit on hold to paint. “I think I was entertaining the idea of a gallery from the time I began to paint.” However, the fledg ling artist didn’t feel confident about sell ing his work until he met Hobbs.

Jamie Sloane’s work spans a wide variety of styles.

“He saw all my art work and thought I was a collector.When he learned I had painted all of them, he told me he could sell them,” Sloane recalled. Hobbs then introduced Sloane to the late Mark Bailey, who was known for discovering good art. Bailey soon introduced Sloane to art patron and collector Jack Bourdelais, who bought everything in Sloane’s collection, including his sketch books.

the magnificent paintings by the other owner, artist Jamie Sloane, and consider how they might fit into your home. Because Sloane’s bold and colorful work spans a wide variety of styles from realism to impressionism to modernism to pointillism, his paintings can enhance many home decors. The gallery’s business card carries the phrase, “Art as Lifestyle.” That perfectly sums up the owners’ joint

Cozy seating groups scattered throughout the room entice you to sit, study the magnificent paintings by artist Jamie Sloane and consider how the pieces might fit in your home.

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Vintage breakfronts hold glassware and classic jewelry.

The Visiteur Series Presented by Jack and Angie Bourdelais , which was the focus of a documentary on PBS. Hobbs, whosemother brought him to 14th StreetWest to shop when he was 11 years old, knew immediately that the popular street was the perfect spot for their gallery. “I’ve always thought it had the most amazing potential to be an arts and antiques district,” Hobbs said. “It’s been

a phenomenal area that has truly come together in the last year since we’ve been here.”

The owners envisioned having their own space where they could control the surroundings and how paintings were displayed.

“Three years later, I had my first solo exhibit at the Huntington Museum of Art. It was a dream come true,” Sloane said. Instead of pursuing other museums or galleries in which to exhibit, the pair began to envision having their own space where they could control the surroundings and how the paintings were displayed. Today, Sloane’s paintings and other works of art sell almost as soon as he completes them. His popularity in the art world has spread quickly due in part to an exhibit entitled Jamie Sloane:

I LOVE BEING HERE BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO WALK IN EVERY DAY SAY THEY ARE INSPIRED, AND THAT THE GALLERY GIVES THEM HOPE. JAMIE SLOANE

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For their grand opening, people lined up on both sides of the sidewalk, in a drizzling rain, to get a glimpse of the new art gallery. What’s more, every piece of art in the gallery was sold that day. Born in Logan, West Virginia, Hobbs is an artist in his own right. He curates everything in the gallery — the jewelry, furniture, glassware, pottery, lamps and rugs. “He’s got a really good eye, so he doesn’t bring in anything that doesn’t make sense,” said Sloane. To find all these treasures, Hobbs travels to Louisville, Lexington, Cleveland, Columbus or wherever he thinks he can find just the right piece to complete a show. He said it sometimes takes months to bring everything together. Hobbs, who has been in the customer service business for 35 years, said he finds helping customers to be the most satisfying part of his work. Although the furniture and furnishings are vintage, each piece has been refurbished and repaired and is ready to place in your home. Beyond carrying a full line of curated vintage furniture, Hobbs also has begun to design furniture and some jewelry.With inspiration from his paintings, Sloane designs a lot of the clothing, tennis shoes and purses, which are then handcrafted in Paris, in London or by area artisans like River City Leather. While Sloane thinks of his paintings as a product, Hobbs knows the best way to sell them is to put them in a setting that allows prospective buyers to imagine the pieces in their homes. The gallery’s hanging system is deliberately set at an 8-foot ceiling height because that’s the typical height of most rooms in homes. Hobbs will take a work of art to a potential customer’s home to show them how it will fit into their décor. The gallery is the result of everything the couple wanted to happen, and more. “Jimmy had the vision for the gallery and for it to be here,” Sloane explained. “I love being here because the people who walk in every day say they are inspired, and that the gallery gives them hope. That’s worth more than … I love that. I take what they say and it, in turn, inspires me.” I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT IT HAD THE MOST AMAZING POTENTIAL TO BE AN ARTS AND ANTIQUES DISTRICT. IT'S BEEN A PHENOMENAL AREA THAT HAS TRULY COME TOGETHER IN THE LAST YEAR SINCE WE'VE BEEN HERE. JIMMY HOBBS

Hobbs travels wherever he thinks he can find just the right piece to complete a show.

Vintage furniture and furnishings are refurbished and repaired.

“Our neighbors have been phenomenal to us in the 14 months we’ve been open,” said Hobbs. The gallery opens a new show with works by Sloane and corresponding curated room settings by Hobbs every three months. Their next show, featuring Sloane’s paintings of world-famous artists, opens December 1. Go and be inspired. CARTER SEATON is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia. She is the author of two novels and two nonfiction books. She received the 2014 Literary Merit Award from the West Virginia Library Association, the Marshall University College of Liberal Arts Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015 and the Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts in 2016.

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UpFront

[m i s c e l l a n e o u s ]

Gem A Hidden

Holiday shopping at the Huntington Museum of Art may be one of the region’s best-kept secrets. By Dawn Nolan Photos by Rick Lee and courtesy of Huntington Museum of Art

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F rom its local downtown bou tiques to the state’s largest mall, Huntington has no shortage of holiday shopping op tions. However, regular visitors to the Huntington Museum of Art might have the inside scoop on one of the area’s best-kept secrets for gift ideas. Offering everything from artisanal pottery and glass, to books and calendars, pins and but tons, regional food products, home goods, clothing, accessories and jewelry, the Museum Store touts a diverse collection of souvenirs and collectables. “We have things that appeal to just about everyone,” said Director of Guest Services Raine Klover. “We have people from the commu nity that come specifically to visit the Museum Store just to purchase gifts, and at Christmastime that becomes an even greater part of our business.”

“I’ve bought things from the Museum Store the entire time I’ve been in Huntington,” Klover said. “The museum has been one of my favorite places since I moved here 12 years ago. It was definitely my escape and my access to art when I f i r s t mo v e d h e r e f r om Albuquerque, NewMexico. Every time I visited, I bought something. That’s what you do. You visit a museum, and you see something that blows your mind; and then you buy a little reminder of it.” Browsing the Museum Store shelves, guests can find museum exclusives, such as branded pens, magnets, books, clothing and ac cessories. There are also items that coincide with exhibits and popular areas of the institution, such as the C. Fred Edwards Conservatory. “The Conservatory is a fan favorite here, and so we have a lot of items that are tied into that,

HUNTINGTON MUSEUM of ART Museum Store Hours Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays noon to 5 p.m. or shop online www.hmoastore.com

Klover herself was a frequent shopper at the Museum Store even before she joined the staff inApril.

The Huntington Museum of Art offers everything from artisanal pottery to regional food items.

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books and calendars, even kitchen items like coasters and trivets.We really want to highlight our West Virginia artists and companies.” There is also a wall filled with stickers, prints and books dedicated to cryptids such as the Mothman. “That’s ourWestVirginia myths and history section; we highlight it for our visiting guests, but we also know that locals love it as well,” Klover pointed out. “We’re also getting things in that are skew ing younger because that’s what we need; we want to get those folks here and visiting the museum regularly.” Guests can visit the Museum Store for free at any time during the museum’s open hours —Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,Wednesday Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. A website, hmoastore.com, has been launched for online shoppers, and shipping is available. “We also have gift cards and can make personalized gift baskets,” Klover added. “Our big day this holiday sea son is Museum Store Sunday; it is the same shopping weekend of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday,” Klover said. “We’re go ing to be open extended hours on Sunday — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — and there will be free museum admission, discounts and a raffle. We’re also going to have artists present from noon to 4 p.m. so you can buy directly from local artisans as well. It’s going to be a big day.”

Browsing the Museum Store shelves, guests can find museum exclusives including branded pens, magnets, books, clothing and accessories.

including items with axolotls and the poison dart tree frogs on them. We’re getting a sticker made with the corpse flower image, and we have things that have monarch but terflies on them for our Monarch Watch Project,” Klover said. While not every item directly relates to an exhibition or collec tion within the museum, the items all connect to themuseum’s mission as an advocate for the areas of art, education and nature. “We have so many unique items here,” Klover said. “We are sourcing

items fromas far away as France and the U.K.We have a lot of fair trade items, too, and we are constantly seeking out new things that have some sort of connection to either art or nature.” Of local interest are items revolving around artist Charley Harper, a West Virginia native known for his highly stylized works of wildlife. “We love Charley Harper,” Klover said. “We have a wide va riety of items by him— everything from bookmarks to notecards to

DAWN NOLAN is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia.

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holiday gift guide 2022

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S ept. 10, 2022. There were 4minutes and 45 seconds left in the game at Notre Dame Stadium, and Marshall had taken a 19-15 lead over the No. 8-ranked Fighting Irish. Notre Dame had the football and was heading toward the Touchdown Jesus end of the stadium. If there was ever a time when Irish quarterback Tyler Buchner and his team mates needed to “wake up the echoes,” it was here and now. Longtime Marshall play-by play man Steve Cotton had the call: “ Long count for Buchner

his helmet with Irish running back Audric Estime trying to make up ground. As Gilmore finished his sprint to the goal line, he then took an unusual arc through the end zone and headed toward a big swath of green-cladMarshall fans ready to engulf him should he decide to take the leap. He did! “It was a special moment,” Gilmore said. “I always wanted to jump into the stands and do something crazy after a pick six. That’s my first real inter ception for a touchdown that really counted. I just tried to do something that I’d remem ber or everyone else would

against a four-man front.Marshall on the blitz … Buchner gets rid of it to the left sideline, and it is intercepted by Gilmore! ” And off Steven Gilmore went. He bolted down the sideline, his hair riding the wind underneath the back of

Quarterback Henry Colombi was 16 of 21 at Notre Dame.

because it was a big moment for our program.” How big? That was the question delirious Herd fans were

Tight end Devin Miller hauled in a 3-yard pass from quarterback Henry Colombi for the eventual game-winning touchdown.

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There had never been a bigger win on the national stage

for Marshall University’s football program.

”

This now-iconic photo shows running back Khalan Laborn celebrating a touchdown with lineman Eric Meeks.

talking about well into the celebratory night. It was the topic of discussion at sports bars and watering holes from the Linebacker Inn in South Bend to the Union Pub &Grill in Huntington. The conclusion seemed almost unanimous. There had never been a bigger win on the national stage for Marshall University’s football program. On the WSAZ-TV live postgame show from South Bend, Marshall’s former head coach Bob Pruett put this one in perspective. The man who coached the Thundering Herd to many of its all time great wins told anchor Tim Irr that this one stands alone. “It’s the best,” Pruett said. “The best team, the best coach, the best everything won today.” It’s an interesting conversation to be had. Marshall’s upset over Xavier in 1971 the year after the plane crash might be viewed as the most im portant win in school history. The 1992 national championship victory over Youngstown State was

Offensive lineman Tristen Bittner captured the emotion of the upset victory over No. 8-ranked Notre Dame as he ran off the field.

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Running back Khalan Laborn was a one-man wrecking crew as he carried the ball 31 times for 163 yards and a score.

cathartic and emotional, and it was Marshall’s first na tional championship in football. The 1999 team’s win at Clemson set in motion a perfect season for what many consider the best football team ever at Marshall. And when Bob Pruett’s 2003 team upset No. 6-ranked Kansas State in Manhattan, that marked the highest-ranked team the Thundering Herd has ever beaten in football. But taking down Notre Dame, a member of college football’s aristocracy, in the house that Rockne built, against the No. 8-ranked team in the nation, in front of 2.5 million viewers on NBC might be incomparable in Herd football lore. Marshall also had broken Notre Dame’s 42-game win streak over unranked opponents. Immediately after the game, Marshall coach Charles Huff didn’t have time to digest where the win would rank in the annals of Marshall’s record books. But he knew what it meant to Herd fans everywhere. “You saw the excitement from the guys,” Huff said in his postgame news conference. “You saw the play ers’ interaction with the fans. Our guys understand how much Marshall football means to the people of Huntington.”

Laborn only got stronger as the game went on and was later named the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week.

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But taking down Notre Dame, a member of college football’s aristocracy, in the house that Rockne built, in front of 2.5million viewers

Defensive lineman Owen Porter lay on the ground in the endzone and celebrated with his teammates after the win.

As Marshall fans whooped it up under the shadow of the statue of legendary coach Ara Parseghian outside the stadium, the Herd players filed into the media room. Their celebration would come later. They still seem fixated on the point that this had been the goal throughout fall camp. “We believed in ourselves,” Marshall quarterback Henry Colombi said. “Obviously not many people did. From the start of the week, from the start of the

on NBCmight be incomparable in Herd football lore.

”

Wide receiver Jayden Harrison turned a short pass into a 19-yard gain as part of Marshall’s historic win at Notre Dame.

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Head coach Charles Huff had his team ready to face the most storied program in college football.

would disembark. Only a win like that brings out fans for an impromptu welcome-back party. The media exposure intensified during the week. Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde was in Huntington

season, we knew that eventually we were going to have this test. The win was a testament to the offense and defense playing off one another. We have each other’s backs. We’ve got a bunch of camaraderie in our locker room, and it was special to see today.” The digital reviews came quickly on Twitter. At 5:35 p.m. ESPN’s Hannah Storm weighed in with this: “ As hard as it is to watch as an Irish alum, a ton of respect for #Marshall and how they came into the Bend for the first time ever, and played this game. ” At 5:57 p.m. iconic sportscaster DickVitale tweeted: “ What a fantastic WIN by MARSHALL ! They were w/o a doubt the better TEAM today. ” At 7:10 p.m. Notre Dame football legend and sports caster Mike Golic wrote: “ Tons of credit to Marshall for their win at ND … they made the plays ... ND did not. ” The tweets kept pouring in. At one point “College Football Marshall” was the fifth-highest-trending topic on Twitter, with 23,200 posts. Back in Huntington, Marshall fans knew what kind of a win it was. That’s why some gathered at the Tri-State Airport to welcome the team plane back home. Still more fans lined the parking lot where the team buses

and sat in on Coach Huff ’s Tuesday news conference. He was putting this win in perspective for a program which has seen both the abyss, and the summit. “The bond is tight between town and team, and has Running back Khalan Laborn spoke with a reporter after being named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

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confident, composed and ready to compete. I think this is the biggest win in the history of the program. Thank you!!!!” As Steven Gilmore was fin

been since that awful day in 1970. This was the best football moment in half a century, and they’re not let ting go of it anytime soon,” Forde wrote. The impact on Marshall’s

The bond is tight between town and team, and has been since that awful day in 1970. This was the best football moment in half a century, and they’re not letting go of it anytime soon. —Pat Forde ”

ishing his dash into Herd foot ball fame, long-time Herd fans MarkWatts and DannyWoods were screaming their lungs out celebrating the play that would put Notre Dame away. Then they noticed No. 3 was coming straight for them and the entire Marshall cheering section. “I told Woody, ‘Man, he’s going to do a Lambeau Leap,’” Watts remembered, describ ing the tradition of Green Bay Packers players who jump into the stands to celebrate touch downs with their fans. “I started pounding on the padding lining

program, beyond the $1.25 million payday, is tough to quantify. Marshall Athletics Director Christian Spears said the win goes beyond the tangible financial windfalls. “You know what was more special?” Spears asked. “It was how that game made people feel about our program. For people who have been affili ated withMarshall’s program, to see us come full circle and win that game was surreal. The inspiration is bigger than all of us.”

the stands. It was surreal. ‘He’s coming up here!’” Gilmore was sandwiched betweenWatts on his right and Woods on his left, and there was nowhere in the football world Watts would rather be.

Huff couldn’t agree more. A few hours after the game he received a text from a longtime Marshall supporter that read, “Coach, I wanted to say that today was one of the Top 10 days of my life. You had the team so

Defensive back Steven Gilmore jumped into the stands and celebrated his interception with Herd fans Mark Watts and Danny Woods.

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“It’s one of those forever mo ments as a fan I’ll never forget,” Watts said. The question will come up for Herd fans down the road, “Where were you when Marshall upset No.-8 ranked Notre Dame?” Mark Watts, Danny Woods and Steven Gilmore can always think back to those images that were draped across sports pages across the country and websites around the world — and smile again, remembering a moment and an unforgettable afternoon of college football.

KEITH MOREHOUSE is a freelance writer and the Sports Director at WSAZ NewsChannel 3 in Huntington, West Virginia.

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Members of the Blue Knights gather at the clubhouse located on Eighth 8th Avenue in Huntington.

PHOTO BY RICK LEE

A love of motorcycles brought together a group of active and retired law enforcement officers who take pride in helping those in need. By Jean Hardiman Photos by Rick Lee and courtesy of the Blue Knights The BlueKnights

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I t was Christmas of 1972. Vernon Casey was a child liv ing here in Huntington, and his family was on hard times. “There was a gentleman I called Pappaw Nick. He was a police of ficer who lived down the street,” Casey recalled. “He showed up with gifts.” Casey never forgot that kind ness, shown to himby aHuntington police officer. He would go on to become a Huntington police officer himself in 1991; and ever since, he’s been a driving force in organizing law enforcement efforts to help those in need. For the last 10 years Casey, or “Big Vern” as he is known by friends, has done so as the president of the Blue Knights WV III, an organization of active or retired law enforcement officers who share two things: a love of motorcycles and an interest in helping others. There are around 60 members in the local chapter of the Blue Knights, and they come from city, county and state depart ments from West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and beyond. The Blue Knights is a worldwide organization of motorcycle-loving law enforcement officers. Founded

The Ride with Cops event raises money for an annual holiday party for elementary school children whose families could use the help.

PHOTO BY RICK LEE

Huntington businessman Robert Shell is a proud supporter of the Blue Knights and purchased a clubhouse for the group.

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The Blue Knights are an organization of active or retired law enforcement officers who share two things: a love of motorcycles and an interest in helping others. They enjoy hosting group rides as fundraisers that benefit children, veterans and other worthwhile causes.

in Maine in 1974, it became an official organization in Huntington in 2010.Today they have a clubhouse located at 2018 Eighth Ave. where they host get-togethers for

Kentucky who needed electricity, furniture and more, the Blue Knights came together and rummaged up all the things the family needed, including a vehicle. “Once we get our teeth

game-watching, celebrations and meetings. The members may wear leather jackets and ride big hogs, but don’t let that fool you. They all have big hearts and take tremen dous pride in helping others. As one example, the Blue Knights host group rides as fundraisers for good causes. They have donated to the Gold Star Memorial in

The members may wear leather jackets and ride big hogs, but don’t let that fool you. They all have big hearts and take tremendous pride in helping others.

into something, that’s what we do,” said Casey. “We’re not special. We’re just some retired and active police of ficers or soldiers who want to help. I’ve seen enough bad stuff in my life. I just want to do some good and make a difference.” Sometimes, it’s a bigger, more publicized event, like the Ride with Cops event.

Barboursville to honor fami lies of fallen military, and they’ve teamed up with otherWest Virginia chapters to support the Gold Star

When you hear the roar and watch the bikes lined up for miles for the annual Ride With Cops event,

Memorial inCharleston.They throw a giant Halloween party every year in a protected environment so all attending children can be safe while having fun . The Blue Knights also have supported Alzheimers research, veterans’ causes and much more. The Blue Knights have partnered with the City of Huntington to host a Safe Trick-or-Treat in October at Safety Town. There was plenty of Halloween candy — with 40 vendors passing out treats — and the children have the added protection of law enforcement officers being present. As many as 2,000 kids have attended the event in the past. Sometimes, it’s a smaller, lower-profile project.When they heard about a family in

Members of the Blue Knights pose in front of the Veterans Memorial Arch with Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams who passed away on June 29, 2022.

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you realize how powerful a love of motorcycles and helping others can be. The ride takes place every fall to raise money for the annual holiday party that the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police) Gold Star Lodge 65 hosts for elementary school children whose families could use the help. “We’re not special. We’re just some retired and active police officers or soldiers who want to help. I’ve seen enough bad stuff in my life. I just want to do some good and make a difference.” —Vernon Casey

The annual Ride withCops event starts at Buddy’s Bar B-Que onThirdAvenue. One year there were more than 250 participants; their convoy of motorcycles stretched

Woody Williams attends a Gold Star Memorial unveiling.

More than 250 riders joined the Blue Knights on a road trip fundraiser from Huntington to Charleston.

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Casey, who spent 24 years with the HPD and is now working in law en forcement for the Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center. Businessman Bob Shell has been so impressed by the quality of the members and their contributions to the community that he approached Casey at one point and asked what he could do to help. The result is the clubhouse, which Shell purchased, renovated and donated to the Blue Knights. The building is available for rent from the Blue Knights for birthday parties and other special events. Shell also has offered his business attorney’s legal counsel to help the

The Blue Knights have honored families of fallen military, supported Alzheimer’s research and much more.

from Buddy’s to Burlington, Ohio. Law enforcement fromWest Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky control traffic for the ride as the bikers pass through all three states, raising thousands of dollars to help the kids have a good Christmas. Ride with Cops was started in the 1990s

Blue Knights set up a foundation that allows them to maintain their community contribution efforts and the clubhouse. “Giving them a solid homebase to enjoy time together and meet to organize their efforts was the least I could

by the Huntington Police Department (HPD) traffic unit and was later taken over by the Blue Knights. “Loving motorcycles is a bond that brings a lot of different types of people together,” Casey explained. “I was in the military for 12 years; and when I got home, I was looking for that same kind of brotherhood. I really found it when I started in the motor unit at the HPD. We would go out after work for a beer or go on long rides on the weekend. It was a comfort to me. It was my wheelhouse.”

do,” said Shell, chairman and CEOof Guyan International. “I felt concern for the guys. They have enough on their minds and put up with so much grief. I like cops. They do a job that most of us would not want to do. Despite the work they do and the things they see, they do a lot of great things that nobody knows about or appreciates.” Casey agrees, saying the Blue Knights are outstand ing individuals from differ ent states and units who do outstanding work as a group. “We have been blessed

Give to the Blue Knights Tax deductible contributions can be mailed to the Ride With COPS Charitable Foundation, a registered

501(c)(3) corporation. Ride With COPS Charitable Foundation P.O. Box 737 Huntington, WV25712

In the Blue Knights, there are the members who ride for work, and there are members who will spon taneously hop on a bike one weekend and ride to California just for fun. “We all love motorcycles and like to ride,” said Casey. “We like to have fun.” It’s good, clean fun. The kind that law-abiding cops have. “We’re not your typical motorcycle club,” noted

to have so many members who work tirelessly for the good of this community,” said Casey. “We have people with big hearts.”

JEAN HARDIMAN is a Huntington import who has been writing about the great people of West Virginia and the Tri-State area for the past 20 years. She works in the communications office at Marshall University and lives in Huntington with her family.

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