“People that walk by we tell them the stories of each of our pillars and they love the history and they love the work,” said Jeff Pierson, one of the pier artists. “They think it’s a great addition to their community and so we’re honored to be a part of that to to own a little color out their in the community.”

A good time maybe, but it hasn’t been without it’s challenges. “The circular format seemed like it was going to be quite a challenge,” said artist Charles Hamilton, “At first it was, ‘how do I do that?”

Pierson added, “The greatest challenge the heat and humidity. The humidity has played a huge role in trying to get these murals finished. Obviously we’re out here in the heat everyday and we’re getting used to the interstate noise, though we like it, it’s kinda a nice ambiance after a while.”

Hamilton agreed. “The heat’s been interesting, but I knew it would be hot,” he said.

While the aim of the painted pillars is to give back to the community, the artists themselves said they’ve been enriched by working with each other. “Most of us haven’t worked together,” said Pierson. “And this has been great for us to come out and be together as artists.”

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

By Nicky Walters
Email | Bio | Other Stories by Nicky Walters

CHARLESTON – FestivALL continued Sunday with the annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on the West Side of Charleston.

Those who attended were treated to a free cone.

The weather wasn’t cooperative though.

A musical performance was interrupted when a soaking spring rain blew through.

Ice cream enthusiasts took shelter under tents.

But most said it didn’t ruin the good time.

“I thought it was going to be nice and sunny. But it is worth it for this,” said Ally Lilly, of Charleston while enjoying an ice cream cone.

The event was hosted at Stonewall Jackson Middle School.

West Virginia State Extension Services offered free healthy ice cream toppings.

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

FestivALL organizers estimate one in five visitors could be from out of town.

By David Iversen
Email | Other Stories by David Iversen

CHARLESTON – FestivALL held several events Saturday, including a 5k race, a parade through downtown Charleston and wiener dog races on Charleston’s West Side.

Festival organizers estimate 20 percent of the crowd in Charleston are from out of town.

Libby Ballard, organizer of the Wiener Dog Races said that event has gotten bigger every year since she started it five years ago.

“It just gets bigger and bigger every year,” said Ballard. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come in and enjoy something that is free and family-oriented.”

FestivALL continues through the week with events held every day. For a full list of events, click the link below.

Related Links:
   - FestivALL Schedule

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

CHARLESTON – The Fas Chek grocery store chain was born on the West Side, and 46 years later, it is still going strong.

The energetic owner of the chain, Don Tate, started as a grocery bagger and he still occasionally bags groceries.

“I started working for Kroger at 17,” Tate said. “At 23, I was the youngest manager they had in the second largest store. At 31, me and an ex-Kroger manager, George Spencer, got together and started Fas Chek on Washington Street on Charleston’s west side.”

Tate knew he had his work cut out for himself. ”

I was scared to death,” Tate said. “We were open 24 hours a day. It was nine months before I took a day off and generally worked 13 to 14 hours a day the first nine months. But we were successful.”

With more than 20 stores throughout the state, customers bought what Fas Chek was selling.

“Yes, we are all over Southern West Virginia. We came up with the name wanting to denote service.” Tate said. “The key to success is catering to the needs of the people.”

Tate reflects on that success on his effort and support of others.

“I’ve been pretty blessed. Put a lot of effort into it and was surrounded by good people,” he said.

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast,

Organizers and vendors are excited about Saturday grand opening.

CHARLESTON – After months of planning, the West Side Farmers market is ready to go.

“Saturday before Mother’s day we did a soft opening just to see the response we would have and it was incredible,” said Tim Forren, owner of Forren Soil and one of the backers of the market. “The farmers that were here were excited about the sales. The community came, they were active. We had a great day, had a really great day.”

The grand opening is May 14 at Forren Soil on Central Avenue. Forren said there will be a good mix of vendors on hand.

“We have a big list,” Forren said. “A lot of those vendors don’t want to come until we have produce, West Virginia produce, but right now we’ve got five. We’ve got a couple vendors that are selling vegetable plants, herbs, fruits and veggies. We have two vendors that are selling produce, we have a vendor that will be selling organic eggs. We also have one baker in town who will be supplying us with organic desserts.” The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Among the major winners include, Charleston’s East End and West Side, Point Pleasant, and Ripley. The ceremony also honored volunteers, public officials, board members, and businesses in the organizations.

The large communities business of the year was FasCheck Supermarkets.

Charleston Mayor Danny Jones was named public official of the year.

Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.