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“The state’s biggest ice cream sundae” – built by staff members of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) – will highlight the centennial celebration of The West Virginia Children’s Home in Elkins, open to the public May 13 from 1-3 p.m.
Other WVDA-sponsored activities will include the WVDA’s “Germ City,” which teaches proper hand-washing skills; “Ag Jeopardy,” which tests knowledge about West Virginia agriculture; a butter-making activity and a beekeeping display.
Elkins-area organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Elkins Motor Speedway, Davis and Elkins College, Huttonsville Penitentiary, and the Randolph and Tucker County Sheriff’s Departments will have informational booths at the event. The Randolph County Humane Society will have a variety of animals for adoption on display, door prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes, and tours of the historic school will be conducted every half hour.
Opened in 1909 in Elkins, the Children’s Home provides residential social services to youth ages 11 to 17 from all 55 counties in West Virginia. The facility is licensed for 25 residents, and provides private rooms, semiprivate rooms and dormitory style housing.
The school tailors programs to individual needs, but typically focuses on developing skills and techniques that help residents develop positive life skills and overcome unhealthy thinking and behavior. The home also includes a school that is fully accredited by the West Virginia Department of Education where residents are instructed in all required subjects.
“This event is to increase public awareness and community support for this outstanding program. It’s also a way of recognizing the wonderful staff that works there every day to help these young people have better lives,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “I hope the public takes advantage of the opportunity to attend this open house and see the great people and programs working in their own back yard.”
Over the years, the home has helped thousands of disadvantaged West Virginia youth, according to longtime Director Carson Markley. The home was created in 1909 by an act of the Legislature and is the only state-operated residential youth facility in West Virginia. Annually, approximately 60 individuals come to the facility for 6-12 months each, he said.
“This is a home away from home for the residents. We have a school on the grounds and an excellent staff that provides individual attention,” said Markley. “The West Virginia Children’s Home has been here now for a century. We want to reinforce that we’re part of the community and a part of the state. I commend the Department of Agriculture for their interest and for really standing up for the Children’s Home. I can’t adequately express our thanks and appreciation.”
Admission to the open house is free and the public is encouraged to attend and help celebrate 100 years of service to West Virginia’s youth. Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The West Virginia Children’s Home is located at 230 Heavner Avenue in Elkins. Directions and more information are available by calling 304-637-0274.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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