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Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry Harpers Ferry Community Community Community NewsletterNewsletterNewsletter
March 2013 Volume 10 Issue 3
The Town’s official website has useful information including important notices, ordinances, meeting
minutes, official applications, and events calendar. Visit us at www.harpersferrywv.us
FY2013-2014 Town Budget Approved by Council
At its March 12 meeting the Harpers Ferry Town Council passed the
FY2013-2014 budget for review by the State Auditors Office. The
budget was drafted by the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee
in cooperation with Town Treasurer Kathryn Payne after receiving input
from the various commissions, committees, and staff as to their
anticipated needs in the next fiscal year.
Since the impacts to the town of the Sequester, possible Federal budget cuts, and construction
of more Maryland casinos are still unknown, the Budget and Finance Committee proposed that
this budget be conservative in its estimates of future income and especially careful not to
commit the town to any increase in permanent, non-critical expenditures.
Increased income, however, is expected from cell tower rental and unexpended funds for
capital improvements this year. While maintaining somewhat the current level of support for
various town departments and initiatives, anticipated revenues of just over $1 million were also
allocated to capital projects; a part-time administrative assistant at Town Hall; and a fund to
hire consultants to provide expertise in municipal administration,
code enforcement, and building inspections as well as to the other
items requested by the various town groups.
By Betsy Bainbridge, Council
Inside this issue:
Calendar
Events
2
More Events 3
Still more events 4
PC Workshop Hearing
Contact Info 5
Council Meeting Report
Parking Enforcement
6
Volunteer !
Blast from the past 7
ATC News 8
Water News 9
2 Town Calendar All meetings at Town Hall, unless noted otherwise.
Mar 21 Water Commission meeting, 7:30-9pm
Mar 23-24 NPS Events, (see below)
Mar 25 Historic Landmarks Commission meeting, 7-8:30pm
Mar 27 Harpers Ferry Foundation Board meeting, 5:30-7:30pm
Mar 28 Tree Committee meeting, 7-9pm
Apr 1 Bolivar Community Market opens, (see pg.3)
Apr 2 Potomac Street Project Steering Committee meeting, 1-3pm
Apr 3 Municipal Court, 7-9pm
Apr 4 Planning Commission Public Workshop on Zoning Ordinance, 6:30pm
Apr 6 Annual Potomac River cleanup, (see below)
Apr 8 Town Council meeting, 7-9pm
Apr 15 Police Committee meeting, Bolivar Community Center, 8-9:30am
Apr 15 Trail and Town Alliance meeting, 5-7pm
Apr 16 Special Town Council meeting, 7-9pm
Apr 18 Water Commission meeting, 7:30-9pm
Apr 18 Planning Commission Comprehensive Plan public hearing, 6pm
Apr 23 Souper Natural Kitchen dinner, (see pg.3)
Apr 24 Harpers Ferry Foundation Board meeting, 5:30-7:30pm
Apr 25 Tree Committee meeting, 7-9pm
Apr 27 Harpers Ferry Arbor Day
Apr 27-28 Art Walk, Library Events, (see pg. 3)
Apr 29 Historic Landmarks Commission meeting, 7-8:30pm
Spring Cleanup Time Again!
The 25th Annual Potomac River watershed cleanup is scheduled for Saturday,
April 6, from 9 am to noon, rain or shine. Local volunteers have collected tons of
trash in recent years along the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. There are
several cleanup locations in the Harpers Ferry area - please look for flyers soon
in the Post Office or just show up at the parking lot on Shenandoah Street
(immediately off Rt 340). For more info please email [email protected].
National Park Exhibits and Events Harpers Ferry National Historical Park invites the public to attend the 2013 Women’s History Month Program,
"Necessity the Mother of Invention", on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 & 24, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come
see industrial revolution debuted machines, gadgets, and gizmos that helped offer Americans more time, more
money and established a burgeoning middle class. Living history staffed exhibits will feature advances in medicines,
home entertainment, food preservation, commercial baking, and clothing production.
Also this weekend, the public is also invited to register for a special historic trades workshop called “Knitting A La
Mode: 19th Century Techniques for 21st Century Knitters,” from 9am to 4pm. Join expert Polly Steenhagen to
explore the world of 19th century needlework and learn how to knit an 1863 Women’s Mitts pattern. Students are
recommended to know how to “knit, purl, and cast off.” Bring size 1 and size 9 needles, one skein of fingering
weight wool and a matching skein of sport weight wool, with matching silk or satin ribbon, sewing thread, a sewing
needle, embroidery yarn (needlepoint wool or fingering weight wool work very well), and small beads to decorate
the mitt.
The cost of the workshop is $40 per student (ages 12 years and older) and is limited to 10 participants. Contact the
Harpers Ferry Historical Association, 304-535-1523, to register. For additional information, please contact the
Living History and Historic Trades Office at 304-535-6063. Submitted by Kim Biggs, NPS
3
The SouperNatural Kitchen dinners return!
Please join us on April 23rd at the Canal House in Bolivar for a whole food dinner with ingredients that spring right
from the folks in your community!
Soup—a special gumbo from a “secret Cajun cook” in our midst
Bread—from the Shepherdstown Sweetshop
Dessert—our own Mary Luckenbaugh, the baker extraordinaire
Music—Jennifer, Justin, Chelsea (one of them will strum and sing for us)
Class—Dr. Harris on “Nuts, Beans and Seeds—Unlock More Nutrients”
The spring date gives us the opportunity to spread out on the patio and include our terrific farmers and artisans from
the Monday Bolivar Market which officially reopens on April 1, 2-5 pm. The SNK Team has been working hard
making important connections with the West Virginia Medical Center to identify and target patients who can use
help with fresh, whole food. We are also participating in the Kidz Power Paks program at Harpers Ferry Middle
School and Shipley Elementary to ensure those children and their families get the nutrition assistance they need.
Please plan on joining us for a wonderful dinner that supports people in your community. For information on tickets
or to volunteer, please call Dr. Harris’ office at 304 535 3009. For additional SNK and Bolivar Market info, visit us
on www.facebook.com/soupernaturalkitchen.
Bolivar Community Market Returns
The Bolivar Community Farmers Market will reopen Monday, April 1 from 2-5pm on the corner of Taylor and
McCormick Streets in Bolivar. Tme to stop by and see what spring is has in store!
Whistling Hill Farm has lamb, goat, honey, homemade lye soap. Contact Peggy.
Awee Farm has pork products from pasture raised pigs, including bacon, breakfast link sausage, Italian sausage (mild
and spicy), pork chops, pork roasts, ham steaks, Also eggs from cage-free hens. Contact Jimmy.
Stoneyridge Farm will start off with mixed salad greens, gardening supplies such as potting soil, onion starts, seed
potatoes, and seeds. Click here to see new products, order on line or sign up for the newsletter.
Some of last year’s farmers are returning and we hope to see many new ones as the community’s support for the market
grows. The Bolivar Market farmers have participated in the Souper Natural Kitchen since our inception by honoring
vouchers for free fresh whole food for those in need.
For more information, contact the farmers listed above or click here to view the SouperNatural Kitchen page for news.
Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library Events
Love working with paper? Make 3 greeting cards and a paper project on Saturday, April 20 at 12 noon. This
program is for adults. Registration required.
Calling all artists and art lovers! The Library is participating in the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Community Art Walk
on Saturday April 27 and Sunday, April 28 from 10 am to 6 pm. View artwork by local area artists. If you are
interested in displaying your artwork in the library, please call 304-535-2301.
Book Club for Adults meets Thursday April 11 at 6 pm. We will be discussing A Sunless Sea by Anne Perry.
Come join us!
4
Woman's Club Members Attending State
Convention at the Greenbrier
Five members of the Harpers Ferry Woman's Club are
attending the West Virginia State Convention for the General
Federation of Woman's Clubs at the Greenbrier in White
Sulphur Springs this month. Members will participate in
meetings and workshops. The Harpers Ferry club submitted a
number of reports to be considered for awards, as well as five
entries in the State arts and crafts contest. Members attending
the convention are Terry Alexander, Marianne Bayer, Lynn
Shuff and Lynn Vaughn, and President, Su Schmidt (left).
Submitted by Marianne Bayer
a taste of Victorian life available 1-hour seatings begin at 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 P.m. & 3:00 p.m.
reservations & inquiries, contact Shirley at 304 • 535 • 6922
for more information, email: Shirleycaniford @ aol.com
Saturday may 18, 2013 Hosted at charmadoah • 675 cliff street • harpers ferry
overlooking the blue ridge mountains & Shenandoah river reservations may be made for indoor or outdoor service
Charmadoah English steeped tea served with a gracious selection of fine delicacies, savory
sandwiches, scones, cookies, pastry jams, mini-quiche, mousse & fruit garnish
$15.00 adult • $7.00
children • benefit to st. john’s Episcopal church
hosts will seat you. please arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation maps made available upon request. for driving directions: www.charmadoah.com
Annual Victorian Tea
5
Communicating with the Mayor and Council
Mayor Joe Anderson 304-582-2377 [email protected]
Recorder Kevin Carden [email protected]
Council Betsy Bainbridge [email protected]
Members Jerry Hutton [email protected]
Dan Riss [email protected]
Charlotte Thompson [email protected]
Greg Vaughn [email protected]
Town Hall Phone: 304-535-2206
Planning Commission Upcoming Workshop & Public Hearing
The Commission continues its work on amendments to the Town's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinance as reported monthly in this newsletter since last summer. On March 7, the Commission held a
public work session on key proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Although the session was not as
well-attended as hoped, a productive dialog took place.
A second public workshop on the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments, especially for those unable
to make the first one, will be held Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 pm.
The Planning Commission will hold a formal public hearing on Thursday, April 18 at 6 pm on the
proposed amendments to the Town's 2007 Comprehensive Plan.
Notices for these meetings are posted on the Town bulletin board. Please mark your calendars! To view the
proposed amendments and updates as they become available, visit the Planning Commission page of the
Town website.
As adopted by the Planning Commission, the main goals of the Zoning Ordinance amendments are to:
1. Establish ordinances that can better withstand leagal challenge by aligning with WV State Code
requirements. If done well, the we expect fewer legal challenges and to prevail if challenged.
2. Adopt clearer wording that reflects present practices in the town, follows the Comprehensive Plan, and
is as fair as we can make it.
3. Prepare for a dialog between the Town and a developer of the Hilltop Hotel site by establishing a
process with parameters that the Town would broadly find acceptable.
The residents and property owners of the Town are the best judges of whether or not we are achieving these
goals. The Planning Commission welcomes your comments. Those unable to attend the Planning
Commission meetings may email their comments by April 18.
The Commission aims to forward a final draft Comprehensive Plan amendment proposal to the Town
Council following the April 18 public hearing. The zoning amendment proposal and supporting documents
will follow at a later date. This information will be posted on the Town website ahead of the Council
deliberation process which will include at least two readings and additional opportunity for comments.
Sylvie resting on the new steps on
Storer College campus.
6
Town Website Click here
Council Meeting Report
Anyone wishing to review any of the documents or information considered by the Council (the Council
“packet”) for past (or pending) meetings can find them on the town website under “Council Docs.” The
documents are posted to the website the Friday before regular Council meetings. A paper copy is also
available in a public meeting notebook at Town Hall.
At its March meetings the Council:
1. Approved opening a safe deposit box at BCT for storing backup digital files to be updated weekly.
2. Adopted a resolution in support of gun safety legislation.
3. Appointed Midge Yost to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4. Approved recommending Karan Townsend to the Jefferson County Commission for reappointment
to represent Harpers Ferry on the Jefferson County Development Authority.
5. Approved sign permits for Crown Candles (175 High Street) and Art Shack Baby (180 High Street).
6. Discussed and concurred with plans for Police Department enforcement of parking restrictions on
abandoned, junked and inoperable vehicles in accordance with the recently adopted Traffic and
Parking Ordinance.
7. Supported the School Board’s request to hire police coverage for interim crossing guard duties on an
as-available basis.
8. Discussed progress on the Landmarks and Planning Commissions work to update Zoning Ordinance
and agreed to hold a special meeting to give further direction to the process.
9. Approved the promotion of Chris Styer to the position of Water Works Class II Operator.
10. Approved the FY2013-14 General Fund budget.
11. Approved reimbursement of $150 in matching funds to the Harpers Ferry Town Foundation for
updating of the visitor map.
12. Received the first draft of an Ordinance Review and Approval Process.
13. Adopted a rewritten Ordinance - Article 137-Human Rights Commission, protecting certain classes,
including sexual orientation, from discrimination in employment and housing.
14. Approved expenditure of funds for repair and refurbishment of the Wager Alley town stairway from
WV Community Participation Project Funding and the General Fund.
Parking Enforcement on Horizon
The Town Council acted in February to adopt a new Traffic and Parking Ordinance.
The Council has given further direction to enforce parking regulations including
situations where cars have been abandoned or junked and left indefinitely parked on
streets. The Police Department will make reasonable efforts to alert vehicle owners
before taking enforcement action in order to allow time for addressing the issue and
removing vehicles that might be cited. If you have any questions or concerns please
contact the Police Department at 535-6366 or Town Hall at 535-2206. These actions
have been taken to address complaints and some long-standing concerns.
The Council also adopted a parking policy for establishing residential permit parking on a one-year trial
basis. To request a newly established permit parking area contact the Police Department which will be
administering the program.
7
Election Workers Needed for June 11 Town Election
Elections for Mayor, Recorder, and five Town Council members will be held on Tuesday, 11 June 2013.
Eligible residents are needed to work during the elections period, especially those registered as Republican,
independent, or third party. For more information or to apply to work, please contact Recorder Kevin Carden
via email.
Opportunities to Get Involved
If interested in serving on any of the organizations below, please send a letter of interest, including your
background, to the Mayor by April 15.
Water Commission
The Water Commission serves in an advisory capacity to assist the Town Council in carrying out its
responsibilities in administering, operating and maintaining the Water Works. For more information click here.
Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for establishing, improving, developing, administering,
operating and maintaining the town’s parks and recreational activities.
Blast from the past: Notes from 120 years of Council minutes Collected by Dan Riss; original spellings left intact
12 may 08 "It is moved…That the result of the Election hald on the 9th Inst. for Cow in or Cow out is as
Returned & approved by the Commissioners of Said Election is accepted. Result of Said election is 99 for
Cow in & 60 for Cow out. It is moved seconded and adopted that a fine of one Dollar & 60 cents be
Imposed on the owner of Cows for each and every Cow found running at large in this Town."
6 mar 1936 "Motion…that we cooperate with the US Government to create a proposed Harper's Ferry
National Historic Site, and that all roads be turned over to said government for park purposes. Motion
Carried."
28 sep 1966 Town to be compensated for the amount of $1.00 for the value of paper streets ceeded to US
Government for the National Park.
Jimi Hendrix on museum wall
Newsletter Info
Editor: Christy Huddle
Layout: Dee Anderson
Deadline for articles: April 12
To get on submittal notification list, click here.
8
ATC Wendy Hershey
as Ambassador
The ATC has selected Wendy Hershey to serve as the volunteer ambassador to
the designated Appalachian Trail Community™ of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar,
West Virginia. As community liaison to the ATC and the Potomac
Appalachian Trail Club, Wendy will encourage volunteerism and stewardship
of the Trail at the local level. This year there are 16 ambassadors serving 14
different communities along the Appalachian Trail.
Hershey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders & Speech
Science from the University of Colorado. She is an AT section hiker and looks
forward to promoting Trail awareness with community outreach, educational
events, Trail maintenance projects, and community hikes. Over the past four
years, she successfully organized the Valentines for Vets program in her community, delivering over 300
handmade Valentines to local Veterans Hospitals each year.
Wendy Hershey, Ambassador to
Harpers Ferry and Bolivar
Third Annual Cake Baking Contest
at ATC Visitor Center
On March 2, the ATC Visitor Center hosted their third
annual Cake Baking Contest to celebrate the 88th birthday
of the ATC. Ten members submitted cakes with AT
themes. For "Most Creative Cake," the audience chose
Judy McGuire's and Arther Tsien’s three-pound chocolate
Katahdin sign cake. A panel of four judges, made up of
ATC staff and volunteers, voted for “Best AT Design,”
“Best Junior Entry” and “Best Tasting."
There was a variety of outstanding cakes this year,
including ATC volunteer Robyn Schneiderman’s
“Katahdin in Winter” coconut cake and a “Mahoosuc
Notch” cake by “Westwind Potters,” a local Harpers Ferry shop. Lower
Town’s Tenfold Fair Trade Collection also entered a delicious (and fair
trade) “Divine Chocolate Raspberry Cake.”
Best Tasting: Green Velvet Cake with a Hint of Mint by Beth Ann
Shipe
Best A.T. Design: Appalachian Mountain Scene Chocolate Cake
by Sarah Arzt.
Most Creative: Katahdin Sign Chocolate Cake by Judy McGuire and
Arther Tsien.
Best Junior Entry: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Crumble Cake
by Hailey Moore.
Click here for a full listing of this year’s events and be sure to join us next
year for the 4th Annual Cake Baking Contest! Submitted by Kelly Wood, ATC intern
Robyn Schneiderman, with her
delicious “Katahdin in
Winter” coconut cake.
Rene Fecteau (left) shown with Mayor Joe Anderson
(center) and Chris Craig (right), chair of the Harpers
Ferry-Bolivar Trail Town Alliance who are fulfilling
important public relations duties.
9
Region 9 Assistance on Water Works Upgrade
The Town of Harpers Ferry recently entered into an agreement with Region 9 (Eastern Panhandle
Regional Planning and Development Council) to provide project coordination and technical services as
we go forward on renovating and improving the Water Works infrastructure.
The first step will be to update the 2009 Water Works engineering report, including identifying long-
range needs and estimating the costs of upgrading the Water Works. Region 9 is currently seeking
responses from qualified engineering firms interested in doing this work.
Once completed, the updated engineering report will be used as the basis for applying for a low-cost
loan from the USDA Rural Development, Rural Utilities Service.
Submitted by Barbara Humes, Water Commission
Water Works Report
The Water Works will again be testing water meters over the next few months.
Water Works staff will be temporarily removing water meters which will cause
a very short interruption of water service. Customers may also experience
cloudy water or air in the lines which should clear up within a short time. If
you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at 304-535-6555.
Water Works staff will be starting the annual hydrant-flushing program next month. The purpose of the
flushing is to remove stagnant water, debris and sediment from the lines. A schedule will be posted in next
month’s newsletter to inform all residents of the flushing route to be taken. Some customers may
experience cloudy water or air in the lines during this time, which is normal and does not affect the quality
of the water for safe drinking.
Please understand that the water flowing from the hydrants has a high velocity. Individuals are advised to
not drive or walk through the flow. Last year, some yards and driveways experienced some temporary
flooding. Water Works staff will do its best to direct the flow so as not to cause damage. We thank you for
your patience during this important process in supplying all water customers with a safe and clean water
service.
By Josh Carter, Manager Harpers Ferry Water Works
Chris Styer
temporarily
removing a
water
meter for
testing