The Grapevine: Thoughts from the WVIHF and More
By Rosalyn Queen on September 05, 2024 from The Grapevine
Labor Day officially bids farewell to summer and welcomes fall. This Labor Day weekend I enjoyed the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival.
First, I want to congratulate the Board of Directors on a great festival. I especially enjoyed the parade as I participated as a member of the Senior Council. We rode in the trolley and viewed all the participants in the parade and then enjoyed a great lunch at the PWA provided by Twin Oaks. We are a fun group, especially Father Patsy and Commissioner Veltri. I hope that more of you will consider joining us next year.
The mass was a beautiful event and Father Patsy’s message was very moving. I participated as a communion minister, probably for the 40th 
time and maybe for the last, but time will tell. It’s hard to believe that a space that was filled with music, dancing, and shouting turns into a beautiful, reverent space to worship and express our thanks for our culture and for life in general. I bravely accepted the challenge to work at the fritti booth and did so on Friday for two hours.
time and maybe for the last, but time will tell. It’s hard to believe that a space that was filled with music, dancing, and shouting turns into a beautiful, reverent space to worship and express our thanks for our culture and for life in general. I bravely accepted the challenge to work at the fritti booth and did so on Friday for two hours.
I was so excited to reunite with my festival friend Nannette Martin from Charleston. I met her at the festival several years ago and then not for the last five years. But there she was and how great it was to reunite with her. I hope that all of you were able to reunite with family and friends.
On Sunday night a Celebration of Life was held for Veronica Oliverio Moorman at the Davis Funeral Home Chapel. She was a Clarksburg native but was living in South Carolina. Approximately 50 people gathered to celebrate her life with her children and grandchildren. Her 
son Jon Michael and daughters Alysha and Bianca were present to greet those gathering. Thanks to Alexis Scott for helping with arrangements and a great big “Thank You” to Davis Funeral Home. I will miss her daily phone calls.
son Jon Michael and daughters Alysha and Bianca were present to greet those gathering. Thanks to Alexis Scott for helping with arrangements and a great big “Thank You” to Davis Funeral Home. I will miss her daily phone calls.
Now to some other items that are on our minds this time of year and that is our gardens and getting vegetables, especially peppers, to can for winter. I want to recommend visiting the Clarksburg and Bridgeport Farmers Markets for peppers and tomatoes. As all of you know I am patiently waiting for mushrooms. I have been told that there may not be any because we have not had enough rain. But I am a very positive person, and I hope I will get some.
Another great item for us are our flowers. I have never had as beautiful flowers as I have had this year. My petunias are still blooming, and I enjoy the vibrant smell. I hope to replace them with mums. But will enjoy them for as long as I can. They all came from Lowe’s and are so healthy.
So, our vegetables and flowers are healthy but how about us? Please be aware of the mosquitos. Now is the time to check on our vaccinations and renew them. Not only COVID but shingles.
Happy fall, stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows the Empire National Bank building, now the Empire1907 building, lit up in the colors of the Italian Flag. Photo courtesy of Traci Stumpo-Terango. Bottom photo shows Franny Lopez not only working, but enjoying the festivities.
