By Rosalyn Queen
A belated birthday to the “Grapevine.” On January 11 we observed the 1,650 column of the Grapevine. These columns contain a history of the WestVirginia Italian Heritage Festival as well as a collection of customs, recipes, events in the area and a multitude of other stories.
In 1992 The Mountaineer Newspaper joined the WVIHF as a sponsor and as part of the sponsor package they carried the column in their weekly publications. The Value Guides covered a five county area with approximately 35,000 households receiving the publication. Later the column also appeared in the Shinnston News and Journal and continues to this day to carry the Grapevine. It was also carried in the Exponent Telegrams “Extra” and the Fairmont Times Bridgeport publication. For several years it has appeared on line in the Connect Bridgeport blog.
When I retired from the Festival, I asked if I could take the Grapevine with me and I have and I have continued to write each column. Occasionally I ask a visiting writer to submit a column. I have changed the format of the column to contain stories of interest other than those of Italian heritage. I love to call attention to non profit organizations in the area and the wonderful services they provide for our area, you can also find interesting recipes.
A new part of the column that I have added is “ROZ ‘S BOOK CLUB.” Once a month I will include a book that I have read and outline the good and bad points that might interest my followers in reading.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my followers and to encourage you to offer any comments to me at spanishqueen86@aol.com.
My next subject is a hats off to The Keepsake, a publication about our area. I have been around a long time and I find this to be one of the best publications of our area, I think this publication is sponsored by the Clarksburg History Museum. It is in need of members and I encourage you to join this group. For more information on becoming a member go on line at info@clarksburghistorymuseum.com. The cost is $25.00. I feel that Martha Jett and Michael Spatafore are two of the leading forces of this group. Be sure to get your copy of the Keepsake.
Keep warm, be careful and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
I do not know if I need permission. But I am including a pic of the Keepsake.
