March Specials
The luck of the Irish has brought you some great specials on Nico’s selection of facials.
Purchase any two facials and receive the third facial free *.
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Intelligence Facial
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Anti-Aging Facial
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Men’s Executive Facial
*Buy two get one does not apply to any other facial, massage or spa services. Free facial must be of equal or lesser value.
Call for Artists!
Nico Spalon is looking for new artists to supplement our art gallery. If you are a painter, photographer, sculptor, graphic designer, etc., we’d love to display your work and help sell your art. Contact us at admin@nicospalon.com with any questions and we look forward to seeing your work on our walls!
Morgantown’s Outdoor Wonderland
One of our favorite places to get out and get moving is Cooper’s Rock. Located just a few miles out of town is a great place to do, well, just about anything! It is a beautiful park with miles of woods, trails, cliffs, rocks and scenic views. There are picnic areas to take the family or significant other, as well as places to do some of the activities we’ve talked about the last couple of months. You can walk, hike, ride bikes, fish, hunt, longboard or even repel! Bring your dogs, who can swim in the pond. For the younger ones there are playgrounds. There are various opportunities for photographic scenes and wonderful vistas. You can even camp, with reasonable rates. I love to load my dogs into the car and go out to Coopers Rock to do some fishing at the stocked trout lake. The Park Rangers are friendly and helpful, even once being as kind as to return one of my dogs that had gotten away from me and wondered off. All in all, I would recommend Cooper’s Rock State Park to anyone that wants a break from the hassles of Morgantown to a beautiful park with near limitless activities. Nothing refreshes after a long, hum-drum day of work like a stroll around this outdoor wonderland.
Nico Spalon RetroHair Photoshoot!
The last weekend in July, Nico was proud to host a photo shoot for RetroHair, based out of Pittsburgh, PA. On Saturday there was an open modeling call, with chosen models being shot on Sunday and Monday. There was so much going on, but it was all very exciting! We had very beautiful models, great designers, and a great photographer. These pictures will be featured in national print campaigns, as well as trade shows, and outdoor boards. It was an honor to work with such prestigious figures as Gino Martino, Bob Campione, and Bill Gunzburg. The hair that was done for the shoot was just as stunning as the models, and our team drew inspiration from this, as well as picking up new techniques. Thank you to the Retro team, as well as all the models that came out and participated in the model call, and the shooting. Keep an eye out because Nico will be looking for local models again soon!
Get Outside!
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and still have a good meal! We’re not talking the playground at McDonalds, but an actual meal. There are a few great places in Morgantown to get a bite to eat and still enjoy the beautiful weather. One of my favorite places to do this is Archie’s on the lake. After a long day of boating, it’s so nice to stay out and enjoy the sunset over a fresh meal. The outdoor decks are relaxing and a nice change of pace from your normal restaurant routine. Another great place in Morgantown is the Chop House. Get out on your bike and ride the rail trails, and then stop in and take in the great views while you watch others ride. They have great food and great people to accommodate your every wish. The last place, but certainly not my least favorite, was opened recently by a good friend of mine. Marty’s namesake is on the golf course on Cheat Lake. With a fantastic deck and great live music, this is definitely a great place to get out. Our good friends, One Hundred Hurricanes will be playing there later this month! Also, the waitstaff is very nice to look at. I hope that everyone gets a chance to visit these places and enjoy their summer!
Longboarding
Looking for a new way to get outside more often? How about the new method of transportation? Give longboarding a shot! A mixture of skateboarding and land surfing, longboarders love long and winding hills, something that Morgantown has plenty of. Longboarding became popular alongside surfing in the 1950’s. Longboarders use specially designed skateboards that are significantly longer than traditional skateboards, with wider trucks and bigger wheels to better accomodate carving (turning sharply back and forth, much like surfing or snowboarding.) Of course, Nico would like to emphasize the use of all safety equipment including pads and helmets, but also sliding gloves. These gloves have plastic pucks on the palm and fingers so that the wearer can place them against the concrete when sliding without damage to their hands. I had an oppourtunity to try this emerging hobby when I met some longboarders last week. Jake and Steve were longboarding at Copper’s Rock when I met them. They introduced me to this fascinating sport, and even got me on a board!
Brooks Parker
Hello everyone! It’s that time again when we sit down with a local artist and find out those need to know questions. This month, we got an amazing opportunity to interview up and coming local musician, Brooks Parker.
So Brooks, how did you get your start in music?
I began playing piano at age 4. Most of my musicmaking during my childhood took place in church and the typical school talent shows. As I got older, I started playing background music for hours at parties and other events, which birthed my interest in improvisational playing and songwriting. Although throughout high school I was writing, playing, and singing, I would say that my move to Nashville, Tennessee in 2005 was the real beginning of my music “career.”
That’s great! So who got you interested in this? Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences?……Being a piano man who likes to play and sing his own songs, I have obviously been heavily influenced and affected by the work of Billy Joel, Elton John, and even Phil Vassar (who is known in Nashville as “the piano man in a guitar town.”) In more recent years, through my close friendship and time spent with Amy Grant and Vince Gill, my songwriting and interpretation has been greatly impacted by their work and example. They are two of the most brilliant songwriters in the world and I am lucky to have them as mentors.
I bet that has been an amazing experience. What’s been your most memorable so far?
I have been fortunate to have had lots of amazing experiences making music both in West Virginia and in Tennessee. From singing the national anthem at Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games, to playing piano and singing on tour with Amy Grant, to singing background vocals in concert with Michael W. Smith, I have been blessed with many opportunities to do what I love with many incredible musicians. My most memorable experience, however, was one that is far less glamorous than those. The Bridge Ministry is a mission group in Nashville that gathers the city’s homeless (sometimes over 1,000 people) for a meal and worship time ever single Tuesday night, rain or shine, under a bridge in downtown Nashville. Amy Grant was asked to lead that worship time once last fall, and she took me with her to play keyboards and sing. Seeing the way that our music was helping God to move into the hearts of these people, and watching them come forward to commit their lives to Christ was one of the most moving and unforgettable experiences of my life. I have seen my music move people in many settings, but in that most unlikely place I saw and felt my music be moved by those people. It was a sensation that I had never experienced before, but from that day on will strive to create with every note I play or sing.
So what does the future hold for Brooks Parker?
The future for me?…..Currently, two of my best friends and I are developing a trio. We are writing, and singing our songs with full harmonies - which is my favorite thing to do. We are involved with a production and publishing company in Nashville and in the process of cutting our first EP. We hope to start work on our album mid-summer and begin touring in the fall. In the meantime, I stay busy writing both country and contemporary Christian music, singing background vocals and playing keyboards for other artists, and spend a good deal of time doing music for my church. These are things that I will always do, regardless of what happens with my solo career.
If you got to decide, what would your dream gig be?
My dream gig is to be part of a country group, involved both in the writing and in the performing. I also would love to be a part of the production process as well.
Any music for sale?
Music for sale?…..nothing at the moment. updates to come.
We’d like to thank Brooks for taking the time to sit down with us and give us all a glimpse into his world. Be sure to check out Brooks on Myspace and encourage this local artist on his way to the top!
We will definately keep everyone updated with one of our favorite artists, and have links to any albums or EPs in the near future. For now though, check out these tracks and videos!
Arts on the River
On Saturday and Sunday June 20 and 21st, Morgantown will host the Arts on the River Festival. This festival will take place on the riverbank near Garrett street downtown. The festival will include local artistry, from jewelry to wine, and food. 123 Pleasant St. will be providing food, and various local wineries will be selling and showcasing their wines. Local musicians will be performing on two different stages to keep festival-goers entertained between booths. One of our favorites, One Hundred Hurricanes is set to perform on the second day, and we can’t wait to see them play! More information can be found at http://www.artsontheriver.org/index.html
Dragonfly
Sushi and American food coupled with a multitude of cultural flare joins together to create a chic urban dining experience in the heart of downtown Morgantown.
The Dragonfly offers a unique ambience that can’t be matched. Exquisitely designed metal architecture, warm natural oak wood floors complimented by sensual romantic lighting induces an intimate atmosphere that enhances the senses. The menu pleasures the palette offering a wide variety of choice that caters to all diners. Entrees vary from vegetarian specialties to seafood and steak. The sushi is immaculate, ranging from a choice of house specialty rolls to a wide variety of sashimi for the seasoned sushi veteran. Fresh fish is served daily.
As the night goes on, the hip restaurant environment transforms into a lounge nightlife retreat creating a sexy escape from a long day of work. The drink menu includes a variety of martinis, house specialty drinks, and, of course, sake.
Recently awarded “ Best New Restaurant” by Main Street Morgantown, The Dragonfly offers a premium quality dining experience coupled with an eclectic atmosphere that thrills and delig
hts .
Dinner is served from 5:00 until 10:00 seven days a week, with a late night menu served from 11:00 until close. The restaurant will soon be opening for lunch.
341 Chestnut Street
Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 241-4305
Andy Tuck and the Greens
For this article, we did things a little differently this time. Going with more of an interview route, I spoke with Andy Tuck of the Greens to find out what makes the Greens tick.
So let’s get the basics out of the way. How did Andy Tuck get to be the harmonica touting dynamite frontman of the Greens?
For me, getting into music was a necessity– I got into trouble at age 14, got put on really strict probation and couldn’t go running around with my friends. So I had to find SOMETHING to do. I just began messing around on my dad’s guitar. He showed me the basic chords, and I was pretty much self-taught from there. I played all day every day throughout high school. I was really into Nirvana and that grungy type stuff, and then went back thru the classic rock and so on…
I was lucky in that I had friends who were into playing rock too, so we started bands about age 16 or so. I was always driven to write original material. I moved to California in 2000, and moved back in 2002. I met Nathan Yoke, the drummer for The Greens. He and I (and about 7 bassists and 2 saxophone players) have had this thing going for alomst 10 years now.
Who are the biggest influences on your pursuit of music?
My biggest influences remain the classic rock bands: Hendrix, Zeppelin, and Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Miles Davis, Allman Brothers, Cream, CCR, Doors, The Band… plus singer-songwriters like Neil Young, (Bob) Dylan, John Prine, Tom Waits, and also black soul music– James Brown, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Funkadelic…
I think that there are basically 2 kinds of music: that which you like, and that which you don’t like…
The Greens have various albums out, all of which I’m sure people can buy, but what is your favorite part of the whole process?
Recording is a good thing because as a band, you feel like your truly working. You are making a product. It is very exciting– hopefully it will make lotsa money and fans! But that is secondary to the making of music that will last a long time. You will always have that. You are proud of it. You go into the studio (We always use Zone 8!), and you really get down into the details of making a record together with your group. For me the best part is when it’s all done, all the recording, mixing, and then you play the album in your car and it comes blasting out of the stereo. Damn good feeling there.
How about live shows? I’ve seen you guys play and you seem like the happiest person alive.
Playing live is pretty much my favorite thing ever. It’s here right now. It is reality. It feels like you are in the flow of life. You are truly free, if only for 2 or 3 hours. If the audience is up and enthusiastic, you feel like a superhero sometimes! If not, you still hafta get through the night. We have played many bummer shows. But I look at it as “what if this could be the last time we ever get to play music”, and so we don’t ever wanna get off the stage without feeling like we did our best. You give them all you got.
Alright, final question: What is your dream gig?
Dream gig?! Well…. this is one of those questions that if you asked me 100 times, you’d get 100 different answers, but as for now: The Greens with The Beastie Boys with Beck and Tom Waits and The Mars Volta and the ghosts of Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa and Miles Davis, with an African percussion section and those Tibetan throat-singers in the back ground! Zowee!!!!
You can check out Andy Tuck and the Greens at their site http://www.thegreensmusic.com or their myspace http://www.myspace.com/thegreens
Your Pageant Partner
I’m Dallas James Harris, former director of the Ravenswood Octoberfest pageant, and current stylist/pageant consultant for Nico Spalon. I have been consulting successful pageant contestants for over 5 years, including but not limited to winners of Miss WV Teen USA, Miss WV National Sweetheart, Miss WV National Teenager, along with many local titles throughout the state of West Virginia. I’ve worked in many of our state/national pageant circuits including WV USA, MAO, WVAFF, WV Intl., NAM, ANTSO, etc.
This column will contain information on finding appropriate pageants for you, along with tips and tricks of the trade for hair, makeup, and interview preparations. I will also be consulting with state title holders past and present for their input and advice. Also, if you have any questions about ANY area of pageantry, feel free to email questions to dallas@nicospalon.com.
Keep checking back at our website for the latest information, and upcoming pageant events, training dates, and competition results. That’s all for now, so until we meet again, be beautiful!
Top 10 Fitness Spots Around Morgantown
It’s that time of year again to dust off the cob webs from the frosty winter months and begin to put the spring back in our step. The first day of Spring was March 20 and here in Morgantown the weather has been nice enough to get outside and start moving around.
A person can gain an estimate of 3-4 pounds per winter. Researchers blame the weight gain on several factors. These factors include the weather, less daylight which increases depression, and cravings for sweets and starches. The important thing now is to enjoy the nice weather, get outside, and begin moving. Exercising may include doing some Spring cleaning around your yard, going for a walk with your children, or enjoying some of the outdoor parks and activities in Morgantown. Below are the Top Ten 10 places in Morgantown to visit in order to get your body moving.
10. Marilla Park
Located in Sabraton, Marilla Park has a community pool, a skate boarding park, and picnic sites.
9. Coliseum Track
Come visit the home of the Mountaineer women’s volleyball team, rifle team, and women’s and men’s basketball teams. Located on Monongahela Blvd., the Coliseum opened in 1970; this facility is a multi-purpose arena which seats 14,000 spectators. A person may walk, rollerblade, or ride bicycles around the Coliseum. Three laps around the outside of the coliseum are equal to one mile.
8. Core Arboretum
The Arboretum is located near the WVU Coliseum. There are 3.5 miles of trails where a person can hike through to see all of wonderful flora and fauna native to West Virginia. The Arboretum is best known for its “Spring Ephermel” wildflowers.
7. Virgin Hemlock Trial
The Virgin Hemlock Trail is located at exit 15 off of I-68 east, turn south and follow signs. The forest is over 300 years old and has a hiking time of roughly 45 minutes. The hemlock trees located throughout this trail are the only trees left untouched on steep ground above Laurel Creek Hill, apparently too difficult for loggers to reach.
6. Dorsey Knob
The 70-acre Dorsey’s Knob Park, located adjacent to U.S. 119, is right outside of downtown Morgantown. This site is one of the highest points in Monongalia County. From “Sky Rock” peak you can see miles and miles of West Virginia landscape.
5. Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens began in 1983, located on the 82 acre of former Tibbs Run Reservoir off Tyrone Road. The 15 acre basin is home to many beautiful varieties of plant life. There are several trails that span around and through this area.
4. Chestnut Ridge Park
Chestnut Ridge Park has 16,000 acres of recreational area, 10 miles outside of Morgantown. With in the park one may hike, bike, swim, fish, rock climb, snow board, horseback, cross country ski or camp.
3. Cheat river/ Cheat Lake/ Cheat Lake Park
On Cheat Lake an individual may cool off by boating, swimming, kayaking, or jet skiing. Cheat Lake is located off of I-68 east at the Cheat Lake exit.
2. Rails to Trails
The Mon River / Caperton / Deckers Creek Rail-Trails are 48 miles long; open for walking, cycling, jogging, and cross-country skiing with a smooth surface for wheel-chair use and all types of bicycles. In Morgantown and Star City, eight miles of trail are paved, creating the perfect surface for in-line skating. The rail-trail connects three counties, Marion, Monongalia, and Preston Counties in North Central West Virginia.
The Caperton Trail has more of a city feel with neighboring city parks, restaurants, and shops. The Deckers Creek Trail is more of a challenge as it climbs at approximately a 2% grade 1,000 feet over 19 miles with rhododendron and hemlock groves, deciduous forests, into more open fields and farmlands in Preston County.
1. Coopers Rock
Coopers Rock State Forest gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near what is now the overlook. A cooper by trade, he resumed making barrels at his new mountain hideout, selling them to people in nearby communities. Coopers Rock State Forest is 13 miles east of Morgantown and 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills. Its 12,713 acres are bisected by Interstate 68. Bands of rock cliffs line the Cheat River Gorge and provide numerous overlooks. The centerpiece among these is the main overlook, which furnishes a panorama of the gorge and distant horizons. A maze of enormous boulders and cliffs fascinates hikers, and the trails are especially beautiful in June when the rhododendron and mountain laurel blooming. Several trails wind through forest valleys and over ridges, and there are many creeks available to hikers interested in getting a little wet. Glade Run is dammed to form a 6-acre pond that is regularly stocked with trout. The experienced hiker can hear and sometimes see various wildlife; such as hawks, owls, turkeys, fox and deer throughout the forest.
Get your Glasses On!
Glasses aren’t just for reading any more! This form of optical enhancement as grown over the past several years into something much more fashionable. Take a look in any major magazine and you’ll see for yourself, so to speak. Major fashion labels such as Dolce and Gabana, Versace, Gucci, Dior, Prada, DKNY and many others offer a wide assortment of frames to complement any outfit.
Eye Care Clinic of Morgantown has everything you need to get your new look completed, from designer frames, to lenses and lens coatings to make sure you walk out looking great. Don’t feel bad if your genes have left you with perfect vision, you can get non-prescription lenses to fit any frame! Other options include transitional lenses that become sunglasses in bright light, anti-glare coatings, and even polarized lenses for even clearer vision. According to Daw
n from Eye Care Clinic, the thick rimmed frames have made a comeback and are a popular choice amongst clients. Eye Care Clinic also carries an assortment of branded sunglasses as well, and these can also be tailored to your prescription if you request it. With so many options at so many price levels, there is no reason you shouldn’t check out some new spec’s for yourself.
Eye Care Clinic is located at the Morgantown Mall across from Belk. I’ve been very pleased with the great service and friendly staff who have helped me added to my growing collection of glasses. My frames have become my new favorite accessory!
~ Nico
Yesterday’s Restaurant, Bar & Grille
After visiting Yesterday’s, it was a pleasant surprise that it wasn’t like other restaurants that I have been to in the area. Owners Rick and David Biafore, along with Joe Castillo, offer a unique vision for this new one-of-a-kind place. Prominent business owners in the Morgantown area, David and Rick have worked wonders for the housing and business community. Joe has worked in the restaurant business his entire career, managing several restuarants in the Morgantown area. Now, he has the ability to own and operate his own.
When entering Yesterday’s, you think you are in bar inspired restaurant, but there is so much more. This restaurant has something for everyone. Whether you are enjoying a romantic dinner nestled by the fireplace, a bottle of wine in the atrium, or just stopping by the bar to grab a beer and a burger.
Of course the staff is a huge part of why I find this place wonderful. When I am visiting I always request my favorite server, Matt Veith. He constantly adds a special touch to the dining experience, knowing I always drink my dirty martini in a chardonnay glass. The restaurant manager, Amanda Howell, is also a client and has a personality and attitude that gives the restaurant a special and unique atmosphere by accommodating anything she can.
Overall, Yesterday’s creates a new trend that is great to see in Morgantown.
Recently, We celebrated Nic’s birthday at Yesterdays and it was a fantastic time. The bartenders kept the night fun and exciting. We took over the entire bar and had a wonderful evening. We highly recommend Yesterdays for your next event, or just to have a great meal.
Nico Spalon to host “Cuts for a Cause”
Nico Spalon has been offered a wonderful opportunity to help those children directly benefitting from the services provided by WVU Children’s Hospital. On Sunday, March 29, 2009, we will sponsor “Cuts for a Cause” to raise money for this fabulous charity. For this event, the salon will use all of its resources to help children receiving care in one of the four wards of the hospital. Several fundraising activities are planned for the event. Patrons will have the opportunity to have their hair cut and styled for a reduced rate, participate in drawings for gift cards, gift certificates, hair care products, and much more.
Salon regulars will notice a big change to the artwork on the studio walls. Recently our stylists were fortunate enough to spend time with children who are currently patients at the hospital. Together, both the patients and our own Nico team, expressed their artistic abilities by decorating pizza boxes generously donated by Rosa Pizza and Pasta. Pizza boxes turned into works of art by patients at WVU Children’s Hospital will be on display. These works of art will be available for purchase by donation.
Clarksburg Beauty Academy will also lend a hand to the event. Students will be volunteering their time and services along side our own stylists to assist and to take advantage of this valuable learning experience. As stated by our owner Nicholas Romanoli, “We see this as an opportunity to use our entire space to raise money for a worthy cause. Whether it’s hair, art, or music, we hope something connects with somebody.”
Our salon will not being taking appointments for the day of the event. Instead, our stylists hope people will sign in and take advantage of other activities, including dollar-a-minute chair massages, free food and drink, and raffles. All cuts that day will be at a fixed cost of $20.00 per person, and it will be first come, first serve. All proceeds, including tips, will go directly to the WVU Children’s Hospital.
We’d also like to thank all of our sponsors for the event. From food, to decorations, and raffle prizes, we could not have prepared for such a wonderful day without them.
Special Thanks to:
Davis & Lee Inc. Edible Arrangements Boston Beanery
Clarksburg Beauty Academy Waterfront Spa & Salon Rosa Pizza & Pasta
The Elegant Alley Cat Keglers Yesterday’s
Rays Pastries Wongs Wok Pinocchio’s Books & Toys
Regatta Bar & Grille Bead Monster Boutique Everyday’s a Party Morgantown
Waterfront Place Hotel
We see this as an opportunity to use our venue and talents to raise money for a very worthy cause. Your help with our event would go a long way in making this day even more successful. We hope to see as many people as our salon can hold!
Southeast Engine Cd Release
From Athens, Ohio rolls in Southeast Engine, a five piece band of earthly tones. Friday, February 27th will mark the Morgantown release of their forth full length studio album entitled “From the Forest to the Sea,” a twelve track effort, a disc nearly two years in waiting.
Some nine years ago, two high school friends in Dayton, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Remnant and drummer Leo DeLuca, formed Southeast Engine in the Athens college scene, which seems to exponentially grow from year to year in terms of both size and talent. Athens would provide the inspiration for the band’s Americana/ Appalachian folk style, yet, having grown up in Dayton during the mid 1990s underground music boom, the pair also sites Guided By Voices, Brainiac and Swearing at Motorists as some of their earliest local influences.
Joined by keyboardist Michael Lachman and eventually Adam’s younger brother Jesse on bass, the band release its first record “Love is a Murder, a Mystery of Sorts,” in 2003, which gives some insight into the hard working nature of the band. And indeed these boys are still very hard working with upcoming tour dates as far west as Texas and all up and down the east coast right around the corner.
Rounding out the band’s stellar line up is local boy wonder and legend Billy Matheny who is also a member of Moon, where he joins the likes of other Morgantown hit makers such as Mark Poole and Woody O’Hara, as well as his own band, Billy Matheny and the Frustrations. Sliding nicely into place, Billy is known as the band’s utility musician and, of course, meets his responsibility with picture perfect accuracy. 
At first listen, Adam’s vocal reminds one very much of Ben Kweller, the great indie success story from Texas. There is just something in the way Adam ends his phrases, with a calculated whine descending into a fading note, that exudes both charm and a sense of the curious pursuit for understanding.
Biblical imagery certainly has a place on this record. With song titles such as “Quest for Noah’s Ark” and “Preparing for the Flood,” the band seems to have stayed in line with its struggle for discovering purpose and place in the universe on this record. In fact, “From the Forest to the Sea” is entirely centered around a main character who is continuously trying to juggle the knowledge of a greater purpose with his earthly desires. This is a great means of relating to the audience and the battle between the physical and the eternal that lives within us all. Perhaps this character will find balance? The only way to find out, clearly, is to buy the band’s record!
Southeast Engine’s Morgantown CD release is February 27th at 123 Pleasant. One Hundred Hurricanes will open the show, followed by Southeast Engine, with Librarians delivering the knock out punch. For information regarding ticket prices and the like, check out 123 Pleasant on Myspace. All three bands are also easily found on myspace.com.
For a complete list of tour dates, biographical information or to purchase “From the Forest to the Sea” as well as previous releases visit the band’s website at southeastengine.com.
WV Fitness
More than one million people were expected to join a gym in the month of January alone, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association in Boston. Millions of individuals begin their new year with change, possibly changes to better one’s self. The change may have to do with finances, relationships, or more commonly “to get in shape” or “be more healthy.” Does this sound familiar? Fortunately, for the thousands of mountaineers that reside here in Morgantown we have an untapped resource…WVU!
With today’s economy being in shambles for so many people tend to cut out non essentials. For many a gym membership or a personal trainer is viewed as a non essential. West Virginia University offers wonderful fitness and activity classes at very reasonable prices. These classes are offered through the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in the lifetime activities program. Classes include scuba diving, pilates, zumba, and the list goes on. You may join classes for the individual or family. There are a variety of classes geared only toward children. These classes include babysplash, choosy kids club, young walkers, and many more. For more information look online at www.lifetimeactivities.org or call 304-293-0859.
Being a recent graduate of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Science I am confident in saying that the individuals who instruct class through the lifetime activities program are highly qualified. The classes offered are of great variety and great price. Price shouldn’t even be an issue when it comes to improving one’s health. Health is priceless and if you have good health…well then you’re a millionaire.
Good luck in your new year ventures and the best of luck in 2009!
-J. Kwiatkowski
Sargasso
Nico and friends at brunch. One of my favorite things to bring the weekend to an end is to have crab, cheese, and vegetable omelet with a tasty mimosa at Sunday brunch with my click of friends at Sargasso. A great friend and client, Chef Noah Miller spices up the brunch menu with interesting, creative, and unique omelets and other delicious entrees. They really seem to have a more interesting grip on Sunday brunch with the addition of an h’orderves table that is included in the price of your brunch entree, the table features rich cheeses, fresh fruit, and amazing shrimp cocktail. The service is out of this world also. Our server Tom Roc, provided a professional yet personal atmosphere for the afternoon, and sometimes that is hard to do with us group of guys. Sargasso, is not only wonderful for brunch. They offer both great dinner and lunch menus. The wine list is out of this world also with wines ranging from $20 to $300. Sargasso, in my opinion is one of the premiere restaurants of the waterfront district. Thanks Phil and Dana Weser for bringing such a quality establishment to Morgantown.
(304)554-0100
Yellow is the Color for 2009
If yellow doesn’t flatter you, but you like the color, accessorize with yellow shoes or a yellow purse. Yellow makes a strong color pop to brighten your days. During a time of political change and economic uncertainty, the color yellow expresses hope and reassurance.
Breaking the rules – white and denim merge
White has always been a color strictly worn in spring and summer, but the combination creates a seasonless new ground in fashion.
Paige (pictured) is wearing white Hudson jeans paired with a yellow “merina” top by Velvet; cashmere scarf by Me & Kashmere. Stock up on your yellow and white for 2009 at Vance’s Blues!
One Hundred Hurricanes
One Hundred Hurricanes Will Hit Morgantown on January 30th
In September of 2008 while speaking at a meeting of South American political leaders in Brazil, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez confirmed that his worst fears had come to pass as the economic downturn wrestling global financial markets had impacted his nation’s oil profits with the force of “a hurricane, or more than one hurricane, its one hundred hurricanes!” Clearly, Mr. Chavez was well aware that far, far away from his presidential podium four twenty-something aspiring rockers were in the process of recording their first full length studio album. On January 30th, One Hundred Hurricanes WILL hit the free market system with the release of “60 Years Under the Stars,” a fifteen track debut effort that is sure to leave all who hear it emptying their pockets.
Two seemingly distant years ago, Denny Dingus III, Nick Kirk, Kyle Williams and Michael L. Withrow formed yet another four piece rock and roll band in Morgantown, West Virginia with the simple goal of playing live music for, at the very least, apathetic under aged drinkers. After several name changes and endless months of playing in side street dives, the boys finally landed on their current name and the repertoire of songs that produced a strikingly catchy first disc. From the onset, the album bangs out meaty guitar riffs, eardrum busting kit work and alternately melodic bass lines rounded off with culturally aware lyrics delivered by a classic rock and roll approach to vocals.
One Hundred Hurricanes draw their sound from the music that encompasses the soundtracks of their day to day lives. With solid influences like the Beatles, the Strokes and the Arctic Monkeys, the group has made composing eclectic tracks their calling card. From the indie friendly “Duke Hat” to the closing ballad “When the Pictures Fade” the album literally has something for everyone. Songs like “Be That Way” and “Live” are sure to leave listeners from the NYC school of rock and roll pleased, while “One More Try” exists as an updated ode to the early 60s sound that merged Spectorian doo-wop with a British twisting of Chuck Berry. “Space For Myself” is as radio friendly as it gets, in a college rock sense, and “Snake” offers no mercy for the corporate high jacking of modern day FM dials.
Produced and engineered by Morgantown legend Mark Poole at Zone 8 studios, “60 Years Under the Stars” could easily provide a reference point for the current scene and offers a refreshing exhale as independent music continues to grow and expand the proverbial box. Fifteen tracks for ten dollars: just a little less money to go around for Chavez’s oil. He must be shaking in his boots!
One Hundred Hurricanes will be playing a CD release show on the official release date of January 30, 2009 at 123 Pleasant Street in Morgantown. U92’s Daniel Conway will open the show on his turn table, following a live concert of the entire album, with Pittsburgh’s Omega Love providing additional entertainment. Please visit 123Pleasant.com for ticket information.
