As I travel thru the picturesque little town which is my new home along the Greenbrier River I am struck by the thought of the challenges small towns face in today's economy. While being a small town the people here have big hopes of surviving and thriving which I certainly share with them. Also known as the "Gem of the Hills" Alderson, West Virginia has a lot going for it.

I find the people here to be genuine and friendly. Just about anyone in town is willing to help if you need directions or to find a good place to eat. Small towns are generally that way but here in Alderson, there is an underlying enthusiasm that I don't find everywhere. That is one of the reasons I decided to make this town my home and I can say that I am glad I did.

First settled in 1777 by Elder John Alderson the town has survived all the trials the United States has gone through in our over 200-year history. Today Alderson is a small town with big ideas. Officials and residents in this town have banded together to develop tourism and relocation to the area. "Alderson Main Street" a civic improvement organization has served the community for many years "by sponsoring and raising funds for the improvement of Alderson West Virginia". Included in the list of projects to improve Alderson is using volunteers to staff the Visitors Center for several hours for 4 to 5 days a week to help visitors and even locals find information about what is going on around town. With plans to possibly build a park near the train station on a site that used to be one of the large hotels in town. The hotel building is long gone and the area is now covered by woods and will make a nice park for the town. "Alderson Main Street" also has added easy access areas to get to the river for picnics and fishing among just a few of the items on their list. These efforts are also fully supported by the Mayor and Town Council.

Scenic beauty surrounds the area with green hills and of course, we also have the river itself. Nestled on the banks of the Greenbrier River not only is Alderson split in two by the river but is also in three different counties. Most of the residential areas and elementary school is on the Greenbrier County side of the river while the downtown historic district and municipal buildings are on the Monroe County side with a small part of town in Summers County. Being part of three counties provides a unique opportunity to combine the resources of all three counties. The town is surrounded by scenery that provides ample opportunity for hiking and photography.

Whether you like fishing, rafting or riding a tube down the river you can find it here. For those that want a little larger city Lewisburg, WV is within easy traveling distance from Alderson. There is a very beautiful old home converted to a B&B called Old Victorian Inn an inner located on the Monroe County side that is a destination in itself. The Inn provides Victorian charm at its best with comfortable rooms and a breakfast to die for.

The mayor/municipal judge of Alderson Mayor Travis Copenhaver has an optimistic outlook for the town. When asked about his vision for Alderson Mayor Copenhaver says "I want to see Alderson become a Destination." (That is Destination with a capital D). Originally taking office when a previous mayor resigned during midterm Copenhaver is enthusiastic about the progress that has been made in recovering funding for Alderson that could have been lost if not pursued when they did. Improvements to the infrastructure were accomplished with the monies received from disaster relief and grants they had applied for making access to the area better to increase tourism and economic development in Alderson. The town's budget has been in the black for all of his 5 years run as mayor so far. The Mayor's outlook for the future is bright.

Big doings are usually going on in Alderson. At the end of May every year they put on a shindig they call Alderson Strawberry Festival. The old bridge that linked the two counties across the river is now a footbridge which fills with vendors that display everything from strawberry concoctions to arts and crafts. The food vendors with smells heavenly enough to make your mouth water and specialty vendors displaying their wares done by some extremely talented people provide plenty to keep everyone busy. Entertainment is provided by local performers ranging from full bands to single artists that are very talented and provide a good time for all. The revelry goes from the old train depot (which also provides tours and displays of days gone by) through the downtown area across the bridge and over to the Visitors Center located in an old Gulf gas station. Volunteers staff the train depot and the Visitors Center to provide information and general help to all who require it. Along with benefit dinners and other events throughout the year, there is usually something to do or see in town.

Alderson does have the distinction of having the largest 4th of July celebration of the state of West Virginia. In 2018 the fun started on June 29th and went thru July 5th. If not the largest at the very least it is the longest celebration. With parades, pageants, horse shows, ice cream socials and Gospel sing among many other activities and a variety of entertainment scattered within there is certainly ample opportunity to find something for everyone to enjoy. The 4th of July parade stretches through most of the town and lasts for over 2 hours. Local girls compete for the honor of being Miss Fireworks and younger girls compete for Junior Miss Fireworks. There is usually a major talent that performs on the night of the 4th before the huge fireworks show. This year their headliners were The Avalons, a well-known group that provides songs, comedy, audience participation with vocals that are professional and entertaining.

Owner of one of the local eateries The Big Wheel Family Restaurant Patty Massie has been in the food business for 24 years all of which has been in Alderson. She is determined to stay in the Alderson area since she was born here and most of her family and friends are here and she still sees a good opportunity to earn a living. According to Patty, she sees better business in the future with the ongoing improvements in town. When asked about the people in town Patty says, "Most of my customers are more like family than customers. I see most of them almost every day." Having sampled the food that her restaurant serves I can certainly understand all the repeat business.

This area of West Virginia was among some of the hardest hit during the devastating floods of 2016. Having sustained a great deal of damage to the infrastructure it has been a long road in bringing the town back from all the destruction much less bringing it farther into the improvement stage. With the determination of the mayor, town council, civic improvement organizations and the concerned citizens I am confident that Alderson will reach their goals.

Personally, I have also committed myself to the continuing progress for the area. In joining the Alderson Lions Club and the Alderson Main Street group I will do my part to bring this quaint little town into the future. I only hope that my meager efforts will be beneficial to the town. I will continue to do my part as small as it is because……..well because this is now my home.