Spring isn’t just about warmer weather. It’s about possibilities taking root.
As I sit at my desk in late February trying to channel spring vibes, there’s a blizzard raging outside. French Creek Freddie promised an early spring, and I am holding him to it. Because here’s the thing—spring isn’t just about warmer weather. It’s about possibilities taking root. With that sentiment in mind, this year’s possibilitarians are Daniel C. Taylor and Johan Reinhard of Pendleton County. Taylor’s story is quite simply astonishing. He turned improbable possibilities into realities, and in doing so has changed the world. Add Reinhard to the mix, with his unparalleled discoveries, and I’m wondering if we should all move to Pendleton County just to breathe in the rarefied air.
When I interviewed Daniel, he said something that stopped me in my tracks. We were talking about SEED-SCALE—the community development model he created—and he said, “I’ve loved your company’s mission from day one. You’re redefining the conversation in West Virginia by lifting up the good things. You’re not obsessing over the problems or doing exposés on corruption. You’re reimagining the narrative around the future. And by doing that, you’re already practicing SEED-SCALE. You just didn’t know it.”
Well. That gave me something to sit with.
This issue is filled with people, places, and businesses that are positively redefining our state. People like our Mental Health Care Heroes. We partnered with Moodr Health to highlight some of the folks around the state who are working hard to address some of our most pressing challenges. And Pam Kasey’s story on the foster care crisis and the promising programs that are addressing left me shaken—and hopeful.
I also share with you the joyful adventure of taking my mother back to her hometown of Dundon in Clay County to experience the Elk River Rail Explorers. My grandfather, Ralph Acree, worked on the trains that ran on the Buffalo Creek & Gauley rail. I’m enthralled with this new way to experience the outdoors. And to have it in Clay, an often-overlooked county, makes it all the more special. Anyone—young, old, or mobility-challenged—can participate. I’m super impressed with this company. Yes, Elk River Rail Explorers is a really cool experience, but it is much more than that. Rail Explorers is changing lives. It’s hiring young people in Clay County—kids who have faced broken homes, poverty, and barriers most of us can’t imagine. In the past couple of years, I’ve spent a measurable amount of time with young folks in Clay, and one of the most touching things I witnessed on that sunny summer day in Dundon was the pride and excitement of the hardworking young people operating the tours for Rail Explorers. Because you know what happens when you give someone a job that makes them feel seen? They light up. They stand a little taller. They feel proud of where they’re from. And for the first time, they see possibilities of a brighter future.
On a lighter note, our feature West Furginia: The Ulti-mutt Guide to Pet-Friendly Destinations will help you sniff out the best places to travel with your pet. After all, West Virginia is wild and woof-derful. If you are looking for another reason to get in your car and roll down the windows, head to Hardy County, where the winding mountain roads and scenic views will lead you on a treasure hunt. We give you a preview of some of the giant, hand-painted quilt squares that decorate beautiful barns all over the county.
So, my friends, enjoy this issue. Read about Taylor and Reinhard. Take a ride on the rails. Shop in Romney. Hit the road to Hardy County. It will improve your mental health. And remember—spring is coming. New possibilities are always taking root, even in a snowstorm.
—Nikki Bowman Mills, Editor
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2025 ISSUE
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