News

Handmade Holiday: Spring Market

In anticipation of Mother’s Day, Wheeling Heritage is pleased to announce the return of Handmade Holiday: Spring Market on Saturday, May 4. Following the success of our Handmade Holiday winter event, this occasion continues to showcase the talent of local creative entrepreneurs and artisans. Handmade Holiday: Spring Market allows attendees to discover unique gifts crafted by artisans from Wheeling and the surrounding region. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can explore various handcrafted goods, including original artwork, prints, mugs, and more.

Vendor applications are now open for this one-day makers’ market. Interested artisans are encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline of Friday, Feb. 23. To ensure a fair selection process, a committee will review each application, considering factors such as craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation. Apply online at https://wheelingheritage.org/handmade-holiday-spring-market/.

“We are always excited to bring together so many talented artisans through Handmade Holiday,” said Alex Panas, program manager at Wheeling Heritage. “It’s a great platform for makers without traditional storefronts because it allows them to connect with their customers in person. Shoppers also have the advantage of finding unique, often one-of-a-kind, items while supporting small businesses – it’s a win-win!”

Important Dates and Details:

Application Deadline: Friday, Feb. 23 (Late applications will not be accepted)

Application Notification: Friday, Mar. 8

Cost to Apply: $5 (non-refundable)

Cost to Participate (once accepted): $45

Event Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Location: Wheeling Artisan Center (third floor), 1400 Main Street, Wheeling

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information or inquiries, please contact Alex Panas, program manager, at apanas@wheelingheritage.org.

About Wheeling Heritage:
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

Wheeling Restaurant Week Returns

Restaurant week is back, and local restaurants are encouraged to participate. Wheeling is set for the return of Wheeling Restaurant Week from Friday, February 23, to Saturday, March 2. This year, the event will be extended to include Leap Day, allowing an additional day for diners to enjoy and experience Wheeling’s local flavors by featuring specials from the area’s favorite dining establishments.

“Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore all that Wheeling has to offer – whether you are returning to your favorite spot or trying something new, this is your chance to experience tasty meals while supporting locally-owned restaurants,” said Alex Panas, program manager at Wheeling Heritage.

Participation in Wheeling Restaurant Week is open to any locally-owned, non-franchise, and non-corporately owned restaurant within the City of Wheeling. The initiative aims to support local businesses and boost restaurant traffic during ongoing downtown construction.

“We are looking forward to showcasing one of the many things that makes Wheeling wonderful – our unique eats! This is an opportunity to highlight the incredible culinary skills of our locally owned eateries comes at a critical time. This time of year is traditionally a bit slower for many restaurants. Additionally, the downtown construction certainly serves as a challenge for our downtown restaurants. Our hope is that Wheeling Restaurant Week invites new or returning customers in for a special dish, but encourages them to return to taste more throughout the year,” emphasized Valerie Piko, program development manager at the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED).

As part of the campaign, Visit Wheeling, WV will host a landing page on their website, featuring a submission form for interested restaurants. Restaurants that submit their special menus, will be featured on the Visit Wheeling, WV site at https://wheelingcvb.com/wheeling-restaurant-week/.

“The key to my heart has always been great food at a great restaurant! I am excited to see restaurant week return and be able to promote all of the delicious treasures to those that live here and showcase them to our visitors as well,” noted Olivia Litman, marketing director at the Visit Wheeling, WV.

To be included in Wheeling Restaurant Week, interested restaurants must complete the submission form by Friday, February 9, 2024. For inquiries regarding participation, please contact Valerie Piko at RED via email at vpiko@redp.org or by phone at 304-232-7722. Alternatively, reach out to Alex Panas at Wheeling Heritage at apanas@wheelingheritage.org or call 304-232-3087.

Wheeling Restaurant Week is a celebration, providing a platform for local culinary talents to shine while inviting the community to appreciate a memorable dining experience. Follow Wheeling Restaurant Week on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wheelingrestaurantweek.

About Wheeling Restaurant Week:

Wheeling Restaurant Week is an annual celebration of the city’s diverse culinary offerings, highlighting locally-owned, independent restaurants. The event aims to boost business for participating establishments and showcase the rich flavors of Wheeling’s dining scene.

About Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED):
Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) is a private, nonprofit development corporation that serves Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel Counties in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, with emphasis on creating jobs and stimulating the local economy through assisting with local business expansion, recruiting new business investment, and encouraging small business development through entrepreneurial activity.

About Visit Wheeling, WV

Wheeling is Your Place to Play!

Visit Wheeling, WV is Ohio County’s tourism development authority chartered by state and local government in partnership with the private sector. Our mission is to attract and serve visitors to the city and county of Wheeling by reinvesting a portion of the visitor-paid room occupancy tax to market the area. The goal is to fuel the local business climate, expand the tax base and improve the quality of life for Wheeling area residents.

Visit Wheeling, WV is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Wheeling and Ohio County, West Virginia.

New Year, New Ways to Get Involved with Volunteer Wheeling

Volunteer Wheeling, Wheeling Heritage’s volunteer program, invites the community to attend its 2024 volunteer kick off meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, Wheeling., WV. This is an opportunity for interested individuals to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, as well as have participants share their ideas for projects they would like to see happen in Wheeling.

“The New Year brings, for a lot of us, a search for new opportunities and a desire to make a difference,” said Ellen Gano, Wheeling Heritage board vice-chair and Volunteer Wheeling founder. “With all that’s happening in Wheeling now, we’re hoping that folks may want to see what we’re all about and consider supporting the revitalization of our city by volunteering through Volunteer Wheeling.”

Volunteer Wheeling began as a grassroots effort led by Ellen Gano. Upon retirement, Gano returned to her hometown of Wheeling with the goal of giving back to the community. In the years that followed, Volunteer Wheeling has grown into a cohort of dedicated volunteers who have orchestrated several community cleanup events, created a pocket park in Market Plaza, and hosted the city’s dog themed festival called FidoFest. Looking ahead to 2024, Volunteer Wheeling seeks to expand its impact by engaging more individuals who want to lend their time in talent in new ways.

“We know that there are people in our community who want to make a difference but aren’t quite sure how to get involved. Volunteer Wheeling is a great outlet for folks who want to make positive change in Wheeling,” said Alex Panas, program manager for Wheeling Heritage. “Everyone has a special talent that they can share to better our community, and we are looking forward to identifying new ways to utilize them through this event.”

At the event, Volunteer Wheeling organizers will briefly share some of their recent initiatives, as well as upcoming volunteer opportunities. Attendees will then have a chance to brainstorm new projects and initiatives through facilitated breakout sessions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up to be on one of three Volunteer Wheeling committees, which will help put plans into action in 2024 and beyond.

Anyone with an interest in volunteering is encouraged to attend. To learn more about Volunteer Wheeling, visit wheelingheritage.org/volunteer.

Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair Returns for its Third Celebration of Hip-Hop Culture

The YWCA Wheeling and Wheeling Heritage are proud to announce the return of the third Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair. Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24, this celebration of hip-hop culture will take place at the Wheeling Artisan Center, located at 1400 Main Street, Wheeling.

The event aims to honor and celebrate the art form of hip-hop and its rich culture. In collaboration, Wheeling Heritage and the YWCA plan to showcase various art forms, including visual arts and performing arts, throughout the evening.

“Wheeling Heritage is excited for this special event,” stated Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director at Wheeling Heritage. “Collaborating once again with the YWCA for the third annual celebration reaffirms our commitment to honoring arts and culture within our community.”

“This event is a testament to inclusion and creativity within the realm of Hip-Hop,” stated Ron Scott Jr., YWCA Wheeling Cultural Diversity and Community Outreach Director. “It’s an opportunity to amplify the voices and expressions within the genre.”

Commencing at 6 p.m., the evening kicks off with the opening of ‘The Mixtape’ exhibit in the new Artisan Center Gallery. At 7 p.m., attendees will be treated to a video screening titled “1 of 1” featuring a collection of 16-bar verses submitted by local MCs. The prompt “1 of 1” encourages artists to reflect on what makes them unique as an artist and individual. The night continues with a range of engaging activities, including house music and an old school DJ battle.

For this event, “black tie” simply means to wear your most formal attire. No one will be turned away or discouraged from attending due to attire. “Black Tie Affair” is often reserved for formal evening events. As an art form, hip-hop has not been traditionally regarded as a genre worthy of such reverence, and this event works to change that.

The YWCA Wheeling and Wheeling Heritage are currently seeking artist submissions for both the art exhibit and video screening. Visual artists must apply by Friday, February 9 but the art does not have to be completed and delivered until Feb. 17. Artists can apply for their work to be considered at wheelingheritage.org/hip-hop. MCs who wish to submit their 16-bar verses can send their audio file to Ron Scott at cdcodirector@ywcawheeling.org by Feb. 1. Artists should keep in mind that this is a public event open to all ages.

Hip Hop: A Black Tie Affair begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free for those who attend; however, donations are accepted. To learn more about the event, visit wheelingheritage.org/hip-hop.

About Wheeling Heritage:

Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

About YWCA Wheeling:

Since 1906, the YWCA Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.

Wheeling Heritage Appoints Two New Board Members

Wheeling Heritage, a local non-profit organization that works as a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Barclay and Valerie Piko to their Board of Directors.

Jessica Barclay brings a wealth of knowledge to Wheeling Heritage, drawing from her role as a prosperous business owner in Wheeling. Her ventures include THRIVE Wheeling and Play N Stay pet camps in both Wheeling and St. Clairsville. Barclay’s firsthand expertise in transforming visions into reality, evident in her establishments serving the local community, highlights her commitment to the growth of Wheeling.

Valerie Piko’s experience will add value to the Wheeling Heritage Team. Piko serves as the Program Development Manager at the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED) and is instrumental in driving revitalization and economic growth to Wheeling. Piko actively engages in the small business community through initiatives like Show of Hands and the Junior League of Wheeling.

“We are excited to welcome these talented and dedicated individuals to our board. Their insights and contributions will undoubtedly enhance both our organization and the ongoing revitalization efforts in Wheeling,” stated Walker Holloway, President of the Wheeling Heritage Board.

Both Barclay and Piko join a group of diverse individuals committed to elevating Wheeling and recognizing the significance of the City’s Heritage Area. Wheeling Heritage encourages everyone to extend a warm welcome to Jessica and Valerie as they assume their roles on the Board of Directors.

Wheeling Heritage Welcomes Amy Karrasch as their Communications and Development Manager

Wheeling Heritage, welcomes Amy Karrasch as their Communications and Development Manager. In her new position Amy will promote the organization through Social Media and all other forms of communication. She will also focus on the development of the Wheeling Heritage Foundation, building relationships for the future growth of Wheeling Heritage.

“Wheeling Heritage is pleased to have Amy join our team,” said Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director. “Her knowledge and recent experiences, at Oglebay, paired with her great attention to detail will help our organization foster new relationships and expand our reach throughout the area. Amy is deeply rooted in the Wheeling community and we believe her involvement will contribute to the area’s growth and development.”

“Wheeling has always been my home, and I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to its progress,” Karrasch remarked.

Four Small Businesses Selected for Wheeling Heritage’s Next ‘Show of Hands’

Four small business owners will each make a pitch at Wheeling Heritage’s next Show of Hands event scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street, invites attendees to pay $5 to vote for the project they feel is the most worthwhile. The winning presenter will leave with about $4,000, including all the funds raised at the door, for his or her business expansion.

2024 marks an important milestone for this revered program, as Wheeling Heritage celebrates 10 years since the Show of Hands program was initiated. To date, Show of Hands has awarded more than $123,000 to support small businesses and projects in Wheeling.

At the event, owners of the following businesses will take the stage and make their pitch to the crowd:

Euphoric Doughnuts

Euphoric Doughnuts is a luxury doughnut shop whose mission is to provide customers with a culinary experience by blending the finest ingredients with creative flair to produce exquisite and unforgettable doughnuts. Owner Cameron Mitchell currently sells his doughnuts at pop-up events and select days at Table 304, but he is actively working towards opening a doughnut shop at 167 16^th Street in East Wheeling. Funding from Show of Hands would go towards his ongoing building renovation, ensuring that Euphoric Doughnut’s grand opening is a spectacular event.

Hangover BBQ

For more than 5 years, Hangover BBQ has been a staple for those looking for delicious BBQ. In addition to perfectly-smoked meats, Hangover BBQ also offers an array of homemade side dishes and BBQ sauces, craft ice cream sandwiches, and WV-brewed kombucha. While owners Stephanie and Billy Litman have seen plenty of success through the years, their location on GC&P Road places them somewhat off the beaten path. Through Show of Hands, the Litmans hope to purchase new signage and pursue enhanced marketing opportunities for their business.

The Belgian Waffle Shop

Downtown Wheeling’s newest business takes an artisanal approach to a classic treat. Owner Tara Kobasko and her team create mouthwatering Belgian and bubble waffles topped with ice cream and a variety of sweet toppings. Shortly after opening her doors in September 2023, the block of Market Street in front of The Belgian Waffle Shop was closed for construction, making it difficult for customers to get to her shop. Through Show of Hands, Tara hopes to secure funding to invest in new commercial-grade waffle irons and marketing to help spread the word about her new business.

The Process

The Process, located at 1600 National Rd., is a private practice that offers individual mental health services to the community. Owner and licensed therapist Heather Ryan opened her solo practice in 2017. Since then, The Process has grown to include a team of five therapists, an administrative and billing specialist, and two interns who will soon become full-time therapists. Her practice currently serves over 1,300 people in our community, and she hopes to expand services to help reach even more people in need. Through Show of Hands, Heather is seeking funding for a new SMART movement room and group therapy room. This expansion would allow The Process to offer adult-based group therapy, as well as provide services tailored to adolescents and teenagers – a commonly underserved population.

“We are so excited to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Show of Hands,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director at Wheeling Heritage. “This program has been transformative for so many local businesses. We owe a huge thank you to Orrick and our Friends of Show of Hands who have kept this program in operation for all these years.”

Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands program is generously funded by several community sponsors. Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 to each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, contribute $250 to each event. Friends of Show of Hands include Dave & Beth Weaver – Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru; Dr. & Mrs. Dan Joseph – Joseph Orthodontics; Brian Joseph, Touchstone Research Laboratory; Fuzz & Barb LaRue; H. Lawrence Jones & Sue Blevins; Kennen & Kennen Realtors; Warwood Armature; Rabbi Joshua Lief & Rebecca Lief; Sikora Montessori; Will and Tracey Turani; Bridgeway Capital; FXB; Steve & Jackie Johnston; and anonymous donors.

Learn more about Wheeling Heritage’s upcoming events and initiatives by visiting wheelingheritage.org.

About Wheeling Heritage
Wheeling Heritage is a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheeling. Through historic preservation, community development, and the arts, we help to tell Wheeling’s story and shape its future. We seek to improve the quality of life in Wheeling by preserving and investing in our city, collaborating with others, and engaging the citizens of Wheeling in our work.

Wheeling Heritage Encourages Local Businesses to Join 2023 Shop Small Catalog

In an effort to bolster the local economy during the upcoming holiday season, Wheeling Heritage is extending an invitation to small business owners in Wheeling to be part of their 2023 Shop Small Catalog. This catalog will serve as a guide to the array of offerings from Wheeling’s local entrepreneurs. It will be accessible both digitally and in print in the week leading up to Small Business Saturday (Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023).

Small Business Saturday, established in 2010 by American Express, is a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting and promoting local businesses during the holiday shopping season. Held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, it encourages consumers to shop at independent retailers, restaurants, and small enterprises in their communities. According to recent data, communities that actively support local businesses through initiatives like Small Business Saturday see an average increase of 7% in local sales, amounting to an estimated $14.3 billion nationwide. Additionally, a staggering 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business remains within the community, further strengthening our local economic ecosystem.

The Shop Small Catalog is just one part of Wheeling Heritage’s comprehensive strategy to empower and uplift our small business community. Collaborating closely with partners including the City of Wheeling, Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), Centre Market, Visit Wheeling, and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce, we are working to create a unified Small Business Saturday marketing campaign. This initiative will be complemented by a series of activities for the community to participate in on Small Business Saturday, including an ice rink on Market Plaza and a Downtown trolley route provided by the City of Wheeling.

“As a West Virginia Main Street community, Small Business Saturday is one of our favorite days of the year to show some extra love to all of the businesses that make Wheeling such a special place,” said Alex Panas, program manager at Wheeling Heritage. “We believe that by showcasing our local entrepreneurs through the Shop Small Catalog, we can help drive more people into their storefronts on Small Business Saturday and build a greater awareness and appreciation for our local businesses.”

To have your business featured in the 2023 Shop Small Catalog, interested parties are encouraged to complete an online survey available at https://forms.gle/EvEEud8kC6r6SXFw7. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, Nov. 5.

Save the Date for the Fifth Annual Handmade Holiday Market

The holiday season is right around the corner, and so is the highly-anticipated return of Wheeling Heritage’s Handmade Holiday market! Featuring more than 45 artisans from Wheeling and across the region, this one-day event invites patrons to celebrate the spirit of shopping small and discovering unique, locally crafted goods. The fifth annual Handmade Holiday will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the third floor of the Wheeling Artisan Center (1400 Main Street, Wheeling).

Unlike mass-produced items found in big box stores, all products at Handmade Holiday are skillfully created by local artisans. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local businesses and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones.

“This event has become a holiday tradition that we look forward to all year,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director of Wheeling Heritage. “We have a great gathering of regional talent all in the same location. Please come out and support all of these local artisans, you will be happy you did!”

This year’s event will feature the following craftspeople:

16th Street Clay Co. (jewelry)
A Frayed Knot (macrame)
Acute Peach Art (original art and jewelry)
Apartment Two Art (candles)
Art by Janet Lynn (paintings, jewelry)
B. Woven (handwoven goods)
Be Kind Ceramics (ceramics)
Bejeweled Trees by Barbara Bland (holiday decor)
Buffalo Bed Leather (leather accessories)
Colleen’s Crafty Creations (natural soap and body products)
CrapBagBananaHammock (upcycled jewelry, accessories, and more)
Double J Farm (goat milk soap and body products)
Fuzzy Whale Paper Co. (paper goods)
Georgia Tambasis (ceramics)
Hawke Design Shop (fiber art)
Jimagination (woodcraft)
Lambros Pottery (ceramics)
Logan Schmitt Illustration (illustration)
Lone Stone Designs (jewelry)
Lydia Grimm Art (hand-embossed jewelry)
Lynn Allan Designs (assemblages)
Mary Stitches (embroidery)
Morning Light Studio (ceramics)
Mycro Forest (home decor)
Opossum Pouch Soft Goods (outdoor goods and accessories)
Papa Faith (prints and hand-carved relief prints)
Primal Pickles (food)
Rachel Dennison (canvas and woodcut paintings)
Ready Aim Fire Ceramics Studio (ceramics)
Rust Belt Stained Glass Works (stained glass art)
Sarah Sweeny Designs (illustrations)
Savannah Schroll Guz Studios (jewelry and mixed-media art)
Shortcake Crafts (crochet gifts and accessories)
Stone Cottage Apothecary (candles and home products)
Tacet Coffee Cart (mobile cafe)
Tea Towels by Kerryn Carney (embroidery)
The Blended Homestead (food and wood serving boards)
The Boord Potter (ceramics)
Wanderland Creations (jewelry)
Wild + Wanderful (hand-sewn goods and accessories)
Wild Fringe Leatherworks (jewelry)
Wild Lotus Studio (jewelry)
Windswept Chimes (recycled metal art)
Witty Voyager (jewelry and gifts)
Yardscape LLC (ceramic and metal lawn ornaments)

Learn more about Handmade Holiday by visiting wheelingheritage.org/handmade-holiday.

About Wheeling Heritage:

Celebrating a Decade of Opportunity: Apply for the Next Show of Hands

Wheeling Heritage’s Show of Hands program is hitting a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th year of empowering local entrepreneurs. Those with an idea for a new business, a business expansion, or a project that will impact Wheeling, are encouraged to apply by visiting Wheeling Heritage’s website by Nov. 12. Four business owners will be selected to pitch their ideas at the next Show of Hands scheduled for Jan. 31.

At the event, four presenters will explain their ideas to community members in attendance. Attendees vote on their favorite, and the presenter who receives the most votes receives $4,000, plus door donations, to put towards the project. To date, Show of Hands has given more than $123,000 to 31 projects.

The next Show of Hands event is scheduled for January 31 at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Artisan Center, located at 1400 Main Street in Wheeling. Attendees pay $5 at the door, which is added to the winner’s prize.

The latest Show of Hands winner was Adam Payne, founder of YNST Magazine. Payne created YNST Magazine to amplify the unseen creative voices of Appalachia’s arts and culture. He was awarded more than $7,000 to support his publication.

In an interview with Wheeling Heritage, Payne stated that “Show of Hands is so special because you get to see the community supporting small businesses in real-time. The energy and support we, and the other presenters, received was absolutely wonderful. Using the resources we received in Show of Hands, we will be able to increase our marketing and distribution, participate in numerous vending events in the state this year, and gear up to launch our next issue.”

To celebrate a decade of supporting local businesses, Wheeling Heritage and the Show of Hands committee are preparing for some fun and surprises to commemorate the milestone.

“Small businesses are playing a critical role in the future of our downtown and in downtowns all across the country,” said Scott Schenerlein, executive director at Wheeling Heritage. “This event that began years ago has helped to shape the landscape and spaces that you have come to enjoy today. Please join us as we celebrate ten years of partnering with our friends to support small businesses in our community.”

Orrick, the program’s corporate sponsor, donates $1,000 for each event. The Friends of Show of Hands, which consists of community members and business owners, contribute $250 to each event. Friends of Show of Hands include Bridgeway Capital; Brian Joseph, Touchstone Research Laboratory; Dave and Beth Weaver, Wheeling Volkswagen & Subaru; Dr. & Mrs. Dan Joseph, Joseph Orthodontics; FXB; Fuzz & Barb LaRue; H. Lawrence Jones & Sue Blevins; Kennen & Kennen Realtors; Rabbi Joshua Lief & Rebecca Lief; Sikora Montessori; Steve & Jackie Johnston; Warwood Armature; Will and Tracey Turani; and anonymous donors.

Learn more about Show of Hands and apply online by visiting wheelingheritage.org/show-of-hands.

Show of Hands