Lewisburg and Greenbrier County WV

Almost Heaven Habitat For Humanity Breaks Ground for the new Earth Day Build House and Celebrates Nissan’s Partnership



On Friday, February 1, 2012, Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a new house in partnership with Colette Godfrey and her family.

Joining in the celebration were over 30 Habitat for Humanity volunteers and supporters from the community and around the state.

Colette Godfrey was born and raised in Greenbrier County and works at a convenience store as a cashier. She is the mother of three children: two grown children and an 8-year-old son, Deshaunte. A few years ago, they had to move out of their home due to circumstances beyond their control. She couldn’t afford to rent a new place, so they had to move in with her sister in a small 2-bedroom apartment in which Colette and Deshaunte share a bedroom.

“You hear, see and read about people being homeless, and during those times you never ever think you would be in that position. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through and to see how it affected my son is even worse,” confessed Colette. “Now I have true hope for a brighter future for me and my family. It is wonderful to break ground on my new home!”

The event kicked off Almost Heaven Habitat’s Earth Day Build, with construction of the home scheduled to be completed in time for a dedication the week of April 23rd, in celebration of Earth Day.  A major sponsor of the house is Nissan, who provided grant funding towards the construction of the new home, as well as the means for Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity to purchase a new vehicle from a dealership.  Almost Heaven HFH selected Lewis Automotive, located in Beckley, WV, as their partner dealership, and Sarah Abrams of Lewis Automotive was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony.

In the ground breaking line up from left to right:  Donna DeHart, Development Director of HFHWV;
Sarah Abrams, PR Manager at Lewis Automotive; Llodyd Haynes, Mayor of White Sulphur Spirings;
Colette Godfrey and her son Deshaunte future Habitat Homeowners;  Katie Ickles, Executive Director Greenbrier County Chamber of Commerce; and  Michelle L. Connor, CEO of Almost Heaven H4H.

“Nissan Foundation has a history of supporting Habitat for Humanity, as well as green and environmentally-friendly initiatives. Our Nissan dealership, Lewis Automotive, is no exception. “This will be our first Habitat for Humanity build, and we are very excited about the opportunity to frame the interior walls for this house in the coming weeks,” reported Sarah Abrams, who serves as Public Relations Manager in her family’s 4th-generation dealership.


This past fall, Nissan Americas announced a significant expansion of its longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity International with a $2.5 million donation. Nissan’s vision is to invite all its stakeholders to participate in the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Point-of-sale materials in dealerships and communications to consumers will convey information about Habitat activities. Consumers who visit the Nissanusa.com website can click through to Habitat’s site to make a donation or find volunteer opportunities across the country.

Nissan is funding grants and providing Nissan vehicles to 10 Habitat affiliates that make commitments to sustainable construction practices; Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity is one of those 10 affiliates selected to receive a grant and a vehicle to support its operations.

“Nissan’s financial support enables us to help serve the Godfrey family, and we are extremely grateful to have a partner like Nissan that shares our commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Michelle Connor, CEO of the Almost Heaven Habitat affiliate that serves Greenbrier, Pendleton, and Pocahontas Counties.

Throughout this partnership Nissan and Habitat for Humanity will share a common goal: to build affordable, sustainable homes in partnership with families in need of decent housing.

Nissan-sponsored Habitat homes will be equipped with many “green living” features, including low-flowing plumbing fixtures, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, high-performance windows and ENERGY STAR® appliances. These eco-friendly amenities align with Nissan’s Green Program, which supports efforts to reduce the Habitat for Humanity’s Earth Day House.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV, announces that its Executive Chef, Richard Rosendale, has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious Bocuse d’Or USA National Competition.  On January 28-29, 2012, the four will vie for the chance to represent America at the 2013 Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest.

But not before he makes a quick pit stop at Studio 1-A at Rockefeller Center to appear on The TODAY Show. Chef Rosendale will appear on the January 26 broadcast of the show during the 9 AM hour, featuring two of The Greenbrier’s classic dishes.

Rosendale will then travel to the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus for the Bocuse d’Or USA competition. Star chefs Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Jerome Bocuse and the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation Board of Directors, selected the finalists from a group of top chefs from around the country. The winning team, which consists of one chef and one commis assistant, will go on to compete with teams from 24 countries in theBocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest in Lyon, France.

“I am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to represent The Greenbrier and showcase my skills in the Bocuse d’ OR USA Competition taking place on Sunday January 29 at the Culinary Institute of America in New York,” says Chef Rosendale. “If I win, then I will have the opportunity to represent the United States in the Legendary Bocuse d’Or International event widely known as the “Olympics of Cooking” taking place in France in 2013. It has been my dream for many years and I am very grateful to have this opportunity. I also want to thank The Greenbrier and Mr. Justice who have supported me here at the hotel in my efforts to become the United States Candidate.  It truly is a Chef’s dream.”

A native of Pennsylvania, Rosendale is a Certified Master Chef and the youngest ever member of the American Culinary Foundation (ACF) Culinary Team USA.  He has represented the US at the World Culinary Olympics in both 2004 and 2008, when he was team captain of Team USA, winning three gold medals and one silver.

Also in 2008, Rosendale won the silver medal at the Bocuse d’Or USA semi-finals. Rosendale has trained in Northern Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, France, Norway and throughout the United States, including a sous vide training at TheFrench Laundry and multiple five-star restaurant stages across the country.  His schooling included a six-year apprenticeship under several Certified Master Chefs and The Greenbrier’s renowned Culinary Apprenticeship Program.

The ACF has awarded Rosendale the Presidential Medallion for his contributions to the Culinary Arts and named him the 2005 Chef of the Year.

Chef Magazine featured him in “A New Breed of American Chefs.” Also a certified professional ice carver, Rosendale has carved pieces ranging from 1 to 50 blocks. During his career, he has cooked for numerous celebrities, supervised meals for U.S. Congress and The President of the United States, and appeared on Food Network specials.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

The  Greenbrier’s 2nd Annual Winterfest Weekend was held on January 6-8 and featured nationally recognized ice carvers competing in individual and team carving competitions.

The winner for the individual competition went to Aaron Costic winning the Gold Medal with the ice sculpture "Wild Hare". The prize was $2,000.

The team competition winners were Aaron Costic and Jeff Meyers winning the Gold Medal for the ice sculpture "Apollo's Steed". The winners received $2,000.

The temperature was in the high 40s and low 50s for this 3-day event, as compared to last year's freezing temperature.   Below are the photos of the other ice scupltures in the competition:

Even though the two photos below were beginning to melt and break, you can still see the great detail in the sculptures. The below sculpture of a hand had a dragonfly on the forefinger, but with the warm weather, the ice was melting and breaking. 

Part of the wing broke off of this beautiful sculpture.

The lifetime of an ice sculpture is determined primarily by the temperature of its environment and thus, an ice sculpture can last from mere minutes to possibly months. 

Check out last year's ice sculptures... Ice Sculpting Displays and more at The Greenbrier's First Winterfest Celebration.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

Market Report for White Sulphur Springs, WV

White Sulphur Springs is a small southern town located in the southeastern region known as the New River/Greenbrier Valley.  Like most of West Virginia, the region is mountainous, with rivers and streams that together embrace towns nestled in the valleys that have witnessed history from the earliest days of the American frontier. As of the 2000 census, the population was 2,315.  White Sulphur Springs is home of the world renowned Greenbrier Resort and Spa, Greenbrier Sporting Club, and home of the soon to be Greenbrier Medical Institute.

If you like living in small towns, with a low crime rate, and love to golf you may want to check out White Sulphur Springs, WV.

This all-brick 1819 historical house located in White Sulphur Springs, WV, can be a home, business, or both. At this time it is zoned R2 for James Wylie House B&B, on the National Register of Historic Places.  A gracious and comfortable house with seven bedrooms, six baths and eight fireplaces with a total of 3,500 square feet with one acre of land.  Having been totally renovated in 1988 and 1989 with new plumbing, electrical, and some mechanical, the house is in excellent condition. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with gardens, grapes/berries. 

Also on the property is a one bedroom, 700 sq. fot, log cabin . The cabin was rewired, new plumbing, and bath in  2009. Very cozy cabin with a wood burning fireplace and bedroom/bath located in loft.  Cabin would be great rental income.  House and log cabin roof replaced with metal roof, copper and seamless gutters in  2010/11.   Property is only minutes from the Greenbrier.  This gem is priced at $499,000 - - MLS# 11-717.

Market Report for White Sulphur Springs, WV

(This report represents only Residential Listings)

December 2011 compared to December 2010.

There were four Sold Listings for both December 2011 and  December 2010 - (No change)

There were also four New Listings for both December 2011 and December 2010 - (No change)

Active listings for December 2011 was 55, compared to 79 active listings in December 2010. (active listings down by 24 in 2011)

The Average Sale Price In December 2011 was $1,653,333  compared to December 2010  average sale price of only $828,250. (average sale price was 50% higher in 2011)

The Average DOM for December 2011 was higher at 586, compared to average DOM of 308 in December 2010 (listings were on the market longer in December 2011 by 278 days more)

Below chart depicts an overview of the White Sulphur Springs Real Estate Market for the year:

Throughout the year, active listings were about the same, but November had the most active listings (52); the lowest months for active listings were in June and July with 41 listings.

July had the most New Listings (8) for 2011, with April having only one new listing for the month.

 Most Sold Listings were in May and July, with no sold listings in January. 

 November shows the largest inventory with 17 months compared to May having the lowest inventory of 8 months.

Despite worldwide turmoil and weak economies, houses are selling in all price ranges. Greenbrier County is still a buyer's market.   Give me a call, I am sure we can find a house in your price range!

White Sulphur Springs is within an easy day’s drive from one third of the U.S. population and therefore we see a steady flow of weekenders from several nearby metropolitan areas and surrounding states, including the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C.

Search for Listings for White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County

 NOTE:  GVBR MLS, Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

The Greenbrier’s 2nd Annual Winterfest Weekend, January 6-8, will feature nationally recognized ice carvers vying in individual and team carving competitions.

As an added treat, the state’s only synchronized skating team, West Virginia Synchro, will perform on Saturday and Sunday. The competitions and performances are free and open to the public.

The National Ice Carving Association sanctioned event will be held on the front lawn.  Sixteen of the country’s best ice carvers, including several Olympic medal winners, will compete for individual and team honors.

On Friday from 1:00-5:00 pm, five talented carvers will each transform a block of ice into their own creation as a thank you to our sponsors.

The team competition will be held on Saturday from 9:00 am-2:00 pm, as six, two-man teams will create sculptures from four blocks of ice in just five hours. For Sunday’s individual competition from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, 15 carvers will design individual masterpieces from two blocks in four hours.   See more photos of  ice sculptors from last year's competition.

West Virginia Synchro will perform at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm Saturday and again at 11:30 am Sunday. Following each performance, the skaters will offer quick lessons and skating tips to children of all ages. The daily ice rink pass is $20 per adult and $12 per child (ages 12 and under) and skate rentals fees are $16 per adult and $10 per child.

The Greenbrier’s 70’ x 140’ ice skating rink is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 pm, Friday from 4:00 to 10:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

For additional information, contact The Greenbrier Concierge at 304-536-1110, extension 7282, or visit  www.greenbrier.com.   

There's always something going on at The Greenbrier. Check out the different packages the Greenbrier has to offer. 

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

While at the Greenbrier on Christmas Eve, my guests and I happened to park at the North Entrance....and so glad we did!  We found this beautiful ice sculpture of a sleigh and reindeer.  I was informed that the members of the Culinary Brigade at the Greenbrier carved the ice sculpture on December 24th and it took them four hours.

If you like to watch the art of ice sculpturing or ice carving, here's your chance......be sure to attend the National Ice Carving Association's event at the Greenbrier on January 6-8, 2012 on the front drive.  Check out the two different competitions that will take place during this event at the above link.

Check out last year’s Ice Sculpting Displays and more at The Greenbrier's Winterfest Celebration

Hope to see you at the NICA ice carving competition at the Greenbrier January 6-8, 2012!

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 Local events, stories and happenings are brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Stuarts and Watts.

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Lets connect ............

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

On Wednesday, December 14, the Greenbrier distributed approximately 30,000 gifts among the 98 charities who requested assistance from their Create a Dream Tree.

The Greenbrier donated $1 million in toys and clothing to charities this holiday season.  That translates to approximately 30,000 gifts, including:

• 1,000 ride-on toys
• 1,400 dolls
• 1,000 stuffed animals
• 600 remote-control helicopters
• 1,000 educational toys (such as talking globes)
• 20% of the gifts were clothing items for adults

Below are photos of some of the charities collecting their gifts:

Approximately 400 volunteers from the region assisted in wrapping gifts. Gifts were wrapped by resort employees and volunteers from as far away as Oak Hill and Beckley, WV and Lynchburg and Roanoke, VA.

Volunteers included kids too – church youth groups, a teen book club, 4-H Club, and the Greenbrier East High School girls’ basketball team; also students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and a Red Hat club from Beckley volunteered.  All the gifts were labeled by sex and age group to ease in distribution.)

Ninety-eight charities received gifts including Toys for Tots, Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Penny Pitch, Save the Children, etc. Based on the charities who have registered, gifts were given to children in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Mississippi, Alabama and North Carolina.

Approximately 30,000 gifts were on display throughout the resort with two “trees” made of gifts (one was 14’ tall).

Over 200 gifts were donated by resort guests and visitors. The guests were truly impressed by the Greenbrier’s efforts, and some volunteered to wrap while others donated toys or money to add to the project.

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 Local events, stories and happenings are brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Stuarts and Watts.

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Lets connect ............

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

Are you ready for singing, dancing and holiday cheer?   If so, check out The Greenbrier’s Musical Merry Christmas…. a live, musical revue featuring a medley of modern favorites along with classic songs from Christmas past.  

My husband, Claude, and I attended the musical on Friday night and we were delighted in hearing holiday favorites like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "White Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" along with some fun twists on the holiday theme.

The Musical Merry Christmas is held in The Greenbrier Theatre starring the talented Greenbrier Entertainers.  The production staff include:

• Cathy Sawyer, Director
• Lori Evans, Musical Director
• Corey Warlick, Cameron Altizer and Roger Altizer, Sound Engineering/Lighting
• Lori Evans and Tim Pyne, Musicians

The Cast (Greenbrier Entertainers) are:

• Bonnie McBride
• Cameron Bartell
• Chelsea Reynolds
• Ira Harris
• Katy Nichols
• Kevin Rose
• Laura Lacara
• Micah Mims
• Nicole Bowles
• Quinton Guyton

Doors open at 8:00 pm

Show begins at 8:30 pmevery Thursday, Friday and Saturday

(Excluding Thanksgiving night and Christmas Eve)

Show runs approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

$35 per adult

$15 for 17 and under

This medley of timeless holiday treasures will stoke the embers of your heart and ignite your Christmas spirit.  Make the Musical Merry Christmas part of your unforgettable holiday tradition at The Greenbrier.

For more information call:   

800-453-4858 or 304-536-1110

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Local events, stories and happenings are brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Coldwell Banker Stuarts and Watts.

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............

I  have never seen so many Christmas presents in one place.  A few weeks ago I wrote a post on the The Greenbrier’s Create a Dream Tree for Kids and Jim Justice, owner of The Greenbrier, is making this a reality.  

When I went to the Greenbrier tonight for dinner and to see the Christmas Musical,  I was so surprised to see thousands of wrapped gifts of toys and apparel stacked high and going up both staircases to the next floor.  It was a sight to behold.  The Greenbrier volunteers have been busy wrapping these gifts and it is estimated that they will wrap between 25,000 to 50,000 toys and apparel before December 14.

There will be a 19 foot tall Christmas tree and one million dollars in toys and apparel for families in need this Christmas.  Check out the below video see ALL the presents...

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Local events, stories and happenings are brought to you as a courtesy by Rebecca Gaujot, Coldwell Banker Stuarts and Watts.

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Lets connect ............

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.   Lets connect ............