Honoring Community Champions: Celebrating the Distinguished Mountaineers of West Virginia

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Lynn Phillips, the regional representative of Governor Jim Justice, presented two prestigious Distinguished Mountaineer Awards at the Second Annual Jenkins Ford Car Show in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The event, held on September 28th, was a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research, underscoring the awardees' dedication to making a difference in their local community and beyond.

Driving Change: Honoring Exceptional Community Leaders

Revving Up for Success: The John Jenkins Story

John Jenkins, the president of Jenkins Automotive in Buckhannon, was recognized for his remarkable community contributions and accomplishments. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1988 when he and his wife, Sheila, purchased the former B&R Ford dealership, renaming it Jenkins Ford. Over the years, the dealership has grown exponentially, with the Buckhannon location currently employing 45 individuals and the Bridgeport location, which they acquired in 2014, employing an additional 70 people.Jenkins' success story is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. Starting at the age of 14, he began his career at Chenoweth Ford, working his way up from a humble wash boy to positions in service, parts, and sales. This early experience laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors, which have not only benefited his own family but have also created numerous job opportunities for the local community.Alongside his professional achievements, Jenkins has also made a significant impact through his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Sheila, have three sons – Joey, Matt, and Andrew – all of whom are actively involved in the family business, carrying on the legacy of Jenkins Automotive. The family's commitment to their community is further exemplified by their five grandchildren, who undoubtedly will continue to shape the future of this thriving enterprise.

Advocating for a Cause: Honoring Annette Fetty Santilli

Annette Fetty Santilli, the community partner for the West Virginia chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), was also recognized with the Distinguished Mountaineer Award. Santilli's dedication to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research was inspired by the loss of her brother, Jim Fetty, who passed away from the disease in 2007.Driven by her personal experience, Santilli has been a tireless advocate, working tirelessly to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. In 2015, she was honored with PanCAN's National Community Advocate of the Year Award and served on the organization's National Advisory Council. Santilli's efforts have extended beyond the state of West Virginia, as she has collaborated with lawmakers to pass bills through Congress, further amplifying the voice of those affected by this devastating illness.Santilli's impact on the community is not limited to her advocacy work. She has also forged a strong partnership with the Jenkins Ford staff, coordinating the annual Jenkins Ford Car Show, which has become a significant fundraising event for pancreatic cancer research. This collaboration is particularly meaningful, as Santilli's brother, Jim, had his first full-time job at Jenkins Ford, where he cherished the relationships he built with the staff.Annette and her husband, Sam, have a daughter, Stephanie, who is currently a junior at West Liberty University, further demonstrating the family's commitment to education and community involvement.The Distinguished Mountaineer Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by Governor Justice, is a testament to the exceptional contributions of both John Jenkins and Annette Fetty Santilli. Their stories inspire us to embrace the power of community, entrepreneurship, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Revving Up the Indie Music Scene: How a Zine Bridged the Gap Between Speed and Sound

In the summer of 1988, Senator Frank Lautenberg made his case for national 55 mph speed limits, invoking the well-worn highway safety slogan: "The statistics show that speed kills." Little did he know that the phrase would take on a whole new meaning in the world of music fanzines, where "Speed Kills" became a rallying cry for a subculture that embraced both the thrill of fast cars and the energy of independent music.

Bridging the Divide: How a Zine Fused Automotive Passion and Musical Exploration

Connecting the Dots: The Rise of Music Fanzines

Music fanzines were a vital connective tissue in the pre-digital era, providing a platform for local music scenes to thrive. These homemade publications offered a glimpse into the world of independent labels, interviews with nearby musicians, and reviews of recently released albums. For music enthusiasts, obtaining a copy of a fanzine was akin to unlocking a treasure trove of information, allowing them to discover new artists and immerse themselves in the vibrant D.I.Y. music ecosystem.

Speed Kills: Merging Automotive Passion and Musical Exploration

The Chicago-based music fanzine Speed Kills, edited by Scott Rutherford, embodied the fusion of automotive passion and musical exploration. From its hand-screened cover featuring a cartoon skeleton in a dragster to its promise of "DRAG RACING! 60'S STYLE" and "LOTSA REVIEWS," the zine made its intentions clear: to bridge the gap between the high-octane world of car culture and the dynamic indie music scene.

Blurring the Lines: Embracing the Unexpected Connections

The received wisdom about subcultures often suggests that those who love drag racing and those who immerse themselves in indie music are worlds apart. However, Speed Kills challenged this notion by embracing the unexpected connections between these seemingly disparate realms. The zine's interviews, features, and reviews seamlessly wove together the stories of car enthusiasts and musicians, revealing a shared spirit of creativity, individuality, and a desire to explore the margins of their respective passions.

Celebrating the Tactile and the Accessible

In the face of the corporate-sponsored world of Funny Cars and Top Fuelers, Speed Kills championed the grassroots spirit of drag racing, much like how D.I.Y. labels embraced the handcrafted nature of their releases. The zine's dedication to small labels and independent artists mirrored the ethos of the Hot Rods From Hell, who sought to revive the "character and individuality" of a racing style that had been overshadowed by the big-money world of professional motorsports.

Preserving the Voices of the Past

One of the most poignant features in Speed Kills was the in-depth interview with Norm "Mr. Norm" Kraus, a legendary figure in the world of Grand-Spaulding Dodge and drag racing innovation. The zine's "Speed Kills Historical Society" approach to this interview allowed Kraus's wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes to be meticulously documented, preserving a valuable piece of automotive history that might have otherwise been lost to time.

Igniting Enthusiasm and Inspiring Discovery

The passion and enthusiasm that the Speed Kills team poured into their zine had a lasting impact, even on those who were not initially immersed in the worlds of car culture or indie music. By connecting these seemingly disparate realms and inviting readers to explore the tactile and accessible nature of both, the zine sparked curiosity and inspired discovery. For the author, digging into the pages of Speed Kills led to a newfound appreciation for the NHRA, old issues of Car Craft, and the vibrant energy of the D.I.Y. music scene.In the end, the legacy of Speed Kills lies in its ability to bridge the divide between speed and sound, creating a unique and enduring intersection where the thrill of the racetrack and the power of independent music collide, igniting a passion that transcends the boundaries of genre and subculture.