Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : June 28, 2006

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Kim McHenry, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

WV Author to Perform at Select State Parks;

Summer State Parks Essay Contest Reminder

  Representatives of the West Virginia State Parks and Forests today announced that West Virginia author Maureen Crockett will read excerpts of her latest book, “Jewels in Our Crown,” at various state parks throughout the summer, including Canaan Valley State Park Wednesday, June 28 and Blackwater Falls State Park on Thursday, June 29.   

  Kim McHenry , programming services coordinator for West Virginia State Parks, explained the reading events at Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. Similar events featuring Maureen Crockett visiting additional state parks throughout the state are tentatively scheduled and will be announced as soon as details are available.

  “Maureen has traveled throughout this state for years and has witnessed the beauty that West Virginia offers to both its residents and tourists,” McHenry said. “She has visited nearly every state park in West Virginia , and we greatly encourage families to visit these events to learn about her fond memories and create their own at the same time.”

  West Virginia State Parks is also sponsoring a summer essay contest called “My West Virginia State Parks: What They Mean to Me.” According to McHenry, the contest is open to all age groups, and all entries must be postmarked by September 10, 2006 .

  “We are excited about the wonderful response we have received already, and we encourage West Virginians of all ages to participate in the contest by capturing on paper their favorite state parks memories,” McHenry said. First-place winners in each category will receive one-week getaways at a West Virginia State Park cabin.

  For more information about the events featuring Maureen Crockett or about the essay contest, visit the West Virginia State Parks and Forests Web site at www.wvstateparks.com or call (304) 558-2764.

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