A Newsletter For West Virginia State Government Employees

April 2009 Volume 20 Number 3 State Fire Marshal’s Office to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

Contributed by Carol Nolte of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Since being appointed West related to the work in which our blasters, pyrotechnicians, electri- Virginia’s 16th State Fire Marshal in office is involved. That’s why I’m cians, and home inspectors; and May 2000, Sterling Lewis, Jr. has so pleased to announce that the State been part of many significant events. Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is cel- He has been involved in a number of ebrating 100 years of service to the capacities including Incident Com- citizens of West Virginia.” mander on explosions, hazardous The State Fire Marshal’s Office materials spills, building fires, and has always been a small agency with even swift-water rescues. But the a vast range of duties under the State latest event is truly a first and only, Code, including fire investigation; according to Lewis. “So many times public fire education; fire code in- much more. Fire marshals are often I’ve been the bearer of bad news spections; plans review; licensing of seen on the evening news respond- ing to fire fatalities, large loss fires, and explosions, or providing inter- Vandalia Tradition Continues May 22-24 views on fire prevention and safety. Most people are unaware that Edited from information by Terri Marion of the Division of Culture and History. along with celebrating its 100th On Memorial Day weekend, May 22-24, the Cultural Center and State anniversary, the State Fire Capitol grounds will be the site of the 33rd Vandalia Gathering – the State’s Marshal’s Office is one of the old- annual celebration of the traditional arts, music, dance, stories, crafts, and est State agencies. food of West Virginia. The free festival’s unique blend of ethnic and House Bill 160 passed on Febru- cultural heritage combines an atmosphere as comfortable as a family re- ary 23, 1909 and became effective union with the excitement of a state fair. on May 24, 1909, creating the “Fire The Vandalia Gathering creates new memories each year for the thou- Marshal Law.” The Fire Marshal’s sands of visitors and pays tribute to West Virginia’s mountain culture and Department was formed on July 15, ethnic heritage by showcasing a variety of craftspeople and performers. 1909, and was originally under the For those who love the sounds of traditional music or would like to be control of the State Auditor. Its mis- introduced to it, the Vandalia Gath- sion at that time was two-fold: to ering fits the bill. Concerts and con- implement an education campaign tests fill the weekend, and im- along with building inspections, with promptu musical jam sessions spring the aim of avoiding “fire waste” (fire up all over the grounds. At any mo- loss) in the State; and to investigate ment, a shade tree becomes the site arson fires and prosecute those guilty of a lively performance as strolling of setting fires. musicians stop to join in on a favor- The first State Fire Marshal was ite tune. A special jam tent will be Charles A. Ellison. He was paid an set up on the grounds that will be annual salary of $2,000 and was ap- manned with musicians playing on pointed by the State Auditor. Com- Saturday from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. mon expenses at that time included The cool shade of a magnolia tree provides the perfect spot for See GATHERING – Page 3 See ANNIVERSARY – Page 4 some fine Appalachian music. West Virginia Selected to Partner with Pew Center on the States

As one of only three states, West In announcing West Virginia’s se- All 50 states were eligible to ap- Virginia has the distinction of being lection, Governor Joe Manchin com- ply for the program. Manchin and selected to participate in a year-long mented, “We know we can and must Ferguson are honored that West Vir- program aimed at strengthening state do better to improve our planning ginia was chosen, since selection was operations and saving tax dollars. and budgeting process. We are based on each state’s ability to cre- Along with Georgia and Ohio, ate a senior-level team with the abil- West Virginia will partner with the ity to implement improvement strat- Pew Center on the States in a pro- egies that will produce positive re- gram that will accelerate state im- sults. According to Susan Urahn, provements in targeted areas. Each Managing Director of the Pew Cen- state will have a project with a spe- ter on the States, the current eco- cific focus that will be included as pleased to have this opportunity to nomic downturn requires decisions part of Pew’s “Management Lab.” save taxpayer dollars while deliver- that are results- and benefits-based. The goal is to improve results in the ing better service to our hard-work- “State governments that improve focus area and to eventually share ing West Virginians.” performance and increase efficien- those results with other states to en- Department of Administration cies will be in the strongest position courage improvements nationwide. Cabinet Secretary Robert W. to weather the challenges of this Each state will receive $50,000 to Ferguson, Jr. is chairing the West economy,” she said. assist with its project and intensive Virginia project. “Given this valu- Georgia will be working on a sys- management support from Pew’s ex- able resource from the Pew Center tem to analyze spending data for all perts and advisors. on the States, West Virginia is an- state agencies, colleges, and univer- West Virginia’s project will cen- ticipating great ideas to develop as sities that could save millions; Ohio ter on establishing new statewide our own representation from our key will create new human resources planning and budgeting systems that experts in the financial arena work guidelines for all state departments will ensure the State can provide the hand-in-hand for positive outcomes,” to ensure that personnel are most best return on its public investments. stated Ferguson. effectively deployed across the state. When the WIC Eligibility Eased The Department of Health and Hu- Emergency Alarm Rings ... man Resources (DHHR) has announced expanded eligibility guidelines for its Last month, we reminded you it’s required that you leave the building when the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) emergency alarm sounds. That prompted an excellent question: What exactly should supplemental nutrition program. you do, and what should you take with you? WIC is a short-term program that pro- When a building evacuation happens, act as though you are leaving for the day. vides free nutritional food to eligible par- ticipants. The program offers nutrition O Gather your things as if you were leaving for the day, including your purse, coat, education courses and monitors the keys, and umbrella. Use common sense. Items like lunch boxes or totes that progress of clients to help address prob- have your extra pair of shoes should be left behind. lem areas early-on.

O Shut down all computers and other equipment as is feasible, depending on the The eligibility expansion will allow more pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding situation. Turn off all lights, and don’t forget the office coffee pot! women to participate in the program, as O Close all office doors, but DO NOT LOCK THEM. Closing the doors forms well as increase the number of eligible protective barriers, but they must be unlocked to allow access for emergency children ages birth to age five. personnel if needed. Under the new guidelines, a family of two can make as much as $26,955 a O Employees who do not need assistance during evacuations should exit the year and still qualify. For larger families, building as quickly as possible, according to established protocol, and proceed add $6,919 for each member. to their assigned gathering places. Special needs employees and their buddies For specifics or more information, con- should gather at their designated locations and wait for instructions/assistance tact your local WIC Office or visit them as appropriate. online at http://ons.wvdhhr.org.

2 April 2009 Presenting the Amazing Emmiline and Alexander!

Allow us to introduce you to two prominent and extremely popular Manchin kept Emmiline and figures at the Capitol Complex: Emmiline and Alexander. Alexander available for public view- Emmiline and Alexander have a stellar reputation for entertaining visi- ing during his tenure as Secretary of tors by pulling carts, jumping through hoops, and leaping in the air as high State and State Treasurer. In 1993, as 10 feet – all while being quite dapperly dressed. You’ll find Alexander in they were invited to appear again in a smart suit with black pants, while his companion, Emmiline, appears in a the State Museum, this time at the dress featuring a white, chiffon-like skirt. Cultural Center, where they re- Who are these “people,” you ask? The April Fool’s joke is on you! mained on display until the museum Emmiline and Alexander aren’t people at all. They’re actually fleas! closed for renovation in 2004. The duo was the star attraction in a flea circus at Hubert’s Museum in Now, after a five-year hiatus in New York City during the latter 1800’s. They eventually died, and in 1906, dark storage, the fleas, in their at- were donated to the State, where they were displayed at the old State tire, are being readied to return to museum in downtown Charleston. They were moved to the basement in the display at the museum. State Capitol at some point, and later came to the custody of then-Secretary Emmiline and Alexander are a of State A. James Manchin, the current Governor’s late uncle. Secretary type of flea that prefers a human host. They measure 3/16 of an inch, which is larger than typical cat/dog GATHERING – Continued from Page 1 fleas. According to Culture and His- tory Commissioner Randall Reid- and on Sunday from noon to 5 P.M. In addition, the jam tent will present a Smith, the pair are among the State Gospel Sing with Ginny Hawker of Coxs Mills on Sunday from 11 A.M. to Museum’s most famous artifacts. noon. The public is invited to join in and participate. “Generations of West Virginians During the festival, visitors can shop for a variety of craft items in the have seen them and talked about Craft Circle. Popular and specialty food products also will be available, and them. When I came back here to food booths will feature a unique sampling of traditional and ethnic foods, work, the flea exhibit was one of the including such favorites as hot dogs, roasted corn, hamburgers, hot bologna first things I asked about,” he said. sandwiches, funnel cakes, rib sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, cobblers, Emmiline and Alexander now Greek and Italian specialties, and German sausages. have a new exhibit box which has The 2009 Vandalia Gathering gets under way at 7 P.M. on Friday, May been placed into the side of a brightly 22, in the Norman L. Fagan West Virginia State Theater at the Cultural painted circus wagon. Charles Mor- Center with the Vandalia Sampler Concert featuring some of the festival’s ris, Culture and History’s Exhibi- favorite performers. Activities on Saturday and Sunday include old-time tions and Collections Manager, tells fiddle, banjo, and lap dulcimer competitions; a gospel workshop; and the us that the new display will make much-anticipated Liars Contest (honest!). A second contest stage will hold them easier to see. “They are mag- competitions in flat pick guitar, mandolin, and bluegrass banjo. Traditional nified twice, and lit from the side,” dance offerings range from demonstrations of ethnic and square dancing in said Morris. He continued, “They’re the Great Hall of the Cultural Center to an outdoor flat foot dancing stage wearing the same outfits they have where spectators are encouraged to jump in and kick up their heels. The been wearing since 1906.” Old-Time for Young-Uns area will be open on Saturday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Sunday from noon to 5 P.M., featuring old-fashioned hands-on fun and games for all ages. In addition, the West Virginia Storytellers Guild DOP REACHES OUT will be on hand Saturday, while Sunday will feature kids’ concerts. The To improve its accessibility, the Divi- festival wraps up Sunday with a gospel concert in the theater at 6:30 P.M. sion of Personnel (DOP) will be holding This year’s festival will feature a “Fruit Cobbler” contest on Saturday at outreach sessions for State agency em- 1 P.M., followed by a “Fruit Cobbler Walk” at 4 P.M. Registration for the ployees. Sessions will be held in Beckley contest is from 10 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. (May 29), Belington (June 29), and Vandalia Gathering is a program of the West Virginia Division of Cul- Martinsburg (July 31). www.wvculture.org ture and History. Visit the Division’s website at for More information is available on the more information or a complete schedule of Vandalia Gathering events or DOP website at www.state.wv.us/ call 304-558-0220. admin/personnel/emprel/toolbox/ NOTE: Vandalia Gathering contests are open outreach.htm, or by calling Teresa Mar- to West Virginia residents only. tin at 304-558-3950, ext. 57291.

April 2009 3 ANNIVERSARY – Continued from Page 1 Pencil In ... railroad fare, livery bills, telegraph costs, and expenses of witnesses for trials. Total expenditures that first year were exactly $13,273.02. A Golden Horseshoe In 1948, the State Fire Marshal’s Office was transferred under the Winners’ Reunion at direction of the State Insurance Commissioner. At that time, the State Fire the State Capitol is Marshal was C.A. Raper, and his staff consisted of seven assistant State fire planned for Friday, marshals, one industrial fire protection engineer, a secretary and a janitor. June 19, 2009. If you are or know of a In following years under the Insurance Commission, additional fire mar- Golden Horseshoe shals, including a deputy fire marshal and plans reviewers, were added. winner, visit the offi- In 1976, the State Fire Commission was created by Act of the Legislature cial website for addi- during the regular session. The Office of the Fire Marshal was transferred tional information from the Insurance Commission to the State Fire Commission. WV Code § ( www.wv.gov/ ghreunion). You may 29-3 charged the State Fire Commission with responsibility for promulga- also contact Molly tion of comprehensive regulations for the safeguarding of life and property George, Special Pro- from the hazards of fire and explosion – now known as the State Fire Code. jects Coordinator By 1983, the office had an Arson Division, an Inspection Division, a Dept. of Education Project & Review Division, and a Fire Prevention & Control Division. By and the Arts Office of the Secretary (304- 2000, the SFMO consisted of a Fire Investigation Division, Fire Safety 558-2440 or molly.e. Inspection/Plans Review Division, Public Education Division and the Regu- [email protected]). latory & Licensing Division. A few years later, the West Virginia Regional Anyone interested in Response Program (formed as a result of the events of September 11, 2001 upcoming events for under the [then] Office of Emergency Services) was placed under the the Department of operational control of the SFMO. The teams respond to all types of hazards Environmental Pro- including natural disasters. Approximately 522 members from the fire tection can find the service, emergency medical services and law enforcement provide emer- information on the agency’s website at gency response capability across six defined regions of the State in the www.wvdep.org/ disciplines of Hazardous Materials/WMD, Urban Search/Technical Rescue webapp/_dep/search/ and Mass Casualty/EMS, operating 19 fleet apparatuses. pio/pubinfocalen Today, the State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to provide ever-expand- dar.cfm. The site lists ing services to the State of West Virginia with only 43 personnel: 32 fire events, locations, and marshals and 11 support staff. contact information. “The original Fire Marshal’s Office began with one State Fire Marshal, If you are a minority one Deputy Fire Marshal, two Assistant State Fire Marshals, and whatever who is concerned clerical support the Auditor’s Office provided at the time,” said Lewis. about health issues “Since 1909, we’ve added only 28 sworn personnel and 11 office support – specific to you, visit WVDHHR’s Office and yet our services to the citizens of this State have increased exponen- of Minority Health tially over the years. I’m very proud of the commitment of our people to at www.wvomh.org. keeping the public safe from fire, and that’s why this 100th anniversary is such a milestone in our agency’s history.” He added, “I hope the next 100 years are equally productive.” is a publication of the West Virginia Department of Administration, on The subject of the swine flu Division of Personnel Current worldwide concerns regarding an outbreak of Swine Flu are making people Joe Manchin III, Governor nervous. To be “aware” is a good thing, but there is no need to panic. The best defense Robert W. Ferguson, Jr. is a good offense. You can decrease your chances of contracting/spreading the illness Cabinet Secretary by following the same rules you would for any other flu or sickness: Tari McClintock Crouse, Acting Director \ Wash your hands often; when you can't wash, use an alcohol-based Tari McClintock Crouse, Editor Jane S. Fouty, Assistant Editor hand sanitizer. NOTE: Washing is best! State Capitol Complex, Building 6, Room 416 \ Use tissues when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of them properly. 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East \ Avoid public places as much as possible, and stay home if you're sick. Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0139 \ Watch for symptoms (fever, lethargy, coughing, sore throat, etc.) and seek Telephone: 304/558-3950, ext. 57215 medical attention. E-mail: [email protected] For current info: www.wvidep.org/Home/HotTopicSwineInfluenza/tabid/1856/default.aspx www.state.wv.us/admin/personnel/empcom/

4 April 2009