West Virginia First Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board announces grant recipients in May. The foundation recently awarded another round of grants from the state’s pool of funding from settlements with opioid makers. (File Photo)

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia First Foundation has announced the latest recipients of funding through its Momentum Initiative Grant program, awarding nearly $18 million to support programs aimed at addressing substance use disorder, prevention, recovery and related workforce programs in the state.

“The Momentum Initiative Grant reflects a new way of responding to the substance use crisis; one grounded in evidence, shaped by local expertise and guided by accountability,” said Jonathan Board, WVFF executive director. “We traveled the state, listened to those holding the line in their communities, and answered the call to honor the lives lost by putting these resources into the hands of those ready to create real, lasting impact for West Virginia.”

Funding for 76 projects was approved by the West Virginia First Foundation board of directors earlier this month, with an eye toward supporting programs which include foster care, non-parental caregiver initiatives, youth prevention, recovery housing, behavioral health and workforce development and re-entry and diversion programs.

Eight grants were awarded to programs in Region 1, which includes Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel counties.

Those grants include $125,000 to Youth Services System for its Afterschool Youth Prevention Program; $249,397 to West Liberty University for its Hilltopper Pathways: Out-of-School Re-entry and Support Program; $216,065 to Northwood Health Systems for its Workforce for Wellness program; $125,000 for HoH-Share Inc. for the Mother Jones Center for Resilient Community Youth Prevention Program; and $250,000 to the Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless for its Recovery First Re-entry Initiative Program.

The Young Women’s Christian Association of Wheeling received three grants, including $124,744 for YWCA Wheeling — Youth Prevention; $380,000 for YWCA Wheeling — Cathy’s Haven; and $186,450 for its Women Inspired in New Directions program.

“We were intentional in building a structure that reflects both feedback and best practices,” said Greg Duckworth, WVFF board chairman. “What emerged is a landmark opioid abatement model, distinct from any other foundation of its kind, made possible by volunteer Board Members and Expert Panelists dedicated to serving West Virginia.”

Statewide awards include $954,469.45 for National Youth Advocate Program for its Foster RISE project; $974,751 to Pressley Ridge for its Pressley Ridge Treatment Kinship Care Statewide Services; $975,000 to West Virginia CASA Association Inc. for its Continuum of Care for Children and Families Impacted by the Opioid Crisis; and $947,916 to West Virginia Wesleyan College for its WVWC and WV CASA Capacity Building Initiative.

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Better Bodies Inc. Focuses On Longevity & Life

With the start of 2026 comes New Year’s resolutions, and for many, that means looking for a new gym or personal trainer. At Better Bodies Inc., new members can get personal training, state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a personalized plan to help them meet their goals.

“As far as the fountain of youth, this is the closest you’re going to come,” says owner and physical therapist Mitch Schroder.

Better Bodies Inc. offers a wide variety of memberships and programs to suit each client’s individual needs, from golf enhancement programs in the offseason to personal training for longevity or specialized coaching for youth sports. One of the staff members is a former special forces officer who will soon be teaching self-defense classes.

The gym has recently gone through renovations and major enhancements, including upgrading to shock-absorbent biometric floors and adding more Keiser equipment.

“You can adjust it by a fraction of a pound to get the right resistance for a client. I don’t know of any other place in Indy that has it,” Schroder says. “We’ve put a half-million-dollar investment into this place.”

He’s been in the business for more than three decades, and his passion for it has only increased with time.

“I wake up at four in the morning and can’t wait to get to work,” he says. “There’s a positive energy here, and we love being together.”

Schroder is proud of the staff he’s assembled and says it’s the most cohesive team he’s had in 30 years.

“I have really good people,” he adds. “They’ve taken ownership. I’m comfortable taking trips and traveling all over the world because I have people here who do a fantastic job, so I’m not worried when I leave that we’re going to lose clients. They’re asking themselves, ‘How do we get better every day?’ and we do get better every day.”

It’s important to him that his team is educated and stays up to date on their certifications so they can offer the best training and support to clients and remain well-informed.

“We do assessments and reassessments,” he says. “We get a baseline for our clients. It’s not safe if you don’t know their medical history. You can injure someone with an inept trainer. With the tools we have, we can show how people have improved in strength, muscular endurance, body fat and flexibility. We can rate them compared to others of the same age and sex. We’ve had people go from the 5th percentile to the 99th percentile with objective measurements.”

Better Bodies Inc. uses a holistic approach, monitoring clients’ nutrition, exercise, sleep and water intake.

“If they do the things we ask, we have a 100% success rate. Some people want to just say they have a personal trainer. This isn’t the place for someone who doesn’t want to change their life,” Schroder says.

Better Bodies Inc. has membership plans for individuals, couples, families and college students, as well as corporate-level options.

“Businesses benefit from corporate training and membership. It’s the very best benefit you can give your employees, and it’s very affordable,” Schroder says. “It causes them to be three times more efficient: they’re sick less, they’re more motivated, they notice it directly and appreciate that benefit. There have been studies showing whatever you invest in health and wellness for your employees, you get a three-dollar return. As people are healthier, their risk for heart attack goes down, and that’s the whole reason I started this.”

For Schroder, helping people improve their health is a personal mission and one close to his heart.

“I was going to go to medical school. I didn’t know much about physical therapy before, but then my grandfather had a stroke,” he says. “I saw what they did to give him back his quality of life, and I thought there’s got to be nothing better on this Earth than being able to do that.

“But at some point, I had an epiphany. I asked myself, if we’re trying to help people, why do we let them have heart attacks? I kept seeing the same group of people, men and women who worked their entire lives, get to their 50s and 60s, then have a stroke and are limited for the rest of their lives.”

That’s how Schroder got the idea for Better Bodies 30 years ago, and it’s still what drives him and his business today.

“This is preventative, and it’s about quality of life,” he says. “What you can do is determined by how well you take care of yourself.”

Better Bodies Inc. is located at 12775 Horseferry Road in Carmle. They are open 24 hours a day. To find out more, email betrbodiz@aol.com, visit betterbodiesinc.com or call 317-508-0839.

By Rick Assad

Fifty girls in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades recently gathered at Olive Park for the Fifth Annual Providence High Diamond Clinic Softball Camp in collaboration with the ELLA (Empowering Leadership In Latina Athletes) Sports Foundation.

The three-hour event was overseen by Manny Travieso, the Providence head coach and also featured Tony Medina as the guest speaker. Additionally, several current and former players assisted.

After stretching, the youngsters were taught the fundamentals of softball such as turning the double play, playing catch, fielding and hitting as everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves as expressed by so many high fives.

Travieso has led the Pioneers to the Prep League championships over the last three straight seasons and has also coached international players.

“Our unique Providence Softball Camps play a vital role in our community by providing accessible training opportunities for young athletes. They offered players and their families a chance to participate in high-quality instruction without the financial burden often associated with sports camps,” he said. “During these challenging economic times, such initiatives ensure that every aspiring athlete can benefit from top-tier coaching and skill development.”

Travieso, who is an assistant coach at Vermont State University, feels these gatherings help in a variety of ways.

“The camps serve as an excellent platform for players to connect with experienced and trained coaches, fellow athletes who have competed at the highest levels, including college,” he said. “This exposure can be incredibly inspiring for young athletes, helping them dream big while gaining valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the sport.”

Travieso outlined six points that camps help youngsters hoping to play softball.

They include: 1) High-level training: “Participants receive collegiate-level training from skilled coaches, including current and former college players,” he said. “This experience enhances their understanding of game strategies, techniques, and mental aspects of playing at a competitive level.”

2) Skill Development: “Through focused drills and practice sessions, campers develop their softball skills, from the offense and defense sides,” he noted. “This hands-on training prepares them for the next level of competition.”

3) Networking Opportunities: “Campers and their families have the chance to meet and interact with coaches and players who have vast experience in the sport,” he said. “This leads to empowering the families to keep learning to help their student-athletes succeed in the future.”

4) Exposure to Different Training Styles: “By experiencing a variety of coaching methods and philosophies, campers can better understand what training techniques resonate with them and which areas they need to develop further,” he stated. “Often we tell players what to do, but not why we want them to do it or the benefit behind it. By understanding the reasoning and not just going through the motions because “coach said so,” they can learn to get better.”

5) Confidence Building: “Engaging with peers who share a passion for the game fosters camaraderie and healthy competition, boosting the campers’ self-esteem and motivation to improve,” he said.

6) Setting Goals: “This camp environment encourages players and their families to think about their future, especially if they aspire to play at the college level,” he stated. “Exposure to discussions about college athletics can help them set realistic goals for their softball careers.”

Travieso then summarized why these camps are important.

“In essence, these camps provide not just skill development but holistic growth for young softball players, helping them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination,” he said.

Medina has been a softball coach for more than four decades and is the founder of Medina Softball Clinics.

“Campers benefit from the clinic in so many ways. One being able to train with Coach Manny, myself and all the college players on the same field,” he said. “There are many different travel ball teams and organizations that attend. It’s a way to come out and learn from all of us.”

Because there is a difference in age for many of the campers, the skill level is also different, but the individual will still receive helpful instruction and attention according to Medina, who has taken his camps to more than two dozen states as well as Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and American Samoa.

“There is no judging at these camps. We have all different skill levels that attend and we cater to them all,” he said.

This camp was intended for everyone and it designs on inspiring girls to continue to play softball.

“From this free clinic campers go home feeling good about being able to be around all these different players and coaches knowing they just got better and had a lot of fun in a sport they really love,” Medina said.

Youth sports camps are essential according to Medina.

“It is important to have these camps because in today’s competitive softball world there is not enough fun and Manny has created a space where players and parents know they will learn a lot and enjoy the experience of ELLA and Medina Softball Clinics,” he added.

Lilly Travieso played softball at Alemany High and Cornell University, is the founder of ELLA and offered her opinion of why these camps are helpful for the youngsters.

“Campers benefit by gaining high-quality sport instruction in an inclusive environment that pushes them to grow and hone in their athletic skills – regardless of financial barriers,” she said. “Through ELLA’s free three-hour camp, girls in the sixth through eighth grade were able to learn fundamentals from quality coaches in the area.”

Travieso, who graduated from George Washington University with a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Business Studies with concentrations in Sport Management and Marketing, added: “Our toy drive reinforced the importance of giving back to our community and supporting one another during the holiday season.” she said.

There is great value in camps such as this one according to Travieso.

“These camps are important because they remove barriers to youth sports and ensure that all girls have access to safe, high quality, empowering athletic skills clinics,” she noted “This further reflects our mission to use sport as a catalyst for equity and positive impact on and off the field.”

Patti Workman is Providence’s assistant coach and its pitching coach.

“Giving back to the community has always been a priority for Providence High School. Together with ELLA Sports Foundation, our softball program was able to give back to our community offering a free softball camp,” she explained. “Our players really enjoyed spending time mentoring and teaching the younger players.”

Workman, who was a pitcher at Oregon State University, was pleased at the turnout.

“What an amazing opportunity for young softball players to attend camp where they are able to gain valuable insight and knowledge through hands-on drills,” she noted. “It was a team effort! The camp was led by the Providence softball coaches, players, alumni, who are playing in college. Also special guests, Lilly Travieso and Tony Medina. It was a great evening for all.”

Grace Workman played softball at Providence and is currently on the Fullerton College women’s softball team.

“I believe it is very important to give back to our Providence softball camps which is a great way to reach out to our community,” said the English major. “I enjoy teaching and coaching the younger generation of softball players.”

Workman, who spent one season on Burbank’s softball team, continued her thought.

“I love the game of softball. I have made lifelong friendships and have traveled to many states for tournaments,” she added. “I have so many wonderful memories and I want the next generation to experience all that softball has to offer.”

Good Ol’ Saint Nick, when I was seven, came through with a purple stingray with a banana seat that I wished for, my first bicycle that was not a hand-me-down from my two older brothers. As magical as that morning was, however, my favorite Christmas is a tie between the last 25 or so thanks to you generous readers making “Woody’s Holiday Ball Drive” an annual success.

“Life is hard enough,” noted Lauren Siegel, who donated 15 smiles this year, “without a kid having to worry if he or she has a ball to play sports with.” Others making life easier for local kids include…

Steve Askay donated five balls “in memory of my granddaughter Mabel” who tragically died in an accident at age 6, and Rebecca Fox gave three balls “in memory of our dear friend Doris Cowart who lived an amazing 101 years!”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — With Christmas Day finally here, it’s important for parents and gift-givers to double-check children’s toys and products on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recall list.

These recent recalls, since December, cover a range of hazards, including choking, drowning, battery ingestion, lacerations, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately and follow the specific instructions for refunds or repairs.

Toys and Children’s Products Recalls

1) Meaicezli Play Purse Sets

Hazard: Button cell and lithium coin batteries can be swallowed, causing serious injury or death.

Units: About 3,090

Remedy: Contact Angeer-US for a full refund; email a photo confirming disposal of the toy cell phone and writing tablet to meaicezli-services@outlook.com

2) KTEBO Writing Tablet Toys

Hazard: Button cell batteries are accessible, posing ingestion risk.

Units: About 10,380

Remedy: Stop use immediately and contact KTEBO for a free replacement; mark toys as “RECALLED” and submit photos to writing-tablet-recall@ktebo.com

3) Cubimana Building Toy Sets

Hazard: Accessible LED light batteries can cause serious injury or death.

Units: About 40

Remedy: Remove batteries and contact Vatos Toys for a full refund.

4) CreateOn Pip-Cubes

Hazard: Magnets can detach and cause serious intestinal injuries or death if swallowed.

Units: About 9,400

Remedy: Stop use and contact CreateOn for a replacement set; return the recalled cubes with pre-paid label.

5) SKCAIHT Children’s Costumes

Hazard: Contain prohibited phthalates, toxic if ingested.

Units: About 1,300

Remedy: Stop use and contact SKCAIHT Direct for a full refund.

6) Primark Little Bear 2-Pack Soother Clips

Hazard: Wooden button can detach, causing choking and lacerations.

Units: About 1,330

Remedy: Return to a Primark store for a full refund.

7) YCXXKJ Baby Bath Seats

Hazard: Unstable seats can tip, posing drowning risk.

Units: About 8,960

Remedy: Stop use and contact BenTalk for a refund; email photos of bath seats to bentalkhere@outlook.com

8) Uuoeebb Infant Walkers

Hazard: Can fall down steps or entrap child’s head.

Units: About 2,650

Remedy: Stop use, disassemble walker, and email photos to Uuoeebbrecalls@outlook.com

9) Little Pea Shop Crib Bumpers

Hazard: Obstruct infant breathing, risk of suffocation.

Units: About 300

Remedy: Remove bumpers and email photo of destroyed product to support@littlepeashop.com

Bicycles, ATVs, and Helmets Recalls

1) Pedego Fat Tire Trikes

Hazard: Frame can fracture, causing falls.

Units: About 400

Remedy: Contact Pedego to schedule a free frame repair.

2) Schwinn Ovation Bicycle Child Carriers

Hazard: Restraint buckles can release, posing a fall hazard.

Units: About 650

Remedy: Contact Pacific Cycle for a full refund.

3) Luyuan Youth ATVs (X-Pro Eagle & FRP Sahara 40cc)

Hazard: Suspension failure and laceration risk; risk of crash injury.

Units: About 2,290

Remedy: Stop use and contact Luyuan for free repair.

4) TREK Electric Bicycles

Hazard: Chainring bolts can loosen, causing crashes.

Units: About 700

Remedy: Stop use and schedule a free repair; $20 in-store credit offered.

5) Outdoor Master Children’s and Youth Helmets

Hazard: Do not meet safety standards; risk of head injury.

Units: About 24,300

Remedy: Stop use and contact Outdoor Master for full refund instructions.

Other Youth Products

1) HydroJug 14-Ounce Children’s Sport Tumblers

Hazard: Handles can detach, posing choking risk.

Units: About 17,000

Remedy: Contact HydroJug for replacement lid.

2) Primark Water Balloon Pumps

Hazard: Excessive pressure can cause rupture, risking injury.

Remedy: Stop use and return to Primark for refund.

For the full and up-to-date list of CPSC recalls, visit their website.

The D12 Youth Cheer team traveled to Kissimmee, Fla. from December 3 to 7 to compete in the American Youth Cheer (AYC) National Championship, representing their community on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Competing in the highly competitive D12 Large Level 3 category, the team delivered a strong and memorable performance against top programs from across the country.

Newtown’s squad took the mat on day one and the routine earned Newtown a coveted spot in the top five, advancing the team to Super Saturday, the final round of competition. After an exciting weekend of high-energy performances, the D12 Youth Cheer team finished fifth in their division nationally with a score of 90.18, an impressive achievement at the national level.

Members of the D12 Level 3 team are: Lillie Dougherty, Emmy Bell, Eve Ramsdell, Brielle Keil, Camryn Potter, Grace McCambley, Maggie Guman, Cecily Auresto, Teagan Conant, Brynn Clark, Natalie Patty, Ellie Veneziano, Hayden Salinger, Teagan Hufnagel, Eleanor Driscoll, Hannah Bowen, Avianna Leonardi, Brooke Duncan, Adina Fung, Sawyer Gottschalk, Victoria Maklyan, Sofia Reyes, and Trishelle Aubin.

In addition to the success of the D12 Youth team, there is immense pride in the 13 Newtown athletes who also competed at Nationals as members of the Shoreline D12 and D14 Elite teams. The Shoreline D12 Elite team placed third in their division and the D14 Level 3 Elite team placed fifth, further highlighting the strength, talent, and dedication of Newtown’s cheer athletes.

Members of the Shoreline Elite teams are: D14: Sawyer Gottschalk, Ellie Veneziano, and Hannah Bowen; and D12: Maddison Vaccaro, Hayden Salinger, Brielle Keil, Brynn Clark, Camryn Potter, Cecily Auresto, Eleanor Driscoll, Eve Ramsdell, Lillie Dougherty, and Victoria Maklyan.

Additionally, members of our D14 and D12 cheer teams will be extending their season into the winter months, competing in YCADA Global Cheer competitions from January through March.

Coaches, families, and supporters alike celebrated the athletes’ hard work, teamwork, and commitment that carried them from months of preparation to the national stage. Their performances in Kissimmee not only showcased athletic excellence but also represented their community with pride, sportsmanship, and heart.

Newtown’s youth cheerleaders had quite a showing at the National Championship. Pictured are, from left, front: Lillie Dougherty, Brielle Keil, Cecily Auresto, Aviana Leonardi, Brynn Clark, Teagan Hufnagel, and Maggie Guman; middle: Sofia Reyes, Hannah Bowen, Eleanor Driscoll, Ellie Veneziano, Sawyer Gottschalk, Victoria Maklyan, Evie Ramsdell, and Camryn Potter; and back: Teagan Conant, Grace McCambley, Adina Fung, Brook Duncan, Trishelle Aubin, Natalie Patty, Emmy Bell, and Hayden Salinger. —photo courtesy Amber Deamico

Flyer Brynn Clark, supported by bases Evie Ramsdell and Camryn Potter, along with Brielle Keil. —photos courtesy Kristen Keil

Flyers Teagan Hufnagel, Brynn Clark, and Lillie Dougherty.

Ellie Veneziano competes for Newtown.

Flyer Lillian Dougherty being supported by secondary flyer Hannah Bowen and bases Teagan Conant, Eleanor Driscoll, and Camryn Potter.

Newtown’s Shoreline Elite cheerleaders are, from left, front: Lillie Dougherty, Brielle Keil, Cecily Auresto, Brynn Clark, and Camryn Potter; and back: Hayden Salinger, Eleanor Driscoll, Ellie Veneziano, Sawyer Gottschalk, Hannah Bowen, Maddison Vaccaro, Evie Ramsdell, and Victoria Maklyan.