The Grapevine: Happy Birthday to Our Edition #1,650
By Rosalyn Queen on February 05, 2026
A belated birthday to the “Grapevine.”
On Jan.11, we observed the 1,650 column/blog of The Grapevine. These columns contain a history of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival as well as a collection of customs, recipes, events in the area, and a multitude of other stories.
In 1992, The Mountaineer Newspaper joined the WVIHF as a sponsor and as part of the sponsor package they carried the column in their weekly publications. The Value Guides under their banner covered a five county area with approximately 35,000 households receiving the
publication. Later the column also appeared in the Shinnston News and Journal and continues to this day to carry The Grapevine. It was also carried in The Exponent Telegram’s “Extra” edition and The Times West-Virginian’s Bridgeport publication. And for the past several years it has appeared right here as a blog on Connect-Bridgeport.
When I retired from the Italian Festival, I asked if I could take The Grapevine with me and I have and I have continued to write each column. Occasionally, I ask a visiting writer to submit a column. I have changed the format of the column to contain stories of interest other than those strictly of Italian heritage. I love to call attention to non-profit organizations in the area and the wonderful services they provide, and you can also find interesting recipes.
A new part of the column that I have added is “ROZ ‘S BOOK CLUB.” Once a month I will include a book that I have read and outline the good and bad points that might interest my followers in reading.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all my followers and to encourage you to offer any comments to me vie email at spanishqueen86@aol.com.
My next subject is a “hats off” to The Keepsake, a publication about our area. I have been around a long time, and I find this to be one of the best publications in our area. It needs members and I encourage you to join this group. For more information on becoming a member go online at info@clarksburghistorymuseum.com. The cost is $25.00. Martha Jett and Michael Spatafore are two of the leading forces of this group. Be sure to get your copy of the Keepsake.
Keep warm, be careful and until next week, “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
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