Story and photo by Rebecca Maynard

After many years of standing empty, the Coiner building at 26 East Main Street in Berryville is open to shoppers once more.

On December 6, Coiner Grand Emporium had its grand opening. Described by owner Jerry Johnson as a general store, its extensive inventory includes new and vintage items such as hats, collectible figurines, antique radios, lamps, toys, comic books, greeting cards, baseball cards, jewelry, candy and much more.

“Yesterday is waiting for you at Coiner Grand Emporium,” he said.

Coiner’s Department Store was founded by Emmett G. Coiner in 1896 and later purchased by Chet Hobert, who ran it until its shutdown almost a century later. A recent Barns of Rose Hill exhibit included people’s recollections of the store’s “cash trolley” used when customers paid for merchandise. Instead of a cash register, clerks sent payments along the trolley to an office upstairs. An office worker then sent the trolley down with change and a receipt.

Times have changed and the building has been closed since the early 2000s, but now with extensive renovations complete, it is once again a beautiful and welcoming place for customers of all ages. Over the weekend before Christmas, Santa welcomed children into the store and gave out gifts, harkening back to an era when department store Santas were still commonplace, Johnson said.

“There’s something for everybody from little kids to grandmas,” said Danielle Smith, one of the store’s co-managers who assisted with its renovation. Smith grew up in Clarke County and attended Clarke County High School, so she knows firsthand what Coiner’s history means to the community.

“Every other person who comes through the door has memories of shopping here in the past,” she said. “The community is really excited and we even had someone bring in their mother with dementia because she used to come in the store as a teen.”

Smith said that the upstairs was originally the toy section of Coiner’s Department store. While it is not open to the public yet, the plan is to display and sell large format paintings and furniture. Johnson, she said, particularly enjoys the 

Civil War and paintings by Mort Künstler and John Paul Strain. 

Coiner Grand Emporium has a Facebook page as well as a website, www.coinergrandemporium.com. Hours are currently daily from 10am to 7pm.

“My arms are full,” explained a happy customer who approached the register during the interview for this article, whose purchases included a hat and Cracker Jacks. “I want to buy everything.”

A veteran organization trainer and coach to offer public workshops

by Jennifer M. Lee

Needing a little inspiration and information to help you live a more productive and balanced life? In an environment of so many tasks to accomplish, distractions and demands on your attention, and relationships to tend to, it can be challenging to build a framework that brings focus, efficiency, and positive outcomes to the many things life and work ask of you. Help is here!

Jeff Feldman is a leadership and professional development coach who has been designing and delivering workshops to help people be more productive, efficient, and intentional for nearly 30 years. He is bringing that expertise and proven tools to two upcoming workshops on October 24 at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., and on November 1 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va. Both are open to the public,

I have worked with Jeff for the last ten years on a variety of projects, most notably when he was board president of the American Conservation Film Festival and I was executive director. He is one of the most joyful, efficient, and wise people I have ever had the pleasure to know and work with. I sat down with him recently to learn more about his work and this new public offering of workshops.

JL: Tell us about the workshops you have been presenting for professionals for the last three decades. What is the need you are addressing?

JF: Since 1995, I’ve been designing and delivering a range of personal and professional development trainings for all manner of clients — federal agencies, corporate groups, nonprofits. I truly value the opportunity to support people in being more effective at what they do, at realizing their goals and visions, whether they are leaders, teams, individual contributors within organizations, or someone simply trying to find a greater measure of success and fulfillment from life. I’ve designed sessions on creativity and innovation, resilience, communication effectiveness, emotional intelligence, gratitude, and so many more. And, of course, productivity. That’s one of my current favorites because I believe it’s something we all can improve and benefit from.  

JL. What are the traits that make people happy and productive workers? How do we best learn those traits and incorporate them in our personal and professional lives?

JF: I believe people want to do their jobs and do them well. We find joy, fulfillment, satisfaction from a sense that we are performing at a high level. And this brings a sense of engagement with our work. It requires a sense of purpose — why we do what we do, what value our work brings — and vision — where we see the work leading, a desired future outcome we’re striving to create. I think these things are innate human drivers, and our quest is to find work that allows us to connect with them. Sadly, this is sometimes more difficult than it should be! 

JL: What does it mean to “maximize productive performance?” What tools do you teach to accomplish this?

JF: Productive performance is about getting things done. Not just any things, though, but the right things, the important things. So it starts with clarity around the goals we need to achieve and how we prioritize these goals. 

Then it becomes about habits, the daily choices we make that support us in being productive in pursuit of these goals, how we focus our energies, how we manage distraction, how we know ourselves well enough to understand what type of work to do when, based on our natural rhythms. 

I take a Design Thinking approach to this. How might we design our individual productivity system to support being clear on our critical tasks, maintain our focus, and leverage our energies in the most effective way? One size does not fit all in this. A productivity system needs to be customized to each individual’s needs and style, and tools like time blocking, Pomodoro Technique, and strategies for creating traction and overcoming “Dis-Traction” often work in various ways for most people. 

JL: What type of people/workers will best benefit from your workshop on “Getting Things Done?”

JF: A common answer we often hear when we ask someone how they are is “BUSY!” Perhaps the underlying message here is that people wish they were a little less busy, a little less stressed by seemingly endless “to dos”, a little less overwhelmed. The insights, tools, and strategies shared in this session can help with this. So potentially it is a fit for anyone. If you’re hoping to create a little more breathing room in your life, if you’re seeking clarity on your most important tasks, and if you’re searching for tips on how to focus in on them, this session is for you. These tools and strategies apply universally no matter your place in the world.

JL. Can you give an example of a workshop experience and the results on individuals or teams that demonstrate its effectiveness?

JF: All of my workshop sessions are interactive. We engage with one another around the content being explored. It’s a conversation, a common journey of discovery. I have some wisdom and insight to pass along on this topic and so do each of the participants. So we create a sharing environment, a learning community.

People are often jazzed when we close out these sessions, energized, and they feel a sense of commitment to enact some of what they’ve learned. But I do wonder how many actually follow through . . . does the experience truly create a lasting positive change for people? I’ve met some for whom it does, but others I can’t be sure about. 

That’s why I’m offering a discounted follow-up one-on-one coaching opportunity along with this workshop. This is a chance for people to truly individualize their learning, and make it actionable in a sustainable way. It allows me to personally support people in identifying and adopting the habits they feel will make the greatest difference for them. My hope is that this creates a higher level of commitment and success with integrating the content from the session. 

JL: What are some common obstacles to achieving productivity? How do we overcome them?

JF: The most obvious thing is that the world is one giant distraction! And though we are surrounded by countless distractions, they’re really not that hard to manage if you commit yourself to it. And some of us don’t feel truly empowered to design our lives and our systems for maximum clarity, focus, and productive performance. I’ve found that people often have more control or at least influence over how they go about their daily efforts than they give themselves credit for.

JL: What inspires you to do this work? Was there an experience or person who led you to it?

JF: I enjoy people. I enjoy feeling helpful to people. No singular experience led me to this; I guess it’s just a part of who I am. That and the fact that I’m a bit of a ham! I like being “on stage” in front of a group. I like sharing wisdom that I feel is interesting and relevant to people. I like having fun, and this work brings me joy.

JL: What are the top takeaways you want people to gain from your workshops?

JF: I often challenge people to find the one thing — the one golden nugget — that for them will make a meaningful difference as a result of having spent some time with me. It’s different for each person, but the common theme is making a positive difference in people’s lives, whether that’s related to a higher level of productivity or better teamwork or healthier relationships or more effective leadership. Just one thing, that’s all I’m asking people to find. Of course, if they find more than just one thing, that’s a bonus!

JL: Anything else you would like to add?

JF: Join me for the session! I promise to make it fun and worthwhile!

Getting Things Done: Maximizing Productive Performance is a 3-hour in-person interactive workshop that will be held on two upcoming dates and locations: October 24 at the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va., and November 1 at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Va.

For information and to register for the October 24 workshop in Shepherdstown: https://tinyurl.com/yc6sfvcs. 

For moe information and to register for the November 1 workshop in Winchester: https://tinyurl.com/yc5hmycd.

By David Lillard

One thing sets Harpers Ferry, W.Va., apart from nearly every other park in the national park system. In most parks, you’re “inside the park” or outside. Inside the public land is where the features, exhibits, concessions, and maybe some lodging are. Outside is where all the commerce and shopping is. In Harpers Ferry, the experience of the two blends together — much like it does in most old towns.

The park brings to life three themes: American industrial history, the Civil War, and the history of slavery and Civil Rights. You can can wander along Shenandoah Street and lower High Street, in and out of exhibits depicting America’s westward expansion, 19th century arms manufacturing, life on a river frontier, and the experience African Americans emerging from enslavement to organizing for full citizenship. Each exhibit is housed in an historic commercial building. This adds to the feeling of riding your wagon into town on a Saturday to amble about town and pick up supplies. Just steps away are present-day shops and eateries.

You can also walk across the Potomac River to the C&O Canal Towpath for a scenic walk. If you want to see the river and town from above, hike up to Maryland Heights. It’s a steep poke up, but worth it — and there are plenty of places to stop for a rest.

The shopping scene in the Lower Town has evolved from the days when Civil War parks sold only boardwalk tchotchke. Now it’s a regional destination for local and international craft and art. Sure, you can still find Blue and Gray hats and memorabilia. You can also find beautiful handmade items at prices comparable to big box stores.

A Saturday in August

On a recent visit, after a leisurely walk along the river and visiting exhibits, I stopped at Ten Fold Fair Trade, a short walk away at 914 High Street. Ten Fold sells goods that are handcrafted by disadvantaged artisans who benefit from using their skills to earn a sustainable and fair income. I needed a hat that’s more dressed up than my usual ballcaps without the fancy price tag. I walked out sporting a straw fedora crafted in Mexico, with the added warmth of knowing that most of the 40 bucks was going to the actual person who made it.

Then I poked my head in some other shops and nibbled a few snacks no cardiologist would recommend. I decided to burn off the fried fat sugar bomb with a walk — the walk being the real reason for my visit.

As much as I enjoy the park exhibits, I visit Harpers Ferry to be outside. I like walking the trail on Virginius Island, where the ruins tell the story of 1800s industry on the Shenandoah. Climbing the stone stairway (or the steep but stable Public Way) to St. Peters Catholic Church is a must. The view across the Shenandoah is spectacular. It was an active parish until the 1990s, and is now under the stewardship of St. James parish in Charles Town. Mass is still celebrated on Sundays at 9:30am.

Continuing on the path from the church, which follows the Appalachian Trail route, to Jefferson Rock affords one of the most famous views of the region. Jefferson Rock is described in its National Registry of Historic Places as “several large masses of Harpers shale piled one upon the other, that overlook the Shenandoah River just prior to its confluence with the Potomac River. Thomas Jefferson, for whom the formation is named, summed up the view this way: “This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”

A lazy picnic on the grass by the Doah is my favorite thing. No matter how busy things get in town, you can usually find a quiet space by the river for lunch and a nap.

Bolivar is for locals

Speaking of picnics, you’ll want to stop in Bolivar before you head over to the visitor center parking area off Route 340. There you’ll find all the provisions you need for a picnic in the park. If you do drive to the Lower Town, Washington Street in Bolivar becomes High Street in Harpers Ferry. My favorites include:

Bolivar Bread. Stop in for a baguette and local cheese, or go for the pepperoni roll (or more), and you’ve got everything  you need for a picnic. Don’t forget dessert! The pastries are yummy. [914 W. Washington St.]

Kelly Farm Kitchen. Their menu is 100 percent vegan, and it’s all delicious. I like the seitan Philly cheesesteak. [1112 W. Washington Street]

Snallygaster’s Café. A few doors from Kelly Farm Kitchen, grab a classic Italian, turkey BLT, or other cold sandwich from Snallygaster’s and you’re ready whenever lunchtime arrives. You can also visit Snallygaster’s after visiting town. Have dinner, then walk down to The Barn for live music and a drink. [1102 W. Washington St.]

Country Café. If you’re looking for a home cooking kind of breakfast, the Country Café has been serving up eggs, pancakes, and waffles for a long time. Nothing fancy; all good. [1723 W. Washington St.]

Bolivar has undergone a bit of a transformation over the last few years. The town’s story is kind of like the small towns in the animated movie Cars. At one time, Route 340 was Bolivar’s Main Street — and all the park traffic came through town. Once the National Park Service started running shuttles on a road built just for the buses, much of the foot traffic disappeared. 

Now it balances a fine line: having vibrant businesses that both locals and out-of-towners frequent. You’re much more likely to find a laid back local feel in Bolivar than down in the park.

Visit hallowed ground

For one of the best views of the Shenandoah River nearby, you’ll want to walk the Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail. The farm is the former site of John Brown’s Fort, also known as The Armory, which you will visit in the Lower Town. The Murphy family had allowed the fort to be relocated and reassembled there. They also allowed the public to visit. At the second meeting of the Niagara Movement, held at Storer College in Bolivar, the delegation walked to the farm to visit the building considered by Civil Rights advocates to be holy ground. So hallowed, in fact, that members of the procession took off their shoes to walk the rough road to pay homage to Brown. Now the site is marked by its foundation. Just beyond, is an overlook with an extraordinary view of the Shenandoah looking upstream toward Clarke County

Happy travels!

Information

Admission: The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle both at the visitor center and the train station in the Lower Town. Seasonal passes are available.

Your free ride: A free shuttle runs all day from the visitor center and back, departing every 10–15 minutes. You can also walk from the visitor center into town.

On the Web: See NPS.gov/hafe.