Morgantown, West Virginia, isn't just a place on the map; it's an experience that radiates warmth and community spirit. Known for its picturesque landscapes and dynamic atmosphere, this city offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. Morgantown boasts a lively arts scene, celebrated with local galleries and theaters where creativity thrives, making it a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
For those
who love the outdoors, Morgantown serves as a gateway to adventure with its winding trails and stunning views along the Monongahela River. The city's proximity to state parks offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking, ensuring that every day can end with a breathtaking sunset.
In the heart of the city beats the vibrant energy of West Virginia University. This not only infuses Morgantown with an intellectual vigor but also creates a patchwork of
Discover Morgantown
4 | HelloMorgantown, West Virginia • Fall Issue
Hello Morgantown, West Virginia • Fall Issue |5
cultures and experiences from around the globe. With cafes bustling with lively conversations and streets echoing with the laughter of students and locals alike, the spirit of Morgantown is both invigorating and inviting.
Morgantown's culinary scene is a testament to its dynamic identity, offering everything from local Appalachian flavors to international delights. Each restaurant reflects the heart of...
Discover Morgantown
Discover Morgantown: West Virginia's Vibrant Gem
Morgantown, West Virginia, isn't just a place on the map; it's an experience that radiates warmth and community spirit. Known for its picturesque landscapes and dynamic atmosphere, this city offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere. Morgantown boasts a lively arts scene, celebrated with local galleries and theaters where creativity thrives, making it a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
For those who love the outdoors, Morgantown serves as a gateway to adventure with its winding trails and stunning views along the Monongahela River. The city's proximity to state parks offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking, ensuring that every day can end with a breathtaking sunset.
In the heart of the city beats the vibrant energy of West Virginia University. This not only infuses Morgantown with an intellectual vigor but also creates a patchwork of cultures and experiences from around the globe. With cafes bustling with lively conversations and streets echoing with the laughter of students and locals alike, the spirit of Morgantown is both invigorating and inviting.
Morgantown's culinary scene is a testament to its dynamic identity, offering everything from local Appalachian flavors to international delights. Each restaurant reflects the heart of its community, welcoming diners into a world of taste and tradition.
Whether you're seeking a charming community, burgeoning cultural offerings, or the call of nature, Morgantown promises a fulfilling lifestyle with its enchanting allure and a spirit of togetherness. It's not just a place to live; it's a place to thrive.
FEATURED STORY
What Most Brides Regret Not Doing During Dress Fittings
by Connie and Frank Merandi
When brides picture their dream dress, the focus is usually on how it looks in the mirror. But beauty alone isn’t enough. Over the years, one of the most common regrets I hear from brides after the wedding is this: they didn’t move around enough during their fitting. And once the ceremony started, that oversight caught up with them.A wedding dress isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s something you wear for hours on a day filled with movement, emotion, and attention. You’ll be walking, hugging, sitting, standing, dancing, and sometimes even running a
6 | HelloMorgantown, West Virginia • Fall Issue
Connie and Frank Merandi
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Connie and Frank Merandi are the dedicated husband-and-wife team behind CONI & FRANC, a renowned bridal boutique in Morgantown, WV. With a passion for fashion and over 43 years of experience, they have curated a diverse collection of high-quality clothing and accessories while emphasizing personalized service for each client.
little behind schedule. If your gown isn’t tested in motion, it may not work the way you expect when it matters most.Brides often assume that if a dress looks great in the mirror, it will feel great all day. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.Movement is the best way to find out how a dress behaves. This is especially important for gowns with fitted skirts, long trains, or delicate straps. During fittings, many brides stand still while the stylist adjusts the hem or tweaks the bodice. But that’s only one part of the story. Sit down, walk across the room, and take a few spins.
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What Most Brides Regret Not Doing During Dress Fittings
When brides picture their dream dress, the focus is usually on how it looks in the mirror. But beauty alone isn’t enough. Over the years, one of the most common regrets I hear from brides after the wedding is this: they didn’t move around enough during their fitting. And once the ceremony started, that oversight caught up with them.
A wedding dress isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s something you wear for hours on a day filled with movement, emotion, and attention. You’ll be walking, hugging, sitting, standing, dancing, and sometimes even running a little behind schedule. If your gown isn’t tested in motion, it may not work the way you expect when it matters most.
Brides often assume that if a dress looks great in the mirror, it will feel great all day. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Movement is the best way to find out how a dress behaves. This is especially important for gowns with fitted skirts, long trains, or delicate straps. During fittings, many brides stand still while the stylist adjusts the hem or tweaks the bodice. But that’s only one part of the story. Sit down, walk across the room, and take a few spins. Try lifting your arms and giving someone a hug. If your dress resists these movements—or reveals more than you’d like—it’s better to know now, not later.
Some brides have learned the hard way that even a small design detail can become a big distraction. A train that drags can trip you up. A bodice that shifts when you sit can leave you tugging all night. A skirt that feels fine while standing might twist or ride up once you're in motion. These things don’t always show up during a static fitting, which is why active movement is so important.
Beyond physical comfort, there’s another issue: confidence. When you know your dress will move with you—not against you—you can relax and enjoy the day. You won’t be preoccupied with holding things in place or adjusting between photos. Brides often tell me they didn’t realize how tense they were until they changed into something more comfortable at the end of the night.
To avoid these regrets, build movement into every stage of the dress fitting process. During your first try-on, notice how the fabric behaves. Is it stiff or flowing? Does it hold shape, or does it cling when you sit? As you move into final fittings, don’t be afraid to simulate real wedding-day moments. Walk like you’re heading down the aisle. Sit like you’re at your sweetheart table. Dance like no one’s watching—even if the seamstress is.
It’s also helpful to try on your dress with the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear. Heels affect posture and gait, which in turn affect how a dress moves. Certain bras or shapewear can also change how the bodice fits or shifts during the day. These small changes in preparation can have a big effect on comfort and confidence.
If your dress includes a bustle, test that too. A bustle can be your best friend or your biggest frustration. Make sure it’s easy to secure and doesn’t affect how the dress flows when you walk or dance. Have a friend or family member learn how to fasten it—don’t leave that detail for the last minute.
Even the most stylish gown can cause stress if it wasn’t designed or adjusted for your natural movement. That’s why I always remind brides: your wedding dress is not just a photo op. It’s your partner in one of the most emotionally charged, active, and memorable days of your life.
Important: The mirror can lie, but movement doesn’t—test your dress with real-life motions to make sure your big day feels as good as it looks.
If there’s one simple way to avoid regret, it’s this: make sure your dream dress feels like it was made for you not only when you’re standing still, but when you’re moving through the best day of your life.
Brides oftenassume that if adress looks greatin themirror, it willfeel great all day.Unfortunately, that’s not alwaystrue.
Try lifting your arms and giving someone a hug. If your dress resists these movements—or reveals more than you’d like—it’s better to know now, not later.Some brides have learned the hard way that even a small design detail can become a big distraction. A train that drags can trip you up. A bodice that shifts when you sit can leave you tugging all night. A skirt that feels fine while standing might twist or ride up once you're in motion. These things don’t always show up during a...
Preschool Readiness Isn’t Just About ABCs
Preschool readiness means more than being able to recite the alphabet or count to ten. While those academic basics are important, they’re only one part of what prepares a child for a classroom environment. Just as critical, if not more so, are the social and emotional skills that allow children to
participate in group learning, communicate their needs, and handle everyday transitions.Children entering preschool are introduced to a new setting filled with routines, peers, and structured expectations. This change can be exciting but also overwhelming if they haven't yet developed tools to
8 | HelloMorgantown, West Virginia • Fall Issue
Preschool Readiness Isn’t Just About ABCs
Preschool readiness means more than being able to recite the alphabet or count to ten. While those academic basics are important, they’re only one part of what prepares a child for a classroom environment. Just as critical, if not more so, are the social and emotional skills that allow children to participate in group learning, communicate their needs, and handle everyday transitions.
Children entering preschool are introduced to a new setting filled with routines, peers, and structured expectations. This change can be exciting but also overwhelming if they haven't yet developed tools to manage it. Skills like taking turns, waiting patiently, and expressing emotions in a healthy way give young children the foundation to thrive. These capabilities are often the difference between a child who feels confident and curious, and one who feels anxious or unsure.
A quality preschool program helps children learn how to follow directions, interact with others, and solve small problems independently. Educators in strong programs understand that academic success is built on emotional security. They create daily routines that are predictable and nurturing. They also guide children through interpersonal challenges, helping them learn empathy, cooperation, and resilience.
When evaluating a preschool program, it’s essential to look beyond the curriculum. Ask how the program supports emotional growth. Do teachers model respectful behavior? Is there time for open-ended play where social skills develop naturally? Are children encouraged to talk about their feelings and find appropriate ways to express them? These are signs that a program values the whole child, not just their test scores down the line.
At home, families can also support preschool readiness by encouraging conversation, creating small responsibilities, and helping children name their feelings. Reading books about friendship, emotions, and school routines can also prepare kids for what’s ahead.
Preschool should be a place where children feel safe, capable, and excited to learn. Social and emotional readiness is what makes that possible. With the right support, children can take that first big step into school with confidence.
April Milik
learn how to follow directions, interact with others, and solve small problems independently. Educators in strong programs understand that academic success is built on emotional security. They create daily routines that are predictable and nurturing. They also guide children through interpersonal challenges, helping them learn empathy, cooperation, and resilience.When evaluating a preschool program, it’s essential to look beyond the curriculum. Ask how the program supports emotional growth. Do teachers model respectful behavior? Is there time for open-ended play where social skills develop naturally? Are children encouraged to...
manage it. Skills like taking turns, waiting patiently, and expressing emotions in a healthy way give young children the foundation to thrive. These capabilities are often the difference between a child who feels confident and curious, and one who feels anxious or unsure.A quality preschool program helps children
A quality preschool program helps children learn how to follow directions, interact with others, and solve small problems independen...
About the Author
April Milik is the owner of Kinder Haus Child Care Center, a nationally accredited childcare center in Morgantown, West Virginia offering high-quality care and early education for children from 6 weeks to 11 years old, including WV Universal Pre-K.
