Apraxia Awareness Day
Today, the Mayor was joined by the Valentine family to proclaim May 14th as Apraxia Awareness Day in Elkins.
Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a very misunderstood and very challenging speech disorder that affects 1-in-1,000 children. Now going into its fourteenth year, Apraxia Awareness Day on May 14th aims to unite community members, children with childhood apraxia of speech, and their friends and family to be an unstoppable, united force advocating for children with childhood apraxia of speech.
Nikita is a volunteer with Apraxia Kids, the nation’s only 501(c)(3) dedicated to childhood apraxia of speech. This organization does many things here in West Virginia to try to raise awareness and understanding about childhood apraxia of speech. She is also the parent of a child diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), Abram. At just eight years old, Abram demonstrates remarkable determination, rising each day with the goal of improving his speech and communication. His perseverance and strength in the face of challenges reflect the heart of a true warrior.
Like many children with CAS, Abram is aware of the ways in which he is different. Recognition from our community would not only raise awareness of this rare condition, but would also instill in him a deep sense of pride, belonging, and encouragement. Such acknowledgment would affirm his hard work and remind him that his efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated.
The City of Elkins is proud to stand with the Valentine family to raise awareness for Childhood Apraxia of Speech and encourages all residents to learn more about this disorder and continue to increase public knowledge of CAS.
Pictured from left to right: David Valentine, Kyle Blankenship, Abram Valentine, Mayor Jerry Marco, Nikita Valentine, Roz Valentine (in the front), Hazel Weese and Tracey Valentine.
Apraxia Awareness Proclamation – May 14, 2026
Leaf Collection Season 2026
Leaf collection is underway for fall 2026. It is not possible for us to publish a schedule for specific areas of the city. Pickup begins in the heavier areas of the city first; the Street Department will then proceed to go street […]
Read More
City Hall News: Week of November 1, 2026
City Council and two Council committees have meetings scheduled this week. Other items of interest include Election Day office closures, upcoming utility and Fire & Rescue Fee payment deadlines, and employment opportunities with the city. The Personnel Committee meets Monday, November 2, […]
Read MoreInvasive species removal at Riverbend Park
Thanks to a West Virginia Division of Forestry Demonstration City grant, the Elkins Tree Board is replacing several invasive trees at Riverbend Park with native alternatives. The invasive Bradford pear, also known as the Callery pear, originated in China and is planted […]
Read More
Lead the Elkins Police Department
The City of Elkins is seeking an experienced law enforcement professional to serve as its next Chief of Police. This is an opportunity to lead a small municipal police department while remaining close to the work. The Elkins police chief divides time […]
Read More
Treasurer’s Department Returning to City Hall October 5
The Treasurer’s Department will be closed Thursday, October 1, while staff complete their move back into City Hall. The department’s customer service desk will reopen at City Hall, 401 Davis Avenue, on Monday, October 5. Municipal Court will also reopen at City […]
Read More
How Elkins Monitors Your Drinking Water
The City of Elkins tests and monitors its drinking water on an ongoing basis as part of our commitment to providing safe, reliable drinking water to our customers. Water treatment, monitoring, testing, and maintenance of the distribution system take place all year, […]
Read More