Circulating Two-Lane Livin’ Magazine is always a challenge, especially this time of year. Many other free publications depend on a shipping or mailing service for distribution of their issues, but in order to track readership, pick up rate, and make sure every copy gets read, we do things our own way.

First, we travel to Parkersburg, to pick up fresh copies, stacked on two palettes and tightly shrink-wrapped. What isn’t loaded into the back of our vehicle is loaded by forklift onto our utility trailer, then wrapped in water-tight tarps and strapped down.

I call my mom on our way into the city, and she takes off from her weekly Monday bible study to get her copies. While Frank does most of the wrapping and strapping, I visit with Mother. She and her friends deliver in Belpre and Parkersburg.

On the way home, we deliver in Mineral Wells area, leaving extra bundles at a store for a columnist who volunteered to distribute copies in the Jackson County area. Then we travel into Wirt County, where we deliver copies, leaving extra bundles for a reader volunteer who delivers her copies along Route 47 from Crossroads to Parkersburg. Time permitting, we also distribute into Grantsville area as we travel home, and then leave copies at Sears Exxon (featured on page 19) near our home base in Stumptown.

When we arrive home, we unload 150 bundles of magazines into our distribution room. There, they are checked for quality, and then hundreds of copies are hand-folded to be sent in subscription envelopes and placed in distribution boxes at rest stops. Bundles of magazines are shrunk-wrapped and mailed to volunteers to circulate in Tyler, Pleasants, Doddridge, Greenbrier, Randolph and Tucker County. We also mail bundles to Tamarak, and the Williamstown Welcome Center.

The next day, delivery week really begins. Frank takes all the long delivery runs – like the Nicholas County run, The Ritchie County run and the Lewis/Upshur County run. These are the ones where 4-wheel drive is likely needed in the winter, so Frank pretty much does those.

My little Chevy and I handle the short runs, Roane County, and  Braxton County. In Braxton, I drop extra bundles at The Custard Stand who voluntarily delivers in Webster Springs, and extra bundles to WV Massage Therapy, who voluntarily delivers to Clay County.

Frank and I take turns delivering in Gilmer County, depending on the work load of the rest of our lives.  (In Summer months, we also deliver to area state parks.)

While we’re delivering copies, we take note of any (if any) copies are left over at each location. If there are (typically less than 100), we pick them up and re-circulate them, re-placing them in laundromats and Rest Stops along I-79. If any location has leftover copies for more than two months, that number of copies is shifted – to another location that always runs out.

Meanwhile, we also have fans who “share.” We give our neighbor copies to take to his family in South Charleston, and he’s known to leave copies at the Jane Lew Auction House. One of our columnists carries copies on her travels, and is known to leave a few hither and yon. Another columnist delivers to shut- in friends and mails copies to out of state family. In fact, we’ve tried to track how many copies, once read locally, get mailed on to someone else. The numbers became too large to track. It’s not uncommon for a reader to call after picking up a copy somewhere that we’ve never been. How did they get there? We don’t know.

How could we know so many people would want to share Two-Lane Livin’?  How could we expect space to be offered at Rest Stops & Welcome Centers? How could we know we’d have a waiting list of distribution locations? How could we plan for such fabulous volunteers? How could we  expect such an overwhelming feeling of ownership among our readers, columnists and clients?

In fact, an extra 1,000 copies of this month’s issue were sponsored by Wilson’s Rug Cleaner & Carpet Center in Weston, providing more readers with access in Upshur, Lewis and Braxton Counties. In turn, thanks to this initiative, every client in this issue has gotten an extra 1,000 copies free. In its creation, production and delivery, Two-Lane Livin’ has become a two-lane network, growing in ways that could never have been predicted.

I know the word is overused these days, but I think our distribution is awesome. When I think on it, it literally fills me with awe. No one could “invent” such a system as ours. It’s complicated and yet  simple; is intricate but remains consistent; it includes time and effort of volunteers, and works without any major glitches. That’s something, considering we deal with ice, snow, flooding, school busses, deer, detours, and who knows what else along these two-lanes.

It amazes me and thus, this first issue of the New Year, we have included our Winter Distribution List and those who help make it happen. It’s a long list, which we won’t have room for very often. Even so, we are very thankful to each of our distribution location and volunteers. Many wishes of prosperity and success in the upcoming year to all those who help spread the “two-lane word.”

Two-Lane Livin’ Winter Distribution List
(Summer months include additional, seasonal locations.)

BRAXTON COUNTY
Burnsville GoMart
Little General Exxon, Burnsville
The 79’er Restaurant
Bear Heaven/Sunoco, Flatwoods
Bon Worth
The Book Cellar
Jerry’s Sporting Goods
The Bulk Food Store
Everything Fiesta
Wild Vine & Spirits
Days Hotel
Ace Home Center
Braxton Health Care & Rehabilitation
Lloyd’s Family Restaurant
Flatwoods Go Mart
The Waffle Hut
The Custard Stand
China Buffet
WV Massage Therapy
Lyon’s Equipment
Go Mart (Bee Run)
Stancatti’s Restaurant
Elk Motor Court, Sutton
Sutton Feed
The Town Square Cafe’
PJ Berries
Sutton City Hall
Sutton Public Library
Go Mart (I-79)
Argenio’s Pizza
Kroger
Braxton Memorial Hospital
Rexroad Supply
Braxton Foods
Braxton Farm Supply
Hart’s Pro Hardware
Gassaway Public Library
Argle’s Gun & Pawn
Braxton Senior Center
Gassaway Go Mart
Granny’s Kitchen, Frametown
Gerald R.Freeman Campground (Seasonal)
Rest Stops – I-79 N & S bound @ Servia
Rest Stops – I-79 N & S @ Burnsville

CALHOUN COUNTY
Aging with Grace, Grantsville
J & B Drug Store, Grantsville
The Calhoun Chronicle, Grantsville
Holbert’s Store, Big Bend
Calhoun Public Library, Grantsville
Classic Creations, Grantsville
Calhoun Senior Center, Grantsville
Momma T’s (Pleasant Hill)
P & F Grocery (Pleasant Hill)
Baker’s Mart, Grantsville
United Methodist Mission, Minnora
Y Restaurant, Arnoldsburg
Houchin’s Laundry, Arnoldsburg
Houchin’s Fabric, Arnoldsburg
Speedy Mart, Arnoldsburg
Rick’s Parts, Arnoldsburg
Chloe Hardware, Chloe
Stinson Grocery, Stinson

CLAY COUNTY
(Delivered courtesy of WV Massage Therapy)
Tudor’s/Gino’s, Clay Junction
Bullard’s Exxon, Clay Junction
Little Country Feed, Maysel
Jeanie’s Realty & Auction, Procious
Total Health Chiropractic, Nebo
Nottingham’s Store, Duck
Big Otter Go Mart

DODDRIDGE COUNTY
(Delivered Courtesy of an Area Reader)
Doddridge County Library,  West Union
Doddridge Courthouse, West Union
Doddridge Senior Center, West Union
Doddridge Board of Ed., West Union
Doddridge Adult Learning Center
West Union Laundromat
Fairview Diner, Route 50
Chevron, Route 50
Citgo, Route 50

GILMER COUNTY
Sears Exxon, Stumptown
Glenville Western Auto
Glenville Laundromat
Gilmer County Public Library
Flynn’s Tax Service
The Towne Bookstore
Glenville Sunoco
The Pub
Glenville Go Mart
Glenville Hardman’s
Audrey’s Family Restaurant
Gilmer County Senior Center
Mountaineer Mart
Rich Oil
Glenville Foodland
China One
Glenville Hardware
Gil-Co Faith Pharmacy
Appcon Lumber & Supply
The Glenville Inn
The Pioneer Grille
Cedar Creek State Park (Seasonal)
33 Club
R & L Grocery, Rosedale
Fred’s Store, Normantown
Talliesduck, Normantown
Cox’s Mills Store

GREENBRIER COUNTY
(Courtesy of Tony Barner, Columnist)
Hardees, White Sulphur Springs
Mountaineer Guns
Whitetail Pro Archery, Fairlea
Tractor Supply, Ronceverte
Corner Market, Ronceverte
Rudy’s Corner Grill, Ronceverte
D&D Convenience, Organ Cave
Pickaway Country Store, Pickaway
Union Country Store, Union
The Barn Store, Gap Mills
WV Rehabilitation Svc., Lewisburg
Exxon, Harts Run
Caldwell Country Store, Caldwell

JACKSON COUNTY
(Courtesy of Janet Smart, Columnist)
Jackson Co. Library, Ripley
Jackson Co. Library, Ravenswood
City National Bank, Ripley
Crabby Patti’s Restaurant, Ripley
Fairplain McDonald’s
Your Family Restaurant, Kenna

KANAWHA COUNTY
(Courtesy of a Calhoun County Reader)
Shafer’s Super Stop BP, Clendenin
Elkview 7-11

LEWIS COUNTY
Somerville’s Exxon
The Pawn /Auction Barn – Alum Bridge
Lindaberry Farms
The Hilltop
Camden Deli & Eatery
Pricetown Stop N Shop
Weston Veterinary Hospital
Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital
Mountaineer Mart
Stonewall Resort
Foster Feed
Butcher/Layfield Lumber
Swisher Feed
Fisher’s Auto Parts
Lewis County Senior Center
7-11 (Route 19)
Go Mart
7-11, Weston
The Hickory House
Giovanni’s Pizza
Stonewall Resort
T & L Hot Dogs
Southern States
2nd & Center Cafe’
Weston Glass Museum
Roshell’s Bargain Barn
Fashion’s Discount Clothing
Lewis County Public Library
7-11 (E. Weston)
The Sesame Inn
Lakeside Chiropractic
Chevron Dairy Mart
Lewis Liquor Store
Garton Plaza Laundry
United Summit Center
Appalachian Glass
Burton Service Station
Smoker Friendly
Turner’s Quality Cars
NAPA
Kroger
McDonald’s
Comfort Inn
Steer Steak House
Tractor Supply
Holiday Inn Express
Burger King

NICHOLAS COUNTY
Go Mart, Birch River
Sunoco ProMart, Birch River
Coffman Metals
Images by Romano
Muddlety Trading
XS Iron
Crest Supply Co.
Kirkwood Winery
Summersville Sunoco
Summersville Go-Mart
Walgreen’s
McDonald’s
Hampton Inn
Sears
Fisher’s Auto Parts
Shentel
Mountain State Motel
Quality House Meat & Produce
Johnson Sporting Goods
Nicholas Pharmacy
King Cut Rate
Big Lots
Hardee’s
Hardman’s
A + Rental
Main Street U-Save
La Carreta
Subway
Pizza Hut
Exxon
C. Adam Toney Tires
Goodwin Chiropractic Center
Nicholas County Community Action
Best Western Hotel
Stop-N-Go
Summersville Lake Retreat
New River Trading Post
NAPA
Summersville Go Mart
Summersville Motor Inn
Burger King
The Tractor Bar
King Cut Tobacco
Comfort Inn
Super 8 Motel
Sleep Inn
Mountaineer Mart
Shoney’s
Patty’s Restaurant
Auto Zone
CVS Pharmacy
Big Sandy Superstore
Country Inn & Suites
BP Little General

PLEASANTS COUNTY
(Courtesy of Pleasant County CEOS)
Galaxy Foods, St. Mary’s
Food Giant, St. Mary’s
Meadville Mall

RALEIGH COUNTY
Tamarack

RANDOLPH COUNTY
(Courtesy of Randy Bodkins, Columnist)
Cooper & Son, Harman

RITCHIE COUNTY
Hughes River Tavern
MacFarland Market
Barker’s, Smithville
Country Cuts
Smithville Community Center
Washburn General Store
Arlo’s Antique Market
Outlaw Hobbies
Stout’s Hardware
Carolyn’s Sandwich Shop
NAPA
Berdine’s 5 & Dime
Harrisville Library
Senior Centers (All Three Branches)
RC Family Services
Star Wood Working
Schrader’s Station
Canaan’s Hair Salon
Gas N Go BP
The Pizza House
Fast Way Video
Hometown Pharmacy
Log Cabin Grille
Ellenboro Exxon
Ellenboro Pre-Owned Autos
Do It Best Hardware
Rt. 16 Fuel Stop
Ace Hardware
Diary Queen
Texaco / McDonald’s
Star Restaurant
Mahaney’s Store
Kimberly’s Hair Salon
Pennsboro Marathon
Pennsboro IGA
Pennsboro Family Pharmacy
The Bargain Cellar
P & H Family Restaurant
The Legacy Inn
Nana’s Ice Cream Barn (Seasonal)
Dumpster Diver Antiques
Davis Studio Glass
Pennsboro Public Library
Ritchie Tobacco
7-11, Pennsboro
White Tail Café, Pullman
Pullman Store, Pullman
Country Trails Bikes/The CairoSupply Co.
Freed’s Restaurant, Cairo
Rail Trail Pantry, Cairo
The Medicine Cabinet, Cairo
North Bend State Park
Bailey Brothers, Burnt House

ROANE COUNTY
South Spencer Marathon
Smoker Friendly
Subway Pizza
Gary’s Sporting & Pawn
Price’s Market
Quik Bee Diner
Dairy Queen
Spencer Go Mart
Roane County Senior Center
Spencer Antique Mall
Common Cents Consignment
Roane County Library (both branches)
Church Street Deli
TJ’s Swap Shop
Spencer Southern States
Starcher’s Auto
Hardman’s
McIntosh’s Hardware
Staat’s Pharmacy
Farmer’s Friend
Hildreths’ Supply Inc.
Carpenter’s Store

TUCKER COUNTY
(Courtesy of Randy Bodkins, Columnist)
Canaan Valley Store,  Canaan
Hypnocoffee,  Davis
Tucker County Visitor’s Center , Davis
Wild Ginger & Spice, Davis
The Purple Fiddle,  Thomas
Colabrese General Store,  Thomas
Stumpy’s,  Parsons

TYLER COUNTY
(Courtesy of a Tyler County Reader)
The County Roads Store, Alma
Conaway, Alma
Tyler County Feed, Middlebourne

UPSHUR COUNTY
Candle Creations Gift Center
Alcon Concrete
St. Joseph’s Hospital
Charles W. Gibson Library
The Bicentennial Inn
Buckhannon VFD
7-11/BP
Upshur County Public Library
Stoney Run Laundry
T & L Hot Dogs
Buckhannon Southern States
The Colonial Hotel
Parkway Motors
Sir Charles Inn
Tobacco Store
The Market Bistro
Helen’s Hen House
Hometown Market
Rent World
Hampton Inn
Anderegg Jewelry
CJ Maggie’s
Fisher’s Auto
Miller’s Pharmacy
Thompson’s Pharmacy
Main Street Antiques
The Daily Grind
Whimsical Treasures
Buckhannon Emporium
The Shops at 46 Main
Smoker Friendly
All Burgers
Upshur County Senior Center
Exxon Dairy King
The Donut Shoppe
Upshur County Veterinary Hospital
Mountaineer Mart
Smitty’s Suzuki
Corridor H Tires
Mountaineer Mart
Robinson Family Chiropractic
Alcon Concrete
Kroger
Hillbilly Haven / Marathon
Walkersville VFD
Tri-Lakes BP
County Line Store
Ireland Community Building
Tri County Health Clinic
Tri County Pharmacy
Harper Lumber Company
Dolly’s Pit Stop
The Hair Hut
Kay’s Diner
Arlington Marathon
Rock Cave IGA
Rock Cave Diner
Mark’s Bar
Joe’s Pawn Shop
Sam’s Pizza
Village Hardware, French Creek
Hinkleville General Store

WEBSTER COUNTY
(Courtesy Of The Custard Stand)
The Custard Stand
Carpenter’s 5 & Dime
Alderson Visitor’s Center

WIRT COUNTY
Giovanni’s
Elizabeth FoodFair
J & S Auto Parts
Calhoun Banks
Wirt County Courthouse
Wirt Hardware
Mom’s Place
Sweet Briar
Dick’s Grocery
Hill’s Exxon
Coplin Cinic
Jarret’s Store
Bogg’s Store
Rt 5 Café
Water’s Edge Antiques

WOOD COUNTY
(Courtesy of Several Readers)
Pifer’s, Mineral Wells
Taco Bell, Mineral Wells
Chef Chen’s Restaurant, Mineral Wells
Mineral Wells Laundromat
Mineral Wells Hardman’s
Mother Earth Foods, Parkersburg
The Mountaineer, Parkersburg
Worthington Nursing Home, Vienna
Crossroads Store (Rt 47)
GoMart (Rt 47)
The Finish Line (Rt. 47)
IGA (Rt. 47)
WV Welcome Center, Williamstown

WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO
(Courtesy of an Area Reader)
Kroger, Belpre
The Belrock Cafe’, Belpre
McDonald’s, Belpre