Bill is our 73-year-old community elder and retired tugboat captain who spent 30 years on the Ohio River. Living in his 1892 Queen Anne cottage with the iconic wraparound porch on Front Street in Ravenswood, Bill's duct-taped rocker has become the gathering spot for the entire community. He grows Cherokee Purple tomatoes and is learning to make kombucha. Quiet, patient, and observant, Bill offers river wisdom and practical mentorship to everyone.
PROFILE
Maya is a 32-year-old nonprofit program director and garden coordinator living in her 1889 Folk Victorian cottage with the bay window kitchen on Front Street in Ravenswood. Buddhist-curious and warm, she hosts Saturday morning coffee in her kitchen and grows way too much zucchini. A cholesterol scare led to her plant-based journey, and her kitchen is the heart of community gatherings.
PROFILE
Emma is a 38-year-old freelance writer and the community's generous social connector living in her 1890 Carpenter Gothic cottage with a sun porch office on Front Street in Ravenswood. Moved from Columbus, she grows SCOBYs for everyone, knows everyone's story, and has an intuitive gift for bringing people together. Emma organizes informal gatherings and always knows who needs what.
PROFILE
Tom is a 45-year-old independent contractor and handyman from a Quaker background who lives in his 1888 Gothic Revival cottage on Front Street. Known as the community's silent helper, he runs 6am daily with Jacob, fixes things without asking, and salts everyone's sidewalks. His famous lentil recipe has no measurements - he just knows. Actions speak louder than words for Tom, and he's always there when you need him.
PROFILE
Elena is a 41-year-old travel nurse who works ER night shifts and teaches pottery on weekends. Living in her 1891 Italianate cottage with an art studio addition on Front Street in Ravenswood, she embodies the creative-healing balance. A lapsed Catholic with a nurturing spirit, Elena recently received a Pittsburgh residency offer and is wrestling with what community means versus career advancement.
PROFILE
Evie is our community's most experienced yogi with a Hindu-influenced practice. A 46-year-old who travels to teach workshops but always returns to her 1888 Gothic Revival cottage on River Road in Ravenswood, she leads informal yoga sessions and believes in meeting people exactly where they are on their journey. Centered, gentle, and occasionally intense, Evie brings authentic yoga wisdom to the community.
PROFILE
Ruth is a 68-year-old retired psychologist who serves as our community's informal counselor. Well-traveled and worldly, she brings warmth and wisdom to her 1890 Queen Anne cottage on Walnut Street in Ravenswood. A Reform Jew who hosts occasional Shabbat dinners, Ruth believes in boundaries as much as connection, offering insightful guidance while respecting everyone's journey.
PROFILE
Rachel is a 29-year-old graphic designer working remotely from her 1894 Vernacular Victorian on Front Street in Ravenswood. From a Korean Presbyterian background, Rachel is creative, diplomatic, and resilient - she failed at sourdough 17 times before finally succeeding. Her mother passed in May 2025, and she documents community life through Polaroid photography, finding healing in simple moments.
PROFILESILK Life is built by voices like yours. Whether you're a writer, artist, teacher, or changemaker, we'd love to hear your story and welcome you into our creative community.
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SILK Life celebrates intentional living in the Mid-Ohio Valley. We share stories of Strength, Integrity, Love, and Knowledge from our vibrant community.
Mid-Ohio Valley
Ravenswood, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Marietta, OH
Email: [email protected]
Web: silklife.org
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