! The FREE 15 Yearsand & stillCounting... Appalachian Dec. 2011 / Jan. 2012Voice

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Also Inside: Nordic Skiing on the Rebound • Coal Jobs Increase in Appalachia • The Mighty Golden Eagle TheAppalachian VOICE A Note From Our Executive Director A publication of AppalachianVoices Dear Readers, 191 Howard Street • Boone, NC 28607 1-877-APP-VOICE This season, many Americans are voicing concerns www.AppalachianVoices.org that corporate power is compromising our government [email protected] and that basic ideas of fairness are disappearing. I agree, Editor...... Jamie Goodman and I only see one solution. We must consciously abandon Managing Editor...... Brian Sewell our devotion to consumerism and instead become active Associate Editor...... Molly Moore Distribution Manager...... Maeve Gould in our democracy. As long as we are passive, apathetic Graphic Design Associate...... Melissa Shields and mesmerized by “keeping up with the Joneses,” we

Appalachian Voice Distribution VOLUNTEERS: Alison Auciello, are trapped. If we want a more just world, we need to Heather Baker, Becky Barlow, Bill Barnes, Jere Bidwell, Blue Smoke Coffee, capture our moment in history and create change now. Rebecca Booher, Charlie Bowles, Cindy Bowles, Jane Branham, Steve Brooks, Gail Burns, Carmen Cantrell, Alex Carll, Charlie Chakales, Shay Clanton, Patty Clemens, Large international companies are literally blowing April Crowe, Detta Davis, Deborah Deatherage, Jim Dentinger, Lowell Dodge, Nels up Appalachia, destroying the ‘home places’ of hundreds Erickson, Lauren Essick, Emma Ford, Dave Gilliam, Scott Goebel, Bruce Gould, Gary Greer, Tim Guilfoile, Kelly Griffin, Sharon Hart, Susan Hazlewood, Jennifer of families and massively polluting ground and surface Honeycutt, Cary and Karen Huffman, Tim Huntley, Pamela Johnston, Mary K., water. The only way to stop them is with the collective Rose Koontz, Frances Lamberts, Carissa Lenfert, Sean Levenson, Susan Lewis, Loy Lilley, Debra Locher, Joy Lourie, Gail Marney, Lee Martin, Mast General Store, voice of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Kate McClory, Kim Greene McClure, Jay McCoy, Rich McDonough, Bonnie McGill, During this season of giving, we at Appalachian Voices want to give you thanks for your Mike McKinney, Steve Moeller, Dave and Donna Muhly, Dennis Murphy, Catherine Murray, Dave Patrick, Jackie Pontious, Bronwyn Reece, Martin Richards, Debbie support throughout this last year. Thanks to you, we are making great strides in the fight to Samuels, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe Scardo, Craig Schenker, Kathy protect our waterways, communities and the air we breathe in our beautiful Appalachian Selvage, Gregg Shirk, Brenda Sigmon, Kayla Sims, Sarah Smith, Jennifer Stertzer, Julie Terry, Nora Walbourn, Bill Wasserman, Dean Whitworth, Amy Wickham, mountains. Donna Williams, Graham Williams, Barbara Williamson, Diana Withen, Hayley If you are not already a member, please consider joining us in our efforts to protect the Wood, Kirsty Zahnke, Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman natural and cultural heritage of this rich and beloved region. Printed on 100% recycled newsprint, cover 40% recycled paper, all soy-based inks Wishing you good health and a wonderful start to the new year, About the cover Willa Mays At the John C. Campbell folk school, an artisan builds a sturdy, handcrafted chair, ensuring a long life and in a living room or front porch. Photo by Kether Weideman, John C. Campbell Folks School

Page 2 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 EXPORTED

Top: Here, there are no lifts, no lines, no crowds, t’s that time of year when devout winter lovers trade hiking boots for ski gear, water bottles and only a fraction of the environmental impact of Skiing Ifor camel backs and sun hats for toboggans and wool gloves. But those who are not into EXPORTED the ski resorts. Nordic skiers in the High Country strapping sliding boards onto their feet can still enjoy the challenging, gloriously vibrant days are rewarded with solitude, unspoiled beauty, and the exhilaration of human powered fun. Inset: The the of winter. Layer up, waterproof your hiking boots, throw on a pair (or two) of your warmest High Country Nordic Association’s Justin Studt socks, grab your trekking poles and join us under the frosty winter skies. We’ll meet up finds the flow of the telemark turn in the trees. Highlands afterwards for some tasty hot chocolate. over the past two decades simply do not measure up to the dumps of 30 Another Nordic Revolution years ago. Snow in the South, even at the highest By Kristian Jackson The Powder Room: Chris Curtin and John elevations, will likely remain hit or miss. Fennell shush along the Appalachian Trail It’s 5 a.m. and outside the truck, Perhaps this is what draws the attention en route to The Hump Mountain. Photos by headlights reveal driving snow squalls Kristian Jackson and enthusiasm of the Southern skier: and drifts as high as the pickup’s hood. When the snow is good, it’s really good, Our crawl up Roaring Creek Road near scours its way through bare tree limbs and and then it’s gone. However, even in low the Toe River of North Carolina comes whips up the powdery snow, creating an snow fall years, nordic skiers will still find to a sudden halt in a wall of whiteness. atmosphere that is felt as much as seen. enjoyable tours in the Southern highlands. We abandon our attempt to dig out the We seal our zippers and pockets to Fun Events & More Info beast and don skis. keep winter out and stay moving to stave The High Country Nordic Associa- Minutes later we are skiing up the off the bone-chilling cold. Further into the tion was formed in 2010, when a group Overmountain Victory Trail in search Highlands we pass through a sheltered of nordic skiers met to plan a “Tele- of an adventure higher up in Roan cove near 5,000 feet in elevation where the Fest.” The association is planning many Highlands, a 20-mile group of mountain will invariably be “snow.” trees hang heavy with snow. We reach the provide outstanding views, but now ev- North Carolina High Country region activities this season, including a Film peaks straddling the border between Prior to the past three winters, the open expanse beyond the trees. In calm erything is white, threatening and loud. were so popular that cross country ski Festival, the 2nd Annual Telefest Jan. 21 North Carolina and Tennessee. Winter is common refrain of regional nordic ski- weather, the nearby open balds of The We turn our backs to the wind, eager to rentals were available in several places at Beech Mountain, N.C., and updates palpable and immediate here. The wind ers was, “It was snowier back in the Hump and Little Hump Mountains would make some teleturns in the deep powder. and a company called High South on regional skiing conditions. Visit their day.” In fact, the first telemark boom Telemark skiing (also known as nor- Nordic Guides offered tours to Roan group and page on Facebook to find ski in the 1980s ended when “the winters dic or cross-country) has been practiced Mountain and telemark lessons at a partners and ask for tips. W E M A K E H O L I D A Y S H O P P I N G changed,” according to High South in the South for decades. The style refers nearby ski resort. To find the best backcountry spots Nordic Guide co-founder Jeep Barrett. to both a technique and a type of ski and Drought and warmer winters in the in your area, check with local ski shops A look at weather charts from boots. Fixed in the front and free at the 1990s and early 2000s brought another or area outdoor outfitters. If you can Ray’sWeather.com, a popular amateur heel, the free heel allows the skier to slump to the sport, until the high snow- find it, get your hands on a copy of weather website that covers the west- kick and glide uphill (sometimes with fall totals of the past few winters sparked Randy Johnson’s book Southern Snow to the latest telemark revolution. In downhill gear and allows for more ern part of North Carolina, reveals a the use of skins that help grip the snow) a new telemark revolution. Downhill to discover the vastness of our winter the 1980s, nordic enthusiasts sported efficient touring in varied conditions. dramatic decline in snowfall amounts E A S Y then drop a knee and perform elegant devotees, snowboarders and cross coun- skinny skis, leather boots, and floppy But ask any skier about the most world. since the mid-80s. Although the past “telemark turns” to descend. try traditionalists quickly rediscovered Now go make some tracks. three-pin bindings. Today’s backcoun- critical component to back country three winters have brought impressive the beauty and excitement of ski touring. The New Revolution try skiers use technology that resembles touring in the South and the answer snow, the numbers show that trends Now, formerly obscure pockets of pow- Devotees of telemark skiing have der are often covered with ski tracks as waxed and waned over the years. The ouring oan ighlands soon as a winter storm is over, and the T R H style almost died out in the 1970s but For more experienced adventures in word has spread about “secret stashes,” No southern skier should go without a tour be moderate winter excursions, others can on your right for snow depth. If the creeks experienced a resurgence in the 1980s. the Highlands, try the Roaring Creek Area. where skiers and boarders. of the Roan Highlands. Regarded as Nordic cause the most die-hard snow freaks to are frozen and the snow is at least 12 During that decade, the peaks of the Flanked by the Yellow Mountains and the New technology has also added Nirvana, when the snow is right the Roan question their love of extreme conditions. inches, this should work as a return route. crest of the Highlands, this impressive Highlands are the crown jewel for ski touring Several classic tours begin from Carver’s This trail undulates along the top of the watershed on the North Carolina side rises in the Southeast. The Highlands rise like a Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina line: massif and climbs to its terminus at Roan from the low elevations of the Toe River to weathervane above the hills of Tennessee High Bluff. Often the winds at the bluff can For a short out-and-back tour, ski the massif crest. For tours beginning on and catch the full force of arctic weather be heard well before reaching the top. Af- along the road to Rhododendron Gardens, Roaring Creek Road, you will need to be systems moving in from the northwest. Gale ter a snack at the bluff (stay in the woods tour the gardens, then return. To lengthen prepared for skiing up and down steeper force winds howl through the evergreens, and out of the wind) head back down the this tour, head out the old Balsam Road, terrain, turning in trees, route finding, and breaking branches and driving snow into Cloudland Trail. This requires deep snow the first road on the left when heading self-rescue. (Note: the road to Roaring massive drifts. On the balds, wind scours the and a solid tele-turn. up from Carver’s Gap. This is a pleasant, Creek is not plowed, so you may also open country nearly clean of snow and de- For a fast and exciting downhill from quick tour with little elevation change. need to ski to the trailhead). From the posits enormous snow fields on the lee side. the Cloudland Hotel site, head into the For a more ambitious route that re- Overmountain Victory Trailhead, skiers Tours in the Highlands are as varied spruce trees and down the Appalachian quires a few tele-turns, head up the road to can access the Appalachian Trail, Little FOOTWEAR & CLOTHING FOR YOUR as the weather, passing through a unique Trail. This run requires quick reflexes to the old Cloudland Hotel site and continue Hump and the Hump. Look for open combination of evergreen forests, hard- handle the switchbacks and other sur- O U T D O O R & U R B A N A D V E N T U R E S on the Cloudland Trail. After passing the downhill runs on the lee sides of the fields wood glades and open balds. Some can prises. and be prepared for brutal conditions. Downtown Boone 828.262.5111 & Blowing Rock 828.295.4453 first gate, check the Appalachian Trail

Page 4 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 5 Golden Eagles!

Naturalist’s Notebook The experience of a lifetime. { Whenever you feel like it. } An Eastern golden eagle is caught on film by a research camera. Clearings were Golden Eagles Winter in Appalachia baited with roadkill deer to attract the aerial predators. Photo by Barb Sargent/Todd Katzner By Molly Moore “We don’t With their deep brown bodies and know if there is a Pure Golden Facts really strict habi- Golden eagles are monogamous, and gold-tinged feathery manes, golden Western golden eagles tat requirement, their partnerships can last from several eagles are icons of ferocity. were introduced be- but we do know that the years to life. Females lay one to four eggs When Americans imagine a golden tween 15 and 35 areas of West Virginia and Vir- per year, which both parents incubate. eagle diving through the air with talons years ago, and ginia where the birds are found Typically, one or two survive to fledgling outstretched, they typically pair the these introduc- are primarily the Monongohela age. The ladies are typically larger, but image with a Western backdrop. But as tions may have both sexes sport the species’ trademark National Forest and the George Appalachian researchers are quick to changed the biolo- plumage — a pattern of brown, gold, grey Washington and Jefferson National point out, the notion of golden eagles gy of Eastern goldens and sometimes even white feathers. Forests,” Katzner says. “Those as strictly creatures of the West simply already living in the area. Golden eagles are used by Mongolian are some of the more isn’t true. To determine and Kazakh falconers to hunt wolves in densely forested ar- “It turns out that there’s a small whether the ge- Central Asia’s wild steppes. With a wing- eas that we have in but substantial population of golden netic code of East- span that averages from six to nearly eight this region.” feet, it’s no wonder that the only natural eagles in eastern North America,” ern golden eagles’ In other parts of the world, golden predators golden eagles face are brown says Todd Katzner, research assistant has actually changed, eagles are found primarily over open bears and wolverines. There’s even one professor at West Virginia University. Wheeler is collecting tis- country. This habitat difference has confirmed report of a golden eagle preying Katzner is a member of the Eastern sue samples from museum specimens fueled speculation that Eastern golden on a brown bear cub. Golden Eagle Working Group, an of Eastern goldens collected before the eagles could be genetically distinct from There are six known subspecies of international partnership founded introduction of the Western birds. She golden eagle, which range from Japan to their Western counterparts. in 2010 to study the mighty raptor’s then compares the Eastern eagles’ his- Siberia and North Africa to the Himalayas. Maria Wheeler, a doctoral student at distribution and ecology. toric genotypes with modern genotypes. Duquesene University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Katzner’s preliminary research Wheeler’s genetic study is just co-supervised by Katzner, is researching suggests that West Virginia and Virginia one topic being probed by the Eastern Golden eagle researchers, including the level of genetic distinction present are the eagles’ main winter stomping Golden Eagle Working Group and their Katzner, hope that learning the raptor’s in Eastern golden eagles. Not only is grounds, though golden eagles have been collaborators. To understand the birds’ migratory flight patterns will help avoid Wheeler studying how separate the spotted wintering as far north as upstate behavior in their Appalachian winter conflicts between future wind energy Eastern birds are from Western North New York and as far south as Florida. homes, researchers have placed over development projects in Appalachia American populations and those around Eastern golden eagles breed in northeast- 80 motion-sensitive cameras at select and the mighty birds. In the most fa- the world, she’s delving into the golden ern Canada. When they migrate south, sites between New York and North mous conflict between the energy and eagles’ genetic past. In a well-intentioned they primarily winter in the central and Carolina. These cameras are rigged in avian worlds, at California’s Altamount attempt to bolster the golden eagle popu- southern Appalachian Mountains. small, remote clearings that are baited Pass Wind Farm the failure to study bird lation of the Southern Appalachians, with roadkill deer. movement patterns — as well as flawed Over the past five years, thousands turbine designs — tragically led to high of images have been recorded at these raptor death tolls from turbines. sites. The high numbers affirm the rap- By analyzing the risk golden eagles tor’s winter appetite for carrion. face from wind development, research- Less certain is whether Eastern gold- ers could protect a range of other slope- en eagles dine on other birds during the soaring birds of prey, such as redtail summer, as some suggest. Katzner’s team hawks, broadwing hawks, bald eagles has placed telemetry tracking devices and osprey.

on about 50 birds, which record location “In the East we know of no tur- ® every fifteen minutes throughout the bines that have killed golden eagles,” GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN year. Research partners in Quebec have he says. “What we don’t understand is WONDERS NEVER CEASE An annual pass gives you the wonders of provided some summertime assistance, why some turbines are dangerous and GRANDFATHER ANNUAL PASS Grandfather Mountain at a wonderful discount. ® but often these goldens soar into the some are not. The goal of our research A group pass lets you share the experience. MOUNTAIN roadless territory of Canada’s far north. is to figure that out.” www.grandfather.com WONDERS NEVER CEASE

Page 6 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 cross Appalachia cross Appalachia A Environmental News From Around the Region A Environmental News From Around the Region

Wind for Schools Power Systems of Asheville, N.C., will Energy grid, helping to meet the ton are joining with the Sierra Club’s By The Numbers sured as short tons per employee hour, fell to 5.57 tons. : Number of major energy companies that paid Program to Install set up the seven turbines. requirements for the North Carolina Beyond Coal campaign. With the goal of no income tax in 2010 : Voters nationwide who support the U.S. : Year when Central Appalachian coal 16 Turbine at Watauga Local Politicians, Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. shutting down nearby coal-fired power Environmental Protection Agency’s work production is expected to be 49 percent : Amount of Do- High School Community Members Joel Olsen, the founder and director plants and replacing it with renewable 78% 2015 of O2 Energies, says the six-acre solar energy, the group is presenting to the to hold polluters accountable. of 2008 levels because of decreased availability of coal. minion Resources’ Watauga High School in Boone, $87 million Cheer 1.2-megawatt farm created 100 local jobs, involved university’s Board of Trustees’ finance Domestic Production Activities tax deduction between N.C., is making a new addition to their Solar Farm in Mount 30 contractors, and will generate committee and campus chiefs. Because : Votes against environmental protection : Number of Appalachian coal min- 2008 and 2010 campus, a 2.4 kilowatt Skystream 3.7 Airy, N.C. power for hundreds of homes and of the university’s connections with the in the House of Representatives since the ing jobs in the third quarter of 2011, wind turbine as part of the Wind for 170 59,059 small businesses. coal industry, the group acknowledges beginning of 2011 the highest number since 1997. : Last time active, permitted coal mines Schools program. A ribbon cutting is More than 140 people attended the renewable energy could be a hard sell. had the capacity to produce as much set for Dec. 14. Watauga High School opening celebration of the Mayberry University of Kentucky 1986 A feasibility study could determine the : Number : Increase in Appalachian mine jobs since coal as they do now. is one of seven schools in the state that Solar Farm in Mount Airy, N.C. The Students Say ‘Shut possibilities of using geothermal, solar of short the EPA issued a guidance on surface will receive a free turbine through the Mayberry Solar Farm, built on six 1,048.3 million 10% Down Coal Boilers’ and other forms of renewable energy tons of coal the U.S. consumed in 2010, the second- mining permits in Appalachia in April 2010 : Last time coal mines used as little of nationwide program that moved to acres owned by the town and leased Students and environmentalists at in the future. lowest consumption rate in a decade. their production capacity as they do now. North Carolina last year. Sundance to O2 Energies will feed the Duke the University of Kentucky in Lexing- 1986 : Effective corporate income tax rate Data from the Federal Reserve, Public Policy Polling, U.S. Energy Information Administra- : The last time coal productivity was utilities, gas and electricity industries tion, Citizens for Tax Justice, Mine Safety and Health Administration lower than it is now. Productivity, mea- 2.3%paid in 2010 Seeds of Change Heifer USA to strengthen the local food access to nutritious, locally produced Alleghany Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes 1995 Initiative To Improve system in what is known as the High food among under-served populations. counties in North Carolina, and Johnson Access to Local Food Country region of North Carolina. The According to the Center for En- County, Tenn. Continued from previous page The report, aimed at helping deci- a result of leaks and inadequate treat- public health groups. The agency Seeds of Change Initiative is a multi- vironmental Farming Systems, North sion makers across the state, considers ment at water treatment plants. will also solicit public comment and The Boone, N.C.-based non-profit small businesses for immediate reuse, year program that will build upon the Carolinians spend $35 billion on food factors such as biodiversity, production, The EPA will gather input on plans to announce a proposed rule group Blue Ridge Women in Agricul- EPA Awards Grants to and Vanderbilt University is creating a emerging local food movement to foster every year. If 10 percent of that money overall ecosystem health and how for- the proposed standard from of for coalbed methane in 2013 and for ture received a $1.1 million grant from Seven Universities in biohybrid solar panel that substitutes economic development and improve was spent locally, the state would gain ests are affected by natural and man- stakeholders including industry and shale gas in 2014. the Southeast a protein from spinach for rare metals, $3.5 billion in sales. The grant will sup- made changes. Categories are rated as and produces electrical energy. port efforts to strengthen the economies The U.S. Environmental Protection improving, stable, at risk, worsening, For more information, visit epa. of communities across the North Caro- Agency has awarded seven universi- dynamic and uncertain. gov/P3/ lina High Country who are choosing ties in the Southeast with the People, The report card will be updated to reinvest in local farmers and food Prosperity and the Planet (P3) Phase I periodically at wncforestreportcard.org producers. grants for the 2011-2012 academic year. WNC Forest Report Card Grant recipients will design solutions to The first phase of the initiative, Yields Mixed Results EPA to Develop Natural including organization, assessment sustainability challenges that improve A comprehensive report card on and planning, was awarded to the Ap- quality of life, promote economic devel- Gas Wastewater the state of Western North Carolina’s palachian District Health Department opment and protect the environment. Standards forests shows that while land protection and Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture Two Appalachian schools are On Oct. 20, the U.S. Environmental and economic activity have improved, with technical assistance from the among this year’s recipients — Appa- Protection Agency announced a sched- development continues to encroach Center for Participatory Change. Phase lachian State University and Vanderbilt ule to develop standards for wastewater on the states forested areas. The report two includes four years of funding for University. Appalachian State is work- discharge produced by mining and was created through a collaboration implementation of projects that support ing to develop an artificial wetland drilling underground coalbed and shale between the Forest Service and the Uni- the goals of the Initiative. suitable for recycling of graywater from formations. Currently no comprehen- versity of North Carolina at Asheville’s The High Country region, includes Continued on next page sive set of national standards exists for National Environmental Modeling and the disposal of wastewater discharged Analysis Center. The project began Diverse mix of music and informative programming • Listener supported • Broadcast from Appalshop from natural gas drilling. in 2008 and focuses on 18 counties in As natural gas drilling increases western North Carolina, covering 7,480 across the nation and especially in the square miles or 4.8 million acres. Marcellus Shale formation, the nation’s Among categories rated as “im- energy independence increases. But proving” are overall economic activity, regulators see the lack of standards to Greenlife • Pruett's Signal MtnMarket • Whole Earth Grocery indicating a steady growth in recre- regulate wastewater as a liability that Dandridge General Store • NOC Great Outpost ation, tourism and arts and crafts. Lands can potentially harm the health of the Smoky Mountain Pottery • West Village Market managed for conservation have also air and water and that of communities Honeymoon Bakery • Purple Mountain Natural Foods grown by about five percent since 2005, where drilling takes place. Informa- New Moon Gallery • Candler Park Market • Savi Urban Market with nearly 60,000 acres preserved. tion reviewed by the EPA, including Visit our website at: Development and population growth state-supplied wastewater sampling are mentioned as increasing forest frag- Hand 100% Organic, Fair Trade, & Shade Grown Beans Free www.therefugefoscoenc.com data, has documented elevated levels Shipping! 91 Madison Ave., Whitesburg, Ky • (606)633-0108 • www.wmmtfm.org mentation and at-risk species. Roasted Order at BlueSmokeCoffee.com Or call 1-800-667-0805 and We’ll Arrange the Fly!! of pollutants entering surface waters as To Order

Page 8 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 9 bove all else, art conveys Appalachia’s character. Whether FromThese Hills Athrough storytelling, folk music, quilting, or modern art with a Contemporary Art in the Southern Highlands Homemade traditional twist, Appalachian art ties our culture to the land and to our heritage. We looked at some of the places and people that are By Paige Campbell and narrative figuration.” HERITAGE Multi-media artist Travis Graves working hard to keep it that way. Through Feb. 19, the William King Museum and Center for Cultural Art of Elizabethton, Tenn., contributed two and Heritage in Abingdon, Va., will works, both depicting trees but using host the tenth exhibition of From These different materials to create dramati- Hills: Contemporary Art in the Southern cally altered forms. The variety within Appalachian Highlands, its his own body of work echoes a larger Bringin’ Anachronism Back: biennial selection of new curatorial shift that he says has taken works by regional artists. place in the last sev- Modern Adventures in Traditional Appalachian Craft Guest juror Amy Homemade eral decades. Moorefield, director of HERITAGE “There’s a grow- becomes an heirloom-quality treasure, By Julie Johnson Hollins University’s El- ing recognition of the and often feel a call to conserve the natu- I was 25, slogging eanor D. Wilson Museum, validity of many art ral materials that go into its composition. through yet another chose 38 pieces from 23 artists for this forms as art in their own right,” says Even in a listless economy, enroll- post-college retail year’s collection. Paintings, textiles, Graves. That recognition, he says, has ment holds steady, and I asked John C. job, when I realized photographs, and pencil drawings are opened the door for this region’s art to Campbell director Jan Davidson why. I should run away represented, as well as more unusual take so many shapes. “When times get hard, people want value to the hills and be works: moving mechanical sculptures, Drawing Inspiration from for their money,” he says. “It’s worth a craftperson’s ap- an interactive digital exhibit, ma- Nature, Human Nature more to learn something. It has some- prentice. It was a dream nipulated shoes, stuffed animals and Jake Ingram of Johnson City, Tenn., thing to do with being in control of your nurtured since childhood; I longed to be beeswax-based portraits. is just 21 years old, but his quirky spin on life, your activities, and their results.” slavishly worked for naught but the ben- Moorefield praises the sophistica- a traditional American art form puts him For the same reason, many also con- efit of a hands-on education and perhaps tion of each contributing artist. “What in league with established artists from tinue to spend their hard-earned dollars to From quilting to blacksmithing, students at the a hot meal. folks schools of Appalachia learn traditional this collection celebrates is the artists’ across Appalachia. One of Ingram’s two support artisans. Cory Podielski, a former I shared this dream with prophetic methods from the folks dedicated to their craft. ability to look globally from within a pieces in the From These Hills collection John C. Campbell student host, says she friends who steered me to the John C. Photos by Kether Wiedeman, John C. Campbell tradition-rich region to make really — an intricate and colorful quilt — also chooses to buy handcrafted goods because Folk School Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, relevant work,” she says. puts him in league with the mountain they are “unique and reflect the style and The biennial “From These Hills” exhibit highlights forward-thinking artists from across N.C. There I found, through the hum of While Moorefield did not set out to grannies who have been practicing the Appalachia. Clockwise from top: “Part of the Field,” Issac Powell; “In Suspense,” Travis Graves; creativity of the artist. When you buy our souls and makes us lazy,” says learning. Yep, handcrafted items just this hectic, electrified world of tweets, reflect a particular theme, she is mind- craft of quilting for generations. “For Munner Who Taught Me to Love the Flowers,” Jake Ingram. Photos by Paige Campbell them, you are taking a stand against the Podielski, “but the process and effort might save the world.” links and 24-hour rollback pricing, the ful of what she calls “strong undercur- “I learned how to quilt about cultural homogenization propagated by of craft builds up love, pride, and sat- Save the world — or at least your rare breed of folks who also seek the rents at play.” Those undercurrents, five years ago,” says Ingram. “My composed of over six thousand one-inch mountains, but quickly delve into the corporate attempts to mass-market to our isfaction. Handcrafted items are one of sanity — at one of the fine samples of networks of a bygone era. include “entropy in nature, the inter- great-grandmother had started a quilt hexagons, was passed down to Ingram’s theme of how nature can be manipulated. desires,” she adds. “You are encouraging the core ways to build a local economy, craft and folk schools of Appalachia The traditional craft and folk schools play of emotion and desire, systems, sometime in the forties or fifties, and grandmother, then to his mother. But Powell’s interest in geology and map- diversity, learning and creativity.” and having a more local-based economy listed below, each with its own rich of Appalachia attract an eclectic bunch the ‘ready-made,’ the idea of ‘other,’ never finished.” That king-sized quilt, it was a teenage Ingram who picked it making add complexity to his works that history and specialized programming. of teachers and learners. Some offer full Rob Withrow, a Brasstown, N.C., encourages community-building and up with the determination to complete he likens to an “organic process.” degree programs while others, like John C. potter is encouraged by his customers it, and the ensuing three-year project “It’s a bit like composting,” Powell Campbell, host short-format classes that often. “People come up to me all the Handpicked Regional Craft Schools nudged him to take up quilting as a says of his work style. “There are always offer patrons a chance to take a week or time and tell me how they use one of contemporary art form as well as a layers, and I find that the more layers my mugs every morning for their coffee, Kentucky Tennessee weekend to become conscientious objec- Berea College: Offers workshops and The Appalachian Center for Craft: Based traditional craft. I’m working with, the richer the paint- tors of computational manufacturing. and how much they love it,” he says. “A bachelor’s degree programs. out of Tennessee Tech University, offers The piece, titled “For Munner, ing becomes.” berea.edu/studentcrafts workshops, craft certificates and bachelor’s In my time around the Folk School, bunch of folks, thinking good thoughts Who Taught Me to Love the Flowers,” Powell’s piece, “Part of the Field,” about you and what you made every Kentucky School of Craft: Based out of programs. tntech.edu/craftcenter/ I’ve seen trees become bows, coffins, faces, Hazard Community and Technical College, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts: Offers The Honey Dewdrops possess consists of twenty hand-stitched render- features images of potted plants and other chairs, garden sheds and baskets, and day, where else can you get that? When offers certificates, diplomas and AAS de- one- and two-week classes. a high lonesome harmony vocal ings of a mythical creature known as a organic subjects taken out of their natural fibers become quilts, yarns, felt, hats and you’re accountable to your neighbors grees. hazard.kctcs.edu arrowmont.org style and the contagious energy jackalope. This bizarre antlered rabbit contexts. “[Potted plants] imply human for the product that you make, I tell you Pine Mountain Settlement School: Offers day of old time string music with clothes. I’ve seen leather shoes cobbled, and week-long programs. West Virginia — originally a taxidermist’s prank — influence and that interaction of what’s what, you put your heart into it.” soulful new songs and a fresh knives forged, books bound and all man- pinemountainsettlementschool.com Cedar Lakes Craft Center: Offers week and has captivated Ingram for years, and man-made and what’s nature-made,” weekend classes. wvde.state.wv.us/cedar- angle. The result is a sound that ner of things painted, drawn, carved and The Slow Food movement has his work explores how its unexpected he said. “I like the questions that raises.” brought worldwide focus to promot- North Carolina lakes/craftscenter.htm welcomes you in like a dear old enameled. I’ve seen a pictorial woodburn- Haywood Community College: Offers an as- Craftworks: Offers workshops and craft friend. Warm and honest, the form reflects the complexity of human From These Hills will be on display ing systems of locally sourced and ing of Sasquatch crossing the ruined land- sociate degree in Professional Crafts. events. craftworksatcoolspring.org Dewdrops fill up a room with nature and relationships. through Feb. 19, 2012. The William King environmentally conscious agriculture. haywood.edu/creative_arts/professional_ scape of post-eruption Mt. St. Helen’s. sound and spirit. The intersection of humans and Museum and Center for Cultural Art At a craft school, attendees can exercise crafts Virginia The people who create these crafts John C. Campbell Folk School: Offers week Virginia Commonwealth University: Offers nature is also evident in the work of and Heritage is located in Abington, the same ideals and become part of the uphold the delicate processes of the eye and weekend classes. folkschool.org bachelor’s and master’s degrees. east Kentucky painter Isaac Powell. Va. For more information, visit www. slow stuff movement. vcu.edu/arts/craft/dept/ and hand necessary to create a product Penland School of Craft: Offers classes from The artist’s paintings often begin with williamkingmuseum.org or call (276) “The convenience of shopping kills one to eight weeks. penland.org check out their schedule online at thehoneydewdrops.com that not only fulfills its function but also landscapes inspired by the surrounding 628-5005.

Page 10 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 11 Following the Knock On Wood Patchwork Path How to make a more sustainable guitar Quilt Trails Drive Rural Economic Revival By Brian Sewell materials are being phased out. Wayne Henderson, a renowned musi- “[Rosewood] makes the finest cian and luthier, spends most of his time sound you can get and has properties By Dana Kuhnline of the first priorities of these projects is like no other wood has,” Wayne says. to preserve and highlight local heritage in the workshop beside his home in rural Barn quilts, a relatively new art A piece of walnut can come pretty skills, including barn building and, of Rugby, Va. Some of the finest acoustic form that draws on rich rural craft tra- close, and with everything that goes course, quilting. guitars in the world are made in that small ditions of the past, are helping commu- into building a guitar, shaping pieces “There’s a lot of history in the space. Today, he’s working alongside a nities answer an important economic of wood, checking the tone and every- quilt patterns themselves, a lot of them few of his closest friends and his daughter, question. thing, you can make it come very close.” have been in the families for hundreds Elle “Jayne” Henderson. As “How do we get trav- If anyone can come close, it’s Hen- of years; it’s similar Jayne learns the craft from elers off the four-lane derson. He is known to a family crest,” her dad, they are working highways and into com- Homemade Homemade in the guitar com- HERITAGE explains Charis Endi- together to build a more HERITAGE Above: Wayne Henderson looks on as his munities where they munity worldwide daughter carrys on his craft. cott, an AmeriCorps sustainable guitar. might never go other- as one of the most Left: Henderson’s longtime friend Herb Key VISTA member with the Appalachian Above: The Appalachian sunburst “I think the name that wise? How do we lead celebrated luthiers working today. Music repairs the neck of a vintage Martin guitar. Resource Conservation and Develop- block graces an 1880s barn. Far left: he’s made for himself as a them to cash registers and special com- writers and acoustic aficionados have Photos by Molly Moore ment Council’s quilt trail. “People who The Star Brick Block was based on a luthier is so significant that it shouldn’t munity treasures?” asks Lindy Turner, late 1800’s brick produced in Ohio. end with him,” Jayne says. “He is a mas- called him the “Stradivari of the Blue don’t know anything about quilting Near left: The Tree of Life block guitars also influenced his love of and a spruce top, as gifts for her cousins. an associate of the Appalachian Quilt ter at it and I’m his only kid. I think it’s Ridge” and the greatest luthier alive, want to know more about the image and highlights area forests. music and his lifelong explorations of With each one, she comes closer to her Trail, a Tennessee-based organization really important to carry on a tradition titles he does not recognize. about the project. It gives an opportu- the sound that can come from just a few goal of a sustainable guitar of the qual- promoting the colorful rural designs like this.” “I figure I might be the best one nity for cultural exchange, for the land pieces of wood. ity her dad is known for. known as barn quilts. Because many heritage Appala- Barn itself has a quilt square displayed Taking a break from pursuing a in Rugby,” he says proudly. Rugby’s owner to talk about their family history Nearly 50 years later, Wayne shares “My dad knows how tones should Turner says that driving tours of chian quilt blocks were inspired by on each end. “Often this is one of the career in environmental law, Jayne population is seven. and to celebrate local history.” his knowledge by teaching workshops at sound and what densities get the best barn quilts, known as quilt trails, en- everyday mountain life, quilts are main starting points where people see has carried her environmental ethic But, modesty aside, some of the best In southeast Ohio, the Quilt Barn the invitation of craft schools, traveling instrument,” Jayne says. “I think with courage rural economic development especially suited to tell community the squares and then get hooked on the into the workshop. She wants to build guitarists of any period delight in the Trail in Athens County integrates tradi- and playing music. Back home, he doesn’t his knowledge and my concern for the that celebrates local heritage. stories and highlight local activities. quilt trail. It gets people out to see the instruments that move away from the fact they own a Henderson guitar. Aus- tional quilt squares with one-of-a-kind always have the time, or the workshop environment we’ll still make a really Barn quilts were created in 2001 in Heritage quilt blocks are often chosen beautiful farms and barns on the back traditionally favored exotic but unsus- tralian finger-picking legend Tommy patterns such as the Star Brick Block space, to help young people along the good instrument structurally and ton- Adams County, Ohio, by Donna Sue to attract tourists to current community roads of Ohio,” says Allost. tainable woods. For centuries, instru- Emmanuel won’t even play his on stage square, which was based on a historic path. When he does, he likes working ally, but also one that didn’t have to Groves. Groves wanted to honor her landmarks by featuring designs such as Endicott at the Appalachian Re- ment makers — also called luthiers because of his aggressive style. Another 1800s brick pattern that was produced with Jayne and those closest to him. come from Africa or the rainforest. I can mother, a noted quilter, and celebrate Cabin Windows and Log Cabin blocks at source Conservation and Development — have sought out woods like Brazilian player waited 10 years for his, some in the area. “She does great work and I’m meld my two passions that way.” her family’s Appalachian heritage. cabin rental locations, the Turkey Tracks Council has seen the same thing happen rosewood and Honduran mahogany to British bluesman named Eric Clapton. “About 70 percent of our squares proud of it,” Wayne says. “I think if she Jayne intends to carry on the tradi- What began as an idea for one barn quilt block at an eco-tourism destination in Tennessee. “We get calls from people craft their superior instruments. Each year, thousands show up are original, we find this lends that at the Wayne C. Henderson Music would stay at it and have the interest tion her father began, even if she never quickly became a driving trail with 20 in Kyles Ford, Tenn. and the Crossed all over the eastern United States, often “I can go to my Granny’s land a mile local touch to the quilt barn and tells a Festival, most to watch the guitar I’ve always had, she would be as good reaches his ability. squares across Adams County, but the Canoe pattern at a river outfitter. on their way to Gatlinburg, Tenn., who away and cut a walnut or Appalachian local story, just like a traditional quilt competition. The prize, of course, is a as anyone could get. She’s made some “There aren’t many luthiers in the idea didn’t stop there. To date, Groves’ “In some cases people honor a want to stop and take pictures,” she spruce or gather some that’s already square does,” says Paige Allost of the Henderson guitar. great guitars and she’s watched me world and even fewer that can do it the idea of “a clothesline of quilts” now family quilt, in [other] cases, it’s [the] says. “While they’re here, they enjoy fallen,” Jayne says. “That movement is Athens County Convention and Visitors enough that she can do it just like I do way [my dad] can,” she says. “I just stretches across 3,000 barns in 29 states. pattern that has special meaning,” says local food and farms and support local happening with our food, why not try From a young age, Wayne devel- Bureau. “The Nelsonville Coal Miners with some practice.” want to make sure I learn what I can.” The idea is simple: a quilt square is Turner. craftspeople that would otherwise get and make this more sustainable too?” oped the passion for making guitars that Block was chosen to be placed on a By his count, Wayne has built 549 “I’ll never be Wayne Henderson,” painted onto the side of a barn. In many Ideally, barn quilts don’t just pre- less recognition.” Wayne Henderson admits that it he is now passing on to his daughter. barn that is located right on the edge of guitars, 116 mandolins, 104 fiddles, she says, as if thinking aloud. “I’ll never communities, these beautiful barns are serve local history, but also encourage For more information, visit hurts to think that one day he may not “I’ve always had that drive,” Wayne former mining communities.” 15 banjos, 14 ukuleles, five dulcimers be able to make the things he can.” linked by trail guides and maps. One new growth. “It is expensive and hard VacationAQT.com, QuiltTrail.org and be able to find Brazilian rosewood to says. “When I was a kid all I wanted to and two dobros in his career. Jayne is But Wayne remains humble and, to remain on a farm these days,” says AthensOhio.com build his near-perfect guitars. But he do was be out in the woodshed making working on two ukuleles and her fourth leaning back in his rocking chair, inter- Turner. “We are honoring quilting and acknowledges the highly sought-after something.” guitar, a cutaway model with koa sides the beautiful art of barn [building], but Organ His life-long affinity for Martin rupts, “I don’t see a reason why not.” UY ic we also need to lead people to spend B money in the community. We are us- From Africa to Appalachia: The Evolution of the Banjo Appomattox Courthouse, Va.. He was known African-American string bands. ing a heritage art to create economic the first known person to play a banjo Their album Genuine Negro Jig, won When thinking of Appalachian music, ioned from a gourd, wooden neck and on stage. the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk development in depressed areas, but in most Americans would imagine the three strings, is still popular in West - Earl Scruggs joined Bill Monroe’s Album in 2010. order for it to be a true rural economic twang of a banjo. What some might not African music. “Blue Grass Boys” in 1945, develop- - Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck went on a a development project, it needs to ring know is the path the banjo has taken - The first instruments that came to be ing and popularizing the three-finger pilgrimage to West Africa, and brought cash registers.” throughout history. known as “banjos” were created by “Scruggs style” picking, now a corner- the banjo full-circle by exploring the The Dairy Barn Arts Center in - Music historians believe the xalam, an slaves in Colonial America who drew in- stone of Bluegrass music. instrument’s roots and playing with - Durham, N.C., locals formed the musicians in Gambia, Mali, Tanzania Athens, Ohio, hosts Quilt National, B instrument that might have originated spiration from similar African instruments. U E in ancient Egypt, is the earliest ances- - In the early 1830s, Joel Walker Carolina Chocolate Drops after attend- and Uganda. The 2009 documentary a biannual quilt show attended by Y D Fair Tra tor of the American 5-string banjo. Sweeney, a minstrel performer, learned ing the 2005 Black Banjo Gathering film Throw Down Your Heart was filmed more than 15,000 people. The Dairy - The ngoni, a simple instrument fash- banjo from local African-Americans in in Boone, N.C., creating one of two during the trip. BlueSmokeCoffee.com Page 12 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 13 Art as Activism Bees Share the True Cost of Coal By Brian Sewell Depicting globalization, free trade and mili- Creatively Fighting Mountaintop Removal tarism, their works deconstruct some of the Outside of Appalachia, artists who ac- most debated issues of the time. But they also There is no way to know how many people have been exposed to mountaintop removal knowledge their connection to coal have ad- understand the power of using their graphics opted the issue of mountaintop removal and through various artistic methods, whether photography, sculpture, drawing, theater or as educational tools and touring to accom- taken to the road. The Beehive Collective’s plish their mission of “cross-pollinating the music. When art and environmental ethic join together, the final product can encapsulate True Cost of Coal illustration transforms ways grassroots.” both the stories of those struggling in communities affected of thinking as it travels by inviting all who see “We do a lot of traveling and touring with it into a web of stories. Homemade by mountaintop removal and those that are fighting to stop it. the work we do and generating conversations The panoramic poster depicts the complex HERITAGE and actions,” says Zeph Fishlyn, an illustrator relationships between industry, commerce, and educator who has worked with the col- society and the natural world that are in- lective since 2007. “We’re also carrying ideas separable from the fight to end mountaintop Above: A closer look at a portion of The True Cost of Coal and stories that people tell us from one place removal. The large form pen and ink image reveals the visual metaphors Beehive Collective found in to the next.” transitions from scenes of undisturbed wilder- coalfield communities. Left: The Beehive Collective tour After interviewing residents of Appala- ness to industrialized madness. Gradually, the the Americas with their narrative graphics to educate chian coalfield communities, the “Bees” col- and inspire. Photos courtesy of Beehive Collective. characters, the diverse creatures of Appalachia, lected stories and perspectives of the effects actively resist and, finally, take back and re- of mountaintop removal and how people are member and full-time “Bee.” “Our allies have store the land. taking action. The challenge arises when they told us: ‘We know this story. It’s useful for us Beehive Collective, a Manchias, must craft a drawing to convey all the informa- to have this but you need to get this message Maine-based collab- tion in a creative and compelling way. out to other people.’” orative artists’ group, Fishlyn and Hornback have worked on is known for their ex- “That’s where we are crafting meta- every phase of the True Cost of Coal project pansive graphics. phors,” Fishlyn explains. One Paul Corbit Brown: Truth Before Profit portion of the poster depicts the since the project began in 2008, from planning By Jamie Goodman and marketing. He quickly grew disillusioned and reached story of land grab perpetrated research trips and speaking with residents an “existential crisis” with photography around age 23, by the fossil fuel industry. It’s in Appalachia to illustrating and touring Paul Corbit Brown’s life has come full while also going through a divorce. Around this same throughout the Americas with the poster. circle - thanks to the lens on his camera. shown by a railroad unrolling itself time, Brown met a Lakota Medicine Man who would The main theme in the work, resource He was born into a coal miner’s across the landscape, intruding on eventually adopt him as a grandson and bring Brown to extraction, resonates with people everywhere. family in Kilsyth, W.Va. For generations, homes and farmsteads and causing a pivotal choice. Touring the gulf coast, the collective used the every male in his family had become coal animals to scurry away seek- “I walked away from everything and just miners, but a chance encounter when he ing protection. graphic to engage those dealing with the af- moved out onto the reservation in South Da- was 12 years old ultimately resulted in a There are hundreds of termath of the BP oil spill. kota.” different career. distilled but profound vi- “If you were to change the characters from For three years Brown lived “In seventh grade, they told us if we sual metaphors hiding in Appalachian songbirds to crawdads and al- in relative isolation from the kept good grades, that when we got to The Agony of Gaia by The True Cost of Coal - a ligators this could be their story,” Hornback rest of the world, teaching in the eighth grade we would have the option to Jeff Chapman-Crane testament to its power as says. “If you change the bad guy from coal to tribal school and taking pictures Putting the Human Perspective into Mountaintop Removal learn photography as part of our science an education tool. oil, the story is almost the same.” of the beautiful mesa country- class,” says Brown, who became captivated By Brian Sewell the issue much better by looking at the sculp- The most detailed section, the figure’s head campaign by Kentuckians for the Common- With the True Cost Sharing their work is as much a priority as side. One day a woman from the by cameras in his early youth. “So I went ture. It’s made some aware of the issue for the and the hands, are fired clay. The rest is simple wealth, displaying the work to thousands of of Coal, the collective’s creating the graphic itself, and the “Bees” have tribal college asked if he would or every movement, there is a message. to the [teacher] and said ‘I don’t want to first time and inspired them to get involved.” Styrofoam. daily commuters in Frankfort, Ky. outreach and education been busy. In the past year, 25 people have toured create a photo documentary This message can take many forms, but wait, I want to do it now.’” F Looking at Gaia, the human form of a Chapman-Crane designed the provaca- “We’ve taken it to college campuses, efforts have taken off. The with the poster, counting stops in Montana and of the issues bearing down on often the most moving is the creation of art With Brown’s continuous prodding, his mountain in agony feels familiar while the tive sculpture with quick and frequent travel churches and exhibited it in conjunction poster and presentation the Dakotas among other stops. Invitations pour Lakota teenagers — pregnancy, to inform. Art helps people see problems teacher relented and challenged Brown to damage inflicted on the natural world is put in mind, mounting it on a table with fold- with a United Nations special hearing,” says are the most in-demand in requesting presentations in Northern Arizona, alcoholism, drug addiction and anew, even those who see them everyday. give up his lunch breaks to pursue photogra- into perspective. ing legs and wheels. Attached to the table Chapman-Crane. “We try to focus on venues of any of the collective’s where locals struggle against Peabody Coal Com- suicide — and detailing how tra- The campaign to end mountaintop removal phy. Brown showed every day, learning first “I wanted to express that the earth is are panels that fold up and lock together to where there are people who have never been projects. Since the poster pany on the Navajo reservation. Other present- ditional tribal culture could help. is no different. to develop film and then to print. “As soon as not just this source of raw material we can protect the piece while its being transported. made aware of the issue. It’s a great oppor- was printed in June 2010, ers recently returned from Alberta, Canada, the “It was a big success, people At the annual meeting of Kentuckians I saw that image come up… I was hooked.” exploit for coal with no cost to the earth or “I feel good about the engineering of it,” tunity to teach people about it.” the group has distributed epicenter of the heated tar sands debate. They’ve really loved it,” Brown says. “Kids For The Commonwealth in 2004, a life-sized After intensively studying photography ourselves,” Chapman-Crane says about the Chapman-Crane says. “I wanted to make it For a piece so powerful, simply stum- more than 15,000 copies even taken the poster to Bogota, Colombia where would come to me and say ‘You sculpture by Kentucky artist Jeff Chapman- in college, Brown wound up in advertising piece. “The earth is actually a living thing. lightweight and portable. It’s very quick to bling upon the image on the Internet can and given almost 600 a “Bee” and Colombia native used the graphic to changed my life.’ And I thought, Crane,16 years in the making, debuted. For It feels what we’re doing to it and there is a setup and very easy to move. That’s part of inspire action and create drastic personal presentations. discuss coal mining in South America. wow, here’s something I can do many, seeing The Agony of Gaia for the first real price to pay for the kind of abuse and the design because I knew I wanted to take change. Chapman-Crane was once contacted “The story of moun- “People have learned about mountaintop Documenting an American tragedy: Paul Corbit with photography that actually time had an effect similar to witnessing moun- Brown’s photos show all aspects of mountaintop exploitation that we’ve been subjecting the it to a lot of places.” by a Catholic sister living in India who had taintop removal coal min- removal through the graphic,” Hornback says. does some good and is truthful, taintop removal in person. Some stared in dis- removal, including (top, l-r) aerial of a mine in earth to for so long now.” The Agony of Gaia has been exhibited seen an image of Gaia online. ing is resonating with “A lot of folks associate the two things and point and I can live with the results.” belief, others could not contain their emotions. West Virginia; residents dealing with poisoned Adding to the realistic look, natural materi- at more than 50 venues around Appalachia. “It inspired her to come back here and people,” says Emma to it as a pivotal moment in their understanding water; juxtaposition of signs (and attitudes) in “People have always been really moved by Continued on page 17 als like rock dust and moss cover the surfaces It has traveled to New York City and Wash- get involved,” he says. “It’s really out there.” Hornback, a founding of climate issues and coal issues in particular.” coal country; creeks polluted by mining and slurry. it,” Chapman-Crane says. “They understand of the sculpture. Even the machinery is to scale. ington, D.C., and was featured in a billboard I have no idea just how far reaching it is.” Page 14 ..... The Appalachian Voice ..... August/September 2011 August/September 2011 ..... The Appalachian Voice ..... Page 15 Brown, pictured here on assignment in Paul Corbit Brown: Truth Before Profit Israel, says of photography, “I have such The Qualla Creators a pure and passionate love for the artform, Continued from page 17 the issue and he soon recognized a need for impactful images convey- that it felt wrong for me to use it for purposes Conserving Cherokee Traditions of misleading people.” “I realized I could do something ing the scope of devastation. Brown with photography besides just make connected with the newly-formed order to pursue humanitarian pho- By Molly Moore currently has 300 artisan members, money. I could make a difference.” and their combined gallery and SouthWings organization to produce tography. He shares his images freely On the Qualla Boundary, the Eastern In the mid ‘90s, Brown returned museum presents a wide variety some of the first aerial photographs with organizations who cannot afford Band of Cherokee Indians’ reservation, lo- home to West Virginia to help his ail- of goods that blend traditional and of mountaintop removal mine sites. to pay. Situated on family land in cal resources have inspired arts traditions ing mother. He took a part time job as contemporary elements. “My first thought was “Oh my Barrett County, Brown built his home for generations. Today the community’s a photographer with a local paper, and God, these things are huge,” says “We want our artists to grow and with recycled and reclaimed materi- rich arts heritage is flourishing. soon started to hear talk of mountaintop Brown of his first overflight. simple act of drawing water from your als. He exists primarily off the grid, try new ways to express themselves,” removal coal mining and a group of peo- The town of Cherokee, N.C., po- sell for thousands of dol- Brown worked to document the kitchen sink. And we have a government refusing to add to the problems created says Tonya Carroll, Outreach Coordi- says. “So it’s a concern of the ple campaigning to stop it. He asked his sitioned at the southern lars, so you’re not seeing a lot families affected by mountaintop re- who’s complicit in it.” by coal-fired electricity generation, and nator at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. politicians to ensure that there co-workers about it, but heard nothing. terminus of the Blue Ridge of people out in the potato patch moval, making international waves with Brown’s photographs are haunting farms to grow most of his food. “We do want items are opportunities for artists.” “But it didn’t make sense to me, be- Parkway and bordering picking up potatoes in their Cherokee his images. He was invited to testify in and evocative: a family holding jars of “I never got in this movement as Homemade that incorporate Na- The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indi- cause nobody could really tell me what the Great Smoky Moun- baskets. The shift to marketing artwork front of Amnesty International about the sludge-brown water drawn from their a way to make a living, or become fa- HERITAGE tive American culture ans’ Principal Chief Michell Hicks cam- MTR was,” he says. tains National Park, was as a high-end collectible is something issue. “I told them, “We in the coalfields kitchen sink; a stream frothing with mous,” Brown says. “I got in this move- but that can be open paigned for Artist’s Row, an outdoor Then a press release about an anti- opened to the tourism that has controlled the way we market of Appalachia are suffering from a geno- thick, orange and red ooze; a man ex- ment because I want to end mountaintop to interpretation.” market area near Oconaluftee Islands mountaintop removal rally in the nearby economy with the birth of things and the product itself.” cide,’” he says. amining his property destroyed by out- removal.” Basketry, mat-making and wood Park where artists can sign up for space. town of Blair found him. Brown’s editor the national park in 1940. The ability to command higher Shortly after, Brown started his trav- of-control flooding from mountaintop On a recent photo shoot with two carvings are some of the best-selling items An attempt by the Tribal Council to pass was not interested in the story and re- “Early on, people began to realize els around the world documenting hu- removal operations West Virginia civil rights religious lead- at Qualla Arts and Crafts, but member arts prices has helped these time- and skill- a resolution that would have required fused to let him leave to cover the rally. that they could market traditional crafts manitarian issues in exotic and turbulent “The strength of a photo is that it ers, the Rev. Jeremiah Watts made a com- also include beadwork, stone carving, pot- intensive arts survive, but competing all craft shops on tribal land to sell a Brown requested the day off. as souvenirs to the tourists,” says Davy places like Rwanda, Indonesia, northern captures a moment, and gives you a ment that resonated deeply with Brown tery, finger weaving, doll making, paint- with cheap imported goods remains a certain percentage of local artists’ work Brown was so moved by the event’s Arch, a Cherokee artist who works in Iraq, Laos and, most recently, Haiti. chance to study that moment for a long and epitomizes his work to document ing, drawing, crocheting, shell engraving, challenge. Recently, Cherokee artisans did not pass. speakers — including retired miner traditional and contemporary forms. “I don’t use the word genocide time,” he adds. “Photos are a way to give the tragedies of the world. “’The only wood burning and metal jewelry. have received more support from tribal Jimmy Weekley — that when organiz- “People began to supplement their lightly. I’ve been to Rwanda five times, a voice to people who otherwise would thing that powerful people fear is the government and current businesses on Resourceful Arts ers called for the public to speak, he income by selling what they had been I’ve slept on the streets with kids who not be seen or heard.” truth,’” quoted Brown. “’And that is An Economic and the Qualla Boundary. The reservation’s Revitalization of traditional art- jumped to the mic. “I was mortified of using on the farm.” were orphaned by genocide. I know Brown chooses to live simply in what we can do, we can offer the truth.’” Cultural Lifeway casino is a reliable customer of the work has increased demand on the speaking publicly. But For some reason, With the influx of visitors came a what genocide looks like,” Brown says. Davy Arch is known for fine wooden Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual and sells natural resources used in these crafts. the injustice of [mountaintop removal] surge of entrepreneurs. At the time, the “The death of my people doesn’t come masks, but he also carves arrowheads local crafts at casino and hotel gift shops. To meet that need, the Cherokee Pres- overwhelmed me to no end.” tribal levy — a business tax — was a quickly and at the end of a gun,” he that are available on the lower end of the “Tribal government is aware that ervation Foundation, which is funded Rally organizers, impressed with main source of revenue for the Eastern adds, “It comes slowly and from the price spectrum. His mother and grand- most families have an artist in the family by the tribe’s gaming revenues, estab- his passion, recruited him to present Band of Cherokee Indians. The rev- mothers crafted beadwork, and he can’t and have a tradition of artwork that links lished the Revitalization of Traditional enue benefited the tribe as well as the remember a time when he didn’t have a us directly to the past as a culture,” Arch Cherokee Artisan Resources program to Continued from previous page artist, but soon outsider-owned busi- carving knife. In his lifetime of restore the traditional balance between The Qualla Creators nesses flooded the local market with involvement in the Cherokee arts maintaining and using vital resources. the revitalization program works with ing with growing white oak for basketry. mass-produced goods that promoted community, he’s seen the craft “Land preservation is a wonderful outside groups such as the Land Trust for But recreating traditional environments disparaging stereotypes drawn from economy shift. thing but for us it’s preservation with the Little Tennessee and the Watershed has its challenges. Because white oaks “Cowboy-and-Indian” films. “People used to use the a purpose,” says David Cozzo, project Association of the Tuckaseegee River. grown too quickly are too fibrous for In response, local artists banded baskets to pick up potatoes and director for the program. “It’s a living Land Trust for the Little Tennessee and weaving, Cherokee artisans prefer white together in 1946 to form the first Native gather corn,” Arch says. “But act of management.” Cozzo’s program are planning river cane oaks that grow slowly in laurel thickets American cooperative, Qualla Arts & now [traditional baskets] are River cane is one such resource. The restoration at Welch Farm, a tract of land with acidic soil. The Land Trust for the Crafts Mutual, Inc. The organization high-end collectibles that can Cherokee are known for their intricate that had been used for corn cultivation. Little Tennessee, University of Tennessee double-weave baskets crafted from this The resource revitalization program and the tribe’s resource revitalization member of the bamboo family, but not is also working on its first project with program are working to replicate that long ago the tribe was down to just two ac- the U.S. Forest Service. If all goes well, habitat on available land trust property. tive basket makers. Thanks to a program South Carolina’s Sumter National For- So far, the groups have seen mixed re- at the local high school, there are now 15 est will house 29 acres of river cane, sults, but recent plantings are still a few teens who can make the signature art. But Above: Artisans from the Eastern Band of which would make it the largest actively years away from harvest. “It takes eight Cherokee Indians harvest river cane with ensuring an adequate supply of river cane managed cane site in the Southeast. to 10 years to test the idea,” Cozzo says. partner organizations. Photo by Land Trust is as important to the craft’s survival as The butternut tree is another key Between the efforts of tribal gov- for the Little Tennessee the teachers. Fostering river cane stands species, since the bark produces a ernment, schools and non-profit organi- Left: Beaded jewelry is just one of the local in the mountainous Qualla Boundary is distinct dark dye. But a fungus has zations, there is a network of economic crafts sold in a gift shop at the casino in difficult, particularly since much of the decimated the butternut population, and and educational support behind tradi- Cherokee, N.C. species’ former range has been taken over Top: Carved wooden masks by artisans such the tree’s survival is threatened. A part- tional Cherokee crafts. With thoughtful as Davy Arch are sold at Qualla Arts and by agriculture and development. nership with high school students aims management of natural arts resources, Crafts Mutual. Inc. To find suitable habitat for river to help researchers find ways to select young hands will weave these vener- cane introduction and management, disease-hardy butternut for cultivation. able traditions into the future. Continued on next page Organizations are also experiment-

Page 16 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 17 Old Folktales Die Hard Talking Tradition The Ballad of Tom Dooley Storytelling Moves to Center Stage

By Brian Sewell Sharyn McCrumb. By Molly Moore and crowds standing in the hallway, The Ballad of Tom Dooley each event has still turned people away. “Murdered in May of 1865,” a white In , Mc- According to Gary Carden, the The popular Liars’ Bench programs gravestone on the banks of the Yadkin Crumb does the legend justice by Scot-Irish people of Appalachia don’t aren’t the same as stories told during the River in Wilkes County, N.C., reads. searching for the truth, and where the communicate in dialogue. They com- winters of Carden’s childhood, nor are “Tom Dula hanged for crime.” case goes cold, she does a little guess- municate in stories. they quite like the National Storytelling The grave belongs to Laura Foster, work of her own (it is a work of fiction “When I was a child, [storytell- Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn., or the the victim in one of the most popular- after all). Her account is much closer ing] was called lying,” Carden says. hip Synergy Story Slams in Asheville, ized and retold murder to the truth, she argues, than The A renowned storyteller, N.C. Instead, their stories, music and cases in Appalachian Kingston Trio’s, the group that truly Carden was raised by his visual presentations folk history. Like a game made the folktale Above: Laura Foster’s grave rests in Historic Happy Valley, Scot-Irish grandparents in Homemade Wilkes County, N.C. Photo by Sharyn McCrumb Homemade study a regional of cultural telephone, famous with their the Balsam Mountains of HERITAGE 1958 song “Tom Left: The Ballad of Tom Dooley by Sharyn McCrumb is the latest HERITAGE theme. Carden hopes the story of Tom Dula retelling of the long-lived folk story of Tom Dula. Western North Carolina. future Liars’ Bench Above: James “Sparky” Rucker was a musician (sometimes spelled Dooley.” Carden recalls a sessions will cover topics such as the before he was a storyteller. He tired of simply “Dooley”) has been passed After returning from the Civil childhood scene from his War, Dula worked as a laborer in the last hanging in Webster County, N.C., playing songs during concerts and began to tell through time in songs, ballads, film and ing that impetus to develop economic great-grandmother’s funeral, where audiences the song’s history. “The explanations Yadkin River Valley. Soon after, he fell selected as a “Song of the Century” by and local lore surrounding a charismatic poems. Now, it has been put into novel benefit through agritourism, rather her daughter Elsie was overwhelmed got longer and longer to the point that I was the Recording Industry Association of Cherokee chief from the 1950s. form by Appalachia-focused author for Laura Foster, cousin of his long than selling his land for development with grief. Elsie pulled the corpse sometimes doing a 15-minute introduction to a America and the National Endowment Just down the road from Gary time love interest, Ann Foster Melton. of riverfront homes. upright from the coffin and held her. three-minute song,” he says. for the Arts and was inducted into the Carden on the Qualla Boundary — the Left: Gary Carden weaves a tale on stage. Folklore suggests that Laura became Investigating for The Ballad of Tom “We’ll never look on her sweet face National Recording Registry of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ pregnant with Dula’s child and the lov- Dooley, McCrumb walked the same again!” she cried, and collapsed over Library of Congress. reservation — traditional tales are also ers decided to elope. The morning they hills. She spoke with those who had the coffin. Carden remembers a similar were to leave, May 26, was the last time The Laura Foster grave lies on a moving into the spotlight. This sum- grown up hearing the story, each with display from Elsie at the next family often tell audiences, these old folk tales Laura would be seen alive. private farm in a culturally significant mer, regularly scheduled storytelling their own opinions and no two stories funeral and his grandfather telling his Knoxville’s African-American Church and these old folk songs, these are the Everyone knows, if you tell a story area of Wilkes County called Happy sessions were held at a bonfire at Oco- the same. In becoming an item of pop grandmother, “If you would, see if you of God. As a child, Rucker would listen words of your ancestors being spoken enough the facts begin to grow a bit Valley. Even today, passers-by will noluftee Islands Park and, near Hal- culture — hit cartoon The Simpsons once can keep it a secret when I die. I don’t as his father’s large family told stories directly to you.” hazy. The shopkeeper, banker and bor- leave flowers for Laura. The story of loween, the tribe held its first Myths and included a verse of “Tom Dooley” in an want Elsie to know.” over supper. At annual memorial ser- Those audiences are growing. Some, rower all have their own versions. But her death draws visitors to the site and, Legends Tour, featuring contemporary episode — even what little is known of Most of Carden’s stories come from vices for his grandfather, a prominent like Carden, are concerned that the since the murder, the guilty verdict due partially to its cultural significance, and ancient haunted tales. the truth has been twisted. tragic experiences that have acquired bishop in the church, he heard humor- popularization of storytelling is drawing and the hanging of Tom Dula outside the Jones Farm is being placed under “In a couple generations there has What could have been a closed case, humor over the years. “If you’re blessed ous “preacher tales” poking fun at the the form away from a poignant blend of of a train depot in Statesville, N.C., the conservation easement by Foothills been a huge renaissance in storytelling a dusty trial record in the North Caro- or cursed with an exceptionally disas- people in power. Older folks in the humor and tragedy and toward a stand- details haven’t truly mattered in a story Conservancy of North Carolina land and in passing [traditional] informa- lina Archives and a solitary forgotten trous life, that’s great material,” he says. community shared Brer Rabbit tales, up comedy future. But Saundra Kelley, that has made an indelible mark on the trust to prevent the farm from being tion along,” artist and storyteller Davy Used, grave, over time has become the Ap- Nearly two years ago, Carden African-American stories that date to editor of Southern Appalachian Storytell- area’s past and present. developed or subdivided. Arch says. Some stories remain under- Rare & Out palachian equivalent of a Shakespear- formed a group called the Liars’ Bench the days of Aesop’s famed fables which ers: Interviews with Sixteen Keepers of the Originally recorded in 1929 by Each year in his open pastures, ground, such as tales that refer to sacred ean tragedy. One historical fact that to revive the casual, tale-telling atmo- were merged with Cherokee “trickster Oral Tradition, isn’t worried. of Print Books Gilliam Banmon Grayson and Henry landowner Tony Jones hosts the Happy medicine or contain gender-specific McCrumb couldn’t get wrong: Though sphere of small Appalachian towns. rabbit” tales during slavery. “People need humor right now,” Whitter, the murder ballad “Tom Valley Fiddler’s Convention and invites information. But general folk tales from Specializing in it had no legal force, Tom Dula was ac- Their storytelling programs have “The fundamentalist preacher’s Kelley says. “A storyteller can give Dooley,” also known as “Hang Down hundreds of folk musicians to the very Cherokee, European and African tradi- Books about Black quitted in 2001 after a petition circulated moved to an auditorium at Western role is to give the people a sense of that to you while they teach you a life Your Head Tom Dooley,” became a hit valleys and hills that Tom and Laura tions are resurfacing. Mountain College around Wilkes County. Carolina University’s Mountain Heri- mystery, that there’s something beyond lesson that you might never had heard when the Kingston Trio harmonized the walked. The fiddler’s convention began Growing up, acclaimed storyteller Fact or fiction, it’s how a story is tage Center in Cullowhee, N.C., and their meager lives,” Rucker says. “And any other way.” dark history. The Trio’s version has been because the story is so well known in and folk musician James “Sparky” told that makes it last. even with the auditorium’s 92 seats that’s what the storyteller is for, too. As I folk music circles, Jones says. He is us- Rucker’s family was closely tied to

Writing the Ballad Novels: Sharyn McCrumb In Her Own Words Sharyn McCrumb In Her Own Words of rivers by paper manufacturers. followed the valleys south-southwest down y father’s family settled the North the gift of storytelling and my Author Sharyn McCrumb is best Continued from previous page the constant, and to each succeeding gen- The Civil War figures into my work in through Pennsylvania, until they came to a Carolina mountains in the 1790s, love of the mountain land, its known for her Ballad novels, set eration the song resonates with a slightly M Ghost Riders, and again in The Ballad of place where the ridges rise high above the and I grew up in a swirl of tales: mountain music and its history. in Appalachia. She is pictured here built around a theme, intended to express different meaning. Tom Dooley when I researched the legend valleys, where it looks and feels right. Like legends, ballads and scraps of Appala- I decided to become a holding Tom Dula’s fiddle. Photo an overall idea. The concept of “losing the land” is to discover the real story behind America’s home. Like the place they left on the other chian history. My first ancestor to settle in writer in the second grade, courtesy of Sharyn McCrumb In The Songcatcher, a modern de- the key theme of The Rosewood Casket, most famous folk song. side of the ocean. And they never knew that these mountains was Malcolm McCourry, when the rest of the class scendant of a mountain family looks for as the land passes from Ice Age animals a ballad brought to this country by her In She Walks These Hills, everything they were right back in the same mountains chronicled in my novel The Songcatcher. was evenly divided between My “Ballad” novels, set to the first people who settled here, then Powered cowboys and stewardesses, ancestor, a Scotsman who fought in the to the Native Americans, the settlers, and and everyone is on a journey, beginning they left behind in Britain. Jean & Carl Franklin by (PV) As a child in 1751 he was kidnapped from in the Southern mountains, American Revolution and homesteaded with the geological fact that the first journey Sharyn McCrumb is an award-winning 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells a Scottish island. He later practiced law and, after publishing a few weave together the legends, lately to the developers and urban profes- the frontier. The song passes from singer was made by the mountains themselves Southern writer, best known for her Ap- Black Mountain, NC 28711 in New Jersey and ended his days home- early comic novels written natural wonders and contem- sionals. The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter to singer through the family, giving readers and exploring how people forced to leave palachian “Ballad” novels, including the steading on the Carolina frontier. Perhaps in graduate school, I settled porary issues of Appalachia. Each story is explores the issue of industrial pollution, (828) 669-8149 glimpses of America’s past. The song is a land they loved came to America. Hating New York Times best sellers, The Ballad of [email protected] from him I inherited my regard for books, in to explore mountain culture in my work. from the chestnut blight to the poisoning Continued on next page the crowded, flat eastern seaboard, they Frankie Silver and She Walks These Hills.

Page 18 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 19 Jackson County Woodworking 101 Green Energy Park From Forest to Furnishings Left: A glass oodworking has been described sustainably harvested or reclaimed timber to create material tools and goods out of casks, Cherokee dwellings and pirate Garbage to Gas to Arts bowl created Was humanity’s attempt to garden know how to listen. The wood grain tells timber. As one of the world’s oldest artisan chests. If the human mind can imagine it, using methane indoors, to cultivate the loveliness of the the story of the tree and speaks to you as techniques, its diverse expressions have it is almost certain that it can be fashioned By Cinthia Milner landfill materials — decompose without landfill gas. Below: woods within one’s walls — a human activ- its worked on a table saw and planer — or been used to create ancient plows, sail- from wood. Below are a few of woodwork- the presence of oxygen. Approximately Energy Park resident artists ity that seeks not to fly, but to nest. It was quietly admired. ing ships, butcher blocks, English Tudor ing’s many mediums and Appalachian It is hard to imagine that a landfill, 60 percent of gas from a landfill is meth- Tadashi Torii and Aaron Shufelt Jesus’ first profession. Most who’ve had Like many great art forms, wood- homes, wagon wheels, carriages, split rail woods, in admiration of this ancient and the final place for mounds of household blow glass at the park. Inset: A ane, which has roughly 27 times the the experience of working downed, local, working grew out of the practical need fences, Chinese Pagodas, baskets, wine oh-so-modern art form. trash, could ever be a valuable resource, piece by resident blacksmith John environmental impact of carbon dioxide. but Jackson County, N.C., is proving that Butner. Photos courtesy of Timm Muth The good news, however, is that methane even garbage has a use. can be used as an energy source for large In 1994, the U.S. Environmental generators, power plants, manufactur- Protection Agency created ing facilities, furnaces, the Landfill Methane Out- boilers — and kilns. reach Program in an effort Homemade Blacksmithing, to reduce gas emissions HERITAGE glass blowing, and from municipal landfills. pottery are all consid- The goal was to help com- ered fire arts. Tadashi Torii, a glassblower munities find a way to capture and recent tenant at the park, explained methane and use it as a resource, elimi- that glassblowers could spend up to “Big Board” Carpentry Luthiery Cabinetry Timber framing / Coopering Whittling Chair Caning nating leakage from the landfills and $4,000 a month in fuel. “Post-and-Beam” reducing environmental damage. Definition: This type of wood- Definition: Luthiery is the age- Definition: Wall-mounted Definition: Coopers create Definition: Whittling is the Definition: Chair caning is working utilizes large boards, old craft of creating stringed or standing cabinets are Construction containers and vessels out carving of shapes from wood the method of weaving seats As a result of this plan, the town of “Many artists and even glass manu- often with “live” or unsawn musical instruments from created from different hard Definition:This form of build- of wood with special attach- or bone. for chairs or other pieces of Dillsboro, N.C., held a series of meetings facturers are going out of business,” Torii says. “They can’t afford the cost edges, to create structural wood, often utilizing dense or soft woods with specific ing construction uses heavy ment techniques and wood Examples: Small statues, can- furniture. to determine what to do with the meth- accents or furniture. hardwoods such as maple wood-joining and carving square timbers attached or metal bands. dle sticks, busts, toys — all Examples: Traditional Ap- of fuel.” A park and studio ane gas at the county landfill, Examples: Want to make a and mahogany techniques or joined to one another Examples: Wine and whiskey can be sculpted while sit- palachian “settin’ chairs” filled with 750,000 tons that uses methane gas as bar top out of a monolithic Examples: What do Stradivar- Examples: French chefs and through specialized cuts and both love aging in oak bar- ting in a rocking chair on the woven from river cane pro- of old trash. fuel for glassblowers, 18-foot-long oak slab that’s ius violins, classical guitars, fine artists agree — cabinetry wood pegs. rels — sometimes with a bit of porch with some of the sim- vided comfortable seats for three feet wide and four Martin Dreadnoughts and is just too cool. Build the Examples: Timber framing is fire-induced charring inside plest and most elegant tools front porch tale-telling. Be “The public foundries for black- smiths and kilns inches thick? This form of fiddles have in common? kitchen of your dreams or a true Appalachian art form. for a smoky finish. Perhaps ever conceived by carpentry. warned: If you offer a caned was very sup- carpentry is perfect for you! Yes, they all sound great design a series of minimalist your tastes run more toward Kaiserb (from Wikipedia) chair to an unwelcome guest, for potters made Large rectangular timbers portive of an art While you’re at it, go ahead — but they’re also excel- European-inspired cabinets are jointed by velvet-smooth ice cream and homemade they might wear out their perfect sense. facility that would ment use the greenhouses to propagate entering the atmosphere, equivalent to and trim out your doors and lent examples of luthiery. If that hang on your kitchen joinery and large, expertly hand-churned butter? All welcome. bolster the already The park is lo- and grow their own plant material, which removing 916 vehicles from the road, or windows in the same style, you enjoy detailed precision wall with a “French Cleat.” lathed wooden pins. Create these spirits and delectables Photo by Moutain Maid or make a staircase that will woodworking, perhaps a ca- That way you can take your owe a huge debt to cooper- viable tourist indus- cated on eight acres saves $ 40,000 for the county. A ceramics planting 1,305 acres of forest. carports, covered decks or hold your house up. reer as a luthier is right cabinets with you when you entire homes. Timber framing ing, the art that joins wood try,” says Timm Muth, of land next to the old house is currently awaiting construction. What was once a landfill and old landfill, in the former Photo by Patrick Dinnen Photo by Molly Moore move in to your next dream can’t be beat for beautiful together precisely enough director of the Jackson The concept was to provide fully industrial site is now home to artists and house. “bomb-proof” construction to hold water. transfer station and recycling County Green Energy Park. “The functioning spaces and eliminate the greenhouses — turning garbage to gas to Photo by Andreas Praefcke that you’ll share with genera- Dewet (from Wikipedia) ideas just kept building on each other, center. The building now houses a black- need for artists to obtain large loans to art — a productive and innovative way tions to come. and we finally settled on the fire arts — smith shop, a glassblowers’ studio and a open their own studios. They simply had to deal with trash. Photo by Vermont Timber Works Inc. the arts that actually need fuel to create.” gallery to display the artists’ work. Re- to pay the park the first month’s rent to To learn more about the park and Methane is created when organic cycled greenhouses were added and are cover the cost of the methane fuel, move events at the Jackson County Green materials such as yard waste, food scraps heated with methane gas. A local florist in and start working. Energy Park, visit www.jcgep.org or call and animal waste — most of your basic and the Jackson County Grounds Depart- For the park’s resident blacksmith, 828-631-0271. The park is open weekly John Butner, it is a perfect fit. “I wrote for tours and holds regular classes, my first check to the park four years demonstrations and a yearly youth art ago,” he says, “and for a small business festival. Check the website for dates. that started in bad economic • Delicious Deli-Style times and continued in Make Your Mark Publishing Sandwiches worse economic times, I’m Individuals, Builders, Architects and Realtors interested doing okay.” • Homemade Soups in Quality Comprehensive Log & Timber Subcontract A small southern-based Services: We can assist you or your clients with The park opened in publisher currently seeking regional UNIQUE HEAVY TIMBER products or submissions to represent • Vegetarian Fare 2006, and in the same year arrange full custom construction services. won the Landfill Methane regional talent both in the Promoting building non-fiction and fiction genre. that preserves the Outreach Program’s project • and Much More! community character of the year award. To date, Visit us at makeyourmarkpublishing.com and culture of our region. the park has prevented For submission guidelines 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina Please visit our website: 888 tons of methane from [email protected] (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com www.HearthstoneOfBoone.com

Page 20 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 21 Appalachian Editorial Documentaries Time to Stop the Denial Films Scrutinize the Impact of Coal Let’s talk about losing touch. According to a 2011 study by the Pew Reseach Center, fewer Americans By Theresa L. Burris similarly unflinching believe in global warming than did five years ago. Poli- stance in Black Dia- ticians treat climate change as a non-issue and wage Residents of Appalachia have en- monds: Mountaintop war on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as countered prejudice through all types Removal and the Fight for Coalfield Justice if Americans asked for it. In reality, the opposites are of media, some based on stereotypes (2006, Bullfrog Films). She looks at resolutely true. Surveys by the Public Policy Polling of coal mining society. Fortunately, coal-mining issues in the twenty-first show that Americans want the environment protected conscientious documentarians have century, focusing on the destruction and peer-reviewed studies confirm that we cannot af- surfaced over the years. They counter that occurs as a result of mountaintop ford to wait any longer to accept and proactively deal negative images of the region removal and offering a space for the hu- with climate change. After all, these are not political and examine the humani- man victims to ex- issues to be used; they are issues of conscience. tarian struggles that come Homemade press their outrage. Upon completing the two-year Berkeley Earth from the nation’s fossil HERITAGE In Coal Country Surface Temperature study, American physicist Rich- fuel dependency and its (2009, Evening Star ard Muller, a long-time climate skeptic, changed his inevitable consequences Productions) Phylis Geller and Mari- position. “Global warming is real,” he declared in the to Appalachians, their land, Lynn Evans issue a hard-hitting look Wall Street Journal, citing findings that global tem- and their culture. into the lives of those living with the peratures have risen around 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit Mimi Pickering’s Hazel Dickens: It’s devastation of mountaintop removal over the past 50 years. Hard to Tell the Singer from the Song (2001, or residing in the dark shadows of coal- It’s unlikely these are the results that the right- Appalshop) gives a glimpse into the life fired power plants. wing Charles Koch Foundation (one of the study’s of the singer/songwriter powerhouse. Viewpoint David Novack’s Burning the Future: funders) had expected or hoped for. The foundation Viewers witness the power of song as Coal in America (2008, Specialty Studios released a statement reminding that, amidst the me- protest when they hear Dickens croon stuff. Then he decided to eat, drink God created the mountains so we Entertainment) dispels the industry- dia frenzy, the Berkeley study is under peer review. A Simple “Black Lung” a cappella in homage to and be merry. God called him a fool! could destroy them in order to inspired myth of “clean coal” as he ex- But Koch is a climate change denier, not a skeptic, an her brother who died from the dreaded Approach to Greed is at the root of almost become even richer; in fact, the plores the toxic sludge and slurry ponds Everyday Appalachians’ stories are heard through cultural and environmental documentaries important distinction as one changes their views to fit miners’ disease in a state of destitute every environmental problem Biblical witness declares just the that result from “cleaning” the coal. produced by the Appalshop Media Arts Center and other studios. Photo Courtesy of Tom Hansell the evidence — the other ignores it. Stewardship poverty. the planet faces. Mountaintop opposite. When humans succumb Robert Salyer delves even further At a Nov. 14 congressional hearing organized An excerpt from a Pickering’s The Buffalo Creek Flood: removal coal mining is a great ex- to greed, our relationship with into the dangers of coal waste run amok everything in the sludge could be found and cultural survival after coal. by the ranking member of the House Energy and sermon by Pat Watkins An Act of Man (1975), her first documen- in Sludge (2005, Appalshop), which on the periodic table. Another ongoing documentary Commerce Committee, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Muller ample. All we seem to care about God is in peril. tary for the nonprofit media arts center Lots of people of faith have covers the 2000 Martin County, Ky., In 2009, Tom Hansell produced The project is examining the health tolls of briefed policymakers on the results of the study. There is selling coal in order to make a In the Old Testament, God Appalshop, offers tragic footage of the rejected the overwhelming at- coal slurry spill, when 306 million gal- Electricity Fairy (Appalshop) about the a different fuel. Acceptable Limits, which is no way to know, however, if Muller’s recommenda- few rich people even richer. It’s instructed the Israelites to allow 1972 slurry dam failure that killed 125 tractions of consumerism and lons of sludge burst through a storage building of Dominion Power’s coal- has been in production since Feb. 2011, tions will result in any positive change. not about supplying electricity the land to observe a Sabbath — or people. The testimony from victims of have begun to give simple gifts at pit and into two tributaries of the Tug fired power plant in Southwest Virginia examines an aging nuclear plant in Meanwhile, the EPA continues to fight off attacks or providing jobs in Appalachia. let the land lie unplanted — every the flood is compelling, as is the arro- Christmas. Consumerism, which Fork River. Salyer captures how coal and is currently working on another Erwin, Tenn., and the community im- by politicians clinging to the unsupported argument It’s about building even bigger seventh year. But the Israelites dis- gance of the Pittston coal executive, who seems to overshadow Christmas officials attempted to reassure people documentary, After Coal: Welsh and Ap- pacted by the plant’s perilous pollution. that environmental regulations kill jobs. Surveys by barns for those in power while the obeyed God and ignored the Sab- unabashedly talks down to Pickering far more than any theological re- of the benign nature of the sludge by palachian Mining Communities, which As threats to Appalachia evolve, so Public Policy Polling show that attacks on the agency’s people and the planet, continue bath rule to make more money with when she interviews him. flections, has caused untold dam- saying there was nothing to fear because explores Welsh lessons on community will the films that show the truth. ability to protect the air and water won’t get politicians to suffer. Greed is even more im- that planting. When greed becomes Catherine Pancake maintains a age to our relationships with each far with the majority of American voters. Among the portant than human life, as was more important than all else, our other and with the planet. And as results: 78 percent of voters want the EPA to hold pol- evidenced in the Upper Big Branch relationships with each other, the those relationships suffer, so too luters accountable for their toxic emissions. mine disaster of 2010 in which 29 planet, and God become compro- Grassroots Filmmaking in Appalachia does our relationship with God. finding funding and distributors for the project. It’s time to stop denying and start listening. How Massey Energy miners lost their mised and can be lost all together. By Tom Hansell recent project is titled After Coal: Welsh and Appalachian 2. Create Partnerships many more so-called studies funded by pro-industry Christian theology is clear. A Mining Communities. This documentary will examine how lives in the name of greed. As we enter this holiday sea- Amazing documentaries come from the Appalachian Connecting with groups and organizations that have climate change deniers will yield the same results, simple life, free of possessions, is a Welsh coal mining communities adapted after the nation’s The Psalms have beautiful son, may we contemplate a simple region. From the Academy Award-winning Harlan County, a stake in the people and issues of the project helps with while they continue to ignore the fact that 95 percent God-centered life in which spiritu- mines were closed, and explore how Appalachian mining words about the mountains: “The life for ourselves and our families U.S.A. to the recent premiere of The Last Mountain at the fundraising and assists with distribution of the documen- communities can learn from the Welsh experience to create of the scientific community accepts climate change? ality can have room to exist. Jesus Sundance Film Festival, these mountains are full of com- tary. Partners may be groups like the 13 members of the peaks of the mountains are God’s in terms of our gift-giving, and a healthy economy. In 2010, we saw the largest increase in carbon told a story in the New Testament pelling stories that have attracted documentary filmmakers Alliance For Appalachia, local collectives like the Birdhouse also,” and, “Let the mountains may we contemplate a simple life In the planning phase of a project, there two simple dioxide pumped into the atmosphere since the indus- about a farmer who at harvest had from across the world. in Knoxville, Tenn., or educational institutions such as local ideas I use to maximize the impact of my work: sing together for joy.” I can’t for the land as well. My prayer A great source of homegrown documentaries from community colleges, schools, or universities. trial revolution began — 564 million more tons than in more crops than he knew what to do 1. Clearly state vision and goals imagine what God must feel as for all of you this holiday season the Appalachian region is the Appalshop Media Arts Center Above all, I’ve realized that being true to the vision 2009, an increase of six percent. The approval rating with. Instead of giving away his ex- Although documentary is a visual medium, writing down in Whitesburg, Ky., where I have worked since 1990. Ap- for the project and cultivating patience and perseverance He watches the mountains of Ap- is that in love and light you will a plan will help achieve that vision. It is important to clearly of Congress is hovering around nine percent, the low- cess food, he decided to tear down palshop’s work provides an interesting model of how the helps create a better future for Appalachia and the world. palachia disappear. find your birth and that in peace state what the project is about and where it will be seen when est ever. I would not go so far as to claim that these his small barns and build bigger arts can help create sustainable mountain communities. Learn more about the grassroots films of Appalachia approaching people to interview or act as guides to locations. numbers are correlated, but I’m not going to deny it. Nowhere in the Biblical wit- and freedom you will continue to I was drawn to documentary filmmaking because of ones so he’d have room for all his A short written description is a valuable tool that will help in at appalshop.org. ness is there any evidence that redeem the Earth. my desire to make films that create a better future. My most

Page 22 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 23 The COAL REPORT News from Appalachia and Beyond The COAL REPORT News from Appalachia and Beyond Appalachian Coal Mining Jobs Reach 14-year High BLM / OSM Merger Postponed Proposed Coal Ash Regulations Weaker than Household Waste Laws Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has announced a Nearly three years after the Ten- standard for the management of coal ash ponds. Ratings assess the damage questing that coal ash be regulated as postponement of a merger between the Bureau of Land nessee Valley Authority coal ash di- ash ponds. that would likely occur should a dam hazardous waste. Increase Comes Despite Arguments that Regulations Kill Jobs ing Reclamation and Enforcement Management (BLM) and the Office of Surface Mining saster spilled over a billion gallons of Coal ash is the nation’s second- containing coal ash sludge fail. “High If passed, the Senate bill would Some congressional represen- of an interim guidance on surface from rewriting the federal stream and Reclamation Enforcement (OSMRE) to Feb. 15, 2012. toxic sludge into the Emory River in largest waste stream after municipal hazard” dams would endanger human block both of these proposals and leave tatives claim that federal oversight mine permitting in Appalachia buffer zone rule. The bill would In late October, Salazar announced the proposal and Harriman, Tenn., the U.S. Environmen- garbage. Coal ash slurry — a by-prod- life during a dam failure. coal ash disposal standards weaker of mountaintop removal mining in by the EPA, the number of Ap- also greatly restrict the surface min- received immediate and staunch criticism. Some argued tal Protection Agency is set to finalize uct of burning coal for electricity — is Just this past October, a bluff at a than the federal rules that govern Appalachia threatens domestic coal palachian miners has grown by 10 ing agency’s ability to regulate coal that the two agencies have little overlap and expressed guidelines regulating coal ash ponds. highly toxic. According to a 2010 EPA We Energies coal plant in Wisconsin household waste. The bill does not production and the regions coal percent. Based on this correlation, mines by prohibiting it from tak- doubts over whether the merger would be effective. Oth- However, a bill in the Senate could risk assessment, people living near an collapsed.and sent an estimated 2,300 require that states inspect ponds for mining jobs, but new government environmental groups contend that ing any actions that would reduce ers questioned if Salazar’s proposal is legal, since both put a permanent hold on the EPA’s unlined coal ash pond are at a 1-in-50 cubic yards of ash and soil from a for- structural stability, detect ground- data indicates the opposite is true. strengthened enforcement of mine coal mine employment, reduce the the BLM and OSMRE were created by acts of Congress. ability to create federal protections on risk of cancer from arsenic exposure. mer coal ash landfill into Lake Michi- water leaks, clean up or close slurry Data released by the Mine safety and environmental rules is amount of coal available for min- At a hearing held by the Energy and Natural coal ash. The same month that the coal gan. The EPA has presented two coal ponds that contaminate groundwater Safety and Health Administration creating jobs in Appalachia. ing, consumption, or export, or Resources Committee, panelists gave testimony Currently, there are no federal ash bill reached the Senate, the EPA ash regulation proposals for public or consider public health and the en- show that the number of jobs at Congress has held numerous designate an area as unsuitable for questioning the effects of the merger. West Virginia laws governing coal ash disposal. released new data showing a threefold hearings and comments. The agency’s vironment. Appalachian coal mines in the first hearings this year suggesting that surface mining techniques such as University College of Law Professor Patrick McGin- If passed, Senate Bill 1751, the Coal increase in the number of “significant Subtitle C plan would classify coal ash Proponents of the Senate and three quarters of 2011 is at its highest government regulation of surface mountaintop removal. ley noted the order was made with no prior notice or Residuals Reuse and Management hazard” coal ash ponds since the 2009 as a “special waste” and provide the House versions contend that any fed- level since 1997. In contrast to pre- mining leads to fewer mining Some members of Congress have consultation of Congress, coalfield citizens or the coal Act would essentially prohibit the inventory, which brings the total to strongest protections of the proposed eral regulation of coal ash will impair vious predictions by coal industry jobs. A Subcommittee on Energy claimed that deregulation of coal min- industry and argued that mingling OSMRE employ- EPA from implementing a national 181. There are 47 “high hazard” coal plans. The agency’s other proposal, job growth. A recent study from Tufts supporters, the number of miners in and Mineral Resources hearing ing is necessary to increase domestic ees with those of agencies that promote development Subtitle D, would rank coal ash as University shows that, even when Appalachia has increased by six per- in November involved legislation coal production. But, according to or use of coal is explicitly prohibited by the Surface “non-hazardous waste” but still allow using the coal industry’s significantly cent since the Obama Administra- introduced by Representative Bill the Federal Reserve data released in Mine Agency Releases Inspection Results, Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA). some federal oversight of its disposal. higher coal ash regulation cost esti- tion announced plans to strengthen Johnson (R-OH) called the “Coal November, the capacity of active and The BLM is the federal agency tasked with ad- Audited for Poor Fine Collection Since the rule-making process for coal mate, implementation of the EPA’s the U.S. Environmental Protection Miner Employment and Domestic permitted coal mines is the highest it ministration of the United States’ public lands, while In the wake of the 2010 Upper Big “increased agency attention and enforce- ash began, the agency has received Subtitle C proposal would create Agency’s scrutiny of mountaintop Energy Infrastructure Protection has been in 25 years. At the same time, the OSMRE, an unrelated branch of the Department Branch mine disaster in Raleigh County, ment.” Since they began, 6,383 citations, over 450,000 public comments re- 28,000 jobs. removal permits in June of 2009. Act.” Johnson’s bill would stop coal mine capacity is being utilized at of the Interior, is entrusted with implementation and W.Va., the Mine Health and Safety Ad- 614 orders and 22 safeguards have re- Since the April 2010 issuance the federal Office of Surface Min- its lowest rate in 25 years. enforcement of 1977’s SMCRA legislation. ministration announced a plan to increase sulted from 383 inspections. Delays and Setbacks for EPA Clean Air Rules their presence in monitoring mine sites for Nearly a week after the inspection safety hazards in Appalachia. The results results were announced, the Department The U.S. Environmental Protection nomic recovery. The delay comes despite of the October impact inspections were of Labor released an audit documenting Agency (EPA) has announced another new data showing the largest increase in announced Nov. 22. MSHA’s failure to effectively enforce and delay of new standards limiting the atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions The eight inspected coal mines were collect fines for violations under the Fed- greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired (for the year 2010) since the start of the issued 145 citations and 18 orders. A mine eral Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. power plants and oil refineries. The delay industrial revolution - 564 million tons in Pike County, Ky., operated by Viper MSHA is scheduled to release its of- is the latest setback for proposed clean air more than 2009 - a six percent increase. Coal LLC., received eight citations for ficial report on the Upper Big Branch Mine rules governing everything from smog to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson by Meg Holden mining in excess of the 20-foot maximum Disaster on Dec. 6. mercury pollution. reports that the finalized plan for power cut depth and exposing miners to poten- The full audit report concerning As the EPA plans safer air pollution plants will roll out early next year. The tially fatal roof falls. MSHA’s fine collection can be found on rules, some in Congress have criticized new deadline to finalize rules concern- Impact inspections target mines that the Office of the Inspector General‘s web- the EPA’s proposed regulations, alleging ing oil refinery emissions is now mid- have poor compliance history and require site: oig.dol.gov/auditreports.htm they would kill jobs and hamper eco- November, 2012.

newsbites from coal country ammonium nitrate used solely for the production Organic of explosives. A letter from Tawny A. Bridgeford, Surface Mines as Military Training Facilities: Military fight EPA: On Nov. 13, the 35th Governor of West the association’s deputy general counsel, claims Hair Design personnel bound for Afghanistan will be making a stop Virginia, Earl Ray Tomblin, was sworn into office at the the mining industry’s ammonium nitrate purchases www.OrganicHairDesign.com Pinnacle Fire, Lynn Willis in West Virginia to learn to operate Mine Resistant Am- state capitol in Charleston. Tomblin has continuously are adequately regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, AMPC Exhibition bush Protected vehicles. The trainings will take place denounced EPA regulations. In September, as acting Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and that “[The] on reclaimed surface mine land adjacent to the West Governor, Tomblin gave testimony at a Subcommittee Department of Homesland Security should have a at the Turchin Center Virginia National Guard training complex. The terrain on Energy and Mineral Resource hearing where he de- for the Visual Arts more accurate accounting for the costs of its regu- was chosen for its similarities to eastern Afghanistan. cried the EPA’s “anti-coal” agenda and claimed West latory program before finalizing its proposed rule.” in Boone, N.C. Baard Energy Drops Plans for Coal-to-Liquids Virginian’s owe their financial health partially to coal. Rich Campbell Investor Backs Away from Carbon-Capture “Be Good to Yourself Plant: Due to sustained and outspoken citizen op- Coal Industry Wants Homeland Security Exemp- Program: Ameren, a Midwest power company and Be Good To Our Planet” Associate Director, Public reception opening, People’s Choice position and financial setbacks, Baard Energy has tion: The Department of Homeland Security recently Outdoor Programs a primary investor in an effort to implement commer- “People’s Choice” Voting Deadline cancelled a proposed $5.5 billion coal-to-liquids plant accepted public comment on a 2008 rule proposing cial scale carbon capture and sequestration, backed 10% OFF 828.262.2475 voting begins. in Columbiana County, Ohio. The coal-to-liquids facil- the regulation of the sale and transfer of ammonium out of the venture over financial concerns. Originally Services & Products www.op.appstate.edu 7 - 9 p.m. ity would have used 9.3 million tons of coal a year, nitrate. Traditionally a farm fertilizer, the compound created in 2003, the venture FutureGen 2.0, received Thru January including Ohio high-sulfur coal. can be used to create bombs via widely available $1 billion through the American Recovery and Rein- February 3, 2012 March 30, 2012 Banner Elk West Virginia Gov. Tomblin Sworn in, Swears to instructions. The National Mining Association (NMA) vestment Act for the conversion of one power plant. has requested an exemption for the purchase of 898.8111 ...

Page 24 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 25 INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Rally to Save Ison Rock Appalachian Voices is committed to Hundreds of citizens gathered at U.S. Environmental Kids in the Creek: Connecting Youth to Their Watersheds protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region. Protection Agency headquarters in Washington, D.C., Alan Felker, eighth grade science teacher at Har- Our mission is to empower people to on Nov. 16 to call on the EPA and White House to block din Park Middle School in Boone, N.C., believes it’s a proposed mountaintop removal permit that would defend our region’s rich natural and destroy Ison Rock Ridge in Wise County, Va. More important to expose kids to the environment around cultural heritage by providing them than 2,000 residents living in the five communities them. In North Carolina, eighth grade students are with tools and strategies for successful that surround the mountain would be impacted by required to study state river basins and water qual- grassroots campaigns. Appalachian Voices sponsors the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper® and the permit. Members of the Wise Energy for Virginia ity issues. Felker took this opportunity to expose his is also a Member of the Waterkeeper® Alliance. Coalition joined Wise County residents and several students to our local and regional water programs. other groups to deliver a letter asking EPA officials to Erin Savage, Appalachian Voices’ Water Quality deny the 1,200-acre permit. Prior to to the rally, more Organizational Staff than 8,000 comments were submitted to the EPA asking Associate, spent a day in Felker’s classes talking with Executive Director...... Willa Mays the agency to keep Ison Rock Ridge standing. the students about topics ranging from protecting Programs Director...... Matt Wasson the Watauga River from pollution to Clean Water Deputy Program Director / Virginia Director...... Tom Cormons Act litigation in Kentucky. Later in the week, we as- Campaign Director...... Lenny Kohm Citizens Gather in D.C. We were honored to join Represen- congressional offices as well as the agen- Jim James, front man of the band, sisted with a field trip to a site along the New River, OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT tatives Kucinich, Slaughter and Yar- cies tasked with regulating mining. has been active in the movement. He for Mini-Lobby Week where students learned to measure stream velocity Operations Manager...... Susan Congelosi muth in hosting the film with non-profit produced Dear Companion, an album by Administrative Associate...... Shay Boyd This fall, citizens from across Ap- Big Thanks to My and turbidity, and identify macro invertebrates. After partners Natural Resources Defense Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore, Director of Membership ...... Parker Stevens palachia came to Washington, D.C., Morning Jacket completing the lab, students cleared several bags of Director of Foundation Relations ...... Rachael Goss Council, EarthJustice, and the Sierra who contributed the proceeds to iLove- to meet with decision-makers about trash from that section of the New. Director of Leadership Gifts ...... Kayti Wingfield Club Environmental Justice Program. On Aug. 21, My Morning Jacket Mountains.org and performed a concert Hands-on activities are connecting students at Hardin Park mountaintop removal and coal ash dis- “The New River is in our backyard, yet many PROGRAMS Appalachian Voices and the Al- and opening guest Neko Case played in Louisville last December benefitting Middle School in Boone, N.C. to their watersheds and helping students have never really explored the wonders of National Field Coordinator ...... Kate Rooth posal issues. Not only did these citizens them learn about issues ranging from water pollution to Clean liance for Appalachia host regular a concert in Charlotte, N.C., that ben- Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Legislative Associate ...... Thom Kay sit down and meet with their represen- this important river system,” says Felker. Water Act litigation. Photo by Erin Savage. events in the capital for citizens from efited Appalachian Voices. My Morning With the support of Air Traffic North Carolina Campaign Coordinator...... Sandra Diaz tatives, they also hosted a screening of In the spring of 2012, Felker’s students will begin Tennessee Director ...... J.W. Randolph Appalachia and around the country to Jacket is based in Louisville, Ky., and its Control, an organization that helps the film The Last Mountain on Capitol a study of Hardin Creek and explore the possibilities only educate his students, but also show them how Virginia Campaign Coordinator...... Mike McCoy gather and talk about the impacts of members have long been aware of the musicians promote social justice, My Water Quality Specialist ...... Eric Chance Hill which was open to all congressional of restoring sections of the creek between Hardin they can have a positive effect on their environment. mountaintop removal. This year alone, destruction in their home state caused Morning Jacket raised $2,882 for Appa- Water Quality Specialist ...... Erin Savage members and their staff. Park and Watauga High School. Felker strives to not hundreds of individuals have met with by mountaintop removal mining. lachian Voices at their Charlotte concert. Technology & Communications Technologist...... Benji Burrell IT Specialist...... Jeff Deal Universities Nationwide Screen The Last Mountain Communications Coordinator...... Jamie Goodman This November, universities across the country hosted screenings of The Last Americorps Communications Outreach Assoc...... Brian Sewell Americorps Public Outreach & Education Assoc...... Molly Moore Mountain as part of a coordinated effort to raise awareness about the impacts of INTERNS “What a great magazine!” mountaintop removal coal mining. Red, White & Water Research Assistant...... Amber Smith “I discovered your American University was one of many campuses that showed the film to Red, White & Water Research Assistant ...... Jordan Wise magazine while visiting a packed audience. Following the film, volunteers from Southern Appalachian Virginia Campaign Assistant ...... Stacy Casey Mountain Stewards of Southwest Virginia led a Q-and-A. Water Program Assistant ...... Jillian Kenny and found it to be Administrative Assistant ...... Burtie Bragg Appalachian Voices partnered with many local venues this summer to host uplifting and delightful! Graphic Design Assistant ...... Melissa Shields screenings of the film. It was released on DVD last month. For more information I plan on moving to your visit thelastmountainmovie.com. area and am thrilled to stay in touch through your magnificent magazine online.” Board of Directors —Best, Voices Chair ------Christina Howe Karen from California Appalachian Vice Chair ------Heidi Binko whose parents live in Secretary ------Cale Jaffe Vilas, NC Business League Treasurer ------Bunk Spann New & Renewing Members Members-At-Large — June/July 2011 Clara Bingham Rick Phelps Rev. Jim Deming Kathy Selvage Bare Essentials -- Boone, NC Care-Full Carpets -- Marshall, VA Dot Griffith Brenda Sigmon Mary Anne Hitt Lauren Waterworth Bob McD. Green & Associates Doe Ridge Pottery -- Boone, NC Silas House Willa Mays (Ex-officio) 828-737-0771 Landra Lewis Attorney at Law -- Johnson City, TN Green Tree Experts -- Hillsborough, NC PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country ... and online at Community Garden Market -- Berkeley Keeper Springs -- Dover, MA Advisory Council Jonathan C. Allen Randy Hayes CarolinaMountainLifeMagazine.com Springs, WV [email protected] Jessica Barbara Brown Liz Riddick Alfred Glover Van Jones To become a business member visit AppalachianVoices.org or call us at 877-APP-VOICE

Page 26 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012 December 2011 / January 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 27 Non-Profit Organization The Appalachian Voice US Postage Paid 191 Howard Street Permit No. 294 Boone, NC 28607 Boone, NC www.appalachianvoices.org

The 2012 Appalachian Mountain Photo Exhibition will begin Feb. 3 at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and run through June 2. The contest features six categories and amateur and professional photographers alike have submitted images related to life in Appalachia. Pictured above is “Not Fit for Man or Beast,” by Kristian Jackson, a 2011 AMPC Finalist. Read Kristian’s story on Southern nordic skiing beginning page 4 of this issue. Check out appmtnphotocomp.org for more info about the competition. GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events in the region Lewis Creek Restoration High Country Local CSA Workshop Tennessee Wild: New Year’s Day Email [email protected] to be included Dec. 10, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Volunteer Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m - 3:00 p.m.: Join NC Co- Hike in our Get Involved listing. Deadline for the with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy in Hender- operative Extension, the Appalachian Sustainable Jan. 1: Start 2012 right with Tennessee Wild next issue will be Friday, January 27, at 5 sonville, N.C. to restore a bog habitat and construct a Agriculture Project (ASAP), and a panel of success- on a hike to Big Frog Mountain. Lunch and a trail extension on Lewis Creek. Volunteers will spread ful local CSA farmers on Thursday, December 15, toast of sparkling cider will be provided. Total p.m. for events taking place between Feb. wood chips to help form the new section of trail and 2011 to learn more about the basics (in the morning length of this strenuous hike is close to 12 miles 5 and April 5, 2012. restore the ecological integrity of the bog by removing session) and detailed logistics (in the afternoon) of and involves more than 2000’ of elevation gain. invasive plants. Visit cmlc.org successfully running a CSA. $15 includes lunch. A short car shuttle is required. Limited to 12 Visit: highcountrylocalfirst.org ...... participants. Visit: tnwild.org...... Winter Warmer 2012 Sugarfest on Sugar Mountain ...... Coal River Mountain Watch Screening Jan. 21: The fifth annual Winter Warmer Beer Festival Dec. 10-11: Head up to Sugar Mountain during Ric Ledford and Reems Creek Incident The Last Mountain takes place at the Asheville Civic Center. Shake those win- Sugarfest for ski and snowboard equipment demos, Jan. 5: Check out this bluegrass four-piece at the ter blues with live music, fine food and tasty beverages. Dec. 15, 7 p.m.: Coal River Mountain Watch is bluegrass music, fireworks, preseason adult ski clinic Mountain Heritage Center’s regular First Thursday Proceeds from the event benefit environmental organi- hosting a screening of The Last Mountain at The featuring Olympians Diann Roffe, and Keely Kelleher, Concert and Jam. The Mountain Heritage Center is zation River Link. $39. Visit: brewscruise.com/beerfest Turnaround in Princeton, W.Va.. The special screening rail jam sponsored by RIDE Snowboards, and lodging part of Western Carolina University and the show is will include Bo Webb and others. Come out and learn ...... specials are some of Sugarfest’s fun happenings. open to the public at the center’s auditorium. Concert about the destruction of mountaintop removal in the Visit: seesugar.com/tourism/sugarfest 7-8 p.m., Open jam 8-9 p.m.. Free. Visit: wcu.edu Green Interfaith Network Speaker Series Coal River Valley and throughout Appalachia. Admis- Jan. 15: Green Interfaith Network, Inc is continuing ...... sion is free, donations are appreciated. Visit: crmw.net ...... its monthly Speaker Series on the intersection of Asheville Storytellers at UNCA ...... Winter Elk Watches faith and environment in Appalachia into 2012. Join Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m.: Listen to five master story- Jan. 14-15, 28-29, Feb. 18-19, 25-26: Visit the conversation in Johnson City, Tenn.. Free. Visit: Winter Solstice Night Hike tellers at the Center for Creative Retirement Reuter Kentucky’s Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park and greeninterfaith.org Dec. 22: Celebrate the darkness of the longest Center with tales to help you through the holidays. reserve your spot on the van to see these majestic night and quietly welcome the return of the sun to ...... Five master storytellers will delight us with tales of joy, animals, reintroduced to eastern Kentucky in 1997. the northern hemisphere on this short stroll (with stress and far-out family dynamics – all those things Package includes dinner and lodging night of arrival Blowing Rock Winterfest flashlights) to Hooker Falls, N.C.. Meet at Hooker Falls that appear center stage during the holiday season. (day before actual tour day) with breakfast and trans- Jan. 26-29: Join the Village of Blowing Rock to cel- parking lot, weather permitting. 7-9 p.m.. Free. Call $5/suggested donation. Visit unca.edu/ncccr portation to the elk site. $150 per couple. Visit: parks. ebrate the fun side of winter at the 14th Annual Blowing Environmental & Conservation Organization at (828) ky.gov/calendar/details/winter-elk-watches/16324/ Rock Winterfest! Chili Cook-Off, WinterPaws, an icy ...... 692-0385 and visit: eco-wnc.org. Polar Plunge, WinterFeast and more. Prices for events Brew & View Movie Night in Afton: The ...... vary. Visit: blowingrockwinterfest.com/ Last Mountain 2nd Annual High Country Telefest Ky Artists Partner for Clean Energy ...... Dec. 13, 7 p.m.: Join Appalachian Voices staff at Jan 21.: Join the High Country Nordic Association Dec. 29: Musicians Jim James of My Morning Jack- the Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Va. or a screen- at Beech Mountain Ski Resort for their 2nd annual Fly Fishing Course et, Ben Sollee, Daniel Martin Moore, and Dan Dorff ing of The Last Mountain, a documentary that shines Telefest, a friendly gathering of telemarkers to share Feb. 25-26: Anglers, rejoice! Winter winds give along with Kentucky authors Silas House and Jason a light on how America’s energy needs are met. All good company, equipment, and technique and way to warmer days and the fishing season nears. Howard are joining together to raise awareness and proceeds go to Appalchian Voices. Reservations are celebrate the revival of telemark skiing in the North Prepare to learn the essentials of fly-fishing from the funds for statewide grassroots organization Kentuck- suggested but walk-ins are welcome, 40 seats avail- Carolina High Country. There will be telemark skiing region’s finest instructors at Callaway Gardens in ians For The Commonwealth. Doors at 6 p.m., concert able. $7 Visit bluemountainbrewery.com workshops for men and women of all ability levels. Pine Mountain, Ga.. Two-day course is $295. Visit: at 7 p.m.. $35. Call (502) 767-5735 or visit: kftc.org Find the group on Facebook. callawaygardens.com Page 28 | The Appalachian Voice | December 2011 / January 2012