MTR in the news - from an email this morning

hi everyone, I got this email this morning from Appalachian Voices...
have a great day. -Suzy

---...---

news from AV outreach -

---...---

There have been some exciting new developments in our campaign
against mountaintop removal coal mining. The July issue of O Magazine
(Oprah's magazine) has hit the newsstands, and it features an
incredible article by Jeff Goodell about women in the West Virginia coalfields
who are fighting for their homes and families.

Some of these women have been part of outreach tours around the nation
with Appalachian Voices and Dave Cooper, so maybe you'll see a familiar
face. Be sure to pick up a copy soon! You don't want to miss this
amazing article.

Additionally, in the past week both the Presbyterian Church USA and the
Unitarian Universalist Association passed resolutions at their national
general assemblies expressing their opposition to mountaintop removal.
A copy of the press release is below, as well as links to the text of
the two resolutions.

-----------------------------------------------------

If you haven't already written a letter to your representative urging
them to co-sponsor the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2719), please
write one today! To find out if your representative has co-sponsored the
Clean Water Protection Act (HR 2719), click
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=84766967&u=779913:HR02719:@@@P.
If your representative is not on the list, please write them a letter
to the field office.

Visit
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=84766967&u=779914 for
important points to include in your letter.

------------------------------------------------------------------

For Immediate Release

Contact: Lenny Kohm at Appalachian Voices (828) 262-1500

June 29, 2006

Two Major National Religious Denominations Pass Resolutions Against
Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining

Within a week of one another, two major national faith groups passed
resolutions at their general assemblies opposing the widespread practice
of mountaintop removal coal mining in central Appalachia. Mountaintop
removal involves blasting off the top of mountains and dumping the waste
into valleys below in order to access multiple seams of coal.

One resolution, passed on June 22 in Birmingham, Alabama by the
Presbyterian Church/USA stated that, "Mountaintop removal coal mining
contributes to a cycle of poverty that has created high unemployment, high
illiteracy rates, record numbers of school closings and a lack of
opportunity in areas where coal is produced." The Presbyterian Church/USA has
over 2.5 million members nationwide.

The effort to pass the resolution was spearheaded by West Virginia
native Melissa Gee. "Someone once told me that Presbyterians don't go
alone. I now realize the similarity of that belief to the way I was raised
in West Virginia. The need for this resolution was clear; the people of
our nation's coalfields should not be sent out alone in the fight to
protect their homes and families," commented Gee.

The resolution cited a decreasing quality of life for nearby families
and communities due to flooding, blasting, dust and fallen rock, loss of
home and property, and destruction of "both the beauty and productive
capacity of the land" caused by mountaintop removal as a basis for their
opposition. The resolution passed almost unanimously.

On June 26 the Unitarian Universalist Association, representing more
than 1000 congregations nationwide, passed an action of immediate witness
concerning mountaintop removal at their general assembly in St. Louis,
Missouri. The action stated that the "Passage of H.R. 2719, the Clean
Water Protection Act, would amend the Clean Water Act to eliminate
mountaintop removal coal mining because coal companies would no longer be
permitted to dump waste into nearby streams and valleys."

Sarah Berel- Harrop, the sponsor of the resolution, said, "I was
overwhelmed with the support from delegates around the country. I am hopeful
that this action of immediate witness will spur members from their
congregations to learn more about and become active on this issue."

The two denominations have now joined several other national faith
groups who have outwardly expressed their opposition to mountaintop
removal, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal
Church, the United Methodist Church and the Catholic Conference of
Kentucky.

Link to full text of Presbyterian Church/USA's Resolution:
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=84766967&u=779915
Link to full text of Unitarian Universalist Association's Action of
Immediate Witness:
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=84766967&u=779916

----------------------------------------------------------------

Appalachian Voices brings people together to solve the environmental
problems having the greatest impact on the central and southern
Appalachian Mountains. We are a member-based organization with over 1,500
members, including hundreds of small, locally owned businesses from across
Appalachia. Joining with other concerned citizens of this region is the
most effective way to make your voice heard and to protect the natural
and cultural heritage of southern Appalachia.

Please join Appalachian
Voices today, visit
http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=84766967&u=779917 or
call toll free 877-APP-VOICE.

---...---

tags for this post - mountaintop removal, mountain range removal, mining, coal, Appalachia

Pet welfare event on September 16

Floyd County Humane Society

Pine Creek Rescue

Twin County Humane Society

…invite you to participate in Adoption Day and a Portfolio Art Show on Saturday, September 16^th, 2006, 11am – 4pm on the grounds of Chateau Morrisette, located at mile post 171.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Portfolio Art Show will be held on the second floor of the winery or in 2 tents and on the porch of the grounds of Morrisette nearest the front door of the winery.

Artists Details:

· Each artist is responsible for his or her set up with a card table, easel or portfolio. Lighting is encouraged should the exhibit be held indoors.

· Artists may display their works in spaces 5ft. x 5ft.

· 30 artists, 22 professionals and 8 student artists.

· Original arts and fine crafts (all mediums acceptable)-space dictates unframed work.

· $25 donation from professional artist for the space; $5 donation for student artists. Donation will include a 2007 membership to the animal group of their choice.

· Artists are responsible for their own sales and sales taxes with no percentages to the promoters and sponsors.

· Set up time for artists is from 9-10am

· The event (rain or shine) is from 11-4

· Deadline for registration is Friday, August 25. (Registration form attached)

Animal organizations will be located on the second level of grounds.

Animal Group Details:

· Each group is responsible for its own set up – tents banners, chairs, bottled water, etc

· Location will be the 2^nd tier of the grounds by the winery to be shared by the three groups

· Each group will have its own volunteers and fund raising plans

· Art Show income will be split equally among the three groups

· Groups will see that the ground is left as they were found. Quality clean-up

· Set ups can begin at 9, however the event does not start until 11.

· Each group is responsible for its publicity within their group.

The Twin County Humane Society seeks to enhance the lives of animals in Carroll and Grayson counties and the City of Galax. Primarily, the Society will provide education to the community, promote adoptions, and support and facilitate spay/neuter efforts. The Society will also offer support to other municipal and community organizations that promote the compassionate treatment of animals.

Floyd County Humane Society seeks to:

• To promote responsible pet ownership with a focus on spaying and neutering domestic and feral cats and dogs.

• To promote adoptions of homeless cats and dogs.
• To heighten our community's awareness of existing problems involving domestic and feral cats and dogs and, together, to implement solutions to these problems.
• To cooperate and share resources with other Humane Societies and similar organizations in our region.
• Although we are primarily concerned with cats and dogs, we are concerned with the welfare of all animals in our community.
  

Assistance with planning and coordination for this event is given by The Arts Council of the Twin Counties, The Jacksonville Center, Deez Beez and Parkway Naturals.

For more information about the event you may contact Twin County Humane Society at tchs01@earthlink.net or visit the website at www.tchs.chillsnet.com/ or the Floyd County Humane Society at www.nrvanimalshelter.com or fchumanesoco3va@hotmail.com. You may also call Betty Sutton, project chair at (276) 728-0036.

carbon culture in blacksburg

a memo to ideapark.org readers - carbon culture is playing at cabo fish taco at 11 pm this evening. cabo fish taco (formerly south main cafe and baylees) is located on main street in blacksburg, virginia.

floyd music news for june 23 - a press release

hi everyone,
below is a press release I got in the mail today...
ja ne, have a great day
please support independent art & music!
- Suzy

---...---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

---...---


Notification:  Tuggles Gap: SATURDAY LIVE! Concerts on the Lawn
are now PLAYMORE! MUSIC Lawn Concerts

Bernie Coveney and his production company Playmore! Music have been
engaged by Cherie Baker of Tuggles Gap Restaurant & Motel to produce
the Saturday afternoon lawn concert series that was announced in May.
Cheri and Bernie are combining their vision for providing a venue for
regional  artists in a relaxed family atmosphere at this historical
landmark just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd.

Bernie a consummate musician who teaches, or better yet, inspires his
students to find the musician within. Bernie has years of experience
writing and performing music. His musical roots are in blue grass but
his development as a musician has found him on stage with the likes of
Emmy Lou Harris, John Carlini & Steve Pague.  He can be heard several
nights a week at different venues in Floyd, VA, playing original
compositions, gypsy/jazz, bluegrass, blues, country and a little bit
of rock 'n roll. He likes playing with people who stimulate him and
says that Floyd has a lot of musicians who do that. To that end he is
opening up the stage at Tuggles Gap to both professional musicians and
"just for fun" musicians.

The concerts are from 12 to 3 every Saturday with an open mic from
1-2. Musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and sit in for a
jam or take to the stage for a solo.


EVENT:  Tuggles Gap: Playmore! Music Lawn Concerts


WHEN: Every Saturday High Noon to 3pm

open mic 1-2

June - October (rain or shine)


WHERE:  Tuggles Gap Restaurant & Hotel   Floyd VA

intersection of Route 8 and the Blue Ridge Parkway mile post 165


COST:  Free     (we will pass the hat for the performers)

---...---


The historic Tuggles Gap Restaurant is hosting a free lawn concert
series every Saturday afternoon. The musical style will range from
Gospel to Rock & everything in between.


Bring your dancing feet & kick up your heels or just relax in the
gentle arms of the Blue Ridge Mountains for an afternoon of simple
family fun.


This family oriented event will run throughout the summer and into the
fall. Regional musicians and performers will take center stage. For
those folks who are inspired to share their talents, the mic will be
open to them for part of the afternoon. Games & food will be available
or you can bring a picnic and blanket and just relax.

---...---

suggested queries for this post - Floyd, Virginia, music

---...--

---...---

image - content for beta loop #2

from the desk of David St. Lawrence

News from the Jacksonville Center - June 19, 2006

Good things are happening at the Center and we have adopted this new format to keep you informed of late breaking developments. Let us know if you would like to see additional information.

Things are heating up in the pottery studio

Gene Marrano of WVTF was on hand Saturday to see students of Tracy Dotson's "Raku Kiln Building and Wheel Throwing Class" as they pulled smoking hot Raku pots from barrels full of pine needles.

He toured the campus and interviewed several of us for his Studio Virginia show which airs on Thursday evenings. Those of you who listen to NPR might be interested in hearing what he has to say about the Jacksonville Center.

Your spare equipment can make a difference at the Jacksonville Center

You could really help us out by donating some items to help the Jacksonville Center present a better appearance and provide better service

1. If you have a spare riding lawnmower in operating condition, you can donate it to the center where it will get good use and you will get a tax deduction. We can also use any gas-powered weed whackers that you aren't using.

2. We can also use several boom-boxes for use in various teaching studios. Some students find that music helps them concentrate and we'd like to make their classes as productive as possible.

3. If you have any computers, tools or equipment that you no longer need, we will be happy to put them to use. Call Wayne or David at the center to arrange a pickup.

Summer volunteers gain skills and valuable experience

If your high school aged children want to work in a creative and stimulating environment, they might well follow the example of Molly Jones who was a volunteer in the pottery studio last year and has been promoted to studio assistant this year.

Creative young people can work in a supervised environment on the many tasks that go into keeping a non-profit art center running. They will get exposed to the challenges of helping staff meet deadlines, setting up workshops, in short, all of the challenges of business but in a supportive and artistic environment. Adults must sign a release for any volunteer younger than 18 years old.

Exposure to real life organizations as a volunteer staff member goes a long way towards preparing students for professional careers. Call David St Lawrence at 540-745-2784 for information.

There is still time to register for July Classes

There are classes in blacksmithing, pottery, stained glass, and watercolor starting during July. You can check the course schedules online at http://jacksonvillecenteronline.info.
Call 540-745-2784 to register.

This week's events - Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm

An artists reception will be held in the Community Hall on Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm for the Earth and Stone exhibit in the Hayloft Gallery

An exhibit will be held in Studio 124 on Saturday, June 24, 6-8pm to celebrate the beginning of the Traces 2006 summer show.


Thanks for your contributions and your continuing support.
Let me know what we can do to make the Jacksonville Center more useful to you.

David St Lawrence
Executive Director
Jacksonville Center

---...---
tags for this post - floyd, virginia, jacksonville center

---...- - news for June 16 2006 - - -

---...---

a memo to ideapark.org readers - carbon culture will be playing on june 23 at whiskers in floyd and at cabo fish taco in blacksburg the following day. - - -...--- - - - on june 24, there will be a free movie night at the public library in floyd. the movie Black Diamonds will be featured at 7 pm. -- - - ---...--- - - - on the evening of june 24 there will be a reception at the Jacksonville Center in Floyd for the new "Earth & Stone" exhibit in the Hayloft Gallery. - - -...--- - - - on the evening of June 24, the Traces gallery in Floyd will be celebrating the installation of the new summer exhibit, which features art, music, photography, and handmade musical instruments. Billy Miller & A'Court Bason will be helping to provide music on the evening of June 24. - - -...-- - - Please consult the ideapark.org loop for more details on these events.

---...---

from an email - june 16 2006

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a special meeting with the County School Board and Blacksburg Town Council, to discuss the old Blacksburg Middle School and the high school stadium. The meeting will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006 beginning at 7 p.m. at the (NEW) Blacksburg Middle School, 3109 Price’s Fork Road in Blacksburg.

This is a public meeting and citizens are welcome to attend, but the meeting is a work session for discussion among the officials, and does not include the opportunity for citizens to address the Boards and Council.

(The Board of Supervisors meets regularly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, beginning at 7:15 p.m. at the Montgomery County Government Center. These regular meetings often include public hearings on specific issues before the Board, and regularly include a time for “Public Address,” during which citizens may address the Board on any topic.)

---...---

press release from the Jacksonville Center -

“Earth and Stone” Exhibit at the Jacksonville Center

The Jacksonville Center is hosting a “Meet the Artist” reception for the “Earth and Stone” Exhibit on Saturday June 24, 6-8 P.M. The show features arts and crafts made from earth based materials. The exhibit is currently open to the public and will run until July 29, 2006.

Participating artists include: Anne Fournier Anderson, Charlotte Atkins, Jayn Avery, Ernest C. Bryant, Michael Chase, McCabe Coolidge, Chris Deerheart, Alina Ever, Pam Frazier, Carter Holliday, Suzy Nees, Sue Pollins, Gail Rolfe, Chris Shackelford, Gina Louthian-Stanley and Jeanne Woods.

The Gallery sponsors a ”People’s Choice “ award of $50. The public is invited to vote for their favorite piece. The winner will be announced at the end of the show.

For more information, contact the Jacksonville Center at (540) 745-2784 or visit www.jacksonvillecenter.org

The Jacksonville Center is located on Route 8 one half mile south of the stop light in Floyd ,VA.

Hours are M-F 8-5, Sat.10-5 Sun 12-5.

---...---

tags for this post - virginia, blacksburg, floyd, calendar, music, land art, stone sculpture, mountaintop removal

- - - Free Movie Night in Floyd - - - -

---...--- - - - ideapark.org news for june 11, 2006 - - --...--- Free Movie Night at the Library in Floyd on June 24, 2006 will feature the movie Black Diamonds. - - -...---- - - the film will begin at 7 pm. - - -...--- - - - -...---

press release from the Jacksonville Center

--...---

Jacksonville Center Names Executive Director

---...---

David St. Lawrence has been named the first Executive Director for The Jacksonville Center for the Arts, a non-profit organization based in Floyd. A native of Massachusetts, St. Lawrence is a retired high-tech executive with sixteen years experience in strategic marketing and business development and has held senior management positions in six successful start-ups. Most recently, he was a senior program manager for Sun Microsystems in Mountain View, California. He has a BSEE from the University of Massachusetts.

St. Lawrence relocated to Floyd in January with his wife, Gretchen, from Charlottesville, VA. He operates a custom woodworking business, “Box-Carts” and worked with thrown and slab-built pottery as a hobby. An avid writer with several weblogs, he is also the author of “Danger Quicksand Have a Nice Day”, a book about surviving corporate employment.

When asked how his corporate background helps the Center, David says, “Fifty years in the corporate trenches has convinced me that the make-break of any enterprise, including nonprofits, is whether the products and services are effectively marketed.” His small-town upbringing makes him aware of how valuable the remarkable culture of Floyd is.

“This is the same culture that built the Jacksonville Center and is one of its greatest strengths today. Any changes to the Center’s operation will be evolutionary -- not revolutionary,” he added.

“This appointment represents a major step forward in our efforts to continue providing high-quality programs in the arts,” says Wilmer Stratton, President of the Board of Directors. “We recognize the need for an executive director and have been working to achieve that goal.” The center now has 3 full time staff, 6 part time staff (including two Experience Works participants) and a large cadre of dedicated volunteers.

In a renovated dairy barn setting, The Jacksonville Center has undergone rapid growth since 2003. After opening Virginia’s first residential crafts school a year ago, the Center offers studio classes in blacksmithing, glassworking and pottery along with courses in many other mediums for the visiting public as well as local residents. Since 2003, the Center has served as Virginia’s first Cultural Arts Business Incubator and currently has ten tenants. The Hayloft Gallery at the Center offers an average of eight exhibits a year and a retail shop featuring work by local artisans. The Center is also home to the Sustainable Living Education Center, a partnership between Association of Energy Conservation Professionals, The Jacksonville Center, Architectural Alternatives and other organizations. Facility use rentals are also available for special events.

---...---

file under True Blue Heeler stories

hi everyone, o-genki desu ka?

well we had quite an adventure on the mountain yesterday

cleo is recuperating after biting a hole in my neighbor's tire as they were going up the driveway
(actually, she ripped the tire open in four places.)

We all thought that little dog was a goner, she was screaming so loud
it turns out her fang was stuck in the tire, and once she got loose she was fine.

her paw pads are very scraped up and she lost a bit of a tooth but she is alright
thank goodness for her guardian angels

anyway just in case anyone was ever wondering whether a 25 lb. dog is capable of tearing open the tire on a truck-like car they are welcome to my humble opinion: YES!

ja ne, have a great day
Suzy