HighVistas Fall and Winter Journal 2012-2013

HIGH VISTAS

Linvile River, NC, Š Pat & Chuck Blackley

Fall/WInter 2012-2013

Journal

A publication by FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway dedicated to increasing environmental education, interpretation and awareness of the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding corridor.

FRIENDS OF THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TRUSTEE BOARD Mark Dempsey

BOARD OF DIRECTORS J. Richard Wells, President Ken Randolph, Vice President Denise Koff, Secretary Ben Geer Keys, Treasurer Michael Baucom William Brenton, Jr. CFP, Lynn Davis, Mary Jane Ferguson, Jonathan R. Ireland, David Poteet, Elizabeth Sims

BOARD EMERITUS Mary Guynn, Dick Patterson, MD, J. Richard Wells ADVISORY BOARD

4 Linn Cove Viaduct Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

5 FRIENDS President’s Tribute

7 Planting Trees Inspire Youth To Become Future Stewards

9 Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Message 10 Blue Ridge Parkway’s Rock Churches and the Man Who Built Them

13 Blue Ridge Parkway Winter

15 Blue Ridge Parkway Appreciation Days Corrections from previous issue: Apple Orchard Falls, not Wigwam Falls, was pictured in pages 2 & 3.

Bella Mahfuz was not the author of An Unusual Spring Break for Vanderbilt University Students, Don Johnson was the author.

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STAFF Susan Jackson Mills, Ph.D., Executive Director Virginia Ehrich*, Director of Membership Services Fernando Gracia, Director of Volunteer & Chapter Development Mary Ellen Belcher*, VIP Program Jamey Miller*, Media Director

VOLUNTEER STAFF Pauline O’Dell, Membership Kathy Van Duzer, Office Assistant Linda Willard, Office Assistant

*Part-time Staff

HIGH VISTAS STAFF High Vistas Intern Director: Edward Gracia Journal Chief: Susan J. Mills, Ph.D. Editor: David Barstow Graphic Designer: Jill Darlington-Smith Darlington-Smith Graphics

The views expressed here are solely those of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the National Park Service or FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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© Pat & Chuck Blackley

features

Marcia and Dave Barstow, Pat and Chuck Blackley, George Blanar, Ph.D., M. Rupert Cutler, Ph.D., David Harrison, George Humphries, Dr. Harley Jolley, Fredrick Kubik, Cara Ellen Modisett, Dick Patterson, MD, Jamie Prince, Marla Tambellini

Blue Ridge Parkway - A Symphony of Color Article and Photographs by Ann and Rob Simpson

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rab your camera, pack a picnic basket, and head for the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall and winter as a great experience awaits you there.

Connecting Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway rolls gracefully through 469 miles of spectacular southern Appalachian Mountains. The Parkway is America’s most visited site in the National Park System and is especially glorious arrayed in crisp autumn colors that glide into the quiet winter months.

Fall comes early to the higher elevations and visitors to Mount Pisgah notice the change in seasons beginning in early September. Here Mountain Ash trees sport bright red berries that are relished by birds such as Cedar Waxwings and American Robins. Gray squirrels busily gather acorns from oak branches cloaked with spattered yellow, green, and brown leaves, while white-tail deer feed on nuts that have fallen to the ground. Cautious flocks of wild turkey are often seen in late afternoon slowly poking through tall grasses and fields at the edge of woods.

Nature continues to offer her feast of color in the lower elevations with peak

in Black Gum leaves

As you concentrate on the beauty of nature through the lens of your camera, your senses tune into the sounds and sights of all that the Parkway has to offer. fall season in mid-October. Shorter days and cooler temperatures act as a governing signal for deciduous trees such as oaks, maples, and hickories. Leaves contain many types of color pigments but the green pigment, chlorophyll, dominates the others as it works its magic changing carbon dioxide and water into sugar to feed the tree. With the reduced amount of sunlight, the chlorophyll fades revealing the hidden pigments that were cloaked all summer. A masterpiece in magnitude, nature paints a new canvas each fall on the hillsides, coves and mountains with brilliant strokes of red, orange and gold. The visual symphony begins with the rowdy reds of sourwood and black gum, followed by the daring oranges of sugar maple and sassafras. Mild yellows of hickories tame

the oration while the mellow oak browns fill in the background. As winter approaches, the crisp brown leaves drop covering the ground before the white snow of winter begins to fall.

Don’t forget to bring your camera as the astonishing array of colors that you see from the roadway and vistas can be enjoyed through pictures long after your journey has ended. To add perspective to your picture, try to include something in the foreground such as a tree, bush or rock. By placing the horizon high or low rather than directly in the middle, your picture will be more visually pleasing. The same goes for the main subject – have the most prominent object such as a waterfall slightly off to the side, rather than smack in the middle, to add interest to the photo.

If you have a polarizing filter, you can use it to help take the glare from water and shiny objects, and it will help bring out the color of fall leaves. Remember not to get too close to wild animals to snap a photo. If your presence causes any change in its behavior, then you are too close. As you concentrate on the beauty of nature through the lens of your camera, your senses become tuned into the sounds and sights of all that the Parkway has to offer.

fall Sour Gum fall lea v

es and berries

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 3

By Karen Hall

Linn Cove Viaduct Celebrates Its 25th Anniversar y

This is the third installment of the 469 mile Bucket List, which is a list of things I would recommend to anyone seeking a new adventure or side adventure while touring the Blue Ridge Parkway. They are adventures that are not well known but worth your time to explore.

© Pat & Chuck Blackley

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lanning a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway? It is not uncommon for frequent travelers to have a list of things they want to see. In this article I hope to make a suggestion that will intrigue you: I invite you to visit the Linn Cove Viaduct as we celebrate the anniversary of its construction.

The Linn Cove Viaduct turns 25 in 2012!

Dedicated on September 11, 1987, it has become a very special attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located on the Parkway near Grandfather Mountain, at a cost of $10 million dollars, the bridge that “floats” around the mountain was completed after several years of debate. The engineering marvel is located at milepost 304.

Before construction it became known as the missing link on the Parkway. Debates took place with Hugh Morton, the former owner of Grandfather Mountain, as to how they would bring the Parkway through this area. In 1966, ninety-four percent of the parkway was complete. A 7.7 mile section adjoining Grandfather Mountain remained to be constructed. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to acquire the rightof-way. Mr. Morton vehemently rejected the original proposals (using traditional road construction methods) because of the environmental impact upon the mountain and streams nearby.

In the 1970’s, an agreement was reached between Morton and the National Park Service.

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Luckily for us, this agreement included a novel design for a viaduct that would literally float around the mountain that Mr. Morton so wanted to protect.

This design involved very little destruction to Grandfather Mountain.

The difference between a bridge and a viaduct is that a viaduct could be assembled in segments. Figg and Muller Engineers, Inc. of Tallahassee, Florida, designed the viaduct with exactly 153 segments weighing in at 50 tons each. Each cantilevered segment was precast at a facility near the parkway, then transferred to the site, and assembled on-site using the continuous construction method. The only on-site construction was the pre-drilling for the foundation of the seven support footings.

The top-down construction allowed for minimal effect on the environment without heavy equipment tearing up the land. The only trees cut, trimmed or destroyed were directly beneath the bridge.

Throughout the history of the Parkway, stonecutters and masons were essential for the construction of bridges and retaining walls. Master masons were recruited from Italy on the original work of the parkway.

For the Linn Cove Viaduct, local stone was used and carved onsite.

It has received at least 11 design awards.

The S-curved bridge contains 180 foot spans, geometrically aligned, including reverse curvature. The viaduct stands 4,400 feet above sea level and is 1,243 feet in length.

Construction of the viaduct began in 1979 and the final construction was completed in 1983 by Jasper Construction. The rest of the road construction between Blowing Rock and the bridge near Linville Falls was completed in the next four years. With this completion, the Parkway now ran a span of 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Up Close & Personal The Linn Cove Visitor Center and bridge museum can be found at the south end with a trail enticing the traveler to walk underneath the viaduct. The hike is about one mile overall and includes an easy sloping path underneath the supports of the bridge.

It is paved, 1/3 mile, and very accessible. If you continue another 1/3 mile up the dirt path, you can access a huge boulder for the famous photo-op often seen on calendars and in table-top books. Hikers will also have access to the Tanawha trail from underneath the bridge.

What is the Tanawha trail you ask? The Tanawha trail is a 13.5 mile long trail that closely runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Beacon Heights parking area at MP 305.5 to Price Lake at MP 297.

At least two other viaducts were built on the parkway. One is located at mile marker 179.4 near Round Meadows. Double piers were built to support the bridge. It was built with steel and concrete. The purpose of this viaduct is to give the rider the feeling that the road is continuous rather than going up and down hills.

Completed in 1937, the second viaduct is located in Laurel Fork, Ashe County, North Carolina at mile post 248.9. Each section of the piers was formed by timbers and poured concrete on-site. Today, one will ride over this viaduct without ever knowing it is there; which is exactly what the engineers had in mind.

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Tribute to Richard Wells

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Dedication, Commitment and Love of the Blue Ridge Parkway

RIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway just will not let Richard Wells go, as he has been Board of Director’s president for many years, because he backed up his dreams of helping his beloved Blue Ridge Parkway with dedication and commitment to their cause. And as author William Longgood said, “dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.”

Wells, president and publisher of Leisure Publishing Co., which produces Blue Ridge Country and other publications, used those resources to “play a key role in bringing together a three-state initiative to invite travelers and nature lovers throughout the East to experience ‘America’s Favorite Scenic Drive,’” according to his bio on the FRIENDS website.

Wells grew the membership of FRIENDS from 876 to 9,300+ in his 11 years as president. That translated into millions of hours of volunteer work valued at many more millions of dollars to the benefit of the Parkway. It resulted in thousands of trees planted to preserve Parkway views from development, hundreds of miles of trails and overlooks adopted and maintained, and thousands of dollars in funds collected for the Parkway from donation boxes and fundraisers. When you add all these millions and thousands and hundreds together, it equals evidence of one man’s devotion to the country’s long and winding park.

But Wells’ contribution cannot be limited to numbers. He envisioned things. He loved the whole idea of communities planting trees, of people from the age of eight months to 89 years out there planting trees together, said FRIENDS Executive Director Susan Mills. He and his wife, Alison, worked alongside them. “He loved the idea of ‘kids’ bringing their friends and family back to water ‘their’ trees. Richard has created a

legacy for future generations through his actions and commitment to FRIENDS. In the history of any organization there are very few that reflect Richard’s level of dedication!”

Wells also succeeded in getting a FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway Virginia license plate produced, which means that, at present, nearly one thousand cars driving around the state and nation advertise the scenic Parkway. And a license plate for motorcycles is in production. Accomplishing this task was a real challenge -- three years in the works, but Richard made it a reality!

Long-time FRIENDS board member Lynn Davis called Wells “masterful” at sticking to the organization’s mission, at working with people, and at going over and above in guiding the organization.

Ben Geer Keys of Keys Natural Images praised Wells’ “energy, passion, vision and commitment” to the Parkway and his vital role in the success of FRIENDS. Dan Brown, retired Parkway superintendent, said, “His love for the Parkway and commitment to its mission have always

been, and I am sure will continue to be, outstanding.”

Park Superintendent Phil Francis said Wells’ “love for the Parkway and the FRIENDS organization is evident by the passion Richard consistently displayed as he looked for new and better ways of reaching our goals.” Thanking Wells for his friendship and support over the years, Francis said, “I know that Richard really cares and is a true friend of the Parkway.”

Wells will continue to support FRIENDS and the Parkway as treasurer of the FRIENDS board.

The incoming president, Ken Randolph, said Wells “has consistently demonstrated leadership and professionalism in all aspects of his role as president of FRIENDS.” Randolph finds it challenging to follow in Wells’ footsteps, but said Wells has “devoted his time and resources to ensure that the transition occurs as smoothly as possible. Richard’s proven ability to maintain a steady focus and commitment to the core principles established by the organization, while also approaching new concepts and ideas with an open-minded spirit, has paid huge dividends over the years.” Randolph looks forward to Wells’ continued friendship and to his influence in “helping the friends group grow and prosper.” Friends is one of the largest friends groups in the nation.

T H A N KS TO OU R I N-K I N D CON T R I BU TORS We wish to thank the following for their important in-kind contributions:

Amelia’s Cuisine Ballyhack Golf Club Bergland/Farrell Foundation Best Printing, Inc. Blue Ridge Beverage Blue Ridge Country Magazine Bojangles – Brambleton Avenue

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock Darlington-Smith Graphics Dominion Images F & W Office Park, III,LC. Frank’s Pizza on Brambleton Avenue FRIENDS’ Chapters FRIENDS’ Staff & Office Volunteers

Fresh Market Greenbriar Resort Mary Guynn Kroger Leisure Publishing Company McAlisters Deli Noke Truck

Plastics One Primland Resort Residences at Biltmore Shenandoah Club Simply I Framing The Sourwood Inn Walmart

Wildflour Restaurant Wintergreen Resort and Club Woodmen of the World World Market

If your name did not appear on the list and you made a contribution between March September 2012, please contact us.

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 5

Autumn Along the Parkway

By Peter Givens

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n some ways, autumn is a familiar season that brings a briskness to our ancient and settled landscape. It finds us scrambling through trunks and closets for a favorite sweatshirt. One morning you wake up and the whole atmosphere that seemed dingy on those sultry days a few weeks ago is wiped magnificently clear. The foliage is the most notable sign of the season, bringing visitors here for the crimson and gold display.

But perhaps you can slow down this autumn to consider how this winding road reveals and connects stories of our region that may not seem at first to be part of our mountains. While enjoying the autumn leaf color, harvest time on the plateau or church congregations stirring apple butter, we may also consider the

snapshots of Blue Ridge heritage found along the way.

Consider that Robert E. Lee rode up the Peaks of Otter in 1867 accompanied by his daughter Mildred who recorded in her diary their time spent “gazing down on the glorious prospect beneath.” She noted that her father seemed sad and lost in thought. Private Frank Smith of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry scrambled up these mountains as well as part of Hunter’s Raid in 1864. Sounding every bit the modern Parkway visitor, he noted that “as far as the eye can reach, a fine undulating country is seen.”

At Gillespie Gap in North Carolina, take time to consider that Revolutionary War soldiers, many of them from southwest Virginia, crossed what is now the Parkway corridor headed for Kings Mountain, a vital Patriot victory in the last year of the Revolution.

Pay particular attention to the five major river crossings of the Parkway that bring stories of natural history, varying ecology, diversity of wildlife, and sometimes unique species.

In the high mountains south of Asheville while poking around in Parkway communities this October, don’t forget the rich heritage of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, so evident on the landscape they cherished.

What is the common denominator of these opportunities… of capturing these stories? It is, of course, taking the time. If we slow down this fall, listen to the stories that are told, and let our minds escape the fast pace of normal life, we will see - as many have seen over past decades – that this graceful heritage corridor in so many ways defines and impacts who we are in the Blue Ridge. It is ours to protect and cherish for generations to come.

Blue Ridge Parkway Inspiration Reflected In Stained Glass

By Greg Magruder

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am a native of western North Carolina, born and bred in Asheville, NC. I have been walking the trails, and riding along the Parkway for as long as I can remember. I am never at a loss for a beautiful view of nature no matter what time of day I travel.

The Blue Ridge Parkway was my greatest inspiration to be an artist.

As a stained glass craftsperson, my subject matter consists of the mountain vistas, streams, ridges and valleys that make up the Blue Ridge. I often stop along a trail and soak up the details of the skyline and the surroundings. Rarely do I ever look at the scenery and see the same thing twice - I see just a little change in the color or the contrast of the trees against the sky.

The mountains are forever changing from season to season and even from day to day. I love the hues and colors of the spring through fall seasons, but am just as happy with the bare trees of winter.

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My work incorporates not only the beauty of stained glass within its color, but also metal overlays depicting various types of indigenous trees. I try to give my work depth by placing the trees in the foreground of each of my panels. I like to think that the end result is very much like looking through the lens of a camera, viewing the entire scene within the broad scope that the lens can frame.

Over the years I have had a close relationship with the Blue Ridge Parkway.

In my previous career, I worked for the Southern Highland Craft Guild at the Folk Art Center and with FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I am currently a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. My work is available along the Blue Ridge at Allanstand Craft Shop located in the Folk Art Center in Asheville and at the Parkway Craft Center located in the Moses Cone home in Blowing Rock. I am happy creating glass panels for visitors to the area as well as for local folks who want to include the stained glass mountain views in their own homes or businesses.

I am thankful that I have been given a gift to create what I love to look at in nature.

Without a doubt, the Blue Ridge Parkway has had a great influence on my work as a craftsperson.

Next time you are out on the Parkway, stop and spend a little more time taking a good long look at the natural beauty of the mountains and give thanks.

To view more of Greg’s work, please visit his page on the Southern Highland Guild’s website at http://www.southernhighlandguild. org/pages/members/member-detail. php?id=8143 and click on “View Gallery”.

If you are an artist and would like to share how your work has been influenced by the Blue Ridge Parkway, submit a 300-500 word story to Staff@FriendsBRP.org.

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Planting Trees Inspires Youth To Become Future Stewards

By Sally Harris

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f the oohs and aahs stop coming, so will the people!

A high percentage of Blue Ridge Parkway travelers consider scenic views its main attraction. Blazing fall leaves, summer lushness, long-distance vistas, and flower-filled meadows draw visitors to the 469 miles of road through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

Over time, the encroachment of housing developments and commercial establishments diminished scenic quality in places.

To help alleviate the problem, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is planting trees -- its Viewshed Restoration Program.

This spring, about 150 people from the Bamboo Gap area, milepost 285, near Boone, NC, will plant 1,180 trees in one morning. It’s shovel-and-muscle labor, but community and Parkway officials, politicians and Parkway rangers will mingle with volunteers; and food and music will make the work easier.

The High Country Chapter of FRIENDS, which encompasses a 44-mile stretch of Parkway, will conduct the planting along a quarter-mile section that skirts the Turtle Creek town-home development.

“Some trees have been cut down or were not there in the first place,” said Michael Kebelbeck, chapter chairman.

Park engineers will stake out tree-planting locations. Volunteers—students, children, community members, and FRIENDS— will plant the trees and water them – an act of love for restoring Parkway views! The 780 white pine and short pine will back up 400 hardwood oaks and maples on the Parkway’s 30-foot easement, matching the area to adjacent sections of the Parkway.

“The project is ‘a win-win situation’ for both the Parkway and the developers,” Kebelbeck said. The trees block the noise of Parkway vehicles from the townhouses, and also give Parkway travelers a natural view. The involvement of young people is crucial. “We hope to work with the

“The earlier we get young people as volunteers in the mountains, with trail maintenance and planting trees, the more they stick with it – becoming our future stewards of the Parkway.”

Each family will plant five to seven trees. The youngsters will remember the family experience and can some day show their own kids, “These are the trees we planted.” That will, he hopes, get a new generation hooked on nature.

Kebelbeck anticipates local residents will volunteer for the event. FRIENDS is attempting to raise $10,850 for the project.

Together we can make a diffe

We cannot plant without your donations.

make our Come help, su project a ccess.

principal of the Parkway Middle School and parents to get kids to be stewards of the land,” Kebelbeck said.

rence.

Mail your d onation tod ay!

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 7

Former Miss America Loves Her Parkway Heritage Kylene Barker McNeill, who became America and traveled the world that she Virginia’s first Miss America in 1979, grew truly learned to appreciate the beauty of up two miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway her roots. in Carroll County’s Pipers Gap. Her dad, “There is not a more scenic drive in the Kyle Barker, who still lives there, even world than the Blue Ridge Parkway,” she remembers seeing the Parkway being says now from her home in Canada, where built. He volunteers with FRIENDS and she lives with her husband, Ian McNeill. especially likes to work with the Notre “Every day we hear how our environment Dame University students who spend is being compromised in so many ways,” their spring and fall breaks volunteering Kylene says. ”It’s time that we truly pay on the parkway. attention and help FRIENDS of the Blue Although Kylene drove the parkway Ridge Parkway preserve, promote, enhance • The Musicians • every summer weekend to her lifeguard and protect this wonderful park. Sixteen job at Groundhog Mountain during high million people visit the parkway annually. school, it wasn’t until she became Miss When you think of national parks – you may think of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, yet the Blue Ridge Parkway has more than twice the combined visitation of all of these parks.

We who love it need to help keep it beautiful. You’ve heard the slogan Keep America Beautiful. My new slogan is...

For as little as $30 a year, you can play a part to ensure that future generations can enjoy the view from that favorite overlook or picnic spot along the 469-mile stretch of scenic wonder. You can help -- email your friends and family and tell them to become a FRIEND today.

Let them know they can learn more by visiting www.BlueRidgeFriends.org or calling 800.228.PARK (7275).

twice. Currently you can find Steve working in several band configurations, as well as teaching Mountain Music Class at Ashe County High School.

Gerald Anderson lives in Troutdale, Virginia, a small rural town in musically-rich Grayson County.

Gerald began building stringed instruments in 1976 while apprenticing in the shop of legendary guitar builder and player Wayne Henderson. During the 31 years that Gerald worked in Wayne’s shop he honed his craft of guitar and mandolin making, as well as picking up a lot of great jokes, and some of the finest guitar playing by Wayne and his constant flow of hot-picking friends. Gerald has become known over the years as a talented luthier and a gifted player. The ultimate achievement for Gerald was winning the prestigious Guitar Contest at the 2003 Galax Old Fiddler’s Convention.

Jimmy Edmonds, legendary instrument maker and musician, was inspired at a very early age by his father Harry Edmonds who handed down this special gift from his father, Jimmy’s grandfather Norm Edmonds. Child prodigy, Edmonds began winning prizes for his incredible fiddle playing as early as age 6, taking home Special Outstanding Individual Award at Galax Old Fiddlers Convention. Jimmy has become one of the region’s most distinctive craftsmen. “I learned much of my craft from my dad who was one of the most unique builders I had ever seen always trying to build something different than anyone else. I worked with him to create some great instruments and use many of his tools and ideas today.” Jimmy started making fiddles in 2001 and guitars shortly afterwards. After years on the road touring and working as Music Director of Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Opry, Jimmy returned to his hometown where he opened up shop on South Main Street in Galax. Music and hand skills have a long history in the Edmonds family. Jimmy is one of the premier Blue Ridge fiddlers today.

Wayne Henderson is the Appalachian guitarist the Nashville pickers talk about, the one who lives in a remote area of the Blue Ridge and makes acoustic guitars with amazing tone, the ones that are so hard to get. Sometimes Wayne’s playing is mistaken for flat-picking but actually he uses a thumbpick and fingerpicks to achieve lightning speed and fluidity, transforming fiddle and banjo pieces and even the occasional jazz standard into stunning guitar solos. In 1995 Wayne Henderson received the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, the nation’s greatest honor for those who practice traditional arts. These days he enjoys spending most of his time in his saw-dust covered workshop in Grayson County, Virginia, where a festival has been established in his honor. Every 3rd Saturday in June the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition is presented at Grayson Highlands State Park.

Steve Lewis is a banjo/guitar player from Todd, NC. He has been playing professionally since age 10. He’s worked in several bands recording with major record labels. In the past 15 years he has competed in the contest circuit having won such events as Wayne Henderson Festival guitar competition, Merlefest guitar and banjo contests, Renofest guitar and banjo contests, Nashville Guitar College guitar contest, the New England banjo contest and the National Bluegrass Championship

Kylene with Superintendent Francis and VT Coach Beamer at the FRIENDS Golf Classic.

Jeff Little is a remarkable musician, steeped in the tradition of his native Blue Ridge, yet also a virtuosic and eclectic innovator. With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception – and a remarkable one. Jeff comes from Boone, North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge. So it is perhaps not so surprising that Jeff began playing piano at age five. His family ran Little’s Music Store in Boone, where musicians of all types frequently dropped by to play a tune. Among those was Doc Watson, a neighbor and close family friend whose music helped shape Jeff’s unique piano style. Jeff has released four CDs and has been featured on National Public Radio several times. Other performances include The Smithsonian Institution, The National Folk Festival, and The National Council For The Traditional Arts American Piano Masters Series.

Josh Scott is an accomplished bass player with over ten years of professional experience. Growing up in the Blue Ridge mountains of northwest North Carolina the music of the area was a very influential part of his childhood. Josh started playing the upright bass at the age of 13 and within the first year was a founding member of the local bluegrass band Standing Ground. Since then Josh has performed with a number of great musicians including Doc Watson, Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen, Wayne Henderson and many more. His experience has led him to be an in demand studio musician and live performer.

© Nye Simmons Photographer

Crooked Road

Helen White is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter/composer whose composition projects have received national attention and awards. Her biggest notoriety however has come as Founder and Regional Director of Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc.(www.regionaljam.org) introduces Appalachian children to their musical heritage through small group instruction in instruments common to the mountain region.

Programs currently exist in 3 states with a goal of making music instruction available throughout the Southern Appalachians.

“Keep the Blue Ridge Parkway Beautiful for America.”

A True Parkway Supporter

or more than a decade Appalachian are also proud to provide electric service Power has been a partner and a proud to this same historic and beautiful part of corporate member of FRIENDS of Virginia. We urge everyone to do what you the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now the American can to help FRIENDS achieve its mission,” Electric Power Foundation has recently says Mark Dempsey, Appalachian Power taken a leadership role with $50,000 Vice President of External Affairs. challenge grant to jump start FRIENDS 25th Anniversary!

Appalachian Power is challenging other corporations to join FRIENDS and support their 25th anniversary.

“We support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway because of the important work they do, using volunteers to preserve and protect the national treasure Richard Wells with Mark Dempsey, Appalachian Power, and that is the Parkway. We BRP Superintendent Francis.

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along the

Spencer Strickland was born into a musical family and began taking mandolin lessons from local player and sound engineer Wesley Easter when he was 10 years old. His playing developed quickly, and in 2004 he became one of the youngest contestants to take home the coveted title of “Best All-Around Performer” at the Galax Fiddlers Convention and later won the mandolin contest at Merlefest. Spencer apprenticed with Gerald Anderson in mandolin making through Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program. Since the apprenticeship, Spencer has opened up his own instrument making shop in his home town of Lambsburg, located in Carroll County, VA and he now tours professionally with The Kenny & Amanda Smith Band.

Thank You Appalachian Power

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Christmas

Promoting the Parkway’s Musical Legacy

By Su Clauson-Wicker

Blue Ridge mountain music is another part of Kylene’s background she’s striving to preserve. The Blue Ridge region has produced more old-time and bluegrass musicians per capita than any other area; it is the epicenter of many of America’s living music traditions. Kylene’s father is a volunteer for the Blue Ridge Music Center, as well as for FRIENDS. Through him, Kylene has met many talented regional musicians. She’s hosted a show at Galax’s historic Rex Theatre and arranged for seven area musicians to perform at a Bluegrass Golf Tournament at her winter home in Naples, Florida.

“I fell in love with this music,” Kylene says.

“I asked Crooked Road musicians Gerald Anderson and Spencer Strickland to help record a Christmas music CD; I served as executive producer, and Christmas Along the Crooked Road came out last Christmas. Even in summer, it puts me in a great mood to hear “Deck the Halls” played by two-time National Banjo Champ Steve Lewis, and Jimmy Edmonds’ fiddle rendition of “Away in a Manger” is so ethereally beautiful it will bring tears.”

To purchase the CD, check out FRIENDS on-line store at www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org.

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FRIENDS’ Superintendent Message “When a VIP agrees to share his talents, skills and interests with the National P a r k Service, he is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession – his time.” George B. Hartzog, Jr. National Park Service Director 1964–1972 The National Park Service VolunteersIn-Parks Program (VIP) was authorized

by Public Law 91-357 enacted 1970 under Director Hartzog. The primary purpose of the VIP program remains the same today as it did forty years ago - to provide a vehicle through which the National Park Service can accept volunteer support in such a way that is mutually beneficial to the National Park Service and the volunteer.

State Employee Or Retired State Employee ~ Give Back ~ It’s easy – no checks to write or envelopes to seal. If you’re a state employee in Virginia or North Carolina, you can give back to FRIENDS through one of two employee campaigns. Support FRIENDS Parkway programs through your monthly contribution For Virginia the code is 3535 CVC is online at cvc.vipnet.org/about.htm.

For North Carolina the code is 3608 NCSECC is online at ncsecc.org.

Follow FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway

VIPs come from all over the world to help preserve and protect America’s natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Volunteers of all ages give of their time and expertise to help achieve the National Park Service mission.

Today’s volunteers are active, dynamic, creative individuals who possess the skills, desire, patience and time to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. With gratefulness, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a recipient of a share of those volunteers interested in giving back to National Parks and their communities. In 2011, over 1800 volunteers generously gave approximately 65,000 hours of their time in service to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While the Parkway works with many organizations and volunteers to achieve many initiatives, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is the primary partner organization committed to furthering volunteerism on the Parkway. Through

of the Blue Ridge Parkway

FRIENDS 25th Anniversary Golf Classic Friday, May 31, 2013 Ballyhack Golf Club Roanoke, VA Anticipated as another SELL OUT event!

Special “Early Sign Up” Deal...

Sign your team up and pay before December 31, 2012 and Receive 4 FREE Mulligans + 4 FREE Putting Contest entries for your team!

Call 800.228.PARK (7275)

its network of community based chapters across the Parkway region, management of the highly successful Adopt-an-Overlook and Adopt-A-Trail programs, coordination of alternative spring and fall breaks for college students, and many other hands-on work opportunities for all ages, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway truly values volunteer service.

Valuing volunteer service will be increasingly critical in the ability of the Parkway to achieve its mission.

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has set the standard for volunteerism on the Parkway, and I look forward to our continued work together in the coming year.

Pre-Purchase Your Book ~ Call ~ 800.288.PARK (7275) Blue Ridge Parkway Poetic Visions celebrates the Parkway and the 25 years of service provided by FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Members, as well as the public are invited to submit poetry, including haiku, journal entries, and brief vignettes of Parkway related themes. Selections in the 300 – 400 word range would be ideal and shorter formats such as haiku would have a place as well.

Have you made your submission to this incredible book?

$44.95 Blue Ridge Parkway Poetic Visions Photography by Nye Simmons Essays and Verse by Friends of the Parkway

Silver Anniversary Edition

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway Celebrating 25 Years of Service

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 9

Blue Ridge Parkway’s Rock Churches and the Man Who Built Them

By Su Clauson-Wicker

T

he historic Rock Churches rise like rustic temples from the ridges of Floyd, Patrick, and Carroll counties along the southern Virginia section of the Parkway. Their quartz stone glows with dazzling radiance on sunny days and all seems right in this corner of God’s world.

Ironically, these serene churches were built by a man who described himself as a drinker and gambler, someone who didn’t think twice about grabbing his pistol and heading into a brawl just for sport. Bob Childress wasn’t alone in his lawless behavior; many neighbors supported themselves by selling moonshine and his hollow was known for its murders, drunkenness and poverty. His first memory was of being drunk at age two.

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But all of that changed in 1910, when Bob Childress awoke from a drunken stupor and followed the sound of singing into a Methodist revival. Eventually, he became a preacher, even though it meant going back to school with his own children.

He built churches -- six of them -raised up from the white quartz rock of the mountain fields. The chapels are spread along the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Mileposts 174 and 192. Bluemont Presbyterian (Milepost 192) and Mayberry Presbyterian (Milepost 181), both pastored by a Childress grandson, can be glimpsed along the east side of the Parkway.

The Childress rock churches are now on the Virginia Register of Historic Places.

Rev. Childress has become a legend, especially after a Philadelphia newspaperman

published in 1970 the book, The Man Who Moved a Mountain, about the courageous country pastor. The book, by Richard Davids, is still available at Childress rock churches and other stops along the Parkway.

Although Bob Childress died more than 55 years ago, you can still find elderly parishioners at the rock churches who tell you stories about how Bob Childress helped them get through school or survive a family hardship.

LaNita Harris, who sometimes organizes tours of the rock churches, was baptized as a child by Childress. “You hadn’t really had Sunday until you’d been hugged by Rev. Childress,” she said. “He did his greeting on the way in because he lit out to preach at another church immediately after the service.”

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All the little country churches are faced with the shining white rocks that Bob Childress thought would withstand a “rocking” by stone-throwing ruffian boys. Each church has its own architectural style. Sometimes the white quartz rocks were used to build dazzling rock altars in the sanctuary; other interiors are serenely simple, with bare wood floors and a pine altar.

The Dinwiddie Church’s 20-inch thick walls were hauled all the way from Buffalo Mountain, a distant hump on the horizon from Dinwiddie’s front door. When Childress rock-faced its walls in 1948, he enlisted the help of stonemasons from Tennessee and later local bricklayers. You can see the difference in the small, orderly lines of the brick by these men and the more random style of the fellows accustomed to working with big rocks.

Childress started his ordained ministry in 1926. The 36-year-old newly ordained pastor started out by taking his wife and seven children to a hollow below Buffalo

Mountain to supervise the Buffalo Mountain Mission School. The three-story building served as grade school, high school, church and community center. He built a proper Buffalo Mountain church within three years.

Slate Mountain church, just a stone’s throw from the Parkway at Milepost 174 was next in 1932. In 1946, Childress put rock facing on the Bluemont church. And two years later, he rock-finished Mayberry church. Dinwiddie was next in 1948. The last was in Willis, when he converted a bank building into a church in 1954.

Childress did all this in addition to overseeing the school, running youth groups, taking people to the doctor, preaching in eight churches and driving 50,000 miles a year on nearly impassable roads. (The Parkway wasn’t in existence yet.) He had a farm, helped at neighbor’s farms and started a saw mill to give impoverished men jobs. Childress has a legacy as solid as those rock churches.

After Childress died in 1956, three of his sons followed him into the Presbyterian ministry and his grandson, Stewart Childress, is now pastor at Mayberry and Bluemont, the two rock churches visible from the Parkway.

“Visitors are always welcome at our services,” Stewart Childress said “and you can wear your vacation clothes.”

This is the policy at all the rock churches, although the Willis church no longer serves a Presbyterian congregation. Buffalo Mountain, the mother church goes one step further: everyone is welcome to Sunday dinner after the service on the first Sunday of the month.

Bob Childress’ third son Paul, 89, still attends the Buffalo Mountain Church and is happy to talk about his famous father and The Man Who Moved a Mountain.

“Ask me questions or I’m going to yank the same old doodle,” Paul Childress warns.

He parts saying what his dad always said: “You come back. Every time you come, bring someone with you.”

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 11

When you need a special gift for the Holidays, a Birthday or Anniversary give the gift that keeps on giving‌ a FRIENDS Membership!

Call 800.228.7275 to create a Customized Gift Request!

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Blue Ridge Parkway Winter

By Sally Harris

T

he sky is pearl grey, the hickories and oaks a deeper textured grey.

The old Virginia pines are reddish brown, their needles dark green. The bronze beech leaves reflect the scattered rays of the winter sun. Boulders rise in sleek slate-grey slabs or craggy russet heaps.

These are the colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway in winter—rich, muted earth tones. Clear winter air and bare branches enable visitors to see across ridge after ridge of mountains. This is “nature at its most grand, remote and silent,” said Randy Johnson, author of the best-selling Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway and Best Easy Day Hikes Blue Ridge Parkway. “The height and grandeur of the mountains really come into focus.” For photographers, winter light, muted color, and bare branches create artists’ canvasses.

The Parkway never goes completely dormant. Turkey hens softly “putt putt” along. The chickadee, tufted titmouse and white-breasted nuthatch play tag among the branches. Occasionally, eagles, red-tailed hawks or great blue herons enchant visitors. Green-headed mallards, red-bellied woodpeckers, ravens—all hang around.

Deer venture out frequently, bears rarely.

Rabbits, squirrels and field mice scurry around in fallen leaves.

This is the world of the Parkway in winter. Rick Van Noy, author of A Natural Sense of Wonder, says outside activities, including sledding, hiking and skiing are fun, healthy and educational for kids and families. Even watching a vulture soar without flapping its wings is fun. Just being out together is great. Pack a picnic and work off the holiday plenty or

the edges where agricultural land meets forest, said Tom Davis, parkway biologist.

Go hiking or cross-country skiing.

Hundreds of trails lead to nature at its purest, to places with romantic names and spectacular views: Ravens Roost, Rock Castle Gorge, Humpback Rock, Sharp Top Mountain, Yankee Horse, Wigwam Falls, Fallingwater Cascades and the Waterfalls in Graveyard Fields. Frozen waterfalls are sculptures in ice.

Take the kids on easy ski or hiking trails.

“Leg-stretchers” abound right along the roadway. The more experienced skiers can brave tunnels through snow-covered trees to wild, untamed mountaintops. Check out Johnson’s article “Winter: A ‘Secret Season’ in the South’s Loftiest National Parks” at http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com by typing in the article name.

Hundreds of streams and creeks cross or flow near the parkway ready for fly fishing with just medium nymphs or streamers, said Tom Brown of Orvis in Roanoke.

Take some worms or canned corn and let the kids tempt the brook (speckled) trout, too. Numerous lakes also provide good winter fishing.

Biking on the Parkway, with its reduced traffic, is exhilarating. Traveling by bike or car, you can glimpse Appalachian Mountain history in the many old log structures, such as Brinegar Cabin and Mabry Mill. Along the way, you can admire the handiwork of stonemasons in the bridges and tunnels.

Road conditions permitting, you can climb some of the highest peaks by car, including Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain.

Three Parkway centers are open in winter: the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, NC, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals near Spruce Pine and the Folk Art Center, milepost 382, Asheville. Some facilities at Peaks of Otter in Virginia are open year round also. You can take the parkway into little towns with stories of their own, such as Cherokee, NC at the southernmost tip.

When you visit, prepare for the weather.

Most park facilities are closed in winter, so no help may be available in an emergency.

(See sidebar for tips.) Information guides, regulations and road-closing reports are available at www.blueridgeparkway.org.

Be Safe: • Call ahead about the weather and road closures. 828-298-0398 • Always travel, hike, ski, or bike with someone.

• Keep children in sight at all times.

• Let someone know where you are and your schedule with return time.

• Get home on time and check in. If you don’t show, the person will know where to have officials look for you.

• Be prepared for any weather by bringing appropriate clothing and food.

• Cell phones don’t always work, and you could get stuck.

• Know your limitations and what you can cope with if stranded.

• Be sure your car can take higher elevations. Have enough gas.

• Don’t feed or approach animals, even if they seem friendly.

• Cross country skiing is peaceful yet invigorating.

© Pat & Chuck Blackley

…sit at a quiet overlook and watch birds soar below, mountains range far beyond or stars glitter above.

On Dec. 14, 2012, after 9 p.m. you might see 30 to 60 meteors an hour fall during the Geminid meteor shower, said John Goss, Roanoke Times astronomy columnist.

Bird sighting is best from overlooks near sheltered, brushy, overgrown fields or at

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Blue Ridge Parkway Volunteers & Staff Appreciation Days

A

s millions of visitors drive beneath the red-and-gold canopy that covers the autumn Blue Ridge Parkway, FRIENDS staff is busy showing its gratitude to those who help preserve the natural resources that keep your trip beautiful: the Blue Ridge Parkway officials, staff, and volunteers.

Up and down the Parkway, FRIENDS Chapters are hosting regional luncheons to honor the Blue Ridge Parkway staff in what we refer to as Blue Ridge Parkway Staff Appreciation Days. As Parkway personnel reductions leave remaining staff busier than ever, FRIENDS Chapters, representing 9,300 members, provide the luncheons to demonstrate their appreciation of and gratitude for the work and dedication of park employees.

During this same period, FRIENDS staff and the Blue Ridge Parkway staff join to honor volunteers from the northern end of the Parkway to the southernmost tip. In past years some 1,500+ volunteers, who have provided over 60,000 hours of service, have been invited to these events.

Those hours of service are valued at over

$1,000,000 to the Parkway annually. At this time, the Parkway VIPs and the staff of the Parkway and FRIENDS express their appreciation for such invaluable assistance.

Simply put, it is a pleasure for Park staff as well as FRIENDS members and staff to celebrate everyone’s commitment to a common cause: the welfare of our beloved Blue Ridge Parkway!

FRIENDS and our Chapters provide financial support for the meals at each of these events and for recognition gifts of drawstring backpacks for all volunteers and staff. The attendees reciprocated with their thanks, creating a circle of gratitude among volunteers, officials, and staff members. Those in each group recognize that the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway requires the teamwork demonstrated by all individuals dedicated to the Parkway’s preservation.

At one recent Blue Ridge Parkway Staff Appreciation Days event, Dave Foster, maintenance supervisor, Vinton, NPS BRP, said, “Please pass on my sincere thanks to all the FRIENDS for taking the time to recognize the hard work the Parkway staff

has put in this summer. As well, convey my gratitude for the work FRIENDS has accomplished in order to keep the Parkway a treasure we all can enjoy now and in the future. I value our partnership and look forward to continuing our relationship in the coming years!”

Together we make a difference! Return your enclosed envelope today to support FRIENDS work.

15 Ways You Can Make A Difference!

• Contribute to FRIENDS 25th Anniversary book • Return the enclosed envelope with your donation.

• Encourage one person to join FRIENDS. • Pass this newsletter on to at least one friend.

• Help a local FRIENDS chapter with a project.

• Remember someone in a special way – give an honorarium or memorial.

• Include your company’s matching gift form when you donate to FRIENDS. • Provide a story to FRIENDS about why you value our organization.

• Give FRIENDS memberships as gifts for the holidays and special occasions for a 1-year special of $15 – we can help make your gift special.

• Sponsor a team for the FRIENDS Golf Classic on May 31, 2013.

• Renew your membership through the enclosed envelope.

• Remember FRIENDS through a life insurance policy.

• Take a child for a picnic on the Parkway this fall.

• Volunteer for the Blue Ridge Parkway!

• Pre purchase FRIENDS 25th Anniversary book We can even personalize your request!

Virginia will be thrilled to help you!

Call 800.228.PARK (7275) or email Staff@FriendsBRP.org

www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 15

enew You r Members R o t h ip e ?

Ti m Give Us A Call!

800.228.7275

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ROANOKE, VA PERMIT #78

PO Box 20986 Roanoke, VA 24018 800.228.PARK (7275) 540.772.2992 www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org

Ways Of Giving

T

he future of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway depends upon YOU, our members. The degree of foresight and generosity of our members will affect the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway for generations to come. There are many ways you can give to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway:

2. I hereby bequeath $___cash, to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose current principle business address for identification purposes is PO Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018, to be used at its sole discretion for its charitable purposes.

• Give gift memberships to family and friends for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and honorariums

3. I hereby devise the following property to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose current principle business address for identification purposes is PO Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018, to be used at its sole discretion for its charitable purposes [legal description of property, whether real property or personal property]. Please note that FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway does not give legal advice nor does it in any way practice law.

• Give gifts of cash or marketable securities • Give a gift of real estate • Remember FRIENDS in your Will It’s simple. Add only one of the following sentences to your Will or do so by using a codicil to your existing Will: 1. I hereby give ___% of my residuary estate to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, whose current principle business address for identification purposes is PO Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018, to be used at its sole discretion for its charitable purposes. © Pat & Chuck Blackley

FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose current principle business address for identification purposes is PO Box 20986, Roanoke, Virginia 24018. Tax ID#:581854404. FRIENDS would like to keep a record of your foresight and generosity on file. Please contact us at 800.228.PARK (7275), by mail to FRIENDS, P O Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018 or by email, staff@FriendsBRP.org.