HIGH VISTAS
Bass Lake Trail, Nye Simons Photographer
Fall/Winter 2011
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 BOARD J. Richard Wells, President Ken Randolph, Vice President Denise Koff, Secretary Ben Geer Keys, Treasurer William Brenton, Jr., CFP Lynn Davis Mary Jane Ferguson Jonathan R. Ireland Elizabeth Sims David Poteet
HIGH VISTAS STAFF Journal Chief: Susan J. Mills, Ph.D. Editor: David Barstow Journal Sales: Katie Murray Graphic Designer: Jill Darlington-Smith Darlington-Smith Graphics
BOARD EMERITUS Mary Guynn Dick Patterson, M.D. J. Richard Wells ADVISORY BOARD Marcia and Dave Barstow Pat and Chuck Blackley M. Rupert Cutler, Ph.D. George Humphries Gary R. Jensen Dr. Harley Jolley Fredrick Kubik Cara Ellen Modisett STAFF Susan Jackson Mills, Ph.D., Executive Director Virginia Ehrich, Director of Membership Services Rod Broker, Director of Chapter Development Katie Murray, Director of Events and Marketing Callie Tuck, Marketing Assistant
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Near Waterrock, Nye Simons Photographer
OFFICE VOLUNTEERS Mary Ellen Belcher, Doris Gamelin Leigh McKay, Pauline O’Dell Kenny Oliver, Reticia Washington Kathy Van Duzer
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Fall & Winter 2011 features 4 Fall and Winter:
The Unwinding Time
7 Message
From NPSBRP Superintendent & FRIENDS President
8 Many Mini Miles
16 Mabry Mill - The Most Photographed Mill in the World
20 Spotlight On Volunteers
22 The Destination Or The Drive?
Humpback Rocks Barn, Pat & Chuck Blackley Photographers
www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 3
Humpback Rocks Barn, Pat & Chuck Blackley Photographers
Fall and Winter: The Unwinding Time
Article and inset photos by Ann and Rob Simpson
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all and winter are times of rejuvenation; a time for rest, calm and quiet. For plants it is a time to fade into a dreamlike state of renewal. After the gaudy red and orange Las Vegas splash of autumn colors, the leaves fade and eventually fall from their glory onto the ground. Parents rake the fallen leaves into colorful teepee mounds while their children leap joyfully into the soft pile, delighting in the game of leaves. In their play, children learn the crisp feel of fallen leaves and distinguish the bright reds of red maple from the brown hues of oaks. They also learn the smell of fall. It is an
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earthy, woody smell of approaching decay as the leaves retire to replenish the same earth that gave them life. For human inhabitants along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is a time for reconnection with harvest festivals and winter celebrations. For Parkway pioneers, fall was a time of storing food for the winter. For most families along the Parkway, canning, pickling, smoking and drying foods were key to survival during the winter. Pantry shelves of gleaming glass jars of green beans, tomatoes, peaches and fruit jams held the promise of bountiful winter meals from the labors of summer.
Dried walnuts, smoked hams, stacks of split wood and a barn full of hay meant families were ready for the cold winter winds and heavy snows that were to come. For most animals, winter is a time of survival. Bear fatten up on the fruits of fall, voraciously eating berries and acorns, guided by a long heritage of survival techniques imbedded in their genes. Most, but not all, black bears hibernate for the winter in a hollow tree or rock cave. Females will give birth during the late winter; their labor a quiet dream-like event. The tiny cubs nurse while mother drifts in a drowsy sleep.
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Preser ver of the Parkway Landscape
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Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations
or more than 15 years, preserving the Blue Ridge Parkway’s winding ribbon of pavement and landscape was the focus of Gary Johnson’s professional life. But in late July 2011, Johnson retired from his position as Chief Landscape Architect and Planner so that he could spend more time with his family and, ironically, again enjoy more outdoor activities -- like camping on the Parkway! After 36 years of service with the National Park Service and working on projects in more than 56 national park units, Johnson says that serving as the chief landscape architect to preserve and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway was his “dream job.” “I’ve enjoyed being back here, working on all aspects of the roadway,” Johnson said of his 16 years on the parkway. “The stone arch bridges, the great tunnels, the masonry paved ditches, and all the ways we plan vegetation to see more of the vistas. I really like being involved in the management and preservation of this great driving experience.” In early August, FRIENDS President, Richard Wells and Executive Director,
Susan Mills presented Gary and his wife Sandy with a plaque from FRIENDS and retirement gifts. Wells says, “FRIENDS recognizes Gary for his outstanding service and partnership excellence to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.” FRIENDS Executive Director, Susan Mills, echoes the words of Superintendent Phil Francis, who said of Johnson, “Gary has been a dedicated protector of the parkway’s design and resources. No one has worked harder than Gary to ensure that the Parkway is protected for future generations.” In his acceptance of the plaque Gary stressed that “Without partners like FRIENDS who provide volunteers and funding, park staff would not be able to accomplish all that is necessary to protect important park resources or provide a quality visitor experience.” Johnson earned an Appleman-JuddLewis Cultural Resource Management Award, which has been given since 1970, for his work in protecting the parkway’s visual resources. Johnson wrote the “Guidebook for the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenery Conservation System,” which
Most of the birds that enjoyed the summer’s bountiful insect feasts and safe habitat of the Parkway fly south for the coming cold weather, again guided by ancient behaviors embedded deep in their genetic makeup. Chipmunks nestle down in a warm bed of leaves slumbering off and on through the season. Wild turkey and whitetail deer forage throughout the winter, nibbling on dried grasses, shrubs and twigs; often
growing leaner through the long winter months. Bobcats silently stalk their prey of mice and voles, listening intently for their rummaging under the leaf litter or fallen snow. Gray squirrels are the compulsive hoarders of the animal world, instinctively stashing away nuts and grains for the cold time. During the winter they dine on their hidden caches of food, relying on their keen memory for stashed locations, although sometimes
provided methods for preserving vistas. He helped develop safety modifications for the Parkway, while protecting historic bridges, tunnels and guardrails. Despite federal budget cuts that will affect which vacant positions the Parkway is able to fill, Superintendent Francis has indicated that a suitable replacement for Johnson will and must be found. Ever since Stanley Abbott, the Park’s first landscape architect, envisioned its design 75 years ago, someone’s watchful eyes – like Abbott’s and Johnson’s -- need to be clear, alert and focused on the Parkway path.
overlooking a few nuts that will become new trees in the coming year. The sound of fall and winter on the Parkway is a sound of peaceful quiet reserved for those who venture into the solitude. It is also a time of observation to experience the wilderness of forgotten times. Take time to listen and experience the quiet, unwinding time of fall and winter along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 5
FRIENDS Mailbox
This is a great product [FRIENDS Children in Nature Program Informa tion Sheet]. Thanks for sending it. [ThNational Park Service] will cite it as e great partnership work to support the youth, volunteers and Great Ameri ca Outdoors initiatives whenever we ca n! Susan Gonshor Chief of Interpretation and Educati on NPS-BRP
Great eNew s. Thank yo u for sending. I p articularly a p preciate the opportu nity to wat c h and hear Doc Watso n, David H o lt, Wayne Henderson and others , including Barr’s “litt Tom le” boy, Ste ve, who wa only 12 whe s nI that banjo. first heard him pick Jim Ryan
Many thanks fo r ALL that the or ganization, its staff, and its volunteers do to p rotect and enhance the Park way. Incidently, as a ch ild living in Gala x in the late 1930s, I wou ld ride my bike d own to where the Parkw ay crosses presen t-day VA 89 to watch th e CCC boys const ructing the highway over pass at that loca tion. The concept of the hig hway as an overp ass rather than having the Parkway as the overpass was a quite contr oversial matter a t the time. Either fact or loca l folklore proclaim ed that it took an act of Con gress to make an exception of the rule just fo r the one constru ct ion! Sincerely, Herber t C. ank you so Parkway FRIENDS, Th ul” photo autif much for the “Simply Be ght enes and descriptions brou sc e Th . ok bo e want to hear from you, our readers! trips up the back memories of our many th annual Please send us your questions about the up wi Parkway. Our son grew Blue Ridge Parkway, share with us what scenic road. We trips to areas just off the ws, flowers you like about High Vistas and types of articles you vie would enjoy. We will try to answer your Parkway queshave many photos taken of will enjoy this we tions and share your letters or excerpts as we have and wildlife. I know that le. I am proud room, but reserve the right to edit these letters. Please work by such talented peop n with such zatio send emails to: Staff@FriendsBRP.org and letters to to be a part of this organi . H FRIENDS, P O Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018. an important goal. Judy
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Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Message
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n the midst of an always exciting and hectic summer season, it is my pleasure to write and share once again my appreciation for what FRIENDS and our army of volunteers does day in and day out to help keep the Parkway running smoothly. We have Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) working side by side with National Park Service employees in many areas: Administration, Natural Resources, Maintenance, Interpretation, Cultural Resources, and more. The gift of time from Parkway volunteers is an invaluable contribution. National Park Service Director George Hartzog
(1963 – 1972), who instituted the VIP program in 1970, said, “When a VIP agrees to share his/her talents, skills and interests with the National Park Service, he/she is paying us one of the highest compliments possible by offering a most valued possession – his/her time.” VIPs on the Blue Ridge Parkway are part of a proud and growing tradition of volunteerism in the National Park Service. In our current environment of shrinking budgets and increasing need, the Parkway’s FRIENDS chapters and VIPs will certainly play an increasingly greater role in helping us meet the opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. As always, thank you for your work, your love of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and your participation with FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
President’s Message: A Landmark Year
2010
-2011 has been a landmark year for FRIENDS. Despite the current economy, our organization continues to thrive, while constantly growing and initiating new ways to stay current in today’s world. The following highlights are only a handful of accomplishments that have been achieved this year: Did you know that you belong to one of the nation’s largest park FRIENDS organizations? This year our membership reached the 9,000 member mark, making it one of the largest in the country and engendering a goal for 2011-2012 of reaching the 10,000 member level. In March, FRIENDS received final legislative approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia to move forward with a Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway specialty license plate. Parkway supporters exceeded the initiation order requirement of 350 plates that allowed the plate to go before the VA General Assembly. FRIENDS supporter and High Vistas designer, Jill Darlington-Smith, has designed two proposed versions of the plate, both of which capture the beauty and serenity of the Parkway in bold, eye-catching colors. The tag program, which generates as much as $500,000 annually in North Carolina, is expected to generate substantial revenues for FRIENDS and the Parkway in the future.
Billed as one of the nation’s most challenging marathons, the second annual Blue Ridge Marathon attracted more than 600 runners from across the country to Roanoke in mid-April, drawing significant media coverage to the Parkway and generating $12,500 for Parkway projects. The following month, Virginia Tech football coach Frank Beamer served as celebrity host, joining Parkway superintendent Phil Francis for the first annual FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway Golf Classic at Ballyhack Golf Club
in Roanoke. The event was a huge success, raising more than $20,000 for the park. The development of community-based FRIENDS chapters reached new highs this year and provided the volunteer manpower to take on much-needed Parkway projects. Our chapters help recruit, train and supervise these teams of volunteers and, as the park’s budget continues to decline, these chapters will play an ever increasing role in maintaining the parkway. Everywhere you looked this spring you saw young people, recruited and supervised by FRIENDS, working on the Parkway. Over 500 high school and college students, representing Notre Dame University, Warren Wilson Community College, Shawnee State University, and Faith Christian School, worked on trail and campground maintenance projects along the entire Parkway this spring. As of July 1st, 72 of the Parkway’s 138 official trails have been adopted through FRIENDS Adopt-a-Trail Program by individuals, families, or other groups. Since the inception of the Adopt-an-Overlook Program 6 months ago, nearly 30% of the 271 Parkway Overlooks have been adopted. The value of volunteers and members of FRIENDS is immeasurable. These achievements would never be possible without your support and contribution, and FRIENDS service to the Parkway would have far less impact. At the FRIENDS April Board of Directors meeting, Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis stressed that the role of FRIENDS - to support the park with volunteers and funding will be greater than ever in the days ahead. With your help, we’ll continue to meet that challenge.
www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 7
Many Mini Miles Article and photos by Michael Baucom
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ver Father’s Day Weekend, 65 MINI Coopers converged on the Parkway for a southbound trip, driving through all 469 miles of the curves, gorgeous scenery and stunning mountain vistas that the Parkway is famous for. It was the fourth annual Parkway tour coordinated by the Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club of Winston-Salem, NC. This year’s turnout proved to be the largest yet, with participants hailing from seven states and as far away as New Jersey and Florida.
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From the Parkway’s northern terminus at Afton Mountain, Friday’s drive included stops at the Peaks of Otter, lunch and something of an impromptu car show at Panera Bread restaurant in Roanoke, and an informative visit to Mabry Mill. And while Doc Watson’s evening performance at the Blue Ridge Music Center tempted us with promises of excellent down-home music and entertainment, our large last-minute group prevented us from attending, so we cruised on to our accommodations in Sparta, NC. Saturday began with sunny skies and cool temperatures as we set out for
Asheville, making our way toward the Northwest Trading Post Visitor Center to look through the intriguing gift shop, and then on to the Moses Cone Center where the remarkable home and grounds captivated us. A picnic lunch was held at the Linville Falls parking lot, earning us a pronouncement by the on-duty Ranger as the largest car club group ever to visit the falls, followed by group members hiking the area’s trails while enjoying the scenery and waterfalls. Our afternoon ascent of Mount Mitchell coincided with an intense storm that brought a 25-degree drop in temperature, intense rain and driving winds,
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maintaining the peak’s claim to being one of the coldest and windiest places in the South. We felt for the several cyclists we encountered on the climb as well as the unfortunate bride who arrived at the summit hoping for group photos of her wedding party, only to be turned back toward the valley to escape the storm. The severe weather accompanied us for most of our descent past Craggy Gardens and into Asheville, having even caused a temporary closing of the Parkway while Rangers removed a large tree that had been blown onto the roadway near the Folk Art Center. The Tour’s final day took us to Devil’s Courthouse overlook and hike, although the usual 4-state view from the summit was obscured by enduring clouds and rain, so our caravan proceeded to the Parkway’s highest point at Milepost 431 for plenty of photos by the iconic sign and expansive valley views as the rainy weather gradually subsided. With fewer than 40 miles left to the Parkway’s
southern terminus and the end of our wonderful drive, we savored the striking views we encountered as the storm continued to lift, leaving wispy clouds hanging in the valleys and emphasizing the namesake blue tint of the mountains.
After a final group stop at Waterrock Knob Visitor Center’s outstanding overlook, we meandered our way past final Milepost 469, leaving America’s Favorite Drive in our MINI rear view mirrors.
Send us your Blue Ridge Parkway stories and memories! Email: Staff@FriendsBRP.org
Apply for your 469-Mile Award! FRIENDS is proud to offer the 469-Mile Award, the only award authorized by the National Park Service Blue Ridge Parkway. Your journey may be completed in a single trip or during several trips. It may be by vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot. Whatever your means of travel, you can feel a great satisfaction along with the rest of the 469-Mile Award achievers. Apply today for your 469-Mile Award. Call 800.228-PARK(7275) or visit www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org
www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 9
Christmas in e d Ol ugh
JonesbTeonnreossee
Lighting of the Tree
Nov. 26th at 6 p.m.
Dickens at Dusk
*Each Saturday will feature a festive Christmas market.
Dec. 3rd from 3 to 7 p.m.
Christmas Parade
Dec. 10th at 6 p.m.
Holiday Tour of Homes
Dec. 11th from 2 to 6 p.m.
Spirit of Christmas Stroll
Dec. 17th from 5 to 8 p.m. 423.753.1010
www.historicjonesborough.com
Hike 15 W. Washington St. Downtown Lexington Lexington, VA 540-464-4453
Camp
Travel
4822J Valley View Blvd. Valley View Mall Roanoke, VA 540-777-0990
301 Market Street Downtown Roanoke Roanoke, VA 540-777-2727
The
Floyd Country Store Simple Country Food Music Shopping
In A Friendly Old Time Setting
Downtown Floyd, VA 540.745.4563 www.FloydCountryStore.com
Follow FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Every Day is a Snow Day. WintergreenResort.com | 800-266-2444
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Are You A Current or Retired State Employee?
GIFT IT FORWARD
Another Opportunity to Give Back to the Blue Ridge Parkway through FRIENDS 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! In North Carolina, the campaign runs in August (government employees) and September (university employees). Virginia’s Campaign period is October 1 through December 31. Your gifts will help FRIENDS projects including Blue Ridge Parkway volunteer efforts, youth volunteer and education programs, visitor events, viewshed plantings, split rail fence restoration, trail and overlook adoption and much more.
Virginia’s Code: 3535 cvc.vipnet.org/about.htm
North Carolina’s Code: 3608 ncsecc.org.
THANKS TO OUR IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS
We wish to thank the following for their important in-kind contributions: If your name did not appear on the list and you made a contribution between April - July 2011, please contact us.
Bad Wolf Barbecue Dominion Images Flossies in Galax Fresh Market Mary Guynn Gloria and Kerry Hilton Kroger Kudos Trophies Pepsi Bottling Corp. Smokey Bones The Floyd Country Store The Sourwood Inn Wildflour Market and Bakery Wintergreen Resort Woodmen of the World FRIENDS needs your in-kind contributions. Please call us at 540.772.2992 or 800.228.PARK (7275).
A Blue Ridge Parkway Preservation Gift
W
e have all heard of the concept “pay it forward,” which is doing something special for someone unconditionally, only asking that a good turn be repaid by passing it on. Each person that receives the unconditional act of kindness passes it on by doing something special for someone else, and so-on and so-on. The Gift it Forward Campaign is based on the same principle.
Here’s how it works:
You give a “gift” donation to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the name of a friend, family member or loved one. When you call, email our office or mail in the enclosed envelope with your “Gift It Forward” donation, FRIENDS will send the person you wish to gift forward a special card explaining the Gift It Forward Campaign. In addition, we will send information about FRIENDS. Our goal is for every person to “Gift It Forward” by making their donation in someone’s name … thus to keep the Gift It
Forward Campaign moving on to someone else. This is a PERFECT holiday, anniversary or birthday gift! What better way to honor your family or a special friend than to purchase a Blue Ridge Parkway Preservation Gift in their name, while helping to protect our treasured Blue Ridge Parkway! Each person that participates in “Gift It Forward” will be entered into a drawing for a special weekend for four at Wintergreen Resort! The Gift It Forward Campaign begins September 1st and goes through December 31st, 2011. All donations received by December 31st will be entered into the drawing that will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd. This is a great way to fund FRIENDS’ Parkway programs and to give a Blue Ridge Parkway Preservation Gift while having a great chance to win a weekend at Wintergreen Resort! Call 800.228.PARK(7275) or email Virginia_Ehrich@FriendsBRP.org to begin building your own Gift It Forward chain!
www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 11
Join A FRIENDS Chapter!
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Over the past year FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has had the pleasure
Regardless of how you show your support, FRIENDS wants you to get involved and lend a helping hand to the Blue Ridge Parkway! Humpback Rocks Chapter, MP 1-30 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org
Rocky Knob Chapter, MP 150-200 Don Johnson 540.239.2705 bdonjohnson@mac.com
High Country Chapter, MP 270-316 Mike Kebelbeck 828.295.6385 mjkebelbeck@gmail.com
Whetstone Ridge Chapter, MP 30-60 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org
Fisher Peak Chapter, MP 200-217.5 Lewis Shropshire 276.238.8210 popshrop@centurylink.net
James River Chapter, MP 60-80 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org
Northern Highlands Chapter MP 217.5-270 Joyce Speas 336.601.6118 je657@bellsouth.net
Appalachian State University Student Chapter Heather Preston 828.262.2449 prestonhp@appstate.edu
Peaks of Otter Chapter, MP 80-100 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org Roanoke Valley Chapter, MP 100-125 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org Bent Mountain Chapter, MP 125-150 Eldon Karr 540.929.4532 appalachian.architect@verizon.net
Marion/Spruce Pine Chapter MP 316-364 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org Asheville Chapter, MP 364-410 Hugh Stephens 828.274.9048 hwstephens@bellsouth.net Cherokee Chapter, MP 410-469 Rod Broker 800.228.7275 Rod_Broker@FriendsBRP.org
Together We Make A Difference For The Blue Ridge Parkway 12
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Lend A Helping Hand To Support The Parkway
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Ha ppy Pub Hik lish ers ing Em Car plo olin yee aM s oun tai Na nC tio lub nal Col leg eS Me taff rid ium Em plo Kee yee pN s e l son Kiw Bea ani sK uti Rea ey ful chI &B n uild Cre Roa ati er C n oke ve lub Nu VA s rse You ry & th Gro Lan Vir ups dsc gin ap e ia F ede Em plo rat Ho i yee me on s of G Sho a p r p d Pla ing en stic Clu N e sO tw bs ork ne, Inc Em . Em plo yee plo Wa s yee rre s& nW Fam ilso ilie nC olle s ge Stu den ts Roa nok e Ja yce es
of working with and would like to salute the volunteer contributions from:
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cross the country, Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs) play an ever-increasing role in the National Park system by doing a variety of jobs. There’s no question, the National Park Service’s Volunteers-In-Parks program has grown over the years to reflect the dedication of people throughout the world to our national parks. In 1970 the program started with a few hundred volunteers. Today, there are 221,000 VIPs helping to preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources. Volunteers have a long and important history of service along the Blue Ridge Parkway as well. Here’s a sampling of the many tasks performed by Parkway VIPs in any given year: • Working at an information desk answering visitor questions; • Presenting living history demonstrations in period costumes; • Building fences, painting buildings, and cleaning signs and milepost markers; • Giving guided nature walks and assisting with evening campfire programs; • Assisting with preservation of historic structures and museum artifacts; • Maintaining trails and overlooks, and building boardwalks; • Hosting campers at campgrounds and greeting visitors at overlooks. To meet the challenges of protecting the Parkway, the Blue Ridge Parkway recognizes the need to nurture and grow its volunteer program. The Parkway continues to identify new projects and ongoing service opportunities perfectly suited to VIPs. In 2002, the Parkway looked to FRIENDS for leadership and assistance with volunteer program administration.
FRIENDS’ support of volunteerism along the Parkway also regularly involves: • Organizing special volunteer projects and coordinating efforts with Park personnel; • Engaging future stewards, children and young people, in volunteer service opportunities; • Funding and management of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s VIP database of contacts and service hours; • Financially supporting volunteer recognition events and gifts; and • Recruiting VIPs through the FRIENDS website and Facebook page. If you are interested in becoming a Parkway VIP please visit the FRIENDS website at www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org and click on “Volunteer” to start the online application. Once the application is received in the FRIENDS office, your inquiry and interests will be forwarded to National Park Service staff along the Parkway that supervises volunteers. If there’s a current need that matches your interest and geographic area, a match is made and a volunteer is born! In addition, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway has its own volunteer opportunities and needs. Through our network of chapters in communities neighboring the Parkway, FRIENDS cultivates community-based leaders to support the Parkway VIP program, to facilitate special work days, and to insure that the Parkway story reaches beyond park boundaries into local communities. If you are interested in learning more about the FRIENDS chapter in your area, contact Rod Broker at Rod_ Broker@FriendsBRP.org.
Join hands with the Blue Ridge Parkway and FRIENDS to provide service back to our Park! www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org 13
s ’ y Cooking & Cruising Along The n l o r a C Blue Ridge Parkway n e h c t i K
F
RIENDS is excited to announce a new addition ookies to the High Vistas Journal! We are expanding our Ginger C a aking sod recipe section and welcoming Carolyn Voley as the 2 Tbsp. b in a sma ll author of this new column. 1 c. bu tt er disso lved wa te r Carolyn resides in Roanoke with her husband, Ed. 1 c. suga r am o u n t of ll e w ten They are both retired educators – Carolyn taught music of sa lt 3 eggs, bea 2 pin ches es for 34 years and Ed was a principal. Carolyn is passionflou r 2 c. m o lass 5 1/4 c. of er ate about cookbooks being an avid cookbook collector g in 1 Tbsp. g res t of the ix in the M especially those from years gone by. She began collecting . er tt u b and d ou gh ou t the suga r m e. Ro ll er ti h a et cookbooks in the early 1970s when a dear friend started t g a to le 0 C ream flou r a li tt ak e a t 3 5 adding the bringing her cookbooks as souvenirs from her travels. As shapes. B ts ed n ir ie d es pick to d re g th to o in kies in se a to o U co . t s es cu n you can imagine, her collection is now several hundred deep! d n an b ro w ve ry thin s h a d e of e d esired th Carolyn particularly loves antique and vintage cookbooks l ti n u o re to d eg rees e n igh t bef th . s h g es and brought a few of her favorites by the FRIENDS office u o en d n o e tes t fo r d to make th esh in the sugges ted during a recent visit. il l s ta y fr ly w h h ig g h u o is d It he cookie Carolyn absolutely loves to cook and is always looking e fla vo r. T enhan ce th d a ys . for new recipes to share with her local herb society or at r fo r 2 - 3 refrigera to church functions. Please join us in welcoming Carolyn to the This Ginger Cookie FRIENDS’ family! In this issue she is sharing an old recipe and recipe is over 391 years old and originally had no a couple of her fall favorites. Let’s cruise on down the parkway measurements of ingredients what-so-ever! I have with Carolyn. modernized it slightly by adding the ingredient measurements for you! Enjoy!
Brunswick Stew
2 tsp. salt 6 chicken breasts 1/2 tsp. dried basi l 16oz can stew ed tomatoes 1/4 tsp. dried thym e 3 c. diced pota toes 1 bay leaf (app rox. 3 med pota toes) per 10oz bag frozen lima beans 1/4 tsp. pep te bread (optiona l) whi es slic 2 1 c. diced onion 1 can chicken broth, undilut ed 10oz bag frozen corn 1 Tbsp. sugar
add wat er to cove r. Bring to a Place chicken in a 6 qt. kett le, l chicken is tend er (app rox. 1 boil, reduce hea t and simmer unti mea t into cubes and rese rve to hou r). Remove chicken and cut broth from pot. Combine with be add ed late r. Remove chicken liquid. Re turn broth mix ture wat er unti l you have 4 cups of . Add tomatoes, pota toes, lima to the kett le and bring to a boil unti l vege tables are tend er beans, and onions. Cook cove red , cubed chicken, corn, sugar, salt (app rox. 15 minutes). Add the Co ver and cook for an basi l, thym e, bay leaf, and pepper. d into pieces and add to stew. additional 3 minutes. Break brea the flavors blend toge ther. If desi red, chil l overnigh t to let Makes 8-1 0 servings.
Send us your recipes for upcoming issues of the High Vistas Journal.
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Spicy Pumpk
in C hip C ake 4 eggs 2 c. mashed co oked pumpkin 1 c. cooking oi l 1 tsp. soda 1 1/2 c. bran flak 1/2 tsp. sa lt es 1 c. chocolat e ch 1 1/2 tsp. cinnam ips on 2 c. flou r 1/2 tsp. cloves 2 tsp. baking po 1/4 tsp. al lspice wde r 2 c. suga r
In a la rge bo w l, beat eggs un til foam y. Add bran flakes an pumpkin, oi l, d chocolat e ch ip s. C om bi ne and add to egg dry ingredients m ix tu re, m ixin g on ly un til co B ake at 35 0 de m bined. grees un til done .
My herb society chose this Spicy Pumpkin Chip Cake recipe as the featured dessert at our fall luncheon. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! I was first introduced to Brunswick Stew at a church social in Halifax County in the fall of 1971. I have been searching for a recipe that was close for years and I finally found this one!
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Spotlight On A Folk Art Center Artisan
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llanstand Craft Shop at the Folk Art Center represents traditional and contemporary artists working in the Appalachian mountains. A dramatic example of the modern glass that you will find at Allanstand is the work of David Goldhagen of Hayesville, NC. He has been a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild since 1985. Fall is a wonderful time to visit Allanstand and see Goldhagen’s work, along with the work of nearly 300 other Southern Highland Craft Guild members.
The gallery carries pottery, jewelry, metal, wood, paper, fiber and natural materials.
Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC 828. 298.7928 www.craftguild.org
From his artist statement: David Goldhagen’s sculptural forms and massive handblown glass platters are distinguished by his unique style. His painterly approach to art glass marries bold colors to brilliant, clear crystal in a clean, modern style. Using traditional glassblowing methods thousands of years old, David Goldhagen creates each piece individually, working with molten glass at temperatures in excess of 2000°F. His pieces capture a palette that moves from subtle to bold by the incorporation of bits of colored glass made from various mixtures of metallic oxides and rare earth elements, such as silver, cobalt, gold, copper, dichroics and others.
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Fall Arrives At Folk Art Center
outhern Highland Craft Guild Hosts: Heritage Weekend, September 17 – 18 at the Folk Art Center. This free festival features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend is the 31st Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday, 2:003:00pm. Joe “Colonel Buncombe” Bly will emcee the competition. During Heritage Weekend, learn from area experts about beekeeping, rifle making, coopering, heritage toy making, natural dyeing, spinning, quilting,
whittling, print making and furniture making. Other highlights include sheep shearing demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday, and border collie demonstrations on Sunday. The entertainment schedule is jampacked with regional musicians on both days, including the polished sounds of Buncombe Turnpike as well as Blue Eyed Girl. The Apple Chill Cloggers and Cole Mountain Cloggers will thrill the audience with traditional mountain dancing. Highlights also include Southwestern Virginia Fingerpicking with Ellie and
Roals Kirby, and Paul’s Creek Band performing with special guest, Arvil Freeman. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center is the ideal place for Heritage Weekend with free parking, access to hiking trails and grassy areas for a picnic. Spend an early autumn weekend in WNC honoring and learning about crafts of yesteryear while enjoying the beauty of the region. Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC 828. 298.7928 www.craftguild.org
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Mabr y Mill
The Most Photographed Mill in the World
Mabry Mill, Pat & Chuck Blackley Photographers
By Karen Hall The 469 Mile Bucket List will be a recurring series focusing on special spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway written by Karen Jones Hall, author of “Building the Blue Ridge Parkway” and “The Blue Ridge Parkway.” Karen won the Willie Parker Peace award for both books from the North Carolina Society of Historians. The stories in each article will hopefully focus on little known facts about scenes and vistas that are very popular with parkway travelers. These little details are what make each location special.
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all is fast approaching and many folks are making plans for last minute day trips. My first recommendation in the fall is to visit Mabry Mill located at mile post 176.2 in Floyd County, Virginia. This is the former Ed and Lizzie Mabry gristmill. Several buildings exist for your exploration and they include the gristmill, the whiskey still, a sorghum
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mill, Matthew’s Cabin and a working blacksmith shop. On Sunday afternoons, local musicians bring their stringed instruments and play old-time string band music which predates bluegrass music. Be sure to bring a blanket or your lawn chair, maybe a picnic, and join in the festivities. Flat footin’ is allowed. It is believed that Edward Boston Mabry (1867-1936) began construction of the mill around 1903. The mill was built in sections between about 1903 and 1914. It is generally believed that the gristmill was built first, followed by a wood working shop, and the saw mill was built last. Ed did not begin construction on the mill until after he had previously completed a separate blacksmith shop.
Ed was well liked in the community. He has been described as a peaceful person and he belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church. I would also describe him as industrious because if he needed something he would make it himself, including his home and the furnishings. Although Ed and Lizzie never had children, they left a very industrious legacy for the world to share.
The Waterwheel Waterwheels may vary in different respects but they can be classified into four different types. The most common are the overshot wheel. Other types include the pitch back, undershot and turbine wheels. Mabry Mill utilizes an overshot waterwheel. This type of wheel turns on a
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horizontal axle and utilizes both the forward force and the weight of the water in the buckets. The stream feeding the wheel is a low-flow stream and the overshot wheel is considered the most efficient type of waterwheel when dependent upon a limited flow of water.
Adaptive Restoration “Restoration” usually means the reuse and repair of a building such as Mabry Mill, back to its original function, or in demonstration of its original function. Over the past 50 years, several mills throughout Virginia and North Carolina have been put back into running condition to sell grain products. Mabry Mill was restored in the 1940’s and opened to the public for demonstrations.
Virtues of Stone Ground Meal The stone ground meal produced at mills such as Mabry’s have been used for whole grain bread and cereal for generations. Whole wheat bread has been known as the “staff of life” for centuries, long before we knew the nutritional and chemical composition. Modern science has now confirmed the nutritional value of whole wheat. It contains starch, gluten, proteins, water, fat, ash, minerals, sugars, cellulose, and organic acids, all of which are highly important. The processing of grains today leaves them empty of nutritional value. To improve the shelf-life and stability of bread and grains, commercial vendors remove the oil and wheat germ, thus
removing the most nutritious and delicious part of the grain. So whenever you’re presented with the opportunity to purchase authentic stone-ground grains, try them out and experience the difference for yourself!
Crazy Cat Doors One story told over and over is about the “crazy cat doors” that Ed installed for Lizzie’s numerous cats. These were in the original clapboard frame farm house. The exterior door did not line up with the interior cat door. The cats would enter from the outside and travel a short distance between the exterior and interior walls, before exiting into the kitchen. Lizzie loved her cats and they were cared for very well.
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Corporate
CORPORATE CIRCLE LEVELS OF SUPPORT:
Some of FRIENDS’ Corporate Circle members and other support organizations are highlighted above. Their generous support is symbolized by trees, just like those brilliantly displaying their colors on the Parkway landscape this season. FRIENDS is proud to showcase the contributions of our Corporate Circle members as well as our partner organizations that provide support. Check out the links to their organization websites on FRIENDS own website at www. BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org. As members of FRIENDS Corporate Circle, these companies, agencies, institutions and organizations are demonstrating their commitment to be good environmental citizens. They are also choosing smart and responsible ways of communicating their company’s support of FRIENDS’ mission to our multi-state base of over 9000 members. In addition,
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oday, we come to the Blue Ridge Parkway to experience America’s most visited scenic drive. 469-miles of no traffic lights, no advertisements and uninterrupted recreation through Virginia and North Carolina. As you travel the Parkway this fall take a look at the mountains, woodlands and colorful trees. Remember that, without the stewardship of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway, its individual and Corporate Circle members, and support from funding organizations, the Blue Ridge Parkway cannot be adequately preserved, promoted or enhanced. The original plan of the Blue Ridge Parkway was to tell the proud story of Appalachia, and to leave nature undisturbed and unchanged in its pristine state for future generations to admire and enjoy. That is also FRIENDS’ goal: to keep the original dream alive for future generations. But to do this, FRIENDS must grow! We must increase our individual and Corporate Circle membership, and we must receive additional support from sponsor organizations as investors and stewards in the Blue Ridge Parkway’s future.
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they are expressing their organization’s efforts to improve the quality of life for all who visit and live along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The work of preserving, promoting and enhancing the cultural and ecological significance of the Blue Ridge Parkway extends far beyond the scenic beauty of its 469-mile journey. Through their support of FRIENDS, these Corporate Circle organizations are creating opportunities for the education of families and children as well as activities that improve the health and well-being of people of all ages.
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Circle Members Connect Your Company or Organization with the Blue Ridge Parkway
$10,000
MOUNTAIN VISTA
$5,000
SCENIC OVERLOOK $1,000
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“The Plastics One team cares deeply about the community and its surroundings, and we enjoy supporting efforts that improve the quality of life for others, including the environment. We are pleased to have the “hands-on” opportunity to work together with FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway on projects such as the Viewshed Restoration Project -- and, together with travelers on our beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, watch the trees grow!” David Wallenborn, President & CEO, Plastics One, Inc.
Not only have these businesses and organizations become members of FRIENDS Corporate Circle, but many of their employees now participate in volunteer activities on the Blue Ridge Parkway. FRIENDS salutes all our Corporate Circle members and thanks them for their continued support. Consider the many ways that your business or organization can connect with the Parkway through FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
JOIN OUR CORPORATE CIRCLE TODAY! Membership in FRIENDS Corporate Circle is intended to provide year-long recognition and support to companies that share our values and objectives. If your company is interested in teaming with FRIENDS to sponsor Blue Ridge Parkway programs and projects, or to sponsor FRIENDS’ Annual Golf Classic, you will automatically become a member of our Corporate Circle. Become a Corporate Circle member today by contacting FRIENDS at 800.228.PARK (7275), emailing Staff@FriendsBRP.org, or by visiting our website, www. BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org, and clicking on “Corporate Circle” in the menu list.
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Spotlight On Volunteers DAVE LENNOX
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ontrary to popular belief, not all superheroes wear capes or have super powers. Some superheroes are the quiet type, doing good deeds that, most of the time, go unnoticed. That’s the type of superhero that Dave Lennox is. Dave is a FRIENDS member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty by adopting NINE overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every two weeks or so, Dave makes the hour long trek from his home near Brevard, NC, to the Parkway to take care of his nine overlooks. As a long-time traveler and avid hiker of the Parkway, Dave had been looking for a way to become more involved in preserving its beauty. When he read about the Adopt-an-Overlook Program in an issue of High Vistas Journal, Dave decided to adopt two. After a few trips to those two, he said, why not take two more? A short
time later, he picked up a few more and the rest they say, is history. Caring for each overlook usually takes him about an hour. Dave says he truly enjoys giving back to the Parkway. While working on his overlooks, he has met a wide variety of travelers, even getting a few volunteers to help in the clean-up process. The Adopt-an-Overlook and Adopt-aTrail Programs are a wonderful way to get involved in preserving the Parkway. The programs are open to individuals, groups, and organizations. Adopt an overlook or trail today and become a superhero to FRIENDS – no tights or costumes required. For more information,
EAGLE SCOUTS
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ired of hearing about teenagers and their cell phones? Or teenagers and their video games? We’re all well aware that today’s youth is spending more time indoors, and less time outdoors. But don’t tell that to Eric Morin. Eric is a 17 year old Eagle Scout from Troop 15 in Weaverville, NC. He didn’t spend his summer texting for hours on end or sleeping in late every day. He was busy working with the Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) on a special project to earn his Eagle Scout commendation. Eric organized a group of 24 volunteers who worked for two days over the weekend of June 4th and 5th on a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near the Billy Graham Center outside of Asheville, North Carolina. The group replaced 12 steps with recycled timbers and reorganized others in order to make the path safer. They also built a 30-foot handrail section as well as a French drain to alleviate drainage issues. The CMC was established in 1929. Their mission is to explore the mountains
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of Western North Carolina and adjacent regions through its hiking trails and rivers; to carry out the responsibilities given by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to develop and maintain our assigned section of the Appalachian Trail and to act as its stewards; and to develop and maintain other hiking trails in Western North Carolina as approved by the Club Council. The Club mentored Eric in his project. Les Love, a section supervisor of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, says this project was a tremendous success. FRIENDS is proud to be a supporter of the CMC. Follow Eric Morin’s lead – get outdoors and Adopt a Trail today! FRIENDS’ Adopt a Trail Program is a wonderful way to get involved in preserving the Parkway. The program is open to individuals, groups, and organizations. For more information, contact Rod Broker. To learn more about the Carolina Mountain Club and their volunteer programs, visit http://carolinamountainclub.org.
Phil Francis, Superintendent (left) and Monika Mayr, Deputy Superintendent (left) congratulates Dave Lennox on his outstanding volunteer service.
contact Rod Broker (540.772.2992) or visit www.BlueRidgeFRIENDS.org.
Blue Ridge Parkway Trails & Overlooks Trails & Overlooks Waiting To Be Adopted TRAILS 18.4 19.8 121.4 154.5 241.0 260.3 308.2 316.0
White Rocks Falls Connection Trail White Rocks Falls Trail Roanoke Valley Horse Trail Rennet Bag Trail Fodder Stack Trail Jumpingoff Rocks Trail Flat Rock Self-Guiding Trail Linville Falls Picnic Area Trail OVERLOOKS
19.0 Twenty-Minute Cliff Parking Overlook 34.4 Yankee Horse Ridge Parking Area 120.5 On Mill Mountain, Spur Road Gum Spring Overlook 123.2 Buck Mountain Parking Overlook 238.5 Brinegar Cabin Parking Overlook 271.9 Cascades Parking Overlook 306.6 Grandfather Mountain Parking Overlook 361.2 Glassmine Falls Parking Overlook
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Ref lections Essay and photo by Nye Simmons
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he twilight sky – the setting sun is chased by a crescent moon – tail lights streak by on their way to who-knows-where. Moments like these are beyond price, the chance meeting of all these elements at just the right nexus in time. This scene unfolded in my rearview mirror as I drove to Roanoke from Mabry Mill. Frantically seeking a safe place to turn around, I hastily reversed course to
Donate a Car & Support FRIENDS Programs A great way to receive a tax write-off and support FRIENDS of the BRP! 1. Call FRIENDS at 800.228.7275 2. Provide the make, model and year 3. Our Charity Car Company will contact you!
photograph in the fading light. When you think its over, or there’s nothing there, BAM! - it hits you. The Parkway is like that – something beautiful, something cool – every foot, every mile. Just be there. As the final pages are written and laid up, and the production pace slows, I can reflect on all the wondrous events I have been privileged to witness during the years that went into making this book.
I hope Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway conveys what is unique and wonderful about this special place and helps guide you through your travels. May all your days be filled with light.
“All of us at Appalachian Power are proud to be FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is a unique and historic asset. From its beginning during construction to the present, it has opened up our ancient mountains for all to see the beauty and majesty of the place we call home. We urge everyone to find a way to help support the upkeep and improvements that FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway have planned.”
“By getting involved in FRIENDS and becoming a part of the Corporate Membership Circle you are conveying the message to your employees, customers, and the community as a whole, that your organization is committed to preserving a local treasure such as the Blue Ridge Parkway. We need your help to make sure that the Parkway is available for the enjoyment of our children and grandchildren, and will remain just as beautiful and pristine as it is today.”
Mark Dempsey, Vice President, Appalachian Power Company
This was written as Nye Simmons finished up his book Best of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2009. Nye is a FRIENDS member and supporter. Nye’s book can be purchased at FRIENDS online store.
Ken Randolph, President, Rockydale Quarries Corporation
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Article by Cara Ellen Modisett, editor at large, Blue Ridge Country Magazine.
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s summer ends, turning into fall, the sky takes on its brilliant crisp blue; the trees, rather than fading quietly away, explode into brilliant, dying color. The heights turn cooler, requiring that we bring sweaters on our trips out of town, maybe even gloves for nighttimes. These are the Appalachians’ glory days, days of harvest, days of feasting, nights of bonfires and clear stars.
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These are the days and nights to leave the city, climb the mountains, and explore. The Parkway, I’ve written, is a journey in itself, this 469-mile road. It is a place in itself — a national park, a living museum, a string of metaphorical pearls. But even more intriguing, it is a gateway to other journeys, other places. Not long ago my husband and I left town, headed out and up, leaving Roanoke behind and below as I drove the Parkway north, following the 45 mph pavement
through trees and past overlooks, elevation climbing steadily until the views of developments were past, somewhere between Roanoke and Buchanan. We’d come around a curve and see a folded valley of mountains reaching away to the west; emerge from forest to suddenly see the slopes drop off on either side, the walls of mountains across valleys on either side, and realize the road was on the top of the ridge, following its narrow path, and one (if one were a hawk) could
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Peaks of Otter, Pat and Chuck Blackley Photographers
The Destination Or The Drive?
Peaks Of Otter
fly straight off the mountaintop and not reach land again until the opposite peaks. We ended up at milepost 86, Peaks of Otter, where we parked and walked the perimeter of Abbott Lake in the late afternoon, watching the wind move across the water, a deer come down to investigate, a single green plant growing in the knothole of a tree. We looked in the windows of the restored Polly Woods Ordinary, wondering at the history of travelers who had stopped there a
hundred years ago and more. After our walk, we had dinner at the lodge — fried chicken, sweet potato casserole, green beans, cherry cobbler, the food of my southern childhood — and drove back south, along the evening parkway, down from the heights to reality again. It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon — nothing longer than an afternoon out of urban Roanoke — and it’s hard to say what I loved more, the destination or the drive to get there.
An intriguing interpretive and recreational complex rests within the triangle formed by Sharp Top Mountain, Flat Top Mountain and Harkening Hill. Abbott Lake, created by Parkway designers, provides the esthetic focal point. A visitor center, open May to October, highlights the natural and cultural history of the Peaks area. Johnson Farm, provides opportunity for insight about the Johnson family and community life in late 19th and early 20th centuries. Architecturally, the Johnson Farm is the Parkway’s best example of a log cabin home that was enlarged successively, clap boarded and otherwise modified to reflect the evolution and development of Appalachian homes. The farm also represents what may be styled “middle class” life in the mountains. It provides a significant contrast to log homes selectively preserved along the Parkway and the “country places” represented by the Moses Cone estate at Blowing Rock. In addition, the Johnson Farm contains several out buildings associated with the site. The Peaks community also included African-Americans, including the Saunders family whose home remains as visible ruins near the picnic area. Polly Woods Ordinary, the cabin was built circa 1840 and located near Abbott Lake, is open when staffing is available. Both Johnson Farm and the Ordinary are furnished, the former much more extensively than the latter. A picnic area, campground and extensive hiking trail system provides related recreational opportunities. Ecologically, the Peaks area is representative of the hardwood forests common along the 2500 to 2000 foot elevations of the Parkway. The area is also home to rare plants and animal species. Historically, the area has been visited, occupied or otherwise used by humans for 10,000 years. In the 18th and 19th centuries the cool weather, scenery and mountain summits began to attract sight seers and summer vacationers. In mid and late 1800s a small community developed to serve the needs of the tourists. The Johnson family and Polly Woods Ordinary are both intricately connected with tourism development. From the Long-Range Interpretive Plan, Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service
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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ROANOKE, VA PERMIT #78
PO Box 20986 Roanoke, VA 24018 800.228.PARK (7275) 540.772.2992
o Renew You r Membe t e m r sh t Ti ip ? i Give Us A Call! Is
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Ways Of Giving
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. VA BRP James River Sunset, Pat and Chuck Blackley Photographers
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#:58-1854404. 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.