The Appalachian Voice
To Save the Land and People
Reviewed by Michael Hodges-Foret How can a land be so rich, and its people so poor? According to Chad Montrie, a historian at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, this is the “enduring paradox” of Appalachia. To Save the Land and People explores one aspect of that paradox, the opposition to surface coal mining in Appalachia. Montrie…
Read MoreLeaves of Three, Let it Be
images/voice_uploads/PoisonIvyCircle.gif My last article for the Appalachian Voice addressed the exquisite little inconvenience known as chiggers. I’ll continue on the theme of “itch” and explore the plant of myth and misery known as poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). A member of the cashew family, poison ivy has close cousins in poison oak, and poison sumac. However,…
Read MoreThe Garment of God
I once sat on a cement step leading to a sidewalk and watched an ant carry a tiny straw on its back. It came to a crevice between the cement slabs and had no means of getting across with the straw on its back. Faced with this dilemma, the tiny ant engaged in some practical…
Read MoreWhite-tailed Deer
Anyone with a farm, garden, or landscaped lawn is probably aware of the exploding population of white-tailed deer. Their browsing eating habits result in millions of dollars worth of damage to crops, vegetables, and ornamental plants. In one state, the Farm Bureau has threatened to sue wildlife officials for allegedly allowing deer numbers to get…
Read MoreFor Our Members
Brenda Huggins, Awarded Outstanding Volunteer in Watauga County Appalachian Voices would like to congratulate and thank Brenda Huggins for her dedication and service. She has been honored by the State of North Carolina as an Outstanding Volunteer in Watauga County. Brenda is a great volunteer and is always lending a helping hand. She drives from…
Read MoreNow it’s your Turn
For nearly a decade, now, the Appalachian Voice has presented stories on the many facets of life here in the Appalachian region. We have written about fishing, hiking, skiing, hunting, and many other recreational and cultural opportunities that we are blessed with, either as residents or visitors, in the Appalachian Mountains. In all issues of…
Read MoreLetters from Readers
Dear Appalachian Voice, I recently read the Washington Post article about the Bush administration and mountaintop removal (“Appalachia is Paying Price for White House Rule Change”). The article states that coal “industry executives argued that increased coal production could even help win the war against terrorism.” This line of reasoning is fallacious. When anyone throws…
Read MoreThe New River
“Hey Jeffrey, take a look at that water – is it fishable?” asked Judson, not taking his eyes off the narrow, winding and fog-covered road ahead. “Looks a little dingy, but it’s not a mud ball,” answered Jeffrey. “I’m not happy with it yet.” At 7:00 am, somewhere along the New River near the Virginia-North…
Read MoreCatching Summer in a Mason Jar
images/voice_uploads/CanningCircle.gif The ripe ear of corn came off in Eula’s hand with a rubbery squeak. “I must’ve missed one,” she said, raising her eyes to survey the garden-acre. After thinking about it for a minute she concluded, “My bucket must’ve been full. That’s probably why I left it.” Her conclusion made sense, because Eula Vines…
Read MoreCrafting Development
images/voice_uploads/Penland-MeadowCircle.gif Artists and artisans need inspiration as much as instruction, maybe more. And, though Penland School of Arts and Crafts’ instruction is renowned, its setting is equally as extraordinary. Each year, 1,200 students make their way to remote Penland, nestled far up in the mountains of western North Carolina just northeast of Asheville. Students come…
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