10th Annual Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Scholarship Fundraising Dinner and Cookbook

September 27, 2016 at 6 PM - The 10th Annual CSA Scholarship Fundraising Dinner and Cookbook.   In their ongoing efforts to successfully fund a $15,000 endowed scholarship with Southwestern Community College (SCC) in Sylva  NC, the founders and board members of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will host their 10th Annual scholarship dinner.

Sam McMahan of Mountain Faith

This year the dinner will be held at the Burrell Building on the campus of Southwestern Community College in Sylva. Featured entertainers for evening will be the family of MOUNTAIN FAITH, who will tell the story of their adventures while performing on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT and other venues. Opening for them will be the storytelling and spontaneous artwork of the Ammons Sisters.

A donation of $25 per ticket will be applied 100% to the scholarship. “Tickets for the dinner are on sale now,” says Amy Ammons Garza, CSA cofounder. “They are available online at www.storiesofmountainfolk.com, and in person at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. The deadline for ticket sales is September 13th.

Many of the local artists and crafters have also donated items for a drawing from the ticket sales.

The dinner menu includes chicken casserole with rice, spring pea medley, broccoli salad, corn pudding, strawberry pretzel salad, strawberry nut cake and yeast rolls…all recipes from local cooks and published in the new cookbook, “Catch the TASTE of Appalachia Cookbook,” which will be on sale at the dinner. This full color 240-page cookbook has recipes not only from the heritage of the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains (Appalachian, African American, and Cherokee), but from other ethnic groups such as Asian, Italian, and Mexican.

“ Our nonprofit organization is now celebrating 27 years,” says Heather Gordon, CSA President. “Our work is accomplished through a 15-20 member Board of Directors which meets once a month to perpetuate the organization’s mission and goals. At each meeting, the members bring a covered dish for all to enjoy.

"There are wonderful cooks in our grassroots organization! When looking for another fundraiser to help raise funds for the endowed scholarship, we naturally thought about what all our members could do well…cook, Said Gordon. So the Catch the TASTE of Appalachia Cookbook was born.

Once Catch the Spirit of Appalachia’s endowed scholarship is in force, priority will be given to students who are applying to the community college in the study of the arts and the environment.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE

Stories of Mountain Folk for the week of 12-5-2015

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast December 5, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy shares with you the beginning of a new direction in her life - “Love and Laughter.”  Music:   “Always” , the Richard Hayman Orchestra.

Creative Corner:   Doreyl talks with Thomas Raine Crow from Tuckasegee. Thomas shares some of his poetry and “Cracked Light.”   Music: “There’s A Light”  by the Cockman Family.

Stories of Mountain Folk:  Amy’s guest is again Jerry Ollis from Avery County who works in the banking business. Jerry tells how he met his wife of 36 years.  Music: “Cedar Valley Christmas”  by Terry Edwards.

Minnie Casey Storyteller

Let Us March on:  Mary Sue talks with her mother, Minnie Casey, who shares stories about life in Jackson County in the 1920s.  Music:  “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” by Victoria A. Casey McDonald. 

Down Another Road:  Judy’s guest is Laura Graham Crockett from Black Mountain.  They discuss Laura’s family’s ancestors, primarily her grandmother Della.  Music: “Grandma’s Feather Bed” by Home Delivery.

Closing Song:  “Your Christmas Gift” by Steve Ivey.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Stories of Mountain Folk for this Week 9-19-15

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast September 19, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “My Greatest Fear.”  Music: Background Music: “Edelweiss” Jo Northup and Richard Birt)

Creative Corner:   Doreyl interviews Connie Hogan from Dillsboro. The two discuss the festivals offered in Dillsboro.  Music:  “Hey Good Looking’”  The Whitewater Bluegrass Co.

Barbara Sears McRae

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy spends time Barbara Sears McRae from Franklin. Retired editor; presently (freelance) columnist and feature writer, photography; nature and local history, Barbara talks about some of the work she does in Macon County.  Music:“Shady Grove”  Clover.

This is my Home:  Joe interviews Ruth Truett,, a weaver at John C. Campbell School. They talk about the “Shaker” weekend at the school. Note:  upcoming Shaker Weekend at the John C. Campbell School:   Sunday, Nov 8 - Saturday, Nov 14, 2015.  Music: “Smith’s Reel” by the McDowell Family.

Down Another Road:  Judy tells a “Jack Tale”—“How Jack Outsmarted the Devil”.  Music: “Cotton'eyed Joe/ Breakin' Up Christmas” Lois Hornbostel.

Closing Song:  “Beautiful Home” by Cherokee National Children’s Choir. 

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Blue Ridge Mountain Bandits Book Signing at the Historic Rickman Store

September 26, 2015 - Join Roy Owenby at the historic Rickman Store at 11 AM this Saturday for a signing of his book, Blue Ridge Bandits. The book tells the fascinating story of five orphaned raccoons and how they grew.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Rickman Store. Blue Ridge Bandits was published by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, a non profit dedicated to preserving mountain heritage. 

The Rickman Store is located at 259 Cowee Creek Road in Franklin NC. Parking will be available at the Macon County Heritage Center and the Old Cowee School. The Store is a part of the 370 acre Cowee/West's Mill National Register Historic District and was acquired by the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee in August of 2007. Since then the community has been active with fundraising, making the purchase, preservation and maintenance a reality.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 8-8-15

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast August 15, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “The little Blue Valiant”   Music: Background Music: " Here Comes the Sun” by Acoustic Guitar.

Creative Corner:   Doreyl ’s guest is once again Conrad Burrell from Sylva—serving the public of Jackson County as Register of Deeds, County Commissioner, and is now on the Board of Trustees for Southwestern Community College; here he talks about the flood of 1940.  .  Music: “The Flood of 1940” by by Buddy Melton, Milan Miller and Mark Winchester.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks once more with  Susan Hirsh, who tells the story of the Cherokee Chief Rabbit..  Music: “Cherokee Morning Song” by Robbie Robertson.

Let Us March On: Mary Sue Casey interviews Bishop Adam West from Macon County who gives a review of his life—Part 1.  Music: I Got Shoes by Clara Ward. 

Down Another Road:  Judy’s guest is David Massie (also known as Pooch Massie), whose family is from Madison County. He lives in Buncombe County, but grew up in Haywood County   Music: “The Peaceful Pigeon River” by Richard Hurley.

Closing Song:“John Henry” Henry Queen. 

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

American Made Crafts Shine at the Dillsboro Arts and Crafts Market

August 15, 2015 from 10 AM to 4 PM in historic Downtown Dillsboro NC the second of three Arts and Crafts Markets will line Front Street in charming downtown Dillsboro NC. This market will showcase demonstrating crafters located inside the shops of Dillsboro, as well as in the tents on Front Street.

Continuing the successful markets produced by Dillsboro Merchants Association, the day-long August market solidifies the efforts of shop owners in this mountain town as they offer even more vendor choices for the visiting public. Demonstrations and items for sale include painting Smoky Mountain flowers with watercolors, soap making, basketry, needlework, metal art, rustic furniture, porcelain jewelry, pottery, painting with oil on tiles and on barn wood, folded star ornaments, and much more. 

Diane Ellis, rug braider

Dogwood Crafters of Dillsboro supports close to 100  local, traditional crafters by selling their wares, including hand-braided rugs by Dianne Ellis, rug braider from Stecoah Valley, North Carolina. Dianne will be on hand at Dogwood Crafters on August 15, demonstrating this heritage craft. Braiding rugs since 1991, Dianne has won countless awards and been featured and taught at some of the most prestigious places in the area. She is a veteran of the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, the Village of Yesteryear at the State Fair in Raleigh, and at the 10-day heritage show at the Western Carolina Mountain State Fair in Fletcher. 

Also demonstrating at Dogwood Crafters will be Madge Sala, who works with gourd art. No longer regarded as just craft, gourd work is now considered art and is being exhibited in many high end galleries throughout the United States. 

Another cooperative shop in Dillsboro is Tunnel Mountain Crafts, who hosts the art and crafts of over 65 local crafters, featuring pottery, knitted items, watercolors, stained glass, wood work, John 'Buddy' Hogan, wood burner. Buddy’s favorite woods to work with are cedar, red oak and ambrosia, and his specialty is making “lazy susans” for dining room tables, benches, tables and smaller items. This art has been called “writing with fire,” and could be easily identified as “drawing with fire!” 

Buddy Hogan, wood burner

wrought iron art, handmade soaps, jewelry, photography, fabric totes and cases, greeting cards, ornaments, candles, wooden toys and much more. The shop also has a variety of local honey, jams, jellies, pickles, teas and herbs. On August 15, the featured crafter at Tunnel Mountain Crafts will be

As a fundraiser for their scholarship efforts, the nonprofit organization, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will offer a raffle and sell old time mixed pickles (beans, corn and cabbage). Be sure to stop by and have a taste from the crock of mixed pickles…then buy a ticket to win the basket, and buy a jar of the old time pickles. 

To top off the day, visitors will be able to cool off with Little Jimmy's Ices and purchase baked goods, while listening to music. Featured from 11—12 noon, and from 1—2 PM will be the entertainment act called “Twelfth Fret,” an acoustic duo from Sylva who performs classic rock songs. 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 7-25-15

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast July 25, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “You Don’t Mess With an Angry Mother”  Music: Background Music: “Dark Eyes” by Ronnie Evans.

Creative Corner: Doreyl ’s guest is once more Richard Hurley from Canton. They discuss Doreyl’s upcoming mural of the Shindig on the Green. Richard shares a poem he’d written about Bascom Lamar Lunsford. We hear one of the songs he has written.  Music: “Shindig on the Green” by Richard Hurley.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy interviews Mick Lewis, who shares more history of the Lewis family, especially about his father and hunting.  Music: “Smoky Mountain Memories” by Keith Shuler.

Stories of the Cherokee: Shawn Crowe continues with his story of Selu and Kinati with part 3 of a 3-part series.  Flute music is by Bo Taylor.

Down Another Road: Jack Wood, May 25, 1928- May 19, 2015. Judy talks more with Jack Wood from Caney Fork. He tells some of his memories of Sylva. Jack graduated from Camp Lab school and Western Carolina University.   Music:“Maybe” by the Asheville Muses.

Closing Song: “Grace” The Children of Zion

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 7/11/15

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast July 11, 2015:

Storytelling:  Amy gives you another episode of her early married life with “Beans and Money” Music:  Background Music: “The Old Guitar” by Acoustic guitar.

Creative Corner:  Doreyl ’s guest is once more Richard Hurley from Canton.  They discuss old time music and Richard’s efforts to preserve the mountain songs. We hear one of the songs he has written.  Music: “The Peaceful Pigeon River” by Richard Hurley

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy interviews Lois Lewis Deitz, who shares more history of her mountain family, especially about the crafts of her mother.  Music: “My Appalachia” by Betty Brown.

This is My Home:  Reprisal—October 25, 2014.   Joe Rhinehart interviews Pearl Krepps, who talks about looking into the history of the Wesleyan Church in Glenville, NC.  Music: “Who Will Sing for Me” by the Compost Mountain Boys

Down Another Road:  Reprisal of October 18, 2014 as a tribute.  Jack Wood, May 25, 1928- May 19, 2015. Judy talks with Jack Wood from Caney Fork. He tells some of his memories of Sylva. Jack graduated from Camp Lab school and Western Carolina University.

Music:“Green Pastures” by the Butterpats.

Closing Song:  "Mississippi Sawyer" by Curley Fox.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Stories of Mountain Folk for April 4, 2015

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast April 4, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy tells the story of her name with “Sweet Violet.” (Background Music: “Sugarlands Suite”;  Music: “Sweet Violets” by Dinah Shore

Creative Corner:  Doreyl’s guest is Jeff Atkins, an Appalachian Clogger, who tells the history of how and why he took up clogging.   Music: “Appalachian Flatfoot Clogging” by Jimmy Johnson.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy spends time with Evelyn Davis Rogers from Conley’s Creek in Whittier. Evelyn talks about growing up in Whittier.  Music: “Grandma Did it All ” by Ginny McAfee,

Let Us March On: Mary Sue Casey interviews Evangelist Lessie Williams from Randolph County, who came to Canton as a pastor. Music: “I’ve Got A Song that I Want to Sing”  by Lessie Williams.

Down Another Road: Judy’s guest is Gary Carden, storyteller, who tells a story about his granny and the Civil War.  Music: “Duets” by Music 2 Hues.

Closing Song:  “In Our Hearts to Stay” by Tom Godieski.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Awards Scholarships

On March 20 at their annual Scholarship Fundraising Dinner, the board of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia awarded three scholarships to three deserving applicants. In the presence of over 100 attendees in the fellowship hall of Cullowhee Baptist Church on the campus of WCU, the following awards were presented. 

The Annie Lee Bryson Memorial Scholarship was presented to Blake Joh-David Ward of Whittier, NC, by Annie Lee’s daughters, Norma Clayton, Carolyn Wiggins, and Anna Allen.  A very active young man at Smoky Mountain High, Blake is a member of the show choir at Smoky Mountain High, a member of student council, FCA, Crossfit Swerve, and varsity football, wrestling, track and field. Besides all those activities, he helps work with kids at Riverside Cove youth camp, helps his family on the farm raising cattle and with the family garden. He is proud of the fact that his family has lived in these mountains for nearly 200 years! He wants to major in biology or business at WCU, then attend dental school to become an oral surgeon. GPA 3.5. 

Connor Luckey-Smith receives award

The Mary Jane Queen Memorial Scholarship was presented to Connor Luckey-Smith, from Clyde, ND, by Dot Conner, the eldest daughter of Mary Jane. Connor is enrolled at Four Oaks Academy, plus dually enrolled in the Jackson County Early College and Haywood Early College. Connor, in his words, states he has been strongly influenced by the rich traditions of Appalachian culture, mostly because of the Haywood County JAM program. He began playing at an early age, and has been exposed to many great and gifted musicians with whom he has come in contact. He and his brother, along with the band Productive Paranoia, play at area nursing homes, benefits, fundraisers, senior luncheons, and more. Connor’s goal is to have a career in music.GPA: 4.0. 

The Elmer and Irene Hooper Memorial Scholarship was presented to Grace Ella Morris, from Cullowhee, NC by Irene Hooper. Grace goes to Smoky Mountain High and Jackson County Early College. Her community service is truly outstanding. An avid fiddle player, Grace spent countless hours performing with the Community Appalachian Music group, playing “Old Time Music” at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. She has been going on mission trips since 2012, spending time with senior adults in the community, and is a current member of the Jackson County Bible club. She came up through JAM in Haywood County, volunteered with the Jackson County Junior Appalachian Musicians and is now a teacher with the organization. She wants to be a teacher and share her love for Appalachian culture. GPA 3.9044. She is a member of the National Honors Society, and is on the President’s List at SCC. Entertainment was provided by the teachers of the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program of Jackson County. 

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia’s scholarship program is supported, in part, from the Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Endowment, a component fund of the North Carolina Community Foundations, and the efforts of a 20-member board of directors from within the local community. 

Stories of Mountain Folk this Week

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast March, 2015:
Storytelling: Amy continues the story, told by her mother, of her early married life. This episode is called “Keep on Keeping on”.  Background Music: “Annie’s Song”.  Music: “Five foot two, Eyes of Blue” by Grey Orchestra.

Creative Corner: Doreyl ’s guests Laura Boosinger and Joe Penland, who talk more about Shindig on the Green in Asheville.  Music: “Lee Highway Blues” by Mac Martin. 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy’s guest Howard Allman, who shares stories about growing up in Webster. Music:“Willard” by Terry Edwards.  

Let Us March On: Mary Sue’s guest is Reverend Charles Lee, president of the Jackson County NAACP, who shares why he became involved.  Music: “I’m Running For My Life” by Liberty Baptist Choir w/Lena Wykle. 

Down Another Road: Judy interviews Steve Ensley, whose family settled in Swannonoa Valley in Buncombe County.  Music: “Down South” by Music2Hues.  

Closing Song: “Rejoice” by The Inspirations.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE

Asheville Mural Approved for Arts Funding and Donations

 "Golden Threads" Shindig Mural, sponsored by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, has been approved by the Arts and Sciences Council program, Power to Give. The Charlotte-based Program assists North Carolina-based arts organizations that have received grants from the North Carolina Arts Council within the past three years, and now need funding for a specific project.

As of February 14, 2015 the Shindig Mural was opened to people and organizations that wish to fund arts projects. The general public may also be a part of the funding of the Shindig Mural Project, Just CLICK HERE to go to the Power to Give site and become a donor for this exciting Asheville arts project.

Building on a platform of previous WNC murals, the Golden Threads Mural celebrates the annual Asheville event, Shindig on the Green in Asheville, is another example of the vision and mission of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc., the mission of "Planting seeds of heritage through the Arts."

Art Director and well-know mountain mural and fine artist, Doreyl Ammons Cain, will be researching, planning and executing the painting and completion of the "Golden Threads" Shindig Mural. Ammons Cain will also follow through with the evaluation procedures, marketing plan, research into other WNC mural sites and interviews with Shindig musicians.

Shindig on the Green takes place each  in the heart of downtown Asheville at Pack Square Park's Roger McGuire Green. The stage shows take place on the Bascom Lamar Lunsford stage, named for the founder of the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, the nation’s longest running folk festival.

The Folk Heritage Committee produces Shindig on the Green and its sister event, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, to support the preservation and continuation of the traditional music, dance and storytelling heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Between 3,000 and 5,000 people attend the FREE Shindig on the Green evenings  throughout the summer. In addition to throngs of locals, visitors routinely travel from out of state, across the country, and even around the world to make their way to downtown Asheville for Shindig on the Green.

Shindig on the Green depends on the talent and generosity of its volunteer musicians and dancers who span several generations. From young children perfecting their square dance steps to great-grandmothers singing ballads passed down through the years, the region’s wealth of traditional talent takes center stage. Since the outdoor event’s inception in 1967, hundreds of thousands of individuals from across the region and throughout the world have shared and enjoyed the rich traditional music and dance heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in this outdoor setting. 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 10-18-14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast on October, 2014:


Storytelling: Our story today is called “How Pumpkintown Got it’s Name” where Amy tells about fighting Billy Woodard, and corn shucking.  Background music:  “Great is the Lord”  

Creative Corner:  Doreyl continues her conversation with Betty Brown about her new album “Singing Appalachian Stories.” Betty tells the story of one of her songs, “Smoky Mountain Memories.”  Music: “Smoky Mountain Memories”  by Betty Brown.  

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy’s guest Ron Yount, who talks about how he began to carve “Spirit Faces” out of pine knots.  Music: “How I Long to be in the Mountains”  by Mountain Faith.Stories of the Cherokee: Shawn talks about the Cherokee Indian Fair, and the legend of “The Ballgame of the Birds and Animals”   Drum and Flute Music by Matthew Tooni. 

Down Another Road:  (125th anniversary of Sylva) Judy talks with Jack Wood from Caney Fork. He tells some of his memories of Sylva. Jack graduated from Camp Lab school and Western Carolina University.   Music:“Green Pastures” by the Butterpats. 

Closing Song: “Lilies of the Field” by Jon Zackary

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE

Stories of Mountain Folk for the Week of 9/27/14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast on September 27, 2014:

Storytelling: The story today is called “Falling in Love with the Mountains,” and reflects the true meaning of “Catch the Spirit of Appalachia” to Amy, it’s co-founder.  Background music: “The Offering".

Creative Corner: (100th anniversary of Jackson County Extension) Amy talks with Ann Hall and Marilyn Hipps, two retired employees who worked in the office of the NC Cooperative Extension. They tell about some of the fun of working with the extension people.  Music: “Smoky Mountain Memories” by Betty Brown.

Stories of Mountain Folk: (100th anniversary of Jackson County Extension) The interview with Ann Hall and Marilyn Hipps continues, as the two tell about setting up the can goods and bake goods for prize judging at Mountain Heritage Day.  Music: “Smoky Mtn Days” by Keith Shuler.

Stories of the Cherokee: Shawn continues his interview with Nadia Dean, a past journalist from Washington, DC, who has done some extensive research on the Cherokee history.  Flute music by Bo Taylor.

Down Another Road: Once again, Judy talks with her mother, Arbie Cook Rhodes, about an incident that happened in her life at 12 years old.  Music: “Back Then”by the Smoky Mtn Boys.

Closing Song: “Smoky Mountain Emerald Bridge” by Ron Smith

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE

Stories of Mountain Folk for 9/13/14 Marks 100th Anniversary

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

Podcast on September 13, 2014:

Storytelling: Our story today is called “It’s Just Precious, Isn’t it?” where Amy tells the story of her aunt Lillie and aunt Cora’s hair problem.  Background music: “I See the Lord”.

Creative Corner: (100th anniversary of Jackson County Extension) Doreyl talks with Isabelle Cable who worked in Swain County. She tells stories about her tenure with the Extension Office.  Music: “Chickens” by C.W. Colt.


Stories of Mountain Folk: (100th anniversary of Jackson County Extension) Amy talks with Jean Childers, another extension employee from Swain County who talks about her involvement over the years with the Extension.  Music: “Hangin’ by a Thread”” by Clover.

This is My Town: (125th anniversary of Sylva) Joe Rhinehart’s guest is Tracy Whitaker who talks about growing up in the town of Sylva.  Music: “Down at the Company Store by Home Delivery.


Down Another Road: Judy continues her conversation with Worley Capps, an 89-year-old World War II veteran from Madison County who continues his stories, this time about mountain remedies.  Music: “Handsome Molly” by Hylo Brown.  

Closing Song: “I Need You” by Lindsey & Lauren Sowden.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE

Stories of Mountain Folk for 6-7-14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

June 7, 2014:
 

Storytelling:  Amy’s story, “Professor Charles Tinkham” begins a three-part story about how Amy began to record her family’s WNC history and became a storyteller.  Music: “Here Comes the Sun” an Acoustic Guitar selection.

 

Creative Corner:  Doreyl's guest is Jack Sholder, Director of WCU’s Film & Television Production in Cullowhee. They talk about how he came to be in Cullowhee, about his classes and his part of the 125th year of WCU.  Music: “Wildwood Flower”  by Henry Queen.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy’s guest is Irene Bishop Hooper, who was born and raised in Cullowhee. She  talks about living in the early ‘30s where the WCU campus is now  (a special attributed to the 125th Anniversary of the university).  Music: “Chasin’ Grayson”  by Home Delivery.

 

Black Roots of Appalachia: Victoria continues her talk with Reverend Wanda Jean Howell Moore from Sylva who compares her youthful experiences in school up north to going to school in the south and other experiences.  Music: “Dueling Banjos” by the Ross Brothers.

 

Going Down Another Road: Judy talks with Ann Hayes McDonald from Mills River in Henderson County, who shares stories of her youth.   Music: “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” by Ron Smith.

 

Closing Song: “Lonesome Polly Ann” by the Blue Ridge Rounders.

CLICK HERE to listen to Stories of Mountain Folk

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Publishes New Children’s Book “18 Letters”

Written from the perspective of a child, the book “ 18 Letters” demonstrates the frustration of the child as he learns how to spell his name. However, by the time the book concludes, the child has learned the importance of his name, for it represents generations of his heritage.

Author Rebecca Whitmire Fowler is a retired public school teacher. She taught Kindergarten – Second grade in Jackson County, NC, 1973-2005, and two years of preschool after retirement. She says she taught at Scotts Creek School so long she had the privilege of teaching several children of her former students. Good friend, Renae Spears, owner of the Kitchen’s Shop in Dillsboro, NC, has also given her vision of the story by illustrating the book.

Both author and illustrator will be on hand Saturday, May 24, 2014, to autograph the book in an all day book signing event at the Kitchen Shop, 170 Front Street in Dillsboro NC. The public is invited to come out and meet the Rebecca and Renae at this important time in their lives.

“18 Letters” is the 79th book to be published by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia in it’s quest to honor and preserve the heritage and creativity of the people of Western North Carolina.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 5-10-14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

May 10, 2014:
 

Storytelling:  Amy shares her feelings about her Mom and Dad, in her special story for Mother’s Day:  “I’ll Be Loving You Always.”   Music: “Always” 

Creative Corner:  Doreyl's guest is Paul Lormand, Director of the Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center at WCU. Paul gives a history of his musical background and his10  years with Western.  Music: “Forked Deer” by David Holt

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy’s guest is Barry Clinton, who speaks about the Macon County Heritage Center at the Historic Cowee School, and their musical lineup for 2014.   Music: “Down in Caroline” by Balsam Range.

 

Black Roots of Appalachia:  Victoria spends time with Roderick Blaine Davis, while they discuss his 33 years of employment at WCU beginning in 1962, working at Reed Gym, and the Water Plant.   Music: “Abiding in the Vine” by Betty Brow.

 

Going Down Another Road: Judy talks with her mother, Arbie Cook Rhodes, about her time as a student at WCU in the early ’50s.    Music: “Smoky Mountain Days”by Keith Shuler.

 

Closing Song: “Big Mon” by the Rye Holler Boys

CLICK HERE to listen to Stories of Mountain Folk

Stories of Mountain Folk for 4-12-14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

April 12, 2014:
 

Storytelling: Amy slips back in time to when she was a teenager with her story “Going to the Movies,” when her family went to the Sylva Drive-in Theater and the Ritz Theatre.  Music: “The Offering”.

 

Creative Corner:  Doreyl's guest is Rob Bell with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. They discuss the new Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina Guide Book and some of the local musicians.    Music: “Blue Ridge Harvest Moon” by Appalachian Fire.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy welcomes Lara Saunders Chew, a storyteller from Otto, NC. They talk about the early days of Macon County, Lara’s grandfather tragic problem with the “fence laws,”  and other family stories.  Music: “Take Me in Chains” by Compost Mountain Boys.

 

Stories of the Cherokee: Shawn shares stories about “Who are the Cherokee.” He welcomes Beloved Woman Myrtle Driver Johnson, an elder of the tribe, who tells a story about from where the name “Cherokee” comes.  Flute music is provided by Matthew Toon.

 

Going Down Another Road: Judy and Susan Moore continue comparing their childhood memories of growing up in Black Mountain and Hot Springs—bare feet, scraps, playing outside, climbing trees, pocket knives, whittling, making whistles, snakes and more.  Music: “Black Mountain Rag” by Vance Trull.

 

Closing Song: “Hometown Blues” by Blue Ridge Rounders

CLICK HERE to listen to Stories of Mountain Folk 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 3-22-14

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.

March 22, 2014:
 

Storytelling: Today Amy Talks about the inspiration of her grandfather, as she tells the story of "Grandpa Told Me Stories."  Music:  “A Rose in a Fire”

 

Creative Corner:  Doreyl's guest is Brenda Deyton from Robbinsville, who shares her personal story of how she came to write a book on finances. Music: “Moose” by Banjo Mania.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy's guest is  once more 71-year-old Phyllis Fox from Savannah Community in Jackson County, who shares her experiences as a volunteer in the county.  Music: "Lost All My Money But A Two Dollar Bill" by Earl Taylor & Jim McCall

 

Stories of the Cherokee:  Today we introduce Shawn Crowe as our new interviewer/storyteller from Cherokee, who shares stories about "witches" and then presents Jerry Wolf with an original Cherokee legend.  Music is by Bo Taylor.

 

Going Down Another Road: Judy shares some memories of her uncle and aunt who have made an impression upon her life.  Music:  "Silent Night" and"This is My Story" by Judy's family.

 

Closing Song: "Old Friend" by Terry Edwards.

CLICK HERE to listen to Stories of Mountain Folk