Association Meeting Minutes – Sept. 17, 2010

DBWTA Meeting Minutes

Cove Ridge Center

September 17, 2010

Present:  Erwin Forrest, Joan Short, Margaret Crouch, Megan France, James Stallard, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Joe Fuller, Wanda McConnell, Joy and John Mullin, Taylor Thorpe, Craig Seaver, Mark Woods, Jon Tustin, Billy Heck, Chris Edwards, Lisa McConnell, Bill Smith

The meeting was called to order at 12:08 President Nihil acknowledged the visitors;  Mark Wood, Manager of Cumberland Gap National Park; Jon Tustin, Manager of Wilderness Road State Park; Billy Heck, Interpreter at WRSP; and  Taylor Thorpe, Manager of Cove Ridge Center at Natural Tunnel State Park. There were no additions to the agenda as presented. President Nihil asked for additions or corrections to the minutes posted on our web site by Secretary Sally Kelly.  As there were none, the minutes for the July Association meeting and the August Board of Directors Meeting were approved on a motion by Benny Reed and a second by Barbara Reed. President Nihil summarized the report given by Treasurer Joe Fuller at the August BOD meeting, and informed the Association members that the report was approved.  Its details are available online at our web site in the minutes of the August BOD meeting.

Old Business Pres Nihil summarized the offer of a cabin to the Association by the Hobbs family.  The complete details are in the August BOD minutes.  She informed those present that the BOD had decided to go forward with a geocaching project if there is an Association member who is willing to drive that effort.  She mentioned that Karen Davidson of Scott County Tourism has also been asked if she is interested in leading that project.  Any member who might be interested in the geocaching project should speak with President Nihil. Joy mentioned that she and Secretary Sally Kelly recently met with web site manager Jared Bentley at GoTriCitties. They are all working together to maximize its usefulness. Jared has suggested that it would be effective for the Association to have a Facebook page.  Jared will set that up, Sally Kelly will be a manager and she would appreciate having several others to help with that.  It will be most effective if information is frequently posted.  A representative of each committee would be ideal.

New Business President Nihil reported that the August reports from our Committees are posted online within the minutes of the August BOD meeting.  Some Committee Chairs were asked to present a brief update: Chris Edwards, Events Comm. Chair, reported regarding plans going forth for Harvest Celebration, October 23, 1-5 PM; Christmastide, Saturday, December 11, 5 – 7 PM; and Old Christmas, Saturday, January 6, 2011, 5 – 7 PM..  He also reported regarding a fine artwork print by recognized Native American artist, Doug Hall, that has been donated and that is to be raffled on the Saturday of Siege, 2011, May 21. Tickets will be sold at $5 each at Association events in the interim and at other local events such as Wilderness Road State Park’s Fall Festival in Ocotober and at Home Craft Days, also that month at MEEC in Big Stone Gap. Joan Short, Chair of the Membership Committee passed around a draft of that committee’s proposed new prochure.  Feedback concerning needed changes where asked for.   Joe Fuller reportedfor the Infrastructure Committee, in the absence of Bob McConnell, that bidding is to be done again regarding the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Interpretive Center to be built at Duffield.  The first bids all came in over budget. Jean Brown reported regarding work being done in Kane’s Gap by her son Joe and Bob McConnell to improve the hiking path there that follows the orignial 1775 Boone Trail.  She also provided a map. Craig Seaver, for NTSP, is looking for volunteers in period attire for visiting senior group on Oct 14.  He stated that the ribbon cutting for the Park’s cabins is to be Oct 6 Today’s Times News announced that the cabins are complete. Megan France distributed  invitations for the Volunteer Banquet. She asked that they be passed along to other Association Members who are not present.  Secretary Sally Kelly as also asked to send the invitation to the membership email list.  The event is Tuesday, October 5, at Cove Ridge Center at 6:30 PM.  Please respond by September 24. Mark Woods of WRSP reported that two weeks from today,is CGNHP’s heritage event focusing on natural history – Raptor Rapture, Oct 1,2,3   Information is posted on their web site.  On Nov 5,6 they will be hosting a Lewis and Clark event along with Pine Mountain State Resort Park.   There will be the unveiling of a marker and wayside exhibit on the Virginia side. John Tustin, Manager at WRSP announced a  Geocaching event there on Sept 25.    Oct 9, is their Fall Heritage Festival, whick includes reenactors at the Fort, on Oct. 8,9,10 Pumpkins in the Park  is scheduled for October 29, 30, 31 The program for the meeting was presented by Captain Joseph Martin,  of Pittsylvania County and the Holston Militia, regarding our colony’s lack of basic English lliberties, and the greedy mininistry of the King that taxes without regard for our rights. Captain Joseph Martin is a first-person historic interpretation by Billy Heck, Interpreter at WRSP. He spoke about living history and the importance of interpretation.   Good interpretation requires a passion for it.  Billy also related the life chronology of Joseph Martin, a very important early settler on the western Virginia frontier.  His program was very well received. The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 PM Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary

Association Meeting Minutes – July 16, 2010

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

Draft of Association Meeting Minutes

July 16, 2010 Cove Ridge Center

Present:  Benny Reed, Barbara Reed, Joe Fuller, Joy Nihil, Margaret Crouch, Jean Brown, Megan France, Erwin Forrest, Joan Short, Wanda McConnell, Charlie Allen,  Dale Taylor, , Lisa McConnell, Bob McConnell, Wanda McConnell, Joe Brown, Bill Smith, John Mullen, Joy Mullen, Craig Seaver

Meeting called to order at 12:10 p.m. by President Nihil.

Introduction of visitors:  John Tustin,  Wilderness Road State Park; Chris Phillips,  Cumberland Gap National Historic Park; Madison Edwards

Park Report:  Craig Seaver reported that the opening date for the cabins has been moved to October and expressed appreciation to the Scott Co. Master Gardeners who are working on the landscaping around the cabins. He also reported that visitors to the park are up 20% from last year.

Approve May Minutes:  President Nihil asked for additions or corrections to the minutes of the May Association meeting.  Motion to approve minutes as posted on the website.  Motion carried.

President’s Report: President Nihil reported on the Board Meeting on June 18, 2010.

The Board recommended raising the basic dues for membership to $25 (up from $10), adding a Student Membership level at $10, and taking away the $30 level. Wanda McConnell made a motion to approve the dues increase; Benny Reed offered a second. There was no discussion. Motion carried.

President Nihil asked Joan Short, chair of the Membership Committee, to report on the Membership Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 14. Short reported that the members of the committee are Jean Hood, Erwin Forrest, Bob McConnell, and Megan France. The committee is focusing on two objectives: 1) a membership brochure with a mail-in membership form attached and, 2) a series of monthly evening meetings for new and potential members who cannot attend meetings during the day. The evening meetings would feature guest speakers and center on topics of interest about frontier history along the Wilderness Trail.

President Nihil asked for members who are interested in serving as a host for the Interpretive Center to please contact Jean Brown, who is coordinating the volunteers for the Blockhouse and the Interpretive Center.

New Historic Panels: Bob McConnell, chair of the Infrastructure Committee, reported on the Board’s discussion of possible placement for three new historical panels. After offering an overview of the placement of the four current panels and the possibility of obtaining funding for more panels, Mr. McConnell moved that the DBWTA seek grant funding from the Tobacco Commission for three more panels to be placed at three historically appropriate locations. Charlie Allen seconded.  The motion carried.

Bill Smith suggested that the Association pursue the possibility of Dominion Foundation grants of $5,000 to establish historic panels in Wise Co.

Scenic Byways: After explaining the current situation pertaining to scenic byways, Bob McConnell made the following motion: 1) that the byway from Jonesville to Cumberland Gap follow the original Trail; 2) that Moccasin Gap be designated as the beginning point for the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail; and 3) that the scenic byway from Bristol to Moccasin Gap follow Rt. 58 to connect with the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail. Bill Smith seconded. The motion carried.

Program: Bob McConnell presented an excellent program entitled Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association: The First Fifteen Years which provided a detailed overview of the accomplishments of DBWTA since its inception fifteen years ago.

Megan France reported on the two-day Travel through Time teacher in-service workshop held on July 14 and 15. Eleven teachers attended both days and gave very favorable evaluations. Megan thanked all the staff and volunteers from Netherland Inn, Natural Tunnel, Wilderness Road, and Cumberland Gap who offered their time and cooperation to make the workshop a success.

 

Joan Short projected an image of the giclee print entitled Treetop Advantage which is being donated by artist Doug Hall for fundraising purposes for DBWTA. The print—matted, framed, and ready for display—should arrive sometime during the next two weeks.

Lisa McConnell and Charlie Allen reported on the upcoming 200th anniversary of the Methodist Campground. For more information, contact Charlie Allen. The Powell Valley News and the Big Stone Gap District of the United Methodist Church are also good sources of information.

Benny Reed moved the meeting be adjourned. Bob McConnell seconded. Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Boyd Short (for Sally Kelly, secretary)

Association Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2010

DBWTA regular meeting

Cove Ridge Center May 21, 2010

Present: Benny Reed, James Stallard, Joe Fuller, Joy Nihil, Sally Kelly, Jordan Self, Margaret Crouch, Jean Brown, Jean Hood, Mary Jane Erwin, Megan France, Erwin Forrest, Joan Short, Wanda McConnell, Charlie Allen, Chris Edwards, Taylor Thorp, Joe Brown, Lisa McConnell, Bob McConnell, Pam Eddy, Ron Short, Bill Smith Meeting called to order at 12:06 by President Nihil. Introduction of visitors: Newest member Erwin Forrest, Pam Eddy of Cumberland Gap National Park, and Taylor Thorp, Cove Ridge Center Director, were introduced. Pam expressed her pleasure to be cooperating with other parks. Secretary:

The minutes of the March meeting were approved on a motion by Benny Reed and a second by Joan Short. Treasurer: Treasurer Joe Fuller presented his repor for the period March – May. It was approved on a motion by Benny Reed and a second by Craig Seaver. The expenses for the period were approved on a motion by Benny Reed and a second by Joan Short. The balance in operations for the period was $3,294.66 and the expenses for the period were $2,239.62 The detailed treasurer’s report is in the Association minute book. Old Business As the amended bylaws move the Association in direction of having most business conducted by the Board of Directors, the Board recommends a change in format for our meetings. The Board will receive the detailed treasurer report, with a summary report to go to the Association meeting, Association members will receive minutes of the Board and Association meetings, including an executive summary of the Treasurer’s report. Mary Erwin made that motion, it was seconded by Joan Short, and approved. A mechanism is needed for expenditures by the Board. President Nihil asked for an amount up to $500 for individual expenditures. Larger expenditures would be brought before the Association. Sally so moved, Benny seconded, and the motion was approved. A suggestion to require two signatures on checks was discussed and tabled until such time as the IRS requires it. Committee Reports Chris Edwards reported that the Events Committee has been meeting bi-weekly. More volunteers for various tasks are needed for Siege this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23. Finance: Margaret Crouch that they are working on a recommendation regarding CD sales. That will be brought before the Board. Interpretive Center: Report postponed to New Business. Blockhouse Interpreters Jean Brown reported that volunteer slots are mostly filled for all weekends this season Membership Joan Short reported that the Association has a new member, Erwin Forrest. She is working on a new member packet to include sources for clothing and accouterments Music Ron Short spoke of our CD on Channel 5 TV during advertising for Siege yesterday, May 20.. That music is to be played in the Interpretive Center during Siege. Publicity and Public Relations : President Nihil has asked for a new committee to be headed by Sally Kelly. Sally reported that she met recently with other County folks to develop a filming agenda for a national TV channel, Travel Nation, that plans a segment on our county. DBWT Interpretive Center at Duffield Bob McConnell reported that they are waiting for a VDOT approval to send out the contract for bids. A Scenic Byways grant for $800,000 will be sought for the Center’s exhibits. A grant is also being looked for to pay for media. Park: Craig Seaver thanked Benny Bloomer, Edgar Hood, and Joe Brown for their work installing the new herb garden. He also stated his appreciation for the Association’s support with the Wilderness Road Institute. Ron Short reported that the program resulted in an award to Mountain Empire Community College at a recent community colleges conference. It was voted one of the best new programs and instructor Joan Short received the adjunct Teacher of the Year award. That program is a shining example of regional groups working together.

Scott County Horse Association: Charlie Green reported that the Raid at Martin’s Station was fabulous and that Siege was strongly promoted there. New Business President Nihil reported that our Interpretive Center is not doing well volunteers-wise. After consulting with the Park, the Board is considering turning over its gift shop operation to the Park. Craig suggested ways this could go. The Board recommends to the Association that operation of the gift shop to the Park. Under this plan, the Park would take complete operation responsibility and pay a lump sum for all inventory. The benefits of this plan are that Association resources would no longer have to focus on all the tasks concerned with that operation. There would no longer be a need for a credit card machine or cash register. Margaret Crouch make the motion, it was seconded by Lisa McConnell. After some discussion, it was agreed to add language to the motion requiring future items offered for sale to be historically appropriate for our site. The new hours are expected to be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, May through October from 10 AM to 6 PM. The motion was approved. Benny made a motion that our web site sales be shut down and that we authorize Bob and Craig to cooperate regarding any orders that may come in during the interim. Charlie seconded the motion and it was approved. Bob thanked Wanda for all the work she has put in connected gift shop. The lack of volunteers placed most responsibility for the shop operation on her. Joy invited Bob to front of room and presented to him a plaque that will be placed on pedestal beneath a new red oak tree that will be planted in his honor The meeting was adjourned at 1:20

Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary

Association Meeting Minutes – March 19, 2010

DBWTA meeting

March 19, 2010

Cove Ridge Center

The meeting was called to order at 12:08 PM

 

Present Norman Sobel, Jean Brown, Jean Hood, Joy Nihil, Ron Short, Craig Seaver, Bob McConnell, Joe Fuller, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Harold Jerrell, Sally Kelly, Dale Taylor, David Oaks, Wanda McConnell, Dave Collette (new Dist 7 parks manager), Mark Woods (CGNP), Megan France, Margaret Crouch, Pam Eddy (CGNP), Chris Edwards, Lisa McConnell, Billy Heck and Johathan Tustin (WRSP), New Cove Ridge Director Taylor Thorp, Allan Maggert (Maggert Redording Studio), Gannel Marshall, John and Joy Mullin, Joan Short, Joe Brown, John Stafford

 

President McConnell introduced guests: Taylor Thorp, Director at Cove Ridge Center; Dave Collette, District Park Manager; Mark Woods, Superintendent at Cumberland Gap National Park; Billy Heck and Joh Tustin (WRSP); and Alan Maggard of Maggard Recording Studios.

 

President McConnell made presentation of two awards He mentioned that 2010 is the 15 year anniversary of our organization, and how proud we are of our accomplishment with the new CD, given in such an unselfish way, by Ron Short and Maggard Studios. Bob presented a Plaque to sound studio President Dave Maggard for their contribution to the Wilderness Road heritage.

Then Bob mentioned a tradition created by John Stafford The Stafford Rock has been given to a few folks for significant efforts. The latest Stafford Rock goes to Ron Short as a token of appreciation to one who gives unselfishly. In the tradition of Stafford Communications, the DBWTA presented this award to Ron. Ron expressed that he was very honored to have done the CD, and very surprised and grateful for this award..

 

Sally Kelly asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the January meeting.

It was mentioned that the words” President elect” should be inserted in front of Joy’s name on page 5. With that correction, Benny Reed made a motion to accept the minutes, it was seconded by Harold Jerrell and approved.

 

 

Treasurer Joe Fuller read his report and list of expenses. The ending balance in checking for the period is $4,695.57 and the expenses were $1.806.08. The full Treasurer’s report is available in the minute book Lisa McConnell made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, it was seconded by John Stafford and approved. Joan Short made a motion to accept the expenses for the period, Wanda McConnell seconded the motion and it was approved.

 

 

 

 

Benny Reed made the audit report. The Association and the Interpretive
Center financials were found to be without notable objection. The audit report is in the minute book.

 

 

Our Bylaws have been amended to be in compliance with laws and guidelines governing nonprofits, and to meet IRS best practices and standards

Benny Reed made a motion to accept the Bylaws as amended, John Mullin seconded the motion and it was approved.

 

 

The President’s annual report is included in the minute book. It included mention of accomplishments such as the bake oven, plans for a shed for a blacksmith, a bellows., the rifle and pouch added at the Interpretive Center, landscaping and stone work at the flag pole funded by the SAR, lights added along path, Educational outreach, partnership with NTSP, WRSP, CGNP, Intern Project, Interpretive programs in county schools, CD, Blockhouse book manuscript completed. Events included Siege, Harvest, Celebration and Native American Day. Christmastide was canceled due to weather. Our Association’s strong partnerships within DCR and with CGNP were mentioned; as was work with DCR get legislation passed allowing nonprofits to be vendors in state parks. Our association played a leading part in initiatives such as Virginia’s Wilderness Road Migration Route Driving Tour, and the coming Daniel Boone Interpretive Center at Duffield.

 

Elections of Officers

The Nominating Committee presented the slate brought before the Association in January. There were no additional nominations from the floor. Harold Jerrell made a motion to accept the slate by acclamation, it was seconded by David Oaks and approved.

 

The slate of nominees for the DBWTA Board of Directors was also accepted by acclamation on a motion to that effect by Wanda McConnell, seconded by Barbara Reed.

 

 

 

Old Business

 

In the future, much of the business of the association will be conducted by the Board of Directors to allow time for programs at association meetings so reports were not asked for from all committees.

 

Events

Chris Edwards reported that his committee has been meeting monthly and will begin meeting twice monthly in April. He reminded the membership that they are seeking volunteers, and that anyone who participates in period costume must please register. Chris asked the Association to approve a budget for Siege of up to $3000.

Ron Short so moved, it was seconded by Benny Reed and approved.

Chris mentioned that there is a changed date for Christmastide to Dec 11 for 2010. Also on Jan 8, 2011, there will be an event called Old Christmas.

The next meeting of the Events Committee is April 15.

 

Jean Brown announced that she is collecting names for Blockhouse volunteers for 2010 on Saturdays and Sundays, May – Oct. Every one is encouraged to plan to be part of that.

 

Wanda is soliciting volunteers to staff the Interpretive Center for the same period. She stated that the lists of volunteers for the Blockhouse and the Interpretive Center will be posted in the Interpretive Center when complete. Benny reemphasized how important these two volunteer activities are for the image of the Association and its projects. Ron commented on the richness of the experience.

 

Jean has plans with her for all to see of the blockhouse herb garden. It is hoped to have it installed by the end of April.

 

Mark Woods of CGNP spoke briefly. He stated that his park is working to strengthen its partnerships with Virginia state parks. A calendar of their activities is available online at their web site. He expressed how happy he is to work with this park and this Association, and noted that at Cumberland Gap they have seen an increase in visitors thanks to weather.

 

John Tustin spoke regarding Martin’s Station. The fort opens the second weekend in April and will be open six days per week beginning with the Raid May 7-9. Repairs have been made to the fort. Billy expressed his expectation that they are going to break their record for reenactor turnout this year. An entire Virgina line regiment is expected. There may be as many as 600 reenactors, and they hope to have as many as 40 Native Americans.

John Tustin mentioned that this weekend there is a rain barrel workshop at Wilderness Road Park.

Bob McConnell showed our ad in Muzzleloader Mag. Joan shared a cover of Muzzle Blaster magazine featuring a photo from WRSP.

 

Megan reported regarding the interpreter workshop Skills Along Wilderness Road. It is being done in cooperation with CGNP’s Pam Eddy, Candle making, soap making, interpreter skills, clothing and cooking will be presented.

 

Megan and Joan are currently doing the Wilderness Trail Institute for teachers. Last week they had Bill Cawood regarding flora of the park, including a visit to the Blockhouse with Ron interpreting as Elisha Wallen. Billy will do next weekend as Capt Joseph Martin. Megan has a sign up list for volunteers for the frontier community on March 30 The Wilderness Trail Institute commenced Feb 9.

 

Constructing a Blacksmith shed is probably not going to get done this year, That project is dependent on Park personnel that is currently busy elsewhere. We will get and store a bellows and an anvil. Chris will learn the blacksmith skills.

 

John Stafford asked if we are still looking for another log cabin to construct on the site.

 

There being no new business, Bob expressed his great pleasure being our President during the last four years and his delight to pass the reigns to Joy Nihil.

 

New President Nihil expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to fill Bob’s big shoes. New Officers and members of the Board were asked to attend a Board meeting here at Cove Ridge next Friday, March 26 ,at noon.

Bob expressed appreciation to all new members, active members.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:52

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Kelly

Association Meeting Minutes – Jan. 15, 2010

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

minutes of January 15, 2010

Bob McConnell proposed the attached agenda; there were no changes from the floor. The “Special Presentation” item listed is for Alan Maggard of Maggard Sound Studio for his help with the music CD done by Ron Short. Since Mr. M. was unable to attend the meeting to accept it, the presentation will be postponed.

 

Members present: Bob McConnell, Joe Fuller, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Harold Jerrell, John Mulllen, Joy Mullen, Dale Taylor, Kay Addington, Jim Addington, Margaret Crouch, Jean Brown, Wanda McConnell, Megan France, Mary Erwin, David Oaks, Charlie Allen, Dr. Larry Fleenor, Lisa McConnell, Chris Edwards, Pam Eddy, John Stafford

 

Guests: Ruble Taylor (Dale’s wife), Chris Phillips (Cumberland Gap NHP), Taylor Thorp (new director, Cove Ridge) and Philip and Ruth Cooper

 

Motion was made by Harold Jerrell and seconded by Charlie Allen to accept the minutes as disseminated; motion approved by the membership.

 

Joe Fuller gave the treasurer’s report (copy included in the minute book). Wanda McConnell moved and John Stafford seconded that the report be accepted. Benny Reed moved and Joan Short seconded that the expenses during the previous two-month period be approved. Both these motions were approved by the membership. The ending balance in checking was $4,955.60. The detailed report is in the minute book.

 

Joe Fuller mentioned that annual membership dues are payable now for calendar year 2010, and that he has sent an email notice to that effect.

 

Committee Reports

 

Blockhouse site (Chris Edwards) – a new fly has been purchased to use over the cooking demonstration area during Siege weekend. The committee will meet soon to begin plans for the blacksmith shed.

 

Blockhouse interpretive programs (Jean Brown) – this season’s sign-up sheet will be available at the March meeting. Benny Reed urged members who haven’t done seasonal weekend volunteering at the blockhouse and interpretive center to consider doing so.

 

Blockhouse furnishings (Barbara Reed) – nothing to report.

 

[Bob expressed regret that cancellation of the Christmastide at the Blockhouse event due to the snowstorm meant no one saw the beautiful job of decorating done by Joy Nihil, Jean Brown, Joan Short, and others.]

 

Interpretive Center (Wanda McConnell) – last year’s sales totaled $1420.51; the music CD production costs were paid from the Inter. Ctr. account, which leaves approximately $2200. We hope that rerouting the walking path from the parking lot will increase the number of visitors who go in the Interpretive Center; volunteers should bring their calendars to the March meeting so scheduling can begin.

 

Events (Mary Erwin for Sally Kelly) – Siege at the Blockhouse will be May 22 and 23 this year; registration and detailed information for re-enactors and vendors are available at the Association’s web site (www.danielboonetrail.com). Chris Edwards will begin chairing the committee this year. DBWTA and Wilderness Road State Park will share a one-page ad in Muzzleloader Magazine for their spring events. Pam Eddy (Cumberland Gap NHP) will take part in Siege again this year. The next committee meeting is Thursday evening January 21, 6:00 p.m. at Cove Ridge.

 

Media (Harold Jerrell) – he and Michael Beard plan to meet next week with Jerry Greer to discuss production of a booklet-type publication about the Wilderness Trail. Two examples of the kind of thing they have in mind were shared with the group. Because the DBWTA Kane Gap property (part of the original Trail) borders the Jefferson National Forest, Harold is exploring the possibility of partnering with the U.S. Forest Service on this project.

 

Music (Joan Short for Ron Short) – the committee which was set up to plan marketing of the Wilderness Road music CD has met twice; their suggested wholesale price for the CD is $9; suggested retail price is $15. Ron will do several musical interludes during the Siege, playing music from the CD The committee recommends Association members consider selling the CDs which are currently in Megan’s office.

 

Finance (Margaret Crouch) – nothing to report.

 

 

Other project updates:

 

Megan France updated the Association on the workshops to be offered for public school teacher re-certification. Called the “Wilderness Trail Institute,” the program is a partnership between the park, DBWTA, and Mountain Empire Community College. (“Travel Through Time” is the 2-day pilot program offered to teachers in July 2009.) Several local school systems have already agreed that the program would qualify for cross-curricular certification. The course will be offered on Tuesday evenings this winter and Megan is hoping that DBWTA volunteers will demonstrate frontier life at the blockhouse on Tuesday March 23 between 5:30 and 8:00. The teachers will also take field trips to Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Gap NHP.

 

Joan described the cost (over $400 for the 3-credit course) as a potential problem, since the school systems won’t have money available to reimburse teachers who sign up. Pam Eddy suggested local historical societies as potential sources for “scholarships.” On behalf of Marathon Ministries, Philip Cooper volunteered a $100 per teacher contribution.

 

Joe Fuller described improvements that will be added in the spring to the Clinchfield Heritage Wayside (at Speers Ferry) overlooking the Copper Creek railroad trestle; improvements will include additional paving and landscaping donated/funded by W&L Paving and by BB&T Bank.

 

Bob added that along the route between Moccasin Gap and Cumberland there are another half dozen places currently identified by historical markers that could also be expanded to include interpretive panels and other enhancements in the VDOT right-of-way.

 

Chris Phillips and Pam Eddy reported on Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The December snowstorm caused extensive tree loss, and damage to the maintenance building and to the trails, much of which is still being assessed. The park has a new historian, Martha Wiley. Federal stimulus money will help with several improvements underway at the park. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s “electronic field trips” broadcast on PBS were made available to several hundred school children near Cumberland Gap through a scholarship offered by the Foundation.

 

Taylor Thorp is the new mgr of Cove Ridge; he introduced himself and said he is looking forward to working with DBWTA and its members.

 

The nominating committee suggested the following slate of officers: President – Joy Nihil; Vice President – Joan Short; Secretary – Sally Kelly; Treasurer – Joe Fuller; Historian – Dr. Larry Fleenor. For the Board of Directors: Bob McConnell (immediate past president), Charles Allen, Joe Brown, Mary Erwin, Lisa McConnell, John Mullen, Benny Reed, John Stafford, Dale Taylor. The officers and directors will be elected at the Association’s annual meeting March 19, 2010, where nominations can also be made from the floor.

 

Other announcements:

 

Harold Jerrell shared the fact that recent measurements have shown that Virginia’s largest tree is one located in Lee County, outside Ewing.

 

The Canadian group who requested plans for the blockhouse is planning its construction for the bicentennial of 1812.

 

DBWTA will participate (with CGNHP) in revisions to a “Parks as Classrooms” DVD titled Within the Shadows of Cumberland Gap.

 

Bob McConnell recommended a book by Larry Hoefling called Chasing the Frontier Scots-Irish in America.

 

Bob has asked Barbara and Benny Reed to perform a financial audit of the association’s work by the annual meeting (March 2010).

 

Bob is also recommending changes to the by-laws that will conform to IRS “best practices,” especially regarding participation by the board of directors. These changes will be considered at the March meeting.

 

Additionally, Bob is proposing the board meet more frequently and that much of the association business be conducted by the board, which would then report to the full association membership. Among other things, this might allow time for a brief program to be presented at the association meetings.

 

 

Submitted to the members March 19, 2010.

 

Margaret Crouch, substituting for Secretary Sally Kelly

Association Meeting Minutes – Nov. 20, 2009

DBWTA Meeting

Friday, November 20, 2009

Cove Ridge Center

Minutes

 

 

Present: Sally Kelly, Joe Fuller, Benny Reed, Barbara Reed, Larry Fleenor, Dale Taylor, Wanda McConnell, Mary Erwin, Joy Nihil, Jean Brown, Margaret Crouch, Craig Seaver, Bob McConnell, Megan France, John Mullen, Joy Mullen, Jim Addington, Joan Short, Bill Smith, John Stafford, Pam Eddy, Joe Brown, Zachary Smith, Ron Short, Ganell Marshall, Ron Short

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:05. Guests Joy Mullen, wife of John, and Pam Eddy, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Interpreter were introduced by President McConnell

 

McConnell asked if everyone had received and read the minutes of the September meeting. There were no corrections or additions, so he asked for approval of the minutes as read. A motion for approval was made by Benny Reed, seconded by Wanda McConnell and approved by those present.

 

Treasurer Joe Fuller presented the report for the September to November period and the expenses. Benny Reed moved to approve the report, the motion was seconded by John Stafford and approved. Wanda McConnell made motion to accept the expenses report, it was seconded by John Stafford and approved. (These minutes are being typed up away from my hard copy of the treasurer’s report, so I am unable to give the balance in checking. A full copy of the report is available in the minute book. – SBK, secretary)

Events Chair Sally Kelly reported that in September Mark Finchum and Indian Creek Productions was overpaid by $400 for their participation in Native American Day. Sally takes responsibility for the error. Mark reported it to Sally. He suggested three options: He would mail back the amount over what they were owed; he would keep the extra $400 and use it to bring more Native American reenactors to the 2010 Siege at the Blockhouse; or he would subtract $400 from what we usually pay them for Siege. The Events Committee would like to accept option number 2 and have the money be used for more Native participation in our next Siege. This decision by the Events Committee met the approval of the Association membership.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Blockhouse Site

Chris Edwards stated that he has nothing newto report regarding the Blockhouse site.

 

Blockhouse Interpretation

Jean Brown reported that in 2009, 456 volunteer hours were recorded, 2618 folks visited the Blockhouse, and there were donations for $170.90 That figure includes 245 students.

Benny Reed spoke asking all to consider volunteering at the Blockhouse and/or helping Megan with school groups. He suggested that folks may develop a persona to interpret or just come in a green shirt. Visitors look forward to the interpreters. He also suggested the addition of a donation box at Interpretive Center.

 

 

Events

Sally spoke of the success of our September Native American Day. It was well attended. The use of a donation spot with posted suggested donation amount of $3 helped bring in nearly $200. One visitor left $60. Harvest Celebration went well. Those folks who also participated in a Park sponsored hay ridethat evening added to attendance at the event.

Planning is complete for Christmastide at the Blockhouse, scheduled for Saturday, December 19. Everyone is invited to attend. Siege at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse 2010 is already being worked on. The Events committee met November 12. An ad for Siege will be placed in Muzzleloader Magazine in conjunctionwith Wilderness Road State Park. Registration for Siege can now be done at the DBWTA web site. The committee will meet again in January to continue planning.

 

Furnishings

Barbara Reed displayed a coverlet donated by Kathy and Wayne McClellan It was made by Sarah Elvira Grimm around 1870. Barbara provided some more history of the item: Kathy and Wayne’s family member made it from wool and cotton she grew. An article with it explains its history and will be placed in the Furnishing Committee’s record book.

 

Media

Harold Jerrell was not able to attend this meeting. He had no new progress to report regarding media

 

Park

Craig Seaver reported regarding Megan’s workshop, Travel Through Time. The three day teacher workshop received great reviews. Next spring the Association will help present the Wilderness Road Institute at MECC. It will provide cross curriculum recertification and a 3 hr course for educators. A proposed syllabus was passed around. the Park is now lining up financial support. The Cove Ridge Foundation is putting up $1000. There will be transportation costs, mailing, fuel, stipends for guest speakers. ARC selects, at random, projects they donate money to to assess. Our Interpretive Center project was selected. Bob was able to use Travel Through Time as an example of the very thing they believe is best value for their donated funds.

Joan Short reported that she is very excited about having been included in the planning for Travel Through Time. Those experiences were so valued by the participants. She is happy we are able to use our local history to support the education system with SOL supportive focus.

Megan stated that it is another way, perhaps, to introduce others to the sites where they might be willing to volunteer.

Craig mentioned that each school system approaches recertification differently and that their expectations are not all the same. This adds to the factors that must be considered to enable participation in the proposed Institute, and in workshops such as TTT.

This task force is asking up to $1000 toward their efforts from the Association. Joan also mentioned that volunteers from the DBWTA will be needed

Benny Reed made a motion to give $1000 for the project, it was seconded by

John Stafford, and approved.

Other discussion included the following: Bill Smith asked that info regarding this project be sent to him at Wise County. John Stafford posed the question if Tobacco Commission would fund this sort of project. Joy wanted to know about when the Institute may occur.

Megan is still working with area superintendents; but, it is tentatively set to begin in February. The class meetings will be on Tuesdays, except when field trips occur that week The planners must also work around various systems’ spring breaks. A maximum of 20 participants will be included.

 

Finance

Margaret had nothing new to report.

 

Music

Ron Short explained production of our Wilderness Road CD and its challenges. It features tracks written by Ron and traditional melodies. We listened to one track. Bob plans to mail one to each member. We have 1000 to sell. Performers donated their time. We got a really fine deal. Bob expressed appreciation to Ron for his time Ron stated that it is a great driving CD. He suggests a sale price of $15; and that the Association probably needs a committee to make decisions regarding marketing, etc. There is a possibility of live performances as a marketing tool. The CD includes music of the time and about the time. it would be saleable at C Gap SS, and other State parks. Bob said it will be put it up on the website store. John Stafford suggested that it could probably also be sold at Roan Mountain State Park. A Marketing Committee was established consisting of

Bill Smith, Joan Short, and Joy Nihil. Wanda suggested this marketing venture be run through the Interpretive Center.

 

 

New Business

Dr Fleenor has new book, Black Mountain. It is available for $24.95

The Association is involved in a Powell Mountain Overlook project on the Lee County side. From it one can see Wallen Creek Valley. There will be a similar to overlook between BSG and Norton There will be a walkway over US 58 to bring visitors to the Scott County side of the highway. The Tobacco Commission is being asked for money for preliminary engineering work. Our Association will be involvedfor interpretive content for panels similar to the ones we installed earlier for the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Driving Tour.

Another project has to do with a number of Tourism routes that cross over in Scott County It is looked for to get them designated VA Byways so that, ultimately, they could get National Scenic Byways designation.

(These include, for example, the Wilderness Trail, Crooked Road, and the Coal Hwy, etc)

Bob had a request from a Canadian who visited our web site. the man was asking could his group have a copy of the plan for our Blockhouse and information regarding construction cost. Bob feels we should be willing to share

 

 

Bob appointed a Nominating Committee to bring a proposed slate of officers to the January meeting: Margaret Crouch, Wanda McConnell, and Mary Erwin.

 

 

The meeting was declared adjourned at 1:10

 

Respectfully submitted

Sally Kelly

Secretary

Association Meeting Minutes – Sept. 18, 2009

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association Meeting

Cove Ridge Center

Friday, September 18, 2009

 

Present: Charlie and Mary Allen, Jim Addington, Harold Jerrell, Barbara and Benny Reed, Joe Fuller, Megan France, Joy Nihil, Jean Brown, Craig Seaver, Wanda McConnell, Mary Erwin, Jim Stafford, Bill Smith, Lisa McConnell, Jim Stallard

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:05. Bob McConnell introduced guest Mary Allen, wife of Charlie.

 

Secretary Sally Kelly asked for additons and corrections to the minutes of the July meeting. With the addition to the list of those present at that meeting of Joy Nihil and Harold Jerrell, Charlie Allen moved that the minutes be approved. Wanda McConnell seconded the motion and it was approved.

 

Treasurer Joe Fuller read the report for the period July – September. Benny Reed made a motion to accept the expenses, the motion was seconded by Harold Jerrell and approved. Benny also moved to accept the treasurer’s report, Wanda McConnel seconded it and it was approved. The balance in the checking account is $5793.78. The complete treasurer’s report is in the minute book.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Blockhouse Site, Chris Edwards – He is working on getting a bellows made at WRSP. It is for our planned forge.

 

Events, Sally Kelly – Sally reported that tomorrow is our annual Native American Day. Our presenters include Mark and Sherry Finchum, Robert Rambo, and Danny Dixon. Harvest Celebration at the Blockhouse is scheduled for Saturday, October 17. She reported seeing a Scott County Tourism rack card at a hotel in Bristol. It promotes the Blockhouse as one of the County’s top tourist draws. Bob McConnell reported that a full page ad is to be purchased by DBWTA and WRSP for Siege 2010 in Muzzleloader magazine. Mary Erwin mentioned that the Siege date has been set for May 21, 22, 23, 2010. Billy Heck at WRSP needs the information for the ad from us by Dec 1.

 

Volunteers, Jean Brown – Jean counted over 200 visitors to the Blockhouse in August. Concern was expressed that visitors often skip visiting the Interpretive Center. Long term plans include a restructuring of the terrain that would guide visitors first to the Interpretive Center, then on to the Blockhouse.

Wanda needs some volunteer coverage in October at the Interp Center: Oct 10, Oct 25 . Also next Sarurday, Sept 26.

 

Music, Ron Short – Our CD is in progress. Studio time has been hard to come by, and that has contributed to the delay Probably we will have it available for sale by November.

 

Furnishings, Barbara Reed – The rope bed is in place, and it has received a lot of attention.

 

Media, Harold Jerrell – Dale Carter gives us permission to use his material for our new driving tour materials Bill Smith metioned that a Virginia Tourism marketing and leverage grant might help pay for our new publications. Charlie Allen made a motion to support seeking such a grant in principal, it was seconded by Bill and approved.

 

 

Natural Tunnel State Park, Craig Seaver and Megan France – The budget cuts at NTSP have effected some programs: Spirits of the Cove hayrides, and Christmas lighting of the tunnel are cancelled for this year. The Park will have to reduce interpretive programs next summer. This is the result of a 20 thousand dollar reduction for this year, and 40 thousand last year We will probably not light the flag at the Interpretive Center until next March. For Marcia’s position ther were 79 applicants. There have been 800 position applications statewide. All are frozen for time being. There are 42 vacancies statewide at this time. The District Manager is taking early retirement, and reorganization is likely. The volunteer dinner is on Sept 29. Craig personally appreciates time given by many of the folks at this meeting.The new cabins will likely open in April. Seven have roofs,and there are three more to come.

Director Elton was recently elected Nationall State Parks President, and is still state President. Bill Smith mentioned that a new VA Parks web site, Outdoor Virginia will feature vidio clips, etc for various parks.

Megan France spoke about the Park’s educational outreach program, Travel Through Time. She passed around the binder that was put together. Nineteen teachers registered, fifteen participated. the two day program included Natherland Inn, the Blockhouse, WRSP, and Cumberland Gap. The teacher participants enjoyed it. Driver Bill Kawood acted as a tour guide enroute. Joan Short also prepared participants on the bus. Background information included the Sycamore Shoals connection, and a suggestion was made that the tour become three days and include SS Many participants had never been to Netherland Inn, Cumberland Gap. There was a very moving experience at the CG Park and the entry shelter onto trail remnant through that Park. Interprtive reader rails and recorded sounds helped that tunnel experience to tell the stories of those who went that way, including those of African descent. The various sites liked the workshop and would like to have it continue. Tour also included presentation of the in-class materials that were develped for check out. Joan has really promoted it to former colleagues in Wise County. A discussionis in process regarding getting college credit for a course on Wilderness Road History. this effort is spearheaded by Joan, Megan, and Sue Ella Boatwright.

Megan met with David Oaks and volunteers from Exchange Place who are retired Kingsport teachers. They were also interested in getting Kingsport teachers into TTT workshops. Megan is also discussing a number of other possibilities including kid camp for summer. She said thanks to DBWTA for its contributions to the project. Craig is quite excited about MECC’s interest in offering a college credit class.. Joe very appreciative of the Tennessee connection Megan has brought about. Bob stated that Megan has provided great leadership and deserves a round of applause Jean Brown mentioned that we need more DBWTA members who will volunteer to support these kind of programs

 

President’s report – Bob spoke about our intern last year. Wes did a lot for the Association, including a tremendous amount of research. We had hopes to repeat that internship this year, but were not able. So Bob and Megan have been working with UVA Wise. This led to connection with a Prof Goings who wants to offer new course . The outcome is a new intern project for two Scott County residents, Megan Herron and Megan Akers. It requires 5 hours on site per week. They have chosen two projects: A paper – Todays Culture and Society in Southwest Va is a Product of those who came here between 1750-1800; and a perpared portfolio of materials for use in public schools that address Va SOLs

 

Bob is working with Jared Bently about our web site. He wants to create a new page called Life on the Va Frontier in 1775. It will feature a collection of articles that describe various aspects of frontier life, such as fiberr arts, herbs, etc. He will want DBWTA memberrs to write the articles.

We also want to improve the Frontier Kids part of the web site. It currently contains only a test. W will add cross word puzzles, word searches, etc.. We need someone to create the answers and clues for each cross word puzzles. They are also adding pictures. The entire membership is now listed on the web site A quaterly newsletter is also being planned. All are encouraged to look at web site to help us locate and correct mistakes.

 

Finace, Margaret Crouch – We were unsuccessful in acquiring a grant to fund Native American Day from Virginia Humanities. She suggests for next time that we ask for more money and partner with our presenters in making the grant application.

 

Announcements: On Oct 9, 10, 11 there is a Civil War program at Cumberland Gap. That is also the weekend of WRSP’s Oct event.

 

Bill passed out a rack card on Wise County’s Fall Fling.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:25

 

Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary

Association Meeting Minutes – July 17, 2009

DBWTA Meeting

July 17, 2009

Cove Ridge Center

Present Chris Edwards, James Stallard, Wayne McConnell, Wanda Mcconnell, Margaret Crouch, Jean Brown, Wes Chavis, Bob McConnell, John Stafford, Michael Beard, David Oakes, Bill Smith, Mary Jane Erwin, Barbara Reed, Benny Reed, Joe Fuller, Megan France, Joan Short, Charlie Allen, Billy Heck, John Tustin, Lisa McConnell, Craig Seaver, Marci Holland, Joe Brown, Lita Brown

 

President Bob McConnell opened the meeting at 12:12. He introduced visitor John Tustin, Park Manager at WRSP.

Secretary Sally Kelly asked if all had received and read the minutes of the May meeting. There were no additions or corrections. Benny Reed made a motion to approve the minutes as read, it was seconded by Charlie Allen, and approved.

Treasurer Joe Fuller read the report for the period May-July, including expenses. The current balance in checking is $$7,152.72. The expenses for the period were $2,845.23. The complete report is included in the minute book. .A motion was made to approve the report by Benny Reed, seconded by David Oakes, and approved. Harold Jerrell moved to approve the expenses for the period, Lisa McConnell seconded the motion, and it was approved. Bob referred to the expenses Joe mentioned earlier this month for a luncheon with folks from Wilderness Road Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route. This event invited the President of WRVHMR to see what all is available in southwest Virginia to support that tourism effort. He and others visited the Blockhouse, WRSP, and CGNHP. These efforts really impressed the WRVHMR folks.. Their meeting in Botetourt County featured a lot to say about their visit to SW Virginia. They commented that they didn’t realize what all we had down here. Our efforts are going a long way to let folks know what we have going on in our area.

Events Committee

Committee Chair Sally Kelly reported regarding the success of this May’s Siege at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. It was well attended and is now at an optimum size and scope. Further more, it generated enough income to pay for about half what we spend each year. This is great progress. She asked the Association for funds to pay for our Native American Day on Saturday, September 19: $600 for Mark and Sherry Finchum, Indian Creek Productions, and $600 to the Kentucky Humanities Council Incorporated for the appearance of Robert Rambo. Benny Reed so moved, Mary Erwin seconded the motion, and it was approved. President McConnell thanked Billy for the contribution he and his colleagues from WRSP made to Siege 2009. He also thanked Harold Jerrell for the new slide show, featuring Siege 2009.. The Association will use it to replace the current slide show in the Interpretive Center. He expressed his thanks to all who contributed.

Bob reported that Ron Short is working with feedback we’ve had from the Siege. Specifically, the ability of the audience to hear our dialog. The Events Committee is looking into the cost to purchase sound equipment. Bob has also spoken with folks at WRSP. Their suggestions were to move the audience closer and to encourage the reenactors to use theater tactics. The cost of equipment would be about $1600. Joan reported that another suggestion Ron had would be a written dialog to be handed out to the audience, and to move the Sunday trial outdoors. Events will deal with this issue.

Volunteers

Jean Brown reported that all dates are filled for volunteers at the Blockhouse for weekends through October. She would be happy to have others volunteer to be back up Wanda McConnell reported that volunteers are also lined up for the Interpretive Center. In May and June we took in $783.72 there and at the Blockhouse. We have purchased some more books. Books, and the bookmarks Mary makes, are our best sellers. Jean brought some more copies of Pusey’s Wilderness Road book and they are available to Association members for $15.

Natural Tunnel State Park

Manager Craig Seaver also expressed thanks to Billy and Wilderness Road State Park; and thanks to SAR Overmountain Men Chapter for funding the lighting of the flag. He stated that state budget cuts are coming, and it is not known yet just how it may effect the Park. It could mean operational cuts, staffing cuts. The cabins likely will open when ready, as they will be a good source of revenue.

He announced that Marci Holland, who has been Director at Cove Ridge, has taken a position as Assistant Park Manager at Grayson Highlands Best wishes to Marci and we hate to see her go. Local leadership, said Bob McConnell, was largely responsible for the creation of the position of Cove Ridge Director. Now that position may be in jeopardy; and a groundswell of requests is needed to keep that position. Bob will write on behalf of the Association, and he asks members to also mail supportive letters for replacing Marci.

joe.elton@dcr.virginia.gov

Mr Joe Elton, Director

Virginia Division of State Parks

203 Governor Street Richmond, Va 23219

Megan France reported that the Park is offering a history workshop for teachers on July 29-30. Participants will receive a booklet that will credit the Association and Stafford Communications for funding. Twenty teachers have signed on. The two day offering begins at Netherland Inn on the 29th, then on to Natural Tunnel Park and the Blockhouse. The 30th includes WRSP and CGNHP. A park bus will provide transportation. Joan Short will be including journaling activities at each site for the participants. Megan discussed the SOL topics that will be addressed by way of letting schools borrow materials, such as a Virginia map with stick-on cards that identify areas, resources, surrounding states. Each participant receives a DVD of the 2008 Siege.

Craig expressed Parks appreciation to the Association and Stafford Communications for getting this educational outreach effort underway. Megan thanks, too, Netherland Inn, WRSP, CGNP, for their participation.

Infrastructure

Chris Edwards had nothing to report

Trails

Michael Beard met with Dale Carter regarding Overmountain Victory Trail’s information regarding early trails in this area, and the route of the Overmountain Men. Beard’s committee visited roads identified by National Park Service. Carter stated his opinion that many are based on folklore and are not correct. The Old Watuaga Road, as identified by Dale Carter, is based on research in land records of the late 18th century.. Where no records existed, Dale used topography to speculate a route. Dale is also willing to locate the connections of Reedy Creek Road, Wilderness Road and Watuaga Road using those sources. Michael will be able, eventually, to create such a map. It was noted that such a map would be a later period than the route marked by Daniel Boone.

Furnishings

Barbara Reed reported that the Dough board used during Siege 2009 was recently donated. The Association approved $450 for the purchase of a rope bed to be handcrafted by Robert Reeves.

Education

Sally had no report.

Media

Harold Jerrell has been working with Michael regarding creating a map of Wilderness Road, Kentucky Road, Hunters Trace. for the purpose of updating the Association’s Driving tour.

Music

Joan reporting for Ron Short. Ron was not able to be present as he was in the studio, working on our CD. When that work is done, he hopes to have a CD for us by Fall. The Mountain Music School has been invited to the White House this coming Monday. They are creating a basket to bring along as a gift. It will contain items representative of the area. Bob will choose some things from the Interpretive Center to include. Bob expressed congratulations to the Mountain Music School for their invite to the White House.

WRSP

Billy Heck reported that WRSP has been having really good attendance. He thanks the Association for inviting his Park’s participation in Siege. They had a wonderful time and believe that Siege is a really great event. He reported that Capt Bob McConnell and Capt Bill Smith have been coming out to participate at WRSP. He mentioned some upcoming events: Community Appreciation Day/Open House, Sept 12 , featuring an evening battle, and their annual October event is in planning. All are posted on the park’s web site. Heck mentioned that if we let him have facts and he will get us an article about Siege 2009 into Smoke and Fire.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted

Sally Kelly, Secretary

Association Meeting Minutes – May 15, 2009

Friday, May 15, 2009

DBWTA Meeting

Cove Ridge Center

 

Present: Edgar Hood, Steven Starnes (City Of Kingsport, Maps), Joy Nihil, Margaret Crouch, Wanda McConnell, Bob McConnell, Sally Kelly, Joe Fuller, Benny Reed, Barbara Reed, Kay Addington, Harold Jerrell, Jim Addington, Craig Seaver, Dr Larry Fleenor, Grant Hardin, Chris Edwards, Lisa McConnell, Megan France, David Oaks, Norm Sobel, John Stafford, Joe Brown

 

The meeting was called to order by President McConnell at 12 noon.

 

Bob introduced visitor Steven Starnes, an employee of the City of Kingsport. He does mapping related to history

There were no Agenda additions

 

A motion was made to accept the Minutes of the March meeting by Lisa McConnell. It was seconded by Benny Reed and approved.

Treasurer Joe Fuller presented the treasurer’s report and expenditures for the period.

Wanda McConnell made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, it was seconded by Harold Jerrell and approved. Benny Reed moved that the expenditures be approved as read, his motion was seconded by Lisa McConnell, and approved.

 

Old Business

Committee Reports

 

Events: Sally reported that plans are well underway for Siege at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse on May 30, 31. She thanked the Events Comm for all their hard work and read a list of all the tasks each committee member has carried out during the past months that lead to the annual Siege.

 

Volunteers: Jean needs only a few more folks to sign up. Wanda still needs several more for manning the Interpretive Center

 

Infrastructure Chris spoke with Randy Wolfe and son at WRSP They built forge, bellows there. He will do our bellows, perhaps in the Fall or Winter of 2010 Bellows will cost about $600. They would be willing to come down and help plan our forge. An anvil will cost about $500. The cost for building a shed for our forge should be about $2600. Park may be able to do this construction work. Dale Taylor can probably get us iron. Annual purchases needed of charcoal A motion is needed to contract with the Wolfes.

A motion to contract and pay $500 upfront for bellows was made by Norm Sobel, seconded by John Stafford, and approved. Bob has a vise to donate. Margaret reported that the bake oven is complete and it works Arthur is her hero She has some cured oak for the bake oven Don’t use it for other piddly fires Will put together a workshop to teach others how to use the bake oven

 

Trails Michael Beard was not present Steven Starnes working on helping to get accurate maps for the project of a trail route connecting to Sycamore Shoals. Earliest maps from around early 20th century David Oaks is impressed that work going on considerably more historically thorough than expected Steven able to offer maps of early SW VA to Association members who might like to have them.

 

Furnishings Barbara Reed reported that the DAR District 4 Regents Club, of which Barbara, Kathy, Peggy and Kay are members, is presenting $200 to DBWTA to purchase something. Barbara found four pewter plates and four pewter bowls. A churn was purchased with one of the $100. Four bowls were purchased with furnishings Committee money Four plates purchased with the other $100 from the Regents Club. Jean mentioned man at WR who is a furniture maker. Jean owns a rope bed. That man has made a replica. Will either donate or we may purchase for $450. Upstairs ready for furnishing. We need only build another cabinet up there into which to put items we store up there. This committee will make the decision about purchasing this item. Jean brought one of the posts for Association member to see Barbara is asking that chairs not be used. Bob suggests that they be put upstairs during Siege.

 

Education Sally reported that we now have a start on a clothes closet. Those items are stored in the upstairs of the Blockhouse in plastic bins. A notebook inside list the items and provides a way for check out and check in to be handles. A number of men’s shirts have been made. Joan Short worked with a Home Economics teacher in Wise County to get that done. Art teacher Mary Beth Culbertson at Twin Springs High School is working with several senior students there on a coloring book that tells the Blockhouse Story. We will be able to sell this item in our store and give it to visiting school groups.

Media Harold Jerrell reported that Michael Beard, Dale Carter, and he are looking at developing our newsprint driving tour brochure into a glossy, magazine-type design Could turn into a 40-50 page publication. Also looking at an 8 x 11 hard cover type edition of the one we have, with more correct information from Dake Carter’s research. It would include more maps, created through Carter’s work. He asked which of the two options does the Association favor. Funding could perhaps be found through a grant proposal. The route comes described by Carter’s work is one that dates some 10 – 20 years after the one blazed by Daniel Boone. Bob suggests this particular body of work might ought better be published separately from our Associations Driving Tour. The Daniel Boone route can be spoken of as a traditional hsistory. That’s the one we work with, that is what is represented in our Interpretive Center. If we can assist with publication of Dale’s work, it would be a wonderful addition to the written historical record. It is an incredible body of work A next best step might be to speak more with Dale to nail down how he wants it done and how we can be off help.

Our newsprint driving tour needs up-dating. Another possibility would be one book with both routes included

 

Music Ron Short absent. Joan reported that he is checking with others regarding a CD of music about the Wilderness Road. She brought Ron’s recent CD produced as a companion to a PBS Appalachia program as an example of what we might produce. The Association would publish, it, and it would belong to us, we would garner all the profits. The Appalachia CD is a “green” project. Ron is hopeful ours could be had for around $3 each, sold for $15 It would require some studio work, some already recorded work Mager Sound at Big Stone Gap could do the Ssudio time, for three hundred CDs at about $1600. Bob recommends that the Association give Rim up to $2500 to go ahead and do it. Margaret may be able to find a grant to pay for it too. Benny Reed so moved, David Oaks seconded the motion, and it was approved.

 

New Business

 

President McConnell reported regarding the Blockhouse Book A proposed cover was presented. The book is close to publication. All that is needed is being able to upload the file to the online publisher..

 

Jean reported that a handrail is needed for the blockhouse stairs. Park will take that under advisement

Park Manager Craig Seaver reported that he’s just doing whatever Megan tells him to do to get ready for the Seige. He expressed gratitude for all of Billy’s Heck’s help.

The Park cabins are going up. By next year we should have cabins.

 

Joan Short reported that Tom Dickinson in Wise used a storm fallen old oak tree to build beautiful dulcimer She has chances to sell for opportunity win the instrument. They are $2 each, or 3 or $5 This raffle benefits Gathering in the Gap

 

Progress was reported on Megan’s education project in conjunction WRSP, and CGNHP. Karen Seaver and Joan Short are also on that committee. It includes educ goals that help to meet state requirements. In March, the Association voted to provide funding. Stafford Custom Graphics is today making a donation toward that of $500. Thanks to John Stafford.

 

Grant Hardin shared recently learned facts regarding possible route from Sycamore Shoals to Ft Patrick Henry Markers placed early 29th century by DAR

 

Chris Edwards reported that the grave of Capt Hobbs, the militia man who killed the Indian Benge, has been located. It is in Hobbs Hollow, near the Powell River, in Dryden

 

bob McConnell reported a 9 AM, Friday, May 29 set up for Siege at the Blockhouse All are invited to come help!

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:20

Association Meeting Minutes – March 20, 2009

Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association

March 20, 2009

Minutes

Present: Sally Kelly, Bob McConnell, Wanda McConnell, Harold Jerrell, Benny Reed, Edgar Hood, Joy Nihil, Kay Addington, Megan Krager, Jean Brown, Margaret Crouch, Dr. Larry Fleenor, Billy Heck, Craig Seaver, Marci Holland, Charlie Allen, Doug McDonald, Mary Erwin, Lisa McConnell, Chris Edwards, Joan Short, Bill Smith, John Stafford, Joe Brown, Michael Beard.

President McConnell called the meeting to order at 12:06 PM. There were no additions to the agenda. Bob introduced guest Doug MacDonald, Duffield Branch Manager of the Powell Valley Bank.

The minutes of the January meeting were approved. The motion for approval was made by Benny Reed and seconded by Harold Jerrell.

Bob McConnell presented the treasurer’s report, as Joe Fuller was absent. The ending balance in checking was $8592.21 and the expenditures for the period were $368.69. The complete report is in the minute book. A motion for approval was made by Charlie Allen, seconded by Lisa McConnell and approved. Wanda McConnell made a motion to accept the expenses report, that was seconded by Chris Edwards, and approved.

Old Business

Committee Reports:

Events: Sally Kelly reported that the committee is working on Siege at the Blockhouse 2009. A reenactor workshop will be held at the Blockhouse Interpretive Center on April 4. Mark and Sherry Finchum will present; as will Billy Heck and Sally. Attendees will be able to buy lunch.

Volunteers: Jean Brown asked folks to sign up today for this summer’s weekends at the Blockhouse.

Interpretive Center: Wanda is also seeking volunteers for the summer at the Center. Craig reported that he has been in touch with the Director of State Parks regarding an effort now underway to get legislation passed to provide for non-profits like the DBWTA to conduct retail business at state parks. This will approve our sales at the Interpretive Center. A managers meeting will be next week in Richmond. It is an example of the credibility of this organization that this legislation is about to become law

Bob reported to the meeting that the DBWTA had commissioned Billy Heck, master rifle maker of Cumberland Forge to make us a rifle, tomahawk, shot pouch, and knife for display at the interpretive center. Today Billy brought the rifle, pouch and belt ax and presented those to the Association

He stated his gratitude for the opportunity to make something historically accurate for the association. He mentioned that he had attempted to create what a common man on the frontier might have had – not pretty, but functional. The ax was made in the forge at Wilderness Road State Park. The pouch is in the Germanic style, of deer skin, bark tanned, the thread spun at Martin’s Station. The gun is a long gun, smooth bore, similar to those that were made in the Winchester area of frontier Virginia around 1775.

Five Year Plan Committee Reports:

Blockhouse Site Projects: Chris Edwards

Items that will be completed by the Siege date!

The “Bake Oven” will be constructed this year. It will be located about 24’ from the left side of the Blockhouse (behind where we have the Fire Pit for cooking at the Siege). The park employees are willing to construct the Bake Oven and we will need to buy some supplies. We have estimated it might cost us around $200-$500 depending on what the park can provide and what we will actually have to buy.

Lighting – The pathway lighting from the parking lot to the flagpole at the Interpretive Center will be completed by the park employees. They will be putting pathway lighting in and also a spot light at the bottom of the flagpole to shine on the flag and a dawn-dusk light at the parking lot. They will rework the area around the bottom of the flagpole for a flower/shrub garden.

Permanent Fire Pit – We will construct a permanent fire pit near the back of the Blockhouse. This will be built out of the some of the stones and will be dug out a little deeper. It will be built in the back of the blockhouse.

We will construct and plant a garden along the line fence at the very back of the property of the Blockhouse. We will plant some vegetables and herbs. It will be outlined by logs and be kind of a raised beds with better topsoil filled in. The park is looking for the logs now and they also have some topsoil to fill in with. We will need volunteers when we get ready to construct the garden.

The park will be transplanting some trees in various locations this spring. Craig said that they will put them in where it does not affect the Siege. Some of the areas they will be putting Trees area along the pathway coming up from the parking lot, various places in front of the Blockhouse, in the area where the horses will be tied, at the back of the line fence of the property, etc. We were thinking of using some Maple Trees so they we be fast growing.

Privacy Fence – There is really no way that we can construct the privacy fence near the Bathrooms. If you were to put the fence up, people could still look into the bathrooms from different areas along the walk. We have to have at least 36” walkway for ADA. Also, if you were to put the fence up, it would hamper the use of the Tent that would be place at the side of the Blockhouse with tables under it. People would have a hard time getting to the table so they could eat. Therefore, with the State Park system, the practicality of it will not fit the requirements so we cannot do the privacy fence.

Items to be completed later this year!

4-5 more reader rails can be constructed along the pathway from the parking lot to where we will go up to the interpretive center. We think that the first one at the parking lot should show a schematic of the layout of the blockhouse and the surrounding area (like a map of the area). It should show the Blockhouse, Bake Oven, Spring House, Fire Pit, Garden, Black Smith area to be constructed, etc.

Blacksmith Shelter / Bellows – The Blacksmith area will be construct near the left of the Spring House near the Fence in front of where the horses are. The park plans to use the logs from the Franklin Cabin for the shelter. This is slated for next Fall/Winter 2009-2010.

We do not have enough logs from the Franklin Cabin to build it back. Craig stated that he did not know if we could find anymore logs from the period. Therefore we are going to use the logs for the Blacksmith Shop.

Rework pathway from Interpretive Center to the Blockhouse has been put on the schedule for the Fall/Winter of 2009-2010. At this time the park will take up the concrete pathway and rework the pathway to the blockhouse coming out of the interpretive center. They will also put in pathway lighting along the new pathway when they do this. We will need to buy some supplies for this project when we get start it.

Project Report: Connecting Sycamore Shoals to the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Michael Beard

People serving on this committee:

Michael Beard, Chairman

Joe Connelly

David Haga

John Mullen

David Oaks

John Stafford

Norman Sobel

Steven Starnes

Gary Walrath

Copy List:

Bill Albright

Dave Light

Jake White

Priorities:

1) Document the roads that connected Sycamore Shoals to the Anderson Blockhouse on the Wilderness Trail from 1775 to 1795. These include the Old Watauga Road, the Old Jonesborough Road as far as its junction with the present-day Austin Springs Road near Rocky Mount, and the Old Watauga Road from Austin Springs Road to Sycamore Shoals (on the north bank of the Watauga.

2) Personally inspect the proposed routes by driving them.

3) Demonstrate the routes’ worth in terms of:

Recreation

Function; ie.,is it usable by hikers and bikers rather than just by motorists?

Use; i.e., how much traffic can we expect to attract by mapping and marking the routes?

4) Generate support for this project among public officials and interested groups in Carter, Sullivan, and Washington counties and in the cities of Elizabethton, Bristol, and Kingsport.

Steven Starnes, who works in the Kingsport GIS office, will help us determine the location of the Old Watauga River Road or roads from Rocky Mount to Long Island on the Holston. He will also inspect the routes and help us evaluate the recreational value of the proposed routes. Bill Albright, the Transportation Planning Coordinator for the Kingsport Metropolitan Area, will help us write a TDOT TEA21 grant request to fund this project. Bill has worked with the Tennessee state government for 17 years on local grant programs.

Education Sally Kelly

Blockhouse Unit Box Megan Krager

A unit box to be used by teachers to provide students tangible objects that reflect settler life at the Blockhouse. Lesson plans may consist of writing assignments, a look at the economy during 1774, the money system, and 4th grade VA studies. Items that may be included but not limited to be as follows: a book about the Blockhouse, wool, Indian tools, hides, feathers, spoons/bowels…..

Cost for Blockhouse Unit Box Items Amount Cost Hardwood 6″ spoons 1 $2.00 Hardwood 12″ spoon 1 $4.00 Natural Wool Roving 1lb $24 James Townsend $30 Hides Deer $25.00 Rabbit $20.00 $45.00 Plastic Tub $10.00 Wal-Mart Grand Total: $85 History Telling Coloring Book Sally Kelly

Description: A small(8×11 sheets of newsprint paper folded in half and stapled), 16-20 page book of line drawings and text that tells the story of the Blockhouse. To give to groups of children coming to visit the Blockhouse. Also for sale in the gift shop.

Work Tasks:

Write a story

Choose photos that can accompany that story.

Create line drawings from the photos

Print/Copy text and drawings onto newsprint.

Staple

Materials/Costs:

Sally can write the story. If the Park can print, would only have the cost of the paper to make these.

Clothes Closet Kay Addington

Kay contacted two of the three Home Economics teachers in our county and have found out that sewing is not taught anymore…they don’t even have sewing machines.  So with that news we will have to look for volunteers to help make the costumes.  The biggest expense of course will be the material for making the costumes. We don’t think we can afford to buy them ready made as that would run into quite a bit of expense.  We would suggest we see how many volunteers we have in our group and go from there to see  how many costumes we may be able to produce . Iwe think to start with the children’s costumes first as they will probably be the simplest to make.  We really do not know how much the costume closet project might cost… depends on how much material we have to buy…let’s just say $300.00 for starters.

Ambassadors-to-the-Community Project (Speakers Bureau) Joan Short

The purpose of this project is to create, organize, and schedule a group of speakers who would be willing to represent the DBWTA in public school classrooms, civic groups, library programs, churches groups, or any other situation where the need may arise.

A sign-up form is being designed for distribution to all members of the association for the purpose of discerning information about critical questions such as: Who is interested in making public presentations? Who is available during the day? Who would be available in the evenings? Who would be willing to present as a first person re-enactor? Who would be willing to present as a third person interpreter? Who would be willing to make general presentations on behalf of the goals of the DBWTA?

In order to assure that we are offering consistent information to the public, a major goal of this project is to create historical information sheets—such as the one we have for Blockhouse interpreters—for our speakers to use in all public presentations representing the DBWTA. It is our hope to draw on the extensive expertise in local history which many members and associates of our organization possess in designing these information packets. Understanding that each speaker brings to this project his/her own unique gifts, the information sheets would be designed as a “framework” of historically accurate facts about a particular subject, and not as an actual script. Some of the subjects we hope eventually to include would be:

1. The Wilderness Road: Where was it? What was it?

2. The Blockhouse—its historical significance and its unique design

3. Daniel Boone: Who was he? What was the historical significance of his presence in our area? What was Boone’s Trace?

4. Earliest explorers: Why were they here? What were they hoping to find?

5. Native Americans who occupied this region and their interactions with early settlers

6. Long Island and the historical significance of the area around the Netherland Inn

7. The history of Natural Tunnel

8. The significance of Joseph Martin and Martin’s Station

9. Cumberland Gap and its significance in the Westward movement in this country

10. What is a “longhunter”? What equipment did he use? What game did he hunt?

11. Women on the frontier

12. Historical importance of the rivers in our region

Music Festivals Ron Short Ron was unable to attend

Media Harold Jerrell

Harold is looking at the possibility of a magazine format publication. There are some businesses in Kingsport that do such work. He suggested that grand money could pay for this project. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has marketing leverage grant matching funds available up to $25,000

Election of Officers.

The nominating committee suggested the following slate of officers at the January meeting: President, Bob McConnell, Vice President, Joy Nihil, Treasure, Joe Fuller, Secretary, Wanda McConnell, Historian, Larry Fleenor; and for members of the Board – Harold Jerrell, Jim Addington, Charles Allen, Chad Bogart, Ted Como, Joseph R Brown, Lisa McConnell, Mary Erwin, Benny Reed, and John Stafford. Directors Emeritus are Hal Spoden and Keith Wilson. Wanda withdrew her name and nominated Sally Kelly for secretary. John Stafford moved that the slate of officers be accepted, Michael Beard seconded the motion and it was approved. Bill Smith moved that the slate of officers be accepted by acclimation, that was seconded by Harold Jerrell, and approved.

New Business

Charlie Allen presented to the Assoc. a tomahawk and a photo, donations for the Interpretive Center.

Megan reported on an education project she has underway for the Park. It is being done in cooperation with Pam Eddy at Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, Wilderness Road State Park, retired Wise County teacher Joan Short, and Scott County teacher Karen Seaver. Area educators were asked for their needs from parks in terms of meeting Virginia state educational goals across the curriculum. She is asking for $850 in funding from the Association. Bill Smith made a motion that be do so, it was seconded by Michael Beard, and approved.

Sally made a motion that the Association fund the publication of our Blockhouse book, authored by William Anderson and others. It was seconded by Wanda and approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:50