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The Red Queen and the White Queen argued. The Mad Hatter and the March Hare made no sense, and Alice ate heart shaped cookies with children who attended the Mad Hatter Tea Party fundraiser for the Young Actors Co-op (YAC) Saturday evening.
A cast of costumed characters served tea and crumpets and hors d’oeuvres upstairs in the Black Water Loft and downstairs in noteBooks bookstore. The strawberry tarts, baked by YAC mom Rebeka Hicks, were worth the price of admission ($5) alone. Wearing hats was encouraged. Many were zany, and it was hard to tell attendees from the actors, who recreated scenes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland throughout the two hour event.
The Tea Party was held to raise funds for an upcoming YAC trip to New York. YAC mom Pat Woodruff, wearing a two of spades costume, said the actors were looking forward to their trip, where they will perform selections from their latest production, Wind in the Willows, at the invitation of Kickstarter, a fundraising platform for creative projects in Manhattan that YAC has successfully used in the past.
YAC is looking for a new director because the current director, Rose McCutchan, will be taking a break, Woodruff reported. She explained that McCutchan founded the group as The Young Actors Project in 2005. When McCutchan moved to New York in 2006, the group was restructured as a cooperative and YAC productions were done under the direction of Laura Byler. When McCutchan returned to Floyd she resumed her role as director.
McCutchan said she is planning to devote more time to her home-life and family businesses at the Loft and Red Rooster Coffee Roster. She hopes the trip to New York will mark her years as YAC director on a high note. While in New York, the young actors will tour Mary Mount Manhattan College, where McCutchan received degrees in theater and where she first directed children’s theater classes.
Many local artists, crafters and businesses donated items for the Silent Auction to help offset the cost of travel, food and lodging for the young actors’ trip. Auction items included a “Cantankerous Teapot” by potter Mud Bailey, gifts from the Bell Gallery, Red Rooster, Black Water Loft, Republic of Floyd and the Shwenk Family Farm, a free night at Ambrosia Farm B&B, a massage by Kimberly Basham, cheesecake by Kevin and Renee Dipietro, art by Lore Deighan and Pat Woodruff, a hand forged calla lily by Cameron Woodruff, a paper-mache white rabbit signed by YAC actors and pottery by Rick Hensley, Donna Polseno, Eric Bolling, Hona Knudsen and Justine Barrett Figura.
For those who missed the well-received November production of Wind in the Willows, there is a new opportunity to see the show. Billed as a simple story about friends and home, about overcoming adversity and temptation, the play is scheduled for an encore performance at the Floyd Country Store Monday, April 23, Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. The Country Store has donated the venue for the purpose of helping YAC raise funds for the upcoming trip. Proceeds from tickets, $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, will help fund the trip. Donations can also be dropped off at The Black Water Loft, Woodruff said. Colleen Redman
Note: Watch a video of the Mad Hatter Tea Party HERE and HERE.
Colleen Redman blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com
The above appeared in The Floyd Press on April 19, 2012.
Some Floyd residents think Anthony Flaccavento is something to get excited about. During a recent meet-and-greet for the congressional candidate for the 9th District Democratic nomination, one individual remarked, “You’re winning will make people believe in our government again. Citizens need to win again.” Comments made by Flaccavento during a 30 minute talk that outlined his campaign platform drew applause from some in the group of about 30.
“He’s known by his reputation for the work he’s done in Abingdon,” said Jack Wall, who introduced Flaccavento from the deck of the Wall Residences office building, located at the building site of the Floyd Eco Village. Wall was referring to Flaccavento’s involvement in founding the Abingdon Farmers Market and his years of work as founder and director of Appalachian Sustainable Development, a non-profit that fosters economic self-reliance in local communities and connects farmers and small agricultural businesses with markets and resources.
A farmer, husband and father of three, Flaccavento grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and went to school in Eastern Kentucky and Pennsylvania, where he received degrees in agriculture and environmental science, economics and social development. His community development work for the Catholic Diocese in Eastern Kentucky included creating a home ownership program for low income people, which “became a model around the state,” Flaccavento said. His work with tobacco farmers in the late 90’s involved helping them find farming alternatives that were economically beneficial and had better environmental and health outcomes.
Central to his work around housing, food, farming, sustainable forestry and coal field reclamation has been the task of confronting the model that pits jobs against the environment. “My working life has been about trying to create examples where we don’t have to choose between jobs or the environment, or at least to show that the choices we make don’t have to be so black and white,” said Flaccavento, who has lived in southwest Virginia since 1985 and currently heads up a consulting firm that develops sustainable economies and initiatives across the country.
Flaccavento’s recent decision to enter public politics is an extension of the work he’s already done and is motivated by an interest in shaping public policy. His campaign platform is based in the belief that locally-rooted, sustainable economies and communities should be at the foundation of everything, including our global trade policies. “We shouldn’t be desperate for China’s capital or trade. We should be taking care of most of our needs close to home,” he said.
Healthy finance is a part of a vibrant local economy, Flaccavento stated. “There is an emerging network of credit unions, local banks, community development finance agencies and cooperatively owned financial institutions. They are still a small piece of the total financial picture but they are growing fast and their success rate is far greater than the big banks,” which have been vulnerable to failure and big bail outs.
Flaccavento spoke of the transfer of wealth that has taken place over that past 30 years, causing working people, the middle class and low income people to lose ground. “Income increases, not just in the top 10% or the top 1% but in the top the top 1/10th of a percent, have been astronomical. With that comes all the power, power over the political process, power of the media and patent power.”
Addressing the country’s looming financial deficit, Flaccavento said he doesn’t believe the answer is to give more tax breaks to the wealthy. “It’s not just unfair that we keep giving the wealthy and corporations more and more tax breaks; it doesn’t work,” he said, adding that “part of the solution is to reverse loop holes, like the 100 billion dollars a year we give up on offshore profits of corporations.”
“I think we’re dealing with two deficits and debts, the financial and the eco-logical,” Flaccavento said. “In both cases we’re used to spending much more than we can take it, but it’s far more difficult when you use up your ecological capital because you can’t just make more land or make more clean air and water.” He suggests that we all have to get a grip and live within our means, both financially and ecologically. “But that doesn’t mean a dull life of sacrifice. We need a new way of understanding prosperity.”
Flaccavento addressed how negatively money influences the electoral process, not only because of the amount that needs to be raised for candidates to compete, but because “once you get in, the influence of money really kicks in.” He described how some laws have been co-opted, not through legislation but through money interests and corporations. He cited the need for a law to undo Citizens United, a Supreme Court decision that lifted the restrictions on corporate campaign spending, making it easier for corporations to sway elections to their favor.
Touching on the importance of protecting Social Security, he said, “I’m not an expert on Social Security, but I know one thing. At $107,000 of income one stops paying into the fund, which means that a hedge fund manager who makes 10 million dollars does not pay Social Security on $9,900,000.”
When asked how he thought he could secure an electorate that Rick Boucher wasn’t able to secure in the last election, Flaccavento said he thinks he can win back a part of Boucher’s electorate, including some pragmatists, independents and moderate Republicans who may be sorry they gave up on Rick when they did. He hopes to reconnect with and broaden Boucher’s constituency and energize young people.
“I know there will be a misinformation campaign against me, but I think the core of what I’ve been trying to do my whole life – which is practical movement towards a better economy and better communities – will resonate with a lot people.”
The afternoon event also included an explanation by Flaccavento of the caucus process and the Democratic convention process of nomination, which will take place on May 12. Deborah Baum, Chair of the Floyd Democratic Party, announced there would be meet-and-greets held for two other Democratic candidates who, like Flaccavento, are campaigning for the party’s nomination to run against incumbent Morgan Griffith in November. Freda Cathcart reported that the first Democratic Party Headquarters has opened in Roanoke. Terry Carter with Tim Kaine’s campaign for Senate was collecting ballot signatures for Kaine and suggested that people go to kaineforva.com to sign up for local event updates. Colleen Redman blogs daily at http://looseleafnotes.com.
Note: The above first appeared in The Floyd Press. For more information on Anthony Flaccavento’s campaign visit his website at www.flaccaventoforthe9th.com. Campaign donations can be send to Flaccavento for the 9th, PO Box 2199, Abingdon VA, 24212. Floyd Democratic Party chairperson, Deborah Baum, can be reached at deborahbaum@hotmail.com.
Irish songs in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, sea shanties and storytelling were all part of Saturday night’s Floyd Radio Show, a variety show in the style of the Grand ole Opry and Prairie Home Companion performed monthly at the Floyd Country Store. “And now a word from our sponsor” and a radio drama about a pirate sailing on the New River with a pet bird named Hokie were all done in good fun during the fast-paced radio hour.
Co-host and fiddler Anna Roberts-Gevalt warmed up the full-house with jokes from the audience. Liam Kelly, a member of the local band Jugbusters, performed songs, stories and other shenanigans as “Old Man Kelly.”
Renowned guitar player and instrument luthier, Wayne Henderson accompanied Roberts-Gevalt, who recited Shakespeare and nursery rhymes to Henderson’s guitar picks that represented commas, periods, question marks and exclamation points. “I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. Probably nobody has,” he commented after the number.
For those listening to the show’s live stream on the Country Store webpage, the hosts described Jimmy Costa’s red hat in between his songs and stories. “He looks like Sherlock Holmes,” said co-host and ballad singer Elizabeth La-Prelle. Costa, a banjo player and storyteller from West Virginia sang a song titled “I tickled Nancy,” which he concluded with rousing laughter.
There was a second hour of musical performances following the Radio Show hour. While tuning her guitar for a duo with Henderson, Helen White spoke of the Wayne Henderson Festival, held on the 3rd Saturday of June at the Grayson Highlands State Park. The annual event has a great turnout
and the festival’s guitar pickin’ contest attracts some of the finest guitar players and national champs, White said. “It’s a fast track to getting a Henderson guitar,” she joked.
Legendary for his handcrafted guitars and a recipient of a National Heritage Award, Henderson has been sought after by famous musicians, such Eric Clapton and Brad Paisley, both of whom have waited for and received Henderson instruments. Tina Liza Jones, a Floyd collector 
and performer of Appalachian tunes, waited two decades for her prized Henderson guitar.
Describing the process of crafting an instrument, Henderson told the crowd, “I just whittle off the part that doesn’t look like a fiddle.” He invited everyone to stop by and visit his guitar shop, just off the Crooked Road in Grayson County.
“I just whittle off the part that doesn’t look like a fiddle,” Henderson, a recipient of a National Heritage Award, told the radio show crowd about making a fiddle. He invited everyone to stop by and visit his guitar shop, just off the Crooked Road in Grayson County.
The next Radio Shows are the first Saturdays in April and May. Tickets are $5. The show will take a break for the summer and return in the fall, said Country Store owner, Woody Crenshaw. ~ Colleen Redman blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com.
Post Notes: The following first appeared in The Floyd Press newspaper on March 8, 2012. Watch a video clip that showcases Wayne Henderson’s pickin’ HERE and one of the radio show ensemble performing a skit HERE.
Blue Mountain School (BMS) English teacher John Vandergrift, BMS administrator Carol Volker and BMS parent Elisha Reygle (who later won “best costume” of the night) sold tickets and beads at the door of the 3rd annual Mardi Gras Costume Ball, held at the Dogtown Sun Music Hall. The ball is a fundraiser benefit for Blue Mountain School, Floyd’s independent contemplative progressive school, soon to celebrate its 30th year anniversary.
BMS supporter Jessica Talley (left) strikes an upbeat pose.
BMS contemplative program teacher Sarah McCarthy enjoyed a plate of Cajun food prepared by Chef Natasha Shishkevish of Natasha’s Café. Hari Berzins, a recent BMS teacher, is also pictured.
Jamie Reygle, developmental coordinator and service learning teacher at BMS was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Here, Reygle introduces the band Spoon Fight, an alternative Floyd rock/blues band whose members are BMS alumni. Luke Thomas, the band’s lead guitarist and vocalist is pictured with Reygle. Other members of the band are drummer Jake Thomas and bass guitarist Isaac Wright. Listen to a clip of the band performing with a light show HERE.
A masked Andrea Goodrum, BMS parent and board president, stands next to the original Mardi Gras III poster, done by BMS art teacher Lore Deighan. The poster went to highest bidders and Floyd newcomers Missy and Everett Sizemore. Other silent auction items donated to benefit BMS were Floydfest tickets, a gift basket from Republic of Floyd, a Riverstone CSA farm share, a Quantum-Biofeedback Stress Reduction Session with Christina Beherens, a Starrroot print, a tutu, jewelry and more. Alicia Fisher’s set of hand-made dragon wings was the auction item that received the most bids.
Featured band, Lagniappe, played two sets with a special focus on New Orleans related material. The five-piece all- star band featured Kerry Hurley (vocals), Janiah Allen (drums), Chris Blankenship (guitar), Christopher Mondot (keyboard) and Jake Dempsey (bass). Pictured from left to right are Blankenship, Hurley, Dempsey and special guest Joel Vendetti, a past Blue Mountain School parent. Watch the band sing Iko Iko HERE.
The dance floor was filled with dancers during band performances, which included opening band Attakk and Spoon Fight, along with Lagniappe. The name Lagniappe was coined for the occasion by past New Orleans resident and BMS Mardi Gras King, Tom Ryan. It means “unexpected gift” in Creole.
The color red was an unexpected theme donned by many costumed attendees. Pictured is Virginia Tech graduate Crystal Founds (center) with friends.
The Evolatica Dance Company entertained the enthusiastic crowd between Lagniappe’s first and second set with a variety of dance routines and theatrical period-piece re-enactments. Local dancers featured were Leah Jones (pictured left to right), Reda Brown and Emily Williamson. See a video HERE.
Siobhan Shamama Lowe, pictured (center) in the “15 pound” Cinderella ball dress that she purchased at Angels in the Attic, won a gift certificate at Oddfellas Cantina for the dance-off contest. Lowe is pictured with the winners of the couple dance-off. Dance-off video HERE.
Joe Klein and Colleen Redman’s (this blogger) first dance after being crowned this year’s Mardi Gras King and Queen. Klein is a past BMS teacher and Redman is a past BMS parent/creative writing teacher. Their feathered crowns were created by Gabriele Hilger. ~ Colleen Redman blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com.
Post Note: The above is a selection of Floyd Mardi Gras photos and captions, most of which appeared in The Floyd Press on February 23, 2012. See a post from the BMS Mardi Gras II HERE and Mardi Gras I HERE.
It’s been nearly a year since a group of Pittsylvania County residents traveled to Floyd County to give a power point presentation, alerting local residents about Virginia Uranium Inc.’s intent to mine and mill uranium in Virginia for use in the production of nuclear power. A reported 119 million pounds of uranium – worth as much as $10 billion is at stake for the company, which consists of Virginia investors, Canadian partners and land owners of the property in Pittsylvania County where the mining site is proposed.
Concerned about the radioactive waste associated with uranium mining and its risk to drinking water, human health, farmland, property values and tourism, a group of Floyd citizens formed UBAN, a grassroots organization named for the goal of keeping a 30 year statewide ban on uranium mining in place.
Throughout the year UBAN members have partnered with other Virginia groups to educate people on the issue. Members have staffed educational booths at festivals, hosted benefits, collected petition signatures, attended local and regional meetings and voiced their concerns to their representatives.
“Other countries are pulling away from nuclear power,” said UBAN member Anne Armistead. Since the nuclear power plant disaster in Japan the price of uranium in the global market has fallen, she reports. “Studies have shown that solar is already cheaper than nuclear.”
Armistead’s fear is that if the ban is lifted and uranium mining is allowed, it will ruin Virginia’s economy. “How many companies will leave if this happens? Who’s going to want to relocate here other than another dirty mining company?” she asked. “Clean water is our biggest asset to future jobs. Even the perception of such a dirty industry around dairy farms will have a negative effect.”
“Property values near the proposed site have already gone down,” said UBAN member Michael Kovick. Kovick recently contacted his insurance agent to ask about coverage for water contamination. There is none, he was told.
UBAN member Cheri Chalfan pointed out that Pittsylvania County is only 50 miles as the crow flies from Floyd. “We need to reach out to every person we know in this state. They need to let their delegates know that our water is more important than uranium.” She noted that full scale uranium mining has never been done in the east where floods and hurricanes would make the spread of toxic materials more likely.
Uranium mining and milling has been known to increase birth defects and cancer, particularly in those who live near the mines. The mining industry’s safety record in the past has not been good, Armistead said. “Church Rock in New Mexico is the biggest radioactive release disaster in this country. It was worse than Three Mile Island, but you don’t hear much about it.” A waste water storage system in Church Rock failed and radioactive water was released in 1979.
The National Academy of Science recently released its highly anticipated 22-month review on uranium mining. The report did not make any recommendations on the ban but pointed to “steep hurdles” that mining prospectors would have to overcome. It also highlighted the difficulty of storing radioactive waste for thousands of years, considering Virginia’s climate, geology and population.
UBAN members agree that, because the problem of permanent storage of the radioactive waste has not been solved, uranium mining can not be considered safe even if it is heavily regulated. “When they dredge up this low grade ore it will take 2,000 pounds to get 4 pounds of yellowcake. That leaves 1,996 pounds of toxic waste on the ground,” Kovick explained. “Some of it is released as particles into the air and it’s processed with water. That toxic water has to be stored. Everyone’s asking can you mine safely, but the real question is ‘how are you going to store the radioactive waste for 100,000 years?’ There is no way. Every facility breaks down in 50 years or so and is vulnerable to storms.”
UBAN members are unanimously concerned that Virginia Uranium, Inc., a well-financed and politically connected company that currently employs 14 lobbyists, will drown out the public voice and push for a General Assembly vote on lifting the ban before it can be thoroughly reviewed. Another concern is that if the ban is lifted land throughout the Appalachian Mountain chain, where uranium deposits are believed to be, will be open to mining.
Kovick refers to the rush to mine and mill uranium in Virginia as “irresponsible and irrational.” “On the one hand they are pushing this by talking about putting regulations in place. On the other hand they have lobbyists in D.C. trying to shut down any regulations that are here to protect the public right now. They’re speaking out of both sides of their mouth.”
A by-donation “Keep the Ban” benefit dance concert is planned for Thursday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Dogtown Roadhouse. Along with the scheduled music entertainment, Mighty Shakey and the RockuPyers, organizers plan to host an information table and have a guest speaker. They hope to inspire others to attend a Keep the Ban Lobby Day, hosted by the conservation community in Richmond on January 23rd. Mary Rafferty, a Sierra Club organizer and UBAN resource from Richmond, says the event will involve a morning workshop on lobbying, followed by a trip to the capitol to meet with legislators.
“This is our one chance. If people take one day out of their life to do this one thing and we make enough of a showing, we can have an impact and stop this.” Kovick urged. ~ Colleen Redman blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com.
Post notes: UBAN members Michael Kovick, Anne Armistead and Cheri Chalfan are pictured at a meet-up at the upcoming benefit dance concert venue, Dogtown Roadhouse. Read the article I wrote for Natural Awakenings magazine on how the “Risks Outweigh the Benefits” HERE and a more recent excellent commentary in the Roanoke Times HERE. More information can be found at keeptheban.org.
~ The above was also published in The Floyd Press.
