Rose Hill Virginia

Rose Hill scenes

2010-07-29T14:15:00.002-04:00

Took theses photos recently from my backyard. Everything is real green this year - since we've had plenty of both sunshine and rain.

Washington Post article response

2009-05-03T04:16:00.002-04:00

In response to The Washington Post article...

Here's the short version -

I beg to differ with The Washington Post article on several points. First, the census statistic about high school diplomas printed in The Washington Post article was reported incorrectly. That was irritating.

Further, Rose Hill does have potential, worthy of both mention and investment. With hopes to gain many jobs in Rose Hill, local and regional leaders recently completed a new shell building in Rose Hill’s Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park, now served by fiber-optic Internet. In addition, eco-tourism and heritage tourism are growing sectors in our area. For example, nearby Wilderness Road State Park attracted over 138,000 visitors last year. Particularly with fiber-to-the-home now available, Rose Hill has potential for significant self-employment, small business, and entrepreneurial growth. Rose Hill residents are more likely than other U.S. residents to launch and operate a sole proprietorship. According to the census, in Rose Hill, 23% of the employed civilian labor force are self-employed workers in their own not incorporated business, in comparison to only 7% in the U.S. Rose Hill has produced successful entrepreneurs, including Pete DeBusk, whose company, DeRoyal Industries, Inc., employs over 2,000 people around the world. Today, residents in western Lee County are successfully embarking upon e-commerce. My personal favorite is www.roadkillbbqsauce.com, where you can fill up your online shopping cart with some of the area’s latest products. I heard they were featured on Japanese television.

Many Rose Hill residents desire and value education and training. While Connect Rose Hill project leaders had set a goal of attracting 80 computer/Internet training participants to Rose Hill Library’s new computer center, more than 450 participants showed up.

Finally, The Washington Post article incorrectly reported that Rose Hill is a town. Rose Hill is not a town. In my opinion, Rose Hill is most certainly a “hamlet,” which according to my 1959 Random House American College Dictionary, is “1. a small village. 2. a little cluster of houses in the country.”

Here's more detail -

High School Graduates Census Statistics Correction -

The Washington Post incorrectly quoted the census statistics. The statement, “About 71 percent of Lebanon’s residents have a high school diploma, compared with Rose Hill, where only 29 percent do, according to the census” is incorrect. A correct statement would be, “About 71 percent of Lebanon’s residents age 25 years and over have a high school diploma or higher, compared with Rose Hill, where about 48 percent do, according to the census.”

Another correct statement would be, “At least 51 percent of Lebanon’s residents have a high school diploma or higher, compared with Rose Hill, where at least 35 percent do, according to the census.” The U.S. Census Bureau’s Census 2000 reports: Lebanon’s population is 3,273. Lebanon’s population 25 years and over is 2,325. Among Lebanon’s population 25 years and over: 1,657 residents are a high school graduate (includes equivalency) or higher. Rose Hill CDP’s population is 714. Rose Hill CDP’s population 25 years and over is 528. Among Rose Hill CDP’s population 25 years and over: 253 residents are a high school graduate (includes equivalency) or higher.

The Desire for Many Jobs -

According to a recent Middlesboro Daily News (www.middlesborodailynews.com) article, “The shell building in Rose Hill’s Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park has finally been completed, and is ready for an industry to move into it.” The article provides a quote from the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jonathan Belcher stating that, “…everyone would have to be ‘patient’ and the building won’t have ‘overnight success.’” The grand opening was held in early 2009. The Tennessee Valley Authority and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership are among the organizations working to market the industrial site. Property details about Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park are also available at www.YesVirginia.org.

Information about Rose Hill’s Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park is also available at www.rosehillvirginia.org. Information is presented in both in the website’s “Business and Industry” section and also in several of the website’s blog entries. The blog presents photos from the groundbreaking event in the March 26, 2008 post; of site preparation work in the June 12, 2008 post; and of the building while under construction in the August 17, 2008 post.

Eco- and Heritage Tourism Opportunities -

Rose Hill is located at the original site of Martin's Station which was at one time the westernmost fort. Today there is a replica of Martin's Station fort down the road less than 10 miles at Wilderness Road State Park. Wilderness Road State Park was mentioned in a recent Kingsport Times News article about Virginia State Parks and their economic impact. The article explained, "Park officials reach the economic impact funding based on an average of $75 spent per overnight visitor and an average of $16 per day use visitor. Wilderness Road State Park had 138,890 visitors and a $2.2 million impact in 2008.

Self-employment Among Rose Hill Residents -

Census statistics document that many Rose Hill residents are aspiring to achieve self-reliance through self-employment. According to the census, in Rose Hill CDP, a remarkable 23% of the employed civilian labor force are self-employed workers in their own not incorporated business, in comparison to only 9% in Lee County, 6% in Virginia, and 7% in the U.S.

Rose Hill Entrepreneurial Success -

Rose Hill also benefits from having a local role model entrepreneur, Pete DeBusk. Rose Hill’s primary private employer is DeRoyal Industries, Inc. The company’s founder was born and raised in Rose Hill and his company now employs over 2,000 worldwide, including two facilities in Rose Hill. Raised in Rose Hill, entrepreneur Pete DeBusk operates his international headquarters in nearby Tennessee. According to their website at www.deroyal.com, “Since 1973, DeRoyal has been a leader and an innovator in the healthcare industry. From our humble beginnings as a cottage industry, DeRoyal has grown into an international corporation with over 26 locations worldwide.” The company website mentions facilities in Estonia, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala. The website further reports, “DeRoyal's success can be attributed in great measure to its owner and chairman, Autry O.V. "Pete" DeBusk. Pete was born and raised in Rose Hill, Virginia. Pete graduated from Thomas Walker High School in Rose Hill, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee and attended graduate school at the University of Georgia. Pete began his career in 1965 as a pharmaceutical salesman for Hoechst Laboratories. In 1969, he joined Solar Laboratories as a regional sales manager. His education and experience led him to the development of his first company, Pete DeBusk and Associates in 1970. In 1973, Pete patented his first orthopedic product and founded STAT Medical. In 1976, DeRoyal Industries, Inc. was incorporated. Since that time, DeRoyal has grown to manufacture over 30,000 different medical and surgical supplies with over 2,000 employees.”

Many Rose Hill Residents Desire to Learn -

Both the USDA Community Connect guidelines and the Connect Rose Hill project leaders recognized the need for computer/Internet training. The project goal was for at least 80 residents to participate in a training workshop at the new computer center inside the library. Resident response to the training opportunities was fairly remarkable. Workshops began in June 2007 and by December 31, 2008, a total of 453 participants had attended 100 computer/Internet training workshops in the new Rose Hill Library computer center.

Held 19 times, the most popular workshop was Microsoft Word, which attracted 76 participants. Eight (8) Digital Photography workshops attracted 46 participants. Repeated workshops on Basic Keyboarding, Email Basics, and Navigating Internet Explorer were also well-attended. Each of those topics attracted over 20 total participants through 4-5 workshops. Other training workshops included Computer Basics, Using the Mouse, Library Home Page, Copy & Paste, Intermediate Email, Basic Games, and Burning CDs. The Virginia Electronic Commerce Technology Center conducted an e-commerce short course series, providing training on E-Commerce 101, How to Improve Your Website, and Internet Marketing.

Not a Town, But a Little Mountain Village, a Hamlet

The Washington Post article incorrectly refers to Rose Hill as a town. Rose Hill is not a town. Rose Hill is only a Census Designated Place (CDP), as defined by the U.S. Census. I like to call Rose Hill a “little mountain village,” although I can’t imagine that any of my Rose Hill neighbors would refer to Rose Hill as a “village.” A few call it “RoseVegas.” One of the locals called me a “resident tourist.” I like that term. It suits me well. In my own opinion, Rose Hill is also most certainly a “hamlet,” which according to my 1959 Random House American College Dictionary, is “1. a small village. 2. a little cluster of houses in the country.”

Joan Minor
www.rosehillvirginia.org

hunting hickory chickens

2009-04-12T19:38:00.008-04:00

So it's Easter Sunday and today was a warm and sunny day in Rose Hill. It rained all week, snowed some, and it will likely rain again tomorrow. But a bright and sunny Easter Sunday was tucked in between the dreary days. After church I took off on my scooter heading out towards Martins Creek and Possum Holler and Giles Holler... my usual route. There were lots of fishermen enjoying the nice weather on the banks of Martins Creek. Martins Creek was stocked on Thursday. Folks were catching as many as 12 fish in a day on Friday. I saw one trout pulled out today. So I'm hanging out with these fishermen on the banks of Martins Creek and one of them starts talking about "hickory chickens." I got to laughing, saying, "I've heard about these hickory chickens, but I wouldn't know one if I saw it." Apparently, they are edible mushrooms which only grow in the Spring. And it's a special pasttime for some of the local Rose Hill folks to go out in the woods in search of "hickory chickens," which is a type of morel mushroom. Apparently, you fry them and eat them. Seeing my interest in hickory chickens, the fisherman took a break from his fishing to find me a hickory chicken. After seeing what one looks like, I then spent most of the afternoon walking around in the woods along Martins Creek looking for hickory chickens. Only found a few. I brought one home and showed it to the youngins. My daughter started laughing and talking about when her buddy at school was telling her about having a jolly good time going into the woods looking for hickory chickens. At first, my daughter had pictured her buddy chasing wild chickens in the woods - until her buddy explained that hickory chickens are mushrooms. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon - instead of hunting Easter eggs, I found myself hunting hickory chickens. I found lots of real pretty little wild flowers. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how much growth and life is happening on the forest floor. Looks like nothing but brown leaves covering the ground in the woods from the road. But you get out there walking in the woods - and far out - there's all kinds of wonderful fern prawns and flowers, and I even saw a wild geranium blooming already. I couldn't find much info very easily on the web about hickory chickens, except in several blogs. But I did find a bit of information on http://www.answers.yahoo.com/ -- "Hickory chickens are little mushrooms that look like a christmas tree, with a stem (resembling the trunk of the christmas tree and a cap, resembling the shape of a christmas tree), with the exception that it is colored much differently. The color generally varies between beige to dark brown. These mushrooms only come out in Virginia/Kentucky areas once a year, usually in the spring and can only be found in woods, but are more common to some areas in these states than others. Some people refer to or call these mushrooms "dry land fish" instead of hickory chickens. They are wonderful when dredged in a flour/salt/pepper mixture and fried. They have a very distinct taste. The only other detail I can think of is that they normally grow on the mossy sides of trees, in areas that are dark and moist, and grow up together in groups. They normally will grow up and above ground in a day or two and usually not last more than a week or so, but may bloom more than once in a given season." Anyways, it was sure fun to walk around the woods looking for hickory chickens! Red buds are blooming, lots of flowers are blooming, and it's hickory chicken season in Rose Hill.

Joan

www.rosehillvirginia.org

local scenery

2009-03-14T23:27:00.009-04:00

well, I've never tried to post so many photos in one blog entry. Thank you to the visitor commenting on the Giles Hollow Road post. Here's some more local scenery photos. These were all taken on the same little scooter ride in May 2008. The two photos with the bright yellow fields were taken on Giles Hollow Road.

Joan

http://www.rosehillvirginia.org/

Fire near White Rocks

2009-03-07T19:01:00.002-05:00

Got out and about today on my scooter. Sure enjoyed touring around the backroads. Went all the way out to the river in Hancock County TN. Here's a photo from my scooter ride, back in western Lee County. There were some forest fires on the mountain, but last I heard they don't seem to be spreading.

Joan

www.rosehillvirginia.org

warm and sunny

2009-03-07T18:56:00.002-05:00

The whole community and countrysides were out and about in the yards and gardens and anywhere outdoors today. It must have hit 70 degrees. Warm and sunny! Here's the last crocus photo for the year.

snow and Spring

2009-03-04T12:46:00.007-05:00

Weather has been a big topic in Rose Hill this week. We woke to snow on the ground on Monday morning. The temperature was going down below 10 degrees earlier this week, making for some very cold nights. School was closed on Monday and then on 2-hour delay on Tuesday. The forecasters say it will be way up near 70 degrees over the weekend. Could there be a little scooter-riding weather spot in there soon?? The first photo in this post was taken on Monday. The second photo was taken today. It's the same little bunch of crocus in both photos, just outside my back door. They sure are a bright and cheerful sight today!

Joan

www.rosehillvirginia.org

Video from Rose Hill!

2009-02-16T14:47:00.002-05:00

This is my first attempt at uploading a video onto the blog.

Yesterday's Rainbow

2009-02-12T07:57:00.003-05:00

This photo is copyright 2009
by Mitchell Van Etten.

The photo was taken in western Lee County (looking just to the East of Whiterocks) as yesterday's storm passed by. Photographer Mitchell Van Etten can be contacted at mitchve@yahoo.com.

School is on 2-hour delay today due to a power problem.
Joan
http://www.rosehillvirginia.org/

snow on the Rose Hill trail

2009-02-04T12:15:00.002-05:00

It snowed! School is closed again. Here's a photo of the downtown Rose Hill trail, which runs from Martin's Creek all the way to the heart of downtown up behind O'Dell's Furniture. There's only critter tracks on this end of the trail so far today. I imagine by the end of the day, there will be pedestrian tracks and maybe four-wheeler tracks. Folks round here often enjoy getting out and playing in the pretty snow on their four-wheelers. I bet it's beautiful up on that mountain today with everything covered in white. It's snowing again now!
Happy Winter Wonderland!
Joan
www.rosehillvirginia.org

winter scenes

2009-02-03T12:54:00.005-05:00

okay, I'm sure the amateur photography and blog post layout will look really goofy, but I tried to upload four photos - basically two different scenes from standing in my yard. I took the blue sky photos on Sunday. I took the snowy photos yesterday (Monday). School is closed today. Maybe a bit more snow coming tonight? It's snowing right now, well, just enough to make it "kinda extra purty" out the window.

Martin's Station and 138,890 visitors

2009-02-01T16:53:00.004-05:00

Rose Hill is located at the original site of Martin's Station which was at one time the westernmost fort. Today there is a replica of Martin's Station fort down the road less than 10 miles at Wilderness Road State Park.

Wilderness Road State Park was mentioned in a Kingsport Times News article on Thursday about the 35 Virginia State Parks and their economic impact. The article explains, "Park officials reach the economic impact funding based on an average of $75 spent per overnight visitor and an average of $16 per day use visitor."

The article reports on the economic impact estimates for Natural Tunnel State Park in Duffield, Wilderness Road State Park in Lee County, and Southwest Virginia Museum (which actually is a state park) in Wise County. In 2008, Natural Tunnel had 158,000 visitors and a $3.2 million economic impact. Wilderness Road had 138,890 visitors and a $2.2 million impact. It's a great place, Wilderness Road State Park. Serene, set before a stunningly beautiful mountain. Buffalos live there. I've walked and biked (or you can ride your horse) parts of the trail there many times. We've had birthday parties in a park shelter there. We've had picnics there, etc.

Even though over 138,000 came to visit the park last year - it's still one of this area's best kept secrets. There's about three REALLY big reenactment events each year - when people come in from all over the country - both the reenactors and the visitors. For those weekends, the fort is back in use, running just like it once did, complete with battles between the settlers and Native Americans, who live out in the woods for the weekend. There's lots of smaller events and happenings at the park during the year too. But most the time, it is so quiet and serene with very few visitors scattered across the grounds. Warm days you'll find bunches of kids and families near the playground part. If you go, make sure to go in the visitors center and watch the free movie which runs every 20 minutes. It's a high quality film with stunning scenery. I could watch that same film many times. It's really good.

For more information about Wilderness Road State Park go to www.virginiastateparks.gov

Joan

www.rosehillvirginia.org

Rose Hill Farmer Named Expo Farmer of the Year

2009-01-31T23:07:00.002-05:00

Here's the latest scoop - from the Middlesboro Daily News by reporter Steve Woodard --

ROSE HILL — A Rose Hill man was given a top award this past weekend for his agricultural accomplishments. Edmond Hensley of Rose Hill won the Times-News Farm Expo Farmer of the Year Award during ceremonies held at the Meadowview Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn. Hensley received a $1,000 award, along with a Kubota jacket and plaque from Lawson’s Building Supply in Rose Hill, who was a sponsor for 2009.“I was surprised and happy for him when I was informed he had been selected to receive the Farmer of the Year award,” said Harold Jerrell, Extension Agent for Lee County.“Since I nominated him, I also had to fill out the application and ‘tell his story,’” said Jerrell. “I am not a writer and my concern was that I would not be able to put into words what Edmond has been able to accomplish during his farming career. I enjoyed visiting in his home and allowing him to answer the many questions I needed to ask.”Jerrell said that any agricultural agency may nominate a farmer for the award. He said five counties were represented in the competition from Virginia, as well as five from Tennessee. The Kingsport Times-News has sponsored the event for 12 years. Around 7,000 people attended the event.Hensley’s story as a farmer began with a single cow nearly 65 years ago.But, now, things are quite different. Hensley manages a herd of approximately 625 Angus or Angue Charolais cross steers, grows nearly a 100 acres of corn silage, and 250 acres of hay. Surprisingly, Hensley has been able to manage his operation with only the help of Teddy Ramsey, an employee of his for 22 years during harvest and feeding seasons.Not only is Hensley an accomplished farmer, but also a family man. Married to Jacinta Davis Hensley, Mr. and Mrs. Hensley are the proud parents of three children and 11 grandchildren.From all his years farming, Hensley said that he believes strongly the contributions the agricultural industry has made to the economy. He stated that farming is the backbone of our economy and that he believes it is essential that our government support the farming industry. He said that if it isn’t supported, young farmers will quit farming due to the high input costs and the uncertainty of the price of farm crops.Jerrell said he had known Edmond for about 53 years. “I was glad to see Edmond win,” said Jerrell.

Rose Hill Resident Alan Crockett Honored

2009-01-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

Rose Hill resident Alan Crockett was recently honored by the Council of Virginia Archaeologists with the Virginia Sherman Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements toward recording and protecting Lee County archaelogical resources.

I'm reading back over various related articles, including a front page story in yesterday's Powell Valley News Weekender titled "Rose Hill Resident Alan Crockett Earns Archaelogy Award" and a Kingsport Times News feature story dated December 7, 2008 titled "Archaeologists honor Lee teacher for efforts on historical preservation" and a feature article in the Kingsport Times News from June 18, 2007 titled "Indian mound in Lee may reveal secrets of the past."

What I'm learning is that it's not just one Indian mound located near here - there must be more than one, maybe even several of these, and they must be pretty old in comparison to other Indian mounds elsewhere. Personally I have a hard time trying to imagine what life was like around here in A.D. 1000 or A.D. 1600. It appears that these mounds could have been places for "ceremonial feasting," and that The Ely Mound is a special type of "temple mound," in an area that would have been a trading post, near the gap. Sounds like you could eat, worship, and go shopping - near a mound back then?! haha! ya reckon?! I see references to The Ely Mound, the Rose-Robinson Mound, the Carter Robinson Mound. Wonder how many mounds are around here??

Tom Klatka, an archaeologist for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, nominated Alan Crockett for the award explaining, "Crockett has spent a career as an educator in the Lee County schools. Because he is reserved and humble, his efforts to promote an understanding of Lee County archaeology and site protection often go unnoticed." Klatka said that Alan Crockett has continually worked with Virginia archaeologists to promote public interpretation and protection of archaeological resources.

Alan Crockett explained, "It was surprising to get this. I've been told that no one west of Charlottesville has ever been given this award, so i was really surprised, pleased, and honored to receive it. The idea of being the most outstanding amateur archaeologist in the state was surprising to me. I never expected this at all."

Rose Hill Waterfall

2009-01-01T22:25:00.004-05:00

This photo of the Rose Hill waterfall above Blue Springs was taken last week by Rose Hill resident Kevin W. Jerrell.

Here's excerpts from his email: "I enjoy checking out the Rose Hill website from time to time, and seeing the photos in and around Lee County. Last week, I hiked up to the waterfall above Blue Springs. With the recent rains, it was really breathtaking as it cascaded over the rocks. (I was there a couple months ago, but the falls were dry because of the lack of rain). Since I was up there I have been surprised at the number of Rose Hill residents that, like myself, had lived here for years but have never been up there. Although the hike is steep in places, it only took me about one hour and a half to make the round trip (including time out to make photos going up and coming down). Anyway, I thought you might mention this little-known attraction in your blog sometime. It is definitely worth the hike. Thanks. Kevin W. Jerrell, Rose Hill, VA"

Kevin, THANK YOU for sharing the beautiful photo and "Rose Hill ecotourist info." I've not seen those falls before, but I do have a nice new pair of hiking boots. One hour and a half round trip to a waterfall sounds like a great hike to help break in those new boots.

I know where the Blue Springs sign is (near where the 4-wheelers unload) and I've seen that creek running through there. Do you just follow that creek up the mountain to get to the waterfall?? Could it be that simple??

Again, thank you for the great photo and info!
Joan
www.rosehillvirginia.org

Happy New Year from Rose Hill

2008-12-30T12:29:00.002-05:00

Hello Blog Readers,

Another year has passed by!
Oh me, oh my, how the time does fly!

There's lots of wonderful and fun local events planned for 2009, even way out here in beautiful "God's Country." Check it out on the Rose Hill website, click on Local Events, and then scroll on down. We've got events posted already for January 2009 through December 2009. I pretty much defined "local" for the Events page as Lee County and some neighbor counties: Scott County and Wise County, Virginia; Hancock County and Claiborne County, Tennessee; and Bell County and Harlan County, Kentucky.

It amazes me how many 2009 events in that overall geographic area are currently being promoted on the Internet. I didn't call any Chamber of Commerces or Visitor Centers or Tourism Organizations -- I simply did the research online.

Anyway, there's lots to do out here in 2009 in these beautiful hills of home.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the little Rose Hill, Virginia!!
Joan

from western Lee County to the White House

2008-12-19T10:39:00.003-05:00

Virginia Congressman Rick Boucher selected artist Sue Crockett to decorate the 9th District's ornament for the 2008 White House Christmas Tree. White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

There's a wonderful feature story on the front of the Metro section of Kingsport Times News today. The headline is "Lee artist designs Christmas ornament for White House tree."

The article explains that artist Sue Crockett, a resident of Caylor (in western Lee County), drew upon her surroundings for inspiration in the art for the ornament.

Sue Crockett reported in the article, "I have one of the most charming views in the world, and barns are the center of most activity around here. So a barn was natural to the situation."

Sue Crockett and her sister were also invited to the White House to see it on display, where they were pleased to discover that it had been placed in a prominent, eye-level position on the tree in the White House. This photo of the ornament, as well as photos of all 395 ornaments on that tree, one from every congressional district across the nation, is presented on the Internet.

Go to www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2008/ornamentsbystate/va.html

Rose Hill Christmas Parade

2008-12-06T15:12:00.005-05:00

Here's a few photos from today's Rose Hill Christmas Parade. You can see the tail end of the parade coming round the corner at the library, also a photo of Santa (he threw me a big handful of candy when he saw me taking his photo! yum - love those jolly ranchers and bubble gum), and I guess it's sort of a strange photo to take, but the big photo (yes, I was playing around with the photo size options) is after the parade is over, and the floats and all such are heading to the elementary school to disembark from their various floats. I like the photo cuz it shows what a cute little town this is... with the barn and the mountain in the background. Okay, next we're off to another Rose Hill Elementary basketball game today. The snow is letting up. I'll bet that game is still on for tonight.

Christmas in Rose Hill

2008-12-06T14:56:00.006-05:00

I think half the town showed up last night for the Winterfest at Rose Hill Elementary. The event's main attraction was youngins on stage performing Christmas songs in the gym. Now THAT will pack the house in Rose Hill! Here's a photo of part of the crowd, one of a class waiting to go on stage, and then a photo from one of the preformances. This Christmas show is a wonderful tradition at Rose Hill Elementary School, an annual event. I'm certain, it's the biggest crowd gathered at one time in one place in Rose Hill than any other gathering during the year. It was alot of fun and we were certainly all well entertained.

Digital Photography workshop

2008-11-29T19:07:00.002-05:00

This photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. Back by popular demand, he will be teaching another Digital Photography workshop at Rose Hill Community Library computer center on Tuesday, December 16th from 6PM - 8PM. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Christmas Light Displays

2008-11-29T18:42:00.002-05:00

There's Christmas light displays happening again this year at both Cumberland Bowl Park in Jonesville and Leeman Field in Pennington Gap. One year not too long ago, my kids toured the light display at Bristol Motor Speedway and the light display at Cumberland Bowl Park in Jonesville. They both liked the Cumberland Bowl Park display better than the one at the big race track in Bristol! We all enjoyed the refreshments at the senior center. Can't beat those cookies and warm cider in such a warm hometown friendly environment.

Here's a few details -

Lights in the Park Christmas display will open in Cumberland Bowl Park in Jonesville on December 4th at 6PM, and will coincide with the Jonesville Christmas Parade at 6PM. The display will continue through December 31st, opening 6-9PM Sundays through Thursdays, and 6-10PM Fridays and Saturdays. Refreshments (including hot chocolate, coffee, and warm apple cider) will be served each night in the Senior Citizens building.

The 10th Annual Leeman Christmas Fantasy light display in Pennington Gap includes more than 200 display groups. Gates open at 6PM each evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Gates close at 9:30PM Sundays through Thursdays and at 10PM on Fridays and Saturdays. A brighter-than-ever ball will be dropped at the stroke of New Year in Leeman Field this year.

The Rose Hill Christmas lights are up. I like those snowflakes. If I can get a decent photo of them (I'm not too good at night-time photos), I'll post it on the blog. It's snowed more than once this year already. Been down to 19 degrees at night some already. The snowflakes are shining brightly downtown. In Rose Hill, it's beginning to look alot like Christmas.

Now on to Ewing, where they've got that Christmas tree farm running (you pick one and they cut it fresh for you). That's always a fun little adventure. Seems like the trees look little when they're out in the field, but as soon as you bring it through the front door, suddenly, it's a HUGE tree!
Joan

More local December events

2008-11-27T18:20:00.002-05:00

There's always lots to do around here, even way out here in "God's Country" during the cold month of December --

As I was looking on the Internet for 2009 events to list on the web page... I ran into several current happenings worthy of mention -

Happy Turkey Day!!
Joan

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Date/Hours: Friday, November 28, 2008 and Saturday, November 29, 2008
Festival of the Mountain Masters

Over 60 artisans and craftsmen will gather in Harlan County, Kentucky to demonstrate their skills and showcase their handcrafts at the 23rd annual Festival of the Mountain Masters. The festival offers a unique celebration of Appalachian art and culture. The festival is held at the Village Center Mall in Harlan, Kentucky. Thousands of original, hand-crafted pieces will be offered for sale. Festivities include a photography contest, quilt show, live demonstrations, live music, cloggers, and storytelling.

Location: Village Center Mall, Harlan (Harlan County) KY
For more information visit www.festivalofthemountainmasters.net

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Date/Hours: December 1, 2008 ~ 7:30PM
Christmas from Dublin starring the Three Irish Tenors

Pro-Art Association has been bringing quality fine arts programs from all over the world into the far southwest Virginia coalfields region continuously since 1976. Brought to you by Pro-Art Association, come celebrate the holidays with a genuine Irish Christmas! Filled with songs of the season such as “Little Drummer Boy”, “Silent Night”, “Saviour’s Day” and “O Holy Night”, “Christmas from Dublin” is full of warmth, charm, and music, direct from the Emerald Isle, that continues to enchant audiences throughout the world.

Location: Mountain Empire Community College - Goodloe Center, Big Stone Gap (Wise County) VA
For more information visit www.pro-art-va.org or call (276) 376-4520

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Date/Hours: Tuesday, December 2, 2008 ~ 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Fall 2008 Humanities and Fine Arts Symposium

The Fall 2008 Humanities and Fine Arts Symposium will be held in the Arnold Auditorium at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University. Admission is free.

Location: Lincoln Memorial University campus – Arnold Auditorium, Harrogate (Claiborne County) TN
For more information visit www.lmunet.edu

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Date/Hours: Thursday, December 4, 2008 ~ 7:30PM
Knoxville Symphony

Following the evening’s Lighting of the Tree ceremony on Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) campus, the Knoxville Symphony will present a Christmas Performance in LMU’s Duke Hall.

Location: Lincoln Memorial University campus – Duke Hall, Harrogate (Claiborne County) TN
For more information visit www.lmunet.edu

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Date/Hours: Saturday, December 6, 2008 ~ 2:00PM
Rose Hill Christmas Parade

The Rose Hill Christmas Parade has been scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00PM. Sue Rosenbalm has been chosen to serve as Grand Marshal. This year's theme is "A White Christmas." First place will receive $100, second place $75, and third place $50 for floats featuring the White Christmas theme.

Location: Downtown Rose Hill, Rose Hill (Lee County) VA
For more information, call Wade Wilson, Secretary of the Thomas Walker Civic Club, at 445-4683.

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Date/Hours: Sunday, December 7, 2008 ~ 7:30PM
LMU Concert Choir and the Tri-State Community Chorus in Concert

The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Concert Choir and the Tri-State Community Chorus concert music will include “Gloria” by John Rutter and the “Christmas Cantata” by Daniel Pinkham accompanied by brass and percussion. The concert will be presented in the Middlesboro Fine Arts Auditorium.

Location: Middlesboro Fine Arts Auditorium, Middlesboro (Bell County) KY
For more information visit www.lmunet.edu or call (423) 869-6449

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Date/Hours: Saturday, December 20, 2008, 5-7PM
Christmastide at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse

This small living history event allows the visitor to see and participate in activities connected with Christmas on the frontier of Virginia in 1775. Captain Anderson, his good wife Rebecca, their friends and neighbors invite the public for sweetcakes and cider in a boisterous celebration. A prodigious bonfire will provide a grand illumination. Members of the Holston Militia fire their guns in a feu de joie. Period music and activities for children are also part of the entertainment. The famous Captain Daniel Boone and his good wife drop in to join in the jollification. Visitors should dress warmly. Other activities in the Natural Tunnel State Park are also available that evening. See the lighting of the tunnel, ride the lantern-lit chairlift, and enjoy carols, popcorn, and hot chocolate. Also drive through the park to enjoy the lighted displays.

Location: Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield (Scott County) VA
For more information, go to www.danielboonetrail.com

yep, snow on the mountain again

2008-11-16T13:39:00.002-05:00

It is cold and overcast outside today, drizzling rain off and on. So, I didn't even step off my front porch to take today's "snow on the mountain again" photo.

Accordingly, there's a bunch of wires/cables in the forefront of the photo. Let's see, that's one for electricity, another for a phone, another for cable TV, and another for the fiberoptic Internet. Eventually, maybe it will down to just 1 for electricity and 1 for voice/TV/internet --- even in little Rose Hill, Virginia. They're working on that.

2009 Dulcimer Gathering

2008-11-16T13:03:00.002-05:00

I learned last week that the date has been set for the annual Cumberland Gap Dulcimer Gathering, hosted by Terry and Pam Lewis at the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park campground (you know, where KY, TN, & VA meet). A weekend and more of music, fun and relaxing, it is the third annual gathering located in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Campground. Jamming, sharing tunes and mini workshops will occur throughout the weekend. Campfire jams happen each night. Workshops, concerts, and jams are FREE. For more information visit www.terrylewisdulcimer.com or call (276) 861-2925. There's lots of great photos from previous annual gatherings on that website - this is one of them.

The 2009 Cumberland Gap Dulcimer Gathering will be held on May 9-10, 2009. That's Mother's Day weekend - bring your Mom!

winter fun!

2008-11-15T17:55:00.003-05:00

It appears we're moving a bit away from Fall weather and it's about to feel like Wintertime. brrrrr. The forecast says it'll be down near 30 degrees tonight and down near 20 degrees by Tuesday night. It might even snow a bit tonight?? surely not.

Even though cold weather is setting in upon us here in the mountains, there's still places to go, sights to see, and things to do.

In particular, two nearby tourist destination places that I would like to visit, and haven't yet made time for, come to mind: The Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap and Gap Cave (the old Cudjo's Cavern) located inside the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (right down the road). Except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, both of these excellent attractions (the museum and the cave) are open through December 31.

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM

The Southwest Virginia Museum is currently open Tuesday - Thursday from 10AM - 4pm; Fridays from 9AM - 4PM; Saturdays from 10AM - 5PM; and Sundays from 1-5PM. The museum will close December 31st for the season and re-open on March 1st.

From November 16th through December 31, view a winter wonderland at the museum's 13th annual Festival of Trees. Over 80 trees and other decorations will be on display throughout the museum. Every Saturday night from 7-9PM the museum offers Night Viewing. See the trees in the magical atmosphere of an evening.

The Southwest Virginia Museum is housed in a mansion built in the 1880s by Rufus Ayers, a Virginia attorney general. The museum was bequeathed to the commonwealth in 1946 by C. Bascom Slemp, private secretary to President Calvin Coolidge and a member of the U. S. Congress. The museum was officially dedicated by the state in 1948. It features a collection comprised of more than 20,000 pieces, about one third of which is on display at any given time. The museum chronicles the exploration and development of the region during the 1890s coal boom, as well as the pioneer period. It offers activities for kids, scout and school programs, workshops, an annual Festival of Trees program, a quilt show, a music festival and outdoor exhibits. The museum sells archival supplies and offers the opportunity to have pictures of collection pieces copied, as well as copies of reference files. Also offered is a unique gift shop and a Victorian Parlor Conference Room available for rent by calling the museum.

for more information, go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sou.shtml
or visit the Friends of the Museum website at www.swvamuseum.org

GAP CAVE

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park hosts guided Gap Cave tours on weekdays at 10AM and on weekends at 10AM and 2PM, through December 31st. Between January 1st and March 31st, the guided Gap Cave tours will be held on weekends only at 10Am and 2PM.

for more information, go to www.nps.gov/cuga/planyourvisit/guidedtours.html

DANIEL BOONE WILDERNESS TRAIL

In addition, as long as it's not pouring the snow or some such weather, you can drive the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail road. I'm pretty sure it's about a 4-hour driving tour. You just guide yourself with this CD going in your car that tells you driving directions and interesting historical information along the way. It's sounds fun, educational, and interesting to me. I see those Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail signs all over the place around here.

for more information, go to www.danielboonetrail.com

Digital Photography workshop Nov 20th

2008-11-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

This photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. He will be teaching a workshop on Digital Photography at Rose Hill Library on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 6:00PM. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Rose Hill Christmas Parade

2008-11-13T16:47:00.002-05:00

The Rose Hill Christmas Parade has been scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2:00PM. Sue Rosenbalm has been chosen to serve as Grand Marshal. This year's theme is "A White Christmas." First place will receive $100, second place $75, and third place $50 for floats featuring the White Christmas theme. For more information, call Wade Wilson, Secretary of the Thomas Walker Civic Club, at 445-4683.

unofficial vote count

2008-11-09T09:12:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, the Powell Valley News printed the following "Unofficial Returns -- Lee County General Election -- November 4, 2008."

It appears to this reader that there are five voting districts in Lee County, and each of them have 3-5 "subdistricts." For example, District 1 has three "subdistricts": Elydale, Ewing, and Rose Hill. okay, now looking at my Voter Registration Card, the correct term for these "subdistricts" is precincts.

So, here's the unofficial vote counts for the Rose Hill precinct:

President:
Obama - 272
McCain - 525
Baldwin - 2
Barr - 4
McKinney - 2
Nader - 6

U.S. Senator:
Warner - 455
Gilmore - 320
Parker - 11
Redpath - 0

U.S. Delegate:
Boucher - 632

Accordingly in the Rose Hill precinct, a total of 811 votes were cast for President; 786 votes were cast for Senator; and 632 votes were cast for Delegate.

It appears (assuming on my part that every person who voted, DID cast a ballot in the presidential election - which may not be the case) that over 77% of ALL the Rose Hill precinct folks (regardless of any political party affiliations)who showed up to vote at the elementary school on Tuesday, cast a vote of support for Congressman Rick C. Boucher.

While I was attending grad school in NC once upon a time, my political science professor reported in class that our Congressman Boucher was leading the nation in bringing telecommunications to rural America. I know he helped get broadband to Rose Hill and I am certainly tickled pink to have it here!! Makes a world of difference to me and many others around me.

Other unofficial vote counts -- Looking at the county as a whole, Warner beat Gilmore in every single precinct.

McCain beat Obama in 16 of the 19 precincts. The three precincts where Obama won were St. Charles, Stone Creek, and Keokee. Am I just imagining things (as a Lee County newcomer), or might those three precincts be considered as Lee County's "coalfield" precincts? Who can answer that question??

Are there coal mines located in the St. Charles, Stone Creek, and Keokee voting precincts - but NOT located in the remaining precincts? (That'd be Elydale, Ewing, Rose Hill, Blackwater, Flatwoods, N. Jonesville, S. Jonesville, Ben Hur, W. Pennington, Woodway, Stickleyville, Jasper, Seminary, Dryden, E. Pennington, and Robbins Chapel.)

Winning coaches in action

2008-11-08T19:56:00.002-05:00

Here's the two coaches (Sheila Williams and Kristy Lee) who pulled us to a victory today. First year either of them has coached elementary basketball. Considering the same team won only one game all season last year (and that game had been won by only one point), these two coaches have sure gotten off to a great start beating JONESVILLE during the first game of the season!!

Rose Hill - the winner!!

2008-11-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

Basketball season has begun for Rose Hill Elementary School. There's four teams, a big boys team, a big girls team, a little boys team, and a little girls team. So there' were four games running back to back today. We were playing against Jonesville, a formidable opponent, on their court.

I only saw one of the games (the one my son was playing in), but what an exciting game it was. Jonesville had scored first, but then we had caught up by the end of the first quarter - with the score tied at 4-4. We gained the lead early in the second quarter, as the score reached 6-5. We had risen to a score of 12-5 with one minute left in the 2nd quarter. By the end of the first half, we were still ahead at 12-8. The score was up to 18-14 by the end of the 3rd quarter. With only 2 minutes left in the game, we were up to 26-20, at which point our starting line-up returned to the court. Once we'd gained the lead in the 2nd quarter, we managed to maintain the lead for the rest of the game. The final score was 28-22. Rose Hill beat Jonesville! what a hoot!

workshops: Quilting, Grant Writing & Melungeons

2008-11-04T15:27:00.003-05:00

FREE DOOR PRIZES!! FREE REFRESHMENTS!!

YOU’RE INVITED
to Rose Hill Library workshops

-------------------------------------------------------

Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 6:00PM
Quilting Demonstration
Instructor: Pat Houck

Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 6:00PM
Learn to Write $ Grant $ Proposals
Instructor: Joan Minor

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 10:00AM
Do YOU have Melungeon Heritage?
Instructor: Joan Minor

Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 6:00PM
Dulcimer Demonstration
Instructors: Terry and Pam Lewis

More information below --

QUILTING, GRANT WRITING & MELUNGEON WORKSHOPS
AT ROSE HILL LIBRARY

ROSE HILL ----- Free workshops at Rose Hill Community Library during the month of November will provide information and Internet resources about quilting, grant writing, and Melungeons.

A workshop on “Quilting Demonstration and Online Quilting Information” will be provided on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 6:00PM at Rose Hill Community Library. This workshop presents a demonstration for small quilting projects and provides tips on quilting information available on the Internet. Rose Hill resident Pat Houck will teach the quilting workshop.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 6:00PM, a free workshop titled, “Learn to Write Grant Proposals” will be provided at Rose Hill Community Library. This workshop presents free information available on the Internet that teaches how to write grant proposals to foundations and government funding sources. Rose Hill resident Joan Minor will teach the grant writing workshop.

On Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 10:00AM, Rose Hill resident Joan Minor will teach a workshop entitled, “Do YOU have Melungeon Heritage?” This workshop presents online information for tracing Melungeon genealogy and stories about the area’s Melungeon heritage.

The workshops are free and open to the public. No registration is required. Seating is limited to 12 computer stations. The workshops are for beginners, who have little or no computer or website design experience. The funding for this workshop has been provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Community Connect grant program for the LENOWISCO Connect Rose Hill project .

For more information, contact Joan Minor at 445-4600

fall colors on Election Day

2008-11-04T14:12:00.002-05:00

Well, the colors are nicer in real life than I was able to capture in this photo, taken today. It's blue skies and 70 degrees today in Rose Hill. A great day for voters to get out and vote.

snow on the mountain

2008-10-29T11:22:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo taken yesterday from the parking lot at Grabeels IGA. There was snow up on the mountain yesterday morning and into the afternoon. There was a heavy frost down here in downtown Rose Hill last night. We'd had two light frosts in town last week.

e-commerce training

2008-10-29T11:14:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken this month inside the computer center in the Rose Hill library during an e-commerce training workshop. The instructor is Mikki Barker of VECTEC's Abingdon office. She will be teaching another workshop at the Rose Hill Library, titled "Internet Marketing," on November 19, 2008 from 9AM - noon. The workshop is free, open to the public, and no registration is required.

broadband revolution in the Tri-Cities region

2008-10-10T11:19:00.003-04:00

There's a great article in today's Kingsport Times News stating that, "GoTriCities has launched a multimedia Web site that aims to revolutionize the way Tri-Cities residents view local video content. The site, www.Kingsport.tv, is the region's first Internet video resource that aggregates news, entertainment, cultural and business videos in one place... the motto 'Video Anytime Anywhere' highlights the site's convenient model where a viewer can access content online at their leisure, for free, without a subscription or appointment. The site works with most modern browsers and works better with broadband Internet service than slower dial-up service."

Sounds pretty nifty to me! I'll be checking it out.
Joan

2008-10-02T20:19:00.002-04:00

Here's part of a February post -

"Kyle's Ford TN is not too far away from Rose Hill, just over 30 miles. It's probably alot shorter distance "as the crow flies." My ancestors lived in the Kyle's Ford TN/ Blackwater VA vicinity, and I just love that whole area. It appears there's a real push for some eco-tourism development in Kyle's Ford. They're touting a retreat center, several cabin/cottage rental facilities, seasonal canoe rentals, a market, and a cafe. Check out the website at http://www.clinchriverecotourism.com/. The online menu for the cafe is pretty nifty. It appears that you can get a cheeseburger for only $1.69! Want some fries with that? French fries cost only 79 cents! I'll bet you get excellent service with a smile too. Sounds like the perfect destination for one of my scooter tours this Spring. Okay, who wants to go with me to get a cheeseburger and some fries in Kyles Ford? At those prices, I'll even buy your lunch!"

I did go to Kyle's Ford this Summer and saw the cool cottages and ate in the cafe and such. It was jolly great fun. I posted one photo of folks playing in the river. Here's a photo showing the bridge over the river.

The leaves are just barely beginning to turn a touch here and there. Pretty soon, and all the local backroads will be awash in Fall splendor. The evenings are getting shorter and the nights a bit cooler now.

Kyle's Ford

2008-10-02T20:09:00.002-04:00

This photo was taken in the Summer when I was on a local Kyle's Ford eco-tourism scooter ride. We've two special rivers right around here, the Clinch River and the Powell River. Here's folks enjoying the river on a hot, sunny day.

"Rose Hill Train" song

2008-09-16T14:17:00.003-04:00

THIS certainly deserves a blog entry. It's a song about Rose Hill!! My Dad recently purchased the 'Papa Joe' Smiddy CD titled "Hop Up Ladies." There's a song about ROSE HILL on this CD!

Seems like maybe I heard someone telling me a while back that 'Papa Joe' Smiddy married a Rose Hill gal sometime 'way back yonder when.'

Who can tell us the rest of that story?

Anyway, here's some information about the song and the CD.

Fans of the musical stylings of the College’s own Chancellor Emeritus “Papa Joe” Smiddy have a new CD to add to their collection. "Hop Up Ladies,” the latest recording by Smiddy and his Reedy Creek Band, is packed full of traditional favorites like “Wise County Jail,” “Uncle Joe” and “Shortnin' Bread.”

Smiddy, who came to the College in 1954 as the school’s first biology instructor and ultimately served as chancellor for 27 years, is also a first-rate musician and storyteller. Smiddy, 86, still performs at area venues like the world-renowned Carter Fold and his annual music festival at Natural Tunnel. And he still draws standing-room-only crowds.

While many of the tracks are well-known Smiddy tunes, one song was recently written to commemorate Smiddy’s service in World War II and to honor family members who kept the home fires burning in Lee County, Va. “Rose Hill Train” recounts the efforts of Ross Stickley, Grannie Stickley, Uncle Jim Rosenbaum and Uncle Fred Stickley, who was a prisoner of war. An Army sergeant, Smiddy was stationed in the Pacific during the war.

The CD features Papa Joe on the claw-hammer banjo, Jerry Keys on the five string, Sam Mallory on the mandolin, Susie Keys on the bass, Keith Williams on the fiddle and Smiddy’s son, Dr. Joe Frank Smiddy, on the guitar. Sam Mallory and Susie Keys join the Smiddys on vocals.

Perhaps the CD’s liner notes say it best: “We hope that this music will inspire you the listener to tap your toes, clog one, sing a hymn, or maybe even take up the banjo.”

"Hop Up Ladies” is available for $14 at the UVa-Wise Bookstore and at area Double Kwik Markets. All proceeds benefit the UVa-Wise Foundation. To order your copy, call the Campus Bookstore at (276) 328-0210.

Rose Hill industrial shell building

2008-08-17T22:11:00.001-04:00

The IDA's new shell building in Constitutional Oaks is moving right along.

Oldest Lee County church

2008-06-15T21:23:00.001-04:00

Today was the first time I'd seen Thompson Settlement Church. According to the nearby historic marker, this Baptist church is the oldest church in Lee County. It was organized in 1800. The original site was on Powell's River. The church was removed to the present site in 1822.

Butterfly Weed

2008-06-15T21:21:00.003-04:00

The wild Butterfly Weed is blooming now - and yes, there were wild butterflies on them there purty weeds.

More scenery

2008-06-15T21:18:00.001-04:00

Here's a scene from today's scooter ride. I had me some riding buddies today and spent over three hours out on these backroads, from here to Blackwater and Vardy and back. It was a wonderful way to enjoy today's great weather.

Local Lodging Available

2008-06-15T16:56:00.003-04:00

While I'm on here touting local businesses, here's a good one you may not have heard about yet.

www.therowlettplace.com

The Rowlett Place is a spacious, ranch-style vacation rental home located 5 miles west of Jonesville, Virginia off Highway 58 on Shannon Evans Road (SR 656). It has 2 bedrooms with king beds, 3 full baths, a queen sofa bed, and will sleep 6 comfortably. Linens, towels, and a fully equipped kitchen are provided. With its large carport and many decks, The Rowlett Place is an excellent place to host your next family reunion, reception, or corporate event.

Proprietors: Ken & Josephine Roddenberry
of Jonesville, VA telephone (276) 346-1396

BBQ season series

2008-06-15T16:01:00.003-04:00

This blog entry is the first of a Summer Series of entries to celebrate BBQ season and a western Lee County product - Road Kill BBQ Sauce!

We'll be back with more blog entries focused on BBQ season and Road Kill BBQ Sauce, but in the meantime - check it out, folks!!

www.roadkillbbqsauce.com

Road Kill BBQ Sauce GIFT PACKAGES
ARE available to online shoppers!!

Or you can purchase
"Road Kill BBQ Sauces"
& Julie B's Old Fashion Relishes
in these LOCAL STORES:

Rose Hill, VA: Grabeel's IGA Super Market in Rose Hill, VA
old Highway 58 (historic downtown section)

Ewing, VA: The Neighborhood Market in Ewing, VA
new Highway 58 (out on the four-lane)
Montgomery Grocery in Ewing, VA
rural route 2 (just off the four-lane)

Jonesville, VA: IGA Food Liner in Jonesville, VA
Highway 58 (west end of town)

Cumberland Gap, TN: Webb's Country Kitchen in Cumberland Gap, TN
downtown (historic Town of Cumberland Gap)

Harrogate, TN: Village Market IGA in Harrogate, TN
7026 Cumberland Gap Parkway

Constitutional Oaks

2008-06-12T10:18:00.002-04:00

The signs at the entrance to the industrial park may not be too exciting of a photo; however, those majestic mountains in the background show how beautiful the area surrounding the park is.

Rose Hill industrial shell building

2008-06-12T10:13:00.003-04:00

I had posted photos earlier from the groundbreaking event for the new shell building to be constructed at Constitutional Oaks Industrial Park out along the four-lane in Rose Hill. There's quite a bit of construction activity underway now. Here's a scene from yesterday's action. With our broadband in place now, perhaps we can bring in some IT jobs.

the clear water

2008-06-12T10:10:00.003-04:00

I was pleasantly surprised at how clear the Powell River water was yesterday. Probably has something to do with the fact that we need rain. You could see right through the water and watch the little minnows dancing around.

Powell River

2008-06-12T10:03:00.003-04:00

Been out scootering again. Started out on the route to the Powell River bridge I posted earlier, but this time I turned right (instead of left) on Flatwoods Road. That road keeps on a going, straight into Hancock County TN - at which point the road name changes to Powell River Road. There's a great spot just beside the road where you can hang out by the river. It was beautiful!

Martins Creek and Balls Chapel

2008-06-04T20:44:00.002-04:00

Here's the second photo posted for the person who commented on the Giles Hollow post. Both houses have been vacant for many years. I always wonder the history of the vacant old homes around here. Probably the next generation left the area in search of jobs. Both of my grandmothers' farm houses became vacant after they died (one here in Lee County, the other up in Montgomery County). Once upon a time, not so long ago, I owned a 120-year-old farmhouse. It had great character!! My current "younger" home (about half that age) is admittedly a bit easier to maintain. But I will always love them old farmhouses.

Martins Creek & Balls Chapel

2008-06-04T20:40:00.002-04:00

There was a nice comment added on the Giles Hollow post, someone saying their grandma used to live at the corner of Martins Creek and Balls Chapel. There's two houses still there at that corner. I'm posting them in case that person visits the blog again. Here's the first one.

Powell River

2008-06-04T20:20:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo taken from on the bridge. There were fishermen floating down the river (see 'em over ther on the left?). The Powell River is a special river, mostly cuz it's one of the few that weren't dammed up by TVA. So, it retained it's biological diversity.

Here's some information from The Nature Conservancy's Clinch Valley Bioreserve: The Virginia sections of the Clinch and Powell rivers are vital to the health of the Tennessee River system because the two rivers are the system's only undammed, unspoiled headwaters. The river valleys contain more than 400 species of rare plants and animals, 22 of which are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. The diversity is unmatch in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern United States.

Anyway, I'm tickled that I learned how to get to the Powell River. It's not that far away. After heading over the Powell, I wandered my way to Beech Grove. Beech Grove is another beautiful area with a cozy feeling to it, nestled amongst lots of woods. Scootering is turning out to be an excellent way for me to learn my way around these backroads. That was my plan, so I'm tickled it's working out.

Scootering over the Powell

2008-06-04T20:03:00.002-04:00

Got out on my scooter again on Sunday afternoon. Stayed out there for over two hours. Never once encountered a dog chasing me. I went all the way to the end of Old Nursery Road, took a left on Old Flatwoods Road, took the first right onto Longleaf Road, and hey!! lookee there! I had found the Powell River. Here's a photo of the bridge I went over.

a panoramic view

2008-05-26T12:34:00.002-04:00

I'd need a different camera to even begin to capture some of the wide panoramic views around here. I'm getting more and more comfortable with riding alone, and I'm venturing out beyond my usual little route. Yesterday I headed out Old Nursery Road a ways and then veered off onto Wilson View Road. I came up over the hill, and WOW!! What a view! I don't know who the Wilsons are, but they've got SOME view! I can't wait to get back out on that road. Actually, the weather forecast is looking pretty good for awhile yet. okay, enough photo posts for today.

wild geraniums

2008-05-26T12:29:00.002-04:00

I was surprised that the wild geraniums are STILL blooming. The wild columbine are about gone now for the season. Honeysuckle has burst forth. That sweet smell of honeysuckle is wonderfully intoxicating. Just driving down the road, it pops up and really catches you.

local agriculture traditions continue

2008-05-26T12:25:00.002-04:00

Lots of farmers were either cutting hay or baling hay this week. Looks like tobacco in the front too. I know the whole tobacco industry has changed dramatically in the last few years, but there's still folks growing tobacco.

On Giles Hollow Road

2008-05-26T12:18:00.002-04:00

Now we've circled around from Martins Creek Road and we're out on Giles Hollow Road. Instead of the cozy valley feeling, now there's rolling hills with the mountains visible off in the distance. Although this one ain't too little, I've seen lots of cute little calves, even a baby horse (is the correct term a foal?), and even baby sheep. Springtime is a time of celebrating life itself, a fresh renewal.

fishing, a family affair

2008-05-26T12:15:00.001-04:00

Looks like a father-daughter team to me. Yep, fishing in Martins Creek. How did you guess?

fishing opportunities

2008-05-26T12:09:00.002-04:00

This is posted along Martins Creek. I'd heard that they stock that creek and I've seen folks fishing there before. These posters have convinced me that they're catching fish there. I think I might take up fishing, just to have an excuse to sit out there on the bank for hours on end. Not sure what I'd do if I actually caught a fish though. I wouldn't know how to get it off the hook.

cozy valley tour

2008-05-26T11:49:00.002-04:00

There's just something special about being nestled amongst the rocks and ferns when everything is so green and bursting forth with life.

Scooterin again

2008-05-26T11:45:00.001-04:00

I've been out scooterin' again. The weather has been WONDERFUL for several days in a row. Here's a view from along Martins Creek Road. It's so luscious down in the valley along the creek, downright cozy feeling.

Rose Hill's new ball field

2008-05-07T22:25:00.002-04:00

The new ball field is located on the grounds of Rose Hill Elementary school. The fence, the dugouts, the announcer's box, the lights, the concession stand -- all these things are pretty new. Folks, those little league baseball games can be quite fun and entertaining. Most of the fans know each other, and it turns into not only a sporting event (even little league is taken quite seriously at times), but also a wonderful social gathering. The local volunteers that run Western Lee Little League are very dedicated. I know it's been a great experience for my youngins.

View from the trail

2008-05-07T22:16:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo taken from along the downtown Rose Hill trail. That's the library, the white building in the center of the photo. The woodsy portion of the trail feels cozy and secluded, and then viola! as soon as you emerge from the woods - there's one of those stunning views of those long, majestic mountains.

downtown Rose Hill trail

2008-05-07T21:47:00.002-04:00

Rose Hill has a nifty trail running parallel to "Main Street" (old Highway 58). It runs all the way from the East end of town, starting at Martins Creek Road and continuing through town over to O'Dells Furniture. I am particularly fond of the trail because I walk to the end of my back yard, and viola! I'm on the trail. I know cities like Bristol and Kingsport are working to create or improve similar downtown trails, although I believe those trails tend to follow along beside a creek. I see an occasional pedestrian. More frequently you'll see someone using it to get their 4-wheeler across town. As I understand it, this trail was a road, once upon a time. I tend to view it as a hidden Rose Hill asset. Lately, I've used the trail for walking a friend's dog. My kids ride their various two-wheel toys and bikes on that trail. There's one section of the trail that crosses Lawson's Building Supply yard. I've recently learned that crossing through the Lawson's section during normal business hours means you may be dodging cement trucks, but it appears to quiet down perhaps during lunch hour. Great trivia for someone wanting to walk a skittish dog through that section. Cross at 11:30AM and you're likely dodging busy cement trucks. Wait until just 12 noon, and all is quiet. I know Lawson's is moving a significant portion of their business over to some land along the 4-lane. They must sell one heckuva buncha Kubotas, since there's a vast inventory on their property, which seems to be constantly turning over - certainly not old stuff with grass growing up around it. I see people looking at the various equipment purchase opportunities even in the evenings after closing time. It's kinda like how when you're driving through Kingsport past a car dealership and even though it's after hours, folks are still out there looking over various cars on the lot. Anyway, except for the section crossing Lawsons which can be quite congested during business hours, it's a beautiful, quiet little mostly woodsy trail. okay, so it was one of Rose Hill's best kept secrets, a wonderful asset, and now I've spilled the beans. See ya on the trail!

Joan

a friendly deer

2008-04-24T22:39:00.003-04:00

I had me a local scooter tour guide/ fellow scooterer along today, so I got to ride beyond my little usual familiar route. It's common to see deer when you're scootering on the local backroads. I wasn't surprised to see one while scootering today, but then I realized, hey, that deer is hanging out on somebody's front porch! Turns out, it thinks it's a dog. We stopped to stare at the deer. It came out to greet us in the road, walked around us a bit, and then it came right up to me and proceeded to sniff and smell me. I was hoping it wouldn't be like a goat and start munching on my clothes. I was too shocked to get a photo while we were face-to-face with about 12 inches between our noses, but I did manage to get a photo while it was walking away, just like a dog, going back to hang out on the front porch.

redbuds & dogwoods

2008-04-24T22:30:00.002-04:00

I went scooter riding today. The redbuds and dogwoods are in bloom. So are the apple trees. Aaaaah - Springtime is the Appalachian Mountains! Saw wild columbine (two-tone orange), wild geraniums (pretty purple), and wild phlox (another purple) -- blooming in all their glory today. Saw one of those blue herons or river cranes (that really big graceful bird that likes water) today. That's always a special sight, peaceful.

April 9th Community Meal

2008-04-06T21:24:00.002-04:00

Morgan Memorial United Methodist Church (located across from the Dollar Store) is hosting a Community Meal on Wednesday, April 9th from 5:30PM - 7:00PM. The meal is free. The church invites the entire community to come break bread together.

2008-04-06T21:09:00.002-04:00

The Connect Rose Hill project was featured in a recent online article located at http://www.scienceprogress.org/. Click on the "Broadband Done Right" article, written by Nancy Scola.

About Science Progress... "Our objective at Science Progress is to improve the understanding of science among policymakers and other thought leaders and to develop exciting, progressive ideas about innovation in science and technology for the United States in the 21st Century. Science Progress is a project of the Center for American Progress, a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)3 educational and research organization."

The article leads out with, "Virginia rolls out high-speed Internet programs to boost jobs, health care, education, and commerce. It’s a model that works."

Here's an excerpt from the article:

"A recent post on Joan Minor’s Rose Hill Blog also highlights Black Bear Blast, a gathering of scientists and locals in Cumberland Gap National Park. Another details Kite Day, a local tradition tracing its roots “way back yonder when,” says Minor. She’s delighted to promote these rural get-togethers, the better to help preserve the small town’s unique way of life. "

Click on "Broadband Done Right" at http://www.scienceprogress.org/ for the full article. If you read it, I'd sure enjoy hearing some commentary!

scenes from today's scooter ride

2008-04-06T20:51:00.002-04:00

I was riding alone today, so I stayed on my usual little country route. It was so fun, I did it twice!

It's something like... out Martins Creek Road up Balls Chapel to Possum Holler and then back into town through Giles Holler or McLin Holler, then back across through the middle of town on Main Street, where I can pretty much keep up with the speed limit going East (mostly downhill).

It was fun, and the weather was beautiful. I already know which houses have dogs who will chase me. Long as I'm going downhill past their house, I can outrun 'em. haha!

A collaborate effort!

2008-03-26T01:02:00.001-04:00

Most of the fine fellers in this photo are Lee County Board of Supervisors.

Full group shot

2008-03-26T00:57:00.002-04:00

Many dignitaries and officials joined in on the celebration.

Groundbreaking photo

2008-03-26T00:52:00.002-04:00

Here's another photo from today's groundbreaking festivities. Craig Barbrow from USDA, Delegate Terry Kilgore, and IDA Chairman Quinton Littrell.

Constitutional Oaks Groundbreaking

2008-03-26T00:37:00.003-04:00

Today was a big day in Rose Hill! The groundbreaking for a new shell building in the local industrial park site was held today. Here's a scene from some of the festivities.

Snowing in Rose Hill

2008-03-24T17:49:00.002-04:00

I took this photo a few hours ago. Yep, it was snowing up a blizzard in Rose Hill, today, the day after Easter! It didn't last long. Matter-of-fact, now the sun is shining and there's barely even a trace of today's "blizzard."

trillium

2008-03-23T17:52:00.002-04:00

This photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. It's trillium, growing somewhere in western Lee County. Apparently, there are lots of different kinds of trillium, and several of them are endangered or threatened species. Trillium are fairly unique in that they change colors during the blooming season.

A little story

2008-03-23T17:16:00.002-04:00

So the story behind this little photo series is one I've told frequently, and I'm sure I've embellished it a bit along the way. Well, it's a story. This month marked five years since I moved to Rose Hill, so what better time to reflect over the few times I've "thrown events" in Rose Hill since my arrival.

The first event was the dulcimer concert at The Barnyard. I'd gotten a grant from The Puffin Foundation of Teaneck, NJ to launch a revival of the Appalachian dulcimer, giving us some marketing money and such. We filled the house. Downtown was full of cars. Folks talked about what a traffic jam I'd created for quite awhile.

Then later on, I found myself throwing a community information event about upcoming broadband service. We held that event at the clubhouse in the new little apartment complex. We had a great turnout of folks, and managed to have traffic congested with lots of parked cars throughout the apartment driveway and spilling out onto the main road up past Hensleys and such. Once again, folks would kindly jest in the grocery store or gas station for awhile afterwards, that I'd certainly clogged up the traffic flow in Rose Hill again with one of my events.

But the third event, well now, it really surpassed the other two. The third event was the fiberlighting event at the Rose Hill Library where we had not four, but about a dozen dulcimers playing... we had local, state and national elected officials... the whole nine yards. Watching the activities as they progressed that day, I remember really laughing when I saw the police block off the traffic for the ribboncutting event in the front of the library. I kept thinking about the folks who kindly jest me at the gas station and the grocery store about creating traffic jams in Rose Hill, knowing I could look at them next time and respond, "Hey, I've really worked my way up now! Instead of just creating a traffic jam, for the first time, I managed to actually stop the traffic altogether." hahaha!

okay, that was my "Happy Easter" present to you today, my little story about the time I actually stopped the traffic in Rose Hill. hehehe!

One more quick photo, and then I'll go back to grantwriting...

Rose Hill ribbon cutting

2008-03-23T17:09:00.002-04:00

During this ribbon-cutting event during the fiberlighting celebration, the local police briefly stopped the traffic in front of the library (next photo).

Project Leaders

2008-03-23T16:58:00.002-04:00

Founder of Sunset Digital Communications Paul Elswick (a Lee County native) and Executive Director of Lenowisco Planning District Commission Ron Flanary on the day of the Fiber Lighting event in Rose Hill.

In The Barnyard

2008-03-23T16:50:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo from inside The Barnyard that night. You, too, can learn to play the dulcimer. Wilderness Road Dulcimer Club meets on Tuesday evenings at 7PM at Rose Hill Christian Church in the fellowship hall. They teach beginners and it's free! Look on the website under "clubs & organizations" for more information. Also check out the website "events" section for information about an upcoming dulcimer weekend at the nearby national park campground.

downtown photo

2008-03-23T16:40:00.003-04:00

Here's a downtown photo. This was taken back before the new awning was up at O'Dell's Furniture. The photo was taken while the crowd from a dulcimer concert was letting out at The Barnyard. Notice the street is lined with cars and even the "square" (as I call it, I believe that it is a church parking lot) is also full of parked cars. We had a full house in The Barnyard that night. It was fun!! I was one of the four dulcimer players putting on a little performance inside. I'll post that photo next.

Black Bear Blast on March 21-22

2008-03-18T10:25:00.002-04:00

According to an article in the March 15, 2008 Kingsport Times News, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park will host the Black Bear Blast on March 21-22. The event will involve scientists, educators, artisans from the region, and anyone else interested in the black bear. According to the article (and certainly also confirmed by stories of recent black bear visits in the campground and around western Lee County farms), "The black bear once roamed freely through these mountains but was virtually eliminated from the region through over-hunting and loss of habitat. Due to recent conservation efforts and habitat availability, the black bear is making a come back on it's own. Scientists studying the black bear in Kentucky and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park have noted a healthy increase in bear numbers."

The article further reports, "The event will kick off on Friday, March 21, at the park visitors center and will feature an outdoor exhibit area, numerous demonstrations, programs, and special keynote speakers in the visitors center auditorium." All of the event activities are FREE!! For more information, call (606) 248-2817 or visit www.nps.gov/cuga.

Virginia Bluebells

2008-03-16T16:29:00.002-04:00

This photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. One of the best things about living in the Appalachian Mountains, is watching Spring arrive. Crocus and daffodils are blooming all over the place already. Although it will be awhile until they bloom, the Virginia Bluebells in my flowerbed have come up already.

The Kite Day Tradition

2008-03-06T10:16:00.002-05:00

Kite Day is a wonderful Rose Hill tradition. An amazing number of parents join their kids at school for the Kite Day festivities. Both Rose Hill and Ewing elementary schools have a long tradition of Kite Day. Many of the parents enjoyed Kite Day when they were students "way back yonder when."

March 7th is Kite Day

2008-03-06T10:09:00.002-05:00

Friday, March 7, 2008 is Kite Day at Rose Hill Elementary School, weather permitting. If the weather prevents having Kite Day on Friday, another day will be scheduled.

Maybe this photo from last year's Kite Day will show up dark, but there are actually several kites in the air.

Rose Hill Elementary students plant trees

2008-03-01T22:33:00.002-05:00

Fourth graders from Rose Hill Elementary School came home with free trees on Friday. Today was warm and sunny, so here's one of the fourth graders planting his new little pine tree.

signs of Spring!

2008-03-01T22:28:00.004-05:00

Then on Saturday, the weather really warmed up.

Today was sunny!!

Made the crocus open up.

snow

2008-03-01T22:24:00.003-05:00

I was taking a picture of the amaryllis, but you can see snow on the bank outside the window. School was out until Friday, which was 2-hour delay.

Guardian in the Woods

2008-02-26T17:18:00.002-05:00

This photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. Harold took this photo, titled "Guardian in the Woods," here in western Lee County in January 2006.

I'm wanting to post some of Harold's western Lee County wildflowers photos, but I'll wait until a little closer to Spring perhaps.

It's snowing here in Rose Hill right now. School's already on a 2-hour delay for tomorrow and there's a winter storm watch tonight (i.e., more snow coming). I heard those frogs still peeping earlier today!

The Old Cudjo's Cave

2008-02-23T23:21:00.002-05:00

What to do around here in the mountains near Rose Hill, when it's still wintertime and cold and dark and dreary outside??

Go visit the old Cudjo's Cave! Now known as Gap Cave, it is owned and operated by the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park today.

Gap Cave tours are offered every Sunday and every Saturday, year-round. The tours leave the Visitor Center at 2PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Join park rangers in exploring Gap Cave, a majestic, underground cathedral. With flashlights in hand, discover glistening stalagmites and sparkling stalactites or catch a glimpse of a bat. Listen to tales of exploration and discovery. Open to ages 6 and older, this underground adventure takes about two hours, involving a 1.5 mile walk and 183 steps. Comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing is a must. Reservations are recommended. Call the Visitor Center at (606) 248-2817. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 6-12.

Spring must not be TOO far away. The frogs are peeping loud and clear. My crocus have started blooming. I even found a little snow-drop flower blooming in the yard. Bachelors buttons and larkspur and bunches of spring bulbs are popping up. Won't be TOO long and the four-lane will be lined with blooming redbuds.

Check out the recently-updated "Local Events" section on the website. There's LOTS of GREAT fun to be had around here in 2008!!

Joan

Constitutional Oaks Lone Eagle section

2008-02-13T02:29:00.002-05:00

There's a super written strategic plan for Rose Hill's Constitutional Oaks industrial park. The long-term plan includes creating a Lone Eagle section up in the woods for technology/service businesses and the like. I'm quite interested in building a building up there. Anyone else possibly interested in some future shared office space up in the Lone Eagle section, please post here or call me at (276)445-4600. Thank you!

Silicon Holler

2008-02-13T01:53:00.002-05:00

I was digging up a copy of this article today, so I thought I'd share an excerpt.

The article was printed back in 2003 when Lenowisco launched the Lenowisco Rural Area Network. The broadband connections in Rose Hill are linked into the regional Lenowisco Rural Area Network. Tobacco Commission funds for the Lenowisco Rural Area Network provided the matching dollars required for the USDA Connect Rose Hill grant.

The article's headline was "High Tech's Tobacco Road" and was printed in The Wall Street Journal on June 12, 2003.

Here are some excerpts, "When states settled their lawsuit against the big tobacco companies in 1998, farmers in tobacco-growing communities took a hit, as federal quotas and subsidies for their crops got cut. Lawmakers scratched their heads over how to fund a replacement industry in places where tobacco reigned."

"Now, an entrepreneur in Virginia - which is due to collect some $4 billion from the settlement - has prodded the state's Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission to turn over some $625,000 in tobacco money to jumpstart a fiber-optic ring that will help the southwestern corner of the state into the 21st century."

"With help from a nonprofit group, the Lenowisco Rural Area Network, local officials went an extra mile (or more) by lying fiber-optic cable with water pipes for an expanded water system."

In the article, the reporters are talking with Jonesville entrepreneur Paul Elswick. The story concludes with a great quote: "We call it Silicon Holler," he says with a laugh."

ASD Recruits Local Organic Farmers

2008-02-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

This photo is copyright by Rose Hill resident Harold Jerrell.

Since this post is about recruiting Lee County farmers to a regional organic growers network, I wanted to include a photo of western Lee County farmland.

On February 12, 2008 at 6:00 PM, Appalachian Harvest (operated by Appalachian Sustainable Development) will be holding a Recruitment Meeting for Growers. The meeting will provide potential growers with an opportunity to learn about organic produce.

Meeting date and location: February 12

Lee County Farmer’s Cooperative in Jonesville

5:30 p.m. sign-in and 6-8 p.m. meeting.

For more information visit http://www.asdevelop.org/ or call (276) 623-1121.

Here's a personal "testimonial." Several years ago when I lived just outside Abingdon, I was a certified organic grower. Appalachian Harvest of Appalachian Sustainable Development quickly sold everything I brought to their convenient produce drop-off spot. For example, they sold my blackberries and sugarsnap peas to nice downtown Bristol restaurants. They even help train you in organic growing techniques through fun farm tours and such.

Today, as reported in the February 6, 2008 edition of the Powell Valley News, "Seven supermarket chains in a six state area will be purchasing Appalachian Harvest produce in 2008, with a minimum weekly demand of over 7,000 cases of cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, peppers, and other items. Additionally, several more are needed to raise free-range eggs, with current demand exceeding one thousand dozen eggs per week."

If you miss the February meeting in Jonesville, I believe there's another such meeting in Gate City in March.

peeping frogs in February

2008-02-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

Like the photos on the Rose Hill website home page, this photo is copyright by Harold Jerrell. You can buy some of his beautiful prints at Rosemary's Specialty House in Rose Hill.

Anyway, the frogs are peeping this week! It's only the first week of February, and sure enough, while I was hauling off my trash on a warm sunny afternoon to the convenient Rose Hill convenience station, right by that creek, I could hear those frogs peeping! I associate that wonderful sound with early Spring. Strange to hear it this time of year. What do they do, crawl back into the mud when the next Winter weather spurt hits? It's supposed to be snowing again this weekend. I also saw a bluebird this week, which surprised me again. Word has it though, that the bluebirds are staying over during the Winter cuz folks are feeding them at bird feeders. Anyway, it was unseasonably warm here some this week, and now the frogs are peeping, bluebirds are flying around, and my Spring flower bulbs are popping up out of the ground.

Shame it's going to be snowing this weekend, cuz Harlan County Ridge Runners ATV Club is sponsoring a Sweetheart Ride on Saturday. Sounded fun! They've got lots of great events planned already for 2008, and we'll have more information posted in the events section soon.

Joan

River Place on the Clinch (new lodging options!)

2008-02-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

Kyle's Ford TN is not too far away from Rose Hill, just over 30 miles. It's probably alot shorter distance "as the crow flies." My ancestors lived in the Kyle's Ford TN/ Blackwater VA vicinity, and I just love that whole area. It appears there's a real push for some eco-tourism development in Kyle's Ford. They're touting a retreat center, several cabin/cottage rental facilities, seasonal canoe rentals, a market, and a cafe. Check out the website at www.clinchriverecotourism.com. The online menu for the cafe is pretty nifty. It appears that you can get a cheeseburger for only $1.69! Want some fries with that? French fries cost only 79 cents! I'll bet you get excellent service with a smile too. Sounds like the perfect destination for one of my scooter tours this Spring. Okay, who wants to go with me to get a cheeseburger and some fries in Kyles Ford? At those prices, I'll even buy your lunch!
Joan

Study suggests a Rose Hill hotel

2008-02-05T09:19:00.000-05:00

There's an article in today's Kingsport Times News with the headline, "Study suggests Duffield, Rose Hill as possible sites for hotel." The article explains that Lenowisco Planning District Commission presented a report that may help spawn growth of hotels and motels in the western corner of the Commonwealth. The report explains that The Wilderness Road State Park (which is primarily comprised of a replica of the original Martins Station fort, which was located at the present-day Rose Hill), which opened in 1997, brought in 118,000 visitors in 2006. The park has averaged a annual 25% increase in visitor traffic since 2000. The park is now one of the region's fastest-growing attractions. Lenowisco's Senior Planner, Frank Kibler, explained that the study can be provided to developers to promote the construction of a hotel.

Resident Tourist

2008-02-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

I've lived here in Rose Hill for almost five years now, but I've yet to learn much of the backroads around here. It's beautiful everywhere around here, and I'd like to tour about these backroads a bit more, take some time to learn my way around in the vast countryside surrounding downtown Rose Hill. So I got myself a toy for Christmas... it's a scooter! Gets about 80 miles to the gallon! So now I feel that between my rugged off-road "two-wheeler" and now my road legal scooter, I can go tour around about anywhere! In spite of it being wintertime, I managed to put over 100 miles on that thing one day. Went plumb past Mulberry Gap over to Vardy! Yep, rode that thing right over Newmans Ridge. The scooter maxes out at about 8 mph going up the mountain and about 35 mph coming down the mountain. It's a great way to see the local countryside! You can take alot in at 8 mph! I was laughing about my scooter and "two-wheeler" adventures recently, and a nice "native" Rose Hill resident declared me to be a "resident tourist." haha! I liked that little phrase. Perhaps it's an apt description. This scooter was previously a rental scooter for tourists at a little resort down in the Great Smoky National Park. I think it likes going up and down mountains! haha! I think the scooter population in Rose Hill is up past 6 now. I wasn't the first one in Rose Hill running around town on a scooter, and I sure ain't the only one either. We'll have a scooter club and Saturday rentals running in town before too long. hehe!

Inside Rose Hill Library

2008-02-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken inside the Rose Hill Library computer center, just before it opened in June. The new library wing and computer center were developed through the USDA Community Connect grant. Folks are using the computers now and attending the free workshops provided in the center.

Hidden Holler General Store

2008-02-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

The Hidden Holler General Store has opened in downtown Rose Hill. We'll get it added to the business directory here soon. They sell all kinds of nifty stuff from Raleighs salve (YES! You can still buy "old-fashioned" Rawleighs products!!) to handmade dulcimers to Moonpies. Matter-of-fact, seems like you might can swing thru and get a Moonpie AND a Pepsi to go with it, for only a dollar! It's a great, new downtown store.

Springtime blossoms at the post office

2008-02-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, I must have taken the winter off from blogging. No, it's not really Spring here yet... this photo was taken last year. I like it because the tree at the post office is in bloom.

the Indian Mound

2007-11-10T01:15:00.000-05:00

This local marker is located a few miles east of Rose Hill on "Old Highway 58" (now the "Dr. Thomas Walker" Road). The information below was prepared by a local resident, Alan Crockett.

"Indians were living in the Rose Hill area since the time of the earliest Indians, called the Paleoindians. Evidence of their presence here is a rare type of projectile point called a Clovis point. Clovis points have been found in nearby Ewing and Clovis points have reportedly been found in the eastern section of the Rose Hill district.

Indian continued to travel through and hunt here up into colonial times. Southwestern Virginia and Lee County have been called a “Cultural Crossroads: by C.G. Holland, of the University of Virginia. He coined the term because of the many Indian tribes that have traveled through our area and the Cumberland Gap.

Not all Indian groups traveled through western Lee County without staying. One group did build permanent structures and became residents. The Ely Mound is a well-known example. This mound, the best preserved mound in Virginia, is a special type of mound called a “temple mound”. It is the only temple mound known in the entire state of Virginia. The Ely Mound was excavated in 1877 by Harvard University/Peabody Museum. Unfortunately, the mound caved-in, killing one person and crippling another one. The Rose-Robinson Mound is another notable mound in Lee County. "

Thank you for the wonderful write-up, Mr. Crockett! I think Mr. Crockett might write-up some more such interesting information for us, if a few folks post comments on this blog entry, saying that they'd like to read more about Rose Hill's Native American history.

You can see the Ely Mound from the four-lane. A local resident pointed it out to me. It looks like an unusual little hill. I reckon that "little hill" has been there for a long while now...

What is a "Clovis Point"?
Joan

Wonderful Rose Hill heritage event & books!

2007-11-01T13:14:00.000-04:00

Here's a copy of an email I received today, maybe through the Lee County Chamber of Commerce or the library or whoever (below)...

If you can't make it to the event on Saturday... you can always buy a book or two...
Joan

Hello,My name is Joe Tennis. I am the author of a new book featuring LEE COUNTY called "Beach to Bluegrass." It's a collection of photos and stories along U.S. Highway 58, the longest road in Virginia.

In this week's edition of the POWELL VALLEY NEWS, you will find a few paragraphs about my book and my upcoming visit to the Lee County Public Library on Saturday in PENNINGTON GAP on Nov. 3, 1-3 p.m.

I would like to invite you to visit me at the library.This is my first booksigning/lecture event in Lee County for this book. I will be signing copies during that time and speaking, as well, about the project and reading chapters pertaining to Lee County concerning the death of Daniel Boone's son; Joseph Martin's connections to Martin's Station; the Ely Mound cave-in near Ewing; and the Civil War Battle at Jonesville.

"Beach to Bluegrass" also profiles stories ofAdolph Coors' ghost at a hotel at Virginia Beach; how a UFO was seen at South Hill; why Eleanor Roosevelt's father's drinking problems caused so much trouble in Abingdon; the "lost" lake on the New River; and how the Natural Tunnel keeps getting mixed up with the Natural Bridge. My point to "Beach to Bluegrass" is to display the diversity of U.S. 58 - the longest road in Virginia - and share stories about the people and places along the route at Clarksville, Damascus, Mount Rogers, Bristol, Norfolk, Stickleyville and the Great Dismal Swamp. Much of this highway, in Southwest Virginia, is now called "The Crooked Road." I will have advance copies of the book available at the signing. The cost of each is $18.I will also have copies of my previous book featuring Lee County, "Southwest Virginia Crossroads," which is an illustrated history and guide detailing waterfalls, parks and lakes plus stories on how 750 places took their names - from Lee County to Floyd County, including Frog Level, Caylor, Stone Face Rock and Goose Pimple Junction. That book is $26. Also, I am signing copies of my recent ghost story collection, published by Backyard Books in Johnson City. That book, "The Marble and Other Ghost Tales of Tennessee and Virginia," features stories from Honaker, Wise, St. Paul, Big Stone Gap, Johnson City and Abingdon. It is $7. If you are unable to make it but are interested in learning more about any of these books, please visit Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com, or call the publisher directly at (800) 992-2691. All of the books - including "Beach to Bluegrass" (after Nov. 20) - are available at Waldenbooks in the Fort Henry Mall in Kingsport; Barnes and Noble in Johnson City; or B. Dalton Booksellers in Bristol. "Southwest Virginia Crossroads" and "The Marble" are also both stocked at the June Tolliver House in Big Stone Gap and the Mountain Empire Community College bookstore in Big Stone Gap.

Thank you for reading this. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
- JOE TENNIS
Bristol VA
jtennis995@mybluelight.com"
276/ 466 0654