Clay,W.Va. – Stomping the ground with a hoot and a holler,Mack Samples dances with a rhythm and beat entirely his own. The 2003 Vandalia Award-winner – a singer,dancer and musician – was born into a family of musicians in Clay,W.Va. At the time,it was fine for music to be in your blood,just as long as it wasn’t in your feet.
I first ran across Mack Samples on the Two-Lane Living website where he writes a monthly column called Rural Free Delivery. This months column is entitled From Neckties to Carhartts and is about the transition from a job to retirement and what he’s learned along the way. You can find out more about Mack at his website via West Virginia Uncovered | Clay County Dancer | West Virginia University. Washington,D.C.—According to a new assessment released today by the National Parks Conservation Association NPCA and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ATC,one of the most beloved recreational footpaths in the United States,the Appalachian National Scenic Trail,faces many challenges that put the experience of visitors and trail resources at risk. Adjacent land development on privately owned land,sources of air pollution,and funding shortfalls impacts the ability of trail managers to protect historic structures and preserve trail resources. “The Appalachian Trail attracts millions of hikers each year,and we must ensure its unique American experience is protected for future generations to enjoy,” said Ron Tipton,NPCA’s senior vice president of policy. “This report demonstrates clearly that a strong commitment by government agencies and trail advocates is essential to preserve the AT’s unique natural and cultural values for future generations.”
via New Study Highlights Challenges Facing the Appalachian National Scenic Trail • Appalachian Mountain Dreams. Please Note:West Virginia Mountain Dreams does not have any connection to the following announcement.*The supply of 2011 wildflower calendars has been exhausted. We apologize for any inconvenience.WV Operation WildflowerThe Departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation invite the public to submit entries for the 8th Annual West Virginia Operation Wildflower 2011 “Roadsides in Bloom”Calendar contest. The following rules apply: - Photographs must be taken in West Virginia.
- Entries must be submitted as an 8″X 10″color print and must be landscape orientation (PORTRAIT ORIENTATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED).
- Flowers must be growing along a road and the road must be prominently visible in the photo. They may be growing naturally or in an Operation Wildflower bed planted by the Division of Highways. Pictures of cultivated species planted in arranged beds,such as marigolds,pansies,etc. do not qualify.
- Name,address,phone number,e-mail address (if you have one) and a short description of the photo,including location and county where photo was taken,must appear in the upper left hand corner on the back of the photo. Photos become property of the state and will not be returned.
- No more than three entries per person. However,only one winning photo will be selected from any photographer’s entries. Winners will be required to submit a digital copy of photo.
- Twelve winners will be selected to represent the months of the year. A grand prize winner will be chosen to appear on the calendar cover.
Entry Deadline October 1,2010Mail entries to: WV Operation Wildflower
Roadsides in Bloom Calendar Contest
WV Department of Environmental Protection/REAP
601 57th Street,S.E.
Charleston,WV 25304 | | |