NOTES – 1997 Summer and Fall

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 17: PUBLICATIONS PMSS
NOTES – 1997
Summer and Fall
Mildred Mahoney, Acting Director
Robin Lambert, Director

NOTES – 1997 Fall, page 1. [PMSS_notes_1997_fall_0011.jpg]

TAGS: PMSS publications, Notes from the Pine Mountain Settlement School, Notes 1997 Summer and Fall, fundraising

NOTES – 1997

“Notes from the Pine Mountain Settlement School”
1997 Summer and Fall

All drawings were done by Mary Rogers, a PMSS staff member.

GALLERY: NOTES – 1997 Summer

“The Pine Mountain program depends on regular workers and short-term participants, but the role of distant friends and contributors is equally important.”

TRANSCRIPTION: NOTES – 1997 Summer

P. 1

PINE MOUNTAIN
SETTLEMENT SCHOOL

PINE MOUNTAIN * HARLAN  COUNTY * KENTUCKY
Telephone: 606-558-3571

Summer                        Mildred Mahoney, Acting Director                                 1997

This summer edition of “Notes” is devoted to telling you “what’s going on” at Pine Mountain. Recent issues have recalled our history and philosophy, detailed the usage, upkeep and replacement of buildings, and featured certain Pine Mountain workers. Now it is time to report more fully our current activity.

[Drawing: Young boy sitting in grass with rabbit]

Our Environmental Education program is 25 years old! In 1972, as local elementary school students were moved to a new Harlan County consolidated school at Green Hills (Bledsoe), Pine Mountain began a full-time program of Environmental Education. In keeping with the long-time PMSS interest in conserving and enjoying its natural heritage, the Board approved the staff recommendation that the major program focus should be environmental education. For twenty-five years we have had a program serving at least 3500 — some years as many as 6000 — students per year, who participate in some part of our environmental education curriculum.

That E.E. curriculum embraces the cultural and physical history of the Appalachian area: Native Americans, Early Settlers, Pioneer Skills, Geology, Plants, Animals, and Lore. It fits with the purposes of Pine Mountain and the concerns of Kentucky educators, keeping the traditional Pine Mountain principles of learning by doing, appreciating and preserving the natural environment, and sharing our resources. This year the E.E. staff has added studies of our water supply, and ground water protection.

[Drawing: Salamander]

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Service to the surrounding community has been another “from the beginning” emphasis. Three years ago a “community worker” staff position was recreated. Our staff member has kept more than busy with Fair Day, Community Day camps, 4-H Club, pre-school classes, Homemakers’ Club, Woodworking Club, playground recreation, etc. In addition, she serves the wider community on the Bledsoe and Pine Mountain Fire Department Boards, the Northside Community Council, the Harlan County Extension Council and the Family Resource Youth Service Center Board.

[Drawing: Children and teacher dancing in a circle]

Intervention teachers (retired teachers spending four hours per week in our four surrounding elementary schools) worked with a total of 101 students during the past school year. In addition to helping with “catch up” elementary skills, as requested by the classroom teachers, they provided extra “hands on” activities, creative opportunities, and exposure to positive aspects of their Appalachian heritage. A Saturday Fun School, an over-night in West Wind dormitory, and a week of Intervention Day Camp added to the opportunities for building student skills and self-esteem.

A lot of time and labor has gone into the building of our new Far House, which should be occupied by August 1. We have a long list of other projects waiting for the future. Our new priority will be attention to the critical needs of Draper Building, which houses our mechanics and woodwork shops, in addition to E.E. program rooms for animals, geology, spinning, weaving and cornshuck crafts.

[Drawing: Bird]

Besides these Pine Mountain programs, we have given office space to a community Health Care Advisor, meeting space to a community Body Recall exercise class, and facilities for a free community Health-Screening, sponsored by the U.K. Center for Rural Health.

[Drawing: Two acorns and oak leaves]

Our playground has had its usual summer evening and week-end activity, as groups of neighbors practice basketball, softball, badminton and volleyball, or picnic, or simply “sit on the rock.” We are pleased by the prospect of improved playground equipment, possible because of donations from area PMSS 2024 business firms.

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The swimming pool is having an unusually busy season, thanks to a neighbor (former student) and a summer E.E. staff member, who are serving as life guards. (Also thanks to the maintenance crew for painting the pool a beautiful blue, and to the weather which turned “blistering hot” just as the pool was opening.) 217 youngsters and adults have participated in swimming periods, and 20 are having swimming instruction.

[Drawing: Little boy welcoming the rain]

During the summer season, when school groups are having summer vacation, we are happy to have several week-end family reunion groups, as well as our own reunion for students from the 1949-72 community school program, and the special annual “Homecoming” for alumni.

[Drawing: Owl on a branch]

We have also been privileged to have a part in the new opportunity for “Robinson Scholars” in the Appalachian area. Two of these groups have had their first orientation by participating in a week’s program of E.E. and Appalachian heritage activities at PMSS.

Weather has been uncooperative this season, but our farmers have persisted (planting three or four times if necessary), and we are enjoying fresh produce at the table. Keeping the grounds tidy in the short intervals between rains has been another challenge. With help from five youths working under the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program, grounds and buildings are “looking good.”

[Drawing: Two children eating lunch]

The kitchen and housekeeping staff keeps up with its important role in feeding and lodging whichever group is here. Extended “Spring cleaning,” and freezing garden produce for winter months occupy any extra moments.

[Drawing: Two for trees with mountains in background]

The Pine Mountain program depends on regular workers and short-term participants, but the role of distant friends and contributors is equally important. Our heartfelt “Thanks” goes to each of you for the help which is vital to our continuing service. If it is ever possible, we hope you’ll come to see our programs in action. In the meantime, we thank you for your sustaining support.

In the spirit of Pine Mountain,
Mildred Mahoney, Acting Director

 P. 4

Calendar of Events 1997

Homecoming August 9, 1997
Elderhostel September 7-13, 1997
Fall Color Weekend October 17-19, 1997
Fair Day September 6, 1997
Far House Dedication September 27, 1997
Nativity Play December 14, 1997

[Drawing: Mountain vista from top of Pine Mountain]

Pine Mountain Settlement School Board of Trustees

Mr. Ray Bird, Whitesburg, KY
Mr. Walter Blackson, Berea, KY
Dr. Tom Boyd, Berea, KY
Ms. Elizabeth Culbreth, Arlington, VA
Ms. Ruth Dieter, Abilene, KS
Dr. James Greene III, Harlan, KY
Mr. William Hayes, Viper, KY
Ms. Lois Hoskins, Knoxville, TN
Mr. R. Springer Hoskins, Corbin, KY
Dr. William Leach, Silver Spring, MD
Mr. Preston Lewis, Frankfort, KY
Ms. Mildred Mahoney, Pine Mountain, KY
Mr. Gordon McKinney, Berea, KY
Mr. Jack Martin, Partridge, KY
Dr. Martha Pride, Berea, KY
Mr. William Ramsay, Edisto Beach, SC
Ms. Nancy Sather, Minneapolis, MN
Dr. Larry Shinn, Berea, KY
Dr. Ralph Thompson, Berea, KY
Ms. Janet Whitaker, Lexington, KY.

Advisory Council Chair, Ms. Jane Hobgood, Urbana, IL

GALLERY: NOTES – 1997 Fall

“The richness of rural culture and the knowledge and values of rural communities contribute to the well-being of the whole country.“

TRANSCRIPTION: NOTES – 1997 Fall

P. 1

PINE MOUNTAIN
SETTLEMENT SCHOOL

PINE MOUNTAIN * HARLAN COUNTY * KENTUCKY
Telephone: 606-558-3571

FALL             Robin Lambert, Director            1997

[Featured image: Drawings by Mary Rogers of tree limbs,leaves and flowers for each month.]

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Dear Friends of Pine Mountain,

It is such a privilege to have the opportunity to write to you from Pine Mountain Settlement School. As I learn more about the reasons Uncle William Creech asked Katherine Pettit and Ethel deLong to establish a school, I am convinced that in many ways those reasons remain valid today. Students still need learning opportunities that help them make good choices in their lives. Pine Mountain Settlement School sets before its students and guests ideas and experiences which are increasingly inaccessible in other places. It offers opportunities to learn about both the natural world and the resources and value of rural places which can help participants as they make life’s choices.

The natural world is a daily fact of life here at Pine Mountain. When I climb the Summit Trail with Ben Begley’s geology lecture ringing in my ears or listen to Asbel Browning and Matthew Boggs, our school gardeners, recall quirks in the summer weather that wreaked havoc on the [cantaloupes], I am reminded of what wise people have always known the physical world, the land, is a force to be understood and honored. When Pine Mountain students study the head waters of what for many is the source of their own drinking water, when they begin to identify plants and understand why they might only grow on the north side of the mountain, when they weave, rive boards for shingles, turn cornshucks into toys, and swing a partner in a folk dance, they learn something of the natural world and live, if only for a moment, in the deep connection between land and culture. When they see the mountain “glow” just before sunset, enjoy a home-cooked meal in Laurel House, or spend a still moment in the chapel, they are refreshed by the simple and soulful blessings of life.

These blessings are shared in abundance with me by the residents of the communities of Pine Mountain. The hospitality and skill and wisdom of rural people are all around me. Since coming here in August, I have been welcomed at church and bridal showers, included in softball games and seated at a funeral. I am so thankful to be invited into a community, to live among people who have known each other since birth and will bury each other in church and family cemeteries. The richness of rural culture and the knowledge and values of rural communities contribute to the well-being of the whole country.

As a school Pine Mountain embraces its primary responsibility to share its educational resources and opportunities with those who seek them here. As a settlement we rejoice in our life in this community at the head of Greasy Creek and we work to help provide ways for people to come together in common purpose, to address problems, to celebrate, to exchange ideas and skills, and to share in the pitfalls and triumphs of life together. As stewards of a tradition and precious resource — the School — itself we honor our responsibility to all who have been associated with Pine Mountain in the past and who return to it in full knowledge of its importance and potential.

The challenges facing Pine Mountain Settlement School, though great, are no greater than the opportunities. We hold on to the rich tradition and proven values that have guided the School for the past 85 years and we ask for your support as we continue that work into the future.

In the spirit of Pine Mountain,
[signed] Robin Lambert
Robin Lambert, Director

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The Environmental Education Program     Almost 1800 children and adults from 37 schools, colleges, and community groups have participated in the Environmental Education program this fall. The E.E. program fills a void in the educational experience of many participants who have few opportunities to learn about the natural world. Preschoolers, college students and Elderhostelers benefit from hands-on learning activities in science, history, and the arts. The E.E. program expanded this year to include a unit on stream and well-head protection developed by PMSS Environmental Education staff. Intern, Amy Diehl, 18, of East Lansing, Michigan, offers these reflections on her experiences:

“It has been an ever-busy and enjoyable autumn season at Pine Mountain. I only wish I could have had access to such hands-on learning when I was younger. It was the first time for many of the children I have seen this fall to step into a stream to catch a glimpse of its thriving ecosystem or stroll through the woods without city lights hiding the stars from view. From Kentucky’s largest hemlock to a baby crawdad, the E.E. program changes the way you look at things – not just for the children, but for adults as well. Thank you, friends of Pine Mountain, for making this program possible, and for teaching me to open my eyes.”

Intervention      Pine Mountain’s Intervention program provides academic tutoring to more than 100 elementary and middle grade students in four area schools. Five retired teachers provide loving attention and the academic “extra help” many students need to make it over a rough spot in their learning. Teachers, parents, and the children credit the program with helping students “catch up” before academic difficulties interfere with their ability to graduate from high school. One girl tested out of special education and went on to be an honor student in high school where she tutored younger children and inspired them with her own story. Many of the earliest students are now in college. Despite these successes the Intervention program is facing a critical shortage of funds which could close the program in January. Ironically, because of the program’s long history, grants are becoming more difficult to obtain. Although we are working very hard to obtain grant support, we especially need your help to keep this program going. Support covers costs for the small stipends we pay the teachers and for “Saturday Schools” and a week-long summer day camp held at Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Community Activities     Community is what makes the “settlement” part of Pine Mountain’s name authentic. We recently started a series of community crafts classes which enable the many artists and crafts-per- sons in our area to share their skills with other residents. In basketmaking Roy Howard is teaching participants everything from finding and riving the white oak to weaving the basket. Former PMSS student Pauline Merrill is teaching participants to make cornshuck dolls and flowers. Painter Barbara R. Wills is offering a popular class in water color. And Pine Mountain’s own Matthew Boggs teaches a class in wood carving. This winter we plan to offer weaving and folkdancing. Other community education activities include Body Recall, Homemakers, 4-H and “Little School” for preschoolers one day each week.

[Photograph: “Roy Howard rives wood in basket class”]

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In September, Fair Day was a big success with more than a hundred people participating in games and contests, exhibiting garden produce and canned goods, sharing their arts and musical talents, and generally having a good time. In October members of community churches gathered together in the Pine Mountain Chapel for a shared worship service of gospel music and hymn singing. More than 75 people participated and 18 individuals shared their talent in solos and group performances. Children and their families also enjoyed “trick or treating” games and other autumn activities at a Laurel House party. November saw a community soup beans and cornbread dinner. We are preparing for the Nativity play on December 14th and a community Christmas party which will provide singing, stockings, and Christmas cheer for children and young people in our community. More than 800 people have participated in community activities or used the school for picnics, reunions, and weddings this fall.

Renovation of Draper/Boys Industrial Building     If you have gone to school or participated in programming at PMSS, you have probably spent time in this building. It was designed by Mary Rockwell Hook, PMSS architect who designed many of our beautiful buildings including the Chapel and Laurel House. Draper originated as the Boys Industrial Building. It accommodates our original wood and mechanics shops. During the boarding school it was home to the print shop and science lab as well. Current E.E. participants know it for housing the weaving room, the animal room, the tree room, and the earth science room.

Draper/Boys Industrial Building is Pine Mountain’s most heavily used building for educational programming and for campus maintenance. Yet rotten wood, water damage, and other problems threaten its future and mar its beauty. We are in the early stages of exploring the renovation of this important building. It is the last in a series of Pine Mountain buildings to need serious renovation.

Development of the PMSS Archives     PMSS is working to enhance its archives. If you or someone you know knew Katherine Pettit or Ethel deLong Zande or have materials or knowledge related to Pine Mountain Settlement School during any part of its history, we would like to learn from you. We gladly accept donations of materials, but if you prefer to keep your materials we are still interested in knowing about them. Your memories and knowledge are very important to us. In a school as unique as Pine Mountain no detail, no story, no piece of information is insignificant. So, please contact us.

[Photograph: EE students gather outside Draper”]

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For new recipients of Pine Mountain Notes,

With this issue of Pine Mountain Notes we are expanding our mailing list. If you are a new recipient of the Notes we welcome you and include you among our family of friends. We invite you to visit us, to participate in one of our programs and special events, or to schedule your group for a visit. We would love to hear from you.

[Photograph: “Pine Mountain Settlement School staff invite you to visit our beautiful campus and participate in our programs or enjoy time together in a fall picnic.”]

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nativity Play December 14, 1997
Black Mountain Weekend May 1-3, 1998
Alumni Homecoming August 8, 1998
Fair Day September 5, 1998
Community School Reunion October 24, 1998
Wildflower Weekend April 17-19, 1998
Elderhostel June 14-20, 1998
Creech Family Reunion August 9, 1998
Fall Color Weekend October 16-18, 1998
Nativity Play December 13, 1998

Please call for more information about our
programs and special events.

Previous:
NOTES – 1997 Spring

See Also:
HISTORY PMSS Summary 1996-1997
HISTORY PMSS Summary 1997-1998 

Return To:
NOTES Index