Lees-McRae College News

Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce that Martha Hartley has earned the designation of Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) after successfully completing a rigorous certification examination developed and administered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Mrs. Hartley is director of the RN-BSN Completion Program offered at Mayland Community College that allows registered nurses to receive a baccalaureate degree from Lees-McRae College.

Mrs. Hartley is a native of Banner Elk, North Carolina. She attended Lees-McRae College prior to receiving her bachelor of science in nursing from East Tennessee State University. She received her master of science in nursing from the University of New Mexico and is currently enrolled in the PhD program at East Tennessee State University.

Mrs. Hartley’s career experience includes work at Johnson City Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, University of New Mexico Medical Center, and Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Hartley stated: “I am pleased to be a part of renewing the history of nursing at Lees-McRae College. My mother received her nursing training at Grace Hospital presently Tate Residence Hall on the campus of Lees-McRae College.

Lees-McRae’s nursing program was also recently reaccredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for the maximum period of 10 years.

Learn more about Appalachian culture and the region during the John B. Stephenson Lecture Series on Appalachia at Lees-McRae College Wednesday evenings in July. Named in honor of the late Dr. John B. Stephenson, noted Appalachian and Scottish Highlands scholar, the series features three scholars whose work has contributed to the advancement of the discipline of Appalachian Studies and the region itself.

Dr. Peter Crow opens the series July 9 at 7 p.m. in Abrams Auditorium in the Carson Library on the campus of Lees-McRae. His lecture “Do, Die, or Get Along - Some Unexpected Coalfield Lessons in Cultural Education” will feature his field research in the towns of St. Paul and Dante in the southwest Virginia coalfields. Dr. Crow is a Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Ferrum College where he is Chair of the Division of Language, Literature, Philosophy, and Religion.

Next in the series is Dr. Amy Clark with her lecture “Quiltin’, Cookin’, and Testifyin’ - Central Appalachian Women Writing Their Lives” July 16 at 7 p.m. in Abrams Auditorium. Dr. Clark is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Virginia at Wise where she also serves as the Founding Director of the Appalachian Writing Project.

Dr. John Inscoe closes the series July 23 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center with his lecture, “Appalachian Women during the Civil War.” Dr. Inscoe is a University Professor of History at the University of Georgia and is considered an authority on the Civil War in the mountains of western North Carolina and north Georgia.

“This year’s speakers are outstanding teachers and scholars who will provide memorable evenings of stories that celebrate the rich culture and history of Appalachia,” said Provost Dr. Debra Thatcher. “Be sure to linger at the end of the presentations for informal chats with the speakers.”

The Stephenson Lecture series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Warren Doyle at (828) 898-8896 or doylew@lmc.edu . You can also visit the lecture series website at www.go.lmc.edu/summer.

“We hope that area residents who are interested in the cultural heritage of these magnificent mountains will visit our beautiful campus on Wednesday evenings to listen to these interesting speakers,” said Dr. Warren Doyle, past director of the Stephenson Center.

As an addition to the John B. Stephenson Center Lecture Series on Appalachia at Lees-McRae, Dr. Warren Doyle, a noted Appalachian scholar and member of the faculty at Lees-McRae, will present a series of lectures called Summer Sunday Evenings at Lees-McRae College.

Dr. Doyle opens the series June 29 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium in the Cannon Student Center with a slide and music lecture about the Appalachian Trail. Learn more about the famous 2,174 mile trail that runs through the area on its way from Georgia to Maine in what audiences have described as an “informative, inspirational, entertaining, and thought-provoking” lecture.

The next presentation is July 6 at 7 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. This time he will be discussing the life and poetry of Don West. West was a noted Appalachian educator, minister, activist, and people’s poet, as well as an early advocate of Appalachian Studies. West holds the distinction of being the most heavily investigated southern Appalachian during the McCarthy period.

Dr. Doyle ends his series with “30,000 Miles of Trail Stories” July 13 at 7 p.m. in Abrams Auditorium in the Carson Library. Someone who has walked 30,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail (14 times to be exact) should have some entertaining and thought-provoking stories to share. This storytelling session will cover a variety of themes and is sure to entertain.

The series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Warren Doyle at (828) 898-8896 or doylew@lmc.edu. You can also visit the lecture series website at www.go.lmc.edu/summer.

“I invite area residents to spend three Sunday evenings at our beautiful campus experiencing the beauty and adventure of the Appalachian Trail and the wonderful, thought-provoking poetry of an amazing Appalachian – Don West.” said Dr. Doyle.

Before coming to Lees-McRae in 2004, Dr. Warren Doyle taught Appalachian Studies for four years at Concord College and for eleven years at George Mason University. Besides his appreciation of the history and culture of Appalachia, he has expressed his wonder of the physical geography by walking the entire Appalachian Trail a record fourteen times. National Geographic referred to him as a ‘legend’ and Sports Illustrated a ‘hiker-philosopher trek star’. He is the founder and honorary lifetime member of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association.

The 36^th Annual Alumni Arts and Crafts Show and Sale will be held July 12-20 in the Cannon Student Center at Lees-McRae College as part of the Alumni Frolic Week, July 11-20. With 100 reservations and more arriving daily, alumni representing graduating classes from 1940 to 2007 will stay on campus during Frolic Week and participate in class reunions, dinners and group trips.

All proceeds from the sale benefit the College. Since its inception, the show has contributed more than $222,500 to College projects, including the purchase of computers, audio-equipment and physical plant improvements. In addition, an invested endowment of $135,000 provides annual Alumni Arts and Crafts Scholarship to worthy students.

The show began as an outdoor “clothesline” exhibition held by two alumni in 1973 and has grown to a show of 25 vendors, including pottery, woodworking items, jewelry, pillows, wooden bowls, paintings, crocheted items, ceramics, stained glass, mosaics, and floral arrangements.

“Two of our alumni started this show with their artwork 36 years ago and we continue that legacy today with alumni and friends of the College participating in the show each year,” says Sandy Ramsey, coordinator of the Alumni Arts and Crafts Show.

The schedule for the show is as follows:

Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, July 15, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, July 16 - Friday, July 20, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, July 22, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The show is free and open to the public. For more information on the Arts and Crafts Show and Sale or Alumni Frolic Week, please contact Sandy Ramsey by email at ramsey@lmc.edu or by telephone at (828) 898-8748.

Daniel de Granville, Brazilian photojournalist and guide, will present slides of Brazil’s Pantanal: Flora, Fauna and People at Lees-McRae College June 24. The presentation will be held in King-Shivell Gallery in the Cannon Student Center from 7-8 p.m.

Following his lecture and slide presentation, twenty of his photographs will be on display and refreshments will be served from 8-8:30. The Granville Pantanal Exhibit will be on display in the King-Shivell Gallery Monday, June 23-Friday, June 27.

Daniel De Granville, biologist, nature photographer, guide and naturalist, is completing graduate work in Science Journalism. For 13 years he lived and guided in the Pantanal region; now he lives near the mountains in the Atlantic Rainforest. Photographs of Granville’s have been published by the National Geographic Society and Conservation International. In addition to presentations in Brazil, he was invited to exhibit in Germany by the Munich Cultural Department. His work can be seen at www.photoinnatura.com and www.fotogramabits.blogspot.com.

“Lees-McRae College is thrilled to have Daniel de Granville showcasing his talents. His exhibit will be a great addition to our summer programs,” said Associate Director of Communications Meghan Wright.

The FORUM series of eight summer programs at Lees-McRae College begins June 17 with a performance by Manhattan Piano Trio, a trio gifted in chamber music, and concludes August 5 with the spectacular Synergy Brass Quintet.

FORUM is a membership/subscription organization that was founded in 1979 by Jean Williams, along with a small group of summer residents, with the intent to bring a stimulating series of cultural programs to the area.

With the help of Lees-McRae College, FORUM has grown by leaps and bounds and embarks on its twenty-ninth year of providing both cultural enrichment and wholesome entertainment.

“The key to FORUM’s success is the dedicated involvement and cooperation between seasonal residents, local residents and Lees-McRae College,” explains Sandy Ramsey, coordinator of the FORUM series for more than a decade.

Nearly 30 years after its inception, FORUM continues to be a vibrant part of the Avery County summer life. Though it started with only six patrons in 1979, it now includes a membership of more than 800.

“Our FORUM events are not only cultural and educational but social, as well,” Ramsey said. “A patron-only social is held at the beginning of the FORUM series, June 10 this year. Patrons can enjoy the social contact of renewing friendships and making new ones during these events.”

Members of FORUM have priority seating for all events and receive preferred parking passes entitling them to patrons-only parking in lots near Hayes Auditorium.

“We always invite those who feel they would enjoy the programs to become Patrons and support our efforts to bring these types of programs to the area,” says Ramsey.

“The low cost of the FORUM membership, coupled with the great entertainment and the opportunity to be with friends, makes Hayes Auditorium on the Lees-McRae College campus the place to be on Tuesday nights during the summer. I look forward to seeing everyone there,” Ramsey added.

In addition to the Manhattan Piano Trio and the Synergy Brass Quintet, the 2008 program series includes Russian pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski June 24; Speaker, journalist, and author Bonnie Angelo July 1; t he Western Piedmont Symphony July 8; vocalist Jennifer Fair July 15; classical music ensemble Quartetto Gelato July 22; the Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival July 29; and Synergy Brass Quintet August 5.

Additional information about membership in FORUM or its programs is available at www.forum.lmc.edu or from Sandy Ramsey at the FORUM office in the Chaffee Building at Lees-McRae College. She can also be reached by email at ramsey@lmc.edu or by telephone at 898-8748.

By Jamie Petrik, Lees-McRae Volleyball Coach

The thermometer read 115 degrees and we were not shocked. Today seemed hotter than ever as Lees-McRae staff and students rotated playing ultimate Frisbee and jump rope in the shadeless field with the village children. Pato, pato, ganzo (duck, duck, goose) was moved from the field to under the large tree that helped shade our parked mini-bus. The bus was our refuge from the sun and the children, but sitting in a hundred degree bus seemed light years away from the cool summer breezes of Banner Elk.

Our journey to Guatemala was full of joy, love, and unexpected twists. This year twelve of us from Lees-McRae College worked with a group of nine UNEC volunteers (see end of story) from Guatemala. We helped dig a well, operated a medical clinic/pharmacy, led Vacation Bible School (VBS), and played organized games. I prefer to skip through the numerous planning meetings of our crew, the vast purchasing of $600 of food and supplies two days before, the short flight, the two days of training in a gnat-infested camp, and the 8-hour drive to our home base in Flores. As country singer Kenny Chesney writes, this article will focus on the “good stuff,” our time in the village of Chinatal.

DAY 1
Since half of our group was returning for the second year in a row, our anticipation of seeing the children was met as they ran out a good half mile from the village to greet us. Freddie (a seven year-old boy from Chinatal) jogged alongside us in tears as a few of us joined him in the Hallmark moment. After our group was swarmed by the 70+ children, we participated in a welcoming ceremony with music, greetings, and messages in 3 languages (Spanish, English and Kekchi, their native language). Many children adorned our laps, and with Freddie on mine, found awe in the fact that my watch lit up if he pressed a certain button.

By this time it was 12:30 p.m., and the village had graciously made us lunch. Because of parasites and other health concerns, the gringos went to the bus for cold water and Barbara’s PB&J sandwiches while the UNEC group accepted their offer. Our VBS leaders then split the kids into groups (a singing/story group and a craft group), and two hours later I watched as two little girls proudly showed me their white paper plates neatly designed into fish.

Last year I was assigned to the roofing work crew and I felt worthless on the first day as we spent 3 hours handing out aluminum roofing to the town. This year I was welcomed to miracle #1; the well was nearly dug. It was 30 feet deep, there was water, and I was shocked. It needed to be 10-15 feet deeper but a majority of the work was done. Today’s big decision was which way to run the piping trench to the main water line. The elders decided, to the chagrin of our group, to run it through a field to a pipe that seemed a good half mile away. We wanted to run it 500 feet to a closer location.

So, with five guys, four machetes, and an idea of where we were going, we set off into this field. I was excited because they said there were pit vipers (poisonous snakes) in the field. About fifteen minutes into the task, I noticed ten more men had joined our machete crew. Thirty minutes later, there were thirty of us. While I was pleased to see the teamwork, I realized that, two hours and no pit vipers later, we were well over (no pun intended) a mile away from the well. Our water pump would not be able to push water that far so all of us were relieved when the elders said the trench would not be built that way. The bright side was that we made a nice path and that Luke was now a champ with a machete.

DAY 2
As the mini-bus approached the town, we were shocked to see miracle #2 – the new trench was completely dug. The elders decided to use the shorter route and the thirty men dug a trench 500 feet yesterday. So Brad, Luke, the UNEC guys and I spent the day working at the well. The Chinatal men had constructed a simple 3-post frame. Two posts (tree limbs) were dug into the ground beside the well and one post linked the two above the well. Two or three men would dig and fill buckets in the well and we would pull up the buckets on pulleys and dump them fifteen feet off to the side. The village men were amused at the strength of the young gringos because they would use one arm to grab a full bucket when it reached the top and the others would struggle to carry a bucket with both arms.

Freddie was one of the children (about half) that did not go to school. So from 10 a.m. to noon, he played numerous games with our crew. At noon, all the village children were supposed to go home and eat, but at least twenty of them hung out near the bus, skipping lunch. VBS again split the large group into two, and Freddie went to the singing group first. He was not happy and at 1:30 p.m. Tonya watched as our angelic Freddie climbed the barred windows, slipped through the bars, and jumped into the craft group making puppet cotton ball sheep with brown bags.

DAY 3
After a day hiking in Tikal, the Mayan Ruins, day 3 found us one down (Grace stayed back) and many more churning. Brad, our first aid man, was busy with varied cures for the crew—Pepto Bismal was the drink of the day! Day 3 also brought seventy patients to our two volunteer Guatemalan doctors, Alex and Angie. They treated many cuts, ear and parasite infections, malnutrition, etc. Most of the children’s ailments stem from their exposed feet, for all of them live in dirt floor shacks where animals and insects have free reign. Only two of the fifty homes have outhouses, so their yard is the Baño for humans and animals alike.

The piping was laid in the trench and the digging continued. Smokey, a horse, helped pull up buckets and men via his owner’s beckoning. Today’s bucket fair was muddy rock and water, so we came back to the bus speckled in what looked like milk chocolate.

VBS went great, but recreation sought overtime pay as our bus driver discovered a flat tire at our 3 p.m. departure time. My discovery, for the next hour, was “Wow, Megan and Luke taught Frisbee really well to these kids – they are good.” I also learned that stage 1 of milk chocolate removal from pants involves two boys using their finger nails to clean them while playing Frisbee.

DAY 4
Some like it hot but we did not. 115 degree weather found us rotating games to the shade though Freddie wanted to play soccer in the open field. VBS was depleted of staff because Krista and Audrey (Presbyterian USA young adult volunteer) helped me measure each child’s foot size. Churches and schools had donated over 200 pairs, but we wanted exact sizes, with names, for the future. Next door, the doctors treated another fifty patients. With the heat and lack of staff energy, only the Guatemalan men helped at the well as Luke rotated in with recreation and Brad helped the doctors.

The big hit/chaos of the day was the picture frames. When the children and mothers walked in to VBS, Daviana told the story of the wise men bringing presents to baby Jesus. But the children’s eyes were glued on the wooden picture frames as if they were gold. The frames were handed out to decorate, with stickers and markers. Some moms even hid an extra frame in their shawls! With both groups decorating (the moms loved to color), FreDrica helped form a single line and Renee took Polaroid photos. In the end, the kids and moms were proud of their new frames and photos. The oldest couple in the village showed up right at the end all dressed up in their Sunday best and asked if they could have their picture taken. We were honored.

DAY 5
Because four of our UNEC guys left the night before and because I could not bribe the referee with enough Quetzals, we lost 4-1 to Chinatal in the 2^nd annual soccer game on the final day. We could not blame it on the heat because it was a mere 100 degrees F. Luke needed twenty minutes and a gallon of water to cool down before the most joyful moment of the trip: he gave the town a juggling show. Not only did the kid’s faces light up, but the men of the village were cracking up as numerous high-pitched laughs came from their mouths. Immediately after Luke’s act, Megan and Kathy coordinated the distribution of koosh balls to the kids and within seconds we watched “Luke want to be’s” burst into action.

The final two agenda items, labeling the kid’s shoes and participating in a closing service, took a bit longer than expected. The shoe labeling took two plus hours as Krista, Megan, Audrey, and Tonya managed that task. The elders were going to hand out the shoes to the families after our departure. We also left behind donated clothing, school supplies, over-the-counter medications, and recreational equipment.

The closing ceremony was organized at the last moment. It opened with a few songs in Spanish and Kekchi. I had the honor to talk about the 11^th commandment in John 15: “How we should love each other. ” I was proud as I witnessed numerous gestures of love all week, from a simple refilling of a water bottle in our group to a hug from one of the children. My simple message was translated into Spanish and Kekche, and then our group ended by singing “Open the Eyes of My Heart” in Spanish and English.

The hugs and tears as we left are forever etched into our hearts. Things ended just as they had begun. We drove off, with more tears, watching our kids, Freddie included, running after the bus in tears.

And, now, we return to the USA to reflect on this experience and to prepare for our next trip to Chinatal in January 2010.

A Short History of the UNEC/Lees-McRae Partnership
A brief history of the relationship between UNEC and Lees-McRae College– Four years ago, Kathy Campbell and Barbara Hosbein went to Guatemala to meet with the UNEC Officers who are the young adult leaders of the Presbyterian Church of Guatemala. They thought we were coming to set up an educational /travel experience for our students. When the UNEC Officers realized that we wanted to partner with them in service, they were astounded. They chose one of the most remote and poverty stricken villages they had visited and asked us to join them on their mission trip to Chinatal. Four years and three shared trips later, God continues to bless our partnership with UNEC, Lees-McRae College, and the village of Chinatal!

The annual cost for this partnership is $35,000 raised through the generous support of foundations, congregations, judicatories, service groups, schools, and friends. If you would like more information about our Guatemala Partnership and how you can support this ongoing program, please contact Kathy Campbell at campbellk@lmc.edu

Summer has finally arrived! When you’re not outside enjoying the beautiful mountain air or relaxing by the pool, Lees-McRae College offers a special series of enriching courses.

The summer enrichment courses are offered between June 7 and August 23. They are designed for the general public and cover topics from the history of Irish troubles to couple dancing. There is something for everyone, whether you want to explore Irish reconciliation efforts or learn the salty dog rag.

The series opens June 7 with Dr. Anatoly Isaenko’s class Ethnic Conflicts: East versus West. Dr. Isaenko will continue discussion with his International Terrorism course, which also begins June 7.

Dr. Stewart Skeate’s daily hikes in The Nature of the Appalachians start June 16.

John Mosbey will delve into Justice and Reconciliation: The Irish Troubles beginning June 23.

Dr. Warren Doyle will do-si-do on July 7 with his Square and Contra Dancing sessions. Also beginning July 7, Dr. Doyle will continue showing ‘the moves’ with Couple Dancing.

Next is Dr. Fiona H. Chyrstall’s exploration into The Water of Life: Appreciating the Finer Points of Scottish History and Culture, starting July 7.

Stacey B. Trivett’s Beginning Clogging sessions start July 15. If clogging isn’t for you, try Beginning Tap with Stacey B. Trivett, also starting July 15.

Dr. Warren Doyle shares his experiences in The Appalachian Trail class, beginning July 14.

Approaching Wine: A Basic Introduction is sure to be a hit with Dustin Ellis as your guide starting August 2.

Unlock your creative ideas through collage making, journaling, music and other techniques in Dr. Tessa Carr’s Creative Explorations workshop-based course beginning August 5.

“We never stop being students because of the joy we experience when learning something new. The summer enrichment courses at Lees-McRae College provide opportunities for personal growth, creative expression, interaction with others, and pure fun,” said Provost Dr. Debra Thatcher.

Each course requires a $50 fee, along with official class registration. Some courses require materials or an additional fee for specialized course needs. Contact Tammy Franklin at the Lees-McRae College Academic Affairs Office at (828) 898-8738 for more information.

Beat the heat and get some exercise in the newly renovated Rhea-Lyons Swimming Pool at Lees-McRae College this summer.

After undergoing major reconstruction, the pool reopened in January thanks in part to the generosity of the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts and the Cannon Foundation.

The public is welcome to swim laps, take swim lessons or participate in water aerobics beginning Tuesday, June 3. The summer schedule runs from June 3 to August 9. Admission to the pool is $1. Keep in mind that two lanes of the pool are open for lap swim even during posted open swim hours.

The pool is closed Sunday and Monday with a few exceptions during the summer. The regular schedule for summer is as follows:

Tuesday and Thursday:

• 8-10 a.m. lap
• 10-11 a.m. water aerobics
• 1-5 p.m. open
• 5-6 p.m. lap

Wednesday and Friday:

• 8-10 a.m. lap
• 1-5 p.m. open

Saturday:

• 10 a.m.-12 p.m. swim lessons
• 1-4 p.m. open

The pool will be open on Monday, June 30 from 8 to 10 a.m. for lap swim and 1 to 5 p.m. for open swim. The pool will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on July 4-5, and will reopen Tuesday, July 8.

    Water aerobics and swim lessons will be taught by Caroline Stancik, a certified lifeguard. For additional information, call (828) 898-8725, or log on to www.webcalendar.lmc.edu for a full listing of pool hours.

The Rhea-Lyons Swimming Pool is located in the back of Williams Gymnasium on the Lees-McRae College campus.