A short Easter message for our listeners and supporters. Have a great holiday and let's all be thankful for our blessings and remember this weekend for the precious meaning for all of us. 

#Appalachia #Easter

Appalachia has a unique environment, one that has given rise in recent years to a growing wine industry. Jessee Ring of JBR Vineyards joins us to talk about his journey from Appalachia to Silicon Valley and back before opening his vineyard. 

#AppalachianWine #JBRVineyards 

Richard Hudson, owner of Clinch River Farms, joins us to talk about the events held at the farm, and the amazing work done by the nonprofit organizations they fund. Mountain Kids, Inc. and Attitude Arts Academy. From summer camps to after school programs, Mr. Hudson is following a calling. Learn more about what they do by visiting them online and on their social media. 

#TazewellCounty #Appalachia #MountainKidsInc #AttitudeArtsAcademy #RichardHudson #ClinchRiverFarms #RichlandsVA

Sara Robinson sits down with us to discuss her memoir as well as her works in poetry about her life, travels, and even about coal mining in Southwest Virginia. Come along for this fascinating conversation about how she went from a chemist in the industry to a poet after retiring. You can catch her on the road this summer at events including the Highlands Festival in Abingdon later on this summer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfsPNgCUACk

#SaraRobinson #SouthernPoet #Appalachia #UVAWise #WiseVA #PoundVA

Connie stops by to discuss her books with us. Among her works are several children's books as well as a devotional for adults. Faith is such an important part of our our way of life here in Appalachia. Connie's works have been inspired by her faith. Her books are available on Amazon and you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter. 

#ConnieWohlford #AppalachianAuthors #Christianbooks #childrensbooks 

Damean is a life-long writer from the region that felt his calling to be a writer very early in life. He shares his passion as an English teacher in Russell County, Virginia and has several books to his credit. 

He is currently leading seminars in coordination with Southwest Community College and you can sign up for those right now. They run through the next several months. 

https://dameanmathews.com/

#Appalachia #AppalachianBooks #AppalachianArts #mystery #gothic #poetry

Marybeth Adkins, Executive Director of the Family Crisis Support Services in Norton, VA joins us to talk about their ongoing work to help the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and children in need in our region. Unlike large cities where the homeless problem is evident, the problem is largely hidden and mostly misunderstood and unknown in our region. We discuss why that is, the growing rate of domestic violence and the help they provide. You can support them online by visiting www.family-crisis.org

#Appalachia #homeless #domesticviolence #childrenservice #familyservices 

From chopping down your own tree, hanging mistletoe, to helping the needy. There are all kinds of Christmas traditions in Appalachia. What are some traditions that you and your family have?

#Appalachia #Christmas #traditions #OldChristmas #SantaTrain 

www.supportappalachia.org

Tara Maynard of Pulaski County, KY, our newest board member, sits in with us to talk about the issues of Central Appalachia and share her expertise and experiences. We discuss the future of the region and specifically the coal industry in Eastern Kentucky. 

https://kysuafs.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8tW3tXHI2a1BDSK

#coal #Appalachia #TaraMaynard #Kentucky 

Dr. Gary Stratton, an original founder and board member (and Vice-President) talks about economic development and opportunities in the region and why he believes strongly in the grassroots efforts to improve our quality of life in Appalachia. 

We also talk about two of our original founders that unfortunately passed away. Melinda Elswick and James Hibbitts have left their mark on our organization and on our hearts. 

#Appalachia #AppalachiaEducation #EconomicDevelopment #DrGaryStratton