It's hard to believe that we have just completed the first year of the VALOR program. Wow, what an experience! And, the latest seminar in Southwest Virginia was one of the most memorable seminars so far! Southwest Virginia has such a distinct culture, and this cultural uniqueness was evident throughout the trip. It was one… Continue reading Southwest Virginia: Culture and Agriculture
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The Health Wagon
While enjoying a delicious supper at Mountain Rose Vineyards, we were joined by Rachel Helton, Director of Development for the Health Wagon. Rachel gave us a very informative and impactful presentation on the work this nonprofit organization does. Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality medical care to the medically under-served in the mountains of… Continue reading The Health Wagon
A Sense of Community
Southwest Virginia is home to beautiful landscapes and friendly, welcoming people. I admire the sense of community shown in many of our visits. People are proud of their culture and traditions. Tyler Hughes, a musician and local elected official, was an example of a young person passionate about helping his community. The coal museum and… Continue reading A Sense of Community
Buddy Won’t You Roll Down The Line
At the H.W. Meador Coal Museum in Big Stone Gap, we were treated to the music of Tyler Hughes. The title of this blog post refers to a song he performed about the life of coal workers. Determined. Proud. Innovative. Resilient. These are just a few words that come to mind when reflecting over our… Continue reading Buddy Won’t You Roll Down The Line
No Culture Without Agriculture
Being a lifelong resident of Southwest Virginia, I've always considered myself Appalachian. Seminar VI took us past my stomping grounds to what I'd consider "deep southwest" or "the coalfields." I really appreciate Amy for helping make this trip happen because even for a SWVA girl like myself, I gained a lot from this seminar. Several… Continue reading No Culture Without Agriculture
Home is where the heart is!
Growing up in the shadows of the Cumberland Mountains, I love the sound of creeks running through the hollers and seeing the island of trees springing forth from the fog in the mornings!  I am very proud to be an Appalachian American and I am very fortunate to have been able to come back home! … Continue reading Home is where the heart is!
Virginia Produce Company Inc: Seminar VI
Much thanks is given to Kevin Beamer and his family for VALOR Class IV's tour of Virginia Produce Company Inc in Hillsville, VA during our Southwest VA seminar. I enjoyed the tour through the processing and storage facility and learning about how VA Produce Co. works with both local growers in VA and growers across… Continue reading Virginia Produce Company Inc: Seminar VI
Southern Hospitality at Its Finest
Our May excursion to South Carolina and Georgia was filled with great food and Southern hospitality. We made 13 stops and met some amazing agricultural leaders.  Along the way our menu of foods discussed included milk, peaches, broccoli, beef, pecans, lettuce, pork, rabbits, and onions. The chefs on an episode of Chopped would be able to… Continue reading Southern Hospitality at Its Finest
What is Vision Without Focus?
I remember going to a young group worship at my friend's church back in high school that pushed me outside my comfort zone. I grew up in a southern, conservative Church of the Brethren congregation, so going to my friend's nondenominational church that had a full band and a "creative worship" night where the members… Continue reading What is Vision Without Focus?
Happy cows come from… South Carolina?
"Cows are God's favorite animal," said Tom Trantham, founder of Happy Cow Creamery. On the first day of our national trip to South Carolina and Georgia under the shade of their agri-tourism picnic shelter, Tom shared with VALOR the incident that kick-started their successful grass-based dairy operation. It all started with a break out -… Continue reading Happy cows come from… South Carolina?
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