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September 16, 2008

Minutes

Present: Joe Fuller, Margaret Crouch, Mary J Erwin, Sally Kelly, Curt Brockman, Wes Chavis, Willis Grimm, Megan Krager, James Stallard, Benny Reed, Barbara Reed, Norm Sobel, David Oakes, Jean Brown, Benny Bloomer, Craig Seaver, Bob McConnell, Wanda McConnell, Dr. Lawrence Fleenor, Jim Kelly, Lisa McConnell, Chris Edwards, John Stafford, Bill Smith, Jim Addington, Dr Joe Brown.

President Bob McConnell called the meeting to order at 6:20 PM. He introduced Chris Edwards, visiting; and new Park Interpreter Curt Brockman. Jim Kelly, regional state parks manager, was also introduced. Mr. Kelly assured us of the continued cooperation of Wilderness Road State Park with our living history events despite the recent resignation of Marty McConnell as park manager there.

Secretary Sally Kelly asked for additions or corrections to the minutes, which had previously been sent to members. John Stafford moved that the minutes be accepted, Benny Reed seconded that motion, and it was approved.

Treasurer Joe Fuller presented the report for the period July 16 - September 15, and the expenses and income. Benny Reed moved acceptance of the treasurer’s report, Wanda McConnell seconded it and it was approved. Benny also moved acceptance of the expenses report, Lisa McConnell seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Old Business

Craig Seaver reported on the Blockhouse Interpretative Center. It’s permanent exhibit was installed September 11, 12, and 13. A few adjustments still need to be done. Arthur constructed nice cabinets for the AV equipment. Craig purchases some cabinets at Lowes for the purpose of constructing a desk. Seaver called the building a great enhancement to the Park and thanked the DBWTA for the contribution of this legacy. President McConnell mentioned that the exhibit tells our story the way we wanted to do it and related that some Cherokee items purchased at Qualla Crafts at Cherokee, NC have been added.

Sally Kelly reported regarding events. Native American Day is coming this Saturday, September 20. A very good program, with hourly presentations by knowledgeable interpreters, ready. Harvest Celebration will be October 11, 7-9 PM.

David Oakes reported regarding marketing. Folks in Tennessee are working on a "pioneer pathway" brochure for the Tennessee portion of the Wilderness Road, from Reedy Creek to Netherland Inn. It will identify significant sites along the route; and should support tourism for both the Inn and the DBWTA Driving Tour. The information will also be posted on Netherland Inn’s web site. That site is also working to develop a way to electronically alert visitors to the area of the information. VTC is willing to work with Tennessee to make that route part of their Wilderness Road Winchester to Cumberland Gap Driving Tour. Dobyns Bennett High School students are also working to create a living history video that will feature teachers and students interviewing local people who are knowledgeable of local history. This will be a good tourism initiative for Kingsport and the Inn. It might be possible to do something similar for the DBWTA.

Margaret Crouch reported regarding finance. The Wilderness Road Blockhouse Interpretative Center was paid for by grants from ARC and the Tobacco Commission; and a donation from ECU. Something over $4000 remains of that money, which can be acquired when we have submitted a final report.

She also reported for the committee working toward our bake oven. The oven to be constructed at the blockhouse site will be modeled after the one built at Exchange Place, following drawings and instructions in a book on building and using masonry ovens. The Association has a supply of cut stone for the foundation, and NTSP staff will do most of the construction over the winter. Once the oven is finished, we will have a couple of practice baking days before the 2009 events. A sign-up sheet for practice baking is available.

Barbara Reed reported for the Furnishings Committee that she requested $500 from the NSDAR to purchase a tavern table. $200 was granted and given to the furnishing committee for the purchase of a churn. That committee is looking for a tavern table.

Jean Brown reported regarding Interpreters at the Blockhouse. During July 178 visitors were recorded and 274 for August. There are 27 volunteers who host the open days.

New Business

Bob McConnell reported that Ambassador John Burton from the International Economic Union attended a recent Virginia Tourism Conference. The Economic Union provides grants for exchange visits. VTC is working on a grant to get a representative from SW Virginia to go over there to work on tourism. The tourism folks in Ireland make efforts to get Americans interested in genealogy to visit, also Germans and Scotland. A Celtic concert was held at the Lincoln Theater in Marion for the ribbon cutting of VTC’s Wilderness Road driving tour. There are efforts to publicize it nationally and internationally.

Bob introduced discussion of the benefits of putting our Kane Gap property into a Conservation Easement. Advantages would be that we would pay no property tax and the land would be protected in perpetuity against commercial buildings. John Stafford moved that we do further study, the motion was seconded by Bill Smith and it was approved. A report of that will be brought to the next association meeting.

McConnell reported that we are eligible again to apply for ICET enhancement monies. We would need to come up with projects by the end of the year. There is a 20% match for reimbursement grants. Benny Reed moved that we proceed with developing projects, John Stafford seconded the motion and it was approved. Responding to a question from Bill Smith, Bob suggested several possible projects.

A public reception at the Interpretative Center and its Exhibits will be held on December 20.

John Stafford pointed out that we need more Lee County representation at our Wilderness Trail Association Meetings. Jim Kelly suggested we contact The Friends of the Park at Wilderness Road State Park. Other suggestions were to notify Jerry Wolliver, Shirley Watson, and Lee County Chamber of Commerce. John Stafford offered to head up a project to contact persons who might be interested.

Craig Seaver reported regarding the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Interpretative Center to be built at Duffield. There is still no progress toward staffing the facility.

Craig recognized our summer intern, Wes Chavis, who helped beyond measure with the opening and operating of the Interpretative Center. Wes’s internship with the park is now over. Joe fuller made a motion to pay Wes $100 to help pay for the gas as he is still volunteering and helping at the Center.

Bob McConnell reported that he feels that the Wilderness Trail Corridor Alliance has folded and that Kentucky is doing their own planning. Hal Rogers has begun the work to get a section of the road in Kentucky designated a National Historic Trail.

The Association will meet next on Tuesday, November 18 at 6 PM at Cove Ridge Center.

Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Sally Kelly, Secretary, with assistance from Wanda McConnell

Pathfinders, Pioneers, and Patriots by Danny Dixon