Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 11, 1990 TAG: 9004110008
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: SCOT HOFFMAN CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
"We thought last year was probably the best," said Debbie Lineweaver, an assistant professor of psychology at the college, and head of the committee which organizes the program. "But we think this year definitely rivals it.
"I was real pleased with the quality of the music and the speakers," she added. "I thought the turnout [more than 2,300 for the week] was very good overall."
The organizing committee is composed of college faculty and staff, Pulaski County High School faculty, and the Appalkids, a group of six of the high school's students who work to promote Appalachian culture. Program money comes through the college, which reserves a spot for it in its budget.
"We try not to charge for anything," Lineweaver said. "And we are definitely non-profit."
Lineweaver, who is also a training specialist in the college's continuing education center, said the event's purpose is simply "to celebrate the heritage of this area."
This year's event was titled "Weaving the Tapestry," and had as its purpose shedding light on the intertwinings of cultures that comprise Appalachia.
"We wanted to look at all the cultures that make up the area," Lineweaver said. "A lot of people think of the white coalminer, and that makes up Appalachia." She said beyond the influence of European immigration, Appalachia is rich in Native American and black culture, such as art, music, language and dance.
Activities included a concert-demonstration by nationally known musician Sparky Rucker, and lectures on blacks, native Americans and Scotch-Irish in Appalachia.
There was also a play written and performed by the Appal-kids designed to dispel the stereotype that mountain people are "gun-toting, 'baccer spitting, whiskey drinkin', barefooted, foolish hillbillies," the program's list of events states.
Rucker, who has played at numerous colleges, told his audience of 200 that New River Community College is by no means the rule when it comes to cultural awareness programs.
"You all are very fortunate. Not many schools would do a program like this," he said. "Especially one that lasts all week."
Rucker, dressed top to bottom in black leather, a dried chicken's foot dangling from his guitar, related some of his extensive regional knowledge and played what he called "cross-cultural songs" - a hodgepodge of blues, ballads, gospel and work songs. He was accompanied on harmonica by his wife, Rhonda.
Next year's program, Lineweaver said, is already in the planning. It will seek to compare and contrast mountain cultures around the country, including the Rockies and the Ozarks, with that of Appalachia.
by CNB