Day 42

The last day started out with a little weather uncertainty but mother nature was on our side. We forged ahead with a 24 mile bike ride between McKee and Berea with five Berea alumni, faculty, and friends. Steel Hinton, came in from Flemingsburg, KY and Doug Chute and Nancy Ball came all the way from Wise, VA. John Harmon and Mark Nigro reside right here in Berea.

The final leg and last half mile to the finish line started at the Berea Municipal Utilities parking lot on Harrison Rd. We were thrilled to have at least 77 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and trustees walk the triumphant procession into campus via Short Street where we were greeted by our Berea family.

Once on Short Street we enjoyed delicious kabobs, “B” shaped pretzels, and popsicles. We also enjoyed remarks from President Shinn and Chair Libby Culbreth of the Berea College Board of Trustees. Following the remarks and closing prayer from Rev Randy Osborne, we were entertained thoroughly by the Berea College Bluegrass Band and the Berea College Country Dancers.

Thanks to everyone (dozens of folks) who helped make these past 42 days such a success! Particularly, a special thanks to Mae Suramek, Will Jones, Bill Laramee, Nancy Shinn, Crystal Baldwin, Eric Waller, Sonja Williams, Chris Schill, Tim Jordan, Bridget Carroll, Julie Sowell, Jay Buckner, and Rosemary Dreager. This relay wouldn’t have happened without them!

Signing off for the Berea College Sesquicentennial Great Commitments Relay and Goodwill Tour in Berea, Kentucky on Friday, May 12th, 2006 (okay, I'm really going to stop now...),

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 41

Thursday – coming soon!

Here are some pictures from yesterday’s proclamation to Jackson County Library to hold you over! State Representative and alum, Marie Rader was there to accept the proclamation from Mary Labus and three other Berea representatives; Rosemary Dreager, Missie Kelley, and Mary Kay Kidwell.

Also on yesterday’s agenda – two trustees, Mr. Bill Gruver and Mr. Mike Stitzer biked 100 miles between Hazard and Berea. Additionally, another group of seven Berea alums, staff, and friends biked 100 miles a little later in the day (David McFarland, Bunky Harkleroad, George Hunter, Ben Robinson, Cliff Sowell, Andy Sowell, and Alex Carrick). Both rides were remarkable considering the terrain, weather, and wind.

Come to the Grand Finale Celebration at 6:00 pm on Short St on College Square on Friday! If you’re joining us for the final walk – meet us in the Berea Utilities Parking lot at 5:15 (old Dresser lot). If you’re joining us for the celebration only, meet us on Short St at 6:00 pm!

See you soon!!

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 40

We started this morning out at Hindman Settlement School where four of our alums call home and work. We were so pleased to meet with Rebecca Ware, Associate Director who shared with us the incredible mission of the School and took us on a tour of the campus and the new museum on site.

From there we drove through muddy rain towards Hazard where we were elated to be greeted by nine Berea alums and friends at the Circle T Restaurant. Roy Banks, ’50 graced us with his playing and singing. Sam Turner, ’54 told some good tales while the group socialized in some home made Berea hats. Did I mention that the food was scrumptious?

The conversation over lunch was a varied one and we touched particularly on the sacrifice the Fee family must have made to found Berea College. Eula Holliday, ’45 particularly felt that it must have been difficult to have been disowned by your family as Fee was. I shared a story from an earlier relay stop in Bracken County where we learned that John Gregg and Matilda Fee actually lost a daughter to death because of the harsh conditions they faced fleeing from place to place. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for!

It was special to see these folks again and to meet some new folks as well. Just goes to show you that we can never truly understand the depth and breadth of Berea’s reach as it is far too vast to capture in one moment.

Two days to go!

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 39

This Tuesday morning we were joined by Roberta Allison, ’42, Alvin Allison, and their son Clark Allison, ’79. We were also joined by Rev Canon Johnnie Ross, ’80 who assisted in the planning of the day’s events.

We had a meaningful visit to the City of Prestonsburg where we received the key to the City from Mayor Jerry Fannin along with some delicious (I should know!) local fudge. The Mayor, along with economic developer Brent Graden then joined the group for a relay of the Great Commitments to the beautiful Prestonsburg mural in downtown. From there, Johnnie bravely rode the Great Commitments to the Prestonsburg city limits.

We were treated to a delicious lunch at El Azul Grande (thanks you know who!) and then traveled on to Alice Lloyd College. On our way to Alice Lloyd we ran into Berea alum Tom Rose, ’64 who followed our van into a parking lot to say hello. Our decorated van really caught his attention!

Once on Alice Lloyd’s campus we crossed the “Bridge to the Future” where we were greeted by Berea grad and Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Bill Melton, ’69. Thank you to Public Relations Director Stephanie Damron who graciously brought us bottled water to cool us off after our tour around their beautiful campus.

Later, we headed back over to Prestonsburg where we enjoyed a relay stop and chapter meeting with about 35 other Berea alums and friends at the Mountain Arts Center. Our entertainment included a viewing of Berea’s latest history video, a memorable speech by Berea President Dr. Larry Shinn, and entertainment by the Berea College Bluegrass Band (picture features BCBB member Jake Krack with Nancy Shinn wearing matching "Berea Blue" outfits).

Tonight as I write this I feel truly blessed to have spent the day with so many folks who truly love and support the Berea mission.

Feeling the “Berea love” in Prestonsburg,

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 38

Today started with a meeting at the Pike County Courthouse where we were pleased to present a proclamation of friendship to Pike County Judge Executive William Deskins and Deputy Judge Sue Ratliff. Joining us at the courthouse were three amazing Berea graduates; Troy Price, ’92, Della Justice, ’93, and Dr. Wallace Campbell, ’66. We also met Troy and Della’s beautiful three month old daughter, Parker, who was cheerfully along for the journey looking pretty in pink.

Dr. Campbell read about Berea’s proclamation to Pike County in the Appalachian News Express and decided to join us. He serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Pikeville College where he assists the 800 students attending there. We had the opportunity to walk up the 99 steps leading into campus and found out later that Pikeville’s slogan for years has been, “you take the first step.”

Della and Troy assisted us greatly with our day in Pikeville. You might recall reading about Della in an article in the New York Times last year that described her commitment to her region and family. She serves as a lawyer in Pike County while Troy serves with the National Children’s Alliance. The two of them are an incredible tag team who feel fortunate to have found Berea College. They continually give back in many ways and feel passionate about Berea’s mission.

Troy led John and I to a Hatfield-McCoy historical site in Pike County. As we walked through the Dils Cemetary gazing at the McCoy family graves – particularly the graves of Sarah and Randolf McCoy, it occurred to us how important it is to settle old disagreements. Today, the Hatfields and McCoys now have a huge family reunion in Pike County in June. They have even signed a peace treaty!

Over and out,

Amy Harmon, '99

Day 37

We woke up this Sunday morning to the sound of heavy rain. Knowing that our itinerary today included a lengthy bike ride between Whitesburg and Pikeville by Doug Chute, ’85 I thought I’d better make a call. I was really amazed when I spoke with Doug to learn that he was still planning on riding. In fact, the rain was appropriate for Doug as he feels that Berea represents water in many ways.

Doug blessed us with a beautiful prayer reflecting on the significance of the rain before he and friend Nancy Ball took off up the treacherous ride with a 6% grade most of the way (not to mention the strong wind and rain that pelted them for three straight hours).

Doug’s wife Tammy and grandson Nathanial led the journey by car and provided amazing encouragement and support to both Doug and Nancy as they biked. I learned from Tammy today how important it is to support the ones you love as she lovingly dried Doug’s bike seat with a towel after every break. She also poured cranberry juice and provided trail mix to both riders.

By the end of the ride, I think we were all a little soaked. I was reminded of the many days on campus as a student when I had forgotten my umbrella as I walked to class. Sometimes it’s a good thing to leave with out your umbrella from time to time just to remind yourself that going without helps you appreciate what you have.

Signing off from Pikeville,

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 36

“The sun shined bright on my Old Kentucky Home…”

Reporting from Harlan, KY where Dr. and Mrs. Greg and Carla Dye (both 1994 graduates) and their son Edmund along with Berea friends Dr. Laila Guindi and Mr. Sherif Guindi (mother and son) came to participate in the relay. Edmund carried the Great Commitments to the Harlan County Library where we presented Berea’s new history book (by Shannon Wilson) to Ms. Thelma Creech (her son, Ben Creech attended Berea). Afterwards, the Guindi family bravely ran five miles towards Whitesburg up a VERY steep incline.

From Harlan we went to visit a true Appalachian treasure – Appalshop. While there we met with Board Member and staff person for over 20 years Valeria Ison. We were surrounded by sounds of a fiddle workshop in progress and even saw some familiar Berea friends there.

On the route between Whitesburg and Harlan we were surprised by a couple of roaming bulls RIGHT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!

Since the three us are Derby enthusiasts, we were really thrilled to be invited to the famous Brock Derby Party in its 30th year in Harlan. Once we got the van up the mile long gravel climb we were elated to be greeted by Harlan’s finest, many of whom had a Berea connection. I also had the good fortune of choosing Barbaro as my pick even though I was unfortunate in that I hadn’t put any money down!

Following the Derby party we were pleased to spend a little more time with the Guindi family in their beautiful Harlan home. Following a delicious tea with milk and sugar, we even went to the Dollar Theatre with Sherif to see Mission Impossible. As far as movie reviews go, I’d give this one well…..I’ll let you be the judge.

Sleepy and happy in Harlan,

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 35

Our morning started with a visit to the City of Pineville, home of the Mountain Laurel Festival, where we were joined by alums Gwen Barton, ’68 and Barbara Asher, ’68. Two beautiful mountain laurels themselves, Gwen and Barbara actually went to high school and college together and have remained close ever since. Both were elementary education majors at Berea and both went on to be teachers in Bell County. Now that they’re both retired they participate in many local community service projects together and remain teachers in the continual learning sense.



Speaking of teachers, Mayor Bruce Hendrickson of Pineville is a high school teacher himself at Pineville City High in the science department. He informed us that many students from Bell County find Berea College. Crystal Baldwin encouraged him to continue to consider students who might be a match for a Berea education.

For lunch we went to the historic, and delicious, Flocoe Drug Store serving hearty soup beans and corn bread in downtown Pineville. Directly across from the restaurant was the Bell County Courthouse with a fabulous clock that reminded us of the courthouse in the 1980’s film titled Back to the Future. Barbara Asher even said that she just knew that Michael J. Fox would come out of the courthouse any minute to greet us.

Following lunch we bid farewell to Gwen and Barbara and headed towards Pine Mountain Settlement School in Harlan County. On the winding road we encountered several dozen coal trucks and even stopped to get some footage of a coal mine in operation.

Once on the grounds of Pine Mountain Settlement School we were greeted by Executive Director Nancy Adams. She shared some of the School's Berea connections, including our own President Larry Shinn's contributions on their Board.

Following our visit to Pine Mountain the rain came just as we were making our trek over a VERY big mountain on a VERY little road to Harlan. It was like driving up and down a lampshade and I have to admit that I liked the challenge. I felt like I was back in my home "holler" of Drip Rock, Kentucky located in Estill County. The strange familiarity of the unknown roads I was traveling reminded me that Berea had prepared me well for any challenge by first connecting me to my past.

Until tomorrow, signing off from Harlan, KY-

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 34

Reporting from Pineville, Kentucky this is Amy Harmon, ’99. I’ll be joining the blog for the remaining eight days of the relay as we wind up for the Grand Finale Celebration in Berea to be held on Friday, May 12th at 6:00 pm on College Square.

I feel blessed to begin this last part of the journey not only with members of the fantastic Berea team like Crystal Baldwin but also with my husband, John Harmon, ’95 who joins me. John came to Berea from Charleston, West Virginia and continues to be the first and only one in his family to have graduated from college. He’ll not only serve as a wonderful alum volunteer for the remaining days but also as a husband who knows “when his woman needs him.”






This morning we started our day at the beautiful campus of the University of the Cumberland’s where we were introduced to Mr. Harold Hubbard, ’58, a business professor who has been on staff there for over 30 years. Mr. Hubbard was on campus for Berea’s 100th year and had many fun memories to share, such as the introduction of rock n’ roll to Berea’s campus.Joining Mr. Hubbard were five administrators and staff from the University, including one who has a son attending Berea! We were pleased to receive such a warm reception and were eager to share the mission of the relay which has been to raise awareness in the communities we visit about Berea’s history and contributions, particularly the Great Commitments, which charge us to demonstrate, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the Earth.”From Williamsburg we headed east to Pine Mountain State Park where we climbed a three mile ascent by “sasquatchian van” to the top of the mountain and were greeted by hundreds of blooming azaleas and, soon to be blooming, mountain laurels.

While on a hike on a nearby trail this afternoon at Pine Mountain State Park we were also greeted by a sleepy copperhead snake lying across our path without movement. John gently moved the copperhead from our path and all four of us were left unharmed!

Tonight I reflect on the day’s activities with peace of mind and will use my husband and the experience with the snake as a metaphor if you’ll permit me. We know that there are those of you out there that keep Berea going just as my husband helps keep me going. Additionally, no matter what crosses Berea’s path we feel your thoughtful support helping us clear the way for promising students in the future.

Signing off from Pineville,

Amy Harmon, ‘99

Day 33

Along this relay journey, people have continuously asked me to pinpoint my most memorable encounter. The entire experience has been so meaningful and so important, that I can’t define one particularly outstanding moment. I have met so many wonderful people and have made connections with so many areas and organizations. In my most recent experiences, I have developed a renewed appreciation for Appalachia and the people who work to serve the area.

Today Amy Harmon of College Relations and her husband, John, joined the relay. Together we delivered a proclamation of thanks and friendship to Scott County Tennessee. The County Mayor gladly welcomed Berea College, as students in Huntsville have attended the College. Additionally, they invited us to attend their employee appreciation barbeque at the County Building. Due to time constraints, we couldn’t join them, but were grateful to have been invited.

We continued over the mountains along highway 297 into Newcomb, TN. We visited Crazy Quilt Friendship Center. We were awed by their fine crafted quilts, which are primarily made by women who live in surrounding mountain communities. We learned very quickly that the Center is more than great crafts and beautiful quilts. They serve the area by offering second hand clothing items at a low cost, as well as provide between 80-200 people with food through their in house food bank. Around the holiday season, they provide gifts for about 600 children, including families in eastern Tennessee and Kentucky. It was an honor to meet the Crazy Quilt staff and volunteers who devote their lives to the area through providing quilt making jobs and serving the children, children that may someday attend Berea College.

Today, on my last day of writing the blog, I’d like to thank everyone for reading. I’ve had both an enjoyable and enlightening voyage. I’ve seen the peacefulness of the countryside by driving the windy roads from 10 mph to 50mph. I’ve noticed the deep beauty within so many of the people who inhabit the area. The most rewarding of all my encounters tied to the relay are the ones that involved you. I’ve been stunned by Berea College alumni and friends in elevators, at gas station parking lots, at restaurants, in local grocery stores, at shopping centers, in city halls and at county office buildings, etc. Everywhere we have been on this relay journey, Berea College and our mission has been positively received with familiarity, excitement, and friendship. It has become clear to me within traveling 1,855 miles that because of the support Berea College has from the community, another 150 years of providing education to the Appalachian community and beyond is feasible.

Best to all of you!
-From Jellico, TN
Crystal, '04

Day 32

I met Tandy McConnell, class of 1980, for the first time last night as we met briefly to discuss details of the morning’s bike ride. I knew in the first few moments of meeting him that he was a kind-hearted generous man. I should have been able to read this in his personality, since he drove from Charlotte in order to participate and offered to bike no less than 30 miles!




Today, the relay departed from the Secret City Commemorative Walk at the Civic Center in Oak Ridge, TN. The walk is dedicated to thousands who founded Oak Ridge between 1942 and 1949, who worked in the nuclear research facility or made another contribution to their community through their work. Among the names are Fay and Charley Hale, who attended Berea College. Fay worked as an educator and Charley in the national lab.

As we walked through the monument, becoming more aware of the city’s past and paying respects to the lives that formed it, the clouds above us rolled into thick gray formations. A storm was on its way. Within the first 10 miles of our mostly uphill relay ride, the rain came. First the sky fired warning shots of water and then it came crashing in buckets. As each drop pelted against the windshield of the Berea College van, Tandy, who was biking approximately 10-12 mph up hill and 30+ mph down hill, was getting hit with the same drops without a shield for them to splat against. ---He kept going. Prior to the ride, as we anticipated rain, he insisted that he wouldn’t stop unless it ‘really’ stormed. He never stopped. With in time the rain ceased, leaving Tandy soaking wet.

After about 23 miles of vigorous peddling, we gave Tandy a short break in Wartburg, TN as we stopped to deliver a proclamation of friendship to Morgan County. The County Executive, Becky Ruppe and her assistant, Carol, met with us briefly and spoke highly of Berea College.

Just up the road in Sunbright, TN Tandy located just about the only restaurant in the area, Lou’s Diner, where we stopped for lunch. We indulged in some good home country cookin’, including the unforgettable ‘corn nuggets.’ The locals in the diner were more than friendly and eager to tell us of the diner’s recent filming by the Food Network just last week! For Lou’s Diner, having visitors from the outside is becoming a commonality!

After completely stuffing ourselves, we returned back to the relay route only to be faced with more twists, turns, and steep hills! I’ve personally dubbed Tandy ‘the AMAZING TANDY,’ because of his determination, optimism, and triumph throughout today’s course. I was personally thoroughly impressed with his skill. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one who noticed either! An innocent cow grazed in a field nearby our route. As Tandy rode past, her head followed until he was out of sight! Additionally, despite all the obstacles; the rain, the cold that came with the rain, the dogs rushing after him (he told me not to worry about the dogs), the MAC trucks prepared to take over the road, and some rude drivers, he didn’t complain. As I trailed behind him slowly and carefully in the decorated van, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of ammunition he had inside of him, pushing him to continue. So, I asked him why he chose to participate in the relay. His answer; he wanted another way to give to Berea College, because Berea had done so much for him.

Today, the Amazing Tandy completed about 53 miles, mostly uphill, biking from Oak Ridge, TN, through Wartburg and Sunbright, bringing us to our final destination in Huntsville, TN. With the city sign in plain view, Tandy threw up his arms in celebration and personal accomplishment. –What an amazing way to celebrate a birthday, Berea’s birthday!

Thank you Tandy!
-Crystal

Day 31

Happy May Day everyone! Today marks the one month completion of the Great Commitments Relay! Our team, volunteers, and participants have all done well to ensure that the relay process runs well and smoothly! Thus far we haven’t had any serious problems and I am thankful for that. It's hard to believe that we have only two more weeks until the Grand Finale on May 12th.

Today Chris and I thanked the people of Knoxville and Knox County for their friendship and support through a proclamation to the area. Mayor Ragsdale was kind to meet with us despite the busy time of year given that election day is tomorrow. On behalf of the city mayor, Rus Jensen in 311 met with us. Prior to our meetings, we faced a small parking dilemma, though city officials directed us to park in the garages, upon arrival, we learned that our vans wouldn’t fit. Don’t worry! We didn’t discover this the ‘hard way,’ we simply read the clearance sign and realized that if we fit at all, it would be a very tight squeeze! Amazingly, it wasn’t too difficult to find a free meter and lot for the vans. One reason that parking may have been available is because downtown Knoxville offers a free Trolley service! I thought this was great, because it encourages sustainable practices, as well as preventing traffic congestion in downtown!

Before I sign off for tonight, I’d like to take you back to yesterday. I know, I already wrote a fairly long entry, but I feel that it is necessary. I want to thank everyone who has participated in Alumni Events thus far. Essentially, they would not be a success without your participation. Both the Knoxville Chapter at the Historic Laurel Theater and the Young Alumni Event at Calhoun’s can be considered successful, because so many of you were present! I could probably guess over 100 reasons each of you chose to attend the events without ever really knowing why. Maybe it was the anticipated spectacular performances by the Berea College Bluegrass band and the Country Dancers. Maybe it was because you knew that I was going to be there. Whatever the reason, you should let your area Chapter Coordinator know, so that we can collaborate in making the meetings a continuing success.

Signing off from Knoxville, TN.
-Crystal

Day 30

Today Sandra Fleming, class of 1975, and her nephew, Meredith Owens, who attended Berea in 1989, joined the relay as we drove the Great Commitments to the Highlander Research and Education Center in New Market, TN. The Center is located on rolling farmland placed comfortably in the heart of the Smokies. Buildings with octagonal picture windows sprinkle the land. The view of the buildings when looking on them is equally as beautiful when gazing out of them. The Center brought a sense of comfort and ease; perfect to fill its purpose while teaching, educating, and inspiring. Charlie Biggs welcomed our group and we learned historical tid-bits of the Highlander Research and Education Center from the great legends and musicians, Guy and Candie Carawan.

The Highlander story is something of a phenomenon, with involvement and leadership action in the civil rights movement and the environmental justice movement. Since 1932, the center has been bringing together workers, grassroots leaders, community organizers, educators and researchers to address the most pressing social problems that face people of the South. The Center, with an accessible library and open rooms setup for full circle discussions, provides a perfect opportunity for people to gather and share information. As Charlie explained, “everyone comes to highlander with knowledge equivalent to a piece of the pie and leaves with the whole pie,” because everyone educates each other. Among those who shared education at the Center include Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, and Guy Carawan. I know that I mentioned him earlier, but I must talk about him in detail to point out that the Berea College relayers were in the presence of a famous, history-influencing man!

In the times of the civil movement, the songs that people sang to confront racism in their communities were often older transformed songs. Among them is the famous song, “We Shall Overcome,” which originated from “I Will Overcome,” sang in many Methodist and Baptist churches. Guy Carawan succeeded the Horton’s who founded Highlander. Through his persistence in teaching “We Shall Overcome” to Highlander students and particularly leading the song among sit-in leaders at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, the song became the signature song of the Civil Rights Movement! I could not believe that only moments before learning this information, I had grasped hands with him in meeting, fore I have before attempted to sing the song myself on several occasions.

In Berea, I have had the opportunity to participate in the Martin Luther King day celebration by marching from Union Church to the City Hall. With other members of the Berea community, I sang for freedom and human rights for all people. In the moments that I sang, I thought I understood the meaning of the song, “We Shall Overcome.” It wasn’t until visiting the Highlander Center that I came to understand the song’s value.

-Leaving Highlander with a few more pieces of ‘pie’/ knowledge.

Crystal