National Men's Health Month

June is National Men's Health Month.

This month's awareness is to help men become more aware of the health problems that can be prevented with early detection and treatment among men and young boys. The latest statistics show that the health of men in our lives needs vast improvement. It is proven that men die 6 years younger than their female companions.

The Coalition for Health and Wellness will be honoring the men in our lives by having a kick off to their upcoming men's health program. The kick off event is planned for June 20th at Gravely Nature Preserve starting at 9:00am. Canoeing down the Smith River, male friendly healthy cooking demonstrations, and guided trail walks are just the start of the fun! So come out to help celebrate men's health and bring the special men in your life out to this exciting event!

Space is limited and registration is required.
To register or for questions, contact
Diane Sawyer
HCI Program Director
at 276-956-2983 ext. 301.

National Men's Health Month

June is National Men's Health Month.

This month's awareness is to help men become more aware of the health problems that can be prevented with early detection and treatment among men and young boys. The latest statistics show that the health of men in our lives needs vast improvement. It is proven that men die 6 years younger than their female companions.

The Coalition for Health and Wellness will be honoring the men in our lives by having a kick off to their upcoming men's health program. The kick off event is planned for June 20th at Gravely Nature Preserve starting at 9:00am. Canoeing down the Smith River, male friendly healthy cooking demonstrations, and guided trail walks are just the start of the fun! So come out to help celebrate men's health and bring the special men in your life out to this exciting event!

Space is limited and registration is required.
To register or for questions, contact
Diane Sawyer
HCI Program Director
at 276-956-2983 ext. 301.

Registration Deadline Extended for Kayaking Classes

Great news everyone!....the May 29th deadline for the Beginner and Intermediate Kayaking Classes are being extended to June 3rd. It's not too late to get those registration forms in to be able to participate in this wonderful event. If you are interested in obtaining more information, please check out the earlier posting by clicking here.

Registration Deadline Extended for Kayaking Classes

Great news everyone!....the May 29th deadline for the Beginner and Intermediate Kayaking Classes are being extended to June 3rd. It's not too late to get those registration forms in to be able to participate in this wonderful event. If you are interested in obtaining more information, please check out the earlier posting by clicking here.

Help Preserve a Piece of Local History

A truss from the Fieldale Iron Bridge will soon be used as Trail Art
along the Fieldale Trail, and you can help preserve this important piece of local history!

How?
Purchase a plaque to be mounted to the bridge
in honor or memory of a loved one.

All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds will be used for the costs associated with transporting, cleaning, and mounting the bridge truss alongside the trail. With your support,
this section of the Fieldale Iron Bridge will be preserved so it can be remembered and for future generations to enjoy.

3x5 inch plaques are $100 each,
but all donations large and small will be accepted.

Contact 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org for more information.

Please mail donations to:
Dan River Basin Association- Attn: Fieldale Bridge

413 Church Street, Suite 401

Eden, NC 27288

Help Preserve a Piece of Local History

A truss from the Fieldale Iron Bridge will soon be used as Trail Art
along the Fieldale Trail, and you can help preserve this important piece of local history!

How?
Purchase a plaque to be mounted to the bridge
in honor or memory of a loved one.

All donations are tax-deductible and proceeds will be used for the costs associated with transporting, cleaning, and mounting the bridge truss alongside the trail. With your support,
this section of the Fieldale Iron Bridge will be preserved so it can be remembered and for future generations to enjoy.

3x5 inch plaques are $100 each,
but all donations large and small will be accepted.

Contact 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org for more information.

Please mail donations to:
Dan River Basin Association- Attn: Fieldale Bridge

413 Church Street, Suite 401

Eden, NC 27288

River float to benefit DRBA's work

Three Rivers Outfitters is hosting a river float to benefit DRBA's work to promote and preserve our rivers on Sunday, May 31. DRBA depends on contributions from members and other sources of support in order to work for clean water, natural and historical preservation and educational programs throughout the basin. You make all this possible.

DRBA outings are usually free, but this time, we're asking for your help. Please feel free to share this invitation with those who may not have a boat but would like to sample the rivers! In turn, Three Rivers Outfitters will guide you and/or your friends on a 90-minute scenic river trip on the Smith and Dan rivers, home to abundant wildlife, including playful otters, and rare plant communities.

After taking out on the Dan, Three Rivers Outfitters will transport paddlers back to the 1892 Spray Mercantile Building, near the historic Gov. Morehead Park, where you'll enjoy a picnic supper and musical heritage program.

"Picnic in the Park with Charlie Poole," presented by the Eden Preservation Society, will feature musician, historian and radio personality Kinney Rorrer. Rorrer will present a program detailing the life and music of legendary banjo musician Charlie Poole. Sometimes referred to as the "Father of country music," Poole has been credited with having a lasting effect on the evolution of country music and bluegrass musical heritage. Nearby is the Spray Cotton Mills where Charlie Poole once worked.

In July, 1925 Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers were awarded a recording contract with Columbia Records. Their record was a smash hit and sold over 100,000 copies.

Also in the vicinity is the historic 1898 Nantucket Mill. Piedmont Folk Legacies and its National Banjo Initiative envision a new life for the mill as a National Banjo Museum, recording studio and performance venue.

More details are below. Interested? Just visit the registration page http://riverandbanjoheritage.homestead.com/

DATE: Sunday, May 31
TIME: 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Eden, North Carolina
COST: $50 per person to benefit the Dan River Basin Association.
INCLUDES: Guided trip, boats, gear, transportation from river, picnic and banjo program.

For reservations and additional information: 336-627-6270 or http://www.danriver.org/

River float to benefit DRBA's work

Three Rivers Outfitters is hosting a river float to benefit DRBA's work to promote and preserve our rivers on Sunday, May 31. DRBA depends on contributions from members and other sources of support in order to work for clean water, natural and historical preservation and educational programs throughout the basin. You make all this possible.

DRBA outings are usually free, but this time, we're asking for your help. Please feel free to share this invitation with those who may not have a boat but would like to sample the rivers! In turn, Three Rivers Outfitters will guide you and/or your friends on a 90-minute scenic river trip on the Smith and Dan rivers, home to abundant wildlife, including playful otters, and rare plant communities.

After taking out on the Dan, Three Rivers Outfitters will transport paddlers back to the 1892 Spray Mercantile Building, near the historic Gov. Morehead Park, where you'll enjoy a picnic supper and musical heritage program.

"Picnic in the Park with Charlie Poole," presented by the Eden Preservation Society, will feature musician, historian and radio personality Kinney Rorrer. Rorrer will present a program detailing the life and music of legendary banjo musician Charlie Poole. Sometimes referred to as the "Father of country music," Poole has been credited with having a lasting effect on the evolution of country music and bluegrass musical heritage. Nearby is the Spray Cotton Mills where Charlie Poole once worked.

In July, 1925 Charlie Poole and his North Carolina Ramblers were awarded a recording contract with Columbia Records. Their record was a smash hit and sold over 100,000 copies.

Also in the vicinity is the historic 1898 Nantucket Mill. Piedmont Folk Legacies and its National Banjo Initiative envision a new life for the mill as a National Banjo Museum, recording studio and performance venue.

More details are below. Interested? Just visit the registration page http://riverandbanjoheritage.homestead.com/

DATE: Sunday, May 31
TIME: 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Eden, North Carolina
COST: $50 per person to benefit the Dan River Basin Association.
INCLUDES: Guided trip, boats, gear, transportation from river, picnic and banjo program.

For reservations and additional information: 336-627-6270 or http://www.danriver.org/

Local Agencies Partner to Promote National Employee Health & Fitness Day

Activate Martinsville-Henry County, the City of Martinsville, and the Martinsville/Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness teamed up for a special event to promote National Employee Health and Fitness Day earlier this week. The “City Health Biking and Walking Day” drew approximately 60 participants to the Uptown area on Wednesday, May 20.

Participants gathered at the Uptown Farmer's Market at 11:30 a.m. to take in some fresh air and exercise while having the choice of biking or walking on the Uptown Rail Trail. A few walkers decided to extend the trail route of about one mile by continuing to walk throughout Uptown. After the walking and biking, most stayed for lunch hosted by the Martinsville Fire Department, located across the street from the Farmer’s Market.

Bikes and properly fitted helmets were provided for all riders to use courtesy of Activate’s new “It’s How We Roll” program. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed fresh strawberry smoothies at the Coalition’s Health Awareness Booth, which offered information about many of its health programs for community members.

The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF), a non-profit organization, declared the first “National Employee Health and Fitness Day” in 1989 on the third Wednesday of May. NAHF envisioned “National Employee Health and Fitness Day” as a way to benefit business productivity as well as employee health. In addition to weight management and reduced occurrence of illnesses, NAHF has found that active employees have lower rates of absenteeism, fewer health care needs, lower stress and fatigue levels, and higher work efficiency. Consequently, as staff productivity rises, business productivity increases, leading to a community structure with a greater likelihood of thriving.

For more information about local fitness initiatives contact Activate Martinsville-Henry County at 403-5087 or 403-5031 or at activatemhc.org, the Martinsville/Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness at 638-2523, x311 or at info@healthycommunitymhc.org, and the Martinsville Leisure Services Department at 403-5379 or at www.martinsville-va.gov/Leisure-Services.

Article/Photos contributed by Jeannie Frisco
Edited/Posted by Vicky Thomas

Local Agencies Partner to Promote National Employee Health & Fitness Day

Activate Martinsville-Henry County, the City of Martinsville, and the Martinsville/Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness teamed up for a special event to promote National Employee Health and Fitness Day earlier this week. The “City Health Biking and Walking Day” drew approximately 60 participants to the Uptown area on Wednesday, May 20.

Participants gathered at the Uptown Farmer's Market at 11:30 a.m. to take in some fresh air and exercise while having the choice of biking or walking on the Uptown Rail Trail. A few walkers decided to extend the trail route of about one mile by continuing to walk throughout Uptown. After the walking and biking, most stayed for lunch hosted by the Martinsville Fire Department, located across the street from the Farmer’s Market.

Bikes and properly fitted helmets were provided for all riders to use courtesy of Activate’s new “It’s How We Roll” program. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed fresh strawberry smoothies at the Coalition’s Health Awareness Booth, which offered information about many of its health programs for community members.

The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF), a non-profit organization, declared the first “National Employee Health and Fitness Day” in 1989 on the third Wednesday of May. NAHF envisioned “National Employee Health and Fitness Day” as a way to benefit business productivity as well as employee health. In addition to weight management and reduced occurrence of illnesses, NAHF has found that active employees have lower rates of absenteeism, fewer health care needs, lower stress and fatigue levels, and higher work efficiency. Consequently, as staff productivity rises, business productivity increases, leading to a community structure with a greater likelihood of thriving.

For more information about local fitness initiatives contact Activate Martinsville-Henry County at 403-5087 or 403-5031 or at activatemhc.org, the Martinsville/Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness at 638-2523, x311 or at info@healthycommunitymhc.org, and the Martinsville Leisure Services Department at 403-5379 or at www.martinsville-va.gov/Leisure-Services.

Article/Photos contributed by Jeannie Frisco
Edited/Posted by Vicky Thomas

Bike Basics 101 Program Launched on May 30th

In celebration of National Bike Month which occurs the entire month of May, Activate Martinsville/Henry County has launched a new creative program. With funding from the Harvest Foundation, Activate has purchased a mobile bike fleet.

As part of Activate’s mission to promote walking, bicycling and other physical activity as part of everyday life, staff went to work to provide the solution to the barrier preventing others from enjoying the childhood days of biking. Working with City Maintenance employees and Cardinal Bicycle, the mobile bike fleet idea came to fruition. Activate has brought the bikes to the citizens with their new Bike Basics program.

Bike riding is one of the simplest ways to have fun in a variety of settings. It is easily learned and not easily forgotten. Activate’s Bike Basics 101 program provides participants 16 years and older with bikes and helmets and teaches helmet and bike safety, how to change gears, and on-the-bike riding techniques.

The next Bike Basics 101 program will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Jack Dalton Park. It is open to anyone but the bike fleet only accommodates adults and children 16 years and older. Younger children are encouraged to bring their own bike.

For more information regarding the Bike Basics 101 program, contact Barbara Thompson, Bike Basics Instructor at 276-638-2592 or Activate at 276-403-5087.

Article/photos contributed by Jeannie Frisco

Edited/posted by Vicky Thomas

Bike Basics 101 Program Launched on May 30th

In celebration of National Bike Month which occurs the entire month of May, Activate Martinsville/Henry County has launched a new creative program. With funding from the Harvest Foundation, Activate has purchased a mobile bike fleet.

As part of Activate’s mission to promote walking, bicycling and other physical activity as part of everyday life, staff went to work to provide the solution to the barrier preventing others from enjoying the childhood days of biking. Working with City Maintenance employees and Cardinal Bicycle, the mobile bike fleet idea came to fruition. Activate has brought the bikes to the citizens with their new Bike Basics program.

Bike riding is one of the simplest ways to have fun in a variety of settings. It is easily learned and not easily forgotten. Activate’s Bike Basics 101 program provides participants 16 years and older with bikes and helmets and teaches helmet and bike safety, how to change gears, and on-the-bike riding techniques.

The next Bike Basics 101 program will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Jack Dalton Park. It is open to anyone but the bike fleet only accommodates adults and children 16 years and older. Younger children are encouraged to bring their own bike.

For more information regarding the Bike Basics 101 program, contact Barbara Thompson, Bike Basics Instructor at 276-638-2592 or Activate at 276-403-5087.

Article/photos contributed by Jeannie Frisco

Edited/posted by Vicky Thomas

Silverfish for the Rivers, 2009 Benefit Paddle

Silverfish Paddlers, a lively group who participate in DRBA outings, is sponsoring "Silverfish for the Rivers, 2009 Benefit Paddle" on Saturday, June 27th from 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m. to benefit DRBA.

Paddlers will float on the Smith and Dan rivers in Eden, stopping at designated stations to draw foil-covered "coins," marked between $1 and $1000. The boat with the highest "loot" wins first prize of $300 in real money. Other prizes will be raffled or awarded for special coins. We'll have T-shirts, lunch and entertainment as well! We need your support for this event!

Here's what you can do:

1. Sign up to help with the event—check-in, check boats off the river and tally coins, staff a station along the river, clean up after the event, etc.
2. Donate prizes for drawings—coupons or gift cards from local restaurants and businesses you patronize, new items appropriate for use in hiking or paddling, or the always-welcome CASH!
3. Help promote the event among your friends and family.
4. Most of all, PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT!

For a registration form, see the event web site, http://www.silverfishfortherivers.com/

To volunteer, please contact Robin Light, rlight@danriver.org, or 336-627-6270.

Silverfish for the Rivers, 2009 Benefit Paddle

Silverfish Paddlers, a lively group who participate in DRBA outings, is sponsoring "Silverfish for the Rivers, 2009 Benefit Paddle" on Saturday, June 27th from 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m. to benefit DRBA.

Paddlers will float on the Smith and Dan rivers in Eden, stopping at designated stations to draw foil-covered "coins," marked between $1 and $1000. The boat with the highest "loot" wins first prize of $300 in real money. Other prizes will be raffled or awarded for special coins. We'll have T-shirts, lunch and entertainment as well! We need your support for this event!

Here's what you can do:

1. Sign up to help with the event—check-in, check boats off the river and tally coins, staff a station along the river, clean up after the event, etc.
2. Donate prizes for drawings—coupons or gift cards from local restaurants and businesses you patronize, new items appropriate for use in hiking or paddling, or the always-welcome CASH!
3. Help promote the event among your friends and family.
4. Most of all, PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT!

For a registration form, see the event web site, http://www.silverfishfortherivers.com/

To volunteer, please contact Robin Light, rlight@danriver.org, or 336-627-6270.

If you build it they will come!

More and more folks in Martinsville and Henry County are learning about the trails of the Smith River Trail System and checking them out. Today I paid a visit to the Fieldale Trail on South River Road in Fieldale.

To give a little background information, this 2.3 mile long trail is operated by Henry County Parks & Recreation (HCPR). It was developed by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) with major funding provided by the Dominion Foundation, and is currently supported by volunteers in DRBA's & HCPR's Adopt-A-Trail Program known as "Friends of the Fieldale Trail."

The first phase of the trail a 0.9 mile section of trail leading upstream of the parking lot was built in 2007, and the newest addition is a 1.3 mile stretch leading downstream.

When I pulled up into the parking lot at 5:30 this afternoon, it was packed! Over 30 people were enjoying the trail after work. I saw walkers, people with dogs, bicyclists, and fishermen. One biker was even practicing for the upcoming Smith River Mini-Triathlon to be held on June 13th.

It was an incredible sight just to see all of these people enjoying a simple path through the woods. Even though the sun was shining and it was warm out, a gentle breeze from the Smith River kept us cool. This is definately a testament that "if you build it--they will come!"

Martinsville and Henry County is on it's way to becoming a recreational destination for both residents and tourists to enjoy. If you would like more information on the Smith River Trail System, or the Adopt-A-Trail Program please contact me at 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org.

Happy Hiking!

Jennifer Doss- Rivers & Trails Project Manager

If you build it they will come!

More and more folks in Martinsville and Henry County are learning about the trails of the Smith River Trail System and checking them out. Today I paid a visit to the Fieldale Trail on South River Road in Fieldale.

To give a little background information, this 2.3 mile long trail is operated by Henry County Parks & Recreation (HCPR). It was developed by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) with major funding provided by the Dominion Foundation, and is currently supported by volunteers in DRBA's & HCPR's Adopt-A-Trail Program known as "Friends of the Fieldale Trail."

The first phase of the trail a 0.9 mile section of trail leading upstream of the parking lot was built in 2007, and the newest addition is a 1.3 mile stretch leading downstream.

When I pulled up into the parking lot at 5:30 this afternoon, it was packed! Over 30 people were enjoying the trail after work. I saw walkers, people with dogs, bicyclists, and fishermen. One biker was even practicing for the upcoming Smith River Mini-Triathlon to be held on June 13th.

It was an incredible sight just to see all of these people enjoying a simple path through the woods. Even though the sun was shining and it was warm out, a gentle breeze from the Smith River kept us cool. This is definately a testament that "if you build it--they will come!"

Martinsville and Henry County is on it's way to becoming a recreational destination for both residents and tourists to enjoy. If you would like more information on the Smith River Trail System, or the Adopt-A-Trail Program please contact me at 276-634-2545 or drba.va@danriver.org.

Happy Hiking!

Jennifer Doss- Rivers & Trails Project Manager

Volunteer Workday Planned

Adopt-A-Trail Volunteers shown above are (front l-r) Beth Wyatt,
Nancy Kennett, (middle l-r) Benny Setlif, Tommy Wyatt, Paula Wyatt,
Chris Wyatt, (back) Tracy Kennett.

Join the Dan River Basin Association and the Adopt-A-Trail group "Friends of the Fieldale Trail" as we work together to extend the Fieldale Trail! Meet at the Fieldale Trailhead (located at 3521 S. River Road) at 2 p.m. on Sunday June 7th.

Please wear clothing appropriate for working in the outdoors and bring water to drink. We will be working at the very end of Phase II of the trail (section leading downstream from parking area). The next 800 feet of trail will be flagged in advance and we'll work to clear this trail corridor and get it ready for walkers and cyclists to use.

Tools that will be useful are workgloves, chainsaws, loppers, rakes, mattocks and hammers.

All volunteers are encouraged to pre-register so that you may be contacted in the event of cancelation due to weather. Please call 276-634-2545 or email jdoss@danriver.org.

Volunteer Workday Planned

Adopt-A-Trail Volunteers shown above are (front l-r) Beth Wyatt,
Nancy Kennett, (middle l-r) Benny Setlif, Tommy Wyatt, Paula Wyatt,
Chris Wyatt, (back) Tracy Kennett.

Join the Dan River Basin Association and the Adopt-A-Trail group "Friends of the Fieldale Trail" as we work together to extend the Fieldale Trail! Meet at the Fieldale Trailhead (located at 3521 S. River Road) at 2 p.m. on Sunday June 7th.

Please wear clothing appropriate for working in the outdoors and bring water to drink. We will be working at the very end of Phase II of the trail (section leading downstream from parking area). The next 800 feet of trail will be flagged in advance and we'll work to clear this trail corridor and get it ready for walkers and cyclists to use.

Tools that will be useful are workgloves, chainsaws, loppers, rakes, mattocks and hammers.

All volunteers are encouraged to pre-register so that you may be contacted in the event of cancelation due to weather. Please call 276-634-2545 or email jdoss@danriver.org.

Learn to Kayak!

Due to the popularity of the classes offered earlier this month, a second set of instructional kayak classes will be offered in the month of June and taught by ACA instructor Eric Juday.

Beginner Kayak Class

Sunday, June 7th

Beaver Creek Reservoir, Collinsville

No experience needed- All equipment provided

$32

Intermediate Kayak Class

Saturday, June 6th

Smith River, Ridgeway

Some paddling experience required

$45

Deadline to register is May 29th

Registration forms can be obtained from:

Henry County Parks & Recreation

Martinsville Leisure Services

Dan River Basin Association

DRBA stock images

Learn to Kayak!

Due to the popularity of the classes offered earlier this month, a second set of instructional kayak classes will be offered in the month of June and taught by ACA instructor Eric Juday.

Beginner Kayak Class

Sunday, June 7th

Beaver Creek Reservoir, Collinsville

No experience needed- All equipment provided

$32

Intermediate Kayak Class

Saturday, June 6th

Smith River, Ridgeway

Some paddling experience required

$45

Deadline to register is May 29th

Registration forms can be obtained from:

Henry County Parks & Recreation

Martinsville Leisure Services

Dan River Basin Association

DRBA stock images

Fish Frenzy!

Brian, Vicky, and I were delighted when a school of trout arrived at the DRBA office this week. Yes...Trout! Ok, so they were not real ones, but an assortment of paper trout colored and cut out by 4th grade students at Drewery Mason Elementary. These students are part of the Trout-in-the-Classroom Program sponsored by DRBA and Dr. David Jones, Orthodontist.
The notes were Thank You's from the students after their recent trout release at the Smith River. It was amazing to see all the students at the river as they sang to the fish.

T. R. O. U. T
T. R. O. U. T
T. R. O. U. T
T. R. O. U. T
We've come here to release you!

The students worked hard to raise the trout from eggs and released them into the Smith River for them to continue growing. We are happy that the students had such a good time and appreciate the kind notes. Below are a few of them.

Smith River Mini-Triathlon

June 13, 2009

WHERE: Fieldale Trail
TIME: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.-check-in

10:30 a.m. - race starts
FEE: $15 OR $20/Day of Race

Run: 1.2 miles on the Fieldale Trail.

Paddle: 1.2 miles on the Smith River's class I rapids. Mountain Bike: 2.2 miles up River Rd. and finish on the Fieldale Trail.

Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers.

All pre-registered participants receive a T-shirt.

Classes: Solo-Youth, Male, & Female Team

All Male, All Female, Coed.

Music provided after the race by Dean Smith!

**PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AGE 15 & UP**

Sponsored by:
Martinsville Leisure Services,

Henry Co. Parks and Recreation,

Activate M-HC, and YMCA.

Call 276-403-5141 for more information.

Smith River Mini-Triathlon

June 13, 2009

WHERE: Fieldale Trail
TIME: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.-check-in

10:30 a.m. - race starts
FEE: $15 OR $20/Day of Race

Run: 1.2 miles on the Fieldale Trail.

Paddle: 1.2 miles on the Smith River's class I rapids. Mountain Bike: 2.2 miles up River Rd. and finish on the Fieldale Trail.

Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers.

All pre-registered participants receive a T-shirt.

Classes: Solo-Youth, Male, & Female Team

All Male, All Female, Coed.

Music provided after the race by Dean Smith!

**PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AGE 15 & UP**

Sponsored by:
Martinsville Leisure Services,

Henry Co. Parks and Recreation,

Activate M-HC, and YMCA.

Call 276-403-5141 for more information.

Float Through History with DRBA

Take advantage of the long, lazy days of summer with DRBA as our June 6 "First Saturday Outing" floats 10.6 miles from Danville, VA to Milton, NC, starting at 10:00 a.m. from the boat ramp at Angler's Park in Danville. Rated as Class 1-2, this relatively flat stretch is suitable for novice paddlers.

Historians have identified six navigation sluices built in the early nineteenth century to deepen the channel for massive batteaux that carried cargo on the river. These structures still provide easy passage through the rapids, as well as colorful names from the era when the river served as the only highway into the region: Julius Allen's Sluice, Noble's Shoal Sluice, Dix's Shoal Sluice at Hogan's Creek, Wilkinson's Shoal Sluice at Moon Creek, Thomas's Fish Dam Sluice below Rattlesnake Creek, and Dodson's Fish Dam Sluice. Fish dams, built by Native Americans and early settlers, are low V-shaped or W-shaped rock structures that funneled fish into waiting nets or baskets as they returned seaward from their massive spawning runs. Descendants of these huge fish populations, now trapped by the dam at John H. Kerr Reservoir, are celebrated with the striped bass tournament each April at Angler's Park. About a mile below Angler's Park is the site of Dix's Ferry where President George Washington crossed the Dan on his southern tour on June 4, 1791. Farther downstream is Bursted Hill, a cone-shaped hill like a sugar loaf rising 130 feet on river right, first reported in a paper before Benjamin Franklin's American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia in 1790. The outing will conclude at the public boat landing at Milton (Mill Town), founded in 1796 and, like Danville, a town that was a batteau port.

Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat and paddles, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver. Boats may be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215 or http://www.3-r-o.com/, which will provide shuttle as well.

DIRECTIONS: To reach Angler's Park, exit the Danville Expressway (US 58/US 29 By-Pass) at Dan Daniel Park exit. Turn east on River Park Drive (the opposite direction from Dan Daniel Park). Turn right on Northside Drive; bear left at the front gate of North Water Pollution Control Plant to Angler's Park, the southernmost point of the Riverwalk Trail.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Trip Coordinator Tom Edmonds, tedmonds@mebtel.net or 336-234-8921.

Article and photo contributed by T Butler

Float Through History with DRBA

Take advantage of the long, lazy days of summer with DRBA as our June 6 "First Saturday Outing" floats 10.6 miles from Danville, VA to Milton, NC, starting at 10:00 a.m. from the boat ramp at Angler's Park in Danville. Rated as Class 1-2, this relatively flat stretch is suitable for novice paddlers.

Historians have identified six navigation sluices built in the early nineteenth century to deepen the channel for massive batteaux that carried cargo on the river. These structures still provide easy passage through the rapids, as well as colorful names from the era when the river served as the only highway into the region: Julius Allen's Sluice, Noble's Shoal Sluice, Dix's Shoal Sluice at Hogan's Creek, Wilkinson's Shoal Sluice at Moon Creek, Thomas's Fish Dam Sluice below Rattlesnake Creek, and Dodson's Fish Dam Sluice. Fish dams, built by Native Americans and early settlers, are low V-shaped or W-shaped rock structures that funneled fish into waiting nets or baskets as they returned seaward from their massive spawning runs. Descendants of these huge fish populations, now trapped by the dam at John H. Kerr Reservoir, are celebrated with the striped bass tournament each April at Angler's Park. About a mile below Angler's Park is the site of Dix's Ferry where President George Washington crossed the Dan on his southern tour on June 4, 1791. Farther downstream is Bursted Hill, a cone-shaped hill like a sugar loaf rising 130 feet on river right, first reported in a paper before Benjamin Franklin's American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia in 1790. The outing will conclude at the public boat landing at Milton (Mill Town), founded in 1796 and, like Danville, a town that was a batteau port.

Participants in the outing are asked to bring boat and paddles, life jacket, lunch and water, to dress in layers of artificial (quick-drying) fabric and to sign a waiver. Boats may be rented from Three Rivers Outfitters, 336-627-6215 or http://www.3-r-o.com/, which will provide shuttle as well.

DIRECTIONS: To reach Angler's Park, exit the Danville Expressway (US 58/US 29 By-Pass) at Dan Daniel Park exit. Turn east on River Park Drive (the opposite direction from Dan Daniel Park). Turn right on Northside Drive; bear left at the front gate of North Water Pollution Control Plant to Angler's Park, the southernmost point of the Riverwalk Trail.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Trip Coordinator Tom Edmonds, tedmonds@mebtel.net or 336-234-8921.

Article and photo contributed by T Butler

Families share chair, histories...

Thursday, April 30, 2009
By GINNY WRAY - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer

A simple brown ladderback chair has reconnected two families’ histories. The chair was passed Tuesday from the descendants of a plantation owner to the descendants of a slave who worked for him. For now, it remains on display at the Bassett Historical Center for the community to appreciate.

“It’s a connection to the past. You hear a lot of stories, but when you get a material object, it brings it closer,” said Sam Hairston of Eden, N.C., the great-grandson of Uncle John Burgess and the recipient of the chair.

This story actually began in 1790, according to an account by John Burgess of Vienna. He explained that John Henry Burgess, his great-grandfather, was born in Ridgeway near the Smith River on land his great-grandfather settled. Uncle John Burgess was one of John Henry Burgess’ slaves. John Henry Burgess was a captain in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. He took Uncle John Burgess and other slaves off to war with him, and after the conflict ended, he gave each of them an acre. John Henry Burgess also knew that a North Carolina woman, Jane, had caught the eye of Uncle John Burgess, so he brought her to Henry County to work for him. She and Uncle John Burgess married and raised a family. “Uncle John was employed on the farm as long as John Henry Burgess lived,” Burgess said, adding that John Henry Burgess died in 1914 and Uncle John Burgess died in 1936. “He was integral to the family.”

No one is quite sure who made the ladderback chair with a cane seat, when it was made although it dates back to the 1800s, or what kind of wood it is made of. But they do know it was passed from generation to generation, ending with Burgess’ father, John Bradshaw Burgess, and his wife. She refinished it and had the seat recaned, and it was a prized possession in the Burgess home, he added. It also helped generations of children learn to walk, Burgess said. He turned the chair upside down and showed how the toddlers pushed it on the floor as they got their bearings, leaving the posts on the back and legs worn to an angle.

Burgess said after both his parents died, the four siblings took all their possessions and searched for appropriate homes for them. “Because of the history of the chair and the great work Jennifer (Doss of the Dan River Basin Association) had done, there is no more appropriate place for the chair than with Uncle John’s family,” Burgess said. In the meantime, Hairston started researching his mother’s side of the family — the Burgesses — and was steered to a Web site started by John Burgess. They realized their families were connected and they exchanged information and photographs, but that fell off after a while. Then Doss, project director for the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), began researching the Burgess family after finding an old cemetery on the Gravely land where the association has created a nature preserve. John Henry Burgess is buried there. Uncle John Burgess is buried in a cemetery on Old Mill Road in Ridgeway that has been cleaned, documented and listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to be preserved. During her research, Doss reconnected John Burgess and Hairston, added some information from Pat Ross of the Bassett Historical Center and “put all the pieces together,” Doss said. Almost all the pieces, that is. Hairston said they still do not know who Uncle John Burgess’ parents were, and they do not know much about the chair. But that does not lessen its impact. Doss said she got chills when she read the e-mails about the chair that connected the two families. Never a fan of history classes, this has made history come to life, she said. Her research and restoring the cemeteries fit DRBA’s mission of historic preservation, Doss said, adding that DRBA will compile the history into a book for the families.

After the chair is displayed at the historical center for a while, Sam Hairston will place it in his home, maybe with a picture hanging over it. John Burgess added that passing the chair on to the Hairston family also helps him reconcile some of that history. “It bothered me that my ancestors enslaved his ancestors,” he said, nodding at Hairston. “You can never do enough to make up for that. This is a little something. Martin Luther King’s dream tells all of us that we have a responsibility to make equality real.”

Families share chair, histories...

Thursday, April 30, 2009
By GINNY WRAY - Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer

A simple brown ladderback chair has reconnected two families’ histories. The chair was passed Tuesday from the descendants of a plantation owner to the descendants of a slave who worked for him. For now, it remains on display at the Bassett Historical Center for the community to appreciate.

“It’s a connection to the past. You hear a lot of stories, but when you get a material object, it brings it closer,” said Sam Hairston of Eden, N.C., the great-grandson of Uncle John Burgess and the recipient of the chair.

This story actually began in 1790, according to an account by John Burgess of Vienna. He explained that John Henry Burgess, his great-grandfather, was born in Ridgeway near the Smith River on land his great-grandfather settled. Uncle John Burgess was one of John Henry Burgess’ slaves. John Henry Burgess was a captain in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. He took Uncle John Burgess and other slaves off to war with him, and after the conflict ended, he gave each of them an acre. John Henry Burgess also knew that a North Carolina woman, Jane, had caught the eye of Uncle John Burgess, so he brought her to Henry County to work for him. She and Uncle John Burgess married and raised a family. “Uncle John was employed on the farm as long as John Henry Burgess lived,” Burgess said, adding that John Henry Burgess died in 1914 and Uncle John Burgess died in 1936. “He was integral to the family.”

No one is quite sure who made the ladderback chair with a cane seat, when it was made although it dates back to the 1800s, or what kind of wood it is made of. But they do know it was passed from generation to generation, ending with Burgess’ father, John Bradshaw Burgess, and his wife. She refinished it and had the seat recaned, and it was a prized possession in the Burgess home, he added. It also helped generations of children learn to walk, Burgess said. He turned the chair upside down and showed how the toddlers pushed it on the floor as they got their bearings, leaving the posts on the back and legs worn to an angle.

Burgess said after both his parents died, the four siblings took all their possessions and searched for appropriate homes for them. “Because of the history of the chair and the great work Jennifer (Doss of the Dan River Basin Association) had done, there is no more appropriate place for the chair than with Uncle John’s family,” Burgess said. In the meantime, Hairston started researching his mother’s side of the family — the Burgesses — and was steered to a Web site started by John Burgess. They realized their families were connected and they exchanged information and photographs, but that fell off after a while. Then Doss, project director for the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), began researching the Burgess family after finding an old cemetery on the Gravely land where the association has created a nature preserve. John Henry Burgess is buried there. Uncle John Burgess is buried in a cemetery on Old Mill Road in Ridgeway that has been cleaned, documented and listed with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to be preserved. During her research, Doss reconnected John Burgess and Hairston, added some information from Pat Ross of the Bassett Historical Center and “put all the pieces together,” Doss said. Almost all the pieces, that is. Hairston said they still do not know who Uncle John Burgess’ parents were, and they do not know much about the chair. But that does not lessen its impact. Doss said she got chills when she read the e-mails about the chair that connected the two families. Never a fan of history classes, this has made history come to life, she said. Her research and restoring the cemeteries fit DRBA’s mission of historic preservation, Doss said, adding that DRBA will compile the history into a book for the families.

After the chair is displayed at the historical center for a while, Sam Hairston will place it in his home, maybe with a picture hanging over it. John Burgess added that passing the chair on to the Hairston family also helps him reconcile some of that history. “It bothered me that my ancestors enslaved his ancestors,” he said, nodding at Hairston. “You can never do enough to make up for that. This is a little something. Martin Luther King’s dream tells all of us that we have a responsibility to make equality real.”

Boy Scout Troop 326 Needs Fly Fishermen Volunteers

The Boy Scouts of troop 326 in Martinsville are going for a Fly Fishing merit badge and need your help. The troop will be staying at the Bassett cabin on the Smith River, June 12-13.

The troop will need to cover most of the practical requirements of the merit badge at this location; knots, casting, fishing, flies, insects, etc. For the activities at the cabin, several experienced fly fisherman are needed who can come and guide a small team of scouts on the river to fish. The guides will need to bring gear for this part as well. Leaky bootfoot waders and old Fenwicks would be fine for the scouts.

The volunteers will be well fed and accommodated in the cabin if they would like to stay and camp with the leaders. The scouts will be camping outside. The volunteers will be provided with a guide and a hand copy of the merit badge requirements that can be carried with them to know what to cover.

If you are interested in volunteering for this fun-filled adventure, contact Shane Pinkston by phone at 276-732-5090 or by email at shane@southprintinc.com today!

Article provided by Shane Pinkston

Edited/Posted by Vicky Thomas

Clip art by http://www.fotosearch.com/

Boy Scout Troop 326 Needs Fly Fishermen Volunteers

The Boy Scouts of troop 326 in Martinsville are going for a Fly Fishing merit badge and need your help. The troop will be staying at the Bassett cabin on the Smith River, June 12-13.

The troop will need to cover most of the practical requirements of the merit badge at this location; knots, casting, fishing, flies, insects, etc. For the activities at the cabin, several experienced fly fisherman are needed who can come and guide a small team of scouts on the river to fish. The guides will need to bring gear for this part as well. Leaky bootfoot waders and old Fenwicks would be fine for the scouts.

The volunteers will be well fed and accommodated in the cabin if they would like to stay and camp with the leaders. The scouts will be camping outside. The volunteers will be provided with a guide and a hand copy of the merit badge requirements that can be carried with them to know what to cover.

If you are interested in volunteering for this fun-filled adventure, contact Shane Pinkston by phone at 276-732-5090 or by email at shane@southprintinc.com today!

Article provided by Shane Pinkston

Edited/Posted by Vicky Thomas

Clip art by http://www.fotosearch.com/

Uptown Pot Planting

Gateway Streetscape Foundation invites all interested citizens and groups to participate in the annual planting of the Uptown pots on Church, Main, and Fayette Streets. All volunteers are asked to meet in the Broad Street parking lot on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. to receive instructions and assignments. Volunteers will then fan out to plant the 60 pots located on the streets. Volunteers are requested to bring gloves and hand trowels if they have them. All planting material will be provided by Gateway and some hand trowels will be available on a first come basis. Volunteers assisting with the planting will receive a gift from Gateway as well as drinks. Call Gateway office at 634-4674 or 634-4622 for more details.

Uptown Pot Planting

Gateway Streetscape Foundation invites all interested citizens and groups to participate in the annual planting of the Uptown pots on Church, Main, and Fayette Streets. All volunteers are asked to meet in the Broad Street parking lot on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. to receive instructions and assignments. Volunteers will then fan out to plant the 60 pots located on the streets. Volunteers are requested to bring gloves and hand trowels if they have them. All planting material will be provided by Gateway and some hand trowels will be available on a first come basis. Volunteers assisting with the planting will receive a gift from Gateway as well as drinks. Call Gateway office at 634-4674 or 634-4622 for more details.