.
An occasional note on dividends. This is an informal collection of some information on dividend increases for U.S. stocks.
No commentary, analysis or recommendation is offered in this informal journal.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) June 15, 2009. The board of directors of Abbott, a health care company, reported on Friday a cash dividend of USD 0.40 per share on its common stock, which is the company's 342nd consecutive quarterly dividend. Abbot has now increased its dividends for 37 consecutive years.
The cash dividend is due on 15 August 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on 15 July 2009.
American Capital Agency Corp. (NASDAQ AGNC) June 23, 2009 boosted its second-quarter cash dividend by 76.5% to $1.50 per share from the $0.85/share it paid in the first quarter, when most companies in its sector have stopped paying or cut dividends.
The dividend is payable on July 27, with a record date of July 2 and ex-dividend date of June 30.
AGNC is a REIT or Real Estate Investment Trust formed in 2008 to invest exclusively in agency pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations for which the principal and interest payments are guaranteed by a U.S. Government agency or a U.S. Government-sponsored entity.
Cardinal Health, (NYSE: CAH) June 8, 2009 which provides products and services to the healthcare sector in the United States, announced a 25% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.175/share. The dividend has increased over 11 times over the past decade. The company's focus on dividend expansion creates a predictable and disciplined use of cash to drive shareholder returns and signals confidence and strength in the cash generated by its businesses. The stock currently yields 2.30%.
Casey’s General Store (NASDAQ: CASY) June 19, 2009 has over 1,450 convenience stores (including franchises) in nine
midwestern states, selling food, beverage, health and automotive products. At its June meeting, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend 13.3% to $0.085/share. The dividend is payable August 17th, to shareholders of record on August 3rd. This marks the fourth consecutive year CASY has increased its dividend. At the new rate, the stock is yielding 1.3%.
Citizens Holding Company (NASDAQ: CIZN) June 2, 2009 announced today that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable June 30, 2009, to shareholders of record as of June 15, 2009.
“I am proud today to announce our second quarter 2009 dividend of $0.20 per share,” said Greg L. McKee, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This dividend brings the year to date dividend to $0.40, an increase of 5.3% over the dividend paid in the first two quarters of 2008.”
Citizens Holding Company is a one-bank holding company and the parent company of The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, both headquartered in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The Bank has twenty-three full service banking locations in ten counties in East Central Mississippi in addition to a Loan Production Office in Biloxi, Mississippi. In addition to full service commercial banking, the Company offers mortgage loans, title insurance services through its subsidiary, Title Services, LLC and a full range of Internet banking services including online banking, bill pay and cash management services for businesses.
The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX), June 12, 2009 increased its dividend 9% to $0.50 per share.
C.R. Bard (NYSE: BCR) June 10, 2009 said late Wednesday its board had approved a quarterly dividend increase of 6%. The Murray Hill, N.J.-based company will now pay a quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share, up from its previous 16 cents. The dividend is payable July 31 to shareholders of record as of July 20. This increase marks the eighth consecutive year of dividend hikes for the company. Bard's dividend payout has doubled in the past 12 years.
Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) June 25, 2009 Increased its dividend to $0.25 quarterly with a current yield of 3.14%.
Darden operates in the full-service dining segment of the restaurant industry, primarily in the United States. the Company operated, through its subsidiaries, 1,702 restaurants in the United States and Canada. In the United States, , including 651 Red Lobster, 647 Olive Garden, 305 LongHorn Steakhouse, 32 The Capital Grille, 23 Bahama Breeze and seven Seasons 52 restaurants, and two specialty restaurants: Hemenway’s Seafood Grille & Oyster Bar and The Old Grist Mill Tavern. In Canada, Darden operated 35 restaurants, including 29 Red Lobster and six Olive Garden restaurants.
The dividend was raised yesterday from $0.20 to $0.25 quarterly putting the current yield at a very attractive 3.14%. This marked the seventh annual increase over the past eight years. Holders of record on July 10th will be paid the higher rate on August 3rd.
Del Monte (NYSE: DLM) June 19, 2009. Del Monte Foods announced a 25% dividend increase albeit from a small base. The Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend $0.05 per share, which is a $0.01 increase from the prior level of $0.04. The company maintains a leveraged balance sheet with debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97.
Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) June 23, 2009 has increased its quarterly cash dividend by 4 percent to 24 cents per share from 23 cents per share. The dividend is payable Sept. 16 to shareholders of record on Aug. 14. “Despite challenging economic conditions, Duke Energy continues to successfully implement its business strategy,” says Chief Executive Jim Rogers. “We are pleased to share this success with our investors.”
This is the 83rd consecutive year that Charlotte-based Duke Energy has paid a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock.
Ecology and Environment, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEI) June 17, 2009. E & E reported an increase of $10.6 million in revenue during the third quarter of fiscal year 2009 compared to the third quarter of the prior year. The increase in revenue was attributable to increased work in the Company's energy, environmental restoration, and federal government sectors. "We strongly believe in sustainability throughout our organization and in our financials," said President and CEO, Kevin Neumaier. At the end of the quarter, the company had cash of $13.5 million with debt of only $.7 million and available lines of credit of $37.6 million. The Company's book value was $40.3 million or $9.86 per share. In April 2009, the Company declared a dividend of $.20 per share to shareholders of both Class A and Class B common stock, which represents the 47th consecutive dividend since the Company became public in 1987 and the 14th increase in 22 years.
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) (Nasdaq:FDS), June 16, 2009 a leading provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community, today announced its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009.
For the quarter ended May 31, 2009, revenues increased to $154.4 million, up 5% compared to the prior year. Operating income for the third quarter rose to $53.3 million, an increase of 11% from $47.9 million in the same period of fiscal 2008. Operating margins advanced to 34.5%. Net income rose to $38.5 million as compared to $32.5 million a year ago. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.79 from $0.65 in the same period of fiscal 2008. Included in this quarter's EPS was an income tax benefit of $0.06 per share related to finalizing prior years' tax returns and repatriating foreign earnings to the U.S. The quarterly dividend increased 11% from $0.18 to $0.20 per share. Common shares outstanding at May 31, 2009 were 47.1 million. The Company repurchased 200,000 shares during the quarter and $134 million remains authorized for future repurchases.
The First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FNLC) June 18, 2009. The Board of Directors of The First Bancorp today declared a quarterly dividend of 19.5 cents per share. This second-quarter dividend, which is payable July 31, 2009, to shareholders of record as of July 6, 2009, represents an increase of 2.6% or 0.5 cent per share over the second-quarter dividend declared in 2008 of 19.0 cents per share and is equal to the 19.5 cents per share declared in the previous three quarters.
First Keystone Corporation (OTC BB: FKYS) June 4, 2009 parent company of First Keystone National Bank, declared a $.23 per share quarterly cash dividend to shareholders of record as of June 16, 2009, payable June 30, 2009. Total cash dividends per share will be $.46 as of June 30, 2009, up from $.44 paid in the first two quarters of 2008, an increase of 4.5%.
First Keystone National Bank, an independently owned community bank since 1864, presently operates 14 full service offices in Columbia (5), Luzerne (4), Montour (1) and Monroe (4) Counties providing banking and trust services. In Monroe County, the Bank trades as Pocono Community Bank, a division of First Keystone National Bank.
Inquiries regarding the purchase of the company’s stock may be made through the following brokers: RBC Dain Rauscher, 800-223-4207; Janney Montgomery Scott, Inc., 800-526-6397; Boenning & Scattergood, Inc., 800-883-8383; and Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Inc., 800-223-6807.
Franklin Resources (NYSE: BEN) June 16, 2009 announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share payable on July 10, 2009 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2009. The quarterly dividend of $0.21 is equivalent to the dividend paid for the prior quarter and represents a 5% increase over the quarterly dividend paid for the same quarter last year.
Franklin Resources, Inc. is a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management solutions managed by its Franklin, Templeton, Mutual Series, Fiduciary Trust, Darby and Bissett investment teams. The San Mateo, CA-based company has more than 60 years of investment experience and over $448 billion in assets under management as of May 31, 2009.
Hatteras Financial Corp. (NYSE: HTS) Jun 23, 2009. The Board of Directors of Hatteras Financial Corp. today declared a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per common share for the second quarter of 2009. The dividend will be paid on July 24, 2009, to stockholders of record on July 6, 2009, with an ex-dividend date of July 1, 2009.
"We are pleased to again announce an increase in our quarterly dividend," said Michael R. Hough, Chief Executive Officer of Hatteras. "Borrowing costs have continued to trend lower, which has directly contributed to a higher net interest margin than we earned in the first quarter. While prepayment rates have trended moderately higher quarter over quarter, they have remained on the low end of our estimates."
Hatteras Financial is a real estate investment trust formed in 2007 to invest in adjustable-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate single-family residential mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., Hatteras is managed and advised by Atlantic Capital Advisors LLC. Hatteras is a component of the Russell 2000(R) and the Russell 3000(R) indices.
Isabella Bank Corp. (OTC pink sheets ISBA) May 31, 2009. Several members of the Isabella Bank Corp. Board of Directors were re-elected to new terms at the annual meeting of shareholders on May 5.
Shareholders re-elected David J. Maness, president of Maness Petroleum; W. Joseph Manifold, CPA and president of Federal Broach; William J. Strickler, president of Michiwest Energy; and Dennis P. Angner, president of Isabella Bank Corporation, to serve as members of the Board of Directors until the 2012 annual meeting of shareholders.
Additionally James C. Fabiano, chairman of Fabiano Brothers, was re-elected by the Board of the Directors to serve as chairman of the corporation.
Angner also announced that the corporation's Board of Directors at its May 21 meeting declared a second quarter cash dividend of 13 cents per share payable on June 30 to shareholders of record on June 1. The cash dividend represents an 8.3 percent increase over the dividend paid in the first quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2008 and reflects the corporation's continued strong financial performance.
Isabella Bank Corporation, with $1.65 billion of assets under management, is the parent company of Isabella Bank, which serves the central Michigan region with 24 branch locations.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa & JWb), June 18, 2009 announced that the Board of Directors at their meeting today declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share on its Class A and Class B Common Stock, payable on July 14, 2009 to shareholders of record on July 6, 2009. This is the 16th consecutive annual dividend increase and represents an increase of 8% over the previous dividend of $0.13 per share.
Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley and its acquired companies have published the works of more than 350 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace.
Its core businesses publish scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional/trade books, subscription products, training materials, and online applications and Web sites; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley's global headquarters are located in Hoboken, New Jersey, with operations in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia.
Lowe’s Cos (NYSE: LOW) announced a quarterly cash dividend increase of about 6%, from 8.5 cents per share to 9 cents per share, the new dividend will be paid on July 31 to July 17 before closing the register of shareholders in the distribution.
In addition, held Friday in the company’s annual shareholders meeting, shareholders also re-elected Peter C. Browning, Marshall O. Larsen, Stephen F. Page and O. Temple Sloan Jr as a director, two-year term. Shareholders rejected the company’s North Dakota re-registration, as well as separation of chairman and chief executive officer of the proposed posts.
Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), June 18, 2009 which develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices worldwide, approved a 9% increase in its quarterly dividend to 20.50 cents per share. In addition to that the company also approved an increase in its Share Repurchase Plan, authorizing Medtronic to purchase an additional 60 million shares of its common stock, which represents 5.4% of the company’s outstanding stock issued. Medtronic, Inc. is a dividend champion, which has increased its quarterly dividend for thirty one consecutive years. The stock currently yields 2.20%.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) April 30, 2009 announced today that its Board of Directors has increased the company's quarterly dividend from $.32 per share to $.33 per share for an annual rate of $1.32 per share, compared to the previous annual rate of $1.28 per
share.
The dividend will be payable on July 15, 2009, to stockholders of record as of June 10, 2009. Oxy has raised the dividend every year since 2002. This increase is the company's eighth over the period, during which Oxy's dividend has risen 164 percent. The company has paid quarterly dividends continuously since 1975.
Oil-Dri (NYSE: ODC) June 9, 2009 The Board of Directors of Oil-Dri Corporation of America today declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.15 per share of the Company's Common Stock and $0.1125 per share of the Company's Class B Stock, a 7% increase for both classes of stock. The dividends will be payable on September 4, 2009, to stockholders of record at the close of business on August 21, 2009. The Company has paid cash dividends continuously since 1974.
Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading supplier of specialty sorbent products for industrial, automotive, agricultural, horticultural and specialty markets and the world's largest manufacturer of cat litter.
PetSmart (NASDAQ: PETM) Jnue 26, 2009 after an extensive analysis of expected free cash flows showed confidence in their our operating plan with a generous dividend increase and share repurchase plan.
PETM operates more than 1,100 pet stores in the U.S. and Canada, offering pet food, supplies and services. Tuesday the company PETM announced an increase its quarterly dividend of 233% to $0.10/share. In addition, its Board of Directors authorized a $350 million stock purchase plan. In a statement the company said it plans to continue to grow the business by opening about 40 stores per year for the foreseeable future. At the new rate, the stock is yielding 1.92%.
Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) For a second quarter in which Piedmont Natural Gas Co. Inc. increased its dividend for the 31st consecutive year, analysts expect the North Carolina-based utility to report a profit of $0.68 per share, which is two cents higher than a year ago. Revenue is expected to total $637.5 million, which is about the same as a year ago. Piedmont's results have tended to fall a bit short of analysts' estimates in recent quarters. The long-term EPS growth forecast is 7.0%, and the forward PE ratio estimate is 15.0, which is better than the industry average. The consensus recommendation remains to buy PNY. Shares are up 4.6% since the beginning of the year to $23.73, but they are still 13.6% lower than a year ago and still well below the 100-day moving average.
Prospect Capital Corporation
(NASDAQ: PSEC) June 23, 2009 announced today that it has
declared a fourth fiscal quarter (for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009)
dividend of $0.40625 per share.
This dividend marks the Company’s 19th consecutive quarterly increase. The
dividend now represents an approximately 17.9% current annualized dividend
yield based on the closing stock price on J
Realty Income (NYSE: O), June 22, 2009 engages in the acquisition and ownership of commercial retail real estate properties in the United States. The monthly cash dividend was increased to $0.142375 per share from $0.1420625 per share. This represents the 6th increase for the past year. Tom A. Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Realty Income, commented, "We are pleased that, despite challenging economic conditions, our operations allow us to once again increase the amount of the dividend we pay to our shareholders. With the payment of the July dividend we will have made 468 consecutive monthly dividend payments."
Realty Income calls itself The Monthly Dividend Company(R), since it has declared 468 consecutive common stock monthly dividends throughout its 40-year operating history and increased the dividend 54 times since Realty Income's listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 1994. The monthly dividend is supported by the cash flow from over 2,300 retail properties owned under long-term lease agreements with leading regional and national retail chains. Check my analysis of Realty Income (O). This dividend achiever currently yields 7.70%.
Stewardship Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: SSFN) June 17, 2009 parent company of Atlantic Stewardship Bank, declared a $0.095 per share cash dividend. Common stockholders of record as of July 15, 2009 will be paid the dividend on August 3, 2009. This represents a 5.0 percent increase over the third quarter cash dividend paid in 2008, as adjusted for the 5 percent stock dividend paid in November 2008.
In announcing the dividend, Chairman William C. Hanse and President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Van Ostenbridge stated,
"We are pleased to show our continued strong commitment to our shareholders by recognizing them with our forty-seventh consecutive cash dividend. We understand the challenges in the current banking environment; however we remain optimistic about the Corporation's future performance."
Stewardship Financial Corporation's subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank, has banking offices in Midland Park, Hawthorne (2 offices), Montville, North Haledon, Ridgewood, Pequannock, Waldwick, Wayne (3 offices), Westwood and Wyckoff, New Jersey. Atlantic Stewardship Bank, opened in 1985, is a community bank serving individuals and businesses, and is well known for tithing 10 percent of its pre-tax profits to Christian and local charitable organizations.
Supervalu Inc. (NYSE: SVU) May 28, 2009 approved a 1.45% increase in the annual indicated dividend to $0.70 per share from last year’s level of $0.69 per share. With this announcement, Supervalu Inc. ontinues its strong dividend history, having paid dividends for over 70 years. The new quarterly dividend rate of $0.175 per share will be effective with the September dividend payment. The previously announced quarterly dividend, which is payable on June 15, 2009 to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2009 will be paid at last year’s quarterly amount of $0.1725 per share.
Supervalu Inc.’s board of directors today adopted a new annual share repurchase program authorizing the company to purchase up to $70 million of the company's common stock. Stock purchases will be made from time to time in open market purchases primarily from the cash generated from the settlement of stock options. The annual authorization program announced today replaces the existing $70 million share repurchase program authorized in May 2008 under which 641,500 shares were repurchased at a cost of $16.6 million.[SM]
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) June 12, 2009 announced a 6.25% increase in the company's quarterly dividend. The new quarterly dividend increases to 17 cents per share versus 16 cents per share in the same period a year ago. The projected dividend payout ratio is 24% based the January 2010 earnings per share estimate of $2.85. This compares to the 5-year average payout ratio of 13%. Lastly, Target carries an S&P Earnings & Dividend Quality Ranking of A+.
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) declared a 3-for-2 split of its common stock, to be distributed on July 14 to holders of record on June 20. In lieu of fractional shares, cash will be paid. The company also approved a 50 percent increase in its quarterly cash dividend, so that its quarterly dividend will continue at the rate of 5 cents per share on all ”post-split” shares. The record date is Wednesday,
July 8, 2009. The payment date is Monday, July 20, 2009. Tiffany operates retail stores in New York, Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Boston, Chicago, Costa Mesa, Dallas and Houston.
Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE: UHT) June 4. 2009 announced today that its Board of Trustees voted to increase the quarterly dividend by $.005 and pay a dividend of $.595 per share on June 30, 2009 to shareholders of record as of June 16, 2009. Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral healthcare facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, sub-acute care facilities, surgery centers, childcare centers and medical office buildings. The Trust has forty-nine investments in fifteen states.
Village Super Market (NASDAQ: VLGEA) June 19, 2009. operates a chain of 23 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company’s Board increased its quarterly cash dividend 7.5% to $0.215/share. The dividend is payable on July 23, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 2, 2009. VLGEA has increased its dividend six consecutive years since began paying dividends in 2003. At the new rate, the stock is yielding 2.9%.TGT,SVU,ssfn, O,PSECPNY, PETM,ODC, OXY, ISBEN,
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Laura Franks Bexley CPI Report Second Quarter, 2009.
Listen to the podcast of Laura Frank's Report
Laura Franks reported that most Bexley retail prices in her standard market basket are unchanged for the second quarter, 2009. Nonetheless, because of the recorded prices of two items, her consumer price index showed an overall price decline for the quarter.
The Bexley CPI reports on the aggregate prices paid for a uniform basket of merchandise purchased at retail in Bexley and nearby retail stores.
The Bexley CPI measures the change of prices for typical retail purchases made by Bexley residents.
The Bexley CPI can be compared to the price changes reported by the Bureau of Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. The comparison can provide useful information for Bexley consumers about local price changes compared to price changes in other parts of the United States.
As of the second quarter, 2009 compared to the first quarter, 2009, Bexley prices showed a marked decrease of 10.70%. This decline is attributable to two factors. One is a significant 29% markdown on one(1) personal hygiene item. The second factor is the result of a stationery item being out of stock and having to replace it with the same product, but in a smaller size, and therefore priced at $1.00 less than the regular market basket item.
Even if the regular stationery item had been available at its first quarter price, we still would have had a little over 5% decrease in Bexley retail prices.
Except for these two(2) items, the prices on the remainder of the market basket purchases stayed the same as the first quarter 2009.
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Laura Franks. Photo is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.
Laura Franks reported that most Bexley retail prices in her standard market basket are unchanged for the second quarter, 2009. Nonetheless, because of the recorded prices of two items, her consumer price index showed an overall price decline for the quarter.
The Bexley CPI reports on the aggregate prices paid for a uniform basket of merchandise purchased at retail in Bexley and nearby retail stores.
The Bexley CPI measures the change of prices for typical retail purchases made by Bexley residents.
The Bexley CPI can be compared to the price changes reported by the Bureau of Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. The comparison can provide useful information for Bexley consumers about local price changes compared to price changes in other parts of the United States.
As of the second quarter, 2009 compared to the first quarter, 2009, Bexley prices showed a marked decrease of 10.70%. This decline is attributable to two factors. One is a significant 29% markdown on one(1) personal hygiene item. The second factor is the result of a stationery item being out of stock and having to replace it with the same product, but in a smaller size, and therefore priced at $1.00 less than the regular market basket item.
Even if the regular stationery item had been available at its first quarter price, we still would have had a little over 5% decrease in Bexley retail prices.
Except for these two(2) items, the prices on the remainder of the market basket purchases stayed the same as the first quarter 2009.
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Laura Franks. Photo is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.
John Matuszak schedule of interviews Napoleon Bell and Robin Innes.
John Matuszak's will interview Napoleon Bell, executive director of the City of Columbus Community Relations Commission on the Wednesday June 24 Eastside News Roundup at 11 a.m.
The following week on Wednesday July 1, John Matuszak will interview, Robin Innes, public relations director for Cedar Point.
The following week on Wednesday July 1, John Matuszak will interview, Robin Innes, public relations director for Cedar Point.
Whitehall's Hometown Heroes Coming To Town! by Dianne Garrett.
The Next Level Football Camp hosted by New York Giant Domenik Hixon and Former Toledo Rocket Anthony Jordan will be July 11 at Whitehall Yearling High School 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Jordan is currently an assistant football coach at Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania.
Both young men have gone on from their hometown to pursue their dreams, and they want to see other Whitehall youth have every opportunity to do the same. On July 10 they will host an event at Buffalo Wild Wings 5-8 p.m. Autographed football memorabilia will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefitting the WYHS athletic department.
Hixon and Jordan feel it is important to give back to their home community, so the annual event is two-fold. Children have an opportunity to learn from pros, while their alma mater receives a financial boost, as well.
The staff roster is impressive, and follows:
NaShan Goddard - Seattle Seahawks
Brian Clark - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steve Cargiale - New York Giants
Chase Blackburn - New York Giants
Mathias Kiwanuka - New York Giants
Michael Matthews - New York Giants
Sinorice Moss - New York Giants
Barry Cofield - New York Giants
Mario Manningham - New York Giants
Charlie Frye - Seattle Seahawks
Lance Moore - New Orleans Saints
John Greco - St. Louis Rams
Tim Crouch - Akron Zips
Tyree Pollard - Toledo Rockets
Andrews Hawkins - Toledo Rockets (TV: "4th and Long" with Michael Irvin and Spike Network
J R Ford - Michigan/Capitol University
Murad Holliday - Kent State Golden Flashes/Gahanna Lincoln High School
Camp Information
Clothing for camp is T-shirt, shorts/sweats with football cleats or athletic shoes. Shorts/sweats should be worn firm around the waist. A water bottle is encouraged, but water will be available at all times for the campers. Drinks will be sold at the concession stand.
Registration is $25 if registered before July 7, and $30 at the gate. Register three children, and the fourth is free. All forms have to be turned in together to qualify. The first 100 to register will receive a special prize at the end of camp. For those who would like for their child to attend, and are not financially able, email Anthony Jordan at Nextlevelfootballcamp@yahoo.com, and leave your name and number. You will be contacted. Also if anyone wants to sponsor some children or donate money or anything to help with the camp, it will be welcomed. Use the same email contact as above.
Cash, checks and money orders will be accepted. Please make payable to Whitehall Yearling High School, and mail to:
The Next Level Football Camp
P.O. Box 13686
Whitehall, OH 43213
Also, there will be Q & A sessions with NFL players. Games will be availble to play for a small fee during the camp for friends and family members. Parents are encouraged to attend. Everyone is welcome!
The pair said, "We want this to be about community and family coming together. If you do not have children attending the camp, still come out and have a great time. The WHYS band will have the concession stand open, so you can buy food, water or drinks. All money raised will be donated to Whitehall Schools."
Every registered participant will receive a T-shirt, lunch or dinner, along with a drink.
T-shirts will also be available for sale. Come out for a great time!
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.
Both young men have gone on from their hometown to pursue their dreams, and they want to see other Whitehall youth have every opportunity to do the same. On July 10 they will host an event at Buffalo Wild Wings 5-8 p.m. Autographed football memorabilia will be auctioned, with all proceeds benefitting the WYHS athletic department.
Hixon and Jordan feel it is important to give back to their home community, so the annual event is two-fold. Children have an opportunity to learn from pros, while their alma mater receives a financial boost, as well.
The staff roster is impressive, and follows:
NaShan Goddard - Seattle Seahawks
Brian Clark - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Steve Cargiale - New York Giants
Chase Blackburn - New York Giants
Mathias Kiwanuka - New York Giants
Michael Matthews - New York Giants
Sinorice Moss - New York Giants
Barry Cofield - New York Giants
Mario Manningham - New York Giants
Charlie Frye - Seattle Seahawks
Lance Moore - New Orleans Saints
John Greco - St. Louis Rams
Tim Crouch - Akron Zips
Tyree Pollard - Toledo Rockets
Andrews Hawkins - Toledo Rockets (TV: "4th and Long" with Michael Irvin and Spike Network
J R Ford - Michigan/Capitol University
Murad Holliday - Kent State Golden Flashes/Gahanna Lincoln High School
Camp Information
Clothing for camp is T-shirt, shorts/sweats with football cleats or athletic shoes. Shorts/sweats should be worn firm around the waist. A water bottle is encouraged, but water will be available at all times for the campers. Drinks will be sold at the concession stand.
Registration is $25 if registered before July 7, and $30 at the gate. Register three children, and the fourth is free. All forms have to be turned in together to qualify. The first 100 to register will receive a special prize at the end of camp. For those who would like for their child to attend, and are not financially able, email Anthony Jordan at Nextlevelfootballcamp@yahoo.com, and leave your name and number. You will be contacted. Also if anyone wants to sponsor some children or donate money or anything to help with the camp, it will be welcomed. Use the same email contact as above.
Cash, checks and money orders will be accepted. Please make payable to Whitehall Yearling High School, and mail to:
The Next Level Football Camp
P.O. Box 13686
Whitehall, OH 43213
Also, there will be Q & A sessions with NFL players. Games will be availble to play for a small fee during the camp for friends and family members. Parents are encouraged to attend. Everyone is welcome!
The pair said, "We want this to be about community and family coming together. If you do not have children attending the camp, still come out and have a great time. The WHYS band will have the concession stand open, so you can buy food, water or drinks. All money raised will be donated to Whitehall Schools."
Every registered participant will receive a T-shirt, lunch or dinner, along with a drink.
T-shirts will also be available for sale. Come out for a great time!
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.
Whitehall's Independence Day Celebration. Dianne Garrett.
The following is a schedule of Whitehall's Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by Whitehall Community Celebration Association. Fireworks are sponsored by City of Whitehall. All activities will be John Bishop Park.
Saturday, June 27
Beautiful Baby 10:30 a.m. at the John LaCorte band shell
Little Miss Whitehall 1:00 p.m. (band shell)
Car show 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the yard across from the band shell
Admission: $5
Registration starts at 4 p.m.
Free dash plates to the first 50 registrants
Monday, June 29
Jr. Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Wednesday, July 1
Young Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Thursday, July 2
Amusement & Rides open at 5 p.m. - midway on Etna Road side
Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Taste of Whitehall Pizza Tasting Contest 7:30 p.m. at the WCCA information center
Friday, July 3
Amusement & Rides open at 5 p.m.
Kids games 6:30 p.m. at the WCCA information center
Saturday, July 4
Parade 10 a.m. from Community Bank on Yearling to Langley, ending at the band shell
Recognition ceremony 12 p.m. (band shell)
Amusement and Rides open at 12 p.m.
City vs. Police and Fire Softball game 3 p.m. - across from WCCA information center
Musical Entertainment 7 - 9:55 p.m. with "Next Exit" band
FIREWORKS 10 p.m.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.
Saturday, June 27
Beautiful Baby 10:30 a.m. at the John LaCorte band shell
Little Miss Whitehall 1:00 p.m. (band shell)
Car show 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the yard across from the band shell
Admission: $5
Registration starts at 4 p.m.
Free dash plates to the first 50 registrants
Monday, June 29
Jr. Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Wednesday, July 1
Young Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Thursday, July 2
Amusement & Rides open at 5 p.m. - midway on Etna Road side
Miss Whitehall 6:30 p.m. (band shell)
Taste of Whitehall Pizza Tasting Contest 7:30 p.m. at the WCCA information center
Friday, July 3
Amusement & Rides open at 5 p.m.
Kids games 6:30 p.m. at the WCCA information center
Saturday, July 4
Parade 10 a.m. from Community Bank on Yearling to Langley, ending at the band shell
Recognition ceremony 12 p.m. (band shell)
Amusement and Rides open at 12 p.m.
City vs. Police and Fire Softball game 3 p.m. - across from WCCA information center
Musical Entertainment 7 - 9:55 p.m. with "Next Exit" band
FIREWORKS 10 p.m.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Dianne Garrett.
The Herons. By the most sensitive man in Bexley, Simon Doer.
The Herons. They reside in the Preston Road area of Columbus just to the west of Bexley. They are herons (yellow crowned night herons to be exact). Their nests, like tax havens, are located in that patch of real estate just outside Bexley in an awkward gerrymandered slice of Columbus. Like a peninsula, the Columbus area bounded by water at Alum Creek and Broad and Parkview Streets similar to an isthmus, juts out in historic tax defiance to its Bexley neighbors.
It is hard to deny that it is a perfect location, close to the water of Alum Creek and the trees of Wolfe Park. The herons wisely take advantage of that location to wing east to consume fish as their staple food from the ponds of Bexley residents as if those services are an entitlement offered to them due to their close Columbus residency. Similar to the herons consumption of fish in the ponds of adjoining residents, Columbus aggressively annexed land to grow while the slice of land to the east of Alum Creek remained as a dimple on the face of Columbus.
Like human carpetbaggers, during the past several years the herons have become outliers to Bexley, of sorts. The herons usual habitat has been the southern coastal region of the United States, a migration pattern many of their human neighbors also follow throughout the year. The residents appear to live parallel lives.
As they nest in the trees above the Columbus streets and the houses occupied by their human counterparts, the herons derive the protection of law enforcement as an endangered species. Bexley police even patrol those remote Columbus streets and Wolf Park in similar deference to what could be considered special citizens as they protect the human occupants of houses in close proximity to Bexley.
Taunt nets above the Bexley ponds may distract herons from their feasts of koi and goldfish, however, there currently appears no way to net the lost revenue from the closely knit Columbus community based near her Bexley neighbors. That slice of Columbus originally carved out of the near Bexley landscape to enable the election of Columbus City Council members from the area, became a permanent nest and haven, not only for the endangered herons, but for Columbus residents as well. Are there ways to share the cost of the current environment with Bexley’s near neighbors? Perhaps we need to be content that the herons’ human nightly counterparts occasionally pay to enjoy the food and merchant services of Bexley.
That is one sensitive man’s opinion. What is yours?
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. MSMIB, Simon Doer and Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.
It is hard to deny that it is a perfect location, close to the water of Alum Creek and the trees of Wolfe Park. The herons wisely take advantage of that location to wing east to consume fish as their staple food from the ponds of Bexley residents as if those services are an entitlement offered to them due to their close Columbus residency. Similar to the herons consumption of fish in the ponds of adjoining residents, Columbus aggressively annexed land to grow while the slice of land to the east of Alum Creek remained as a dimple on the face of Columbus.
Like human carpetbaggers, during the past several years the herons have become outliers to Bexley, of sorts. The herons usual habitat has been the southern coastal region of the United States, a migration pattern many of their human neighbors also follow throughout the year. The residents appear to live parallel lives.
As they nest in the trees above the Columbus streets and the houses occupied by their human counterparts, the herons derive the protection of law enforcement as an endangered species. Bexley police even patrol those remote Columbus streets and Wolf Park in similar deference to what could be considered special citizens as they protect the human occupants of houses in close proximity to Bexley.
Taunt nets above the Bexley ponds may distract herons from their feasts of koi and goldfish, however, there currently appears no way to net the lost revenue from the closely knit Columbus community based near her Bexley neighbors. That slice of Columbus originally carved out of the near Bexley landscape to enable the election of Columbus City Council members from the area, became a permanent nest and haven, not only for the endangered herons, but for Columbus residents as well. Are there ways to share the cost of the current environment with Bexley’s near neighbors? Perhaps we need to be content that the herons’ human nightly counterparts occasionally pay to enjoy the food and merchant services of Bexley.
That is one sensitive man’s opinion. What is yours?
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. MSMIB, Simon Doer and Bexley Public Radio Editorial Collective.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Hank Belew reports to Bexley on North Georgia Bluegrass and BBQ
Listen to the podcast of Hank Belew's dispatch from Rabun County.
Hank Belew reports from Rabun County, North Georgia. Hank is the Bexley Public Radio culture correspondent covering North Georgia and contiguous states.
Chilly mornings, lot of rain, and Chattooga River is up. This months rain is like the rain of yesteryears. Almost every day. Humidity. At night to get in bed, you’d lift the cover sheet up and let it fall and settle on you because the sheets were just too sticky from the humidity in the air.
Those were the days before air conditioning.
Now you have to have air conditioning, microwave stoves and two and three phone lines.
Hank said he used to grumble because Southern Bell kept changing the telephone area code in Rabun County. Hank grumbled until he realized that he has six telephone numbers himself. A fax, two cell phones, two land lines to the business and one to the house.
Hank began his culture dispatch with a comment that North Georgia Bluegrass jam sessions are firing up.
There are now five or six jam sessions a week in Rabun County.
Jam session are not concerts where people go to listen to specific bands and performers. Jam sessions are distinct from concerts. A jam session is where anyone who brings an instrument can play along or sing along. People go to jam sessions to listen, learn, play and sing.
The Bexley Public Radio culture correspondent said that people used to go across the Chattooga River to a little community called Mountain Rest to play in a Bluegrass jam session. The location was Cousin’s Store. Robert Lowery was the proprietor for years. The store closed for a while and now Bert’s kinfolks have reopened the store in the same location. When Hank was just learning Bluegrass, there was a jam session every Saturday night and people would drive hundreds of miles just to attend and participate.
At Cousin’s, there was always a core group of really good musicians. Students and beginners sat on the outside edges of the circle. Experienced musicians would sit in the “inner circle.” Next around would be the pretty good musicians, Then, the younger and inexperienced musicians would sit on the outside and at the edges of the circle where they could watch, listen and learn. As these beginners honed their skills, they could progress closer to the inner circle of experienced Bluegrass players.
[WCRX-LP editorial collective note: Most Google connections for “inner circle” make the following points and discuss “Esoterica. 1655, from Gk. esoterikos "belonging to an inner circle," from esotero, comp. adv. of eso "within." In Eng., originally of Pythagorean doctrines. According to Lucian, the division of teachings into exoteric and esoteric originated with Aristotle.”]
There are five or six jam sessions a week in Rabun County. Most are on weekend evenings or evenings near the weekend.
Besides jam sessions, there is also formal Bluegrass education in Rabun County. The Blue Ridge Music Academy offers courses of study. Founders of the academy are two musicians who perform with The Foxfire Boys Bluegrass band. Courses are conducted five days a week. Students range in age from five or six years old to at least one student in his seventies.
Tom Nixon and Dean English are associated with Blue Ridge Music Academy and are members of the Foxfire Boys. They have a jam session each Thursday night at their store in Clayton. The session is on a porch during most of the year and inside around a wood stove during cool summer nights and cold winter evenings.
The Blue Ridge Music Academy is located in Clayton and looks west over U.S. Route 23 as this highway passes through Rabun County.
The original Foxfire School music program was taught by George Reynolds, now a resident of Tennessee. The hallmark of Reynolds’ teaching was a chaotic school room. But his lessons kept Bluegrass alive for his students, and almost any musician between 24 and 44 was taught or at least heavily influenced by George.
Hank then continued his reflections on the types of Bluegrass songs. For this dispatch, Hank considered “Survivial Songs”
Living in the mountains isolated from commerce, people just had to rely on their own efforts and skills to survive. Even when playing music, their minds and feelings were on simple survival. The lyrics tended to be about what you did, day to day, morning to night. The subjects of Bluegrass songs were simple, direct and straight forward: Where you built your cabin, where you got your food.
Examples of this category of songs are “Cabin in the Lane”, “Little Log Cabin,” “Blue Ridge Cabin Home,” and “How You Gonna Eat.”
Another example is the Bill Monroe song lyric “ There’s a rabbit in log and I ain’t got my dog, how am I gonna get him out. I’ll get me a briar and I’ll twist it in his hair, that’s how I’ll get him out.” This is a survival song, pure and simple.
Hank then commented that “There’s ways to get your food if you need to” and then discussed wild meats, game and fowl. Rabbit, venison, possum, raccoon, bear, squirrel.
Hank said “These are foods that follow the old saying that ‘you can eat anything that can’t out run you.’”
As gourmand commentary, Hank said “Squirrel. All its good for is to pull it off the bone and make dumplings. There’s just not enough meat on squirrel. Possum is stringy. You have to boil it up to soften it and then bake it so it gets a little crust on it. It tastes better with a crust.” He also said that coon meat is an “elegant meat.” “Raccoon is a totally elegant meat with a slight gamey taste to it. Raccoon meat the ‘other, other white meat.’”
The culture correspondent continued with some observations on coon-hunting which he said has become an important sport. Coon-hunting used to be a survival skill but has become a major sporting activity. A visit to a sporting goods shops will display a surprising amount of coon hunting equipment. There are no special coon-hunting rifles. Most hunters use 22 caliber rifles because they are small and light, easy to carry through the woods.
The dogs that people hunt with are as specialized as thoroughbred racing horses. Hank said that years ago, a friend named Cliff went over to Alabama and bought a Walker coon hound. Cliff paid upwards of $25 thousand for the dog.
The friend was eager to show off his new and pricey hound to his buddies. Cliff telephoned his buddies and they got a troop together and went out coon-hunting just south of Rabun County. Rabun County is on the edge of the mountains so the next county south is much flatter. There are more rivers and a lot more coon down there. The next county is just better terrain for coon-hunting.
The hunters and the new coon dog tracked their prey to an old tree growing in the bottom land. The tree leaned out toward the river and had low branches that were not too steep. The coon was hiding in one of the lower branches. The $25 thousand Walker spotted the coon. The eager hound climbed onto the lower branch to confront the coon.
Suddenly, the dog became silent, lost his balance and dropped off the branch. The $25 thousand dog hit the ground dead.
Cliff took the dog to a veterinary doctor for a autopsy.
The cause of death was identified as a heart attack.
Cliff ended up paying for a fancy grave for his $25 thousand coon dog.
[WCRX-LP editorial collective comment: Now there’s a story that needs a Bluegrass lyric and song!]
Hank said that there are long breeding lines of hounds in the South. There are top show hounds and top hunting dogs. There is a lot of money in the breeding and training of hounds. But the hounds are not as expensive as fox hounds and the hunting thoroughbreds. Fox hounds are the “high dollar” dogs. Hank said that fox hunting is the sport of gentlemen. Coon hunting is the sport of “good ole boys.”
Hank continued his discussion of game meats and fowl. He said that there are coon and possum recipes in kitchens of Rabun County. He also said that the locals have stories about the medicinal and health-giving quality of wild meats, game and fowl.
As an example, Hank offered a story from John Hammonds, a resident of North Carolina. The story was about an old fellow named Parsons.
Parson’s home was the shelter under a rock, Parsons had the “sided-in” the shelter and raised his family there.
At the time of the story Parsons lived alone. Hammonds heard that Parsons was down and doing poorly with an undiagnosed illness.
The next time Hammonds was out hunting, he checked on Parsons to learn how the sick man was doing.
Hammond asked Parsons “What ails you?” Parsons responded “I don’t know what the problem is but I think if I ate me an owl, it would cure me.”
John Hammonds went off and took it on himself to catch an owl or two for Parsons. Hammonds said that year, the owls were pretty thick and plentiful.
Hammonds took his catch to Parsons and then went on his way back home.
Two or three weeks passed and Hammonds was back hunting and took it on himself to visit Parsons to see how the owl cure worked. When he got to Parsons house under the rock, the old man was sitting on the porch, getting up and around. Hammonds asked “How are you and the owl getting along?” Parsons replied “We are doing just fine. Mr. Parsons is up and around.”
Hank offered the commentary “That wild food is good for you. Maybe.”
Hank said that the “Survival songs” of Bluegrass can also be categorized as “Wild meat songs”, “hunting songs” and “dog songs.”
Hank then reminded listeners that the Georgia state BBQ championship and 13th annual Bluegrass festival are fast approaching. The championship and festival are held in Dillard, Georgia just down U.S. Route 23 from Columbus, Ohio. The championship and festival are scheduled for July 31st and August 1st. See DillardBBQ.com for details.
Bluegrass music that is booked includes New Horizons, Foxfire Boys, Crowe Brothers, Mississippi Sawyers, Volume Five, Heaven’s Echo, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys, The Bluegrass Revue and others too. The festival encourages “parking lot picking” too.
The festival is a short eight hour drive from Bexley down Highway U.S. 23. High Street in Columbus, Ohio. After you cross the North Carolina state line into Georgia, take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, hold that breath, count to ten and you’ll be in Dillard, Georgia for the events.
Hank also reported on the organic market 8:00 to noon on Saturdays on Main Street in Clayton.
This market sells the produce of the seven or eight Rabun County organic farmers. This market is on Main Street in downtown Clayton. One of the businesses on Main Street has given over its front sidewalk area to the market. The market has been in full swing with early crops for three or four weeks.
Main Street in Clayton was the old US Route 23 until that federal highway was moved east about half a mile and widened to four lanes.
Only pricing information that Hank offered for the Clayton organic farmers market was the note that corn is going for $75.00 per gallon.
Hank also noted that liquid corm is another subject of much Bluegrass music. Making liquor and corn whiskey. You couldn’t haul corn down to the city and make any money but you could haul corn liquor to the city and make some money.
Hank also discussed the roots of Bluegrass music. He said that the International Blue Grass Music Association monthly newsletter mentions European Bluegrass band competition. Bluegrass is huge in Europe. Two of the top three bands in the European contest were from the Czech Republic. One of these Czech bands is named “G-runs and Roses” a reference to a rock n roll band named “Guns and Roses.”
As further explanation of the unusual name of the band, Hank said that the phrase “G-run” is a very popular Bluegrass lick.
The roots of Bluegrass music include Scots Irish songs, English folk songs and American influences from jazz to Gospel, folk music and rock n roll all have connections to Bluegrass.
Hank also said that when you focus on the Bluegrass instruments like the fiddle, the bass viol and guitar, you begin to understand the music’s connection to Eastern Europe.
But in all these music specialties, the culture correspondent said there are noticeable differences. In Dixieland music, all the instruments play the lead break at the same time. They don’t take turns so much. Same with the Scots Irish music. The penny whistler and the fiddle play the lead together all of the time. The musicians don’t take turns with the lead. But when you get to Bluegrass, one instrument takes a lead break and then another instrument follows and takes the lead break. Similarly, in eastern European music, the lead progresses from the violin to the accordion or concertina, then to the guitar and so on through all the instruments..
The European music is folk music and is about day-to-day living and it’s about survival, loves and liquor, eating and fighting.
Hank also noted a Banjo camp in Munich. France has a country music festival including American Bluegrass, Americana, Western Swing, Cajun, Tex-Mex, and Rock-a-billy
Europe’s discovery of Bluegrass and other American genres is just “going up the music family tree.”
Hank completed his dispatch for Bexley Public Radio with a brief review of a new banjo CD by Steve Martin. This is the same Steve Martin who is actor and comedian From Saturday Night Live. Martin is a serious banjo player. He has performed with Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Breakdown. The CD is titled "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo."
Martin co-wrote the fifteen tracks on the CD issued by Rounder Records.
Other musicians on the CD include Mary Black, Pete Wernick, Tony Trischka, Tim O Brien, Dolly Parton and Vince Gill.
As a departing salutation, the culture correspondent said “See you in the near future, and if I don’t, I’ll meet you in the pasture.”
HELP BEXLEY PUBLIC RADIO UPGRADE ITS ANTENNA. SEND YOUR MONEY PROMPTLY. BE GENEROUS.
Bexley Public Radio Foundation broadcasting as
WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM, Local Power Radio
2700 E. Main St., Suite 208
Columbus, OH 43209
Voice (614) 235 2929
Fax (614) 235 3008
Email wcrxlp@yahoo.com
Blog http://agentofcurrency.blogspot.com
Bexley Public Radio Foundation is exempt from federal taxes under IRC Section 501(c)(3). Donations are deductible from federal income taxes for individuals who itemize. Checks may identify the payee as Bexley Public Radio Foundation or WCRX-LP, 102.1 FM.
Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Hank Belew.
Hank Belew reports from Rabun County, North Georgia. Hank is the Bexley Public Radio culture correspondent covering North Georgia and contiguous states.
Chilly mornings, lot of rain, and Chattooga River is up. This months rain is like the rain of yesteryears. Almost every day. Humidity. At night to get in bed, you’d lift the cover sheet up and let it fall and settle on you because the sheets were just too sticky from the humidity in the air.
Those were the days before air conditioning.
Now you have to have air conditioning, microwave stoves and two and three phone lines.
Hank said he used to grumble because Southern Bell kept changing the telephone area code in Rabun County. Hank grumbled until he realized that he has six telephone numbers himself. A fax, two cell phones, two land lines to the business and one to the house.
Hank began his culture dispatch with a comment that North Georgia Bluegrass jam sessions are firing up.
There are now five or six jam sessions a week in Rabun County.
Jam session are not concerts where people go to listen to specific bands and performers. Jam sessions are distinct from concerts. A jam session is where anyone who brings an instrument can play along or sing along. People go to jam sessions to listen, learn, play and sing.
The Bexley Public Radio culture correspondent said that people used to go across the Chattooga River to a little community called Mountain Rest to play in a Bluegrass jam session. The location was Cousin’s Store. Robert Lowery was the proprietor for years. The store closed for a while and now Bert’s kinfolks have reopened the store in the same location. When Hank was just learning Bluegrass, there was a jam session every Saturday night and people would drive hundreds of miles just to attend and participate.
At Cousin’s, there was always a core group of really good musicians. Students and beginners sat on the outside edges of the circle. Experienced musicians would sit in the “inner circle.” Next around would be the pretty good musicians, Then, the younger and inexperienced musicians would sit on the outside and at the edges of the circle where they could watch, listen and learn. As these beginners honed their skills, they could progress closer to the inner circle of experienced Bluegrass players.
[WCRX-LP editorial collective note: Most Google connections for “inner circle” make the following points and discuss “Esoterica. 1655, from Gk. esoterikos "belonging to an inner circle," from esotero, comp. adv. of eso "within." In Eng., originally of Pythagorean doctrines. According to Lucian, the division of teachings into exoteric and esoteric originated with Aristotle.”]
There are five or six jam sessions a week in Rabun County. Most are on weekend evenings or evenings near the weekend.
Besides jam sessions, there is also formal Bluegrass education in Rabun County. The Blue Ridge Music Academy offers courses of study. Founders of the academy are two musicians who perform with The Foxfire Boys Bluegrass band. Courses are conducted five days a week. Students range in age from five or six years old to at least one student in his seventies.
Tom Nixon and Dean English are associated with Blue Ridge Music Academy and are members of the Foxfire Boys. They have a jam session each Thursday night at their store in Clayton. The session is on a porch during most of the year and inside around a wood stove during cool summer nights and cold winter evenings.
The Blue Ridge Music Academy is located in Clayton and looks west over U.S. Route 23 as this highway passes through Rabun County.
The original Foxfire School music program was taught by George Reynolds, now a resident of Tennessee. The hallmark of Reynolds’ teaching was a chaotic school room. But his lessons kept Bluegrass alive for his students, and almost any musician between 24 and 44 was taught or at least heavily influenced by George.
Hank then continued his reflections on the types of Bluegrass songs. For this dispatch, Hank considered “Survivial Songs”
Living in the mountains isolated from commerce, people just had to rely on their own efforts and skills to survive. Even when playing music, their minds and feelings were on simple survival. The lyrics tended to be about what you did, day to day, morning to night. The subjects of Bluegrass songs were simple, direct and straight forward: Where you built your cabin, where you got your food.
Examples of this category of songs are “Cabin in the Lane”, “Little Log Cabin,” “Blue Ridge Cabin Home,” and “How You Gonna Eat.”
Another example is the Bill Monroe song lyric “ There’s a rabbit in log and I ain’t got my dog, how am I gonna get him out. I’ll get me a briar and I’ll twist it in his hair, that’s how I’ll get him out.” This is a survival song, pure and simple.
Hank then commented that “There’s ways to get your food if you need to” and then discussed wild meats, game and fowl. Rabbit, venison, possum, raccoon, bear, squirrel.
Hank said “These are foods that follow the old saying that ‘you can eat anything that can’t out run you.’”
As gourmand commentary, Hank said “Squirrel. All its good for is to pull it off the bone and make dumplings. There’s just not enough meat on squirrel. Possum is stringy. You have to boil it up to soften it and then bake it so it gets a little crust on it. It tastes better with a crust.” He also said that coon meat is an “elegant meat.” “Raccoon is a totally elegant meat with a slight gamey taste to it. Raccoon meat the ‘other, other white meat.’”
The culture correspondent continued with some observations on coon-hunting which he said has become an important sport. Coon-hunting used to be a survival skill but has become a major sporting activity. A visit to a sporting goods shops will display a surprising amount of coon hunting equipment. There are no special coon-hunting rifles. Most hunters use 22 caliber rifles because they are small and light, easy to carry through the woods.
The dogs that people hunt with are as specialized as thoroughbred racing horses. Hank said that years ago, a friend named Cliff went over to Alabama and bought a Walker coon hound. Cliff paid upwards of $25 thousand for the dog.
The friend was eager to show off his new and pricey hound to his buddies. Cliff telephoned his buddies and they got a troop together and went out coon-hunting just south of Rabun County. Rabun County is on the edge of the mountains so the next county south is much flatter. There are more rivers and a lot more coon down there. The next county is just better terrain for coon-hunting.
The hunters and the new coon dog tracked their prey to an old tree growing in the bottom land. The tree leaned out toward the river and had low branches that were not too steep. The coon was hiding in one of the lower branches. The $25 thousand Walker spotted the coon. The eager hound climbed onto the lower branch to confront the coon.
Suddenly, the dog became silent, lost his balance and dropped off the branch. The $25 thousand dog hit the ground dead.
Cliff took the dog to a veterinary doctor for a autopsy.
The cause of death was identified as a heart attack.
Cliff ended up paying for a fancy grave for his $25 thousand coon dog.
[WCRX-LP editorial collective comment: Now there’s a story that needs a Bluegrass lyric and song!]
Hank said that there are long breeding lines of hounds in the South. There are top show hounds and top hunting dogs. There is a lot of money in the breeding and training of hounds. But the hounds are not as expensive as fox hounds and the hunting thoroughbreds. Fox hounds are the “high dollar” dogs. Hank said that fox hunting is the sport of gentlemen. Coon hunting is the sport of “good ole boys.”
Hank continued his discussion of game meats and fowl. He said that there are coon and possum recipes in kitchens of Rabun County. He also said that the locals have stories about the medicinal and health-giving quality of wild meats, game and fowl.
As an example, Hank offered a story from John Hammonds, a resident of North Carolina. The story was about an old fellow named Parsons.
Parson’s home was the shelter under a rock, Parsons had the “sided-in” the shelter and raised his family there.
At the time of the story Parsons lived alone. Hammonds heard that Parsons was down and doing poorly with an undiagnosed illness.
The next time Hammonds was out hunting, he checked on Parsons to learn how the sick man was doing.
Hammond asked Parsons “What ails you?” Parsons responded “I don’t know what the problem is but I think if I ate me an owl, it would cure me.”
John Hammonds went off and took it on himself to catch an owl or two for Parsons. Hammonds said that year, the owls were pretty thick and plentiful.
Hammonds took his catch to Parsons and then went on his way back home.
Two or three weeks passed and Hammonds was back hunting and took it on himself to visit Parsons to see how the owl cure worked. When he got to Parsons house under the rock, the old man was sitting on the porch, getting up and around. Hammonds asked “How are you and the owl getting along?” Parsons replied “We are doing just fine. Mr. Parsons is up and around.”
Hank offered the commentary “That wild food is good for you. Maybe.”
Hank said that the “Survival songs” of Bluegrass can also be categorized as “Wild meat songs”, “hunting songs” and “dog songs.”
Hank then reminded listeners that the Georgia state BBQ championship and 13th annual Bluegrass festival are fast approaching. The championship and festival are held in Dillard, Georgia just down U.S. Route 23 from Columbus, Ohio. The championship and festival are scheduled for July 31st and August 1st. See DillardBBQ.com for details.
Bluegrass music that is booked includes New Horizons, Foxfire Boys, Crowe Brothers, Mississippi Sawyers, Volume Five, Heaven’s Echo, Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys, The Bluegrass Revue and others too. The festival encourages “parking lot picking” too.
The festival is a short eight hour drive from Bexley down Highway U.S. 23. High Street in Columbus, Ohio. After you cross the North Carolina state line into Georgia, take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air, hold that breath, count to ten and you’ll be in Dillard, Georgia for the events.
Hank also reported on the organic market 8:00 to noon on Saturdays on Main Street in Clayton.
This market sells the produce of the seven or eight Rabun County organic farmers. This market is on Main Street in downtown Clayton. One of the businesses on Main Street has given over its front sidewalk area to the market. The market has been in full swing with early crops for three or four weeks.
Main Street in Clayton was the old US Route 23 until that federal highway was moved east about half a mile and widened to four lanes.
Only pricing information that Hank offered for the Clayton organic farmers market was the note that corn is going for $75.00 per gallon.
Hank also noted that liquid corm is another subject of much Bluegrass music. Making liquor and corn whiskey. You couldn’t haul corn down to the city and make any money but you could haul corn liquor to the city and make some money.
Hank also discussed the roots of Bluegrass music. He said that the International Blue Grass Music Association monthly newsletter mentions European Bluegrass band competition. Bluegrass is huge in Europe. Two of the top three bands in the European contest were from the Czech Republic. One of these Czech bands is named “G-runs and Roses” a reference to a rock n roll band named “Guns and Roses.”
As further explanation of the unusual name of the band, Hank said that the phrase “G-run” is a very popular Bluegrass lick.
The roots of Bluegrass music include Scots Irish songs, English folk songs and American influences from jazz to Gospel, folk music and rock n roll all have connections to Bluegrass.
Hank also said that when you focus on the Bluegrass instruments like the fiddle, the bass viol and guitar, you begin to understand the music’s connection to Eastern Europe.
But in all these music specialties, the culture correspondent said there are noticeable differences. In Dixieland music, all the instruments play the lead break at the same time. They don’t take turns so much. Same with the Scots Irish music. The penny whistler and the fiddle play the lead together all of the time. The musicians don’t take turns with the lead. But when you get to Bluegrass, one instrument takes a lead break and then another instrument follows and takes the lead break. Similarly, in eastern European music, the lead progresses from the violin to the accordion or concertina, then to the guitar and so on through all the instruments..
The European music is folk music and is about day-to-day living and it’s about survival, loves and liquor, eating and fighting.
Hank also noted a Banjo camp in Munich. France has a country music festival including American Bluegrass, Americana, Western Swing, Cajun, Tex-Mex, and Rock-a-billy
Europe’s discovery of Bluegrass and other American genres is just “going up the music family tree.”
Hank completed his dispatch for Bexley Public Radio with a brief review of a new banjo CD by Steve Martin. This is the same Steve Martin who is actor and comedian From Saturday Night Live. Martin is a serious banjo player. He has performed with Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Breakdown. The CD is titled "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo."
Martin co-wrote the fifteen tracks on the CD issued by Rounder Records.
Other musicians on the CD include Mary Black, Pete Wernick, Tony Trischka, Tim O Brien, Dolly Parton and Vince Gill.
As a departing salutation, the culture correspondent said “See you in the near future, and if I don’t, I’ll meet you in the pasture.”
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Design is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Bexley Public Radio Foundation. Text is copyright 2009. All rights reserved. Hank Belew.
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