Update on ye olde job front (Charleston, Beckley: fit in, unemployment rate, school)

[Newtgirl]

Michigan's unemployment rate hit 15.2% today. Boy am I glad to be leaving!

As far as the job front, it looks like the AmeriCorp*VISTA position in Second Creek, WV will pan out nicely. Theoretically, I start September 15th, after I fly to Atlanta for my orientation. I'm super-jazzed about it. It doesn't pay squat, but it will be pretty rewarding.

Basically, the entirety of the project consists of trying to establish the Second Creek watershed as a National Historic Watershed. This involves many different aspects:
-physical restoration of the creek, such as where the banks are eroding from flooding;
-establishing an oral history of the watershed (in WV, people rarely move far from where they're born), interviewing local old people, getting stories from the glory days of bootlegging and farming
-restoration of historic buildings along the creek, which involve an old mill, a school house, a church, etc.
-and establishing the biology of the creek, fish, amphibs, mammals, etc.

I've got a couple of BIG ideas I'm hoping I can find funding for along the way. Second Creek has a small pamphlet that provides a 'walking tour', but the pictures are black and white and kind of grainy and blurry. I'd like to provide a better color pamphlet. I'd also like to make interpretive plaques at each of the sites, like the old swimming hole and the school house. I also REALLY think Second Creek needs a more involved webpage. They have one that's pretty basic. I'd like to work on that, create an interactive walking path online, put up the oral history 'in their own words', etc.

If YOU have any ideas of what I should do, I'd be glad to hear! Or if you want to come volunteer your services with me for a few days, I'd be glad to have some help too! Second Creek is in the far southern end of West Virginia, south of Charleston. There's no accomodation there, so be prepared to camp. Although the folks hosting my VISTA position are VERY friendly, and would probably allow us to crash in their yard.

And I'm afraid to admit this here, but I won't be living in WV. I'm moving to Roanoke, VA next week to be with the boy and the kids (finally!). But I'll still be working in WV!

[Hinton Bound]

We're almost neighbors! Hinton (Brooks actually) is a stones throw. Only ~30 miles away, but about an hours drive.

[snorpus]

I've never heard of Second Creek, but a quick check at Google Maps determines that it's right off of 219, between Ronceverte and Union.

That's not too far from God's Country (Pocahontas County). Possible camping locations relatively close include Greenbrier State Forest and Moncove Lake State Park.

[Newtgirl]

It sure is pretty up there. Gotta love those mountains!

[David Kennedy]

Suggestion:

Work through the local churches to introduce yourself and work their network...they will help and suggest what 'really needs doing...

[snorpus]

Tread softly, Newt. If it looks like some outside group is trying to impose something (like a National Historic Watershed), lots will be agin it. Just on principle. Might mess up the fishin' and huntin'. Might raise my taxes. Might tell me I can't build that new metal barn, gotta use authentic hand-hewn timbers and cut nails. Might bring too much traffic to these narrow back roads.

Like DK says, make contact through some local group. The church ladies is a good idea. Sportsmen clubs are another. 4H and FFA.

Oh, and feel free to tell flatlander jokes.

[David Kennedy]

While we are at it here...a baseball cap with NRA on it would be a great idea...perhaps a rifle rack over the seat of your pickup with a .30/30 in the window...and just act natural...

We will give you a reference but doubt you will need it...

My guess is, when the time comes, nobody will want to see you leave...trust me on that!

[Hinton Bound]

Tractor Supply in Beckley has a great selection of ladies John Deere clothing... in pink of course... You'll really fit in then!

[David Kennedy]

I'm serious about the .30/30...just put a little padlock on it...Will let any riff-raff know you mean business.

Hinton: If John Deere clothing comes in any other color than John Deere green, it must not be authentic....are you kidding me? pink?

[Hinton Bound]

Originally Posted by David Kennedy

I'm serious about the .30/30...just put a little padlock on it...Will let any riff-raff know you mean business.

Hinton: If John Deere clothing comes in any other color than John Deere green, it must not be authentic....are you kidding me? pink?

I'm not kidding! There's an entire line of JD clothing in pink. I don't mind it so much on the ladies clothes, first time I see a pink tractor pulling a baler and wagon- I'm going to be a New Holland guy!