Appalachian Imagination

Ryan Eller (Executive Director) and Jess Mullins Fullen (Programs & Learning Administrator) of AFN, join Jason on this episode to talk about Appalachian Funders Network. Throughout the conversation you will find all parties involved share a common love for Appalachia and its people.

Appalachia Funders Network Launches the Appalachian Helene Response Fund to Support Communities Devastated by Hurricane Helene

URL: https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund 

Appalachia, USA – In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene across Appalachia, the Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) is announcing the creation of the Appalachian Helene Response Fund. This pooled relief fund is designed to provide immediate and sustained support to communities across the six states hardest hit by the storm.

The Appalachian Helene Response Fund will be a collaborative effort organized by AFN at the specific request of funders and organizations in the area, many of whom are still without power or reliable communication. Individuals may contribute to the fund immediately. 

"Even as recovery efforts begin, I am deeply aware that many of our own members, leaders, and community partners are among those most affected. In fact, I am personally awaiting news on the safety of family and friends, including several AFN leaders who live in the impacted areas. This storm has challenged us in ways we never anticipated, but it has also revealed the true solidarity of our community. We are uniting as a region to ensure that no one is left behind in this recovery process."

The Appalachian Helene Response Fund will channel resources directly to the areas of greatest need, leveraging the reach and local knowledge of AFN’s 70+ member organizations across the region. These members, deeply rooted in their communities, will ensure that aid is distributed swiftly and equitably, prioritizing the hardest-hit areas.  

We urge media outlets and the public to share the fund’s URL widely: https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund. The reach of this fund is critical, and spreading the word will help maximize the impact of donations. AFN members on the ground are already mobilizing to address the most urgent needs, and the support garnered through this fund will be pivotal in the recovery efforts.

"Our region is no stranger to the impacts of severe weather, and we have always shown what it means to come together as a community," Garrett Blaize, AFN Steering Committee Co-Chair and Executive Director of the Appalachian Community Fund added. "This fund is a testament to the unwavering grit, spirit of collaboration, and compassion that define Appalachia. Together, we will get through this."

About the Appalachia Funders Network

The Appalachia Funders Network (AFN) is a collaboration of more than 70 philanthropic organizations and partners working across six states in Central Appalachia. Our mission is to accelerate an equitable Appalachian transition by aligning resources and strategies for shared learning, investment, and advocacy. AFN members are committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient region.

For more information, or to make a donation to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund, please visit https://bit.ly/appheleneresponsefund.

www.appalachiahelenefund.org

Media Contact:

Jess Mullins Fullen

[email protected]

We Thank God for folks pulling together to help one another!

We thank You for listening and your continuing support!

We thank our wonderful sponsors- WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com our friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood and our friend and neighbor Devonna Hisel

You can email us for any reason at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!!

This episode is conducted by Mrs. McQueen (Sarah) FBLA advisor at the Jackson County High School, along with the FBLA student officer team Kasey Bowman (Historian), Rylee Turner (Reporter), Kyla Bagwell (Parliamentarian), Isabella DeLeon (Vice President), Brista Estridge (President), and Laikyn Robinson (Secretary).

They discuss how the team is using FBLA to gain hands on work experience to prepare them for the workplace, exciting upcoming events, opportunities for members to be involved and the value of community that comes with being in a club or organization. Tune in for insights, advice and a closer look at the leadership behind the FBLA chapter of Jackson County High School.

The team owes much of its success to the former president, Jason Cornett. He is a role model, that inspires the current officer team to make the current officer team to make FBLA the inclusive club that it is. Mr. Cornett graduated last year and stays in touch with members and provides counsel and praise to the team.

Being an officer for FBLA is a huge commitment. Officers stay after school and are constantly in communication with one another. The chapter has big plans for the year. Last year the officer team led the chapter to be Nationally recognized Silver chapter. This year the team has a goal to be recognized as a Gold Chapter and are already halfway there with necessary points.

The upcoming event the club is most looking forward to is Boo On The Hill! There will be student volunteers from several JCHS clubs and organizations decorating their trunks and handing out candy. The event is free and open to the public. Community members are invited to bring their families to the Trunk or Treat event at JCHS on October 24th from 5-6:30pm. You're also encouraged to stop by the Jackson County Public Library in McKee for more Trunk Or Treat fun and the Adult Education center for hotdogs and other treats during this time.

JCHS-FBLA is looking forward to opportunities to serve our community and equip students with the experience and knowledge they need to be successful in their careers in our community and beyond. If you're interested in collaborating with us on future projects we'd love to hear from you. You can contact Sarah McQueen at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) to begin planning future opportunities for collaboration.

We thank God for young folks, who hold a vision for the future!

We thank You for listening and continued support!

We thank our great sponsors- The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com Our friend and neighbor Devonna Hisel and our friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood.

You can email us for any reason at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

Jason talks about the Eastern Kentucky flood that took place on July 4-5, 1939, the flood of 1957 in the Big Sandy region, the flood of 2022, that wrecked Eastern Kentucky, and also speaks of the recent floods that have devastated western Tennessee and North Carolina.

We ask that if you are able to do so, please send donations in anyway possible to help our friends and neighbors who are suffering as a result of Hurricane Helene. If you are unable to help, please remember them all in your thoughts and prayers.

We thank God for folks looking out for one another!!

We thank You for listening and your on going support!

We thank our sponsors WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com our good friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood and good friend Devonna Hisel

You can email us at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

Joe Tolbert Jr is an organizer, executive, minister, writer, and commentator whose work and passion lie at the intersection of art, culture, spirituality and social justice.

Joe Tolbert Jr. was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but had a balanced mix of urban and rural upbringing. His Father's family in Georgia were a tight nit group of people who always gather around Grandma's house. Being out in the country at Grandma's, Joe’s cousins would always want to rouse him by calling him the city cousin. A really nostalgic memory that he shares is; His dad would load him and his siblings up in the car and go on long road trips, spending quality time together.

Leaving Knoxville, to attend graduate school in New York City, then returning to Knoxville, Joe struggles to adjust to the rapid growth of his home town.

He, for a long period of life never considered himself to be Appalachian, until some friends with the Stay Project, pointed out the fact that he indeed lives in the Appalachia Mountain range. He is now proud to represent a wider understanding of what it means to be Appalachian ( or Affrilachian ).

In 2023, Joe Tolbert Jr. was named Waymakers Collective's first Executive Director, driven by his personal belief that art and community can be a powerful force that can create real change.

Waymakers Collective- waymakerscollective.org

Be sure to check out their website and find out more about Waymakers and what they do.

Appalachian Futurism is equitable justice, creative cooperation, and sustainable stewardship.

We thank God for all of our people across the Appalachian region!!

We thank you for your ongoing support and listening!

We thank our sponsors- The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com and John Caywood in Oklahoma and our friend Devonna Hisel.

You can email us at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

Kenneth Boshers was born Febuary 6, 1938 and passed away March 17, 1989.

Jason shares several memories of his papaw in this episode.

Hunting squirrel and ground hog with his dog Black Jack.

Catching bluegill at the May’s Place.

Sleigh riding on an old refrigerator panel (The Crash).

The slaying of a big Tom Turkey with a Plumb hatchet.

Meatloaf (his uncle eating canned dogfood).

His papaw was always sure to have him out doing things like hunting, fishing, swimming and several other things that you'll hear in this episode.

He also shares memories of Kenneth battling with alcoholism and being a drifter of sorts. Kenneth at one point in time was a moonshiner as well.

With the good and the bad, Kenneth loved his grandkids and they loved him as well.

If you have memories of a loved one who has passed on that you’d like to share with the world reach out to us and we will take care of the recording and put it out there for you at no cost. Just email us at [email protected]

We thank God for the good memories!

We thank You for listening and your support!

We thank our sponsors- WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com

The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com

John Caywood, in Oklahoma.

John sent an email checking on our people in Kentucky after the I75 shooting incident. Thank You John!

Focus more on making memories and Stay Awesome Appalachia!!

James is a well established singer/recording artist who hand picked by Randy Travis and his wife to be the stand in guy for Randy after he suffered a stroke and is no longer able to preform.

James discusses the power and abilities of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it has made it possible for Randy to release new music. The new single out now is titled 'Where That Came From'. James Dupre done the singing, then with the power of AI pulling samples from Randy's vocals from previous material the song was built. https://open.spotify.com/track/6vNJDp8znmaQp2vAXHRPGd?si=cU3MF9FxTae-e3eKm_FJ_g

Later in the episode Mr. Dupre shares stories of his own personal experiences in the music industry. He was featured on season 9 of the Voice, receiving a four chair turn. James also has a successful YouTube channel that we highly recommend you check out-

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=RDEM_N_9r0qPU0A0Ohf-CeB9nQ&playnext=1&si=aW99aPl08Zv4BhTy

We thank God for all things!

We thank you for listening!

We thank our sponsors-The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com and our friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood

You can email us at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!

Clayborn is everything you think of when you here the phrase Country Boy. Growing up in Harlan County, he was always on the hip of his grandpa James Clayborn who was a coal miner.

Brian shares a story of his grandpa's mining days-James was putting roof jacks in to secure the ceiling of the mine one kicked out and broke his back. The incident left him paralyzed for a period of time, and the day after he was able to get back up and walk again, he returned to work.

Brian credits his grandpa as his biggest influence in life. A man full of grit, determination, and love for his family.

Clayborn, Meathead and Jason cover several topics throughout this conversation. Coonhunting being a big one! They talk about their favorite dogs and some wild things they have saw happen while on a hunt. Brian's best coonhound was out of (Boots on a Tree) stock.

One thing that any country boy is good at is eating and they are always sure to tell the best places to do it. Brian tells us of a couple places out in Harlan County that he would always frequent. Christine's Store is one he highly recommends and The Variety Store is another. So if you find yourself in Harlan County, Kentucky be sure to stop in at either and get you a bite to eat. Another great place to eat that all three guy agree on is Momma D's out on highway 2004 in Jackson County.

They also touch on the topic of Hog Killin'. in days gone by, it was a big event that was necessary for survival to sustain families through the winter months in Appalachia. Have you ever had roasted pig snout?

At 25 years of age Brian Clayborn is a dedicated family man, who loves and cherishes his darling wife and their young daughter.

We thank God for instilling a sense of family throughout Appalachia!

We thank you for listening and your ongoing support!

We also thank our sponsors and friends at The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAg 107.9fm www.wagoncountrty.com and our good friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood.

You can email us at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

Born and raised in New Jersey, Scott is a very talented singer/songwriter who left the trades to pursue his musical career. Now residing in Nashville, Tennessee he is living his dream by playing all through the southern United States.

Scott shares the story of how he and his newly wed wife met- While attending a show at the magical, Ryman Auditorium they both had tickets sitting beside each other. He invited her to his show the following night and the rest you will have to gather from listening to the full episode.

Jason while scrolling TikTok happened up on a video with the title Free Bird at the top for a headline. Thinking it could be a cover of the very popular song of the same title, he decided to give it a listen. With being a musician as well, Jason has heard countless folks from audiences yelling out Free Bird. Scott's song in no way pokes fun at the original, it is a clever song telling a story, that we are sure many folks will appreciate. The link is provided below

https://open.spotify.com/track/03KwxXJxOzoMlZibakXrgS?si=jNIyvhARQkuUDpKtQMzRIw

A great song that hasn't been released yet from Scott and a couple of his friends is titled (I'm Alive) Be on the lookout!!

The episode contains a lot of the influences that have helped develop Scott's taste and style of music.

We also found out that his go to guitar for the stage is a Martin OOO-15.

We thank God for music being a release from every day life that connects people together!

We thank you for listening and your love and support!

We thank our sponsors for all of their help on keeping this thing going- The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com. WWAG 107.9fm www.wagoncountry.com and our good friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood.

You can email us at [email protected]

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

Alex Wilson conducts this interview with his grandmother and former Kentucky State Representative, Marie Rader.

Coming from humble beginnings on Horse Lick Creek in Jackson County, Marie has always been one to defy all odds stacked against her. She shares a story of her childhood telling about how her mother would pin her dress tail under a table leg while working in their family's store, before the family moved up to Sand Gap.

She has made it a point to involve herself with anything she could to better the community, and has never shunned hard work. Playing a key role in getting the road established up to Rocky Hill (McCammon Ridge Road).

After the passing of her husband and her being 52 years of age, Marie decided to run for State Representative. With most of the State politicians being men, and her being one of only three women in the Republican Party, the odds were definitely not in her favor. She worked hard, traveled from county to county and developed good relationships with everyone she possibly could. With a heart for the people and a drive to get things done, Marie held her position for 22 years before retiring.

In her time as State Rep. Marie had a huge role in the new road up Big Hill and also the new Highway 30 on the south end of Jackson County.

Though Alex conducted the interview, we here at Appalachian Imagination found it an honor to be a part of preserving a conversation between a man and his grandmother.

IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO INTERVIEW, REACH OUT!!! We will do our best to set it up and help you preserve some of your family's history. You can reach us via email [email protected]

We thank God for folks, who truly love our region!

We thank you for listening and your ongoing support!

We thank our sponsors- The Jackson County Sun www.jacksonsunky.com WWAG 107.9 www.wagoncountry.com and our good friend in Oklahoma, John Caywood.

If you see negative in your world, we encourage you to be the difference.

STAY AWESOME APPALACHIA!!!

School is back in session! All the bus drivers are back on the road hauling the most precious cargo in the world. The first few days of school are always the most hectic, with getting settled to new teachers, figuring out where classes are and trying to get back in the groove. We here at Appalachian Imagination ask you to please be aware of the buses on the roads and children waiting at their pickup/drop off locations.

We felt it was fitting to repost this episode with Flash as he is one of the hardest working bus drivers that you’ll ever meet and he is loaded with stories of growing up in northern Jackson County.

Teaser-A very special guest has scheduled to be on the show with us next week! Y’all stay tuned!

Flash is a hometown guy, who is a treasure to his community. He has worked on the farm all but five years of his life, during which, he served in The United States Army. He now works as a school bus driver for The Jackson County Public School System, equipment operator at the transfer station, part time dog catcher, and still tends his cattle on the farm.He tells of watching his grandmother doing things the old way. Things like raising a garden, canning, quilting, and making lye soap. If you have ever ordered a Flossie (a fried bologna sandwich) you will hear who gave it that name.Carrying a few whippings through life he shares the reason for a couple of them, and how he got the nickname Flash. (Not the reason, I would have thought.)We thank God for all of our Appalachian people and the beautiful place we live in.We thank our sponsors-WWAG www.Wagon Country.com Living Stone Outreach, in Sand Gap.-The Jackson County Sun. www.jacksonsunky.com 606-287-7197-WWAG wagoncountry,comWe thank YOU for taking the time to listen!Be sure to follow and give us a 5 star rating! It helps us to grow and share our people's stories with the world.For more stories,pictures,history and accounts of personal adventures visit appalachianimagination.comb to sponsor an episode or to become an advertiser email us at [email protected] Remember to stay humble, be kind, and no matter what, Stay Awesome Appalachia!