Brashear, Executive Director
Enriching People and Enhancing Lives through Appalachian Place-Based Education for All Ages
From our Director
As the vibrant colors of autumn begin to fadearound Pine Mountain, we are reminded that seasons of change are a natural part of life. The cool crisp air, the gentle fall of leaves, and the transformation of the landscape around us echo the transitions we experience in our work and in our lives.
At Pine Mountain Settlement School, the shift from summer to fall also brings a change in our programs. We find our summer season full of weddings, reunions, day camps, and staff training, but as we near the summer equinox, we transition to our school-based programs. Come September, our campus comes alive with the laughter and learning of students.
As we move forward, we are excited to welcome new opportunities. Through our work with Partners for Rural Impact, we have immersed over 1500 students from around the region in environmental literacy, sustainable agriculture, and Appalachian art, culture, and craft, and thanks to JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) we have started an afterschool music education program. With JAM, we are passing traditional music to twenty students in our community. Change can be both invigorating and challenging, but it is through these transitions that we grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected. We remain committed to our mission of enriching lives and fostering community by offering experiential education focused on environmental literacy, sustainable agriculture, and Appalachia’s diverse people, art, and culture. and we look forward to continuing this work with you through the seasons ahead.
Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your continued support as we adapt, evolve, and embrace the opportunities that each new season brings.
In The Spirit of Pine Mountain,
Executive Director
BY THE NUMBERS
30 Visiting Schools Groups
1,749 Students Served
27 Community Events
9 Day Camps
189 Camp Participants
21 Weddings & Reunions
Our Gift Shop has Moved!
The Gift shop is no longer in the library, it has moved to the bottom of Laurel House in what used to be the Coop Store. We have been working with local crafters and artist to sell their wares. Be sure to check it out on your next visit to campus.
PROGRAMMING REPORT
Each year, Pine Mountain Settlement School welcomes thousands of students to campus to connect and create. Our work is supported by our gifted staff, and we are delighted to introduce our newest educator, Ms. Cali Clough! Cali hails from Illinois but has spent the last few years at Appalachian State University, where she completed a degree in Sustainable Development. Cali has joined our staff as the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Educator/Coordinator. Cali’s passion for educating folks on the importance of soil health and sustainable agricultural techniques shines in her interactions with children and adults, alike.
We are so thankful for the expertise and support of Cali since we have jumped straight into the frenzy of our school season! Beginning with our annual Harlan Challenge Day in August, we have already hosted seven school groups – and we are just getting started! Students have experienced streams, trails, planting seeds, learning Jack Tales, discovering animals, and creating their own works of art and craft. Beyond hosting schools on campus, we have also expanded our work to school visits. Our program staff will be bringing the beauty and wonder of Pine Mountain Settlement School to elementary schools around the region.
On campus, we are now hosting our weekly Arts/JAM on Monday evenings; these free workshops are for children 8 to 18. Beginning at 4:30 pm, we host our South Arts series; a series of 4 workshops focusing a wide range of arts and craft including pottery, crochet, woodworking and more! Following South Arts, our Junior Appalachian Musician program is introducing the next generation of musicians to banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Children work with a mu-
sic teacher and even get an instrument of their own throughout the program. Arts/JAM has been well received and is sure to be one of our most successful programs!
Our adult programming launched with our first Evening with Agroforestry on September 16th. The event hosted three speakers, a land assessment hike, a plant and tree identification hike, and a delicious meal! We partnered with Community Farm Alliance and Grow Appalachia to offer the event and look forward to expanding the discussion to a 3 day sustainability weekend in March. Adult programming continues with our Fall Arts Weekend on October 25th – 27th. We are thrilled to host Whitney Johnson of Appalachian Forager fame, along with Jenn Amburgey showing the Cherokee Double-Walled Baskets, Fred Loving with Blacksmithing, and David Lewis with Broom-making.
Most recently, we just hosted our trunk or treat with over 200 community kids visiting and held our inaugural Pumpkin Glow trail, which featured 200 pumpkins carved by Harlan County FFA students.
Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date on all the amazing things happening at Pine Mountain Settlement School and visit our website to register for one of our upcoming events!
Report provided by Kiristen Webb, Program Director
Meet Owen Callahan
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Owen Callahan, you’re truly missing out on an incredible individual. With over twenty years of dedication to Pine Mountain Settlement School, Owen currently serves as our Grounds Technician. His deep commitment to his work is evident in every corner of the campus, where
his meticulous care transforms the landscape into a stunning showcase of our buildings’ architecture and the beauty of nature.
Owen’s pride and passion shine through in everything he does. Whether he’s tending to the landscape beds or enhancing the overall aesthetic of our grounds, his attention to detail and love for his work are unmistakable. He humbly ensures that our beautiful campus remains inviting for all. Owen is a true asset to our community, and his contributions make Pine Mountain Settlement School a more vibrant and welcoming place for everyone.
A SENSE OF HOME & PLACE
At Pine Mountain Settlement School, we strive to integrate a sense of home and place into the fabric of our historic facilities, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation presents a unique challenge: we must balance the need for updates and repairs with the preservation of the charm and character that make these spaces inviting. Our commitment is to approach each restoration project with care, ensuring that enhancements respect the history and integrity of our buildings while also making them more functional and welcoming for our guests.
Our first priority will be the Laurel House and our educational and maker spaces, which will not only enhance learning but also foster creativity and collaboration. While addressing modern needs is crucial, we aim to strike a balance with our historical heritage while maintaining our budget.
Report provided by Curtis Cox, Director of Operations
Help Us Update our Lodging!
We just finished updating our lodging on the left-hand side of Laurel House and realized that our facilities are a tad past due on refurbishments. Of course, we will maintain the feel and vibe of Pine Mountain Settlement School and curate our spaces to be authentically Appalachian. Our facilities need new dé cor, linens, towels, mattresses, couches, paint, and much more. Would you be willing to help? Scan the QR code below to learn how you can he
$50 – Pillows
$100 – Décor
$150 – Linens and Towels
$250 – New Bedding
$500 New Mattress
$1,000 New Couch
CAMPUS SNAPSHOTS
