Google “environmental justice in Appalachia” and nearly every returned link will exclusively describe the impact of coal extraction on the region. It’s no surprise, then, that here in Pulaski, VA, many of us only feel peripherally connected to that conversation. Although we have had a few coal mining operations in this County historically, most of […]
Between Paris and Pulaski
Last October, we had an unexpected visit from my in-laws. They live in Savannah, and as Hurricane Matthew headed up the East Coast, the local government strongly advised residents to evacuate. For us, it was a pleasant surprise. A long weekend with 2 extra adults to help wrangle our son. A break from routine to […]
Clean, Green…and Cheap?!
Like everyone else, I spent the last few days enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve experienced here in Pulaski. Pulling out shorts for long afternoon walks in the sun. Rolling down the windows in the car as I cruise through town. Showing my son the blooming flowers around our yard. And wondering how to harness the […]
The greatest town in the world, but for whom?
If you haven’t been to downtown Pulaski lately, you should visit. It’s difficult to keep track of all the exciting developments. As the lyrics go in my new favorite musical, “Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now…history is happening in [Pulaski] and we just happen to be in the greatest […]
Leaving Coal Country
It’s been nearly 9 years since I took my first trip as an adult to Appalachia. My now-wife, then girlfriend, had a summer internship at a little church in the region. So one weekend I left the cornfields of Indiana in my Honda, bound southeast. I had plenty of visions in mind of where I […]
Images of change in coal country
As lovers of the Appalachian mountains in which we live, it is very disturbing to hear about the mountaintop removal operations to extract coal from beneath their peaks. But unless you happen to live in the directly affected communities, it may be hard to see the impact. Even in the affected communities, the full physical […]