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a West Virginia Serenade
Keith and Joan Pitzer and Wolf Creek Session
IZIT News: August, 2006
On a cold, dreary February night this past winter, a sell-out crowd jammed Martinsburg's Apollo Civic Theatre for an experience many will long remember. The event, produced by the Appalachian Institute and sponsored by the Berkeley County Democratic Association, was billed as The West Virginia Serenade - and featured a very impressive line up of local and regional talent plus a special salute to U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. Due to the declining health of Senator Byrd's beloved wife Erma (since deceased), plus unanticipated activity in the Senate, it became apparent that event's main draw (Senator Byrd) may not be able to attend. Without Senator Byrd, the organizers knew they had to convince a lot of people that the event's entertainment was well worth the price of a ticket.
Well aware they had a fine line up of entertainment, Serenade organizers shifted promotional efforts to emphasize this part of the show. As word got out among music lovers that Keith and Joan Pitzer were performing, ticket sales accelerated. With four days to go and the 520 seat theatre almost sold out, a call came from Washington. Senator Byrd was coming! He came, he wowed the crowd, the entertainers wowed the crowd, and the show was a HUGE success.
Its been months since that cold winter night at the Apollo, yet people are still talking about Senator Byrd's touching speech, the outstanding entertainment, and (especially) Keith and Joan Pitzer. Their fine voices and instrument skills may remind you of Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, Ian & Sylvia, OR Joan & Keith. Yet, their music evokes a distinctive Appalachian, Folk, Celtic flavor. Joan's sweet alto voice, penny-whistle flourishes, and fretless Fender bass blends perfectly with Keith's rich baritone, great guitar work, mandolin picking, and harmonica runs. Considering that their latest album (and cover song) is titled West Virginia Serenade, it should surprise no one that they would be such a hit at an event by the same name.
At the conclusion of their first song (Shady Grove), there was complete silence. What was wrong? The awestruck audience gathered itself, then broke into wild applause. Keith and Joan followed with a couple of numbers from their Long Journey album. Just when the audience didn't think it could not get any better, the Pitzers blew the house away with Underneath a Blackened Moon - a great ballad about Massey Energy and mountaintop removal (featured on WV Serenade CD). Keith and Joan were then joined by Mike Broderick (fiddle and vocals) and Alice Fleischman (flutes, whistles, vocals) - to complete the foursome known as Wolf Creek Session. WCS is Mountain-Celtic at its finest, and their high energy selections from Between Two Shores simply put the Martinsburg audience away.
Keith and Joan are held in high regard by their peers and fans for exceptional songwriting, fine musicianship, and their outstanding recordings. They are a devoted couple and parents who also have important 'day jobs'. Joan serves on the staff of Mountaineer Challenge Academy in Kingwood, and Keith as Executive Director for Friends of the Cheat, an environmental advocacy organization. Considering all this, the Pitzers maintain a busy performance schedule, much to the pleasure of their many loyal fans in WV and far beyond their mountain home in Preston County. They perform from time to time at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, sometimes as a duo, sometimes with Alice and Mike as Wolf Creek Session. During winter, they play regularly at the Laurel Mountain Coffeehouse in Kingwood.
Click here for a complete performance schedule.
Delightfully, each of their three albums are LOADED with great music - with no fillers or duplications. It is rumored that a fourth album is in the works. To hear a sample of Keith & Joan or Wolf Creek Session, click a selection below.
West Virginia Serenade Keith & Joan Pitzer
Between Two Shores The Pitzers & WCS
Between Two Shores. The Pitzers & WCS
Between Two Shores. The Pitzers & WCS
Note to dial-up users: You may need to fully download these musical selections before playing. If streamed directly from the internet, they may sound choppy.
You may also purchase their CDs online by clicking the titles.
Keith & Joan Pitzer
Keith & Joan Pitzer
The Pitzers & Wolf Creek Session
See note below -
Moving Mountains is dedicated to raising awareness about the devastation of mountains and communities in the coalfields of southern and central Appalachia, including 13 songs from various artists as well as 6 interviews with local residents, compiled by lifelong musician and activist Jen Osha. The CD features songwriter and occasional West Virginia Public Radio host Kate Long, guitarist and songwriter Mike Morningstar, and venerable fiddler Vasser Clements as well as singer/songwriters Andrew McKnight and Keith & Joan Pitzer. Most of the proceeds from sales of Moving Mountains will go to non-profit organizations helping mining communities threatened or destroyed by MTR, including the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and Coal River Mountain Watch.
To book the Pitzers or Wolf Creek Session, call 304 454-9608 or email them at laurelmountainmusic@yahoo.com
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GILLIGAN'S IZIT News: August 2006
Thanks to syndication, millions of people continue to enjoy Maynard G. Krebs in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and, of course, Gilligan of Gilligan's Island. It is our understanding that these syndications provide no income for the Denvers, which makes 'the rest of the story' especially remarkable.
After marriage in 1978, Bob and Dreama Denver left life in the fast lane, built a mountaintop home near Princeton (in Southern West Virginia), then launched a local radio station, Little Buddy Radio - 93.1 FM (WGAG). What were they thinking? Who would dream of putting new rock radio station in the middle of the Bible Belt, in a town of less than 10,000 people, with an economy known for sluggishness. and already overpopulated with radio stations? Add to the picture that the population is aging, over 80% white, and strongly inclined toward country music. Who would stay up and listen to a new, 24 hour oldies station - especially one with a definite R&B flavor?
I first heard Little Buddy Radio out in the workshop on my cousin Leroy's farm. I was born in '46, Leroy is 8 years older, and we were both listening to Little Buddy - I think it was Working on a Chain Gang, by Sam Cooke. What blew me away was the friendly chatter of Bob and Dreama Denver - talking about good food, Mama Vincenza and all the nice people at Vincenza's Italian Restaurant. What warm, friendly, and interesting voices! After another uninterrupted batch of great songs, I was REWARDED with another friendly ad from Bob and Dreama about Ramey Chevrolet. This is absolutely nuts. Me, an old, white guy, lovin' R& B and radio ads!
Whether black or white, if you grew up around Princeton during the fifties and sixties, R&B was an important part of the social scene. Jimmy Reed, James Brown, Freddy King, Marvin Gaye, even Motown. Little Richard was the REAL king of rock, and black bands always played to capacity crowds nearby at Bluefield Auditorium. At the time, Bluefield State College was predominately black and the hottest white band around was the Blue Chords. Late at night when the airwaves were right, MY radio station was WLAC (blues from Nashville).
Although Little Buddy plays some great R & B, that represents just a fraction of the extensive play list. Over the course of several hours, you'll be treated to a wide range of well known and 'interesting' (obscure) tunes - mainly from the sixties and seventies. With Bob gone, it may seem strange to hear him today, chattering along with Dreama about Vincenza's, Ramey's, and other businesses in and around Princeton. Yet, when Dreama thanks her sponsors for supporting Little Buddy Radio, which supports The Denver Foundation, which helps handicapped kids in southern West Virginia - hearing Bob chime in on the dialogue seems quite natural.
Little Buddy Radio - 93.1 FM has a very limited broadcast range. On I-77, the signal is pretty decent within about 15 miles of Princeton - certainly SOUTH of Flat Top Mountain (Winterplace Ski Resort) and NORTH of East River Mountain Tunnel (separating WV and VA). If approaching Princeton from the northeast or east on US 219 or US 460, Little Buddy gets decent around Rich Creek Virginia - and improves as you approach Princeton. When passing through the area, I religiously set my dial to 93.1 FM about 30 miles from Princeton, then listen as the faint crackle grows to that clear, bright, Little Buddy sound. Heading south from Princeton, Little Buddy fades to a whisper, usually bidding adieu around Bastian., VA. It is time to turn off the radio for a while and savor what has been left behind.
While surfing the web, be sure to check out the unique gift items for sale online in Gilligan's Gallery - hats and shirts (just like Gilligan's), collectible photos, a model of the SS Minnow, a very interesting book (Gilligan, Maynard and Me), a neat portable radio (its an official Little Buddy Radio), and more. The Denver Foundation is supported by proceeds from Gilligan's Gallery and direct donations. Checks, credit cards and Pay Pal are graciously accepted, and your support makes a real difference.
If not around Princeton, you can still enjoy some Little Buddy music right off the web. You'll also want to check out Maynard's Coffeehouse, where NO ONE knows your name and you can read or submit some Maynard-style beatnik poetry.
Dreama Denver is a native of the Princeton area, and enjoyed a successful acting career before returning to her home town. Besides being a fine broadcaster, she is a very talented website designer. The bobdenver.com web pages featured in this article were designed by Dreama and have been recognized by TV Guide as among the best on the internet!
OTHER BOB DENVER SITES:
Interview with Dreama & Her Website Business
Bio Info about Bob and Dreama Denver
Bob and Dreama's White House Tour
Website: The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis
ã END OF GILLIGAN ARTICLE COYOTE COMEBACK YIP, YIP, AR-RRR
click picture to hear Coyote The first time you hear them yip and howl, you may experience a creepy chill down your spine, or you may experience a breathless thrill of exhilaration. They have been around for thousands of years but not in all parts of the United States, and they are now in West Virginia. What are they? American Indians revered them and laughed at their wily ways and "smiling" faces. The Navajo called them "God's Dog". They are coyotes.
click picture to hear Coyote The eastern coyote inhabiting the Mountain State appears to have migrated from the northeast and at 20 - 45 pounds is a bit larger than the western coyote. It is believed this size difference is due to hybridization with timber wolves in Canada. Coyotes are not seen very often because they are so sly (remember Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner?), but they are so adaptable that they can adjust to nearly any sort of habitat. A recent article in the Washington Post about the critters in the Washington, D.C. area certainly proved that fact. They were walking down neighborhood streets! The Post article contains excellent information about living with coyotes and is worthwhile reading for anyone interested in learning more about our new "neighbors".
click picture to hear Coyote Should West Virginians be fearful of these lanky creatures or should we welcome them as fellow members of the ecosystem? Our state's deer population is growing, and although thousands are killed each year during hunting season, they are still extremely plentiful. Coyotes are a main predator of fawns. It is believed that although adult deer are ingested by coyotes during the winter, most of these are ones killed or wounded by hunters, or are partial remains left in the woods by hunters. Many feel the presence of coyotes is beneficial to our deer herds because they reduce the herds, which provides more food for the remaining deer. Other folks want to destroy coyotes because of fear that the predators will kill chickens and other small livestock as well as smaller pets. Some find the lanky canines frightening simply because they do not know the facts about coyote behavior.
click picture to hear Coyote The WV Department of Natural Resources has good info on their website about coyotes in our state and their effect on deer, fox, turkeys, and other animals. For more comprehensive info, go to coyote.com We must remember that they are here and here to stay, they absolutely cannot be wiped out, and they will not simply go away. Another thing to remember is to never, never, never feed them! Feeding coyotes will make them less fearful of humans (yes, they are afraid of us) and potentially more dangerous to us.
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AIRLINE CRISIS IN WV RUNNING ON EMPTY Is ANYONE paying attention?
Yeager Airport in Charleston - click for comments
IZIT News: August, 2006 Since deregulation in 1978, airline service has expanded dramatically in the United States - yet WV seems to be stuck in reverse. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, enplanements per year in the United States have risen from about 240 million in 1977, to about 900 million (estimated for 2006) - a whopping 275% increase. More flights to more U.S. cities has produced affordable fares and unprecedented mobility for almost every segment of society - except for WV. In the 21st century, most families, vacationers, business people, and cargo now expect, even REQUIRE access to airline service that is simply not available to most of our state. Reliable, overall figures for WV are hard to come by, yet this DOT report (WV Enplanements for 2000) provides the following snapshot:
Unfortunately, the picture gets worse.
By now, two things should be pretty obvious. 1. Airline service in WV is woefully inadequate (especially intrastate service); 2. This problem is really hurting our state.
Can this problem really be fixed? If so, what needs to be done? Since the Deregulation Act of 1978, the Federal Essential Air Service Subsidy has been used to support basic airline service from Beckley, Bluefield, Clarksburg, Morgantown and Parkersburg. Essential Air Service subsidies help, but will only get us so far. EAS guarantees an airline a certain amount of income ('get by' money) in markets where traffic is too sparse to support free market service. While EAS absorbs costs for airlines (at taxpayer expense), this program does not reduce operating costs, nor does it stimulate traffic, nor is it reach the WV cities that offer the greatest economic potential.
The Essential Air Service subsidy is geared only to 'essential' (barebones) service, yet local leaders have tried other approaches to further expand and improve offerings - such as reduced airport fees and marketing support. Some have even paid for expensive research - only to get the same old (predictable) story --- 'Airlines are in a conservative mode today, and are not willing to open up new markets - especially small ones with sluggish economies'.
If WV is to reap the benefits of a good airline network, we MUST think beyond EAS and the stale approaches of the past. In WV, we have about a dozen airlines sharing small pieces of a retracting market. Under these circumstances, it should come as NO SURPRISE that our markets (or needs) are not of great importance to any particular airline. In short, no single airline enjoys (nor do we presently offer) much economy of scale in WV. This problem CAN and MUST be fixed!
Since no airline has much economy of scale or stake in WV, why should they care about us or helping our economy? Outside consultants have little at stake either, but they'll gladly take our money, then 'confirm' there is no hope for better service. Before chastising the airlines and consultants, keep in mind that most people do not understand WV's circumstances or our culture. We recognize the value of rapid transportation, and simply will not accept defeat. Although we are small, we have tackled ECONOMY OF SCALE problems before - and won!
Late in the last century, we faced a similar problem with our roads. Even the richest states struggle to provide good highways. So, how did a small state with a mountain of economic and geographic challenges build a road system that is the envy of the nation? Well, we needed better funding, so our leaders pulled together and made money for roads a top priority. We also knew that large highway departments automatically have large economies of scale, so they can build roads for less money than smaller highway departments. Through centralizing and consolidation, our Division of Highways has created huge economies of scale -- right here in little old WV! Although WV ranks 37th among the states in population, the WV Division of Highways ranks #1 nationally for percent of WV roads that are state maintained, and #6 in terms of total road miles. Because the WV Division of Highways is large on the national scene, vendors bid fiercely for a piece of WV's business. This approach also serves us well in education. In contrast to such states as Pennsylvania and Ohio with their many, small independent school districts, WV enjoys very favorable economies of scale with it's county based school systems and statewide purchasing programs. The same approach that delivers economy of scale to our roads and schools, can also solve many of our airline problems in the 21st century. How would that work?
1. Because there has been no recent airline service between WV's cities (except for the 2 pick-up flights mentioned above), there is no local or historic traffic data available to produce a traditional business forecast. If our plan depends on favorable historical data, we'll continue to fall for the old the chicken before the egg thing - and that chicken ain't ever gonna fly! The only way we can overcome the 'lack of data' challenge (and the risk it implies to airlines) is by CREATING better economies of scale for airline service, through a statewide consolidation of authority, planning, and negotiation (as we have done with highways and schools).
2. Although laudable and understandable, local efforts to improve service, for a variety of reasons, may actually undermine, rather than improve, economies of scale. Economy of scale for airline service is not likely to improve significantly without the state taking a strong leadership role on these fronts.
3. Because of the far-reaching impact, wide range of stakeholders, and partnership negotiation associated with such a network, this project must be undertaken as a major, state-wide ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - not simply an aviation or airport project. The value of high-level vision and leadership for such a network cannot be underestimated.
4. Finally, the state must be able to offer unique and enhanced market opportunity that is of value to an airline. In this case, the state would be wise to offer a strategic partnership (or partnerships) with marketing support, in exchange for participating in our flight consolidation strategy, as described in the example below.
Flights between Charleston and Dulles would be modified to include quick stops in Martinsburg and/or Morgantown. Because the added time and cost of stopping at non-urban airports is fairly nominal, the actual risk associated with the local service is not great. Almost all revenue from the local service goes straight to the bottom line. Even better, WV gets -
Although this article addresses many of the business challenges associated with an intrastate airline network, there are legal and political issues that also must (and can) be resolved. Should Governor Manchin and other leaders make this a high priority, it is only natural for every town in WV to push for their fair share of service. Yet, it will probably take several years before market conditions will allow a WV airline network to reach all of our airports.
The sooner we start service to the cities capable of producing the most passengers now (probably Martinsburg and Morgantown), the sooner we will have a large airline network in place that truly binds our state together, facilitates statewide business and executive activity, and connects all regions of WV to the national and international marketplace.
OTHER RELATED PAGES AT WVLifeAndRec.Com Natural, Historic & Touristic Sites Eco- friendly store. Bearwobble Product Info DR. HARE and MS. TURTLE RACE TO CHARLESTON a little story to think about
Dr. Hare and Ms. Turtle are ambitious professionals who love West Virginia and work for a company near Martinsburg that provides low-cost broadband service to rural residents in the mid Atlantic states. Their work requires regular trips to state capitols in this region. Although they live in WV, they are frustrated that Charleston is the most distant and difficult-to-reach capitol of all the 7 capitols they visit. Back when gasoline was cheaper and business was slower, the five or six hour drive to Charleston, was not bad - thanks to WV's (generally) outstanding highways. Now, with lots of business and competition, they are concerned about the the time it takes to service WV compared to the other neighboring states . After all, it takes the better part of 3 days, 2 hotel nights, meals and lots of gasoline just to get in a full day of business in Charleston - and hopping around to WV's other larger towns can eat up a week before you know it.
Today, Dr. Hare and Ms. Turtle are about to leave their office between Shepherdstown and Martinsburg for the long trek to Charleston. Dr. Hare is completely fed up with the long trip, and has decided to fly from the closest major airport (Dulles) to Charleston. Ms. Turtle reminds Dr. Hare of the highway congestion going to Dulles, the parking, early check-in requirements, slow security - not to mention air traffic congestion. Dr. Hare simply cannot spend 3 days for one day of business in Charleston, but Ms. Turtle is not convinced that flying from Dulles will save time. They end up placing a wager to see who arrives at the Charleston Marriott first.
Although they could have left at 9 am, Dr. Hare knows that leaving too early for his one hour and forty minute flight that departs Dulles at 12:25 pm would give advantage to Ms. Turtle. He's not especially concerned, because it seems all the flights from Dulles run 10 or 15 minutes late. So at 9:30 am, both get underway. Dr. Hare gets in his car and heads off to Dulles, while Ms. Turtle points her SUV toward Charleston.
Things are getting tight and Dr. Hare still has a long hike (loaded down with laptop, heavy document case, and folding suit bag) before getting to express check-in and security. A call to the office confirms that the flight is 30 minutes late - which means he can still make the flight and beat Ms. Turtle - unless she skips a restroom or snack stop. There are no lines at express check-in and security isn't too bad for a big airport (25 minutes). It is exactly 12:55 pm when Dr. Hare approaches the boarding counter for his 12:25 flight that was delayed for 30 minutes. Right before his eyes is the plane to Charleston and the door is open, waiting just for him. What perfection!!
But wait!!! 'We're sorry, Dr. Hare but we have boarded all the stand-bys, and the flight is full. The standby list for our 5 pm flight is also closed but we have you on stand-by for our 10 pm non stop that arrives in Charleston at 11:33 pm.' Welcome to the big city!
Ms. Turtle: Although the trip to Charleston via I-81 and I-64 is less mountainous and cheaper (thanks to lower gas prices in VA), Ms. Turtle opts for the shorter route (by 28 miles) using I-68 and I-79 via Morgantown, thinking that keeping the pedal to the metal will shave a few minutes from her usual drive. The steeper highways and gas prices really hit her in the pocketbook - especially since her company's mileage reimbursement hasn't gone up in 3 years, but this is a race! Making just a quick stop for fuel and snacks, Ms. Turtle rolled up at the Charleston Marriott at 3 pm sharp (320 miles, 5.5 hours and $63 worth of gas). She doesn't really mind the drive so much, but is under a lot of pressure to spend time where it counts the most. "Well, Dr. Hare was scheduled to arrive at 206 pm, so I guess he won the race. At least he is here with all his documents to help prepare for tomorrow's meeting," thinks Ms. Turtle. Actually, you win the race, Ms. Turtle. But take a guess at what your competition is doing while you and Dr. Hare are trying to get to and from Charleston.
Hmmm - Wouldn't a 55 minute flight between Martinsburg and Charleston with no big city hassles make a huge difference?
Bill Yearout APPALACHIAN INSTITUTE, INC.
Click here for more on Airlines & WV Transportation
About Yeager Airport in Charleston: WV's largest airport is an extremely well-run airport operated by a highly qualified staff of professionals. Yeager has been upgraded to be a comfortable, convenient and truly passenger-friendly facility. Service is limited to feeder flights to/from 11 airport hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington/Dulles, Washington/Reagan). This strategy provides hub connections to/from almost all U.S. cities, utilizing a wide choice of airlines. However, Yeager would be of far greater service to WV if many of its flights made intermediate stops in WV. The value of Yeager could be further enhanced by regional ground transportation and direct flights to/from several unserved cities near WV's borders. More on Yeager Airport. Return to 'Running on Empty'
About Martinsburg (Eastern WV Regional Airport):
Until recently, this large airport maintained 2 long runways - both capable of accommodating heavy jet aircraft. One was recently closed (permanently) and the other is being lengthened. During summer and fall of 2006, as little as 3100' of runway will be open for use. However, after December, 2006, about 6000' of this runway will be available - which is more than adequate for commercial jets. In late 2007, the new section of runway will finally open, offering a total length of about 8000'. The 167th Airlift Wing of the WV Air National Guard welcomes the massive C-5 Galaxy to Martinsburg in the fall of 2006; C-5 flight frequencies will be low and such operations do not pose a problem to airline operations. Return to 'Running on Empty'
OTHER RELATED PAGES AT WVLifeAndRec.Com
Natural, Historic & Touristic Sites
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When
Bob Denver passed away in September of 2005, he left a remarkable
legacy to his family, to his fans, and certainly to his fellow West
Virginians. 
Dreama
and Bob had the radio gig figured out all along. Served by Interstate 77 (aka
the Canada-Carolina Expressway) and six U.S. highways, Mercer County has developed
into a major business center for SW Virginia and Southern WV. Over a dozen modern
hotels and motels prosper near the terminus of the West Virginia Turnpike, serving a
huge volume of transient travelers, as well as those staying for golf, snow skiing
and whitewater adventure. Concord University, Bluefield State College, 3 large
hospitals, several shopping malls, numerous restaurants, plus a generous helping of
beautiful rivers, mountains, parks and forests are driving a new and healthier
economy. Although Princeton isn't big, don't be fooled by its population or
sleepy history. There is considerably more going on around it than one may expect. 
