THE WATER AT THE GENTS IS GREAT
We went down to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole Sunday afternoon and were surprised at just how high and refreshingly cool the water is for this time of year due to recent rains. While the current is stronger than it usually is in August, there’s just enough to make it fun. Swimming was not difficult, so try it soon if you can.
While we were in the water, a kayak appeared coming up from downstream – the direction of the Meeting of the Waters. The kayakers were Kirk Eddlemon and son (age just short of four) who had left their van at the trailhead near the cemetery and hiked down to the White Oak Bridge where they had presumably left their kayak. They then floated the White Oak down to the Meeting of the Waters and paddled up to the Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole.
Kirk said his grandfather once owned one of the historic Rugby homes, Twin Oaks. He has his own blog where he has posted some amazing photos of his various whitewater trips, including one of a canoe trip down the White Oak earlier this year. It can be seen at http://gorgedout.blogspot.com/ (for the White Oak, go to May, then scroll down).
RUGBY GETS NEW FIRETRUCK
By Tom Howell
Clear Fork Area Volunteer Fire Department purchased this truck August 6. It is ready to fight brush fires and carry first responders to a fire scene now, but it will later be set up to carry a ladder and a few other things. It is now at my Beacon Hill home ready for quick response. Later we shall add to the fire hall to accommodate this vehicle with the larger trucks.
STATE NATURAL AREA DEDICATION FRIDAY
Don’t forget the dedication of the Rugby State Natural Area and its first public trail - the Massengale Homeplace Loop – is this Friday, August 27, at 11 a.m. Eastern at the trailhead near the Rugby Workshop, behind the Community Building. Jim Fyke, state commissioner of the Department of Environment and Conservation, has sent word he plans to be there for the “vine-cutting” marking the opening.
Photos show George Zepp exploring the Massengale Homeplace site. Exhibits under the kiosks will be mounted later this week before the dedication.
DECORATING COMMITTEE
By Cheryl Hodgkins
The Rugby Decorating Committee met on Sunday afternoon to plan for Pilgrimage, Fall, Ghostly Gathering and Christmas decorations throughout the village.
We are in need of contributions, in kind and/or cash. Items that can be used for Pilgrimage and fall include mums, pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, Indian corn, old wheelbarrows, wagons, or similar fall decorative items. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and can be left with Rita at the Commissary. Thank you, from the Rugby Decorating Committee.
BOOK CLUB TO READ POPULAR LARSSON BOOKS
By Jessie Gully
The Rugby Book Club will next meet on October 16 at 7 p.m. in the home of Jessie Gully. Choose one of the Stieg Larsson books for discussion. (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Girl Who Played With Fire, Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest). For more information, contact Jessie Gully at 423-628-6090 or jessiegully@hotmail.com
RUGBY PILGRIMAGE SET FOR SEPT. 4
Historic Rugby homeowners, museum staff and volunteers are throwing open the doors to 20 or more buildings at Historic Rugby’s Village Pilgrimage & Home Tour on Saturday, September 4. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Call toll-free 1-888-214-3400 for more information or to arrange group discount tickets. Email rugbylegacy@highland.net or visit the website at www.historicrugby.org.
HISTORIC RUGBY NEEDS YOU
By Jody Hester
Many of you volunteer to help Historic Rugby in many ways, many times. Thank you so very much for all you do. Much of what is done in Rugby could not be accomplished without you.
We are in the process of launching a more organized volunteer program. But this will take a little time and we need your help NOW. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and interact with Rugby visitors.
Please look over the list of volunteer opportunities below. If you are interested in helping, please call Cathy at the office at 423-628-2441 or 888-214-3400 or email at rugbylegacy@highland.net.
I will be talking to you again SOON about more Volunteering opportunities.
PARTIAL LIST OF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Pilgrimage - Saturday, September 4
Qualifications
Volunteers needed in all capacities - Admission tent, homes, parking, greeter, van driver, café hosts and more
Office– Lodging Support
2 days a week (best days Wed. and; Fri.) - 4 hours a day 10-2
Qualifications
Computer literate - detail person
Duties
Take care of lodging reservations, confirmation packages, etc.
Office – General Office Support
2 days a week - 3 hours a day
Qualifications
Computer literate
Duties
Answer phone, file, make copies, other general office work
Visitor Centre – Greeters
(This is not a tour guide position)
2 days a week - 4 hours a day (11-3)
Qualifications
People person – enthusiastic and neat in appearance
Duties
Greet and entertain visitors until tour guide gets back from tour
Answer questions and give directions
Encourage film viewing and tour
Sell Historic Rugby-related items
Operate film
Answer phone
GROUNDHOG TRAP SOUGHT
By Eric Wilson and Vi Biehl
We have a problem with a groundhog and would like to live-trap it. Do any of the readers of this newsletter have a trap we could borrow? Contact us at ericavi@highland.net or 423-628-2817
NEW BEARPROOF DUMPSTER AT CAFE
Morgan County has replaced the bear damaged dumpster at the Cafe with an all metal one that should keep the bears out.
PLANER FOR SALE
By Eric Wilson
I have an older 10-inch Ryobi planer that I would like to sell for $100. Comes with its manual and extra blades. Contact me at ericavi@highland.net or 423-628-2817
BIRTHDAYS
August 27 - Polly Allen and Jessica Neary
CALENDAR
August 27 – Dedication of the Rugby State Natural Area and its first public trail - the Massengale Homeplace Loop. 11 a.m. Eastern at the trailhead near the Rugby Workshop, behind the Community Building
August 27 - Music at the Café with Brett and Suzanne Chambers, 6 p.m. Eastern. Enjoy live music while dining at Harrow Road Café.
September 1 – Tell-Me-A-Story-Tea at Grey Gables - meet author Dr. Lin Stepp from 1 to 3 p.m., Eastern at Grey Gables Bed and Breakfast. Call Linda Brooks Jones for reservations: 423.628.5252. $10 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
September 3 - Music at the Café with Barbara (Copley) Carnicelli - keyboardist, 6 p.m. Eastern. Enjoy live music while dining at Harrow Road Café.
September 4 - Rugby Village Pilgrimage - Historic Building Tour. Visit private historic and new homes, museum buildings, and historic lodgings. Details above.
September 4 - Potluck has been cancelled due to Pilgrimage
September 10-- Music at the Café with Leonard Anderson, musician & comedian
September 17-- Music at the Café with Butch Hodgins an Doug Piercey
September 24-- Music at the Café with Whitney Phillips band (Scott High)
Quilters Group - Wed. and Sat. 2-4 p.m. Eastern at the Friendly House
HRI WORKSHOP CALENDAR
For Workshop Registration, contact Historic Rugby at 888-214-3400 – or email rugbylegacy@highland.net
August 28 - Introduction to Kaleidoscope. This class has been CANCELLED.
September 11 - Fall Wildflower Walk - Jack Carman, author of the book “Wildflowers of Tennessee,” will lead several walks around Rugby. From Blue Curls to Maryland Golden Aster, attendees will learn about and see at least 20 species and attend a slide presentation and book signing. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern. Fee: $25
September 24 - White Oak Basketry Workshop - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Bobby Edwards. This very popular three-day workshop teaches the art of White Oak basketry from tree selection, splits, rims and handles to weaving a beautiful traditional basket. This is an experience not to be missed even if it does require “hand strength.” Fee: $130
By Linda Konig
The handsome catalpa tree behind Martin Roost now stands stripped of its leaves for the second time this summer. The Catalpa Sphinx Moth caterpillars have once again eaten them all. These ravenous black, yellow, and white caterpillars that survived (and it looks as if the great majority did) have crawled down the tree trunk and burrowed underground to pupate. The soil underneath the tree must be absolutely riddled with them. Will there be another generation of caterpillars before cold weather sets in? Probably not. There are usually only two generations a year. This last generation ate every large leaf on this majestic tree within five days. I couldn't believe how fast they consumed the leaves, but bear in mind that they eat both night and day. You can actually hear them munching away when you stand under the tree, but watch out for caterpillar droppings!
I looked up the Catalpa Sphinx Moth and found pictures of them. They're ideally suited to blend in with tree trunks, being a mottled brown color. They fly in the daytime and lay their clusters of hundreds of grayish eggs on the underside of catalpa leaves -- and only catalpa leaves.
So are the catalpa trees totally defenseless, just sitting ducks waiting to be attacked? Where are all the fishermen who supposedly love to use the caterpillars as fish bait? Believe it or not, Mother Nature hasn't left the catalpa trees completely dependent on fishermen. I've recently learned that when a caterpillar attacks a catalpa leaf, the leaf sends out pheromones that cry out "Help! Help! I'm being attacked! Come eat these caterpillars! Free food!" And who are the responders to these pheromones? They’re tiny Cotesia congregata wasps. I'll tell their fascinating story next week in this blog. Meanwhile, you can find good photos of every stage of a Catalpa Sphinx Moth's life at http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/catalpasphinx/catalpasphinx.htm.
This Week’s Editors: Rick Murphy and George Zepp
