News from Alumni

Bryan Mangum

Long time camper and counselor Bryan Mangum emailed to say that he is almost done with school at WCU. He also stated that this spring he will be going to San Juan, Costa Rica to earn three credit hours towards his major. On his trip he will be researching sea turtles on the beach, then he will be going canyoneering in the jungles, and finally the trip will end with a river trip down the Pacuare River. Bryan is looking forward to the trip. When Bryan returns from his trip, he will be heading to FCC for his 9th summer.

Alumni News

Luke Strange is spending his time working on capital hill working for Congressman Jo Bonner, he emailed camp after reading the article in Time magazine, the article brought back many good memories from his time at Falling Creek.

Joe Moon former program director and Falling Creek counselor recently emailed camp remembering the Falling Creek reunion hikes that he participated in with Walt Cottingham, Steve Rogers, Starr Teal, Donnie Bain and several others. Joe is currently the Dean for Campus Life, Oxford College Of Emory University.

Chris Stec (1995-2007) joins the American Canoe Association as the Assistant Director of Safety, Education & Instruction. For more info, click here.

"Marisa and I and the entire Falling Creek full-time staff wish Chris, Claudette and Andrew the very best in this wonderful new opportunity at the American Canoe Association. Chris' contributions to camp and the roles he has served over the years at Falling Creek have positively influenced many campers and staff. The ACA has a strong new asset on their team and we are all excited for the Stec's."

-Yates Pharr

An FCC camper in the 70's and 80's, and current star in the 2007 Falling Creek DVD in vintage video holding a fish almost his height at camp when he was 6, Wyck Godfrey is a big name in Hollywood. After producing many blockbuster hits such as "Daddy Day Care", "I Robot" and "When a Stranger Calls" to name a few, Wyck has recently started his own movie production company in Hollywood called Temple Hill Entertainment. His first movie recently hit the theaters nationwide on December 1. Released by New Line Cinema, The Nativity Story is a Bible based account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The World Premiere was held at The Vatican just before Thanksgiving. Check out the website. It is called http://www.thenativitystory.com/. Congratulations and best wishes to Wyck and his family!

To learn more about Wyck's Filmography, please click here. To read about Wyck in the New York Times, please click here.

Jamie Crook was at Falling Creek in 1977. Since camp he went to seminary and became a pastor. He is happily married and has a great family.

After struggling with cancer, Tommy Blake, aka Mr. T, passed away earlier this year. We all remember his wonderful meals, including his famous Sunday fried chicken. The Dining Hall at camp is named: The Blake Dining Hall. Tommy was an important part of Falling Creek's history and will be missed.

Gordon (1983-85) and Laurie (1983-85) Turner Strayhorn, who were on the FCC staff in the 80’s, attended the Alumni Weekend and are the Owners/Directors of Camp Illahee for girls in Brevard.

After a Falling Creek movie showing in New York City on November 5th, several FCC Alumni got together in the Big Apple for dinner.

When not actively saving the world, Andrew Stoll works for a Wall Street company in the Big Apple. If you run into him, ask him about his rugby experience in Queens!

When not performing at theatre's in New York City, Perry Silver produced his first musical album called, "Play Nice Now".

When not traveling for the International Real Estate firm that he works for in New York City, Warren Cathcart continues to keep ties to camp. He attended the Alumni Weekend this fall.

PJ & Robert Ballard still live near camp in the Green River valley. They came back to camp for the Alumni Weekend and treated everyone to several good home cooked meals!

Rick & Emily Broad returned to Falling Creek with their family for a visit this summer. Rick was the Program Director in the early 1990's and now has a Physical Therapy Practice just north of Dallas in Wylie, Texas.

James Bryan continues to work in Andrews, NC and every now and then he makes it back to Falling Creek for a Father Son Weekend or to help the maintenance guys by mowing the pastures. Just like old times!

Adam Compton spent the summer on the road paddling across the United States from the Carolinas to Colorado. Adam currently teaches world history to 10th graders in the Austin, Texas area.

Polk Deters is currently studying for the GRE before heading off to kayak in China with World Class Kayak Academy.

Wayne DuPlessis attends the University of Cape Town in South Africa where he is pursuing a degree in social work.

Jeremy Gillespie and his wife live in Fletcher, NC where he is the Executive Director at a nearby summer camp.

Jim Goodrum is currently living in Macon, GA with his wife Kristi where he works for the Fickling Real Estate Company. Jim and Kristi return to western North Carolina and visit the Creek several times a year.

When not studying at college in Virginia, Chris Gormon and former camper Sean Thompson run their own kayaking video production company, AutoBoofProductions. Their first film was called, Gravity.

A former camper and counselor on the mountain biking staff, Gould Hagler is currently in Law School in Boston.

Adam Hancock (1998-2000,2003) is back in Colorado after finishing graduate school in late May. In addition to being engaged (congratulations!), Adam is now the Education Director for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies in Colorado.

Sarah Holt returned to the mountains for a brief stint this fall and worked in Landrum, SC as an interior designer.

Ryan Tinch and his wife Brooke announced the birth of their son, congratulations!

Nate & Melia Kizer recently bought a house and Nate is working for an environmental builder near Burnsville, NC.

After graduating from Clemson with a B.A. in architecture and a minor in Spanish, Steve Lambie currently lives in Seattle and works as an architect.

An FCC camper from 1992 - 1995, Will Leineweber currently lives in Colorado Springs, CO and recently contacted camp and reported that he "went to the Citadel, joined the USAF, lived in the west, went to Iraq, got married, returned to South Carolina full time and entered the USAF Reserve to fly c-17's out of Charleston. Can't wait to visit Falling Creek when I get back to the South. This was a pivotal experience in my youth - many important lessons learned that have left a strong mark on me to this day."

A camper throughout the 1990's and a prominent kayaker, Pierce Lewis dropped by camp for a visit with his wife, Kyla. After working in the marketing department for a kiteboarding company, Pierce recently received his masters from a university in London. They currently live in Hood River, Oregon.

Philippa Runton Ferguson and her family emailed that they are doing very well and think of Falling Creek often.

Claire Manley continues to professionally ride and train horses for clients in the Tryon, SC area.

Jim Miller and his family continue to direct Camp Greystone in Tuxedo, NC.

Connell Mullins and his wife Kristin are very excited to announce the birth of their son, John Walker. Connell emailed, "Now that I'm back at work in my comfy chair, I can catch up on my sleep!"

Will O'Connor is working in management & engineering for a HVAC company in Macon, GA. He still rides his mountain bike at least once a week!

Jenny Thorne Read (1999-2000) and her husband Chris live in South Africa and have two children. They are hoping to return to the United States for a visit in the near future.

After graduating from Davidson College, Adam Secrest enrolled in EMT school. He also continues to hand-paddle his kayak in extreme whitewater, including the Green River Narrows race.

After working at a hotel in Yellowstone National Park this summer, Gary Slater is home in Little Rock, Arkansas. He will be heading to work in Germany in the new year.

Paul Southern lives in beautiful Mt. Dora, Florida, just north of Orlando with his wife Laura, their daughter and son (a soon to be FCC camper!). Paul works as an Assistant Service Manager at a large Ford Dealer in Orlando handling fleet and commercial vehicles.

Steve Stevens still lives and works in Asheville and dropped by camp this summer for a visit.

After revitalizing an area camp as their Director, Starr Teel returned to the Wrinkled Egg.

Jim Uden and his wife Shae live in Nashville and started a company that buys and builds Outpatient Surgery Centers.

One of the Founding Campers from 1969, Phil Walker attended the Alumni Weekend this fall! Phil lives in San Francisco, CA where he is a professional speaker, author and attorney. He also appeared in the movie Class Action with Gene Hackman.

Meredith Waters is about to finish her third year in Iraq. She is responsible for organizing a wide range of recreational opportunities for the Troops including: marathons and biathlons. In her free time she's been climbing in Italy and Thailand.

Clint Willis (1975) is the series editor of Adrenaline Books, a best selling series of climbing and adventure anthologies. He and his family live in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Clint just finished another book called, "The Boys of Everest" which is receiving great reviews. His brother, Perry Willis (1972) lives in Colorado, working with the oil industry.

Adam Wilson lives in Houston, TX with his wife of five years, Myrna Tena.

Bill Wilson lives in Tuxedo with his wife Helen. He is a certified contractor and has started his own construction company.

Chris Young, his wife, and daughter continue to live in Oxford, MS while he pursues his PhD. They can't wait to return to the mountains.

Pierce Lewis, a camper throughout the 1990's and a prominent kayaker, dropped by camp for a visit with his wife, Kyla. After working in the marketing department for a kiteboarding company, Pierce recently received his masters from a University in London. They currently live in Hood River Oregon

Molly Knight (2005) and her son Noah (camper at Falling Creek) have done mission work in Istanbul, Turkey and then most recently in Mexico. They are currently living and working in Montana.

SFL will be doing a program at the upcoming Heritage Day at the Green River Library in Tuxedo on Saturday, September 30th. To read the article in the Hendersonville News, please click here.

Michael BadHair Williams recently told tales of Appalachia at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA. For more information about the storytelling event, please click here. In addition, Badhair participated in the storytelling festival at Historic Johnson Farm. For more information, please click here. On September 30, Badhair will join SFL at the Heritage Day at the Green River Library in Tuxedo. To see what else BadHair is up to, besides fishing, you can visit his website by clicking here.

Sam Rembert was a camper and CIT at Falling Creek in the late 80's and early 90's. He currently resides in Atlanta where he works as a freelance lighting technician and programmer for the entertainment industry. Sam also worked on Disney on Ice for several years.

Christopher Cooke is a Director at Digital River and lives in Columbus, OH with his wife and three daughters. He recalls that his 6 years at Falling Creek "made me a better person".

PW Glidewell currently practices law in Boone, NC. He is happily married and has two daughters. He'd like to catch up with those staff from Sewannee who worked with him at camp in the early 90's. In thinking about Falling Creek, he stated "a flood of memories came back" and his summers at camp were "rich times, a great place, and glad to see its in good hands."

A camper in the late 90's,Will Lindon just returned from studying in London and starts his senior year at FSU. He plans on teaching English in Switzerland in the near future.

Todd Murdock lives in Cullowhee, NC with his wife and 4 year old son.

Margaret Thorne has been living and working as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Asheville, NC.

Bryan Milo lives in Stratford, CT with his wife. He works with the music licensing for ESPN's X Games as well as ESPN's NFL season. Brian attended the alumni weekend and the movie showing in Greenwich this fall.

Camper and staff member, Brad Traughber lives in Kentucky and owns a series of restaurants in Tennessee and Louisiana. His oldest son attended Junior Camp this summer.

Gray Jernigan was in Siberia this past summer doing an environmental program. He'll be hiking for a good portion of the time and will take horses over the Golden Altai Mountains. He'll then take the trans Siberian railroad to Lake Baikal to study earthquake zones and do conservation work with local elementary school kids. He'll be working with Russian professors and university students.

Alex Singer, (1995-98) attends Tulane University where he will graduate in May. Alex dropped by the Loyola job fair to say hello and pursue post college employment.

Chris Ennis, a camper in the late 80's, visited camp on Friday, April 7 and toured his old stomping ground with Yates and Chris Stec. Chris' favorite activity while at camp was paddling and he worked hard on his whitewater skills outside of camp, so much so that he represented the USA in the Athens Olympics as a C-1 boater("twice the man, half the paddle"). For more information about how Chris became the stud paddler that he is, please click here.

To see Chris' paddling resume', you can visit his athlete bio on the USA Canoe & Kayak website by clicking here.

Chris is currently living in Almond, NC near the Nantahala River and Lake Fontana. Since his Olympic experience in August, 2004, he served as a whitewater instructor for N.O.L.S. (National Outdoor Leadership School)last summer and is currently a canoe and kayak instructor at NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center).

He will be moving to Missoula, MT in July where his girlfriend, Leslie Brandt, will be starting Physical Therapy school and Chris will be pursuing his Masters in English Education. His parents, David and Dana have "retired" and currently live close by in Bryson City. When they are not road biking, David is building a home or two here and there.

We recently heard from Mike Wilson, a camper in 1974 & 76: "Donnie Bain was my counselor during my first year at FC. I can't say enough about his thoughtfulness and commitment to all of us in that cabin. I still remember the devotions we had before going to bed. I have no doubt these were seeds being planted to grow into what I am today, a pastor! The journey was an interesting one. I was an automotive design engineer for nearly 14 yrs first. God was so patient with me until I finally said "yes" to his call! My second year at FC was just incredible. Not only could I do the more advanced stuff (namely whitewater canoeing) but I made true friends (I've always had difficulty in that area). Near the end of camp, I was surprised that my name was mentioned as discovering the secret of FC during a fireside evening. I really don't know how that happened but others could see a change in me. I"m not sure the secret was ever written out but I knew in my heart what it was: the transforming power of God's love. To me, that's what's at FC. Oh I could wax poetic with pages of significant memories but I'll just sum up with a few facts: I'm married (for 23 yrs) to my wife Beverly. I have two wonderful kids: Sarah (17) and Andrew (13) I've been serving as Sr. Pastor of Grace Covenant Church in Spring Valley, CA (San Diego area) since 1999. I've got a few photos from FC. I'll make an attempt to find them and send you copies. Grace and peace."

Jim Godfrey was camper from 1974-1981 and was originally from Piney Flats, TN. He recently wrote to Falling Creek with the following update: "I moved here (Richmond, VA) from Washington DC back in 1989 and started work as a stock broker/financial advisor. I've been doing this ever since. I just recently (within the past 4 months) have taken a position at AXA Advisors as a District Manager, so now I am providing advice and developing a sales force. I met Anne (native of Richmond and graduate of Vandy) in 1992. We got married in 1994 and had our first child (Walker-girl) in 1996. She started going to Camp Greystone in 2003 and is going back for Main Camp for the first time this year. My sons, Jay (7) and Christopher (4), are going to try out the Father/Son weekend. Give my best to all.

Terry Tyree, a long time staff member from 1977-1992, recently contacted Falling Creek. He and his wife Kristen live in Durham, NC where she works with GlaxoSmithKline and he is the Operations Manager for one of Hagar Rand's Durham Coca-Cola Bottling Companies. He is also a part owner of a hair salon franchise in Atlanta with some other partners. Terry was the Senior Line Head/Iroquois Tribal Leader and lead the Landsports Program when he was here at Falling Creek.

Rob Hines, the youngest son of Larry and Tom Hines, who were the Raleigh, NC area Falling Creek Camp representatives for years in the 80's, recently touched base with camp. "I was one of your former campers at Falling Creek, Rob Hines, a camper for 9 fantastic summers. I realize it's been forever since the last time we talked but I was cruising the web and reminiscing about the fun summers I had at FCC and came across the camp website. I was playing with the website today and went on to the interactive map feature and was amazed at all of the changes that occurred since my summers there. I really can't tell you happy it makes me to see that everything is running so well at Falling Creek. As a quick update, after high school I went to Duke on a football scholarship where I graduated with a degree in public policy and history minor. I also met my soon to be wife there and moved to Washington D.C. right after graduation where I've been ever since. In 2001 I enrolled in law school, graduated in 2004 and passed the NC bar exam that summer. Now I'm working in D.C. for an international corporate law firm, and let me tell you, there's nothing like a 29 degree day in March here that makes a guy start thinking back to his summers and how much fun they were. I think I'd do just about anything right now to try my hand on the Nantahala in a tipsy kayak then to be sitting here! My wife Christie and I are expecting our first child in June (boy) and it made me start thinking about what a great place FCC would be for him years from now. It made such a hugh impact on my life as a kid and really shaped me into the person I am today. So one day you can bet that we'll be looking into filling out the camp application. Take care and God Bless.

Rick Broad, who was on staff from 1985-1994 and served as an Associate Director for FCC in the early 90's, recently opened his new Physical Therapy Practice called Peak Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center in Wylie, Texas (just north of Dallas). Rick holds a master's degree from Northwestern University. He has experience working with a wide variety of orthopedic patients at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and at the Baylor Tom Landry Center in Dallas. He has further training in manual therapy through the Instittute of Physical Arts. He met his wife Emily while they were staff members in 1989 and they both were at Falling Creek from 1989-1994. The Broads live with their four children in nearby Richardson, Texas and hosted Yates at their home in February when he was in Texas showing Falling Creek Camp "movies".

Justin Schmidt, a counselor in the Landsports program during the 1989 summer recently contacted FCC with the following update on what he has been up to: "I worked with you and Marisa at camp the summer of 1989. I'm from New Orleans, went to Ole Miss, had ten year olds in the cabin across from the infirmary and sweat the summer away on the Land Sports field carrying that roller coaster up the hill over and over again. Earlier today I had lunch with Bryan McClendon who informed me that the two of you had reconnected with Falling Creek so I hit the website and here I am. At any rate, it's great to see that the two of you evolved into and created such a great looking family. Despite the fact that I did not spend a number of years at camp, it still left a lasting impression on me and I still speak fondly about my time there to my wife and kids. I went to law school, got married and had 4 kids all of which has kept me preoccupied to date. However, now that my oldest and only son is approaching his 7th birthday, I wanted to start thinking about camp again. My mother from Indiana sent me the latest "The Fire Speaks Newsletter" and it brought back a flood of memories from my wonderful days at FC!

Steve Hopkins, the waterfront director at Falling Creek for several years in the 1980's and 90's, recently checked in with us. He lives on Eastman Lake in Grantham NH with his wife Virgina. Steve is on the faculty at Dartmouth Medical School in the Department of Pediatrics and is a Research Professor.

Robert Watkins, a camper and staff member in 80's (Directed the Tennis program) recently contacted Falling Creek. His wife & 2 children live in Atlanta where he works for Oracle Corp. Other than occasionally teaching tennis to his children, he's now turned to competitive distance running and is looking forward to his 10th marathon this spring. He said "After 20-25 years, it is amazing to think back on how many incredible, sustaining relationships I've developed through my Falling Creek experiences both as a camper and a counselor. I see Forrest Speed fairly often here in Atlanta and stay in touch periodically with Bryan McClendon. Our 8yr old daughter just attended Greystone for the first time and a 4yr old son who has a few more years before making it up to Tuxedo, NC."

Gladson Capps, who was on Falling Creek's full-time staff from 1974-1988, recently visited camp. He has a hand in most of the structures built at camp. Campers used to sign-up on a daily basis to work with he, Walt Cottingham and Jerry Metcalf on many building projects. His Niece will be getting married at Falling Creek this Fall.

Yates touched base with Woodward Middleton, a camper in the early 80's, and who went to Charlotte Country Day School with Yates years ago. Woodward has recently moved from Columbia, SC, where he was the Bank of America City Executive of Private Banking, to Palm Beach to serve as Vice President of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. His wife, Leslie and 2 sons, Woodward (9yrs old) and Clay (6yrs old) are enjoying the warmer climate and wonderful Palm Beach community.

David Dodge, a camper in the 80's, who was in Yates' cabin in 1982, contacted FCC and caught us up on what he has been doing: "It's been a really long time. A falling Creek newsletter appeared out of the blue at my Dad's house, and he passed it along to me. I couldn't help but read it and go to the website. It's been literally forever since I've seen a picture of the place – it still has such great memories for me. Just a quick update on me - I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I've been back in the Valley of the Sun for a few years now, and it's been great to be back home and reconnect with family. My career has consisted of 2 disciplines– business and teaching. I spent 6 years teaching English as a Second Language on four continents, and also worked for over 5 years as a product development and marketing manager for 2 Bay Area startups. A couple of years ago, I decided to return to school to get my MBA from Thunderbird Garvin School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. I am now launching a business that incorporates both business and teaching. It's a K-12 in-home tutoring company called SurePrep Learning – I'm really excited about it. I'll keep you posted when we land in Tuxedo. Hope all is well."

Steve Lambie was on the Kayaking staff in 2002. He is currenty an architecture intern in Seattle. He's recently run with the bulls in Pamplona Spain and has climbed to the base camp on Mount Ranier.

Jennie Goodrum Turrell (2000) is currently living with her husband, a professor at the University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. She is back in school working towards her masters degree in Art Education.

Michael Sanders (2004) currently majoring in International Finance, also dropped by the UT summer job fair. He's hoping to land a job on Wall Street after graduation.

Phillip Field, a camper from 1995-2000, left his home state of Maine to attend college at Vanderbilt University where he's currently majoring in History.

Connell Mullins was on staff in the mid 90's and he and his wife Kristin are proud to announce the birth of their son. The happy family resides in the Richmond area.

Scott Bassett (2000-01) continues to work as a Fitness Specialist in Georgia. In his free time, he and his father bass fish on several different tours throughout the southeast.

Will Bruno A long time camper and a staff member in 2004, recently graduated from Western Washington University. After working in Wyoming last summer, he is back in Washington and is concentrating on his art work. His website is: www.wlbimagery.com. His brother Keith Bruno, another long time camper at Falling Creek recently ran in an ultra-marathon in New Zealand.

Jay DeGuire (1996-99, 2001-04)has been commissoned as a 2nd LT in the US Army and is currently stationed in Texas.

Wade Blackwood (1979, 1995) returned from Honduras after working for several years with the Peace Corps. Besides being engaged (congrats!), he will finish up William and Mary Business School in August.

Maxime Treves (1998-2002) recently dropped by camp for a visit. From Paris, France, Maxime is currently studying at the University of Richmond for his Junior year abroad.

Chuck Niemeyer (Late 70's to early 80's) currently works for Carolina Orthopaedic in Gastonia, NC and recently visited with Falling Creek at the Gaston Day School Camp Fair.

David White (1970's) is the Executive Director of First Steps based in Greenville, SC. He dropped by the Greenville Camp Fair to say 'hello'.

David Watson (1990's) is a CPA and an Associate Director for Navigant Consulting.

Stephen Gray (1979-84, 89-91) and his wife Eliza will be the new Greenville, SC family representative. Their son is already looking forward to being a Falling Creek camper like his dad.

Bynum Boley (1993–94,2004) called recently from The University of Georgia where he is finishing up a dual degree in Forestry and Eco-Tourism. He plans to graduate in December 2006. This past summer he spent time in Australia and Fiji and worked with Wilderness Ventures, a travel camp.

Chris Young (1987-89,93,97,98) was in the area in November competing in the annual Green River Kayak Race. Chris is finishing his Master’s degree in Neuro-Psychology and plans to continue his studies as a doctoral student at Ole Miss.

Scott Morrow (1975-76, 1985) sent a recent email updating us on his activities. He has been teaching in the Duke University Talent Identification Program for the past 8 years. He has also been tutoring in the local elementary schools in Durham where he has been living for the past 17 years. During the months of November – April, Scott spends his time in a spiritual institution/ashram in Northern India. “What a glorious time at Falling Creek and what great memories.”

Randy Lee (1985) writes from Odessa, Texas requesting a new DVD and catalog. He is the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. “Falling Creek’s 6 week camp was a big event in helping me transition from my youth to adulthood.”

Jeff Marble (1981-83), aka “wolfman”, lives in Luray, Virginia with his wife, Debbie, and two children, Luke and Jessie. He is an ordained minister and has a gospel bluegrass band, “The Kingdom Stompers.”

Michael Zerangue (2000) graduated from LSU in May, 2004 and married several months later. He and his wife, Rachel, live in Marysville, OH where he works as an automotive design engineer with Honda. “I know it is still the best summer I have ever had”.

Tom Coker (1992-97,2000-03) lives in Greenville, SC and works for Carolina First Bank. He is in their Management-Training Program and hopes to end up in the Small Business Banking division.

Lucas Horton (1989-93) writes that he recently started his own catering/food delivery/personal chef business. He adds, “…those seven summers I spent at Falling Creek inspire memories and provoke emotions in me that are more wonderful than those of my travels and time I have spent all over the world.”

In South Africa, Gavin Tout (2000- 03), aka “Sharkey” is currently working on his engineering degree. He hopes to return for at least one more summer or visit at the Creek. “I still light my candle on all those special occasions and think of ya’ll around the holidays.”

Nicky Knox (1996,97,99) has left Namibia, Africa and is in the Netherlands pursuing her PhD. She had been working with the Department of Land Management at the Polytechnic Institute of Namibia.

Philip Merry (1976-79,83,84) contacted camp recently and is excited that he and his son Philip will be coming to the Father/Son weekend this May for their second straight year. He and his wife Amy and family are living in Aiken, SC.

Tim Skelly (1977-89,1992) attended the Alumni reunion this fall. He and his wife, Inge are camp's representatives in their North Palm Beach Community.

Dickson Slater (1982,83,85-87) called camp in early October to touch base. He and his wife and two children are currently living in California and enjoying the west coast lifestyle. Dickson was a camper and CIT in the 80’s.

Garret Randolph (1980-87), a mountaineering & canoeing counselor, as well as a director of the CIT program in the 80’s, called camp in October as he was in route to a reunion at Camp Sequoyah (summer camp previously located just northwest of Asheville where Garrett attended as a boy). Garrett is enjoying living in Morrill, Maine where he moved to about 7 years ago from Nashville, TN.

Bryan McClendon (1978-81) and his family were among many New Orleans families who have relocated due to Hurricane Katrina. They are currently living in Baton Rouge, LA and their son, Turner, is planning to attend camp again in 2006.

Dave Justice (1985-87,1990) contacted camp in October. He was an archery counselor in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He is currently living in Alaska and continues to enjoy hunting.

Wade Mayton (2000-03) called from Athens, GA where he is finishing up a degree in education at the University of GA and working two jobs. He is planning to live and teach in the Athens area. He recently bought a house in Athens and is learning “advanced amateur carpentry!”

John Stephens (1988-92) and Drew Robinson (1988-90) recently got together for a five-day backpacking trip along the Long Trail in Vermont. Drew and family are in the US for a year before they head back to Mongolia for another 4 years. John and wife, Debs (1990-91), live in the Asheville area and John works at one of our favorite stores…Diamond Brand Outdoors!

Alex Robinson (2002-03) emailed from England where he is currently studying at Plymouth University. He also has been coaching their basketball team.

Mark Elliot (1977-78) is the Senior Advisor for Gift Planning at Bucknell University. He and wife Adelyn (1978) have lived in Lewisburg, PA for the past 21 years. Mark has a “lot of pleasant memories of Falling Creek” and hopes to come by camp the next time he is in the area visiting relatives.

Scott Haire (1999-2000) and family are still in Woodstock, VT where he works as the Executive Director of the Woodstock Recreation Center. Scott and wife, Sharon, recently purchased a 1784 farmhouse to live in. “I’m unfortunately discovering skills I didn’t know I possessed. We have two bee hives (honey), 9 chickens (eggs), and about 100 Christmas Trees. So I’m basically a gentleman farmer, minus the gentleman part!”

Scarlett Hodgeman (1990-93) sent us an email from Washington State where she and her husband and two children live. They have a farm and a herd of over thirty horses along with sheep, chickens and Border Collie dogs. They raise draft horses, mainly Percherons and Belgians.

Chris Hanson (2000-05) is enjoying his teaching in Austin, TX. He has been coaching football and will soon transition to coaching basketball. He is kicking around the idea of an extensive trip to New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, and South America this summer.

Bo Rainbow (1995-2000, 2002-04) currently works for an international horse company.

Bill Allen (1988-93) and his wife, Jeri, visited this fall and came by for a tour of camp. They were celebrating their wedding anniversary in Western NC. Henry Allen (1987-89,96-99) and his wife, Ginny recently moved into a condo in downtown Memphis. He has been bit- ten by the endurance bug, competing in a triathlon this summer and a half marathon this month.

Summer Staff 2006

Recently, Chris Stec dropped by Duke University and met up with Render and Laura. Laura worked in the Nature program at camp this past summer and is in the final year of a master's program for Environmental Studies. Render, who was on the Mountain Biking staff, is a freshman at Duke. He is on the Mock Trial team and was one of two freshman elected to the student government.

Leah McDowell is currently working with an environmental education program in Lake Wylie, SC.

After working post camp, Peter Bishop embarked on an epic travel trip across the United States and Canada. Peter visited Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston, then biked in Montana and Oregon with Laura Fieselman. He was last heard from in Vancouver trying to get a job at a ski resort before he returns to Falling Creek next summer. Laura is working at Pacific University.

Maru Alvarez has literally been traveling since camp ended. After visiting Washington DC, New York City, Connecticut and Boston she then went to London to visit Sian. After that she went to 6 different European countries and she's currently in Italy. She will continue her travels until she returns to Falling Creek for next summer!

Jay Fraser works in the construction industry in Tampa, FL and recently passed the US Green Building Corporations Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accreditation test!

Nathan Newquist recently got a job with the Fort Worth Independent School District working in the Grants and Development Department. He will help to write grants, do research, and help schools know how to correctly use the money. Nathan also said, "They have no problem with me going to camp next summer!"

SFL will be doing a program at the upcoming Heritage Day at the Green River Library in Tuxedo on Saturday, September 30th. To read the article in the Hendersonville News, please click here. During July, SFL took a long road trip out west with Steve Walston, where they camped and hiked in numerous National Parks. Currently SFL is doing WEMA programs for various Scout Troops and school groups and he continues to work with his birds of prey and snakes. We're looking forward to having SFL back at camp this summer!

Tom Almond is working at a ski resort in Austria this winter and plans to be back at FCC this summer!

Jon Atkinson works at a popular restaurant just north of Charlotte, NC near Davidson College.

Donnie Bain is the new Headmaster at the Morganton Day School in Morganton, NC. He stays in touch with camp and was one of the key people at the inaugural Alumni Weekend this past fall. Kim is now teaching 6th grade in Morganton.

Johnathan Bain is finishing up his senior year at Brevard College and working part time at camp in December helping with maintenance. He also continues to race on the Brevard College Mountain Bike team and even competed against Will Serene from Sewanee earlier this fall!

Claudia Beddingfield, Falling Creek's office manager will be a Grandmother again! Claudia is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her second grandchild this spring.

Continuing her passion for helping animals, Jess Carlson is working as an Animal Care Technician near Davidson, NC.

After a summer of serving great food in the kitchen, Anna Chernysheva went up to the beach in Maryland for some rest and relaxation. She is now studying back home and hopes to be able to return to Falling Creek this summer.

Laura Fieselman is living in Forest Grove, Oregon, just outside of Portland working as an AmeriCorps volunteer at Pacific University. She is the campus' environmental sustainability educator and she's planning on taking up snow-shoeing and sea-kayaking.

Susan Frame continues to be the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call the camp office. She, her husband Charlie, and son Sam, spend their free time at their boat dock on Lake Summit.

After graduating from MTSU, Travis Harris now works for the YMCA in Knoxville, Tennessee and will be back at camp this summer.

Adam King is studying hard at Elon University where he is also an officer for his fraternity.

Big news in the Landry household, Patrick and Amy are anxiously awaiting the birth of their daughter. Congratulations!

Zach Lantelme graduates from Elon University in May and is looking towards a career in outdoor recreation.

Stephanie Letender returned to school and is working towards her Master's of Science in Nursing. She looks forward to returning as a camp Nurse.

Brian Mangum attends Western Carolina University where he's majoring in Parks & Recreation. Whenever he finds time he goes backpacking and rock climbing and is planning a trip to England to see the Falling Creek contingent on that side of the pond.

George Matthews continues to use his blacksmithing and welding talents at camp. His latest projects include building a mountain bike wash station at MOAB and adding significant upgrades to the mountain bike trailer.

In addition to driving a school bus and taking classes at Blue Ridge Community College, Mary Maybin is the assistant teacher in the Occupational Course of Study at North Henderson High School.

Jerry Metcalf continues to lead the way in all of camp's building projects. Currently he and his maintenance team are building two new cabins, doing renovations to the Infirmary and reconfiguring the inside of the Laundry cabin.

As a pre-med student at Middlebury, Carey Nichols still manages to enjoy kayaking the beautiful rivers of Vermont. He is currently getting certified as an EMT and plans to return to camp this summer!

Molly Pickall lives and works in Bozeman, Montana for the non-profit Yellowstone Park Foundation. She spent her first days on the job tracking wolves in the park!

Todd Robinson has finished work in Connecticut and is back in Mississippi. He plans to visit Nathan Newquist and is excited about being back in Cabin Ishi this summer.

Jerry Suarez continues to teach at Polk County High School in Saluda, NC where he also leads their outdoor club. He recently went to Japan on a teacher exchange program.

In addition to traveling out west with SFL this summer and teaching high school, Steve Walston volunteers his time to help youth in an Outward Bound leadership program.

Simon Wilson continues to dedicate his time and energy to improving camp. When not working with Jerry and Patrick, Simon makes sure that camp's horses and pastures are in great shape for next summer.

Michael BadHair Williams recently told tales of Appalachia at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA. For more information about the storytelling event, please click here. In addition, Badhair participated in the storytelling festival at Historic Johnson Farm. For more information, please click here. On September 30, Badhair will join SFL at the Heritage Day at the Green River Library in Tuxedo. To see what else BadHair is up to, besides fishing, you can visit his website by clicking here.

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