Visits, Spring 2002

Emergency!

Tuesday, February 12, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

The tragic events of September 11, 2001 renewed our appreciation for the brave men and women who staff our nation's fire and emergency squads. What challenges face our rural-and largely volunteer-fire and emergency services? Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's fire departments and the Licking County Mounted Search and Rescue, who will address the issues they face in keeping our communities safe.

Knox County Cowboys

Thursday, March 21, 11:10 AM, Gund Commons

Knox County has been home to cattle ranching for two centuries, and where there's cattle, there are cowboys. Out of their experiences of ranch and trail life, cowboys have developed their own folklore and folk arts. These elements of cowboy culture remain popular thanks to films, television, rodeos, and stage acts. Join us for a special presentation of tall tales, cowboy poetry and songs, and trick roping.

Farming Nature's Way

Tuesday, April 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

The word "organic" frequently appears in advertising and on labels at the supermarket, but not everyone understands what organic farming involves. Kenyon seniors Rebecca Anderson and Chris Meyers, who have conducted independent research on organic farms, will host local organic farmers to discuss the practices and benefits of farming nature's way.

Visits, Spring 2001

Greenspace

Thursday, February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

In Knox County and across Ohio, residential development consumes much of the greenspace that traditionally has defined the rural landscape. In the November 2000 election, Ohio's voters approved a funding initiative to preserve agricultural lands and other greenspace. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon's Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with representatives of Knox County's Owl Creek Conservancy, the Park District, and other concerned citizens on the issues and challenges surrounding greenspace.

Sheep for Keeps

Thursday, March 22, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

For many years Knox County was home to more sheep than people. Although in fewer numbers than in the past, farmers continue to raise lambs for sale at the weekly auction, and youths in 4H enjoy raising and training their lamb projects for show at the county fair. Judy Sacks, affiliated scholar at Kenyon and shepherd, will hold a discussion with a group of "sheep people" – including a sheep farmer, shearer, a 4H livestock club advisor, and a stockyard auction manager – about the past, present, and future of sheep production in central Ohio.

Balancing Act: Farm Women in the Twenty-first Century

Tuesday, April 24, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

In today's capital-intensive agricultural economy, many family farmers must work additional jobs to supplement their income. Reflecting these conditions, the traditional roles of farm women have been revised and expanded. Kenyon senior Chrissie Cunningham, who has conducted her honors research on the changing character of Knox County's family farms, will be joined by local farm women to discuss their multiple roles in the twenty-first century.

Visits, Spring 2000

Home Schooling

Tuesday February 15, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

For many Knox County families, home schooling offers an attractive alternative to the area’s public and private schools. Howard Sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with home schooled children, their parents, and a home schooling administrator about the advantages and challenges of this alternative educational practice.

Old-Time Fiddling

Thursday, March 23, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

Central Ohio has been home to excellent fiddle players for some two hundred years. Old-time, bluegrass, jazz, and country have long featured the violin as a lead instrument. Join Ohio state fiddle champion Lisa Wagner and friends for a tune session exploring old-time fiddling in central Ohio.

Rural Homelessness

Thursday, April 20, 11:10 AM, Peirce Lounge

Often associated with the “mean streets” of America’s cities, homelessness plays a less visible but still troubling role in the rural landscape. Kenyon senior Anne Smetak, who has conducted an independent study on Knox County homelessness, will be joined by social service administrators and homeless people to explore this local social problem.

Visits, Spring 1999

Making Use of the Land

Thursday, February 11, Noon, Peirce Lounge

The rapid increase in commercial and residential development along our rural roadways indicates significant changes in land use patterns throughout central Ohio. Howard sacks, director of Kenyon’s Rural Life Center, will lead a conversation with a local farmer, a realtor, and a county planner on the forces shaping our surroundings.

You Can Go Home Again

Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 PM, Peirce Lounge

Gene Logsdon is an author and farmer from Upper Sandusky, Ohio, whose reflections on rural life offer a thought-provoking commentary on modern existence. Mr. Logsdon will share some of his experiences on the land and autograph copies of his newest book, You Can Go Home Again: Adventures of a Contrary Life.

The Healing Arts

Thursday, Mar. 25, Noon, Peirce Lounge

For many rural residents, scientific medicine is but one among many strategies used for healing sickness or injury and promoting wellness. Howard Sacks will be joined by a holistic practitioner and members of the Amish and Seventh Day Adventist communities to explore alternative medical care.(NOTE: This event was not recorded.)

Living Together

Tuesday, April 20, Noon, Peirce Lounge

Knox County’s apparent homogeneity belies significant diversity to be found in rural areas. This visit explores the personal meaning and social character of diversity with members of the local Hispanic, Native American, and Jewish communities.