I knew I might toss and turn all night, disturbing my dogs (and husband) if I didn’t text Judy Sizemore some questions. In the morning, Jackson County Middle School students would interview me for a revisit of a project started 30 years ago. The book “Jackson County People and Places” was started when Judy worked with the Tyner Family Resource Center to collect stories from local people. Judy shared that the Jackson County Public Library would publish this anniversary edition so the students could see themselves as authors. I had a chance to see the previous edition during a break. It’s a wonderful collection, a source of pride in history, recipes, remedies and the community’s natural resources and working traditions.
Why was I doing this? I (affectionately and with pride in my heart) blame Brushy Fork Leadership Institute. Its annual gathering connects neighbors in communities and surrounding states and offers relevant training in leadership, nonprofit management and skill development. In 2019, I attended my first Brushy Fork Leadership Gathering hosted and supported by Berea College. It opened the door to a path of personal growth; new friendships; and making a difference in the lives of animals, the environment and educating children—my passions.
The sun was cresting the foothills as I drove toward the middle school, ready with talking points and pictures. I was prepared to discuss my animal rescues or my organic gluten-free farm (I have Celiac Disease). I was a little nervous.
The students had great questions. The process allowed the children’s curiosity to guide the dialogue throughout the interview. “Does spaying and neutering make animals sick or gay?” And “What CAN you eat?” They laughed when I told them Celiac Disease wasn’t going to stop me from eating junk food. I explained that after the diagnosis, I quickly bought a deep fryer and learned to make gluten-free fried cheese sticks. Judy encouraged them to write down quotes.
It opened the door to a path of personal growth; new friendships; and making a difference in the lives of animals, the environment and educating children—my passions.
JoJo Wray ’04
I left the school energized. Later, I received a note from Judy saying the kids were captivated. She shared that I provided not only a great interview but also excellent advice for the students.
This wasn’t the first time I’d been invited to speak at a local school. I completed a Brushy Fork six-month leadership program for Jackson County in 2022. Our cohort chose a project called “Take Pride Where We Reside.” Our mission was to educate, clean up and beautify our community for the benefit of our citizens and visitors, promoting tourism and economic growth.
We spoke with elementary students about recycling and played guessing games with props while sharing facts. We spoke at the fiscal court. We set up a booth at the annual fall fair and gave out vegetable and herb seeds. We had a photo stand-in of a fish and a turtle made by a high school class. We chose the turtle because Jackson County is part of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trails. “Sheltowee” is the Shawnee name meaning “Big Turtle.” The fish represents the numerous creeks in Jackson County. We organized a public cleanup at Flat Lick Falls, a beautiful 30-foot waterfall that is easily accessible, free to visit and located in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Judy and I connected because of our friends and shared passions through Brushy Fork Leadership Institute.
When we first moved to the country, a little more than a decade ago, to a county that is more Daniel Boone National Forest than not, I felt isolated, disconnected and without community. The nearest neighbor is at least a five-minute jaunt away. There are no sidewalks that connect hollers and towns. Brushy Fork Leadership Institute connected me to my community and gave me tools to pursue my passions.
My husband and I got to know our neighbors and reduced the number of unwanted and unaltered animals, a real problem in Eastern Kentucky. We helped find homes for 15 dogs and nine cats, ensured they were spayed or neutered and received a rabies vaccination, deworming and tick and flea treatment. And maybe a few of those dogs (four) joined our pack.
Lots of people may ask, “Why did you move?” There are lots of answers. Family. Land. Legacy. But one of the main reasons is that institutions like Berea College and Brushy Fork Leadership Institute invest in people, communities and Appalachia. I attended my first Gathering because Brushy Fork, as part of Berea College, is a local resource for professional development.
One summit changed the direction of my life. I was a repeat customer. Now I’m thinking about starting a non-profit animal rescue to help provide resources to those who need a hand. The connectedness and belonging I feel now, I owe in large part to the effectiveness of this partnership. Living in an area with access to those resources is a blessing and a calling fulfilled.
