GATHERING ON KAYFORD JULY 2
WAS A JOYOUS TIME TO RE-CONNECT, APPRECIATE, AND INSPIRE!
Several dozen people gathered together at Stanley Heirs Park on Kayford to celebrate friendships, honor those mountain heroes who have died, appreciate hard-won achievements, and honor the Stanley Family that preserved the mountain.
Much thanks to the many who helped out so much. Particular mention to Stanley family members, Gary Steinbrenner, Maria Gunnoe, Owen Owens, John Murdock, Mike Whitten and granddaughter Emily, Junior Walk, Elijah and Ben, Allen Johnson, and Marybeth Lorbiecki. Our appreciative thanks to wonderful music by Bill & Becky Kimmons, and Jen Osha-Buysse.
These videos were shown at the Kayford Gathering July 2, 2022. Click pictures to view on YouTube. Gregg Steinbrenner compiled the Stanley Heir video. Allen Johnson, Marybeth Lorbiecki did the others. The Memorials are in parts 1, 2, 3. Most of the footage relates to West Virginia.
A Tribute & Thank You to the Stanley Heirs
Movement Achievements Commemoration
Memorial tributes to Larry Gibson, Judy Bonds, Chuck Nelson, Ken Hechler.
Tribute to OVEC & CRMW Leaders & Elaine Purkey (who sings “Keeper of the Mountains”
Tribute to Many Other Activists who Leave Lasting Legacies
Photos of Kayford Reunion Gathering
Carol Hechler (widow of Ken Hechler)
Elise Keaton Wade with Becky and Bill Kimmons of the Bare Bones music group.
Ben, Bill, Elijah, Elise
Maria Gunnoe as one of the speakers as well as providing fantastic help.
Becky Gibson Steinbrenner, sister of Larry Gibson. She and her husband came out from Texas. She gave a powerful impromptu speech on her brother Larry.
Becky Kimmons and Jen Osha-Buysse singing together. Outstanding music during the event included sing-alongs.
Becky Gibson Steinbrenner, sister of Larry Gibson, with her faithful dog.
Kenneth Stanley was one of several of the Stanley family at the gathering.
Julian Martin at his assisted living home in Charleston. He wished us well.
Junior, Lee, Allen. Junior Walk helped enormously in repairing the picnic shelter prior to the event such as replacing missing boards on the tables and seats, and extinguishing a hornet’s nest.
Becky and Gregg Steinbrenner. Gregg put together a video on the Stanley family that was shown at the event.
Day after Kayford Reunion event discussion. Pictured is Tina Tobes (daughter of the Steinbrenners), Marybeth Lorbiecki, Susan Thompson, Becky Steinbrenner, Owen Owens, John Murdock, Gregg Steinbrenner. Allen Johnson took the photo.
Maria Gunnoe took extensive photos and videos during the Kayford gathering. Some of these are below. In weeks prior to the gathering, Maria put together a team to pick up broken glass and other grounds maintenance. During the gathering, her warmth and hospitality were greatly appreciated. Maria’s own opposition to mouuntaintop removal has similarities with her late friend, Larry Gibson.
VIDEO: Marybeth Lorbiecki and Allen Johnson welcome guests to Kayford Reunion.
VIDEO: Bill and Becky Kimmons sing “Glad Reunion Day” on stage at Stanley Heirs Park.
VIDEO: “How Can I Stop From Singing?” on stage sung by Bill and Becky Kimmons.
VIDEO: “Now is the Cool of the Day,” a favorite Jean Ritchie song beautifully performed by Bill and Becky Kimmons.
VIDEO: Becky Gibson Steinbrenner gives a moving impromptu testimony of her beloved brother, Larry Gibson.
VIDEO: Maria Gunnoe speaks passionately of love of people, mountains, justice.
VIDEO: Janet Keating emotionally pays tribute to departed heroes for justice in Appalachia.
VIDEO: Carol Hechler shares stories about her late husband, Ken Hechler, who was such a friend to the people.
VIDEO: Susan Thompson, an attorney and student of ecological restoration, shared insights to the gathering.
VIDEO: Bill Price, regional director of the Sierra Club, born near Kayford, in a clip of his talk.
VIDEO: “Oh When the Saints Come Marching In” as one of the sing-alongs led by Bill and Becky Kimmons.
VIDEO: Guests emotionally watch memorial tribute to Larry Gibson, Judy Bonds, Chuck Nelson, Ken Hechler. The full video itself is near the top of this webpage to be better seen.
VIDEO: Audience watches another video of departed advocates of justice. Film by itself is on a link near front of this site.
VIDEO: Audience watches a video of living heroes and advocates. Marybeth narrates. Video is better seen on a link near front of this site.
Welcome Guests
Allen Johnson receives gift from Marybeth Lorbiecki during welcoming guests
Becky Gibson Steinbrenner
The sister of Larry Gibson, Becky’s presence was a treat.
Duet
Becky Kimmons and Jen Osha-Buysse enjoy singing a duet.
Audience
Guests enjoy music on on the stage.
Jen Osha-Buysse
Jen entertains with songs
Eating
Michael Whitten and his granddaughter eating with Owen Owens.
Lunch Talk
Friendly talk at lunch.
Socializing
Elise Keaton Wade socializing with Bill and Becky Kimmons.
Parked Cars
View looking toward Larry’s cabin.
Parking Lot
Looking over parked cars toward Stanley Heirs Park
Marybeth with food
Lots of food to eat at gathering.
Sing-along
Bill & Becky Kimmons lead group singing. (Allen in background)
Stanley Family Audience
Some of the Stanley relatives enjoyed the day.
Young and Old
Michael Whitten and his granddaughter were amazing helpers. With Owen Owens.
Festival Help
These two young men posing with a Stanley family member were great help.
Carol Hechler
Carol shared stories of her husband, Ken Hechler.
Maria Talks
Maria Gunnoe gave one of her powerful talks.
Fans
Guests received fans with pictures of Larry and Ken.
Allen & Jen
Allen Johnson and Jen Osha
Jen-Maria-Elise
Jen Osha, Maria Gunnoe, Elise Keaton Wade
Cabin and Grave
Larry Gibson is buried next to his cabin.
Cabin View of Parking Lot
View from Larry Gibson’s yard toward parking lot.
Stanley family members
Stanley relatives enjoying presentations. John Murdock and Owen Owens at left (great help!).
Stanley Heirs
Stanley family and also Owen Owens and John Murdock.
Larry Gibson Grave
Larry Gibson’s grave next to the grave of his beloved “Dog.”
Larry Gibson Grave
Larry Gibson grave. To left is grave of his pet dog.
Memorial Film
Departed mountain heroes touch hearts of audience.
Larry Gibson Home
Cabin and grave. (note the cabin is not tilted as in pic)
The Kayford Reunion would not have been possible but for these five people: John Murdock, Owen Owens, Marz Attar, Marybeth Lorbieck, Allen Johnson. The photo was taken at Tamarack near Beckley, WV, the day before the event.
Importantly, this gathering would not have been conceivable without the inspiration, courage, and steadfastness of Larry Gibson. Larry had died ten years earlier, yet his legacy will ripple through generations to come.
Many of us at the gathering said that Larry would have been pleased. Protecting and restoring mountains and rebuilding communities to vitality is a goal for us to engage.
