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To pay tribute to this diverse heritage, and promote the preservation of the Sweetgrass Hills, Richard Thieltges of Chester donated the seed money and supported the development of the "Spirit of the Hills" project for the Sweet Grass Hills.
Ruth Burleigh, a great granddaughter of Rodney Barnes, wrote, edited, and published the first in this series of publications and other educational works. Kenny, Dawn and Karleen Overcast of Chinook, Montana donated their support and talents to assist Ruth and her sister, Penny Velk of Havre, Montana, in producing a tape to complement the first book.
This collection of favorite songs and poetry inspired Mike and Dennis McDermott of Seattle, Washington to also contribute a song in memory of the Hills and "Grandma" McDermott. The result is a tribute to the spirit of all families and all generations . The tape was recorded by Nashville recording engineer, Russ Rugsdale .
Side A:
Dedication & "Grandma and the Hills"-poem (with background) by Ruth Burleigh
Loveliest Night of the Year (melody is "Over the Waves", Grandma's favorite song) sung by Penny Ray Velk
Will The Circle Be Unbroken, sung by Mike and Dennis McDermott and Seattle Friends
One Tin Soldier, Penny Ray Velk's official statement at the March 1995 BLM Public Scoping Meeting held in Chester, Montana. As children we would sing this song (the theme song for the movie "Billy Jack") over and over and over again, never really knowing just how true these words would ring!
Where I Come From, John Anderson's song with Penny's voice. The words of this song hold a deeper and more profound meaning when one is familiar with the Sweetgrass Hills and the American Indian traditionals, stories, and ceremonies held or originating from the area.
Grandma's Feathered Bed, sung by Penny Ray Velk and accompanied by the Overcasts. This is a must at home or on a recording about Grandma and families!
Side B:
Billy Boy, Penny and her 11 year old twin daughters, Aimee and Sarah Velk. In loving memory of our Uncle Bill (1931-1978). He absolutely hated this song! But if we didn't sing it for him he would be disheartened! We lost our favorite and special uncle, who lived his entire life with Grandma in the Hills, to a sudden heart attack. We miss you, Uncle Bill...
Coal Miner's Daughter, sung by Penny with Kenny and Karleen Overcast accompaning. We owe a lot to Loretta Lynn for this song. And we have a great deal in common with her. In memory of the P.J. McDermott Coal Mine of West Butte in the Sweetgrass Hills of North Central Montana, and all the McDermott daughters. And in memory of the "pick and shovel" days, before the development of modern technology that can destroy a mountain for a few ounces of gold, and leave the earth a toxic waste land, the water a toxic poison for eons to come.
Daddy's Hands, sung by Penny Ray Velk. In loving memory of our Grandfather, P.J. McDermott,Jr. who left us much too soon. A victium of the Coal Miner's Disease, Black Lung.
The Last Story, as special poem for Grandma by Ruth Burleigh
When You Say Nothing At All, sung By Penny, instrumentals by the "Overcast Orchestra". Done as a valentine for her husband, Mike Velk, we found this song a perfect comlement to the above poem.
Eagle, poem by Ruth Burleigh. Very short, yet completes the circle....
This is only the beginning. There are many stories and special talented people associated with the Sweetgrass Hills. Pianist, Phil Aaberg, artists Barbara Mitchel, Earnest Marceu, Winnie Barnett, writers, storytellers, and poets have donated works towards future projects/volumns...so keep posted, in touch, and join us if you can!
Special Thanks to: