Business and Beautification Chair Katrina Harrison led Ferrum Forward‘s October meeting in the absence of Chair Burton White on Tues. Oct. 14. The committee discussed upcoming events and steering committee elections.
“Well, let’s get this started,” announced Harrison at 6:08 p.m. “It’s me today. Burton is still out from his surgery.”
In addition to White, there was a light crowd of attendees at the meeting.
A quick and unanimous set of “ayes” approved the September minutes and treasurer’s reports, leading into the first topic on the agenda: the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.
Organized by Blue Ridge Institute and Museum Director Bethany Worley and attended by thousands each year, the event is a local highlight. The annual festival will take place on Oct. 25, but it is not one that comes together on its own.
“Bethany really needs some help–more than you would really think,” mentioned Harrison. “Right now, she doesn’t have a lot of help getting ready for the festival.”
College and Community Relations Chair Tina Hanlon also noted the need for volunteers, passing a sign-up sheet across the room.
Additional committee reports followed briefly.
“I am chair for business and beautification, and I have finished decorating the signs around Ferrum,” reported Harrison.
Government Relations Chair Ed Saunders noted the upcoming state-wide election.
“If you’re from Virginia, make sure you vote for governor!” he said.
Membership and Fundraising Chair Rebecca Saunders commented on the allocation of funds.
“We are currently calculating all the funds from the events of the past two years, set to be split between Ferrum Forward and the Park,” she said.
SHe also offered the Friends of Ferrum Park report.
“So, the park has had a lot of upgrades,” she explained. “We were recently chosen for the Lowe’s Hometown Heroes. They put in a community fire pit and three tent camping sites–including picnic tables and fire pits. We were rewarded the AARP grant in July, so now we have a trail that is ADA accessible, and there is a good likelihood that we’ll have a grant funded for a playground. I hope to know more about that next month.”
Friends of Ferrum Park will also be hosting its third annual haunted trail for two weekends this month: Oct. 17, 18, 24, and 25.
Next the committee moved forward into steering committee elections, postponed from the previous meeting.
“Next on the agenda, we will be selecting the steering committee chairs and one three-year director,” said Harrison.
Ed Saunders, Susan Selvage, Lauren Wood, Lori Ann Kirk, and Peyton Fenton will serve on the steering committee until reelection next year.
The three-year director is set to be chosen upon White’s return.
The committee also discussed the separation of membership and fundraising duties, as well as the possibility of creating a marketing committee.
A pancake dinner, Christmas potluck, and possible wreath-making event were also part of the conversation before the meeting’s conclusion.
Ferrum Forward will meet again on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Institute.
