The Ferrum Forward Committee discussed further committee changes and upcoming community events at its November meeting Nov. 11 in the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum.

As the pre-meeting chatter slowed and the formal discussions began, Chair Burton White proposed the use of a policy known as Robert’s Rules of Order as the monthly meetings continued.

“The idea behind the whole thing is to keep the order in the meeting using a director,” explained White. “It was published by Henry Robert in 1876, who at the time was going to meetings all around the country.”

According to the book, each meeting should have a director who maintains the order and organization. The director should also be well-informed of the by-laws.

The group decided to discuss the practicality and application of a director in a future steering committee meeting, preceding the unanimous approval of the October minutes and treasurer’s report.

Moving forward, upcoming community events became the topic of discussion.

Friends of Ferrum Park will have a Holiday Crafts Bizarre on Nov. 22 and the third annual Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas sets stage at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre. The Chrysalis Reveal and Grand Ole Ferrum Opry also are set to take place as the fall semester comes to a close.

Further in the meeting, the details of the upcoming Pancake Supper were finalized, including supplies and organization. The event is scheduled to take place on Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. at Crossroads Ruritan and will be hosted by Ferrum Forward, Crossroads Ruritan, and the Ferrum Lions Club.

There will also be a Community Christmas Potluck on Dec. 17, hosted by Ferrum Forward, Crossroads Ruritan, and Friends of Ferrum Park.

Following community events, a committee revamp became the main focus of the meeting.

The committee discussed in previous meetings the potential of splitting one committee into two, creating a fundraising committee and a marketing communications committee as separate entities within the local organization.

In addition to the committee structure themselves, the actions of committees were discussed. According to Vice Chair Bob Pohlad, and supported by the attendees, projects are what make the committees important.

“Projects are what gets the community involved,” noted Pohlad. “Even the ones that cannot or do not come to the meetings. We need to ask ourselves as we look forward, ‘What projects can we come up with,’ and ‘What are our goals for the next year’. It’s our mission.”

One project on the agenda focuses on the Ferrum Forward Facebook account. The committee currently publishes in the form of a group and intends to create an actual page in order to enhance accessibility and organized post management.

With no new business to be sent to the steering committee, the meeting concluded at 8:15 p.m.

The December meeting will be held in conjunction with the Pancake Supper on Sun., Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m.

Though a community event, Steering Committee Member Peyton Fenton encourages members to attend with the hope of sharing the mission of Ferrum Forward with the Village.

“It won’t be an official meeting,” said Fenton, “but bring your thoughts, and be ready to share them!”