The Ferrum Forward Committee held its monthly meeting on Jan. 14 after a weekend of wintery weather.
The members crowded the lobby of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum prior to the commencement of the meeting, despite the lingering snow and ice–an obstacle facing the community since the weekend before.
Though remnants of the snowfall were melting away, the conversation of it did not–it floated through the air and between members until 5:30 p.m., when Chair Burton White welcomed the group as the meeting started.
“Well, let’s call this meeting to order,” White began. “There are lots of old and new friendly faces today!”
A series of faces smiled back at him, slowly stopping their chatter to get down to business.
As the previous December meeting served as a holiday dinner to celebrate the season for the Committee, the approval of the November minutes followed, in addition to announcements concerning community events.
There will be a Valentine’s Day dance on Sat., Feb. 15, at the Crossroads Ruritan Club, featuring the New Floyd County Ramblers.
College and Community chair Tina Hanlon continued the meeting into committee reports, starting with the college and community.
“There was a student club fair tonight,” Hanlon noted.
She also spoke of a celebration of the 100th year of Schoolfield Hall on the college campus anticipated to be further in the year.
“The college is looking for people’s thoughts and memories out of the building,” Hanlon added.
The Theatre Department plans to host a docudrama to honor the building.
“You Caught Me Dancing” will also be performed in the Theatre on Jan. 24 and 25.
Committee member and owner of Kat’s Hidden Treasures Katrina Harrison spoke next of business and beautification in the Village.
“Well, Jose’s Mexican Restaurant opening is my hot topic,” Harrison explained, “They will be open seven days a week!”
The group broke into conversation about the newest location to gather, eat, and socialize in the Village.
Government relations chair Ed Saunders continued with updates of the local government.
He also noted that Friends of Ferrum Park will be sponsoring a monthly event for adults, with more information to follow.
There will also be an escape room held at the park in March.
With the intention to continue their successful innovations within the Village, the group brainstormed for potential projects and programs for the upcoming year.
Better advertising for FF meetings, making a brochure for events and resources, ice cream socials, and a street fair were among those discussed.
Stepping back into the past, however, old business rose on the topic of the awaiting property discussion.
There is a property in downtown Ferrum open to establishment of a community area. The decision of whether or not to take the property and what to do with it is the main focus.
Returning to new business, the committee spoke of their new ideas before adjourning the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
The next FF meeting is set to be held on Tues. Feb. 11, 2025.
The group encourages all to join.
