The Ferrum Forward Committee gathered at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum for its monthly meeting on Aug. 12.
After a series of smiles, greetings, and friendly chatter, the meeting began with the introduction of Nicky Hale, the Outreach Coordinator of Tri-Area Health, who led the introductory program detailing the Tri-Area Community Health Center and the services it provides to the Ferrum community.
“We’re primary care, behavioral care, psychiatry, and we have a pharmacy,” said Hale. “You don’t have to be one of our patients to use our pharmacy. We also have an in-house x-ray, transportation offered within a 20-mile radius, and a diabetes educator.”
Hale also noted other programs offered at the health center and surrounding areas. Tri-Area Health is home to eight healthcare providers, in addition to mental and nutritional health services.
“We are always accepting new patients,” Hale affirmed.
With no treasurer’s report and a unanimous approval of the July minutes, Hale’s presentation was followed by the announcement of community events.
There will be a Touch-a-Truck event at Ferrum Park on Sept. 6, which will be open for all ages and include free entry for those younger than 16 years and quiet hours for children with sensory sensitivities. There will also be food, games, raffles, prizes, and more.
Ferrum Park will host its grand opening celebration on Sept. 12, which will be featured in the National AARP Magazine. Park Perks is an opening monthly sponsorship to help fundraise for the park, and Friends of Ferrum Park is currently collecting donated items for a community care closet. The Ferrum Care Closet will be a pantry-like system that provides personal care items to low-income locals.
Holding a brief intermission, Chair Burton White presented a pink bag with a humorous design to a member of the group to reminisce on an inside joke and spread a laugh through the room before College/Community Chair Tina Hanlon presented more campus and community events.
Pete Crow, once a prominent professor at the college, passed away on July 30, and a memorial gathering will be celebrated at the Phoebe Needles Center on Aug. 31. In addition, the dining hall is open to the community once again, and the Theatre Department has announced the performance schedule for the upcoming year. Season passes are available for purchase.
There is also a new director of alumni and family services at the college, Corretta Patterson, and the Jack Tale Players’ 50th anniversary will be celebrated in December.
Business and Beautification Chair Katrina Harrison followed by thanking everyone for participating in the recent bingo fundraiser in July, and she announced a barn quilting class to take place at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum in late September.
Government Relations Chair Ed Saunders announced that the engineering for the culvert in front of Jose’s Mexican Grill has begun, and he also spoke of the potential for electricity, water, and sewers at the Ferrum Park. A playground will make its debut there in the Spring as well.
Ending the meeting, the group agreed to begin the planning stages of a free little library and requested interest for the upcoming election of the steering committee.
The group ‘s next meeting will be on Tues. Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
