Words from the Chamber

When I was a youth, the Times Virginian was even more of a local paper than it is today. One of the main features was a series of columns from various communities within the county that recounted happenings during the week that involved local residents. It was apparent that the column was usually put together piecemeal by jotting down snippets as they occurred. As such, the subject matter often jumped from paragraph to paragraph with little continuity. My column this week will jump like that.

First of all, this Hokie would like to bask in the warmth of an ACC Basketball Championship won this past weekend. With great programs in the Commonwealth at VT and U.Va., it is perplexing why so many locals cheer for the two shades of blue just to the south. Knowing many of those bandwagon followers, waxing them both on consecutive nights was even more satisfying.

Personally, I feel as if the pandemic has run its course and our local economy has been freed up to operate close to normalcy. But, that is a private feeling that is not borne out by other perspectives. In the most recent communication from the CDC, Appomattox County is rated with a high community level with most suggested precautions to still be maintained.

Secondary effects from the pandemic also plague our commerce. Supply chain issues and inflation, especially fuel prices, continue to challenge our day-to-day comfort levels.

Even if the economic influence of the pandemic wains, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is beginning to trouble us in many ways as well. From my limited knowledge of the area, I suspect that it will be a real mess before any resolution is reached. In the Stalin era of the Soviet Union, the leadership basically starved the Ukrainian population and then placed Russian settlers in some of the areas where the population had been reduced. Within the Ukrainian borders there are therefore pockets of residents that are fiercely independent and other areas that are sympathetic to Russia. With mother Russia’s interference, this is a difficult and dangerous environment.

I have been approached by several individuals seeking more information on the expansion of Stallworks/VirginiaMetalFab into the Thomasville structure. Some were just curious and some were inquiring about job opportunities. I know that the project is truly underway and that owner Ron Martin has a real passion for improving manufacturing employment within our area (I expect that there will be more information appearing soon.)

Have you ever thought about becoming a foster parent, or do you know someone who might be?  At the monthly Lions Club meeting, the membership was presented information about foster parenting from the United Methodist Family Services by participant recruiter, Katie Solvig.  Check it out at UMFS.org/foster or contact her directly at ksolvig@UMFS.org.  They work together with many other caring efforts within our area.

Have you been to Wolfbane’s new production? As usual, the set and the talent was great and the show was a lot of fun.

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