tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38637429982379386732024-03-05T00:13:58.742-05:00The Gap PartnershipThis blog is intended for the Bridging The Gap partnership in cooperation with the GAP Corporation. We are businesses, organizations and individuals who are committed to transform the Community of Big Stone Gap, Virginia from Good to Great!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-67207172478299589892010-03-11T21:06:00.002-05:002010-03-11T21:34:24.908-05:00About His Ministries<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CHome%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">His Ministries’ mission is to combat substance abuse.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">His Ministries provides services and programs for the prevention and intervention of substance abuse. A certified counselor provides free substance abuse recovery services to youth, adults and families in the Big Stone Gap area and the surrounding areas. Services and programs include counseling, referrals, education on substance abuse, a support group, alternative activities for youths, providing a certificate drug abuse class to inmates and assisting needy families.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Prevention activities for youth include The Edge Music Venue, free to all youth. The Edge is a venue where bands with a message to youth ‘not to use harmful substances’ come and give the youth a free show. Bands come and play free to more than 30 to 90 youth during a show. All youth have the opportunity to have a positive environment to participate in ‘to prevent’ them from hanging out with the wrong crowd. The Edge provides alternative activities throughout the year, as well. Outreach programs for area needy families have included providing food, winter coats, blankets and school supplies. In addition, His Ministries provides a place for offenders to work community service hours. Programs and services include:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">• The Edge Music Venue provides youth a safe positive environment to hang out</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">• Counseling and referral services for individuals with addictions</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">• 12-Week Drug Abuse Program for inmates<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">• Support group for those with addictions <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">• Provide basic essential needs for needy families, when supplies are available <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">• Community Service Workplace for those with fines to be work off<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">• Drug Abuse Education for the prevention of substance abuse</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">• The Shop Around the Corner Thrift Store Student Training Program. The thrift store building is 98% complete: The thrift store is designed to give students training in small business, and assisting needy families through outreach projects.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">In 2009:</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">More than 211 were assisted throughout the year with counseling, substance abuse classes and or referral services.<span style=""> </span>152 attended the 12-week certificate program and 6-attended the support group weekly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">More than 30 to 90 youth attend the Saturday night events at the Edge and sometimes weekly events throughout the summer.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Outreach Programs consist of helping needy families with the support of individual donations, businesses and mission groups who provide basic essential needs for needy families. More than 21,750 lbs of food were given away, serving more than a 1,000 individuals, in addition to giving away clothing, school supplies and winter items to needy families.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">More than 500 individuals received information on substance abuse. Numbers do not include seminar, website, myspace, speaking engagement and facebook participants.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">3-individuals were supervised in community service, working more than 1,000 service hours.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">12-Volunteers adults and youth work weekly & monthly assisting in programs and operating the Edge.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;">
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mission Groups throughout the year assist His Ministries in building projects and outreach programs.
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<br /><span style="font-size:12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -5.4pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; line-height: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> Shirley Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06487147231445479101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-69658423359436261292007-03-18T20:37:00.000-05:002007-03-18T21:01:21.548-05:00Restaurants in DowntownIn an <a href="http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=3741717">article in today's Kingsport Times News</a>, Sharon Caskey Hayes discusses the importance of restaurants in downtowns. Several new restaurants have opened recently in downtown Kingsport. According to Lisa Childress, executive director of the Downtown Kingsport Association, said a growing restaurant sector is a sign of a strong downtown.<br />"Restaurants are the leading traffic generators for downtowns, and they are common in successful downtowns," Childress said.<br /><br />Also, check further down in the article where they interview a friend of mine that I grew up with in Appalachia, Tom Keller, owner of TK's Big Dogs. Tom started out with a hot dog cart and after successfully testing the market, moved into a permanent location. After that he started hosting weekly "jammin" sessions which led to the beginning to a summer concert series. Another lesson we can learn and utilize as we take advantage of our location upon <em><a href="http://thecrookedroad.org/">The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.</a></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-71105875762813316162007-03-10T00:27:00.000-05:002007-03-10T00:30:06.738-05:00Movie Website UpdateThe movie website continues to generate a large amount of traffic. Here are the stats for the last two months:<br /><br />January 2409<br />February 1760<br /><br />I am getting ready to do some redesign on the website since the General Assembly is over. I am trying to get new information up there, so if you know something about the movie, <a href="TabithaPeace@hotmail.com">email me</a> and make sure I know it too. Thanks!Tabithahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09981235093135575408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-17087958760646522232007-02-28T21:50:00.000-05:002007-02-28T22:05:54.188-05:00Tupelo Scores Again<a href="http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2007/highlander/highlander_main.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicles/2007/highlander/highlander_main.jpg" border="0" /></a> In today's <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149193426277">Richmond Times Dispatch</a>, it was reported that Tupelo, Mississippi will be the home of it's newest U.S. manufacturing plant which will be dedicated to the manufacture of the Highlander SUV.<br /><br />The $1.3 million facility (similar in capital outlay as the Dominion Power plant project being planned for Virginia City) will be constructed on a 1,700 acre site.<br /><br />Both Tennessee and Arkansas were in contention and further down the list was Virginia (somewhere within the Roanoke Valley).<br /><br />I'm anxious to talk to Vaughn Grisham to understand the dynamics of Toyota's decision and how Tupelo rose to the challenge.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-6417531321614220132007-02-27T22:40:00.001-05:002007-02-28T22:08:22.562-05:00Community Development in Gwinnett Co, Georgia<a href="http://www.co.gwinnett.ga.us/gc/internet/images/hdr_gclogo.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://www.co.gwinnett.ga.us/gc/internet/images/hdr_gclogo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.theweekly.com/news/2007/February/27/Partnership_Gwinnett.html">Attached is a recent article </a>featuring bold economic development activities in Gwinnette County, Georgia. The article describes how Gwinnett plans to launch a five-year economic and community development plan to create over 65,400 new jobs the Gwinnett Chamber plans to implement. Partnership Gwinnett plans to create more than 65,400 new jobs and $5.8 billion in net new wealth over next five years.<br /><br />This is certainly a much larger initiative that The Gap Partnership, but I think it describes what is possible with vision, a "do-able" strategy and resources to support the initiative.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-90346940212991249092007-02-19T15:39:00.000-05:002007-02-19T22:54:50.431-05:00Wellness Center Letters of SupportWe need letters of support for a VTSF grant to do a feasibility study for our Community Wellness Center. If you or your agency/company would be willing to do one, please send me an email at <a href="mailto:nbailey@frontierhealth.org">nbailey@frontierhealth.org</a>. I'll send the information about who to write and what needs to be included in the letter. Thanks in advance.<br />NancyNancy Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08931454156102934643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-30734047555907133382007-02-14T22:42:00.000-05:002007-02-14T22:44:18.974-05:00Blog TrainingWe were able to get some "blog training" in today, in spite of the weather. We were small in numbers, but Barbara Polly, Tony <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Palubicki</span> and Ray Moore were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">attentive</span> students. Thanks guys for your interest in this important communications tool!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-30638691237843289812007-02-14T12:21:00.000-05:002007-02-14T12:25:30.663-05:00Performing ArtsWe are in the process of meeting with <a href="http://www.t-l.com/">Thompson & Litton </a>to review designs for the new Performing Arts Center. When we are notified by T-L, we will schedule a meeting for the committee to review.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-88333079192849988862007-02-08T21:37:00.000-05:002007-02-14T11:53:36.262-05:00BSG MovieJohn Peace and I had a phone conversation today with Adri and her producer and I am pleased to report that we had a very productive discussion and things continue to move forward in a positive way to bring the movie to Big Stone Gap!Genevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10943374673292952704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-58020740781843515652007-02-08T21:30:00.000-05:002007-02-09T14:40:20.227-05:00Restaurant Committee UpdateI recently met with a potential restaurant developer and reviewed the Stringer's building property. He is very interested and we will be pursueing this opportunity in the upcoming weeks. We are also looking into other avenues to continue to develop new restaurants in the Gap.<br /><br />GenevaGenevahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10943374673292952704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-81153004919278345572007-02-08T13:33:00.000-05:002007-02-08T13:46:36.186-05:00Who's In Charge?Today we met as a group with Anita Wade, Lee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stallard</span>, Patti Cantrell and me to discuss the next steps of how we could merge the GAP Corporation with the Bridging the Gap group. We had thoughtful discussions and identified where the common ground existed between the two organizations and the strengths of both groups.<br /><br />We are challenged by putting together a sustainable organization relying upon ALL the assets we have to draw upon in this wonderful community.<br /><br />Since we have a limited time to meet (in approximately 1 hour increments), we agreed to meet again in two weeks. Our next meeting we plan to have a more formal discussion of the bylaws of the GAP Corporation with the hope that that document could be the basis from which to move forward.<br /><br />Additionally, Skip has been invited to appear before the next Big Stone Gap Planning Committee to address that group about how we can work together. We are excited that the Town has extended its hand in such a manner and we hopefully will have something positive to report after that meeting. I would like to invite anyone who would like to attend the Planning Commission meeting to do so. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2007 beginning at 5:30 P.M. in the Big Stone Gap Municipal Building.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-79555684568277367692007-02-07T08:42:00.000-05:002007-02-07T08:59:23.052-05:00Improved Communication through 'The Post'As part of the communications team, I will be working with Ida H to add a weekly notice to 'The Post,' the local Big Stone Gap newspaper. As our team leader contact information progresses and my own time allows, I will hopefully be able to contact any groups/teams that have met each week in order to add something to the <strong>Bridging the Gap NEWS column</strong>. For now, I'd love to hear from YOU if there is something you deem newsworthy or would like to share. This is your opportunity to update the community on BTG happenings, team projects and plans, special training opportunities and upcoming speakers or guests, requests for new team members, etc. The <strong><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#006600;">BTG NEWS</span></strong> will reach all readers of The Post. In order to get things to Ida in a timely manner, I will ask that you get your information to me for possible editing and inclusion no later Thursday evening of each week. Our space will be limited, so please keep your team contributions short and to the point , being certain to include any necessary details like dates, times, places and whom to contact for more information. <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">I'D LOVE TO HAVE SOMETHING FOR THIS WEEK!</span></em><br />Thanks! - H<br /><a href="mailto:davidandheather8@verizon.net">davidandheather8@verizon.net</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Please visit our WalkAmerica TEAM REESIE website and take steps to prevent premature birth. The Volk family is proud to be the 2007 STATE OF VIRGINIA March of Dimes AMBASSADOR FAMILY. :)</span><br /><a href="http://www.walkamerica.org/teamreesievirginia"><span style="font-size:85%;">http://www.walkamerica.org/teamreesievirginia</span></a>David and Heather Volkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10155522579092279091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-32774304101876364172007-02-04T13:20:00.000-05:002007-02-14T13:00:32.164-05:00What We Can Learn from Scouting<a href="http://www.scouting.org/media/positions/theme.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 85px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 82px" height="119" alt="" src="http://www.scouting.org/media/positions/theme.jpg" border="0" /></a> At Trinity United Methodist Church today, we observed Scout Sunday." Scout Sunday coincides with every February 8th which is considered the anniversary the Scouting movement was started in the U.S. <div><div><br /><div></div><div>Scoutmaster Wes Polly gave us an overview of how U.S. Businessman <a href="http://www.extramile.us/honorees/boyce.cfm">William D. Boyce </a>was in London on business and lost his way in a thick fog. A small boy who identified himself as a scout offered to help him. The businessman took the young man up on his offer. Once they had found the address the businessman was seeking, he attempted to provide the scout a tip, which he refused stating his desire as a scout to do "a good turn." This episode so impressed Mr. Boyce that he insisted on learning more about the movement and brought it back to the U.S. with him where he started the movement here.</div><br /><div></div><div>Isn't it a wonderful example of how a small boy on a foggy street in London can be the impetus for a movement now numbering nearly 3 million? </div><br /><div></div><div>I tell this story because isn't that what The Gap Partnership is all about, doing a good turn for our neighbor? We are neighbors helping neighbors, and in the end, the good turns will expand exponentially and help move Big Stone Gap from Good to Great! </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-75739385998387608132007-02-02T22:49:00.000-05:002007-02-03T11:52:10.938-05:00Good to GreatIn Jim Collins book, <u>Good to Great</u>, companies were identified which asked themselves, "What service or product can we produce and be the <em>best</em> in the world." In this age of mediocrity, they wished to identify what had the most important <em>opportunity </em>to impact their business.<br /><br />Collins went on to say that the reason we don't have great government is because we have good government. Same holds true for most businesses, we have good businesses. Could the same argument be made about schools and colleges? We are sometimes our own worse enemy. Because we are many times satisfied by "good enough" we don't put into place those practices that would make these organizations truly great.<br /><br />During our Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, February 1, we started identifying what we thought could be the single thing that sets Big Stone Gap apart. We had a lot of discussion about being the best place in the coalfields or the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">LENOWISCO</span> Planning District to live. What do we need to do as a community to be <em>greatest</em> place to live in the region? Could it be more housing opportunities, a premiere park system, or maybe scholarship availability for our youth?<br /><br />What sets the Big Stone Gap community apart?<br /><br />This is what our partnership is all about. Getting the GAP to discuss what is important and how do we make it better. I hope you will think about this and start offering your thoughts. We cannot afford to be apathetic. We've got to identify the opportunities, roll up our sleeves and get to work! Some have already begun that work. When you see them on the street or in the grocery store, thank them, and ask what <strong>you</strong> can do to help them.<br /><br />The Executive Committee plans to pull together the full membership of Bridging the Gap soon to<br />review our discussions and to verify we are all on the same page as we move forward with planning. Keep checking in on the progress of this committee as well as the others that will be posted here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-22775932148570861632007-02-01T21:33:00.000-05:002007-02-05T13:50:23.980-05:00Better Communication Strategy<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Because</span> we have a number of initiatives on-going simultaneously, I suggest we try some "team-blogging." If everyone who heads up a particular focus group would take a few minutes to report on your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">activities</span> on a regular basis, we could all feel like we have the latest information available. Furthermore, if you would invite your individual committee members to check-in, they would be up to date on the happenings of the various other groups.<br /><br />Groups and their various leaders include:<br /><br /><ul><li>Executive Committee: Patti Cantrell and Skip Skinner</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Restaurant</span> Committee: Geneva <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">O'Quinn</span></span></li><li>Communications Committee Glenda Collins & Tabitha Peace</li><li>Wellness Center: Nancy Bailey</li><li>Youth Focus Area: Sandra <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Neece</span></span> & Shirley Smith</li><li>Performing Arts: Barbara Polly</li><li>Community Flag Project: Ron Short & Nancy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Toney</span></span></li><li>Community Chest: Tony Palubicki</li><li>Beautification: Peg <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Jeffries</span></span> & Tori Smith</li><li>FROG (Friends of the Greenbelt): Heather <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Volk</span></span></li><li>Seniors: Stan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Botts</span></span>, Jr.</li><li>Music Festival - Gathering in the Gap: Sharon Ewing</li><li>Singing Convention: Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Kuczko</span></span></li><li>Tourism Strategic Plan: Anita Wade</li><li>Big Stone Gap Movie Committee: Geneva <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">O'Quinn</span></span> & Beth Hagan</li></ul><p>I'll send out invitations to these individuals inviting them to be authors on this blog. I hope you find this helpful.</p><p>In order to organize the various posts, please include your group or committee name under the Label window. By using labels, your readers can quickly navigate to news from your particular group by clicking on the label name from the upper right-hand column of the page.</p><p>If you need assistance with "basic blogging," be sure to read the help suggestions. Happy Blogging!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-28166780418027276102007-01-15T16:49:00.000-05:002007-02-01T22:48:05.121-05:00We're Making Progress!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_x-331gtMq9VWg94YaFNdrdUn2uoXx56BcHFjjeqYsxvXUVvGVXQfnDpgeZXaKo9R6kDJylycvSvJ_4I_acuh9oacNJe58IA6hPbmgBE0XzXtF2nkpC9XLUI7ckg1p1oAWb9fdrJ9Zpuw/s1600-h/P1010405.JPG"></a>If you are reading this, you are no doubt interested in Big Stone Gap and what's the latest news of Bridging the Gap and the Gap Partnership. Because communication continues to be an issue, I decided to try writing this blog in order to keep more folks up to speed regarding activities and "goings-on" in the Gap.<br /><br />Let me know what you think. I expect plenty of others to "chime in" as well.<br /><br />You may be interested in the name, "The Gap Partnership." This is still an informal name but we are having on-going discussions and dialogue with the membership of The Gap Corporation, the local merchant's association here in The Gap. A few months ago, in order to strengthen both the Bridging the Gap group and The Gap Corporation, BTG approached the Gap Corporation to discuss a merger of the two organizations. Fortunately, the Gap Corp. wish to continue this dialogue and I understand at the Gap Corp. winter retreat this past Saturday, Lee and Anita were appointed to continue dialogue with the BTG folks. Patti and yours truly have been asked to continue that dialogue from BTG to discuss what proposed by-laws might look like if the group does indeed merge.<br /><br />Our group thought The Gap Partnership might be a good way to reflect who we are with the additional tag line of "<em>Bridging the Gap from Good to Great!"</em><br /><br />The Executive Committee of Robert, Spencer, Sharon, Patti and I will continue to work on ways to begin fundraising. This discussion will eventually lead to a job description and the work required to search and hire the right person to lead the organization.<br /><br />O. .while I think of it, this past week was pretty eventful. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission made a $300,000 commitment toward an incentive to assist in attracting the movie version of <em>Big Stone Gap </em>to be filmed in "The Gap" See the <a href="http://www.thecoalfieldprogress.com/news.php?viewStory=4630">attached</a> news article. Also check out <a href="http://www.bigstonegap.net/">Tabitha's web site </a>that she put together to promote and encourage the movie to be filmed in the Gap. . . .Good work all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-37460489597086146212007-01-01T22:52:00.000-05:002007-02-01T22:57:57.114-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-45728647404364955962007-01-01T22:51:00.000-05:002007-02-01T23:00:53.680-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-1046284397349607912007-01-01T22:49:00.000-05:002007-02-01T23:00:13.193-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3863742998237938673.post-29056802843409261622007-01-01T22:48:00.000-05:002007-02-08T21:39:53.572-05:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0