Former Clifton Forge Mayor Pam Marshall, playwright Royal Shirée, Ettrula Moore and others walk along a trail at the former Green Pastures Recreation Area in Alleghany County. Green Pastures opened to Black families in 1936, and a local committee plans to develop the site into a monument, including an interpretive trail and reflection areas, and create a theatrical production based on visitors’ memories of the park. Courtesy of Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
Former Clifton Forge Mayor Pam Marshall, playwright Royal Shirée, Ettrula Moore and others walk along a trail at the former Green Pastures Recreation Area in Alleghany County. Green Pastures opened to Black families in 1936, and a local committee plans to develop the site into a monument, including an interpretive trail and reflection areas, and create a theatrical production based on visitors’ memories of the park. Courtesy of Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.

* * *

Green Pastures community listening session to be held Oct. 21

The Green Pastures Recreation Area in Alleghany County, also known as the Longdale Day Use Area, was recently selected as the site for a Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia project.

Map by Robert Lunsford.

The plan is to create an interpretive trail and a staged reading of a new play to showcase the heritage of Green Pastures, the first and possibly only Forest Service recreation site that was open to Black families during the era of segregation.

As a first step toward collecting stories about Green Pastures, the project team will host a community listening session in the Underground of the Historic Masonic Theatre in Clifton Forge from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21. The team is looking for individuals with ties to Green Pastures to share their stories. Community members are invited to join the discussion; all stories will be documented as part of an effort to create an interpretive trail and a staged reading script about Green Pastures. 

The listening session will begin with a short introduction to the project, followed by 10 five-minute stories. The session will include an opportunity for community discussion, when individuals can respond to the stories shared, share additional stories and learn more about Green Pastures. Light refreshments will be provided. 

To sign up for a speaking slot, please visit this link.

* * *

Henry County seeks public input on comprehensive plan

Henry County officials are turning to the public as they get ready to start drafting the county’s new comprehensive plan. 

Beginning this month and continuing for the next two years, residents will have a number of opportunities to share their thoughts and concerns about the plan, according to a news release from the county.

Now through Dec. 1, residents can fill out a plan survey. A physical copy of the survey can be picked up at Henry County administration building at 3300 Kings Mountain Road, or through an online portal.

The county will also host several workshops where residents can speak to staff and other officials. The first is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 22 at Bassett High School. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Horsepasture Ruritan Club and 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Galilean House of Worship.

The public outreach effort comes a month after county supervisors held a joint meeting with the planning commission to discuss the plan. Housing availability was one of the joint meeting’s major points of concern. 

This marks the first update of the comprehensive plan since 1994. The plan’s primary function is to provide a roadmap for the county over the next two decades. Having an updated plan can also increase the county’s competitiveness when applying for grants. 

* * *

Scott County added to disaster unemployment assistance declaration

Scott County has been added to the disaster unemployment assistance declaration, or DUA, following Hurricane Helene, the Virginia Employment Commission announced.

This brings the number of eligible Virginia communities to 17: Bedford, Bland, Carroll, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe counties, and the cities of Galax and Radford.

DUA provides temporary financial assistance to residents whose employment or self-employment has been impacted by the hurricane.

The VEC will accept applications through Dec. 2.

Apply for the DUA benefits online at uidirect.vec.virginia.gov/CSS/CSSLogon.htm, or call 866-832-2363. You will first have to complete the UI form to determine eligibility for UI benefits or DUA benefits. 

Visit VEC’s website for more information.

* * *

Youngkin announces board appointments

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced additional state board appointments, including these residents of Southwest and Southside:

Tobacco Board: Blair Hall of Halifax, farmer, Waller Brothers Farm; Richard Hite Jr. of Kenbridge, farmer owner/operator, Hite Farming LLC; Donald Moore of Chatham, farmer, D. Moore Farms Inc.  

Board of directors, New College Institute: Mike Lundsgaard of Carrollton, director of offshore Wind Operations, Dominion Energy.

State Board of Social Service: Sarah Owen of Lynchburg, legislative director, office of Sen. Travis Hackworth.

State Executive Council for Children’s Services: Natalie Handy of Roanoke County, vice president of government affairs and advocacy, Health Connect America; Jake Holmes of Bristol, external affairs manager, Appalachian Power, vice mayor, Bristol City Council.