January 24, 2015;
Louisa Rotary members meet economic development workers; hears about ‘Community Sharing’ program…
The Louisa Rotary Club met Thursday, January 22, at the First Baptist Church. After a delicious lunch prepared by Rebel Barn Catering, the meeting was called to order by President, Greg Kiser. The Pledge of Allegiance was read, member Tommy Taylor gave the invocation. Member Steve Montgomery read the Four-Way Test.
Announcements included the meeting held prior to the Rotary meeting by the Louisa Chapter of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, concerning the AEP Foundation Grant. Kiser also reminded the group about the Alcohol Beverage Control public meeting at 6:00 pm that evening, and the group wished Joe Hart a happy birthday.
Member Catrina Vargo introduced her guests, Robyn Lee, Development Specialist with the Kentucky Economic Development Department, Lora Bryant, Community Development Planner with FIVCO Area Development District, and Regina Bucknell,Project Developer with Mountain Association of Economic Development (MACED).
Marsha Slone then introduced the guest speaker, Tina Jackson, Director of the Community of Sharing Program in Lawrence County and Westwood, in Boyd County. The program is a creation of the Kentucky Council of Developmental Disabilities. Jackson, who has a disability, asked everyone to “imagine a community where everyone shared their gifts and talents, and all citizens were included, disabled or not.”
The goal is to improve the county by listening to people, learning what the community has to offer from the abilities of it’s citizens, and meeting goals for the common good of everyone.
Marsha Slone and Angie Chaney are community workers in the Lawrence County program. Slone said some classes have included crocheting, food preparation and preservation. Plans are underway she said, for a music mentoring program in Blaine, Fallsburg and Louisa. She also mentioned a community garden, and eventually hosting a large Community of Sharing conference where those involved in the same program in other parts of the state and the country would come.
Angie Chaney said the group held their first genealogy class recently.
“Several people showed up” she said. “Someone in the community made food and baked some amazing cupcakes, which promoted their business.” She explained that is what the program also helps to do; assist those who want to take their talent and move it into a business.
Chaney said they would like to see a handicap accessible park in the area. Other things mentioned were quilting and sign language classes. She also told the group that a lady from Johnson County who made very unique jewelry, now has her own business. Chaney also said it was okay to bring children to meetings. “We want them to learn and get to know each other too.”
Slone said “Tina has done a remarkable job. We also just got funding for a Community of Sharing program in Webbville.
For more information, call Marsha Slone at 606-638-7800 or Angie Chaney at 606-615-6783. Also, visit the Kentucky Community of Sharing Facebook page.
The meeting was adjourned.
Next week, on Thursday, January 29, the guest speaker at the Louisa Rotary Club will be Tim Gibbs, President of Ashland Alliance.
