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'GAMES' BEGIN
FOR RECREATION
COMMITTEE
by Billy Coleburn
Editor, Courier-Record
©COURIER-RECORD 2004
A special panel, which has been appointed by the Nottoway Board of
Supervisors to study the feasibility of a suggested countywide,
taxpayer-supported recreation program, strapped on its helmet Monday night.
With seven of the 10 appointees present, committee members "took the field"
but quickly discovered they need a playbook--a list of current recreational
assets in Nottoway County; and a game plan--a list of organized activities
for adults and senior citizens to enjoy.
Marilyn Wilson Elected Chairman
Monday night, committee members unanimously elected long-time county
teacher and cheerleading sponsor Marilyn Wilson as Chairman of the study
group. She was nominated by fellow District Four committee appointee Tom
Forrester.
Based on committee discussion Monday night, some observers noted that the
question likely isn't "if" a countywide recreation program will be
recommended, it's likely only a matter of "when."
Ms. Wilson after assuming the committee Chairmanship remarked, "We want to
make recreation a successful program here in Nottoway County...The way it is
now, we all know that we have to go somewhere else for recreation."
Ms. Wilson said it's important that the committee conduct a thorough,
countywide needs assessment.
Recreation Experience
When introducing themselves to each other Monday night, five of the seven
committee members in attendance emphasized or mentioned past or present work
with organized recreation.
Those persons were Tom Roberts of the Crewe-Burkeville Recreation
Association; Tom Forrester, a former softball commissioner in Blackstone;
Crewe Mayor Gerald Fuller, who mentioned his past involvement with the
Crewe-Burkeville Recreation Association; chairwoman Marilyn Wilson, a high
school cheerleading sponsor; and Rev. Sarah Coleman, who pointed out that
her church, Union Baptist, recently broke ground on a new recreation center.
Also present Monday night were appointees Sallie B. Rich of Crewe and Joe
Marshall of St. Mark's.
Committee member Clive Pettis was absent, coaching an away Nottoway High
School boys basketball. Also absent were District One appointee Robert Borum
and District Five appointee Blackstone councilwoman Barbara Thompson.
Committee members decided to schedule in upcoming weeks a public
informational meeting, so citizens can tell the committee what activities to
explore.
Grown-Ups Need To Play, Too
Monday night's informal, hour-long discussion covered a wide range of
topics. Most agreed that the Blackstone and Crewe-Burkeville Recreation
associations do a wonderful job providing youth sports like baseball,
softball, soccer, and basketball. Nottoway County currently gives $2,000 per
year for recreation to the Towns of Blackstone, Crewe, and Burkeville, and
those funds are distributed by those towns to the respective Recreation
Associations.
"No country county has finer youth ball programs. We have excellent programs
in the towns for our youth," remarked former Crewe Mayor Gerry Fuller. "I
can't say the same for adults and senior citizens."
It was also mentioned that the Nottoway Youth Football Association provides
countywide, full-contact football for youths. That group receives no
taxpayer funding.
County Administrator Ronnie Roark was appointed to record official minutes,
and Roark said his office will provide support if asked.
But Roark said key decisions and discussions on how best to proceed are up
solely to the panel. "This is the committee's work. We're not going to try
to influence what you do. You're on your own."
Roark also reminded the committee that supervisors set no timeline for a
recommendation or presentation. "You are a fact-finding group."
Price Tag
Later in the meeting as discussion focused heavily on what activities to
offer and what facilities to use, Roark reminded the committee that a
countywide recreation program "is not a foregone conclusion. Because if you
decide that's what you want to do, you then have to ask if the citizens are
willing to pay for it."
District One appointee Joe Marshall nodded his head in agreement and said he
had heard estimates that a recreation program could mean as much as a 10¢
increase on the County's real estate tax rate, which is currently 55 cents
per $100 valuation.
And Marshall, a retired Crewe Post Office employee, noted that there are
many senior citizens in Nottoway County.
County Administrator Roark said that for example, if a countywide recreation
program were estimated to cost $250,000 annually, "that's another five cents
on the tax rate, because every penny on the real estate tax rate generates
about $50,000."
Although it wasn't discussed Monday night, a countywide, taxpayer-funded
recreation program likely would be managed by a full-time coordinator and
staff.
That's how many other counties that have launched recreation programs
operate.
It was pointed out that perhaps the committee should study counties similar
in size to Nottoway that have full-time recreation programs.
Chesterfield was mentioned as an example, but it was pointed out that
Chesterfield is considerably larger, and average per capita income in that
Richmond suburb is likely 30% more than in Nottoway. It was also mentioned
that girls softball in Chesterfield costs $100 per player, compared to $25
per season charged by the all-volunteer Blackstone and Crewe-Burkeville
Recreation associations.
Potential For Controversy
The Recreation Study Committee begins its deliberations on the eve of what
could be a very contentious budget season in Nottoway County. Public school
teachers here already are requesting pay raises of 5-15% and better
insurance benefits. That request was made formally by the Nottoway Education
Association in December. The School Board is scheduled to unveil its budget
on February 12th at a public hearing.
Nottoway Supervisors made appointments to the Recreation Study Committee
last October and November, after retired Blackstone Town Manager Richard Lee
addressed supervisors on two occasions--June and July--and passionately
pleaded for a countywide recreation program.
Lee told supervisors that many citizens agree with him. Mr. Lee didn't
say--and supervisors didn't ask--who his supporters are, and what specific
recreational activities they want this County to offer.
Also last year, James and Sally Wilkerson of Crewe commended supervisors for
appointing the committee and said they're willing to pay higher taxes for
improved and more County services, including recreation.
Mr. Lee was not mentioned by name Monday night. But Tom Roberts and Gerry
Fuller each pointed out, "A senior citizen made the request, and that's why
we're here."
Fuller added, "We need to get the senior citizens up here and find out if
they want more. Because if they're gonna want more, they're gonna have to
pay more."
Dominoes & Doughnuts
Committee members mentioned a a wide array of possibilities. Among possible
activities "thrown-out" for seniors and other adults were crafts, judo,
aerobics, bridge, quilting, adult volleyball, and others.
Former Crewe Mayor Fuller noted that when the Crewe Library Conference
Center opened, he envisioned it being a hub of senior activity, including
"coffee and doughnuts in the morning. But the ball just got dropped, and it
didn't happen."
County Administrator Roark chuckled that Crewe is currently home to a
"long-running domino game" that's been played regularly for some 20-30
years.
Chairwoman Wilson noted that golf is currently offered by Crewe and Nottoway
River Country Clubs. "We don't want to step on the country clubs."
Rev. Coleman noted that not all youths are sports-oriented, and she said
mind-enrichment activities are needed.
Christian Problem
Committee member Tom Forrester said that one request from the Board of
Supervisors was to explore establishing a countywide YMCA or YWCA. But
Forrester, an active Blackstone Presbyterian, noted that the "C" in those
organizations stands for "Christian," and that unfortunately, the County
might face legal action if it endorses such a religious program. Committee
members agreed.
Tom Roberts of Blackstone, who serves on the Crewe-Burkeville Recreation
Association and grew-up working for a countywide recreation program in
Campbell County, said the committee must remain focused.
Roberts said subcommittees might be needed, and a county appropriation to
cover travel and other committee expenses such as travel.
"We need to find out what the people want. We need to start at the very
beginning...We don't want to start out like a shotgun, but more like a rifle
or laser."
Committee members agreed to meet monthly on the 4th Monday of each month,
and scheduled January 26th at 7:30 p.m. as their next meeting, in the county
health department conference room.
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