Book City Roanoke recently sponsored a series of discussions called “Finding Roanoke” which focused on this book: What I Found in a Thousand Towns by Dar Williams.
Craig County was well represented in the discussions by folks who identify with Dar’s appreciation of smaller communities and local roots. “Dubbed by the New Yorker as ‘one of America’s very best singer-songwriters,’ Dar Williams has made her career not in massive stadiums, but touring America’s small towns.”
The book jacket explains, “Williams examines why some towns flourish while others fail, eviscerated by the forces of globalization and Walmartization. She explores elements as diverse as the local significance of history and nature to the uniting power of public spaces and food. “What I Found in a Thousand Towns” is more than a love letter to America’s small towns; it’s a deeply personal, hopeful and impassioned message about the potential of America’s lively and resilient communities.”
Last January, many of you attended the Visioning Session at the Craig County High School which explored the history and flavor of Craig County. We listed our assets and our strengths at that meeting, which included our natural beauty, our agricultural land and our deep family roots. We also take pride in our faith community, our self-sufficiency and our positive relationships with law enforcement and local government officials. Though our discussion of weaknesses centered upon the financial, we are truly rich in the quality of life we enjoy here.
Our collective roadmap for the future included enhancing our two largest economies, tourism and agriculture. Specifically, improving infrastructure and access to educational opportunity would drive success and economic development.
Dar Williams uses the term “conscious bridging” which strengthens the community. She says, “People who are conscious bridgers are always on the lookout for new alliances and connections. Conscious bridging weaves together the fibers of a town’s identity and opens channels of communication. “
Craig’s lively sense of independence and self-sufficiency can actually enhance the success of conscious bridging. Trusted neighbors and family members can create a safety net for security and stability. Neighboring farmers join together for clean water, police and schools work together for internet safety, and our library provides an opportunity for youth.
Since family roots are key to our rural heritage, services for senior citizens are important. Transportation, medical care and social opportunity need continual input to remain viable. Providing successful business and educational opportunity for our youth is critical. A vibrant community requires more than beautiful land, and it requires people who engage with the land and each other to turn creative ideas into reality.
New Perspectives, Part Two will discuss the events that were attended and how we can apply these ideas to our community.
Happy New Year!
– Marge Lewter, library volunteer
