By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
The past year was marked by celebrations, milestones, and struggles. The Fluvanna Art Association celebrated its 50th anniversary with five successful shows. Local author Barbara Vorndick, along with others, spearheaded a project to bring home the remains of Eliza Monroe Hay, President Monroe’s eldest daughter, to be buried with her family.
Vorndick’s efforts shed light on the contributions and character of one woman who supported her father during his presidential term.
With celebration come struggles. Currently, library funding is still in limbo. Last May, it was reported that federal funding for key programs and projects for libraries was on the chopping block. Federal funding cuts, including the potential elimination or reduction of federal grants, like IMLS funding, puts statewide programs, such as FindItVirginia – which provides online resources – in jeopardy. State budget shortfalls led the Library of Virginia to absorb major cuts, resulting in reduced staff, shorter hours, and less funding for local libraries through state aid, according to the Virginia Coalition for Open Government.
Increasing demands, including balancing budget cuts with rising needs for technology access, digital literacy training, and community programming, like those funded by FindItVirginia, impact local libraries.
Advocacy for state funding continues, but challenges remain, with federal support looking uncertain.
Farmers faced challenges, but generations of farming families are sticking with their decades-long profession, some stating that they may be crazy, but farming is in their blood. Farming has had a long history in America, and those who farm know what it takes to withstand the hardships. Local farmers are seeing a rough time, but they also see potential in the future. They understand what it will take to turn things around, but their dedication is what gives them the voice and advocacy to rally together and keep farming as a viable staple of our local economy.
Nationwide media is under attack, and in rural areas, local newspapers have closed, creating “news deserts.” Communities that are informed are better educated about local issues that concern them and effect their lives. Without the aid of newspapers or other media, communities can suffer.
Many also question the role of civics and history in our society and why it is no longer taught. For decades, educational systems thought it was best to train students in STEM, math, and computers to better compete with the rest of the world. With the focus on technology, this edged out civics, history, and even the humanities. But a lack of knowledge in these subjects has severely undermined society’s understanding of history, law, domestic and foreign policy. This keeps those who govern accountable.
Virginia is now introducing legislation that will bring back these subjects into the school systems, and other states are also following suit.
It should be an interesting new year.
