By LARRY HYPES
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
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TAZEWELL, Va. – A celebration of ongoing community service. That was Thursday’s theme as nearly 400 parents, children, community partners, board and staff members, special guests, and friends gathered at Nuckolls Hall on the Tazewell County Fairgrounds to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Clinch Valley Community Action, Inc.
“We all celebrate what community action has achieved, starting with one individual, one family, and one community at a time,” noted CVCA Board of Directors chairperson David T. Larimer II in a lively and informative review of agency history over more than four decades.
“This movement called ‘community action’ was born in 1964 when President Lyndon Johnson pledged to Congress that he intended to carry on the programs of the late John F. Kennedy – not because of sympathy, but because they are right. That same year the ‘War of Poverty’ was started, the Civil Rights act was passed, and community action agencies were created to begin serving a variety of low-income needs,” he added.
Jim Schuyler, Executive Director of the Virginia Community Action Partnership, which represents 33 community action agencies across the Commonwealth, was the keynote speaker.
“Clinch Valley Community Action represents what is good and what is working for these types of programs,” commented Schuyler. “We are facing increased accountability for efficiency and for documenting our actions, and CVCA is doing a wonderful job in these areas.”
A highlight of the program was the presentation to Donald E. Neal of Bluefield for his tireless contribution as a board member and volunteer worker for CVCA. It was announced that agency’s main office building on Riverside Drive will henceforth be known as the Donald E. Neal Building. Along with Neal, Curtis Gillespie was also recognized for his contributions, especially with the renovation and operation of the Camp Joy facility on Rt. 19-460 at Springville.
A host of elementary school children provided a special segment of the program as representatives of the Head Start organization. Several local and county governmental, educational, and private industry partners were recognized. Many CVCA staff members were saluted for outstanding service. The Veterans Honor Guard presented colors and Elaine Hurley sang the National Anthem.
Congressman Rick Boucher sent a message commending the agency for improving the quality of life for thousands of low-income families and individuals in Tazewell, Buchanan, and Russell Counties.
Executive Director Chris Thompson said, “Forty-five years is a milestone for any business or organization. God has blessed us with resources to make a difference in people’s lives.”
CVCA was incorporated in ’65 as Tazewell County Development Corporation (the name was changed in March 1988) with W. F. Wadsworth as chairperson and J. Strother Boyd as executive director. Boyd was replaced soon after by Eli B. Jones, Jr., who served in the position for 34 years before his retirement in 1999 when Thompson assumed the position. TCDC received its first grant to begin Operation Medicare Alert. Soon, emphasis was placed on work experience programs beginning in 1967 with the Employment and Training Programs funded through the Department of Labor. Shortly thereafter, William C. “Bill” Allison became director and continues in that position.
From Head Start to the highly-successful Weatherization program, the agency operates a variety of local programs including Project Discovery, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Kids Place (formerly Latchkey), Family Violence Prevention, Camp Joy, as well as a host of activities for low income and needy persons which are often coordinated with other agencies. CVCA has also worked to assist with the substance/alcohol abuse issues by helping to form SATIRA and Drug Court, operate Project START and the AL’s PALS drug education program. Entertainment was provided by Tom Taylor and Back Porch Pickers bluegrass ensemble.
