| Message from the
Editor: Com’ on, you know this one: What do community and
communication have in common?
Fifteen years ago Dan and I moved to the rural town of Chica, Panama,
population 500. The local government held public meetings to share
significant events, such as the arrival of two enthusiastic Peace Corps
Volunteers (yup, yours truly). I’ll never forget the feeling in my
stomach when it was my turn to speak (after just six weeks of language
immersion) IN SPANISH. I knew that it would never again be so difficult
to participate in my community.
Driving through Round Hill in 2001 to look at our house on Main Street,
I saw the sandwich board at the town office announcing a meeting and
“Public Invited.” I sensed that this was a place I could call home: My
own, English speaking small town committed to community.
Good communication takes a lot more than speaking the same language,
though. We’ve all played the children’s game “telephone,” in which a
single word inevitably changes into something unrelated to the original
utterance as it gets passed along.
So finally, I arrive at why I’m volunteering to do this newsletter: To
provide a consistent source of communication in the service of
continuing to build our community. This publication is being mailed to
every household—old, new and in between—with a Round Hill address. It’s
what we have in common.
This is your newsletter—we welcome your input. What’s going on that you
want to share? What would you like more information about? Please, let
us know!
—Lisa Zimmer-Chu |
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|
Round Hill Baptist Church Celebrates Centennial,
Prepares to Open Preschool |
 The
Round Hill Baptist Church plans to open a preschool in January. |
By IVAN CLARK
and TODD SHAW
Members,
Round Hill Baptist Church
On Sunday October 7, 1906, Rev. F. H. James preached the first worship
service held in the then-new Round Hill Baptist Church. The church
operated as a branch of Ketoctin Church until 1911, when 41 persons
presented letters of dismissal, and covenanted together to unite in the
organization of the Round Hill Baptist Church. By 1974, it was known as
one of the fastest growing churches in the state.
On Oct. 7-8, 2006, the congregation celebrated the past 100 years. Four
of 20 former pastors came and shared history and participated in a round
table discussion. The events concluded in the fire hall, with a catered
luncheon serving some 180 members and guests. The stage is set for
beginning the next 25 years, and on to the bicentennial!
To kick-off the new century, Jan. 3, 2007, will mark the opening of the
church’s community outreach preschool for children aged 3 to 5. Morning
and afternoon sessions will be held each day, with a class size of 20
students. Registration was held in October, but space is still
available. Contact the church at 540-338-6306 for more information.
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| Calling All Musicians:
Step Right Up! |
By FRANK ETRO
Mayor, Town of Round Hill
Year after year, I am reminded that the Round Hill Hometown Festival
parade needs music in the form of a marching band. Year after year, the
Town has tried to get commitments from bands, to no avail.
It seems the only way to have a marching band is to form our own. I’m
asking ANYONE with ANY musical ability (some have even suggested kazoos)
at ANY level of experience, of ANY age, to please step up and join in
the fun.
Held each Memorial Day weekend, the Hometown Festival is truly a
“community event,” and the parade is a great way for you to participate.
This coming year’s festival will be on Saturday, May 26, 2007.
If you are interested, please e-mail me
(mayor@roundhillva.org) or
event coordinator Noreen Payne
(info@roundhillva.org) or leave a phone message at the Town Office
at 338-7878.
I know the talent is out there. Let’s get together in April and make
this happen! |
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