INDEPENDENCE — Jones Excavating has been approved to do the grading and stone work at Independence Town Park, bringing the long-awaited project closer to completion.
The park is off Main Street (U.S. 58), across from the Historic 1909 Courthouse.
Jones Excavating was approved following a closed session at council’s March meeting. If weather permits, the goal is to have the work finished in time for the Independence Farmers Market’s opening day on May 3. Additional landscaping will be completed in the fall, funded by a grant from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation, according to the town.
Town Manager Laura Ratcliffe announced during the meeting that the park project had received two quotes, and that both parties advised they could have the work completed by late April.
“Hopefully we are about to see some action happening on the Independence Town Park pretty soon,” she said.
The wooden framework for the farmers market structure at the park has been standing for a couple of years, while the town worked to secure funding to complete the project.
The town also announced it will offer engraved pavers, which will be included in the new walkway at the Main Street entrance to the park.
A total of 50 pavers are available at $150 each. Proceeds will go towards getting the park open by the May 3 goal.
Pavers can have up to three lines of text, with up to eight characters (including standard symbols) per line.
For additional information, reach out to Council Member Kit Marshall at kmarshall@independenceva.com. Paver forms are also available at independenceva.com or at the Independence Town Office, 317 E. Main St.
Library Report
Also at council’s March meeting, Wythe-Grayson Regional Library Director Mary Thomas provided a presentation regarding the Grayson County Public Library.
Thomas said she is passionate about her job, as are the staff. The library has a branch manager, a circulation supervisor and a youth services coordinator.
The Grayson County Public Library is celebrating 75 years of partnership with Wythe County; however it has been in the community since 1931.
The library in Independence is a shared space with both county and regional employees through the Wythe-Grayson Regional Library.
It also houses D.D., the library’s resident bird, who Thomas noted is “a fan favorite, second to the fish.”
Grayson County Public Library is a member of the Mountain Catalog Consortium, which includes the five libraries of the Wythe-Grayson region, as well as Galax and Carroll County.
Some of the features of the library include:
• A book mobile that delivers to homebound individuals and provides drop-offs in partnership with the Grayson County Grange
• Mobile hotspots and wifi that are available 24/7
• Public computer access
• Telescope rental
• STEM kits designed for individuals and groups
• E-readers and tablets
• Meeting room
• Privacy booth
• Inter-library loans
This past year, Thomas advised they had 1,552 adults and 293 juveniles with registered library cards.
They have circulated more than 17,000 adult books, more than 400 young adult materials, and more than 9,000 children’s materials. For electronic materials, they have circulated more than 1,800 e-Books, more than 1,100 audio books, and 111 movies.
They have also just begun magazine circulation, which has reached a count of 85 magazines.
Library patrons have completed more than 1,000 computer sessions, ranging from five minutes to several hours. Wifi had more than 1,400 sessions last year.
There were 104 programs offered for adults, 883 for juveniles and 170 for general interests.
The library is open from Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A survey is currently underway to determine if the hours are serving the needs of the public.
For additional information, visit wythegrayson.lib.va.us/.
Family Resource Center Report
Mary Meier of the Family Resource Center, accompanied by Program Director Robbie Patton, provided a summary of services offered by the center.
The center serves victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, neglect and other forms of violence (including bullying). It offers crisis services, including a 24/7 hotline, an emergency shelter, medical accompaniment and court supportive services.
They partner with the Independence Police Department, which provides assessments and referrals to the resource center.
The center also offers long-term services, including therapy and educational resources.
“We help provide education and coping skills so that these victims don’t feel like they have to be a victim forever, or that this is what will define their lives,” Meier said.
The center’s Family Trauma Advocacy program provides secondary victims (parents, friends, loved ones) with education and skills so that they can best support their loved one as they cope with and heal from trauma.
In the last calendar year, the Family Resource Center served around 76 victims in the Grayson County area.