Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 5 · column 3 of 9 · from the scan, no model involved
special Virginia brand names can be promoted such as Smithfield hams, Shenandoah apples, peanuts, etc. Mr. Harn$berger said hundreds of inquiries are received each year, where can a family spend a farm vacation and while the state is loaded with “see” activities, there are relatively few “do” opportunities for Virginia vacationers. This latter area calls for additional fishing and hunting clubs or preserves and more golf courses. In conclusion the Luray vice president suggested that counties or areas make an inventory of their assets and possible opportunities to further their economy. He also proposed that a Rural Travel Development be formed on a state-wide level.
Rosser H. Payne, jr. was then called upon to speak. Mr. Payne demonstrated in an unmistakable manner his capability and experience as a consultant of 20 years experience in comprehensive urban planning-management and location of school sites. His dis<*ssion covered theventire list of the commission’s study subjects. He has also held a professorship at the University of Virginia. Pointing out that small towns are not geared to absorb rapid urban development, Mr. Payne made it clear that Zoning and Supervision Boards must need to do some careful planning to avoid problems of sewage, water and roads, incumbent with developments.
Better type of recreation for young people is necessary since rural movies are generally of a low caliber and while bowling alleys in themselves are good, Mr. Payne said most of them have ABC licenses and so become a hangout for local drunks, resulting in a verboten classification by many parents. He suggested that local school administrations now orient most of their curriculum to students continuing a four year education while 50% never go beyond high school. To insure good teaching it was recommended that salaries start at the $7 - $9000 level.
Touching on the rural medical needs it was pointed out that few general practitioners will continue to practice in an area of low economy. Mr. Payne suggested that regional clinics be set up where doctors would periodically be in attendance. He also confirmed Mr. Hamsberger’s basic thought that some agency should be formed to furnish data and experience on a state-wide level to all rural communities.
Replying to a question by Del. Cantrell, Mr. Payne emphatically opposed the suggested use of twin trailers either on state or interstate highways.
A third able speaker was Wade Johnson, Superintendent of Clarke County schools. He indicated that while some counties received 30% of their education support others received more and that state funds should support kindergartens in all counties. Rural areas are taxed to the limit for schools so the state should provide free textbooks and state aid for salaries. Mr. Johnson said Clarke County has a library in each school, the county has psychological service and conducts two classes for retarded children.
Questioned by the panel, Mr. Johnson approved of some system to provide year round education and said some study had been given to the question in his county. A question regarding summer recreation disclosed the fact that through a cooperative effort by civic groups in Clarke County a summer recreation Supervisor was employed with all school and playgrounds open foi ,Summer programs.
87.9%