There are about a million different boards that a person could serve on. There are city boards, county boards, fair boards, chamber boards, tourism boards, school boards, church boards, housing authority boards, charity organization boards… even cemetery boards. A big part of our job here at the News Journal is following along with the activities of boards, and then reporting on them in the pages of our weekly publication.
As we go about the business of covering all of these board activities, a common theme seems to be a deep concern over the lack of individuals who are willing to step into board member roles so that the organizations that they govern can continue on into the future. It is a conversation that I have had countless times in recent years, and I agree that it is quite troubling.
If you take the time to visit a board meeting or two taking place in the local community, there is a decent chance that you’ll find folks involved in the proceedings who have been actively serving for quite some time. It also is not uncommon for many of these same people to serve on more than one board. I commend all of those who are sacrificing their time and energy to serve in this way, but these individuals will not be able to do what they’re doing forever.
Of course, serving on a board isn’t going to be for everyone, but I know there are plenty of bright, energetic folks out there who would do a great job with it. If you think you might be one of those people, then I encourage you to look around and find an organization in our local community that you value. Take the time to find out if they might be in need of a new face to serve on a board. You may end up finding yourself in a position to make a real positive impact in the lives of others.
It’s just a suggestion.
• I have to say a few words this week about the performance by the Corbin Redhounds football team in last Friday’s home playoff game against Ashland Blazer. I have seen the Hounds play some really great games in the past, but I honestly cannot remember a better all-around showing than what they had against the Tomcats.
I think that most people showed up or tuned into last week’s third round contest expecting a competitive game. What they got was Corbin completely blowing out a very good opponent and making a huge statement ahead of this week’s semifinal round matchup against Paducah Tilghman.
What the Hounds did against Ashland was definitely a team effort, and it took solid play in all three phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams – in order to accomplish, but I want to just take this opportunity to give a special shoutout to senior quarterback Kade Elam. This young man played like a man possessed last Friday, rushing for four touchdowns and throwing for two more in the 42-7 victory. An unreal night by anyone’s standards. Well done.
— Finally, before I wrap up I would like to acknowledge everyone who played a part in making this year’s Christmas Open House in downtown Corbin extra-special this past weekend. I have a tendency to get a little (a lot) stressed out during this particular time of year, which can make it difficult for me to be jolly, even with the special sights and sounds of the holiday season surrounding me pretty much everywhere I go.
I am happy to report, however, that Sunday’s Christmas Open House event did a lot to lift my spirits and get me in the right frame of mind for the month of December, which is now just days away.
Luckily, the weather was perfect. My kids, my wife and I had a great time checking out the activities being offered in Nibroc Park before doing some antique shopping downtown, enjoying a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant, picking up some trading cards at a local hobby shop and then finishing everything off with some ice cream before heading back home.
It really was a great afternoon, so thanks again to all who contributed. I am looking forward to the other programs, festivities and special events that are on the schedule for the coming weeks in the Corbin-Williamsburg area. Stay tuned.
