Appalachian Regional Commission grants grant to blockchain project in Wise
Here is an overview of briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to [email protected].
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The Applachian Regional Commission awards grants to the Wise County Records Project
The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded $100,000 to the Wise County & City of Norton Records Workforce Development Project, which is believed to be the first in the nation to use blockchain technology to put land records online.
This funding, awarded to the Wise County Clerk of the Circuit, will be used to support the recruitment, mentoring, career guidance and job training of 24 recent high school graduates and students over 14 months. In partnership with the United Way of Southwest Virginia, Mountain Empire Community College and the University of Virginia-Wise, the program will train students in land records abstraction and provide them with internships in the County Clerks and Land Records Office.
The grant was announced by Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both D-Virginia.
For background on this project, see our previous story: “Wise County May Be First in Nation with Blockchain Project.”
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GO Virginia grant announced; one for computer science entrepreneurs in the Roanoke and New River valleys
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced more than $1.2 million in Virginia Growth and Opportunity (GO Virginia) grants for four projects focused on workforce development initiatives.
The projects are:
Accelerating 2023/2024 | $532,269
Region 7: Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties
George Mason University will promote Northern Virginia as a world-renowned center of excellence for innovative new technologies by hosting a competition and showcase for the best technology companies in Virginia, benefiting the region and promoting economic growth. This project will create 100 new jobs, engage 80-120 entrepreneurs and raise $50 million in total capital.
Technical Talent Retention | $307,800
Region 9: Albemarle, Culpeper, Louisa, Madison and Nelson counties, and the city of Charlottesville
The Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development, in collaboration with various regional partners, will retain college graduates to start their careers in the Central Virginia region by creating a talent pipeline for higher paying jobs in Region 9’s targeted technology fields. Student ambassadors will raise awareness of local businesses and educate stakeholders about what students look for when choosing a career. This project will create or retain 55 jobs, in addition to serving 100 businesses.
Carver Food Business Incubator | $199,727
Region 9: Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange and Rappahannock Counties, and the City of Culpeper
Culpeper County will complete a community kitchen by providing critical specialty equipment, meeting the needs of businesses by adding value to local ingredients and preparing products for the interstate market. This project will create 93 new jobs, serve 68 companies, launch 35 new products on the market and increase sales by 15%.
CS/root | $175,000
Region 2: Botetourt and Pulaski Counties, and the City of Roanoke
The Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science, in partnership with the Virginia Tech Office of Research and Innovation, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC), will create a platform for computer science focused on entrepreneurship in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. This project will stimulate startups in the pre-launch phase and intends to create four new businesses and 24 jobs, as well as engage 200 entrepreneurs and 40 mentors.
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Film about murdered black politician to be presented in South Boston
Thursday 13 October at At 6.30pm, The Prizery and One Community Halifax will present “154 Years: The Joseph Holmes Story”, a film by Will Johnson and Henry Basilica. This event is made possible by donations from Hitachi Energy and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center.
Holmes, a former slave, was elected to represent Halifax and Charlotte counties at the Virginia Constitutional Convention of 1867-1868. For his stance on civil rights and education for all, he was assassinated on the steps of the courthouse in Charlotte County. (See our previous story, “Charlotte County Remembers Black Politician Murdered on Courthouse Steps.”)
Johnson and Basilica filmed the short documentary for a senior class project at Longwood University. The film tells Holmes’ story and features interviews with Charlotte County historian and archaeologist Kathy Liston, local educator and activist Monique Williams, retired educator Alex Haskins and Holmes descendant Lisa Henderson.
Following a screening of Johnson and Basilica’s film, there will be a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Noted historian Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, the Virginia Endowed Professor of Black History and Culture at Norfolk State University, will be a featured panelist.
The event “154 Years: The Joseph Holmes Story” is free and open to the public. The Prizery is located at 700 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592. For more information, please call The Prizery at (434) 572-8339.
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Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge presents travel film on October 1st.
The Historic Masonic Theater in Clifton Forge presents a series of travelogues. The first will be “The Promised Land: Adventures in the Middle East” on Saturday, October 1 at 2 p.m. The film was shot and produced by traveling artist Rick Ray, and he will act as a guide in the auditorium narrating the film.
“The Promised Land: Adventures in the Middle East” tickets can be ordered online at www.historicmasonictheatre.com or you can pick up a ticket before the movie. The event is a Pay-What-You-Will event where you can pay what you feel is appropriate for admission. If you book online, select “The Promised Land: Adventures in the Middle East” event and click “donate” to secure your ticket.
For more information about The Historic Masonic Theatre’s fall season, please visit the theater’s website or Facebook page.
