In Highland, many services are provided or supplemented by an active network of volunteer organizations. These groups contribute greatly to the quality of life here, both for the essential services they provide and for affording citizens the opportunity to serve their community.

The Highland Medical Center (HMC) is a non-stock, 501(c)3 corporation which, after incorporation in 1992, opened the doors of a 10,000 sq ft building in September of 1996.

The mission of the Center has been to provide high quality, primary and preventive medical services to the community regardless of one’s ability to pay. Provider staff included one physician initially but the staff has grown over the years to include a full-time midlevel provider, presently a nurse practitioner, and a part-time internist. Over time, and depending on the physicians under contract, the center has offered a variety of primary care services including treatment of acute and chronic illness, physical examinations for all ages, cancer screening, electrocardiograms, minor surgical procedures, adult internal medicine, x-ray, and laboratory work with some pharmaceutical dispensing, although an actual pharmacy has not been present. Obstetrics and specialty pediatrics services, sometimes offered at rural health centers, have not been available historically.

In 2003, the Center attained status as a Federally Qualified Health Center making the Center eligible for special federal grants and programs geared toward removing barriers to primary care for underserved and/or geographically isolated individuals. This led to acquisition of federal and private funding which allowed a renovation of the Center to include a modern, high quality dental facility which became operational on a part-time basis in the summer of 2004.

As with other professionals, recruitment of a dental professional has been a challenge. Two part-time dentists, each commuting long distances, have come and gone as of January, 2006. A high priority of the Center remains recruitment of a full-time dentist for the Center and the County.

All aspects of community life offered in Highland will contribute to an ability to recruit professionals to the area and inspire their longevity. The Center has also, with assistance from grants-in-aid, been equipped with a high speed communications line (T1) which allows connection to the internet and other health care centers for activities such as telemedicine consultation with specialists, continuing professional education, and attaining professional services such as interpretation of x-rays.

The HMC has experienced gradual growth over the last 10 years, now serving the community with over 6,000 patient visits annually. The staffing of the medical Center has doubled in the past 5 years and the operating budget has grown consistently.

The Center is now receiving stable program income but continues to rely heavily on grant funding and donations to sustain operations and prepare for the future. A foundation was recently formed to enable management and investment of large and/or legacy donations, as well as special endowments, to ensure future sustainability and fiscal stability.

In 2005, the Board of Directors held a series of strategic planning sessions and outlined priorities up through 2008. Strategic planning in the health care service industry has dropped from 5 to 3 year intervals due to the rapidly changing environment. The HMC Board identified two critical issues, that is, areas that need immediate attention to ensure the sustainability of operations. These included the recruitment and retention of highly qualified personnel, especially at the professional level, and planning for capital needs, both maintenance and expansion, over the coming years.

Recruitment of professionals to rural areas is an increasing challenge, despite federal programs that provide incentives to individuals that are willing to spend time in underserved communities. Identifying individuals that will "fit" in our community and want to stay beyond some obligation remains one of the biggest hurdles to stability at HMC as well as other rural health care centers around the country.

If the community is to grow and thrive, having excellent and comprehensive, yet affordable health care will be crucial. Highland has an opportunity to create an enticing environment for young professionals that are seeking a high quality of life if the types of services expected by such individuals can be taken into consideration. HMC has recently enhanced its benefits package to be more competitive. In addition, a real estate purchase has been made with an eye to the future with regards to infrastructure as well as leverage for recruiting. Candidates are always interested in housing availability, particularly rental, as they may need time to establish themselves before buying a property. Interest, for example, in our dental program has substantially increased since we are able to offer living space in our package.

With respect to strategic goals, the Center also identified two areas for exploration and potential development. One is to ascertain the potential future for pharmacy services for the community. At present Highland has no pharmacy within its boundaries and services at HMC are simply to dispense medications that are, for the most part, purchased through the Hot Springs Pharmacy. Some years ago, it was determined that there was insufficient local demand to support a retail endeavor locally. However, with the status achieved by HMC of a Federally Qualified Health Center, new pharmaceutical programs being provided by the federal government, and in light of Highland’s aging population, another feasibility study was judged to be worthwhile at this juncture. This will be achieved sometime in the next year or so.

A second strategic goal, on which the Board will be working through 2008, is the development of a wellness concept for HMC and the subsequent development of wellness programs. Initial deliberations of what constitutes wellness and who has a responsibility or opportunity to provide such programs, have suggested that the concept is sufficiently broad that HMC will need to be a partner with as many other area agencies to provide comprehensive opportunities to our community members. The Board plans, while focusing on HMC’s limited role in promoting wellness, to engage other groups as appropriate to help consolidate and facilitate programs and services ranging from health screenings, educational programs, life style assistance, social service operations, alternative health care, and utilizing spiritual resources.

HMC celebrated its 10^th anniversary on September 10, 2006. The next 10 years promise to be bright as HMC continues to play a fundamental role in the health and happiness of Highlanders.

Located in Monterey, the Highland County Health Department offers children’s specialty services, communicable disease control, environmental health services, health education, medical and nursing services, nutritional services and vital records.

Located in Hot Springs, VA, Bath County Community Hospital is a critical access hospital with a licensed capacity of 25 beds although no more than 15 beds are used for acute inpatient care at one time including two intensive care beds. The remaining beds are skilled nursing care beds. Emergency services are provided 24 hours a day in the emergency department.

Health care is provided for emergency illnesses, in an inpatient setting and in outpatient clinics. Elective ambulatory surgery and endoscopy are also performed.

Arrangements have been made with Alleghany Regional Hospital, Augusta Medical Center, Carillion Roanoke Memorial, Medical College of Virginia and the University of Virginia for the transfer of critical access inpatients who require extended stays greater than 96 hours and who require services such as cardiac, neurology, trauma, oncology, obstetrics, orthopedics, urology and pediatric intensive care.

Other departments are Community House Home, Hospice of the Highlands and Bath-Highland Rehab.

The active medical staff of BCCH consists of three family practitioners who see inpatients, patients in the emergency department and maintain private office practices. Two family nurse practitioners provide patient care for inpatients under the direct supervision of a physician. Several specialty practitioners see patients in outpatient clinics and consults with the active medical staff as needed.

Bath County Community Hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Located in Fishersville, VA, the Augusta Medical Center is a full service hospital that offers behavioral health services, a birthing center, community services, diagnostics, an emergency department, a pain management clinic, radiology, rehabilitation services and surgical services.

Located in Fishersville, VA, the Augusta Regional Free Clinic offers medical care, pharmacy services, laboratory, radiology, referrals and patient education.

Located in Fishersville, VA, the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center offers medical rehabilitation services that include occupational therapy, assistive technology, neurophysiology, spinal cord injury and audiology/speech-language. Vocational rehabilitation services include peer mediation, independent living skills, vocational evaluation and educational support.

Located in Staunton, VA, this facility serves children and adolescents who have threatened or attempted suicide, have aggressive or assaultive behavior or need evaluation or medication management.

Located in Staunton, VA, this facility serves citizens of the Commonwealth with serious mental or substance abuse disorders.

Located in Staunton, VA, this facility provides comprehensive educational services to deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired children who require specialized instruction.

The Highland County Public Library, an independent facility located in Monterey, maintains a collection of approximately 16,000 books, 800 audio books (tape and CD), 600 music albums, 33 periodicals, and 1700 DVDs and videos for children and adults.

The circulation (the number of items borrowed) in 2005-2006 was 27,412. The library receives daily local newspapers from Staunton, Harrisonburg and Richmond and the weekly newspaper from Highland and Bath, The Recorder. The archives of The Recorder from 1889 through the present are available at the library on microfilm.

Local family histories are preserved in the Genealogy section. Services such as faxing, copying, scanning and laminating are available. Services for seniors such as Talking Books, SeniorNavigator.com, and access to the Aladdin Reader are provided.

The library offers free high-speed internet access to the public on five computers. Wi-Fi internet access is also provided. A computer in the children’s section provides games and educational programs. The library has a website at www.highlandlibrary.com which offers an online card catalog and password access to user accounts. A meeting room, The Mountain View Room, is available for public use. The library also maintains three book deposit locations; in McDowell, Mill Gap and at the Highland Senior Center.

The Blue Grass Book Bank is a small lending library and community center located in the heart of Blue Grass. Its mission is to promote a lifetime love of reading and learning by offering educational material and programs. It houses 3,000 books and a computer with internet access. Current initiatives consist of assistance with homework, craft projects, reading contests and a summer enrichment program. Each summer the Book Bank sponsors a 4^th of July children’s parade and ice cream social. The Book Bank is a 501 c 3.

Highland County is protected by three volunteer fire departments and one volunteer rescue squad. All depend on donations and fundraising to secure operating funds. In an effort to provide overlapping coverage and quick response times, these departments also work with adjoining fire and rescue departments in Franklin and Hot Springs as well as the Forest Service and Virginia Power.

Responsible for the areas of Monterey and Blue Grass, this fire department maintains stations in both localities. The Monterey station houses five units and the Blue Grass substation houses two units. Maintaining the stations and equipment and replacing older equipment continues to be its main challenge.

Responsible for the areas of McDowell, Doe Hill and Head Waters, this fire department maintains a station in McDowell. Its 35 members seek to acquire a building to house their equipment and double as an emergency disaster shelter.

Responsible for the area from Mustoe to Rocky Ridge and including Big Valley and Little Valley, this fire department has 14 members and four pieces of equipment. Future needs include the replacement of an aged tanker and the addition of a rescue squad unit.

This rescue squad covers the entire county with a station in Monterey and a substation in McDowell. Its 25 senior and one junior member cite as their goals to attract additional volunteers and to acquire a building to house both their units and a training facility

Located in Monterey, VA, the Highland County Sheriff’s Department offers round-the-clock service, providing law enforcement, court duty, community service, civil process, corrections and detainee transportation. In addition to the sheriff, staff includes six deputies, seven civilians and four reserve officers.

Law enforcement services include police patrol, investigations, animal control and cooperation with the regional drug task force. Crime prevention services include Traid, D.A.R.E., School resource officer, a crime prevention specialist and the concealed weapons program. Reserve officer activities include crowd control, traffic control and assisting regular officers. The department does not operate its own jail but partners with Augusta County in using the Middle River Jail located in Verona, VA.

Highland County has an appointed volunteer Emergency Manager. Duties include the organized analysis, planning, decision making and assignment of available resources to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. The goal of emergency management is to save lives, prevent injuries, and to protect property and the environment when emergencies occur.

The Jackson River Chapter of the American Red Cross is ready to respond to disasters of any size in Alleghany, Bath and Highland Counties. Fires, floods, hazardous material spills, airplane disasters, terrorist incidents, hurricanes, tornadoes -- we are ready to respond when help can't wait. We begin saving lives long before disaster strikes by helping individuals and whole communities learn to prepare for disasters and take steps to minimize their destructive potential. An integral part of the America Red Cross’s disaster mission is to prepare for disasters before they occur. A disaster response plan identifies what resources will be needed for specific disasters and how these resources should be coordinated and used. Disaster plans and agreements are always being refined. Volunteers are trained, scheduled and ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If a major fire or disaster occurs, rest assured, the Jackson River Chapter of the American Red Cross will be there.

The Chapter also provides information about upcoming blood drives, CPR/first aid, life-guarding, water safety, HIV/AIDS education classes and procedures for sending emergency military messages.

Highland County operates a solid waste and recycling center at the former landfill, located south of Monterey on Route 621. This facility accepts household trash and recyclable material as well as large items such as white goods. Tires are accepted after payment of a disposal fee. The county also operates four convenience centers located at Blue Grass, McDowell, Headwaters and Vanderpool. These convenience centers accept household trash only and each site is equipped with a compactor. The Town of Monterey offers curbside trash collection to town residents every Friday at no charge.

Highland County engages independent contractors to service the convenience centers and haul the solid waste to the Augusta County Regional Landfill at a rate of $40 per ton.

The county also participates in a recycling program, funded in part by an annual grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. The grant is used to fund the operation of a recycling trailer that was custom built by local service clubs. On the first, second, third and fourth weekends of each month, the trailer is parked at Blue Grass, Bolar, Mill Gap and McDowell, respectively. The trailer has bins to hold the various recyclable materials that include aluminum; tin; #1 and # 2 plastics; clear, green and brown glass; cardboard; newspaper; computer paper; mixed paper; magazines; and catalogs. These materials can also be received during business hours at the main Route 621 location.

The recreation commission is comprised of volunteers who have been appointed by the board of supervisors. They offer organized youth and adult athletic programs, organized group trips, a fitness center and sponsor an annual road bike challenge.

Highland County residents differ on what they want in the area of recreation. The commission funds much of its programs through donations, fundraisers and user fees. They are leading the way in securing a new swimming pool as detailed below.

Highland County does not have a public swimming pool at this time. For many years the Monterey Lions Club provided a generous community service by operating an outdoor summer pool for public use. The pool was closed in 2004.

Highland County was awarded a $110,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoor Fund (VOF). This grant is to be used by 2008 and will go towards the construction of a new outdoor summer pool. Another grant of $25,000 per year for four years for operating expenses has also been received. The location will be on a county-owned site beside the public school property. The combination of the VOF grant and the county land represents tangible progress towards achieving the goal of a new pool.

There is also interest in the county to broaden the project’s scope. This interest centers on the desire to provide a range of useful programs for residents of all ages and to make these programs available throughout the year. The Highland Recreation Commission envisions the new pool project as an opportunity to create a complete Wellness Center.

With no county funds available for this project, the Board of Supervisors appointed a special steering committee to develop a plan. The clear objective: to construct and operate a pool and a wellness center without using county funds.

The steering committee believes a three-stage approach to the project is best. Once non-county funding for a stage is secured, that stage will be implemented.

The funds needed to complete all three stages will require a well-coordinated fundraising campaign. Methods will include personal presentations to prospective donors; submitting grant applications; community events; and other programs designed to achieve the goal. Legal review is currently underway to determine the appropriate organizational status necessary to insure that the pool/wellness center program will qualify as a charitable organization within IRS guidelines. The outcome of this review will help establish guidelines for gifts to the program.

Located in the extreme northwest portion of the county and accessible through West Virginia, this facility offers primitive camping, a shelter, picnicking, hiking and fishing.

Located in McDowell, this former school used by the Ruritans offers a multi-purpose room, softball field and a picnic shelter.

Located in Blue Grass, this former school used by the Ruritans serves as a community center for area residents.

Located in Mill Gap, the Ruritans maintain this five acre facility that includes a picnic shelter, restrooms, softball field, basketball court and children’s play area.

Located two miles south of Monterey, this facility is a privately-owned nine-hole golf course.

Located in Monterey, this facility houses grades K-12 and has ball fields and gymnasiums available for sports activities.

Located adjacent to the public school, this proposed multi-use facility will be the site of the proposed pool, athletic fields and cycling and pedestrian facilities.

The Highland Center was incorporated as a non-profit organization in early 1998. It has since grown into a multi-purpose community and business incubator that promotes economic, cultural, and community development in Highland County and the surrounding region.

The Center houses small business tenants and nonprofit, community organizations. The mix of profit and nonprofit tenants has allowed the Center to expand its networks and draw upon more diverse resources, increasing its value to the local community and its potential for innovative programming.

As part of its business support and development services, the Center holds regular workshops and trainings that cover a wide range of business and economic development topics. Resources available to the public include: library of software, books, tapes, and journals; shared use equipment including computer workstations with DSL connection, printers, fax, scanner, laminators, folding machine, and binder.

The Center also offers free and confidential business counseling and technical assistance services provided by Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Small Business Development Center to existing or new businesses.

As part of its food-based business initiatives, the Center has an inspected, commercial incubator kitchen that is available to local food-based businesses, community organizations for fundraisers, and for food workshops. The Farmers Market is part of the Virginia Grown farmer’s market network. The market allows local food and agricultural based vendors to market and sell their products, and acts as a platform for testing locally developed food products from the Center’s commercial kitchen.

Also part of its food-based initiatives, the Center has assisted one of its business tenants in a feasibility planning grant from the USDA to study the marketability and development of locally produced lamb and wool products. Out of this project, the Center garnered an additional grant for Enhancing Agricultural Assets in the Alleghany Highlands. The project is expected to help increase local farm income and highlights the Center’s mission of promoting economic growth through local economic assets.

The Center also acts as a venue for community activities, with space available for events such as receptions, the bloodmobile, 4-H Club uses, conferences, retreats, and meetings. The Highland County Arts Council, one of the Center’s nonprofit tenants, makes use of the auditorium space at the Center for community theater productions, children’s theater camp, concerts, and dances.

Valley Program for Aging Services relocated the Senior Center and the county Home Delivered Meals program to the Center in 2003. Three days a week members of the Senior Center are provided meals from the Center’s incubator kitchen, and Home Delivered Meals are prepared in the kitchen and taken to seniors throughout the county. The addition of the Senior Center reveals the dynamic and innovative linkages that can occur between the for-profit and non-profit sectors-linkages that the Center seeks to fully explore.

The Center operates a Youth Employment Program which gives actual work experience as well as employment and life-skills training to local youth.

The Center has developed extensive partnerships with local organizations and businesses and has established partnerships with regional and national community and economic development agencies. Locally, the Center was part of a broad and successful coalition to bring DSL broadband technology to Highland County, and is currently developing a Community Portal that will give an internet presence to all organizations in Highland County.

In 2001, the Center was listed on the Virginia Register of Historic Places, and in 2002 the Center received designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Center is embarking on a major renovation of its building and facilities, with the aim of preserving the historical integrity of the building itself for future generations and upgrading the building to improve its mission of promoting economic, cultural, and community development. As part of the renovation, the Center is developing a conference/retreat space that will draw in business people and other professionals into the area year round, creating more mid-week business opportunities for local restaurants and lodging establishments, increasing employment opportunities, and injecting needed income into the local economy. In addition, the conference/retreat component will add income to the Center’s operations, increasing its sustainability for the future.

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce works to preserve, promote and assist businesses in the community. The Chamber serves as a resource for inquiries related to business opportunities, tourism, and relocation of families and businesses.

The following is a list of its primary functions:

• Community support

• Economic development

•Information resource

• Educational partnerships

• Regional partnerships

• Networking opportunities

• Legislative lobbying

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Highland Maple Festival, an annual event that attracts upwards of 30,000-50,000 people, as well as the Hands & Harvest Fall Festival and Wintertide Weekend. The Chamber also co-sponsors the Highland County Fair and McDowell Heritage Days.

Throughout much of the 20^th century, events and festivals were the driving force behind the tourist industry in Highland County. In 2000, the Chamber re-defined its marketing strategies and began promoting Highland County as a year round tourist destination. The Board of Supervisors matched funds from Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation, and the Chamber of Commerce to produce a county brochure designed specifically to attract tourists to the area.

In 2001, Virginia’s Western Highlands Travel Council (a partnership that includes Allegheny, Bath, and Highland Counties) initiated an eco-tourism project that markets the region to birders, wildflower enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

The Chamber has also partnered with the Valley Conservation Council to secure funding through the Transportation Enhancement Program to:

• Study the historic significance of the Staunton-to-Parkersburg Turnpike;

• Develop the Staunton-to-Parkersburg Turnpike as a tourist destination by publishing an interpretive driving tour brochure;

• Collaborate with the Highland Historical Society to fund a museum/interpretive center for the Turnpike and the McDowell Battlefield (Highland Museum and Heritage Center);

• And, to develop walking tours of the towns of Monterey and McDowell that both highlight local history and culture and also direct tourist traffic to retailers and restaurants.

An increasing number of visitors are attracted to Highland County each year for its unspoiled beauty, rich Civil War history, outdoor recreational opportunities (with bird watching, topping the list), festivals and events. Tourism is a steady-growth industry in the region, with Highland County welcoming an average of two new tourist-related businesses per year for much of the past decade.

The mission of Virginia Cooperative Extension is to enable people to improve their lives through an educational process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs. Areas of emphasis are: agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family & consumer sciences.

Programming efforts in agriculture and natural resources address a broad range of problems from traditional agricultural management and production issues in livestock and crops, to farm business management, farm labor, soil and water conservation, environmental issues, pesticide applications, forestry and other natural resources, commercial and consumer horticulture, water quality, and skin cancer prevention.

4-H is a comprehensive youth development program for youth between the ages of 5 and 18 engaged in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of adult or teen 4-H volunteers trained by 4-H agents. 4-H members learn how to: make decisions, manage resources, work with others, and utilize effective communication skills.

Family and Consumer Sciences programming is focused around three broad areas: nutrition and wellness; financial management, housing and consumer education; and family and human development.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is an educational service of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, Virginia’s land-grant institutions, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and local governments cooperating.

The Monterey Lions Club was formed on September 17, 1941 with 18 charter members. The club now has approximately 35 members. All Lions clubs share the motto "We Serve" and all clubs are committed to building a brighter future for their communities. Traditionally, the Lions Clubs main mission was helping people with sight and hearing problems but it has grown to include many other projects and services.

The Monterey Lions Club for many years operated a community swimming pool. The club is very involved with the community and its members actively participate in local events such as the Maple Festival and Highland County Fair.

The club hosts Bingo throughout the year and the Ground Hog Supper in February and a street dance in July. These fundraisers not only support sight and hearing conservation but enable the club to support other local groups and organizations. This also provides fellowship for its members and provides each member an opportunity to work toward making their community better through service.

The Mill Gap Ruritan Club was chartered in 1960 and is proud to still have one of the original chartered members active in the organization. Ruritan National has over 33,000 members in 24 states enjoying the spirit of fellowship, goodwill and community service.

The club serves 6,000 dozen donuts over the two weekends of the Maple Festival each year. It hosts an Earth Roast in August and serves catfish dinners at the county fair. The club is a generous supporter of Highland 4-H through camp scholarships and support of young livestock growers. It gives numerous scholarships to college students each year. It also supports the Highland Medical Center, fire and rescue squads in Highland and Pocahontas counties and the public library.

All told, the club supports over 30 organizations each year. Honoring veterans is a special focus of the club. In an ongoing project, the club has created an archive of Highland County veterans which is available at the Highland Public Library.

The Blue Grass Ruritan Club was chartered on April 15, 1952 with 29 members. It still has two charter members active in the club. The goal of the club is to make their community a better place to live and to assist those who are in need. Each Maple Festival the club serves up buckwheat cakes and pancakes along with maple syrup, sausage and homemade sausage gravy at their location in Blue Grass. The proceeds from this fundraiser go towards scholarships to deserving seniors at Highland High School, Highland 4-H, the Medical Center and local fire and rescue.

Other groups and organizations also receive support and the club often sponsors benefit dinners for those in the community who have experienced a health crisis. Another ongoing project of the club is the purchase of community banners that are placed on telephone poles in Blue Grass. To date, 12 banners have been purchased to celebrate the four different seasons/activities throughout the year.

The Bolar Ruritan Club was formed in 1954 and is committed to making the community a better place to live and work. The club has twenty-six active members and seven associate members. Meetings are held in the Ruritan Hall at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

The members strive to promote fellowship, good will and to meet the needs of the community in both Bath and Highland counties. The club participates in Highland’s annual Maple Festival and county fair. Funds raised in these two events are reinvested in their neighbors through college scholarships and financial support for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H and numerous other organizations. The Ruritan Hall is available for community use. It is the regular meeting place for the Bath-Highland Bird Club and has served as a training location for both 4-H and EMT classes.

The Stonewall Ruritan Club was chartered in October, 1951 and still has two active charter members. Ruritan clubs serve America with fellowship, goodwill and community service in urban areas, small towns and rural areas. The Stonewall club also conducts fundraisers at the Maple Festival and fair each year. The proceeds maintain a historic old school house that serves as a meeting place for the club, a Mennonite church and the community.

The building’s grounds also include a regulation softball field, playground and basketball court that is available to area citizens. The club supports area youth at the Highland County Fair 4-H and FFA Livestock Show and Sale, through several college scholarships and through donations to the FFA, 4-H and other clubs. The club also supports the local fire and rescue squads, Hunters for the Hungry, radio WVLS and other worthy caused in the county.

The Highland SPCA was founded in 1999 by a small group of citizens concerned with the humane treatment of stray animals and the prevention of further strays. Not affiliated with the American SPCA, the Highland SPCA is a private corporation which contracts with the county to operate the county animal shelter. The goal is to get as many stray animals as possible happily adopted through advertising in The Recorder and to be as near as possible to a no-kill facility.

The Highland SPCA is supported mainly by The Attic, a local shop where generously donated items are resold at very moderate prices. Proceeds from this fundraiser have enabled the pursuit of the second goal of preventing stray animals through an innovative spay/neuter program. The SPCA pays for the alteration of any animal adopted from the shelter. In addition every Highland family may receive one free pet alteration per year. All operations are performed at the Stonewall Veterinary Clinic.

The Arts Council was formed to promote the arts and to provide cultural enrichment for the community. Activities include bringing two performances a year to the local school, organizing public concerts, hanging a new art show at the library each month and providing plays through its community theater group.

The council also promotes the arts by teaching classes at The Highland Center, organizing the art show at the county fair, providing a drama camp for school students, providing mentors and other support for the school system and giving one or more scholarships to high school seniors who are going to study an arts related field.

Formed in 1927, the Monterey Garden Club hosts a house and garden tour in July of even-numbered years. With the proceeds of this event, the club buys plants to beautify the park in front of the courthouse in Monterey and makes donations to the library, rescue squad, medical center and more.

The club conducts additional fundraising to send one middle school student per year to the Federated Gardens Clubs Nature Camp. Club members also work with the county fair committee every year to organize the floriculture and horticulture exhibits at the fair.

The Highland Historical Society is comprised of people who have a deep, abiding interest and compassion for Highland County and her history. The membership includes local people as well as those who live outside the county and state borders. Many members grew up in Highland County and have since moved away. In some other instances, members recall visiting family members that lived here. Still, there are those members who have simply passed through and fell in love with its character and have joined as a way to connect themselves with Highland County.

The Highland Historical Society is the parent organization of the Highland County Museum and Heritage Center. The society acquired the property in 2001, embarked upon a rehabilitation project, and opened the museum in 2005. The museum is open to the public on a regular schedule and by appointment. Plans are under way to outfit one of the museum’s rooms as the family history research room.

A board of directors governs the society. They meet once a month to do the organization’s business. All other positions in the organization are volunteers, except the executive director, who is hired to man the day-to-day responsibilities of the society and the museum.

Volunteers are a critical component for the Highland Historical Society. Volunteers serve as greeters, educators and docents at the museum. Volunteers are also needed to help catalog and care for museum items, help in the museum gift shop, keep the building and grounds well-maintained, and to assist researchers in the soon-to-be open family history research room. Other volunteers are engaged to help with the organization’s special events like McDowell Battlefield Heritage Days.

McDowell Battlefield Heritage Days is held every other year in May, on the weekend closet to the anniversary of the Battle of McDowell. It is the largest authentic campaigner reenactment in the United States. Nearly 1,000 military and civilian reenactors are invited to participate at McDowell. They are all screened using the strictest guidelines.

The village is set to look like it would have in 1862 when the troops were occupying the village. In addition to historic first- and third-person interpretation throughout the village, there are lectures on various Civil War topics in the McDowell Presbyterian Church (which was used as a hospital at the time of the battle), a wreath-laying ceremony, and exhibits at the Highland County Museum and Heritage Center.

On Saturday afternoon of the event, military reenactors produce a military tactical demonstration to illustrate what may have taken place in some of the 1862 Shenandoah Valley battles. The event typically ends on Sunday morning at a 1860s church service at McDowell Presbyterian.

The Bath-Highland Bird Club was formed in May of 2002. The organization’s mission is to promote conservation, education and community activities relating to the preservation and study of the unique bird population in the counties of Bath and Highland.

The club worked with the Highland Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to help launch the Mountain Area section of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail. The group also has plans to establish a scholarship to be offered to students of Bath and Highland High Schools who are pursuing studies in wildlife related fields.

Highland offers many opportunities for youth activities. The recreation commission offers Little League, T-ball, soccer and other organized activities. 4-H offers three community clubs as well as their in-school activities. There are local Boy and Girl Scouts of America organizations. Area churches offer a LOGOS program. The Arts Council offers opportunities to children and there is a youth clogging group. These are mostly all volunteer organizations dedicated to serving our youth and this is not an all-inclusive list.

Little Rock Preschool was founded in 1984 by Mrs. Cappie Hull, who wanted her sons to be able to participate in a preschool program. Later, the Highland Baptist Church provided a permanent location for Little Rock and Mrs. Rea Ginn took over as director until her retirement. Little Rock continues to be overseen by the weekday education committee of the Highland Baptist Church and Little Rock staff members.

The mission of Little Rock Preschool is to offer a stimulation environment dealing with each individual child’s developmental stages with a Christian emphasis; to provide a program that encourages a young child to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and spiritually; and to give children a successful start in school and life. Little Rock is located at the Highland Baptist Church in Monterey and is in session September through May on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Little Rock is open to preschoolers ages 3 to 5 years of age.

Located in Monterey, the department of social services offer benefit programs that include Food Stamps, Medicaid and fuel/cooling assistance. These benefits are based on income and resource eligibility. Service programs include adult services, adult protective services, child protective services, day care services, foster care and adoption. Comprehensive Services Act is an inter-disciplinary team that accepts referrals for Highland at-risk youth and their families, including but not limited to counseling, treatment and mentoring. The department also makes referrals to other area/regional agencies as needed.

Highland is currently without a public childcare facility so local parents seek out private individuals for this service. A feasibility study may be conducted over the next several years to determine if a certified facility is economically viable.

This area agency on aging for Planning District 6 targets those 60 years old and older in the greatest economic or social need. The agency currently serves 17.8% of Highland’s senior population as compared to less than 4% in most other jurisdictions.

Services include information, assistance and case management and the operation of the Highland County Senior Center. The senior center includes congregate meals, disease prevention, health promotion, socialization, recreation and transportation. In home services include personal care, Meals on Wheels, disease prevention and health promotion. Other services include long term care ombudsman and legal assistance.

VPAS completes a nutritional survey every year on all clients who receive Meals on Wheels or meals at the senior center. Survey results indicate Highland seniors are at the highest nutritional risk of any in the VPAS service area. To address this risk, the agency has increased the number and kind of disease prevention and health promotion programs offered at the senior center. These programs are designed to improve their quality of life by promoting healthy lifestyles.

VPAS’ goal is to make services available to the target population of at-risk seniors. This must start by addressing the need for transportation. Several areas in the county have not been served by transportation services to the senior center. Federal, state and local government financial support for these services will not keep pace with the demand for services.

Located at the Word of Faith Church in Monterey, this local chapter distributes food boxes to Highland families and individuals who are in need or in crisis. In 2004, food was distributed to 29 households each month. These households represent 85 individuals, 42 of whom were children under age 18.

A collection of local churches, this group provides assistance to individuals and families based on need.

This board enacts ordinances, manages the fiscal and municipal affairs of the county, acquires and sells property, builds and maintains public facilities, preserves public safety, ensures the safe construction of houses and levies taxes.

This board reviews applications for variances to the zoning code, hears questions regarding district boundaries, and reviews decisions made by the zoning administrator or other administrative officer.

This board conducts general and special elections and provides registrar and election information to the State Board of Elections.

This board’s purpose is to promote industry and develop trade by inducing manufac-turing, industrial, governmental, non-profit and commercial enterprises to locate or stay in the area.

This board oversees the collection of new materials to be placed in circulation and encourages the community to utilize library programs and facilities.

This commission reviews applications for uses permitted under review in accordance with the county’s zoning code, studies and reports on all amendments to the zoning code, conducts an annual review of the zoning code and suggests amendments to the zoning code. It also recommends the comprehensive plan and assesses development proposals against it.

The Allegheny Mountain Radio Network operates three non-profit public radio stations. WVMR-AM, WVLS-FM, WCHG-FM and a translator located at Durbin, WV ties together the counties of Pocahontas, Highland and Bath. All stations have generator back-up and are linked to the emergency alert system.

The Pocahontas Communications Cooperative Cooperation board of directors is responsible for the radio network which works closely with the local emergency services agencies. The network can be on the air 24 hours a day in the event of an emergency if requested to do so by local authorities. As a daily service, the radio stations provide local, state and national news, local weather and a community calendar. The stations also promote local arts organizations and provide entertainment.

The Recorder has been covering news and activities since 1877. The newspaper is published weekly in a tabloid format. There are also three to six special seasonal sections each year. Circulation is 5,300.