Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
“Generally speaking,
Reflecting back to the discussions regarding possible
people are down on what they
closure of Cedar Lakes, perhaps the discussions
are not up on.” This was a
should have centered on the topic, “What can we do
revealing statement shared by a
to modernize, manage, promote and preserve one of
vocational administrator during
the state’s best resources for inspiring and educating
the mid-70s, and I have found it
youth of all ages?” I would guess that many who have
to be quite appropriate over the
pondered Cedar Lakes’ closure over the years have not
years. One of the most recent
experienced its magic, as a youth or adult participant, or
examples involves Cedar Lakes
serious observer. In such cases, they were likely “down
Conference Center near Ripley,
on what they were not up on!”
West Virginia. During early to mid-September, rumors
and news articles started surfacing about possible closure
Cedar Lakes offers a peaceful and secure setting,
of the Center. The rumors were generated by discussions creating a unique atmosphere for helping students to
regarding budget reductions, and fueled by what
reach their maximum potential in becoming productive
many felt was an incomplete and/or inaccurate picture
citizens in today’s society. The Center is the envy of
regarding those being served annually by the Conference many states, evidenced by testimonies from visiting state
Center.
and national youth representatives, as well as corporate
leaders.
I can only speak from my own limited experience,
but I personally (as student and adult) have participated
Farm Bureau appreciates the efforts of our members
in over 70 multi-day youth educational events at the
statewide, as well as other concerned parties who
Lakes . . . seventy-four to be exact, involving some
contacted various leaders to express support for Cedar
23,170 individuals. Enthusiasm was contagious at those Lakes. At this writing a large crowd is expected October
functions as students were engaged in a variety of career 3 for an on-site “Rally Around the Lakes.” Scheduled
development events that were (and continue to be) an
speakers include youth representatives, educational
integral part of the Agricultural Education instructional
leaders, state lawmakers, and other state/federal
program. I was afforded the opportunity to witness
government personalities. In looking to the future, there
student development and demonstrated excellence at
is cautious optimism that closure will be off the table
its best. In addition to those 74 youth events, I had the
and concerned stakeholders will be working together
honor and privilege to attend nearly 100 adult teacher
in finding solutions to preserve Cedar Lakes’ positive
activities at the Lakes – curriculum and assessment,
impact for generations to come – stay tuned!
policy development, state teachers’ conferences, etc.
Again, I am speaking only from my firsthand account
Shifting to another “political” scene, various oil and
with one service sector/educational entity within our state gas issues (including lease integration/forced pooling)
focused on statewide youth development in agriculture.
were visited by members of Judiciary Subcommittee
But the Cedar Lakes story is so much more, and goes
B during the September Legislative interims. Plans
far beyond youth development in agriculture – other
are to continue the discussions during the October
career and technical education student organizations,
and November interims, as lawmakers work to gather
4-H, Scouting, band and choral groups, adult educational information to make informed decisions regarding
activities (environmental training, teacher workshops,
proposed legislation for the 2014 Regular Session.
private business and labor training, local/state
Subcommittee B is co-chaired by Senator Bob
government training, higher education), arts and crafts
Williams (D-Taylor) and Delegate Barbara Fleischauer
programming, spin-off economic activity in the region
(D-Monongalia).
every time an event comes to the Lakes . . . and the list
goes on.
see Michael, page 20
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5