
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 14, 1994                   TAG: 9405160010
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RINER                                LENGTH: Medium

TEACHING A LESSON ABOUT GETTING INVOLVED

After John Beach attended a Youth Economic Development Conference last fall, he realized that the Riner community was a perfect area to study. With schools facing crowding problems and a community that is growing faster than any other in Montgomery County, Riner was in need of direction, said Beach, a teacher at Auburn High School.

So Beach procured a grant for $500 and his students began a local economic development project to find out what community members would like to see happen in Riner.

The project began with a door-to-door survey of more than 275 residents. The survey asked questions about Interstate 73, schools, taxes, availability of retail businesses and thoughts on government services.

The students then compiled the information and put together a panel to discuss citizens' concerns. About 35 community members showed up for that meeting, which was held Thursday evening at the school.

"People are generally satisfied with our schools," said Beach, who has taught at the high school for 10 years. "The interest in having more retail services was divided, but most people were in favor of increasing indirect taxes."

People also wanted to see more roads paved, a better water system, recreation and a library, and would be willing to pay for it, he said.

"The greatest concern is about all the housing developments, and that we're losing all our farms," he added.

"I think most people want to see businesses here," said 18-year-old Mike Miller, who helped in the study. "They know they need it, but they don't want their backyard infested."

Overall, Beach has been pleased with the results of the project.

"The focus of our government classes has always been on community service," he said. "What government is about is people being involved as citizens. This teaches the students that they can be involved."

by CNB