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The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 11, 2025.

At the meeting, Renee Goddard-Perkins gave a presentation for Black History Month, which included an overview of the immense depth of African contributions referenced in biblical and ancient Eastern civilization records. Renee is also looking for volunteers or potentially part-time staff to assist her at the Tazewell Test Center, located in the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce office at 165 Chamber Drive in Tazewell.

Carol Doss, Executive Director of the Upper East Tennessee River Roundtable, came before Council to share information about her organization and to request their support. The Upper Tennessee River Roundtable is a non-profit organization with an interest in improving water quality in the Upper Tennessee River Watershed, an area that encompasses Tazewell and several other counties. They also hold workshops in our area and frequently partner with local agencies to bring events that focus on environmental quality, such as tire removal from rivers, rain barrel construction, and repurposing craft workshops.

The Tazewell High School Project Graduation Committee, spearheaded by Jill O’Quin, requested support from Town Council for their upcoming Project Graduation event. Project Graduation offers graduating seniors an opportunity to spend a fun (and safe) evening together to celebrate this occasion. Town Council voted in support of contributing $700.00, along with free usage of Lincolnshire Park.

Pam Meade, Executive Director of the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce, along with former Executive Director Keshia Cole, came before Council to give an invitation to the upcoming annual dinner fundraiser and to share the plans for the 2025 Oktobrewfest, happening October 4th. The Oktobrewfest committee has opted to hold this year’s event at the Back of the Dragon Brewery and will soon announce sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 11, 2025.

At the meeting, Renee Goddard-Perkins provided information about the Tazewell Test Center, a business she owns and operates which offers test proctoring services. Tazewell Test Center is located in the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce office located at 165 Chamber Drive in Tazewell. She now offers finger printing services, in addition to the standardized testing options. Visit their website at https://www.tazewelltestcenter.org/ for more information.

Beth Takach came before Town Council for consideration of the annual OTR event, scheduled for June 6 – 8, 2025, in Tazewell at the Back of the Dragon headquarters. The multi-day event will feature stunt shows, vendors, and food trucks, along with live music. In August of 2024, Back of the Dragon was awarded Best Two Day Festival by the SWVA Tourism Awards for its 2024 OTR event. For more event info, follow Back of the Dragon on Facebook or visit their website at https://backofthedragon.com/otrevent/

Town Council gave special recognition to Tazewell area Tazewell County School Board members, Chairperson Irene Mullins and David Woodard. The Governor of Virginia recently proclaimed February as School Board Appreciation Month, in honor of their dedication and contributions to educational excellence.