The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

It takes a village to raise a child they say. It takes a community to withstand all the difficulties of time. A community bands together over the years if it wants to survive 110 years. The Mountaineer is 110 years old. Older than the homestead pictures I took. The Mountaineer has gone through many changes, but always serving the same community.

I love unique pictures, this one of a blank with old rusty nails which may be helping to hold the old building together, reminds me of the Mountaineer. When I took the reins of the Mountaineer, I knew there was no way two of us, Leslie Gregory or I, could make a go of it. Lately, members of this community have just surrounded me with support, and seven have stepped up to help write articles. Like myself one married into a local family, one was born here, went to school here, raised her children here, and continues to love the land. Three moved here, love Big Sandy, and wants to continue to build an active community. Two are high school students who wish to write. I can't wait to introduce you to everyone.

The picture of the board with the old nails in it reminds of the community in the 1900s. People needed to get together occasionally to help each other, have some fun, and build the community. They went to their neighbors to help build barns. Rural communities have always supported sporting events. Country dances and small political gatherings, and holidays get-togethers connected them.

Philippians 2:2 says, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." Although the scripture is talking about being one in spirit, I am blessed. I am full of joy, by this community because they want the Mountaineer to be the tool used to connect us as one.