By Cindy Raxter
Bynum, NC – On August 20, the Bynum Front Porch was awarded an almost $7800 Community Challenge Grant from AARP Liveable Communities.
The Bynum Front Porch application was chosen from 2800 applications. It was funded 100% because of our past programs and the community support and enthusiasm for Bynum Front Porch.
The grant will help expand online programming. Bynum Front Porch provides almost weekly music and storytelling shows online that entertain current and former residents – and many others isolated during the pandemic.
Even before the pandemic, sometimes it was difficult for older residents or families with small children to attend live performances at the town’s former country store and post office.
The AARP grant will help Bynum Front Porch expand live streaming music and storytelling programs. It will fund a new weekly podcast. Part of the funds will be used to update the music shows’ audio equipment (purchased in 2006). It will also help pay for the high speed internet the community can use at the store. Most exciting, if someone wishes to teach an online class or host a workshop at the store, we will have the internet and technology to support this.
We are very thankful and excited about the new programs and opportunities. We are very grateful to Chatham residents – present and former – for their community and support. Very, very grateful.