Information about a proposed comprehensive transportation plan for Moore County will dominate the agenda at the next elected officials' forum on Nov. 4.

Commissioner Jimmy Melton said the N.C. Department of Transport--ation (NCDOT) is ready to move ahead with the long-awaited plan. Melton represents the county on transportation matters.

"This is a major thing that's going on with the county," Melton said at the last meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners. "It's important for all of us to be informed."

Melton asked that the plan be placed on the Nov. 4 agenda and said he would ask the NCDOT to send representatives to the forum.

The Nov. 4 forum will begin at 5 p.m. at the Senior Enrichment Center.

RETREAT - However, the date for a fall retreat by the commissioners is on hold, at least until the board can nail down a suitable date when everyone can attend.

A proposed date of Nov. 18 was shot down because it is too close to the Thanksgiving holiday, and subsequent dates were described as too close to the Christmas holidays.

The commissioners held a similar mini-retreat last year to secure advance information about financial issues that must be considered in planning the next year's budget. A two-day retreat was held in January.

VAD - The Voluntary Agricultural District Advisory Board will hold its next meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, in the kitchen of the Moore County Agriculture Center on Pinehurst Avenue in Carthage. The meeting is open to the public.

FOOD - Locally grown fruits and vegetables will get a boost through a $1,000 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education grant for the Sandhills Farm to Table Cooperative.

The grant from the Center for Environmental Farming Systems is channeled through N.C. State University. The grant money will be used to host a series of workshops and tours designed to teach farmers and potential farmers how to participate in the local foods movement.

Extension Service Agent Taylor Williams coordinates the program for Moore, Lee and Richmond counties. The Cooperative Extension Service coordinates the cooperative that allows local families to hook up with local farmers for the purchase of fresh foods raised in the community.

The county commissioners approved the $1,000 grant as a budget amendment at the Aug. 16 meeting.

COBLE - After spending Wednesday in Moore County, Congressman Howard Coble plunged into other areas of the 6th District later in the week.

Coble presented medals to the family of a deceased veteran in High Point Thursday, then traveled to Lexington to attend the PPG legislative luncheon. Later in the day he returned to Greensboro for the Hardister for N.C. House event. He attended the UPS Founders Day celebration in Greensboro this (Friday) morning. On Sunday he will attend the Greater Greensboro Republican Women's reception at Starmount Country Club.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at florence@thepilot.com.