After pursuing college and working with interesting people, (Bill Nye always come to mind first.  Yes, the very same one – the science guru).  She relocated to the Spotsylvania area and pursued her dream.

Yes, she admits the hours are long but she believes she’s giving the area something it needs.  Her big concern, along with the rest of the merchants’ downtown is how much longer they’ll be able to remain.

Most are willing to change with the times and growths but don’t feel they’re getting the same respect out of the council members.  They throw things to committees to avoid making decisions she feels.  

One of the many anxieties she cites is the parking situation.  The city happily tickets people for overstaying their welcome in that spot but doesn’t tell the non – locals where to park all day.  She feels once the 2-hour parking limit is up they get in their vehicles and leave.  They don’t get to complete their shopping, especially if they’re there to shop and eat.  She imagines a lot of people then go to Central Park to finish what they didn’t complete downtown.  Some altogether just by pass the downtown area to avoid the parking issue and what some believe is over pricing in the stores.  She would like everyone to keep in mind that you do get what you pay for.  Where can you get someone to personally help you make those tough selections?  Or give you suggestions on where to eat?  What historical places aren’t’ to be missed? Or just plain ol’ small talk?  The folk’s downtown do all that!  How many other places can give custom service like that?  Not the big stores she feels.

To help with the future direction of the downtown area she has been the president of the Merchant’s Association but has thrown her hands up in disgust and doesn’t wish to pursue that avenue any longer.  She also doesn’t feel that the tourism or the Chamber of Commerce does enough to promote the downtown area.  She feels they focus too much of their attention on the Central Park area for the quick money, not the future money.

None of the downtown merchants really want to leave the friendly atmosphere of downtown but it may have to be an option that they 1 day consider.

For now, Barbara and other concerned shop owners are continuing to do as they have been and meet amongst themselves to tackle 1 issue at a time.  The biggest concern at the moment and ultimate goal is convincing people to shop downtown and to bring their friends, family and other acquaintances with them.  They (shop owners) are holding out hope of coming up with a solution by the time the warmer weather hits.

The constant bumping of heads with the council members is not enjoyable for her but she says is necessary to get her voice heard.  She will continue to fight for her business and those of others because she believes it is all a worthy cause.

When she’s not fighting with city council members she is trying to help the Children’s Museum become a permanent reality.  Right now the museum has no real place to call home.

She also takes science into the school classrooms along with it her enthusiasm and love for the subject and the kids.  All that is required is someone ask and schedule it.

Why does she do what she does?  Because she loves it and the kids need it, she says, whether they are young or old.  But being a big kid herself does help out a lot!