Not wind, not rain, not sleet, nor snow, not even a life-threatening cerebral aneurism can stop the determination of promoting the cultural heritage, arts and scenic beauty of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia through the Big Blue Magazine for Mitoné Griffith.
Big Blue’s Mission statement reads: A surprising, informative publication wrapped in beauty, sensitivity and innovation, The Big Blue is dedicated to be the voice of the people living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia.
More than a year ago Mitone’ and her mother, Penelope Moseley, joined forces to publish this areas first home-grown travel, arts and leisure magazine, about this region.  The future was looking good; three issues under their belts and a growing interest from the community, as well as visitors from Maine to Florida.
       Life became a blur on November 1, 2007.  Mitoné underwent an intrusive surgery for a brain aneurism.    Penny was not sure if Mitone would even know her own daughter, let alone The Big Blue Magazine.  Miracles prevailed, thanks to modern medicine and grace.  Seven months later and she is back on track with only a minor short coming of “little ‘ole lady” forgetfulness.
    This minor setback has given both Penny and Mitone’ reason to be thankful and reason to believe in their original project, one hundred times over.  The magazine was always about spreading and sharing the beauty of this region with the world at large with a general outcome for positive economic improvement.  
The two understand how important it is to share the vision and have invited a group of females to grow the concept.  They are working with Dallas Garret of Crossroads Institute to further develop the business plan and form a nonprofit corporation whose purpose statement reads: The Big Blue is a nonprofit, non-stock organization created to be the preeminent magazine to bring visitors to the area; as an avenue and vehicle to promote the richness of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia; to export this richness to the community and beyond; to educate the reader on all that the area has to offer. Particularly, The Big Blue advocates for, and educates about, the natural resources, arts, crafts, architecture, agriculture, history, culture, and exceptional individuals that populate this unique and beautiful region of the United States.  
Mitoné and Penny committed themselves to helping area businesses tap into and expand their tourist markets.  Mitoné is a graphics and website designer, a business owner for over three years who has catered to businesses who rely on the tourist market.  Penny has been instrumental in establishing Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, and now serves at associate director of this organization, another avenue of promoting tourism and in bringing life to the new and developing arts district in downtown Galax.  
The fifth issue is hot off the press.  The group has made some important changes to the original plan based on feedback from the public.  They are distributing the full color 32+ page magazine at Virginia Welcome Centers in Lambsburg, Rocky Gap and Bristol and retail distribution spots located in southwest VA and urban NC areas.  The magazine that originally was for sale at area book stores is now free for the taking.   Subscriptions are welcomed.
Each new partner in the organization was hand-picked for their expertise to add to the viability and growth of this community effort.  Each partner is unique and contributes an important part to the whole.
Dana Sapp is a freelance journalist living on her family farm in beautiful Comers Rock, Virginia.  She also works in the agricultural industry and loves spending time with her family riding horses, traveling and enjoying the great outdoors.
Vicki Johnson, writer, photographer and artist, has deep roots in Grayson County.  The dedicated arts, culture and community supporter to the Twin Counties was a marketing professional in Nashville, Tennessee before moving to the area.  
Judy Weigand loves the rich mountain life and all that it has to offer.  She and her husband own a small development company building getaway cabins for the second home market.  In addition, they own Virginia Mountain Woodworks, handcrafting custom furniture.
Sandy Troth and her husband moved to the mountains of Grayson County in 2000.  Before retirement, Sandy specialized in the integration of a variety of alternative therapies into her nursing practice.  She is presently president of the Matthews Living History Farm Museum, a member of Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge, writer and community advocate.
Another mother-daughter team has joined the original mother-daughter team.  Kathy Surratt, mother to Amanda, and assistant to the Carroll County administrator and Amanda Bourne, daughter and Carroll County tourism representative have both taken an active role in the Big Blue.  Amanda is also a graduate of American School of Equine Dentistry and owns Blue Ridge Equine Dentistry.
For more information about subscribing to the Big Blue or advertisement rates, please visit the website at www.thebigbluemag.com or call Mitone’ at (276) 233-3864.  A list of contact information for each partner is listed on the website.