Volunteers continue to improve Polson
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News from Envision Polson
POLSON — Envision Polson was formed to continue the work and efforts started as a result of the Polson Heart and Soul Project. The committees listed below align with community values identified by our citizens throughout this process. These committees will help to assure our community continues its efforts of collaboration and inclusion as we move forward. Involvement in the committees and projects is welcome. Below is an update from April.
Economy and Standard of Living committee
Gypsy Ray and Marie Hirsch from Lake County Community Development reported on the work at Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center. This facility enables many entrepreneurs to use the equipment and space to produce their food products to sell to the public.
Also, a new program called the Fresh Snap Program has been implemented this year. When someone spends $5 in SNAP benefits, they get $5 free to spend at the farmers market each week. It is a great program to focus on using SNAP benefits to purchase fresh and local fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, eggs, plants and seeds.
Beautification committee
The committee recently completed the annual Clean Up Green Up community-wide spring cleaning project. Thank you to all the individuals and businesses who participated, and to Republic Services for providing a free waste container and the donors of directed gifts to the Greater Polson Community Foundation for providing a banner to promote the event.
The next committee meeting will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, to plan Polson in Bloom. Contact Mary Jensen, junie_cleaver@msn.com, for location.
Health/Wellbeing Committee
The goal of the Health and Wellbeing Committee is to facilitate and strengthen a healthy community through collaborative relationships with community partners. For more information, contact Brian Wilson at Brian.Wilson@Providence.org or call (406) 883-8443.
Youth and Schools Committee
Polson High School is developing a Certified Nurses Aide Program, scheduled to start in the fall. This will give participants an opportunity to job shadow and be introduced to health careers. Students who meet the required hours will receive their official certifications through the Flathead Valley Community College, providing them with an option to be employable immediately upon program completion. This program has seen a very successful start, with 20 applicants already vying for the 12 positions that are available at St. Joseph Hospital.
For more information contact Brenda Dennis at Community Bank, (406) 883-8066, bsd@commbank.net or Shelly Quinn at St. Joseph Hospital, shelley.quinn@providence.org.
Leadership/Collaboration/Communication Committee
If you are interested in participating in this committee or would like specifics for the June meeting, please contact Pat DeVries at (406) 883-9250 or pat@polsoncpas.com.
Vibrant Downtown/Tourism Committee
The Local Government Study Commission presented to the Downtown Business Association last month. They are making progress on their review of our city government.
For more information, contact Ken Avison at (406) 270-6342 or Ken-Avison@yahoo.com.
Year-Round Recreation Committee
Polson continues to grow our recreational opportunities. The new soccer fields near Ridgewater broke ground, and the architect who is helping with ice rink will be presenting his design to the committee soon. The Ice Rink Committee is in the process of developing a business plan for the facility as well. Plans are underway for the Polson Triathlon set for Saturday, Aug.18.
The committee also identified the need to communicate the events taking place and the recreational opportunities more to our visitors in the summer. People are encouraged to provide information about your events and functions to the Polson Chamber of Commerce.
Then next meeting will be held in May at Pop’s Grill, 7:30 a.m., date to be announced. For more information, contact Linda Greenwood at greenwoodcrass@gmail.com.
