Committees continue efforts to improve Polson
Linda Sappington
Envision Polson has plans for a Vibrant Downtown.
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News from Envision Polson
Envision Polson was formed to continue the work and efforts of the Polson Heart & Soul Project. The committees listed below align with the community values that were 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. Here is an update.
— Beautification Committee: held the Polson in Bloom contest in the month of July. The winners were: Best Bloomin’ Residence: 1st place went to Barb Shrider at 12 C Avenue, 2nd place was awarded to Jeff Jacobson, 120 Bogey Drive North, 3rd place went to Samantha Walker, 406 – 21st Ave. West. The Best Bloomin’ Business: 1st, Richwine’s Drive-in, Highway 93; 2nd, Polson Animal Clinic, 7th Avenue West; 3rd, Whitefish Credit Union, Third Avenue. Judges’ Choice: Kalispell Regional Hospital, Ridgewater. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, and thank you to all the people who help to keep Polson blooming.
— Year-Round Recreation Committee: This committee is pleased and excited to share the news that the Montana Senior Olympics for 2017 has selected Polson as the host location. This event will draw many competitors and their families to our town. The Ice Rink Committee is making good progress on developing their business plan. They are planning to hold a public meeting in September to update the community on this project. The 4th Annual Triathlon took place on Saturday, Aug. 15 and despite challenging weather conditions had strong participation from triathletes, volunteers and spectators.
— Vibrant Downtown: It has been a busy summer downtown with many festivals and events. The downtown community is also thrilled to welcome the new Vine & Tap bar to the area.
— Youth Committee: There is a new effort taking place to establish a Polson Education Foundation, which will tie to the Dollars for Scholars program. The concept is based on a successful program in Cut Bank and is focused on reaching out to alumni of Polson High School. The funds will be used for a variety of education needs in the school district. Additionally, the school district is applying for a grant to cover compensation for Certified Technical Educators. This is in response to a trend in education towards project based learning and preparing students for the technology-oriented workforce.
— Health and Well-Being: We were updated on the fact that alcohol use, drug abuse, and obesity have been identified as the greatest health problems in our community. Also talked about an idea to add distance markers along the Carol Sherick Trail and walking path south of Polson to give incentive to walkers so they know if they are meeting their distance goals. The committee discussed the possibility of reviving the “Ride and Bike to Work” day and “Ride a Bike to School” day beginning next spring. Polson Rotary is also focusing on contributing to the health of the community by providing funds to the junior golf and 4-H programs in our community.
— Economy and Standard of Living: Representatives from groups such as as the Polson Redevelopment Agency, the Polson Community Development Agency, the Lake County Community Development Council, the City, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Polson Chamber have had two meetings where they have reviewed the history of all the surveys and efforts to inspire economic development in Polson since the 1970s. Volunteers have worked hard on all these various projects, but it takes funding for a paid staff to carry things forward.
This committee is also considering a plan to develop a Leadership in Mission Valley program to inspire younger people to step into leadership positions in local government and volunteer groups. It would be a 9-month program with different topics being discussed each month, i.e. environmental concerns, history, diverse culture.
Each of these committees welcomes and encourages involvement from community members. If you are interested in participating in any of the committees mentioned, please contact Penny Jarecki at pennymt@centurytel.net
