Ronan Revitalization Committee undertakes multiple projects
Jerry Beeks photo
Tin photo of old downtown Ronan.
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The Ronan Revitalization Committe, a subcommittee of the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce, tackled a variety of agenda items at their Nov. 15 meeting, all with the purpose of improving the town and making it a more enjoyable place for those who call it home.
Held at the Boys and Girls Club, progress on current events, proects and ideas for new improvements were discussed, including the installation of an historic photo of downtown Ronan. Thanks to funds providing by Glacier Bank and Mission West, the photo printed on tin was installed on the outdoor wall of the mechanic shop to improve the look of the old building.
An additional project, bike racks for downtown, have already been purchased and will be installed on Main Street.
Janet Sucha, from the Lake County Park Board, is organizing a January brainstorming session onthe creation of a bike co-op in our area. The hope is to make a connection to a bike shop in Missoula, for maintenance, parts and repairs. There is a long range goal to eventually construct provide a bike path from Polson to the Bitterroot because use of the bike trails is steadily increasing in the Mission Valley.
Sucha also brought back up the idea of Food Truck Fridays, scheduled from 4-8 p.m. One block would be set aside for food/drink, and live music from Memorial Day through Labor Day. A chance for local residents to get out and get together for a relaxing meal and winding down with neighbors. This needs to be discussed with local businesses.
Gale Decker updated the group on the Ronan Hall of Fame project. Ronan High School will provide a space for a digital display of uploaded yearbooks, complete with pictures of students, will be accessible on the Internet. The initial fundraising goal of $10,000 has been met but additional funding will be needed to cover the cost of a celebration on Feb. 4, 2022, and for the cost for uploading the yearbooks to the Internet.
Jim Thaden of Mission West said there has been some interest in agri-tourism. In discussions by the Glacier tourism group.
Both Thaden and Decker suggested the committee should consider focusing on projects that are “shovel ready” when funding opportunities become available from the new infrastructure bill. Decker said, “if you snooze you lose,” and encouraged being ready with specific details on projects they want to fund with that money.
Meredith Trosper of Mere’s Magic Universe and Teas said she is planning to start a Magic Book Club with potential in-person and Zoom options.
The revitatlizaion group is also encouragtingdowntown building owners to use cross promotions, such as downtown window displays.
Posters for the Parade of Lights on Friday, Dec. 17, were handed out. Beginning at 6 p.m. the parade route will start behind the hospital, proceed down Main Street, continue through town, move back onto Round Butte Road and end at the Lights Under the Big Sky event located at the Community Center. If you would like to participate in the parade, email: secretary@ronanchamber.com for more information.
Lights Under the Big Sky will take place over the two weekends starting on Friday, Dec. 10, and ending on Saturday, Dec. 18. There will be lots of activities from 5-9 p.m. on all four days, and Santa will be there each evening. For more information, go to: https://bigskylights.org/.
This committee, comprised of people with full time jobs and other volunteer commitments, plans to keep growing and welcomes additional volunteers with new project ideas. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. at the Ronan Boys & Girls Club.
