The Waterville Horizons group, aka Waterville Community Connections, has been in existence for over 2 years, and we have seen good progress. It may seem to move slowly, but meetings have been attended, lessons have been learned, jobs have been done, money has been raised, all these add up to progress. We’re an ongoing organization, and have many talented workers, have recruited many helpful volunteers, have won awards, and are thankful for the donations we’ve received in money and services.
Our town has been improved with beautification, thanks to a steady group of workers. Our downtown plants and benches received daily watering and weekly maintainance. Businesses were spruced up, both by Horizons workers, and by several owners, who have followed the lead, and fixed and painted their locations, to put a fresh face on the town, for visitors and residents alike. Our Welcome to Waterville sign, that stands at the entrance to Main Street, illustrates what the town and area are, a welcoming area for families looking for recreation and location. The sign was financed by several groups in town, including money from our Horizon grant account. We’re very thankful for all the donations, both in money and in time and labor, given to make this sign possible. All the parks in town have been planted with perennial plants, to add to their beauty. Our “Community Patio” downtown was built in stages by the group, as well as by free and hired workers. Our future plans include expanding the community garden, located by the Good Samaritan care center, so people can rent a spot to grow their own vegetables and flowers. Other locations may become available for more garden space.
We’ll continue our plants, planters and benches project, and try to recruit young paid workers to do some of the weekly labor. The downtown benches and planters will soon be put in storage, and will need to have finish coats applied. We’re also looking ahead to next spring when we would like to have a volunteer appreciation event in April, and also get more involved in Bullhead Days in June, and the Sakatah Arts Experience, scheduled for July.
Other projects we still have going are the Ride Around Town, with volunteer drivers who transport people to their shopping needs in town on Tuesdays. Thank you notes were sent to many volunteers who gave time and money or supplies to our projects.
One of our biggest accomplishments was winning the “Best in Class” award, which was $1000.00 from the Minnesota Community Pride competition, given out at the Minnesota State Fair in August. This award was received due to the efforts of the Horizons group and our grant writer, those who voted via internet, and our display at the fair, including many pictures and documents showing our work. An informative article was printed in the local newpaper, with a picture of Dave Cummiskey with the award.
One area we are having trouble going forward with is our youth connection. Folks have been working on getting events and projects going. One area may be at the Waterville library where a youth area is planned. We’d like to have a youth council to plan these needs.
Promoting tourism and jobs opportunities are areas we hope to continue working on. The Steering Committee is still meeting monthly to take care of business, coordinate projects, monitor the finances, and recruit volunteers and paid workers. We plan to have project-based committees, that have a plan and schedule, and if necessary, financing, to get future projects completed.
The downtown beautification committee will be getting together soon, to plan next year’s projects and wrap up this year’s business.
Karen, 4River
