Work doesn't stop with skatepark
A heartbreaking set of circumstances resulting in the loss of four young members of the Mission Valley Community from alcohol poisoning 3-1/2 years ago forcefully shook enough people awake to step out of their comfort level (another way of saying apathy) and come together to do something to make a difference; to positively affect the rest of us and our children for years to come. And what a difference they've made and continue to make
No town ever erected a statue to a committee. They were erected so that generations to come would never forget those individuals who, despite seemingly overwhelming odds, opposition and often controversial public opinion at the time, did dramatic things that impacted their community forever.
Too many of us have been led to believe that because we pay taxes that the "government" (whoever they are) is responsible for all the things we think we deserve for free, and should eliminate all the bad things that we simply don't want.
We've grown to expect the government to babysit us and we want the schools and the TV to raise and babysit our children. We tend to forget that with our busy lives, it is really each of us as individuals that have the responsibility for ourselves and for our own children and the neighbors and the children of our neighbors. That's what community is, that's what a community does. It's up to each of us to build the kind of community we want to live in; then we encourage and elect good people to run for government office to handle the day to day stuff. It's a responsibility that, unfortunately, we tend to ignore. Besides, what can I do? I'm just one person.
Here's what you can do. You can do it. It can be done. See they [St. Ignatius] did it; it wasn't often easy or pleasant, but it's getting done. And it isn't over yet, and it's not going to stop as long as you are involved. Involvement can happen in many ways. Ask yourself, are you the type of person who goes through life simply having a nice day or are you the type that wakes up every morning and makes it a great day. The only difference is attitude and a little effort.
As most everyone knows by now the first phase of Skate Ignatius has been funded and built; both under budget and ahead of schedule. This is a gift to the community, from the community. There is still an additional 10,000 square feet that are going to be added to the existing skate park. More private and corporate donations are being sought after before it can be started.
If you can help, please do so. This project is the direct result of individuals, not government, who are passionate about doing something to give our children a safe and fun place to grow up. If you haven't already, do yourselves and your family a favor and bring them by Taelman Park and look at what can be done by one person with a positive attitude. Look at the smiles on the children's faces, and then look around and see what you can do to add to this park and to the community.
Even if it is just helping to pick up litter while you are visiting the park and teaching your children to have respect for others and the land because this is your park. The more responsibility we take as members of the community, the better the community becomes.
Not only is the skate park giving many of our youth something positive to occupy their time, it has also brought many out of city and out of state visitors and good publicity to our area (and it hasn't even officially opened yet). It's contagious, and it's a great cure for apathy.
Here is a short list of projects that are needed to help:
Taelman Park projects
1. Park entrance and signage
2. Current restroom re-hab and garden spot
3. Guard rail around park re-hab
4. Tennis courts re-hab
5. Covered Pavilions with picnic tables
6. Benches and garbage cans
7. Drinking fountains
8. Walking/exercise paths
9. Children's misting feature
10. Designated play ground area and equipment
Some people have more money than time, others more time than money, and both are needed to have any project succeed.
The St. Ignatius Parks Regulatory Board is of the community and is here for the community. We invite everyone who has an idea on how they can help create a better community with regards to St. Ignatius parks, open areas, culture, tourism, and recreation to attend the parks board meetings that are held on the third Thursday, 7 p.m. at St. Ignatius City Hall and everyone is welcome.
Please make the effort to make a difference in a child's life. Be a "vocal local." And get involved. You can do it. It can be done.
Doug Martin
St. Ignatius Community Parks Advisory Board
Boys and Girls Club worth the price
Editor,
Recent events leading to agreed lease terms with the City of Polson bring our Boys & Girls Club members in Polson one step closer to having a safe, site-based club. Some day they will have the same advantages of our Ronan/Pablo club members. Parents will no longer have to worry about their club members during those critical after-school hours. Our board and staff are anxious to provide the benefits to these kids and their families just like literally millions of kids have through their clubs across America. Boys & Girls Clubs make a difference for members and their families for generation after generation.
Similar to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' commitment to helping by providing our Ronan facility for a dollar per year, the City of Polson has given us a lease at a dollar per year for the property under the facility we plan to purchase. The City will lose revenue, just as the tribes, but both understand that it is an investment in the futures of kids and their families creating hope for a better quality of life for everyone.
This project is a long-term solution to many present day issues. At this stage our club needs help from every quadrant of the community. We've briefed our lending institutions, approached them about our request and asked for assistance. We're exploring ways to establish sustainable income sources for maintenance and operation of the expanded club. We are in search of financial support to make this dream a reality for present and future area club members.
Boys & Girls Clubs are not a line item on your tax bill. To pay for operations or purchase of facilities, clubs have to raise the dollars from the community and other sources. The national organization does not automatically present us with funds for capital improvements or operations. They do make some grant money available which has helped millions of kids, but it isn't guaranteed. We are among the many non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporations here in the valley doing a good thing through the generous, heartfelt support of people like you.
And, we are most thankful for our community already. Approximately two thirds of our budget last year was from your support. This is a wonderful tribute to the attention and priority you place on our community kids. Through free or discounted services, yearly, quarterly or monthly donations you've helped generously.
From our own experience and that of thousands of clubs across our country, we know we have effective ways to help change kids' lives. We're asking you to join us in that endeavor and help make a permanent difference in this community. Please find out how you can be a part of this important project. Visit us, call us, write us or email us. Inquire about this project and we will do everything possible to give you the best information available. Call 676-5437, write BGC, P.O. Box 334, Ronan, Montana 59864, email hope@ronan.net or visit our club at 63055 Highway 93 in Ronan. There is no better time than now to invest in a better quality of life for youth.
John Schnase
Executive Director
Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County