Showing posts with label Community: Awareness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community: Awareness. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons
May I remind you to keep a log of the hours you spend on any of the Horizons projects. These should be e-mailed to me ( waliddle@msn.com ) at the end of each month for our records. Many grants require a certain percentage of the total project funding to come from the local community. Each of your "in-kind" hours provide approximately $20.00 toward this local project funding when applying for many grants. You may download and print a log form by going to this website: http://www.rochester-wa.com/horizons_time_Sheet.htm
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Draft minutes of last nights Grand Mound Rochester Horizons (GMRH) Steering Committee meeting
The draft minutes of last nights Grand Mound Rochester Horizons (GMRH) Steering Committee meeting are posted below. They are subject to correction and approval at the next GMRH Steering Committee meeting on August 26th.
Please remember that every GMRH Steering committee meeting is open to all residents of the area. You are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions as this is a community-wide effort to reduce poverty in the Rochester/Grand Mound area. Also, these are only four from a larger list that will be addressed as people accept the challenge to take on the responsibility of any of the other projects on the list. The larger project list and copies of steering committee meeting minutes will be posted on the rochester-wa.com website (there is a link to the GMRH section on the home page) in a few days and also on the GMRH blogspot at: http://grandmound-rochester.blogspot.com/ so check both websites often to stay current with what is happening.
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons
P. O. Box 1162
Rochester, WA 98579
Steering Committee Meeting, July 22, 2009 @ Old Gate School
Secretary Bill Liddle called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM
Those present were: Donna Smith, Sandra Cornell, Holly Hamilton, Lester Olson, Lowell Deguise, Kathy Deguise, June Gelvin, Janet Weaver, Gene Weaver, Kathy Clohesy, Joan Hitchcock, Bryon Jones, Danette Jones, Billie Smith, Vivian Eason, Tony Hawes, Shauna Hawes, Joy Baisch, and Bill Liddle
Each person present introduced themselves and their association with the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons (GMRH) group.
Joy Baisch and Bill Liddle presented some housekeeping matters such as a short history of the group, the new postal address, the use of the time-log sheet and its importance, money that will be available for training and professional development, etc.
There was a short discussion of the function of Rochester water Association as the umbrella organization for GMRH.
Farmers Market - Sandra Cornell updated the group on the status of this project. She explained the committee has already done considerable research. A presentation was made to the Rochester School District asking for permission to use the parking lot at the Rochester Middle School, which was given. Because of timing and the issue of liability insurance this project will not go this year but is planned for the 2010, growing season.
Sidewalks - Lowell Deguise gave us a short history of getting sidewalks along Hwy 12 through town. He said the first phase would be completing the sidewalk on the south side of Hwy 12 from Albany St./Littlerock Rd. to the Rochester Middle School. Later phases would encompass sidewalks on both sides of Hwy 12 between Bailey's IGA and Larry's Chevron. Lowell said there are several agencies, which have jurisdiction over how sidewalks are designed and built in this area. They included Washington DOT and Thurston County as well as environmental agencies. Earlier discussions with these agencies and the affected property owners indicated they were all receptive to the project.
Ultimately the plan is to continue a walking trail from Larry's Chevron on east to the Primary and Elementary schools.
Swimming Pools - Byron and Danette Jones are interested in a project to construct a swimming pool, or pools, in the area. They explained there is much community interest but seems to be little commitment to get this project going. One of the problems they have encountered is finding a location to build the pool or pools. They were given several suggestions about avenues to proceed. These included looking for someone who is willing to donate property for the project and checking into the availability of publicly owned property along the Chehalis or Black rivers that might developed into swimming areas on a leased or mutual agreement basis.
Basic Computer Literacy Classes - Bill Liddle described the scope of the classes as instruction on the fundamentals of using a computer, using the internet for searching and e-mail, word processing and spreadsheets. The class consists of 42 hours of instruction taught in two-hour segments. The first class was started with two students the beginning of this month. While these free classes are open to anyone, there are two primary groups that will be targeted; seniors who are wanting to learn about computers but too timid to explore them on their own and those who need basic computer skills to improve their prospect of employment.
The next steering committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th at a location yet to be determined.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
Respectively submitted
Bill Liddle, Secretary
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project
Please remember that every GMRH Steering committee meeting is open to all residents of the area. You are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussions as this is a community-wide effort to reduce poverty in the Rochester/Grand Mound area. Also, these are only four from a larger list that will be addressed as people accept the challenge to take on the responsibility of any of the other projects on the list. The larger project list and copies of steering committee meeting minutes will be posted on the rochester-wa.com website (there is a link to the GMRH section on the home page) in a few days and also on the GMRH blogspot at: http://grandmound-rochester.blogspot.com/ so check both websites often to stay current with what is happening.
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons
P. O. Box 1162
Rochester, WA 98579
Steering Committee Meeting, July 22, 2009 @ Old Gate School
Secretary Bill Liddle called the meeting to order at 6:45 PM
Those present were: Donna Smith, Sandra Cornell, Holly Hamilton, Lester Olson, Lowell Deguise, Kathy Deguise, June Gelvin, Janet Weaver, Gene Weaver, Kathy Clohesy, Joan Hitchcock, Bryon Jones, Danette Jones, Billie Smith, Vivian Eason, Tony Hawes, Shauna Hawes, Joy Baisch, and Bill Liddle
Each person present introduced themselves and their association with the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons (GMRH) group.
Joy Baisch and Bill Liddle presented some housekeeping matters such as a short history of the group, the new postal address, the use of the time-log sheet and its importance, money that will be available for training and professional development, etc.
There was a short discussion of the function of Rochester water Association as the umbrella organization for GMRH.
Farmers Market - Sandra Cornell updated the group on the status of this project. She explained the committee has already done considerable research. A presentation was made to the Rochester School District asking for permission to use the parking lot at the Rochester Middle School, which was given. Because of timing and the issue of liability insurance this project will not go this year but is planned for the 2010, growing season.
Sidewalks - Lowell Deguise gave us a short history of getting sidewalks along Hwy 12 through town. He said the first phase would be completing the sidewalk on the south side of Hwy 12 from Albany St./Littlerock Rd. to the Rochester Middle School. Later phases would encompass sidewalks on both sides of Hwy 12 between Bailey's IGA and Larry's Chevron. Lowell said there are several agencies, which have jurisdiction over how sidewalks are designed and built in this area. They included Washington DOT and Thurston County as well as environmental agencies. Earlier discussions with these agencies and the affected property owners indicated they were all receptive to the project.
Ultimately the plan is to continue a walking trail from Larry's Chevron on east to the Primary and Elementary schools.
Swimming Pools - Byron and Danette Jones are interested in a project to construct a swimming pool, or pools, in the area. They explained there is much community interest but seems to be little commitment to get this project going. One of the problems they have encountered is finding a location to build the pool or pools. They were given several suggestions about avenues to proceed. These included looking for someone who is willing to donate property for the project and checking into the availability of publicly owned property along the Chehalis or Black rivers that might developed into swimming areas on a leased or mutual agreement basis.
Basic Computer Literacy Classes - Bill Liddle described the scope of the classes as instruction on the fundamentals of using a computer, using the internet for searching and e-mail, word processing and spreadsheets. The class consists of 42 hours of instruction taught in two-hour segments. The first class was started with two students the beginning of this month. While these free classes are open to anyone, there are two primary groups that will be targeted; seniors who are wanting to learn about computers but too timid to explore them on their own and those who need basic computer skills to improve their prospect of employment.
The next steering committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th at a location yet to be determined.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM
Respectively submitted
Bill Liddle, Secretary
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rochester Horizons Visioning Event, June 14, 2009
Photos from the Visioning Event, Sunday, June 14, 2009.
Lunch was served starting at 1:30PM as people arrived.
After lunch and an explanation of the Rochester Horizons Project to the assemble community members we then went to the several wall charts to see what projects had been proposed.
These charts were then taken to the tables where people could gather around the project they were interested in working on and learn more about what is involved.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Rochester Horizons Project "Visioning Event" Luncheon
************Mark your calendar***********
What:
1st Annual Rochester Community Potluck & BBQ!
Where:
Rochester Community Center Courtyard
(Old Primary School on Hwy 12)
When:
June 14, (right after church) @ 1-3pm
Hosts:
Rochester Water Assoc., Horizons & WSU
Menu:
Pulled BBQ pork, Shredded BBQ chicken provided.
YUMMY!
Bring your potluck dish and brainstorming ideas,
as there will be a short presentation of Rochester area improvement possibilities.
Help choose area projects to participate in.
YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED AND VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
For more information: 273– 0707
Grand Mound-Rochester.blogspot.com
What:
1st Annual Rochester Community Potluck & BBQ!
Where:
Rochester Community Center Courtyard
(Old Primary School on Hwy 12)
When:
June 14, (right after church) @ 1-3pm
Hosts:
Rochester Water Assoc., Horizons & WSU
Menu:
Pulled BBQ pork, Shredded BBQ chicken provided.
YUMMY!
Bring your potluck dish and brainstorming ideas,
as there will be a short presentation of Rochester area improvement possibilities.
Help choose area projects to participate in.
YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED AND VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!
For more information: 273– 0707
Grand Mound-Rochester.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rochester Community "Visioning Event"
A Luncheon to present "The Rochester Horizons Project"to the Rochester Community will be held Sunday, June 14th at the Rochester Community Center between 1:00 to 3:00 PM. It will include BBQ pulled pork for sandwiches & a salad. All Rochester residents are encouraged to attend but so we know how many will be coming please contact Donna Weaver Smith at (360) 273-0707 or e-mail her at InoY2K@aol.com
Friday, May 22, 2009
Rochester Basic Computer Literacy for Adults
The plan for the “Basic Computer Literacy” for adults to help people in poverty become more employable is being finalized. The initial student will be a client of Washington State Labor & Industries who is being re-trained for other employment. It is anticipated this initial class will begin the first week of July.
The “Basic Computer Literacy” course will include instruction on basic computer, Internet use, word processing and spreadsheets. Each of these four sections will be broken down into short 2-hour modules of learning for a total of twenty-one sessions.
The “Basic Computer Literacy” course will include instruction on basic computer, Internet use, word processing and spreadsheets. Each of these four sections will be broken down into short 2-hour modules of learning for a total of twenty-one sessions.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rochester Community Gardens
A Short History of the Rochester Community Gardens Project By Bill Liddle (May 5, 2009)
While manning the Grand Mound Rochester Park Association (GMRPA) booth during the Swede Day Festival last June, I was approached by Rochelle, a staff member of GRUB, (Garden Raised Bounty). GRUB is a non-profit group based in Olympia, Washington that is promoting organic gardening. She asked me if GMRPA would help them establish a community garden project in our park in Rochester. GRUB had a grant, which would provide materials to construct the garden plots.
Rochelle felt the GMRPA Park in Rochester was the most desirable location because of being near the center of town and several mobile home parks nearby with numerous low-income people. My initial response was it was a noble idea but I didn’t think it could happen. There were two prime obstacles that needed to be overcome: water availability and the fact the park was on land owned by the Rochester School District. We, GMRPA, had been totally unsuccessful in trying to convince the School District Maintenance supervisor to allow us to install an outside faucet so we could water the trees and shrubs we were wanting to plant in the park.
I did arrange for her to make a presentation to the GMRPA board of directors and also invited the maintenance supervisor to be present. We discussed the many hurdles that would need to be addressed. All agreed it was a fantastic idea that should be explored further. The maintenance supervisor agreed to present the idea to the school board for their decision. Most of us were quite surprised when the answer came back with their approval of the project.
Within a short time period other organizations were brought into the discussions and a collation of eight agencies was formed consisting of GRUB (Garden Raised Bounty), ROOF, WSU/Master Gardeners, Rising River Farm, 4H, the Rochester School District and the Rochester Water Association with the Grand Mound Rochester Park Association as the lead organization. The mission statement for this project is to “Provide help to people with limited space to grow their own vegetables.” An additional goal is to provide assistance in the form of education about how to grow, prepare for eating and to preserve for later use the vegetables from these garden plots.
On a Friday and Saturday in November a crew of local community members and GRUB workers gathered to construct nine 4 x 8 foot plots for wheelchair-bound individuals and thirteen 8 x 8 foot plots which were then filled with soil.
Fencing materials have been purchased to enclose the garden plot area. Gardening tools have been purchased and will be available for use by those who sign up for the plots and two water faucets have been installed. A shed to store the tools in will be built prior to the spring garden season.
On Friday, February 13th several individuals from the collation, community members, potential gardeners, and Hart High School students gathered to place “hog fuel” in between the garden plots to reduce weed growth and give us a clean surface to walk on. Additional work parties will be formed to install the fence and build the shed. On April 25th five of us gathered to build the 8 foot by 8 foot garden tool storage building. It is now complete except for painting and placing the shingles on the roof, which will be done as weather permits. The fencing materials previously purchased, are waiting on good weather to be installed.
The people who have signed up for the garden plots have been low-income individual except for one person who will raise vegetables to be given to the area food banks. This is the first of many more projects planned to help reduce poverty in the Grand Mound Rochester area.
While manning the Grand Mound Rochester Park Association (GMRPA) booth during the Swede Day Festival last June, I was approached by Rochelle, a staff member of GRUB, (Garden Raised Bounty). GRUB is a non-profit group based in Olympia, Washington that is promoting organic gardening. She asked me if GMRPA would help them establish a community garden project in our park in Rochester. GRUB had a grant, which would provide materials to construct the garden plots.
Rochelle felt the GMRPA Park in Rochester was the most desirable location because of being near the center of town and several mobile home parks nearby with numerous low-income people. My initial response was it was a noble idea but I didn’t think it could happen. There were two prime obstacles that needed to be overcome: water availability and the fact the park was on land owned by the Rochester School District. We, GMRPA, had been totally unsuccessful in trying to convince the School District Maintenance supervisor to allow us to install an outside faucet so we could water the trees and shrubs we were wanting to plant in the park.
I did arrange for her to make a presentation to the GMRPA board of directors and also invited the maintenance supervisor to be present. We discussed the many hurdles that would need to be addressed. All agreed it was a fantastic idea that should be explored further. The maintenance supervisor agreed to present the idea to the school board for their decision. Most of us were quite surprised when the answer came back with their approval of the project.
Within a short time period other organizations were brought into the discussions and a collation of eight agencies was formed consisting of GRUB (Garden Raised Bounty), ROOF, WSU/Master Gardeners, Rising River Farm, 4H, the Rochester School District and the Rochester Water Association with the Grand Mound Rochester Park Association as the lead organization. The mission statement for this project is to “Provide help to people with limited space to grow their own vegetables.” An additional goal is to provide assistance in the form of education about how to grow, prepare for eating and to preserve for later use the vegetables from these garden plots.
On a Friday and Saturday in November a crew of local community members and GRUB workers gathered to construct nine 4 x 8 foot plots for wheelchair-bound individuals and thirteen 8 x 8 foot plots which were then filled with soil.
Fencing materials have been purchased to enclose the garden plot area. Gardening tools have been purchased and will be available for use by those who sign up for the plots and two water faucets have been installed. A shed to store the tools in will be built prior to the spring garden season.
On Friday, February 13th several individuals from the collation, community members, potential gardeners, and Hart High School students gathered to place “hog fuel” in between the garden plots to reduce weed growth and give us a clean surface to walk on. Additional work parties will be formed to install the fence and build the shed. On April 25th five of us gathered to build the 8 foot by 8 foot garden tool storage building. It is now complete except for painting and placing the shingles on the roof, which will be done as weather permits. The fencing materials previously purchased, are waiting on good weather to be installed.
The people who have signed up for the garden plots have been low-income individual except for one person who will raise vegetables to be given to the area food banks. This is the first of many more projects planned to help reduce poverty in the Grand Mound Rochester area.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project Steering Committee Meeting, April 21, 2009
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons April 21, 2009 Meeting @ Rochester Community Library
The meeting was called to order by Joe Baisch at 7:00 PM
Those present were: Joe Baisch, Joy Baisch, Suzanne Brown, Joan Hitchcock, Sheila Gray, Gene Weaver, Donna Smith, Marty Paterson, Stacy Winters, and Bill Liddle.
Joe summarized the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Activities during the period of the Fall 2008/Spring 2009 by stating we have finished the “Study Circles” and “Leadership Plenty” phases. Additionally, the Rochester Water Association has agreed to have the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project as a sub-committee of their organization. They are a IRS designated 501(c)6 non-profit. Joe also explained that our next step is the “Visioning” phase where we must survey at least 15% of the community asking for their input. This task is already underway with the survey questionnaire being sent by the Rochester Water Association.
The following people were selected/volunteered to serve in these positions for the coming year as the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Steering Committee. Susanne Brown, Co-chair; Bill Liddle, Secretary; and Joan Hitchcock, Treasurer. The positions of Steering Committee Vice-chair and Board Members remain unfilled at this time.
A discussion of the “Visioning Event” which will need to occur soon after the survey results have been received and analyzed. This event will bring the entire community together to select/propose projects to help reduce poverty in the area. It was tentatively agreed this event would be held at either the Rochester Middle School or the Rochester Community Center on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2009. Donna Smith agreed to research a food caterer (possibly Bar-B-Que sandwiches & salads). Marty Paterson will check into location availability and promotion of the event with-in the community.
Joe mentioned one of the “Reduce Poverty” tasks already being initiated is a “Basic Computer Literacy” program for adults. Course materials are already in place and much of the preliminary planning has been done. This program will be for adults to help them become more employable.
No follow-up meeting was scheduled at this time because most, if not all, of the immediate issues can be transacted by e-mail. The next formal meeting will be set later and all interested individuals will be notified by e-mail.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Respectively submitted
Bill Liddle, Secretary
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project
The meeting was called to order by Joe Baisch at 7:00 PM
Those present were: Joe Baisch, Joy Baisch, Suzanne Brown, Joan Hitchcock, Sheila Gray, Gene Weaver, Donna Smith, Marty Paterson, Stacy Winters, and Bill Liddle.
Joe summarized the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Activities during the period of the Fall 2008/Spring 2009 by stating we have finished the “Study Circles” and “Leadership Plenty” phases. Additionally, the Rochester Water Association has agreed to have the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project as a sub-committee of their organization. They are a IRS designated 501(c)6 non-profit. Joe also explained that our next step is the “Visioning” phase where we must survey at least 15% of the community asking for their input. This task is already underway with the survey questionnaire being sent by the Rochester Water Association.
The following people were selected/volunteered to serve in these positions for the coming year as the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Steering Committee. Susanne Brown, Co-chair; Bill Liddle, Secretary; and Joan Hitchcock, Treasurer. The positions of Steering Committee Vice-chair and Board Members remain unfilled at this time.
A discussion of the “Visioning Event” which will need to occur soon after the survey results have been received and analyzed. This event will bring the entire community together to select/propose projects to help reduce poverty in the area. It was tentatively agreed this event would be held at either the Rochester Middle School or the Rochester Community Center on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2009. Donna Smith agreed to research a food caterer (possibly Bar-B-Que sandwiches & salads). Marty Paterson will check into location availability and promotion of the event with-in the community.
Joe mentioned one of the “Reduce Poverty” tasks already being initiated is a “Basic Computer Literacy” program for adults. Course materials are already in place and much of the preliminary planning has been done. This program will be for adults to help them become more employable.
No follow-up meeting was scheduled at this time because most, if not all, of the immediate issues can be transacted by e-mail. The next formal meeting will be set later and all interested individuals will be notified by e-mail.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM
Respectively submitted
Bill Liddle, Secretary
Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Remember the meeting Tuesday, April 21st
Remember the next meeting of the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons group is this coming Tuesday, April 21st. We will be meeting in the conference room at the Rochester Community Center from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. All area residents are invited and encouraged to attend these meetings.
Turn north onto Bend Street from Hwy 12 just one block east of the traffic light. The building entrance is to your left as you enter the courtyard.
This meeting will be the first of several looking at the vision for your community. Every one has something to offer and your input is not only welcome but is also vital for deciding the future of the Grand Mound Rochester community.
Turn north onto Bend Street from Hwy 12 just one block east of the traffic light. The building entrance is to your left as you enter the courtyard.
This meeting will be the first of several looking at the vision for your community. Every one has something to offer and your input is not only welcome but is also vital for deciding the future of the Grand Mound Rochester community.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
New Meeting Time & Date
We will meet again on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the conference room at the Rochester Community Center. Enter the building from the Bend Street side of the building. The door is to your left as you enter the courtyard.
Your continued participation in this project is needed for it to be successful - everyone has something to contribute!
Below is a copy of the message I received from Joe Baisch this afternoon bringing us up-to-date information.
Hello Folks.. We have not forgot about you....We meet with the Rochester Water Association last week to discuss placing the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project under their Non Profit Corporation. We brought with us the Horizons Community Survey that was used last year. Lowell Deguise offered to send out the survey if we would print it.....It was dilivered to him on Monday April 6th. If you recall...We needed to attempt to contact at least 15% of your community to introduce the Horizons Project and during the Visioning Phase, bring the community together to introduce projects, add projects to the list, establish working committees and get going with all the great ideas community folks have offered. On Tuesday April 21 we will disucss when and where we will hold the Community Visioning Meeting. Bill and Susanne have co chaired the project thus far...We will talk about what the steering Committee responsibilities will look like after the Visioning Meeting and what will happen during the Action Phase of Horizons....Please contact everyone who has participated thus far and invite them to the meeting. In addition, let everyone know that the Horizons surveys will be comming in the mail soon and to please return them ASAP. More Later...Thanks Joe
Your continued participation in this project is needed for it to be successful - everyone has something to contribute!
Below is a copy of the message I received from Joe Baisch this afternoon bringing us up-to-date information.
Hello Folks.. We have not forgot about you....We meet with the Rochester Water Association last week to discuss placing the Grand Mound Rochester Horizons Project under their Non Profit Corporation. We brought with us the Horizons Community Survey that was used last year. Lowell Deguise offered to send out the survey if we would print it.....It was dilivered to him on Monday April 6th. If you recall...We needed to attempt to contact at least 15% of your community to introduce the Horizons Project and during the Visioning Phase, bring the community together to introduce projects, add projects to the list, establish working committees and get going with all the great ideas community folks have offered. On Tuesday April 21 we will disucss when and where we will hold the Community Visioning Meeting. Bill and Susanne have co chaired the project thus far...We will talk about what the steering Committee responsibilities will look like after the Visioning Meeting and what will happen during the Action Phase of Horizons....Please contact everyone who has participated thus far and invite them to the meeting. In addition, let everyone know that the Horizons surveys will be comming in the mail soon and to please return them ASAP. More Later...Thanks Joe
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Presentation to the Grand Mound Rochester Citizen's Group
The Rochester Horizons Project program outline was presented to the GRAND MOUND ROCHESTER CITIZEN'S GROUP at their meeting Tuesday evening the 10th of March.
It is hoped this group will agree to join the Rochester Horizons Project as a partner. They are already a 501 c (3) organization with a mission of improving the Rochester and surrounding community.
It is hoped this group will agree to join the Rochester Horizons Project as a partner. They are already a 501 c (3) organization with a mission of improving the Rochester and surrounding community.
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