It’s always exciting to see progress, and our monthly Horizons’ Meeting is a good place to get updates on what’s happening in our various committees. Not every committee is represented at each meeting, but we had good attendance March 12.
Here are some highlights of what’s happening to help make Montrose an even better place to live for everyone:
Biking Trail Committee: not much can be done until the ground thaws (it will thaw eventually!), but Ryan Holman reported that concrete, rather than asphalt, will probably be the surface of choice. Plans are still ongoing to begin working on the bike trail which will be placed around the park and by the river this spring and summer. This bike trail will be a wonderful addition–providing a safe and attractive place for children, adults and families to bike. And biking is one excercise that is available to all ages and incomes. This committee will be more than happy to have willing workers when the hard work begins. If you’re looking for some great excercise with a shovel, give Bob Erickson or Ryan Holman a call.
Landscaping Committee: JoAnn Thompson announced that some earlier plans to improve landscaping around the Montrose sign on Highway 38 needed to be scaled back due to regulations of the South Dakota Highway Department. However, this committee will still be beautifying the area with plants. If anyone in the community has plants to donate–like day lilies, small shrubs, and other perrenials, contact JoAnn. Let’s help make our welcome sign to Montrose one that will make lots of people want to stop and discover what a wonderful community we are!
City Clean-Up Committee–OK. Get your work gloves and old jeans ready. Clean-up Day for Montrose will be May 5, the first Saturday in May. We’ve had the Clean-up Day in the past, but we’d like to see it involve even more people. We need volunteers to help pick up trash and items that people in the community want to disgard. In fact, this would be a great project for church youth groups, 4-H groups, etc. The City will provide trash bags and lunch! And what a great way to meet your neighbors and make your community a more attractive place. Call Bob Erickson for more info, and watch for more details as the date approaches.
Community Garden Committee–According to the calendar, spring is here. And that means it’s time to start at least thinking about the Community Garden. The garden this year will be in town–making it much easier for those who want to have their own plot in the garden, or for the many who come out to plant, weed and harvest the fruits of their labor. The spot is east of the elevator, and thanks to Bob Erickson, it’s already been worked up. Watch for more info as weather improves. This was a great project last year, providing fresh produce for those in our community–and an opportunity for many to work together for a great cause. Now, get ready to watch things grow!
Montrose Beautification Committee–Keep your eyes open for improvements coming in the vacant area between the Irish Pub and Security State Bank. JoAnn Thompson reported that plans are underway for the area, which would include grass, some attractive pavers, plants, and benches for people to come sit and relax. It would be something everyone in our community could enjoy.
Development Committee–There is land close to the Interstate that is available for the City of Montrose to develop. Carey Grosdidier and Dale Johnston reported that their committee had met and discussed the possibility of using that land for a home development. Another idea–could the Community Garden eventually provide a farmer’s market type attraction to Montrose?
Marketing Montrose/Resource Book/Publicize Montrose–Is there a way we can develop an attractive, easy-to-maintain web site for the City of Montrose? Carey will be checking into some possibilities. This committee will also be looking at how we can keep the Montrose Resource Book current. This book lets our residents know which resources are available right here in Montrose!
Community Foundation Committee–some members of this committee attended an information meeting awhile ago put on by Horizons. The committee is still researching the possibility of initiating a Montrose Foundation.
Ice Skate Rink Committee–Carey Grosdidier said that temperatures aren’t very warm yet, but it’s been warm enough to melt the ice rink. It was a great first year for the rink, and next year the committee plans to have it lit for night-time skating. With free ice skate rental available, this was a great way to give our youth a healthy activity this past winter.
Skate Park Committee–Amy Condon said that the committee is still researching the possibility of a grant to help build a skate park for youth of our community. They will be checking into skate parks in other smaller South Dakota communities.
Community Education Committee–Rani Reynolds, Kandi World Turner and Connie Smith will be putting together a flyer asking community residents what types of classes would interest them. They plan to distribute the flyers–and garner input–from the Meals on Wheels crowd, through the community’s churches, school, and Montrose Herald newspaper. Classes could include things like “Cooking with Diabetes”, “How to Can Fresh Vegetables”, or “Finding Your Way Around the Computer”. The classes could also include fun things like “Basics of Knitting”, “Understanding the Native American PowWow”, or “Learning to Golf.” They will also be looking for people in our community who can share their talents, skills and knowledge by teaching a course. Watch for more information, and call Rani, Kandi, or Connie if you’ve got ideas for a class.
Spud Fest Celebration Committee–the Spud Fest Committee has been meeting to prepare for this 2nd Annual Community Celebration scheduled for August 23. Mark your calendars now for the fun event. Charla Cope is already getting ready to plant the potatoes for the big event!
Committees will be reporting again at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Community Room. Why not come and get the information first hand.