Showing posts with label Community Participation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community Participation. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

C.O.G.S.

We are functioning, even though we have lost our part time coordinator to a full time job in Spokane. hurray, for Janet! She is a single parent and our purpose is to help support our fellow citizens in finding , getting jobs and keeping them. Springdale in 40 miles from Spokane which requires dependable transportation, gas money and insurance. We live close to the bone in this community which requires a united effort to keep our citizens from sinking in this environment.
We lend our cars to those who have none, donate time and money if we have some extra, to keep people afloat. We are thankful for Horizon training, study groups and our community couches. We have forged new relationships/friendships with our community. Creating a network for economic progress and creating new leadership opportunities. C.O.G.S.is struggling to become economically independent. We are still able to pay our utility bills but unable to fund a coordinator. Americorp and Vista require money up front and our fund raising attempts have not been that lucrative. Currently we are dealing with bureaucratic requirements: i.e. health department for fund raising events which include food, liquor board, fire marshal, building inspectors, the town hall, all which usurps energy, time and money from our intended goals. Perhaps it is all a plot to keep us away from each other. Probably not but the whole thing is depressing. The solution, we have been told, is to form a membership organization, do not advertise and don't invite the public. How can we forge a bond with new people if we become selective? Does this sound like a rant , maybe it is. We have so many positive enterprises, projects and people that there is a enthusiasm in the air, it just seems we need to lean on each other more than before and things will work out. Sunday market will begin this week, The birding event was great fun, the senior lunch is thriving, dinner and a movie is popular and planing for the coming fall and winter events are in the works. Also, we are involving our neighbor to the north, Valley, to join us in our endeavors. I hope you guys have not given up on us, we are very appreciative of your help.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Citizens Of Greater Springdale (COGS)

COGS held their regular monthly meeting on February 10, 2009, 7pm, at the Depot Community Center with 9 people present.
Terry Waters, treasurer, stated that the electric bill has increased and budget projections need to be adjusted accordingly. The amended treasurer’s report was provided for all present.
The new decorating committee has ‘decked out’ the Depot lavishly for Valentine’s Day. The décor will change from month to month. Hats off to Anita Brown, Georgia Barnes and Mary Christiansen.
The proposal for a part-time coordinator was presented. The start date is Mar 1 and would consist of 20 hours a week for a period of 3 months, not to exceed $2,700 total from the Horizon grant money. It was motioned by Raqeebah Amat-Allah and seconded by Georgia Barnes with all in favor.
The Deer Park Gazette is interested in publishing our functions for March. Deadline is Feb 18.
Insurance needs for the Depot were discussed.
Scott Douglas, S.C.O.R.E representative from Colville, will be contacted again to assist with understanding nonprofit/profit organizations.
The St. Patrick’s Day dinner was set for Mar. 17 at 6pm. ($7.50 a plate)
An egg cook off for April is discussed. It would be a pot luck with any dish that includes egg. (no charge)
A new computer center has opened in Springdale. It is open 6 days a week from 10am-8pm on Mon., Wed., Thurs., and Fri, 12-8pm on Tues., 10am-6pm on Sat, closed on Sun. It is located behind the Town Hall.
Colleen Dodge mentioned that Mr. Matt Gines from the school may have his students build a sign for the Depot. Sue Cox will contact him.
The Green Fest in Seattle will be held on Mar. 28-29. There were 6 people who attended last year funded through the Horizon Program. This is a fantastic (and affordable) mind-expanding event.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm with the next meeting on Mar. 10.

Citizens Of Greater Springdale (COGS)

COGS held their regular monthly meeting on January 13, 2009, 7pm, at the Depot Community Center with 9 people present.
Terry Waters, treasurer, gave a comprehensive profile of our financial report for 2008. Records have been organized, updated and a budget projected for 2009. The federal non-profit 501C3 status is still pending.
The clothing exchange held in the back room of Lanita’s Laundromat has closed. Although it was only open one afternoon a week, the community response was encouraging with numerous donations of good useable clothes. Currently no alternative location has been found.
The Santa’s Shop craft fair was only open one weekend this past December due to the snow. There are still beautiful hand-bound cookbooks made by the Senior Citizens. They are available for $5 by calling Raqeebah at 509-258-9031.
Cleo Miller and Susan Lattin attended a public relation training seminar, courtesy of the Horizon Program. Cleo will now be updating the Springdale blog.
Sue Cox and Raqeebah Amat-Allah will be attending a Farmer’s Market seminar in Puyallup on Jan. 30-31.
We addressed the future and current functions of the Depot:
1. Rental of the building for reunions, birthday parties, etc.
2. Movie night every Saturday
3. Farmer’s Market every weekend in season and once a month through off season
4. Exercise classes with yoga, tai chi, belly-dancing, etc.
5. Saturday matinee for children possibly conducted by Maggie Farmer
6. Committed to Critters meeting will be held once a month, first meeting is 11:30am on Feb. 22
7. The Obama inaugural bash at 4pm on Jan. 20
After discussing the functions, it became apparent that a part-time coordinator is needed. All agreed that this would be very beneficial. A proposal will be developed, and presented at the next meeting.
Other business was to purchase rope lights for the interior steps and rope lights for the exterior of the building. A sign for the Depot Community Center is needed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 with the next meeting on Feb. 10.

Monday, December 15, 2008

C.O.G.S. : a report
Items of Progress:
1. The most dramatic change for Springdale has been the opening of our new community Depot. One of our members, Sue Cox, took the extraordinary step of buying the facility which we now use for our meetings, luncheons, craft bazaar, receptions, birthday parties, election returns, broadband hot sport, farmer's market, food bank, dinner and a movie night, card and games night, bingo and drawing classes.
More activities are in the development stage. The census bureau will be testing and recruiting, using the facility in later December. The result will be between 5 and 10 people being employed. Yea!!!!!
Our Depot is a place for people to meet, visit, share ideas, tools, manpower,give and take, and help each other actually be community, not just a nod and hello as we bump into each other at the post office or store, now we're really neighbors, friends, cohorts, engaged, encouraged, inspired and connected.
P.S. Other horizon communities: We meet others at the Post Falls meeting and enjoyed hearing/seeing what the other communities have been doing. We challenged Colville to a zucchini competition later int he year and eagerly accepted.
2. activities community clean-up
3. Clothing pool we have been located at Lanita's laundromat but now they nee the space for other projects The hunt is on for another location.
4. We have had a number of activities involving the Depot and the local public school---Thanks giving and Valentine cards, seniors visiting history and home economics classes.
W.S.U. design students took our Depot as a senior project. Plans were developed for possible expansion and remodeling. Three meeting were held with community at large, 1. providing input and wish lists, 2. mid term presentation, 3. Final at the Depot and the community at large shown the final plan.
5. Seniors cook book-locally producted by a home-school class and now available for $5.00.
Contributions to the above: The Horizions Program is indisputably the initial impetus for all of the above. It brought us to gather( yes, the free lunch helped), organized us, motivated us, and we are sailing on ward.

Describe accomplishment: Poverty reduction is difficult, but our Seniors have a wonderful, lavish, was and Delicious meal to look forward to every Wednesday. free of charge and trans portion is provided.

Significant challenges-local jobs are scarce for both heads of families as well as teenagers. Public transportation is non-existent.

Activities: In addition to our community center activities, we have established our non-profit status with the state, written articles of incorporation, bylaws and applied for 501c3 status.

Partnering: We have meet with Rural Resources, work source personnel and the Score Representative. Americore volunteers will be helping us with project next semester. No funding sources have been developed.

An added note: Gaining a facility for our community has been a great accomplishment. However with any structure that has not been used for a period of time, capital outlay has been problematic. Electrical, heat and air, new roof, all costly items.
But you know, when the community realized what the possibilities could be, any one that could help either in terms of volunteering time or finding affordable help or materials, stepped forward.
As a bonus, to the community, a home theatre was installed and if you ever come to Eastern Washington stop in Springdale and join us for dinner and a movie. Sue Cox

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

C.O.G.S. Meeting September 9th 2008

Meeting called to order 7:15
Treasure's report: Inland Empire Credit union account is now established.
Address: 2004 N.Hamilton Spokane, Washington 99207 telephone number (509) 328-5213
signatories must have a photo ID.
current balance: $143.37
Motion was made by Susan Latin to request $550 dollars from the Horizon account to pay: Wendell Samoan $200 dollars for 501c3 preparation
I.R.S. application fee $350 dollars.
motion seconded by Terry Waters Motion passed
New business- October 2. 3:30 at The Community Depot, A meeting will be held with W.S.U. senior students in interior design with their advisers to design the interior of The Depot. 15 members from the community are needed for input.
Mike Pamlier reported: Radio equitpment has been aquired by Mary Walker School District, program development is pending.
Discussion followed.
Commitees asignments were made:
Program development-Sue , Raqueebah
Grant writing-Claudia
Calendar of Events-Georgie
Physical plant operations Frank, Bud
Blog- Needs help
PR- Colleen, Jerry
Town laison- Mike Pammler
Phone tree- Susan Latin
Old Business-Bylaws reviewed, read alound, corrected, ammended. Claudia King to review further.
Metting adjorned 8:15pm
Attending Colleen Dodge, Claudia King, Jerry Dodge, Raqueebah, Terry Waters Mike Pammler, Susan Lattin, Sue Cox

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

C.O.G.S. is an now an official organization

The Springdale Horizon group has a name, a location and official status!!! State non-profit status was granted in June, EIN number confirmed and 501c3 is in the final polishing stage. The center has been remodeled, cleaned, decked out with new paint, furnished with tables, chairs, kitchen appliances and enough dinnerware to serve a whole gob of hungry people. Thanks to those who have spent many hours and days making all of this happen.
To date we have had two senior socials (lunch and games) best food in town by the way, two weekend farmer's markets, three organizational meetings, 2 dish washer deaths, 1 walk in cooler shut down, 2 malfunctioning toilets and a front door lock that seemed to like certain people and hate others.
On July 17, a meeting was held in Colville with Scott Douglas, the Score adviser for The Tri-County economic Development Council. He will be helping C.O.G.S. in the development of a business plan, providing information on non-profit /profit organization and marketing strategy. Dana McDowell of Rural Resourses Community Action inform the group of programs which included employment, training, home purchasing and other assistance. The informational brochures for the several programs will be available at the C.O.G.S Center.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Special Focus - Synergy of Springdale (SOS)

Evolving out of the Horizons Circles, SOS tackled Springdale's basic needs. First on their list was creating activities for senior citizens living in the greater Springdale area. Their solution is the Senior Social event held weekly at the Community Church on Wednesday at noon. This popular event started in late summer with two participants. Today, over 25 honored guests enjoy a variety of hot lunches, companionship, bingo, and movies. Below is a slideshow honoring the volunteers and their successful work making Synergy of Springdale a progessive Horizons team project.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

C.O.G.S. Community Center

Thanks to the Horizon program, Springdale has a community center!!!!!!! Located on Shaffer Street (the main drag in Springdale) a former restaurant and bar, the building has a commercial kitchen, cooler, handicap accessibility, 2,200 sq.feet and a back and side yard with enough space for a Farmers Market. The many months of meetings, hours of planning have been worth the time and effort. The center provides a home for the continuation of involving our citizens in further planning and implementing projects gleaned from the Horizon program.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Updates

Upcoming Meetings/Education 2008

April 2- SOS (Senior Social) Pot Luck at the Springdale Community Church- noon
April 16 & 23- no Senior Social
April 4- Sus. Comm. Video- WSU ext. Colville- 10-11am, can be viewed on the web
April 8- Steering Comm.- HS Library- Springdale- 7-9pm
April 12 & 13- Green Fest.- Convention Center- Seattle- 10-8pm going green
April 17- Michael Shuman- Ag & Trade Building- Colville-9:30-4pm-going local, eco. dev.
April 18 & 19- Susan Howlett- WSU ext. Colville- 8:30-4pm grant writing
April 22- Pioneer Center, White Salmon- 9:30-4pm Building Skills for Prosperity
April 26- WSU ext. Colville-10-2pm computer class #2 (Hunters is paying, space limited)
May 3 & 4- Living Lightly Institute, Goldendale- 10am- Renewable Energy & Organic Gardening
May 10- WSU ext. Colville-10-2pm computer class #3 (Hunters is paying, space limited)

To be announced:
Patrick Malone- grant writing
Writing a business plan

Friday, March 14, 2008

The New COGS


Springdale Horizons Steering Committee Meeting

Mar. 11, 2008 at 7pm Mary Walker School Library

A ‘WANTED’ (ALIVE) post was distributed on flyers and posted on the blogspot to inform people of the upcoming meeting. There were 10 ALIVE members attending the meeting including: Claudia King, Colleen & Jerry Dodge, Lela Taylor, Margie Wood, Mike Pammler, Raqeebah Amatallah, Sue Cox, Terry Waters, and Janet Jensen.

Interim Board is as follows:
Chairperson- Sue Cox
Co-chair- Susan Lattin
Secretary- Janet Jensen & Raqeebah Amatallah
Treasurer- Terry Waters
Blog/Reporter- Mike Easterly, Jerry Dodge, & Janet Jensen
Board Members- Margie Wood, Lela Taylor, Claudia King, & Donna Steig
Advisory- Mike Pammler & Sonny Clemmer
Authorized to sign checks- Mike Pammler, Lela Taylor, Terry Waters, & Claudia King

Ideas for our group name was discussed and voted upon:
Citizens Of A Greater Springdale (COGS)
The name above is the main 'tree' and our branches are:
Synergy of Springdale (SOS)
Economic Development
Radio Station
Habitat for Humanity
Community Center
Alternative Energy
If there are other branches growing on us, please let me know.

It was discussed that the 501C3, mission statement, bylaws, etc. are in the beginning stages. Lela provided the information to obtain an EIN number from IRS for a nonprofit status. Anyone is welcome with input for getting the grants.

There is $4,000 to be spent by June 2008 from the Horizon Project for education. Upcoming:
March 19- Leslie Jones- WSU ext. Colville- 5:30-8pm micro lending
March 20- Cathy McMorris Rogers- Spokane- 8:30-12pm grant writing
March 22- WSU ext. Colville-computer class #1 (Hunters is paying, space limited)
April 12 & 13- Green Fest.- Convention Center- Seattle- 10-8pm going green
April 17- Michael Shuman- WSU ext. Colville- -going local
April 18 & 19- Susan Howlett- WSU ext. Colville- 8:30-4pm grant writing
April 26- WSU ext. Colville-computer class #2 (Hunters is paying, space limited)
May 10- WSU ext. Colville-computer class #3 (Hunters is paying, space limited)
To be announced:
Patrick Malone- grant writing
Writing a business plan

Youth group of about 20 students will be doing tasks for the community. Mike Pammler will have details.
Meeting closed just before 9 pm. The next meeting will be held at the Mary Walker School Library on April 8, 2008 at 7 pm.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

What is Horizons?



What Is Horizons?


You ask, and why should my opinion be important? Well guess what, we all belong to a community. Communities are only as strong as the people who inhabit them. If our people are in need of help, due to economic down turns, health problems, social isolation, lack of appropriate shelter, education, etc. we, as a community, have within us the power to change these situations.

Horizons is a program whose goals are to give communities like ours, the tools to develop leadership, improve the local economy, and reduce poverty. Now you can’t beat that!

Horizons is not a government program, not a hand out or a top down program. Horizons is a grass roots endeavor to create prosperity in small rural areas like ours. Horizons was founded by The Northwest Foundation, associated with The Pew Endowment for social change, and W.S.U. Extension, Colville, as the local sponsor.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever does.” Margaret Mead

Our democracy is only as strong as our middle class.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

WANTED

WANTED
(ALIVE)

Springdale Horizon Group is looking for positive, active, motivated people to participate in the action process of the Horizon's program.

A meeting will be held at the Mary Walker School Library on Mar. 11, 2008 at 7:00pm.

Past, present, and new people are invited to attend.

REWARD

A community that is strong, healthy, safe, self-reliant, economically developed, poverty reduced, leadership expanded for individuals and families.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Habitat for Humanity


Habitat for Humanity
(Springdale version)
Overview
Nov 07 through Feb 08

In the beginning of the Horizon Program, the following people signed up for Habitat for Humanity:
Lela Taylor
Uriah Berg
Raqeebah Dawud
Justyn Turner
Sonny Clemmer
Dennis McGuire
Carrie Scorel


The original sign ups have changed and presently we have:
Lead: Sue Cox
Raqeebah Dawud
Jackie Franks
Janet Jensen


On Nov. 13, 2007, our new members had a meeting. We discussed non-traditional designs for housing, such as silos, shipping containers, etc. Our training will consist of field trips to architectural college and other means to study building plans. We will start with an outlet for sales of recycled home fixtures ie. sinks, stoves, cabinets,… (donation)


On Dec. 21, 2007, we had our next meeting and viewed a DVD about building silo homes and other non-traditional construction. This meeting was held at Sue Cox’s home.


January 2008: We have discussed how many recycled home fixtures would be donated and where to store them. Lack of a building is our main concern.


February 2008: Our discussion is to concentrate on acquiring a community center building to further the Habitat actions. The community center would involve several activities benefiting not only Habitat.

Friday, February 22, 2008

S.O.S

SPRINGDALE S.O.S PROGRESS (Synergy of Springdale)
“Generations Coming Together”

After the chilling and relentless snows of January, forcing the cancellation of several of our Senior Socials, the S.O.S. Socials have resumed with a passion and are on an upstream leap toward spring.
On February 13th, Darcy Zollman’s 6th Grade Class provided radiant handmade Valentines for our Seniors. On February 20th, Miss Walker’s Mary Walker High School Home-Economics Class made, delivered and served, “from scratch” colorful veggie trays and deliciously-decadent desserts. On both occasions, the delightfully appreciative Seniors smiles, (as they realized they were being treated by their “Juniors”) were heartwarming and wonderfully exuberant for all.
In turn, several of our Seniors plan to be visiting Kyle Dodge’s High School History Class this spring to give first-hand accounts of surviving the major crises of the 20th Century.
S.O.S. (Synergy of Springdale), otherwise known as The Basic Needs Committee, sends thanks to all who have contributed and continue to help us grow. Having begun under the Horizon umbrella, S.O.S. is committed to meeting the basic needs of our community. As a reminder, our socials are held every Wednesday at The Springdale Community Church. Lunch (of which one ‘regular’ patron states is “the best food in town”) is served at 12:00-1:00 p.m. (if the food lasts that long!) with Bingo and prizes following. If you have any questions or want to join or donate to a willing team, please call Terry at 258-9190 or Margie at 258-4003.