Let me preface this by observing that if tonight is any indicator of the
success of
our Community Retreat, I think it's going to be a winner event! Just
before I tied
up our home phone line to post this retreat planning meeting summary, Doc
Lucas
phoned me to apologize for not making tonight's meeting and to note the
next
meeting time on his calendar...TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 5:30 p.m., Moscow
Public Library. Pizza will be served!
Doc lamented (before I even had a chance) about the dire news that Mark
Trahant
has chosen to leave the Daily News. Look for Doc Lucas's comments in a
forth-
coming letter to the editor.
So...the retreat. Definite progress was made in the brief one-hour meeting.
This
is a cursory summary:
We will swiftly attempt to poll the community about what "Facets of Our
Gem Community" they find most salient. The survey results (a simple
tabulation)
will drive the number and subject of the retreat breakout sessions. (The
working
committee itself generated at least 18 identifiable facets to be addressed
in
the retreat, ranging from recreation (including swimming pool) to diversity
and human rights; from job development to spirituality; from beautification
to technology; and so forth."
The morning segment will be devoted to "dreaming" about Moscow's future.
The afternoon segment will be devoted to "implementing" the dreams.
Tenatively (we are awaiting confirmation from our keynote speaker, Dan
Kemmis) the date is SATURDAY, JUNE 6. Joanne Muneta and Mary Blythe have
volunteered to coordinate the evening entertainment. Judy Brown has
volunteered to solicit food vendor booths from local non-profit
organizations.
Tim Hillebrand volunteered to compose the retreat HOME PAGE, and play
an instrumental role in the letter writing to solicit support. Lorraine
Frazier will
assist with identifying and coordinating the retreat facilitators. A poster
design
is underway.
We are rolling! The advisory group of community leaders will meet in the
near future to approach city government about support for the event, and
to identify organizations we would hope will join in and participate.
Although there is an awesome amount of work to be done, I am impressed by
what I have seen thus far.
Just think...we are inviting the ENTIRE TOWN to a community retreat! We
expect that it will not only be well attended, but downright meaningful,
important,
visionary, and inspiring.
You, just like Doc Lucas, can call or e-mail me and pitch in as soon as you
want.
With just a little probing, I can come up with just the right task for you
to
contribute to this unique event!
Best,
Susan Palmer