Mayor's Corner

In my last column, I talked about various reasons to live in or near a town. Community organizations are an important resource. The following groups are a small sampling of these groups. Some of these you may not have heard of, but they make significant contributions.

Woman’s Club – Most recently the Club raised $5000 towards purchasing the first of two radar feedback signs for Main Street. Some of their projects have been local student scholarships, trees for the park, highway cleanup and library books.

Old Jail Museum – I understand the Woman’s Club was instrumental in saving the Old Jail and turning it into a museum. The Old Jail holds many interesting parts of Sanders County’s history, frequently updating exhibits.

**Chamber of Commerce – A definition I found was “to provide access to valuable resources, discounts and relationships that help businesses save money and market their products.” The local Chamber has recently rebranded as Sanders County Chamber of Commerce. They network to support businesses.

**Main Street – This group at first might look like another “chamber”. Their focus is more community based, with events such as Beautification Days and Christmas on Main Street. Described as a holistic approach to revitalize the district.

Elks –“A fraternal order that gives millions in scholarships, an inspiration to youth, a friend to veterans and more.” The local Elks sponsor or participate in events throughout the county. A sampling of their community-based contributions: Hosting fundraisers, five scholarships to local students and providing a veterans’ dinner for veterans and families. They had around 200 people attend last year.

Rex Theater - A group of people who didn’t want to let an important landmark close formed the Rex Theater Project. They have continued renovations that preserve the character of the original Rex and made many improvements. Movies are a small part of the activity that goes on there, fundraisers, school programs and musical performances to name a few offerings they provide.

USFS – While not a community organization, they caretake 52% of the land in Sanders County, providing recreation opportunities. (FYI “According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 56% of land in Sanders County is publicly owned, of which the majority (52%) is owned by the US Forest Service. Only 18% of lands in Sanders County are held in private ownership (325,615 acres). The Flathead Indian Reservation boundaries encompass 26% of Sanders County, primarily on the eastern edges of the county which includes the Little Bitterroot Valley.”)

This is a sample of primarily volunteer groups that enhance the quality of life here, many more exist. You probably have experience, skill, time, energy, enthusiasm for one or more of these groups. Attending their meetings and/or contacting them is a great way to learn what’s going on in your community and I think they always welcome your interest and help.

**Main Street and Chamber are both members of national organizations. While they are distinct entities, they complement each other and often collaborate for joint activities.

Reach Mayor Rusti Leivestad at 406-827-3557.