Upriver, ID

It was inspiring to see over 100 members of our community come together to consider what needs to take place to guide our community through the changes that are inevitably coming. The speaker, I think, did an outstanding job keeping us focused and headed in a positive direction through out a long evening. I look forward with anticipation to the “fleshing out” of the vision statement that was developed that evening. There is a long road of hard work ahead of us. However, if we work together and stay focused and headed in the same direction our Upriver Community will be a thriving and still enjoyable place to live 10 years down the road.

Held on October 8, 2007. Present: Carlene Carney, Nancy Corbin, Jim Craft, Melody Eckroth, Harry Eder, Joanne O’Dwyer, Debby Powell, Richard Pullman, Judy Turner, Scott Whealy, Stephaney Williamson

We got back copies of the Articles of Incorporation for “Upriver Community United, Inc.” that were stamped by the Secretary of State of Idaho. The Benewah County commissioners want us to have an entity to work with before they allow Upriver to repair, maintain, and manage the CAF community building in Fernwood.

There are new community buildings in Kamiah and Deary, we can visit to get ideas. Some ideas for our new building; seniors, recreation, library, youth, theatre, kitchen, coffee shop. Harry Eder is willing to donate one or two acres for a new community center, located about 100 yards past Crystal Creek rd on the north side of the Hiway. It could be used for a possible trade with someone in town.

The county currently pays $3,400 yr for the existing CAF building. The kitchen is not up to code and cannot be used by the public. We need lots of base trim and electrical outlet covers to finish the building. Both bathrooms need to be completely remodeled with additional toilets. Horizons grant money cannot be used for materials to refurbish the CAF building. Debby will determine if the county has ownership of the CAF building. Scott and Stephaney will inspect the CAF building to look at what needs done.

Stephaney Williamson and Candy Crocker will create some draft bylaws for us to review next meeting. We will hold officer elections for Upriver Community United at the next meeting.

Jim Craft wants to build a gazebo for the community, somewhere.

The next committee meeting will be on Wednesday, October 24 at 7pm at the Senior Center.

Encouraging Small Business in our Community
October 8, 2007

Present: Jane Alley, Richard Alley, Michael Lape, Brian Primer, Richard Pullman

Brainstorming:

• Classes / training
• Small business incubator
• Community Economic Centers (area for business, not community center bldg.)
• Infrastructure
• Cell phones
• High speed internet
• Community Blog to develop ideas
• Need a shipping presence (Fedex / UPS)

We discussed town common areas with a strip of businesses, community center building, park with bandstand or gazebo, parking areas. Business buildings should be appear in the style common in the west 100 years ago. Possibly wooden sidewalks.
Possibly hold business development seminars with multiple speakers on multiple topics.
Can we cater to out of state hunters?
Look for investors to bring capitol into the area. Possibly to invest in buildings with space for our local entrepreneurs to rent.

Next Meeting: October 29, 2007 1pm to 3pm in the basement at the Fernwood Church.

On October 3rd, I attended a blogging workshop put on by Horizons. This blog was setup by Horizons for use by the Upriver Community.

We can tell stories, show pictures and videos, share with each other and interact with our neighbors.

Work can be shared out with multiple Contributors, Authors, Editors, and Administrators working on the same blog site. More training is available.

Feedback?

Richard