MANSON ONE VOICE COALITION BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER

by Richard Uhlhorn

Manson’s One Voice Coalition public forum on Thursday evening, April 30 drew a nice crowd of local residents to hear what was happening in the community.

Many of the community’s organizations and agencies were represented and each gave a short summation of their work.

Following are numerous takeaways from the meeting that had representatives from the Manson Chamber of Commerce, Manson Community Council, Historic Main Street Association, Manson Grange, Lake Chelan Community Services Group, Manson School District, Manson Parks Department, Manson Fire Department, 12 Tribes the Dark Skies movement and the Manson Public Library.

The Manson One Voice Coalition was organized to speak with One Voice, Put Locals First and to Grow the Off Season Economy.

Timi Starkweather-Roberts opened the forum stating that the evening’s goal was to give residents a better understanding of all issues facing the unincorporated community. Approximately 40 interested residents filled the Grange Hall.

Following are the major take aways from the evening.

Manson Chamber of Commerce
Chamber director Mary Lynn Thompson said she has a lot to learn but added that the Chamber wants growth. “We are a young Chamber coming up. Part of what we are going to do is work with our partners.”

She mentioned a few of the activities and events happening in Manson from pickleball tournaments and the upcoming Chelanathon. President Chris Dandridge stated that the chamber’s goal is to bring the community together as neighbors.

Manson Community Council:
Mike Kirk, chairman of the council introduced the board and invited residents to visit the website at www.mansoncommunitycouncil.org.

Kirk reported that the council was becoming a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization and is seeking funding for a Department of Commerce feasibility study to become incorporated.

One committee is working on a Dark Skies Initiative in hopes of creating a night environment where the night sky can be enjoyed again. They are also keeping up with the on-going Chelan County Comprehensive Plan.

They are looking at the parking issues and are working on creating a walking loop around the community.

Historic Main Street Program:
Kim Ustanik, president of the Main Street Program told the attendees that they were the only unincorporated community in the state associated with the program. “We are hoping to apply for community status this year.”

The group has installed new light pole signage that reflects the history of Manson. They are focusing on economic development in the commercial downtown district. “If you have a business, you are a part of it.”

Vice President Dewayne Moore talked about the new signs. “We think it is a real compliment to the town,” he said. “The tribal council gave us information and each sign comes with a story.”

Moore told the crowd that all the efforts being made cost money. “We need donations and volunteers.”

The Main Street Program will continue to high downtown assets, define Manson’s niche and create campaigns, promotions, and special events.

Manson Grange:
Phyllis Coleman talked about the new upgrades to the building and said that a small group have raised funds for the upgrades. They have also received a $100,000 grant to help revitalize the old building.

It is currently being used for meetings and activities like bingo, the Saturday Farmers Market and this coming weekend the Apple Blossom Festival.

Village Green:
Sarah Cushing from the Lake Chelan Community Services Group reported that the new Village Green Park is nearly complete. “It was a different type of project that we normally do,” she said.

The Village Green Park is located across the street from Manson Bay Park and is a beautiful added amenity to the community for people to rest and enjoy.

Manson Schools:
Kamie Kronbauer, principal at Manson High School gave an update on academics and other opportunities for its students and programs. “We want to include you,” she said. She encouraged the community to come out that next Wednesday and help the students clean up the town in preparation for Apple Blossom.

The most exciting news is that the department is going to be offering some swimming lessons this summer. “We are excited about that,” Pittman said. There will also be lifeguards on duty seven days a week.

Manson Fire Department:
Chief Arnold Baker reported that wildfire risk will be extremely high this summer and encouraged residents to firewise their homes. He stated that insurance rates will go down for residents who do the work to make their homes safe from fire.”There are 677 homes in Manson and we have identified those who are at the highest risk,” he said.

Doug Pinski, a Manson firefighter/EMT said, “We support activities in this community. It is humbling,” he said. He talked about the upcoming fund raiser and its partnership with the Manson Chamber of Commerce.

Dom Amor – Manson Community Council:
Amor reported that the 12 Tribes Casino is in the process of upgrading its building and in the process of making it non-smoking

Gerry Ustanik – Manson Community Council:
Ustanik is heading up the Dark Skies committee and encouraged everyone to visit his booth where they had a series of different lighting sources that help dim night lights. “We have lost the ability to see the stars,” he said. He mentioned darkening the night sky enough to have star gazing parties at Echo Ridge.

NCW Regional Libraries:
Nat Heck, the new area manager for the north end of the library system reported the new renovation of the Manson Library is complete and said there would be ‘kiddies’ activities at the library from June to August.

Purple Heart Community:
As I was preparing to leave the meeting, Norm Manly, Post Service Officer for of the American Legion Post 108 in Manson handed me a proclamation by the Chelan County Commissioners proclaiming Manson as a Purple Heart Community on April 20. It is a public commitment to honor U.S. military service members who were wounded or killed in combat and received the Purple Heart Medal.