by Richard Uhlhorn
Mainstreet Program:
Kim Ustanik, president of the newly formed Historic Manson Main Street Association was the featured speaker at the Manson Community Council meeting held on Tuesday, December 16.
Ustanik remarked that the Mainstreet Program was born out of the Manson Chamber of Commerce. “We are currently an affiliate member,” said Ustanik. “There are several things we need to do yet.”
Washington State Main Street Program has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts using the successful Main Street Four-Point Approach®
Ustanik said the main purpose of Manson’s program is to work towards economic vitality and the historic preservation of the downtown core.
As described, the program is intended to concentrate on the main corridor from Lake Chelan Building Supply all the way through town to the Old Swimming Hole west of the PUD Swimming area.
“We will be the only unincorporated community in the program,”Ustanik said.
Vice President of the Manson’s Main Street Program is Wayne Miller who also is heading up the creative side of the program. “We are working with an artist right now,” said Miller. Metal signage is being designed and created and will hopefully be ready for placement before this January’s WinterFest event.
Ustanik also mentioned an upcoming kickoff campaign.
The goal, of course, is to combine publicity outreach to the community visually and with special events, creating business opportunities, telling historic stories and maintaining economic vitality of the community.
Following is the current organization members. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact Kim Ustanik at the
Historic Manson Main Street Association
PO Box 801
Manson, WA 98831
Our 2026 Board & Champions:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Kim Ustanik
Vice President – Wayne Miller, and Chair of Design Committee
Secretary – Mary Lynn Thompson, and Chair of Promotions Committee
Treasurer – Cynthia Dale
Project Manager – Jean Whitehouse
CHAMPIONS
Sarah Hart – VonHart Goods
Mariah Koester – Four Lake Winery
Nancy Grossi – Allisons of Manson
Todd Heric – former owner of KOZI/ZCounty Radio, and Chair of Outreach Committee
Marci Trask – downtown Manson resident
Olivia Libbey & Mary Lou Schoolcraft – both with extensive historical families, and story-telling knowledge.
ADVISORS
Kelley Hegarty-Lammers – Advisor, retired with extensive experience in community/city building , mostly in small towns in Alaska
Shaimoom Newaz – Advisor, owner of the impeccable Shai Creates
In other Council Business:
It was reported that Robin Pittman, Manson Parks has put the Old Swim Hole project on hold. The Parks Department is apparently seeking more funding for the project through the State Appropriations Committee.
A part of the project includes a boardwalk from the park to the current PUD park.
Dom Amor reported that the Council came up short with the Community Foundation of North Central Washington for funding. “They told me that they have had a lot of applications and that it was not a NO to our requests, but not this time. The Council’s request was for administrative costs. “Asking for money next year is not going to be easy.”
The Manson Community Council now has a long awaited website, and it is nice. Check it out at http://www.mansoncommunitycouncil.org
Jeff Conwell reported that he has met with Entiat regarding incorporation. Cashmere is also interested in the process.
Gerry Ustanik remarked that the Council and community is not starting something new with its desire to create a Dark Skies community. The PUD is also interested in this becoming a reality and Wapato Point has been contacted regarding the Dark Skies initiative.
All Things Lake Chelan 