Albion, ID

COMMUNITY CLASSES
There will be several classes held in the Albion community which will be free to community members. The first is “Meal Time in Less Time”. This class will help participants organize their meal planning to be more time and cost effective. It is a two night workshop that currently is filled to fifteen participants.
The second class is Home Food Preservation. This workshop is to help individuals prepare home preserved foods safely. Many people in Albion grow a garden and like to put up the food. This course will make sure they do it safely and that it really does save them money.
The third class is Emergency Preparedness. This course is to help families realize the importance of emergency preparedness, how to make sure your family is prepared, and how to put together emergency kits.

4TH OF JULY
This past year the 4th of July committee resigned from putting on the 2010 event. Hearing this news and realizing the importance of this event to Albion’s economy Albion Horizons stepped up to the challenge. They currently have a sub-committee which is organizing this huge event that hosts hundreds of people who come from outside of Albion for the day. This is the perfect event for Albion Horizons (Albion Valley Pride) to show the community the great things they can do for the community.

COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Albion Community Garden has truly become a success. The the cooperation and donations of land, seed, water and manual labor the community garden was made possible in the spring of 2009. The community garden provided fresh vegetables and herbs to all community members throughout the summer and fall of 2009. Individuals who used the produce from the garden were encouraged to either give a donation or contribute time weeding the garden. Many of the local businesses used the garden to have company lunches. This was not only good for the businesses but they would take up a collection and contribute a little bit of money each time they took produce. Through this wonderful donations enough money has been made to put in the garden next year.

A big thank you goes out to ATC Communications for the donation of land, the City of Albion for the donation of water and all other individuals who donated seed and time.

FLOWER BARRELS
Donations collected from individuals who wanted to contribute to making Albion look better made it possible to have flower barrels planted and placed throughout Albion. This small gesture helped community members have more pride in their community. They enjoyed the look of Albion all summer and fall. Donations have already been made for the 2010 season.

WINTERFEST
This year Albion held it’s first annual “Winterfest.” It turned out to be a huge success. About 80 community members attended most of them this being their first Horizons event. Booths were set up all around the room with the different action teams. The teams each put together a booth with information about what they are up to and how people can help out. Each of the teams had people sign up to help out or to attend classes. To finish off the night a “Bingo” game was held. This was the most fun and has led into the Horizons Steering Committee hosting another Bingo Night in order to bring community members together.

Plans for next years “Winterfest” have already begun. The committee is working with the local ski resort and business to make “Winterfest” an event for the entire valley.

EDUCATION CLASSES
This winter the Albion Horizons Steering Committee has sponsored some community education classes. The first being a financial management class. This class was set up through the University of Idaho Extension Service using the Dollar Decisions Curriculum. Ten people attended this class and participants indicated that the information presented was extremely helpful. The second class was put on by South Central Community Action. This organization helps people with low-incomes winterize their homes. The presentation was made at the Senior Center in March. This next fall the steering committee will make sure that seniors in need of this service have it available. The last class held during the winter was First Aid/CPR. This course was put on free for the community members of Albion. The purpose of this class was to make sure that all families had someone who could provide first aid/CPR if necessary.

How will your community make decisions about seeking further resources to support its plans?
Our committee has been involved in the grant writing training and plan to utilize this knowledge in helping to provide funds and resources to our community.
Decisions are voted upon and majority rules. When we do seek further resources, it would have to be determined that the end product would be in our communities best interest and that it fit our needs.
First, we will decide the project or plan(s) with-in our various community committees.
Second, compile a list of resource prospects that includes contact name and information.
Third, Make assignments to approach the contact person for each resource.
Fourth, Report back results to the Steering Committee Board

Is a system in place to seek, receive, monitor and report on new resources to support community work?
Each Subcommittee has a chair person in place to check and monitor the happenings that fall within their individual committee’s needs. They then report back to the Steering Committee.
Out system is listed above. We will continue to refine it as needed. The paperwork for our 501(c)(3) is in it’s first draft stage and will be ready for review in May.
There were individuals from our community that attended the grant writing workshop this past spring. The workshop provided a website that lists all available grants, the individuals that attended this workshop regularly research the site provided to see if any of the available or upcoming grants are of interest to our community and applicable to our projects.

Is a system in place to maintain contact with or to continue to work with other communities? With your Delivery Organization? In other partnerships?
We do have a system in place to maintain contact within our local community as well as regional and national. We are educating our community on where to receive necessary information and directions to help those in need at all levels.
Members of our community have attended a Partnership Summit that was held in the Twin Falls area. They obtained a lot of great information and made contacts with other communities that are involved with the Horizon Programs in their individual communities. There was also contact made with agencies that are related to county/state governments, universities and county extension offices.
There is a Steering Committee representative that sits on each community committee and organizaiton that works with and reports back to the steering committee board. We choose a volunteer steering committee member to attend other community events and programs. New partnerships are forming…we have a new business group that has formed a partnership that involves business owners Albion, Burley, Almo and the National Parks Representatives.

What new resources have been secured to assist the work of the community?
By showing community leaders and business the importance of being involved and providing means, we have been able to successfully secure new resources that have helped with all our needs in our community.
We want to market our community and drew families to our area for recreation and historical interests. We have been able to secure advertising commitments that will support a new website-playalbion.com and a billboard on the interstate that features our “Play Albion” theme. The new website is being built and will be up soon.

What is your communities plan for maintaining a strong community leadership system?
We plan on continuing to work together with our City Council, our individual clubs, and organizations as well as continue leadership building classes.
We have plans to meet once a month to go over projects.
We plan to hold Leadership Plenty training programs once a year. To create new leaders and to refresh those who wish to attend an additional session.
A leadership system is only as good as the people who are willing to volunteer. To maintain a strong leadership system we will continue to hold meetings in an open house type forum inviting the community to share in what we are trying to create in Albion. The first meeting of this type was held with the initial launching of the Albion Horizon group. It was a bug success and from that we were able to put together several committees that created specific projects that best fit their areas of expertise (education, community relations, community pride, emergency preparedness). In February we held a “Winterfest” open house. Our main goal was to let the residents of Albion know what we, as the Albion Valley Pride Group (formerly the Albion Horizon Group) had accomplished since the launching of the program. This event generated a lot of interest and additional people signed up to help with current projects. When people see that they can make a difference in a small way, maybe they would be more willing to make a difference in bigger way. Such as going for a city council seat, or spearheading a project that they think would be a benefit to the community as a whole.

How can your community sustain the changes that it has already made in it’s leadership?
TEAMWORK……there is no ‘I’ in team. It takes everyone in the Valley to rally together for the best interests of our community.
By continuing to support the community organizations and staying individually involved and active. Also, by each of us now involved personally inviting new individuals to join with us. This will expand the group and create opportunities for new families to become involved.
Good communication, planning and follow through.

What structural changes have been made in how the community does it’s work and makes decisions?
Albion Valley Pride has brought together new faces who in turn are bringing in new partners. With every new face brings new ideas.
We have formed Albion Valley Pride - we organize and make decisions to better our community.
We have accomplished a structural change within our three Historical groups. It has een a year long effort but finally the decision has been made to merge the groups into one and all work together for the common cause-preserving our community history. Communication and continual effort is what works for us.
The 4th of July committee has been give to our committee because there was a lack of structure.

What structural changes have been made so that your community leadership sustains partnerships with others?
By including and providing classes of all different types and interests, the community will continue to form and strengthen bonds with other partners in the community and surrounding area.
We have started to meet with the City Council so they are aware of what we are doing for the community.
We are continuing to encourage all of our community organizations to become affiliated with us. Example: The 4th of July Committee known as the Community Relations Committee is now a Albion Valley Pride Sub-Committee. We are excited about them agreeing to work together with us because it not only unifies our efforts but it also brings in many new people with younger families.

What structures have been changed that will enable your community to address poverty in the long term?
Through our Economic Development and other committees we are developing activities to capture on tourism, such as our Winterfest, 4th of July, and Albion Comes to Life.
The educational classes that are taught here locally. Our eduction committee is doing a great job. Also, we have an active committee that is involved with our seniors and their needs. Overall more awareness of the types of poverty that are in our community and working together to find solutions and opportunities that will specifically address them.
We have had and will be having some community classes at not cost to benefit those with low incomes (financial management, meal time in less time.)
The community garden is a structure that was put in place specifically to address the poverty in our community. There hadn’t been anything like it in the past and it would seem that it will be in our present community and into our future. The city government has seen what an improvement it has made in the overall essence of our community. It has given its support in keeping the garden up and going.
Providing a community garden to benefit community members to obtain local, fresh produce without having to drive 20 miles to the nearest grocery store.

How will you monitor and evaluate your communities progress in reducing poverty?
Through Neighborhood Watch within our community the needs of others are seen and brought to the attention of those who provide service to those in need.
Continue to meet with the steering committee or the action team members and evaluate and report our progress to the group.
Sending out a “How Are We Doing?” survey to residents of the community to get their feed back on their feeling on the garden and what if anything it has done to assist them. Their feed back, positive or negative, is needed in evaluating the garden and its usefulness. The garden in ‘09 was a huge success, but people weren’t familiar with it nor were they familiar with the idea of it being a “Community Garden” open to all residents. Throughout this winter we hope to educate the residents and let them know that if they need the food it is available.
Keeping attendance records of individuals that participate in our programs and compare them for evaluation. Records and lists are our key monitoring system.

What community resources will be needed to sustain the community plan to reduce poverty?
The support that comes from local groups such as City Council, the Women’s Clubs, and the Historical Society, and local churches, as well as those serving on the Albion Pride Committee will help sustain our needs.
Continued support from the City Council and the Mayor. A steadfast effort in setting goals, making plans and following through to accomplish them. for all of us to stay active and grow the number of families that are involved.
Volunteers to donate their time and energy into the garden. The physical resources have been provided generously by individuals in the community and also by local businesses (City of Albion, D.L.Evans Bank & ATC Communications). If everyone that used the garden would commit just a couple of hours in weeding, then the work would be light and it wouldn’t fall onto the shoulders of just a few. It is our hope that when we hold the Winterfest in February, that we will get additional people to sign up to help in the actual working of the garden.

What additional resources will make a difference in your communities work to reduce poverty?
We are scheduling and preparing classes in our community to help with education, interests, and knowledge to help create an environment that will enable more self sufficient living.
An endless supply of money. Just kidding…. I believe the biggest resource one could have in reducing poverty is education and the willingness of individuals to work to change their circumstances. The University of Idaho and the Cassia County Extension Office has brought to our attention the availability of multiple sources of education opportunities that can be brought into our town. If people would take these offered opportunities that can be brought to them, they will be able to see that they can make a difference and that they can move above poverty, but they need to put forth the effort.
In-kind labor and donated materials will be needed and would make a big difference with our projects. Bringing in and completing the classes that we have planned will also be a great benefit to the community.

In what ways is your community operating or working differently? In what new or expanded ways are people contributing to your community?
As each committee involved in Horizons grow and take on more subcommittees more and more people are becoming involved.
How are low income involved?
The more people that are involved in a community the better input and knowledge we receive from each other helping us be aware of the needs and issues within our community.
The Marsh Creek Event Center has recently become an active participant int he community after we held our Winterfest and Bingo Night at their facility. They had a first hand opportunity to hear and see us in action. They have been very withdrawn in the community for years. This is a huge success and change. More people are understanding what this is all about and excited for the opportunity that we have. They offered to let us use their building at no cost for a large community planning meeting that involved several communities.
There seems to be an undercurrent of energy that is developing in the community. People are asking about the projects that the Albion Horizons (Albion Valley Pride Group) will be doing in 2010. There are questions on if we are going to be doing the community garden again, are we going to do the flower barrels again. People seem to be coming forth and wanting to assist. Talk of Paint the Town has also generated a lot of interest.
One of the newest ways people are contributing to the community is that we actually had people run for city elections that had never done so before. They didn’t win, but they at least made the attempt and it was quite refreshing to see.

How are low income people involved?
The door is always open to all individuals. I personally attended several of the different educational classes that were offered this winter and there were several lower income families that participated in the classes. This was tremendous as we all got to knwo each other and I think it has changed our community for the good. When I pass these individuals I no longer just keep walking, I stop and ask them how they are doing and if there is anything that I can do for them. Sometimes they visit sometimes they don’t. By attending the classes, they have gotten out and into the community, they have shown their talents and these talents can be utilized in making a difference in our community as a whole.
Most of our classes are no charge to attend. So all low income have the opportunity. Our community garden serves all, donations are accepted or for those who can’t pay they can pull a few weeds in lieu of donations. we also deliver produce to seniors and the senior center for their lunches. We offer gas and groceries for prizes when possible.

What structures have been created and what difference have they made for your community?
There have been several new structures created such as our Emergency Preparedness, Community History and Restoration Team as well as our Beautification/Economic Development Team.
Our Business Group that is paying for the website and billboard to market Albion is new. Our historical groups have changed and are working together now instead of three separate groups doing the same thing. Our Community Relations Committee has become a sub-committee with Albion Valley Pride. Our Mayor and City Council are very supportive of our projects and plans.

What new partnerships have been created, and what difference have they made for your community?
New partnerships that have been developed are between our Horizons committee and the City Council as well as local churches and business. Other local clubs and schools have become involved within our partnerships as well.
Partnerships with the local businesses have made a difference. When the businesses see what it is that we are doing they have positive thoughts on our activities and they are more willing to assist. New partnerships would be the Albion Senior Citizens, Cassia County School District, and many individuals that have supported our efforts with donations.
A partnership with the neighboring communities of Heyburn, Burley and Almo. It has made a huge difference because we feel that we are on the edge of success now. We are gaining experience in building partnership and relationships with others. We are always looking for ways to share and ways to learn new ideas for success.

Have you learned anything about how nearby communities like yours are taking action to reduce poverty?
We have learned from other communities by watching and reading their blogs. It has made it easier to bring programs and ideas together. There is no need to reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to.
Several of the communities (American Falls & Lava) are attempting to put in community gardens. They are also working in trying to include the Spanish population in the projects. I beleive the comunity of Shoshone has had tremendous success with bringing the Spanish community into their Horizon group. The community has worked as a whole to create an inviting atmoshpere in their community.
Heyburn has invited us to some of the classes they are doing and by attending those we have the opportunity to network and share ideas to bring home to our community.

Do you see any opportunities to exchange information for combined efforts in this work?
By attending trainings and seminars provided by individual communities as well as those presented by University of Idaho.
By combining efforts we can share the cost to bring in authorities and teachers from other areas and split the cost. It also provides a great opportunity for our community to get to know other people and share ideas and information. We can always find a common issue and together come up with new solutions.
I personally have been contacted by American Falls and Lava communities to exchange information on how we put together our community garden, the pros/cons of the garden, what obstacles did we have that had to be worked out. Where did we get the material to start up the garden: seeds, hoses, sprinklers, tools, workers, etc.

7. Taking Action on Leadership

How has your community leadership expanded?
It has stayed the same, but we are in the process of planning a winterfest to try and to get more people committed.

What changes have been made in who is now involved in leadership positions?
We are asking specific people to join our group and we are holding another leadership dinner to try and get more involvement.

Are more people participating in leadership?
Not at this time, but we are working on that.

Are different kinds of people (representing more sectors or parts of the community) now participating in community leadership?
Yes, we have young and old as well as rich and poor.

Does the community leadership reflect the community’s demographic profile?
Yes.

Are more low income people participating in community leadership?
No.

What changes have been made in the way your community recruits and trains new leaders? Sustains existing leaders?
We are holding monthly meetings as well as having a winterfest to get new recruits. Each leader has a specific job and we report back every month. This gives us a sense of responsibility and ownership. Therefore, it keeps us coming back.

3. Taking Action on Poverty

What kinds of concrete steps are being taken by your community to address poverty? We are holding a debt management class as well as possibly holding a “secure your future” class.

How did your community make choices about the actions most like to have an impact on poverty?
Partly through an informal survey in July.
We hold open meetings and invite all people in our community to suggest or address this issue.

How are low income involved?
We are offering classes to all, these will probably include classes that address financial issues.

What other partnership will help your community carry out its poverty reduction plan?
We are partnershiping up with other communities in our Mini-Cassia area and offering our classes to them. Also, we are partnered with University of Idaho.

3. What kinds of concrete steps are taken by your community to address poverty?

“We are using the “catch & release” theory to bring in money to meet the needs of our community and improve our environment.” Carey Brackenbury

“Our community has planted a garden which will be shared with those who are in need.” Angela Schulthies

3. How did your community make choices about the actions most likely to have an impact on poverty? How are low income involved?

“Albion believes in the consensus of many individuals. We have made choices by soliciting input and opinions from numerous services.” Dave Mensing

“Albion has a unique opportunity to capitalize on its surroundings of recreation and outdoor activity. We believe by drawing people into our community to enjoy these activities, we provide residents an opportunity to actively participate in generating extra income.” Casey Hermansen

3. How does your plan for poverty reduction link with existing leaders, groups and organizations? What other partnership will your community carry out its poverty reduction plan?

“Hopefully, reach a point where we can participate in Habitat for Humanity! And - help a family build a home.” Kris Wenslawski

“Our plan includes involving our city government and several existing clubs and organizations such as the Four Leaf Clover Club and senior groups to unite in facing poverty. We’ve included members from these organizations in the Horizon’s program and it’s planning meetings. Another partnership that will help carry out our plan is one that has some funding to support our efforts.” Angela Schulthies

4. How will you monitor and evaluate your community’s progress in reducing poverty?

“As an original steering committee member, I plan to stay involved. With all the work it took to get it going, I really want it to continue and be very successful. My part going forward will be as a fundraiser and political activist for our Horizon organization. To hlep those in need in Albion, I will go to those in and out of town to raise money.” Ina Digrazia

“Steering committee members will continue to stay involved in action plans to improve our community. Many are excited and motivated to watch the progress and changes that are coming.” Heather Mortensen

4. What structures have been changed that will enable your community to address poverty in the long-term?

“We have began laying the ground work to provide all businesses and residents to profit from structured events, which many will end up being annual events.” Casey Hermansen

“New opportunities are in place to promote education throughout the Albion Valley. New educational opportunities range from self-enrichment to tangible skills valuable in the workforce.” Dave Mensing

4. What community resources will be needed to sustain the community plan to reduce poverty? What additional resources would make a difference in your community’s work to reduce poverty?

“Continue our Community Education (self-improvement classes) such as Job Search Tips.” Kris Wenslawski

“Unified effort amongst residents in volunteer projects to beautify community and maintenance and upkeep from city employees. People and communities prosper when their environments invite them to do so. Improve your surroundings, improve yourself.” Casey Hermansen

7. Does the community leadership reflect the community’s demographic profile? Are more low income people participating in community leadership?

“Yes, I believe they are and there are more people who are getting interested in projects.” Kris Wenslawski

“More and more people are becoming involved in our community from all races, creed and religions, as well as economic status.” Carie Brackenbury

7. What changes have been made in the way your community recruits and trains new leaders? Sustains existing leaders?

“Such a thing as training meetings that show how to think critically about new ideas for the community and how to go about sharing our thoughts with others and then finding ways to implement.” Kris Wenslawski

“Opportunities for the community to attend leadership training classes as well as voice desires for new changes within the community. Bringing together all walks of life for the betterment of our valley.” Casey Hermansen

7. How has your community leadership expanded? What changes have been made in who is now involved in leadership positions?

“The Community Pride Team has made several different committies within the team (six to be exact). Four to five different people make up each committee. Each committee is involved with different problems or aspects of our community. It has been great to come and put our ideas together to improve our community. By creating committee’s several people of the community have joined the teams that have never been involved in community projects or community activities.” Trish Mendenhall

“As a facilitator for the Leadership Plenty course, I was able to see first hand many new leaders emerge in our community. Persons who thought they weren’t “leader” material found that they were. Throughout the Horizons program, eveyone involved has had a turn or a chance to take on a leadership role.” Angela Schulthies

7. Are more people participating in leadership? Are different kinds of people (representing more sectors or parts of the community) now participating in community leadership?

“Unfortunately, the bulk of the leadership has come from the same individuals who have always done most of the work. Perhaps, as individuals in the community recognize the value of the structures that have been established. They will be more prone to join in leadership” Dave Mensing

“I see the leadership group pretty much established. Those who are natural leaders have taken the reigns and are moving forward. Casey Hermansen

8. What structural changes have been made in how the community does its work/makes decisions?

“Actual working groups or committees have been formed and these groups meet again to plan or follow through on an action plan.” Kris Wenslawski

“We learned decision making processes through Leadership Plenty. These classes gave us the skills to work together, plan, make goals and put it to action.” Heather Mortensen

8. How can your community sustain the changes it has already made in its leadership?

“Through the study circle and the Leadership Plenty training, many town residents that kept to themselves, have been embolded to become involved. The activism that has surfaced so far has been very impressive. Committees have formed and achieved community projects that have prompted others to become involved. I feel we can keep this going with more Leadership Plenty training and more projects for people to get involved with.” Ina Digrazia

“The changes that have been made are vital to the growth and prosperity of our community. As we continue to thrive, individuals in Albion will recognize this necessity and sustain the changes that have been made in leadership.” Dave Mensing

8. What is your community’s plan for maintaining a strong community leadership system?

“Possibly, or I have noticed, to continue to meet as groups and to keep planning and doing or working on our action plans. Also, to keep thinking of more or new ideas.” Kris Wenslawski

“Keeping in touch through email and newsletter so all can be informed.” Heather Mortensen

8. What structural change have been made so that your community leadership sustains partnerships with others?

“The community has joined forces with many organizations within our area. There has been many leadership training classes held to help prepare new people to take on new leadership roles. Many organizations have begun to join forces such as the Historical Society, Womens Club and Valley Players in order to bring more educational opportunities to the community.” Janet Brackenbury

“Through the action committees we have learned to work with other groups and organizations in putting plans to action. Through our formed groups, action team leaders and goals, we are better organized to get things done.” Heather Mortensen

11. In what ways is your community operating or working differently?

“We are getting to meet and know different community members through our projects.” Kris Wenslawski

“Leadership is working more with community members.” Teressa Toner

In what new or expanded ways are people contributing to your community?

“Some have good ideas and are suggesting ways to improve our area,” Kris Wenslawski

How are low income involved?

“In our community garden and participating on some of our actions teams.” Kris Wenslawski

11. What structures have been created or changed that will help your community?

What new partnerships have been created, and what difference have they made for your community?

“The community Pride-Team has been created and through this team we are making visual improvements within the community. We have also established a community garden that has helped grow produce for community members. The garden has been utilized by the Albion Senior Citizens and also single families.

Regarding the visual improvements the team has been able to obtain flowers/whisky barrels that will be placed throughout the community.

The partnerships that have been created has been wide spread. We have worked and created a partnership with the Albion Telephone Co., Mary Lou’s Flower Cart and Burley High School Ag. These companies have donated plants for the garden and flower pots. The families that we have partnered with are the Rich & Connie Redman family who donated seed for the garden, tilled the soil and implemented the soil amendments. The Alan and Heidi Loyd family assisted in the planting, laying out of the garden and provided misc. equipment. The Mike and Teressa Toner family has donated countless hours in assisting with the watering, planting and implementing different improvements (fence, drip line, etc.). The Jeff & Carey Leach family have donated time and funds for the dripline, sprinkler system and assisting with the working of the garden.” Trish Mendenhall

11. Have you learned anything about how nearby communities like yours are taking action to reduce poverty?

“I have become familiar with a community education program in a nearby community. The program is well-established and a valuable part of the community.” Dave mensing

“Some of the Horizons pamphlets have highlighted programs that have been successful through the years. The ideas that those particpants have had evoked new thoughts in our town, along with the original ideas of our own. We expect to continue communicating with nearby cities as well as soliciting information about ongoing programs from Horizons.” Ina Digrazia

12. How will your community make decisions about seeking further resources to support its plan?

Is a system in place to seek, receive, monitor and report on new resources to support commnunity work?

“Within the Community Pride Team we have spent the past couple of months working on the community garden. All decisions regarding the garden are discussed withing the committee and majority rules.

Yes, there are several grants available for community garden type programs that we are looking into and will apply for. It has been discussed to approach the city council to make funds available within their yearly budget to assist with improvement withih the city.” Trish Mendenhall

12. Is a system in place to maintain contact with, or to continue to work with other communities?

“Elected steering commitee board and call circle.” Teressa Toner

With your Delivery Organization?

In other partnerships?

“Albion Valley Players
Historical Society
Senior Citizens”

Teressa Toner

What new resources have been secured to assist the work of the community?

“Leadership training and cooperative between different groups.” Lou Wenslawski

“Contacting some outside resources for help if necessary, such as an instructor from outside of Albion to teach community education classes.” Kris Wenslawski