How about a letter about good things happening somewhere?
We in the Lone Rock School District have been very fortunate lately. One of the most notable things that has happened this year is that our “part time” Elementary School Principal, Ms. Tamara Lysons, with the help of a number of individuals involved in Lone Rock School’s teaching program, was successful in writing a Striving Readers Grant, which awarded our school nearly a million dollars over three years. These funds have and will purchase various items for our kids which will help keep them competitive in challenging economic times. This would be a great accomplishment for anyone, and we owe these folks much gratitude for what they achieved.
Electronics, such as E Readers, I Pads, and laptop computers, in addition to a sorely needed new reading program were just a few of the benefits our school stands to realize from this grant. This award will benefit our kids for years to come.
In addition, as a result of several community meetings held winter before last, we’re looking at the possibility of building a new and larger gym on the school grounds. The best part of the gym project has been that we can accomplish this as a revenue neutral measure. In other words, we have one bond expiring that built the 1992 Wing of the Elementary School. Due to the difference in the interest rate paid on that last bond, and the lower interest rate we stand to pay on a hopefully successful new bond in this economic atmosphere, we can borrow 761,000.00 now, where we borrowed 643,000.00 in 1992, and it won’t cost the district any more than they are paying in taxes at present. In point of fact, over time, it’s likely that the tax burden will decrease as new families move into the district. Lone Rock School is well known for having the smallest gym in the valley, arguably small enough as to be considered less than safe for players and public spectators alike. If we are successful, the new building will be roughly twice the size of the old gym.
We’ve started a Seniors Coffee Club, and though some might consider this a small thing, I believe the growing group of folks that attend every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 am would likely disagree. As many as twenty folks show up for these get-togethers to discuss everything and nothing, light on the politics, heavy on current events and friendship. As a regular myself, I’ll say it can be quite a good time, and I very much enjoy all of my new friends.
A major highlight of what’s happened here is that we’re planning now for a second annual Three Mile Community BBQ.
Taking place on the Lone Rock School grounds, last year we held a BBQ on July 23rd. We roasted two whole hogs, and additionally served at least 200 Hamburgers and 160 Hot Dogs. Conservatively, at least 600 people attended throughout the day. There was a band, a dunk tank, horseshoes, softball, bingo, and a car show. You know, old fashioned entertainment. Most important thing about this BBQ was that, even though there was some fundraising done for a Middle School trip to China, there was no other reason for this celebration than community. The food was at no cost.
This year, the date is July 14th. As was the case last year, there will be a raffle for a weeklong vacation at the Oregon Coast, along with a 50/50 drawing, Bingo, and a raffle for smaller items. These things cover the cost of the food and music. This year, we’ll have more food, more music, more cars, and hopefully, more fun than before. We ask that you bring goodwill and friendship. If anyone wants to donate for future BBQ’s, they are welcome to do so, but it’s not necessary. This is about remembering and enjoying what is most important in life, the people that enrich you, and those that you enrich.
It remains to be seen whether we will prevail in our bond issue on the new gym. We’ll have to be prepared to accept the judgment of those in our district as to whether or not we’re doing the right thing, and their idea of whether or not we’re being good stewards of public funds and the public trust. If we prevail or not, we’ll still be hosting our BBQ, we’ll be enjoying our Coffee Club, we’ll be moving forward on improvements to our new park grounds, and we’ll be doing all we can to give the kids in our district the very best education we can provide.
For my part, I hope the public gives us our new Gym, but I’ll say now that, whatever happens, I’m very proud to be a member of this community, and to be able to witness these accomplishments. I hope that those of you who will be filling out your absentee ballots this next week will consider the legacy that you have to offer to thousands of kids for generations to come by your vote. Seldom in your life will you have a chance to positively affect so many young lives with so little effect to your own financial situation.
In either case, please join us in our exercise of community. If you are not from the Lone Rock area, you’re still very welcome to join us on July 14th at the school. We’ll be trying to start at noon, but if we’re a bit late I hope you’ll still sit and visit until we get the food on the table.
Dan Metully
Stevensville