Big Timber, MT

On November 12 at 6:30 pm, the community is invited to come to the Horizons 20-20 Visioning Meeting. The Horizions group of Big Timber needs citizen’s input as they analyze the results of over 300 Horizons surveys, receive updates on each Horizon group, and discuss new ideas for the future of Big Timber. From the original Horizons Study Circles, four community action groups emerged. Right now the food group, volunteer care group, and information group are in progress. The community development group will begin its work after the 20-20 meeting. The meeting will include updates on those groups. Everyone is encouraged to come and food and door prizes will be provided.

The second part of our group is working on starting a childcare center. We would start with a summer day care program for young and grade school age kids - and hopefully develop it into a 24/7 daycare center. The targeted segments of population are single parents with limited resources, miners who work swing shifts, persons who work late evenings and nights when no other childcare is available to the public, or to them. We will be conducting a study of the feasibility of this project. Laura Seitz is spearheading this. She has contacted John Beaudry at Stillwater Mining. However, no meeting date has been set yet. This will be to get his feelings on the miners utilizing the services. Online research has been started by Brenda Vaughan and Sandy Smith to find out the laws governing the formation and operation of childcare centers and providers. The next step will be researching backing and funding.

We are developing a list of volunteers who will give, not only of time, but materials when needed, to help those in our community who have few resources for small home improvement jobs (changing sink washers, maybe even replacing a sink or toilet) or rides to the doctor, a sitter for a short time (hour or two), and other needs that do not require licensed, professional care or help. We will then match those with the needs with the volunteers. We have sent letters to all the area churches asking them to put a flyer in their bulletins explaining what we are doing and also referring volunteers and those in need to us. We have also sent the same information to the PMC and the Hospitality House. Those who would like to volunteer or make referrals can contact me, Dale Garrett at the Sweet Grass Health and Wellness Office, 932-3090.