September 2022 Executive Director Corner

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Hi There and Happy September!

As the second month of my time here in Milton-Freewater is drawing to a close, in this short time, I've grown very fond of and am in total awe of this city! In speaking to other people who have moved to Milton-Freewater, they've consistently expressed, sometimes in disbelief, how much they feel like they have found their place in this community, that they feel peaceful here and how much they love it, and that Milton-Freewater feels more like home to them than the places from which they came.

And, I whole-heartedly agree!

In other news, our Celebrate Milton-Freewater event was a success! Despite the unusually cool temperatures and 25mph+ wind, about 80 people turned up and we ate and drank like royalty. A great big thank you from us at MFCDA to the wonderful businesses and people that made it happen! In a million years, I never would've imagined that this kind of warm welcome and support would pour out of Milton-Freewater. We've been asked when the next one will be, and, rest assured, Celebrate Milton-Freewater is already on the list of events for next year!

Through the RDI/Sherwood Trust Leadership Class, I have been thoroughly convinced that Milton-Freewater is a little town with big dreams! My classmate's ideas for our class project to enhance the community consisted of things like installing a disc golf course at Marie Dorion Park, an agritourism route around the area, a dog park, and a community garden. I am happy to report that I have written grants for some of these project ideas to be made into reality, and hope to be sharing even happier news that they are underway in the coming months.

Residents and business owners continue to ask how they can help and become members. Our Outreach Campaign and Membership Drive is in the works and will be launched in the coming weeks! If you want to help out financially and you have Amazon Prime, you can use "Amazon Smile" to donate small amounts to MFDA through your regular purchases. We will also be including donation opportunities in the Valley Giving Guide which has a matching component through Blue Mountain Community Foundation, to make your donations stretch even further. We are also planning a wide-ranging discussion, hosted by RDI, on October 25th to be held at the Community Building. This will be a great opportunity for your blossoming ideas and input to be heard! More information on that to come.

As always, If your business has an event coming up, a special pricing/program you are offering, a job opening, or if you'd like to have an ad or your business card featured in the newsletter, please let me know and I'd be happy to help support you!  

Yours In Service,

Maryelizabeth Originally posted by Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance via Locable