At Wednesday's July 15th Town Council Meeting, 7 p.m. at City Hall, Josh Grandinetti and Andy Coumont will explain and demonstrate the fine points of their creation – Rockfordwa.com – the town's official website.
As always, the public is welcome to attend.
The sad news is, in spite Town Council Member, Micki Harnois efforts, and Horizons' team leader's hours of strategic planning, getting lower cost Broadband access for Rockford residents is not going to happen.
Broadband is provided by Air-pipe.com to customers who are within line-of-site of their equipment, atop the seed elevators near the entrance to town. And although even the lowest installation fee, $199 for three years, is beyond the reach of the majority, because it takes three years for the company to recover their equipment and installation expenses, fees cannot be lowered.
Two other high speed internet providers, Hughes and Wild Blue, are advertised online as also providing service to area customers, but connectivity varies by location and is not less expensive.
Add to that the $49.95-lowest monthly rate, and it's not hard to realize that the majority of Rockford's youth and senior citizens won't have Broadband access.
That Rockford's residents suffer poverty of Broadband access is not only sad, it's almost criminal. Statistics show that without competitive access to the Internet, every segment of society lags farther and farther behind their more fortunate peers; in job markets, in education, in government services, to say nothing of social activities.
Broadband users can read daily newspapers and trade journals from around the globe, and have access to information that can make or break a company dependent on breaking news. They can easily zoom in on any segment of the earth, via GoogleEarth; and talk long distance, via Skype, freed from enormous long distance fees.
The options and opportunities available to Broadband users leave dial-up and cable-dependent Internet users desperately handicapped. There is no foreseeable solution in sight for Rockford.
Both webmasters kept this fact in mind when they created the town's website. Utilizing the best available resources, they designed fast loading pages and options that will greatly benefit Rockford citizens.
These fine young men are hard at work now on a website for their web design business. Watch for the advent of http://www.andrewcoumont.com/.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Upcoming events
Monday, July 13th, Youth Group, 6:30 p.m. Rockford Community Church.
Tuesday, July 14th, Horizons, 6:30 p.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room.
Thursday, July 16th, Summer Swim bus to Tekoa, departs 11:45 a.m., Rockford Park. $2.
Thursday, July 16th, Free Movies in the Park, dusk, Rockford Park. Free soda and popcorn courtesy of Rockford businesses. Help with cleanup appreciated.
Saturday, July 18th, Crochet Club, 10 a.m.-noon Harvest Moon Banquet Room (or alongside Farmer's Market in Cenex Park.) Contact Vivian Plank, Ph: 291-3722
Saturday, July 18th, Farmer's & Flea Market in Cenex Park, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 18th, 1-3 p.m. Rockford Park. S.C.O.P.E. Bicycle Rodeo For Kids!
Tuesday, July 14th, Horizons, 6:30 p.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room.
Thursday, July 16th, Summer Swim bus to Tekoa, departs 11:45 a.m., Rockford Park. $2.
Thursday, July 16th, Free Movies in the Park, dusk, Rockford Park. Free soda and popcorn courtesy of Rockford businesses. Help with cleanup appreciated.
Saturday, July 18th, Crochet Club, 10 a.m.-noon Harvest Moon Banquet Room (or alongside Farmer's Market in Cenex Park.) Contact Vivian Plank, Ph: 291-3722
Saturday, July 18th, Farmer's & Flea Market in Cenex Park, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 18th, 1-3 p.m. Rockford Park. S.C.O.P.E. Bicycle Rodeo For Kids!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Word-of-mouth scoops blog!
It's true! Word-of-mouth began circulating the news -- Rockfordwa.com -- Rockford's official website is online! (http://rockfordwa.com/.)
When webmasters, Josh & Andy requested that I post an annoucement, I dawdled. I was busy, which is a feeble excuse for not posting breaking news when it happens. ;0(
This morning I heard it from everyone I talked to, on my daily walk!
Visit Rockfordwa.com NOW, click all the links, especially those on the calendar. Enjoy the thrill of knowing what's going on in our town!
Post your events, activities, and\or business information.
Click the Contact Webmaster link, and let these two fine young men know what you think, and what you might want changed or revised.
Celebrate! Rockford not only enjoys blazing fast Word-of-Mouth, Posters, North Palouse Journal, it now has access to this powerful medium, Rockfordwa.com.
Breaking news will appear more reliably and faster when folks volunteer to become an "author" for the blog, go to their computer, access the blog, and type in news as soon as they hear it.
Contact me if you're interested in becoming one of the authors. mtscribbler@air-pipe.com, or 291-3609.
When webmasters, Josh & Andy requested that I post an annoucement, I dawdled. I was busy, which is a feeble excuse for not posting breaking news when it happens. ;0(
This morning I heard it from everyone I talked to, on my daily walk!
Visit Rockfordwa.com NOW, click all the links, especially those on the calendar. Enjoy the thrill of knowing what's going on in our town!
Post your events, activities, and\or business information.
Click the Contact Webmaster link, and let these two fine young men know what you think, and what you might want changed or revised.
Celebrate! Rockford not only enjoys blazing fast Word-of-Mouth, Posters, North Palouse Journal, it now has access to this powerful medium, Rockfordwa.com.
Breaking news will appear more reliably and faster when folks volunteer to become an "author" for the blog, go to their computer, access the blog, and type in news as soon as they hear it.
Contact me if you're interested in becoming one of the authors. mtscribbler@air-pipe.com, or 291-3609.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Basketball in Rockford!
Some folks say there isn't much for youth to do in Rockford, but a look at the July monthly calendar that came with my utility bill shows several opportunities.
Youth Group ; 6:30 p.m. Rockford Community Church. Mondays. (326-1773)
Our home is uphill from the old Rockford school property that sports a baseball diamond that the current owners keep mowed; where civic-minded folks provide a portable toilet and bleachers. Many evenings I sit on my porch and savor the sounds of youngsters enjoying baseball games there, with parents and friends cheering excitedly.
Youth Group ; 6:30 p.m. Rockford Community Church. Mondays. (326-1773)
Basketball in the Park, which sports a fine cement court; 8-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Summer swim bus to Tekoa; 11:45 a.m. Bus from the Park. Thursdays. Returns to Park approx. 4:45 p.m.
Free movies in the Park. Free soda & popcorn, too! At Dusk. Thursdays.
S.C.O.P.E. Bicycle Rodeo For Kids. Saturdays, July 11th & July 18th. In the Park.
Crochet class. 10 a.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room (or in the Park during summer.) Saturdays.
Our home is uphill from the old Rockford school property that sports a baseball diamond that the current owners keep mowed; where civic-minded folks provide a portable toilet and bleachers. Many evenings I sit on my porch and savor the sounds of youngsters enjoying baseball games there, with parents and friends cheering excitedly.
I wonder -- Are they aware of how many Rockford residents care deeply about them and do all in their power to expand opportunities for Rockford's youth?
Winds wave the American flag we fly extended from our porch railing, and I'm thankful that Rockford's kids are lucky -- maybe luckier than they even realize, for they're blessed with freedom to develop their talents and skills; to play and grow, carefree, in safety, amid beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
July Rockford News bulletin from City Hall
Movies in the Park and Summer Swim Program are summer highlight events that make Thursdays special. Free movies began last month and the swim program begins July 9th.
Free movies in Rockford Park began on Thursday evenings in June, and will continue throughout the summer until S.E. Spokane County Fair time in the fall, (http://www.sespokanecountyfair.org/.)
The free movies begin at dusk, sponsored by Rockford Lion's Club and Rockford United Methodist Church. Free soda and popcorn are provided by several area businesses. Bring your family, friends, jackets and blankets.
The swim program, made available through the efforts of the towns of Rockford, Fairfield, Waverly, Latah, and Spangle, gives area youngsters the opportunity for fun and camaraderie in Tekoa's swimming pool one afternoon a week.
Beginning July 9th, children ages 5-16 from participating towns are invited to ride the bus to the Tekoa pool from now through August 13th, 2009.
The bus will depart Rockford Park every Thursday at 11:45 a.m., and proceed to pick up youngsters in the participating towns. Chaperones will be hired for the program.
Required parental permission forms can be obtained at area City Halls, and must be completed beforehand and given to the Chaperone at the bus stops.
The $2 admission to the pool is collected at the bus stops, and the Tekoa School District will be providing free lunches for participants. Parents are welcome to accompany their children, and pay the same admission fee to the pool. (Scholarships are available for Rockford children in need. Inquire: 291-4716.)
On the return trip home, the bus will arrive in Rockford at approximately 4:45 p.m. Parents are responsible for their children when they are dropped off at the park.
Free movies in Rockford Park began on Thursday evenings in June, and will continue throughout the summer until S.E. Spokane County Fair time in the fall, (http://www.sespokanecountyfair.org/.)
The free movies begin at dusk, sponsored by Rockford Lion's Club and Rockford United Methodist Church. Free soda and popcorn are provided by several area businesses. Bring your family, friends, jackets and blankets.
The swim program, made available through the efforts of the towns of Rockford, Fairfield, Waverly, Latah, and Spangle, gives area youngsters the opportunity for fun and camaraderie in Tekoa's swimming pool one afternoon a week.
Beginning July 9th, children ages 5-16 from participating towns are invited to ride the bus to the Tekoa pool from now through August 13th, 2009.
The bus will depart Rockford Park every Thursday at 11:45 a.m., and proceed to pick up youngsters in the participating towns. Chaperones will be hired for the program.
Required parental permission forms can be obtained at area City Halls, and must be completed beforehand and given to the Chaperone at the bus stops.
The $2 admission to the pool is collected at the bus stops, and the Tekoa School District will be providing free lunches for participants. Parents are welcome to accompany their children, and pay the same admission fee to the pool. (Scholarships are available for Rockford children in need. Inquire: 291-4716.)
On the return trip home, the bus will arrive in Rockford at approximately 4:45 p.m. Parents are responsible for their children when they are dropped off at the park.
More events in Rockford this week
Communication is a powerful community unifier. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead/Reader's Digest January 2009.)
In partnership with Horizons, Rockford Town Council provides a monthly calendar of events that is mailed to the town's utility customers with their bills. Since the calendar only reaches property owners utilizing the water and sewer systems and the garbage collection services, not every resident gets the calendar.
Horizons Communications and Education team, with the help of local volunteers, will provide the events-calendar weekly on this blog, throughout July and August.
By then, we hope to have networked with each group, and that they will continue the posts.
Thursday, July 9th, AA Meeting, 7 p.m. Rockford Community Church Parsonage.
Saturday, July 11th:, S.C.O.P.E. Bicycle Rodeo For Kids!
Saturday, July 11th, Farmer's & Flea Market in the Park, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Please contact me if you have events information we've missed. Thanks. (Mona, Ph: 291-3609, or e-mail, mtscribbler@air-pipe.com.)
In partnership with Horizons, Rockford Town Council provides a monthly calendar of events that is mailed to the town's utility customers with their bills. Since the calendar only reaches property owners utilizing the water and sewer systems and the garbage collection services, not every resident gets the calendar.
Horizons Communications and Education team, with the help of local volunteers, will provide the events-calendar weekly on this blog, throughout July and August.
By then, we hope to have networked with each group, and that they will continue the posts.
Thursday, July 9th, AA Meeting, 7 p.m. Rockford Community Church Parsonage.
Saturday, July 11th:, S.C.O.P.E. Bicycle Rodeo For Kids!
Saturday, July 11th, Farmer's & Flea Market in the Park, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Please contact me if you have events information we've missed. Thanks. (Mona, Ph: 291-3609, or e-mail, mtscribbler@air-pipe.com.)
Sunday, July 5, 2009
This week in Rockford: July 6-11, 2009
Residents of Rockford participate in and support a remarkable number of civic and social organzations. Their combined contributions to community betterment is awesome and commendable.
Each group invites you to attend, share your skills, ideas and talent. Experience the fun and commaraderie of joining with your neighbors to help build an even more integrated and prosperous community.
The following Rockford organizations meet this week:
Monday, July 6th, Lions Club, 7 p.m., Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Craig Swanson, President, Ph: 291-4313
Wednesday, July 8th, Town Council meeting, 7 p.m. City Hall. Darlene LaShaw, Clerk, Ph: 291-4716
Thursday, July 9th, Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church Parsonage. Contact Todd, Ph: 291-4601
Thursday, July 9th, VFW, Post 7815, 7 p.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact Ed Chuck Crockett, Ph: 286-3340
Friday, July 10th, Rockford Museum & Historical Society, 11:30 a.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact, Evelyn Fricke 291-4250
Saturday, July 11th. Farmers Market in the Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Mary-Lou Benson, Ph: 291-3146
Saturday, July 11th, Crochet Club, 10 a.m.-noon. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact Vivian Plank, Ph: 291-3722
Each group invites you to attend, share your skills, ideas and talent. Experience the fun and commaraderie of joining with your neighbors to help build an even more integrated and prosperous community.
The following Rockford organizations meet this week:
Monday, July 6th, Lions Club, 7 p.m., Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Craig Swanson, President, Ph: 291-4313
Wednesday, July 8th, Town Council meeting, 7 p.m. City Hall. Darlene LaShaw, Clerk, Ph: 291-4716
Thursday, July 9th, Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church Parsonage. Contact Todd, Ph: 291-4601
Thursday, July 9th, VFW, Post 7815, 7 p.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact Ed Chuck Crockett, Ph: 286-3340
Friday, July 10th, Rockford Museum & Historical Society, 11:30 a.m. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact, Evelyn Fricke 291-4250
Saturday, July 11th. Farmers Market in the Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Mary-Lou Benson, Ph: 291-3146
Saturday, July 11th, Crochet Club, 10 a.m.-noon. Harvest Moon Banquet Room. Contact Vivian Plank, Ph: 291-3722
Friday, July 3, 2009
Horizons' WSU blog training benefits Rockford area residents
Rockford Horizons team members recently took advantage of free training at Washington State University to learn blogging skills. Their goal is to use blogging in ways that reduce poverty in their hometown.
Rhonda Gollehon, WSU Horizons and JoEllen Wollman, Horizons Program Assistant provided training in both beginning and advanced classes.
Micki Harnois (advanced) and Mona Vanek (beginner) were subsequently inducted to contribute posts to Rockford Blogspot, http://rockford-wa.blogspot.com/.
Everyone is invited to visit the blog and post comments. If area residents have community news they want to share they can have either Micki or Mona post it on the blog.
Rhonda Gollehon, WSU Horizons and JoEllen Wollman, Horizons Program Assistant provided training in both beginning and advanced classes.
Micki Harnois (advanced) and Mona Vanek (beginner) were subsequently inducted to contribute posts to Rockford Blogspot, http://rockford-wa.blogspot.com/.
Everyone is invited to visit the blog and post comments. If area residents have community news they want to share they can have either Micki or Mona post it on the blog.
Phase II Rockford Visioning
In an intensive three-hour-long session, July 30th, Rockford's Horizon-trained leaders produced detailed strategic/action plans for Horizons 2009-2012 Visioning.
At the Harvest Moon Banquet Room, of eighteen projects outlined at Phase I of Horizons Visioning, six were nominated from three criteria categories: Individual Assets, Community Capacity, and Public Policy.
Participants divided into groups and wrote plans and set deadlines for accomplishing projects they believe can reduce local poverty: Increased job opportunities, and job training and retraining; Grocery store/shop local/buy local, and more reliable/affordable Broadband Wireless Access; Encouraging small business, and getting more local government officials to take an interest and become involved in Horizons Poverty Project efforts.
Horizon Leadership will make final selection of projects soon at a Tuesday evening meeting. Leaders and team members are convinced that with increased community volunteerism, linked with the Horizons Poverty Project resources, much will be accomplished to create a better future for all residents in the Rockford area.
Leaders want residents and members from each of Rockford organizations and civic groups to attend the twice-monthly Tuesday evening meetings at the Harvest Moon Banquet Room and contribute their skills and knowledge, too. Call Todd, 291-4601 or Mary-Lou, 291-3146.
At the Harvest Moon Banquet Room, of eighteen projects outlined at Phase I of Horizons Visioning, six were nominated from three criteria categories: Individual Assets, Community Capacity, and Public Policy.
Participants divided into groups and wrote plans and set deadlines for accomplishing projects they believe can reduce local poverty: Increased job opportunities, and job training and retraining; Grocery store/shop local/buy local, and more reliable/affordable Broadband Wireless Access; Encouraging small business, and getting more local government officials to take an interest and become involved in Horizons Poverty Project efforts.
Horizon Leadership will make final selection of projects soon at a Tuesday evening meeting. Leaders and team members are convinced that with increased community volunteerism, linked with the Horizons Poverty Project resources, much will be accomplished to create a better future for all residents in the Rockford area.
Leaders want residents and members from each of Rockford organizations and civic groups to attend the twice-monthly Tuesday evening meetings at the Harvest Moon Banquet Room and contribute their skills and knowledge, too. Call Todd, 291-4601 or Mary-Lou, 291-3146.
Rockford's upcoming pseudo 'daily news media
As webmasters, Josh Grandinetti and Andy Coumont, develop Rockford's town website they incorporated links so that posts on this Horizons blog will also feed to the website. When the blog is updated it instantly relays the news to the website through what is called an rss feed, a file that keeps all of the news stories organized in a way that browsers and other websites can read. Anyone can post comments to posts here.
The blog also makes it easy for Rockford residents to inform people about what's happening in Rockford.
By partnering with their Horizons team member neighbors, residents can easily have their news items posted. Simply provide the news to members, Mona Vanek (291-3609, mtscribbler@air-pipe.com), Vivian Plank, (892-4412) or Micki Harnois.
Make logging into the block a daily event to keep abreast of community activities. Communication has a positive impact of poverty reduction.
The blog also makes it easy for Rockford residents to inform people about what's happening in Rockford.
By partnering with their Horizons team member neighbors, residents can easily have their news items posted. Simply provide the news to members, Mona Vanek (291-3609, mtscribbler@air-pipe.com), Vivian Plank, (892-4412) or Micki Harnois.
Make logging into the block a daily event to keep abreast of community activities. Communication has a positive impact of poverty reduction.
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