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We pulled into Arlington (population 524) at the northern edge of Gilliam County at 10:45. Traffic was light once we got out of the metro area, so we made very good time. Our first task, of course, was to find a bathroom. Which explains why we got to City Hall early.
City Hall is on the main road through town, and shares space with the public library, the justice court, the city recorder, and the ambulance garage. We got to meet in the council chambers, a spacious room with possibly the best view from a city council room in the state, with a whole wall of windows to see it through. Mary, the librarian, told us how the whole town had been relocated after the John Day dam was built, flooding the previous location. As we drove into town, we learned that Arlington is Home of the Honkers. (I have a dim memory that Doc Severinson was from Arlington, but forgot to confirm this with the locals. Wikipedia gave me confirmation late!)
Sixteen terrific people came! We were so excited. Sally made everyone feel welcome and kept things very informal, which encouraged a lot of questions. There were a lot of representatives from government agencies (municipalities, the port, economic development departments, local fire districts, libraries, and a few folks from 501(c)(3) organizations. It was a very good reminder that in many rural areas, government agencies play some of the roles that nonprofits play in more urban areas. There are many fewer formally organized nonprofits, with lots of volunteer committees doing the work of the community. This can present a challenge when foundation grants are sought, because the only eligible tax exempt organization might be a government body. Foundations take note!
Folks drove to the Arlington meeting from Irrigon, Condon, John Day (about 166 miles!).
There were lots of general questions about applying for a grant, how the process works at MMT. Only one person had gone through the application process at MMT (we're happy to report she was successful!) She encouraged others to try their hand at grantwriting, explaining that "it's not rocket science, just read the questions carefully and answer them!"
She told us the most helpful part of our website is "what we look for" section, and advised anyone thinking about applying to check it out.
After the meeting, we visited the public library downstairs. Wow! They do a lot in that one room! We were reminded how people in small towns make things happen even when there's not enough space or money to do so...
Next stop: Hermiston! We were amazed at how much the town has grown since our last visit. Population is now more than 15,000!!! We do hope someone is saving the watermelon fields!
We truly believe Hermiston has the best wi-fi anywhere. Truly, the whole town is covered! We could log on the the Internet everywhere. Marie, the librarian, explained this is the result of its proximity to the depot at Umatilla where chemical weapons are still stored. The city needs a way to alert first responders anytime anywhere if there is an accident requiring response and evacuation. (Marie also told us she worked at the depot for years and we shouldn't worry!)
We had a hankering for Mexican food and found ourselves at La Palma. This is newsworthy because of the prepared-at-the-table guacamole... Holy guacamole!!!! We are still drooling, totally awesomely yummy!!!
We saw lots of new economic development in the area, and heard about even more at the meeting at the Hermiston Library in the evening, which was attended by 15 folks from Hermiston, Boardman and Umatilla. What a wonderful group of people! We learned a lot about local community needs (e.g., jobs, opportunities for young people, access to education/training beyond high school, public transportation, attracting people who work in the new economic development to live in the local communities, services and housing for seniors, etc.) We got to witness a wonderful dialogue among citizens when one person voiced concern about the swimming pool not being covered, and was directly and immediately answered by another person in the room who could actually explain exactly why that decision had been made and how she could influence further consideration.
Again, only one person in the room had been through the grant process at MMT (again with success :-), we are happy to report) It was clear that some had not applied because they thought they needed to hire a grantwriter and didn't have money. Sally provided great reassurance that nobody needs to hire a grantwriter, and explained our Grassroots Grants program in detail.
We were so touched when one person very eloquently described a widely held perception that there are two Oregons: the Willamette Valley and the rest of the state. He told us how left out the rest of Oregon often feels, and added that MMT sending people to meet with folks in their own communities is much appreciated. (He also told a wonderful story about how Fred G. Meyer himself used to support and visit his scout troop when he was young!) Which reminded us that it is a small world after all.
To sum up the first day: we are so glad we are doing this, we are meeting some wonderful and amazing people, we are seeing lots of energy and pride in small town Oregon, and we are learning a whole lot from everyone we meet.
Now on to Pendleton and Milton-Freewater for day two! Check in with us tomorrow!
Marie
As a trustee, I am reading your comments with wonderful interest to learn the thoughts and needs of the eastern part of our state. Keep up the two way street.