Volunteers open space at Discovery Square

First Best Place Task Force / For the Hungry Horse News

Community at Work:

Over the last two weeks some incredible things happened at Glacier Discovery Square. This time, it was not about crowds of folks showing up to see Chris Peterson teach us about pooping in the woods, or to watch films about the wide world, or to party like there ain't no recession. This time it was about community. Community coming together to do good.

Part One: Over the course of two Saturdays, the sound of saws and sledgehammers replaced the music from North Valley Music School that typically fills the Square. In lightning-like and precision fashion, the first piece of the remodeling of the former First Citizen's Bank was begun. Professionals — RD Construction, GSS Electric, Grover & Co. Architecture and APEC Engineering — all donated their time and expertise to make sure the project was done properly, and a crew of dedicated people from the community turned out to make it happen quickly and efficiently. When they were done, the bank teller line and three interior walls had been removed, and the main space was significantly opened up. Now, after a quick floor patch by Melby's Flooring (thanks Steve!), the Square will be ready to host even larger events and happenings. Come check it out if you'd like, or see the photos and info on the First Best Blog at www.firstbestplace.org (click on Blog). All time and materials were donated, and we reused, recycled or salvaged approximately 75 percent of everything we took out (thanks to Bugge's Recycling and Salvage!). Note: This Saturday is a clean-up day inside the Square; stop by from 9 a.m. to noon and help if you can.

Part Two: While all that good stuff was going on inside, the Flathead Native Plant Society was working outside too. With the help of another amazing line up of professionals and volunteers, they put in a beautiful shade-forest demonstration garden along the walkway through the Discovery Square campus. Biggy's Landscaping, Columbia Nursery, Swan River Gardens, Stoltze Land and Lumber and Western Building Center all contributed materials to the project, and we had volunteers from all segments of our community turn out to mulch, arrange and plant. Next time you are looking for a nice spot for an afternoon stroll, come on through and enjoy it. Or sit for a spell and take lunch in the shade.

So thanks to Columbia Falls, for turning out, for caring, for participating. This is what we are about.

Upcoming Excitement:

Summer Music Camps. North Valley Music School is offering incredible music camps for youth ages 4-14 at Discovery Square. June 15-19 and July 27-31. Please check out our Web site, or www.northvalleymusicschool.org to get more info and sign up. Hurry!

Computer Classes. Flathead County Library offers free basic computer training classes for anyone at Discovery Square, starting this Friday at 10:30 a.m. Call Brett at 755-5814.

First Friday Music. Montana Coffee Traders; Friday the 5th at 6 p.m. Reverend John DeLore (part of a nationwide album tour!) and local talent the Trapline Quartet. 892-7696 for info.

Farmer's Market. Starting June 18 at Discovery Square! Come experience this wonderful piece of our community — produce, music, crafts, food, all sorts of goodness. 5-7:30 p.m. every Thursday. More on the market is coming next week.