Montana Co-op offers diverse programming, incorporates Heart and Soul values
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POLSON — What’s going on at Montana
Co-op?
There are many answers to that question as the area is always bustling around the headquarters at 401 Main Street.
Not only can customers order items from the 100 farmers and producers at Montana Co-op online, but there’s a fresh fruit and vegetable market, plants blooming and a log bed on display. A huge 30-by-20 foot tent is in the works to provide space for a permanent market. A barefoot church service is held on Sundays, and the building also hosted its first concert the evening of May 29 featuring “War Cry,” a Native American heavy metal band.
“A lady told me this was the nicest this corner has looked in 50 years,” Jason Moore said.
Moore is the president of Montana Co-op, and he’s a one-man activist for change, in a good way. Moore attracts those with ideas.
He’s been reviewing the Heart and Soul values gleaned from 19 community meetings.
Of the eight values that people in the area were concerned about — governance, vibrant downtown, diversity, natural beauty and active lifestyle, education, vibrant local economy, youth and tradition/heritage — Moore said the Co-op is fulfilling seven of the eight values; the facility isn’t dealing with governance.
The number-one thing that came up in all the neighborhood meetings during the Polson Heart and Soul program was a place for kids to hang out.
Throug classes offered at the Montana Co-op, kids can come to learn Native American dance, boxing, Qi Gong, Pilates, yoga and aerial arts/gymnastics. They can also join the Kid’s Co-op, a youth run business making and selling items.
Targeting the healthy lifestyle value is the Co-op’s plan to provide the healthiest food possible — vegetables picked and in customers’ hands on the same day, and prepared foods such as ready-to-eat salads and juices. The Co-op plans on combining fresh healthy foods with exercise and interaction with people who care about and support each other.
“We’re creating a support system for everyone’s health, including youth and seniors,” Moore said. “We’re about a month or two away from a community kitchen.”
A new restaurant serving Mexican food will work in the community kitchen area, and people will be able to rent the kitchen to prepare their own specialties.
Keep an eye on the Co-op corner as flowers start blooming and vegetables sprout. Also, Moore said blues lovers should be aware that Andre Floyd will be playing at the Co-op on June 20.
To order from Montana Co-op or for more information, go to www.montanacoop.com.
