More people needed to support community projects
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More people needed to support community projects
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ARLEE – To better their community through projects from trail systems to art programs for kids, Arlee’s Community Development Corporation finds grants and organizes fundraisers.
One of their latest endeavors is a summer series of music and dinner events. The group kicked-off the first of five such events outside the Hangin’ Art Gallery last Wednesday. The series will help support the CDC financially and pay for the musicians who play during evening dinners.
Donna Mollica, executive director for the CDC, said short notice might be the reason for low turnout at the first event, but she has hope for the next gathering.
“We will see if the people are interested in this,” she said. “People keep telling me that they want these events, so I hope they come out. We are doing this for the community, so we need them to participate.”
Almost a dozen people enjoyed pork roast, a sweet potato side, corn and other delicious dishes that Donna cooked for the event. Dessert was a cobbler made from the first peaches from Paradise, Mont. and Flathead Cherries. Even the potatoes were local.
“I like to cook and I cook seasonally to support locals,” Donna said. “It keeps the money local and supports the services and things we value.”
Bonnie Tarses enjoyed a plate of food she selected towards her vegetarian tastes. This week she folded 400 paper cranes with the help of several children at the Hangin’ Art Gallery for the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center.
Don’t worry if you missed the food. Another dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. with music by Larry Hirshberg.
Andre Floyd played folksy blues songs with his guitar in the pavilion during Wednesday’s event. He has 50 years of musical experience traveling all over the country playing for large crowds. He once lived in Arlee and comes back on occasion to perform but mostly for Donna’s carrot cake.
“It’s the best,” he said.
The CDC has a new website with program information at www.arleecdc.org. People can make donations or join the CDC at the site. Small donations help the CDC qualify for grants that fund the projects.
“We need to show that people are interested in what we are doing to get the grants,” Donna said.
Information about upcoming events including the dinner and music series can be found on the CDC’s Facebook page.
