Oct / Nov 2007 Update

“A successful community-visioning process results in a better, more rewarding future. It is also a breakthrough in “people energy” to get things done. But, first, there has to be a vision. Otherwise, a community just condemns itself to a future fashioned by fate and reactionary impulses, rather than a future designed and achieved with intent and commitment.”
- Carl Neu (The Center for the Future of Local Governance)

Eveleth Has a Vision! – On November 1, facilitator David Beurle led discussions with students during the day and a wide range of community members in the evening based on research about rural survival. Participants ranked Eveleth on each criteria; they identified what is going well and what needs improvement on each of his top ten attributes for successful communities:
a. Evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture - Eveleth’s ranking: 64 (strength) vs. 42 (not a strength)
b. Invest in the future – built to last! - 25(strength) vs. 38 (not a strength)
c. Participatory approach to community decision making - 3 (strength) vs. 42 (not a strength)
d. Creatively build new economic opportunities - 5 (strength) vs. 66 (not a strength)
e. Support local businesses - 23 (strength) vs. 54 (not a strength)
f. Deliberate transition of power to new leaders - 16 (strength) vs. 61 (not a strength)
g. Strong belief in and support for education - 132 (strength) vs. 4 (not a strength)
h. Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life - 59 (strength) vs. 7 (not a strength)
i. Willingness to seek help from the outside - 11 (strength) vs. 49 (not a strength)

j. Communities are self-reliant - 27 (strength) vs. 25 (not a strength)

Next, the group created a vision for the Eveleth they’d like to have in 10-15 years:

Our rich culture and history defines who we are. Our community is a safe, close-knit place where neighborhood values make Eveleth a great place to raise a family. We are a progressive, cohesive and collaborative community that works together to make our community thrive. We have a range of unique and exciting community events that attract people from across the world to celebrate our heritage, our history, and our culture. In particular, we are renowned for our world-class Hockey Hall of Fame!

Eveleth is a business-friendly community that builds on taconite, timber, and tourism. Our entrepreneurial economy is evident in our vibrant and bustling downtown that provides diverse opportunities for all. The fresh face on our historical buildings demonstrates community pride and innovation. Recreation opportunities provide welcoming ways for the young and old to come together.

Finally, volunteers signed up to work on the following committees: Economic Development; Blight/Beautification; Youth Activities/Involvement; Community Activities; and, Downtown Revitalization. Each of the committees have met and chosen projects to work on in the next six to twelve months. To get involved or to learn more about the exciting work of the committees, contact Heather at 218.305.4456.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel Barker, author, Future Edge

Learn to Skate- 30 children signed up and hit the ice – some for the first time - at the Hippodrome. Thanks to the City of Eveleth for making this possible with donated ice time. During the sign-up many items were donated by generous community members: games, warm winter clothing, blankets, skates, and hockey equipment. Fun was had by all at a Halloween party with children skating in their costumes. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped from organizing the event to coaching of the skaters on the ice.

Conference calls w/candidates - Eveleth Horizons volunteers are invited to participate in monthly conference calls with the presidential candidates sponsored by the American Medical Women’s Association. The Conversations with Candidates project is a bi-partisan series of conference calls with presidential candidates and their policy staff to discuss their plans for health care reform. If you are interested in joining the calls, contact Heather at 218.305.4456 for registration information.