Collaborative Corner On the Move

By Jeannie Pederson, Pope County Initiative Coordinator

The Waterama 2022 clue theme was Building Bridges which can have many meanings. One is we may all feel excitement and relief as progress on the highway 29 bridge continues toward completion and/or you may also think of relationships.

This summer brought connections for my family that strengthened our ties through reunions, honoring the life of two uncles, a family wedding, celebrating special birthdays and numerous community traditions that provided opportunities for us to gather with family and friends. 

Though we have many chances for volunteerism throughout the year, Pope County shines during the summer months. The dedication of hundreds of volunteers who give their time to create successful festivals and activities encourage us to come together. Tending to gardens, planters or hanging baskets are another way to share time and a passion for beautifying our communities. It is wonderful to drive throughout the county to appreciate the efforts of each city or town.

I would like to acknowledge a community-collaborative effort that can build up one’s emotional health through gardening or even as a recipient of the beauty, by recognizing volunteers through Grow Glenwood. The committee is under the umbrella of Glenwood & Beyond and in partnership with the City of Glenwood. Grow Glenwood purchased and added 260 perennial plants for the amenity zones this spring. With all the comments that have been shared, they’ve been enjoyed by community members and visitors alike. Beauty and blooms go hand in hand as we connect with nature and realize it takes many to accomplish a welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy. 

Thank you to the following individuals and businesses/services that stepped up to help care for the spaces. Dave Perryman and crew (spraying, mulch, hanging of baskets, sailboats/anchors/banners, Christmas lights), Mike Holland (advisor) and Randy Pederson, Mary & Jeff Kuhn, Kay & Mark Blauert, Eleigh Lundebrek, Deidre & Raelyn Williams and owners or staff of the Pope County Courthouse, Glenwood Chiropractic Clinic, Palmer Creations, American Solutions for Business, Glenwood State Bank, Minnesota Olive Oil Company, Sheer Indulgence, China Panda, Tom’s Market, Ace Hardware and WaskaVillage. The streetscape is always a work in progress, if you would like to volunteer to help, please call 634-3909. 

As we cross the bridge from summer to the start of school, we are so fortunate to have wonderful preschools, the Minnewaska Area Schools and Glacial Hills Elementary, as they invite our children to the new school year. It’s great to welcome so many staff who are new to the area and those who have come back to Pope County to live and work. I’m excited for those who will be experiencing all that our area has to offer for the first time and others who have memories of growing up here and are looking forward to adding even more memories. Best wishes to students, parents, administrators, teachers, staff and our Pope County community for a great school year!  

Whether a bridge helps us feel safer or builds our relationships with each other, we are stronger together.

“Come, let us build bridges of love with each other with the cement of kindness and pillars of trust.” ~ Dr. Mridha