Embracing Change Together At The 7th Annual Community Conference

Change is inevitable. The only issue is how we respond to it.

The theme of the 7th annual community conference is “Embracing change together”. Committee chair Les Anderson elaborates, “Together we need to embrace change and move forward through it.”

Concerns of Richland County residents were heard through responses to a survey sent last fall with tax statements. The conference is a way of responding to the efforts of over 600 individuals who took the time to complete the survey.

“We are trying to be really responsive to community members and act on what they said,” Anderson stated. “We invite all members of the community to be a part of the process and to build the future of Richland County.”

The primary areas of concern identified from the surveys were education, safety, health and recreation. Those topics will be addressed at the conference. The focus of each conference has reflected the concerns of the moment and progress has been made in areas such as housing.

The conference takes place Thursday and Friday, March 19 and 20 at St. Matthews Parish Center, 301 7th St. SE, Sidney. Thursday’s agenda, which begins at 5 pm with an open house and hors d’oeuvres, will focus on what has been accomplished, while Friday’s focus will be on moving forward, embracing change and being a part of the process. Friday’s activities begin at 8am and go until 4pm.

Registration forms are available at the Richland County Health Department, 1201 W. Holly or register online at richland.org and click on the puzzle piece. Pre-registration is encouraged. However, you may also register the day of the event.

Photo Voice Deadline Extended To March 16

Community members are encouraged to snap pictures of what change looks like in Richland County. Conference committee member Judy LaPan emphasized that photos of all aspects of change, good and bad, are encouraged. “Sometimes we see more in an image than can be explained verbally,” added Anderson. Before and after pictures are welcome as well, perhaps showing the change in a specific place. “This is a credible way of assessing the community,” LaPan said.

Drop off your pictures at the Richland County Health Department or the MonDak Heritage Center or email them to [email protected] by Monday, March 16. The photos will be displayed at the conference.