Midvale Recognized as JustServe Community
“Don’t blink or you’ll miss it” is one of those long-standing, worn-out, somewhat amusing things people say about many of our small communities like Midvale, Cambridge, and Council. While the premise is commonly derogatory and usually looked upon as someone’s feeble attempt at a joke, further examination of these communities will reveal something worth slowing down for, and it’s no joke why we love our small towns.
Midvale, Idaho is one of those communities that begs a longer view. From it’s beautiful Agnes Keithley Memorial park that skirts the Highway 95 and Weiser River Trail corridors to the tidy and nicely decorated business district, Midvale appears to be doing everything right.
Murals on some of the buildings, the refreshing waters of the Midvale Pool, the huge shade trees that line the right-of-ways, holiday decorations and activities, all combine to make the small Idaho town an attractive departure from the hustle and bustle of Highway 95 traffic.
What might be even more impressive about Midvale is the fact that practically everything being done to enhance the community has been, and continues to be done by volunteers. In fact, it would be much harder to find anything done along these lines by anyone other than volunteers.
Midvale’s ongoing efforts to make and keep the town’s welcoming appearance has earned it recognition as one of Idaho’s JustServe Cities. The award is given to communities dedicated to promoting volunteer service, the life-blood of every community willing to improve without the aid of tax dollars and federal funding.
By proclamation, JustServe Cities pledge themselves to ongoing volunteerism in their communities by helping to provide volunteer opportunities and support for them. The JustServe program offers free postings on a worldwide internet platform and other benefits that promote the success of cities and communities. For further information or if you seek volunteers, you may call (208) 550-7486 for assistance.
JustServe’s efforts are partnered with the America250 initiative which has set a lofty goal of performing 250,000 hours of volunteer service in the State of Idaho by July 4th, a goal that appears to have been easily reached.
The award plaque and other promotional materials were presented to Mayor Brian Graham and City Clerk Mariah Johnson Monday afternoon at City Hall by Don Dopf, JustServe Representative for our area.
In that meeting, the mayor and clerk shared a long list of volunteer activities that help make Midvale so special. Specific names weren’t brought up for fear of leaving someone out, but we all know who you are!
Aside from all the personal volunteer helpers that serve just for the joy of helping a neighbor, some of the groups worthy of mention are the Midvale Mayor and City Council, Midvale Fire and EMS, the Midvale Pool, 4-H and FFA Chapters, Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Weiser River Trail, and numerous church congregations.
Well done Midvale, and Congratulations!
