The City of Winslow, alongside the Chamber of Commerce, hosts a monthly public meeting dubbed Good Morning, Winslow. It is held at 7 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the chamber. Citizens and business owners are invited to share continental breakfast and hear presentations from various local groups.
This month, the main presenter was the Historic Preservation Commission, chaired by Kenn Evans. Evans spoke on the improvements already made via the commission, which included the Winslow Historic Indian Sanatorium Cemetery. The cemetery has undergone many facelifts in the last few years, including installation of a cross and fencing, both built with public donations, as well as the documentation of 542 markers through use of genealogy and census records leading to a concise index of those buried there. The index is available on the city website, www.winslowaz.gov.
Other improvements planned by the commission include a facade update project, slated to begin as soon as funds are available. The plan is to cover dilapidated buildings and windows in the area with weather resistant canvas photographs of the buildings in their heyday. It would also include the replacement of abandoned signage throughout town with informational and beautifying pieces that would not cost much, according to Evans.
This proposition was met with enthusiasm from the audience of business owners and interested constituents, numbering approximately 40. The recording secretary of the Historic Preservation Commission, Roberta Cano, added to the idea by explaining the Winslow Arts Council’s plan to implement an Art Car project that would entail collecting classic cars in all conditions and painting or découpaging them to fit the theme of the business they would be parked in front of. She mentioned other Route 66 communities with similar features and their ability to draw tourists.
The commission plans to improve the look of the town to the best of its ability throughout the year, but stresses that the most prominent obstacle is funding. To make a tax-deductible donation toward the proposed projects, visit the City of Winslow website.
City Manager Steve Pauken continued the theme of improvements as he presented information on the city’s beautification fund, nicknamed the “lipstick” fund. To this point, the city has matched business owner contributions up to $500 to improve the aesthetics of their buildings.
Pauken announced that he would make a proposition to the city council to increase the match to up to $1,000 as not many are taking advantage of the program. Pauken thanked those attending for their feedback on improvements that have already taken place.
The Good Morning, Winslow meeting also provides an opportunity for networking and promotion of events and new businesses. Among the events discussed were a Mental Health First Aid and Training seminar sponsored by Change Point Integrated Health taking place at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 21, at the chamber. Those interested are invited to contact Dee Gomez at dgomez@mychangepoint.org.
Also upcoming is a chamber event featuring multiple Route 66 communities coming together to discuss tourism and improvement ideas. That event is slated on June 30 at the chamber and the public is encouraged to attend.
Terri Little distributed information regarding the Winslow Community Color Run in partnership with Winslow Indian Health Care Center and the Just Move It project slated for July 6. To register for the free run, or to help with water or color booths, contact Little at terri.little@wicc.org.
