Saline Citizens for a Quality Community Notebook, September 2020

The Saline Citizens for a Quality Community met Wednesday morning.

Here's a recap of the proceedings:

Annherst Kreitz, Foundation for Saline Area Schools: We've helped 20 different families get online through SalineLive.org. They're looking for some volunteers. Hopefully when school starts online Tuesday, every child is online. Get the word out about SalineLive.org, which helps families with technical or financial issues connect to the internet.

We are planning a virtual fall fundraiser in October on a Friday night.

Anna Britnell, Director of Communications, Saline Area Schools:  School starts Tuesday. Everyone starts in virtual. After three weeks, the hybrid model begins for the families who chose in-person learning. We've watched districts open and deal with hiccups, which makes us feel good. This week is our welcome week. The district has been reconnecting with families and providing tools and information. Every child in the district is getting a device Thursday. Assistant Superintendent Laatsch and principals take questions tonight at 5:30 p.m.

The Let's Talk feature is gaining more traction, with 600 submissions last month. Our responsiveness is unheard of according to national stats.

Diane Mukkala, Saline Leadership Institute: They are planning next year's classes, which will include lessons on identity and community leadership. There are no SLI classes this year. The Fifth Corner Teen Center is reorganizing after the departure of Peter Rufener from Saline Community Church.

Mary Ellen Mulcrone, Saline District Library: The library just purchased 10 more hotspots and now has 35-40 hot spots. The library is still in stage three of its five-stage reopen plan. We are open regular hours. Circulation continues to grow, though it's not near normal levels. The New York Times will soon be available on the library's website. The library is not going to be open for kids who typically visit after school.

Gerald Krone, Pittsfield Township: There's been a lot of road construction in my area of the township. It's mostly done. The Supervisor has been sending out letters on Nextdoor, making sure they complete the census. We've only had one meeting since June.

David Rhoads, Friends of Henne Field/Friends of the Saline River: Henne field is being used on a regular basis. Leslee Niethammer Nature Preserve is still being used. The Friends of the Saline River continue to clear the river from Saline to Milan. Jim Junga hopes to open soon Nov. 1. The hotel project is scheduled to begin moving again. Rhoads offered his thanks to everyone working together to push Saline through this COVID-19 situation.

More News from Saline

• Saline City Council: Reports and Other Announcements Here's a quick summation of what was talked about during the Reports and Other Announcements section of the agenda.
• Saline Community Education Fall Program Guide Get Ready for Fall with Saline Community Education!