Courtney Rabideau
May 17, 2008 - 12:00 a.m. EST

SEBEWAING -- Unionville and Sebewaing residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the state of their community at a forum on Thursday, May 22, from 7-9 p.m.

The forum, to be held in the USA High School cafeteria, is open to all area citizens to share thoughts and ideas that will help better the surrounding area. The collaboration of opinions will allow area leaders to create an action plan that will make the USA area more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors alike.

John “Kip” Walker, Superintendent of Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools, said the community is looking for “people to sign up to help us as we move forward.”

Walker also said that he wants to go into the forum with a “clean slate,” making no predictions about ideas community members will bring to the table so that all voices and opinions will be welcomed.

The meeting stems from ideas brought to the table by the Sebewaing Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee.

The forum will be professionally facilitated by Michelle Lantz and Sherrie Graham from Insight Development Group, a firm that works with individual communities to create action plans to positively enhance the residential and business environments of an area.

Earlier this year, 250 letters were sent out to business owners and public officials, inviting them to the forum. Advertisements were also placed around the Sebewaing area.

Following the forum, all attendants will be asked to fill out commitment cards stating their willingness to help put these thoughts in motion.

Courtney Rabideau is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at rabideau@tcadvertiser.com.