Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

The University of Idaho Extension Office at the Gem County Fairgrounds is a wonderful
resource to create an adult learning curriculum and GED program. Classes could be held at
the local library, senior center or junior/senior high schools, or the Job Service Center.
Youth and Seniors Working Together
The Gem County Historical Museum is a great asset of the community; however, it appears
to be greatly underutilized. Some ideas the visiting team came up with include involving the
junior high, high schools and seniors in performing theatrical re-creations of local, historical
events. For example, re-enacting the railroad coming into Emmett for the first time or
demonstrating how to shear a sheep or how all the fruit orchards were planted and
harvested. The schools could offer a credited elective class or make it part of their history
curriculum. Seniors could play an active role in the performance, creating roles, and
designing costumes. It would be a fun and interactive way to bring the generations together.
Also, youth and seniors could be trained and teamed together to serve as museum curators
over the summer months.
Another great resource for the community is the local library. This community-gathering
place is one of Emmett’s great hubs for social activity. We encourage the expansion of all
activities including the Story Time for the youngest children. This is another great way to
involve teenagers and seniors. They could read to the smaller children, even dressing up in
costume to match the story. The Library already has a solid volunteer recruitment and
management system but they may be able to partner with the Senior Center to expand their
volunteer base.
Available Resources
Youth: The junior and senior high school students are an extremely valuable and
underutilized resource in most communities. They are very willing and eager to help and be
a part of community development – they only need to be asked.
Seniors: The exact same thing can be said for the senior population of any community. We
asked several seniors during our visit why they aren’t more involved in their community.
Their reply was, “Nobody has asked us to help!”
Community members: If you ask anyone, they will naturally tell you they want to improve
the community they live in and they will have some good ideas about how to do so. Create
and support a volunteer system using the library, youth organizations, and the senior center.
Local businesses: Most businesses seek opportunities to give back to the communities
they serve. They are a great resource for donating supplies, materials, and other in-kind
contributions.
The Senior Center and Seniors in Action
Today’s seniors are livelier and more engaged than in years past. As a volunteer serviceforce
they contribute time, knowledge, wisdom and expertise. They are often ignored or at
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