Trout Lake Care organizers ask council for liaison and startup support

Organizers of a new volunteer group called Trout Lake Care updated the Trout Lake Community Council on their startup status and asked for a council liaison and community support. Laura introduced the group and said they lost their nonprofit tax-exempt status after missing filings; Jana Warner is helping them reapply and the Columbia‑Economic/Community (CEKC) is serving as a fiscal agent this year so donations remain tax‑deductible. Dennis Anderson said, "We want your support for our mission and purpose."

The volunteers described concrete programs and needs: roughly 30 community members have expressed interest and about 12 are currently active in research and planning; a walking program with Camp Jonah will run Monday–Friday during winter hours so residents can use the gym or hallways; an equipment-lending pool (crutches, canes, scooters, wheelchairs, toilet seats) will be listed on a planned website; and volunteers are collecting emergency firewood. The group said it aims to expand coordination with state and local agencies to offer rides to medical appointments, meals, and other supports, and is seeking startup funds for outreach, a part‑time coordinator and program materials.

Organizers also noted outreach gaps the group plans to address: their initial survey was English-only, so they will work with a Trout Lake High School senior to translate it for Spanish-speaking residents. The group described meeting plans (monthly at Rabbi Rob's, possibly the last Wednesday at 4 p.m.) and said they hope to keep people informed via a new website listing volunteer roles, equipment inventory and local resources. The council did not take a formal vote on appointing a liaison during the meeting; organizers asked the council to consider the request at a future agenda.