All communities have a hard time looking in the mirror.
Just as with individuals, one’s self-image comes with glaring inadequacies — real or not.
That’s why outside opinions are handy.
Such is the premise of “First Impressions,” an activity developed by K-State Research and Extension, where groups visit each other’s communities and judge them on the appearance of their buildings, customer service, and the maintenance of public facilities.
Recently volunteers from another community visited Iola to glean their “First Impressions” of the community.
Team members acted as “secret shoppers” for the day to discover what they could about Iola. They followed procedures established through the “First Impressions” program and documented their results.
These results will be shared with the public at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Creitz Recital Hall of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
Following the presentation, two or three project areas will be identified and time will be allowed for discussion and initial planning.
The public is encouraged to attend to see how Iola projects itself to strangers.
The focus is to help communities learn about their strengths and weaknesses. Results can serve as the basis for community action and as a way to document changes in a community over time.
For further information call Carla Nemecek, Southwind Extension director at 365-2242.
