On Tuesday, November 29, Malad City took the first step in a five-

year commitment to become a more livable and age friendly community.

As one of five Idaho communities who have joined the AARP network of Age Friendly States and Communities, the city will follow the plan of AARP through four steps within the next five years. Malad is just the second Age Friendly Community named by AARP in Idaho, with Preston being the first. The other communities are Boise, Meridian and Nampa, with Cascade to follow after the first of the new year.

The first step of the AARP plan is to conduct a survey and listening sessions. Assisted by Francoise Cleveland with AARP of Idaho; Don Kostelec, a private consultant hired by AARP; and Molly Beseris, Administrator of 4-CASI, a public session was held on Tuesday with local community leaders and citizens who provided input on everything good and bad about the city.

Mayor Joan Hawkins met with Cleveland, Kostelec and Beseris in the morning for a tour of the city, where the mayor pointed out areas of development or needs of the city. Afterwards, four one-on-one interviews were held. The first interview was with Malad City Mayor Joan Hawkins, Malad City Clerk Susan Wittman and Malad City Councilpersons Lance Tripp and Jaime Olsen who pointed out areas of concern. The second interview was with Mayor Hawkins, Councilman Tripp and Malad City Superintendent Tyler Webster who provided information on infrastructure and needs that he sees as important for the city. Commissioner Bill Lewis met with the group in the third interview and related areas where Malad City and Oneida County work together for the community; and the final interview was with Sheriff Arne Jones who addressed needs of the elderly, mental health, and needs of the youth.

Lunch followed with a discussion led by Kostelec. AARP has what they call a “Livability Index”. The average ranking across the nation is 50, and Malad’s Livability Index is 50; which tells us that we are average, but we could be better. 

After discussing what embodies an age friendly community, Kostelec asked the group, “What are Malad’s assets?” Without going into detail, the list included the following: our county library, which was named the Idaho Library of the Year last year; the actual location of Malad with beautiful views, which provides a sense of security for older people; the Malad Senior/Community Center, which, among other things, provides congregate and non-congregate meals twice a week; two arts groups; a thriving 4-H program; Head Start, After School Program and pre-school classes offered at the high school; a critical access hospital and specialty clinic; an active Interfaith Council; active Veterans’ organizations in the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary; Crisis Center and Carol’s Pantry; citizens who worry about and take care of their neighbors and others less fortunate, including benefits held for those in need; sports programs in the city and schools; Welsh Festival and July 4 celebrations; Malad is a patriotic community that remembers its veterans. 

The next area of discussion was, “What is needed?” The following list was compiled: We have no independent living center; even though we have a great 4-H program, there is not a lot for kids to do; a gap for activities for kids that aren’t involved in sports; losing our auditorium; need for pickleball courts; a covered swimming pool and indoor recreation; community beautification - people who don’t care what their yards look like, collect junk cars, and generally don’t take care of their yards. When all of these points were addressed, Kostelec provided ideas and led discussions that might help alleviate the issues. 

Partnerships were discussed, and a short list of groups was provided including the Interfaith Council, the Senior/Community Center; the Crisis Center; The American Legion and Auxiliary; the Lions Club; the University of Idaho Extension Office; Oneida School District; the arts’ councils; the Oneida County Library; Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital; the Area Agency on Aging. The Administrator of the Area Agency on Aging, Mike Hirschi, provided information on the number of congregate and non-congregate meals provided in our area.

Moving forward, Kostelec will identify potential areas of priority for the city to address. A working group will be formed from the partnerships identified, and an action plan will be developed. The final step may take several years. It will provide implementation of the plan, which may involve looking for grant funding for financial help.

Kostelec and Cleveland were impressed with the number of people who attended the sessions and their enthusiasm. The day of activities concluded with a ribbon cutting at Malad City, celebrating the city’s status as an AARP Age Friendly Community.