Foundation for new pool holds second meeting, plans Octoberfest fundraiser

The second meeting for the group of folks in Malta working to form a foundation to build a new pool in Malta met last Thursday night at the Lucky Bullet Hole to discuss many items, including a name change and the possibility of hosting an Oktoberfest to raise money for the pool project.

The original name of the foundation was to be “Funding Our Future for the Hi-Line,” but some members thought the name to be too cumbersome. After several ideas were kicked around, the name decided on by the group was “Hi-Line Future Foundation” (HFF) – though the name won’t be official until the State of Montana approves the group for non-profit status.

It was announced at the meeting that the Malta Swim Team donated $500 on top of the $1,200 they helped raise at the Family Fun Night held at the City Pool two weeks ago. Malta Mayor Shyla Jones also let the board members know that though the City of Malta’s budget hadn’t been finalized at the time of the meeting, City Council members have tentatively set aside $250,000 toward the construction of the new pool. She also said the City is still eyeing a few locations around town for the new pool.

A large portion of the meeting was spent deciding if an Oktoberfest, to help raise money for the new pool, could be pulled off in the next few weeks. It was decided to move forward with Oktoberfest – which will piggyback off of Malta Trails’ annual event – and HFF is planning the event for Saturday, October 1. The initial plans are to close a street in Malta for a street dance, hire a band and host a dinner. HFF hopes to have several different beers at the event and once more is known about the affair, it will be reported here in the PCN.

The next HFF meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24 at 7 p.m. at the Lucky Bullet Hole. HFF plans to hold several weekly meetings before Oktoberfest and then will turn to meetings once or twice per month.