Volume 16, Issue 10
The Center News ~ October 2008
From The Front Office
Sitting on my windowsill at home is a small ceramic dish with a set of Angel Cards in it. This is a little pack of cards with a different positive affirmation written on each one, and I try to draw one each morning. Today I picked Prosperity, which is entirely appropriate for right now! Not only are we in the harvest season, with all its bounty, we also have so much abundance to be grateful for here at the CCC. I am not referring to material possessions when I say this--the wealth of having community support and encouragement is huge, and that’s what makes us so rich here at the Community Cultural Center; which, in turn, enriches our entire community.
The Tonasket Community Theater’s production of Animal Farm was fabulous, and I hope you all managed to come see it. Many thanks to Sarah Kaiser and the cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication in bringing live theater to Tonasket! It was also our first big event at the Center since the front remodel was completed, and I couldn’t help feeling a little proud of how the CCC is looking these days.
There are still some additional plans for acoustical improvements this winter as well as hanging artwork on the walls and some other “finishing touches”. One such touch soon to be included is a beautiful Tiffany lamp for the entry donated by Smashin Glass
a local group of women who make stained glass items to donate to non-profits and worthy causes. I feel it’s truly an honor to be able to display their work.
Have you seen the new furniture in the lobby yet? It’s really beautiful. Many thanks to Janet Culp for the numerous hours she spent researching and to Treebeard and Raina for picking it up in Spokane. Thanks also to Jane Thompson, who made the whimsical toilet paper holders for the new bathooms. Finally, I wish to thank all the dedicated folks who came to the cleaning “party” last month--even though it was a lot of work it was gratifying to get it all done, and fun working with you all!
A new little feature in the CCC lobby is a display of pamphlets from local places that would be helpful to visitors, such as lodging and local attractions. There’s plenty of room for additional pamphlets and suggestions and additions are welcome.
The Community Foundation of North Central Washington has once again given the CCC a grant. This time the award is $3200 for folding tables and carts, which will enable us to better serve the public. With folding tables the front room will be more of a multi-purpose space--they’ll be put away for dance classes and can be brought out for dinners, workshops, and bazaars. We still have some research to do on this matter in figuring out what tables would best suit our needs, especially in durability and quality.
In case you missed the news, U.S. Bancorp Foundation gave the CCC a grant of $2,000 towards operations. These funds will go directly into our checking account and will take care of many day-to-day expenses of running the Center.
In closing, I want to remind you all that the Community Cultural Center is your center. Please come in whenever the Center is open and check out all the changes that have happened and continue to happen. Feel free to make suggestions and inquiries--keep abreast of what we’re doing and what’s going on. Mark your calendar for November 15th’s Annual Membership Meeting and try to come, because this is your Community Center and we need your input!
Until next month,
River
The CCC Board of Directors has two immediate openings
and members are encouraged to consider joining. The position involves a two-year term, with a commitment to attend monthly Board Meetings, participate in various board-related functions and generally contribute to the welfare of the Community Cultural Center.
The Board of Directors asks that interested individuals attend three meetings before making a decision. This helps both the Board and the interested member to determine if the placement will be effective.
We encourage members to consider voluneering in this way. It‘s an excellent opportunity to contribute to, and help shape the future of one of the most vital organizations in Okanogan County.
If you are interested, please contact a Board member or River Jones in the office, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Members are welcome to attend the regular monthly Board meetings, scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month, at 6:15pm.
The CCC Annual Membership Meeting
will be Saturday, November 15 this year. However, this event is not going to be anything like your typical membership meeting – but rather an occasion of dinner, a dance and other fun entertainment during the evening.
Beginning the celebration will be a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chefs, then followed by the annual Membership Meeting. Topics will include our achievements so far and our visions for the future, board member elections and other information that is pertinent to the Center and our members. Members are encouraged to come and give input on what they’d like to see happen at the CCC. Finishing up the evening will be a dance to Kunda! Marimba Band.
As part of the evening’s entertainment, the Board is planning an Awards Ceremony. Categories can be serious or goofy, and everyone is welcome to make up categories and nominate someone. Some of our categories are: Community Volunteer of the Year, Most Prolific Baker of the Year, Willing to Do The Dirty Jobs, Best Wrench Turner, CCC Angel of the Year, etc.
This will be a lot of fun, and quite entertaining, so be sure to mark your calendars and come celebrate the accomplishments of your community center!
RIDE SHARE BOARD
Ride needed to Seattle on November 5th and returning to Tonasket November 12. Wenatchee Bus Station would be ok, too. Can help with gasdriving. Call 486-2479.
The Tonasket After School program is up and running!
Now in its second year, the Tonasket After School Program offers free homework help and tutoring for middle and high school students. The program also offers fun art and craft projects, access to a computer, and free snacks and drinks. The Tonasket After School Program is a fun place to hang out and chat with friends while finishing up homework assignments, projects, and papers.
This year Chelsea Hull is running the Tonasket After School program. Chelsea graduated from Tonasket Alternative High School and then attended Evergreen College in Olympia. After graduation she went on to get her Masters in Teaching degree, and is excited to be back here, working with the young people of Tonasket.
This program is free to all middle and high school students, and will take place on Wednesdays, from 3-6pm, and on early release days (2nd and 4th Wed. of the month) from 1- 4pm at the Community Cultural Center.
Learn line and circle dances from all over the world
here in Tonasket beginning this fall. The CCC will once again host the popular International Folk Dance classes on Thursday evenings, the first one on October 2nd.
This 1½ hour class, taught by Stacy Gleason and Spurlin Soya, is suitable for people of all ages and abilities – men, women and children. Beginning students as well as experienced dancers are encouraged to participate, and folks can join in at any time as the classes are ongoing. A new dance will be learned each week, and no partner is required, but you certainly can bring a friend.
Class time is 7:00 pm, and cost is $3 for CCC members and $5 for non-members, per class. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Call Linda Black at 486-4144 for more information, or just show up. This is a fun way to learn something new, get exercise and have a great time doing it!
New Locks on CCC Building Coming Soon
The CCC board has decided it is once again time to change the locks on the building. This is something that gets done on a semi-regular basis, and is primarily due to the volume of keys that are out and no longer accounted for. If you have a current key, please be advised that by mid-month it will no longer work.
If you feel it is imperative for you to possess a Cultural Center building key, be sure to contact the board and let us know of your need. You may be asked to attend a board meeting to present your case. Thank you for your understanding!
Thank you, Tonasket Community Theater Sponsors!
Upper Valley Realty, the Okanogan Family Faire;
Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, Jones & Jones Architects;
Wells Fargo Bank, Roy’s Pharmacy, Upper Valley Disposal, Patti & George Baumgardner, Jeff Ehrhard Construction, Peter James; Tonasket Interiors, Hedlund’s Chevrolet, Grant’s Market, Okanogan Valley Land Council, Claire & Ed Jeffko; Janet & Trygve Culp, Heritage Antiques, Highlandia Jewelers, Shannon’s Café, Dr. Robert Nau, DDS, Roosters, Serenity Day Spa LLC, Ralph’s TV & Gift Shop, Wild Rose Floral Design, Main Street Market
We could not have done it without the support of our generous Donors!
Okanogan Family Faire
The annual Family Faire will be held the third weekend of October this year. In previous years the CCC has had a booth at the faire, providing information on the organization and selling various fundraising items. This year it's been decided to not have a CCC booth at the faire, but rather donate our time and efforts to contributing wherever the Family Faire needs our help.
There are many aspects to putting on this event--from pre-faire work parties, to post-faire clean up, and all the many jobs in between! So in the spirit of cooperation and community, we are requesting that CCC members who would like to help this year please contact the volunteer coordinator, Peter James at 509 846-5800 and offer your services in the name of the Community Cultural Center. The CCC Board of Directors will be on site as well, so we hope to see you out there!
Auction--Come Support Your Community Center
The 3rd annual CCC Fundraiser Auction is Saturday, November 1st
5pm - silent auction & gourmet hors d'oeuvres
6pm - live auction
Live music
Free admission
Hors d'oeuvres $5/plate
The Community Cultural Center's third annual Fundraiser Auction will be on Saturday, November 1 this year, beginning with hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction at 5:00 and the live auction at 6. Some of the items to bid on are: overnight stays and vacation packages, beautiful artwork, wearable art, services, jewelry, baseball tickets and much more.
While there has been a lot of news lately about the grants the CCC has been receiving, these, with the exception of a few, are earmarked towards the building's renovations, such as the new restrooms, front room improvements, and eventually the dance hall and upstairs renovations.
Our organization's operations--such as insurance, taxes, utilities, office supplies, payroll, and repairs--are also a large part of our budget, and the proceeds of this auction go towards that. The previous two auctions were highly successful, averaging a net take of about $4,000 each. We're hoping that this year's event will be even more profitable!
Auction donations are welcome. Please bring items to the Center on a regular business day--Tuesdays or Thursdays. Call River in the office or Janet Culp at 486-2061 with any questions.
This special event has been great fun in the past as well as a good source of revenue for the Center, and members are encouraged attend. Tell your friends too!
Advertise in The Center News
One issue - $10 ~ Six issues - $50
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more info.
We hope you have enjoyed this online version of the articles in our print newsletter. For updates on items above, and for classes/workshops/events not in this newsletter, please see our Calendar. The Center News is published as a service to the Members of the Community Cultural Center. Letters and articles are welcomed from Members. Deadline for articles is the 20th of each month, and are best emailed. Send to
Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the CCC of the product or service offered.
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