Volume 16, Issue 12
<h3>The Center News ~ December 2008</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>

I have a great job. I love being able to represent the Community Cultural Center and everything we are about. It makes me feel proud to invite the public into our beautiful 'new' building and hear them praise all we’ve recently accomplished. I love the fact that 'work' is sometimes sitting next to the woodstove, watching the snow fall outside, while I write passionately about an organization that I believe in.
<p />
November was a very full month, opening up with the 3rd Annual Benefit Auction on the 1st, the biggest General Member­ship Meeting in recent history mid-month, and finishing up amidst last minute planning of the Annual Holiday Bazaar. Wow--all these fun and entertaining annual events!
<p />
The fundraiser auction was a wonderful evening, with approximately 60 people attending. The delicious meal was pre­pared by board members Julia, Mary and Carol, with help from Cilla DeGraff, Michael Blair and the Pier twins. It was a fabulous start to a very successful event, which netted ap­proximately $6,000 in all. Those funds will go a long way in the daily operations of the CCC. I especially liked seeing all the divergent folks in the building--some who had never been in before. And, I noted that auction bidders were especially generous this year, in spite of our ques­tionable economy. That made me feel heartened and particularly supported by our wonderful Oka­nogan community.
<p />
As already mentioned, this year’s Membership Meeting was very well attended. Thank you to all who came--your encouragement and input were greatly appreciated.  Minutes from the meeting are at the end this newsletter, with a brief report midway down the page, including more on the alcohol-in-the-building question.
<p />
The Board of Directors decided to uphold the rule of <i>no alcohol allowed in the building</i> at their regular meeting held on Tuesday, November 18. However, we are not opposed to considering other venue options, such as helping to sponsor an event in one of the city parks which might include wine tasting.
<p />
I would like to welcome our two newest board members: Susie Shaddox and Suzanne Daley Howard. If you’ve come to very many events in the past year, it’s likely you would have seen them here at the CCC, either helping out or out on the dance floor. Now, along with Curt Howard, Susanne’s husband, they’ve made the significant commitment of joining our Board of Directors, appointments that were ratified at the November 15th Annual Mem­bership Meeting. Glad to have you all, and again, a very big thank you for giving your time and ener­gies to the CCC.
<p />
Susie Shaddox has offered to take on the job of Volunteer Coordinator, so please be sure to sign in and be counted.  Volun­teers are vitally important to the Community Cultural Center, and we want to be sure to recognize and honor all who put out that extra energy for this organization.
<p />
In closing, I’d like to say thank you CCC members. Thank you for believing in this vision and sticking with it to help create the Community Cultural Center. Happy holidays to all!
<p />
Until next time,
<p />
River
<p />


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<h1>Family Talent Show Coming In January</h1>
<i> ~Submitted by John Jones</i>
<p />
Fall’s backdrop is fading. Time to find some good books, wax up the skis, plan for some extra indoor doings and prepare your hidden tal­ents for the next Community Cultural Center Talent Show, to be held on Saturday, Janu­ary 31, 2009.
<p />
Here in the Okanogan we must entertain ourselves. Yes…we’re in dire need of your hidden talents to help us make it through the long win­ter months. Just think of all the stories of years past, “I like Big Butts and I Can Not Lie” was the hit of last year. Oh…yeah. It was funny!!! That was definitely outside the box. <strong>So…this year’s theme is: OUTSIDE THE BOX.</strong>
<p />
The biggest change is that Clare Paris is taking a break as main organizer of this an­nual event. Many thanks to Clare for all the great shows. This year’s organizers are Janet Culp at 486-2061, and John Jones at 486-2479. 
<p />
Our MC will be the amusing Bud McSpadden, so be pre­pared for a little comical abuse and join us <i>Outside the Box</i> on January 31st. Please remem­ber, this is a family event, so we request that acts be suitable for all ages to en­joy.

<p />

<h1>Introducing Our New Board Members</h1>

Two new members have joined our dedicated Board of Directors: Susie Shad­dox and Susanne Daley Howard. Welcome to you both, and thank you for taking on this big responsi­bility! 
<p />
Susie, a long-time Tonasket resident has this to say<blockquote>I've been attending various CCC events and doing a little volunteering here for about a year now and I've found that I really like this place. I enjoy the people, the music, the danc­ing, the food, the ever-evolving building and espe­cially the way everyone comes together to get things done for the benefit of so many. The CCC is a thriving organization with a mission I believe in and right now I have the time, energy and desire to step up and do what I can to help make it all happen.</blockquote>

And, this from Susanne Daley Howard<blockquote>
An intentional Tonasket resident, I fell in love with the Okanogan Highlands 10 years ago. Finding the vi­brant community that exists at the Cultural Center has been a bonus. It’s a privi­lege to be able to give back to Tonasket. I know your talented existing Board will challenge my creative and entrepreneurial skills.</blockquote>
 
<p />

<h5> <strong>CCC</strong>
<br /><br />
<strong>C</strong>ommunity: holding hands loosely, holding hearts tightly
<br /><br />
<strong>C</strong>ultural: dancing ideas, singing paint, spiraling creativity
<br /><br />
<strong>C</strong>enter: the absolute core of the universe
<br /><br />
</h5>

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<h1>Annual Membership Meeting Well Attended</h1>

More than 50 people turned out for the CCC Annual Mem­bership Meeting the evening of Novem­ber 15, a number con­sidera­bly greater than in years past. The evening be­gan with a delicious dinner pre­pared by sev­eral board mem­bers, followed by the mem­bership meeting. There were many perti­nent topics covered, in­clud­ing financial state­ments, building renova­tions and grant updates, along with the somewhat con­tro­versial question of whether or not the CCC should allow a wine tasting event.
<p />
Although there were roughly the same amount of votes pro and con on the subject, the members who were not in favor of allowing alco­hol in the building were emphati­cally opposed to it, which is certainly a very strong statement that the CCC Board must consider. The evening ended with a fabulous performance by Tonasket’s <i>Hippies on Vacation</i> playing well into the night. The dance floor was filled with people enjoying the lively music--Line Dancers and Circle Dancers intertwin­ing amongst them. It was certainly an evening to remem­ber!
<p />
For those who missed the show, <i>Hippies on Vacation</i> will be returning to the CCC on Sat­urday, January 17, so be sure to watch for more info.
 
<p /> 


<h1>Tonasket Winter Fest</h1>

<i> ~ Submitted by Helen Casey</i> 
<p />
Friday, December 5: Activities begin at the new Day Park in downtown Tonasket.
<br /><strong>Santa arrives at 6 pm</strong> with the tree lighting.
<br />Lots of fun activities for children and adults alike. 
<p />

<strong>North Valley Hospital Guild Bazaar</strong>
<br />at North Valley Assisted Living, 204 S Whitcomb Ave
<br />Friday 4 to 8pm &amp; Saturday 10 to 2

<p />
<strong>Tonasket Community Church UCC Bazaar</strong>
<br />24 East 4th Street
<br />Friday 4 to 8 &amp; Saturday 9 to 4
<br />Cinnamon rolls at 9am  • Lunch 11 to 2 Saturday

<p />
<strong>Community Cultural Center Bazaar</strong>
<br />30+ Vendors
<br />411 S Western Ave
<br />Friday 2 to 7 &amp; Saturday 10 to 4
<br />Lunch, dinner, baked goods all day
<br />Children’s activities 12 to 3 on Saturday

 <p />
<strong>The Treasure House Bazaar</strong>
<br />20 Vendors
<br />Tonasket Senior Center, 22 East 5th Street
<br />Friday 4 to 8 &amp; Saturday 10 to 3

 <p />
<strong>Tonasket Civic League Bazaar</strong>
<br />Tonasket Grade School Commons
<br />Friday 5 to 8 &amp; Saturday 10 to 4

 <p />
<strong>Sitzmark Ski Club presents:<br />
a Warren Miller film <i>Children of the Winter</i></strong>
<br />Tonasket High School Commons, 34 Hwy 20 East
<br />Saturday 3:00 and 7:00 showings.

<p />
<strong>Spud Feed at Middle School Commons</strong>
<br />Saturday 4:30 to 6:45 
 
<p />
<i>All Bazaars will serve snacks and lunches!</i>
<br />
For more info: Tonasket Chamber Office 486-4543
<br />
or Helen Casey 486-2066 home, 486-2154 work.

<p />

 
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA:

GIVE SOMEONE ON YOUR LIST A GIFT - MEMBERSHIP TO THE CCC

CALL THE OFFICE FOR MORE DETAILS

<h1>Monday Afternoon Class Offers Arts Opportunity for Children 11 and Up</h1>  

Youth Arts Group for ages 11 and up will be offered upstairs at the CCC on Monday after-noons at 3:30 until 4:30 beginning on November 3rd. Students are invited to come practice draw-ing techniques, water-color painting, clay modeling, printing, and crafts.
<p/>
Classes are of­fered on a sliding scale basis, from $1.00 to $5.00 per class. Contact Lesa Sevin at 509-556-2101 if you would like more information.

<p />

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<h4>Acting Coach and Director, Eric Stone from Los Angeles is coming to CCC on November 7th &amp; 8th to hold a weekend workshop intensive. A few openings are still available - call Katie Johann at 486-8131</h4>

<p />


<h1>Volunteer needed in the CCC office</h1>
Mainly filing, etc. Please call River at 486-1328 if you can help.

<h5>Thank you to the Farmers’ Market Vendors and the many shoppers who made the 2008 season a rousing success!</h5>


<h1>North Valley Hospital--New CCC Member</h1>

North Valley Hospital is the Community Cultural Center’s newest associate member (business membership) and we’d like to extend a hearty welcome. As residents of a small town and its environs, we know how important it is to show support of our local businesses and services, and we are en­couraging local businesses to become CCC members. As a welcoming gesture, the Board of Directors has decided to feature each new associate member that joins the CCC in The Center News.
<p />
The encouragement for the hospital to join the CCC came from member and avid volun­teer, Cilla DeGraff. Cilla just recently has taken a job through the hospital, establishing and running The Tonasket Family Clinic. 
<p />
Cilla says, “When my husband and I returned to To­nasket after more than twenty years away, I was excited about the CCC and all it represents. I immediately became involved and have participated in many of its activities. The sense of com­munity it represents is some­thing that is important to all of us.” 
<p />
It is Cilla’s hope that she can also help provide that feel­ing about health care. She un­derstands that maintaining and attaining good health should be a team-effort, guided by the person whose health is at stake. “I see myself as a resource in terms of knowledge and skills”, shares Cilla; she knows there are many talented people in our community to work with, as we strive to attain physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. “We’re lucky to be the town with the hospital,” she explains. “Publicly owned hospitals represent one of the best investments a com­munity can make.” 
<p />
Cilla points out that she can offer patients without insurance alternate funding options and even as­sistance with transportation costs. According to Cilla, “The hospital is invested in the health of its community.”
<p />
Cilla also points out that if lab work or an x-ray is needed, it’s conveniently located right at the hospital. The Tonasket Family Clinic was designed to offer convenient care to people in the area by offering hours of opera­tion from 10 am till 7pm during the week and noon till 5pm on Saturday.
<p />
“So if you are looking for a place to go [for medical care] where your input is welcome, I’d be honored to work with you.”

<h4>
Hippies On Vacation Band
<br /><br />
Saturday, November 15 - 7:00 pm
<br /><br />
Immediately Following the CCC Annual Membership Meeting
<br /><br />
Adults - $4 members ~ $5 General Public
<br /><br />
Teens ½ price ~ Kids 12 &amp; under free admission
</h4>

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     <center>      <h5>Advertise in The Center News<br />
One issue - $10 ~ Six issues - $50<br />
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more info.</h5></center>


<h6>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 <a href="../ccc_calendar.php">Calendar</a>. 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 <script type="text/javascript">
//<![CDATA[
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</script><br />Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the CCC of the product or service offered.</h6>

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