Volume 16, Issue 3
<h3>The Center News ~ March 2008</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>

Just a short note from the office this month, as there is lots of material for this newsletter. We have many groups and individuals offering events at the CCC in the weeks to come and I would like to give them all a chance to announce their exciting functions.
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I do want to thank the Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) and the Okanogan Family Faire (O.F.F.) for granting us money. O.F.F.’s grant, in the amount of $10,000 will go largely towards the building renovations, with a small amount earmarked for covering the building’s electricity costs. The CFNW grant of $5,000 will help us to finish the front entry room. Both of these charitable foundations have awarded the CCC money in the past, and we are ever grateful for their support.  
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I also want to thank everyone for your patience while we install the new restrooms. This project should be finished shortly, and we know it will be worth the wait!
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Enjoy spring, everyone!       <br />
All my best, River
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   <h1> Annual Peace Festival at the CCC</h1>

<i>submitted by Denny Richardson</i>
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The 5th Annual Peace Festival will be held at the CCC in Tonasket on March 22 – marking the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War. The festival brings together local and regional voices of peace ranging from poets and storytellers to songwriters and activists. The unique event seeks to unite local communities in an effort to host: forums for concerned citizens, a celebration of Peace through song, spoken word, visual media, and finally to advocate local participation in democracy. The event was started by a local family who lost two youth in the Middle East, which has collaborated with NCW Veterans for Peace and the communities to provide this public event free of charge. Last year's event featured Nationally known activists and leaned toward more speakers than music. This year's event features local peace advocates and provides a great deal of music and spoken word. The Peace Festival is an event produced by Grandmother's Spirit: A Peace Project  and Veterans For Peace .

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<h1>  Enhancing Beneficial Populations Workshop</h1>
Learn to "think like a bug"- why and where beneficial organisms want to live in your garden or field.
Learn how you can mimic nature by creating "intentional wildness" – nooks and crannies and food sources that will keep these allies from flying away to work for you another day.
This four-hour workshop will be held Saturday, March 15 th at the CCC, beginning at 1:00pm. Cost is $15 per person, and pre-registration is helpful, but not required.
Mariah Cornwoman has had over 35 years experience in organic practices, doing field research on how to create diversity in the ecosystem to maximize the use of beneficials. Contact Mariah at 486-1855.
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<h1>A Nicaraguan Village Experience</h1>

Saturday April 5 th at 6pm, Erin Tofte, a returned Peace Corps volunteer from Nicaragua will share pictures and stories from her experience.   There will also be a traditional Nicaraguan dinner served, including dessert. Cost of dinner will be $ 7 /plate for adults and half for children 10 years and under. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Nicaraguan village where Erin lived for two years.
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For more information call Peggy at 509-556-2116 or email Erin at erintofte@myway.com
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