Volume 16, Issue 5
<h3>The Center News ~ May 2008</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>
Another month is upon us, and there's much to share with the CCC membership. (So much, in fact, that the print newsletter has grown to six pages!) By the time this issue is out, the front room should be dry-walled and on its way to being painted.
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The new bathrooms are getting closer to completion; the tiles for the floor and walls have been ordered, and fixtures are also on their way. Just wait until you see the beautiful sinks we have coming! Apple Hill Art Camp students will be creating tiles for the walls in the hallway, as well.
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I don't like sounding redundant, but can't help repeating that this is a very exciting time for all of us at the CCC!  It's truly an honor to be a part of the changes.
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The Green Okanogan Alternatives Fair, held on April 19 and 20, was a great success. It would not have been possible without the grants we received from The Family Faire and the Washington State Arts Commission. The many informative speakers and demonstrations were thought provoking and educational. Already there are plans being made for next year's event.
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On April 10, Carol Lanigan and I attended a grantee orientation at the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle. Thinking the purpose of our visit was to learn more on how to manage the $100,000 grant we are receiving, we were pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise. 
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It appeared that the primary purpose of our visit was to meet other grantees and to share our own experiences regarding the grant process and how it affected our organization. We came away from the four-hour orientation feeling encouraged and supported in our endeavors to create a beautiful and functional community center for all.
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This is what the Gates Foundation says about their mission: Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.
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In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States it seeks to ensure that all people--especially those with the fewest resources--have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. It's a privilege to be a part of something so inspiring and positive!
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For those of you who haven't made plans yet for the first Friday in May, I want to encourage you to try and make it to the concert and dinner we have arranged for that evening. I've already said plenty about the music in past newsletters, but you should check out the <a href="http://www.cccoftonasket.org/news/MAY2008alicemenu.html" target="_tlx_">dinner menu</a>. I think it's safe to say that you won't get this type of fare at any other establishment in Tonasket! So we hope to see you there.
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Until next time,
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River
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<marquee><h1> * * * NEWS FLASH * * * </h1></marquee>
The CCC just purchased 100 wonderful, new, cushy folding chairs! Thanks for being patient, folks, and now the next time you come to one of our events, you will have a very soft and comfortable seat!
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<h1> Building Fund Update</h1>
While the Community Cultural Center has been wildly successful in receiving building renovation grants, we still have more to go to reach our goal of a completed building.
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At the end of our renovation redesign process we found out that the building would need a sprinkler system installed throughout. Since this was not part of our original plan, funds were not budgeted in our grants for this purpose. Upon receiving an estimate for the system, we were informed that an additional $70,000 plus would be needed on top of the funding we have received from numerous sources. 
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Thus, we have planned some additional fundraisers, including a benefit auction, to help secure funds for the fireproofing. Local contributions mean a lot to funders if we need to apply for more grants. We always have great items at our auctions so we hope you can come out and support us again in our efforts to complete our building and make a beautiful, comfortable place for people to enjoy arts and culture in the region.
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<h1>Summer Art Camp </h1>
Art Camp for children ages 4-10 will be held at the CCC June 23-27 this year, with Omak sessions taking place June 16-20 for the same age groups; and July 7-11 for kids 11-16 years old. As usual, tuition is $1 per child, per day for the younger campers, and $5 per child, per day for senior campers.  There are some scholarships to all camps available for qualifying children.
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Registration begins May 1st for first time campers and May 3rd for those children who have attended in the past. The contact person for Tonasket camp is Liz Phares at 486-4341 or 509-853-7151 as a message phone. Omak registrar is Emily Hale at 826-1653. Camp director, Jody Olson is also the contact person for teen camp. Jody suggests anyone needing to carpool to Omak for camp get in touch with her as well, at 322-4071.
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The list of instructors are now being developed--there are lots of wonderful projects being planned--some new and some are the same as last year’s offerings. A few of the many projects planned are puppet making, music and body movement, oil pastel painting and working with clay for the younger campers, while the older participants will try their hand at silkscreen, cartooning, felting, pottery, making copper weather vanes and other art forms.
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Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to this year's camp please contact Jody Olson at 322-4071. Or send your check, made out to "CCC", to P.O. Box 664, Tonasket, and indicate it is for the 2008 Art Camp.
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<h1>Mayan Astrology Workshop May 30 </h1>
As we rapidly approach the year 2012, interest peaks to learn about this important date which marks the end of the Mayan calendar. What does it all mean?  The workshop will enable participants to learn some basics of the ancient Mayan astrology of this continent and what sort of changes are in store.
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The interesting Mayan calendar is based on the moon cycles rather than sun cycles. There are 13 moons in the Mayan year. From ruins found in the Yucatan, we have come to learn about their understanding that the Mayans looked on all of creation cycles through nine periods of time, beginning 16.4 billion years ago. The numbers 9, 13, and 20 are pervasive throughout the Mayan culture, art, and structures which are a reflection of their calendar.
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Their 13 Moon Dreamspell Calendar represents a new knowledge for our planet, a necessary knowledge if we are going to transform ourselves and our environment to come into harmony with our local star, the Sun, which is rapidly evolving into its next stage. The Gregorian calendar makes up for the thirteenth moon by having a 'blue moon' for the month which has two full moons.
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But the ancient Celts, the Egyptians, and Polynesians based their calendar on the 13 moon yearly cycle. The Lakota kept a 13 moon day count based on the turtle which has 13 sets of scales on its back. Even the dolphins have 13 sets of 28 grooves along their teeth that are renewed every lunar month. Perhaps in loosing touch with our roots, we have lost touch with each other.
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Jahrun Chilam Balam, a scholar of this ancient science, is coming to the Cultural Center to give a workshop on Friday, May 30th at 6 pm. Cost for the workshop is $20 per person.
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<h1>New Agriculture Library opening in Tonasket </h1>
<a href="http://www.friendsofthetrees.net" target="_tlx_">Friends of the Trees Society</a> (Michael Skeeter Pilarski) is setting up an Agriculture Library in Tonasket. The location will be the backend of the building the Subway Sandwich shop is located in  the alley across from the CCC building.  Available will be a large selection on agriculture, ethnobotany, permaculture and related topics.
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The library will be open one day a week to start with, on Wednesdays, noon to 8pm. It will be a reference library only. No books are loaned out. The public can use the library to do research, and there will be a librarian to help answer questions and locate references. The space can also be used for agriculture related classes, meetings and video and DVD showings.
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The library will open sometime in May. We are taking donations of funds or materials to make the project a reality. Some things needed include more bookshelves, filing cabinets, a television, video and DVD players, and helping hands. Let Michael know if you are interested in helping or using the library. Email <a href="mailto:Michael@friendsofthetrees.net">Michael@friendsofthetrees.net</a> or phone 360-927-1274.
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<h1>Building Fund Auction and Dinner Fundraiser</h1>
The CCC Board of Directors will be holding a fundraising event on May 17 to help raise money for our remodeling project. We will open at 5:00 with a salad buffet dinner (cost-by donation), including bread and beverage. We will also offer live dinner music played by our local musicians. Desserts will be available by donation.
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Following dinner at 6:30, we will begin a Live Auction featuring auctioneer Josh Adams. We will be auctioning off many items from local contributors, including artists and bakers.
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We welcome donations for the auction. Please bring them to the CCC on either a Tuesday or Thursday before the event. For more information or donation, call Janet Culp at 486-2061. 
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<h1>Free Homeownership 101 Classes possible at CCC</h1> 
<i>submitted by Lael Duncan</i>
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Okanogan County Community Action Council</strong> has offered the CCC an opportunity to hold Homeownership classes in Tonasket. There are two basic classes – one is for folks thinking about buying a home and the other is for folks who already own a home.਍ഀ
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Pre- Homeownership offers people some basic training in what to look for, how to qualify for financing, credit issue resolution, and what to watch out for both in terms of the condition of the prospective home, and in terms of predatory lending. The class lasts for one hour. A minimum of six people will need to enroll in order for the class to be presented, but it is totally free of charge to participants.  More in-depth classes will be available for graduates of this class later in the summer.
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Post Homeownership offers people who already own a home help with basic maintenance tips, budgeting, and credit preservation 101. This class is also free to the public and will be offered in Tonasket if a minimum of 6 people apply. 
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Community Action has recognized how many people in the North County rely on their services, and has an office in Tonasket in the basement of the North Valley Medical clinic.  The office is open Mondays and Tuesdays. If you would like more information on homeownership classes or other services from Community Action, please call (509)422-4041, or toll free at (877) 641-0101.
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