Volume 17, Issue 12
<h3>The Center News ~ December 2009</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office</h1>

As 2009 winds down, it seems natural to reflect back on this past year and everything we’ve accomplished here at the CCC. From my vantage point, I can tell you that there have been lots and lots of amazing accomplishments--from fantastic Coffee Houses (remember the Marimba Band and Jazz Operation last winter?) to replacing the roof, to the many grants we’ve received, and all the unmentioned things in between. Not bad, for a little non-profit in a little rural town in this day and age! I think we can all give ourselves a hearty pat on the back for all the positive accomplishments here at the CCC.
<p />
Last month’s Annual Benefit Auction was a tremendous success. Proceeds from the event will go a long way in helping to keep the CCC doors open. A heartfelt "Thank you!" goes out to everyone who helped to make it possible; the donors, the volunteers and all the generous bidders--we could not have done it without you.
<p />
The colder months bring people indoors more, thus the CCC is a bustling, busy place these days. Of course, One Drop Coffee Shop has added to the number of people coming in, with the scrumptious breakfast offerings, and we are hosting many upcoming events as well. A fantastic Holiday Bazaar (touted as the best in the area), a Comedy Night, Belly Dancing, our annual Talent Show and several Friday Night Coffee Houses are planned. On January  16th we will bring back Kunda! Ma­rimba band, along with a special showing of the movie For the Next Seven Generations: The Grandmothers Speak. This will be a one-of-a-kind event and is not to be missed. More details will be announced soon.
<p />
We’re still offering a monthly art show, with original works of our area’s talented artists. This month’s featured painter is Sheila Ellington, whom folks may also know as a part-time Co-op cashier. Try to make it down this month to check out her beautiful artwork adorning our lobby walls.
<p />
In closing, I’d like to wish all of you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season--whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, Solstice, Kwanza or maybe just another day of living--may it be filled with love and light and happiness.
<p />
Until next time,
<p />
River

   <br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/ptworks.jpg" alt="PT Works" align="left"  width="300px" />
</td><td>
<a href="http://www.thesolarshop.net" target="_tlx"><img src="../newsimages/solarshop.jpg" align="right" alt="The SolarShop" width="300px" /></a>
<img src="../newsimages/wildrose.jpg"  alt="Wild Rose Floral Design" width="300px" align="left" />
</td></tr></table>
   <br />

<h4>Mark Your 2010 Calendars:</h4>
January 8:  Friday Night Coffee House 
<br /><br />
January 16:  Film showing <i>For The Next Seven Generations: The Grandmothers Speak</i> and Kunda! Marimba band
<br /><br />
January 22: Friday Night Coffee House with Sunny Lanigan &amp; friends
<br /><br />
January 31: Free Community Dinner
<br /><br />
February 13: Annual Talent Show
<br /><br />
February 19: Friday Night Coffee House w/ Tonasket Writer’s Group
<br /><br />
February 27: Dance with The Mighty Lions reggae band
<br />
<h4> ~ ~ ~</h4>

<p />

<h1> Winter Spanish Classes at CCC</h1>
Spanish classes are being offered at the CCC over the course of the winter.  The focus of the classes will be to develop a command of conversational Spanish and should prove ideal for anyone hoping to communicate with the locals on a Latin American vacation or for those who interact professionally within our own Hispanic community.  
<p />
The majority of native Spanish speakers in the area hail from Mexico or Central America.  As the class will be taught by someone who has recently returned from a thirteen year sojourn in Central Pacific Mexico, the language skills will be based upon the common usage found there.  This should be a great way to bone up for the mid-winter vacation to Puerto Vallarta or interact with more confidence in a professional capacity.
<p />
Teresa McHugh, a one time resident of Okanogan County, has many years of living and traveling throughout Mexico and Latin America under her belt.  A graduate of the Spanish department at the University of Oregon, she has taught at the University of Guadalajara, lived in rural communities of the Sierra Madre, and (like many expats) has dabbled in eco-tourism and beachfront real estate.  
<p />
She is hoping to share her cultural as well as linguistic experiences with the class.  As a result of her long residency in Mexico, Teresa has absorbed much of how the language is spoken there and hopes to bring her enthusiasm for both language and culture to the classroom.
<p />
Classes will be a two-hour intensive once a week, on Thursday evenings.  Please leave a message for Teresa at 509-846-5800 and she will get back to you with more information. 
<p />
The price is $30 per person per class.  Participants will hopefully make time to meet and practice their conversational skills between classes.  The most difficult thing about learning a language is having the courage to speak it.  This will be a splendid opportunity to practice with your peers. 

<p />

   <br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/sagejordan.jpg" alt="Sage Jordan, Third Street Counseling Center" width="300px" align="left" /> 
</td><td>
<a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com" target="_tlx"><img src="../newsimages/coop.gif" alt="Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op--The Best Lunch in Town!" width="300px" align="right" /></a>  
</td></tr></table>
  <br />

<h1>Conservation Northwest Presentation Successful, Informative</h1>
Last month’s Friday Night Coffee House, held on November 20th was a tremendous success, with about 60 people attending. Conservation Northwest joined the CCC crew to bring us a very informative and enlightening event, showing the film Lords of Nature, Life in a Land of Great Predators. 
<p />
The evening opened with a delicious pizza and salad dinner prepared by our dedicated volunteers, followed by the film and a question and answer session afterwards. Three presenters, Scott Fitkin and Jeff Heinlein of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Jay Kahne from Conservation Northwest were on hand to address questions and concerns of the group – a varied representation of residents of the greater Okanogan County.
<p />
The message that came out of the evening was that we must learn how to co-exist with these predators. Without wolves and other meat-eating creatures many problems can arise, mainly due to the overpopulation of deer and elk. With so many grazing animals the delicate balance of our ecosystem is being threatened--the lack of foliage is creating a plethora of problems, from killing trees to causing erosion and effecting our creeks and streams.
<p />
How far do these predators travel and have the conservationists relocated them to this area?  Fitkin claims not--he told a story of the young female wolf that wore a radio collar and was able  to be tracked successfully.  She traveled from Idaho to Pueblo, Colorado and back again, searching for a mate--a distance of 1200 miles.  These animals migrate very far distances and now we can see how they serve an important place in the larger scope of the natural world.  

<p />

<h5> ~ CCC Tidbits ~ </h5>
<ul>
<li>This month the Peerless Restaurant will be holding a free drawing for Dinner for Two at their newly remodeled facility (should be open next month)</li>
<li>"Guess What This Picture Is!"  Look for the picture and details at the <a href="../onedrop.php" target="_tlx">One Drop Coffee Shop</a> located at the CCC</li>
<li>Crazy Quilt Class taught by artist Carol O’Dell coming in February--details TBA.  Call Janet Culp at 486-2061 for more information</li>
<li>Cookies and other baked goods needed--for Holiday Bazaar and upcoming Coffee Houses</li>
<li>The CCC Office will be closed Dec. 21 - Jan. 1 for Winter Break</li>
</ul><h5> ~ ~ ~ </h5>

<p />

<h1>CCC Holiday Bazaar Dec. 4 &amp; 5</h1>
The 14th Annual Holiday Bazaar is coming up and everyone is invited to take place in this CCC tradition. Shoppers come from all over the area; they know they’re sure to find some of the most unique and quality gifts in the entire county.
This year’s festivities include visits from Santa, raffle baskets to win and fabulous food to enjoy. Not to mention all the fabulous booths, selling crafts, gift items, fine art and much more.
<p />
Just like every other event, the Holiday Bazaar takes lots of volunteer effort to be successful. We could use more baked goods to sell, a few additional kitchen volunteers and some more clean-up helpers. If you are willing to pitch in please call River at the CCC office, at 486-1328.
<p />
If nothing else, be sure to come to the CCC when it becomes a festive market place to satisfy all of your gift-giving needs!

<p />

   <br />
<table>
<tr><td>
  <img src="../newsimages/gregmcgriff.jpg" alt="Greg McGriff, Family Nurse Practicioner" width="300px" align="left" />
</td><td>
 <img src="../newsimages/grants.jpg" alt="Grants Market/Leavell Orchards, Grant Leavell--Owner" align="right" width="300px" /> 
</td></tr></table>
   <br />

<h1>After School Program News</h1>
<p />
The CCC sponsored After School Program is in full swing, with lots of activities planned for the upcoming months. Kids meet every Wednesday right after school is out. Tonasket’s early-release Wednesdays are the 2nd and 4th of the month and kids come 1-3 pm on those days, the other Wednesdays’ hours are 3-6. 
<p />
So far activities have included arts and crafts, dancing, playing WII and using the computer. We are still looking for volunteers to come and spend a little time with these youngsters, showing them something new, helping with homework or just being there. Also needed are art supplies, educational computer programs and certain WII games, as well as monetary donations for snacks and drinks.

<p />

<h1>LFW Dance North Update</h1>
The LFW class, Dance for Adults, has been temporarily suspended until after winter break (January 4) due to lack of enrollment. We would like to be able to continue with this fun and energetic class, so if you are interested please register soon. 
<p />
Dance for Adults, slated for Monday evenings, 7-8pm, offers several dance styles, including African, Modern, Folk and Jazz, taught by various qualified instructors.
<p />
For more information or to register please contact Stacy Gleason at 486-2817 or 486-1351.

 <p />

<h1>Friday Night Coffee House Dec 11th </h1>

This month’s Friday Night Coffee House, on December 11, will feature Bud McSpadden--offering a Comedy “Hour” and evening of music for our enjoyment. There’s no telling what might come up with Bud--sometimes “Budley Do-right” and sometimes a fish aficionado--he’s always good for some laughs. Be careful, as he doesn’t mind who he pokes fun at--and quite often it’s himself as the target!
<p />
Doors open at 5pm, Morningstar’s handmade pizza and salad served at 5:30, entertainment follows. There is never a cover charge to come to the CCC Friday Night Coffee Houses. 
<p />
Come on down to the CCC Friday night and be entertained!

<p />

<br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/sui.jpg" alt="Su Ianniello Massage, LMT" width="300px" align="left"/>
</td><td>
<img src="../newsimages/nvh.jpg"  alt="NVH Tonasket Family Clinic, Priscilla DeGraff, ARNP" width="320px" align="right"  />                             
</td></tr></table>
  <br />

<h1>A Night At The Casbah Dance Extravaganza</h1>

 To enter the souk is to embrace the medieval. Labyrinthine paths tempt you. Burdened donkeys traverse narrow passageways where caged iguanas, polished brass, and copperware combine with intricate textiles that entice. You pass mounds of saffron, dried fruits and nuts. However, skilled travelers know that the casbah, or royal quarter, carries  precious metals and jewelry. You enter. And what’s that? A rhythmic chime punctuates the night. The captivating tempo draws you.
Near the central well, a troupe of musicians have gathered.  The dancers enchant you. Bodies sway and exotic fabric billows. Finger cymbals play counterpoint to drums.  Mysterious eyes flashing, a dancer swirls toward you.  The scent of exotic oils engulfs you.
<p />
Your chance to experience this has arrived at the caravanserai known as Tonasket's Community Cultural Center. Presented by Troupe Masarrat!, NIGHT AT THE CASBAH takes place on Saturday, December 19th. Doors open at 6 pm for you to enjoy camaraderie while taking a stroll through the bazaar.  Look at that stunning fabric and jewelry.  A dancer’s belt jingles as you reach for bangles.
<p />
Then, the throb of drums calls you to your seat.  Your guide for the evening welcomes you into the women’s quarters of the casbah.  Here, women dance for the sheer joy of doing so.  Fabric rustles as dancers gather into the open space.  They capture your attention with earthy tribal dances from legendary deserts.  Comfortable in your seat, you're swept away by Raqs Beladi, the ‘dance of folk’.  The lights come on, all too soon.
<p />
Contemporary tribal and Raqs Sharqi, known as cabaret-style belly dance, now enthrall you.  Modern instruments overlay the archetypal beat. You travel again along routes once navigated by caravans. 
<p />
Please accept this invitation to join Troupe Masarrat! and friends in a night of celebration. Seating is limited, so purchase your tickets early.  Purchase them at Appleway Video, Books and Gallery, Highlandia Jewelry, Oroville Pharmacy, and the Community Cultural Center. Of course, if you know a local dancer, you can obtain them directly from her.  
<p />
Entry costs $12 for CCC members, $15 for the general public and $6 for children. Gűle, gűle--go with joy.

<p />


  <center>      <h5>Advertise in The CCC Newsetter!<br />
It costs only $10 per month or $50 for 6 months to reach hundreds of people! <br /><br />
The CCC newsletter is sent to over 175 households and businesses, is available at numerous locations throughout town, and is posted on our website!<br /><br />
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more information.<br /></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 24th of each month, and are best emailed. Send to <script type="text/javascript">
//<![CDATA[
riverscramble()
//]]>
</script><br />Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the CCC of the product or service offered.</h6>

<center>**************************************************************************</center>
   

<p />