Volume 17, Issue 3
<h3>The Center News ~ March 2009</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>

I am often asked, "What is the Community Cultural Center?" Over the years I’ve thought a lot about the answer to that question, and still haven’t come up with a single answer. 
<p />
To say merely that the CCC is a multi-purpose building certainly doesn’t explain enough. I often find myself wanting to define the CCC in terms of who we are--not referring to the individuals involved, but rather that the organization is an actual entity unto itself. 
<p />
Wondering if this is a proper definition of the CCC, I checked the word "entity" in the dictionary: "An organized array of individual elements and parts forming and working as a unit" ...which largely depicts who we are, yet is not quite the proper answer, either. 
<p />
In the CCC brochure we describe the Center as “... a place for meetings, classes, work-shops, local theater, concerts, dances, bazaars and fairs, children’s play groups and summer art camps, parties, weddings, food production....” That essentially sums up what we offer on the physical level, but does that explain what the Community Cultural Center really is? 
<p/>
As you all know, the CCC is also a membership-based organization, mean­ing that our members are, to a certain extent, owners of the Community Cultural Center, which offers yet another definition!
<p />
 So evidently there really is no succinct answer to the question “What is the CCC?” but, rather, many answers. I suspect that every individual who uses the CCC--volunteers, members, and residents of the greater Okanogan community--could offer yet a different definition.  But I think we are all in agreement that the Community Cultural Center is here to enhance and benefit the entire north Okanogan County. And we are here to stay, thanks to the continued support of all of you!
<p />
Until next time,
<p />
River

<p />

<center><h7>
*  MARCH 20  * FRIDAY NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE
<br />
GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
<br />
Food • Artists • Music • Dance • Massage<br />
Facials • Women’s Health • Wearable Art • &amp; More
<br />
Come and join the FUN!
<br />
5:30 ~ 10 pm
</h7></center>

 <br />
<table><tr><td>
<a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com" target="_tlx"><img src="../ads/coop.gif" alt="Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op--The Best Lunch in Town!" width="300px" align="left" /></a>
</td><td>
<img src="../ads/grants.jpg" alt="Grants Market / Leavell Orchards, Grant Leavell--Owner" align="right" width="300px" />
</td></tr></table>
 <br />

<h1>Girls' Night Out Friday, March 20</h1>
 <i>~ by Suzanne Daley Howard</i>
<p />
 Wanted: All women ages 2-102! Reason: the first ever Girls’ Night Out. Join us on the first night of spring, March 20th from 5:30~10pm. This evening by, of, and (most importantly) for women features a host of musicians, artists, speakers and fun activities.
<p />
We are celebrating the end of winter by coming out of our cocoons and turning into butterflies! So much to see and do – artists will display their wares; wearable art such as jewelry, hats, scarves. lotions and potions. A fabulous hors d’ oeuvre dinner will be available for purchase, provided by a local caterer.
<p />
We have a full line up of speakers and musicians: Sandy Vaughn, folksinger; Mariliz Romano, Celtic harp; plus a surprise violin trio. Speakers include Cilla DeGraff, nurse practitioner on women’s health; Sage Jordan, psychotherapist, on the trials and tribulations of being fully human; Su Ianiello, massage therapist, on healing and massage; and Carol McMillan, well known poet.
<p />
Some of the fun activities planned throughout the night are a "Make Your Own Crown--Queen For A Day" booth, natural products facial booth, sharing shoulder massage with your friends, plus Girl Group Sing-Along.
<p />
Bonus: Clothing Exchange Booth --search your closet and find all the cool stuff that you’re not wearing. Bring it on down. We’ll have a table where you can leave them and swap out for someone else’s cool stuff.
<p />
Come on down and bring your girlfriends to the CCC on March 20th for Girls' Night Out.

<p /> 
 
<h1>Tonasket Writers’ Group Coffee House</h1>
  <i>~by Curt Howard</i>
<p />
The Friday Night Coffee House on February 20th proved to be a very entertaining evening.
<p />
We had a respectable sized audience, about 40 people, including two folks  from Gold Bar, a little town about 200 miles away on the west side.
<p />
Stellar performances were given by the Tonasket Writers’ Group, with a variety of works, from humor to romance to poetry. The open mike session also provided some outstanding read­ings from local talent, as well as Bud McSpadden and his music. Mornigstar cooked up delicious pizza, as usual, and everybody enjoyed themselves thoroughly. 
<p />
Look for them again at a future Friday Night Coffee House.

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

<h1>Musings Of The Old Days</h1>
<i>~by Gail Hogan</i>
<p />
It was late in 1991 that we ran into Tipi Michael at the Breadline Café, and he told us that the owner of the old Cascade Tire building next to the Co-op had offered it to the Co-op at a great price. But, he said, the Board declined the offer because the Co-op never has any extra money. This was true, yet we thought it was only fair that the general membership know of this offer and possibility.
<p />
Soon after, Tim I and I became Board members. Besides my duties as secretary, I made it my special project to research and circulate a proposal to purchase the building next door before the next general membership meeting. This building was a dream come true--to finally complete the promise made to the people who first came together as a community to buy a natural food store and later form a Co-op, with deli/bakery soon to follow. 
<p />
But, for many, the most crucial idea among the many was the establishment of a commu­nity center. A place where we felt comfortable to go on a day to day basis to talk, teach, learn and create; a place for music, dancing, classes, theater, and all the things that keep a culture and community alive. 
<p />
Russell Means (of the American Indian Movement) said, regarding community centers, "Unless the people have a place to go every day to share their culture, the culture will soon die."  
<p />
At the member­ship meeting the proposal was voted down, primarily because the Co-op never has any money and the building was a fixer-upper. However, it did seem that with all the great builders in our community, the work of fixing it up would bring people together and build community.
<p />
One door closes...so, those who still wanted to pursue the dream of a community center realized we would 1) have to create a new non-profit organization and 2) broaden our community support. The dream might have died had not Whispering Pine and Tomas met with Tim I and I to see if we could merge projects to buy a building large enough for many activities. They wanted to create a Learning Center. 
<p />
We energized each other and quickly moved forward with meetings and money. I think that it’s important to note and give respect that a small number of people did months of work and gave thousands of dollars, of their money and the money of their friends and family, to take a leap of faith for the future of our community.
<p />
When we found out that there was a $10,000 balloon payment coming due, we met to consider fundraisers. Thome George suggested that since he, Tim I, and I had put on reggae shows, maybe we could do a festival like Reggae On The River in California, and make it a fundraiser for the community center. When being part of the Roots Mountain Reggae Festival became a full time job, we resigned our Board seats but continued working for the center through this committee for years.
<p />
Boards seemed to come and go quickly in those years and I didn’t get to know many of them well. We did have a number of successful reggae fundraisers in the building besides the Roots Mountain Reggae Festival at the Barter Faire site during those years. We also had our office in a tiny room upstairs.
<p />
It is a joy to see the Center transformed and evolving. Just like a homestead, the Center is a perpetual work in progress that is a co-creation, which is what community really means.
<p />
The title of my first proposal to buy the building was "Unity Within Diversity--may it always be true". It is my dream come true that, after all these years, people can’t imagine Tonasket without the Community Center.

   <p />
<table><tr><td>
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</td></tr></table>
   <br />

<h1>Co-op Benefit Auction at CCC March 7</h1>

On Saturday, March 7th the <a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com" target= "_tlx">Tonasket Natural Food Co-op</a> will hold their <strong>Think Spring Benefit Auction</strong> at the CCC. Doors will open at 4:30, with dinner served beginning at 5:00. The evening’s entertainment will begin with the silent auction open­ing at 5 and the live auction from 7-8:00 pm.
<p />
Viewing of the auction items will commence when the doors open. Get a pre­view of the offerings for as long as possible to plan and consider your bidding strategy!
<p />
The dinner, prepared by local chef Judy Linetty, includes a choice of vegan, vege­tarian or meat la­sagna, plus baked vegetables, with green salad and garlic bread. Desserts and bever­ages will also be avail­able during the eve­ning.
<p />
There are many fabulous items that have been donated for the auction, including art­work, body­work, wear­able art, organic foods, overnight lodging, services and more. Rich Fuches will be the event’s auctioneer.
<p />
The proceeds from this auction will help the Co-op to pay for the new freezer they had to pur­chase when the old one became unusable. Please come out and support YOUR Co-op!

<p />
  
<center><h7> 
*  APRIL 3  *  FRIDAY NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE
<br />
MEET &amp; GREET SINGLES' NIGHT
<br />
Meet new friends!
<br />
Doors open 5:30pm
<br />
Save the date!
</h7></center>

<p />

<h1>Musical Friday Night Coffee House Report</h1>
<i>~by Janet Culp</i>
<p />
A crowd of about 100 people turned out for the Friday Night Coffee House on February 6. Performers included: Mariliz Romano, Doug Wilson, Leah Passaro, Jay Atchison, Jim Briggs, and Kevin on the base guitar. 
<p />
The first hour included harp, piano, and singing Celtic &amp; Irish songs. The second hour was filled with jazz from a newly formed quartet that sounded as though they had been together for years. Morningstar prepared pizza for everyone, with some added dishes furnished by other chefs. 
<p />
The front room was filled with happy, fully fed people clapping and tapping to the wonderful presenta­tions. Many faces were present that we had not seen before, including teachers and school staff who have followed Jay’s music career for years. It was, all and all, a great, fun-filled musical evening.

 
<center><h7>*  MARCH 27  *  FRIDAY NIGHT COFFEE HOUSE
<br />
MASTER GARDENERS talk on Pruning Grapes, also on Soft Fruits
<br />
Doors open at 5, Dinner served at 5:30
<br />
Presentation begins at 6 pm</h7></center>

<br />
<h5>
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR TALENT SHOW VOLUNTEERS! 
<br /><br />
Cooks and kitchen crew, <br />
Set-up folks and Clean-up folks,<br />
Sound and Stage crew,<br />
Ticket-takers and Performers,<br />
and, of course, Bud McSpadden, MC
<br /><br />
We could not have done it without your help!
</h5>
<br />

<h1>CCC Annual Talent Show--A Great Success</h1>
 <i>~by Janet Culp</i>
<p />
The 14th annual CCC Family Talent Show, held on January 31st, was a very fun and well-attended event.
<p />
Ellie Pier and family provided a tasty baked potato meal, and delicious desserts were prepared and donated by various people.
<p />
17 local performers filled the evening with song, dance, poetry and other wonderful forms of entertainment. The old CCC stage was filled with light, sounds, and action throughout the evening. A major highlight was local comedian, Bud McSpadden as MC. Bud brought us entertainment in the form of a 'Middle Eastern dancer' complete with veils and jewels, performed in Rasta costume complete with dreadlocks, accompanied by his fish--Billy Bass--also sporting dreadlocks, singing "Don’t worry, Be Happy". 
<p />
John Jones set up and ran the sound and lights, Sunny Lanigan kept the stage and performers on track, and the audience cheered everyone on and off. 
<p />
All who attended had a great time, and for those who could not make it, next year’s show promises to be another evening to remember.

<p />

<h1>Plant &amp; Seed Exchange Planned</h1>

A plant and seed exchange is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 25, 9-4pm at Tonasket’s Triangle Park. 
<p />
This event, organized by Michael Pilarski (also fondly known as Skeeter) of <a href="http://www.friendsofthetrees.net" target="_tlx">Friends of the Trees Society</a>, is offering an opportunity for folks to sell, barter, or give away plant wares. 
<p />
Everyone is invited to bring their extra seeds, plants, potted veggie starts, herb divisions, fruit trees berry bushes, nursery stock, tubers, scionwood, and gardening tools. According to the announce­ment, booths are not necessary unless the weather is inhospitable. 
<p />
For more information on participating in this event contact Skeeter at 486-2672 or by email at <a href="mailto:michael@friendsofthetrees.net">michael@friendsofthetrees.net</a>

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<img src="../ads/wildrose.jpg"  alt="Wild Rose Floral Design" width="300px" align="right" />
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<h4>Saturday, April 11 at the CCC
<br /><br />
Indoor Flea Market
<br /><br />
~ For One Day Only ~
<br /><br />
6ft. Tables - $10
<br /><br />
Limited Space so Sign Up Early!
<br /><br />
Donate Your Books to CCC Book Sale Table
<br /><br />
Call the CCC Office at 486-1328</h4>

<p />
 
<h1>Special Screening of Locally Filmed Documentary March 13</h1>

On Friday March 13 the documentary <i>Back To The Garden, Flower Power Comes Full Circle</i> will be shown at the CCC. 
<p />
This film is about the back-to-the-land movement of the 70’s and 80’s, and most of the filming was done in Okanogan County. The show centers on interviews with six people, five of them residents or former residents of Okanogan County. There is footage from the 1988 Spring Healing Gathering held at Tirth, which is located in the Cape LaBelle area of the Aeneas Valley and footage from the 2007 Fairy &amp; Human Relations Congress, held in the Methow valley and from the Okanogan Family Faire.
<p />
This Special Screening at the CCC, in honor of the cast and the Okanogan community, will be repeated in Twisp on Saturday March 14th (NOT in Twisp on Thursday the 12th, as was stated in our print newsletter--the dates were changed after our mailing.).  
<p />
The movie will begin at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:30. Producers Kevin Tomlinson and Judy Kaplan will be on hand to present the film and for Q & A following the screening.  
<p />
This event is a <a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com" target="_tlx">Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op</a> fundraiser.
Call the CCC office 486-1328, or the Co-op at 486-4188 for more information.

<p />

  <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 24th 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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