Volume 17, Issue 4
<h3>The Center News ~ April 2009</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>

It’s nice to see signs of spring finally showing. Seems like it’s been a long winter, but with all the activities here at the Center, it’s certainly been a very busy winter. And, looking at the <a href="../ccc_calendar.php" target="_tlx">calendar</a>, I can assure you that spring will be easily as full, if not more so!
<p />
There are several upcoming events that I highly recommend attending. This is the second year of <i>Green Okanogan Alternative Fair</i>, held in honor of Earth Day on April 18 and 19. The two-day event will cover many informative topics, offer a chance for network­ing with others on pertinent subjects and end with an Eco Housing Tour of several places in the area. (Scroll down for a complete schedule)
<p />
Also this month there will be a performance by the Michael Tracey Band on April 25, a Blues band from Oregon, with a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chefs kicking off the evening. Details are on the back page of your newsletter, complete with menu, prices and times. This show by an award-winning performer will be a rare treat for the CCC, so be sure to come out and dance to the blues that night!
<p />
Finally, I’d like to let you know of the return engagement of a very entertaining man, Louie Foxx, a Seattle-based magician and comedian. On Friday, May 8, the CCC will present Louie at a Dinner Theater venue. Then, the following morning, Mr. Foxx will give a magic workshop for kids and kids-at-heart. Times and other details are still be­ing planned and will be announced soon, but it’s not too early to mark your calendars for May 8 and 9 and plan on attending.
<p />
Aside from events, the CCC is keeping the board and staff busy with preparations for our upcoming renovations. We are currently working on roof repairs, reworking architectural plans, and researching acoustical improvement options. Soon to come will be The-Cleanout-Of-The-Back­Room, which will be a very big undertaking, as I’m sure you can imagine. Everything that is in there must be removed in order to renovate.
<p />
If anyone has personal belongings stored in there this is the time to come get your stuff--in fact, if you have anything at all stored in the building, please do come and claim it. Unclaimed items will be sold at the indoor flea market, given away, recycled, or (as last-case scenario) brought to the landfill. Thank you for your understanding!
<p />
In closing, I would like to share an exciting observation I have had lately. In the past several months we have welcomed many new CCC members, which might seem a little surprising due to the state of affairs in our country. Even though the US economy is suffering and people here have been hit fairly hard with financial woes, our membership has grown and our events have seen record attendance numbers.  (Haven't joined yet? click <a href="../ccc_bemember.php" target="_tlx">here</a>.)
<p />
I think it is because people are recognizing that the CCC is here for the community, and in joining they can claim a little ownership in one of the most vital organizations in north Okanogan County. So, who says times are tough? we know we have the riches of this thriving Okanogan community.
<p />
Until next time,
<p />
River
 
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<h1>Girls’ Night Out Was Fun, Well Attended</h1> 
Last month’s Girls Night Out Coffee House was a wonderful event, with about 100 'girls' coming and going throughout the evening, ages ranging from 14 months to 70-something. 
<p />
There seemed to be activities going on all through the night, with women singing, sharing knowledge, sharing poetry, massaging, playing music, eating, talking, hugging and laughing. The vendor booths added a fun element of shopping (if nothing else, 'window shopping'), and the food, catered by <b>Silver Touch Special Occasions</b> was delicious.
<p />
One of the highlights of the evening was the Clothing Exchange, or, as Suzanne Daily Howard dubbed it, Free Shopping. Just as the name implies, women brought their own unwanted clothing and shoes, which were displayed on racks, tables and even inverted boxes when the table became too full. 'Shopping' consisted of sifting through the piles and perhaps finding something new to take home.
<p />
The first ever CCC Girls’ Night Out attracted women from all over the county: Oroville, Omak, Riverside, Wauconda, and of course all around Tonasket. Old friends sat and caught up on each others’ lives, and new friendships were created that night.
<p />
If you were one of the unfortunate women who missed this fabulous event don’t fret, because plans are already in the works for the Second Annual Girls’ Night Out sometime next spring!

<p />
<h4><font size="+1"><strong>Co-op Cork Boards--The Online Version!</strong></font><br />
NEW!  (added April 13)  find a RideShare, buy, sell, barter, and connect with this 
<br />online version of a Co-op tradition.  Go to <a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com/corkboards/" target="_tlx">www.TonasketCoop.com/CorkBoards/</a>
 <br />
</h4>
<br />

<h1> FINAL Friday Night Coffee House of this season! </h1>

*  April 3  * MEET &amp; GREET SINGLE'S NIGHT  5:30 ~ 10 pm
<br /><br />
This will be the first time for such an event, and all single folks from all walks of life are encouraged to attend.
<br /><br />
Doors will open at 5pm as usual, and dinner will be served 5:30 – 7. The menu features a Lasagna dinner – both vegetarian and meat, served with bread and salad. Cost is $7 a plate.
<br /><br />
There are activities planned for the evening as well and this event promises to be fun and entertaining – certainly a way to meet new people and perhaps make a few new friends.

<p />

<h1>  GREEN  OKANOGAN  ~  Earth Day Alternative Fair  </h1>

<center>Presentations, Demonstrations, Discussions</center>
<p />
Doors Open at 9:30 for Registration, Coffee, and Networking<br />
First 50 attendees to register receive a CFL (Compact Florescent Lightbulb)
<p />
<strong>Saturday, April 18</strong>
<ul>
<li>10-11 am . <strong>Master Gardeners</strong> - Presentation on Native Plants</li>
<li>11-12 ...... <strong>Soil Analysis</strong> - Information on Soil Deficiencies, Testing and Composting</li>
<li>Noon-1 .... <strong>Lunch Break</strong> - A Light Lunch will be Available</li>
<li>1-1:30 ...... <strong>Okanogan Producers Co-op</strong> - Finding and Buying Our Food Locally</li>
<li>1:30-2:15 . <strong>PermaCulture</strong> - Information &amp; Reference Library Resource Availability</li>
<li>2:15-2:45 . <strong>Trails</strong> - Program Information for Okanogan County</li>
<li>3-5 .......... <strong>Recycling in Okanogan County</strong> - Speakers on Recycling Center Start Up.<br />
Join the conversation and network to help form a recycling center in north Okanogan County.<br />
With <i>The Story of Stuff</i> a 20-minute film + Question &amp; Answer Session</li>
</ul>
<strong>Sunday, April 19</strong>
<ul>
<li>10 am ..... <strong>Eco Housing Tour</strong> - Meet at the CCC and bring a sack lunch Come enjoy this tour representing sustainable home living, recycled efficiency, passive solar, sod roofing, straw bale construction, and more.</li>
</ul>

<p />
<center><strong>e-Waste Collection Drive on Saturday</strong> (see the next article). </center>
<p />
Call Peter at 846-5800 for more information.  <br />
For ongoing info check out <a href="http://www.greenokanogan.org" target="_tlx">www.GreenOkanogan.Org</a>

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<h1>What is 'e-Waste' and What Can We Do About It?</h1>
 
e-Waste, a relatively new issue for society, is rapidly becoming a problem. When computers and other similar equipment break or become obsolete they need to be replaced. But what's to be done with the discarded equipment? They are made with materials that can be hazardous in landfills, and often still have usable parts. 
<p />
This is where <strong>eCycle</strong> comes in. Bring your unwanted televisions, computers, monitors and laptops to the CCC for recycling on Saturday, April 18.  Also accepted will be printers, cell phones, ink and copier cartridges, iPods, camcorders, digital cameras and more. 
<p />
For more detailed information call Loreen Felstet at 486-2769 or Peter James at 846-5800. 

<p/>

<h1>Free Tai Chi-Chi Jung Workshop Series in April</h1>

Fundamentals of Tai Chi-Chi Jung is offered on 4 Thursday evenings, from 5-6pm, beginning April 9. 
<p/>
This four-week workshop deals with the fundamentals of these ancient healing arts. Course will include a detailed look at body postures and movements as well as the phi­losophy behind this age-old art form. Also explored will be the understanding and experience of Chi energy in the body and how it relates to the physical/mental world. 
<p />
Tai Chi-Chi Jung has been used for over a thousand years to help counteract the negative effects of living in modern society.  Learning to be rooted, strengthening of the legs, straightening of the spine, helping avoid 'spacey thinking', promotion of longer life, as well of many other benefits.
<p />
Instructor Ryan L. Burlingame has taught martial arts for over six years and has just recently immersed himself in Tai Chi and Chi Jung. He trains 1 to 3 hours a day and currently teaches 6 students 2 days a week.  His joy is watching people walk out of practice transformed both physically and mentally. Ryan feels it is a true honor to share these healing arts with others.
<p />
There will be no charge for this introductory workshop, although partici­pants are encouraged to offer a small monetary donation to the Commu­nity Cultural Center's op­erating fund.


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<h1>2nd Annual Okanogan County Plant and Seed Exchange</h1>

Saturday, April 25, 9am ~ 4pm at Tonasket’s Triangle Park. 
<p /> 
This event is sponsored by the CCC and <a href="http://www.friendsofthetrees.net" target="_tlx">Friends of the Trees Society</a>. There will be no charge to set up, and participants are invited to bring seeds, plants, vegetable starts, herb divisions, fruit trees, berry bushes, gardening tools, etc. Goods may be sold, bartered, or simply given away. 
<p />
This is an opportunity for folks to obtain plant materials and tools for their gardens and homesteads, which enables more home food production in our area. The Plant and Seed Exchange will also provide the venue for educational talks by local farming and gardening experts. 
<p />
Email <a href="mailto:michael@friendsofthetrees.net">Michael Pilarski</a> for more information or to schedule a short workshop.
<p />
Triangle Park, located at the north end of Tonasket, is a relatively small space, so it's important to contact Michael ahead of time if you plan on putting up a booth. 
<p />
Many participants will simply be bringing their wares and making them available without setting up a shelter, although those with delicate plants, etc. are encouraged to consider the weather conditions and prepare accordingly. 

<p />

<h1>Indoor Flea Market--Clean Out &amp; Make A Little Extra Cash</h1>

On Saturday, April 11 the CCC will be hosting an Indoor Flea Market, renting six-foot table spaces for $10 each. This is a perfect opportunity to sort through all the unwanted stuff that has been cluttering up your basement, garage, or attic and turning it into cash.
<p />
It's also a chance for collectors to pick up some good deals and treasures--perhaps the very thing you’ve been looking for to decorate the baby’s room or as yard-art.
<p />
The sale will be 8am-3pm on Saturday, with set-up occurring the afternoon before. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, although there will be a few tables available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the event.
<p />
The CCC will also be having a table (or two) with items from the building that are service-able but not needed anymore, as well as a Book Sale table. Although we are not seeking donations of items for that part of the sale, we are accepting books, in good condition, to sell at the Book Sale. You may bring books, in boxes or bags, to the CCC Tuesday through Thursday, up until the day of the sale.   
 
<p />

<h1>Tonasket Natural Foods Co-op Annual Membership Meeting</h1>

Sunday May 3rd- 5pm
<p />
We will be electing 4 new board members. Come show your support!

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<h1>Michael Tracey Band Coming To CCC April 25</h1>

On Saturday, April 25, the CCC will host a dance and dinner, beginning at 5:30pm, with Michael Tracey &amp; The Hi-Tones, a blues band from Eugene Oregon playing 7-10pm.
<p />
Dinner, which will be served up until 7:00, will be a Louisiana-style Jambalaya, chicken or vegetarian, served over rice and accompanied by salad and bread. Cost will be $7 for an adult’s plate and half-price for children 10 and under. 
<p />
Admission to the dance will be $5 for CCC members and $6 for all others. As usual, children 12 &amp; under will be admitted for free if accompanied by an adult.
<p />
Michael Tracey has been playing and singing the blues for most of his life. He was recently awarded best male blues vocalist at the 2009 Rainy Day Blues Society’s annual awards held in Eugene, Oregon. In addition, his band, the Hi-Tones, was voted Best Contemporary Blues Band. 
<p />
Michael Tracey &amp; the Hi-Tones have an album entitled <i>Got to Bet Away</i> which is soon to be released. Michael was the 2007 winner of the Northwest Harmonica Championships. He also placed first place in the Eugene Music Festival song writing contest for a song he entered which is on his upcoming album. His is a unique talent in that not only is he a great harmonica player, but he is also a soulful and talented singer and songwriter. 
<p />
He will be performing at the Community Cultural Center with an all star cast of players: Pete 'the beat' Burger on drums, Natty "O" (Jerry Leff) on bass, and Chesaw resident Steve Shure on guitar.


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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 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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