Volume 17, Issue 5
<h3>The Center News ~ May 2009</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>

April seemed to go by in a whirl­wind of activity here at the Center. Not only was there an event every weekend last month, but the office was almost constantly bustling with action as well. 
<p />
The biggest change by far was the “big purge” of the back room and upstairs. In just a few days we emptied the building of lots and lots of stuff – some stored, some sold or given away. Thanks to many volunteers and a big rum­mage sale the building is now nearly devoid of all the surplus stuff and ready to start on the major renovation project ahead. 
<p />
This is the big one, folks – the remodel of the big back room. It’ll take several months at least, but when we’re done the Dance Hall will be transformed. No more broken, boarded up windows. No more garage door where a wall ought to be. And no more mechanics’ bay in the floor. 
<p />
We’re embarking on a brand new era for the CCC, one that we’ve spent years working towards. This is a very exciting moment for us all, and one that could never have been reached had it not been for all the unwavering community and volunteer support. We have closed off the back room now and it won’t be usable for the entire time we’re in construction, but just wait till you see what YOUR community center looks like when they’re done!
<p />
The first job at hand is to replace the roof in the back of the building. Years of old roofing needs to come off.  Due to the amount of insulation and debris we’re expecting we have hired a company from Wenatchee to come in and do that part of the job. That should be completed May 11 or 12; then we will have a local Tonasket contractor build the new roof. By the end of May we will be ready to advertise for construction bids on the Dance Hall, and by mid June we should be ready to award the contract. Our plan is to hire locally whenever we can.  We’ll certainly keep you all posted on the developments.
<p />
Typically events and activities at the CCC slow down during the summer. This summer might be particularly slow due to so much construction, although we do have two sessions of Summer Art Camp and several entertainment events planned, so watch for notices. Magician Louie Foxx will be returning to the CCC this month for a dinner show as well as a kid’s magic workshop. More information on that can be found on <a href="../ccc_calendar.php">the calendar</a>.
<p />
Finally, I would like to welcome our newest board member, Greg McGriff.  Now for the first time in many years we have a full board.  Greg has already pitched in lots – from helping with grant research, to working on policies, to rolling up his sleeves and tackling a load or two or dishes.  Thanks, Greg for joining us!
<p />
In closing, I ask for your continued support of the CCC while in this transition period. Now, more than ever, we need you to stay current on your membership dues, rent the building, encourage new members, and even consider sending a small donation to go towards operations.  With so much going on, we still need to keep our doors open to the public!
<p />
Thank you for everything,
<p />
River
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<h1>Green Okanogan Fair Well Attended, Informative</h1>
<i> ~submitted by Carol Lanigan </i>
<p />
Many thanks to the presenters, volunteers, and organizers of this year’s Green Okanogan Alternatives Fair. What an informative day we had learning about native plants and soils, permaculture, local producers, trails and recycling.
<p />
The cooks made an amazing meal of local fare and participants of the eco-housing tour were very pleased with their day in the field viewing a Mikey block passive solar home as well as two strawbale houses.
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One of the exciting things we learned about at the Fair is the designation of the Pacific Northwest Trail.  It's a National Scenic Trail, with the Whistler Canyon trailhead to be accessed from Hwy 97 near Oroville in the near future. Another trail on the Similkemin River is also being planned.
<p />
We’re excited to keep the conversation going and start moving on a local recycling center, so watch for upcoming events sponsored by Green Okanogan and see how you can get involved.
<p />
Thanks to Terri Williams, Mariah Cornwoman, Albert Roberts, Michael Pilarski, Mark Morris and Ron Draggo for the presentations. Dosh and Tory, Lisa and Jason, and Sandy and Harris were gracious enough to open their homes to guests for the eco tour.  And a special thanks to Peter, Loreen, Lesa, Phil, Life has Meaning, Mikkel and Carol for planning a great event.
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<h1>Recycling in North Okanogan County</h1>
<i> ~submitted by Loreen Felstet</i>
<p />
The GO ReCycle eCycle (electronic recycling) at the Green Okanogan conference was a great success, collecting approximately 10 pallets of eWaste.  Included were televisions, computer monitors and towers, along with all-in-one computers like Macs and some laptops, as well.
<p />
With the change in the eCycling legislation, licensed electronics collectors can now accept items for repair and/or resale.  When we have finished preparing the collected electronics (which means sorting and shrink-wrapping onto pallets) we can call for a pick-up. All qualifying items that are shipped off to the processing center, which is located in Washington State, will earn 10 cents a pound as seed money toward creation of a GO Recycle program.
<p />
Ron Draggo, from the Douglas County Recycling Center, spoke about the feasibility of starting a recycling facility in our area.  Methow Recycling has been successful – they break even financially every year.  He went on to speak about the amount of work involved as well as dedication; expect to begin the project with about 30 volunteers. Ultimately the center will have some paid positions as well as many volunteer opportunities.
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One main objective of GO ReCycle, Tonasket is to keep what we can use locally and utilize the commodities to benefit the community. We have followed through with this ideal with the eWaste collection as well as glass projects plans. One of the first products planned in the glass project would be glass tiles for people to use who are building homes locally. So, rather than pay to dispose of your glass and con­tributing to filling the landfill, you could be contributing to building a stronger, local economy. Another objective is to save the community money through the use of the GO ReCycle center.
<p />
Our hope is to work toward creating a more comprehensive facility, which would be conveniently located for residents in the Tonasket area. The future could include other similar sites located around Okanogan County. For more information on this and upcoming presentations, please log on to GO’s website at <a href="http://www.greenokanogan.org" target="_tlx">www.GreenOkanogan.Org</a>
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<h1>First Farmers’ Market June 4th </h1>
 <i>~submitted by Suzanne Dailey Howard</i>
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Farmers’ Market is opening soon!  An organizational meeting for the 2009 season of Tonasket Farmers’ Market was held April 7.  Several important decisions were made at the session, which was moderated by River Jones and attended by 13 vendors and two CCC board members.
<p />
Matt Welles was unanimously chosen to be Market Manager, as people agreed he did a fine job in that capacity last year.  Agreed upon, also, was an earlier start date to the weekly market, June 4th. Time, day, and place remain unchanged-- every Thursday through October, from 3pm – 7pm at Triangle Park in Tonasket.
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The exciting new change at Tonasket Farmers’ Market is that we now are eligible to accept WIC and Senior Food Vouchers, due to an increase in Market vendors.
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From the farmer’s hand to your table, fresh, ripe and local produce is coming soon!
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See you at the Market!  
<p />

<h1> Introducing Newest CCC Board Member </h1>
<i> by Greg McGriff</i>
<p />
I am the newest CCC board member. I returned to Tonasket about two years ago after a period of time in Se­attle.  My return was prompted by the strong sense of community evident in To­nasket. I want to be involved with the CCC board to give back to the community that has embraced me. I hope to be returning to work soon as a nurse practitioner. I am occasionally seen in the company of my two daughters Maddie and Fiona.
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<h1>Community Bulletin-Board Online</h1>
Need a ride somewhere? Have livestock or produce for sale? Want to put out the word on a party? Looking for a used car?  Have a washer you want to trade for a dryer?  Try the <a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com/corkboards/" target="_tlx">Co-op CorkBoards</a>.
<p />
They're an online version of the old Tonasket Natural Food Co-op bulletin board, where we've been posting notices with needs and offerings for years.  This is a handy solution for those folks who don’t drive into town as much as they log-in online (and for those who get overwhelmed when in town running errands on ‘town day’ and miss half the posters….)
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The online ‘cork boards’ are organized by category, from goods to services to gatherings and trying to find people – check them all out. No registration is required to read or post, but anyone can (and should) email the boards about inappropriate messages (spam, profanity, or anything injurious to another will be deleted.) as it's all  for folks looking to sell, buy, trade and connect  <strong>locally</strong>.  You can find the link to these online classifieds at <a href="http://www.tonasketcoop.com" target="_tlx">www.TonasketCoop.com</a>.

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<h1>LFW North Dance Classes Enjoyed Successful Season</h1>

This will be the final full month of LFW North dance classes at the CCC until the fall season begins this September. We were all very pleased with the “partnership” the CCC formed with LFW School of Dance, and plan to continue for many years to come.
<p />
Adorning the front windows of the CCC building this week are local entries in a poster contest commemorating National Dance Week (April 24 – May 3). These posters, created by LFW Dance students, will be displayed for a few weeks in the CCC windows and in other businesses around town. 
<p />
The contest, sponsored by Children’s Dance Theater, awarded a Grand Prize of $50 to be used for a dance related expense, and four first place prizes in each age category of a $25 gift certificate to Empire Dance Shop in Spokane.
<p />
For information on the 2009-10 dance season call Stacy Gleason at 486-2817, or Children’s Dance Theater at 509-996-2544.
<p />                    

<h1> Volunteer Needed to Pull Weeds </h1>

The CCC needs a little help with “yardwork” this spring. Our flowerbeds and green area in front of the building are coming to life – plants, flowers, weeds and all!  Right now would be the perfect time to pull those pesky weeds, and the CCC is asking for a volunteer to spend an hour or two helping out. (It shouldn’t take more than that – it’s not a very large area.)
<p />
These little touches that help to beautify the Community Cultural Center are a simple way to make our community a nicer place for all.
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<h1> Friday Night Coffee House Series-- Entertaining, Fun, Educational</h1>
<i>~submitted by Curt Howard</i>
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The CCC thanks all of the many, many members and non-members alike who have come and shared in our great season of Friday Night Coffee Houses.   The 2008-9 season brought hundreds of people, education and entertainment for everyone’s enjoyment.
<p />
Thanks again, and we invite you all to join us in the next Friday Night Coffee House series, which will begin this coming fall.  Entertainment and education will abound!
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<h1>From New York City to Tonasket: Observations Of A Regular Visitor</h1>

Although I make my home 3000 miles from Tonasket, a part of my heart is here in the person of my daughter, River Jones.  I am a frequent summer visitor and spend many hours in the Commu­nity Center and have enjoyed some of the activities with a lot of you.
<p />
I am moved to express how much I value the warmth and care that I see in the Center and indeed the town.  River has kindly invited me to tell you about my reactions to the Community Cultural Center.
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My home is in a large metropolitan city, and so very different in feeling than Tonasket. New York has its charms and much culture.  But, unless you are on a museum board or in the cast of a play, it has an arms’ length quality. Tonasket has an intimate feeling and the  Community Center is truly a community endeavor. Many of you bring your own skills and interests to the programs.
<p />
One summer I was in town during Summer Art Camp. I watched River and several other people teach work-shops to the children of the community.  All of the  instructors were local artists.  I watched a woodworker do some amazing work with a group of children and Bud McSpadden’s clown make-up class was a great hit. The puppet makers were so creative with the kids and the felting class was very inspiring. I watched children who started the classes in awe of things they thought they couldn’t do, emerge from the classes with beaming smiles at their successes.
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I also attended some dances and dinners. No one sits friendless at these events, which creates a genuine feeling of warmth throughout the evening. Often River sends me the Center News, and I think that if one wanted to, it is possible to be busy every day of the week.
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I also see that more and more the community contributes ideas, talent and energy, which in turn benefits everyone. I look forward to my summer visits and to seeing so many of you again. It is particularly encouraging to see the progress each year, and the Center is looking greatly improved. 
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And so many of you make me feel so very much at home in Tonasket.           
<p />
<i> ~Judy Sager</i>

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<h1>  Summer Art Camp Registration Begins May 1st</h1>
Kids: get ready, get set, CREATE! Summer Art Camp is coming up, and all children from the area are invited to attend!
<p />
The week of June 15 - 19 is the first Art Camp session at the CCC. This is for kids ages five through ten years old. Classes begin at 10:30am and are scheduled throughout the day until 4:30pm. July 6 - 10 will be the week for older campers, ages 11 and up.  Times for that session are 10 till noon and 1 until 3pm.
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Registration begins May 1st for first time campers and all others after May 2nd.  Tonasket registrar Peggy Crandall may be reached at (509) 223-3172;  or call Jody Olson at (509) 322-4071 to register for July camp or with additional questions.   Camp fills up very quickly so be sure to call right away!
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Art Camp, now in it’s 5th year, is a tremendous opportunity for children of all ages to experience art in its many forms; watercolors, puppets, fiber arts, music, drama and much, much more.  Summer Art Camp offers it all for $1 - $5 a day per child. A small number of scholarships are also available.
<p />
This program is funded entirely by donations and small grants. Funding is still needed. To donate money or materials call Jody Olson, or mail your check (made out to the CCC) to Apple Hill Art, c/o The Community Cultural Center, P.O. Box 664, Tonasket, WA 98855. 
<p />
Also needed are rubber stamps, glass for stained  glass and mosaic materials, which can be dropped off at the Center whenever it is open.  Remember, the CCC is a non-profit organization and all do­nations are tax-deductible.
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<h1> Comedy, Magic and Dinner May 8 – Kid’s Workshop May 9</h1>

Friday, May 8, The CCC will host an evening of Comedy, Magic and Dinner with Seattle-based performer, Louie Foxx.
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Dinner will begin at 6pm. The menu includes a choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu or Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms as entrée, with a choice of soups, a green salad, rice pilaf, and a steamed vegetable on the side. Apple crisp for dessert and a beverage are included, and all this, plus the evening’s entertainment costs a mere $14 for CCC members and $15 for non-members.
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Dinner will be prepared in the CCC kitchen by Ellie Pier and crew. There will be a waitstaff to serve diners in style, and with Mr. Foxx entertaining this should be a very memorable evening. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. Once all the tables are all taken in the CCC dining room no one else will be seated.
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The following day, Saturday May 9, Louie Foxx will offer a Magic Workshop – divulging tips and secrets of his trade. This hour-long event is geared towards children ages five through 12, although “kids and adults who think like kids” are all invited to participate. Admission to this event, which starts at 10am, is $10 for CCC members and $12 for the general public. A multi-child discount is available; two or more kids from the same family will receive $2 off per child.
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Louie Foxx, a self-declared 30-year-old kid, has entertained audiences throughout the Seattle area. He will also be performing at the Tonasket Elementary School as well as the Outreach Program earlier in the day Friday.  Mark your calendars for May 8 and 9 and come out to the CCC – you can be assured that magic, comedy, and lots of laughs are guaranteed to be had by all!
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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">
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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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