Over the past four years that I have been here at the Center I’ve often thought about the “early days” (and nights!) of the CCC--and the people who were instrumental in pioneering this project. What do those "movers and shakers" think about all the changes that have taken place? Have they been happy with the direction we’re going in? Or do they wish we had stayed small, quiet, and more private?
So I have been conducting an informal survey. I’ve talked to numerous folks who were involved way back when we were still in our in fancy as a center--still in the “project” mode. Without mentioning names, I can report that the response has been over¬whelmingly positive--with statements like, "We’re just so glad to be a part of something really good!" and "I don’t think we’d have gotten this far without the support of the town-folks." And, I absolutely agree.
From where I sit, I can see the amazing results of what we’ve been doing here. It is fairly certain that we could not have come this far without embracing the greater north Okanogan community and offering everyone the opportunity to participate in this incredible organization. I am convinced that had we not taken the course that we did, the CCC would still be a huge “project” waiting to be launched! For that reason I would like to thank all those early CCC pioneers for your understanding and support of what we are doing and the directions we are taking to better the community we all love!
I have a few updates to share with everybody. First, on the building project, the old roof has been removed and we have hired Advanced Roofing, a local company, to re-roof the back of the building. By the time this newsletter is out they should be done. Curt Howard, Reed Engel and John Jones are currently working on the bid specs for the next phase of the renovations and we hope to hire a contractor shortly.
All of this takes lots of time and planning – there’s much to consider and learn in the process! CCC activities typically slow down during the warmer months and this year is no exception. Most of the ongoing classes are either done for summer or will be mid-month and there are no CCC fundraisers planned for June. However, we are looking forward to this year’s Summer Art Camp and a couple of benefit events, which sound like fun. You will find more information on those inside this newsletter.
Tonasket Farmers' Market will begin on June 4th this year--earlier than in years past, and we are anticipating a very successful season. I plan on frequenting our Farmers’ Market, and I hope you all do too. Suzanne Dailey Howard will be submitting her CCC Market Report to the Gazette-Tribune again this year, which was a very entertaining and informative weekly piece, one we all looked forward to reading.
Again, I want to remind everyone that vendors may now accept WIC and Senior food vouchers, and a big thank-you goes out to Morningstar who helped work on the application and other details it took to qualify for that. I also want to take this opportunity to once again thank Matt Welles for taking on the big job of Market Manager, one that he performs with compassion and pride.
It can not be stressed enough that our volunteers are vital to our success and without you we would not be here--and that goes for all you CCC members, as well! It’s fulfilling to know that we really are making a big difference in our little community. So, thank you for joining us in this endeavor!
Until next time,
River
Auction, Dinner & Slideshow to Benefit Peruvian Villages
On Saturday, June 27 CCC member Starr Cross will present a benefit event to help the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon. Proceeds from this show, which includes an auction, a jungle-style dinner, slideshow and readings of Amazon-inspired poetry, will help the natives there to buy medicines, medical supplies and school supplies.
The featured auction item will be a six-day Amazon Jungle Excursion, as well as beautiful jewelry, artwork, and various other items donated by Starr.
Time and costs for this event still need to be determined. (check back for updates on the CCC Calendar page)
For more information, or to help with the event or donate goods, call Starr Cross at (509) 557-9480.
Getting To Know The CCC Board Members: Janet Culp
Janet was born and raised in Okanogan. After two years at WSU, she married Trygve Culp, her high school sweetheart. He graduated from the University of Idaho and ROTC, and together they spent 10 years in the Army.
In 1979 they returned to Okanogan, built a big log home, raised four children and became interested in horses. They moved to the Omak flat on a five-acre piece to have some horses and enjoy farm life. Tryg worked for the Forest Service in Tonasket, so they decided to move closer to town in 1997. Janet commuted to work in Okanogan, continuing her career as a nurse.
After 22 years in the nursing field, she retired and became active in volunteering her time with the CCC. She has been on the board for three years, and enjoys helping with fundraising efforts and events. She states that she is excited to be part of all of the changes, and seeing the community of Tonasket come together at the center.
A very special thank-you to the following people for your generosity:
Pam & Lyman
Claire & Ed
Bob & Jane
Melanie & Rob
Harvey
Leonard & Linda
Sandy
Benefit Dinner and Dance June 20
KUNDA! Marimba Drum & Dance band will be performing at the CCC for a benefit dinner and concert on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 6:00 pm.
This event is a fundraiser for the local Tibetan Buddhist group, the Pamtingpa Center, and proceeds from the evening will help the group to fund various projects they have planned.
The evening’s dinner, which will be served beginning at 6pm, will offer a choice of Thai or Indian Curried tofu or chicken, served with rice, vegetables and a green salad. Also included in the evening’s fare will be refreshing juice/tea drinks as well as a selection of desserts by donation. The music will begin at 7:00.
KUNDA!’s music is energetic and fun to dance to; a joyous celebration of life. The marimba is an African-style xylophone, and the band’s sound is based on African contemporary and ancient rhythms, which is fun to dance to.
Also included in the evening’s festivities will be a dessert auction of amazing homemade pies, cakes and cookies. This is an opportunity to fill your freezer with great desserts for unexpected special celebrations or just to brighten a regular day.
Come be part of a great evening. Dine, dance and find out more about the Pamtingpa Center, whose office is located upstairs in the CCC.
Dinner will be $12 a plate, and admission to the dance is $5. Call 486-1440 or 509-556-2001 for more information.
The following are items that the CCC could use:
* Soaker-hoses for flower beds
* Filing cabinet
* Food processor
* House plants (easy care)
* Nice throw rugs for entryway
* Large wall clocks
If anyone has any of these items to donate please contact the CCC office at 486-1328
Congratulations to long-time CCC member
Bodie Cabiyo
2009 Tonasket High School Valedictorian!
Good luck to you and the entire ’09 graduating class!
10th Annual Garlic Festival Planning Begins
A planning meeting for the 10th Annual Okanogan River Garlic Festival will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at 3:00pm.
This event takes place in Tonasket’s History Park and has been bringing community members together to enjoy the bounty of the harvest for many years. The Garlic Festival provides a venue for local farmers, talented artisans, entertainers and local civic groups and this year’s event promises to be especially festive.
Help is needed in many organizational areas. Pre-event tasks such as vendor arrangements, contacting sponsors and working on advertising are some immediate needs. Also needed will be assistance during the event, which is slated for August 21 and 22 this year, especially set-up and clean up.
Anyone who would like to help make this event happen is urged to come to the committee meeting. If you cannot attend please contact the CCC office and let us know of your interests.
You can also see the Garlic Festival's webpage at www.cccoftonasket.org/garlic throughout the year for info/contacts/updates.
Thank You To The Cleaning Staff
Have you noticed how good the building has been looking lately? We have our dedicated cleaners to thank for their thorough and considerate work--their care shows in the results! So a very big THANK-YOU goes out to Marge Miller and Jennifer Steinshouer for their hard work and diligence--it’s not a very easy task to keep the building up to snuff, and they’re doing a fabulous job!
The CCC still needs a volunteer to help occasionally with weeding the
flowerbeds!
Fundraising Committee Actively Seeking Support
Last month several CCC members met to form the new Fundraising Committee staff. Joining Board Members Curt Howard and Janet Culp were Ulrich Semrau and Rhonda Robnett, as well as River Jones, CCC Executive Director.
The group met for several hours to consider some positive directions to take in seeking operational funding for the Center. This ongoing endeavor is crucial to the CCC’s solvency, along with the continued membership drives, events, building rentals and other various fundraisers.
Topics covered were seeking Stimulus Funds, Endowments and Trust Endowments, projects such as collecting store coupons and encouraging local shoppers to donate the deduction to the CCC. Also in the works is reviving the local cookbook project (we still have your donated recipes on file!) and raffle ideas.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 at 1pm and any interested CCC members are encouraged to attend.
Even though the back area of the CCC is under construction the building
is still available to rent, so consider having your next event at the Center! Rental Rates. (note: The "Total Building Use" category is not available at this time, but it's included for future reference :-)
Tonasket After School Program Over For Now
The 2008-9 Tonasket After School Program (TASP) is taking the summer off after a very successful school season. Program coordinator Chelsea Hull worked closely with the CCC to provide a safe indoor space for local teens to spend time in the afternoons.
The number of teens who participated grew over the school year to be an average of more than 16 students in the day, and numbers reaching up to 25 several times. They enjoyed art projects such as tie-dye, mosaics, working with oil pastels, drawing, painting and collage. Also popular were computer games, especially a Wii game that was donated by a local supporter.
Chelsea was joined by several assistants: Jessica Tafolla, Susan Cooksey and Ellie Braman, all of whom enjoyed working with the kids.
Next year’s TASP will most likely begin in October, after the students settle back into their school routines. For more information, or to donate to this worthwhile endeavor, please contact the CCC office anytime during the next several months.
Advertise in The Center News
One issue - $10 ~ Six issues - $50
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more info.
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 Calendar. 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 Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the CCC of the product or service offered.
