Volume 17, Issue 9
<h3>The Center News ~ September 2009</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office </h1>
 Remember: positive thinking produces positive results.  Janet Culp, friend and CCC cohort, once wrote those words on a note she left on my desk. Short yet poignant, that sentence has become like a mantra for all of us at the Community Cultural Center. And the reality is certainly self-evident. We have accomplished so much in the last few years that it’s almost mind-boggling to think of where we were and just how far we have come. With just a little extra patience we will be able to see even more progress as the building project resumes.
<p />
Last month’s Garlic Festival was a tremendous success. The addition of wine tasting added a fun element to the event as well. With 48 vendor booths and approximately 2000 in attendance, we can safely say that this was the biggest ever.  <strong>A hearty thank-you! to Raina Skye, Leaha Passaro, Dwayne Thompson, Julia Sanderson and Curt and Suzanne Dailey Howard</strong> for taking on the major task of co­ordinating. And thanks to the many volunteers, too numerous to name here, who got involved during the event. Once again, we could not have done it with­out you all! The Garlic Festival has grown over the years to be a true favorite of the greater North Okanogan County, and I daresay it’ll only continue to flourish and grow.
<p />
I also wish to thank all the folks who donated items for the fund­raiser Rummage Sale held last month. The final tally was $1,260, which came at a time when operations funds were at a low point. Another thank-you must go to Loreen Felstet, the "recycling chick" for taking away all our unsold items and the volunteers who stepped in to lend a hand before and during the sale. It was a true group effort, one that yielded quite well!
<p />
If you have visited the CCC lately you probably have noticed the wonderful artwork in the lobby area. Last month we featured Stephanie Massie Clark, a local watercolor artist, and this month we’re showing the work of Sue Edick. If you are in the area please be sure to stop by and see her amazing collages made with paper and pastels. Their work is part of the CCC revolving art show featuring local talent, with new artists being showcased monthly. Anyone interested in participating may contact Jody Olson at 322-4071.
<p />
We are beginning to plan for the 3rd Annual Fall Auction at the CCC and looking for dona­tions. This year’s date has been set for November 7th. The Auction is a very important fundraiser for your center, bringing in thousands of dollars for our operations. Donations may include artwork, services, food, antiques, and other goods. If you can help us out, please call Janet Culp at 486-2061 or the CCC office at 486-1328. Over the years the event has become one of Tonasket’s pre­mier auctions, and we’re aiming to make this one even better!
<p />
It never ceases to amaze me how the local Tonasket community has embraced the Community Cultural Center and what we are doing. Our mem­bership numbers are way up--over 250 strong, including nearly 20 local organizations and businesses. That is an impressive figure, given the demographics of our area. I have heard local residents talk about the CCC with pride – our little town with a population of about 1,000 can boast an arts venue of this sort. Pretty impressive, if I do say so myself. And you, the CCC members are to be thanked for making it all possible!
<p />
Until next time,<br />
River

<p />

<br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/tarot.jpg" align="left" alt="Patti Gallup Tarot Reading" width="300px" />
 </td><td>
<img src="../newsimages/wildrose.jpg"  alt="Wild Rose Floral Design" width="300px" align="right" />
</td></tr></table>
   <br />

<p />

<h1>Annual Membership Meeting September 26th</h1>

The Community Cultural Cen­ter Annual Membership Meet­ing is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 this year.
<p />
In keeping with recent tradition the Board of Directors will be offering a meal, free of charge, to all members prior to the meeting. Afterwards we will be entertained by the sounds of Jazz Operation, a local band. Admission to the show will be $5 for adults with children 12 and under admitted for free.
<p />
Meeting topics to be covered that evening include renovations updates, financial reports, committee developments, and board member elections.
<p />
Times are: dinner at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 and entertain­ment beginning at 8:00.
<p />
We hope CCC members and other interested individuals will plan on attending this informative and worthwhile event.
<p />


<h1>6th Annual Peace Festival September 19</h1>

<i>~submitted by Denny Richardson</i>
<p />
The organizers of the 6th Annual Peace Festival in Tonasket have announced the return of Dana Lyons for this year’s event, which is a memorial for Milton Spidell, Colville Chapter--Veterans For Peace. We are also celebrating International Peace Day, which is Sept. 21st. 
<p />
Dana Lyons, who considers the Okanogan a second home, has reached International notoriety as a troubadour for peace and environmental issues through his blend of humor and folk songwriting. Dana’s songs are as diverse as the humorous "Cows with Guns" (a number one hit in cattle country in Australia) to the collaboration with Jane Goodall on the peace themed album "Circle the World". 
<p />
The Peace Festival features a variety of social commentary, music, storytelling, and poems from local activists and concerned citizens. The opening circle at 2 pm will be followed by three hours of presentations, songs, etc., and a panel discussion with the Veterans for Peace at 5 pm. The early events are free with a Peace Family Dinner ($7) offered by the CCC at 6 pm. Dana Lyons in concert at 7:30 requires an $8 adult, $4 teen (12 and under free) entry fee.
<p />
This community-based effort has been organized for six years through a unique collaboration between a family who lost two youth in the Middle East, the Veterans for Peace, and the local community. The Peace Festival continues through the support of the many volunteers who help each year as well our long-standing peace community.

<p /> 

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

<p />

<h1>Reflections From Board Member Susie Shaddox</h1>

As the annual membership meeting approaches, I find myself reflecting on my past year as a new CCC board member.  At the beginning of my term I remember reading somewhere that this was a 'working' board, and as the year progressed I learned just how true that description was.  
<p />
In the past year I’ve attended numerous meetings, washed a ton of dishes, chopped, baked, served, cleaned, asked for donations, promoted, painted, written letters, computed, copied, folded, stapled, advertised, e-mailed, researched, answered phones, and set up and put away those nice new tables too many times to count.  Suffice it to say that 'sitting' on this board has truly been a lot of work.  
<p />
With that much time and energy invested I’d be crazy not to ask myself why I’m doing this.  I’ve been pondering that question a lot lately and I’ve come to realize that the answer lies in the simple fact that people here at the CCC work together to get things done.  
<p />
I noticed very early on in my tenure that this was a special place.  Last November I came in to help with our annual auction thinking I’d be one of the first and only helpers to arrive early to set up for the occasion and there were fellow board members, Julia and Mary, hard at work in the kitchen.  They’d already been there for several hours preparing the evening’s meal.  What a pleasant surprise!  Since that night I’ve helped out at numerous events and it is always the same--lots of people pitching in to help out in so many ways.  
<p />
Our members are so incredibly generous with their time and energy! Believe me, I enjoy good food, music, dancing, entertainment and get-togethers as much as anyone else, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not so much the actual event that motivates me, rather it’s the working together with good people to make it all happen that I find so fulfilling. It has been so rewarding to help facilitate the development of a great and fun idea into an actual enjoyable, entertaining and well-attended event. 
<p />
I’ve also come to realize just how vital this gathering place is to our area where so many of us live out of town and neighborhoods are often measured in square miles.  The opportunity to come together in a positive way in a public place, open to one and all, is so essential to the well being of our widespread and diverse rural community.  I’m aware that I follow in the footsteps of a long string of dedicated souls who have stepped up and 'sat' on the board through the years, and I’m grateful for all the hard work they’ve done to get us to where we are now.   
<p />
I believe that with the ongoing building remodel, our hard working fully seated board, our indispensable executive director, and our increasingly diversified membership, we are on the cusp of a new and exciting era here at the CCC.  As my first year as a CCC board member comes to an end, I find that I’m looking forward, with anticipation, to being an integral part of whatever comes next.                

<p />
<h5><u><strong>Home-Based Business For Sale</strong></u><br />
Sewing custom-made<br />
<i>Warm Window Insulating Shade Systems</i><br />
Inventory, suppliers, trade name<br />
(Shades of Comfort)
<br />11 years in business locally
<br /><i>"I’ll teach you how to do it!"</i>
<br />Phone: 509-429-8384<br />
<font size="-1">(paid advertisement)</font>
</h5>

<br />


<h1>Coffee Houses Will Resume In November</h1>

With autumn quickly approaching, the Events Committee is once again gearing up for the CCC Friday Night Coffee House series. The popular evening venue has become a wonderful addition to Tonasket’s entertainment choices, especially during the dark, cold months when “cabin fever” is prone to set in.
<p />
Coffee Houses are offered free of charge to the public. We are looking for anyone who has something to share; music, literature, film or ideas, and is willing to join us in providing free entertainment to the local community. 
<p />
Board member Curt Howard is coordinator for the Friday Night Coffee House series, and can be reached at 486-1746.

<p />

<h1>After School Program Job Position Open</h1>

The Tonasket After School Program (ASP) held at the CCC on Wednesdays is seeking a new coordinator. The job will begin in October and last through the school year. Salary is $15 per hour for approximately 4 hours a week.
<p />
Although a teaching certificate is not required for this job, experience working with teens is important. Interested people are encouraged to apply--mail or bring in cover letter along with resume as soon as possible. The job will be open until filled.

<p /> 

<h1>Community Action Gleaning Project</h1>

Okanogan County Community Action Council has partnered with Rotary First Harvest to include the Harvest Against Hunger gleaning project in the Community Action <i>Food For ALL</i> program.   
<p />
Harvest against Hunger aims to reduce produce waste in Okanogan County by gleaning crops from fields and gardens and transporting them to food banks in the area.   If you own a farm or garden and have crops that are not being used due to marketing reasons, superficial damage, or a variety of other reasons, they will gladly come by and take it off your hands.   If unpicked,   they  will  send  a group of responsible volunteers over to pick the produce and transport it back to the food bank distribution center.  
<p />
 If you are interested in helping in any other way, volunteers are always needed, especially for gleaning trips.   Please contact the VISTA volunteer who is leading this project, Genevieve Caron at OCCAC by calling 509-422-4041, toll free 877-641-0101 or emailing her at food4all@occac.com.    Further food and nutrition events are planned throughout the coming year--including food preservation classes and small space gardening (more details will be announced.)

<p />

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

<p />


<h1>Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band Coming to CCC October 3rd</h1>

Saturday, October 3, the CCC will present Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band. This trio, who all hail from neighboring Winthrop, has been quickly gaining national and international notoriety. Their crisp harmonies and out-standing musical talent promises to provide the audience with an unforgettable evening.
<p />
This show is the second in a series that has been funded by the Washington State Arts Council (WSAC). The Community Cultural Ceter has been very fortunate over the years to be awarded grants from WSAC, which has enabled us to provide affordable, world-class entertain­ment.
<p />
The evening will commence with a delicious dinner prepared by our talented chefs, beginning at 6:00. The music will begin at 7:30. Admission to the dinner and show is $14 for CCC members and $16 for the general public. Show only costs $7 and $8, respectively and children 12 and under get in for half price.
<p />
To hear Horse Crazy’s music log on to their website at: www. horsecrazycowgirlband.com. The dinner menu will be posted on the CCC website prior to the event or you may call the CCC office for more information.

<p />
<br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/sagejordan.jpg" alt="Sage Jordan, Third Street Counseling Center" width="300px" align="left" /> 
</td><td>
<img src="../newsimages/gregmcgriff.jpg" alt="Greg McGriff, Family Nurse Practicioner" width="300px" align="right" /> 
</td></tr></table>
<br />
<p />

<h1>Volunteers Needed for Family Faire in October</h1>

The 2009 <a href="http://www.okanoganfamilyfaire.net" target="_tlx">Okanogan Family Faire</a> will be earlier this year, <strong>October 9 through 11</strong>, and the CCC is once again volunteering to help with infrastructure. 
<p />
There are countless areas where help is needed in order to put on this wonderful event. From work-parties on the site beforehand to clean-up afterwards and all the many tasks in between, the faire is staged almost entirely by volunteers. 
<p />
Many of our Board Of Directors will be on hand to help during the faire and any CCC members who would like to donate some time are encouraged to contact Peter James at 509-846-5800. The Family Faire gives our Community Center a great deal of funding and this is one small way we can give some energy back.

<p />

<h1>Driftwood Fire Dinner and Music September 4th</h1>

There is still time to plan on attending our next exciting entertainment event, Drift­wood Fire Dinner and Music on Friday, September 4.
<p />
The band, three women, performs Indie-folk-pop style music; a mix of folk, pop, jazz and other contemporary sounds. Band members Lynn Scharf and Charlotte For­michella have recently added drummer, Jennifer "JJ" Jones, to mix with the rich vocals and melodic instruments. The music has been made possible, in part, by a recent grant from the <a href="http://www.arts.wa.gov" target="_blank">Washington State Arts Commission</a>.
<p />
Admission to the event for CCC members is $12 for music and dinner, $5 for only the music. Non-members pay $14 and $6, respectively. Children pay half-price. Dinner starts at 6:00, with the music starting at 7:30.
<p />
Dinner Menu:<p />

Choice of Chicken or Tempeh (soy) skewers with mushrooms and seasonal veggies
<p />Served with Gourmet Potato Salad, Organic Green Salad and Garlic Bread  
<p />Beverages and Desserts also available

<p />

<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 />

<br />

  <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[
riverscramble()
//]]>
</script><br />Acceptance of advertising does not indicate endorsement by the CCC of the product or service offered.</h6>

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