Volume 18, Issue 3
<h3>The Center News ~ March 2010</h3>
<h1> From The Front Office</h1>

February may have been a short month, but it was a busy month, nonetheless – between the entertainment facet and my own office “To-Do” list, the CCC has generally been abuzz with activity.
 <p />
The Friday Night Coffee Houses have been fabulous, with our amazing local artists coming out to entertain us and appreciative audiences filling the house. Many thanks again to Morningstar, for his hard work in preparing the delicious dinners! We’ve been lucky to have him with us, volunteering, while his farm lies sleeping under frozen ground. We’ll miss your quick wit and your yummy pizza when you go back to farming! Luckily we can look forward to next season when Morningstar will surely return to the CCC Friday Night Coffee House kitchen. In the meanwhile, we can be assured of delicious dishes at the March coffee houses, prepared by our other talented cooks.
 <p />
Also on the slate were several office projects, such as surveys, Annual Reports and grant writing, not to mention all of the “end-of-the-year” deadlines. (I used to think that end-of-the-year meant December 31, until I took this job--ha!)  I hope you all were as inspired by the Annual Report as I was – I couldn’t help but marvel at how much we’ve accomplished here at the CCC. You all should be proud to be members of this vital organization!
 <p />
March promises to easily be as full as February, if not more so. Three exciting, and yet very different Coffee Houses, a dance, workshops, meetings and even Afternoon Tea, courtesy of a dear English friend, are all on the itinerary. We can certainly look forward to staying busy, entertained and informed at the CCC this month.
 <p />
I would like to mention a very special bunch of folks. The Community Cultural Center volunteers are an invaluable group, one that makes it possible to be able to accomplish these amazing feats. Too numerous to actually name, (we had 85 different volunteers in the year 2009!) you all know who you are, and this is a sincere thank-you to each and every one of you! The CCC volunteers fill many needs here at the center, from office help, to events, to the Board Of Directors, numerous committees, and much more. I know that my own work at the CCC would be insurmountable if not for our dedicated volunteers.
 <p />
If you haven’t checked out the artwork adorning the lobby walls yet, you are missing a wonderful visual experience. February’s artist was Margie Miller. Her acrylic paintings have been a delightful addition to the CCC’s décor. March will feature stained glass artist Peggy Swanberg, so please come on in and take pleasure in our talented neighbors’ works.
 <p />
Again, I want to thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for this organization and what we are doing. Together, we really are making a difference!
<p />
Until next time,   
<p />
River

<p />

 <br />
<table><tr><td>
<img src="../newsimages/bistro.jpg" alt="The Corner Bistro, Omak" align="left" width="300px" />
</td><td>
<img src="../newsimages/nvh.jpg" alt="North Valley Hospital" width="300px" align="right" />
</td></tr></table>
  <br />

<p />

<h1>March 5 - Friday Night Coffee House "High Lake Fishing"</h1>
Learn how the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the fisheries in the state’s high lakes.  Bob Pfeifer, retired WDFW fisheries scientist with over 32 years at WDFW, will describe the history, goals, and details of the management of this wonderful fishery. Come prepared with questions about most any aspect of the management, or just how to catch fish in the lakes.
<p />
As usual, the doors will open at 5:00pm, home-style soup, organic salad and bread will be served beginning at 5:30 and the presentation will start at 6:30. Admission is free to this informative event.

 <p />

 
<h1>Girls’ Night Out March 19</h1>
<i>~ by Suzanne Dailey Howard</i>
<p />
How do you spell fun?  The best way is GNO, which stands for Girls’ Night Out! All women are invited to join the party on March 19th and welcome in spring at the second annual GNO. If you were one of the 100+ women in attendance last year, enough said, but if you missed it, you surely heard about it. This year’s event may surpass the original, so mark your calendar now.
<p />
The evening will begin with Ellie Pier serving delicious homemade soups and salad. We’ll progress on to a belly dancing demonstration and lesson led by Janine Donoho and Leah Colbert of Troupe Masarrat! Next we’ll be serenaded by Sandy Vaughn on guitar and vocals. We’ll be led in a massage and relaxation lesson by Renee Bretz of Aspen Body Works. After shaking our booties, soothing listening, and massage, we’ll be floating home!
<p />
Back by popular demand is the clothing exchange, which I dubbed FREE SHOPPING!! Here’s how it works: bring all of the cool and decent items from your closet that you haven’t been wearing (too big/small/just not using, etc.)  Place them in the exchange, then shop for other folks’ cool stuff, at no cost. Susie Shaddox will be womaning the booth again this year.
<p />
We’re in for a special treat! Vicki Fiorini of Highly Natural Herbs is bringing a selection of her fabulous salves and creams to sample.  If you have never tried the mostly organic products, now is your chance.  I wouldn’t leave home without her lip balm.
<p />
If any menfolk have read this so far, forget about it; the ‘G’ in GNO does not stand for Guys’ Night Out!  We love our guys dearly, but this night is just for us. Sometimes it’s true that girls just wanna have fun. See you at GNO!

<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/sui.jpg" alt="Su Ianniello Massage, LMT" width="300px" align="right"/>
</td></tr>
</table>
   <br />

<p />
 
<h1>Annual CCC Talent Show Entertaining, Fun</h1>

Last month’s Family Talent Show, held in the CCC front room on February 13, was a great success once again. About 18 different acts kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.
<p />
Event coordinators John Jones and Janet Culp worked hard at ensuring that the evening’s function would be a success. “We were a little concerned about having the Talent Show in the smaller room because we’ve had so many people attend in the past,” explained Janet, “but our worries were unwarranted. Everybody had a good time and didn’t seem to mind being slightly crowded.”  John Jones, who works at the Alternative High School, was also very pleased at the outcome. 
<p />
<img src="../newsimages/TalentShow2010_1.jpg" title="Alternative School Talent" alt="Alternative School Talent" />
<br />
 "Lots of young entertainers from the school performed. It was great to watch them up there and see how much budding talent there is in the community."
<p />
Bud McSpadden, our returning emcee, kept the tempo lively and the audience engaged in between acts. The kitchen staff was awesome, as usual, feeding the hungry crowd, with the added obstacle of not making any noise while doing so! All in all, it was a fabulous event, the only dilemma being, was this the 14th or the 15th Annual Family Talent Show?  Nobody seems to know for sure!
<p />
<img src="../newsimages/TalentShow2010_2.jpg" title="Kayla Plakos and Raechel Pier perform at the Family Talent Show" alt="Kayla Plakos and Raechel Pier perform at the Family Talent Show" />
<p />
THANK YOU Janet Culp, Tryg Culp, Martin Elliot, Loreen Feltstad, Julie Greenwood, John Jones, Sunny Lanigan, Bud McSpadden, Linda Parker, Bob Pfeifer, Jean Pfeifer, Ellie Pier, Meghan Pier, Raechel Pier, Kayla Plakos, Susie Shaddox, Troy Shaddox... and everyone else who made the Family Talent Show a huge success!

<p />
<br />
 
<h1>March 20 Dance at CCC will also benefit Habitat for Humanity</h1>

Saturday, March 20 is the date set for a Mexican dance and Habitat For Humanity benefit, held at the CCC. Open to all, this event is part of Tonasket Outreach student, Juanita Medina’s Senior Project. The CCC has assumed mentorship of this required high school curriculum, working with her to promote dance events during the school year.
<p />
Admission will be $6 for individuals, $10 for couples. CCC members pay $5 and $9, respectively. Beginning at 7:00, the dance will end at 11:00pm, with light refreshments available. DJ Travieso will provide the music for the night. All proceeds after costs will be donated to Habitat For Humanity. Juanita is working diligently at making this a successful fundraiser as well being part of her requirement to graduate high school. She explains, "This is part of my Senior Project and my family also has a house from Habitat For Humanity. I just want to give back to them so they can keep helping other families."

<p />

<h1>Wu-ji Qi Gong/ Tai Chi Class Returns to CCC</h1>

John Eskelson, local Acupuncturist, will be returning to the CCC to give a Wu-ji Qi Gong/ Tai Qi class. This “eight-hundred year old form of movement [will] enhance and revitalize the body, mind and spirit, and harmonizes the relationship between our inner and outer lives,” according to the announcement. It has been reported that practicing this form might cure serious diseases and with daily practice, “trouble just stays away”.
<p />
The class consists of two, two-hour sessions. Participants will learn a series of simple standing movements that align the energetic fields of our mind-bodies with that of the world around us; the earth and the solar system, creating a harmony in our physical, mental and emotional selves. This can have an affect on everything from cellular metabolism to organ function to outlook on life.
<p />
Dates and times are, March 2 and 9, 5:30 – 7:30pm. The cost for the two sessions is $35. Contact John Eskelson at 826-0374, or just show up. Wear loose-fitting clothing and come prepared to have fun.

<p />

 <br />
<table><tr><td>
</td><td>
<img src="../newsimages/ptworks.jpg" alt="PT Works" align="right"  width="300px" />
<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="right" /></a>  
</td></tr></table>
  <br />

<p />

 <h1>Tonasket Farmers’ Market<br />Planning Meeting and Afternoon Tea Coming Up</h1>

Join Tonasket Farmers’ Market vendors and others on Tuesday, March 23 at 3-4:30pm for Afternoon Tea and a planning meeting for the 2010 season. All regular vendors and others who are interested in becoming vendors are encouraged to attend. Topics to be covered include the election of this year’s Market Manager, beginning and ending dates, market rules and vendor suggestions. Vendors who attended at least half of last year’s markets are eligible to vote on these matters of importance. Of equal importance is Afternoon Tea, to celebrate last year’s success!
<p />
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 with vendor questions. Call Val Welles at 486-8803 with Afternoon Tea questions.

<p />


<h1>UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:</h1>

<ul><li>April 2 &amp; 3 - Spring Flea Market</li>

<li>April 17 &amp; 18 - Green Okanogan Alternatives Fair</li>

<li>May 1 - Young People’s Band Performance</li>

<li>May 21 - Friday Night Social Night (more details announced shortly)</li></ul>

<p />

<h4>News Flash:<br />
The After School Program  won a $600 YAP grant to help supply food for baking projects!</h4>

<p />

<h1>All are Welcome…<br />
Refresh Your Spirit at the Oroville Meditation Center</h1>
<i>~submitted by HÜMÜH Center</i>
<p />
Located under the bright blue awning at 1314 Main St in nearby Oroville, the HÜMÜH Meditation Center, our newest CCC Associate Member, welcomes those of all faiths or no faith in particular to drop in and enjoy a quiet pause in their day. The Center’s friendly managers Steve and Candace will be happy to answer questions, or give instruction in meditation, but mostly, they just want people to stop by and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Center as an oasis from life’s stress.
<p />
HÜMÜH is a Buddhist spiritual Path founded in 1992 by Wisdom Master Maticintin to address the body/mind/spirit connection in the context of Western society.  There is a reading room next to the meditation area in the Center, and upon request, guests are welcome to listen to archived spiritual Teachings by the Wisdom Master.  
<p />
Other services offered are an hour-long chant that begins promptly at 7pm on Tuesdays, meditation hikes, an all-day meditation once a month, and a series of evening talks and discussions onspiritual topics related to meditation, how it benefits health, work, relationships and all areas of modern living.  
<p />
For more information, call 509-476-2825 and explore the HÜMÜH website at <a href="http://www.HUMUH.org" target="_tlx">www.HUMUH.org</a>.
<br />
Center hours of operation: <br />
Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 2pm &amp; 6:30 - 8pm<br />
Sunday, 10:30am - 2:30pm

<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/als_iga.jpg" alt="Al's IGA  home owned and operated" align="right" width="300px" /> 
</td></tr></table>
   <br />

<p />

<h1>Events Survey Results Are In--Thanks For Your Input!</h1>

Thank you to all those who took the time to participate in the recent Events survey, either online or the paper copy in your January newsletter. What we found out with this, the first ever CCC Events survey, is that the community feels we are on the right direction in the functions that we are offering to the public.
<p />
The Events Committee and the Board of Directors reviewed the results at the end of February. We were very pleased with the outcome and this information will be extremely valuable when planning events for 2010. 
<p />
Some of what we learned was as follows:<ul>

<li>What we are doing is very positive in the community.  People liked attending entertainment events such as the Friday Night Coffee Houses and the Garlic Festival.</li>

<li>Participants also told us they would like more outdoor activities, family activities and programs in the arts, music and vocals.</li>

<li>Speakers focusing on environmental/social issues, health and wellness and issues for both men and women were also favored.</li>

<li>People, of course, like to be fed our complete meals but the snacks and desserts are welcomed, as well.</li></ul>
<p />
If you would like to know more about the survey results, please contact us at the center.
Many people offered to volunteer, and listed what interested you, but forgot to tell us who you are. Please contact River Jones at the center to give your name and we will certainly call you. 
<p />
If you haven’t taken the Events Survey yet and would like to do so, there is still time. Log onto <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCM73SM" target="_tlx">www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCM73SM</a> or come to the CCC office and pick one up.
<p />
Thank you again,<br />
Jean Pfeifer,  Events Committee

<p />

<h5>A special “Thank-you” goes out to Rhonda Robinette<br />
who never hesitates to say YES! when we ask for volunteers!</h5>

<p />

<h1>Friday Night Coffee House Series</h1>

The CCC Friday Night Coffee House series will be over for the season at the end of this month, culminating with local musician, Chuck Oakes. Chuck, who describes his music as “non-traditional acoustic blues”, will be performing March 26. Also in March we will hear Bob Pfeifer, retired fishery biologist, give a presentation on high lake fisheries on the 5th, and the second annual Girls’ Night Out will be on Friday, the 19th.
<p />
The center enjoyed a very successful winter season of Coffee Houses, with such great local talent as Sunny Lanigan and the Hydes, Sandy Vaughn, Leaha Passaro and Mariliz Romano, and Bud McSpadden, among others. These musicians all come and perform free of charge, just for the sake of entertainment and having a good time.
<p />
It takes many people to put on a Friday Night Coffee House. From setting up the room, to the cooks and servers, and finally the kindhearted folks who do the thankless job of cleaning up, it’s a complete volunteer endeavor. It also takes quite a bit of planning and networking to line up some of these presenters, and a new CCC volunteer, Martin Elliot has taken over that task. 
<p />
Potential performers can contact Martin at (509) 846-9269, or email him at: mtemusic@yahoo.com.  A welcome to Martin and a hearty thank you to out-going coordinator, Curt Howard for all his hard work these past two years, helping the CCC to be a lively winter venue.

<p />

 <br />
<table><tr><td>
 <img src="../newsimages/grants.jpg" alt="Grants Market/Leavell Orchards, Grant Leavell--Owner" align="left" width="300px" /> 
.</td></tr></table>
  <br />
<p />
 
<h1>Spring Flea Market April 2nd and 3rd</h1>

The Community Cultural Center Annual Flea Market is scheduled for April 2 and 3 this year. A perfect opportunity to clean out your cluttered closets and do some serious "Spring Cleaning", this is also an opportunity to help your community center.
<p />
The lobby area will house the fundraiser aspect of this event--donated goods will be sold in that space; books, collectibles and yard sale items. Lunch and baked goods will be available as well. There will also be tables available for rent, set up in the front room. Anyone who wishes to do so may rent one of the CCC’s banquet tables for $5 per day to sell their own goods. There will be ample advertising for this event, and of course plenty of exposure, so please come join us for a fun and profitable event.
<p />
Please call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more information, to donate items or to volunteer.


 <p />

  <center>      <h5>Advertise in The CCC Newsetter!<br />
It costs only $10 per month or $50 for 6 months to reach hundreds of people! <br /><br />
The CCC newsletter is sent to over 175 households and businesses, is available at numerous locations throughout town, and is posted on our website!<br /><br />
Call the CCC office at 486-1328 for more information.<br /></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>
   

<p />