Fairfield, Washington ~~ a Town That Deserves to be Proud

Fairfield, Washington, a rural town on the north Palouse, is a friendly community where residents work together and accomplish a multitude of things, big and small. The Community Center website is a fine example.

The community's most recent goals, creating and launching websites, was a major achievement for the residents of Fairfield and its surrounding area that only recently gained Internet access.

Although the Town of Fairfield  has no official website yet, The Community Center's website is a fine example.

"A place where old memories live and in which new ones are born."

This quote is beneath a photograph of the former Triangle Grange Hall, built in the early 1930s.
Located south of Spokane, the Palouse is a region where dial-up connections are more common than any other mode. And that's for those lucky enough to have Internet service at all. The terrain has held back residents from the Internet Age. Fairfield lies in the northern region of the Palouse's vast, rolling farmland, with rugged ravines deeply eroded through volcanic rock.

Because Internet access only recently became a reality in some areas, creating and launching websites has been a major achievement for Fairfield residents.

On The Community Center website you'll learn about the Center's clean, spacious, well-appointed facilities, accommodations, parking, and remarkably reasonable rental rates. Several pictures from past events important to area residents are included on the past events page.

 

The website also has links to the following regional entities websites:

• Town of Fairfield
• Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce
• Southeast Spokane County Historical Society
• Fairfield Flag Day Celebration
• Liberty School District
• Fairfield Care (Senior Apartments and Assisted Living)

Fairfield is best known as 'The Town that Celebrates Flag Day'. 2010 was the 100th anniversary of the event in Fairfield, and their celebrations of our nation's Flag Day are always spectacular events. Massed bands from Liberty School, Air National Guard band and the El Katif Shrine band played at the 2010 dedication ceremony.

Those accessing the Fairfield site can also learn the history of the building. Within the history you'll find a link to Southeast Spokane County Historical Society and Museum, located across the street from the Community Center, at East 301 Main.

Community cooperation is wonderfully evident in the resources provided on the Southeast Spokane County Historical Society and Museum's website pages.

Rockford, Waverley, Fairfield, Spangle, Latah, Spring Valley, Mt. Hope and Valleyford are prominently represented. Histories, carefully collected over the years, also include the areas of Tekoa, Latah and Rosalia, Washington.

History book lovers will find a link to the names of the families represented in The Complete Fairfield History Book ~~ Early History of Fairfield.

It's worth noting in this digital age that even those who cannot access the Internet at home can find WiFi service at the Fairfield Branch Spokane Library  at 305 East Main. It's used by many area residents, including patrons who drive there from as far away as Latah, Waverley, Mt Hope, Rockford and Valleyford.

Once again, Fairfield area residents have earned their right to be proud for creating new memories.
 

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Two More Stories by Former Palouse Resident, Sue Ellis

I'm always thrilled when I find a story written by a resident on the Palouse, or someone who once lived on the Palouse. Sue Ellis, a former resident recently published two stories: 'January to May' at Fiction 365, and, published at Bob Sanchez's blog, her book review of, 'Midnight Rising', by Tony Horwitz.

Gary Presley, author of 'Seven Wheelchairs'  , articles, and  'The View from Down Here: Collected Essays',   gives high praise for 'January to May'.

"There is a place for realism in fiction. Sue's story is that -- an examination really of two lives, the narrator and her friend. It's the sort of realism that draws the reader into a world, a place not always happy but a place that reminds us that we should be empathetic and open creatures to live happily-enough in the time given us. All I can say is, "Bravo!"

Gary

Presley also reviews books for Kirkus and Foreword

 

Best Christmas Gift!

HUGGING

            "Hugging is healthy: It helps our body's immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

            Hugging is all natural: It is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100 percent wholesome.

            Hugging is practically perfect: There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic checkups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation-proof, non-fattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and, of course, fully returnable. ... Anon

 

News on the Palouse Resumes Following Two Month Hiatus...

Thank you dear readers for your patience while The North Palouse Washington e-Newcast was on hiatus the past couple of months. In addition to catching up with necessities, I enjoyed many memorable moments during the break that I'd like to share with you.

Camping and fishing, and most notably, the North Idaho Pike Association fishermen! Our family joined in the fun of the weigh-in of an annual pike fishing tournament at North Shore Campground, on Noxon Reservoir in western Sanders County, Montana.

The finale began with the deafening roar of high powered boats racing to shore. Throttling the motors expertly, their owners soon had the variety of colorful craft in the parking lot to drip dry while sweating anglers strained to carry bags heavy with big fish to waiting scales. Each pike would be slip into a large plastic laundry basket, dangling from the scales attached to a tripod.

Comparative quiet settled until those slippery lunkers and the large group of happy, competitive fishermen, put on quite a show! After the champions were declared, and live pike returned to reservoir waters, the tired anglers shared with us and others some of their catches that didn't survive, as no fish is wasted.

Visiting relatives in Canada and celebrating birthdays, and their October holiday was a special treat. Mingled into festive events, fall labors finally ended, to be replaced with that wonderful feeling of accomplishment. Strawberries, blackberries, venison, perch, bass, pike, squash, tomatoes, beans, and potatoes in our freezer, and gleaming jars of applesauce, peaches, pears, cherries, Italian prunes, and tomato sauce our pantry shelves, while carrots, potatoes and onions are stored where it's cool.

One final fling provided fantastic memories that I'll ever remember and be grateful for ~~ a once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing trip to Las Vegas, Nevada: my husband's gift for my 80th birthday!

Time to get back to work and publish the news. I'll share Las Vegas memories later ~~ Have a happy day.

The Editor
 

OCTOBER- NOVEMBER EVENTS ON THE PALOUSE

The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast expects to be on hiatus through October and November. We appreciate your patience as family life takes precedence at this time.

Please visit the following sites for local news on the Palouse, use the links on the paper's pages, browse the Internet, and use word of mouth to share with neighbors, family, friends and neighboring towns.

Whitman County Library
Spokane County Library District
PALOUSE
WHITMAN COUNTY HERITAGE for a look at the past.

Artisans at the Dahmen Barn is a non-profit creativity center just off highway 195 in Uniontown in the big white barn behind the famous iron wheel fence.  The facility is fully handicap accessible and has no daily admission fee.  Information: 509-229-3414. Check the calendar for upcoming workshops and events.

 

Child-Car Seat Check-up, September 29, 2012

Sept. 29, 2012

10:00am to 2:00pm

            Car Seat Check-up Event

The Palouse Mall

On the Moscow/Pullman Hwy.

Moscow Id.

 Bring your car, your child and their car seat and the owner’s manuals for the seat and car!

 There will be certified NHSTA Technicians to inspect the car seats and teach you how to use them correctly.

For further information contact:

Officer Marie Miller 208-883-7000 x 2266

mmiller@ci.moscow.id.us 

Raechel Medina 208-882-7387

raechel.medina@gmail.com

 

 

Dear Readers

It's fishing and fair time, and I beg your patience while I enjoy both. It's also canning time, and although sparkling jars of fresh canned peaches and pears are on the shelves, I'll be canning prunes and apples soon. Squash, tomatoes and beans, and carrots and onions await their turn for storage, too.

It's that busy time of year but I'll publish news as it arrives as consistently as possible.
I appreciate your understanding and patience.

The Editor

Jeannette de Beauvoir invites published authors to hurry on over and share your winning book promotion tips at Beyond The Elements of Style.

Jeannette said, " A lot of people who read my blog, Beyond The Elements of Style, are actively trying to promote books they've written, and that includes a fair number of authors who read The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast.

"I'm going to do a few posts on book promotion, starting with today's: promoting your book through book clubs. Come on over and promote your books, too! "

Jeannette

Wordcat.org Locates Audiobooks, DVDs and CDs to Borrow Through Local Library Interlibrary Loan

If you need audio sources, Worldcat.org is a good place to search for audiobooks and DVDs in libraries all over the U.S. When you find what you need, you can usually borrow the CDs or DVDs  through an interlibrary loan at your local library.

Wolrdcat.org also shows availability of books and other items in libraries in Europe, as well.

Organizing a Worley Historical Society to be Discussed, August 16, 2012

Catherine Morris announced there will be a meeting on Thursday, August 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the Worley Senior Center to discuss organizing a Worley Historical Society.

 

Keith Peterson of the Idaho Historical Society in Boise will be there to explain the procedures necessary to set up a local society. Election of officers will be on the agenda, which the state said needs to be the first priority.

 

Ms. Morris will report on the presentation she made to the Plummer/Worley Board of Trustees regarding the Worley School building, and on other information she gathered since the last meeting.

 

Interested persons who are unable to attend this meeting may call Ms. Morris at 686-1454 to leave ideas or suggestions.

 

Lunch will be served at noon at the Senior Center, with a posted menu of pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy. If you wish to eat lunch before the meeting and are not a regular diner, please call Brenda at Worley City Hall 686-1258 by Wednesday to make a reservation.

The Purple Heart and Its Hall of Fame

230 years ago August 7th, in 1782, General Washington ordered the establishment of the Badge of Military Merit, the inspiration for today's Purple Heart.

The Purple Heart is one medal no one wants… it is earned with blood and the price paid for it can be catastrophic.

If you are interested, here are two sites that honor and support our Nation’s Purple Heart Recipients.

National Purple Heart Hall of Fame: http://www.thepurpleheart.com/ 

Located in Windsor, NY,  here you can enroll in their Roll of Honor database and tell your story, or you can search their database.

 http://www.mikecorrado.com/, “Still In the Fight”–Funds raised from the sale of this song benefit the Fisher Houses. Or watch it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of7dGa91uO8.

It doesn’t matter if their recovery is short or their road to recovery is long,  “I still got this fire in my heart” is something we see every time we visit the combat patients at Walter Reed or Richmond VAMC.

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it. –Thucydides”

Thank you for serving our country.

-Jane

www.MarineMoms-Bethesda.org.

"Stuff the Bus Drive" Successful

4^th Annual “Stuff the Bus Drive”

 is a Success!

Pullman, WA – The 4^th annual Stuff the School drive reached its goal of collecting school supplies for more than 300 students, organizers say. This year, the drive was a multi-community effort to support children with the tools for learning.

The Kiwanis Club of Pullman and Kiwanis Club of Moscow in collaboration with Pullman Child Welfare and the Pullman and Colton School Districts in Washington and the Moscow School District in Idaho spearheaded the drive for K-12 school supplies. Youth eligible for free or reduced school lunches are eligible to receive school supplies from the drive.

“Many thanks to the Stuff the Bus sponsors, donors, media and volunteers who worked together across Palouse region communities to make this a successful drive,” said Sandra Woodrow, long-time Stuff the Bus coordinator.

Pullman and Colton School District: The goal of 220 backpacks for elementary and middle school students and 50 kits for high school students along with 50 flash drives, 50 scientific calculators and other supplies valued at $20,000 for both school districts was met.

Radio, television and newspaper in-kind donations to build visibility for this initiative contributed significantly to the success of the fourth annual drive, Woodrow said.

Moscow School District: In its first year to join Stuff the Bus, the Moscow committee raised more than $7,000 in cash and in-kind donations of school supplies that will be donated to the Moscow School District for low income families. Thanks to the support of Moscow businesses and to the efforts of volunteers at the school bus sites, the first year Stuff the Bus school supply drive in Moscow was a success.

Please visit the Pullman Kiwanis website at www.PullmanKiwanis.org to view all of the community and media sponsors who made a difference for the children in our communities.

Run Whatca Brung Motorcyle Street Races Resounding Success

The Run Whatch Brung motorcyle street race held in Oldtown, Idaho to raise fund for veterans was a resounding [no pun intended] success yesterday.

Mike Lovas, sponsor of the annual event shared the following.

"The big weekend event in Old Town was significantly larger (judged by numbers of people) than last year. We seem to grow about 50% each year.

"I thought you might want to have access to the photos I took. I thought the easiest way to post them was to add a page on my own  personal website.

"I love capturing people, smiles, kids and dogs. To me, the event is the people, and the bike drags were just a reason to bring the people together. You know, you can only watch so many drags before they start to look and sound alike.

"This event is especially wonderful for me because the energy and attitude is so very positive. I didn't set out looking for that, it just appeared in most of the images. And, I didn't direct anyone to smile. They just naturally did it."

Colton Library Summer Reading Finale July 6, 2012

Pictured are all the youngsters at the picnic in Colton Park, Colton, Wash.,  July 16, 2012,  at the Summer Reading Finale. Younger children had to read ten books and older children had to read ten hours to complete the program. Colton had 37 children finish the program and receive prizes.

 

The two boys are twins, Conner and Asher Monson, looking to see what is in the goodie bag they won for completing the Summer Reading Program at the Colton Library.

4th Annual "Stuff the Bus" Drive, August 2-4, 2012

Coming August 2, 3 and 4

4^th annual “Stuff the Bus” drive

 

Pullman, WA – Kiwanis Club of Pullman and Kiwanis Club of Moscow in collaboration with Pullman Child Welfare and the Pullman and Colton School Districts in Washington and the Moscow School District in Idaho are spearheading the fourth annual Stuff the Bus drive for school supplies.

School bus locations in Pullman, Colton and Moscow as well as designated locations in Colton and Uniontown can accept school supplies or a financial contribution to help fill a back pack with supplies for needy students. 

For a list of needed school supplies, visit: http://www.pullmankiwanis.org

Drop of locations:

Pullman:  Dissmores/IGA and Wheatland Mall

Moscow:  Eastside Marketplace and Staples

Aug. 2:  1:00-6:00 p.m.

Aug. 3:   10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Aug. 4:   10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Colton School bus on Steptoe:  August 4, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Colton*              
Daves Golf Shop, Lincoln Street
Colton Family Child Care, Steptoe 
                                        
Uniontown*

The Gathering Place, Montgomery Street

                
American West Bank, West Owen St.

*July 30, 2012 – August 4, 2012during open business hours

Dissmores/IGA in Pullman, Walmart in Pullman and Staples in Moscow are supporting the "Stuff the Bus" drive with pre-packaged school supplies for shoppers to purchase and donate at one of the bus locations. Donating a pre-packaged school supplies kit is a convenient way to support local youth through Stuff the Bus.

The drive continues at the Red Barn Farms Country Music Festival  August 11, 2012, 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  All Stuff the Bus school supply donation will receive $1.00 off admission price.

Pick up a discount coupon at the Pullman and Moscow bus locations, or bring a donation to the Music Festival and receive $1.00 off the ticket price. 

###

For more information, please call Sandra Woodrow at 509-332-3081 or by email at KiwanisofPullman@gmail.com.

The July 2012 issue of Front Porch Review, is available. Enjoy the noteworthy collection of prose, poetry and visual arts, free.

Uniontown is Grantee for National Endowment for the Arts 2012 Our Town Grant

Uniontown Community Development Association is one of 80 grantees selected nationwide

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today the award of 80 Our Town grants to communities in 44 states for work on “creative placemaking”.  The Uniontown Community Development Association is one of the grantees, and will be working to enhance the identity of Uniontown as a center of creativity.

Through Our Town, the NEA supports creative placemaking projects that help transform communities into lively, attractive, and sustainable places.  The NEA funded projects will encourage creative activity, create community identity, enhance the sense of place, and help revitalize local economies.  All Our Town grant awards are made to partnerships that consisted of a minimum of a not-for-profit organization and a local government entity.

The Uniontown placemaking project will be led by the Uniontown Community Development Association with assistance provided by the Washington State University Rural Design Initiative, Hutchison and Maul Architects, Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, the Uniontown Planning Commission and residents of the Uniontown and Colton communities.  The project will include the development of:

• A plan for a bike/pedestrian path between Uniontown and the Colton School.
• Public art to be installed at the entries to the Uniontown community.
• A site and landscaping plan for the Dahmen Barn site and field.
• A design for the expansion of the Dahmen Barn including an amphitheater stage.

Uniontown, Washington, is in the center of the rural area known as the Palouse, which includes southeastern Washington and north central Idaho.

From its beginning, the community became primarily an agricultural service and retail center, but the need for these services in a small rural town declined over the past 50 years.  In the mid 1990s, community volunteers began working to help reinvent the town.

In 2002, the Uniontown Community Development Association (UCDA) was formed. The first project was the restoration of an historic building, now used by an old style craftsman bakery.

In 2004, UCDA took on the challenge of restoring the Dahmen Barn, to provide a community arts space with studios, classrooms, performance space, and a cooperative retail shop.  The Artisans at the Dahmen Barn was opened in 2006.

Contact: Dale Miller, dalemiller41@gmail.com, 509-229-3655

Leslee Miller, Uniontown resident and manager of Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, said, “We are flattered that our tiny, rural community has received this national recognition and funding for our work.  A path between Uniontown and Colton has been a dream for decades.  This funding will bring it one step closer to reality."

NEA Chairman Landesman, said, "Cities and towns are transformed when you bring the arts – both literally and figuratively – into the center of them. From Teller, Alaska to Miami, Florida, communities are pursuing creative placemaking, making their neighborhoods more vibrant and robust by investing in the performing, visual, and literary arts.  I am proud to be partnering with these 80 communities and their respective arts, civic, and elected leaders."

The NEA received 317 applications for Our Town that were assigned to one of three application review panels based on their project type; arts engagement, cultural planning and design, or non-metro and tribal communities.

The Uniontown Community Development Association (UCDA) is the project manager.  The purpose of the Association includes combating community deterioration, promoting the social welfare of the community and reversing the decline in employment opportunities.  UCDA is managed and operated by a volunteer board of directors.   The Town of Uniontown will work primarily through the Planning Commission to assist with general development planning, co-sponsoring community workshops and facilitating community involvement.

Additional partners include the Artisans at the Dahmen Barn non-profit corporation, the Washington State University Rural Community Design Initiative and Hutchison & Maul Architects.

The Artisans at the Dahmen Barn organization was set up in 2009 to manage the day to day operation of the artisan programs and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The artisans will coordinate the selection and installation of the public at the entries to the Town.

WSU Rural Community Design program will incorporate the development and landscaping plan for the site in their fall semester work, and the development of the bike/pedestrian path plan in the spring semester studio work.

Hutchison & Maul Architects will provide the design development for accessory building(s) and the amphitheater stage.

The town of Colton and the Colton/Uniontown School District are supporting participants.  Additional support is being provided by the Southeast Washington Economic Development Association and the business development department of Avista utilities.  These organizations will be involved in reviewing plans and designs and facilitating community participation.

Competition was strong, and only 80 projects were selected. Uniontown’s project is the only proposal that was funded in the State of Washington, a testament to the excellence and merit of the proposal submitted by the Uniontown Community Development Association.

"Run Whatcha Brung" Motorcyle Veteran's Benefit, July 20-21, 201

July 20-21, 2012, Motorcycle street races are scheduled at Oldtown, Idaho. The "Run Whatcha Brung" event benefits the American Legion Riders and Second Shot. The Riders are one of the most proactive organizations for helping veterans and veteran causes, and Second Shot funds "Spontaneous Acts of Kindness" exclusively for military veterans!

Contact Michael Lovas,  michael@aboutpeople.com)

NOTES 4 BETHESDA: Making a Difference to Warriors

Do you want to make a significant difference in the day of a special American Warrior -- or two, or three, or as many as you wish?

If so, take a few moments to send an upbeat note(s). Email to Notes4Bethesda@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org. Wounded Warriors have such along road of recovery ahead of them. Marine Moms-Bethesda is a group of volunteers deeply involved with supporting troops. They host luncheons once a month at two hospital were wounded servicemen and women are recovering from war-inflicted injuries.

 As always, Marine Moms-Bethesda is collecting NOTES 4 BETHESDA -- notes of encouragement to take along with the July luncheons. RICHMOND, JULY 8 – serving time: 11:00 AM; location to be determined. Serving the COMBAT patients, family members and their guests from the Polytrauma, Spinal Cord, and PTRP unit.

"The notes DO make a difference in a Warrior’s day! As the Fourth of July – Independence Day – approaches, please consider sending a message to those who have protected your FREEDOMS!


"We do not use the same notes twice because we see the same faces month after month, along with new faces that will be there the next time we visit. Sometimes we see them at Walter Reed, then at Richmond, and then back at Walter Reed again!


“I don’t know what to say!” Okay, well here are some samples from past notes. Maybe they will inspire you! (I hope the people who sent them don’t mind me sharing them.)


Dear Wounded Warrior,
My husband and I want to send you a quick note with our heartfelt gratitude and hopes that every day you feel stronger, and you will soon be able to go home and enjoy your time with your family. You have certainly earned it! Please know that you are always in our prayers and in our thoughts and that we, as well as many other grateful Americans, are here to serve you, although we could never repay you for what you have done for us. We will never forget you and promise we will honor you forever.

Lots of love and good wishes,
====================
Hey y’all,
Thanks so much for your service for our country; I appreciate each and every one of you. I’m praying for y’all to continue to get better and better every day. You are all such an inspiration and you make me so proud. I’ll be so happy for each of you as you get well enough to get out of the hospital and be able to get out and have some fun….like go to a baseball game (I’m rather partial to baseball, GO RAYS!!) …I just had to throw that in there. Prayers and hugs being sent your way, ====== THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you’re feeling better soon. We are so Proud of YOU!
====================

So as you can see, some are short, some are even longer than this, and some come with clip art or pictures. If you include pictures and clip art, word documnts are preferred. The notes DO make a difference!

JUNE 10 – 4 East and JUNE 21 – Mercy Hall are fascinating examples what happens at the luncheons put on for these gallant warriors by Marine Moms-Bethesda. The BBQ , June 10, 2012, turned out GREAT!

Congratulations Marine Moms-Bethesda!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Marine Moms-Bethesda’s website has been online FIVE YEARS!

MARINE MOMS BETHESDA not only keeps vistors abreast of upcoming events to benefit the men and women who served our country, it has links to a wide variety of websites aimed at supporting veterans, in a multitude of ways. The website is one of the most important ones for America's heros.

Jane, who describes herself as a Military Brat, and is a guiding hand at Marine Moms-Bethesday wrote:

Thank you to Amber, our web designer, and to the Elf who donates the website's server space! You both have been very kind to a techie DUH person (me) who really, has no business messing with a website. Your patience has been, and is, appreciated!

We began going to Bethesda Naval Hospital in October 2005, and became more organized in January 2007. Our website went online in June of 2007, and we have seen so many changes in the military medical system and wounded warrior care (once upon a time there was no Wounded Warrior Regiment!), served so many wounded Warriors and their families, and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to give back just a little to our service members and their families for their sacrifices to the greatest country in the world, the United States of America!

To all of our supporters, volunteers, and dedicated Notes4Bethesda writers past and present, please know we are very grateful to you and are deeply grateful for all you have done, through your donations of money, food, and time, to make Marine Moms-Bethesda what it is. You have helped us achieve our Mission of serving wounded, injured, and ill combat patients and their families, ALL service branches, bringing them “touches of home while they are away from home” during a very stressful, life-changing time of their lives. THANK YOU!

To the patients and families we have served - Our Mission is to serve YOU while keeping your security and privacy top most in our minds. We know the hospital is a very busy place and personal privacy for you is precious. Hopefully we leave you with smiles on your faces after a luncheon, and looking forward to seeing us come back again. We honor you, are grateful for your service, and wish you all the best as you move through your recovery and your “new normal”. THANK YOU!

To the helicopter pilots, airplane pilots, military Doctors and Nurses, Corpsmen and Medics, and everyone in between on the battlefields and at the hospitals, you are Angels. THANK YOU for doing all you can, the best you can, to bring our sons and daughters home alive and for the excellent care you provide to them.

Special thanks to Gunny Ski, who opened the doors at Bethesda for us in 2007, and to the Marine Liaison Office and the Command for allowing us to continue our luncheons at Walter Reed. At Richmond, thank you, Paulette at the VA and the Marine Liaison Office Staff for allowing us to expand and serve our Warriors and their families there as well.

Marine Moms-Bethesda is in this for the long run. The war could end tomorrow but the needs will still be there. One day years from now our young Veterans will be our World War II Veterans of today. I would like to see us still around. Perhaps the mission would change, but… I hope we are still around.

With Grateful Thanks to All from Marine Moms-Bethesda,

Love and HUGE Hugs,

Jane

4th Annual "Stuff the Bus" Drive Coming

Coming August 2, 3 and 4

4^th annual “Stuff the Bus” drive

 

Pullman, WA – Kiwanis Club of Pullman and Kiwanis Club of Moscow in collaboration with Pullman Child Welfare and the Pullman and Colton School Districts in Washington and the Moscow School District in Idaho are spearheading the fourth annual Stuff the Bus drive for school supplies.

School bus locations in Pullman, Colton and Moscow as well as designated locations in Colton and Uniontown can accept school supplies or a financial contribution to help fill a back pack with supplies for needy students. 

For a list of needed school supplies, visit: http://www.pullmankiwanis.org

Drop of locations:

Pullman:  Dissmores/IGA and Wheatland Mall

Moscow:  Eastside Marketplace and Staples

Aug. 2:  1:00-6:00 p.m.

Aug. 3:   10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Aug. 4:   10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Colton School bus on Steptoe:  August 4, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Colton*              
Daves Golf Shop, Lincoln Street
Colton Family Child Care, Steptoe 
                                          
Uniontown*

The Gathering Place, Montgomery Street

                
American West Bank, West Owen St.

*July 30, 2012 – August 4, 2012 during open business hours

Dissmores/IGA in Pullman, Walmart in Pullman and Staples in Moscow are supporting the Stuff the Bus drive with pre-packaged school supplies for shoppers to purchase and donate at one of the bus locations. Donating a pre-packaged school supplies kit is a convenient way to support local youth through Stuff the Bus.

The drive continues at the Red Barn Farms Country Music Festival  August 11, 2012, 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  All Stuff the Bus school supply donation will receive $1.00 off admission price.

Pick up a discount coupon at the Pullman and Moscow bus locations, or bring a donation to the Music Festival and receive $1.00 off the ticket price. 

###

For more information, please call Sandra Woodrow at 509-332-3081 or by email at KiwanisofPullman@gmail.com.

Veterans Benefit Motorcycle Street Races - update

Date correction received for "Run What'cha Brung" motorcycle races to benefit veterans: July 20-21, 2012.

On July 20 - 21, 2012, the third annual veterans benefit will held in Old Town, Idaho (adjacent to Newport).  The "Run What'cha Brung" event benefits the American Legion Riders and Second Shot. Second Shot funds "Spontaneous Acts of Kindness" exclusively for military veterans. American Legion Riders are one of the most proactive organizations for helping veterans and veteran causes.

What makes this event different and spectacular are the street races.  They are held right in the street - all with the blessings of the Town Council of Old Town!  Where else can you do that? 

Last year, so many people wanted to race (so many times) that the races went way overtime.  The point is - if you like to go fast, this is your chance to show off, and watch other people at their fastest. 

Vendor set-up is on Friday, July 20, 2012. 

Set-up party is on Friday, July 20, 2012.

Street Races are on Saturday, July 21, 2012.

To get flyers about the event, contact Mike Lovas, (509) 465-5599, michael@aboutpeople.com. Second Shot, http://www.2nd-shot.org/.

"Run What'cha Brung" Motorcyle Street Races

On July 20 - 21, the third annual veterans benefit will held in Old Town, Idaho (adjacent to Newport).  The "Run Whatcha Brung" event benefits the American Legion Riders and Second Shot. Second Shot funds "Spontaneous Acts of Kindness" exclusively for military veterans. American Legion Riders are one of the most proactive organizations for helping veterans and veteran causes.

What makes this event different and spectacular are the street races.  They are held right in the street - all with the blessings of the Town Council of Old Town!  Where else can you do that? 

Last year, so many people wanted to race (so many times) that the races went way overtime.  The point is - if you like to go fast, this is your chance to show off, and watch other people at their fastest. 

Vendor set-up is on Friday, July 20. 

Set-up party is on Friday, July 20.

Street Races are on Saturday, July 21.

To get flyers about the event, contact Mike Lovas, (509) 465-5599, michael@aboutpeople.com. Second Shot, http://www.2nd-shot.org/.

Donald Zolan's Unrivaled Artistry

Devoting a small amount of time every day to enjoy amazing and\or wondrous things beyond Palouse horizons is relaxing and good for us. It helps offset daily stress, and TV's bad news fare.

Donald Zoland's artistry is truly wonderful. His love and joy is reflected in his unrivaled paintings of children, which makes me smile everytime I recall how sensitively and beautifully he captures the essence of childhood.

Wallcoo.net features Zoland. Click on his painting on the left, and then scroll down to the enlarged image. Click Next Page, and continue until you're satiated with Zolan's awesome awe-inspiring story-pictures. They are guaranteed to elicit smiles, and relax you.

Zolan says about his love of children, so obvious in his paintings,

"I love little children, the way their eyes light up with excitement as they awaken to the world around them. It’s a marvelous time of life, filled with wonderment. A time when each new discovery is another magical moment."

In addition to his remarkable paintings, Wallcoo.net includes Zolan's biography, a fine testament to why his work is highly prized wordwide.

Donald Zolan's website.

I you find a link to something you feel is outstanding, or that inspires you, please share it -- Email the link to newstnpw@air-pipe.com, so it can be published in The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast, "Relaxing Moments." Please put "Relaxing Moment" in the Subject line.

SESC Fair Royalty Court Photograph

Images aren't published in this paper to avoid difficulty for Palouse residents with dial-up Internet connections. However, you'll find a photograph of the three charming young ladies of Southeast Spokane County Fair Royalty Court, who were crowned at the coronation ceremony, May 20, 2012, on the Freeman School Distrtict website.  Queen Kailyn Gady, and princesses, Morgan DeRuyter, and Brooke Williams.

2011-2012 Freeman School District June Events

The 2011-12 school year is coming to a close, and parents of students K-12 at Freeman Schools will receive the PSTA Newsletter via email, June 7, 2012.


High School graduation is June 9, 2012, Play Day and 8th Grade Promotion takes place June 14, 2012, and the final day of the school term is June 15, 2012.


 Final School Year Choir Concert - High School Multipurpose Room, at 7:00 p.m., June 4, 2012.


Details are on the school calendar,  and also can be obtained by calling the office, (509) 291-3695. Freeman School District #358 office is at 15001 S. Jackson Road, near the junction with Highway 27.

Rockford Resident Mona Vanek Featured in The River Journal Magazine

When Trish Gannon, editor of The River Journal, asked to interview me, Mona Vanek, resident of Rockford, Wash., author and editor, it offered a golden opportunity to spread the word about upcoming third editions of Behind These Mountain, vol. 1, 2, and 3.

The River Journal May 2012 issue, with The Montana Scribbler has History at her Fingertips,  became available in Idaho and Montana May 8th. The online story, in full color, was published on the Internet the next day. The feature also relates the story behind the Montana history for which Idaho Writers League honored me with their "1992 Writer of the Year" award.

When have all three volumes ready (ie: edited, revised and written in e-format) the volumes will be published as e-books and made available on electronic devices such as Nook, Kindle and Sony. It's challenging, and keeps me young!

Nevertheless, whenever you see me here on the Palouse, don't expect me to look like the photo in Trish's article. Image is an important aspect of publicity, so when the editor asked for a photo, the .jpg I sent along for the magazine interview was a snapshot taken shortly after we moved to Rockford. A grandson's girlfriend, who worked in the makeup\perfume department in an upscale department store, "did our makeup" for us gals one day. She had us all giggling!

Since that snapshot looks like a studio portrait, I knew that it would reproduce well in print and online editions of The River Journal, because the background is uncluttered. It also makes me look the part of a professional writer, rather than the contented great-grandma I really am. [Big grin] It sure makes me look pretty and professional, but you'll see the real "me" in my website profile .

During 1986 and 1992, when published by The Statesman-Examiner, in Colville, Wash., Behind These Mountains print editions were small runs, so 1^st Editions sold out and are now rare collectible books.

More than 28,000 people, worldwide, have viewed the 2nd Edition, published in 2010 on the Internet. Weekly visits exceed 200, and continue to increase.

A big THANK YOU to Trish Gannon for providing an opportunity to announce the upcoming 3rd Edition of a unique, fully-documented, Montana history.