Reader's Club Meets at Valleyford, Wash., January 10, 2012

Valleyford Reader's Club will meet on January 10, 2012 at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, corner of Madison and Palouse Hwy. The program includes: "The Loop," by Nichlas Evans, 1:00 p.m., and Washington Wolf Recovery Program, presented by Larry Whitesitt, 2:00 p.m.

Albion Branch of Whitman County Library Schedule Changes

As the new year begins, the Albion Branch of Whitman County Library, located inside the Albion Community Building, 310 F Street, Albion, Wash., announced a few program changes.

Pajama story time is moving to the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m.  Pajama story time is a fun-filled program of stories and songs for children. Stories are always followed with a short craft project and a snack.  Children are encouraged to come in their pajamas.  Blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals are welcome, too!

The monthly after-school craft time is moving to the 3rd Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The after-school craft is a fun, low-key activity for children of all ages.  Each month features a different type of craft project.  Children are welcome to arrive and begin the project at any time from 4:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m.

The library would also like to remind the public of the weekly children’s story time held each Saturday at 2:00 p.m. 

All programs are held in the Albion Branch of the Whitman County Library at 310 F Street. Hours are Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m, Thursday, 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m, and Saturday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Cafe Card Club, Tuesday Evenings at On Sacred Grounds Coffee in Valleyford, Wash.

Cafe Card Club, 6:00 p.m., Tuesdays. At On Sacred Grounds Coffee, Valleyford, Wash., at the corner of Palouse Hwy. and Madison. Come and join the fun!

Cribbage, 1st, 3rd and last Tuesdays
Pinochle, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays

Palouse City Hall Closed January 2, 2012

Palouse City Hall will be closed Monday, January 2, 2012.

Happy New Year everybody!

Richard Slover Photography Featured at On Sacred Grounds' New Year Potluck

On Sacred Grounds will ring in the New Year with a pot-luck buffet, Sunday, January 1, 2012, beginning at 2:00 p.m., 12212 E Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Wash.
Relax and enjoy the new photography exhibit of Richard Slover, from Valleyford.

Espresso-drinks are on the house!

Our Fascination With Quotes

Why do people like quotes?


During the relaxed days of Christmas holidays that bring families together quotations often enliven conversations. It's also a time when folks indulge in word games that focus on quotations. Which started me thinking about this universal fascination with quotes, that spans centuries.


VisualThesaurus , in "May I Quote You?" provided answers from Scholar, Fred Shapiro, an authority on quotations and the editor of the seminal Yale Book of Quotations. The answers provide interesting insights well worth reading.


VisualThesaurus is a wonderful Subscription website people interested in words cherish because, along with other useful resources, the unique interactive dictionary and thesaurus create word maps. (14-day free trial.) Exploration and learning help users understand language in uniquely powerful ways. Visual Thesaurus® is developed and published by Thinkmap, Inc.


This website includes a number of archived (free) thoughtful blogs, plus the numerous comments they generate.

Palouse 2012 Community Calendars Available

Happy Holidays to all,

The 2012 Community Calendars are now available at Palouse, Wash.  You can pick them up this week at the Library, 120 E. Main, during their regular hours -- today from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Friday from 12: noon to 6:00 PM.

Next week the calendars are available at 120 E. Main, in either City Hall or the Library. 

Enjoy your holiday!

Christmas Vacation Fun at St. John Library

Hey families! Are you looking for something to do this Christmas vacation? The St. John Library is having two special craft times. Friday, December 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is your last chance to make a Christmas decoration. The library has projects for all ages with Christmas and winter themes. 

Friday, December 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is your chance to help Clancy and Shawna clean out the craft closet and have some creative fun as the long vacation winds down.

Come by for a fun movie or book to share with your family during the holiday season. 

The St. John Library is closed December 26, 2011 and January 2, 2012. Items normally due on those days will be due on the next Wednesday. 

Library hours are: Monday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 648-3319.

Thanks,
Clancy Pool, St John Library

Freeman High School Athletics News, December 2011

Volleyball: 5th Place at State!

X-Country: The Cross Country Team grew this year, with the largest team Freeman has had in over 10 years. Although the team was young, Senior Austin Fish made it to the State Meet. We look forward to seeing this young team grow and improve over the next few years!

Football: Tied for the best record in League, followed by a regional win and qualification for the state tournament. Loss was to Connell, who will play for the state title.

Soccer: Had its best year ever! Loss was to Cashmere in the final seconds of a double-overtime game. Cashmere went on to place 2nd in state.

Good Luck to all FHS winter athletes!

National Grange Distinguished Grange Award Given to McIntosh Grange

It's nearly impossible to get an interview with busy, involved members of organizations on the Palouse, which contribute to the richness of their communities! Everyone, it seems, is so busy! And it's no wonder, when you consider the tradition of multiple community service organizations in each town.

McIntosh Grange is a classic example. However, member Carol Evans, Lecturer and Community Service Chairman, graciously took time to provided these details (after I pleaded with her at the recent annual McIntosh Christmas potluck dinner. ;0))

McIntosh Grange, Rockford,Wash., was awarded The National Grange Distinguished Grange Award, which honors Community and State Granges that fulfill their responsibilities as part of the National Grange, while excelling in the areas of membership, fundraising, and service to their communities.

The award for McIntosh Grange (one of six in Washington State) was accepted by Washington State President, Duane Hamp, at the 2011 National Convention in November, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is the first year McIntosh has applied for the award.

The application is first reviewed at the state level, and is based on points awarded in 12 areas set by the National Grange. Certain proof of some of these criteria is required. Including:

• Sending delegate(s) to State Convention
• Sending representative to a National event, which includes Regional conferences
• Hosting at least 2 community service/educational events
• Hosting a youth/junior activity
• Sending timely reports to the State
• Hosting a legislative event, such as a candidate forum
• Donating specified amounts of money to Junior/Youth State activities.

"Our Community Service Award of 2nd place in our division (based on membership) and also 2nd place overall was received in June, at the Washington State Grange in Moses Lake. We have entered this contest on the State level for more than twenty years and have placed in the awards column annually," Carol Evans said.

"In the early years of the Community Service Award contest, McIntosh Grange placed also in a National Grange competition. Active grange members included Doris and George McPherson, Norm and Mildred Fricke when the street signs were made, painted and placed for Rockford, Wash., bleacher seats were built for the Rockford Park\Fair, and house numbers were assigned in town.

"In the early years of the Community Service Award contest, McIntosh Grange placed also in a National Grange competition. Active grange members included Doris and George McPherson, Norm and Mildred Fricke when the street signs were made, painted and placed for Rockford, Wash., bleacher seats were built for the Rockford Park\Fair, and house numbers were assigned in town.

"National Grange now gives monetary awards for the top State finishers, overall and the Grange Cooperative group provides monetary awards at State in each of 5 divisions," Carol said.

National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, together with its state and local members, is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive. My Bag is one of several CASA partners. My Bag includes school supplies, back packs, toiletries, blankets, small pillows, toys, books, mittens, gloves, warm hats, diapers, wipes, bottles, infant and toddler clothing are supplied to foster care in Spokane and surrounding counties. Many children are placed in foster care with very little notice and have nothing but the clothes they have on when they arrive.

"Members of McIntosh Grange have, over the last 10 years or more, assisted with packing backpacks, and has contributed numerous small pillows, blankets, school supplies, toiletries (including toothbrushes and toothpaste) and now some fleece footballs as well.

"We hosted the Veteran's Day program 11/11/11 at 11am with Retired Navy Chaplain and current RUMC Pastor David Lura orchestrating a moving combination of a barbershop quartet singing the various military services songs and veterans recalling their time of duty. Local VFW members presented a narrated flag folding ceremony and refreshments were provided by McIntosh Grange. Posters from Freeman School kids decorated the hall.

"You may have noticed the new entrance to McIntosh Grange Hall that appeared in early April amid cool rainy weather. What a change the remodel has made in the front. Our window replacement fund suffered a setback due to having to shift funds to make the entrance easier and safer. The original entryway dates back to 1963 as noted etched in the concrete blocks in front of the entrance steps.

"We gave financial assistance to six area kids to attend Camp NEWA Jr. Grange Camp last August. Camp fee is $150 if paid by July 1st, and $175 after. (NEWA stands for Northeast Washington.) I serve as camp director/nurse, and Kathy Creed and Bill Creed were in charge of crafts for camp.

"The Washington State Grange also has a Kimball Memorial Scholarship for first-time campers that can be applied for. McIntosh Grange had one area girl awarded $65 of her camp fee.

"2012 camp is July 29 (Sunday 2:00 p.m.) through August 4 (Saturday 10:00 a.m.), and is held at Princess Pine Camp, 20 miles northeast of Colville. Parent's night is Friday night with no overnight fee for parents who want to stay over and bring kids home on Saturday. Campers have a dance with royalty on Friday night, and I have seen many a dad out there dancing with his daughter!" Carol said.

"Last spring through summer, we met on Thursday mornings with several ladies from the community and grange working on projects. Plans are to again start sewing pillows/footballs for foster care after the holidays. We welcome help and DONATIONS OF FLEECE, BATTING (those scraps from quilts that were cut off) or polyfill stuffing that you may have left over or want to purchase (watch the sales) for this project.

"Last summer some of our pillows were sent to Support Our Troops project from State Grange convention," she said.

Carol failed to mention McIntosh Grange participated again in 2011 with the Grange nation-wide annual program of giving dictionaries to students in 3rd grades. McIntosh Grange members handed out about 50 dictionairies to students in three 3rd grade classes at Freeman Elementary recently.

Congratulations to this well-deserving Grange on their prestigious award!

(EDITOR REQUEST: Good news is always welcome! eemail your organization news for publication to newstnpw@air-pipe.com.)

Rockford Historical Society Receives Prestigious Award

The Rockford Historical Society has received the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Recognition Award. The Jonas Babcock Chapter DAR nominated them for the award.

For many years, the members of the society have been working together to collect and preserve their history. The local historical society has had a litany of fundraising projects, written grants, and raised funds for their buildings in whatever way they could.

Their creativity has yielded three museums, the Rockford Military Museum, the Pioneer Museum, and The Rockford Historical Society Farm Museum. The group has spent many hours in sweat-equity, as well as donation from personal funds, and recruitment throughout the region to bring these buildings back to their former glory in as much of the original condition as possible.

Members of the society man the buildings on a volunteer basis, and work to accumulate as much history and original items from their area as possible. They also take oral histories to be stored for posterity.

The farm museum houses farm/shop item and things too heavy to put in the other buildings. It is open by appointment and at fair time when it draws a large crowd. The newest acquisition is an original turn of the century cook wagon in good condition.

These members truly have a love of history and of preservation. They also have the knack of drawing people in and awing them as they weave the stories of the past. Their members are not just members on paper; they are fully involved in the whole process.

According to Rae Anna Victor, the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution History Preservation Chairperson, who presented the award to Evelyn Fricke member of the society,

“The dogged perseverance that this group has shown to the preservation of their local community is commendable. Their long-term dedication to this project is to be admired and emulated.”

　

2012 Compost Permits Available at Palouse, Washington

2012 Compost Permits are now available at Palouse, Wash., City Hall.  If you plan on using the facility at all in 2012 for your leaves, grass, and soft vegetation, a permit is required in advance.  The cost is only $15.00.  The continuance of the compost program relies on the sale of permits so please don’t share your permit; it is non-transferable.  

Chipper Facility in Palouse, Wash., Ends January 1, 2012

Effective January 1, 2012, Palouse, Wash., will no longer operate the city's chipper.

Dog's Need 2012 License in Palouse, Washington

If you are a dog owner within Palouse city limits, please come purchase your 2012 Dog License(s).  They are only $5.00 for a spayed/neutered dog and $10.00 if not. 

Freeman FBLS Hosting Child Care Day, December 17, 2011

"Freeman Cares 4 Kids!"

Need a day to get that Christmas shopping done?
Need a day to get out with the spouse?

Just need a day without kids?

Freeman High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) has the answer for you as they present their eighth annual "Freeman Cares 4 Kids" on Saturday, December 17,2011. Freeman’s FBLA chapter is hosting a day of child care so you can get a great start on your Christmas shopping.

From 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., high school students will be running activities such as basketball, whiffleball, crafts, movies, games, and other fun activities for chil-dren grades K – 6. Munchies and beverages will be provided.

Due to popular demand, we will again have our Jumping Castle! So bundle up your little elves, tell them to bring their friends, and let Freeman FBLA fill your kids with Christmas cheer while you have a whole day to get that shopping done, decorate the house in peace, or just take in a movie!

For more information, contact Scott Moore at Freeman HS, 291-3721, ext. 201 (or smoore@freemansd.org). You can reserve a spot over the phone or simply register at the door.

We are taking donations to cover the cost of this program in addition to raising funds for the FBLA Chapter at Freeman High School.

Santa Claus and his elves to Visit Palouse, Wash., December 17, 2011

Santa Claus and his elves will be at the Palouse Legion Hall (above the library on Main Street, Palouse, Wash.,) this Saturday, December 17^th, from noon to 1:00 pm.

Have your picture taken with Santa.

Volunteer Appreciation Potluck Dinner at Fairfield, Wash, December 11, 2011

A potluck dinner for people that have volunteered from the 1st of December 2010 to November 30, 2011 at Fairfield events will be held Sunday December 11, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. Meat will be provided.
The meal will be served in the  upstairs of the Community Center, which remains decorated after the Old Fashioned Christmas.

KayDee, Harry and Karrie will set up, with Brian, Ed, Mary and Cheryl cleaning up.

Fairfield Old Fashioned Christmas and Dance a Big Hit

The Fairfield Old Fashioned Christmas was a success. The vendors were happy with the turn out. Live music was provided for most of the day. The Food Bank served soup, roll and pie, with the proceeds split between them and the Community Center Activities. Each group received $156 from lunch.

The Children’s Workshop was very well attended. Volunteers thought perhaps 100 kids went through and made crafts. The inexpensive crafts were simple to make.

"New people volunteered their help for the various activities. The Community Center was decorated very nicely thanks to Alene Felgenhauer and Mary Day. It added just that extra touch to the whole day," Cheryl said.

The dance had very little attendance but everyone had a good time. The band, “Spare Parts,” was excellent, and played for three hours straight with no intermission. Some of the people expressed the hope there would be a future dance, perhaps Valentine’s Day. Getting the word out to citizens is a major issue, and personally handing out flyers to people and inviting them to come may be the best way to get the word out.

Cheryl Loeffler extends a big thank you thank to everyone that helped with the Old Fashioned Christmas at Fairfield on December 3, 2011. Thanks especially to Elaine Rising, proprietor of On Sacred Grounds, for her diligenence in getting the word out about the different events happening on the Palouse December 3rd. The participation was larger than in previous years.
At a recent town council meeting, there was discussion about forming an actual committee, with planning starting perhaps in July next year. It is important to provide things for the community, and the Old Fashioned Christmas is one thing that the Town can do.

Life on the Palouse History - A Bucket of Dirt Clods, by Sue Ellis

Although A Bucket of Dirt Clods was published as Rant #521 by Poor Mojo's Almanac(k) on January 13, 2011, this bit of  'life on the Palouse' history came to my attention today when I visited the December Internet Writing Workshop Success Blog.


A Bucket of Dirt Clods was written by Sue Ellis, who drove a 92-mile rural mail route at Rockford, Wash., during 1980-1989.

Colton Library Cheery and Delightful With December Holiday Themes

     The weather outside may be frightful, but in the Colton Library it is cheery and delightful.  Librarian Holly Meyer is planning holiday themes for December Storytimes with crafts, stories and snacks for the season.  Storytime is held at 10:30 every Monday for children ages 1-6.

     Third Thursday, the after school program at the Colton Library, is on December 15.  The theme is Christmas, with a Christmas craft, worksheets, books and a snack.  Children from kindergarten to 6^th grade are invited to join in the fun at 3:15 pm.

     The 2012 Barns of Whitman County Calendars are now available at all Whitman County Libraries for $6 each.  The calendars have scenic photos of various barns throughout Whitman County and make wonderful Christmas gifts.  The Friends of Whitman County Library Cookbooks are on sale for Christmas as well – only $5 each.  Stop and pick one up before they are gone!

Freeman School Christmas Concerts, December 12th and 14th, 2011

Christmas Concerts

High School Choir Concert~ December 12th (grades 5-12) at 7:00pm in the Multi-Purpose room at the High School.

High School Band Concert~December 14th (grades 5-12) 7:00pm in the Multi~Purpose room at the High School

Santa Claus Coming to Rockford, Wash., December 10, 2011

Saturday, December 10, 2011, 1:00 p.m., the Lion's Club will host its annual Christmas with Santa at the Town Park. Santa will await kids to visit and hear their wishes. 

Pictures with Santa will be taken, and will be available for pickup at the Bank of Fairfield in Rockford on Decmber 12th.

Christmas Potluck at McIntosh Grange + Decorating Town Tree, December 11, 2011

December 11, 2011, 12:30 p.m. The McIntosh Grange will be holding their annual Christmas Potluck at the Grange Hall on First St., Rockford, Wash. The Grange will provide the turkey so bring your favorite dish to share. Everyone is invited (need not be a member to attend) and if you bring a friend there will be more to play cards.

Festivities include card games, and a pilgrimage across the street to Rockford Town Park in mid-afternoon to take ornaments to decorate the Christmas tree. (Ornaments provided if you don't bring one.)

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bring your own tree decoration and meet at the tree near the sidewalk to decorate the Christmas tree in the Park. Linger to enjoy caroling, cookies and hot chocolate.

Return to the Grange for indoor games, as you wish, or enjoy festivities in the Park. The countdown begins at dusk for the tree lights to go on.

For information call: Susan Hegney (509) 995-7001 and Micki Harnois,(509) 291 3444.

Former Palouse Producers Property Cleanup Public Meeting Tonight

Thursday, December 1, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Garfield-Palouse High School Gymnasium.

Doors open at 6:30 for Open House

• Come hear about proposed plans for cleaning up historical contamination on the property
• Let us know what you think about the plans.

December 2011 Ladow Grange Food and Clothing Giveaways, Garield, Wash.

Clothing Giveaway - Thursday thru Sunday, December 1st-4th, 2011, 11:00 am. - 7:00 p.m. at American Legion/Grange Hall, 211 W Main Street (Main and B Street), Garfield, Washington.

Food Giveaway - Thursday, December 22, 2011, 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Winter Festival at Garfield, Wash., December 4, 2011

Winter Festival 2011, Sunday, December 4, 2011

Downtown Garfield

Silent Auction & Bake Sale 1:00 p.m. - Garfield Methodist Church
Winter Concert 3:00 p.m. - Garfield Methodist Church
Book Sale/Cider/Crafts 3:00 p.m. -  Garfield Library
Starlite Parade 5:00 p.m. - Parade down Main Street
Visits with Santa - After Parade at Mitz's Cabinets

Click here for more details!

Windy and Tom Tevlin Win 1st Place in Garfield 2011 Beautification Contest

Garfield’s Planning Commission sponsored the 2011 Garfield Beautification Contest, the goal was to inspire improvements in appearance to show pride in the community.

While many improvements around town were observed, only a few were submitted to the committee by the contest deadline on September 20th. This year a first place cash prize will not be awarded, since the minimum number of entries (20) was not submitted.

The committee is pleased to announce the first place winner is: Windy and Tom Tevlin at 108 3rd St, for the replacement of their exterior wall and windows.

Thanks to all of you who participated in our beautification project this year. It is our hope that your efforts will inspire others to make a difference in our town too.

Library Book Sale at Garfield, Wash., December 4, 2011

The Garfield branch of Whitman County Library is happy to host a book sale during the Garfield Winter Festival held on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 3 to 6 p.m.  Librarian Christine Bowmaninvites all to come and find the right book to take home.  Children’s crafts and hot apple cider are there to warm you up while you wait for the parade.

The Garfield Library is open each Monday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Kindergarten and preschool Storytime is each Wednesday at 11:30.

Let your holiday visitors know WiFi access is available both inside and outside of the library.  For more information, call the library at (509) 635-1490 or open the library calendar on the website www.whitco.lib.wa.us .

Freeman High’s FFA Chapter Team Places in State Competition

For the first time in many years, Freeman High’s FFA Chapter competed in the 2011 Washington State FFA Land Judging Competition held in Odessa, WA, November 2, 2011. Team members were Tyler Emtman, Cory Emtman, Brian Hogan, Darold Conely, and Isaac Heyn.

They improved their team placing at each of 3 contests, and placed 18th out of 26 teams.

The contest, also referred to as Soils, consists of judging the following: determining soil textures (sand, silt, or clay), measuring soil depth (Topsoil and Subsoil), measuring slope percentage, and calculating erosion over time.

After students judge those factors, they use the information gathered to determine how to farm the land, and if fertilizer needs to be applied.

The team worked hard all year and hopes to improve their Land Judging skills once again next fall.

Barn Calendars and Friends’ Cookbooks” Available at Farmington Branch Library

Farmington Librarian, Rose Anderson, says, "Shop locally this year and support your library's programs with Barn Calendars and Friends’ Cookbooks.”

A Friends’ Cookbook can make a great gift by itself or when pared with a basket of ingredients for one of the home tested recipes. To make it more special add wooden spoons, measuring cups or hand towels.

Barn Calendars go on sale in early December and feature beautiful barn pictures from rural Whitman County. They are a great gift to send to friends that have moved away or to buy as a gift for your home.

Want to keep up on library and community events? Become a Facebook friend of the Farmington Washington Library. For more information or to post your announcements call 287-2035, or email farmington@whitco.lib.wa.us.

Farmington library hours are Tuesday and Thursday 2-6 p.m. Storytime happens every Tuesday at 2. Team Club for school age children is held every third Thursday at 4.

The newest program “Mom's Night Out” is a special time for women to share crafts and checkout the library’s great collection and services. Join us every second Thursday at 7 p.m.

Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce Meeting at Fairfield Care December 8, 2011

Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce will monthly meeting, Thursday, December 8, 2011 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will be held at Fairfield Care in Fairfield, Wash. If you wish to attend please contact Cheryl Loeffler at Fairfield City Hall, (509) 283-2414 - to provide a head count.

Residents Move Into Fairfield Care's Assisted Living Wing

After the months of frustrating delays, and following a very encouraging Open House celebration, Fairfield Care's Assisted Living Wing is now open and occupied.

Applications are being taken and assessments made. Anyone desiring these services can contact Lorell Storm, Manager, at 283-2232. The facility is being managed by Sunshine Health Facilities. Apartments area  also available for independent living.

Those wishing to join family members for lunch or just wanting to visit the facility at Fairfield Care can do so by calling ahead for a reservation.

Thanksgiving Wishes from Palouse, Wash., City Hall

Happy Thanksgiving from City Hall.  We will be closed November 24 & 25, 2011.

Drive safe and enjoy time with loved ones.

Life is short – eat another piece of pie!

Christmas Lighting Contest Sponsored by Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce

The Hangman Creek Chamber is once again sponsoring a lighting contest for the communities and surrounding rural residences of Valleyford, Freeman, Rockford, Fairfield, Waverly and Latah.

To make it easier for judging we are putting an application on the website - hangmancreekchamber.com. People can download the form, fill it out and bring it to their city hall where a designated judge or judges will select the #1 house.

The prize for each community will be a $50 gift certificate to be used in that community. 

If you prefer, you may pick up a copy of the application at your local city hall. The deadline for returning the application to your city hall is December 10, 2011, and judging will be done on December 17, 2011, so be sure to have your lights on and decorations set up on that date.

School Transporation Team and Local Business Spearheads Drive to Help Needy Family

November-December 2011

Dear Community Member,

                                                                                             

I am a member of the Freeman School Transportation Department.  This holiday season we have adopted a family in our district that is verifiably in need of assistance. Circumstances beyond their control have rendered them well below poverty level and virtually homeless. The family has been provided shelter, but currently lacks the ability to pay the rent due to lack of employment.

We have partnered with The Freeman Store, and thanks to the efforts of Barb Lang, the owner, have procured a Thanksgiving meal, some clothing and personal essentials.  We are donating our time and many personal resources to help this family but realize we cannot do it alone.

We are requesting merchants and other members of the community to help make a difference in this family’s lives. Could you please make a small contribution to this effort either in cash or physical items?  They are in need of basic items such as:

Blankets, sheets, pillows

Warm Clothing-   (Men’s pants size 32 and shirts medium to large)  (Women's size large) (Women's Medium- jeans size 8-10)  (Boy’s size medium - boys jeans -11-12 slim) Jeans, Jackets, Gloves, Flannel Shirts – all need snow clothes

Shoes for cold weather, Women’s 8 ½ (mother and daughter), size 6 for the boy

Food- All types

Gift cards for gas, grocery stores or department stores

Soaps, Shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry supplies

Furniture (bed), kitchen items (pots and pans, glassware, silverware)

Christmas tree / gifts (kids really want I-pods, costume jewelry, call of duty video games, boy wants a football, girl loves to draw)

Dad needs a job  - has experience with computers but is jack of all trades. Mom can do anything – cleaning, caretaker

Already have donated items of couch, TV, VCR, dishes, table and chairs, microwave. This hardworking family is truly in need. Please help us in our efforts to get this family back on their feet.  We will be accepting contributions throughout the holiday season. Please drop off items at the Freeman Transportation Department or Freeman Store.  You may contact Barb Lang with questions at (509) 939-1334.  We will deliver Christmas items to the family on Christmas Eve.

Thank you for your Support!

The Freeman Store and The Freeman School Transportation Team.

Reflections Program's Theme is "Diversity Means...."

This year's Reflections theme is: Diversity Means.... The Reflections Program, a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition, annually challenges students to create art that supports a specific theme.

The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works in the following categories:

• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts
• Film/Video
• Choreography/Dance.

The deadline will be Friday, January 6, 2011. Watch for entry forms coming soon to your child's classroom.

Freeman High School To Produce a Full-Color Yearbook

The staff of Freeman High School's The Collar is excited to announce the 2011-'12 Freeman High School Yearbook will again be entirely in color, for the second year in a row.

"We are excited to develop a project that the entire community can be proud of."

Plans are to produce a yearbook that is better than ever, with full-color pages, senior tributes, articles, advertisements, and well-designed spreads.

"The yearbook would not be possible without the support of our community. We are excited for parents and businesses to be a part of this piece of history.

"We would like to present parents of seniors with the opportunity to put a tribute in the yearbook for their son or daughter. Include a photograph, a memory, and a special message for your loved one that will live on forever.

"The yearbook would not be possible without the support of our community. We are excited for parents and businesses to be a part of this piece of history.

"We would like to present parents of seniors with the opportunity to put a tribute in the yearbook for their son or daughter. Include a photograph, a memory, and a special message for your loved one that will live on forever.

"For businesses, we would like to present you with the opportunity to have your business featured in our yearbook when you support Freeman by purchasing an advertisement.

"Our staff is eager to work hand in hand with you by developing your tribute or advertisement. Maybe you already have an advertisement developed and would like to use that in the yearbook! Either way, we are looking forward to having your son, daughter, grandchild or business represented in the Freeman 2011-12 Yearbook."

A list the various sizes of advertisements and their respective price include:

Business Card Size Ad:

• 1/8 page - Approximately 4 in. x 2.25 in. 40 words + 1 graphic -- $40
• 1/4 Page - Approximately 4 in. x 4.5 in. 80 words + 2 graphics -- $75.
• 1/2 Page - Approximately 8 in. x 4.5 in. 160 words and 3 graphics -- $140.
• Full Page - Approximately 8 in. x 10 in. 300 words + 4 graphic -- $250.

Keep in mind that too many words can make an advertisement look cluttered. If you would like some assistance in developing your ad, feel free to contact the Yearbook advertising staff at 291-3721, ext 201.

"For more information on how you can place a tribute or purchase an advertisement, please contact Editor-in-Chief, Josiah Lara (Josiah.lara@goscotties.com), our Assistant Editor Samantha Strothman (Samantha.strothman@goscotties.com) or our Advisor, Scott Moore (smoore@freemansd.org). We look forward to working with you!"

Sincerely - The Freeman Yearbook Staff.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Information Available at Freeman High School, Freeman, Wash.

Freeman High School had a good turnout for their Financial Aid & Scholarship information night.

However, for parents  and students who were unable to attend, handouts are in Freeman school's Career Center, and there are materials on the Counseling Corner website under Financial Aid.

Before the end of the year is a good time to use the FAFSA forecaster to get an estimate of financial aid amounts and the expected family contribution amount for a student planning to enter college.

Malden, Wash., "Knit Wits" Members Meet November 22, 2011

November 22, 2011, and every Tuesday, the "Knit Wits," Malden's knit and crochet club meet from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., at the home of Joyce Darou.

The group is comprised of many ages and skill levels. If you are interested in joining, contact librarian Shannon Roe, at The Malden Library & Community Center, 205 S. Moreland. (509) 569-3771.

Jack Broom, Seattle Times Staff Reporter, Features Endicott, Wash.

From the Editor,

Readers are always asking editors, "Where do you get your stories?" The easy answer is, "From people, organizations, and businesses that send them in."

However, a few of the articles in this newspaper come from the need to find information. I admit, though, that I love surfing the web, and I'm always curious, which I've learned is a great combination that leads me to all sorts of undreamed of wonders!

Most evenings, after dinner I'm relaxed in my lounger with my laptop on laptop-desk. I check my email for the latest news, format and edit whatever news someone sends me, and then publish the article.

When announcements of upcoming events arrive without a street address of where the event will take place, if I can't locate the address myself, I publish the story, and then email the sender to ask for the address so I can publish it ASAP.

Usually, impatience leads me to check Towns (page), in hopes the town's website will contain the street address I want, or I check the paper's archives. Sometimes I'm lucky. Other times, like this evening, I surf the web, and now and then, stumble on a wonderful story about a Palouse town, and the need to share overtakes me.

Tonight's treasure is a story about Endicott that portrays the rural culture as well as the town. "A one-store town struggles to keep sense of community," By Jack  Broom, Seattle Times staff reporter. published in The Seattle Times, Local News.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Mona Vanek

Craft Clay-pot Snowmen in Garfield, Wash., November 29, 2011

The Garfield branch of Whitman County Library is Happy to sponsor a craft-making event at Ladow Court, Ladow Court Assisted Living, 308 W California, in Garfield.  Kathy Merry is going to show us how to make snowmen with clay pots on Tuesday, November 29, at 1: 30 p.m.  The general public is invited to attend this event.  Pre-registration is not required, but encouraged.

The Garfield Library, 109 3rd St.,  is open each Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Storytime for age 1 – 6 is each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m..  Join Librarian Christine Bowman for stories and fun.

Don’t forget to let you holiday visitors know that Wi-Fi access is available both inside and outside of the Garfield Library. For more information, call the library at (509) 635-1490 or toll free at 877-733-3375.    

Brenda's Helping Hand Continues to Feed Kids

Four years ago Freeman High School lost a beloved friend and member of their staff, Brenda Swartout. As the head cook in the high school, Brenda lost her battle with lung cancer at the age of 43. Brenda had a passion for feeding hungry kids in all grades. She asked her friends to find a way to feed kids when they didn’t have the money to eat hot lunch.

Brenda's Helping Hand resulted; a fund Freeman School started in 2008. It serves only Freeman District students in helping to fight hunger by purchasing lunches for district children who don’t have lunch money.

Since 2008, hundreds of kids in all grades have been provided nourishing meals, usiing the fund. In addition to that, the fund has helped make food baskets for low-income families over the holidays possible, when students aren't at school to eat hot lunch.

If you can help out with a donation, please make checks payable to Brenda’s Helping Hand, and address it to Brenda’s Helping Hands, Freeman High School, 14917 S Jackson Rd., Rockford, WA 99030.

The donation will be put to good use feeding kids.

Pick a Gift-Tag to fill from Freeman's Leadership Class Sharing Tree

The Freeman Leadership class is setting up a Sharing Tree that displays tags for gifts needed for low-income families in the district. If you can pick out a gift tag from the Sharing Tree at Freeman High School office, 14917 S Jackson Rd., (junction at Hwy. 27, near Freeman Store), purchase and return the gift and tag to the office by December 14, 2011 it will be a tremendous help to area families.

The Leadership class also plans to conduct a food drive to help feed needy families in Freeman School District. The food drive also supports the Food Bank serving families in Valleyford, Rockford, Fairfield, Mica and the Palouse.

Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner, November 20,2011

The Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted by Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce, will be November 20, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Community Center in Fairfield, Wash., at the corner of Main and Johnson.

Bring a friend, and a hot dish to share.

Friends of the Fairfield Library Booksale

December 03, 2011, The Friends of the Fairfield Library will sell donated items at this all-day book sale from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the library's meeting room at 305 E. Main St, Fairfield, Wash.

"We will have books divided into several categories, and sell them for 25 cents for paperbacks and 50 cents for hard cover. The books we have depend on what people donate - if people have books they don't want any more, they can drop them off at the library, we will sell them at the book sale, and then the Friends group uses the money for things the library would like but aren't covered in the budget. Generally these things make the library visit more enjoyable, such as providing coffee and tea, purchasing the dragon rug that is on the floor of the meeting room for the story time kids to sit on, etc." Berenice Emehiser, President of the Friends of the Fairfield Library said.

The Fairfield Community Center's "Christmas on the Palouse" sale will be going on at the same time, across the street at the corner of Main and Johnson.

Valleyford Historical Society Meeting, November 29, 2011

Valleyford Historical Club members will be delighted with the Museum-building progress at On Sacred Grounds Coffee, when they meet November 29, 2011, 1:00 p.m., at 12212 Palouse Hwy, corner of Madison and Palouse, Hwy., Valleyford, Wash.

Currently, all donated items are safeguarded. However, having a dedicated room to house and display items that include the valise full of historic newspaper, is a great achievement for the fledgling organization.

Members welcome visitors, and expect memberships to steadily increase. The museum is intended to memorialize and promote awareness of many ghost towns that once existed in the north Palouse region of Washington State.

"Old Fashioned Christmas" in Fairfield, Washington

Old Fashioned Christmas

Fairfield Town Council is sponsoring the Old Fashioned Christmas again this year, to take place December 3, 2011.  Karrie will do the Children’s Workshop, and would like to help with the vendors.

Entry forms were sent to vendors, including a map of the floor with the vendor’s first four choices of locations.  Cheryl will talk to the Food Bank about the luncheon.

Details are available at Town Hall, (509) 283-2414.

Nearly a Ton of Food Plus Cash = Successful North Palouse Food Drive

North Palouse Community Food Bank's Annual Food Drive, October 22, 2011 was very successful, President Sheila Dyer said.

The Zion Lutheran Church of Fairfield, and the Presbyterian Church of Fairfield sponsor the Food Drive. A kids’ hayride is organized by the churches each October to ride around Fairfield and pick up the bags of food that Fairfield residents donate.

Food Bank volunteers distribute paper bags in Latah, Rockford and Waverly to collect food and donations, and return on a specified day to collect bags of food from these towns that are also served by the Food Bank. On behalf of the North Palouse Community Food Bank, Dryer sends thanks.

"Thank you for your interest, and your generous donation to the North Palouse Community Food Bank. We are grateful to have received 1920 pounds of food from the residents in our towns this year, and for the $225.00 in donations."

The Food Bank is open several days each month, and will be open Saturday, November 26, 2011, 9:00 a.m. - Noon.

Smithsonian Journey Stories Exhibit in St. John, Wash., to Close in Two Weeks

Be sure to visit the Smithsonian Journey Stories Exhibit in St. John now through Dec. 4. The Denton Building,1 East Front, houses the library and the exhibit.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4, Wednesday from 10 to 6, and Sunday from 1 to 5.

The exhibit examines the stories of immigrants coming in search of promise in a new country, families relocating in search of fortune or their own homestead, and the harrowing journeys of Africans and Native Americans forced to move.

School and other group tours can be scheduled by calling the St. John Library at 509-648-3319.

More details .

"Messy Science" at Colton Library, Colton, Washington

November 17, 2011, 3:15 p.m., the  theme of the after-school program at Colton Library will be Messy Science. Chelsea Leachman is the presenter.

Children will mix ordinary ingredients to make their own Ooze and ExploraGoo. Children from kindergarten to 6th grade are welcome to join in the fun at. A snack will be provided.

In November and December, Storytime, held at Colton Library every Monday at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 1-6, will focus on nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Come and introduce your child to Mother Goose and the fascinating world of fantasy.

Thanksgiving and Christmas will be celebrated as well, with crafts, stories, and snacks.

The Friends of the Fairfield Library, Fairfield, Wash., Accepting Donated Items

The Friends of the Fairfield Library are accepting donated items for their all-day book sale to be held December 3, 2011 at the Fairfield Library Branch. Contact President, Berenice Emehiser, berenice_emehiser@yahoo.com, or librarian, Bev Bergstom at Fairfield Library, 305 E. Main St, Fairfield, WA. Ph: 509 893-8302.

Souper Senior Supper in Valleyford, Wash., November 16, 2011

November 16, 2011, 6:15 p.m. Souper Senior Supper, Valleyford Community Church, 13015 Sl Madison St, Valleyford, Wash. Everyone 50+ welcome to enjoy commaraderie and great food.

Next NeedleNight at Palouse Library November 15, 2011

November 15, and 29, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Palouse Library NeedleNight, Palouse Branch Library.

Holiday Open House in Palouse, Wash., November 12, 2011

Palouse Holiday Open House

Jump start your holiday season with shopping, food, and fun!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

10 AM – 5 PM

Palouse…..If you like the region, you’ll love the town!

Green Frog Café

Linda’s Whimseys

Bridge Street Styles

Palouse Tavern & Grill

Look Around Art Space

Bank Left Gallery & Bistro

McLeod’s Palouse Market

Needful Things Thrift Shop

Open Eye Consignment Shops

Sponsored by the Palouse Chamber of Commerce

Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!

*Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!*

*Our Nation’s fight for freedom and liberty began during the
Revolutionary War.*

*You were there.*

*You were in Derna, Chapultepec, and in the Philippines and China.*

*And then World War I and World War II.*
*Korea**, Viet Nam, Panama, Desert Storm, Africa, Bosnia *
*and many places in between.*

*At the Twin Towers, *
*You were there.*

*And now Afghanistan and Iraq.*
*And the fight continues…*

*On Behalf of Marine Moms-Bethesda:*

*To those who have served,*
*to those who served before you,*
*to those serving now,*
*and to those who have given their lives in the line of duty,*

*Thank You, Marines!*

November 11, 2011 Events in Towns on the Palouse

November 11, 2011, 11:00 a.m. Veterans Memorial Program at McIntosh Grange in Rockford. Barbershop quartet, veterans recounting memories. Everyone welcome.

November 11, 2011, 11:30 a.m. Rockford Area Museum and Historical Society meeting, Harvest Moon banquet room. Guest speakers.

November 11, 2011, 1:00 p.m. Unveiling of the Veterans Memorial Tree in St. John City Hall.

There will be a brief Veteran's Day service at Palouse Federated Church on Friday at 11am, outside at the bell tower (635 N. Bridge Street). The bell will toll 11 times at 11am in honor of US Veterans past and present. All are welcome.

Rockford, Washington Lions Club is Unique

The Rockford Lions Club, No. 007787, serves southeast Spokane County communities including Rockford, Valleyford, Fairfield, Mica and others. The club is one of the largest in Washington State and has more women members than most clubs in the country.

2011 Officers are President Steve Foley, Secretary Suzi Risken, Treasurer Carole Meyle , and Membership Chairman Sam Meyle (208) 686-0295.

Meetings are held at the Harvest Moon Restaurant banquet room on Main Street, Rockford, Wash., at

7:00 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month.

Activities of the club include White Cane Days, Southeast Spokane County Fair, the Annual Frog Regatta, the Annual Fairfield Flag Day Parade, and a bonfire\wienee roast on Halloween, held in Rockford Town Park.

Palouse Holiday OpenHouse November 12, 2011

November 12, 2011, Palouse Holiday Open House, Downtown Palouse, Wash. Call 509-878-1276

Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce Meets in Valleyford November 10, 2011

November 10, 2011, 11:30 - 12:30, Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce meeting. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Hwy.

Unveiling of Veterans Memorial Tree November 11, 2011 at St. John, Wash.

November 11, 2011, 1:00 p.m. The unveiling of the Veterans Memorial Tree ceremony will take place in St. John's City Hall Friday.

Fairfield, Wash., Residents Will Be Busy in November 10 - 15, 2011

November 10, 2011, 7:00 p.m. VFW and Auxiliary meetings, Fairfield Community Center, corner of Main and Johnson.

November 15, 2011, 12:00 p.m. Senior Souper at the Fairfield Community Center, corner of Main and Johnson and at 1:30 p.m. Southeast Spokane County Historical Society and Museum meets across the street at East 301 Main St. Both buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Fairfield Care Open House Smashing Success

Fairfield Care's October 30, 2011 open house was a smashing success, with about 100 people touring the establishment, including Rep.Susan Fagan and Rep. Joe Schmick.

Conversation was lively, with it so noisy in the Fireside Room it was difficult to hear yourself think. A number of people are looking into the apartments and assisted living. Management expects before long to have a good group of residents.

Freeman PSTA Hoe Down Today in Freeman, Wash.

November 4, 2011, Freeman PTSA will host the annual Hoe Down, 4:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. in Freeman Elementary School & Elem/MS Multi-Purpose room at Freeman, Wash.

The Hoe Down has a long history at Freeman. Nearly all games are organized by the teachers. They host an activity in their class rooms (like a Cake Walk, Fishing Pond, Panning for Gold. Lollipop Tree, etc).

Other activities happen outside of the classrooms, such as a jail, photo corner, build-an-animal booth, maybe line dancing.

Each year the Hoe Down varies a bit, depending upon who is in charge. There is usually a simple dinner that can be bought (i.e. hot dogs) and snacks that are for sale that have been donated (kind of like a bake sale table).

Students come, usually with an adult, and buy punch tickets at the door to be used for games and food. They do games/activities throughout the evening, eat and visit with each other.

The Hoe Down is generally for families of Freeman students. However, ou don’t need to be a member of PSTA to attend the student\family oriented event, just connected to the Freeman school community. If a student wants to invite their cousin or friend from another school, they can.

The goal of the Hoe Down is two fold: it is PSTA's primary fundraiser to pay for Missoula Children’s Theatre (we offer each one every other year) and it is a great community evening that’s safe, fun and cheap for our students and their families.

Veteran's Day Commemoration at Garfield-Palouse Middle School November 4, 2011

Annual Veteran’s Day Commemoration

November 4, 2011

9:30 am

At Garfield-PalouseMiddle School Gymnasium

All are welcome.  Please join us for this special program.

Program Itinerary:

“America of Thee I Sing”

Opening Quartet

Sarah Bofenkamp, Emma Akin, Libby Akin, Emily Keeney

Introduction of Veterans

“Why Do We Deserve Freedom”

Student Essay Winner

“Tap Prologue”

Garfield-Palouse School Singers

“Taps”

Trumpet:  Doug Richards

Special Keynote Speaker

(Ret.) Chief Master Sergeant Wayne Terry

“Long Long Journey to Heal”

10^th Anniversary of 9-11 commemoration

Presented by:  Keely Burns

November Debris Chipping and Home Composters Class Cancelled

Rockford, Wash., has cancelled the planned debris chipping event that was scheduled to take place November 5, 2011 and also canceled the Master Composters of Spokane County home composting sessions. Contact city hall for information about any plans to reschedule the home composting class.

Tony Bamonte and Suzanne Schaeffer Bamonte Scheduled Speakers in Rockford, Wash.

November 11, 2011, Tony Bamonte and Suzanne Schaeffer Bamonte will be guest speakers at the Rockford Historical Society meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Harvest Moon banquet room, 20 S. First St., Rockford, Wash.

The two will present a program on recently published history books, including their Spokane, Our Early History - Under All The Land.

The book was published recently for the Association of Spokane Realtors Centennial by Tornado Creek Publications, P.O. Box 8625, Spokane, WA. (509) 838-7114. Fax (509) 455-6798. 509-838-7114 ....fax 509-455-6798. mailto:tcpoffice@comcast.net.

For meeting information, call: (509) 291-4250

Gar-Pal Lady Vikings and SJE Eagles at Pullman High School November 5, 2011

Your Gar-Pal Lady Vikings take on the SJE Eagles at

10 AM tomorrow at Pullman High School.

 

A win will continue their run at districts.

 

Go.  Shout.  Cheer loud.

 

Go Vikings!