Blue Mountain News - May 2011 by Blue Mountain News

Table of Contents

Publisher's Note

Special Feature

12-15

Blue Mountain News Welcomes New Editor

93rd Annual Dayton Days May 27-29, 2011

his month Blue Mountain News turns a page, as Dian McClurg comes on board to be our new editor. My role will be reduced a bit, to publisher and chief whip-cracker. And of course I’ll keep on writing, but not quite as much.

The Columbia County Fair Board has stepped forward and assumed oversight of Dayton Days, with Dayton Days volunteers supporting the many planned activities so regular Dayton Days organizers can save their financial resources for a possible resumption of racing in 2012.

News & Features 4 In Memory of the Fallen 5 Lindsey Connects with Kids 7 Chess and Checkers Champ 10

Dian recently left her position as Managing Editor of the Waitsburg Times. I know many of our readers have enjoyed reading her stories there in the past year. And you’ll continue to enjoy reading many more of them here. Dian has a journalism degree from Western Washington University. She worked for five years as a reporter for The Chronicle, a daily paper in Centralia, Wash., and has also done freelance writing for a number of other publications.

More 8-9 News Briefs 16-21 Calendar of Events and Movie 18 Book Reviews

Kirsten Schober is Liberty Theater Manager . . . Again

On the Cover

One More Thing . . . : I Like Making Pancakes by Ken Graham

Dayton Days Queen Beka Adams strikes a royal pose. (Main photo by Dian McClurg. Inset photo courtesy of Ann Adams. Cover design by Vanessa Heim)

Blue Mountain News is mailed FREE to every home and business in Dayton, Waitsburg, Starbuck and Prescott. Also available at fine retailers throughout the area. Subscriptions out of the area are $12 per year. Blue Mountain News is published ten times per year by: Back of the Moon Press, 242 E. Main St., Dayton, WA 99328

(509) 540-2752

www.bluemtnnews.com

Page 2 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

With Dian on board, we don’t anticipate any other major changes here. Our longtime staff members Tanya Patton and Vanessa Saldivar Heim are staying on, and I know they will continue to do the great job they always have. It will be something new for us at Blue Mountain News to have an editor who’s a trained professional journalist. But we’re a grown-up paper now, so it’s probably about time. Up to now we’ve been kind of making it up as we went along. We’ve begun our fifth year publishing the Blue Mountain News, believe it or not. And I can honestly say that, with the possible exception of some extra-curricular activities while I was in college, doing this job is the most fun I’ve ever had. So we welcome Dian. And with her help we’ll continue to bring you the best news, arts and entertainment that we can. Ken Graham

Ken Graham Publisher

(509) 540-2752 ken@bluemtnnews.com

Dian McClurg Editor

(509) 956-8312 dian@bluemtnnews.com

Tanya Patton

Assoc. Editor & Advertising (509) 382-4458/(509) 540-4644 tanya@bluemtnnews.com

Vanessa Heim Graphic Designer

Letters Invited Blue Mountain News welcomes Please send to: letters to the editor on subjects of news@bluemtnnews.com interest to our overall readership. or 242 E. Main St., Dayton, WA 99328 Letters should be 400 words or less and should be submitted by the 20th of the month. We reserve the right to edit or decline letters.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 3

News

In Memory Of The Fallen

By Tanya Patton

emorial Day weekend officially kicks off the summer vacation season. Families look forward to spending the three day weekend camping out, barbequing with friends and in a few small towns, like Dayton, watching a parade on Main Street and enjoying other fun community events. It’s easy to forget that Memorial Day was and still is a day set aside to honor the fallen veterans of war. The very first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868 and every May 30th after that until 1971, when the National Holiday Act changed Memorial Day to the last Monday of May, thereby creating a three day holiday weekend. Since then, some would say, the observance of Memorial Day has become more and more lax. It has become, for many, a day to remember all the dead, regardless of whether they died in military service or not. And while remembering loved ones is never a bad thing, many groups throughout the country continue to lobby for the return of Memorial Day to the 30th of May in order to give the day more solemn regard. A small step in that direction was taken in 2000, when then President Bill Clinton signed a memorandum calling for a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time each Memorial Day. He wrote, “Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contribution they have made to securing our Nation's freedom, we should honor them especially on Memorial Day.”

Day traditions alive. Members of Dayton’s American Legion Post 42 will start off Memorial Day weekend by placing American flags on the graves of 800 veterans buried in the Dayton Cemetery Friday starting at 8 a.m. That number is just a drop in the bucket compared to the 200,000 flags that the 3d U.S. Infantry puts out in Arlington National Cemetery the Thursday before Memorial Day, but the sacrifice of time and financial resources by the local group is to be commended. A military color guard will lead the Dayton Days parade, of course, AND the parade will feature a veteran’s float. “We welcome veterans of any age to ride the float,” says American Legion member Brian Black. The Veteran’s Memorial Flag will be lowered over the parade route. On Monday, May 30th, the American Legion will host a breakfast for veterans and their families from 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion Hall at 211 E Clay Street, across from the Post Office. The kitchen at the Hall has been completely renovated, with a new six-burner gas stove, griddle, hood and exhaust system. Immediately following the breakfast, a Calling of the Guard ceremony will be held at the Dayton Cemetery to honor the 18 veterans who have died since last Memorial Day. A four-member local rifle squad will be there and TAPS will be played. The rifle squad will then go to Waitsburg to do the same ceremony at the Waitsburg Cemetary. Please join our local veterans’ groups this Memorial Day in honoring the men and women who have served, and in many cases, died in the service of their country. q

Local veterans groups work very hard to keep Memorial

Page 4 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

Corporal John Boldman is buried in the Covello Cemetery approximately 15 miles northeast of Dayton. The Columbia County Rural Library recently completed a Washington State Rural Heritage grant in which the headstones in all eight county cemeteries were photographed and information entered into a database. The Dayton City Cemetery – most of Lot A - and the Starbuck City Cemetery were photographed as well. Only a small portion of the photographs and information is currently available online through the CCRLD’s website – www.ccrld.lib.wa.us – which links to the Washington State Library site, but a printed copy of all the records collected will soon be available for reference at the Dayton Memorial Library. (Photo courtesy Dayton Memorial Library.

Youth

Lindsey Connects With Kids Story & Photo by Dian McClurg Sometimes all a small community needs to reach its youth is one person who cares. Clay Lindsey, a 2003 Waitsburg graduate, has spent the past nine months proving to Dayton Junior/Senior High School students that he cares. And it has already made a difference. Columbia County typically budgets around $40,000 per year for youth incarcerations, according to Columbia County Commissioner Dwight Robanske. “But so far this year, it looks really good,” he said during an interview in late April. “We’re not spending as much as we have in the past, though it’s still early in the year. And while it’s not scientific, I attribute that to the work Clay has been doing since he came on in the spring of 2010.” Lindsey, the 26-year-old son of local school teachers John and Dinah Lindsey, began working with youth in Dayton late last spring as the designer and director of the new Teen Scene summer program. Since the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, he has been the student advocate for teens in the Dayton School District. “What’s great about Clay is that he plays with the kids,” said Jody Martin of the Columbia Cares community wellness program at the Dayton Hospital, describing the way Lindsey has connected with teens through recreation and an easy-going attitude. “He is so personable, he just befriends the kids.

It’s been a great partnership because they trust him.” Like Martin, Peggy Gutierrez has worked extensively with Lindsey through her position as prevention specialist at Dayton’s Blue Mountain Counseling. Lindsey has joined her in advising the school’s Natural Helpers, a leadership program empowering students to take on bullying through peer trust and relationship building, and the Draw the Line campaign, a state-funded program aimed at preventing alcohol consumption by minors. “I have really appreciated his enthusiasm for helping the kids,” Gutierrez said. “I can always count on him to be a liaison within the school for programs I’m involved with. He’s just been a great resource.” Lindsey learned to step up to the plate early when his son, Aaren, was born right after high school. Knowing he needed to provide for the boy, who is now 7, motivated Lindsey to jump right into the work force. But after two years working at minimum wage for a home restoration company in Walla Walla, he decided to go back to school. Lindsey graduated from Walla Walla Community College with an associate of arts degree in 2007. He transferred to Eastern Washington University and

(Continued on Page 6)

Clay Lindsey takes a break from tossing the football with freshman Christian Warner (middle) and 8th grader Tyler Cooper (far right) in front of the Dayton High School to get his picture taken.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 5

News (Continued) graduated from there in 2010 with a bachelor of arts degree in recreation management and leisure services. A typical graduate with this kind of degree, he said, might go on to organize or manage parks and rec programs, or work with the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, run challenge courses, work at resorts or do event planning. “Honestly I just felt that degree fit me more than every other degree they offered,” he said. “It fit with my personality and active lifestyle.” The former football, basketball and baseball athlete has matured into an active adult who enjoys downhill mountain biking, snowboarding, white-water rafting, fishing, hunting and wakeboarding. This love of recreation and easy way with teens led to an internship this summer in Dayton with the Teen Scene program. The success of that enterprise prompted Martin and Gutierrez to work with the Blue Mountain Action Council, the county and the school district to create a brand new AmeriCorps position in the community. The inexpensive, primarily volunteer, full-time position is funded by both the school and the county. “We really liked Clay’s effort with the teens here, and we wanted to keep him in Dayton somehow,” Martin said. Lindsey’s role at the school is to work as a student liaison, explained High School Principal Andy Maheras. He works in conjunction with teachers to help kids – especially at-risk students – function in the school environment.

His other major role at the school, Maheras said, is “just being present.” “He’s there at lunch every day, talking with kids,” he said. “And he works with kids in the classrooms. He’s just a force keeping kids on track.” And he has his own office on campus where kids can find him, talk with him, connect with him. “I’m just there, you know?” Lindsey said. “I’m someone they know they can talk to. I’m there every day. The trust me. You’d be surprised – if kids trust you, they will not hold back. They want someone to talk to.” But it’s not all talk. A big part of Lindsey’s relationship building within the junior high happens every day after lunch during the big football match. “Some days more than 20 kids are out there to play,” he said. “And if I’m ever not there, they want to know why and where I’ve been.” One of Lindsey’s personal goals is to entice as many teens as he can to join the Teen Scene summer program this coming June. If local funding is secured, Martin said, the program will be a go again this year, and Lindsey will again be running it. His time as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the school will be up at the end of the school year, though. “We will be missed,” Principal Maheras said. But the district hopes to work with the county again next year to bring another student advocate back to the junior/senior high schools, he said. q

“He’s basically that firm, fair person who can listen to the teachers and then go back to the students and say, ‘Look, here’s the situation,’” Maheras said. “He makes the students aware of what they need to do.”

Page 6 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

Passmore to Move Dental Office

r. Norm Passmore has purchased the building between Broughton Land Company and Columbia County Grain Growers office on Dayton’s Main Street at 202 & 204 E. Main. He will be moving his Family Dentistry practice there before the end of August. Known locally as the Zastrow Artists' rendering of Dr. Norm Passmore's Building because it was home new office on Dayton's Main Street. to Zastrow Jewelry for over 35 (Monica Stobie) years, the clock face on the front He is well known in Dayton for of the building is a left over from those his restoration work on several Main years. Street buildings including the building More recently the building was where his Family Dentistry practice the home of Joy’s Hugs, Gifts and is now located (which used to be Elk Collectibles. Then the building was Drug) and the Weinhard Café building. occupied by PC Solutions and KMS He also owned and worked on the St. Financial Services. The building was Vincent de Paul building. Norm sold purchased from former Dayton resident several of his Main Street buildings to and Tri-Star real estate owner Jerry Starbuck rancher Gary Grendahl about five years ago. Smith. The new location is just 1,100 sq Norm is doing most of the remodeling ft compared to the 3,500 sq ft he has work himself. The entire building now. was gutted. “Everything is new – the electrical, plumbing, walls, flooring, “We’ll have the same number of lighting….everything,” he said. operatories (work spaces) and staff, The basement had dirt floors, which just in a smaller area,” he said. “We Norm covered with concrete. “I haven’t really have much more room right now done a project on Main Street for a than we need. It will be more like a few years, so I figured it was time,” ‘normal’ dentist office.” q he said with a grin.

People

Neighbor To Neighbor: Chess & Checkers Champ Tyler Wood Age: 11 Occupation: 5th Grader, Waitsburg Elementary

Young Tyler Wood was the proud recipient this spring of both first-place trophies for chess and checkers awarded annually by the teachers and staff at Waitsburg Elementary. The Waitsburg prodigy, son of Todd and Bethan Wood, is the first ever to win the highest honor in both games in the same year, said Waitsburg teacher Margie Douglas. Douglas and her late husband, Dee, started the annual winter chess and checkers tournaments at Waitsburg Elementary nine years ago to give the students something productive to do during recess in the cold winter months between December and March. This year, 13 students received honors for their achievements in the chess and checkers tournaments.

BMN: What did you do with your chess and checkers trophies? Wood: I put them on the bookshelf in the living room.

BMN: What book are you reading right now? Wood: Warriors Series 2, Book #6

BMN: Who is one person you really admire? Wood: My grandpa. He loves to play chess and checkers.

BMN: What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? Wood: I hope to graduate from college with my degree.

BMN: Who taught you to play chess and checkers? And how often do you practice? Wood: I taught myself to play both games. I play as often as I can. q

Photo: Dian McClurg

Editor's Note Neighbor To Neighbor is a new regular feature of the Blue Mountain News. Through brief Question & Answer interviews, and compelling portraits, we hope to bring you closer to your neighbors in the Touchet Valley. We're always looking for great people to introduce to our readers, so if you have suggestions for future Neighbor to Neighbor personalities, please email dian@bluemtnnews. com or call (509) 956-8312.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 7

News Briefs The Circus Is Coming To Town

he Dayton Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is helping bring the Carson and Barnes Circus to Dayton on June 30th. “They have the largest group of elephants in the United States,” says Chamber Director Claudia Nysoe. “And their big top tent will seat more than 2,000 people.”

The circus will be set up at the Blue Mountain Station site at Highway 12 and Wagon Road, just west of Dayton. Two performances will be held Thursday, June 30th: at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available starting about June 1st and ticket prices will be between $10 and $18. Special family packages will also be available. Before its performances, the circus area will be open to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. for free viewing of the animals. The circus includes more than 20 domestic and exotic species. “This is a first-class operation that has been in business more than 70 years,” says Nysoe. “And ticket proceeds will help support the Chamber.” q

Dayton Farmers' Market Meeting

ith spring finally kicking in, Touchet Valley residents are buying seed packets and planting gardens in anticipation of reaping an abundant harvest this summer. Many of those home gardeners will be selling some of that abundance at the Dayton Farmers' Market. Potential vendors and other community members interested in the future success of the Market are encouraged to attend a planning meeting May 20 at 7 p.m. in the Delany Room at the Dayton Memorial Library. Attendees can ask questions and offer suggestions regarding the organization, location, planning and operation of the Farmers’ Market. The 2011 Market season will begin in June and vendors are needed to help make the Market vital and appealing to buyers. Community members interested in selling non-produce items are encouraged to attend as well. For more information, contact Zonia Dedloff at (509) 399-2307. q

Page 8 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

Recycle Gadgets, Help Your Library

o you have old, unused, outdated electronic gadgets taking up space in your home? You know you shouldn’t just throw them away because the chemicals used in their manufacture and components are toxic, but you don’t want to pay to have them hauled off or recycled? The Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library has a solution that is free, easy, and best of all, generates cash to support the important work the Friends do to enhance library services in Columbia County. The Friends have signed up with gazelle.com, a leader in reCommerce industry, so when you recycle your electronics, the money Gazelle pays for each item goes directly to the Friends. Gazelle currently offers recycling of 200,000 different consumer electronic products in 20 different categories. Gazelle is an online service and easy to use. Dig out your old digital cameras, camcorders, gaming consoles, computers, mp3 players, cell phones or other gadgets. Go to www. daytonmemoriallibrary.gazelle.com to search the item or items you want to donate and answer a few questions about the condition of the item. Print out a free postage and packing slip, box up the item and call FedEx for a pick up. Once the item is received by Gazelle, it is inspected and a check is issued to the Friends of the Library. It's that easy. For more information, contact Johnna Bryant at (509) 3822357. q

News Briefs Poker Run on May 21 Benefits Downtown Playground

Whole Lotta Stuffin' Goin' On

he first annual Touchet Valley Poker Run for motorcycles and cars will be held Saturday May 21st. Organizer Carl Cramer, owner of Dayton Wine Works, has lined up five stops throughout the Touchet Valley. These include: Dayton Wine Works Bluewood Ski Area Lyon’s Ferry Marina near Starbuck The Tuxedo in Prescott Laht Neppur Brewery in Waitsburg Proceeds from the Poker Run will benefit the new Dayton playground that will be built this summer next to the Dayton Historic Depot. Riders and drivers who go to all five stops will travel 133 miles from start to finish. Participants will be able to play games for prizes and cash at each of the stops. At Bluewood, the chairlifts will be operating. After the poker run, a free concert will be held at Dayton Wine Works, featuring the band Cruise Control. The cost is $10 for the first hand and $5 for additional hands. The prize for best hand will be a beautiful hand-carved eagle from Butch Elrod the WoodHacker in Kennewick. Many other prizes will also be given. Registration will begin at Dayton Wine Works at 507 E. Main Street, at 9:30 a.m. The ride will start at 11:30 a.m. For more information, or to preregister for the Touchet Valley Poker Run, go to www. touchetvalleypokerrun.com, or call Dayton Wine Works at (509) 382-1200. q

Janet Pomeroy Swingler (Class of ‘57) lends a helping hand to her husband, Russell Swingler (from Illinois) and Marion Powers (Class of ’47) as they stuff, seal, stamp and address nearly 2,800 envelopes destined for Dayton High School alumni mailboxes. Twenty-three members of the Dayton Alumni Association spent the better part of one day in mid-April making sure alumni receive all the information they need about the 2011 Dayton Alumni Days scheduled for July 15-17. The Dayton Alumni Association meets every third Thursday of the month, except August and December, for dinner and a meeting at the Sandtrap Restaurant at the Touchet Valley Golf Course. New members are always welcome. Photo by Dian McClurg

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 9

The Arts

Kirsten Schober is Liberty Theater Manager . . . Again Story and photo by Ken Graham

Since 2004, Kirsten has been executive director of the Kirkman House museum in Walla Walla. Besides her movie theater experience, Kirsten has been involved in drama productions at Walla Walla High School for the past two years. “My daughter loves drama and got involved in the productions, and I agreed to produce them last year to spend more time with her,” Kirsten says. Her daughter graduated last year, but Kirsten is helping put on “Fiddler on the Roof” this year. “This will be my last one,” she says. As the (Dayton) Liberty Theater’s manager, Kirsten will be responsible for ordering movies, along with promotions Linze Purcell and Kirsten Schober under the Liberty Marquee. and marketing. She will also work with TVAC Productions in preparation for their hile she was in college at Central Washington live performances. “I’m sure we’ll begin exploring new University in Ellensburg in the 1980s, Kirsten things at some point, but right now I’m just working to Schober got a job as manager of a movie theater learn the job here,” says Kirsten. “Reid has been doing a there. It was called the Liberty Theater. great job and things have been running well, so I don’t see Now, many years later, Kirsten has been hired as manager any big changes coming soon.” of another Liberty Theater – the one in Dayton. She replaces Kirsten says she understands the importance of offering Reid Helford, who has held that position for three years. a wide range of movies at the Liberty Theater. “I hope At Ellensburg’s Liberty Theater (which closed in 2009), we can present some interesting independent and foreign Kirsten had the idea of presenting a foreign film festival films that can draw audiences from Walla Walla,” she says. there. “I bugged and bugged the owner and he finally let “But it’s also important to show more mainstream and me do it,” Kirsten says. Kirsten organized the festival, kid-friendly movies as well.” selecting the films and creating the promotions for it. “It Also hired in late March was Linze Purcel, who is the ended up being a huge success,” she says. Liberty Theater’s new assistant manager. Linze recently Kirsten grew up in Seattle and Walla Walla, and is a moved to Dayton from the Tri-Cities. She is a native of Wa-Hi graduate. After college she lived for several years Placerville, California and is currently attending classes in Seattle and worked part-time for the Egyptian Theater at Walla Walla Community College. Linze will manage there. “It was part of a chain of theaters in Seattle, and one concessions and will work closely with Kirsten on other of the benefits of the job was that I could see movies in any aspects of operating the theater. q of the theaters in Seattle for free,” says Kirsten.

Page 10 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

News A New Vision for Promoting the Theater

ayton’s Liberty Theater plays host to many types of performances: from movies to live musical productions to school speech contests to community forums. The Touchet Valley Arts Council (TVAC) which owns and operates the theater is committed to making sure it is available to the community for all of these uses. But at the same time, they must operate it as a business that covers its costs. Local winemaker Reggie Mace joined the TVAC board of directors last year and has set out to bring new energy to the theater’s marketing and promotion efforts. “ T h e theater has many diverse elements,” says Reggie, “and we’re trying to streamline and unify the messages associated with all of those.” These movies, live music, live organization of volunteers theater’s history.

The first step in the new marketing effort is production of The Gazette, the theater’s monthly newsletter. It includes a wide variety of news and information about what’s going on there. The Gazette is included in Blue Mountain News mailout copies. It is also available free in many locations

throughout the area.

include productions, and celebration of the

“What we’re trying to do is have a consistent visual look that ties these elements together,” says Reggie. “That way, no matter which piece we’re promoting, people will quickly recognize that it relates to the theater.”

The visual look of The Gazette is meant to convey the historic importance of the theater in the community. Even the ads in the Gazette, which help pay for its production, are given a historic appearance. That look will be carried through to other marketing materials, such as the theater’s web site, print advertisements, promotional posters and the customer satisfaction card. TVAC is working with Josh Heim, of The Heim Company in Dayton, to design The Gazette and other promotional materials. q

Carpet Business Moves To Downtown Dayton

teve McMunn and Teeny McMunn have moved their business, formerly Abbey Carpets Trade Center, to Dayton. The business has been renamed Home Town Carpets and More.

Their new store is located at 242 E. Main Street, in the former location of The Quilt Shoppe and, before that, the Blue Mountain News office. It will up and running before the end of May. For more information, call Home Town Carpets and More at (509) 382-3188. q

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 11

Feature: Dayton Days

Beka Adams 2011 Dayton Days Q

Story and photo by Dian McClurg

ifteen-year-old Beka Adams is a young woman on a mission. She hopes to someday be the Pro-West Rodeo Association Queen. But the road to her future grand coronation starts much closer to home. Adams was the 2010 Days of Real Sport Queen in Waitsburg. This year, the Waitsburg freshman will be crowned the 2011 Dayton Days Queen. The coronation takes place on Friday, May 27, in the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion with social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, dessert and live and silent auctions. Adams, who friends and family say was practically born on horseback, is the daughter of Lanny and Ann Adams of Waitsburg. Prior to 1998, the family lived in Dayton. Adams has one sister, Emily, who is 12. Lanny and Ann Adams have volunteered on the Dayton Days committee since 2003. Lanny’s uncle, Scott Evans, was a rodeo stock contractor, so he grew up hanging around behind the rodeo chutes at a lot of Dayton Days, he said.

Page 12 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

As Dayton Days Qu at least 10 communitie Dayton and Dayton D and rodeo ride-ins. She of civic clubs to help p “I love doing the fas favorite ‘job’ as quee to people and repres Adams’ list of acco

Photo: An

mounted drills during other community even She is a member of shows swine and com

(Continued on

93rd Annual Dayton Days May 27-29, 2011

s: Queen

ueen, Adams will travel to es this summer to represent Days in parades, luncheons e will also speak at a variety promote Dayton Days. st ride-ins,” she said. “It’s my en. I also really like talking senting my community.” omplishments is long. She was the youngest member of Jr. Wagonettes ( a Walla Wallabased riding group) to ever be allowed to join the senior group (usually reserved for girls ages 13-18). Adams had just turned 11 when she was asked to step up. This year, she is president of the group. Wagonettes nn Adams ride in parades and perform g rodeo intermissions and nts. f Waitsburg FFA where she mpetes in public speaking,

n Page 14)

The first Dayton Days was held in 1918. Horse racing has been a part of every Dayton Days since then. In fact, horse races were held long before the first Dayton Days, by the Palouse Indians who used to race down what is now Main Street when they had their big annual social gatherings along the Touchet River. This year, all funding for the Blue Mountain Horse Racing Association was cut from the state budget. Local representatives in Olympia and racing supporters are working hard to reestablish funding in 2012 for pari-mutuel horse racing on the small tracks in the state, but with state budget concerns, it’s unknown at this time how successful they will be. But Dayton Days is also a celebration of community. “Horse racing or not, there will always be a Dayton Days. The fine people of this community will find a way to make it happen.” Those were the words of longtime Dayton resident Chuck Thronson in a Blue Mountain News interview last year when he served as the Dayton Days parade grand marshal. Making It Happen The Columbia County Fair Board has stepped forward and assumed oversight of Dayton Days, with Dayton Days volunteers supporting the many planned activities so regular Dayton Days organizers can save their financial resources for a possible resumption of racing in 2012. This year’s event will kick off, as always, with coronation of the Dayton Days Queen. The coronation of Queen Beka Adams takes place on Friday, May 27, in the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion. At press time, the ticket price wasn’t set. Call Tracy Barron at (509) 520-8776 for more information. Plans include a dinner with dessert starting at 6:30 p.m. Social Hour will start at 5:30 p.m. A live and silent auction will raise money to help defray some of Beka’s costs this summer including clothes, travel, food on the road and more. Saturday the Main Street Parade begins at 10 a.m. This is a quintessential small town parade with horses, floats, civic groups, veterans and more represented. The more entries, the better the parade.

Applications are available at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. Saturday afternoon will be the all new Jackpot Rodeo, starting at 1 p.m. What is a Jackpot Rodeo? Good question! Basically it’s a community rodeo – anyone can enter. Kids 5 and younger can enter the Goat Tail Untying event. Each contestant runs out to a goat tethered in the middle of the arena with a ribbon tied around its tail. They have to sprint out there and pull that ribbon off, which is easier said than done because a goat can really suck its tail down tight between its legs! Kids ages 6-8 can enter the Goat Tail Tying event. It’s a little tougher to tie the ribbon ON the tail! Mutton Bustin’ is open to kids age 5-7 (that’s riding a wooly sheep for as many seconds as you can without falling off). Break Away Roping is open to girls of all ages and boys 15 and younger. That’s where the calf gets a bit of a head start and the rider has to rope the calf, stop her horse and wait for the calf to “break away” the rope from her saddle. Two groups of barrel racers will compete – ages 16 and younger and 17 and older. Steer Riding, for ages 9-13, will require the rider to stay on a steer for eight seconds, just like in bull riding. Calf Scramble is a hoot. Take a group of young calves and a group of kids ages 8-12 and turn them loose in the arena. A few calves have ribbons tied to their tails. The object is to catch up with one of those calves and pull the ribbon off the tail. It’s hilarious chaos. Team Roping is open to anyone. And Chute Dogging is open to contestants ages 16 and older. These brave souls will start out in the bucking chute behind their steer, hanging on to the horns and neck. When the chute is opened, they have to hang on to the steer, move beyond a line in the dirt (about eight feet away from the chute), then wrestle the steer to the ground (if they still have hold of it). Basically, Jackpot Rodeo is great, old-fashioned, family rodeo fun. All contestants pay an entry fee, so there are cash prizes for the top places. Justin Boots is sponsoring buckles for the top Mutton Bustin’ contestants. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to enter the Jackpot Rodeo, you MUST call in your entry on May 19 from 6-9 p.m. That is

(Continued on Page 14)

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 13

Feature: Dayton Days

Parade Waitsburg

in 2012.

ays of Real Sport in Waitsburg is taking the year off while horse racing proponents work to push changes in state law and raise local funds for a possible revival of para-mutuel racing

But the city and the Commercial Club have joined forces to make sure people save that May 21 date on their calendars with a parade and lots of fun, around-town activities throughout the day. Parade Waitsburg will kick off that Saturday at 10 a.m. with a parade on Waitsburg’s Main Street. The Parade will honor local Armed Forces Veterans. The Lion’s Club of Waitsburg will have a pancake breakfast in Ye Towne Hall on Main Street starting at 7 a.m.; cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children. Wait’s Market will have activities, games and music throughout the day in Preston Park. For parade entry forms, contact Gail Wolfe at (509) 540-0974; for Waits’ Market vendor applications, contact Lois Winchester at (509) 337-6237. For up-to-date information or to post comments, see the Waitsburg Parade Blog at http:// etceteras.biz/parade/. Horse-racing proponents in both Waitsburg and Dayton were frustrated this year when the Washington Horse Racing Commission announced in February that all six racing days it could afford to sponsor this year would go to Sun Downs in Kennewick. q

Page 14 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

(Dayton Days-Continued) the ONLY time you can sign up. Call Lanny Adams at (509) 386-2421 or Ann Adams (509) 520-8667 during that time. Finally, on both Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m., come enjoy Pro-West Rodeo action. Only cowboys who are members of the Professional Western Rodeo Association will compete for cash prizes. Unlike the Jackpot Rodeo, these guys are serious cowboys hoping to earn points and win cash for their efforts. There will be bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling …the works. Admission for all rodeo events will be at the gate this year. No multi-event buttons will be sold as in years past. q

(Adams-Continued) livestock judging, trap shooting and horse shows. She’s also part of the Waitsburg FFA Marketing Team that is going to state competition this spring. Adams is a member of the 4-H Club Saddles and Spurs, where she serves as president. And she’s also a member of the Valley Girls Barrel Racing Association and Pioneer Posse. The young lady recently added bluegrass musician to her list of accomplishments too. She picked up the guitar last year and started playing with the Rezonators – a Waitsburg-based youth bluegrass band. She’s set her sights on learning bass next. She’s a vocalist for the group as well. “Beka is an outstanding young woman who is committed to representing the community of Dayton and Dayton Days the best way she knows how,” said Court Advisor Tracy Barron, who travels with Adams to all her royal engagements and helps her choose outfits and find sponsorships. “She is always poised and ready to take on whatever is asked of her.” But those rhinestones and pickup diesel (for travel) don’t come cheap. If you’d like to help sponsor Adams’ reign as Dayton Days Queen, please contact Tracy Barron at (509) 520-8776. q

News Aging & Long Term Care Open House Announced

ay is Older Americans Month, and roughly one quarter of Columbia County residents are 60 years old or older. In 2010, census counts found 1,099 residents were age 60 or over. The number grew to 1,148 in 2011, according to a proclamation which will be presented to the County Commissioners by the local Advisory Board of Aging and Long Term Care. Our population, nationally, is aging. The cost of long term care is rising. The current average cost for nursing home care is $6,600 a month.

Aging and Disability Resource Center Information and Assistance and several other displays of resources available to the public. Don’t wait for a crisis – come see what help is available.

“Many seniors can continue to live at home and enjoy a good quality of life with the right kind of assistance,” says Betty Keller, Chair of the CC ALTC Advisory Board. “Help with housework, cooking or meal delivery, foot care, shopping or transportation to appointments are typical areas of assistance.”

OPEN HOUSE:

The Advisory Board for Columbia County Aging and Long Term Care is hosting an open house featuring

“Before I turned 62, I was overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork sent to me from at least 10 insurance companies,” says Dayton resident Audrey Eaton. “I called ALTC and set up a meeting with Rita. She was able to simplify the terms of several policies which helped me choose one that would be best for my personal needs.” May 12th 1-3 p.m. At the Senior Center in Dayton 403 E Patit Cookies and coffee will be served. q

Columbia REA Elects New Officers, Awards Scholarships to Local Students Columbia REA held its 73rd annual meeting at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds on Thursday evening, April 14. The annual event was attended by approximately 370 members, families and special guests.

Memorial Scholarship. A senior at Dayton High School, she will attend Washington State University to earn a degree in business and marketing. Molly is the daughter of Mitch and Susie Payne of Dayton, Washington.

The meeting began with a dinner and concluded with the drawing for door prizes. An important part of the business meeting was the announcement of voting results for three board of director positions.

Hanna Schoeppner – $1,000 Columbia REA Scholarship. A senior at Desales Catholic High School, Hanna is the daughter of Harald and Kelly Schoeppner of Walla Walla, Washington. She plans to attend the University of Portland and pursue a degree in biology with a goal of becoming a doctor.

The voting for directors resulted in the re-election of two incumbent board members and one new member. The re-elected board directors are Don Meiners of Waitsburg, Washington in District #4. In District #6, Vic Parks of Burbank, Washington was reelected. Newly elected board member Marc Armstrong of Burbank, Washington was elected in District #5. Directors serve three-year terms on a nine-person board. Following the meeting, the board held a reorganization meeting to choose new officers. DJ Frame of Dayton, Washington remains as president; Bill Stonecipher of Waitsburg, Washington retains the position of vice president and Dennis Munden of Burbank, Washington will continue to hold the position of secretary-treasurer. Also announced were the recipients of Columbia REA’s four scholarship awards. Three academic scholarships are renewable for up to four years. The three academic scholarship recipients are: Molly Payne – $1,500, Clark A. Brewington

Briana Fulbright – $1,000 Columbia REA Scholarship. A senior at Dayton High School, she will attend Brigham Young University where she plans to earn a degree in psychology. Briana is the daughter of Kelly and Jeri Fulbright of Dayton, Washington. The fourth scholarship, a one year scholarship for Electric Utility Lineworker School was awarded to: Jason Norris - $1,000, Jeff Meredith Memorial Scholarship. A senior at Dayton High School, he is the son of Don and Kathy Norris of Dayton, Washington. Jason plans to attend an electric lineworker program this fall. Columbia REA is a member owned electric cooperative serving customers in Columbia & Walla Walla Counties in Washington and Umatilla County in Oregon. q

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 15

Events

Featured Event

MAY 2011

May 30th Memorial Day Breakfast 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. American Legion Hall, 211 E. Clay St., Dayton Columbia County veterans, friends and family are invited to enjoy a free breakfast in honor of Memorial Day. Sponsored by American Legion Post 42 and Royal Neighbors of America. Contact Brian Black for more information at (509) 382-2497.

Starts at 5:30 p.m. Dayton Historic Depot Corner of 2nd and Commercial

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E. Main, Walla Walla

Participants young and old are invited to gather at the Depot then walk approximately 3 miles together to the Lewis & Clark exhibit east of Dayton on Patit Road. Enjoy FREE beef stew, cornbread, dessert and entertainment at the exhibit site and transportation back to Dayton. Sponsored by Columbia County Health System.

Phil Lynch and Kate Morrison perform a soulful and eclectic mix of music. From Blues to Jazz and re-mixes! The Special Edition refers to surprise musical guests - this is a first! Cover: $3 or 2/$5

6th Annual Lewis & Clark Community Walk

Cinco de Mayo Party Karaoke 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Rawhide Bar & Grill, Starbuck Celebrate the Mexican national holiday, Cinco de Mayo with special menu items, Mexican beer specials and karaoke fun! (509) 399-2222.

Live @ Sapolil The B Side Special Edition

6&7

LIVE MUSIC at Dayton Wine Works 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. 507 E. Main (509) 382-1200 Enjoy singer/TV newscaster/radio DJ Faith Martin and World Beat Guitarist Tony Woods live on the Dayton Wine Works patio high on the hill above Dayton. Duo features combination of contemporary and classic vocals along with new original material. Great sunsets over the Columbia County hills, light entrees, snacks, cheese plates and BIG FUN! www.daytonwineworks.com

6-8

Spring Release Weekend

Page 16 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance invites you to explore the Valley’s Wine Region during the 2011 Spring Release Weekend. This weekend is when the Walla Walla Wineries celebrate the season and showcase new releases by opening their cellars and tasting rooms. During Spring Release Weekend, visitors are often treated to many special events at the wineries; including music, delectable food, and demonstrations. Visit www. wallawallawinenews.com calendar for more information.

Dumas Station Wines - Spring Release Event 12 noon - 5 p.m. Dumas Station Wines 36229 Hwy 12, Dayton Dumas Station boutique wines, made from Estate Walla Walla grapes, are sure to impress distinguishing palates. We will have local Monteillet cheese to accompany our new releases. Visit www.DumasStation.com or call (509) 382-8933 for more info. Cheers!

LIVE MUSIC: Amarillo Band 8:00 p.m. – midnight Tuxedo Bar & Grill, Prescott Great Band! Great Food! Great Fun! (509) 849-2244

Events Live @ Sapolil - The Randy Oxford Band Memphis Celebration Party 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E. Main, Walla Walla Randy Oxford Band made the finals in Memphis as one of the top 4 bands in the world at the 2011 International Blues Challenge. To top it off, their current CD is #2 in the Country on XM74 Sirius Satellite Radio’s BB King’s Bluesville. Tacoma based and award winning, this headliner Blues Trombone based 6-piece band presents 21st century "Americana" rock, soul, funk, R&B, and Jazz all wrapped around a blues core. Tickets are $15 - Limited Availability (Tickets Available Now).

Waitsburg Lion’s Club BBQ Rib Feed Used Book Sale 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Delany Room Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Street Book lovers, here is your chance to add quality gently used books to your home library and support the important work of the Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library at the same time. The Friends’ generous donations sponsor special programs, purchase periodicals, help fund improvements to the library facilities and so much more! If you have books to donate, please bring them to the Dayton Memorial Library or contact Ruth Janes at (509) 382-4138.

HUGE Street Sale 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. South Third Street, Dayton Dayton’s churches and community service groups take over several blocks of South Third Street for a once-a-year giant yard sale that has something for everyone. Proceeds benefit churches and community projects.

Christian Women’s Connection (CWC) Luncheon FIESTA FUN 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Seneca Activity Center in Dayton Cost: $9.00 Catered by: Fiesta En Jalisco - Mexican Restaurant FOR the May luncheon, we will be highlighting Hispanic people who are very gifted. This is a perfect opportunity to invite someone you know who is Hispanic and maybe has never been to one of our luncheons before. Will you please bring a friend so you both can come and be blessed by our program? We hope to see many of you turn out!!! FEED on words that will be told to us by Michele Ping from Bend, Oregon. She will share with us some of her life experiences and how she came to find herself. She is the Latino Services Coordinator for the Deschutes County Library and a Cross Cultural Liaison for Stonecroft Ministires. Michele is also an artist who loves to have fun in any language. She will speak in both

Spanish and English and will be her own interpreter. FEEL the heartfelt music which will be brought to us by Cleo Saenz. If you haven’t yet heard her sing, you will be blessed as she shares her beautiful voice with us. FIND OUT about a person who is our mystery feature. She has traveled to quite a few places and has done a number of different things. She is very interesting to listen to and has a sincere heart for helping others. You’ll be amazed as you listen to her message. Reservations are necessary and babysitting is available. Please call Judy Jackson at (509) 399-2005 to reserve your lunch and to let her know if you need a babysitter during the luncheon. Please honor your reservation; “gift” it to a friend, or call Judy by noon on Friday, May 6th (note deadline time is earlier) to cancel if your plans change; otherwise, we are obligated to pay for your meal if you do not come. Sponsored by Christian Women’s Connection and Stonecroft Ministries, www.stonecroft.org

Time Out for Tea 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Delany Room Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Ladies, join us for the last "Time Out for Tea" before summer break. This month will be our spring tea. Come for tea, lunch, fellowship and lots of fun. No charges and we do provide onsite child care. Contact Annie at (509) 382-2248 for more information.

Live @ Sapolil Dr. Mark Brown & Gary Romjue 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E. Main, Walla Walla Dr. Mark Brown plays pure magic on the keyboard, throws in a little trumpet, blues harp and vocals. You’ll see why we call him the Good Doctor! And the Good Doctor is joined by Gary Romjue of Seattle. Romjue brings to town his guitar and outstanding electric blue fiddle. And to top it off, rumor has it that a new percussionist will be joining the duo and we'll enjoy performances from both Jennifer and Emily on this night! Cover: $5

13 – 15

37th Annual Balloon Stampede

Walla Walla Fairgrounds Enjoy three full days of hot air balloon fun, entertainment, food, arts and crafts vendors and related community events. Balloons launch at 6:30 a.m. all three days weather permitting. The Nite Glow Show starts at 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening. For a complete schedule of events visit www.balloonstampede.com or call the Walla Walla Chamber at (509) 525-0850.

OPEN HOUSE Blue Mountain Counseling 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 221 E. Washington, Dayton Join us for an informative open house and free lunch. Staff will be available to answer questions regarding services and informational brochures will be available. DSHS is sending their Mobile Community Services Office to deliver service to our community from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This vehicle is a fully functional office and is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call (509) 382-1164.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 17

Reviews Book: One Thousand Gifts By Ann Voskamp Review by Dena Wood

eep a gratitude journal. Be aware of your blessings. Give thanks in everything. You’ve heard it all before, right? I know I have. Not only have I heard, but I acknowledge and affirm the truth in the message. And yet I will admit that these simple mandates still ring a bit hollow, almost platitudinal. Therefore it is a challenge for me to attempt to put into words the difference in Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts.” Ann shares in such a way that the truths reach down into the core of who I am, begging me to truly hear, heed and experience the power and joy offered in response to living out true gratitude. Ann’s journey in gratitude begins in response to a simple dare to record one thousand blessings, and her life is transformed along the way. I read the first several chapters, awed and teary eyed. I’m not even sure why, really. Ann’s writing reads almost like poetry; phrases spelled out in incomplete sentences like a series of thoughts, grammatically incorrect, to be sure, but lovely all the same. I take pleasure in reading as Ann twists and bends words, crafting them into a reflection of her heart and soul. But it isn’t the beauty of the writing that gets me. It’s the truth, the honesty. Ann asks the hard questions. The ones I always think, but most often choose not to express for fear of frightening more accepting, less cynical souls. I find myself mouthing the words, “Thank you!” as Ann boldly voices her uncertainties, questions and fears. Ann is one of us, and she openly bares her humanity to our scrutiny and judgment. She shares her failings, her pain, her questions. And yet, what rings through, is hope. Hope that I, too, can experience what she has; that I too can learn that it’s not about asking God for things to be different or better or easier. It doesn’t make sense, yet when Ann shares her journey, it truly, finally does. The pain is okay, the pain is good, even. We can give thanks in all things. And as we learn and practice the art of thanksgiving, we become more and more aware of God’s love and care for us, even amidst the minutia and routine of daily living. We become, like Ann, seekers of beauty. We experience abundant joy. If you’re up for a challenge and are not one to shy away from hard questions (and possibly even harder answers), I highly recommend “One Thousand Gifts.” You’re sure to be blessed. q

Page 18 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off Review by Andy Maheras

his spring I was honored to be part of a selection committee, along with several students at Dayton High School (where, as some readers may know, I work as the new principal), asked to choose five classic 1980s shows to be part of the Liberty Theater’s ‘80s Film Series. I myself am a product of that era, being a 1988 graduate of Billings (Montana) High School. (The photo shown here is my senior picture taken from my high school annual.) The series kicked off on April 28, with the 7:30 p.m. showing of The Breakfast Club. It continues through this month and into June, playing at 7:30 p.m. every other Thursday. For $7 per ticket ($6 for seniors or students), film buffs can see Stand By Me, playing on May 12; Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, on May 26; Footloose, on June 9; or Top Gun, on June 23. Series tickets, $30 for adults and $25 for students, went on sale in mid April. Discounted series tickets may still be available. Call the Liberty Theater for more details at (509)

Events Movie Review (Continued) 382-1380 or email infor@libertytheater. org. To whet your appetite for the feelgood fun found only in retro, 1980s films like those being shown this spring and early summer at the Liberty, I have agreed to review one of my favorite films of the time: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This is a classic ‘80s film, filled with slapstick humor and quirky characters who personify a number of the stereotypes found in high school campuses during that time. The film was shot in Chicago in 1985 and stars teenager Ferris Bueller (played by Matthew Broderick), a legend in his hometown for his remarkable skill at cutting classes and not getting caught. His plan is to make one last epic skip before graduation, so he calls in sick to school and enlists the help of his friend Cameron Frye (played by Alan Ruck). Frye is pressured into "borrowing" his father's prized convertible 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California, and the two friends (joined by Bueller’s girlfriend Sloane Peterson, played by Mia Sara) embark on an over-the-top party ride through the streets of Chicago. Various subplots involving ‘80s

greats like Jennifer Grey, Jeffrey Jones, Ben Stein, and Charlie Sheen (who plays a drug addict), take viewers through all sorts of scenarios from funny to ridiculous. Throughout the film, Bueller and his friends tour some of the famous sites of Chicago, including taking in a game at Wrigley Field, visiting the Sears Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and taking part in the Von Steuben Day Parade, during which Bueller ends up lip-syncing on a float to "Danke Schoen" and The Beatles' version of "Twist and Shout." Ferris even uses his extensive charisma to masquerade as Abe Froman, the Sausage King of Chicago, and eats lunch at the fancy Chez Quis restaurant, barely avoiding his father, who is having lunch there with business partners. At the end of their adventure, Bueller and his friends must retrieve Frye’s father’s Ferrari while facing a final series of crises and epic, over-the-top situations that they must overcome before the closing credits. I hope you enjoy the film as much as I continue to do. Bueller…Bueller…???? q

OPEN HOUSE Aging and Long Term Care 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Dayton Senior Center 403 E. Patit Street, Dayton If you or someone you love is 60 years old or approaching 60, stop by and discover the wide variety of services, references and assistance the ALTC office offers. You’ll be amazed at all the resources available locally to help individuals, families and disabled adults 18 years and older. Contact Rita Lenhart at (509) 382-4787 for more information.

Live @ Sapolil Quincy Harper & The Surprise 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E. Main, Walla Walla Smoky and gritty, Quincy’s music emanates from deep down - Simply put, the songs will grab you. And on this one-of-a-kind event, Quincy brings in special musical guests! Cover: $3 or 2/$5

Women's Newcomers Club

to anyone in the community regardless of how long you’ve lived in the area! For more information, contact Sue Rittenhouse at (509) 382-1006 (Donations welcomed)

Karaoke Night 8:00 p.m. – midnight Tuxedo Bar & Grill, Prescott (509) 849-2244

Celebration of Music Luncheon 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Walla Walla Country Club This luncheon is a fundraiser event for the Walla Walla Symphony. Two young musicians will perform and Symphony cellist Bruce Walker, who has taught music in Iraq, will talk about his experience there. The cost is $25 per person or you can buy a table which seats eight. The Symphony will also recognize its volunteers during the luncheon. Call the Symphony office at (509) 529-8020 or visit www. wwsymphony.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

Dayton Senior Project Night 5:20 – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Dayton The public is invited to come see the wide variety of creative projects the Dayton High School Class of 2011 completed as part of their graduation requirements. Each presentation will be 15 to 20 minutes long. A schedule of presentations is available at www. dayton.wednet.edu, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Office or at hosting businesses on Main Street. A reception will be held at the Country Cupboard starting at 7:00 p.m..

Dayton Farmers’ Market Community Mtg. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Delany Room, Dayton Memorial Library, 111 S. 3rd Street Potential vendors and other interested community members are encouraged to attend this important meeting to provide input and suggestions regarding the organization, planning and operation of the 2011 Dayton Farmers’ Market. For more information contact Zonia Dedloff at (509) 399-2307.

11:45 a.m. Luncheon at Woody's 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Boldman House, 410 N 1st Street, for a tour of the house and gardens. Newcomer’s Club is open

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 19

Meetings American Legion Legion Hall, 211 E. Clay, Dayton 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

Dayton City Planning Commission Dayton City Hall 111 S 1st St, Dayton 3rd Monday at 5:15 p.m.

Blue Mountain Artists' Guild Delany Room at Dayton Memorial Library, 111 S. 3rd Meredith at 509-382-2372 Last Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Dayton Development Task Force Board The General Store W. Main St, Dayton 4th Wednesday at noon

Blue Mountain Heritage Society Delany Room at Dayton Memorial Library, 111 S. 3rd Contact Elizabeth Thorn at (509) 382-4820 2nd Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Columbia County Commissioners Commissioners’ Chambers 3rd Floor, County Courthouse, Dayton. Call (509) 382-4542 1st and 3rd Monday at 10:00 a.m. and 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m. Columbia County Fair Board Youth Building at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, Dayton 3rd Monday at 7:30 p.m. Columbia County Fire District #3 Commissioners Fire District #3 Station 206 W. Main St, Dayton Call (509) 382-4281 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Columbia County Levee Roundtable Dayton City Hall 111 S. 1st St, Dayton Last Friday at 10:00 a.m. Columbia County Livestock Association Columbia County Fairgrounds Youth Building Randy James (509) 382-2760 1st Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Columbia County Motorcycle Club Dayton D.O.T Building Contact Bret Harting for more information. (509) 382-4602 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m Columbia County Planning Commission County Planning Office 2nd and 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m. Columbia County Rural Library District Board Dayton Memorial Library 111 S 3rd St, Dayton Call (509) 382-4131 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Dayton AA Group First Congregational Church, 214 S. 3rd St. Tuesday & Thursday at 7:00 p.m. & Wed. at noon Dayton City Council Dayton City Hall 111 S. 1st St, Dayton Call (509) 382-2361 2nd and 4th Monday at 7:00 p.m.

Dayton Historic Preservation Commission Dayton City Hall 111 S 1st St, Dayton 2nd Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. Dayton High School Alumni Association Sand Trap Restaurant 3rd Thursday Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Dayton Kiwanis Delany Room at Dayton Memorial Library 111 S Third St, Dayton 1st & 3rd Thurs. at Noon Dayton Lions Club Delany Room at Dayton Memorial Library, 111 S. 3rd Contact Terry Hoon (509) 386-8889 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Dayton School Board Administration Building 609 S. 2nd St, Dayton Call (509) 382-2543 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Dayton Young Life 227 N. Cherry 2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:17 p.m. Dayton Wyldlife Dayton Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room 302 E. Park St, Dayton 3rd Friday at 7:00 p.m. Friends of the Dayton Memorial Library Dayton Memorial Library 111 S 3rd St, Dayton 4th Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Port of Columbia Commissioners Port Office 1 Port Way, Dayton 2nd Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Prescott City Council Prescott City Hall 101 S D Street, Prescott Call (509) 849-2262 2nd Monday at 7:30 p.m. Prescott Community Club Prescott Lions Hall (509) 849-2892 Second Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Prescott Fire Commissioners Call Tim Mayberry for info: (509) 849-2262 Prescott Lions Club Call Chris Scudder (509) 849-2478

Page 20 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

Events Prescott Parks & Rec. District Board Community Center of the Lion’s Hall, corner of D St. & Hwy 124, Prescott. For more information contact Joan Tatum at (509) 849-2690. 2nd Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Prescott School Board Last Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Starbuck City Council Starbuck City Hall 200 Main St, Starbuck Call (509) 399-2100 2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Starbuck School Board Starbuck School Library 717 Tucannon, Starbuck 4th Thursday at 5:30 p.m. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Dayton Dayton Methodist Church 110 S. 3rd St, Dayton Every Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. Touchet Valley Men's Golf Club Touchet Valley Golf Course Clubhouse, Dayton Call (509) 382-4010 1st and 3rd Thursday 6:30 p.m. Waitsburg City Council Ye Towne Hall Call (509) 337-6371 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Live @ Sapolil Orange Fight

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E. Main, Walla Walla

Celebrate Whitman College Commencement weekend as talented Whitman Jazz students come together under Bassist Matt Bachmann’s leadership. Other group members are Peter Qualtere-Burcher and Sam Epstein on Saxophone, Charlie Procknow on Guitar, Ethan Maier on Piano, and James Franz on Percussion. Cover: $3 or 2/$5

Indie alternative rock will surely entertain. They are self described as Walla Walla's #1 citrus-themed rock band! We’re kicking off the Whitman College Commencement weekend with this five piece local band. The lineup includes Neal Christopherson: Guitar and Vocals, Keith Farrington: Bass, Norrie Gregoire: Drums, Michelle Janning: Piano and Vocals, Matthew Prull: Guitar. Cover: $3 or 2/$5

10:00 a.m. Main Street

Live @ Sapolil The Bachmann Sextet

Waitsburg Commercial Club Ye Towne Hall, Waitsburg (509) 337-6533 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Waitsburg Historical Society Call Anita Baker for more information: (509) 337-6157 Waitsburg Legion and Auxiliary For location information call Ike and B.A Keve at (509) 337-6546 First Monday at 7:00 p.m. Waitsburg Lions Club Lions Memorial Building Scott Branson, President (509) 337-8895 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Waitsburg School Board Preston Hall, Main St 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. VFW Post 5549 Legion Hall, 211 E. Clay, Dayton Contact Jerry Berg at (509) 382-4525 3rd Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Waitsburg Parade & Family Fun Day The Parade will honor our Armed Forces Veterans. The Lion's Club of Waitsburg will have a pancake breakfast in Waitsburg Town Hall starting at 7:00 a.m. The cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children. Wait's Market will have activities, games, and music throughout

This Month at

The Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Street (509) 382-4131

Author/Writer Max Grinnell

Saturday, May 14th, 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Delany Room.

Writer Max Grinnell is coming to the Dayton Memorial Library. Prior to his arrival, he is sponsoring a writing contest for local kids and adults. Grinnell is a travel writer and a self-proclaimed urbanologist. He's coming to the library to talk about his writing and share the results of the writing contest.

DIY Gardening Lecture Series: Composting, fertilizing and organic alternatives Friday, May 20th, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Delany Room

Adult Basic Computer Class Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Basic Publisher instruction May 3 & 10 Basic PowerPoint instruction May 17 & 24

For more information about any of these activities, call the library at (509) 382-4131.

Events the day in Preston Park. For Parade entry forms, contact Gail Wolfe at (509) 540-0974. For Waits' Market vendor applications, contact Lois Winchester at (509) 337-6237. For up-to-date information or to post comments see Waitsburg Parade Blog.

Touchet Valley Poker Run 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. or pre-register by calling: Dayton Wine Works, 507 E Main (509) 382-1200 Help us raise money for a worthwhile project - building a Children's Playground in Downtown Dayton – and while enjoying a totally awesome ride! You'll tour the beautiful hills, rivers, and two-lane paved highways of Dayton, Lyons Ferry, Prescott, Waitsburg and the Bluewood Mountains. Play games for prizes and cash at the local stops and ride through the forests to nearby Bluewood ski resort. And, when the ride is over, you can enjoy the free rock concert at Dayton Wine Works featuring the classic rock band Cruise Control. Grand Prize for top hand is a beautiful hand-carved eagle from Butch Elrod the WoodHacker in Kennewick. Complete rules and regulations will be posted at each of the participating business locations. Visit www.touchetvalleypokerrun.com

21 & 22

All-You-CanEat Breakfast 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Prescott Lions Club Community Center The Community Club of Prescott is back and will be serving a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast for a $5.99 donation. Enjoy good home-cooked food and help support a variety of community projects. Contact Jeanne McIntyre at (509) 849-2425 for more information.

27 & 28 LIVE MUSIC at Dayton Wine Works 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. 507 E. Main (509) 382-1200 Richard and Nancy perform "songs that matter" from folk, country, blues, jazz and rock artists. Their popular show comes to the outside patio of Dayton Wine Works where patrons can listen in intimate comfort while enjoying the wide varieties of wine, beer and nonalcoholic drinks served. Light entrees, cheese/cracker plates and appetizers are also available. Enjoy the sunset view from the rise overlooking downtown Dayton and the Columbia County Hills with Richard and Nancy live! www. daytonwineworks.com

Live Music – Money for Nothing 9:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Woody’s Bar & Grill 214 E. Main, Dayton (509) 382-2364 Enjoy a Rock ‘n Roll Dayton Days weekend at Woody’s.

27-29

93nd Annual Dayton Days The horses won’t be running in Dayton this year, but you can still enjoy a Memorial Day weekend packed with small town fun and activities—The Queen’s Coronation Ceremony Friday night, a Saturday morning parade beginning at 10:00 a.m., amateur Jack Pot Rodeo Saturday afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. and two evenings of Pro-West rodeo action - Saturday and Sunday beginning at 7:00 p.m. and a beer garden both Saturday and Sunday at the Fairgrounds. This year all admissions will be at the gate. (No

multi-event buttons) Call-in registration for the Jack Pot rodeo is May 19th from 6-9 p.m. only. Parade registration forms are available at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

Artist Reception – John Clement 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wenaha Gallery 219 E. Main, Dayton Come meet well known Tri-Cities photographer John Clement and have him personalize his latest book, "Northwest Drylands Seasons." Experience how his photographs capture the splendor and beauty of the Northwest through the great variety of landscapes and the array of changes the seasons bring. For more information contact the Wenaha Gallery at (509) 382-2124 or visit www. wenaha.com.

Memorial Day Breakfast 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. American Legion Hall 211 E. Clay Street, Dayton Columbia County veterans, friends and family are invited to enjoy a free breakfast in honor of Memorial Day. Sponsored by American Legion Post 42. Contact Brian Black for more information at (509) 382-2497.

June 1

Waitsburg Senior Open House 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. High School Commons Area Waitsburg High School seniors will present their senior projects to public and be available to answer questions about their projects.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 21

Page 22 Blue Mountain NEWS May 2011

One More Thing . . .

I Like Making Pancakes By Ken Graham

ne of the great things about Netflix is that you can find interesting and obscure movies to watch that you wouldn’t likely see in a theater. For example, I recently watched a documentary about a foul-mouthed restaurant owner in New York City named Kenny Shopsin. His restaurant is called Shopsin’s, and the movie is called “I Like Killing Flies”.

So watching Kenny Shopsin make pancakes was an eye-opener. Here are some of the varieties of pancakes he serves: Macaroni and Cheese (his most famous), Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin, Peanut Butter and Jelly, S’mores, Cheeseburger and Barbeque Chicken. He makes more normal sounding pancakes as well, such as Glazed apple nut and Lemon Ricotta.

Early in the movie we see scenes of a large man in a cramped and not particularly clean kitchen stuffed full of cooking utensils and food ingredients. Shopsin is wedged between his ancient stove and a counter, cursing profusely as he discusses his culinary philosophies while struggling to even turn around. And yes, hanging near the stove is a collection of more than a dozen fly swatters.

Discovering that it was possible to have pancakes like these was like discovering that Converse makes plaid sneakers. Plain black or white work fine for me. But I like knowing that I could wear plaid shoes if I wanted, even though I probably never will. Same goes for Mac and Cheese Pancakes.

As unappetizing as that all is, it’s not the most interesting part of the movie. Shopsin has been running his restaurant for many years, and it’s become very popular with a lot of New Yorkers. So nowadays, he’s choosy about whom he allows to eat there. He routinely kicks people out for trying to order things that aren’t on the menu or for asking too many questions, or just because he doesn’t like their looks. And he’s very rude about it. He also refuses to seat parties of more than four. If five of you walk in together, you’ll be banned for life, so don’t even try. But that actually wasn’t the most interesting part of the movie either. Shopsin’s is a small place, but it has a giant menu containing more than 900 items. This includes more than 300 varieties of soups. The menu also offers a large number and variety of pancakes.

After watching this movie, I decided that I needed to expand my pancake horizons. I started by chopping some walnuts and adding them to the buttermilk pancake batter. The result was quite tasty, even though it seemed like a big step. Next came raspberries and chunks of banana (along with the nuts, of course). Mmmmm. I haven’t tried anything as crazy as even pumpkin, much less barbeque chicken – I don’t think I’m emotionally ready for that. But I still feel like my world is much broader now, thanks to Netflix and Kenny Shopsin. For those readers who are ready to walk on the wild side, Kenny Shopsin now has a cookbook. It’s called Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin. An excerpt from the book explains Shopsin’s reason for why he makes pancakes the way he does. Plain pancakes “are flour and milk drowned in butter and some form of sugar. They're crap.” q

This, to me, was by far the most interesting part of the movie, because I love pancakes. However, I’ve always had pretty limited pancake taste – buttermilk or whole wheat are fine – as long as they’re swimming in maple syrup.

May 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS

Page 23