Table of Contents
Editor's Note
Special Feature
12-15
Sometimes Not Losing is Winning
What is Your Vision for Downtown Dayton?
A
recent Seattle Times article listed the ten towns in Washington that experienced the largest decreases in population from 2000 to 2010, according to the US Census. All of them are in Eastern Washington, and five of the ten towns are in Whitman County. The population drops were between 12 and 20 percent, except for the unfortunate town of Lamont, Whitman County, which saw a 34 percent loss. Also in Whitman County, Endicott, LaCross, Rosalia and Uniontown all lost between 15 and 18 percent of their populations during that period. Washtucna, in Adams County, lost 20 percent of its population.
This month, contributing writer Dian McClurg talked to a lot of people who are working on projects with the Dayton Development Task Force to find new uses for City-owned property on the north side of Dayton's downtown. We also give an update on the status of the Port of Columbia's Blue Mountain Station Project.
News & Features Coalition Seeks Grant to Reduce 4-5 Youth Substance Abuse 9 10
Rawhide Bar & Grill Opens in Starbuck Reid Helford Looks Back on Three Years as Liberty Theater Manager
More 7-8 News Briefs 16-21 Calendar of Events 18 Real Estate More Thing . . . : 23 One What Guys Really Want by Ken Graham
On the Cover An artist's rendering shows a busy Blue Mountain Station after the project is completed. (Cover design by Vanessa Heim)
Blue Mountain News is mailed FREE to every home and business in Dayton, Waitsburg, Starbuck and Prescott.
Ken Graham
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Tanya Patton
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Copyright © 2011 by Back of the Moon Press No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
Page 2 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
Editor and Publisher
(509) 540-2752 ken@bluemtnnews.com
Associate Editor & Advertising Representative (509) 382-4458/(509) 540-4644 tanya@bluemtnnews.com
Dian McClurg Contributing Writer
Vanessa Heim Graphic Designer
All of these towns started out with populations under 1,000, but it got me to thinking that we are fortunate none of our Touchet Valley-area towns made that list. I did a little research on the Census Bureau web site, and you can see in the box below how our area fared, population-wise, over the past decade. Dayton lost nearly five percent of its population during that time, but Columbia County overall gained a bit, so we’ll count that as a wash. Our feature story this month takes a look at some of the very important efforts being made to promote economic development in the Touchet Valley. After two years of planning and fundraising, construction on the Port of Columbia’s Blue Mountain Station project will begin in April. This project has the potential to bring several new value-added agricultural businesses to Dayton, and with it, business owners and their employees. With a project I’m leading for the Dayton Development Task Force, we’re hoping to make the large vacant City-owned lots along Commercial Street on the north side of Downtown into a new gathering spot for residents and visitors. A children’s playground will be built there this summer, and hopefully some form of town square will take shape in the near future. Our area has a long history of successfully completing projects that have improved the economic and cultural climates here. These include the Main Street renovation project and the restorations of the Dayton Historic Depot, the Columbia County Courthouse and the Liberty Theater. Many hours of hard work went in to helping bring the wind power industry to the Touchet Valley, and it has undoubtedly played a big part in keeping our population and our economy stable. Congratulating ourselves for the fact that we’re not losing population may seem kind of odd. But considering how some other Eastern Washington towns are doing, it may be that all the hard work we’ve done here has paid off, just by keeping ourselves from shrinking. Ken Graham
Population Changes: City/Co. Dayton Waitsburg Prescott Starbuck Col. Co.
2000 2,655 1,212 314 130 4,064
Source: US Census Bureau
2010 2,526 1,217 318 129 4,078
Change -4.9% 0.4% 1.3% -0.8% 0.3%
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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News
Coalition Seeks Grant to Reduce Youth Substance Abuse By Ken Graham
Have You Used This Substance in the Past 30 Days?
T
he Columbia County Coalition for Youth and Families has applied for a grant to help reduce substance abuse among youth in the county. The grant would provide $125,000 per year for five years. The funds would be used to hire a director and establish an office to coordinate substance abuse reduction programs. The grant is available to local community coalitions throughout the country by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) through its Drug Free Communities Support Program. ONDCP is part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services. According to Columbia County Prosecutor Rea Culwell, who is President of the Coalition, results of a survey of local middle and high school students show that the substance abuse problem is greater in Columbia County than in many other areas in Washington. “In spite of a variety of programs in the county aimed at reducing drinking and drug use among youth, the survey shows that the situation hasn’t improved in the last ten years,” says Culwell. Every two years, students throughout Washington are surveyed about various risk factors in their lives, including their use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The “Healthy Youth Survey”, in which student responses are anonymous, is conducted by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
(Percent answering "yes," by grade) 3%
3% 6th
Columbia County
7%
6th
WW County
4%
2% 1%
Statewide 10%
26% 8th
23%
8th
10% 8%
16%
21%
38% 10th
10th
34%
21% 19%
32%
28%
62% 12th
49%
12th
27% 23%
41%
Alcohol
Marijuana
Source: 2008 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) (www.askhys.net) HYS is an anonymous survey of middle and high school students conducted bi-annually by the Washington State Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Page 4 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
News (Continued)
The substance abuse prevention program will involve a number of objectives, including:
Culwell says the survey results tell a story that is disturbing for a number of reasons. “The rate of drinking and drug use among young people here is higher than statewide,” she says. “And there's less of a perception among students here that drinking and drug use is risky.”
• Increasing community awareness of the risks and consequences of substance abuse by youth
Findings from the survey include: • The frequency of alcohol use is higher among local students than the statewide average. This includes those reporting occasional use as well as higher levels of use and binge drinking. • Students in Columbia County tend to start using alcohol sooner than the statewide average. • Among high school seniors, only 7% of those surveyed in Columbia County said they feel the risk of harm from drinking alcohol is high, compared to 35% statewide. • The frequency of marijuana use is also higher among local students than the statewide average, and they begin using it at an earlier age. • Seniors saying they perceive high risk from marijuana use were 14% in the county, compared to 27% statewide. The charts in the box at left show results of the survey of alcohol and marijuana use among 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th graders in Columbia and Walla Walla Counties, and statewide. The Coalition is using the Columbia County statistics to support the need for the grant. Culwell says the coalition has chosen to focus specifically on alcohol and marijuana as its highest priorities in setting up the new program. “The coalition concluded that use of alcohol and marijuana among our youth are consistently above state averages, that our youth and adults minimize the seriousness of the problem, that these substances are easily available and that fear of consequences of underage use is minimal,” she says.
• Ensuring policies and responses to underage substance abuse are uniform and consistent among: °° Law enforcement °° Prosecutor’s Office °° Court and juvenile justice systems °° Schools °° City and County governments • Reducing availability of alcohol to minors and increasing reporting of adults who furnish alcohol to minors • Reducing availability of marijuana to youth, including medical marijuana as well as marijuana purchased by adults for recreational use The Coalition will receive an answer on their application in September. The new office will be located in space made available by the Columbia County Health System. Peggy Gutierrez, who is currently Prevention Specialist at Blue Mountain Counseling, has been chosen as the program’s full time manager. Nancy Butler, who is Coordinator of the Columbia County Community Network, will be its part-time Director. The Coalition for Youth and Families was organized in 2009 to help provide a cohesive community-wide effort to create a safer environment for local youth. “Historically, residents of Columbia County have tried to address substance abuse among youth through isolated programs that targeted specific groups,” says Culwell. “They saw some success, but with limited resources and personnel they struggled to remain sustainable.” The coalition meets monthly. It includes representatives from various agencies and private organizations (see box at right). q
Coalition for Youth and Families Represented Organizations AmeriCorps 21st Century After School Program AAUW Blue Mountain Counseling Children's Home Society City of Dayton Columbia County Columbia Co. Community Network Columbia County Health System Columbia County Prosecutor Columbia County Public Health Columbia County Rural Library District Columbia County Sheriff Dayton Chamber of Commerce Dayton High School Dayton School District Dept. of Social and Health Services DSHS Aging & Long-Term Care DSHS Children's Services DSHS Family to Family Program ESD 123 Prevention Services Columbia County Family and Juvenile Court Improvement Plan Coordinator Foster Parent Association of Washington Walla Walla Juvenile Justice Center Starbuck School Board Touchet Valley Ministerial Association Young Life YWCA Victim Advocate
Letters Invited Blue Mountain News welcomes letters to the editor on subjects of interest to our overall readership. 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. Please send to: news@bluemtnnews.com or 242 E. Main St., Dayton, WA 99328
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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News
Looking for a Good Deal on Building Supplies? Story by Ken Graham
E
very building project, whether new construction or remodeling, yields at least some left-over material. Until recently, it had no place to go but into a landfill. That changed however in September 2010, when the Builders ReSupply store opened. The relatively small store is located at 551 Lockheed, on Port of Walla Walla property near the Walla Walla Airport. It takes usable donated building materials and sells them to homeowners, landlords and other contractors at a bargain price.
Above: Aerial rendering of the north end of the Blue Mountain Station project. (Courtesy of Port of Columbia.) Left: The future home of Blue Mountain Station, looking west. (Photo by Ken Graham.)
The store is a project of the Sustainable Living Center, a non-profit organization in Walla Walla. In 2009, the Center conducted a study to determine how much usable material was being thrown into the Walla Walla landfill. Their estimates were: 200 tons of usable dimensional lumber, almost 400 windows and lots of brick, block, doors and frames, electrical
equipment, faucets, gypsum wallboard, heating ducts, insulation, light fixtures, pipe, plumbing fittings, roofing and siding. The Center received a $22,000 grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency to conduct the study and then open the store. It provides a sales outlet for those materials to help keep them out of the landfill. Customers who visit the ReSupply store will find a wide variety of building materials, including sinks, doors, light fixtures, floor vents, cabinets, shelving, plumbing pieces, carpet and windows. Just about anything salvageable from a remodeling project or left over from new construction is accepted for resale. “About 99% of our inventory is used, but we’re very willing to accept new materials left over from a project, or overstock items,” says store manager Dan Mallery. So far, the store has been limited to accepting only building materials because of the grant limitations. But after March 31st, the ReSupply store will accept more than just building materials. “According to other resale stores, like Habitat for Humanity’s Restores, furniture is always in high demand,” says Mallery. “So we’d like to offer furniture and other items people want to buy.” Current best sellers in the store include cabinets, windows, sinks and dishwashers. “We also have a great selection of doors; both pre-hung and slab.” Donations from contractors and homeowners doing remodeling projects are encouraged. Mallery says that a typical donor is someone who either believes in the mission of the ReSupply store and wants to donate to the cause or finds that it’s cheaper to donate useable items than pay to dump them. Customers are usually homeowners or landlords looking for something specific for a building project. “We also have lots of people who stop by out of curiosity to see what we have,” he says. Builders ReSupply store hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon. Proceeds from the store go to support the Sustainable Living Center. For more information, call (509) 629-1638, or go to www.sustainableliveingcenter. com. q
Page 6 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
News Briefs Sustainable Living Center Promotes More Efficient Use of Resources The Sustainable Living Center is a nonprofit organization in Walla Walla, founded in 2002. It owns and operates the Builder's ReSupply store. The Center began as a two-day renewable energy festival. It now operates a resource center, which is open year round providing community events and workshops on topics like biodiesel, solar photovoltaic systems, native plants, water conservation, energy efficiency, and green building. The Sustainable Living Center's Mission is "We serve as an information center to enable the efficient use of resources today to ensure sufficient resources tomorrow. We do this through education, outreach, and partnerships.” The Center has worked closely with community partners
to develop the Home Energy Round-Up. The Home Energy Round-Up is a free energy assessment of residential properties in Walla Walla & Columbia Counties. Energy assessments identify areas where homes may need energy efficiency improvements and helps evaluate energy consumption habits. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of the energy efficiency of homes or businesses are also available at a cost of $150. Best of all, the Center offers financial assistance for specific energy upgrades, such as floor and attic insulation, up to 30 percent of the cost of those improvements. For more information about the Sustainable Living Center, call (509) 524-5218 or go to www.sustainablelivingcenter. com.
The Green Giant Invades the Depot
The vegetable processing industry had a home in Dayton from 1934, when it opened as Blue Mountain Cannery, until the closure of the Seneca asparagus canning facility in 2005. Hundreds of local residents worked in the asparagus fields, and for Green Giant, throughout the decades. Seneca still has an important presence in our community, employing over 25 people in its seed research and processing division here. The Dayton Historical Depot Society and the Boldman House have put together a display of many of the items from their collections of Green Giant memorabilia. Items from former Green Giant employees are also included. The exhibit is on display upstairs in the Historic Depot, and will remain there through September. The Dayton Historic Depot is located at 222 E. Commercial Street in Dayton. For information, call the Depot at (509) 382-2026.
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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News Briefs Dayton Gets New Recycling Bins Two new recycling bins have been placed in the city parking area behind Columbia REA’s office building, north of Main Street, between First and Front Streets. An assorted material bin accepts newspaper, mixed paper (including slick paper, colored paper and non-corrugated cardboard), glass, aluminum and tin. Other assorted material recycling bins are located behind Dayton City Hall, near the Coleman Oil gas pumps, and in Starbuck.
chemicals, latex and oil based paint, pesticides, herbicides, corrosives, oil, antifreeze and fuels. All of these materials may be dropped off during business hours at no charge. The Transfer Station is located at the south end of Cottonwood Street and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A second bin at the new location accepts corrugated cardboard. This is the only location in Dayton, besides the county transfer station, where heavy cardboard can be recycled. A similar bin in Starbuck also accepts corrugated cardboard. All of the recycle bins in Columbia County are serviced by Basin Disposal. The Columbia County Transfer Station in Dayton accepts several types of materials that can’t be placed in recycle bins. These include: batteries of all kinds and sizes, hazardous household
The next-best thing to curbside recycling.
Author Sponsors Writing Contest Writer Max Grinnell, also known as “the urbanologist”, is coming to the Dayton Memorial Library on May 14th. Prior to his arrival, Grinnell is sponsoring a writing contest for local kids and adults. Participants have a chance to win autographed copies of Grinnell’s books. Entries must be no more than 350 words and must include the phrases “Elisha Ping” and “from mountain peak to fields of wheat.” Grinnell, a Washington native, specializes in urban travel, archeology and architecture. In the past decade, he has written architectural guides to Chicago and Boston and a book on the history of one of Chicago’s most diverse and culturally significant neighborhoods, Hyde Park. His most recent book, a look at 24 of Chicago’s most intriguing neighborhoods, was published in 2009. Writing contest entries should be sent to maxgrinnell@gmail.com. For more information on the writing contest or Max Grinnell’s visit, contact the Dayton Memorial Library at (509) 382-4131.
Page 8 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
“Amazing Feats of Aging” at Tamástslikt Cultural Center Why do we age? What happens to our bodies and brains as we age? Is there anything we can do to prevent or slow down the process? A new science exhibit opening on April 1, 2011, at Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Pendleton, Oregon, answers these questions and more. “Amazing Feats of Aging”, a 2,500-square-foot interactive exhibit, explores the science of aging, with special emphasis on healthy aging, how animals age, and the aging brain. The exhibit thoroughly addresses these questions: Which of our cells age the fastest? How do our response times change with age? What is the longest-lived animal species on the planet? “Amazing Feats of Aging” is presented in a colorful, carnivalthemed atmosphere. Visitors are invited to “step right up” to a variety of hands-on activities created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). A corresponding website can be found at www.omsi.edu/aging. This fascinating and fun exhibit can be viewed in the changing gallery with the price of admission to the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, except on First Fridays of the month, when admission is free. The exhibit runs through July 31st. For more information, call (541)966-9748 or visit www.tcimuseum.com.
Food and Drink
Rawhide Bar N Grill Opens in Starbuck Story and Photos by Tanya Patton
S
tarbuck has a new place for good food and drink, and even a little nightlife. The Rawhide Bar & Grill serves up flame-broiled burgers and steaks and offers free pool and darts. And, on April 1st, it will host the first of what’s hoped to be many nights of live music, with the area favorite, Frog Hollow Band. The Rawhide opened in early March in the former Starbuck Store. It’s owned and operated by Dan and Mary Jo Sanderlin, who moved here from Colorado. “We were in Starbuck visiting my mom last summer and noticed that the building was empty and for lease,” says Dan. “We asked about it and the owner gave us a great deal to help get started.” Dan is the son of Verna Foley, who owns and operates Darver Tackle in Starbuck with her husband, Darcy Linklater. Before moving to Starbuck, Dan and Mary Jo worked for three years in the construction industry. “Construction work is hard on your body,” says Dan. “We were ready for a change. We’ve both owned successful businesses in the past, so we thought, why not?” With little startup money to work with, Dan and Mary Jo rolled up their sleeves and got creative. Several Starbuck residents donated old barn wood and other raw materials that the Sanderlins used to construct the bar, benches, a divider wall and lots of rustic décor pieces. Wine barrels support the dining tables. The long bar is made of rustic 2x6 lumber glued together. Mary Jo fired up her jigsaw to create all the letters above the entrance. “The community has been so supportive and helpful,” says Mary Jo. “We just can’t thank everyone enough.”
variety of sandwiches, burgers, fresh-baked pizzas and nightly dinner specials. They also offer food and cold beverages to go, including beer, wine and sack lunches made fresh. “We’re trying to meet as many needs as possible since there isn’t a whole lot available in Starbuck,” says Dan. Mary Jo’s brother, Chuck Day, moved his family to Starbuck from Moses Lake so he could work as kitchen manager. He’s often the one behind the large outdoor barbeque grill where all the burgers and steaks are cooked. “The cost of putting in a flat grill, ventilation hood and the required fire suppression system was way beyond our budget,” says Dan. “Besides, a hamburger or steak flame barbequed tastes a whole lot better than something cooked on a flat grill.” The Sanderlins plan to construct a wooden cook shack in the future, in keeping with the rustic interior vibe. They also plan to offer outdoor seating. The Sanderlins stress that the Rawhide is family friendly and children are welcome. Mary Jo hands out coloring pages and balloons to tikes. The Rawhide is open daily from noon until 10 p.m., and later on nights when they have live entertainment, or for parties of eight or more. For the Frog Hollow appearance on April 1st the Rawhide will be open until midnight. “We want to pack this place,” says Dan. q
Above: Mary Jo Sanderlin relaxes at the long bar in the Rawhide Bar & Grill. Left: The former Starbuck Store has been given new life.
At first their place was to be called the Let ‘er Buck Bar & Grill. But Dan and Mary Jo were informed that the name is already registered to the Pendleton Round Up. So they chose to use the name Rawhide, because Mary Jo’s father once owned a large western entertainment ranch by that name outside Scottsdale, Arizona. A large photo of her father on horseback hangs prominently on one wall, flanked by two pairs of well-broken-in chaps. The Rawhide Bar & Grill menu offers a
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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The Arts
Reid Helford Looks Back on Three Years as Liberty Theater Manager By Ken Graham
It's 4:00 and Reid Helford is ready to sell consessions. (Photo by Ken Graham)
R
eid Helford was a college professor before he began his job as manager of Dayton’s Liberty Theater in 2008. Even so, one of the more nerve-wracking parts of his new job was getting up in front of the audience to introduce movies. Three years later, it’s one of his favorite parts. “I’ve learned to have fun and be creative with it,” Reid says. “And it’s been very well received.” In February, Reid announced his resignation from his position, which will be effective April 30th. Reid says he’s very proud of what’s been accomplished at the theater during his tenure. “We had 15% increases in revenue each of the first two years I was here,” he says. “It was off a little bit last year, but the movies so far in 2011 have done very well.” Reid recently moved to Walla Walla to be closer to his two sons, who are 14 and 12. He is returning to his former profession as a sociologist, teaching, as well as doing research and writing. Reid is a native of Chicago and earned a PhD degree in Sociology at Loyola University there. He was a professor at Whitman College and Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco, prior to taking the job at the Liberty Theater. “I’m extremely grateful for the strong community support I’ve received here,” Reid says. “Since I
Page 10 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
announced I was leaving, I’ve been approached by many people telling me how much they appreciate the work we’ve done at the theater. That’s been very gratifying.” In 2008, Reid was named “Manager of the Month” by Box Office Magazine, which is a national publication for movie theater operators. In 2010 he was also honored as “Employee of the Year” by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. The board of the Touchet Valley Arts Council (TVAC), which owns and operates the theater, hopes to complete its search for a new theater manager by April 1st. Reid will spend April training his replacement before leaving his position at the end of April. Assistant theater manager Karen Lyman also recently resigned her position. The TVAC board is hoping to have its new assistant manager on board by April 1st as well. q
Reid Helford, Movie Promoter (Top to Bottom): Public Enemy, with getaway bike behind him. Rocky, with trainer Bill Burke. Rooster Cogburn in True Grit. Saturday Night Fever. (Photos courtesy of the Liberty Theater.)
News Young Life and Wyldlife Clubs Raise Money for Camp
S
pring is just beginning to bloom, but already, many Dayton youth are dreaming of having fun in the sun at summer camp. But summer camp isn’t cheap. Members of Dayton’s Young Life and Wyldlife Clubs are fortunate to have help from their leaders and a variety of planned fundraisers intended to help defray the costs of their week long summer camp held at the Washington Family Ranch in central Oregon. “Kids often describe camp as the best week of their life,” says Young Life Area Director, Diana Frame. “Our goal is to raise enough money that every youth who wants to attend camp, can.” Club members will be taking advance orders during the month of April for large 14” fresh made, ready to bake pizzas from Figaro’s Pizza in Pasco, WA. The cost will range between $9 and $16 depending on the variety ordered. Orders will be available for pick-up only at the Dayton Elementary School Multipurpose room on May 6th between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. “Since Figaro’s donates their staff time in making the pizzas, the profit returned to the Clubs is pretty high,” says Frame. The leaders’ group is committed to covering the cost of transportation and camp registration for the volunteer leaders who plan to attend. Interested donors can “Buy a
Seat on the Bus” for $50 which will help free up money in the budget to use towards camp registration fees. “The camp facility is top notch so registration costs between $450 to $500 per student,” says Frame. “But we subsidize each camper $50 towards their registration fee and work hard to provide plenty of fundraising opportunities and support.” The mission of the local Young Life groups is to provide opportunities for adults to lead adolescents to a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. “We meet the kids where they are,” says Frame. “Developing trust in relationships through time spent having fun, just hanging out or working on projects together is very important to us. Camp is the highlight of the year for many kids.” At least two car washes are also planned – one in May and another in June at Ameristar on the west end of Dayton. Tickets will be pre-sold and 100% of the money will go to the students planning to attend camp. Groups of students supervised by a leader are also available “for hire” in a variety of jobs such as yard clean up, housework or other items on a spring “to do list.” Contact Diana Frame at (509) 382-4553 for more information. q
Kellie Wessels, Rowene Huwe, Tammy Weppler (leader), Darci Hall and Kaitlyn West are ready to attack the obstacle course at last year’s Young Life Camp.
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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Feature: Economic Development
What’s your vision for Downtown Dayton?
By Dian McClurg
I
s it a place where families can enjoy an afternoon shopping and dining downtown while their children safely play near the Depot at a new Kiwanis Playground, like Cara Breland and Jessica Atwood have planned? Last summer the sisters, whose family owns Croft’s Floral and Gifts on Dayton’s Main Street, hit on the idea of an 80 by 50 foot, fenced play structure with swings, slides, a climbing web and more. It will all sit in the city-owned parking lot at First and Commercial Streets, adjacent to the Dayton Historic Depot and near the old yellow caboose. That $50,000 project is just about ready to break ground. Dayton City Council approved the location in March. Breland, Atwood and other members of the nonprofit Dayton Development Task Force’s Playground Committee are short of their fundraising goal by just [Editor's Note: This month we welcome Dian McClurg as the newest member of the Blue Mountain News team. In April she begins her new job as this publication's Managing Editor.]
Left to right: Artist's rendering of a play structure similar to the one coming to downtown Dayton. The future home of Dayton's downtown playground, and it's newest public restrooms. Sacajawea will soon have nicer surroundings hopefully. Restoration is planned for old advertising signs on the backs of Main Street buildings. (Photos by Ken Graham and Dian McClurg.)
Page 12 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
$9,000, but plan to start construction soon. The project should be complete by October.
next to Banner Bank and the Touchet River Bridge, Jackson said. It would have rooms for women and men.
The Task Force will hand over the playground to the city when it’s finished. The Dayton Kiwanis have promised to maintain it. To find out more or donate to the project, visit www.daytonplayground. org or call Breland at 382-2565.
The City would have to prepare the site, on the Task Force’s buck, bringing in sewer, water and electricity. With site preparation, the project would cost about $60,000, Jackson estimated. About $45,000 of that is the purchase of the building itself.
Dayton’s Mayor Pro Tem Merle Jackson, a member of the Task Force’s Board of Directors, has a vision for public facilities. Where will these children, their families and other visitors to downtown and the Kiwanis Playground go when they need a restroom?
“These units are easy to maintain and high quality,” he said. They would also be handicap accessible.
Jackson’s been researching that question. He’s come up with one idea – a 10 by 20 foot, prefabricated restroom building to be located in the same parking lot as the playground and the caboose. Neither the Task Force board nor the City has approved this bathroom idea yet. Right now, Jackson is just testing the waters. But restrooms are something that will have to be addressed, he said. The structure would be similar to the one at Flour Mill Park,
Similar to the playground project, a new bathroom facility on city property would be funded and coordinated by the Task Force, not the City. Jacci Wooten has owned her yarn shop on Dayton’s Main Street for over six years. Her question is: How do we draw more shoppers and more retailers downtown? Her solution is an elaborate vision for a town square on the cityowned lot at First and Commercial Streets, across First from the new playground and possible restroom facilities.
This public meeting place would be beautifully landscaped with benches and art, inviting people to stop and stay awhile, she said. It would house an open-air pavilion, where musicians could play and the farmers market could flourish. Traffic off Main Street would be drawn to the square by signs and a landscaped entryway, to include a water feature. “The idea is to get people out of their cars and walking,” Wooten said. The town square would pull drivers off the street. They would want to get out and explore. Then they would discover the nearby Depot, which would lead them to the historic walking trail, past the statue of Sacajawea and along Commercial Street to the old Smith Hollow School House, which is being renovated by the Blue Mountain Heritage Society. Finally, they would head to Main Street for some shopping and dining. It’s all about connectivity, said Rich Hendricksen, director of the Columbia County Planning Department. “You create a connected circuit for pedestrians.” Visitors on foot might be encouraged, after visiting downtown, to take the pathway along the river dike down to the city park, where they could relax or have a picnic, he said. “A lot of people are looking to move to a small, comfortable town,” Hendricksen said. “That’s our niche. We need to identify our positive attributes, get the snowball rolling and let the free market take it from there.” Hendricksen has many questions for the Task Force, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Columbia to ponder. These civic-minded groups meet at a monthly roundtable, the Economic Development Steering Committee, at the General Store on the last Friday of every month. Is there enough for tourists to do? Where is the gateway to Dayton going to be? How will we welcome visitors and introduce them
to downtown? With an archway? More landscaping on Highway 12?
are much more efficient than diagonal, and the alley has enough room, he said.
What can we do with the county fairgrounds? Could we fix them up, draw people off the highway to an inviting parking lot there, provide entertainment on a regular basis, and then keep them on their feet and exploring, with a shaded pathway leading all the way down Commercial Street and joining up with the historic pathway and downtown?
Paving and painting the lots near First and Commercial Streets would also create more parking because drivers would be forced to make better use of the space. And the city has several other side streets off Main and a handful of alleys where diagonal spots, which are more efficient than parallel ones, could be employed, Hendricksen said.
“I think Dayton’s been very successful with its revitalization and beautification projects,” said Port of Columbia Manager and Task Force board member Jennie Dickinson. “I support the whole picture. I’m not sure what the top priorities are or should be right now, but when you find someone with a passion, you go with it. The playground’s a good example.”
What happens during that busy All-Wheels Weekend then? “People just have to expect that during that one time of year, parking will spill over onto the residential streets,” he said.
The Dayton Historic Depot, for instance, already has a courtyard, Dickinson said. Maybe the town could do more with that space, developing it with some of Wooten’s town square ideas. And what about parking? Many of the ideas being tossed around by Task Force members involve using public parking lots just off Main Street. They may be empty much of the time, but they fairly burst during All-Wheels Weekend. “When you’re planning a shopping mall, do you plan parking around your absolute busiest day of the year?” Hendricksen asked. “Or do you plan for your average days and know things will be tight sometimes?” He suggested that parking lost by developing attractions in the city-owned lots on Commercial could easily be made up by shifting spots in the alley, where the Task Force has plans underway to refurbish the old advertising signs painted on the back of Sterling Savings Bank and the St. Vincent thrift shop. Perpendicular spaces
With the exception of the playground, which is now going forward with approvals all around, none of the previous ideas has been sanctioned by the Task Force’s board. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have support. “I just love that people are talking, coming up with ideas,” said Bette Lou Crothers. “People right now are worried about how we’ll afford some of these projects, but money’s always tight. We can’t not move forward because of it.” Crothers owns State Farm downtown and is one of the original board members of the Task Force, which was started in the very early 1980s to revive Dayton. “We are a project-oriented group,” said Task Force board President Marcene Hendrickson, who currently co-owns Elk Drug downtown with her husband, Paul. Hendrickson has been on the Task Force board since the very early days. She is also the group’s unofficial historian.
(Continued on Page 14)
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
Page 13
Feature: Economic Development Task Force (Continued)
was formed as a Task Force subcommittee and took over the project.
Hendrickson can speak to the Task Force’s reputation as a body of “doers.” The organization’s biggest undertaking, by far, was the Main Street Project. “It was pretty dismal,” Hendrickson said of downtown Dayton at the end of the 1970s.
“We like to partner with other entities,” Hendrickson said. The Task Force has partnered with the City of Dayton, Columbia County, the Blue Mountain Heritage Society and the Dayton Historical Depot Society in the past.
The Task Force got businesses to form a Limited Improvement District and spruce up buildings. The group planted trees, installed benches and lighting, and improved sidewalks. Most time-consuming of all, they convinced the state highway department to repave Main Street. The project took 10 years from start to finish. Other Task Force projects have included Flour Mill Park, the Lewis and Clark Camp Site on Patit Road outside of Dayton, the tearing down of an old burned-out building next door to the Depot and conversion of the land to a city parking lot, the asphalting of the dike along the river, and much of the public art now visible around town. The Task Force also began the project to restore Dayton’s Liberty Theater in the 1990s, before the Touchet Valley Arts Council
These partnerships remain strong, and the group plans to continue doing business much as they have over the last successful 30 years. But they continue to need help and support. As its members have said: the more ideas the better. So, do you have a vision for Dayton? The Task Force and Blue Mountain News want to hear from you. Send your ideas to Blue Mountain News in a letter to the editor. (See Page 5 for letters info.) Or talk to a Task Force Board member or attend a Task Force Board Meeting. The board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at noon at the General Store in Dayton. Anyone is invited to attend. q
Riding the Natural Foods Wave By Ken Graham
B
lue Mountain Station is envisioned as a place where small businesses can create products for consumers, using natural and organic agricultural ingredients, preferably those grown nearby. The possibilities are many: everything from fresh pasta to organic tomato sauce to artisan cheese. Consultants Dennis Miller and Gary White, of Kennewick, were hired by the Port of Columbia in 2007 to come up with a plan to bring jobs to Dayton. After several months of study, including interviewing local business and community leaders and studying consumer demand, Miller and White developed the plan for Blue Mountain Station.
“We’ve begun initial discussions with several firms,” says White. “We have a clear idea now who the best prospects for Blue Mountain Station are. They tend to be established firms who are looking to expand and don’t have a presence on the west coast.” He says that recent startup firms are not the best target, since they almost all have a location established and aren’t ready to expand. White says that the weak economy the past couple of years has made companies much less open to expansion, but that’s starting to change. “Blue Mountain Station is in a great position when a food processing company is feeling healthy and ready to expand,” he says. q
“Natural and organic foods are among the fastestgrowing product categories in the country,” says White. “With its agricultural base, low cost of living and wonderful lifestyle, Dayton is a great place for a food entrepreneur to do business.” With grant funds from the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), the Port commissioned detailed plans for the Blue Mountain Station project and purchased 28 acres along Highway 12 at the west end of Dayton for the project. Construction of infrastructure is scheduled to begin this spring, and Miller and White are ramping up their efforts to encourage businesses to set up shop at Blue Mountain Station. They have taken to the road, attending food shows across the US and spreading the word.
Page 14 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
Gary White and Dennis Miller
Feature: Economic Development
Blue Mountain Station Groundbreaking in April By Ken Graham
T
he Port of Columbia will hold its official groundbreaking ceremony for the Port’s Blue Mountain Station project on April 15th. The first phase of construction on the project, located near Dayton’s west end, will begin in April. “After more than two years of planning, we are pleased to be able to move forward with construction,” says Port of Columbia Manager Jennie Dickinson.
conduit for power and telecommunications.” This phase of the project is expected to be completed in about eight weeks.
The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Station site. On hand for the ceremony will be Dan Newhouse, who is Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. A number of local leaders will speak as well. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Harvest Christian Church, across Wagon Road from the site. In case of inclement weather, the groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the church as well.
Dickinson also says that the Port is seeking more funding for construction of the Product Development Market Center. “This building will house a retail market, commercial kitchen, public meeting space and Blue Mountain Station’s marketing center,” she says.
Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, Blue Mountain Station’s Advisory Team will meet to discuss future development and recruitment of tenants for the project. According to Dickinson, the contract for the first construction phase was to be awarded on March 23rd. This phase will involve installation of infrastructure on about eight acres of the project. “Roads will be built, including an entrance off of Wagon Road,” says Dickinson, “Also, water and sewer lines will be stubbed in, along with underground
Blue Mountain Station is being created as a home for producers of natural and organic value-added agricultural products. The development will sit in a 28 acre site near the corner of Highway 12 and Wagon Road.
Gary White, who is one of the consultants hired by the Port to help create the development, says that the Port and its consultants are working very hard to secure tenants to set up business at Blue Mountain Station. “When the Phase I infrastructure is completed, we’ll be ready for the first tenant in the park,” he says. Dickinson says tenants will have the choice of constructing their own building, or having the Port build to suit. q
Above: Aerial rendering of the north end of the Blue Mountain Station project. (Courtesy of Port of Columbia.) Left: The future home of Blue Mountain Station, looking west. (Photo by Ken Graham.)
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
Page 15
Events
Featured Event
APRIL 2011
March 27
Bluegrass is for the Birds! 2:00 p.m. Waitsburg High School Auditorium A benefit concert for the Walla Walla Aviary. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door and at Mandrakes Antiques, next door to Hot Poop in Walla Walla. For more information, call Kate at (509) 337-8789.
April 10th 25 Annual Bluewood Bash th
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Bluewood Ski Resort Last ski day of the season, go out with a bang! Ski in your t-shirt under the spring sunshine. Enjoy games, an outdoor beer garden and a pond-skimming contest. Visit www. bluewood.com for more information.
Page 16 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
29
Donkey Basketball 7:00 p.m. Dayton High School Gym Enjoy an evening of hilarious donkey basketball action and help the Dayton ASB raise money for athletics. Two teams will try to outscore each other while riding donkeys up and down
the court. Gate prices are $9.00 for adults; $7.00 for students and $5.00 for children in grades K-6.
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April 1
2011 Visitation Season Begins
Lasso Our Heritage
Fort Walla Walla Museum Open daily 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 755 Myra Road, Walla Walla
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Street
You’ve just gotta see this! Fort Walla Walla Museum’s 44th season of service to the community! Enjoy The Art of Norman Adams: A Retrospective and a special exhibit, Honoring the Red, White and Blue: Patriotic Beadwork of the Plateau People. Admission: $7 adults; $6 seniors 62 and up and students; $3 children 6-12; free for under 6. Information: (509) 525-7703, info@fortwallawallamuseum.org, www. fortwallawallamuseum.org. Facebook: Fortwalla Wallamuseum
Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue will express the hardship, work ethic and joys of frontier life through song, poetry, and story as part of National Cowboy Poetry Week. Sponsored by Humanities Washington: Inquiring Minds and Columbia County Rural Library District.
Events Live @ Sapolil Randy Oxford Blues Series Featuring Vaughn Jensen 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main Downtown Walla Walla One of the premiere rhythm and blues bands in the Eastern Washington area and known for their untamed, high energy brand of blues. Playing originals and not so traditional covers, guitarist and song writer Vaughn Jensen brings his harmony and chemistry and love of the blues to the front of the band. Cover Charge: $10
2
2011 Season Kick-off Golf Tournament Starting at 10:00 a.m. Touchet Valley Golf Course Dayton, WA Kick-off the golf season with a fun day of golf competition. Men’s, women’s and mixed two person teams accepted. Cost: $10 per person. Register the day of the tournament.
Live @ Sapolil – Pappa Frita & The Hot Mustard 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla Enjoy a Rock opener with local up and coming act, Volcanic Ten, from 5 – 7 p.m. $3 cover, and stay all night! Pappa Frita & The Hot Mustard hits the stage at 8 p.m. Prepare to dance and scream to their original rock tunes which are peppered with MoTown groove and dirty blues riffs. $5 Cover.
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Pomeroy Spring Farming Days 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. both days Worship Service Sunday at 8:00 a.m. Garfield County Fairgrounds Pomeroy, WA Admission is FREE Bring the entire family and step back in time to when “horse-power” was supplied by hardworking equines steered by reins, “gee” and “haw”. Thirteen acres at the fairgrounds will be worked on Saturday and early Sunday morning - from plowing to seeding by mule and horse teams from Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Discover the wide variety of antique displays in the Eastern Washington Ag Museum. RV hookups are available and hot lunch will be available both days.
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Ladies Time Out for Tea 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Delany Room Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Street Join us for tea, lunch, and lots of fun! Come for all or any part of it. Childcare is available on site. For more information, contact Annie at (509) 382-2248.
Live @ Sapolil Son Jack Jr. & Michael Wilde with the Delta Hothouse Rhythm Section 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla Son Jack Jr, Michael Wilde and The Delta Hothouse plays gritty, earthy delta and Hill Country Blues and includes
some of the hottest blues talent in Seattle.
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Karaoke Night 8:00 p.m. – midnight Tuxedo Bar & Grill Prescott (509) 849-2244
Live @ Sapolil – Philly KingB & The Stingers 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla Walla Walla's homegrown blues band doing what they do best, the blues; from Chicago to Mississippi. Larry Leir on Harmonica, Phil Lynch on Guitar/Vocals, and a host of special guests. Cover Charge: $5
10
25th Annual Bluewood Bash 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Bluewood Ski Resort Last ski day of the season, go out with a bang! Ski in your t-shirt under the spring sunshine. Enjoy games, an outdoor beer garden and a pond-skimming contest. Visit www.bluewood.com for more information.
Be Blown Away by Jerry Cummins, the balloon meister for the Walla Walla Hot-Air Balloon Stampede, as he talks to our group concerning hot-air ballooning in the Northwest. Jerry is the pilot and his wife, Lynn, is crew chief for both of their balloons, “The Spirit of Walla Walla” and “The Spirit of Fantasia.” Jerry will also talk about the 37th Annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, scheduled for May 13-15. His presentation will include pictures of balloons and he will explain how the balloons operate. For those history buffs, he will also briefly explain the history of ballooning. Time will be allotted for questions.
otherwise, we are obligated to pay for your meal if you cannot attend. Babysitting is available. Please tell Judy if you need babysitting when you make your reservation. Sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries.
Be Taken Away to new heights when recording artist Wanda Lemkuhl of Payette, ID entertains us with her special music as it pertains to our theme. She will be playing her fullsize keyboard. Be Lifted Up as Wanda shares her talk entitled, “When Your Balloons Blow Away - Then What?” She is also an author, performer and a teacher. Wanda shares about her journey through depression and despair and the source of hope that brought new opportunities. If you want to feel uplifted, make plans now to attend and hear this very talented lady. Reservations are required. In order to reserve your lunch, please call Judy Jackson at (509) 399-2005. Please honor your reservation; “gift” it to a friend, or call Judy by noon on Monday, April 11th to cancel if your plans change;
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Christian Women’s Connection (CWC) Luncheon Up, Up and Away 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lyon’s Ferry Marina, Starbuck Cost: $9.00 Catered by Lyon’s Ferry Restaurant
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
Page 17
Real Estate Property Owners See Tax Changes By Ken Graham in 2011
M
ost property owners in Columbia County will see an increase in property taxes they owe this year. According to Columbia County Assessor Chris Miller, a combination of factors has led to the tax bill increases. “Voters approved the hospital district technology bond last year, which had a big impact,” says Miller. “But it is only a one-year levy, so it won’t show up next year.”
Average Columbia County Overall Tax Levy Rate (Dollars per Thousand) 12.00 11.60 11.18 10.78 10.85
Here is an overview of significant changes: The County’s “current expense” base rate dropped from $1.62 per thousand dollar valuation in 2010 to $1.57 this year. However, the overall average tax levy increased from $10.85 per thousand in 2010 to $12.00 this year. Total property valuation in Columbia County increased from approximately $543 million in 2009 to $609 million in 2010. (Note that 2010 valuations are used to calculate 2011 levy rates.) The hospital district’s one-year technology bond added $1.13 per thousand dollar valuation to 2011 tax bills. Property within the City of Dayton was reassessed in 2010, and 2011 taxes will be based on the new values. The overall increase in assessed values over the previous revaluation done in 2006 was nearly 13%, according to Miller. For city of Dayton residents, 2011 is the first year they will pay the Rural Library District assessment, which this year is $0.44 per thousand. The levy rate paid to the City of Dayton, however, has dropped from $2.73 per thousand to $2.31, since the City no longer operates the Library. Miller points out that while the hospital technology levy will not be assessed in 2012, voters in the Dayton School District this year passed an additional M&O levy that will be assessed in 2012. That levy amount is expected to be approximately $0.45 per thousand dollar valuation. This year, county taxpayers are also seeing changes in the format of their tax forms. “The most important change is that some bills include more than one parcel on the same form,” says Miller. “This is a big change for owners of larger pieces of land that include multiple parcels.” Miller also points out that this year’s tax forms list parcels by the “Property ID Number” rather than the old tax parcel number. “This has been confusing to some people,” says Miller. “Next year we will list property by the parcel number.” q
2007
2009
2010
2011
Total Columbia County Property Valuation* (Millions of Dollars) 609 390
2006
527
543
2008
2009
433
2007
2010
*Property Valuations Apply to Following Year's Taxes
Total Columbia County Property Taxes Collected (Millions of Dollars) 7.31
4.52
2007
Page 18 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
2008
5.68
5.89
2009
2010
4.84
2008
2011
Events 14 Town Hall Meeting
7:00 p.m. Liberty Theater 344 Main Street, Dayton Dayton High School students will lead the discussion centered on the theme: It’s Never Too Late to Learn: Draw the Line on Underage Drinking.
15
Blue Mountain Station Groundbreaking Ceremony 2:00 p.m. Junction of Highway 12 and Wagon Road, Dayton Reception following at Harvest Christian Center. See article on Page 15 for more information. Or call the Port of Columbia at (509) 382-2577.
Wine & Cheese Tasting Benefit 5:00 p.m. Jimgermanbar 119 Main Street, Waitsburg
Looking for a fun escape on tax day? The Jimgermanbar is hosting a wine and cheese tasting to benefit Clear Path International, a nonprofit organization assisting landmine survivors and other victims of armed conflict in Afghanistan and Southeast Asia. Taste top wines from the region and cheese from the Monteillet Fromagerie. There's even a chance to win a week's stay at a French farmhouse in the "other" wine country.
Live @ Sapolil Gary Winston & The Real Deal 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla The legendary Blues man Gary Winston leads this powerhouse group featuring vocals by Erica Ingersol and bass by Marcel. Throw in the killer percussion and now we’ve got a party started! Be prepared to dance and groove. And we’ll see who Gary brings in as a special guest - we’re sure it will be stellar! $5 Cover.
Stealing the show at major music venues, blowing away audiences, and winning award after award - both collectively and individually - is what the music industry has come to expect from the Fat Tones. This energized trio from Spokane will get you up and dancing with their smoking hot, rock-infused blues. Cover Charge: $10
16-17
Prescott All-You-CanEat Breakfast
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Maundy Thursday Service Dinner & service begin at 6:30 p.m. Congregational Church Basement 214 S. 3rd Street, Dayton Public is welcome.
8:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Prescott Community Center. The Prescott Lion's Club cook and serve a hearty all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, biscuits and gravy, bacon, hashbrowns, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee all for just $5.99. Proceeds benefit the Prescott Community Center and community programs.
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8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla
6:30 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 S Third, Dayton
Live @ Sapolil – Fat Tones
Participate in a Christian "Passover" meal based on the original Passover with traditional foods and music. All are welcome! Call for a reservation – (509) 382-4662.
Christian “Passover” Meal
April 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.
SAVE!
Receive over 20% OFF standard ad rates when you agree to run in the Business Directory for 10 or more consecutive months. Call (509) 382-4458 for more information.
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 April 2011
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. 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.
Events 22
Good Friday Service 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 112 S. 1st Street, Dayton In this half hour service we will proceed through all 14 stations of the cross as we focus on the sacrificial love of Jesus in giving his life for the world. The schedule makes it easy for those who work to participate during their lunch hour. Sponsored by the Touchet Valley Pastors’ Association.
Bake Sale 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Dayton General Hospital Lobby
Simplify your Easter dinner preparations and support the Hospital Auxiliary by purchasing delicious baked goods at this once-a-year bake sale. Donations of baked goods will be accepted starting at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the sale. All proceeds will be used to help fund a variety of Hospital and Booker Annex projects. Call (509) 382-2322 for more information.
Earth Day ... is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. It was started in 1970. Today it is celebrated in more than 175 countries. April 22 corresponds to spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Go out and do something good for the earth today!
This Month at
The Dayton Memorial Library 111 S. 3rd Street (509) 382-4131
Starting a Website with Wordpress!
Wednesday, March 30 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Come learn how to begin and maintain your own website using the open source, web-based software, Wordpress! Basic knowledge of computers required.
Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue present "Cowboy and Cowgirl Songs" Friday, March 31st 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Delany Room.
Adult Basic Computer Class
Tuesdays: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. In April: The internet, email, library website and databases. Space is limited to 9 participantscome early.
DIY Gardening Lecture Series: Coping with Large Pests
Friday, April 15th 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Delany Room
Preschool Storytime
Mondays: 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. Storytime and crafts for children ages 4-6.
Toddler Storytime
Tuesdays: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Fun and developmentallyappropriate interactive activities for children ages 18 months to 3 years. Led by Sue Hagfeldt.
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays: 11:30 - 11:45 a.m. Simple activities to help develop babys' listening and pre-language skills.
For more information about any of these activities, call the library at (509) 382-4131.
Events Live @ Sapolil – White City Lights
Live @ Sapolil – Easter Sunrise Robin Barrett Trio Service
8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla
8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla
It’s a 70’s and 80’s Dance Party, featuring White City Lights. Cover Charge: $3 or 2/$5.
Robin Barrett of The Coyote Kings will be joined by other local musicians, presenting soulful blues and easy grooves. Cover Charge: $3 or 2/$5.
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LIVE BAND: Moment’s Notice 8:00 – midnight Tuxedo Bar & Grill, Prescott
Come out for a night of Rock & Roll! (509) 849-2244
Easter Egg Hunt 10:00 a.m. Dayton City Park South First Street Children age 2 through 6th grade will enjoy “target rich” egg hunting in four separate age- based hunting areas. Meet the Easter Bunny and maybe find a golden egg! Sponsored by the Dayton First Christian Church and the Dayton Kiwanis.
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Easter Cantata “Who Do You Say That I Am?” 11:00 a.m. Waitsburg Presbyterian Church 504 Main Street This 35-minute cantata directed by Charlotte Eaton will be the Easter Service highlight.
Easter Sunday at the First Congregational Church
6:30 a.m. Lewis & Clark Trail State Park
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LIVE BAND: The Gems
The churches of the Touchet valley unite to celebrate the New Life we have in Jesus Christ. Please join in this expression of unity among our valley churches as we worship together the Risen Christ. Bring your own chairs and dress warmly!
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuxedo Bar & Grill, Prescott
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10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Whitman College Campus
Local Economy Update 7:00 p.m. Liberty Theater 344 E. Main, Dayton Local and regional economic development leaders will discuss what steps are being taken to improve Columbia County’s economy. Call the Port of Columbia at (509) 382-2577 for more information.
Oldies tunes all the way! (509) 849-2244
41st Annual Renaissance Faire Welcome, Gentles, to a day in merry old England. It is a day of pleasure, to wander, meet lords, ladies, kings, and peasants, eat pickles, watch a Shakespeare play, listen to the music of bards from near and far, eat delicious food, and survey the wares of the merchants. Keep your eyes open for dramatic moments between Renaissance people both on and off the stage. For more information, visit www.whitman. edu/faire/index.htm.
Live @ Sapolil – Lloyd Jones Solo - CD Release Tour 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. Sapolil Cellars 15 E Main, Walla Walla Back in the late 1960s, an achingly soulful music flooded what some might call the backwater of the blues – Lloyd Jones’ humble hometown of Portland, Oregon. Jones, a celebrated Northwest singer, songwriter, guitarist and bandleader of the Lloyd Jones Struggle, pays homage to the tradition with this intimate 16song Highway Bound, featuring the folk blues he learned from the greats and has embraced over the ensuing years. “These are the songs that stayed with me,” says Jones, “some of my favorite folk blues simply and honestly done.” Cover Charge: $10 - limited seats available.
214 S. 3rd Street, Dayton Brunch starting at 9:30 a.m. Easter egg hunt at 10:00 a.m. Easter Service at 11:00 a.m.
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
Page 21
WALLA WALLA
UNION-BULLETIN
902 W. Rose St. Walla Walla, WA
218 W. Main St. Dayton, WA
509.382.2501 Union-Bulle Union -Bullettin.com in.com
WALLAWA LLA UNION -BULLETIN
Page 22 Blue Mountain NEWS April 2011
One More Thing . . .
What Guys Really Want By Ken Graham
Y
es, we know all about some of what guys really want, but that’s not what this column is about. This is about some of the other stuff guys really want.
For instance, I was recently reading the New York Times. (Yes, I know that’s not a very “guy” thing to do, but I was reading the automobile section on the internet, so give me a break.) In particular, I read a review of a car made by Dodge that’s about to go out of production. It’s one of their more expensive models, and it was built for and marketed specifically to men. Here’s the article’s lead-in: [The car – I’ll tell you its name in a moment] rattles, is impossible to enter or exit gracefully, has sideexiting exhaust pipes that burn if you brush against them and comes with chintzy interior trim — much of which feels as if it’s about to break off in your hand. Of course there’s no real room for cargo, the outward visibility is crummy and the driver and passenger sit in what amount to uncomfortably narrow channels gouged out between the thick center tunnel and the tall, wide door sills. So why in the world would anyone want to own a car like this? Here’s a hint from the writer: Is it fast? It is seriously, wickedly, shockingly quick. If yours won’t get from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in less than four seconds, there’s something wrong with it. And he goes on:
compressing” 560 pound-feet of torque. Its base price is about $93,000, including the $1,700 gas-guzzler tax (that’s cheaper than a lot of Porsches). It’ll do a standing quarter mile in under 12 seconds, reaching over 127 m.p.h. “The driver will be lucky to take a breath during the trip,” says the writer. So here’s my theory about why America’s car companies have struggled so much lately. They’re mostly building cars for women and wimps. Real guys don’t care about a smooth, cushy ride or a car that practically drives itself. And we don’t need a lot of those fluffy options, either. For example, what’s up with GPS? I don’t need GPS in my car. I’m a guy. I know how to read a map. And I also don’t care if a car is hard to get into. It’s not like I’m going to be doing it in a dress. I want a car that feels like I’m defying death every time I drive it. The way I see it, you really are defying death when you drive, so you might as well feel like it. (And wouldn’t driving be safer if everyone felt that way behind the wheel? But that’s a question for another column.) So come on car makers, you’re missing out on a quarter of your market. (That’s assuming half of men aren’t wimps. Which is probably being generous, I admit.) Dodge says they’ll be introducing a new version of the Viper in 2012. Let’s hope it still has scalding side pipes and almost no rear visibility. Who needs that, anyway? It’s not like anyone’s going to be gaining on you. q
This car is indifferent to its driver and his survival. [Notice he said ‘his’.] You either take the Viper on its own terms or it will kill you. If you’re enough of a driver to drive it hard, it’s an exhilarating near-death experience. Where do I sign? The car in question is the Dodge Viper SRT-10. It’s a small two-seater, but it has an 8.4 liter (that’s over 500 cubic inches, folks) V10 engine that generates 600 horsepower with a “cranium-
April 2011 Blue Mountain NEWS
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