Some Goldendale Library content has virtually no interest
JORDAN MAYBERRY
FOR THE SENTINEL
A two-year private project has focused on ascertaining how content comes into the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) system, with conclusions that have caused concern among many frequenting the Goldendale Library.
The Goldendale homeschooling community in particular has made active pushes to regulate books it deems inappropriate for young children. The discussion has not just focused on the suitability of this material to their target audience, but even more so on how this material appeared in the Goldendale Library in the first place. Under the FVRL system, volumes and media are circulated within the system, with material for each individual location throughout the FVRL libraries dictated by the board, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. While the Goldendale Library has seen much benefit from its participation in the regional library system, not limited to funding, facility upgrades, and increases in social programs, it has seen criticism from many who feel unrepresented when it comes to some volumes, especially those that contain explicit sexual content. One local resident speaking on condition of anonymity created a project that would verify how in demand new stock was to local readership, a project that lasted two years.
“The start of my project began by accident,” the person explains. “In 2022 I was at the library with my younger siblings and noticed multiple pro-LGBTQ children’s books, multiple with explicit content not fit for children to be reading. In an effort to temporarily remove these books from the shelves, I checked them out. Because of Fort Vancouver’s automatic renewal policy, I actually held them for quite some time, and I eventually had to return them after a number of months when a couple of the books had been placed on hold by another library patron. The amount of time that I was able to hold onto the books interested me, since I normally could not keep a book that I was interested in reading, such as any sort of classic literature, for more than two renewal cycles before the book was requested from me.
“After this initial stint I decided to seek out these types of books and see how long I could check them out before any other user found enough interest to place the books on hold for themselves. In the interest of time, I’ll just recap the most recent example of this. At the beginning of this year, I checked out 12 books from the Goldendale Library that were classified under the library’s catalog as being ‘proLGBTQ,’ a majority of which were from the juvenile section.
I then observed as eight months went by until just recently when the single adult fictional novel from this batch was ordered by a library patron, forcing me to return the book. I then drove all 12 of the books out to White Salmon library, where only two of the 12 made their way back to Goldendale in the last month—and also where almost none of them actually remained in White Salmon, instead going further west towards larger libraries where this content is more popular.
“I have run this same test just over five times in the last two years, and pulling data from those trials, I have found that around 90% of these books were never placed on hold by anyone close enough to the Goldendale Library to require me to return them within a time frame of 4 to 8 months, and only around 13% of the total books get recirculated back up to Goldendale once returned at a different location.
“This data has led me to make the following conclusion: the community surrounding the Goldendale Library has no interest in material concerning LGBTQ education. There is, in fact, extremely little demand for this material when it is not blatantly put on display, in which case it is more likely that a child innocently picks it out than a parent. Very few actually miss these books when they are gone, and the library completely and unequivocally determines the flow of these books into our library despite the overwhelming lack of patron demand. I hope that the board will put this data to good use and will make appropriate changes to better serve the desires of this community.”
A condensed version of this documentation was presented as a public comment to the FVRL Board in the most recent annual Library Board Meeting, held on August 19. The report did not meet with unanimous agreement among commenters at the meeting, some of which expressed their opinion to retain these materials in the Goldendale Library in order to preserve an openness to ideas. Some added that control of what is deemed explicit content and children’s exposure to it should be parents’ responsibility, and not the libraries.
As one public commenter put it, “Public libraries are, by their very definition of the phrase, public. They should remain public. We should retain full access, no censorship, no banned books, and leave the onus of what is right or not right for our children to read up to the individual parent.” Regardless of opinion, the data overwhelmingly suggests that the volumes are not in demand in Goldendale. Irrespective of that finding, there remains a belief among some that demand should not be a key determinant in providing content.
County vineyards facing major market adjustment
JORDAN MAYBERRY FOR THE SENTINEL
One of Klickitat County’s major exports, grape production, is currently navigating rough waters due to a market correction. The County Department of Economic Development has investigated the issue and is planning accordingly for the county’s future.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source discloses, in recent years Klickitat County “has produced 25% of the state’s grapes for wine production and distribution. A survey was done in which growers were contacted because not only did prices for grapes tank, but also there were issues with the restructuring of contracts for some of their buyers that caused grapes just to sit out in the field. They had to be cut up or dug.”
Ste. Michelle is self-described as one of the largest wine companies in the United States. Based in Woodinville, Washington, it controls nearly 30,000 acres, much of which is in Washington State but some of which also extends into Oregon and California. However, as the market for wine grew beyond its own capacity, a glut in the market became an inevitability. As of last year, Ste. Michelle announced that it would not take in almost 40% of the contracted grapes, leaving farmers with mass amounts of supply left on the vine. Now, with Ste. Michelle’s acquisition by a private equity firm, contracts for grape production are shifting away
from Klickitat County.
“The contract restructuring, specifically the major one that’s out there and already been published, is St. Michelle,” the source elaborated. “St. Michelle’s is located in Benton County, but all their grapes came from [Klickitat County]. They ended up getting bought out by a venture capitalist firm, and it’s already been made public that they’re moving out to Oregon.”
a general glut in the wine industry.’
Klickitat County, along with neighboring counties, contributes significantly to Washington State’s grape production. The source noted, “There are a lot of local producers—Yakima County, Benton County, Clark County—but Yakima and Klickitat, I would probably be willing to say, make about 50% or more than that.” The current situation is partly due to an oversupply in the wine industry: “I think it was also the sentiment that there’s also just a general glut in the wine industry; there are too many people growing grapes. There’s a lack of diversification. This was something that has been sort of inevitable for the past couple years.”
Data indicating signs of a market correction were apparent long before the current issues surfaced. “When [Klickitat County] did its 10-year economic development strategy seven years ago, there was a conversation with the owners of Maryhill Winery. They
said when they first started as a winery, around 2000, 2001, they counted wineries in Washington and Oregon, and it was in the double digits, around 90 or something. And in the last 25 years, there’s been an explosion. The number of wineries in Washington State grew to around 900.” In addition to industry-specific challenges, broader economic trends have affected grape sales. A general economic slowdown has led to a decline in the consumption of refined alcohol, particularly among younger demographics. “In recessions, the consumption of luxury alcohol decreases,” the source explained. “You also see what younger people are drinking. They’re not just drinking less and less wine. They’re drinking less and less alcohol in general.”
A visit to a microbrewery in Olympia recently revealed similar comments. The brewmaster there said the same thing that’s happening with wine is also happening with specialty alcohol as well. It’s industry-wide. The future of grape production in Klickitat County is not all bleak, though question marks have arisen as it faces the challenges of market corrections and shifting industry dynamics. The impact of these changes in the industry is being felt, and it is upon the resilience of local producers to traverse the waves.
Commissioner town hall meeting coming
RODGER NICHOLS FOR THE SENTINEL
Klickitat County Commissioners announced their first town hall in months at their August 20 regular session. It’s scheduled for Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m. both in person at the commissioner’s meeting room and online. It will be about as open a forum as possible. Commissioners will take questions on any topic; there will be no moderator screening questions, and commissioners will rotate which of them answers first on each question. It’s billed as an hour-long session, but if questions keep coming, they will extend it for up to another hour.
In another major development, commissioners voted to enact a moratorium on the construction of battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities in the county. And a prohibition on storing lithium batteries, which sometimes burst into flames. They also decided to add those prohibitions to county zoning, which would make it more difficult for the Energy Facilities Siting Council (EFSC) to approve any such facility.
The vote was worded to take effect immediately and authorized staff to prepare the formal documents for approval. That came after it was reported that a person approached the planning department the previous day inquiring whether they could get a quick application filed before any changes took effect. The laws are explicit in saying whatever rules are in force at the time of an application are what the application will be reviewed under.
The vote was a two to one split, with Commissioner Jacob Anderson voting nay.
Commissioners also set the time for a public hearing concerning the proposed rezone of 58 acres in the Snowdon area. The request was to rezone the property from 20-acre minimum lots to 10-acre lots and to divide the property into five lots. In January, the county issued a determination of non-significance under the State Environmental Policy Act guidelines. That ruling would allow the process to continue. Several local residents appealed that ruling, and that appeal will be heard September 17 at 1 p.m. in the commis-
sioner’s room. The hearing will include a decision on whether to allow the zone change. Public Works Director Jeff Hunter, who updated commissioners on a number of projects around the county, said work on replacing the vents in the county jail was under way and about a third of them had been replaced. The design of the old vents allowed an inmate to attach fabric to them and hang himself.
In his report to commissioners, HR Director Robb Van Cleave said his department would be setting up interviews for the new jail director position.
“We have six applications to date,” he said, “and we’ve had 1,270 people actually click on the posting and review it. So it’s getting a lot of reviews, just not a lot of applications; I expect we’ll get more towards the end of the posting period.”
A five-person panel will do the interviews. It will include the three commissioners, Van Cleave as HR director, Jose Briones, the consultant sent by the insurance company, and White Salmon Police Chief Mike Heppner.
El Grito event kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month
TAMARA KAUFMAN FOR THE
SENTINEL
Returning for a third year, El Grito will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sunday, September 15, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rhinegarten Park in White Salmon. Admission is free, and the event is open to all.
“Our hope is that this year El Grito will continue to bring us together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as well as kick off Mexican Independence Day
with a day of great music and fun,” said Juan Reyes, WAGAP’s associate director.
The hot Latin music of Conjunto Alegre will get the party started with a mix of salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, and chachachá.
The group performs songs in both Spanish and English.
The event has gained popularity over the past couple of years, and coordinators hope the trend continues. Returning sponsors include WAGAP,
the City of White Salmon, and the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH), with One Community Health joining this year.
The City of White Salmon will have an opportunity to showcase a new splash pad, a family-friendly improvement to the park that is expected to be completed by the end of August.
“Piñatas are back! This
is one of the most popular activities for the kids,”
Reyes said.
“Attendees will enjoy some free tacos, tamales, and churros while enjoying music in the park.”
Although the title “El Grito” refers to the Mexican Independence battle cry, the purpose of El Grito is to bring all Latin American cultures together with local community members to share their heritage. Many countries, including
El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Chile, annually recognized their independence from colonial powers between September 15 and October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month started nationwide in 1968 and became a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan.
“We want to thank the community for continuing to support El Grito,” Reyes said. “WAGAP and our
community partners have worked hard to create an event that is free and welcoming to everyone, and we’d love to see another big crowd out to enjoy the festivities.”
For any questions about the event or to participate, contact Juan Reyes at juan@wagap.org or call WAGAP at (509) 493-2662. Learn more about programs that support community members in need at wagap. org.
Friday, the Office of the Secretary of State certified candidates and ballot measures to the Nov. 5 General Election, establishing the slate of choices to appear on ballots this fall.
In addition to voting for U.S. president, eligible Washington voters will decide between the top two candidates for one U.S. Senate seat, nine statewide executives, and numerous congressional, legislative, judicial, and local races when ballots are mailed in October.
“The certification of candidates to the general election marks a critical step in our electoral process,” Assistant Secretary of State Kevin McMahan said. “The General Election ballot is a true reflection of the will of the voters, thanks to the due diligence of election officials who ensured a fair and secure election. We look forward to supporting county election offices in continuing to uphold the integrity of the election process, giving every voter confidence that their voice will be heard and counted.”
General Election ballots will also include four ballot measures for voters to weigh in on — Initiative to the People 2066 and Initiatives to the Legislature 2109, 2117, and 2124. The measures will appear with I-2066 first, then initiatives to the legislature in numerical order by initiative number according to RCW 29A.72.290. During the 2024 legislative session, state lawmakers took no action on initiatives 2109, 2117, and 2124, sending them to the November ballot under RCW 29A.72.260.
On Thursday, August 22, the Office of the Secretary
of State certified statewide primary results, closing out the August 6 Primary. A statewide recount was directed for the Commissioner of Public Lands race, which will solidify the two candidates who will advance to the general election.
Ballots for the Nov. 5 General Election will be mailed to eligible voters by October 18. The deadline for online and mail registrations to be received is October 28. You can register to vote or update your registration in person before 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 5.
As Labor Day weekend approaches, the State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents to prioritize fire safety during their celebrations.
In 2023, Washington fire departments responded to 10,418 incidents over Labor Day weekend, resulting in over $2 million in total losses and three fatalities. Of these incidents, rescue and emergency medical services were the leading incident type and fire incidents resulted in the most dollar loss.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office urges residents to follow these safety precautions:
• Follow the burn bans or restrictions in effect in
the area you live or visit.
• When barbequing, always use the grill outdoors and away from structures and overhanging branches. Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or garden hose nearby. Never leave the grill unattended while in use. Clean the grill regularly to prevent grease build-up, which can cause flare-ups.
• Ensure your vehicle’s exhaust system is in good condition to prevent sparks that could ignite dry vegetation. Never park vehicles on dry grass as the hot exhaust system can start a fire. Avoid using equipment
in dry, grassy areas to reduce the risk of sparks igniting a fire.
• When transporting recreational equipment such as trailers or boats, be sure to secure equipment properly and check that nothing is dragging on the ground, such as chains.
• Consumer fireworks should not be part of your celebration as Washington State law does not allow their use during this time period. For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Offi ce at (360) 596-3904.
G OLDENDALE ’ S A TTIC
This week’s Goldendale’s Attic Mystery Picture
Whatever they’re doing, these two seem to be having a good time. He’s clearly checking out a thing-a-majig with a turn handle, and she’s looking
over a doo-dad. Not to get too technical. What in the world are they inside of? Beats us. All we know is this picture ran in The Sentinel sometime, lost in
the annals of yesteryear. If you know anything about it, please send us an email (info@goldendalesentinel.com), or give us a call (509-773-3777), or
drop in at the office—and remember, you’re welcome to come in and take a look at the original photograph.
L OOKING BACK
January 1, 1914 – 110 Years Ago
Charley Ross has been hauling ice to the creamery for next summer’s ice cream and is taking advantage of the lull in getting his plant in ship shape condition. It is generally known that practically no creamery butter has been shipped into this city for a long time, the local creamery having supplied the demand.
August 22, 1934 – 90 Years Ago
Teaching in the school this year will be Ruth Ledbetter, Louise Porter, and Pearl Shepard, Primary School, H.D. Roberts, Eleanor Wosepka, Grace Bruner, Marjorie Silver, Elementary School; Paul Johnson, Louise Collins, Muriel Edwards, Malcom Thompson, C.E. Coombs, and Cleo Hudson, High School.
August 26, 1954 – 70 Years Ago
A new resting place for the ashes of Samuel Hill, one-time tycoon of northwestern development, will be erected this fall below the Stonehenge War Memorial along the Columbia River. The old crypt, erected in 1931, has been deteriorating. Work on demolition and removal of the reinforced concrete crypt, where Hill’s remains are now interred in a large urn, is now in the process under the direction of Stan Thompson of Goldendale. The new monument will be about 75 feet below Stonehenge, with a trail leading thereto. It will be made of Vermont granite which weighs 21 to 22 tons and is about four and half feet square and seven feet high.
August 18, 1994 – 30 Years Ago
Ronald McDonald and Co. hits town: Contractors were putting fi nishing touches on the new Goldendale McDonald restaurant, which opened Tuesday morning to eager customers who were ready to try their taste buds on the cuisine of the legendary fastfood giant.
September 1, 1994 – 30 Years Ago
When people head to the voting booth for the primary election on Sept. 20, they will notice something different—the ballots. Starting with the primary, Klickitat County is using ballots that can be fed into an electronic counting machine to electronically and immediately tabulate the vote. Klickitat County voters will be asked to completely darken an oval opposite the name of a favored candidate or ballot measure with a special carbon pen. After voting, precinct workers will feed the ballot into the counting machine. Precinct workers in outlying areas will plug the ballot machine into a telephone connection, and the votes will be transferred electronically to the election office in the courthouse. The votes should be tabulated shortly after the polls close. The county paid approximately $80,000 for the new balloting equipment.
Points to ponder:
A man walks into a bar sees a cow serving behind the counter. “What are you staring at?” asks the cow. “Haven’t you ever seen a cow serving drinks before?” “It’s not that,” replies the guy. “I just never thought the moose would sell the place.”
Nobody notices what I do until I don’t do it.
Philosophy graduates ask, “Why do you want fries with that?”
I was enjoying a nice sing-along last night until I was asked to leave the opera.
Answer to last week´s Mystery Picture
—Richard Lefever Klickitat
County Historical Society
picture has been colorized. Well, last week’s Mystery
was a
We didn’t get one
Glenwood Woman Celebrates 90th Birthday, Tells of Experiences April 26, 1945
On Sunday, April 15th, Adeline Howe, of Glenwood, celebrated her 90th birthday. She is a pioneer of this county, having lived here since July 3, 1885.
An open house and potluck party was given in her honor when 45 guests came to help her celebrate the occasion and to extend congratulations. Mrs. Howe is still active and enjoys good health. She is a member of the Glenwood Ladies Aid.
Mrs. Howe is a staunch Grange member, being a silver star member of Glenwood Grange No. 94, having joined in 1903. She has held various offices, her favorite being Lady Assistant Steward for seven years. At this time, she holds the office of Cezez. Mrs. Howe is also a member of the 7th degree of the National Grange.
In telling of her life adventures, Mrs. Howe said:
“I left Germany at the age of 16 years with my parents in the spring of 1872. At Bramahafen we boarded a sail ship for America. We sailed on the Atlantic Ocean for six weeks. An epidemic of smallpox broke out and many passengers died. Their bodies were wrapped in sail cloth and burial made at sea. I did not contract the disease. One night our ship sprung a leak. All men were called out of bed to help pump water out in order that the ship may be repaired.
Women and children were left asleep, not knowing the peril our ship was in.
“We came to Chicago on May 19, 1872, the spring following the big Chicago fire. Places were still smoking in the ruins of ashes and charred buildings. I lived in Chicago for 13 years and married Herman Schultz in 1882. When the government opened up homestead lands in the west, a lot of our friends were coming west, and we followed suit, my husband coming first
with Charley Feller Sr. to Washington Territory. Our homestead was taken on the Outlet in Camas Prairie. I came in July of the same year. My husband was busy building a small log cabin. It had a native rock fi replace, the ground for a floor and a few pieces of home-made furniture. We lived there until a bigger and better log house could be built.
“Hundreds of Indians and their horses in colorful parades passed our home every summer going to and from the huckleberry fields in the mountains.
“I had the experience of getting lost. I took a short cut through the woods to Glenwood. I finally came out by the old McCumber farm.
“We always traveled on foot. Times were hard, especially for city folks to make a living in the country, so one or the other of us would go to Portland, Oregon, and work out to make a few dollars to live on.
“I also recall seeing the fi rst automobile that came to Portland. It was owned by the late Henry Weimmer, who boarded in the place where I was housekeeping. He owned the big tent and awning establishment Portland. I still own a dress in Gipsy costume he gave me, made out of the colorful awnings from his shop. At that time I lived on Taylor and 7th street, now called Broadway, across where now stands the Y. W. C. A.
“In 1892 my only child, a daughter, was born in the new log house. We named her Thusnelda Cornella. Everyone knows her as just Nelda now. Her father passed on in 1915.
“I married Jacob Howe in 1904. He died in 1921. My home is now with my daughter and her husband, Ferdinand Markgraf and my hobby is to play a good game of pinochle occasionally and keep up with world events on the radio.”
This
Photo
stumper.
guess on who this was in the picture. No one even recognized the animal. Oh, well.
OpiniOn
Ending student cellphone use in school is a good idea
Spokane, Reardan, Davenport, Harrington, Odessa. Schools across the region are tackling the issue of cellphone addiction among students, at least while on campus. It’s a trend across the country—several states have already implemented bans on cellphones in classrooms.
Well, maybe tackling the addiction is a bit strong. Let’s just say school boards here in eastern Washington are finally taking action to keep phones out of students’ hands in classrooms.
tion to cellphones. Curtailing the addiction may start at school, but it needs to continue at home. Roger Harnack is the owner/publisher of Free Press Publishing. Email him at Roger@cheneyfreepress. com.
Guest Column Roger Harnack
At issue in many districts is whether cellphones should be allowed in class, at lunch, on buses, or even on campus. It’s a no-brainer—the short answer is no. Cellphone-addicted students are more focused on taking “selfies” than they are learning. They’re more engrossed in texting their boyfriends or girlfriends than studying. And when they get on a school bus, they are more excited about surfing through apps, many of which sport inappropriate content, than talking with their peers or paying attention to what’s going on around them.
As a result, few youngsters these days communicate well with others. Reading and writing comprehension is down. And other life skills, such as map reading, are almost non-existent.
Over the last 20 years, school districts have contributed to the problem by not setting strict rules banning their use on school buses and campuses, or at schoolbased events.
Getting to the point, students don’t need cellphones at school or at school-based events. They simply aren’t necessary.
Handheld cellular telephones have been around since 1973, when Motorola put the first one on the market. It took more than 30 years before cellphones started popping up at schools.
Baby Boomers and Gen Xers didn’t have “mobile” phones available in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Of course, since each was about the size of a brick, those mobile phones were not really all that mobile. The cost could range upwards of $10,000, and they could barely make a call.
Phones with calculators and other minor applications didn’t hit the scene until the mid-1990s, and the first phones with easy-to-use texting capabilities didn’t show up until the late 1990s. Still, children didn’t have cell phones in school.
Fast forward 20-plus years. Now, just about every kid has a “smart” phone in their pocket at school. But they’re not just phones, they’re computers. And those computers are creating a distraction that has diminished the ability of our students to problem solve, reason, communicate and even think for themselves.
It’s good to see our schools stepping up efforts to end cellphone use on campuses and at school-based events. But it may be too late to put the genie back in the campus bottle.
Parental support is necessary to end student addic-
THE GOLDENDALE SENTINEL
Official newspaper of Klickitat County, Washington
Established 1879 • Published every Wednesday from offices at 117 W. Main Street • Goldendale, WA 98620 • Telephone: (509) 773-3777
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Editorial:
Lou Marzeles, Editor & Publisher
Business and office staff:
Owned by Tartan Publications, Inc.
Leslie Geatches, President, Financial management, Special Section production, Ad Design
Naomi James, Bookkeeping
Burn-out has got to go
The Festival of Wheels gave it another try this year. It seems the attendance has dwindled to much lower levels than when the event was new, 10 years ago. There are a lot of competing car shows this time of year, so it doesn’t surprise me . This year Goldendale Motorsports Association and ABATE brought back the burn-out, which was tried several times in the past with questionable benefits to the town. This year someone had the brilliant idea to use the old skateboard park as a place to stage the return of the burnout. It was held on the concrete slab, a tempting medium for anyone inclined to bum rubber. Rednecks of many degrees, punk kids or maybe the little old lady from Pasadena. I personally was left with a bad taste in my mouth and lungs. Even though I made it a point to stay away from the burn-out and was at my home where I thought I would escape the noise and smoke, when the toxic cloud rose from the park and drifted over the Little Klickitat River Park (the swimming pool) on to the kids and families at the pool and on to me while I was sitting on my property. We were contaminated by the toxins in the smoke, and my eyes and throat were imitated, and my lungs filled with carbon monoxide and other cancer causing toxic compounds
for three hours. I think the city of Goldendale needs to rethink supporting burnouts in our park. Next year don’t issue a permit to any group that wants to burn-out. There are places in the county where it could be held, just not in the city please. I hate toxic smoke, and you should too.
Great publication
I grew up in Edmonds, went to college in Walla Walla, and have spent a lot of time since my teen years exploring eastern Washington by bicycle and car—but I’d never been to Goldendale! Spent one night there recently—saw the first evening of the Klickitat County Fair—before heading to Bickelton and then on to Walla Walla. I picked up a copy of The Sentinel when I was there and enjoyed it. I’m now reading the 2024-2025 visitors guide, Journey Through Klickitat County, and can’t put it down. I’ve never seen a guide that has such a lively personality, such an array of interesting information, and is just such a good read. It is inspiring me to come back and spend an entire week exploring your county. And to be sure, I’m there for the rodeo!
On Sept 4 I will be asking the mayor and his administration to make an ordinance forbidding anyone from reckless unsafe burnouts in any ones neighborhood or any street in the Goldendale city limits. I would appreciate some support from like-minded citizens at the council meeting. Let them know how you feel.
actions that were used by the current Democrat Party to force him out of the race.
Ken McKune Goldendale
C
I recently received an updated “Terms for Business and Deposit Account Agreement” from Columbia Bank. I am not in the habit of reading the fine print but for some reason this time I did. I came across an “added” line that I found very concerning. Again, this line is both for personal and business accounts. It reads: “We may refuse to open and account and may close your account at any time for any reason or for no reason at all.”
I contacted the bank for an explanation. The answer was essentially that “we wouldn’t do that.” Then why is it in your documents, I asked. The answer was to send me up the chain of command. The second person gave the same answer as the first and then was to have me contacted by some-one higher up. That person has not contacted me after more than a week so I am following through on what I told the bank contacts I was going to do—write a letter to the editor to be sure local folks are aware of how Columbia Bank is choosing to deal with its account holders.
Letters from the community
Join the bandwagon
My concern is that a comment as broad as this opens the door for abuse. I have had no difficulties with our local branch and am sorry that the headquarters has decided to take such a hard line. It ap-pears I will need to look for a bank that does not behave in this manner.
RFK exposed the “lawfare” that has been used against him and others. He lambasted the liberal media for colluding with the DNC to conduct a “palace coup” and force Joe Biden out of the race, even though Biden had easily won the Democratic primary and was clearly the choice of Democrat voters. He mocked the “Chicago Circus” as “only smoke and mirrors.”
Ken Margraf Goldendale
According to Kennedy, “Democracy has become little more than a slogan for our political institutions, for our media, and for the Democratic Party.” He rebuked the party for becoming “the Party of War, Censorship, Corruption, Big Pharma, Big Tech, Big Ag, and big money.”
“For No Reason At All” I particularly found offensive.
Paul Hemp Jamestown, Rhode Island
This took courage
In last week’s op-ed, I mentioned having recently witnessed a “monumental shift in public sentiment,” noting that both the Democratic and Republican parties have changed in significant ways. I encouraged everyone to take a fresh look, and I make the same appeal today.
Last week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had the courage and humility to put his love of the American people above party politics. In doing so, history was made. Kennedy, a lifelong democrat, pointed directly to the laundry list of anti-democratic
RFK’s remarks are widely available, and everyone, especially Democrats, would be wise to watch his entire speech (not just cherrypicked clips). This may prove to be one of the most important speeches in American history. His words are waking people up, even though some remain stuck in old delusions, stubbornly clinging to the Party of the Past. If you believe Kamala Harris represents Democratic values, you owe it to yourself to hear what RFK has to say.
Search “RFK endorses Trump” and be willing to vote accordingly.
Luke Throop Goldendale
Guidelines for Letters
There’s a bandwagon rolling thru America. Not for the circus of Donald Trump, but for the future of America. Kamala Harris is driving this wagon towards the future. Americans have much to do. Revamp the tax code to benefit the middle class and return to a tax code that doesn’t rely on the trickle of scraps to that group of people but builds things they really need. The Bridge to the Future! She will bring balance to the Supreme Court that is hellbent on rolling back all the benefits of the Great Society and push for the inclusion of all Americans in the wealth Americans generate. She will end the Middle East war in a fashion that will allow both Israel and the Palestinians to live in peace—not one based on what Saudi Arabia wants. She will stand up for a world that turns towards democracy and away from a world dominated by tyrants. She will use America’s overwhelming power to push back against dictators and secure peace in Europe and Asia. The bandwagon is in town, and there is a crowd gathering to follow Kamala into the future. She is the drum major. She has instruments to spare for all those who want a better America that shares the wealth. Grab your drum and make noise. As for me, I’m Not Going Back [a Harris campaign catchphrase]. I’m going to make noise. Vote for Kamala Harris to be the President of the United States of America. I will.
Thomas Wilson Goldendale
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HOMETOWN
School is back in session
I apologize for leaving
allfinalized They hope to announcethatinformation by September 1 The new group welcomes all membersofthecommunitywho wouldliketoparticipatein the safety of our community under fire conditions To get on the mailing list, contact Rebecca Koski at (310)985-4443
What’sintheSky
JIM WHITE FORTHESENTINEL
I love writing about beenawardedtheME and the successes of our awe- Maxine Johnson Scholarsome Glenwood kids Last ship for this 24-25 year at weekend, two of our rodeo WSU Weareallveryproud cowgirls did very well at ofyou,Ally Go,Cougs! the Sherman County Fair Rodeo in Moro, Oregon outaveryimportantaward Peyton Sanchey won the from the county fair when barrel racing and Joslyn Ilistedsomeoftheawards Arnold won the breaka- in the last news Carole way roping, twofirst place Johnson’s beautiful quilt finishes Following that received Top of Show this great win, Peyton trave- year, another very wellled toEnumclaw the same deserved honor Our cornweekend for the rodeo munitymaybeverysmall, there and placed sixth in but we have a lot of great barrels there Way to go, talent and high achievers cowgirls Peyton just has here a couple more rodeos to go before the Northwest of school is Wednesday, Pro Rodeo Finals in Prineville later in September We Glenwood wish her continued success as she continues to work very hard to maintain her NRPA standing in the top12 in barrel socialforstudentsandtheir racing to advance to the parents, so they could all finals She’s about to start get better acquainted with her senior year of high himand heara bitofsome school whileJoslynisget- ofthegreatthingsplanned ting ready to head to her for this school year A big firstyearofcollegeatWalla thanks goes to new school WallaCommunityCollege cookCatieKielmanfortakwhereshe’llbeamemberof ing charge of serving up thecollegerodeoteam
TheMt AdamsResource Stewards, a non-profit home based in Glenwood, has volunteered to meet individually with Glenwood residents to dohome and property assessments and to help families create property that can better withstand forest fires Home wildfire risk assessments will involve a staff member from Mt Adams ResourceStewards(MARS) meeting you at your property for 30-45 minutes to identify potential wildfire riskfactorsonandaround yourhome
Welcome to September, when we transition from summer into fall The autumnal equinox marking thestart offall, comes onSeptember22 Darkness comes earlier, allowing more time to view celestialdelights September is probablymyfavoritemonth for stargazing because of the earlier darkness and becausetheweatherisstill mostly clear and nights stillrelativelywarm
9pm
iarize yourself with the brightestobjectinthatpart constellation and keep an ofthesky Withatelescope eyeoutforit
Glenwood s first day you can see the planet’s August 28 Welcomeback,students andstaff TheMonNews day prior, Mr Bob Rogers, the new Glenwood Superintendent/Principal, hostedanicecream Mary Pierce 2024, with the Moon being nearbystars
An interesting phenomenon that may come in September is a nova in a star that is in the constellation Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown The Crowniseasilyseeninour nightskyasasemicircleof starshighinthesouthwest on September evenings
September’s new Moon set of rings are now diffiwillfall on the 2nd, Labor cult to observeas they are Day, with the full Moon almost “edge-on”fromour following on the17th The viewpoint But the planet Moon will be low in the isstillworthalook Tothe southern sky during Sep- nakedeye,Saturnappears temberandwillbethesec- asoftwhite-yellow Likeall ondoffourstraight“super- ofthenaked-eyeplanets,it moons” we will have for willnottwinkleasmuchas
The nova is caused by two abitcloserthanaverageon
dishesoficecreamandice
And one of our amaz- creamfloats Delicious ing 2023 Glenwood High School graduates Allison about forming a Fire (Ally) McFall, has headed AdaptedCommunitygroup back to her second year here in Glenwood Mary at Washington State Uni- Scottandothersare workversity Ally achieved the ing on plans for the first distinction of being on the communitymeetinginSepPresident’s Honor Roll in tember and will share the herfirst year and has just date time and location of receivedwordthatshehas the meetingas soon asit’s
This service is provided free of charge, and assessmentfindings arefor your information only (they are not reported anywhere, and you are not obligated to take any actions) Sign up at this link:formsgle/ bbnDSXxmbPhwWcvK9
5a m
I mentioned last week eveningsky,againlurking Saturn moves into the low in the west just after
TheFireAdaptedCommunity group isalso working on a micro grant to fund a community project that will strengthen against spreadoffireinthevalley They welcome all communityinput
Emergency blood shortage strains Red Cross blood supply
TheAmericanRedCross continues to experience a national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the countryhavefurther complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood supply Those in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointmenttogivenow
Weatherin recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations by forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by Debby causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected Annually, severe weather as blizzards tornadoes, floods and hurricanesimpactsabout90000blood donations made to the Red Cross InWashingtonstate, 153blood driveshavebeen canceled due to weather over the last 10 years, including 21 so far this year Because blood has a shortshelflifeandcanonly comefromvolunteerblood donors, any disruptions in theabilitytocollectlifesavingbloodcan haveserious consequencesfor hospitals andpatients
First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery To make an appointment, download
theRedCrossBloodDonor hazardmapandthendownApp, visit RedCrossBlood load the free Red Cross org or call 1-800-RED Emergency App for stepCROSS (800) 733-2767 In by-stepguidance,real-time thanks, all who come to weather alerts and expert givethroughAugust31will preparedness and safety geta$20Amazoncom Gift adviceinbothEnglishand Card by email See Red- Spanish CrossBlood org/Help for details
Those who come to give September1-15willreceive anexclusiveRedCrossraglan t-shirt, while supplies last Be readyfor emergencies September is National PreparednessMonth,anda strongbloodsupplyiskeyto preparednessfor disasters and medical emergencies As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the Red Cross also encourages people to get their households ready for emergencies Thisyear the country has already seen the earliest Category 5stormeverrecordedwith HurricaneBeryl,andwildfires have burned 2.7 million more acres compared toallof2023 Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, oftenwithoutwarning Get ready by makinga plan to staysafe,gatheringimportant supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected To learn what disasters may affect your community, visit redcross org/
Our other gas giant adjacent stars, onea white thosemonths Onthe16th, planet, Jupiter, begins to dwarf,theotheraredgiant the waxing gibbous Moon peek above the eastern star Weseethemasone a wiU lie just to the right of evening horizon late in starcalledTCoronaborea- Saturn On September 22, September, located right lis The white dwarf pulls early in the morning, the between the “horns” of material from the nearby Moon will pass in front Taurus the bull On Sepred giant and about every °f the bright star cluster tember 30Jupiter will rise 80 years amasses enough Pleiades That will happen atabout10pm to cause an explosion, the betweenabout2:30am and Venus remains in our nova The faint star normally hard to see even with binoculars suddenly eveningsky in September sunset On September 5, becomes much brighter, Lookfor the ringed planet look for the thin crescent about as bright as Polaris! low in the east after about Moon just to the right of thenorthstar How to see it? First, and by 6 pm at theend of makeanicesight familiarize yourself with the month Saturn will be Enjoy Septembers night Corona borealis (use the hard to mistake, being the skies! picture with this article) Watch for a fairly bright starto appear justtothe left of the Corona’s stars Thats it! Scientists think thereisa95%probabilityof the nova occurring before the end of the year, and somethinglike70%believe it will occur in August or | Plansstartatjust$20/month September As I write this in late August, it has not yet appeared It may only be bright for a few days whenit does occur Famil-
8 pm in early September bright Venus It should
Catherine Bell
Catherine “Katy” Bell, 85, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 24, 1938, to William and Dorothy (Stoner) Reese.
She married James “Jim” Bell in 1956, and they lived their lives together until his death in 2023. Katy was a strong, independent woman before it was fashionable. She loved to read and was a phenomenal Scrabble player.
She enjoyed playing word games on her computer and going to the Casino.
Katy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim; brother Richard; sisters Harriet, Marion
and Barbara; grandson James; and great-grandson Jordan. She is survived by her brother William Reese; children Jack Bell, Theresa (Don) Hayden and Karen Wright; grandchildren Amber (Jessie) Scribner, Holly (Duke) Dresen, Amanda (Chris) Garner, Thomas (Sara) Bell, and Alexander Vroutos; greatgrandchildren Riley, Alana, Christopher, Guy “Duke”, Lacey, Luke, Richard, and Lola; and numerous nieces and nephews.
We will never see a peacock feather or hear a song by CCR without thinking of her.
Virginia Ann Shill Otis (Dick) Richard Smith
Virginia was born Virginia Ann Siviy on June 4, 1943, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She passed away August 1, 2024, at her home in Yakima. She went by the nickname Ginny.
Ginny was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She graduated from Ocean City high school in 1961. She joined the United States Women Army Corp where she met her husband, Richard (Dick) Louis Shill. She was honorably discharged in 1962. Ginny and Dick settled in Washington State after their military service and had three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Ginny and Dick were
small business owners, owning and operating Pine Springs Resort on Satus Pass for 25 years. Ginny received a small business management certificate from Columbia Gorge Community College in 1990 and was Firefi ghter of the Year in 1999. Ginny maintained strong community ties and made many friends and memories.
Ginny loved horses and babies. She was artistically talented and as an adult expressed that talent in her hobby of ceramics. She was a friend to all she met. Ginny was the anchor who kept her family fi rmly together, and she will be missed.
Ginny passed at the age of 81 and was survived by her husband Dick and her daughters Teresa Shill of Vancouver, Washington, and Richelle Golden of Dallas, Oregon. She was predeceased by her first born, her son, Lawrence Andrew Shill a member of the U.S. Army; her parents Andrew Siviy and Virginia Conti; her brother AJ Siviy; and her motherand father-in-law Lawrence and Lila Shill.
A graveside prayer service was held for her on August 8, 2024.
Otis (Dick) Richard Smith of Goldendale passed away Saturday August 17, 2024, in The Dalles Oregon. Dick was born December 18, 1940, and was 83 years of age at the time of passing.
Dick was born in Goldendale to Casey and Irene Smith. He lived in Wishram when he met his future wife, Carol Smith, and they got married December 30, 1961. They moved to Goldendale where they raised their three daughters, Janice, Crystal, and Pam.
Dick was very involved and supportive of the Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo. He loved to spend his time watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting events and showing their livestock. Dick loved to spend time with his family and loved them very much. He is survived by his three daughters and son-
in-laws, Janice and Pat Smalling, Crystal and Terry Scott, and Pam and Jim Beierle; along with his pride and joys, the grandchildren, Jennifer Smalling, Casey Smalling, Jenna Ellefson, Robert and Christina Scott, Reginia Scott, Randi and Noah Gray, Amanda and Matt Willer, Jamie Beierle, and Jess Beierle; along with his wonderful 14 greatgrandchildren; and his sister, Linda Bergstrom.
Dick is predeceased by his wife Carol Smith, father Casey Smith, mother Irene Smith, brother Calvin Smith, and sister Joanne Anderson. Services were held at Columbia Hills Memorial Chapel in Goldendale on Tuesday, August 27, followed by interment at Mt View Cemetery IOOF. The family would like to thank all our friends and family for their outpouring of love and support.
BAPTIST
Columbus Avenue Baptist, S.B.C. 815 N Columbus, Goldendale, 509.773.4471; Pastor David Beseler, Sun School 9:45am, Sun Worship 11am, Sun Bible Study 6pm, Prayer Meeting Mon 6pm, Youth & Children's groups Wed 6pm; ColumbusABC.org, YouTube, FaceBook, ColumbusABC@embarqmail.com.
CATHOLIC - Holy Trinity Catholic 307 Schuster, Goldendale; Father William Byron, 509.773.4516. Sat Eve Mass 5:30pm; Sun Mass 9am & 10:30am. Eve of Holy Days 7pm; Holy Days 9am. Daily Mass Mon-Fri 9am CCD Classes Wed 2:15-3:30pm, K thru grade 6; Wed 7-8:30pm grades 7-12. Confessions every other Saturday noon -1pm
Community Grace Brethren 1180 S Roosevelt, Goldendale. Pastor Aaron Wirick. 509.773.3388. Sun Svc 10:30am in person. Tue: Youth Group 6-8pm. Wed: AWANA 2pm GoldendaleGrace.com. Watch us on Facebook Live: Facebook.com/GoldendaleGrace "Learning - Living - Loving JESUS."
LUTHERAN
Christ the King Lutheran
S Columbus & Simcoe Dr, Goldendale; Vicar Ann Adams. 509.773.5750. Worship services 10am
Everyone welcome.
METHODIST - United Methodist
Columbus & Broadway, Goldendale; Pastor Kendra Behn-Smith; 509.773.4461. Service times: Worship 9:30am; Adult classes 10:45am; Fall & Winter All are welcome. Call the church for regularly scheduled events.
NAZARENE - Church of the Nazarene 124 W Allyn, Goldendale; Pastor Earnie Winn and Pastor Greta Sines. 509.773.4216; Sunday worship 10:45am; Sunday School all ages 9:30am; goldendalenaz@gmail.com.
NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY of GOD
1602 S Columbus, Goldendale; Pastor Kevin Gerchak, 509.773.4650; Sun. School 9:30am; Morning Worship Service 10:30am; Family Night on Wed. 7pm with programs for ages 3 years through adult.
RIVER of LIFE CHURCH of GOD 2023 Pipeline Rd, Goldendale; Pastors Rod & Cathy Smith, 509-250-0222, Sunday Worship 10:30 ; Wednesday Bible Study 7pm RiverofLife222.org
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 1/2 mile east on Bickleton Hwy. Sabbath School Sat. 9:30am; Worship Service 11am; Pastor Michael Smith; 509.773.4381
NON-DENOMINATIONAL Centerville Community Church 508 Dalles Mountain Road, Centerville, WA 98613; 509-637-3068; Pastor Patti McKern; pastorpatti53@gmail.com; Sunday Worship Celebration 10 "Find refreshment for your soul and friends for your journey."
Father’s House Fellowship
207 S Klickitat Ave, 509.773.4719. Basic Bible Fellowship 9:30am; Worship 10:30am; Tue. 6:30pm Freedom Now Meeting. “A Gospel-Centered Church.”
community members Horvath says throughout the Gorge double whammy of heat are available at WAGAP duringwildfireseason This and smoke during the offices on the Washington is in addition to sharing summer impacts stable side of the Gorge during resourcesofongoingefforts housing conditions and is regular business hours to keep the houseless made worse as evacuation We also have staff doing communitysafethroughout notices are posted to get outreach throughout people out of harm’s way Skamania and Klickitat Collaborative during fire events With counties with vulnerable partners work together to recentwildfirespoppingup populations,andtheycarry provide cooling kits and throughout the Gorge, the the kits and masks with shelter options for people RedCrossCascadesRegion themaswell” experiencinghouselessness has been veryactivein the Helping to amplify during summer heat pastmonth,settingupabout messages is also key to events, saidKelliHorvath, ten different shelters in keeping people safe Both deputy director at Mid- responsetofiresthroughout MCCAC and WAGAP use
PreventionWeek
• SkamaniaCounty-www
Klickitat County - www
klickitatcountyorg/249/
Emergency-Management
“Wildfire season is also a time of crisis when
Kellems, development and partnerships director for MCCAC “We hope to
extend a hand when they
otherresources can”
• smokereadygorgeorg/ a emergency management
Volunteers are also welcomed by contacting MCCAC at wwwmccac
Additionally,localcounty skamaniacounty org/ com/ and WAGAPat www departments-offices/ wagaporg/volunteer
Mid-Columbia Houseless Horvath saidThe MCCAC “Keepingpeopleawareof local site Smoke Ready teamscoordinateactivities Collaborative (MCHC) teamhasalsohelpedsource what is available to assist Gorge, which helps to to mitigate, prepare for, partners are helping the volunteers for Red Cross our houseless neighborsis mapthesummerwildfire respond to, and recover RedCrossassistvulnerable efforts important,” Pauletto said season and offers links from naturalor man-made this “CoolingkitsandN95masks to smoke alerts, the Air emergencies or disasters QualityIndex workplace Emergency management rulesfor when theair is is typically led by the smoky, and ways to opt county and partners with community support and intolocalalerts through cities, service districts, partnership are especially reverse 911 systems volunteerandsocialservice important” added Sarah in local counties This agencies schools andother site also provides tips community organizations on helping stay smoke- with emergency free in homes, making responsibilities Within emergency plans for the MCCAC and WAGAP encourage people to take family, and protecting serviceareas,thefollowing care of one another and petsandlivestockamong areavailableonline: HoodRiverCounty-www wwwwatchdutyorg/ is hoodriversheriff com/ For anyone interested a free service available what-we-do/emergency° J in volunteering witn tne Columbia Community the area, including in theirsocialmedia toassist through the App Store or management 6 ActionCouncil(MCCAC) Maupin, Hood River, and in broadcasting alerts and Google Play that provides • Wasco County - www American Red Cross an “This year, with the WhiteSalmon resources that might help alertsforuptofourcounties co wasco or us / application is available opening of The Gloria Wherever they can, people Some sites to help and showsfire perimeters, departments/emergency at volunteerconnection Navigation Center in Collaborative partners managetheheatandsmoke: hotspots,redflagwarnings, management/indexphp redcross org/ ?nd= The Dalles, we are also step in to help Jennifer • afoporg/nhspw/ from surfacewinddirections,air • Sherman County - www iead&h=944&p=2158485 able to partner with local Pauletto,executivedirector the Association of qualityindex,andaccessto co sherman or us/ emergency management ofWashingtonGorgeAction FarmworkerOpportunity live wildfirecameras Paid departments/emergencyand the Red Cross by Programs (WAGAP), said Programsthathighlights subscriptions offer more services/ providing space for sharing resources with National Heat Stress features emergency operations community members is a during wildfire season,” bigpieceofthepuzzle
GoldendaleSchoolBoardmeetingnotes
year which included raises and changes to the pay scale for time serving in the district They also approved the administrativepayscale for2024-2025
1 TJ Wilder (GMS Head Football Coach) Nancy Neuman (GHS SPED Para) Elios Ontiveros (CTE Para), Katherine Johnson
(Early Childhood Specialist) 6 Kadee Herrington (Family Engagement Coordinator) Terry Fahlenkamp (GHS Building Cook), Nicole Cole (GMS LAP Para), Treane Parsons (GPS SPED Para), Sheila Burrows (GPS SPED Para),MikeSmith(GMS Asst Football Coach), Hailey Hinckley (GHS Asst Volleyball Coach), AlexysWetmore(GHSC TeamVolleyballCoach), TJ Miles (GPS SPED Para),andRobertButler (BusDriver)werehired
2 James Tuning was accepted as a GMS Football Volunteer
3 Resignations accepted from Brad Fahlenkamp(GMSAsst Football Coach), Diana Brokaw (Bus Driver), and Judith Carrillo (GMS Asst Volleyball Coach)
Schlenker (Business Manager) reportedthatthegeneral 7 Dr fundwasat$2,233,428in July (upfrom $1,657,367 in June and slightly down from July 2023, $2,084,634)
that there is a meeting on Tuesday, August 27th at 6pm at the GHS Cafeteria to hear from the architect company that has been chosen to replacethecurrenttrack and football field This will include orientation andlocationof thisfield and he encouraged the publictobepresent Ellen Perconti (Superintendent) reported on the recent surveytheschoolputout They received around 200 responses, which was a lot more than previous surveys and wasprobablyduetotheir booth at the Klickitat FairandRodeo Shegave a first draft of the data thathadbeencondensed to see trends in words chosenbythepublicand also separating those whowerefrom thearea andthosewhowerenot Shesaidthattheyhoped to also have students take the same survey to include in the final results
district, and was very positive over all Mr Twohy stated that he would like to consider
not doing it annually but wantedtothank Dr 12 After the meeting Percontiforbeinginthe booth so much during thefair Mr Siebertalso
citizenship, AI use, physical education and Health class, nutrition, recess and physical minutes for meetings on activity,andwellness
to be recorded or have minutes the PSE Agreement for the 2024-2025 school
Check out the previous reports on them These are not official meeting minutes Following are his highlights of the meeting of Monday, August 26 Check out the full agenda online at: meetings boardbook org/Public/ Agenda/780? 5 Dean meeting=646955
thedistrictwebsite Iwould love to encourage anyone interestedin whatis going on at the school district the board went into an exempt session regarding “update on negotiations ” This may be connected to last month’s exempt meeting that had to do with ongoing collective bargaining, then again at the GPS Library (820 S maybe not An exempt Schuster) Thenextregular meetingis one that can meeting will be Monday, be held without public September 23, at 7 pm in noticeanddoesnothave theGHScafeteria to try and make it to an upcomingmeeting
John Hoctor, Chris Siebert, Chris Twohy and Betty Richards (Deborah Heart was absentfromthemeeting) allshared that theyfelt having a booth at the fair was a big success It offered the ability to listentothecommunity, answer questions listen toconcerns,showoffthe things going on in the Coach
2124/2124P were
Mr Schlenkeralsogave an update on facilities He reported that the GHSgymfloorhasbeen finished He said that the GHS chiller install wasdelayedbyoneweek but has been installed andshouldbe23% more efficient Thisconcluded Phase 3 for the high school Phase4iswaiting toseeif they receivea6 million dollar grant It would payfor computer based controls for the air and heat and thus individual classroom 8 DuringBoardComments control through that computer The GPS flooringandcarpetshave been installed, other than a couple of spots that are being finished thisweek Healsonoted that they submitted for a$6-12milliongrantfor GPSbutthatitwilltake 2-4 years before this will process Finally, he reminded everyone
The next board work wanted to shout out all the improvements done attheschoolsduringthe summer 9 Due to school not starting yet the Board didn’t hear reports from the principals but Ms Lummio (GMS Principal)toldthemthat they had a soft opening for5thgradersandtheir familiesandit waswell attended 10 TheBoardapprovedthe board meetingschedule for 2024-2025 and then approved The Learner First Contract for the 2024-2025 school year The Learner First is a programthatfocuseson contributive learning, providingcoachingand professional learning You can check out the program here: thelearnerfirstcom 11 TheBoardalsoapproved the second reading and adoptionforpoliciesand procedures 2022/2022P 20223, 6700/6700P, 6701/6701P, and Links to all of these can be found on the agenda They focus on electronicresourcesand internet safety, digital
Alex Gorrod attends 4 The Board approved meetings of the Goldendale School District Board on
Check It Out
Jan Johnston, Collection Manager
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District
You can email Jan at readingforfun@fvrl.org
With a woof-woof here, and a meow-meow there
Here’s a woof, there’s a meow, everywhere a woof-meow! Old MacDonald may have had a farm, but did he have a pet dog or cat like 66% of U.S. households? I have to thank Forbes for that statistic, and it doesn’t surprise me one bit. People love to share their lives with fur babies, and that includes me and my husband. Our cat boys, Dewey and Leo, who love to romp with each other, keep us highly entertained. And when they get quiet and snuggly with us, well, the cockles of our hearts feel warm and fuzzy. Sharing our home with animals has been rewarding and a
(Family Features) A beautifully designed charcuterie board may feel more like a grown-up treat, but with the right ingredients, delicious grazing boards can provide fun and nutrition for the whole family.
No matter what you call it, charcuterie boards, grazing boards and snack platters are all basically the same thing. The boards make a trendy addition to an entertaining menu, but a platter or kid-friendly board can be equally pleasing.
What you serve on a grazing board is entirely up to you. Most include a selection of meats and cheeses, and many incorporate nuts, crackers, dips and jams. Some also incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables. Creating your own board means there really are no rules; you can add just about anything you want.
To build a successful board, keep these tips in mind: Choose ingredients and elements that don’t require temperature control. The idea of a grazing board is that it sits out for a while. Avoid anything that needs refrigeration, heat or will lose its shape or flavor if it rests for an extended amount of time. Select a surface large enough to hold a variety of food. It can be a simple cutting board or a cute platter. There’s no specific size requirement but err on the side of bigger; spacing out your goodies can be more attractive and less messy.
Use high-quality ingredients
true learning experience. Cats in particular have chameleonlike qualities. Independent, dismissive, and proud on one hand; quirky, silly, and demanding on the other. Through their behavior we have learned to be patient (for the umpteenth time, you’ve already been fed!); to appreciate basic pleasures (a patch of sunlight on the oor, an empty box); and to go with the mood (back turned means I need a moment to myself, skittering down the hallway with a half-crazed look means watch out—I’m on the move!). There is no doubt that being a cat parent has made me a better human being. Today’s reading choices focus on cats and dogs, but rest assured that the library has a variety of pet-friendly titles. If your best friend falls into another category—feathers, scales, hooves, antennas—we have a book for you. No matter the species you care for and love, I hope you will celebrate with me all creatures great and small.
• “The Cat’s Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa” by Jonathan B. Losos.
• “How to Raise a Happy Cat: So They Love You More Than Anyone Else” by Sophie Collins.
to ensure every bite is delicious and nutritious. While shopping, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful fruits and veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community.
Build your board around a theme to add an extra element of fun. Use mini cookie cutters to make fun, kid-friendly shapes out of cheese and meats. Be mindful of colors; a rainbow platter is vibrant and appealing, and colorful fruits and veggies offer a strong mix of nutrients. Remember it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Classic favorites are all you need. Even kid favorites like sections of mandarin oranges, carrot sticks, and chocolate chips are fair game for a family-friendly board. Find more ideas for creating family-friendly treats at healthyfamilyproject.com.
Taco Tuesday Board Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Queso
• Hard and soft taco shells
• Ground turkey, seasoned and browned
• Lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions
• Chopped peppers
• “The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, and Mortality” by Karen Fine.
• “Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond” by Alexandra Horowitz.
• “The Particulars of Peter: Dance Lessons, DNA Tests, and Other Excuses to Hang Out with My Perfect Dog” by Kelly Conaboy.
• “Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian” by Amy Attas. New at the Library
FICTION
“Beep” by Bill Roorbach.
“Between a Flock and a Hard Place” by Donna Andrews.
“The Lost Coast” by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman. NONFICTION
“Alexander at the End of the World: The Forgotten Final Years of Alexander the Great” by Rachel Meredith Kousser.
“PlantYou: Scrappy Cooking: 140+ Plant-Based ZeroWaste Recipes That Are Good for You, Your Wallet, and the Planet” by Carleigh Bodrug.
“Tiger, Tiger: His Life, as It’s Never Been Told Before” by James Patterson.
CHILDREN
“Little Shrew” written and illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi. “The Quacken” written by Justin Colon, illustrated by Pablo Pino.
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges On grazing board or platter, arrange guacamole, salsa, queso, taco shells, ground turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, peppers, sour cream, cilantro and lime wedges.
Weekend Breakfast Grazing Board
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project’s “Come Graze With Us” e-cookbook
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cooked sausage links
• Mini frozen waffles, toasted
• Mini frozen pancakes, toasted
• Mini muffins
• Yogurt
• Fresh fruit
• Syrup
• Jelly
On grazing board or platter, arrange eggs, sausage links, toasted waffles, toasted pancakes, muffins, yogurt, fruit, syrup, and jelly.
It’s the best time of year for dogs.
I don’t have a dog. I have a cat—as of this year. His name is Felix, and he came from Mexico. When we adopted him, he was skinny and timid after living on the streets for two years. Now, he is plump and playful, with a luxurious coat and an entitled attitude that seems to imply that, since he had it rough for a couple of years, he now expects things to operate according to his plans. Things usually do.
But every day on my walk, I see dogs. And this time of year—when the hydrangeas have started to turn pink around the edges and the berries are turning red on the trees—this time of year is called the dog days of summer, and I believe the dogs know it.
I see them in the distance, and I usually catch up, because the dog stops to inspect something, and the owner has to wait while the dog dutifully catches up on all the news that has transpired since he last passed this particular electric pole.
“It’s dogs’ Facebook, you know,” I told a man who was impatiently shifting from one foot to the other while his dog did a close reading of the area beneath the pole.
“Uh-huh.”
“There’s probably been a lot of posts since your last visit.”
The dog finally satisfied himself that he had caught up on all the latest news, lifted his leg, added his contribution to the post and was ready to go.
Even I can tell there’s a lot more to smell this time of year, when it is humid, and things are starting to ripen. An elderly dog appears fixated on a spot beside the sidewalk. Her owner stands motionless beside her.
“You’re not trying to rush her, are you?” I ask.
The owner rolls her eyes. “As if I could.”
I watch the arthritic old dog smelling something invisible in the grass. Her eyes are cloudy, and I suspect she is hard of hearing, but her nose appears to be working perfectly well.
Yesterday, I saw one of my favorite dogs. He’s a very large, fierce-looking short-haired German shepherd, and he always carries a toy. Yesterday, it was a ball that seemed to be wrapped up in a hand-knitted bright blue sock. It was wagging back and forth as he walked.
“You have a new toy!” I exclaimed.
His two people were with him. His female person sighed. “He always has to bring his toy.”
“But last time I saw him, it was a different toy.”
“He lost that one! He always loses his toy. He has to bring it along, then he gets distracted, and he loses it!” The German shepherd’s female person did not sound entirely happy about this. “I am no longer the toy minder!” she added, shooting a glance at her husband. “I think he is a little spoiled!”
I assumed she was talking about the dog.
“That’s not possible,” I said. “Dogs can’t be spoiled.”
The German shepherd and his male person seemed to agree that this was the case, and they went on their way, the blue knitted toy swinging from the happy German shepherd’s mouth.
It is a good time for dogs, and it’s a good time for their people and the people like me who enjoy their company. Dogs get us to slow down and smell our surroundings. They remind us that this warmth won’t last forever, and maybe it’s a good idea to enjoy it while it lasts.
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Sky Scrapers Sky Scrapers
The tallest buildings in the world today are called skyscrapers. As more people moved to cities after the American Civil War, cities began running out of room. Here in America we take owning a lot of rural land for granted but in a large city, there is not room for that. In rural areas of the US you can build a house and one family can live comfortably on five acres. In a city, those five acres can house 40,000 people. In 1885, the first skyscraper was built in Chicago, Illinois. This building was only ten stories tall. At 138 feet tall it did not last as the tallest building for long. As with many other things, people raced to see who could build a taller building, and that race is still going, 139 years later. You can find amazing skyscrapers in cities all around the world.
The Empire State building in Manhattan, New York, is famous for a lot of reasons. First, at 102 stories tall, it held the record for the tallest building in the world for 41 years. It is still in the top 100 tallest buildings in the world. It also held the record for the fastest skyscraper ever built. It only took 410 days. That is just over a year! Every year, there is a race held inside the Empire State Building. Runners have to go from the ground floor to the 86th floor using the stairs. There are 1,576 steps and the record for the fastest time is 9 minutes and 33 seconds. I think I will use the elevator, thank you very much. This building is so famous it has been in more than 250 movies.
In China, you will find 10 of the tallest buildings in the world. They have shopping malls, business offices, hotels and apartments. The second tallest building in the world is the Shanghai Tower. It reaches 127 stories into the air and five stories below ground. The building was built in a spiral
The tallest building in the world is the Burj
in
If you want to live there you have to be very wealthy. There are more than 300 apartments in the Burj but they are not cheap. What if I told you it would cost $103,000 a month? There are 54 elevators in this impressive building. Have you ever thought about traveling 40 miles per hour in an elevator? If that is something you would like to do, the Burj is the place to do it. The New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai now centers around this building. Fireworks, spotlights, jets of water and LED lights are put together to make the biggest light show around the world.
Solutions
The Burj Khalifa needs to enjoy being in first place as the tallest building because there are buildings already under construction that plan to pass it. Who will be next to hold the record?
