MOSSYROCK COMMUNITY BLOG . . .We Are The Heart of Lewis County

2012-02-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hello to all,

The Mossyrock Community Blog will begin to have more updates. The author is predisposed to attend to other volunteer endeavors and family matters before informing all the faithful readers who once read the Blog on a regular basis. My resolution is to establish ongoing informational postings, pictures and bring the Blog up to date. Please feel free to send me information you would like posted here by emailing me at mossyrockcommunity@gmail.com Today’s post is pictures from the 2011 VFW Dinner; attended by all veterans who have faithfully served our beloved country. Hope you enjoy them.

VFW head table with Honored Speaker Glen Osborne

Commander Don Varo and Quartermaster Mark Simon

A few of our Veterans and their guests

Vice Commander Tom Meade salutes Commander Don Varo
Tom still fits into his original uniform.

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days (original from 1998)

2011-12-17T23:50:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our house to yours

2011-12-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

2011-11-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

This year's Spirit of Christmas Celebration starts off with the Sharon DeWeese Craft Fair....

Setting up for Sharon DeWeese Craft Fair

The Learning Center Students are selling their homemade Doggie Treats.

(All day Friday and Saturday) December 2nd and 3rd, in the Mossyrock Community Center. Santa will be available along with decorated Christmas Trees to bid on, and area residents with wonderful crafts and sweets for sale (last year even Beulah McMurry participated). They will have a silent auction and the Mossyrock VFW will be selling Chili during the Craft Fair. There will be a short Parade Friday night welcoming Santa to Mossyrock. Plan on having a great time with the whole family there and stop at our State Street businesses to support our local economy.

State Recreation/Conservation Funding Board

2011-11-23T20:22:00.000-08:00

Click on document to Enlarge It for easier reading.

2011-11-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

One of our own, Susan Rose Bradley wrote

What I am thankful for on day 11:

Today is a day to be thankful for my freedom.

Freedom to speak what I want to speak, live where I want live, serve an Amazing Lord, dress how I want to dress, go where I want to go, and the list goes on and on. So to be thankful for these things I need to be thankful to all the

BRAVE men and women who are serving or have served in our armed forces.

THANK YOU!!!!

Those words do not say enough of what fills my heart.

You all have given so much, so that we may live in the land of the free.

I pray for God's loving arms to be around everyone of you as you continue to serve for our country.

Thank you again

VFW Veterans Day Banquet

2011-11-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

2010 VFW Veterans Banquet
Click on Photos to Enlarge

The Annual Veteran's Day Banquet hosted by the VFW of Mossyrock will be Friday evening. Seating at 6:30 pm at the Mossyrock Community Center. All veterans are welcome to enjoy a complimentary dinner as the community's way of showing their thanks for your dedication to our nation. Please come and bring a guest, enjoy the fellowship and delicious meal. Desserts are provided by our local bussinesses including Pantry Cafe, Country Lunch Box and many wonderful volunteers. MAAL Youth Leadership and the Girl Scouts will be doing the salad prep work, baking bread and serving tables. What a great community we live in.

Mossyrock Area Action League News

2011-10-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Mossyrock Area Action League held a Board retreat at Adytum Sanctury, Mossyrock on October 11th 2011. Building on the ongoing success of the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival, MAAL board members met with Festival partners to discuss strengthening partner roles and ensuring continuity for future festivals. Pictured from left to right are; Karan Ernest Mossyrock School District, Taryn Houghtelling Mossyrock Fire Department, Michele Birley MAAL board meember, Don Varo Mossyrock VFW, Terri Wright Blueberry Festival Coordinator, Glenn Aldrich MAAL board chairman, and Jan Meade MAAL board member.

High Pass Challenge Bike Ride

2011-09-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

The East County Journal

On Sunday, Sept 11 the Cascade Bicycle Club (shop.cascade.org) is sponsoring the High Pass Challenge bike ride which begins and ends in Packwood. The East County Journal is looking for any locals who are participating in this ride.
Please contact us either on Facebook or call the office at (360) 496-5993. Thanks!

Winning Art

2011-08-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Kids Art Tent saw lots of great art
this year! Special thanks to the Mossyrock Garden Club, Lake Mayfield
Quilters, and Tops group #1311 for sponsoring this year`s Art Contest.
Winners are Hollie Hutchinson of Edmonds, Washington, (age 11), (art
pictured below); and Sara Aldrich of Ritzville, Washington, (age 14),who
each won $20.00. Thanks to all the young artists who participated!

Hollie Hutchinson

Sara Aldrich

Talent Night Pictures

2011-08-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

MAAL`s first Annual Tacos and Talent Night, Aug 5th, brought our great

Mossyrock area talent and lots of hungry Mossy rockers to enjoy delicious el
Amigo Tacos and yummy Pantry Café cookies. After a great dinner and show

the talent judges: Glenn Cowles, Rand Coburn, and Danielle Brink announced the night's winners.

Blueberry Festival Queen, Michele Birley was master of ceremonies.

Pictured Front row: Chelsea Hics, honorable mention (Blueberry Festival t-shirt) and 3rd place ($25.00) Gracie May West.
Back row: first place ($100.00) Risa Lissette, and 2nd place winners ($50.00) the Bowes Family Band.

A very hearty thanks to all who enjoyed the show and those participating.This event was a fundraiser for the Mossyrock Area Action League`s civic Engagement Scholarship Fund. See you next year for another great show!
MAAL Secretary

Brave Contestants who performed for the first annual Dinner and Talent Show

Mossyrock Made the NEWS

2011-08-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

KING 5 NEWS covered Mossyrock on their "Making a Difference Segment". Lots of Great
PR about our little town and it's volunteer spirited residents.
With the exception of a few final touches Beulah McMurry`s house got its final coat of "Beulah blue" paint Wednesday the 3rd. Volunteers from Road Rebels Car Club, Mossyrock Youth Leadership, Mossyrock Area action League, and other community memebers come together once more to "Honor and Elder".

Once again Beulah put on a big, delicious lunch spread, abley assisted by Youth Leadership mentor and retired Mossyrock teacher, Michele Birley. Jeremy Reeder, one of our youth is responsible for contacting King5 news to come out for a story. It aired August 4th at 5pm and is still available for watching on their website.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this great community project and a special thanks to
Mossyrock True Value Hardware for donating all the paint.

Now that`s community spirit!

Garage Sale during Blueberry Festival

2011-08-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lori Rashoff from Coldwell Banker Kline and Associates would like to invite you to drop by a

GARAGE SALE AND OPEN HOUSE located at 113 Jarvis Rd Mossyrock,

Open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 6th

during the 5th Annual Blueberry Festival.

Update on Honor and Elder Project

2011-07-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the old McMurray Home from Start to Near Finish.
Pictures courtesy of Jim Wilson

Beulah`s house gets final coat of paint.
Join us on August 3rd, Wed 10am till it`s done! (early afternoon)
Bring you own paint brush! Corner of Hope and Court Streets in Mossyrock

The Mossyrock Area Action League, the Road Rebels Car Club and the Mossyrock Youth Leadership Kids will be at Beulah McMurry`s house to put the final coat of fresh new blue paint on the 100 year old home. All volunteers are welcome to help with this great Community event. This is MAAL`s second Honor an Elder project and welcomes everyone to share in the joy of volunteering and honoring the elders of our community.

HONOR AN ELDER PROGRAM ALIVE AND WELL IN MOSSYROCK

2011-07-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 19, 2011, a group of volunteers from Mossyrock descended on Beulah McMurry’s home in Mossyrock to give her a helping hand and to honor her as an elder in the Mossyrock area. The Mossyrock Area Action League (MAAL) began the program last year and its purpose is to pick a deserving elder in the community and lend them a helping hand by providing materials and labor for a needed project around their home. MAAL works with other community organizations or businesses to provide a strong spirit of good will throughout the Mossyrock area. . Beulah McMurry was chosen as this year’s recipient for all the years she has given to this community. For this project, Project Coordinator Wilma Solfranko enlisted the support of the Road Rebels Car Club and MAAL`s Mossyrock Youth Leadership to repair severe dry rot, scrape, prime and completely paint the exterior of Beulah McMurry’s home. Mr. and Mrs. Apple, owners of the True Value Hardware Store, contributed all of the needed paint and primer after Beulah selected the new paint color for her home. An additional donation provided funds to purchase gutter material to add gutters to the house and each of the volunteers brought a little something needed to help give the home a new look.

After a couple of hours of scraping, nailing new boards in place and offering each other bits of wisdom, the volunteers sat down to pizza and soft drinks provided by MAAL and homemade clam chowder and cookies provided by Mrs. McMurry and listened to stories about her years in Mossyrock. Shortly after graduating from Mossyrock in 1941, she married and her in-laws gave her husband and her two lots and they bought an old mill house from the recently closed Carlisle Mill in Onalaska for $300. The house was cut in half and transported to the current site on two trucks. After sitting the house down, there was a gap between the two halves of approximately 15 feet. She and her husband “filled in the gap” and later added additional rooms and porches and it still sits on the property acquired so many years ago.

Beulah worked as a “Field Boss” for Anderson Blueberry Farm for many years (now Pan American Berry Farm) and retired at the age of 70. Since that time, you see her driving her blue pickup truck to various sites including local bazaars where she sells homemade pies, cookies, jams, jellies and embroidered dish towels and quilts to supplement her income.

Once lunch was finished the “crew” comprised of MAAL members, young and old, and Road Rebels Car Club members worked until 5:30 to make sure the house was ready to receive a fresh coat of charcoal blue paint within the next week.

Honor an Elder Project

2011-07-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

MAAL is hosting a Paint party at Beulah McMurry`s house, Corner of Hope St. and Court St. in Mossyrock.

Starts at 10am Tuesday, the 19th of July. We will be scraping and painting primer. Please bring your own tools and paintbrushes. All painters welcome, as many hands makes light the work.
Beulah is a 70 year resident of Mossyrock and has lived in her blue house for all those years.
Thanks to Mossyrock True Value Hardware for donating all the paint!
Questions? Call 360-983-8701. Everyone hope for sunshine!!!
Projects Coordinator,
Mossyrock Area Action League

Community Events Festival Coming Soon

2011-07-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Community Events Festival will be this July 23rd (Sat.) 1pm - 4 pm. located at the Salkum Fire Hall at 2490 US Hwy 12.

It is a festival of any and all "nonprofit organizations, clubs, and service groups" to have the opportunity to advertise themselves and give our community members a chance to join you in these endeavors.

There are often people in our communities who would like to take part in an activity during the year and they don't know how to find the activity that fits them. Here is your opportunity to check out all the wonderful worthwhile projects.

We welcome all nonprofit groups to join us and spread the word to everyone in the neighboring communities (Morton, Randle, Mineral, Mossyrock, Salkum, Cinebar, Onalaska, Napavine, and Toledo) of this event. If you go to our Fire Department web site at www.lcfd8.org all of the info on the event is posted there.

To reserve an advertising table please contact Sharon at ddebuhr@tds.net or call.

Thanks,
Sharon Debuhr

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

2011-07-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Please join us!

And pass the word. Let's make our 5th Annual the best Blueberry Festival yet.

ALL ARE WELCOME!

MOSSYROCK BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

at the MOSSYROCK COMMUNITY CENTER

SUNDAY, JULY 10TH, 3-5 PM.

MEET FELLOW VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, and FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL FOR A FUN SUMMER GET TOGETHER.
See you there!
MAAL

Chris Guenther Performing in Mossyrock

2011-07-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

Country Western singer Chris Guenther will be performing a benefit concert for MARC at the Klickitat Prairie Park Project. This fundraiser will help fund the playgrounds, future trails, Skate Park, picnic tables, pavilions, basketball courts, community gardens, recreation center and the long term goal of an indoor swimming pool, all to be located on the 32 acre site. Mark your calendar, the scheduled date is Saturday August 26th 2011. Mossyrock Community will post more details as they become available.

Blueberry Festival Youth Leadership Meeting

2011-06-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEER MEETING

June 26th, Mossyrock Community Center, 3-5pm.

Agenda:

COSTUME MAKING!!! We will have 3-4 sewing machines (and volunteers to run them) to make costumes (blueberries, prince, and princess, mouse costume, etc). We will have fabric but you are welcome to bring any items for costume making.

CINNAMON ROLLS We`ll make a snack of course!

FESTIVAL ASSIGNMENTS We will have a chart so we can all see the different jobs there will be to do.

SURVEY ROLE PLAY we will practice our survey taking on each other.

PHOTOGRAPHY we will go over what we need our photographers to do. Nick will cover the main events but photographing the Festival takes more than one person!!.

ADOPTION OF 4-H RULES AND BYLAWS (this is for our records and the 4-H office)
I will be sending our post cards to EVERYONE as a reminder for our meeting but please pass this along as well. You are free to bring a friend. Anyone who has not filled out a 4-H form needs to do so at this meeting.

2011-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Youth Leadership kids and Blueberry Festival volunteers got

together last Sunday to plan Blueberry Festival jobs and Parade participation.
But first,of course, was food. Everyone made personal pizzas after all chipping in to chop toppings. In honor of our 5th year, we will have an honorary 5th Anniversary Blueberry Queen (Michele Birley) attended by Blueberry Princess Jordan Retchless and Blueberry Prince Jeremy Reeder.

Other fun characters will also be in the parade. The Blueberry Festival Parade coordinator Terri Wright, also joined the meeting.

If you are interested in volunteering or helping out with the Blueberry

Festival in any way we would love to have you! We have fun!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Massachusetts's National Cemetery

This is for all the heroes who gave their lives for Freedom

no matter how muddied the politicians make

their efforts

Our men give their lives so that we may live in Freedom

Some Heroes

Left this world in conflicts overseas

Some Heroes

Came home to live the conflict everyday

Some Heroes

Took their lives to end living the conflicts

All Are Heroes who served their country

Ready

To give their Life for my Freedom

RUFES MEETING

2011-05-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

RuFes Affordable Car Ownership Discussion

The link above has the final meeting notes from the RuFes Meeting about making reliable car ownership affordable for low income families.

June Micro Business Showcase

2011-05-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

ENTERPRISE FOR EQUITY

June Micro-Business Showcase

Tuesday, June 7, 11:30-1:00 pm

This is a luncheon event!

This event shines light on the entrepreneurs who have just completed our Business Training Program.
These small business owners have wrestled with their marketing plans, studied their pricing, finely examined their competition, tuned up their operations, developed cash flow projections and tested their assumptions. They understand how to keep their financial house in order.

This is a hearty group of entrepreneurs and we are eager to introduce them to you.

Join us for this wonderful luncheon…just one week away!

Deborah Sosa, Enterprise for Equity Board Chair.

Tuesday, June 7 from 11:30-1:00. The program starts at noon in the Heritage Room on Water Street in downtown Olympia.

If you want to enjoy a delicious lunch while your are enjoying our fabulous graduates, you can order your tickets online.

Enterprise for Equity is a community supported nonprofit that

helps people with limited incomes start and sustain small businesses.

We grow entrepreneurs! Enterprise for Equity is an equal opportunity provider.

Celebrate Project Brovo and other Projects on June 4, 2011

2011-05-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

Bravo Flight Interaction (click link)

Celebrate Project Bravo and other Green, Science and Engineering Projects from Schools around our region.

JUNE 4, 2011 9:30am - 2:30pm
Chehalis Airport, Chehalis WA

Jeff Geer, Bravo's Flight for Education pilot, will be on hand along with an engineer from Google. They will provide a demonstration of the new "InFlightXT" software and answer questions on how students can get involved in helping to develop InFlight XT with Google.

"InFlightXT" is a new technology being developed by BRAVO369 that will allow anyone with a PC or Smartphone to follow and interact with with our flights in real time. You will be able follow our flights as if you are actually in the aircraft. Dynamic 3D scenery and virtual cockpit views will put you in the aircraft experiencing what the pilot sees. If you are an educator, flight simulator user, or just want to follow our flights, INFlightXT will put you in the cockpit in real time. Some of the additional attractions are:

Civil Air Patrol will bring their glider and robotics
Lewis County Health Dept.
Mossyrock, Onalaska, Centralia, and Morton after school programs will provide activities for kids
Port of Portland noise reduction team
Mossyrock Band will provide a $2.50 barbecue...hot dog, chips and a pop
FREE ADMISSION

Sponsored by Mossyrock Elementary School and ESD 113, Olympia

5th Anniversary Blueberry Festival Book is Available

2011-05-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock's Got Talent!

2011-05-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Recycles

2011-05-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock has it's own Recycle Day all details are listed below.

MASS CHOIR in Mossyrock

2011-05-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

This Thursday morning you will see extra traffic in and out of the school and the surrounding area. Mossyrock High School Choir is sponsoring Mass Choir which entails complete choirs competing for a coveted title.
Choirs in attendance will include:
Mossyrock
Napavine
Ocosta
Onalaska
Toledo
Winlock
Pe Ell
Tenino
Rochester
Turtle Lake

Please come and enjoy inspired music (free) and in so doing support the efforts of these choirs and their directors. No need to stay the whole day just drop by; but make sure you return after dinner for the
Combined Concert of all competitors at 7pm in the High School Gymnasium. Guaranteed to be emotional.

Farmer's Market

2011-05-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

Once again, the Mossyrock Farmer’s Market is up and running! Hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

ADDITIONAL VENDERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!! :-)

To acquire a vender's application, or for more information, please don't hesitate to call the market manager Darla Brooks: 360-983-3092, or visit our blogsite:

http://www.mossyrockfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/

Come out and enjoy some PULLED PORK SANDWICHES for lunch, and enjoy some spring time shopping as well! Current venders are selling:

Veggie Starts, Herbs, Blueberry bushes, Trees, Local Produce, Yakima Produce (in season), Sheep Milk Soap, Jams, Jellies, and other various crafts.

MAAL Board Meeting Changes

2011-05-04T13:26:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Area Action League Board meeting
will be at the El Amigo Restaurant May 5th, 1pm..

Tacoma Power Riffe Lake Dam Tour Schedule

2011-04-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

Excerpt from recient Tacoma Power publication.

Click on Photo to Enlarge for reading ease.

Blueberry Festival Preparations Begin

2011-04-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Community volunteers and Mossyrock Youth Leadership got together on Saturday the 23rd at the Mossyrock Community Center to make 110 pie shells in advance of the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival, August 6th.

Great homemade blueberry pies will be available at the MAAL booth on Festival day.

Jan Meade gives Nic Holmes a lesson in pie shell making

Mossyrock Youth Leadership kids,
Jordan Retchless
and
Dessa Dessell take a
break from pie shell making.

Community Yard Sale

2011-04-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and we all have items we need to move out of our house or garage. Let me guess, you have no time or desire to hold your own garage sale. Here is a great idea!
Donate your items to the Klickitat Prairie Park Project to help MARC (Mossyrock Area Recreation Committee) get matching funds for our new park. These items can just be dropped off at City Hall during business hours and should be tax deductible.

Mark your calendar for Memorial Day Weekend to browse, buy or previously donate to the Community Yard Sale at Mossyrock’s Community Center. All the proceeds will go to help build a park in Mossyrock. Bring your donations to City Hall, but please no clothing items will be accepted for this sale.

A COMMUNITY TREASURE

2011-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

The Mossyrock Area has been blessed with a true Community Treasure; Memories from Family Albums. Locally know as “The Red Book” for its red cover, this 460 plus page compilation of oral and written history was compiled by the Mossyrock Grange Historical Committee and published in 1976. It was dedicated to the Pioneers of “The Heart of Lewis County”.
Chairperson of the committee was Marjorie Aldrich, assisted by Doris Meyers, Lillie Clowe, and Marilyn Armit. Photos were reproduced by Earl Clowe, and the typist was Joan Budai. We are indebted to these dedicated community members for this extraordinary gift.
The geographic area of the “Red Book” includes Salkum, Silver Creek, Harmony, Mayfield, Winston Creek, Salmon Creek, Mossyrock, Ajlune, Swofford, Green Mountain, Riffe, and Nesika. These pioneer towns, although some now gone all played an important role in the shaping of the history of this area.

Below is an excerpt by Rev. William J. Rule, 1946, 50 years after his arrival to the area from Seattle in 1893.

“It was now New Year`s, 1894 and I had to have a pony. I recall making a bargain for such a conveyance with Brother R.T. Siler, but never recall paying the bill or settling the account. I soon learned to ride, and that real fast I fear. I called on all the families, enjoyed their gracious welcome. I was in a new, strange, delightful world. I was charmed by these hospitable people. My walks through the trails brought surprises at every turn- even skunk cabbage and devil`s clubs had their interest, the enormous stems and great height of the vine maple which hung the massive curtains of moss joined the beds of moss on the ground below. What a retreat for quiet and study as you lounged on these natural couches! I soon found that these new crude homes, were just from the axe,and froe, the plans were supplied with the choicest of books, and the newspapers from the settlers` former homes kept us all in touch with the doings of the world”

Calling All Thespians

2011-04-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

"Romeo and Harriet" auditions for Onstage production at the Roxy Theater in Morton, WA, will be held April 16th, 12-3pm. This production will be part of the summer camp for actors 8-15 years of age (younger at director's discretion). Program dates are June 20th - July 2nd, rehearsing Monday - Friday from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Two performances are scheduled for the final weekend. Romeo and Harriet will be directed by Charli McCoy. Participation cost is $100.00. For more information call Charli at 360-219-3180.

Exceptional Youth Robert Stevens

2011-04-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Robert Stevens has been involved with Washington State University’s Mossyrock Horizons Program from the onset of the Focus Meetings held in Mossyrock. He attended many of the Steering Committee meetings as one of a select few Student Representatives. Remembering his enthusiasm for upcoming projects back then still makes me smile. He continually raised his hand to volunteer for anything we needed, from internet research and picture taking to brainstorming. Once Mossyrock Area Action League evolved from the WSU Steering Committee he still continued to offer his time and energy to events.

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival has had Robert Stevens as their Chief Youth Volunteer from its inception. His duties have evolved from grunt for the musical stage and running miscellaneous errands during the festival’s first year; to assisting in the Information Booth, roadie for the scheduled bands and car parking attendant years later. He has always showed up the night before festival to assist the Fire Department in setting up the Main Stage. Without a doubt the Blueberry Festival has prospered in part due to the student helpers like Robert.

Robert has volunteered for innumerable events. The annual Halloween Party at the Community Center, Sign Making, moving a room full of old ceramic molds (an overwhelmingly tough project) a Veterans Dinner preparation, and Youth Leadership Club just to mention a few. He participated in Youth Leadership and Communications training through WSU in Spokane, WA. This conference afforded him his first trip on a plane and an opportunity to tour Washington State University’s Spokane Campus.

Robert is not only an asset to our community but to his family as well. He has helped supplement his family’s income by cutting and selling firewood until he was old enough to work part time. This is not to say that growing up has been simple or problem free for him but he is undaunted by the roadblocks set before him.

Robert is graduating this year. We wish him well. His enthusiasm and strong work ethic will serve him well in his future. All of us who have had the pleasure of working with him want the best for Robert and hope all his dreams are fulfilled.

Carlyn Jensen

Market's Opening Dates Set

2011-03-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

The Mossyrock Farmer’s Market will begin once again on April 30th and May 1st! Our 2011 hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

VENDORS WILL BE SELLING:
Veggie Starts,
Herbs,
Blueberry Bushes,
Trees,
Local Produce,
Yakima Produce in season
Sheep Milk Soap,
Crafts,
Jams and Jellies,

Looking forward to Baked Goods as well! Please visit our blog site for our location and more info. http://www.mossyrockfarmersmarket.blogspot.com/
We are always open to new vendors; please do not hesitate to call the market manager Darla Brooks for more information: 360-983-3092.

Barbara Lois Tree Planting

2011-02-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

On the 30th of January, 10 volunteers from Mossyrock VFW, Mossyrock Youth Leadership, and Mossyrock Area Action League (MAAL) came together to

"Honor and Elder". Long time resident, artist, and retired middle school

teacher, Barbara Lois had eager help in planting 85 young trees on her

property on Swofford Road, east of Mossyrock. Special thanks to Aldrich Berry and Tree Farm for the generous donation of trees.

Despite the typical mist we are so familiar with here, within an hour and a

half all the trees were planted and the group was happily visiting and

eating Pizza and Cheetos! Barbara painted the wonderful mural that is

displayed in Mossyrock City Hall as a gift to the City in cooperation with

MAAL. Special thanks to Jeannette, Mossyrock City clerk, for the home baked cookies-they disappeared in short order! MAAL is interested in honoring other elders in our community.

Honor an Elder

2011-02-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Honor an Elder is a community wide program initiated by and coordinated by the Mossyrock Area Action League (MAAL).
This program honors residents in the community by volunteering time and helping them at home.
Members from Mossyrock VFW, Mossyrock Youth Leadership program and MAAK volunteered on Sunday, January 30 to assist Barbara Lois.

MAAL encourages individuals, groups, families, and the entire community to celebrate volunteerism and the immeasurable rewards it offers. A community who works together builds assets together, increasing the well-being of our neighbors. By lending a hand and honoring an elder, we contribute to the prosperity of our community. Nominations to Honor an Elder are welcome. MAAL will do its best to engage our friends and neighbors to come together to lend a hand where needed. Contact us at www.mossyrockfestivals.com.

Volunteer Spotlight: JULI SIMON

2011-01-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

In order to tell Juli`s Mossyrock story we need to go back two generations to Juli`s grandmother Anne Belcher, who graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1932. Community service started generations ago in this family with Grandmother Anne serving as Mossyrock Garden Club (est. 1932) president for several years. Later, Juli`s mom, Sharon De Weese, known to everyone as Sherri, continued the family tradition.

Sherri graduated from Mossyrock High School in 1961, moved to Oregon to raise her family, but her heart remained in Mossyrock. She longed for the community, wildlife, and natural beauty of the area; so in 1983 the family returned to care for Grandmother Anne. Sherri spent the next 23 years bringing back, and greatly contributing to the success of the community events she loved as a child; Pioneer Days, the Tulip Festival, and the Dam Rod Run. Sherri, like Mother Anne, served as Mossyrock Garden Club president for many years. Juli shared a favorite story of her mother`s: as young teen Sherri would drive her father`s tractor and wagon and make the rounds loading up all the area kids to go to the 5 cent movies at the G Theatre.

During this time, Juli graduated from Mossyrock High School (1986). She has spent most of her adult life in Mossyrock, with a short time in Portland for college, Alaska, Idaho, and a brief stay in Puerto Rico to help out with Hurricane Hugo cleanup (1990).

Juli has seven children ranging from 31 to six, with three still at home. She has inherited the family passion for public service and now volunteers with the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival as Vendor Coordinator. She also coordinates the vendors for the City of Mossyrock`s Spirit of Christmas event and happily helps out elsewhere whenever the community asks.

What Juli especially appreciates about this community is the support and solidarity that shines whenever there is a need for a member. "The Mossyrock Community is one that really pulls together when someone needs help".

The Mossyrock Area Action League would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and
gratitude to Juli for all her contributions to our community.

Red Book of Mossyrock

2011-01-15T01:01:00.000-08:00

My “old” friend Glenn Aldrich alludes to a book I need to read on the history of Mossyrock. I cannot count all the times he has referred to his “Red Book” which I considered just a ruse to give him license to tell another story. Well Glenn realized it was time to put up or shut up and show me the book. Guess what, No Book! He has lent one copy out and cannot get it back right now but has misplaced the book he inherited when his mother died. Does anyone have a “Red Book?” Please call Glenn, not me as I am still not convinced they really exist.

Glenn recounts from his so far imaginary book: "Incidentally, I think there is a Chapter in the Red Book telling of the formation of the City of Mossyrock. (It is the "newest" of the cities in Lewis County!) Seems to me that the City was officially formed in April 1945. Probably better ask the "committee" of Paul Ghosn, Roger Birley, Jack Redmon, Glen Osborne, Van McDaniel, Ray Landes, and John Brannon about that. Roger's uncle Percy was the founding Mayor. I doubt if there was a Chapter telling about the Lions club in Mossyrock. The "committee" could tell a lot about that, too.

And about the "Outlaws"! In fact, I think several of the "committee" played on Ourlaws' teams. Basketball & Baseball."

Please help the man out, he needs to show me the proof. Really..... a basketball team called the OUTAWS how gullible does he think I am!

Klickitat Prairie Park Project, Phase One and Two

2011-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

Phase 1:

Land purchase

The land was purchased with LWCF and community donations through fundraisers this phase is completed. Cost: $300,000 plus closing costs.

Phase 2:

Community Gardens
Walk-in picnic tables porta-potties

A small fee can be charged for community garden space. This will encourage people to maintain their space or lose their investment. Rain collection systems will be utilized to prevent or limit financial responsibility for the City.

Parking will be addressed by having people use the existing community center parking and walk in to the gardens through area to the west rear of the current community center. Access will have to be obtained by removing large bushes and shrubbery in this area effectively connecting the two properties.

After haying in late July, close mowing will enable parking at the main entrance area off of West State Street between 119 and 131 West State Street. This will allow access to the land for Blueberry Festival again at minimal cost for the City.

This phase of the project will be done solely through community donated labor with the only expense being for the public bathroom facilities and purchase of soaker hoses for watering.

Haying will be done by a local community member who will be charged a nominal fee per acre to have the hay.

Cost: Monthly rental fee for toilets, initial hose purchase under $200.00

Remember this is a preliminary, drafted plan, everything is subject to some change. Please feel free to call City Hall with any and all ideas to help this project succeed.

MARC: Klikitat Prairie Park Project

2011-01-13T23:00:00.000-08:00

The Mossyrock Community Blog is posting parts of Phase 5 and it's information for transparency purposes.
It is important that EVERYONE has easy access to the information about this historic project.
The objectives of this visioning process were: 1) Assess the potential for a community recreation center 2)
Develop a plan for a downtown park that includes opportunities for senior citizens and youth activities. After a series of workshops with members of the community during the summer of 2010 a conceptual plan for the Community Center was developed. The City has hosted a number of events to raise support for the new Community Center.

Based on the visioning process completed by the city the Community Center will be located adjacent to State Street and Isbell Road with access from either of these streets.

Project Needs Preliminary:The Community Center would serve young and old alike by promoting child care services and early development programs as well as senior services, such as hosting meetings, workshops and other activities. The Community Center would provide educational and recreational opportunities for the City's youth and young adults and encourage participation in community centered programs. The Community Center could also act as an emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or power outage. Furthermore, the space within the community center can be rented for occasions such as weddings to help mitigate some of the operational costs for the facility. This has been developed over the past few years with the assistance of the WSU Pullman Center for Civic Engagement and Spokane Interdisciplinary Design Program.

The Draft of the preliminary Community Center will have the following usable spaces:

Library, Today more than ever, libraries are extremely important for the preservation and improvement of our culture. Not everything is on the internet. Access to books and theories from hundreds of years of cultural history is an important tool in helping our youth to succeed.
Computer Lab, Well managed computer labs can help local students use today’s technology to pull and stretch core curriculum topics beyond the usual research papers, worksheets and homework. The computer lab can allow adults in the community access to information that not all of them have had the means to address in the past. In addition, the computer lab can be a venue for hosting computer courses.
Commercial Kitchen, The commercial kitchen would allow the Community Center to act as an emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster like a flood or earthquake. In addition, a commercial kitchen will increase the desirability of the facility for private events. The kitchen will be equipped with a large walk in food storage area for emergency food storage. The freezer will be accessed separately from the rest of the kitchen area, eliminating access by those renting the facility for events.
Open Area, A large gathering area for community events, dances, senior activities and private events. Revenue from private events could help to offset the facility's operational costs. This area will be equipped with durable marble floors. A separate entrance will be provided to the open area. Another entrance will only allow access to the common area, the classrooms, the kitchen and dedicated restrooms.

Please keep in mind these are only preliminary plans that were submitted for the feasibility study completed by Gray and Osborne, Inc. consulting engineers and accepted by the City Council who with the completion of this study will now submit another grant application. The application deadline is January 30, 2011.

All information is obtained from the Gray and Osborne, Inc. feasibility project folder, and the phasing and revenue sources addendum.

Cjensen

FREE DINNER! ONE CATCH....OPINIONS REQUIRED!

2011-01-10T23:35:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE! FRIDAY JANUARY 14TH, 2011.
Where:
MOSSYROCK COMMUNITY CENTER
When:
DINNER AT 6:00 pm. MEETING AT 6:30 pm (updated)
What:

BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER AND PARTNERS DINNER and MEETING
Anyone welcome to attend whether all you can offer is pre festival ideas, or are willing to donate your time for a couple hours. This event requires our whole community to join together and support this endeavor.

AGENDA items will include:
Vote on 2011 Grand Marshall recipient
Music
Kids Activities
Second Stage Tent
Vendors
Car Show update
Quilt Show update
Expanding Dog Show

PLEASE SEND ALL NOMINATIONS FOR GRAND MARSHALL TO http://www.mossyrockfestivals.com/
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? We`d love to have you!

HELP OUR SCHOOLS WHENEVER YOU SHOP

2011-01-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

PreEvent Tickets Available Now

2011-01-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

January 6th 2010 Meeting Agenda

2011-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

One of MAAL's Newest Board Members, Michelle Birley

2010-12-15T00:22:00.000-08:00

Michele Birley taught English/US History/Geography/Earth Science at Mossyrock JH for 28 years but had to retire for medical reasons in June of 2010. She has three grown sons: two who live in Ellensburg: Zak, 31 and Chad who is 38 and married to Heather. Matt, aged 36 ,a civil engineer, lives in Kent. With her involvement with the Mossyrock Area Action League she hopes to continue to help others and stay involved with the children at Mossyrock JH. Michele brings a wealth of experience and insight to MAAL and we are very happy to have her join our Board of Directors.

Look-a-Rama

2010-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

This Friday, December 3rd begins the 53rd annual Look-a-Rama at the Mossyrock Grange Hall. The Garden Club sponsors the two day event, enjoy their homemade crafts or fresh baked goods. The tradition still exists where the Mossy students bring their piggy bank money to buy Christmas Gifts for mom, dad, brothers and sisters. If you have the opportunity early Friday morning, go out and witness the controlled mayhem when the bus load of little ones shop for their treasures. Stop by later for lunch and take home evergreen wreaths, original ornaments and do not forget to buy a raffle ticket. Enjoy both days, but make sure you save some time for the Spirit of Christmas fun too.

Buy your Christmas tree at the Community Center during the Spirit Of Christmas; just place a bid and your tree problems will be solved. (Beware, I have made plans to bid on the biggest tree, so please save me a few bucks and bid on the smaller ones!) Not really, bid me up, all the money goes to our new park. The weekend festivities all go to great causes. The Garden Club puts their money toward scholarship funds and MARC (mossyrock area recreation committee) puts all income into the park matching funds account.
Mossyrock Grange is located at 152 Isbell Road.

2010-11-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING SPONSORED BY MOSSYROCK AREA ACTION LEAGUE

2010-11-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

MAAL, in cooperation with the Lewis County Economic Development Council (LCEDC) sponsored the first in a series of Small Business trainings offered to the greater Mossyrock Community. The LCEDC is committed, along with MAAL, at fostering economic development here in East Lewis County.
Fourteen participants got a comprehensive overview of all the considerations necessary to start a small business, including information on financing. The three LCEDC trainers offered their expertise and engaging stories on small business start ups, along with class materials and handouts.

This project is part of the effort of the Mossyrock RuFES (Rural Family Economic Success) Team which includes MAAL board members as well as other community members. Further trainings will be scheduled early in 2011. If you are interested in attending our next training please feel free to contact MAAL and leave a message at 360-983-8701.

Important People Behind the Scenes

2010-11-14T21:34:00.000-08:00

Left to right: Cody Tryon, Charles McCash, Sierra Simon, Don Varo, Elena Scire, Gabbie Bommarito, Shannon Simon, Jordan Retchless, Wilma Sofranko, and Dessa Dessel.

Students who belong to the "Mossyrock Youth Leadership Program" a program of MAAL, volunteered their time to help make the Veteran's Day Banquet a complete success. They showed up early that morning to start making pies and helping move tables. They returned late afternoon to finish the pies, prep the salads, organize the dessert table, set up and deliver each course including the entrees to the vets and other guests. The youth pictured are not all who helped but are the individuals who stayed until the very end. The guests kept remarking how helpful and quick the servers moved the food to the tables. KUDOS! Great work and many thanks to you all.

More pictures available for viewing at Mossyrock Community on Facebook

Veterans Day Banquet Pictures

2010-11-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

These 6 pictures are all taken pre event just to give you an idea of the patriotic theme displayed for the honored vetrans as they entered the Community Center. There was no distinction made between war or peace time vets. All veterans reguardless of the Country's circumstances during their enlistment signed up to protect and serve their country. We are all indebeted to their sacrifices.

This table held all kinds of information for the community and veterans. Should you be interested in or have any questions about your service or thinking about serving your country, talk to a veteran. City Hall will have any names or phone numbers you might need.
C Jensen

Mossyrock Band honors Vets

2010-11-10T00:14:00.000-08:00

Please note a change in time. All veterans are invited to attend the Mossyrock SD Veterans Day Assembly. It starts this morning at 9 am in the High School Gym. Just wander in and grab a seat. The Band director puts together an incredible program and it is worth taking the time to head over and be recognised for your current/past defense of our great nation. No need to be a war vet, just need to have served your country.

Veteran's Day Invitation

2010-11-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

VETERAN'S OF FOREIGN WARS

with the cooperation of

MOSSYROCK AREA ACTION LEAGUE

CORDIALLY INVITE ALL VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES

TO A

VETERAN'S DAY BANQUET

7 PM

NOVEMBER 11, 2010

WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE COMMUNITY

JOIN US

IN HONORING OUR VETERANS

Mossyrock Music Department Honors Local Veterans

2010-11-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

On November 10, 2010, the Mossyrock Music Department will host two assemblies and a luncheon to honor the veterans from our area.

The first assembly for Kindergarten through 6th grade students will be held at 9:30 am in the high school gym. The second assembly will be for students in grades 7-12 and will begin at at 10:30 am in the high school gym.

After the last assembly, a potluck lunch will be served to the veterans in the multi purpose room at noon. During the luncheon, Mossyrock students will entertain our veterans with a musical program.
All veterans are invited to attend and be recognised for their service to our country.

If you have any questions, call Mrs.Sturgeon at 983-3183.

Mossyrock Area Recreation Committee

2010-09-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Join M.A.R.C. for the 2nd Annual Family Halloween Dance!

October 30th 6pm –10pm

Mossyrock Community Center

$1.00 admission fee

Music, Fun, Snacks and goodie bags!

Drop off your Candy Donations for the Annual Party at City Hall.

Winlock First Annual Veterans Day Parade

2010-09-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, I wish to invite and or remind as the time gets nearer of our first annual Veterans day Parade on first st Winlock on Nov 6th at noon. I need help in sharing the word for parade entries .

I am on my own orchestrating, no group doing this.

If you would like to participate in the Parade i will be happy to get you a registration form.

We are also having a coronation for Miss. Liberty on Nov 5th at 6 pm ( We do need small monetary donations to assist with the flowers if one can.)

Thank you so much,
April Pennington-Farey
moniesforu@yahoo.com

MAAL Meeting Discusses the Blueberry Festival

2010-09-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Area Action League held the September board meeting on Tuesday September 7. One aspect of this meeting focused on the Blueberry Festival’s community impact and viability of future festivals. This year three groups shared the responsibility of keeping a tally (head count) of all visitors entering Mossyrock during the festival. The final numbers from all three entrances to our town totaled 6,800 visitors. I have more numbers but will save those for another post.

The list of people and organizations to thank is extensive but let me take a stab at it. First are the Lewis County Commissioners who are responsible for granting the money for all the advertizing and signage, also to the Mossyrock School District for donating their school grounds and Multipurpose Room. We also have to thank our entire community who came out put smiles on their faces and made all our visitors feel welcome.

Thank you to all the local businesses that originally sponsored our very first Blueberry Festival. Other organizations are the Road Rebels Car Club, the VFW, Mossyrock Quilters, Mayfield Quilters, Topps, Lewis County Animal Shelter, Garden Club, Assembly of God Church, the Grange, Mossyrock Football Team, Mossyrock Cheerleaders, Mossyrock Cross Country Team, Junior Grange, and the 4-H Horse Club. Almost last but by far not the least is the Mossyrock Fire Department, Mossyrock Police Department, City Hall, Mossyrock Sophmore Class and MARC. All the named organizations went out of their way, donated time, and energy to make the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival a giant success. Thank you to all the individuals who have gone unnamed. You gave up spring and summer fun days to focus on making and organizing our festival into the success it is today.

Luau for Rem

2010-09-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Luau to welcome Rem Stanley back to Mossyrock was a real success. The weather was a little windy, but otherwise perfect. All the food was delicious, especially the onion burgers cooked up by Ed Myers. Tommy Thompson started the roasted pig at about midnight that morning. When it was pulled out at 4 p.m., the meat was so tasty! Everyone that attended had a great time. The music was provided by the Wilsons, and it was fun to hear a mix of contemporary and golden oldies. Rem's friend and University of Washington quarterback, Jake Locker, was there to enjoy the fun. The event sure proved that we live in a wonderful community.

MARC Mossyrock Area Recreation Committee

2010-08-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

Just wanted share the exciting news!

We found out today we were awarded the grant for the land! This is a federal grant issued by the state and we are their #1 ranked project! The Land and Water Conservation Fund contribution will give us enough money to purchase the park property (total payoff), pay closing costs, and pay for the cultural review we need to complete before beginning any development. The granters evaluated all applications on a point system with a total of 60 points possible. Our park project rated 53.8 points putting our project as the highest priority of all applicants.
Thank you to everyone for every ounce of support... WE ARE DOING IT!

Mossyrock's VFW Picnic Pictures

2010-08-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

A great day for a picinic, overcast but not rainy, great food, and soldiers who faithfully went to war to serve and protect their country. Do you know any of these faces?

Mossyrock Road Rebels

2010-08-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Mossryock Blueberry Festival Car Show sponsored by the Mossyrock Road

Rebels enjoyed showing off 130 cars on the School grounds. If you have pictures of the car show you would like to share here please send your pictures to cjw4kids@yahoo.com.

Luau for Rem Stanley

2010-08-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Luau for Rem Stanley

Please come to a luau and pig roast to welcome Rem Stanley home and to thank the local communities for all their support following Rem’s hospitalization and recovery.
When:    Saturday, August 28th, 2010 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Where:    Mossyrock School Grounds (by youth baseball fields)
What:    Fun for everyone! Please bring a chair or blanket, snack food (chips, finger food, or dessert), dancing shoes, hula skirts, and smiles!
EVERYTHING ELSE IS PROVIDED, INCLUDING:
Food, eating utensils, water, music and FUN!

Rem and his family would like to thank EVERYONE for their continued love and support during the last six months. This party is for YOU!
Pig Roast provided by: Tommy Thompson, Winlock
Burgers, Dogs and more provided by: The Stanley Family & Friends
Music provided by: Jim and Donnie Wilson, Mossyrock

SEE YOU THERE!!

Any Questions? Please call Brooke at 269-4755.

Posted by Phil Voelker

Letter to WA Horizions Alumni

2010-08-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

Doreen's letter:

August 4, 2010

Dear Washington Horizons Alumni Communities,

Congratulations to our fifteen Horizons 3 communities for “graduating to Alumni status:” Benton City, Beverly/Schawana, Big River, Deer Park, Grand Coulee, Grand Mound/Rochester, Lyle, Onalaska, Othello West, Rockford, Rosalia, Tum Tum, Wellpinit, Wishram, and Valley.

WSU Extension is extremely proud to have 40 communities across the state as Washington Horizons Alumni Communities.
As many of you have read in the news releases, the Northwest Area Foundation has awarded WSU Extension, and the other six Land-Grant Institutions in their service area, grants to continue training and limited coaching through July 2011. Grant dollars will also be used to provide educational trainings that will further community action plans, leverage public and private funding and provide electronic communications that identify resources communities can tap into to sustain their work.
Specifically, in Washington we will be taking a more regional approach to accomplish these tasks within the budget. The team includes:

Linda Williams will coach the Southern and Southwestern WA communities of: Trout Lake, Glenwood, Klickitat, Goldendale, Big River Reservation, Lyle, Wishram, White Salmon/Bingen, Stevenson/Skamania Co., Cathlamet, Mossyrock, Pe Ell, Onalaska, and Rochester/Grand Mound.
Tony Garcia will coach the Central Washington communities of: Benton City, Mattawa, Beverly/Schawana, Warden, Royal City, Othello West, North Moses Lake, Sprague, Ritzville, Bridgeport. Jenelle Ottman and Christy Price (WSU Grant County Extension) will team with Tony to support Grand Coulee.
Krisan LeHew will coach the Northeast and Eastern Washington communities of: Republic, Northport, Kettle Falls, Colville, Chewelah, Valley, Hunters, Springdale, Tum Tum, Wellpinit, Deer Park, Rosalia, Rockford, Omak and Tonasket.
Patrick Malone will serve as resource specialist for micro-enterprise and related community development subject-specific training.
Cindy McHargue continues as our administrative and financial support person.
Doreen Hauser-Lindstrom will provide overall project administration and provide team support for each coach as needed with their large territory coverage.
In addition to our Washington State University Extension support, the additional six Land-Grant Institutions in the region will be organizing and inviting all 260 communities to take part in monthly webinars. It is our hope that community members will build connections, develop awareness of others’ work, learn about potential collaborative efforts and increase knowledge about successful asset- and wealth-building strategies, leadership and capacity work, and public policy education.
Currently, the WSU Extension Horizons team and our many partners have submitted multiple grants to enhance and expand our work. As the results of these applications are known, we will update you.
I would like to thank Ronda Gollehon, JoEllen Wollman, and Joe and Joy Baisch for their unparalleled dedication, hard work, and commitment during their service with the Horizons program in rural Washington communities.
Finally, I want to thank-you for your dedication to your community which is a part of the tremendous work that is taking place in our state to reduce poverty and build thriving, rural Washington communities.

Sincerely,
Doreen Hauser-Lindstrom
WSU Extension Horizons Director

If you have not already signed up for our Horizons Facebook page, please do so:

· Sign into your personal Facebook account
· Search for Horizons Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty (http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Horizons-Community-Leadership-to-Reduce-Poverty/107515639293920)

Mossyrock Businesses Take it to The Street

2010-08-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival offered a chance
for our businesses to share their offerings
and join in the fun and fresh air!
Great Job and very successful ventures
for those who moved outdoors to
encourage pedestrians indoors.

Cross Country Team Represented

2010-08-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Cross country advisor Casey Taylor and his wife Julie enjoy the

Blueberry Festival and the opportunity to raise money for the Mossyrock

cross country team. The Festival offered a great chance for community

organizations to talk about who they are and their role in our community!

Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Evolving

2010-08-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock's Blueberry Festival celebrated it's fourth season, with new management and the civic minded residents taking charge of their hometown festival. What a great success! You are all to be commended for your hard work and preparation time to bring this festival to fruition. My family attended and had a wonderful time. Some people lament that it is not as organized as Logger Days in Morton, however we need to remember that Logger Days made changes in it's infancy and after decades it evolved into it's present form.

I took a few pictures early on before my camera battery died and will share them below. As more pictures become available I will add them to the Mossyrock Community Blog. THANK YOU ALL for the time you donated to make this a very wonderful weekend for myself and my family. I can not wait to see what new and fun surprises the festival will bring to us next year.
Carlyn

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is Saturday August 7th!!

2010-08-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Learning blueberry pie making from a pro!

Sierra Simon, a Blueberry Festival youth leadership volunteer, gets started

on a pie-making lesson from Jackie Morris, Mossyrock Blueberry Festival

founder and current graphics coordinator (and baker extraordinaire!).

The Mossyrock Area Action League, coordinating organization for the festival,
will have delicious blueberry pies and other baked goods at their bake sale
booth across from the stage.They will also have Blueberry festival
t-shirts,hand made blueberry dog treats for our canine friends, and postcards made from last year`s kids` art contest.

ORGANIZED CHAOS

2010-07-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

The closing band at the Blueberry Festival and Car Show:
Organized Chaos
Performing from 730-930 pm. on August 7, 2010
Mossyrock WA Downtown Area

Pictured from left to right:

Bob Rakes, Mike McGowen, Russ Boss, Rand Coburn, and Glenn Cowles.

Enter the FAMILY FUN DOG SHOW

2010-07-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

The MOSSYROCK BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL invites you to

The FAMILY FUN DOG SHOW

enter to win great prizes, have fun with your owners and meet new dog friends!

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE LEWIS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

Saturday August 7th
Agility and obedience demonstrations from 2:30-4.

Family Fun Dog Show from 4-5.

Enter in the following Categories:

Biggest dog

Smallest dog

Muttliest mutt

Prettiest dog

Dog with the best trick

Best costume

Join in the parade at 11:30

A VERY SPECIAL THANKYOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS:
Mossyrock True Value Hardware

Timberland Vet Hospital

Pan American Berry Farm
Mt. Rainier Vet Clinic
Premium Quality Hay and Feed
Jackson Highway Vet Clinic

DeGoede Bulb Farm

Let`s Talk Dog

Aldrich Berry Farm

Kaija`s Pet Supply

Historic Flight Update by Martha Sturgeon

2010-07-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hello. As many of you know, Jeff Geer (a pilot from Ferndale, WA), Melanie (my daughter), Bev McDaniel and I have been working on a project of historical proportions where Pilot Geer will fly an open cockpit bi-plane up the Alaska-Canadian coast, across the Bering Strait to Provodeynia, Russia retracing part of the Lend-Lease Route flown by pilots during WWII. The flight has never been made in an open-cockpit bi-plane.

Melanie has been instrumental in making a myriad of contacts to help support this project. One of her contacts includes the USA Coffee Company. Melanie came to me with an idea to have the students at Mossyrock help support this project by drawing the planes that flew the Lend-Lease Route. The winners' pictures would be put on a bag of coffee and sold at the USA Coffee Company websiste. Each grade level was assigned a plane to draw. Then the students chose three of the best drawn planes.
We are proud to announce that the students who were declared the winners in the "Draw An Airplane for Jeff" Contest have been posted on the usa coffee website. HOW ABOUT THAT? Three dollars from each bag of coffee will be given to the Bravo 369 project.

When you get to the website, scroll down to the bottom of the first page. Click on the Northern Flight Expedition Blend coffee bag. All of the students' drawings will appear. They are listed twice because one is for regular coffee and one is for DeCaf coffee.
Martha

RuFES Focus Group Meets

2010-07-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Mossyrock Area Action League sponsored a focus group discussion on June17th on affordable car ownership programs for low income families. Participating in the discussion and pictured are:
front row: Rich Wooley of Nick Nichols Auto sales, Andy Alexander of Security State Bank, Tammy Mocan of Sterling Savings Bank, Sonya Ables, Mossyrock college student back row: Willie Keene, recent Mossyrock High School graduate, Wilma sofranko MAAL meeting facilitator,and John Pollman of Pollman Insurance.

The group enjoyed a great meal catered by Kameo`s of Mossyrock while discussing the challenges

that low income families have in aquiring late model dependable cars. Also discussed were the challenges of locating appropriate cars,costs of insurance, financing qualifications and dealing with unforseen events with

an automobile.

Many people in the Mossyrock area need to travel sometimes many miles to school and/or work and access to dependable transportation can be a challenge for some families. MAAL, along with partners, hopes to bring an affordable car ownership program to our area. Our next step is to interview possible program participants and create an action plan. Look for updates on this project in early September.

Maal Secretary

JOIN THE PARADE!

2010-07-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Mossyrock Blueberry Festival and Car Show is Saturday August 7th and we are having a PARADE!

We invite everyone to PARTICIPATE AND HAVE FUN. Please contact Terri, our parade coordinator at 520-9065 for more details. We are looking for Floats, Music, Pets on parade, Old cars and other vehicles, Bicycles and their riders, Horses and their riders, Community groups, and ??

Got a great idea for a parade entry?? We want to hear it!
JOIN OUR GENUINE HOME TOWN PARADE- start time 11:30 am, line up at 10:30.
And the best thing of all ITS FREE!

LOCALS OPEN MIC @ BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

2010-06-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Joseph and Robert DeGoede started playing together about one year ago, and they have been enjoying entertaining people with their European Folk Music ever since!

Robert first took up the accordion about two and a half years ago after being inspired by a band called the Gordanairs, which plays in Leavenworth WA annually and receiving an accordion for Christmas by his parents. A year later, Joseph was given a drum set by his parents since he had always had an interest in drums. Joseph and Robert then started a band, with the help and support of the Gordanairs, their parents, and siblings and then they named the band Pumperstix (pumper = accordion, stix = drums).

So if you have a festival, dance or any other event that you think would benefit from their European Folk Music, they would be privileged to play for you!

Mossyrock's 4th of July

2010-06-29T15:12:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Festival and Car Show

2010-06-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

Mossyrocks Blueberry Festival and Car Show will be hosting the Rock City Band on August 7th 2010.

This is a picture of Rock City at Lake Chelan in May, where they played a corporate convention.

L to R, Mark Fletcher, Norm Lynn, Ross Rutledge, Mike Newhall.

MAAL Sponsored Training

2010-06-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

On May 22, the Mossyrock Area Action League hosted a grant-writing workshop for area organizations, including other Horizons communities. Sylvie McGee, Evergreen State College professor, and independent consultant led a full day of hands on working session on the mechanics as well as the challenges for non-profits of writing successful grant proposals. A great lunch was enjoyed by all, catered by Kameo`s Cafe, of Mossyrock.

The Mossyrock Area Action League will be sponsoring a series of trainings in the fall in partnership with the Lewis County Economic Development Council, WSDA, and other entities. The trainings will include small business start-up, entrepreneurship, financial coaching, agriculture business training, and more. Stay tuned for updates.

MAAL Secretary

Community Ice Cream Social on July 11

2010-06-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for Sunday afternoon July 11th , 2-4 pm for the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Ice Cream Social for all volunteers, partners, well wishers and our community at large. We will meet in front of the Community Center. This will be the opportunity to meet others involved in making the festival a successful community led event, eat ice cream and other goodies, get last minute questions answered, and have some fun! The Mossyrock community has a lot to be proud of. Each year the Blueberry Festival gets bigger, offers more to visitors and locals alike, and creates more opportunity for area businesses and organizations. See you then…..and let`s just hope it quits raining by then as well!
Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Committee
Festival Date 2010 is AUGUST 7th

KISS II TRIBUTE BAND UPDATE

2010-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

"Thanks" to everyone that helped the tribute band reach Mike and Vicki Howard, who have so kindly agreed to let them use the G Theater for the KISS 2 performance on July 30th and 31st. We really appreciate the help, and now we'll try and put on a good show for everyone and raise some money for a good cause!

Mossyrock KISS II Tribute Band

2010-06-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

My name is Shawn Inmon, and I am a MHS Grad from 1978. In the 70's, some friends of mine and I formed a KISS tribute band called KISS II. From 1976-1978, we played everything from Talent Shows to full concerts in Mossyrock, Onalaska, Napavine, etc.

Several months ago, some of our friends asked us to reunite for the All School Reunion and maybe put on one last show. We agreed, but now are having trouble locating a venue for the show. We want to do the whole thing as a fundraiser for several of the wothwhile causes at Mossyrock High School.
Click on the comment link below and offer any insight to our dilema.

2010 Mossyrock All- School Reunion

2010-06-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

2010 Mossyrock All-School Reunion July 30-31 - August 1, 2010.- Mossyrock High School Alums. Come to the next meeting June 26, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at MHS Library to reprsent your class. REGISTRATIONS ARE OVER DUE; SEND YOURS IN! DESPERATELY NEEDS REPRESENTATIVES FOR 1990's & 2000's Classes to contact class members. DON'T BE LEFT OUT......MAKE THIS REUNION A SUCCESS!!!!

Mossyrock PTA 2010-2011 Board Members

2010-05-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to say thank you to everyone who joined us at our PTA meeting! For those that weren't able to make it, we voted on the PTA budget, new board members for 2010-2011, and Mr. Torrey presented his ideas on a memorial for Naomi Morgan.

Please help me congratulate our new board members for 2010-2011 school year!

John Markham - Co-President
Amy Markham - Co-President

Atarah Rogers - Co-Vice President
Scott Middleton - Co-Vice President

Lisa Fosburg - Secretary

Jackie Ahrens - Treasurer

Looking forward to seeing all who join our PARENT and TEACHER ASSOCIATION next fall.
Lisa Fosburg

What is Enterprise for Equity?

2010-05-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

We grow entrepreneurs!
Enterprise for Equity is a community supported nonprofit that helps people with limited incomes start and sustain small businesses. We offer assistance to individuals in the following ways:
Training to build skills and confidence
Technical assistance and support
Peer support from learning circles
Assistance in obtaining start-up funds

Each Participant will:
Pay a fee*
Attend classes and complete homework
Develop and write a business plan
Receive technical assistance
Learn practical business skills
Present his or her business at the Business Showcase (formally known as Community Graduation)

*Scholarships are available for our classes; no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Enterprise for Equity Calendar

2010-05-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Spring MicroBusiness Showcase --

May 26, 2010
11:30 am - 1 pm
Water Street Café
Learn more about the Green Enterprise Conference at this celebration of local entrepreneurs. A limited number of delicious box lunches are available for $10.00. RSVP appreciated by May 24!

Orientations --

May 21 & June 1
These one-hour sessions are free and provide background information about E4E's training program and entrepreneurial support services. People interested in attending can register online.

Green Enterprise Conference--

June 7, 2010
Northwest consumers are spending more for quality green products and services. Join the emerging community of local, trusted, small businesses meeting this growing demand. Whether you run a business, a small farm, or are just considering it, gain the support, knowledge and resources you need all in one place. Register now!

Alert for Mossyrock Graduates from 1990-2009

2010-05-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

2010 Mossyrock All-School Reunion July 30-31 - August 1, 2010.- Mossyrock High School Alums - Come to the meeting Saturday, May 15, 10:00 a.m. at MHS Library to represent your class. REGISTRATIONS ARE DUE. SEND YOURS IN! The committee DESPERATELY NEEDS REPRESENTATIVES FOR 1990's & 2000's Classes to contact class members. DON'T BE LEFT OUT......MAKE THIS REUNION A SUCCESS!!!!

Note: All activities on the school grounds during the All-School Reunion must be coordinated with the committee.

JUMP START PROGRAM

2010-05-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Jump Start has enjoyed a great year with over 100 students signed up to participate! Jump Start is an after school program that allows students to grow academically as well as socially in a fun and safe environment! This program runs Monday – Thursday from 3:00 to 5:30. Jump Start offers a healthy snack, recess, homework help, fun activities in core subjects like Math, Science, Reading,Writing and enrichment activities!

Currently we have a 1st - 3rd grade group that has focuses on reading 20 minutes a day, practicing spelling words and working on math facts! Children in this group have learned how to play chess (great for recognition of patterns and building strategies), engaged in arts and crafts, made their own kites, and participated in sports clinics put on by our staff members! We are so pleased with the progress this group has made!

Jump Start has a 4th – 6th grade group of students that read for 20 minutes a day, practice spelling, and math facts! This group of students also has homework help for other assignments they may have. They enjoy leadership activities, sports clinics, arts and crafts, Cookie Jar Mystery Kit (science kit), Lego Mania (engineering kit) and Cooking Sessions! Staff and students chose our current curriculum of activities during their leadership meetings. Students have a large say in their enrichment activities.

Our Junior High Jump Start has been a huge success this year! This program serves students Monday – Thursday from 3:00 – 5:30p.m. These students get a healthy snack, homework help in all subject areas, tutoring and enrichment activities that include, Homework help, Tutoring, Leadership, Comedy Improv, (performed at talent Show) Culinary Arts and International Club.

Every Thursday is the all-popular Game Day. Mossyrock Area Action League has fantastically donated new games (Scategories, Pictureka, Card games, Yahtzee, etc) for all the Jump Start programs as well as a Nintendo Wii Video Game System and educational Wii games for our Junior High Jump Start! This has been a very popular activity among students and has succeeded in encouraging students to attend regularly!

Pictures of our activities will be available soon. Make sure you check back for pictures of your child or grandchild having a great afternoon.

Students Honored in 2010 Graduating Class

2010-05-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Powerful Examples of Excellence honorees and their parents. Students receiving these awards are:

The 2010 Co-Valedictorians Bobbi Murphy and Odie Hadaller, Community Service honorees Annie Halstead and Cristofer Muth, the Arts award to Zach Kynaston, the Athletics award to Staci Jacobson, Joe Hietpas receiving the Corner Turner award and the Extaordinary Effort goes to Zach Fisher.

Mossyrock Area Action League Sees Fruit of Their Labor

2010-05-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Mossyrock Youth Leadership League a product of MAAL is excited to announce student Joe Hietpas as the Avenue of Excellence Corner Turner recipient. Joe has been involved with the Youth Leadership League since its inception and volunteered his help for the 2009 Blueberry Festival. Joe is a quiet student and hard worker. He is a loyal friend and will do whatever it takes to have everything run smoothly. He is interested in pursuing a career in massage therapy.

Congratulations Joe for turning your life around!

Remington Stanley Benefit Baseball Tournament

2010-04-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

There will be a benefit tournament this Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Mossyrock,WA for youth in minor or major leagues (24+ teams). The general public is encouraged to come; no need to be a part of a team to support this effort. There are two separate silent auctions with huge baskets donated, arcade type games, raffles, bake sale, hot dogs, tacos, hamburgers, face painting and more.

Remington is a local boy fighting for his life at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He entered the hospital in February, diagnosed with a septic hip, however after surgery he went into toxic shock. After a 6-week long stay in intensive care he now has a new room. His struggle for life is not over by any means and to my knowledge; he underwent surgery #14 today. Your support is appreciated, stop by the ball fields and have some fun while helping out a local student.

Veterans Affairs Opens New Health Care Clinic in Chehalis

2010-03-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System has teamed up with Sterling Medical Associates to provide health care to veterans residing in Thurston and Lewis counties and the surrounding areas.
Services will include primary and mental health care, social work, lab and basic X-ray services. Pharmacy prescriptions will be filled in the local area with ongoing prescription medications filled by the VA.
"Veterans who currently receive their care through VA Puget Sound and live in the immediate area will have a choice of continuing their care with their current VA provider or transferring their care to the new South Sound Community Based Outpatient Clinic," said DeAnn Lestenkof, acting director for VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

The new clinic will be located in the Lewis County Mall at 151 N.E. Hampe Way, Suite B2-6 in Chehalis.

Letters will be going out soon to enrolled veterans asking if they would like to transfer their care to the new clinic. The clinic plans to see its first patients in mid-May.

Beginning Monday, veterans can contact VA Puget Sound Health Care System's centralized call center to transfer their care. Call 800-329-8387 and select option 2.

Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA health care but would like to receive care at the new clinic can call 800-329-8387, ext. 7-6542 to request an enrollment packet. Information also is available online at http://www.va.gov./

Article from The Daily News at http://www.tdn.com/

Looking for all Joggers and Walkers

2010-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

PTA is hoping to have a Jog-A-Thon to replace the Spring Carnival. No date has been set yet. There is no need to be a parent to assist in this effort, anyone can participate. If you would be interested, let them know. Contact the school/pta and offer your assistance. 360-983-3184

Mossyrock Area Education Foundation

2010-03-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Next Meeting of the Mossyrock Area Education Foundation:

When: Thursday, March 18, 2010 6 to 7:30 pm
Where: Mossyrock Elementary School Library
Who: Public is invited to attend

HURRY! Send Your Favorite Family Recipes

2010-03-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Add your recipes to the Mossyrock Community Cookbook. The cutoff date for entrys has been extended. All proceeds go to the Mossyrock Area Recreation/Park Fund. Won't it be great to have your family's name and recipe(s) included to represent our area. They will be available to purchase at the Blueberry Festival and Car Show! Hurry, pick up a form at City Hall or email jeannettem@tds.net with complete recipe, your name, and contact information.

Please send your recipes in to City Hall (info at 983-3300) care of Jeannette.

FOOD HANDLERS CLASS THIS THURSDAY

2010-03-08T00:49:00.000-08:00

A Food Handlers Class will be held Thursday on March 11th at 5pm. The cost is $10.00 and the class will be held at the Mossyrock Community Center. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, get their permit and be one step ahead for the Blueberry Festival and Car Show, Veterans Day and Grange activities.

MARC ( Mossyrock Area Recreational Committee)

MAAL Proposed Meeting Agenda

2010-02-27T23:23:00.000-08:00

MOSSYROCK AREA ACTION LEAGUE

Proposed Agenda: Board meeting March 4, 2010.

Mossyrock School Board Meeting Room

7:00 Call to order- vice Chair, Ivy Hadaller.
7:05 Adoption of meeting agenda.
7:10 Adoption of last meeting`s minutes.
7:15 Financial Report; bank balance.
7:20 Election of new board member: Jesse Alaria.
7:30 Program and Committee Reports:
*LANGUAGE EXCHANGE- Wilma
*YOUTH LEARERSHIP- Ivy
Show me the Math initiative
Food bank Garden
Blueberry Festival Youth Engagement
* BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL- Wilma
Souvenir book sales report
Festival balance sheet
MOU`s, agreements, Visit to businesses with Tom the Mayor
Events: music lineup, dunk tank, dog show, car show, vintage travel
trailers, parade.

8:00 Old Business:
* Horizons/Rufes Summit: Team members, presentation, projects.

8:15 New Business:
* MAAL Booth- Packwood Quilt Show: Quilt display and raffle ticket
sales.
* Gas reimbursement: Ivy and Wilma for ad sales and MAAL business.
* Purchase order approval and check writing.

8:30 Establishment of next meeting and adjournment.
Changes to agenda likely as this is a draft document only.

Blueberry Festival / Car Show Dinner Report

2010-02-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

A great meal was enjoyed by all at the 2010 Mossyrock Blueberry Festival kick-off dinner on Friday Jan 29th. 35 partners and volunteers came together to share soups. Salads, and breads, and of course, delicious home made desserts. The main topic of the meeting was the extraordinary growth of the festival ( almost 8,000 visitors last year!) and how to accommodate that growth. The Granny Squares Quilters will once again sponsor the quilt show and raffle another beautiful quilt. Proceeds will again go to MAAL`s Youth Leadership program. The Car Show Team is gearing up for another successful car show and plan to have more than the 150 cars they had last year. The Car Show has grown significantly each year of the Festival. MAAL will be working with its partners and the City of Mossyrock to create the best Festival yet. Please check out www.mossyrockfestivals.com for information, ways to participate, vendor, parade, and quilt show entry forms and more.

MOSSYROCK BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL 2010 LOGISTICS MEETING

2010-02-14T19:24:00.000-08:00

Mossyrock Community Center. February 9, 2010

Tom Meade provided a large map of the City of Mossyrock for all to consider in the planning process. In attendance were Jack De Geode, Tom, Terri Wright, the parade coordinator, Juli Simon, vendor coordinator, Blueberry Festival volunteers, Shaun, Billie, Sonya, and Wilma.

*STREET CLOSURE. All agreed that the closure of State Street needed to be extended from Williams to Court Streets, but still leaving traffic open on both.
*PARADE. The parade route will remain the same as the past years but all the staging will take place on Isbell (allowing turn around at the Mossyrock Grange) to allow traffic flow to continue on State Street until commencement of the parade.
* SECURITY. The City of Mossyrock will take responsibility for contacting additional law enforcement and MAAL will provide food and drink at the police station for law enforcement volunteers.
*PARKING. Volunteer and vendor parking will be on the Hull property (entrance on State Street). All agreed that we need an additional Logistics meeting devoted to parking, with the goal to provide parking before people get into town.
*VENDORS. It was decided that al vendors will be placed along State Street (including the Sertoma Beer Garden and the Aldrich`s picking machine) on both sides from Williams to the Community Center. This will give more continuity and visibility for the vendors. Special consideration will be made for our Mossyrock businesses.
*SIGNAGE. All agreed that more signage will be needed, especially for traffic flow, parking, location of events, and
restroom locations. MAAL will take responsibility for producing signs.

More Information on Intersection Hwy 12 and SR 122

2010-02-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

One more chance to hear WSDOT, Commissioner Grose, the Sheriff and WSP discuss traffic safety improvements for the intersection of Highway 12 and SR 122. This Thursday Feb. 11 at 7pm in the Community Center. Next opportunity in Mossyrock will be at the Blueberry Festival in August.