Here, There & Everywhere
From our weekly issue dated May 14, 2008
SPLENDID BLENDS - Oregon Caves Chateau will host a mixer for the Illinois Valley and Grants Pass chambers of commerce on Friday, May 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be refreshments, with wine provided by Bridgeview Vineyards Winery, and Foris Vineyards. Dinner will be available from 6 to 8:30 p.m.; lodging is offered at a 20 percent discount. Phone 592-3400 for reservations.
‘CLEAN SWEEP’ - Saturday, May 17 is set for a volunteer clean-up project at Illinois River “Forks” State Park, I.V. Visitor Center, and Caves Creek Campground. Participants are to meet at the visitor center at 9 a.m. The work is to last until 1 p.m. The project is being coordinated by Illinois Valley Community Development Organization; phone 592-4440 for information or to advise of your planning to participate. Volunteers are to bring gloves, flat shovels, loppers, and snacks.
DANCERCISE WOW! - The Women Of Worth! (WOW!) program Tuesday, May 20 will present a dancercise program, called “a fun way to stay in shape in a safe-and-welcoming environment.” The program, with snacks and beverages, will begin at 6 p.m. at the I.V. Safe House Alliance building on Lister Street next to the DMV office. Child-care and transportation assistance are available. Phone 592-2515.
ENERGETIC EVENT - Energy Tax Credits for Business is the title for a Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce symposium on Tuesday, May 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bear Hotel in Downtown Grants Pass. Speakers will include Mark Kendall, of the Oregon Dept. of Energy; and Deanna Quimby of USDA Rural Development, which has improvement grants and loans. Phone 476-7717 to RSVP.
CRUSHIN’ CUISINE - Rotary Club of Greater Grants Pass is sponsoring a benefit for Josephine County Fairgrounds, 2008 First Crush, set for Saturday, June 7 at the historic Von Coelln residence at the fairgrounds in Grants Pass. First Crush is described as “a premier event showcasing Southern Oregon wine, food, cheese and chocolates.” Additionally, there will be “incredible items” donated by businesses for a silent auction and raffle. The number of tickets is limited. They are available in Illinois Valley at the Cave Junction Branch of Evergreen Federal Bank, and at Grants Pass locations including the Grants Pass Chamber office.
TINKLE TIME - Have a good, seldom-used piano? Selma resident Tim Wallace, leader of the Oregon Little Big Band, would like to check its suitability as a donation to the music program at Lorna Byrne Middle School. His band recently gave a Jazz program at LBMS, and noted that a piano is needed. He can be reached at 597-2462.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - This summer the Josephine County Food Bank is undertaking two new projects. For Plant A Row it is asking residents to utilize their extra garden space (or grow veggies in pots) to support the hungry families of Josephine County. The second project is titled, The Community Garden Project. Because of a donation of land by Grants Pass resident Robert Hamlyn, the Josephine County Food Bank will be able to grow food to help meet the rising hunger need in the community. This project will allow the Food Bank to establish a much-needed food resource. Those interested in either project, or who would like to know how they can help, should phone 479-5556.
BIDDIN’ BUCKS - Lovejoy Hospice is conducting an online auction through June 1 as a fund-raiser to help it offer services including children’s hospice, and adult and children’s bereavement services. Featured items include an authentic Nimbus 2000 Wizard Broom by Harry Potter artist Warren Olney, a NASCAR racing package, great get-aways, “and many hot deals.” Visit www.lovejoyhospice.org or phone 474-1193.
CAMP HOOPLA - An Illinois Valley All-Star Basketball Camp is offered by IVHS coach Jeff Winters. Coed training will be conducted in the IVHS gym Monday through Thursday, June 16 to 19. There will be two sessions daily; one for grades three through five, and another for grades six through eight. Phone 597-4476 for details and to sign up. There is a fee.
NOTEPAD - Yakkety Yak, Don’t Talk Back is the title of a free, public class that will be held Thursday, May 15 at 10 a.m. at I.V. Safe House Alliance quarters on Lister Street next to the DMV office. Phone 592-2515 for child-care or transportation assistance ... A yard sale to raise funds for sending History Day winners from Lorna Byrne Middle School to national competition in Washington, D.C. is set for Saturday, May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s planned for the Sterling Savings Bank parking lot in Cave Junction ... Relay for Life is offering raffle tickets at Western Plaza on Saturday, May 17 from noon to 4 p.m. Susan Hatch will be between True Value Hardware and My Brother’s Pub ... Memorial Day will be observed during two programs in Grants Pass. Details in next week’s issue … Warren Olney, known in connection with Harry Potter brooms, is the former public information officer for the U.S. Forest Service’s Siskiyou National Forest ... Funny questions: *Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injetions? *What is the speed of dark? *If the #2 pencil is so popular, why is it still #2? *If you become addicted to therapy, how can your condition be treated? *If Wal-Mart lowers prices every day, how come nothing in the store is free yet?
LAST WORDS: *We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations. (Charles R. Swindoll)
