January 10, 2010 — Mother Nature has decided to sparkle for the New Year with a generous coating of ice covering every twig and pine needle plus icicles glistening from the roofs have given a shine to the landscape. Even my bird feeders have icicles hanging from them. It does make for treacherous walking though, so out come the ski poles and the studded boots for safety's sake.

We have some new activities to start the year, as well. Blue Skies Dance will give dance classes at the Grange Hall on Tuesday evenings, starting January 19th. Kids Groove (ages 3-6) from 4:30-5:25pm. Swing 5:30-6:30, Waltz 6:45-7:45. There's a babysitting option for the Swing Class (call ahead for this option 493-3260). Costs: $25. for Kids Groove, $40. for adult classes (students are also welcome, cost is $30.) This is a wonderful way to exercise as well as learn something new.

Cabin Fever Weekend is here, 1/16 thru 1/18/10 look for the schedule of events in your mailbox, plus posters around town. The Oregon Nordic ski club will also be here that weekend to enjoy our many cross country ski trails, so we should have a busy town that weekend.

A Saturday Market Planning meeting is set for January 21, 2010 at 7pm, at the Grange. If you took part in last year's Market and/or if you wish to take part in this year's Market please come to this meeting. We will be reviewing what worked well last year, what didn't and what we can do to make 2010's Market better. One thought is to seek a Market Manager, which will be a paid position, coordinating the vendors and events. Your thoughts and energy are welcome and we hope to see you at this meeting.

First Presbyterian Church Third Tuesday Suppers (some are planned and some are potluck, always good, and always more than enough). The suppers are held in the fellowship hall at the church and begin at 6 pm, the program at 7 pm. Programs will be: January 19th Oceanography with Don Rosenburg, Speaker. February 16th Gorge Book Review with Bijee Burns, Speaker. March 16th Modern Druidry with Kirk Thomas from the Trout Lake Abbey, Speaker. All are welcome.

There's something new in Trout Lake…..It's the Trout Lake Men's Club! They will have their first meeting on Saturday, January 30th at the Trout Lake Grange, from 10:00 am til noon. The purpose of the Men's Club is to get the local men of our community together once a month for fellowship. Each month there will be an interesting speaker. Their first speaker is Dana Robinson-Miller of Insitu. If you don't have transportation call 395-2488 and they will see to it that you have a ride. This years Cabin Fever Dinner is sponsored by the Men's Club.

Speaking of local organizations, the Trout Lake Area Business Association has recently elected new officers and is seeking new members as this group is re-vitalizing itself. Businesses that wish to participate may call President Rick Allen for more information: 395-0024 or drrick@cascadewellnessclinic.com.

The recent report from the Trout Lake Community Foundation illustrated once again how much this organization and its many volunteers do for our community and our students. This year's Rummage sale raised $14,249 for scholarships and the Silent Auction at the Trout Lake Fair raised more than $2,500 for their worthy cause. Plus, the annual Penny Drive raised another $1,293. Then there's the thousands of hours put in by the many, many, many volunteers that work to put on the annual Rummage Sale. Over $24,793 in scholarships have been awarded to Trout Lake students to further their education; thank you letters from the recipients give evidence that the Foundation efforts do make a difference. Once again, Trout Lake rocks!!

December 21, 2009 — I've never done this before, but I'm going to start the column with quotes – familiar to you all, I'm sure, one from Charles Dickens and one from Dr. Seuss.

" 'A Merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!' " cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew…. 'Bah!' said Scrooge. 'Humbug! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough…What's Christmas-time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, and not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books, and having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will,' said Scrooge indignantly, 'every idiot who goes about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should! Much good may it do you! Much food it has ever done you!'

'There are many things from which I might have derived good by which I have not profited, I dare say,' returned the nephew. 'Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas-time, when it has come round – apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that – as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it HAS done me good and WILL do me good, and I say, God bless it.' "

"Every Who down in Who-Ville, the tall and the small, Was singing! Without any presents at all! It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags".

Here in Trout Lake maybe we are Whoville. Some of us don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, but everyone I meet seems to feel, with Scrooge's nephew, that this is a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time. Individually and as a community we have suffered losses, will always suffer losses, but yet I think we are with Scrooge's nephew that this is a good time, a kind forgiving, charitable, pleasant time.

The Cantata tonight was the usual marvel of watching a choir of friends and neighbors sing beautifully and make those key changes, only this time it was Angela Pearson conducting, taking her turn in the procession of many previous conductors. Tomorrow night is caroling with soup at Jonah afterwards and Tuesday is the gift baskets for the less fortunate here in Trout Lake, and Wednesday is another evening of caroling and Thursday is the Christmas Eve service at the Presbyterian Church at 7:00. This year George Woodruff will not be ringing the bell, handing the rope to wanna-be bell ringers, turning the bell back over when someone pulls too hard, and smiling as if it was the most fun he'd had in years. But it will ring, in joy and in memory of all who are not with us.

There's a little bit of actual news. Put Cabin Fever on your calendar for the weekend of January 15 &mdah; 18, although I don't know exactly which days. Call Camden McMahon to volunteer.

The Trout Lake Area Business Association has elected new officers, who are: Rick Allen, President; Vice-President, Don Warner; Treasurer, Bev Meyer; and Secretary, Mary Morris. The TLABA welcomes new members in the greater TL area as we re-vitalize the organization. They would appreciate any input on creative business-generating ideas. Call Rick Allen if you are willing to help. Computer skills are nice, but can be learned if you are not computer savvy. If the TLABA gets really savvy, they might even start using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and LinkedIn!

Which reminds me, that we should note that Facebook actually has a Trout Lake group and a great many Trout Lake members. No Trout Lake page as far as I know, but if one does go up, let's make sure it's got two nice pictures of cows, one Jersey and one Holstein, possibly standing in a field of Echinacea. Can we get a group shot of the whole population? I end with the newswriters' heartfelt wishes for all to enjoy a wonderful holiday season with hearts filled with love.

December 14, 2009 — Here come the Holidays, ready or not! The Chanukah Menorah has already been lit, the Kwanza celebration is soon to come and the Christmas music is ringing out from every door. Santa is busy checking his list, papa is stringing the lights on the house and mama is baking up a storm in the kitchen. Elves are packing up Santa's sleigh and sprucing up the reindeer for their Christmas Eve flight. Ah yes, the joyous sounds, smells and activities of the Holidays; it's enough to put a smile on every face and a sparkle in they eye of everyone who's a child at heart.

The Winter Program will be presented at the school on 12/14/09 at 6:30pm, and on Friday, 12/18/09 it's the Holiday Extravaganza and the last day of school in 2009.

Also on Friday the 18th, Curt Dreyer from the County Planning Dept will meet with the Community Council at 1pm at the Grange Hall to review the updated Comprehensive Plan.

Food Baskets are being prepared at the Baptist Church for distribution in our community. Gifts of non-perishable foods or cash will be accepted at the church until 7am 12/21/09; if you have questions, call Ruth Belieu and 395-2712.

Our Christmas Cantata will be held on December 20th at 7pm at Jonah Ministries; all are welcome for this joyous musical celebration of Christmas.

On December 23rd, meet at Doug and Janet Anderson's (corner of Sunnyside Road and Mt Adams Road) at 6:30 for Christmas Caroling.

Christmas Eve joint church services will be held at 7pm at the Presbyterian Church with Adam Peck conducting the service.

A women's retreat: Matters That Matter... No Matter What will be held March 6,7,8 2010 at the Flying L Ranch in Glenwood. The retreat will be hosted by Kristine Van Raden of Trout Lake and Molly Davis of Glenwood, authors of the book Letters to our Daughters. For more information on the retreat, go to www.mattersthatmatterblog.blogspot.com. Registration is limited to 24 guests and close on January 31, 2010.

The Trout Lake Grange is a 100 year old tradition in the valley, a member supported, volunteer non-profit organization that supports community building, sustainability and local agriculture. The Grange building is available for rental by individuals, organizations or businesses for weddings, receptions, potlucks, meetings, classes and community gatherings. The up-dated commercial kitchen is available to cooks, bakers and caterers who require a licensed facility to prepare their products. Rental rates are as low as $7.50 per hour; annual membership dues are only $38.00. Join the Grange and help keep this tradition alive and well.

It's a short column this week because I've been laid up with the coughing crud. Hope your household has managed to avoid this bug. It's ugly! Have a very Happy Holiday Season and a bright and wonderful New Year.

November 23, 2009 — Happy Thanksgiving to you and you and you and everyone. Especially in trying times, Thanksgiving is a welcome holiday, a chance to appreciate the fullness and bounty of life. And not just the fullness from eating a lot of good food, but you know that, don't you?

Congratulations again to the high school girls' volleyball for making it to state, a historic first for our volleyball team. Pretty exciting.

Probably because many people were at the volleyball, there were a few empty seats at the Band fundraiser that same weekend. Those who went enjoyed really good salad and spaghetti, and wonderful music. If you wish you could have gone, I'm sure you can still make a donation to the school earmarked for the Band to help with travel and equipment expense.

The Equestrian Team and Lauren Hoodenpyl are selling Christmas trees to raise money for the team. Email your name, address, and the size of tree you want, and it will be delivered to your home, fresh and beautiful for Christmas. The charge is $25 for a five to nine foot tree. Order this week, by emailing to thoodenpyl@gorge.net

The Trout Lake Community Club is hosting a Scholastic book fair with the purpose of getting more books into the school library and classrooms. The fair will be set up in the Community Room at the school, and you can support it by showing up and buying books, for yourself, for presents, or as a donation to the school. The Community Club estimates that 40 to 50% of sales go back to the school, as all the money made will be used to buy books. Books will be available at all reading levels, pre-school through adult.

The Community Club needs volunteers to staff the fair, call Jo Ann Poland at 395-2571. The Fair will be held December 1 through December 4, before school, at lunch time and after school and on Saturday December 5 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information, check the school's website at www.troutlake,k12.wa.us.

In addition, the students are participating in a three week reading program. Students who read for at least 20 minutes a night, five nights a week, for three weeks, certified by a parent, get to pick out their own book at the fair. If students together reach 40,000 minutes, Superintendent Doug Dearden and Principal Mike Wood will put their offices in a pickup outside the school for a day.

The Holiday Fair will also be at the school on December 5th, along with season-opening basketball games. With all these things going on – good things to buy at the Holiday Fair, good books and a good cause at the book fair, and a chance to yell yourself silly at the basketball – there is something for everyone. Be there or be square, as they used to say. Not me, of course, but they did say that.

I know you read about this last week, but here it is again. THE FINAL DRAFT of the Trout Lake Sub-Area Comprehensive Plan is done. We started working on this in 2005, and here it is. The Plan will be on the Community Council agendas of January 6 and February 3, with a formal (well, this is Trout Lake, so maybe formal isn't the right word) presentation for the community in February. The plan is posted on the Trout Lake website (thanks, Dave), and there are maps at the end. Resist the temptation to go straight to the maps, though. This plan is meant to identify community goals and priorities and to be useful to individuals or groups who are looking for ways to achieve those goals. It is important to have input from community members now on goals, objective, and policies, as well as on maps. They have to go together and the lines on the map need to reflect what we want the future to look like.

November 15, 2009 — First snow of the year frosted the valley in white this past week, giving us a hint of what's to come. It was beautiful to look at and thankfully melted away by afternoon, that's my kind of snow, the kind I don't have to shovel!

Elk hunters must be happy, the Trout Lake Store has counted 32 elk taken so far this season, with photos to verify the bragging rights. I have no idea how many elk are in our area, but I'm guessing there's at least 3 hunters for every elk – it's a busy season!

Crafters are busy getting ready for the Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5th, in the school Multi Purpose room, 9am to 4pm. This is sponsored by the National Honor Society and AP English class to support their Spring trip to the Ashland Shakespeare Festival. Call Laurie Sherburne at 395-2294 to reserve a booth space. There will also be a Book Fair and a Basketball tournament going on at the school that day, so it will be a great opportunity for shopping and visiting, mark your calendar!

The Trout Lake-Glenwood high school girls volleyball team went to the state tournament this past weekend and they won their first game, but lost the last two. Congratulations to them for getting to State!

The Trout Lake Comprehensive Plan final draft is now on the Trout Lake web site (www.TroutLake.org/CommunityCouncil) This document outlines the Goals, Objectives and Policies for future growth in Trout Lake and has been in the making for many months. The vision statement for the Comprehensive Plan states: Trout Lake will continue to be a rural community where people thrive. It has a strong resource based economic tradition, based on environmentally sound, progressive agriculture, dairy, forestry and outdoor recreation, complimented by a strong K-12 education system. Related services are encouraged as are other non-intrusive small businesses. What do you envision for Trout Lake in the next 10 years?? In the next 20? This writer has lived here for 35 years and has seen many changes, I'm sure others have seen many more. Good planning is essential to good growth; a big thank you to those that have been working on this Comprehensive Plan update. The Community Council will meet with Curt Dreyer of the County Planning Dept. on 12/18/09, here in Trout Lake at the Grange Hall at 1:00 pm to review the Comprehensive Plan, then at the January 6, 2010 Council meeting, they will host the County Planning Commissioners, with a public meeting to be held in February.

Speaking of planning, exciting plans are in process to form a Parks and Recreation District for the western end of Klickitat County. As outlined to the Community Council and written in last weeks column, there will be a petition drive in March which will require 15% of the registered voter signatures within the District. Once the petition signatures have been approved by the county, the proposal will then be put on the November general election ballot. Approval at that time will require 50% (+1 vote) approval.

The Baptist Church is accepting food and cash gifts for the food baskets that they prepare for local families. Items need to be dropped off at the church by 11/22/09. Contact Ruth Belieu at 395-2712 if you have questions. This is a wonderful local support effort in these times when every gift of food is so necessary; thanks to all who give and to those who make the distribution possible.

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving and our regular news writer will be out of town celebrating with her family. Now this would be a perfect opportunity for YOU to jump in with a test column! Write up what you would like to see in a column and then email it to Maxine@gorge.net. Go ahead, give it a go, you know you can do it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

October 26, 2009 — Reminder: a contra dance is scheduled for Saturday November 7 at the Grange from 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Come and dance your heart out with lots of your friends and neighbors and their children and grandchildren. Bring a dessert to share if you wish. For more information, call Linda Robinson at 395-2668. Please, no shoes with black soles or heels that will hurt the beautiful Grange floor.

Trout Lake Community Council elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd at the Grange. This is your chance to exercise your right to vote in the old-fashioned way, showing up in person. The polls open at 8:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM. There are three seats open and as of this writing, two candidates, Pat Arnold and Monte Pearson, both running for the seats they now hold. If you are interested in running for the third seat, or running against either of the two incumbents, contact Jeff Baker. Write-in candidates are also welcome. To be a Council member, you must have been a registered voter in the Trout Lake precinct for one year.

The Community Council will hear EDA proposals at the November 4th Council meeting. EDA funding is the money that the County makes available from land fill revenues for projects of community benefit. This money has been utilized in the past by the Trout Lake Fire Department, the school, and the Grange. It must go to a non-profit organization. The Council ranks proposals and forwards the list to the County Economic Development Board, which makes the final project selection. For more information, contact any Community Council member or Chair Ken Belieu at 395-2712.

National Honor Society members are elbow deep into the annual cookie dough fund raiser. Two pounds of yummy cookie dough cost $7.00. Flavors available are chocolate chip, snicker doodles, oatmeal, and peanut butter. The order deadline is November 6th, and delivery starts on November 8th. Call Laurie Sherburne at the school, 395-2571, to order.

The National Honor Society members (and their faculty sponsor, Laurie Sherburne) stay busy. They are also organizing the Holiday Bazaar, to be held in the multi-purpose room at the school on Saturday, December 5 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The Fair is a fundraiser for the National Honor Society and Advanced Placement English class trip to Ashland in the spring. Rental for booth space is $25 for a large booth (about 10' wide) or $13 for a small booth (about 5' wide). Bring your own table or display. There are some spaces with electric outlets available. To rent space contact Laurie Sherburne at 395-2294or 395-2571. Traffic should be good, since there will also be a book fair and a basketball tournament that day. Food will be served, and crafts and handmade items of all kinds will be available for sale.

National Honor Society 2009-2010 members are Anna Nakae, Jesse Robertson, Liz Vogt, Dana Cavanaugh, Brendan Wells, Lucas King, Lindsey Scott, Slater Modrich, and Luke Tibbott. Our congratulations to all of them on their achievement.

The summer teams at the Northwest Service Academy will be enjoying their closing ceremony this week. There have been six teams this year, one working at Conboy Lake and five doing trail work. The trail crews have been working in Wenatchee, Mt. Hood, the Gifford Pinchot, and two Pacific Crest Trail teams. The local fire prevention team finished up in August. Next year there will be four PCT teams. The folks on these teams, as well as the many other NWSA members working as Environmental Interns in schools, conservation districts, watershed management groups, cities, and many other organizations, do valuable and good work. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting NWSA participants, you've seen them volunteering at the Arts Festival and the Fair and helping with local projects. So hail and farewell to this year's crop. If you, the reader, want to know more, check out the website http://www.northwestserviceacademy.org/Centers_MAC.cfm, where, incidentally you can see a nice picture of alum and former Trout Lake fire prevention coordinator Carter Davis, looking uncharacteristically serious.

Dennis Anderson and the Trout Lake Community Science Club, which is a club of high school juniors and seniors separate from the school, will be selling Christmas wreaths this year. Sales will start soon, and the deadline for ordering will probably be in the third week of November, with delivery on Thanksgiving weekend. Call Dennis at 395-2250 for more information, or watch for the flyers.

So as we drive up Highway 141 toward Trout Lake, we can't miss the politically opinionated reader board. Recent postings have brought many comments my way from Trout Lake residents. Apart from the decidedly partisan opinions, the reader board's facts are shaky. The current sign identifies the Rome fiddler as Caesar, when our eighth graders know it was actually Nero. The previous sign interestingly mixed czars, Marxists, and Trojans, making some serious bends in the historical timeline. Certainly there are residents who agree with the sentiments and knowing my townsfolk, I can hear some chuckling at the reader board cheekiness, but there are also those who feel that this reader board is not the best gateway to Trout Lake.

The Presbyterian November Tuesday Night Potluck and Program will host a presentation by Kozen Samson, the Priest at the Trout Lake Buddhist Abbey. The Tuesday Night Potluck, once a month, is an on-going program at the church.

While I was combing bulletin boards for items for this column, I saw two notices for White Salmon Library programs, both for young people. One was “Read to the Dog”, for dogs training as seeing-eye dogs and the other was “Sign language for Little Ones”. I know this isn't Trout Lake news, exactly, but I hope we all feel proud of the great job that our library does.

October 18, 2009 — Beautiful Fall colors, cozy fire in the wood stove; a crock pot full of good home made soup and rain replenishing the earth. Folks are scurrying to finish the last minute garden and wood pile chores before the leaves seriously begin to fall and winter really does arrive. A cloudburst with thunder and lightning served as a real reminder from Mother Nature. Emily Logan remarked on how festive the town looks with all the corn stalks, pumpkins and squash decorating the storefronts and the community garden. She's right, Trout Lake rocks!

Soccer and Volleyball are in full swing, plus Football in White Salmon and parents are cheering their students and teams on to victory. All teams are doing well this season, in spite of a couple of football injuries. Sebastian Mael and Devin Bulick both sustained knee injuries, but are healing well.

Another reminder that we need EMTs. The Trout Lake Fire Dept is down to three EMTs and there must be two available to answer a call. Please, if you've ever thought of volunteering for a very worthy cause, this is it. Give Eric Schmid a call at 541-490-6609 and get the information to join. Thanks.

Saturday, the CSA Gardeners are celebrating their first year with a potluck and Garden Olympics. The Olympics included pumpkin catapult, a potato gun, one handed corn husking, a tug o' war across the irrigation ditch and other games. A bonfire and BBQ rounded out the family fun, enjoyed by all. What a successful year this was for the gardeners, I'm looking forward to next year's garden.

The Community Foundation had a lovely mother-daughter tea on Saturday with 16 young ladies plus their mothers and/or grandmothers in attendance. The girls got to decorate their own cupcakes with frosting and decorations provided for their use. Tea was served in decorative tea pots and the tables were set with colorful cloths, napkins and tableware. It was a very beautiful setting for a lovely afternoon and was enjoyed by all.

November is election month; Trout Lake Grange will hold their elections for 2010 officers at the November meeting on 11/19/09 and Community Council elections will be November 3, at the Grange Hall 8 am to 8 pm. Join us at our October meeting 10/22/09 for a review of this year's Saturday Market and beginning plans for the 2010 Market. Volunteers and ideas for the Grange and the Saturday Market are always welcome.

Trout Lake Country Inn is offering Monday Night Football with Tacos; Women's Night every other Wednesday and music on Saturday Nights. All this plus outstanding food, pleasant service and reasonable prices. Yahoo!!!

One last plea for a news writer... we just need one more to have our Trout Lake news in the paper every week. You can do this, just bite the bullet and give one of us a call. A short column once a month, that's it... we need you, just call. Thanks!

September 20, 2009 — What a beautiful Indian Summer we're having! Lovely warm days with crisp mornings and evenings just perfect for a quick walk or bike ride before supper. Now that school has started, soccer and football fans are enjoying the good weather as well. Most gardens are still frost free and the harvest continues, along with wood gathering for warmth on the long winter nights. Pine needles have started to fall in my back yard and soon it will be time to bring out the rake, but for now I'll just enjoy the beauty of the season.

Volunteers – The dictionary defines a volunteer as "one who voluntarily enters into, or offers himself for, a service." I've been thinking of volunteers a lot lately, as I gather the news and realize just how much in this community is accomplished by volunteers. Everything from those who put on the Fair, the Arts Festival, the Giant Rummage Sale, to the guys and gals that respond to our 911 calls, the volunteer Firemen and EMTs. In the 2007 Fair Book, over 25 volunteer organizations were listed and I'm sure there are more now. This community runs on volunteers and I for one, can't thank them enough. Trout Lake rocks!

Along with the change of seasons, the Saturday Market will be closing on September 26th, after 14 successful weeks of Market fare, with many different vendors and Kitchen chefs. We enjoyed a variety of good food plus hand made wares. Look for further news about next years Market in future columns as this Trout Lake Grange venture continues to grow and expand.

Speaking of the Trout Lake Grange, mark your calendar for their Community Fall Harvest Potluck on October 10th. Doors open at 6:00 with the Quilt Raffle Drawing at 7:30 followed by entertainment. Suggested donation is $10.00. Be sure and stop by the Saturday Market next Saturday for your last chance to purchase tickets for the gorgeous quilt donated by the Trout Lake Quilters. All proceeds from the Potluck and the Raffle will go towards the Grange Winter Insulation Fund. Coffee, tea and juice will be provided at the potluck; bring your favorite dish, or if your last name starts with A-F, bring an appetizer or salad/side; G-M bring a main dish or salad/side; N-T bring a main dish or dessert; U-T an appetizer or dessert. See you there!

Our own Trout Lake Country Inn is now under new management with chef Jesse Marino at the helm. He is offering excellent fare which will change on a daily basis and includes his incredible meatloaf burger with choice of sides. Other features are BBQ ribs and brisket that melts in your mouth, smoked turkey, ahki tuna and bacon wrapped shrimp. Monday night football on the big screen TV with fresh chicken tacos will please all the sports fans. The Inn is open every day except Tuesday, weekday hours are noon until 9 pm; weekends are noon to 2 am. There will be entertainment every weekend with The Connolly Brothers, Dale Fitch, The Kate Malloy Trio and others on the stage. It will be nice to have "Trout Lake's Living Room" open for business again.

Trout Lake's CSA Garden has been a huge success and is now offering U-Pick veggies on Tuesday and Saturday at reduced prices. I got some fantastic sweet corn and kale on Tuesday and promptly ate every bit and wished I had more. Recently the garden donated over 500 pounds of veggies to the food bank; what a wonderful way to share our bounty with others. Not only is this garden a beautiful sight to behold, it offers companionship, community spirit and sustenance to all who partake of it. My thanks to all of you who spent many hours in its creation.

Over the past 14 years, the Trout Lake Arts Council has presented the Festival of the Arts every July. The Festival brings folks all the way from Salem and Seattle to Trout Lake to enjoy the beauty of Mt Adams and our valley, as well as to enjoy the food, entertainment and beautiful art on display. The Arts Council is seeking new members to help continue this annual event and bring fresh energy and ideas to the group. See their mission statement and other information at www.troutlake.org/arts or phone 395-2294, most importantly join this group and keep the energy flowing.

August 31, 2009 —Wow, what a lot of news has come in this week. First a reminder. School starts this week, so while driving, be alert for students walking or riding bikes, cars turning in and out of the school, and the buses making their rounds. Trout Lake School may be an option for parents who are removing their children from Whitson Elementary in White Salmon, so we may be seeing some new faces at school. Here's to a good school year, and here's wishing the 2009-2010 Village Voice editor and staff a year just as good as last year.

This is the big weekend of the rummage sale, which is the main fundraiser for the Community Foundation which does such a terrific job of providing financial support to graduating seniors and to students continuing their education. Your money is well spent at the sale. Spend lots, and support our Trout Lake students. The sale runs for four days, from Friday Sept 4th through Monday Sept 7th. Sale hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The sale opens at 8:00 a.m. sharp on Friday. There are no early sales. Sunday and Monday are discount days.

The Community Foundation has sent out an emergency request for large paper grocery bags for the rummage sale. They have plenty of plastic bags, but need the large brown (or white, pink, blue, whatever) paper ones for the clothing and stuff a bag days.

The Community Garden is starting U-pick Saturdays. The garden has such an abundance that they need help picking, so on Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and noon you can pick all you want for one dollar per pound. They have squash, corn, a variety of other vegetables and herbs and beautiful pumpkins.

Fair news continues to roll in. Jane Wetzel of Washougal won the quilt, Betty Jolley the gravel, and Andy VanLaar the fire wood. It's great to have two local winners, though of course I think it should have been me. I've been after the gravel for years. Then, the baking contest grand prize winners are: Adult, Sandi Tucker; Junior, Maggie Baker; Children, Sean McMahon. Thanks to the intrepid organizers and judges.  

The Fair Board will be holding the Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m., at the Trout Lake School Library. Agenda items include a discussion of how the fair went and how to make it better. There will also be consideration of directors and officers. The Fair board finished this year short two directors, and three director's terms expire at the meeting. Everyone is welcome, and Ray Thygesen and the board are hoping for a good turnout. This is everyone's fair.

Lunch at Saturday Market continues to offer pleasant surprises each week. Remember that the Market goes to October 10 this year.

Seth Tibbott and his son Luke are selling Tofurky metal lunchboxes for $10 each to raise money for Trout Lake School's online learning curriculum. All of the money goes to Trout Lake School, not just the profits. The Online learning program is a key part of the high school curriculum that helps "level the playing field" with larger school districts. Last year 45 online courses were taken by Trout Lakers. Some were for advanced placement, some for credit recovery and some just because students were interested in a subject that was not offered by our small rural district. Due to the sluggish economy, these courses are now threatened by budget cuts. Seth and Luke are currently selling the lunch boxes at Dave Wampler's Simple Living store across from the store and will be selling them outside the rummage sale this weekend.

Also, on Sunday September 13 Seth's company Turtle Island will be hosting a golf tournament at Husum Hills Golf Course starting at 1 pm. Cost is $40 per person which includes 18 holes of golf, snacks and prizes. All proceeds go to Trout Lake School. To sign up call Seth at 395-2845 or email seth@tofurky.com.

August 23, 2009 — Yikes!! Can you believe it's almost time for school to start?? Once again those long, balmy (OK, hot ) summer days have lulled us into believing they're gonna last forever. Then harvest comes, and along with it canning and freezing the abundance of zucchini, green beans, summer squash (why did I plant so much??) that reminds us that the season is beginning to turn. But not yet...we still have a few weeks to enjoy the summer sun, go hiking, run the river and just play. Live it up!

Summer also brought us the children's Art Camp sponsored by the Trout Lake Arts Council. Nearly 30 students ages 5-12 participated for the week, learning about famous artists and creating beautiful art work. Many thanks to teacher Jan Muir, the Myron Blank Memorial Fund which helped with scholarships and to the Grange for the use of their Community Hall.

Some of the lucky winners at the Trout Lake Fair were as follows: Quilt, Jane Wetzel of Washougal; Gravel, Betty Jolley; Firewood, Andy Van Laar. In the Veggie and Flowers: Sue Koester, grand prize flowers; Rowena Sandford, best of show flowers; Maggie Baker, grand prize junior flowers; John Opp, people's choice flowers. Betty Schmid and the Community Garden Shared the grand prize vegetables; Betty Schmid lettuce, best of show veggies; Ballard children, grand prize junior veggies; Jan Loomis onions, people's choice veggies.

Did you know that Trout Lake now has only THREE (3) EMT's? This means that your 911 call may go unanswered if all three are out of town. The call will then be routed to White Salmon while you wait. Trout Lake Fire Dept. is actively seeking volunteers to fill our EMT vacancies. If you have ever thought of volunteering for this vital service to the community, you are urged to call Eric Schmid 395-2466.

Holllenbeck Park will be the location for plein air artists on August 30. The artists, have been juried into the Columbia Center of the Arts 5th annual Plein Air Painting and Writing Exhibition. Stop by to view "art in action" as each artist depicts their interpretation of the views around them.

She'll Be Watching, Will You Be There? On September 19th the Trout Lake Arts Council is offering a fantastic tour of the Native American Petroglyphs and Artisan Wineries on the Columbia River. They will offer a guided tour to visit the petroglyphs, including "She Who Watches" plus wine tasting at Cascade Cliffs and McCormick wineries, with a picnic overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Transportation to and from Trout Lake or Bingen is included . This is a benefit for the Trout Lake Arts Council and is limited to 50 participants; reservations are $50. per person; call or e-mail for availability: tlartscouncil@gmail 503-703-6633 or 509-395-2294.

Trout Lake Eco-Justice Team of the Presbyterian Church is offering a series of workshops on September 19th at the Trout Lake School from 9:30 am to 3 pm. Workshop topics are Organic Backyard Gardening and Common Ground Community Gardening. Keynote speaker is writer, teacher, speaker and mental health professional Jane Kirkpatrick. Registration fee is $20.for adults and $15 for seniors and students and includes a locally and organically grown lunch; deadline is 9/11/09. Register at www.cascadespresbytery.org or contact Janet Anderson at 395-9307.

There will be a Town Hall Meeting on September 15th at 6:30, at the Trout Lake School. Representatives from local providers will be seeking your input on Health Care and Community Services that are needed in our area.

August 10, 2009 — Tami Hoodenpyl, 4-H Swine Leader invites everyone to attend the Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo August 20-23. She especially would like to see local support at the Market Stock Sale on Saturday August 22. This is a great opportunity to show your support for the 4H kids that have worked hard to raise a market animal and have made it to fair. The auction begins at 3:00 in the afternoon and when you bid, dinner is on us!

Tami says that Trout Lake has not had 4H market projects at The County Fair for some years, but there was a time when whole families of children went and camped out for the whole fair weekend, showing and tending to their animals. This is a great time for businesses to show support for our kids who are generally raising funds for college. Our club is very strong this year with 14 members in Swine, 7 members in Horse and 9 members in Sewing. Please join us at The Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo and see all the smiling faces 4H has to offer.

For information about donating to the West end bidding group for the Fair, call Ron Ladiges, 493-2278.

There was a big crowd at Saturday market this week. Probably the special Grange fundraiser performance by the belly dancers, thanks ladies. Or maybe it was the cooking by professional chef Nate Fee and his steelhead quiche and squash soup. Or maybe it was the quilts (and the one that is being raffled off as a Grange fundraiser). Or maybe it was Oma's yummy vegetables. Whatever it was, it was good to see. Check it out next weekend.

The Trout Lake Country Inn is re-opening Friday 8/14. On Saturday 8/15/09, there will be dancing with the classic rock and country music of Tego Burke, along with drinks and snack bar food, free popcorn and best of all, NO cover charge. There will be music every Saturday night — guest musicians always welcome.

Guest commentary from Stephanie Irving. "Fabulous turn out for run. Great weather, record turnout (about 85), fabulous pies for the winners (and the oldest, youngest, and biggest family), and wonderful course in Trout Lake. Monte and Laura Pearson did an outstanding job in organizing the race."

Since I am writing this extra column, I'll report the flower and veggie outcomes, which made me really happy this year. Betty Schmid won Best of Show with a basket of wonderful lettuce and Betty and the Community Garden tied for grand prize, which is awarded for the most points. Jan Loomis won People's Choice, with some amazing onions. The Ballard children collectively won the Junior Grand Prize for vegetables. Rowena Sandford won Best of Show in flowers, and Sue Koester, the most faithful flower contestant ever, won the Grand Prize. John Opp won People's Choice with a dramatic red and yellow arrangement. Maggie Baker, following in her father's footsteps, won Junior Grand Prize. I want to take the time to thank long-time flower judge Carly Tipton and second-year veggie judge Candice Shuman, and Trout Lake Farm for providing the always-popular bucket of blueberries for tasting. Last but not least, a big thank you to Heidi Keller for the 2009 flower pots, People's Choice prizes. I'm told she was up until 4:00 a.m. painting, and the results were spectacular.

August 3, 2009 — Fair weekend ended with George Woodruff's memorial. Many spoke about community and how much George loved Trout Lake and put his heart into Trout Lake, taking the community as one big extended family, welcoming everyone and appreciating everyone, and caring for the forest around us as well. I am sure that we will continue to feel his spirit at the many times we gather for community events.

The Fair was one of those events, but I'm not nearly caught up enough to write much about it. Andy VanLaar won one of the raffle items, Sandy Borowy was the Bake Sale grand prize winner, and I want to say a big big thank you to all of you who brought those amazing flowers and vegetables. For the first time ever we had more veggies than flowers. Everyone said their flowers were over the hill and wilted from the heat, but we had some beauties anyway. I have done this booth for quite a few years now, and I am always amazed at the creativity and talent on display. And thanks to Trout Lake Farm for the blueberries for sampling. It is lots of fun watching the look of pleasure and delight that comes over people's faces after the first taste. Booth sponsors, send your results in to the newswriters and we'll put them in another column.

The Labor Day weekend rummage sale is another of those community events. August 16th is the last day to deposit items for the sale. Many people have been working for months donating, sorting, and labeling. The results of this labor can be seen from the following names of 2009 recipients. Graduating seniors that received scholarships include Tyler Cope, Luke Dearden, Mikael Dick, Emily Paxson, Holly Phares, Anna Schmid, Bergen Vocke, and Alex Whitefield. Post graduates include Stephanie Anderson, Anna Avila, Dannon Kavanagh, David Kavanagh, Michael Parker Lee, Adi Robertson, Andrea VanLaar, Angeline Wasdatt. The total amount awarded was $23,500. That's pretty impressive.

Greetings from the Saturday Market Café, featuring fresh roasted coffee and brunch entrée, served by our volunteer chef and kitchen committee. At this point the Café kitchen may close due to lack of a crew. What it will take to keep it running is a crew of four to start the day, and a crew of four to end the day. The morning crew is from 8:00 am to noon, including a chef, a dishwasher, a cashier / coffee & tea maker, and a window server. The afternoon crew is noon to 4:00 p.m. and includes an assistant chef to wrap up food and store it, dishwasher and clean up, window server and clean up helper, and a cashier to do the day's accounting

What is your vision for the Café'? Who's in the kitchen next Saturday? What's your favorite lunch menu? How about a couple of guys in the kitchen??? Those Firemen sure did a great job at their breakfast on Fair weekend. Let's keep it simple and less labor intensive; this doesn't have to be a gourmet kitchen, just a country café that offers a healthy brunch at a reasonable price is fine. Kids can help too... it's a fantastic learning experience for them.

Step out of your comfort zone and join others in the adventures of the new Grange kitchen and if you are the chef, make a little cash to boot. Chef plans menu, buys groceries, serves food and keeps profits after 15% is paid to Saturday Market. Dates available, all Saturdays except September 6, are: August 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5 & 6, 12, 19, 26, and October 3, 10 & Sun 11. Pick a date and call Dave Wampler 395-2323, dave@simpleliving.net; or Nina Pochna 395-2125, earthworm@gorge.net to stake your claim to fame in the Saturday Market Café.

The Underwood Conservation District and Friends of the White Salmon River, with partners Northwest Service Academy, Klickitat County Solid Waste, and Allied Waste, are cleaning up what we call a historic dump here in Trout Lake meaning that back in the day when there was no garbage service, you just dumped stuff on your property out of sight. This one is just over the edge of a lava cliff along the White Salmon River. If you know of others, please give a call to Tova Cochrane 493-1936 at UCD or Pat Arnold 395-2233. We'd love to take on another project with a cooperating landowner, especially if the dump is in proximity to the River, Trout Lake Creek, or any other water or stream.

July 26, 2009 — My gosh, can you believe it's almost Fair time already??!! The excitement of the parade, the games, the wonderful food. Chatting with friends and listening to the music while you watch the riders on the zip line and eat a burger. Yup, there's nothing like the fabulous Trout Lake Fair for summer fun. It all starts with the Community Potluck Social on Friday 7/31, 5:30pm at the Elk Meadows RV Park. As always, if your family name begins with A thru K, bring an abundance of your favorite side dish, salad, veggie or some hors d'oeuvres. If your family name begins with L thru Z, bring your favorite dessert or sweet stuff like brownies, etc. When you plan your part of the potluck, please remember to bring more than enough food for your family, as the extra will be shared with other families who will be doing the same for you.

Bright and early on Saturday, 8/1, from 6:30 'til 10 am, the Trout Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. will be serving the "World's Best Huckleberry Pancakes" plus scrambled eggs, ham, juice and coffee. All this for just $7.00 per person, 12 and under, $5.00, plus you get to watch those guys cook!!

The 5K & 10K runs start at 8am in front of Jonah Ministries, as does the one mile Fun Run. Register at 7 am for $13.00 with the T-shirt, or $3.00 without.

Once again the Parade will start at 11 am and proceed through beautiful down town Trout Lake to the Jonah Ministries Fair Grounds. Register at 10 am at the west end of Guler Park; judging is at 10:30 am.

Visit the Grange Saturday Market while you're waiting for the parade to start. Nibble on some delicious cinnamon rolls or even a scrumptious and sweet breakfast tamale and browse through the fantastic quilts, antiques, hand made pottery and crocheted items. Plus get your raffle tickets for the 10 yards of gravel, or the truck load of firewood or the king size quilt. Tickets are $2. or 3/$5.00.

Join the community for a dance at the Grange on Saturday evening at 7 pm, with music supplied by Dan Richardson's Country Rock.

Are you looking for some culinary adventure? Itching to share your favorite brunch or lunch recipe? Wanting to make a little extra money? If so, the Grange Café is the place for you. The Saturday Market Café is seeking chefs to take over the kitchen for one or two Saturdays in August, September and October. You will have the use of the kitchen to prepare your recipes and then serve them to the market patrons on Saturday. Call Jeanie at 395-2737 or Maxine at 395-2101 if you are interested. Vendors are always welcome to join the Market, or set up items in our Consignment Booth. Contact Dave Wampler at 395-2323 for more information. Soon the harvest from the Community Garden will be for sale at the Market also.

Look forward to Children's Art Classes to be held at the Grange August 10-14. These are provided through a grant from the Trout Lake Arts Council for ages 5-7 from 10 am to 12 noon daily. Ages 8-12 from 1pm to 3pm daily. Classes are limited to 12 children for each session with a $10. fee to cover materials. Call or e-mail Jan Muir at 509-493-2059 janmuir@pobox.com to register and get more information.

Well, it's too hot to think so that's it for this time around. See you all at the Fair!

June 28.2009 — Yup, Summer truly is here. Graduation's over, school's out, the days are longer, Saturday Market has opened, 4th of July is just around the corner and the Community Garden getting taller every day. Hooray for the long, warm and busy days of summer.

Just in time for this busy season comes the county wide Burn Ban which states "no combustion of any type in an open fire or open container" Residential BBQs are permitted. The Burn Ban is in effect from July 1 thru September 30. This also means NO Fireworks on the 4th... it's just too dangerous; save 'em and set 'em off on New Years when there's plenty of wet snow to prevent a fire.

The folks with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan are distributing Firewise information to keep your home and property safe from wildfire. They are also offering free fuels reduction work on your property. Call Garry Hanley at 395-2579 to get more information.

Betty Jolley's Relay for Life team had an awesome turnout at their car wash and wish to thank all the participants. Relay for Life teams work all year to raise money that is donated to research to find a cure for cancer. The Race for the Cure Relay will take place at the Hood River High School on July 18. Teams from all over the Gorge will participate with a goal of raising over $130,000 toward this very worthy cause. We all know someone who's life has been changed by this wicked disease and it's good to have the opportunity to help fight for a cure.

There's still time to register for summer camp at Jonah Ministries; all ages are welcome. Contact www.compjonah.com to get more info. The Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School will be held July 20 through 24 from 9 am until noon at Jonah Ministries. All children ages 4 to 12 are welcome, call 395-2748 to pre-register.

On July 11th, the seventh annual Mt Adams Bicycle Tour will be held in Trout Lake, with four different routes of varying lengths. Go to www.troutlake.org for complete registration information.

Trout Lake Festival of the Arts has its 14th annual festival July 18th and 19th at The Farm B&B on Sunnyside Road. This year there are over 50 juried artists displaying their works, in addition to the fabulous food and entertainment. Tickets for the dinner and musical concert on Saturday night are $40., reservations can be made by calling 395-2101. Seating is limited, so call early.

July 31st a Community Potluck at Elk Meadows kicks off the 44th annual Trout Lake Fair weekend. Saturday morning starts with the Firemen's Breakfast at the school, followed by the Parade and the fair activities at Jonah Ministries.

June 8, 2009 — Graduation, middle school and high school happens on June 12 starting at 6:00 p.m. We are graduating a great crop of seniors this year, congratulations to you all. The high school graduates are Mikael Dick-Schmid, Anna Schmid, Emily Paxson, Heather Huffsmith, Holly Phares, Craig Opp, Cameron Connell, Luke Dearden, Patrick Bergen Vocke, Tyler Cope, Alex Whitefield, and Kevin Hillstrom. Particular congratulations to Valedictorian Luke Dearden and Salutatorian Emily Paxson. May your futures be bright.

High school graduation speaker will be Trout Lake teacher Katy McKinney, most recently in the news as the coach of the Destination Imagination team, but also well known as an effective and creative teacher, curator of worm bins, and marathon runner (some years).

June 13 is Fish Education Day, or what we used to call the Fishing Derby. I don't think the fish are being educated, except maybe not to bite the hook, but there will be educational information about fish and there is free fishing for youngsters 12 and under. Event volunteers will cook the fish to be eaten on the spot. There are hot dogs for everybody else, and there will be T-shirt painting. Good job! to kindergartener Rain Burtchaell Norman and first grader Isabella Dean for those great drawings on the posters. The event is sponsored by the Mt. Adams Ranger District and the White Salmon Steelheaders. Call Stephanie Caballero 395-3419 for more information.

Wow — the third straight state track CHAMPOINSHIP for the Trout Lake-Glenwood girls team. That's pretty exciting, and what a great end to the 2008-09 sports season. The boys placed fourth, which would be the big headline news in most years. It's a huge accomplishment to place so well at state. Way to go, ladies and gentlemen, you all outdid yourselves, and your community is proud of your determination and focus.

On June 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Trout Lake School, Betty Jolley and her tireless and faithful group of volunteers will wash your car and sell you baked goods at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life carwash. They will also gratefully accept cookies or other bake sale item donations for sale.

June 1, 2009 — Summer is almost upon us and the calendar is already getting crowded with activities and meetings for planning up-coming events. Plans for the Fair, Saturday Market, Mt Adams Country Bicycle Tour, Vacation Bible School and many other activities are all in the works and can always use an extra pair of hands if you are inclined to help.

Saturday Market opens on June 27 in combination with a Grange Open House. Come in and enjoy some refreshments and view the new floors, new paint and updated kitchen plus new Quilters Cabinet and the new parking area. Many potluck dinner dollars paid for the materials and many thanks go to the fantastic people who volunteered their labor and time to accomplish this transformation. Dale Fitch did the floor in the West room plus coordinating with Dave Wampler to accomplish the remodeling. Mary Yeck, Jeanie Wellman, Rachel Zerbian, Dean & Judy Barns, Gil Martin, Joseph Esteves, John Cruz and many others spent hours painting the walls and wood work in the dining room and the West room. Bobby Parker built the Quilters Cabinet; Terry Schmid donated gravel and Darrol Rummel and crew donated time and worked hard to fix our parking area so that it will no longer become a lake during rainy season. Americorps folks scraped and repainted the outside window frames. A wonderful anonymous person (bless you!) donated 16 new tables that are light weight and easily fold in half for storage. A community effort for the Grange Community Hall, thank you one and all.

Trout Lake Fire District's Protection Classification has recently been upgraded by the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau. If your home is located within the district, is within 5 road miles of the Fire Hall and within a 1000 feet radius of a fire hydrant or a 4 inch stand pipe, your home qualifies for the new reduced Protection Class rating of 7. This is good news for most homeowners as it will save you money on your fire insurance, up to $100.00 in some cases. Check your tax statement to be sure you are in the Fire District (look on the "Tax Distribution" list, if there's no charge for Fire District #1, you're not in the district) and check with your insurance agent to be sure he knows about the new classification. If you wish to be annexed into the Fire District, contact Chief Eric Schmid 395-2466 or one of the Commissioners: Mike Calahan 395-2780, Eula Smith 395-2043, Bob Jolley 395-2349, Pat Kelly 395-9319 or Tyanne Parker 395-2788. The Fire Commissioners have recently sent out letters to most residents who are not in the Trout Lake Fire District and will be sending out more in the next week or so.

The Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School "Following Jesus — A Path to Peace" will be held June 16, 17 and 18. Young people ages 4 to 9 years are welcome; for information or to pre-register, call 395-2913 or 395-9360.

Our CSA Community Garden is planted and growing with all memberships snapped up quickly. We look forward to purchasing their bounty at Saturday Market. Members working in the garden should remember to bring drinking water, park well away from the café/gas station to avoid congestion and if necessary, use the public restrooms in the park.

Have you noticed the exciting crop of little folks we have living in our town?? 2012's kindergarten class is going to be a big one and as cute as can be, too. I saw many adorable children playing and dancing at the Potluck on Saturday night; they enjoyed Lincoln Crockett and Jim McKeon's beautiful music as much as we grown ups did. An impromptu survey at the potluck showed that most of these folks are relatively new to Trout Lake and have become enthusiastic participants in the community... Trout Lake welcomes you!

First Presbyterian Church celebrated the dedication of their new Picnic Shelter on May 31 with a delightful outdoor Sunday service. It was a beautiful day and the sounds and sights of Spring made us all the more aware of our Creator. The Picnic Shelter was designed and built by church members, is dedicated to the memory of departed members and is available for use by the community.

As we all know Trout Lake's Destination Imagination 7th and 8th grade team won First Place in the State tournament, which qualified them to go to the Global DI Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee. At the Global Competition, they placed Fifth in the World out of 68 middle school teams. Congratulations Maggie Baker, Caitlin Scott, Grace Anton, Natasha Wilson, Devin Van Laar, Ben Vollema, Seth Tiffan and Coach Katy McKinney, we are proud of you!!!

May 4, 2009 — Hooraaayy! Spring is really here! Even though it's been cool, the blossoms are out and the leaves are unfurling and new shoots are pushing up out of the ground. It's been fun driving into White Salmon this past week; you could actually watch the grass get a little taller every day and the blossoms pop on the orchard trees. I even have to mow my lawn, although I'm gonna wait until the violets have finished blooming for that chore. Spring renewal, it's a good thing!

Thoughts turn to gardening in the Spring and this year thanks to the generosity of Monty Pearson and John Shuman, we will have a CSA Garden. CSA stands for community supported agriculture. It is the revival of the small local farm by members of the community. The Trout Lake CSA is located across from KJ's Café in the corner of Monty's field. There are 15 memberships available at $50. each. Working members receive freshly grown produce based on the number of hours contributed to the farm. In addition a portion of the harvest will be sold to the community each week at the Trout Lake Saturday Market. Contact John Shuman at 395-9339 to join and to obtain more information. This is something many community members have wanted to do for a long time, thank you Monty and John for giving us this opportunity.

The Trout Lake Fire Dept. is actively seeking EMT volunteers. The Department currently has only four EMTs and we need more to meet the demands of a growing community. There is an EMT class scheduled for the Fall; this is a 130 hour class spread over four months and held in the evenings and/or on weekends. There is a requirement of 30 hours per year on going training to keep your certificate active. The Department will pay for additional training after you have been on board for two years. Call Chief Eric Schmid at 395-2466 to schedule an interview.

Have you noticed the donations for the Community Foundation Rummage Sale piling up on Coralee's TLC Bookkeeping front porch? Come help us sort and price these items on any Wednesday evening — many hands make for an easy task and your hands are welcome! Speaking of Rummage Sales, there will be a "mini" rummage sale on the Grange porch on Saturday May 9, as the Grange is selling surplus items from the kitchen. Get there early, there are a couple large coffee pots plus some nice roasting pans in the collection.

Saturday Market Café Coffee Co Op... The Saturday Market will be serving organic fair trade coffee from the Hood River Coffee Company. Because they are buying in bulk, there is plenty to share, so join the Co Op. If you like great, locally roasted coffee at a very reasonable price ($8 or less per pound) please join the Market Café Coffee Co Op. Call Cheryl at 395-2207 for an order form.

Trout Lake Saturday Market — Bigger and better than ever!! This year the Market is a Grange sponsored event, organized by a fantastic group of hard working dedicated volunteers. This season the Market will run every Saturday from June 27 through October 10. There will also be Sunday Markets on September 6 and October 11. Market hours will be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Trout Lake's renowned hand made quilts will be featured along with fresh baked goods, local produce, crafts, art, jewelry, antiques and collectibles. In addition, the Market Café will be offering fresh homemade breakfasts and lunches. On the first Saturday of every month, there will be a Children's Market to encourage our young entrepreneurs to sell their wares. Market Café is seeking servers and cooks to help, call Cheryl at 395-2207 for information. Vendors call 395-2323 or go to www.TroutLake.org/SaturdayMarket for vendor registration.

Trout Lake Arts Council has received a donation to help promote the arts in the Trout Lake area. The Council would like to use this money to encourage interested individuals to continue learning about the arts. In support of this they are making available a scholarship to help cover the cost of class fees and materials, up to $500. Anyone living in Trout Lake wishing to take art classes, leading to a degree or not, attend a workshop, conference, or pursue an art related endeavor, is encouraged to apply for the scholarship. This opportunity is open to all ages, adults are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Laurie Sherburne at 395-2294 or e-mail tlartscouncil@gmail.com for an application form. Applications must be received by June 1, 2009.

Trout Lake Community Club is busy organizing a booklet filled with information for new arrivals to our village. The goal is to have a ready reference to find where to go camping, where to find huckleberries, who to call for what, organizations that are in the valley, and all the other bits of information that make Trout Lake a wonderful place to live. E-mail your ideas for great things to look for in the valley to Meg Vollema at Vollema@yahoo.com.

For those of you who are not "in the zone" to receive high speed internet service, there is hope. Deb Faast reports that she has purchased an "antenna" that has provided her with a signal that is 3-4 out of five bars and allows her to receive e-mail with photos and surf the net. E-mail her at faastd@gorge.net for additional information on obtaining this equipment.

The Grange is undergoing some renovations and needs your help. Can you spare a couple of hours to swing a hammer or wield a paint roller, or broom? Call us at 395-2101 or 395-2323, or 395-9314, you'll be glad you did and you'll be amazed at the results of your efforts.

The 4-H sewing group is looking for a couple of sewing machines. If you have one that you could lend or give to them, they would be most grateful; call Doris Norman at 395-2113.

April 20, 2009 — This is the first column I've ever done which is nearly entirely written by community members who sent news. Way to go, folks. Do this more often.

Last week's column mentioned the Destination Imagination team's first place at the state tournament. The Enterprise carried the full story as well. However, there are some additional things worth noting. This was the third state tournament win for Trout Lake in the school's 22-year involvement with the Destination Imagination program, an outstanding achievement for this team of 7th and 8th graders. Team members are Maggie Baker, Caitlin Scott, Grace Anton, Natasha Wilson, Devin Van Laar, Ben Vollema, and Seth Tiffan. Coach is Katy McKinney.

This team has won the right to represent Washington (along with winners in other age divisions and problems) at the Global DI Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee, in late May. The team is very excited about this prospect, and is now in the process of attempting to raise approximately $1000 per person to fund this trip. If you would like to make a donation to help this outstanding team in reaching their travel goal, checks can be made out and sent to Trout Lake School with Destination Imagination on the memo line. Any and all help will be appreciated.

Trout Lake Little League Opening Day Ceremony is Saturday April 25 at noon at the Trout Lake School. Come see the newly renovated baseball diamond, support our local little league and youth sports, and test your hitting skills during the hit-a-thon fundraiser (cents pledged per total feet ball travels) starting between 12:30 and 1:00pm. A fun-filed day for players and spectators alike.   

A special thanks to the school and to all those who helped with time, funding & equipment on Saturday's baseball field renovation day. A very, very special thanks to Trout Lake Farm for funding the majority of the renovation project which is sure to bring smiles to all young little leaguers present and future.

The Community Club is putting together an information book about Trout Lake and are seeking info on TL in general. They are interested in such things as good places (your favorite places) to go for fishing, huckleberry picking, snowmobiling, biking, and hiking. They are also interested in great things to look for in the Valley, such as older, restored houses, organic dairies, or other points of interest. Email your ideas to Meg Vollema at Vollema@yahoo.com. They would like this info by May 12, but this will be an ongoing project, so don't hesitate to email after that date with additional info. The Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT), whose mission is to develops life skills in children through participation in the performing art, is coming to Trout Lake School this April 27th-May 1st. MCT performances — which involve 40-50 local students of all ages — have delighted and amazed audiences for nearly four decades. This is a special opportunity and we are very happy to host them at our school with the play Rumpelstiltskin. Auditions will be held at Trout Lake School beginning April 27th at 3:15 p.m. Auditions are open to all students K-12. After-school rehearsals start shortly after auditions are completed and end May 1st. There will be two performances on May 1st at 10:00am and at 7:00pm.

 If you would like your student to participate in the MCT experience, please have them sign up by April 22nd at the school (auditions open to Trout Lake, Glenwood, and White Salmon students). We hope to see you there!

April 13, 2009 — Your Newswriters collectively apologize for not including the notice of the Easter breakfast. The event itself was packed with people eating ham and fruit cups and pancakes packed with huckleberries. Performances of Easter songs by Mt. Adams Baptist Church children's choir and the Presbyterian Church chimers made me think once more about the musical talent in this community. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers who put this event together, complete with tablecloths. Fun, too, to see all the children in their Easter clothing, some with quite dashing hats.

Congratulations to the middle school Destination Imagination team for their FIRST PLACE at the state tournament March 28. Team members Maggie Baker, Caitlin Scott, Ben Vollema, Devin Van Laar, Natasha Wilson, Seth Tiffan, and Grace Anton, will present their winning presentation to the school board on Wednesday of this week. The team was coached by Katy McKinney. This team also received the Renaissance Award at the regional competitions. Our other teams did very well at the regional event, earning second and third place finishes along with the Spirit of DI award to Donna Tiffin's team. These teams are a credit to our school, and they enjoy perennial success.

Spring Training baseball clinic is slated for Saturday, April 18 at the school from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Many skills and fundamentals will be taught to kids ages 5 — 12. There is a requested $5.00 donation. Call Perry Musgrove 395-2729 or Dennis McMahon 395-2617 for more information.

Some of you will be going from the Trout Lake Run, also scheduled for April 18, race start at 9:00 a.m.. Call the school for more information. The Run is a fund-raiser for the Class of 2012.

This is news from our neighbors (and sports team partners) in Glenwood, who will be putting on a donkey basketball night on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. It is students against staff and alums. If you haven't seen a game, you owe it to yourself to go, and if you have seen one, you know how much fun they are.

The next meeting of the Trout Lake Irrigators group, is Thursday April 16, at 7:00 pm at the Trout Lake School. Les Perkins, from the Farmer's Conservation Alliance in Hood River (www.fcasolutions.org) will help the group discuss the details of planning a feasibility study for future improvements in our irrigation water delivery systems. All are welcome.

The Saturday Market is looking for artists, bakers, candlestick makers, craftsmen, doodlers, egg producers, farmers and anybody else from A — Z who would like to participate. Pick up your registration packet at the Trout Lake Exchange (across from the store) or call 395-2233 for more information. The market will run from June 27 to October 11, so we should get some local corn this year.

You can dance at the Grange on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and do yoga at the Grange on Wednesdays. Call Jenn 509-771-8331 about the free from dance ("there will be stillness, silence, loud music, and dancing") and call Cookie Gilpatrick 395-2468 about the yoga (all levels welcome, bring your own mat and wear loose warm clothing).

Wow, I'm impressed that I now have visited Facebook. I found there information that an All Trout Lake School Reunion being planned for July 2009. Along with that notice was a request from Jeff Elmer for pictures and information. He is I'm looking for pictures of the old TL School (very few seem to exist!), the previous TLS buildings (I have a few), teachers (especially those who have passed), and students (again, especially those who have passed). He also would like information about faculty. Where did the teachers of our era (1969 graduation and earlier) move to after TL? I am trying to list any TLS teacher (not just high school). Jeff has visited the TLS Library and scanned pages from the pre-1970 yearbooks that they have, but is also on the look-out for yearbooks not in the library.

On that historical note, I have a thick file folder of old news columns, starting in January 1989 and going up to 1994. After that, when I started to write, I have a less complete collection, including all of mine before I started saving them on the computer, and many of the other writers. Any suggestions about the proper home for these? Pat Arnold, newswriter.

April 6, 2009 — Life is truly amazing, and this past month is no exception.  Now that all the snow has finally melted away in my driveway, I could actually see what's been under it all these weeks.  A few candy wrappers and other scraps of paper and here amongst the debris was an envelope addressed to Jonah Ministries.  It had obviously been lying there for many weeks and had been driven over many times, was soaking wet and very muddy.  Closer inspection revealed that it had come from a resident that lives at the lower end of the valley and had never been opened nor the stamp canceled.  How did it get to my driveway?  How had it survived all this time?  Many questions flew through my mind, so I figured that I needed to deliver it to the addressee and perhaps some light could be shed on them.  Turns out the envelope contained a generous donation for Jonah's worthy cause, but none of us had any answers to the How questions.  The Lord moves in mysterious ways!

Did you get a pie from Betty Jolley's Construction Zone team?  Ten ladies got together on Saturday and made 47 yummy pies to raise money for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life efforts.  This is just one of several events that raise money for this worthy cause.  In May they have a Yard Sale and Bake Sale in White Salmon, in June it's a Car Wash and Bake Sale here in Trout Lake and in July they auction off baskets of goodies and actually run the relay at Hood River High School.  All money raised goes to Cancer research.

Trout Lake Business Association is in the process of planning their annual bike ride, to be held on July 11, 2009.  The Association has recently undergone revitalization and is looking for input from all businesses and citizens.  Their goal is to bring more people and business to Trout Lake with sustainable tourism.  I'm sure we will be hearing more from these folks in the near future.  Contact Rick Allen at 395-0024 for more Association info or Karen Hoffman at 395-2353 for Bike Ride information.

The Grange will be closed for the first two weeks in May so that the floor in the West room can be refinished, plus new flooring in the dining room and kitchen, and if at all possible a new interior paint job plus an up-grade to the kitchen.  The goal is to have all this in place by the opening of Saturday Market on June 27.  Can you spare a couple of hours to paint or to work on other projects?  If so, please call Maxine at 395-2101 and let her know.

On Saturday April 11, there will be an old fashioned family Contra Dance and Potluck at the Grange.  All ages and especially beginners are welcome.  4 pm, Children's folk dance,  5 pm  Potluck, 6 pm – 8 pm adult dance.  Donations are $5.00 per person (children are free) this is a fundraiser for the Grange building and kitchen improvements.  Bring a dish to share and join us in celebrating Spring and the on going improvements to the Grange Community Building.

The following Saturday the Trout Lake Class of 2012 is putting on a 5k, 10k, and ½ marathon run; .meet at 8 am at the school.  Go to www.troutlakerun.blogspot.com for more information. 

March was a remarkable month with snow, rain, sun and a wicked windstorm that caused the demise of a dear friend to the entire community.  We will all miss Ray Holtmann's wonderful smile, good humor and kindness.  Another community member, Theresa Thygesen, passed on also.  Our hearts go out to the families of these dear folks.

March 16, 2009 — Well, I guess if we all had a lot of green food coloring we could turn all this white stuff green for St. Paddy's day. Real snow cones anyone? I do sincerely and deeply appreciate that this is a good thing for Mt. Adams and for our summer water supply and it isn't like the first winter snows where you have to worry about throwing the snow far away to make room for the next four feet, but it's always just about now that I start really hating the grunge in the barn and longing for fresh sawdust and dry floors. Soon enough, I suppose.

I've heard there were 37 kids home from school with the flu last week. The track team went off at half strength, and I sure know a lot of people, self included, who have been plagued with this bug that seems to keep finding new life. Emily Paxson's article in the always excellent Village Voice talks about the Turritopsis jellyfish that appears to be the only "immortal creatures" on earth. Except flu, of course. But maybe "creature" is too kind a word for the flu virus.

The Trout Lake Community Foundation invites Trout Lake's community members to a FREE SPUD FEED! Come to the Trout Lake Grange Hall on Saturday, March 21st at 6:00 p.m. for a baked potato dinner with all the fixings. It's the Foundation's way of saying "thank you" to everyone for their support, and it's a chance for anyone new in town to join us for dinner and learn about the Foundation. If you like, bring a dessert to share.

So let's see. You could do the potluck at the Grange yesterday and hear a great band. You can go to the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday for a corned beef dinner, you can go to the potato feed on the 21st, and on Friday the 14th you could have had some pretty good pi in Mrs. Nakae's class. What a town.

So be sure to show up for the Class of 2012 Trout Lake Run on April 18 and burn off some of those calories. Start time is 9:00 a.m. at the school. Or you can do yoga on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:45 at the Grange, or give the brain cells a workout by joining a Spanish class. Call 395-2275 for more information on the current days and times.

April 11 is field set-up day for Little League. Come to the Trout Lake School at 9:00 a.m. ready to work. Call Dennis McMahon for information about clean-up day or the April 18 clinic. April 25 is opening day. It'll probably be 95 degrees by then, but baseball is fun anytime, right?

Congratulations to Luke Dearden for his selection as the Seattle Times player of the week for his basketball accomplishments, and we know that Luke is a stand-out student as well. Luke can eat all he wants, between the basketball and the brain work.

Congratulations as well to Holly Phares for her selection as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. One of about 15,000 finalists nationally, Holly will find out this spring if she has been selected for an actual Merit Scholarship, but selected or not, her finalist status is an indication of a very high level of academic achievement. Trout Lake School produces finalists pretty regularly, which is quite an achievement for a school this size.

February 8, 2009 — Someone asked me the other day how I write this column. Well, I usually put together the opening paragraph while I'm driving back and forth to White Salmon. (This is not recommended by my AARP driving instructor, whose excellent course I just completed.) Anyway my mind sifts through recent events and I can usually come up with a “grabber” to get things started and then things flow from there. It just isn't happening this week and to make it worse my internet connection is down and at this minute I'm not sure how I'll get this column e-mailed to the proper recipients. Grrrrrrrrrr!!

Have you got your Shamrock polished? Is your Blarney Stone brushed off? Your Irish dinner fixin's all ready to go? Good, then bring 'em all down to the Grange this Saturday March 14th for a Trout Lake Irish Potluck. There will be a $10.00 admission to cover the cost of music and building rental with any surplus going to the building and kitchen fund. See you there for a FUN night!!

Other news in the valley is that the Community Foundation's annual Penny Drive is off and running. Penny jars will be found in many convenient locations to receive your donations. Can't think of a better use for those coins than to contribute to a child's scholarship; I save mine all year for that purpose. Last year, the Foundation raised over $12,000 for the scholarship fund through the Rummage Sale, Penny Drive and other fund raising events.

Class of 2012 is sponsoring a Trout Lake Run on April 18, featuring 5K, 10K and half marathon distances. Run will start at 9 am at the Trout Lake School; get more information at troutlakerun.blogspot.com. Prizes will be awarded and if you pre-register by 4/5/09, you will get a T-shirt as well.

Trout Lake Grange is looking for a stainless steel three part sink and a commercial refrigerator in order to qualify as a commercial kitchen. If you know of the availability of either of these items, please give Dave Wampler a call at 395-2323.

We have received many responses to our request for feedback in regarding property taxes in the past column. The assessor has explained his methods in a commentary that appeared in the 3/5/09 issue of this newspaper so I will not belabor the subject here, except to add my own growls to those that have been hurled in his direction. A 50% increase hurts no matter how it's explained.

February 8, 2009 — Valentine's Day is a happy holiday that brings the opportunity for humor, romance, comedy, passion, joy and chocolate. :Here's my Valentine to you, written by 14 year old Dakota Hysmith of Trout Lake. You can tell that he hit my chocolate nerve with this poem!

Bring your Valentine to the Valentine's Day Dinner & Dance on February 14, for great food and wonderful dance music by Joanie's Jazz Quartet. Come for dinner and dancing, or just to dance. Dinner and Dance: $25/person non Grange member or $20/person Grange members, $10/person Dance only. Look for posters around town, or contact Trout Lake Exchange 395-2323 for tickets and more information.

Even though there may be snow on the ground when you read this, the past week has brought some welcome spring like sunshine. It's been great to work out in the yard a little and feel the sun on my back. Flocks of geese flying overhead silhouetted against the clouds, and the alpenglow on the mountain at dusk are other welcome signs that spring can't be too far away.

A new Saturday Farmers Market is organizing, with some exciting changes. There will be expanded dates, new vendor opportunities and there are plans for a special Children's Market the first weekends of June, July, August and September. This is all in the early planning stage and volunteer help is welcome. Call Dave Wampler or Jenny Cohen at 395-2323 to volunteer or get additional information.

Another not-so-welcome event was the arrival of our property tax statements. Look closely at yours — does it include a charge for Fire District #1? If not, you are not protected by the Trout Lake Fire District. This can be remedied by petitioning the district to be included in their protection area. Call Mike Calahan 395-2780, Bob Jolley 395-2349, Pat Kelly 395-9319, Tyanne Parker 395-2788 or Eula Smith 395-2043 to request a petition. District policy is changing, due to legal requirements and soon insurance premiums and response costs will far outweigh any tax that will be charged to join the district. Be pro-active and make the call now.

Looking forward to March and April, there will be local entertainment fun. A St. Patrick's Day Celebration on March 14 will feature an Irish dinner followed by music provided by local artist Abe Cohen and Friends; look for posters giving more info, or call 395-2323 to make your reservation. $25/person non-Grange member, $20/person Grange members. Polish up the shamrock, get your green on and join the fun.

In April there will be a Spring Fling Potluck and Contra Dance to benefit the Grange Kitchen Fund. April 11 at the Grange: 4pm Children's Folk Dance, 5pm Potluck, 6-8pm Adult Dance. For the Potluck: last name A-H, Entrée; J-P, Bread, Salad; Q-Z, dessert. Donations are $5.00 per person (children free). All proceeds go to the Grange Commercial Kitchen Upgrade Fund. Look for more information in the near future.

Trout Lake's First Lego League team took part in the Oregon State Tournament in January. The team presented an original skit about a solution to climate change that was illustrated by a robotics routine, The team qualified for State at the Regional Championship in December. Team members Seth Tiffan, Josh Clark, Ben Vollema, Emma Tiffan and Coach Tyler Cope worked hard on their presentation. While not advancing to the FLL National Championships, the team's state score was 50% higher than their Regional score and they are looking forward to next year's competition.

Trout Lake News Writers welcome Sarah Arnold to our ranks and look forward to her columns starting in March. Now, if we had just one more person to write once every four weeks, we'd have Trout Lake news covered. I know you're out there... c'mon, give me a call and take the plunge, you can do it!!!

January 12, 2009 — Cure Your "Cabin Fever"! Join the fun this weekend when the 8th annual Cabin Fever Festival returns to Trout Lake, Jan.17-19th. This free community-wide event offers something for everyone to enjoy: On Saturday Jan. 17, events will include the cross-country ski race at Pineside Sno-Park beginning at 9:30am, an afternoon guided snowshoe walk at 1:00 p.m. (Meet at Mt. Adams Ranger District parking lot), and for those wishing to stay indoors, a Scrabble tournament is being held at the Grange, also beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In the evening, the soup contest will start at 5pm. This year's contest winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to Solstice Wood Fire Café, so here's your chance to earn a night off from cooking! The community dinner & potluck will begin at 5:30pm - bring a side dish, salad or dessert to go along with the Otto's smoked sausages provided by the Trout Lake Business Assoc. Immediately following the dinner, Forest Service Archaeologists Cheryl Mack and Rick McClure will be presenting a slideshow featuring historic photos and stories from our local ranger district. (A children's Scooby Doo movie will be offered in a separate room during the slideshow).

On Sunday evening at the Grange, a Family Contra Dance with a live band will be held from 6:30-8:30pm. A professional caller will teach all the dances, so no experience is necessary and all ages are welcome. This is a free event, but small donations will be gladly accepted to help offset the costs.

The final event of the weekend will be held on Monday, Jan.19th. at the school. The Trout Lake Sr. Class will be volunteering to lead a variety of activities for kids to enjoy beginning at 9am. This is sure to be a fun way for the young ones to spend the MLK holiday!

A big "Thank You" to Marjorie Mitchell for designing the festival poster. Take a good look at it around town for an event that interests you. For more information, call Camden McMahon at 395-2617.

More fun on the following weekend: Dinner, Dancing and Entertainment will be offered on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm. This event features dinner catered by Heavenly Grounds and entertainment provided by Lincoln Crockett, followed by dancing with the acoustic folk group Lucky Finn. All of this right here at the Trout Lake Grange. Seating is limited and advanced reservations are required. Drop by the Trout Lake Exchange (across from Trout Lake Grocery) to purchase your tickets: $20. per person for Grange members and $25. for non Grange members. Look for more information in your mail box and flyers posted around town.

The Grange Community Building is exactly that, a building that is available throughout the year for use by the entire community. Rent the building for meetings, classes, events, etc. Pick up a Rental Packet at the Trout Lake Exchange or download it at www.TroutLake.org/grange, schedule your date with Maxine Bulick at 395-2101.

The Grange seeks and welcomes new members; annual dues are $38.00, look for applications at the post office, community bulletin board or the Trout Lake Exchange. Minutes of past meetings and calendar of events are also available at www.TroutLake.org/grange. Join us as we plan future events. . . it can't happen without you! PS to current members: 2009 dues are due; thank you for your continued support, your membership is important to this community organization.

News Writers: OK, I know you're out there; you're someone who keeps their ear to the ground, who knows what's happening, who has about an hour a month to spend writing a news column of Trout Lake news and who wants to join the other two writers in this endeavor. We NEED you! If we had two or even (hallelujah) three additional writers it would be wonderful. After all, Trout Lake deserves to be in the news every week, doesn't it?? I mean, we rock and we need to share our good news on a regular basis. C'mon, give me a call – 395-2101, you know you can do it, just plunge in and go!!

National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) has launched an exciting project that involves a community-based process to create a National Geographic "Geotourism MapGuide". The MapGuide will cover the region stretching from Crater Lake National Park to Mount Rainier National Park and will include communities, as well as private and public lands in both states. Local residents are invited to nominate landmarks, attractions, activities, events and local businesses that define the region's unique character for inclusion in the MapGuide and website. The website, www.thecentralcascades.com, will be launched on January 12, 2009. The site nomination submission process will be officially launched in the Columbia River Gorge on Friday, January 16th, where Jim Dion, Associate Director of CSD, will ask for public participation from communities in the Gorge. A reception will be held at Celilo Restaurant and Bar at 16 Oak Street in Hood River from 4-5pm. Target Communities include Bingen and White Salmon, outlying communities of Trout Lake, Glenwood, Husum and Lyle are encouraged to nominate local attractions. We urge you to attend the reception in Hood River, learn more about future public forums and presentations.

There is an active group of homeowners in Trout Lake that are seeking solutions to their lack of DSL computer service. It appears that there are at least two large areas of the valley that are unable to obtain DSL service through either Gorge Net or Embarq. These folks have banded together and have a few tentative ideas for solutions. The next meeting will be at the end of January; email or call Deb Faast, faastd@gorge.net 395-2105 for additional information.

December 22, 2008 — Well, happy snow, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, happy shoveling, happy frozen pipes, but despite the cold, this snow is gloriously beautiful, isn't it? I am writing on December 21, winter solstice. Sunrise today 7:46 a.m. and sunset 4:24 p.m. There were a few minutes of sunshine and I was struck, as always this time of year, by the low arc of the sun in the south. By June I'll have afternoon sun on my asparagus patch on the north side of the house.

The Community Council forwarded three proposals to the Economic Development Authority Board for consideration for funding in 2009. This year the EDA Board requested community councils to prioritize proposal, but also to send all proposals, which is a new procedure. Three proposals were made in Trout Lake. The Community Council selected a Fire District proposal for a replacement Jaws of Life ($24,417.94) as priority one. Priority two was a Trout Lake School proposal to replace the lights in the gym with higher efficiency, less noisy lights at a cost of $3235. The third priority was for sanding and refinishing of the school gym floor at a cost of $17,000. The EDA Board meeting will be held in Goldendale on January 8.

The Community Council chose officers at the December meeting. They are Ken Belieu, chair, Frank Childs vice-chair, and Jeff Baker secretary-treasurer.

The Council meeting for January 7 is cancelled in favor of two Comprehensive Plan Update Committee meetings scheduled for Monday January 12 and Wednesday January 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. at the school. The Committee will be making a final review of goals, objective, policies, and maps.

As Maxine has noted in previous columns, we are in need of another Newswriter. We each write once a month. It's fun to do and you won't get any bad reviews. Current Newswriters will provide an orientation and tips. Call any of us for more information.

December 15, 2008 — I think it's the music that I love the most about Christmas, the lovely old carols, sung by children's choirs, church choirs and folks simply joining together in the town square to lift their voices in the joy of the season. But then, maybe it's the food, the wonderful smells of gingerbread, pumpkin pie, cookies, warm cider, roast beast, and all the other special dishes prepared just at this time of year. Or the lights, the wonderful colored lights hung from every porch, rooftop and tree illuminating the dark days of winter. No matter what your faith, the comfort and joy of this season help to warm our hearts and souls, inspiring fervent wishes for an end to hunger, illness and war.

Christmas food baskets are being assembled at the Baptist Church; your donation of non-perishable foods, cash or gifts will help brighten a local family's holiday. Deadline for contributions is 12/21/08. Contact Ruth Belieu at 395-2712 for additional information.

The Trout Lake Community Foundation has done it again, raising over $180,000 for scholarships for local students. This is accomplished by the efforts of many, many folks. From the Penny Drive, which raised $1,800. to the Silent Auction at the Fair which brought in $2,224. and the gigantic Labor Day Rummage Sale plus generous gifts from individual donors. Seven 2008 graduates plus six post-graduates received scholarships from this effort. Once again, Trout Lake rocks!

New residents in Trout Lake who are seeking who's who and what's happening information, may log on to the Trout Lake website at www.troutlake.org and also pick up a copy of the Trout Lake "Yellow Pages" which are on the Community Bulletin Board. Both of these list people, places and events in Trout Lake.

Don't forget about the AARP Senior Driving Course offered by Jim Bull. If you are interested in this eight hour, two day (four hours each day) course, contact Jim at 395-2755. Cost is $10.00 and once Jim gets 10 Trout Lake folks signed up, he'll present the course here in Trout Lake. Once completed, take the Certificate to your auto insurance company and they will provide a discount on your premium.

Trout Lake School's Advanced Biology Club and National Honor Society are raising funds for a trip to Greece in spring 2009. Part of their fund raising efforts are beautiful 2009 Calendars which are available at the school or local businesses for $10.00. A lovely addition to your home and a great cause for our children. Having traveled to Greece myself I know that it's a wonderful learning experience as well as just plain fun and the kids will definitely benefit from the trip.

Since this is the last column I will write in 2008, I want to take the opportunity to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday Season and the very Best New Year in 2009. Peace and Joy to All.

December 8, 2008 — The Holiday Season is truly upon us! Starting this past Thursday with the annual Trail Band Concert in Hood River which always sets the mood for me, and followed on Saturday by Trout Lake's Holiday Market. Once again the fantastic artisans and crafters in our community out did themselves. From hand forged items to jewelry, wonderful hand crafted quilts, yummy foods, exquisite water colors and photographs, the array of items was mind blowing.

Following the map of venues and merchants gave an opportunity to visit the new Trout Lake Exchange, home of the Simple Living Network, our sustainable living resource center, then across the street to Cascade Mountain & Ropes where everything is 50% off. Further down the road the General Store had yummy huckleberry pies in addition to their general merchandise. Lunch at Heavenly Grounds was super and KJ's was bustling.

Got a chance to check out the Trout Lake Valley Inn (formerly Trout Lake Motel) view their wonderful collection of old photos of Trout Lake and if you're bored, ask them for their list of 101 things to do in Trout Lake!.

The Ribbon Basket was a wonderful surprise with a huge selection of craft supplies plus delectable cheese braid loaves in lemon or huckleberry. These breads can be ordered fresh or frozen if you wish to bake it yourself. Harmony will also order any craft supplies you may need if she does not have them on hand.

Serenity's is serving dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, with two seatings, at 5:30 and 7:30. Call 395-2500 to reserve a spot for a scrumptious dinner.

Little Mountain Hardware wrapped it all up with their cozy fire, yummy cookies and collecting the maps for the Grand Prize Drawing.

35th Annual Community Christmas Cantata will be held at Jonah Ministries this year. Sunday December 14th at 7pm listen to the beautiful music and enjoy delectable desserts afterwards.

The Trout Lake News writers are seeking someone to write an article once per month with news about goings on in our village. Are YOU the one?? Take up the challenge and give us a call: Pat Arnold 395-2233, Maxine Bulick 395-2101.

Trout Lake Fire Department reminds you once again to become a part of the fire district. Check your property tax statement to see if you are charged the 0.5365 for Fire District #1. There are parts of the valley that are not in the district and in that case you must contact the department and apply to join. Don't wait until you have an emergency to find out, check your tax statement and call Eric Schmid at 395-2466 or Eula Smith at 395-2043 for more information.

How is your computer and internet connection working for you?? Do you have DSL, or does it take days for your computer to move from one screen to the next, never mind trying to shop or find information on the internet. Well join the rest of us who are gnashing our teeth at this insanity, we just may be able to do something about it. On December 29, 2008 at 7pm, there's a meeting at 117 Jennings Road to begin to seek solutions. Several knowledgeable folks will be there to share insight; join us, there's strength in numbers!

November 15, 2008 — A beautiful clear, crisp night, a scrumptious spaghetti dinner, warm companionship and fantastic music. What more could one ask for? Once again the Trout Lake School's Fall Fling has flung us all into toe tapping rapture as we were serenaded by the Jazz Band and the White Salmon Jazz Band as well. Doug Anderson who has come out of retirement to teach music at the Trout Lake School, has talented and inspired musicians who give it their all and make beautiful music. As always, the White Salmon Jazz Band provided a stellar performance. We even noticed a couple dancing, which proves my theory that a dance floor should be added to this annual affair. Many thanks to the cooks, the students, the teachers and the many others who put together this wonderful night. Trout Lake Rocks!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 25th as that's the day the school offers a Community Feast. There will be 2 seatings for the Feast: 11:15 am, pre-45h grade and family. 12:00 noon, 5th thru 12th and family. Community members are welcome for either seating. Trout Lake Community Club will provide Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes with gravy, Stuffing, Rolls, Cranberry Sauce and Beverages. The Community is asked to bring a dish to share, according to your last name: A-L please bring a side dish, M-Z please bring dessert. School families should just bring one dish; not a dish for each child. This event also includes a canned food drive; please bring cans of food for local food baskets. If you have questions, call JoAnn Poland at 395-2571. See you there!!

The Advanced Science Class and the National Honor Society are raising money for a trip to Greece. As part of this effort, they are selling Christmas wreaths and cookie dough. The wreaths, swags and garlands are hand made in Troutdale and they are just beautiful. A 24" swag is $25.00, Wreaths come in 18", 22" and 30" sizes and run $25.00, $30.00 and $40.00. Garlands are 25' for $45.00 and 75' for $100.00 Cookie Dough comes in several flavors: Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Snicker Doodles and Sugar Cookie and sells for $7.00 for a 2.5 lb container that makes 5 dozen 3 inch cookies. What a super way to bake and decorate for the holidays!

A series of public meetings is being sponsored by Klickitat County to learn the public's preferences, ideas and suggestions about how our community might better protect its open farm and ranch lands and keep them available for agriculture. Mountain View Grange #98, 1085 Main Street in White Salmon is the location for a meeting on Wednesday 11/19/08. Other meetings are scheduled for Centerville Grange on Tuesday 11/18/08 and Alder Creek Grange in Bickleton on 11/20/08. More information may be obtained from Don Stuart, American Farmland Trust, 206.860.4222 or dstuart@farmland.org and Pat Arnold 509.395.2233 or greenpastures@gorge.net.

The Trout Lake Fair Board is offering $1,500 in grant money for persons or organizations developing community service projects. The application for this grant must be made in writing to Ray Thygesen at PO Box 423 by January 1, 2009.

Trout Lake Presbyterian Church has postponed their Third Tuesday Potluck until the second Tuesday in December, topic to be announced. Sunday the 23rd they will celebrate Christ the King, Thanksgiving and Caregivers Sunday. Sunday the 30th will be the first Sunday in Advent with Bettina McCuiston at the piano accompanied by John Schultz on the guitar and Diana Sanders on the keyboard.

Want to save some money? Jim Bull is offering the AARP Driver Safety Program right here in Trout Lake. This is an 8 hour class for adults 50+ years of age, completed in two four hour sessions, on separate days, you must participate in both sessions. Jim needs at least 10 folks to conduct a session and he now has 4, call him at 395-2755 to sign up. Washington State authorizes auto insurance discounts for this course, so once you have completed the course, check with your agent for details on how to obtain the discount.

The Mount Adams Baptist Church will be assembling Community Food Baskets on Tuesday 11/25/08. Bring your donations of food, cash or gifts to the church by noon on 11/25. If you want to help, or seek more information, call Ruth Belieu at 395-2712.

Don't forget abut the Trout Lake Holiday Market on Saturday December 6, 2008 from 9 am to 4 pm at the school multi-purpose room and at the Trout Lake Grange. Shop for home made goodies, crafts, art and other Holiday items at both locations.

Trout Lake Grange will meet on November 20th due to the Thanksgiving holiday. What's your vision for the Grange? Come share it at this meeting when we nominate officers for the coming year and discuss new purchases for the kitchen, plus media equipment, summer use of the building and heat for the West room. Lots to talk about... see you there!

November 10, 2008 — The Trout Lake School advanced science class and National Honor Society are working for money to take a school trip to Greece. They are selling evergreen wreathes and swags for Christmas. Call advisors of those two groups, Dennis Anderson or Laurie Sherburne at the school 395-2541, for details or to order the holiday greens.

Trout Lake News for Monday, November 3, 2008

It's been years since I've had a mouse in my house, but a couple of weeks ago one had the unmitigated nerve to wander out on my kitchen counter in broad daylight, threw down the gauntlet and declared war. It was him, in my nice cozy dry house, not in the cold wet outside, and me and the cat be damned. I immediately went to the store and stocked up on weapons of mass, er mouse, destruction. These included the standard wooden traps with very strong springs to smack said mouse into cheese heaven, plus a newer model that is a tray covered with a very sticky substance. I decided to try the old standard first and soon discovered that the new "improved" model now sports a slick plastic slice of "cheese" on which you place the bait (peanut butter, of course) and then cock the spring and place the trigger under the "cheese". Did I mention that the "cheese" is plastic. Slick, smooth plastic. Well, the trigger does NOT hold on this plastic. After many tripped traps flipping peanut butter all over the counter, I gave up. I did note however, that the remaining peanut butter disappeared, giving evidence that Mr. Mouse was still alive and fatter. So, I moved on to the sticky stuff and sure enough, the next day, I heard a strange sound coming from the kitchen. I grabbed the cat from his napping spot and placed him up on the counter near the stuck mouse. Cat gave a couple of sniffs, grabbed the mouse and jumped down to the floor with mouse, sticky tray and now his paw all stuck together. This did not appeal to the cat, who pulled his paw loose, gave me a disgusted look and stalked out of the kitchen. Not to be outdone by this finicky cat, I tossed the whole outfit out the door for the outside cat to play with. Ha — he was too smart to be stuck by this trap and calmly settled in to wait out the mouse, who was struggling to get out of the goo, but looked like he was fading fast. A few minutes later, I looked out and the cat, the sticky tray and the mouse were all gone, but a dog was leaving the driveway with a strange looking flat thing attached to his nose. The current score is Cats — 0, Humans — 1, Dogs — sticky nose and maybe a mouse, plus trap.

Brilliant yellow vine maple, bright red burning bush, amber ferns, orange dogwood, all mixed with beautiful evergreens. Once again a Gorgeous Autumn season in our valley and in the Gorge. We've had a lovely Indian Summer and a very nice warm and dry Halloween evening; thank you Mother Nature! Speaking of Halloween, our admiration and congratulations to the artists that carved the fantastic pumpkin and gourd people that graced the porch of the Trout Lake Grocery. What imaginations they have — super!

The Holiday Season is creeping up on us and thoughts of turkey, dressing, pies and other goodies are beginning to crowd into my brain. Not to mention lists of folks to send cards to and buy gifts for. This year we can shop locally on Saturday December 6, 2008, as our very own Trout Lake Holiday Market is back, thanks to Harmony Allaway's Ribbon Basket, Laurie Sherburn, the Trout Lake School Advanced Science Club and the National Honor Society. The Holiday Market will be held in two locations: the school Multipurpose Room and the Grange Community Building and will feature local arts, crafts and home made goodies. Call Harmony at 395-2222 for additional information.

AARP Driver Safety Classes have begun again. These classes are taught by our own Jim Bull, who has offered to teach one here in Trout Lake if enough folks sign up. The classes run for two consecutive days, four hours each day and the cost is $10.00. Once you have completed the class, you may get a discount on your auto insurance premium by presenting proof to your insurance agent. Call Jim Bull at 395-2289 to sign up for the Trout Lake class.

Trout Lake Grange Community Building is now sporting a spanking new foundation, completed new roof and amazing structural improvements in the attic, thanks to Bob Jolley Construction and an EDA Grant from Klickitat County. These repairs have made the building stronger and safer for all to enjoy. Next on the list of improvements will be a new refrigerator and stoves for the kitchen, thanks to a grant from the Horizons Project.

What's your vision for the Grange? Come to our meetings and share your ideas — it can't happen without you. The November and December meetings, which, due to the holidays, will be held on the third Thursday of those months. The November meeting will be on 11/20/08 and nominations for the 2009 officers will be held in addition to other business. The December meeting will be on 12/18/08 and elections of officers will be held at that time, in addition to wrapping up old business from 2008. Check on Trout Lake.org and click on Grange to get the latest news and events scheduled for the Grange.

Trout Lake News for Monday, October 27, 2008

Reminder: The Presbyterian Church conference on food sustainability and social justice is on Saturday, November 1, 2008.at the Trout Lake School from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is available for $3.00 with a reservation. Speakers include Monte Pearson, Lon Ball, and Lee Albaugh, a building contractor and missionary from Portland who works in Africa with children orphaned by HIV. For more information or for lunch reservations, contact Ardith Thompson at 509.395.2385 or Janet Anderson at 509.395.9307 or janet@dj-records.com.

Hang tough, folks, the campaigns will be over soon, or at least taking a breather until January or so when the next Congressional campaigns will no doubt be gearing up. Nothing certain except death, taxes, and political campaigns? Anyway, you can VOTE now. Get that ballot in so it can be counted and we don't have to wait for two weeks after the election for the results. Or at least we can hope to have clean counts without months of legal actions. Can't we? Trout Lake always has a pretty good turnout, so let's keep that going, anyway, and do our part.

Don't forget to go to the Grange on November 4 to vote in the Community Council election. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is plenty of room for write-ins. The Community Council plays an important role in your life, since the County comes to the Council for input on land use issues, use of economic development funds, and other items of local concern. Your vote counts here, and is important, so show up at the Grange and make your voice heard.

Newswriter and music critic, I'm sure the job description said. So I will report that the music presented by Randy Fitch and Alisa Dillard at Heavenly Grounds on Saturday was terrific. The dinner was excellent, audience small but enthusiastic, acoustics good, and no clanging from Andy's shop. An hour of live music, and I was home by 7:30, my kind of Saturday night out.

Due to the holidays, the Trout Lake Grange November and December meeting dates are changed as follows: NOVEMBER: Thursday 11/20/08, 7:00 pm at the Grange Hall: Nominations of candidates for 2009 offices of President, Vice President, Program Director, Secretary and Treasurer, in addition to other business. DECEMBER: Thursday 12/18/08, 7:00 p.m.

Election of officers for 2009 will be held and we will be wrapping up old business from 2008. What is your vision for the Grange? What are your ideas to enjoy this wonderful old building with a spiffy new foundation and a really good roof? Come to these meetings and share your ideas – it can't happen without you!!

Klickitat County Fire District #1, Trout Lake Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.mm on Tuesday, 11/11/08 at the Fire Hall. The 2009 Budget will be approved at this meeting. The public is always welcome to attend any Fire District meeting. Regular meetings of the Fire Commissioners are on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the Fire Hall.

Spanish conversation classes are starting again the first week of November. If rumors are true, these classes include lots of fun and you may find yourself reading Spanish gossip magazines. Call Stephanie Stevens at 395-2275 for more information.

The Trout Lake Holiday Market/Christmas Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday December 6 at the school. The event is sponsored by The Ribbon Basket, and the Trout Lake School Advanced Science Club and the Honor Society. Your part? If you have something to sell, reserve a booth at a very reasonable price. If you have presents to buy, come to the Market and find them there. Call Laurie Sherburne 395-2294 or Harmony Allaway 395-2222 for a booth reservation or for more information. Buy local, save gas, and support your friends, neighbors, and scholars.

I was sorry to miss the high school political forum earlier this month. This column would welcome a report from presenter or attendee. As many of you know, in my opinion one of the most important functions of education is to prepare young people to be conscientious, well-informed citizens and voters, so I congratulate the students and Mike Woods on this presentation.

The nearly final draft of the Comprehensive Plan is on the website, and by the time you read that, the last sections will be up. Time to chime in, folks.

October 8, 2008 — Trout Lake Community Council has 4 positions open for election on November 4. The positions currently held by Carter Davis, Ken Belieu, Robert Schmid and Hans Winterlich are open. Carter Davis is not running for position 5, so the hope is that at least one other person will choose to run for this office.

The Community Council studies issues relevant to the quality of life in Trout Lake and makes recommendations to the county commissioners based on the results of their study. Theirs is a very important service to our community. Call Frank Childs (395-2469) for additional information regarding this opportunity.

Remember that though we vote in the general election by mail for all other positions, we vote on site on November 4 for the Community Council.

The Trout Lake Fair Board is making available $1500 in grant money for persons or organizations developing community service projects. Application must be made in writing to Ray Thyggeson at PO Box 423, Trout Lake, WA 98650 by January 1, 2009. Call Ray at 395-2318 for additional information.

September 22, 2008 — The Community Council has four positions up for elections in November.

• Position 5 - Carter Davis
• Position 7 - Ken Belieu
• Position 8 - Robert Schmid
• Position 9 - Hans Winterlich

We are inviting anyone interested in running for any of the above positions to come to our October 1st meeting. A nomination form requiring five registered voters signatures is required. The forms are available at the community bulletin board and will be available at the October meeting. Forms can also be obtained from Frank Childs (395-2469) or Jim White (395-2585).

September 8, 2008 — Trout Lake School has received a Learn and Serve Grant to support its continuing efforts to educate its students to be compassionate and responsible citizens. On September 18th Trout Lake and Glenwood Communities are invited to Trout Lake School for a presentation of Rachel's Challenge, a program designed to promote positive change in community relationships.

It begins at 5:30 with lasagna dinner served by the ASB students from both schools. Promptly at 7:00 p.m., the program "Rachel's Challenge" begins.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. The Challenge was developed by her family to honor her by facilitating change that was important to her. It based on Rachel's acts of kindness and the compassion she demonstrated throughout her short life.

The program is free to the public. It has proven to be powerful and effective and is cited as a factor in preventing some specific violence in schools. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Trout Lake Singers has started up again for the Fall Semester 2008 on Mondays at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Doug and Janet Andersons, 28 Mt. Adams Rd., Trout Lake. There are new pieces with a bass line, guys! It's a great opportunity to learn some music and spend time with neighbors. Call Andersons at 509.395.9307 for additional information.

On September 27, Public Lands Day, volunteers are asked to join in an effort to clean up the forest. Cross country skiers, berry pickers and hikers who enjoy the Gifford Pinchot will be picking up litter t designated sights in the forest. Call Julie Knutson at 395-3410, or Chris Streburg for further details.

July 30th, 2008 — Summer is coming to a close and it's time to get outside and experience the natural beauty of the West through helping preserve the Pacific Crest Trail while the sun's still shining. Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), in cooperation with The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is actively recruiting community volunteers for this summer's trail work projects throughout California, Oregon and Washington. And the best part is: no experience is necessary and all meals, tools and training are provided free of charge. If you haven't had a chance to go on that essential camping trip yet here's your opportunity to do so while helping to preserve a national treasure. . . .

Click here to download the entire PDF Press Release with complete, detailed information.

• Official updates from the Incident Commander
  Fire Information Number at the Cold Springs Fire Camp at Trout Lake School in Trout Lake, Washington: 509-395-2670.
• News story from KATU.com
• News story from The Oregonian

Photos provided courtesy of Darryl Lloyd. Copyright © 2008 by Darryl Lloyd.

Firefighters' tents at Trout Lake School, base of all firefighting effort.

Telephoto of fire near Bunnell Butte.

View of fire from Little Huckleberry Mountain, SW of Trout Lake Valley.

Telephoto of massive plume from Little Huckleberry Mountain, Trout Lake Valley and King Mountain in lower center.

Media and Firefighters at base (Trout Lake School).

April 28, 2008

Well, in spite of morning frost, we think about gardening. Thursday nights' grange forum was a discussion the possibility of a community garden. Emily Anderson from the Northwest Service Academy was there to talk briefly about ways that she could facilitate the development of the gardens as a part of her community service. There was a lot of interest from attendees. Doug Anderson of the Horizon's Program suggested that there could be financial support for purchase of materials and education if grants were written.

Call Emily Anderson to register your interest in this project, 509-395-2706.

Marcy Schuman spoke about sustainability as a concept and briefly about as a consumer. There was enough discussion to indicate that this is an idea that has been on the minds of Trout Lake citizens for some time. There were those for whom sustainability has been a lifestyle for generations, and those for whom it seems a newer concept.

All agree that it is essential that we commit to being responsible for the impact we have on the earth and that raising food locally is something that we can do. Watch for information about upcoming 4th Thursday Forums at the Grange. They are well worth your time.

The theme of growing food was then carried on in the Trout Lake Garden Exchange meeting at Dave Wampler's home. The Gardeners will be meeting through the summer and enjoying monthly garden tours. Contact Jan Loomis (janetteloomis@hotmail.com or 395-2119) to get on the mailing list for dates, times and places. It is a fun and varied group-the meetings are informative. There is information about the Gardeners at troutlake.org/gardeners

It's always exciting to realize that one of our own is recognized as a person of note in the larger world. Dave Wampler has been interviewed by Business Week for inclusion in their small business edition. There will be a photographer from New York here to photograph Dave and Trout Lake this week. Dave's business, The Simple Living Network is a great example of home industry which has been serving the sustainable living concept for years. Congratulations Dave for this recognition of your significant achievements.

With all this incentive and support to really make our gardens work this year, Pat Arnold is hoping that we bring her the best produce ever for display at the Trout Lake Fair. She challenges us to be prepared to show our stuff the first weekend in August. She mentioned wishing some of us would bring some produce native to our region.

Be watching for information regarding fair planning. They really need help in planning the fair and it is a great way to get to know the ropes and have a lot of fun.

A reminder: Go to the Trout Lake web site to read up on the status of land use planning.

Volunteer Opportunities On The Pacific Crest Trail

Sacramento, CA — April 21, 2008 — Come experience the natural beauty of the West while helping preserve the Pacific Crest Trail! The PCT is a National Scenic Trail that runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, the trail's ongoing restoration and maintenance depends heavily upon the hands of volunteers. Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), in cooperation with The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is actively recruiting community volunteers for this summer's trail work projects throughout California, Oregon and Washington. And the best part is: no experience is necessary and all meals, tools and training are provided free of charge!

"We're really excited about this year. Last year's program was so successful." reports Mike Dawson, PCTA Trails Operations Director. "We have multiple projects going on all summer and early fall in some of the most amazing natural areas along the entire length of the trail."

NWSA/AmeriCorps trail teams will be leading a wide variety of projects including brush cutting, drainage control and building trail structures. Volunteers should be physically able to hike, do trail work and camp. Volunteers provide their own tent, sleeping bag, personal gear and transportation to the project site. The AmeriCorps trail team will provide the rest. Volunteers may choose to join a team for a couple of days, extended weekend or for one of the longer 8 — 11 day trips. . Here is a preliminary schedule:

Oregon/Washington AmeriCorps Project Schedule:

July 1 — 9: Horseshoe Meadow, Gifford Pinchot National Forest
June 30 — July 4: Sedum Ridge, GPNF
July 7 -11: Whiskey Creek, GPNF
July 21 — 27: Riley Creek South, GPNF
July 31 — Aug 2: Sheep Lake to Crest Camp, GPNF
Aug 8 — 9: Sawtooth Mountain, GPNF
Aug 14 — 19: Knife Edge, GPNF
Aug 22 — 29: Jefferson Park, GPNF
Sept 3 — 10: Berry Mountain, GPNF
Sept 29 — Oct 3: McKenzie Pass, Deschutes National Forest
Oct 6 — 10: Clackamas, Mount Hood National Forest

For more details, interested individuals, couples, groups and clubs can go online at www.pcta.org or contact Emily Beck, PCT Volunteer Programs Assistant, at ebeck@pcta.org or call (916) 349-2109 ext 22. Contact us now to get your choice of dates and locations.

*** The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as an internationally significant resource for the enjoyment of hikers and equestrians, and for the value that wild and scenic lands provide to all people. he Northwest Service Academy is an AmeriCorps program that partners with community-based organizations, government agencies and schools to address significant environmental and educational needs is the states of WA and OR.***

April 14, 2009

Congratulations to the TLG track teams for a fine performance at the Portland Christian Invitational this weekend. If my source, a proud parent, is right, the TLG girls took first place in the meet, which included eight Oregon 1A teams (schools more or less our size), and teams from ten larger schools. The results page shows places in each individual event, but not overall winners. TLG girls took firsts in the pole vault, high jump, 300 low hurdles, 800 meters, 1500 meters, and 3000 meters, and many seconds, thirds, and fourths in big fields of athletes.

The boy's team, with many younger athletes, didn't do so well, but names of TLG athletes are still prominent in the results. Go have a look — it's wonderful to read. Congratulations, coaches and athletes.

While the high school runners were enjoying the weather in Portland, many other were enjoying the run and the weather here for the Trout Lake Class of 2012 fundraiser 5K, 10K, and half marathon. I saw a lot of runners on the road, but hadn't gotten results by press time.

I sometimes think that this column is superfluous — we could just direct folks to the Trout Lake website and the school newsletter for all the news, and more. If you're not in the habit of checking the website, go have a look. The school newsletter, which I always consult while writing this column, has consistently interesting articles, opinion pieces, student writing, and photography. The middle school assignments on the Guinness records produced some inspired writing. Thanks, Mrs. McKinney and students.

Community Foundation Pennies for Scholars fundraiser is in full swing — drop your change into the collection cans at any local store. This fund drive collected enough last year for a $2300 scholarship, and the goal this year is to do the same or better.

The school board and administration are re-evaluating the Trout Lake — Glenwood sports combine. The issues are many, and the school has held a community forum on the subject. Still, if you have something to say, you have until May 1 — contact Doug Dearden or any school board member.

Two DI teams went to the State competition in Wenatchee on March 29. An elementary team, coached by Wendy Baker, took second place. Good going, team members James Baker, Corbin Steffy, Emma Tiffin, Peggy Renoso, and ShanDale Tardiff. . A middle school team coached by Katy McKinney's took 7th place, and also won a "daVinci" award for creativity, in particular for using all team members in an effective way in the skit. Again, good going, team members Devin Van Laar, Seth Tiffan, Ben Vollema, Maggie Baker, Caitlin Scott, Riley Steffy, and Natasha Wilson.

Adding to the Fair news in last week's column, there is a particular need for volunteers to organize the parade (the organizers from the last several years will provide helpful information) and to work on publicity. The Fair Board would also like to have an exhibit on Trout Lake history, and so volunteer(s) are needed for that too. And now is the time to plant that garden, and those flowers, so you can bask in the admiration of your neighbors with your exhibit at the veggie and flower booth.

Finally, I can report that the Comprehensive Plan Update Committee is making progress. If any readers have noticed that I have not been much in evidence at community events, social events, or much of anywhere else, blame it on the plan. For the three years we have been working on this, "spare time" has been a mockery, not a reality. Other committee members have taken on significant burdens of research, time, mapping, but I've been the principal writer, and there's always another section to draft, or a little more rewriting to do. Now, the end is in sight. The CPUC will be posting sections of the draft regularly from now on, and we expect to have them all posted somewhere around the end of June. These will be drafts, and things can and will be rewritten and revised as general public input is received.

The plan is organized into sections, which are the "elements" of the plan. Our plan is following, more or less, an outline that is widely used in Washington, under the state laws that authorize comprehensive plans. The Klickitat County Plan has not been revised, except a few small parts, since 1981 or thereabouts, so it does not follow the outline that we are using. Snowden has recently published a draft plan, available on the Klickitat County Planning Department website, which uses a very similar outline.

Two of the first sections that will be on the website will be a (very short) introduction to what a comprehensive plan it and an overview of the organization and contents of the Trout Lake plan. As the other sections go up, we hope that Trout Lakers will read them, think about them, and send comments. There are surely people out there who have useful and interesting knowledge and perspectives to bring to the process of final revisions. We hope to hear from many of you, so that the final plan, when presented to the County, will be as good as we all can make it.

April 1, 2008

Join the Trout Lake Art Council and their friends for the annual spring fund raiser. The event is on April 19 from 2 to 5 at Brightland Kerr Farm, the home of Jim and Charlotte Lambert. In keeping with the English and Australian influences on the Lambert's, and the style of the home-there will be afternoon tea with several traditional menu items: lamb and beef, truffles, pikelets, truffles, tarts, English cheeses and English beer.

Tea at Brightland Kerr offers the opportunity to see an example of the work of Trout Lake architect, Brooks Heard as well as the craftsmanship of Fred Paxson, Tony Wallace, Randy Olmstead, Don Gunstone and the Lambert family. Envisioned by Char Lambert, it is a fine example of eastern style with Rumford fireplaces and wonderful collections of old English china and the African paintings done by Char's father, Floyd Gilmore. Beside the White Salmon and with a beautiful view of Mt. Adams, an afternoon at Brightland Kerr promises to be a real pleasure.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $25 each and can be purchased by April 12 through Rosie Hostetter at 509-395-2488. Proceeds from this event go to support the Trout Lake Art Festival with its 2 days of music and art free to the community, art and cultural activities at the Trout Lake Fair, the Cabin Fever Festival, Trout Lake School, CAST and to buy art books for the White Salmon Library.

January 28, 2008

Please note, a correction to last weeks information regarding the Democratic caucus: The caucus will be held at the Pioneer Center Saturday, February 3 from 1:00 -- 3:00 p.m.

Make note that Stephanie Stevens and Leslea Bowling are offering Spanish classes. Intermediate level is on Mondays from 10:30 -- 12:00 noon. Conversational Spanish is on Wednesday from 6 -- 7:30 p.m.. and Beginning Spanish is Friday 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.. Call Stephanie at 395-2275 to confirm class times and locations. These classes are free to Trout Lake School students, otherwise $10 per class. The classes are lively and the instructors have both lived in and worked in Spanish speaking countries with native speakers. This is an exciting opportunity for travelers and those wishing to exercise their minds by learning a second language.

Stephanie Stevens is also facilitating The LLAMA program (Language Learning Arts Music After-school) for elementary students. This after school program is for K-4 students and home-schoolers and offers art taught by Jan Muir on Tuesdays, music on Wednesdays taught by Harmony Allaway, and Spanish on Thursdays. The registration date has passed, but the classes go on until April 25. 

  An update on the 2nd Saturday Supper Club to be held February 9 at the Grange. Celebrate Mardi Gras or Valentine's Day ! Register for a table for 8 people, or ask to be seated with others. Social hour begins at 5:30, dinner at 6, dancing music begins at after dinner. As host, you will provide place settings for those you've invited and the entree. Ask you table mates to bring side dishes or dessert.

There will be a contest for best mask and best dancing couple. Blue Ackerman (she's good !) will photograph you and your Valentine for $10 a couple -register to have your pictures taken. To ask questions, register for a table or spot, or for pictures, call Cheryl Hysmith at 395-2207. A $5 per person donation is requested, and goes toward the Grange fund.

December 10, 2007

On Sunday December 16 the community is invited to "The Bethlehem Project" a musical drama performed by children and adult choirs at Jonah Ministries. The program begins at 7 pm. There will be Christmas desserts over which to share holiday news and good will with neighbors and friends.

Robert Schmid has groomed a 2 mile plus loop trail starting at the school. To access it, park in the regular school lot and walk around toward the soccer field and look for grooming just beyond the fire hydrants.

A group referred to as the Northside Education Project is developing a directory and website that will be debuting in the spring. If you know of anyone that would be interested being included in the NCE directory and/or website, they would love to have you contact them. The information needed is: name for potential educators, contact address and phone number, email address, class title, age level and a sentence description of the class. Contact Lora Melkonian at loramel@charter.net with questions and to discuss your interests.

Speaking of educational opportunities, Stephanie Stevens is just wrapping up a series of Spanish conversation classes at Heavenly Grounds Coffee Shop. Classes will resume in January. Be watching for information regarding future classes. I personally have got laughing in Spanish down really well!

Speaking of Heavenly Grounds, there are some very nice locally made Christmas gifts available there, sip coffee, eat soup and shop ! Word has it that there will soon be an open house at the coffee shop – free treats and good company!

More on local talents and generous businesses, remember "The Boarding House" a dramatic reading at the Trout Lake Country Inn this Saturday and Sunday. This is a play written by Gil Martin and read by 6 Trout Lake residents. Dinner at 6:30, play at 8. Call the Inn for reservations.

Mark your calendars. This year's Trout Lake Cabin Fever Festival will be Jan. 18 and 19th. Friday evening a community dinner, Saturday starts with a ski race on the Big Tree Loop and ends with a Square Dance, lots of activities in between! Sunday will be a ski in open house at the Peterson Prairie Cabin.

While exploring Little Mountain, a person may come upon a silo suggesting further evidence of occupation by extra terrestrial invaders. But no, on closer examination, the silo bears the signature of community progress. Conversation with Jerry Walker and Frank Childs confirms that the gravity fed holding tank is part of a long term plan to hold water to help improve the capacity of the Glacier Springs Water Company to meet the needs of its constituents. It will help provide the water flow to the west side of the valley and shore up the fire fighting capacity. Glacier Springs is approved to provide for 435 water hookups. They are now serving 420 patrons and if everyone who now owns a buildable property wanted a hookup, they couldn't have it. The water tower is part of a plan to provide service for the future.

November 12, 2007 -- Entire Community Invited To A Thanksgiving Feast

The Trout Lake Community Club is hosting the annual Thanksgiving feast for the entire community on Tuesday, November 20th at Trout Lake School. There will be two seatings for the midday meal. The first seating will be at 11:15am for the elementary students (Preschool-4) and their families, another at 12 noon for the middle and high school students and their families. All community members are welcome at either seating. The feast is free and you are encouraged to invite family and friends. The freshman class has volunteered to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up.

Bountiful tables will be filled with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, and beverages (milk, juice, and water). Community members are just asked to fill in the missing ingredients. If your last name begins with A-L, please bring a side dish. The rest (last names that begin M-Z) bring dessert. This year, there's also a canned food drive. Please bring a can of food for holiday food baskets for locals in need of a little extra cheer this upcoming season.

"It's our way to show appreciation to the community for supporting the Trout Lake Community Club and the school," says event coordinator JoAnn Poland. But giving back is what this dedicated group of ladies does all year long. This PTA-like club provides lunch for students, sponsors popular local celebrations, and awards scholarships to high school graduates.

For information on the Thanksgiving feast, contact JoAnn Poland (509.395.2571).

October 22, 2007

We're all invited on Saturday night October 29 to a country dance -- contra, line and square! Gather at the Grange Hall at 7 to join the fun. There is no admission charge, donations are accepted to defray costs. Refreshments are free.

Linda and Jessie Robertson, Rich and Connie Dunnungton, John Schultz, Morgan Smith, and others will provide the music and experienced callers will give direction to our enthusiasm! Don't dress too warmly and prepare to have a really wonderful time.

Save the date! Everyone's invited to enjoy the White Salmon Jazz Band at Trout Lake School on Saturday, November 10th, 6 pm. The Trout Lake student jazz band will be "opening" for them, but first they'll serve you dinner (pasta marinara with meatballs). $10 per adult at the door (discounts for kids under 12, and families of four or more). Discount for advance purchase (call the school 395.2571). Funds support the Trout Lake music department. Call Jeff Agar, music teacher, at TLS for additional information.

Carol Schmid gives us the results of the 10/13 Horse Playday benefit for the Yarnells. They had a great day, with lots of fun and games. A great big "Thank You" to all who gave items for the silent auction and monetary gifts. A heartwarming, successful day for all!

Have you noticed how many of our neighbors are running into each other -- mushed in bumpers abound! Is it the weather, the beautiful foliage or our hectic schedules? Do be careful. None of you are replaceable.

Mikal Shabazz To Speak In Trout Lake

On Saturday November 3 from 1 to 3 pm, Imam Al Hajj, Mikal H. Shabaz director of the Oregon Islamic Chaplain's Organization will speak at the Trout Lake School. This is a return engagement for Shabazz who first spoke in Trout Lake at a Multi-Cultural, Interfaith Conference in April of 2006. He is again sponsored by the Trout Lake Presbyterian Church, Peace and Justice Committee, remembered for his statement that "it is more important to understand than to be understood.""

Shabazz who grew up in Chicago, is a Viet Nam Veteran. He converted to Islam in 1973 and began his study of the Qur'an. As an Imam, he is the leader of a Muslim mosque. He has devoted his life to promoting understanding among people from different faiths and backgrounds. He is the first Muslim leader to have opened the Oregon House of Representatives in Muslim prayer. He is an active lecturer, seminar and workshop leader.

We have all learned a lot of information and misinformation about Islam in these past several years. This is an opportunity to learn from a practicing Muslim who is a leader in creating interfaith dialog. The format of the presentation will be an informal in the round discussion in which questions will be encouraged. This is an opportunity for frank questioning of a prominent Muslim who lives and works in Portland, Oregon.

The public is invited to attend. There is no charge but a free will donation is encouraged to help defray the costs of the program. Call Barbara Schramm at 509-395-2732 or Bonnie Reynolds , 509-395-2527 for additional information.

October 8, 2007

On Tuesday October 23 at 6:30 pm, 4-H Achievement Night and New Enrollment takes place at the Grange Hall. Awards will be given to children who participated in 4-H programs for 2006-7 activities. New and returning members will get information about upcoming programs and may enroll at that time. Contact Coralee Warner (395-2561) for additional information.

It's time for the Community Club's Harvest Party ! On Wednesday October 31 from 1 to 3 pm all children up through the 4the grade are invited to the school multi-purpose room. There will be a costume parade followed by crafts, games and refreshments Contact Page Logan (395-3686) with questions, or to volunteer to help with this fun activity.

4-H kids should submit their artwork for the Pumpkin Carving Contest flyers by October 15. Community kids will be able to submit their pumpkins as a Halloween fundraiser for 4-H . Patrons at the store vote on their favorite by placing a dollar in the pumpkin of their choice. Proceeds go to benefit the Trout Lake Mountaineers 4-H club. Contact Tami Hoodenpyl 395-9327 with questions.

Leadership Plenty,a group developed as the results of the Horizons Project many of us participated in, is working hard to build on the ideas that came out of thecomunity study. They are involved in a "Visioning Process". This is an activity that is scheduled to take up to 6 hours that is lead by an experienced facilitator. The process will begin with input from the Horzon Action Forum from last spring. The object is to identify actions necessary to achieve goals developed in that process. There will be attention to the Trout Lake Sub Area Comprehensive Planning Committee in the work that this group does in the work of the visioning group.

On Sunday November 4 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm, the "Visioning" process will take place at the school. There will be a free dinner mid-way through the program.

For the project to be representative of community goals, it needs much wider participation. Please, if you feel strongly that Trout Lake needs development in certain areas, call Ray Thygesson at 395-2318 to make your interest known.

"You're invited to join the Friends of the White Salmon on a hike as they continue to explore the Upper White Salmon Wild and Scenic River. Meet on Saturday, October 20, at 1:00 at the Trout Lake School. The hike will be short one, returning to the school by 4:00 p.m.

There will also be a hike on November 17, at the Natural Area Preserve here in Trout Lake. Information about time and place will be announced closer to the actual event."

A group of animal lovers lead by Lisa Mabrey is working to develop a shelter and low cost spay/neuter program for Klickitat County. Mabry has identified interested supporters in Trout Lake. She will be hunting for foster homes for dogs waiting for adoption. The organization is non-profit and will be of value to our community. More on this effort in the near future.

October 1, 2007

Correction from the last column. The Horse Playday benefit for Doug Yarnell is on Saturday October 13, not October 14. The Horse Playday is at the Nelsons' indoor arena, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring something for a potluck lunch and plan to enjoy the many interesting activities that are planned. You don't have to bring a horse. Check for details on the posters around town.

Now that the County has gone to all mail voting, the Trout Lake Community Council has been trying to decide what is the best way to hold our elections. The County does not include Community Council positions on the official ballot. The legislative authorization for Community Councils expired some years ago, so although we do exist and we do hold elections, the County cannot treat Community Councils like official elected positions. The Council has decided, for this year, to hold our election in the normal way - that is walk-in voting at the Grange on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You may also request an absentee or mail ballot by writing to the Council at PO Box 31, Trout Lake, WA 98650 or by calling Adam Schmid, election committee chair, at 395-0003. Just don't call too late so you don't wake the new baby -- congratulations Adam and Kristin.

There are three positions on the ballot, those held by incumbents Jim White, Jeff Baker, and Frank Childs. Any registered voter in the Trout Lake precinct is eligible to run for a position. Contact Adam Schmid or Council Chair Ken Belieu for more information.

The News Board at the Grange is being managed by Monica Morris, Linda Scoggins, and Donna Tiffan. You can get in touch with one of these good ladies if you have something to post.

The next Community Home Forum, held by the Trout Lake School to solicit community input on educational activities and programs, will be held on October 10 at 7:00 p.m. Superintendent Dearden's goal is to have at least 15 community members at each forum, so show up and be counted.

The Trout Lake Grange is revisiting its mission and activities. Monthly meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month, at the Grange Hall, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting last week had good attendance and forward energy. Call Steve Koenig or Penny Dietrich for more information. The Grange has deep roots in rural America. It was started as a populist organization to provide organization and a social and political voice for farmers. The early years saw fights against monopoly price-fixing by giant railroads, but the Grange has long provided a voice for the spiritual connection between people and land. Grange ritual, typical of any fraternal organization, sometime confuses people, but it's simply organized around farming activities such as sowing, cultivating, and harvesting, things that were and are part of the fiber of life for farmers. The ax, plow, harrow, spade, hoe, pruning knife, and sickle are used as symbols both of farming and of the need to cultivate the mind and the community. Our Trout Lake Grange has deep roots in our community. It can move forward, serving the community, while staying true to its history, purpose and intent.

Your long-suffering, hard-working, often bored but never boring comprehensive plan update committee has progressed far enough to want to bring the draft plan to you, the community, for input, wisdom, opinions, pie in the face, come what may. This is the draft revision of the sub-area comprehensive plan last updated in 1995. For those of you familiar with the 1995 plan, this new draft will look quite different. The new draft follows an outline used state-wide that first addresses critical areas and resource lands (mineral, timber, and ag), moves on to sections about residential and commercial land use, and also includes sections on affordable housing, capital facilities (where we want the County to make capital investments in our area), utilities, and economic development

We are trying hard to develop goals and policies that are short and snappy but also point to measurable progress, so that success really can be identified and so that land use decisions can be made in the context of clear community goals and desires. Goals and policies are the heart of a comp plan. Lines on the map are also essential and should be drawn in the context of the goals and policies.

We will present the draft plan and maps in two meetings. The first, introductory, meeting is Wednesday November 14. We will have a brief overview of what a comprehensive plan is and we will take a brief look at each section of the plan, a road map to how the plan is organized. We will then highlight what changes are being considered from the 1995 plan, what new things are being added, and where there are goals, policies, and lines on the map that are still in the air. There will be plenty of time for discussion. The committee will collect questions and comments to be addressed at the second meeting, which will be held on Wednesday November 28.

September 21, 2007

Trout Lake resident Doug Yarnell was in a very serious vehicle accident just east of Glenwood the night of August 23. He was returning home after a day with his kids at the Klickitat County Fair. He was life-flighted to OHSU, was in intensive care and in a medically induced coma for 2 weeks. At the time of this writing, he had begun the difficult and painful process of rehab at OHSU.

Most of Doug's medical and rehabilitation expenses are not covered by insurance. In addition to these formidable expenses, the family has incurred major expense to travel to be with Doug.

Doug grew up in Klickitat County. We see him and his wife SunDee at school sporting events and concerts with their children. Kelly Yarnell, Matthew Richards and Mark Miller have graduated from Trout Lake School. Katie, Krissy and JD Yarnell are students there.

Doug has a cattle trucking business and SunDee works with the trucking business, is a full time mom and is on the School Board.

Community members have been interested in helping the family in financial and other ways. Many contribute to the purchase of fuel for SunDee's travel by leaving money at Andy's Valley Service in SunDee's name. Others leave checks with Bev and Greg at the Trout Lake Grocery for the Yarnell family. As time goes on, it may be that there are other equipment or service needs we can help with - hospital bed, nursing care, transportation? The Meyers at the store have been the unofficial clearing house for current information on Doug's condition, and are best aware of needs. You're asked to contribute what you can to this effort. Our hearts are with this wonderful family during this difficult time.

Also of great concern is massage therapist, friend and all round good person, Karen Hoffman who lost her home, vehicle and place of business in a fire on Saturday. Karen does have some working equipment in White Salmon and hopes to be able to locate a spot here in TL to continue with her clients here. Nancy White is organizing a fund collection through Riverview Bank. She will serve as a temporary message center for Karen. Contributions can also be sent to Karen directly at 34 Rocky Rd., Trout Lake Call Nancy at 541-490-2291. Fred Paxson is organizing a clean-up day, so people can call him if they want to help with that.

People have asked about Karen's dog Gomez, who is okay. Karen had insurance for the truck, but no policy for her home since it was a new construction. She has been doing most of the construction herself but has a lot of bills for electricians etc that need to be paid. Karen has invested her life savings in this home and her friends and neighbors share her great sadness for this loss.

This Saturday, join Forest Service employees and fellow wilderness users and volunteers in "The Gifford Pinchot National Forest's 9th annual Pick Up the Pinchot clean-up day! Have fun with fellow volunteers at a free barbeque after a hard morning's work.

Saturday, September 29 there are two sites at which you can register to join this effort. Meet at 9 am at Peterson Prairie Cabin (junction of forest roads 24 and 60 out of Trout Lake) or Panther Creek Horse Camp (junction of Forest Roads 65 and 17) to register. You will work from 9:30 to 12 on forest clean up and exploration. The barbeque and celebration is from 12 to 2.

Bring warm layers of clothes, work gloves, water and snacks for the morning. Stop by Trout Lake Grocery or Wind River Market to pick up your supplies and to thank them for their support of the clean up.

For more information and questions, please contact Stacey Wurster or Melissa Stanton at 509-395-2706, or email at melissa.stanton@esd112.org.

July 23, 2007 -- Another wonderful busy weekend in Trout Lake.

The Saturday market was busier than ever. Betty Schmid and her committee; Jan Nelson, Cathy Bowyer, Monica Garrett, Patty Gray, Susan Orr and Barbara Hanson report that there were 2 busloads of people from Vancouver who though terribly interested in quilts -- were awfully hungry for huckleberry pie ! Fortunately, Patty Gray had made 49 of them in the Schmid home oven -- a Litton with lots of miles on it!

Word has gotten out that in addition to the cinnamon rolls, quilts, birdhouses and other crafts -- the Hytowers are fixing great lunch food. Their soup, homemade bread, hamburgers and hot dogs are another Trout Lake tradition in the making.

The Trout Lake Festival of the Arts brought around 4,000 people to town. Dean and Rosie Hostetter's Farm, a B&B, was awash with music from regional musicians and alight with the creative efforts of 45 artists. As always, the festival was organized by Chairperson Laurie Sherburne and the crew of Doug Anderson on music and evening entertainment, Jim Bull with Dean Hostetter on facilities , Judy Holman on publicity, Camden McMahon with the children's corner, Debbie Faast developing the web site, Libby Amato, JoEllen Osterlind and Jan Muir, and executed by them with the help of countless volunteers. Some high points were music by Dale Fitch, Joan (Fisher Lamoreaux and Joanie's Jazz Quintet, Kent Olson and Spring Creek. It was great to see the work of Trout Lake artists: Sarah Arnold, Marilyn Enochs, Dane Jacobson, Jan Muir, Carol Schmid and Art Messer.

And just in time for the festivities, John Nelson's sign was blank! Nice for everyone to form their own ideas about who and what Trout Lake is without preconceived ideas! What a town in it's diversity!

So on to the Trout Lake Fair August 3, 4 and 5 - weave in the ends of the yarn on that newly knit sweater, perfect that pie or cake, practice your cow milking skills, get ready to square dance, polish those vegetables -- if you didn't get your fair bulletin, pick one up at the local businesses. The fair is among many other wonderful things, an opportunity to celebrate honored citizens; this year, Don and Coralee Warner, hmmmm, good people.

April 23, 2007 -- The Trout Lake Fair committee will begin planning for this summers fair on Monday May 7th at 7:00 pm at the Trout Lake School. Everyone is invited to join this dedicated and creative group. The tasks are numerous and varied, a lot of opportunities for trying out new ideas. Everyone in this group is so busy meetings are always short and efficient, never more than 1 1/2 hours according to fair chairman Ray Thygesson. Call him for more information: 509-395-2318.

Trail crews are busy planning for the upcoming Mt. Adams Endurance ride. There is a lot of chain saw work to do to prepare for this year's ride because of the amount of blow down. Call Steve King or Stephanie Irving to get accurate information on when and where your help is needed: 509-395-2065.

Doug Anderson, Frank Imbrie, Dorothy Franklin and Maxine Bulick have recently participated in phase two of the HORIZONS project. They completed a course of instruction on teaching others leadership skills. Maxine received training in dissemination of information, which included the acquisition of a camera which will be used to maintain an internet Blog regarding the happenings in Trout Lake. The group will now meet with participants from White Salmon, Stevenson, Glenwood, and Goldendale to consider collaboration in the next phase of HORIZONS in which others will be invited to a series of Saturday sessions of leadership training. The hope is that participants will gain confidence in assuming responsibility for facilitating projects that interest them and will benefit the community. Call Doug Anderson for additional information: 509-395-9307.

April 2, 2007 -- Temperatures dip to 26 at night, and the daffodils bloom small and close to the ground - as if unsure of just what to do. Gardening begins in very tentative ways as the sun shines but the air is cold!

This week of contemplation of spring and renewal is a busy one for Trout Lake churches. There is a Good Friday Meditation Service at the Presbyterian Church from noon to 3 pm. on Friday. Mt Adam's Baptist Church joins with Glenwood Community Church in a sunrise service at 6:30 am at a site about a mile beyond the crest of the Glenwood hill, just past the sign commemorating Michael Munson. There will be a sign indicating the exact location. On Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:30, the Mt Adams Baptist Church invites the community to huckleberry pancakes, ham and good company at the Trout Lake School.

Trout Lake's Destination Imagination Teams returned from the regional competitions in which the elementary team got 5th out of the 9 teams competing, the middle school team took 2nd out of 6 teams. The middle school team was awarded the coveted Di Vinci award for exceptional creativity, a unique approach to the problem/or risk taking. Judges comments for the award were "This team took a very sensitive subject (suicide) and presented a very thought provoking presentation. They used effective but simple props and gave good information. Their poems captured the essence of the problem and the team provided viable solutions, showing strength in help and friendships."

Remember to put the Immigration Conference to be held at the Trout Lake School from 1 to 4 on April 14 on your calendar. Local speakers expert on legalization, employment and social issues will share their expertise on a subject we all need to be informed about. As always, check the TL web site for additional information on these and other topics.

A Full Summer of Volunteer Opportunities on the Pacific Crest Trail

Trout Lake, WA -- March 26, 2007 -- Joining a trail maintenance work party on the Pacific Crest Trail just got easier! Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), in cooperation with the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is actively recruiting community volunteers for this summer's trail work projects throughout California, Oregon and Washington. And the best part is: no experience is necessary and all meals, tools and training are provided free of charge!

"We're really excited about this year. Last year's program was so successful we've doubled the number of projects that people can get involved in," reports Mike Dawson, PCTA Trails Operations Director. "We have multiple projects going on all summer and early fall in some of the most amazing natural areas along the entire length of the trail."

NWSA/AmeriCorps trail teams will be leading a wide variety of projects including brush cutting, drainage control and building trail structures. Volunteers should be physically able to hike, do trail work and camp. Volunteers provide their own tent, sleeping bag, personal gear and transportation to the project site. The AmeriCorps trail team will provide the rest. Volunteers may choose to join a team for a couple of days, extended weekend or for one of the longer 8 -- 11 day trips. Here is a preliminary schedule:

June 4 -- July 11: Southern California -- Cleveland, Mt. Angeles and Sequoia National Forests and the BLM Ridgecrest Area; Southern Oregon -- Rogue River National Forest and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

July 23 -- August 31: Northern California to Northern Washington -- Shasta Trinity National Forest in northern California; through the Deschutes, Willamette and Mt. Hood National Forests in Oregon; up through the Gifford Pinchot, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie and Okanogan National Forests of Washington.

September 10 -- October 12: Northern California to Northern Washington -- National Forests mentioned above including the Mt Jefferson Wilderness in mid Oregon, Indian Heaven Wilderness in southern Washington, and Glacier Peak Wilderness in northern Washington.

For more details, interested individuals, couples, groups and clubs can go online at www.mtadamscenter.com or contact Stephanie Ludlow, PCT Volunteer Coordinator, at PCT@gorge.net or call (509) 395-2706. Contact us now to get your choice of dates and locations.

The Northwest Service Academy is an AmeriCorps program that partners with community-based organizations, government agencies and schools to address significant environmental and educational needs is the states of WA and OR.

March 26, 2007 -- For those of us who have missed the Beargrass Writers Workshop, the project has been revived under the direction of Eileen Garvin, a writer who lives, plays, and writes in the Columbia Gorge.

Beargrass Writers Workshop 2007 is titled Voices From Nature. It will be held at The Northwest Service Academy Mt. Adams Center in Trout Lake, Wash., from March 30 to April 1, 2007.

It brings together a host of talented regional and local writers whose craft is informed by the voice of nature. Following a welcome session and readings on Friday night, workshop attendees will choose 3 sessions from among 9 offerings on Saturday. Workshop leaders are northwest writers: Cheryl Strayed, Barbara Drake, Roberto Ascalon, Jarold Ramsey, Jan Muir, David Barrett, Amy Klauke Minato, Doug Miller, Bill Weiler and Leigh Hancock. Registration and fees are $75.

On Saturday evening the public is invited to the Trout Lake Country Inn for an evening of readings and performances by Cheryl Strayed, Barbara Drake and Roberto Ascalon. Cost for this special event is $25 per person.

To register, download and fill out the registration form from the Beargrass web site ww.mtadamscenter.org/beargrass.cfm or contact Heather Weisfield at 509-395-3467, or Eilen Garvin at 541-231-3279. Space is limited, so sign up soon.

The Mt Adams Baptist Church invites the community to an Easter breakfast on Sunday April 8 from 8:30 to 9:30 am at the Trout Lake School. Huckleberry pancakes, ham, celebration of resurrection with friends! Call Edna Robison at 509-493-1460 for additional information.

March 12, 2007 -- Trout Lake Destination Imagination teams once again stun their competition with two first place wins in the Central Region Tournament in Wenatchee on March 2 and 3! Once again, our students and teachers represent the education provided by a dedicated community well. Laurie Sherburne and Katy McKinney have nurtured DI teams for 20 very successful years.

Destination Imagination is a non-profit corporation supported by affiliates working together to offer an international, youth centered, creative, problem-solving program.

The middle school team composed of Anna Nakae, Natasha Johnson, Jessie Robertson, Veronica Glen, Chelsea Cox, Amy Underwood and Ashley Powell, with coach Laurie Sherburne, responded to the challenge to present a performance entitled "Round About Courage" using a technique called theater in the round. They were to develop a story involving a hero who shows courage in overcoming one or more challenges. The topic they chose to develop was teenage suicide.

The elementary school team composed of Devin Van Laar, Jackson Nakae, Nolan Whitaker, Ben Vollema, Seth Tiffin, Maggie Baker, and Natasha Wilson, coached by Katie McKinney chose a challenge entitled CSI:DI in which they had to create a story containing a case that gets solved by collecting evidence. They must also develop a gadget that uses the special properties of visible light to analyze some of the evidence. CSI stands for "Color, Shadow and Illumination," the qualities of which are used to create special effects, and serve as metaphor for a shadowy and a colorful character.

The elementary team, in addition to winning first place, was awarded the "Da Vinci" award for outstanding creativity.

Both teams will go to the State Tournament in Wenatchee May 23-26. Good luck teams, and thank you Laurie and Katy for your wonderful work.

Last Thursday, 70 pre-school thru 4th graders were treated to an entertaining puppet performance by Jason Ropp of Dragon Puppet Theater. His show, "The Reluctant Dragon" tied in well to the March RIF (Reading is Fundamental) program theme of Fairytales. The RIF coordinators wish to thank the Trout Lake Community Club and the Trout Lake Arts Council for funding this special event. If your child enjoyed the show, you may wish to mark your calendar for March 31st, when Jason will be debuting a new show, "The Clueless Detective" at the Hood River Library at 2pm.

Mark your calendars. On April 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 the Trout Lake Presbyterian Church will be sponsoring an Immigration Conference at the Trout Lake School. This is an informational conference at which Pat Arnold, Eric Schram, Howard Bulick, Tina Castinares and Antonio Montoya, persons from our area who have been intimately involved with immigration and employment issues, will speak. Thomas Roach, immigration attorney from Pasco, will speak at the conference, and meet with Spanish speaking persons from 1:45 until 3:00 in the community education room at the school.

Refer to the Trout Lake website for greater detail on this project and other items on the Trout Lake calendar. Thanks to Dave Wampler for maintaining this community resource.

DI Team Photo -- Top Row Left to Right: Laurie Sherburne (coach), Anna Nakae, Amy Underwood, Natasha Johnson,Veronica Glenn, Ashlee Powell, Jesse Robertson, Chelsea Cox, and Katy McKinney (coach). Bottom Row Left to Right: Natasha Wilson, Ben Vollema, Nolan Whitaker, Maggie Baker, Devin VanLaar, Jackson Nakae, and Seth Tiffan.

March 6, 2007 -- GASTARE, Italian for "to taste" is the theme of this years Trout Lake Art Council's spring fund raiser. It will be held on Sunday, March 18 from 3 to 6 pm at the home of Tom and JoEllen Osterlind at 5 Redmond Way in Trout Lake. There will be a chocolate fountain, Italian cheeses and meats and much more to please the palate while visiting with friends, and talking with artists Bonnie White and Cathleen Rehfeld as they paint on site. There will be work donated by Mark Hudon, Dave Sherburne, CJ Rench and Jerry Tomasek for silent auction. Call Dean and Rosie Hostetter at 395-2488 for reservations, cost per person is $20. The event benefits the activities of the Art Council.

The Trout Lake singers have begun their spring series of practices. All are welcomed to join the singers at the home of Doug and Janet Anderson on Monday nights at 7 pm. Call 395-9307 for more information.

February 5, 2007 - Reading Volunteers Needed

Trout Lake's young readers need your help. It's proven that one-on-one reading with a child is the best way to help a student improve his or her reading skills, and although Trout Lake prides itself on small classrooms, it's not that small!

Would you like to help Trout Lake students to become better readers? We've just started the 2nd semester and Mr. Dearden asked me to jumpstart our volunteer reading program this year. Could you let me know if you're interested in reading with students this year? We have a need throughout most of the day for readers, so tell me what's available in your schedule and I'll find you a student (or more) to work with. If you happen to know Spanish, that would be a plus for some of our English as a Second Language pupils. We have both one-on-one and small literary groups needs (grades K-6).

In general, best times tend to be:

• 12:00-12:20 (kindergarteners)
• 1:05-1:45 (1st and 2nd graders)
• 11:02-11:52 (3rd and 4th graders)
• 2:15-3:05 (5th and 6th graders)

Ideally, we need volunteers everyday; however, we'll take whatever time (or day) you're willing to commit. One hour one day a week, or more.

Please contact Stephanie Irving via e-mail or phone (509-395-2065) if you are interested.

February 5, 2007

Remember that community art classes begin on Tuesday February 13. The classes are held at the school from 3:15 pm - 5:15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 8. The series, titled "Learning to Draw Through Nature," is taught by illustrator, graphic designer and instructor, Jan Muir. The class is free. Materials are supplied through the community learning grant. Drop-ins are welcomed, though people are encouraged to register through the school office.

 Wednesday, February 13 at 7 pm Trout Lake School concert band will be playing their winter concert at the school. In addition to supporting the students in their pursuit of understanding and performance of music, it is great fun to follow the development of talent from year to year under direction of program director, Jeff Agar. 

Want to help out at the school but don't know how? One-on-one reading has proven to be one of the most effective ways to help students become better readers. Trout Lake School is looking for community volunteers to read with students on a regular (weekly) basis. If you have time -- even if it's only an hour a week.

Call the school to sign up to take art classes, help students learn to read or ask questions about the winter band concert: 395.2571.

January 15, 2007 -- Cabin Fever Festival

Join in the fun Saturday Jan. 27th when the 6th annual Cabin Fever Festival returns to Trout Lake. This free community-wide event promises to offer something for everyone!

Returning events include Saturday's cross-country ski race at 9:30am, a guided snowshoe walk at 10:00am (a great opportunity to try out snowshoeing with free loaner pairs of snowshoes available), outdoor/indoor games for kids ages 4-10 beginning at 1:00pm, and the free community dinner at 5:30pm.

New events this year include three clinics being offered to older kids by Trout Lake High students as part of their Senior project requirements. Clinic topics include Fishing (12:00 pm), Cheerleading (1:00pm), and Volleyball (2:00pm). Be sure and bring your kids/grandkids over to the school for a great chance to learn and have fun practicing some new skills.

Another new event this year is a GPS clinic taught by Bill Smith of Cascade Mountain and Ropes Outdoor Adventures. This is a free opportunity to practice using a GPS with someone with years of experience.

Following the dinner, at 7pm a showing of the movie "Touching the Void" will be shown. The movie documents the incredible true story of survival of two climbers during their epic journey in the Peruvian Andes. The large screen will highlight the beautiful mountain scenery of this area, and anyone interested in the outdoors will surely find the story compelling. The children's movie "Cars" will also be offered at the same time in a separate room.

The festival organizers would like to thank Marjorie Mitchell for again sharing her graphic design talents on the poster and schedule of events. Take a good look at it around town for an event that interests you.

For more information, call 395-2617. Hope to see many of you curing your case of cabin fever!

January 4, 2007 -- On Tuesday, January 9th at the Presbyterian Church, Ray Thygesen will introduce the "HORIZONS" program to community members. There is a Potluck 6.00 PM. The presentation begins at 7 pm. Everyone is invited. You may bring a side dish to the potluck.

As reported several weeks ago, HORIZIONS is a community education and training program administered by Washington State University Extension aimed at providing local residents with tools to create a thriving community and reduce poverty.

Selected community members recently attended regional "Spotlight" meetings to learn about the program and have chosen to participate.

The goal of the Horizons Project is to help members of the community develop skills, tools and practical strategies to address needs specially identified by that community. The first program will begin in January. It is a series of local conversations known as "Study Circles." The program uses a discussion guide called "Thriving Communities: Working together to move from poverty to prosperity for all."

"Local residents of all ages and backgrounds are needed to take part in the local conversation circles, either as a participant or a facilitator," said WSU Horizons Project director Doreen Hauser-Lindstrom. "This is a program for all community members – so individuals of all ages hear and understand different ideas and thoughts."

People interested in learning more about the Horizons program should contact Ava Van Velsor at the WSU/Klickitat County Extension office, 509-773-5817 or Ray Thygesen, 395-2318 or Doug Anderson, 395-9307 (after 2/17/07).

On Wednesday, January 3rd Ray Thygesen spoke at the Community Council Meeting regarding the program. Come to the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday January 9, enjoy the pot luck at 6 pm and the presentation beginning at 7 pm. There is a need for your participation in this interesting opportunity. You may choose to be part of the upcoming study groups.

Watch the www.TroutLake.org web site in the weeks ahead for additional information on the HORIZONS program!

-- Bonnie Reynolds

• Trout Lake News Archives 2006
• Trout Lake News Archives 2005