Harrington News

With Harrington's temperatures hovering around 12 degrees last Saturday afternoon, cars began arriving and people began setting up for the 2-4 p.m. open house retirement party for former Harrington librarian Vivienne Schultz.

The Harrington Library provided Schultz a pink rose corsage pinned on by her daughter, Marita. Harrington Library Board members Betty Warner and Susan Larmer, and city clerk Bunny Haugan furnished refreshments and decorations. Former co-worker from the Harrington school, Myrna Bischoff, gave Schultz an orchid in a yellow vase.

Master of ceremonies Mike Cronrath introduced Schultz and spoke of her many accomplishments in the school library and, more recently, in the public library. A letter of commendation from the Lincoln County commissioners was read by Mark Stedman. Cronrath, a city councilman, read the congratulatory letter from Harrington Mayor Paul Gilliland. Many letters of praise and appreciation were presented to her, including a gift and letter from Carolyn Petersen, Assistant Program Manager, Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of the State.

Three librarians from the seven Bi-county Wheatland Libraries attended, Kylie Fullmer of Ritzville, Suzanne Schulz of Reardan, and Katy Pike of Davenport.

Two children, making a special effort to attend, Bella and Lidia Mattozzi, brought Schultz colored pictures, as they so often had done when coming to the library. Before they left they asked Schultz to check out some books for them, "one last time," and she did.

Others braving the weather to attend included Darren Mattozzi, Barbara Armstrong, Cassandra Pfaffle-Dick, Elaine Moeller, Kevin Moeller, Tera Cronrath (city treasurer), Peter Davenport, Sheryl Stedman, Charley and Linda Colbert, Tom Knouse, Howard Schaffner and Karen Robertson, and others who missed signing the guest register.

Family members attending were Rick and Juanita Schultz and son Colton of Spokane and Marita Moriarity from western Washington. Schultz's husband, Robert Schultz, was unable to attend due to a plumbing problem at home.

Schultz began at the school library in the early 1970s, worked there until 1994 and then served 20 years in the public library, a total of 44 years dedicated to the community.

Former mayor J.A. Talkington donated his personal library to the city and Leonard Schultz donated some of the animal trophies in his father's collection which decorate the walls. All through the years, estates have donated many books. Many memorials have also been given to the library, which have helped it stay within its budget.

Public Development Authority

The Harrington PDA met February 25 at the library, chaired by its president Josh Steward.

Harrington Golf and Country Club board members Rick Becker and Scott Hutsell were present by invitation. Also present were Jerry and Karen Allen, owners of the Hotel Lincoln, Bunny Haugan, Paul Charlton of the Harrington Historic Preservation Commission, Stacy Rasmussen, Margie Hall of the Lincoln County EDC and Karen Robertson.

The golf club board is looking for ideas to attract more and younger members, as the average age of members is 70. Membership is open to anyone. Other topics related to the golf club were advertising or the lack thereof, the potential need for an arborist for the trees, the expense of maintaining the equipment, determining consistent hours for the restaurant and making the establishment more user-friendly.

There was no quorum, so no PDA decisions could be made. However, discussion centered on what the PDA could do to assist the Harrington Golf and Country Club in recognition of its value to the community. One example was to have the PDA assist with coordinating an additional tournament or golfing event.

Harrington School

Harrington students are preparing for "Cinderella" by the Missoula Children's Theater on March 8 at 3:30 and again at 6 p.m. The PTA is providing refreshments for the performances.

Harrington Opera House

Jay Kane completed most of the prep work for laying new carpet in the art room, lobby, office, bathroom and hallway starting March 3, weather permitting. Bonnie Hardy finished removing the plaster from the south wall of the auditorium, removed wood trim for refinishing and completed sealing of the window frames.

The HOH building committee had a field meeting with architect Sue Lani Madsen Friday to plan for renovating the south sidewalk of the building to comply with the American with Disabilities Act. When completed, both the art room and the rummage room will be accessible by wheelchair.

The next rummage sale will be Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.