Harrington News

Harrington Public Library in conjunction with Washington State University's extension office opened its Summer Reading Program, Fizz-Boom-Read, Thursday, July 10 from 3 to 5, led by Bridget Rohner and Stacey DeWald.

Initially 18 youngsters entered and tried to contain themselves with the excitement of the first day. They settled in as each began to color with crayons the planets and solar system followed by posting them on the door to their Reading Room. James Smith read them a story, and the others listened intently. Before long, experiments with Oreo cookies and tales of the sun and moon led Bridget to ask in earnest: "Where are my 18 scientists?"

The uproar could be heard on the sidewalk in front of city hall. They were all trained scientists, or is that scientists in training? Even the youngest of the group did not question as Rohner instructed them to begin constructing their catapult. Their collection of parts included tongue depressors, rubber bands and a plastic spoon. Before long, five were standing in line to try out their catapult, and the marshmallows were sent through the air at varying distances. Many were the giggles that filled the air, as were those echoing, "Let me try mine!"

Even the distribution of ice cream sandwiches did not entice some of the more ardent scientists to quit their experiment. Many of these children checked out books prior to leaving the library for the day and they shared their excitement with their parents as they came to pick them up.

The science laboratory was returned to its normal appearance before day's end. It is hoped that even more children will turn out for each of the remaining Thursdays of the Summer Reading Program.

July 17, before 3 p.m. the anxious little scientists came racing into the library for their second episode of practicing scientists. Trailing the children were their leaders, Bridget Rohner and Stacey DeWald. Nineteen children enrolled for this session with seven from the original class absent.

The youngest children were two and nearly three, but they enjoyed the reading, the coloring and the other children. When they became restless they were allowed to color and move about in the library, so the group could continue their scientific endeavor, "Float Your Boat."

The children learned about the construction of a boat, using foil, styrofoam cups, popsicle sticks and balloons. With a tub of water, they were allowed to float the boats they had made, and some failed to float. It was truly a lesson in buoyancy. At the end of the session, more than 45 books were checked out by the little scientists, and off they went with an ice cream sandwich in one hand and, it was hoped, their boat, in the other hand. Several boats were left dry-docked, and will be available for their captain to remove them next week.

Vacation Bible School

Harrington's Custom Garage Vacation Bible School was held July 14-17 at the Harrington Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jim and Sonia Beattie, Joyce and Billie Herron, Elaine Cronrath and Meka Eaton as teachers, Terry Howe, Patty Quaig, Anita Smith, Jodi Piper, Wilma Webb, Ron and Felicia Crabtree, and Allie Fromm as vital helpers, and Barbara Armstrong held down the kitchen duties for daily drinks and snacks for the nearly twenty youngsters that came out to the activities. Many donated cookies and the Harrington United Methodist Church provided financial support. Emma Piper, Debra Armstrong, Connor Beattie and Dylan Herron were teens that assisted in the successful outcome of the school.

This year's theme was Classic Auto and Garages with a mountain Jeep jacked up outside on blocks to get the idea across. Inside Joel Cronrath had brought in four-wheelers. Racing checker-board table cloths decorated the tables.

Loving God and Serving Others were the lessons, geared toward keeping the engine running, and how essential it is to have a motor in good repair; much like keeping one's heart in tune with God.

Thursday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. they held a program and a barbecue which was well- supported by the community. There were some great classic cars and pick-ups brought in for viewing by local owners and Allen Barth impressed the children with his donation of t-shirts to each child.

Hot Dogs in the Park

The Harrington Homemakers Club sponsored its annual "Hot Dogs in the Park" free event beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17. In spite of the conflict with the barbecue at the church, there was a nice turn out and a relaxing time of visitation and eating was enjoyed.

The Homemakers group generally has two fund-raisers during the year, the sale of calendars and their pie sale at the Harrington Fall Festival. Some of the members include President Peggy Charlton, Linda Wagner, JoAnn Gossett, Carrie Gossett, Debbie Roberts, Beth Oestreich, Kathy Oestreich, Elissa Oestreich and Heather Wagner. The group meets once a month throughout the year and are responsible for the lovely flowers in the triangle at the north entrance to town.

City Council

Harrington City Council met Wednesday evening, July 9, at 7:30 led by Mayor Paul Gilliland and attended by all the council members, Peter Davenport, Rick Becker, Mike Cronrath, Terri Howe and Levi Schenk. Scott McGowan, local maintenance man, and Bunny Haugan, clerk, also represented the city. Visitors included Paul Charlton, Sharon Schultz, Diane Dempsey, Sue Harding, Ashley Schenk, Marge Womach, Daniel Fromm and Bill Fromm; Allen Gay arrived late due to road conditions.

Dan Fromm addressed local city property conditions and wanted to know the ordinances that would apply to a variety of conditions. In particular, he was concerned about fire hazards with a number of properties not being cut or watered. He also asked questions about the "nuisance" ordinance and when it applies to a piece of property. Fromm wanted to know the specifics on the distance from the center line on the road to the personal property line, as he wants to build a deck that would cover the present sidewalk. Easements were discussed as well as building permits.

City Council discussed and reviewed ordinance 485 on marijuana which was passed Oct, 2013 but was not effective until December. The council decided to advertise for a meeting or hearing for the marijuana issue and vote to extend or deny the moratorium. The State RCW cited was 36.70A-390.

Allen Gay, consulting engineer for the city, opened a public hearing at 8:21 p.m. on the sewer cells, the waste water and storm water, the treatment plant and potential grant money.

Harrington must have a project plan for the storm water system in order to apply for some of the available grants. "Being proactive increases the likelihood of gaining grants, and achieving one grant makes obtaining a second grant more likely." The hearing closed at 9:03 p.m. and the regular council meeting continued.

Sue Harding obtained consent from the mayor to hire someone to install an ice machine in the kitchen for senior meals use. The meeting adjourned after approving the bills.