Harrington news

A successful Town Hall meeting was held Monday in the Art Room of the Harrington Opera House with about 20 citizens present to listen to state Rep. Tom Dent and state Senator Judy Warnick, both of Moses Lake, explain their views. They also described the committees they serve on and what their interests are.

Dent has a keen interest in mental health issues, agriculture and natural resources, early learning and appropriations. Warnick's interests included agriculture, water, rural economic development, ways and means, parks, creation of jobs and easing of regulations. They spent some time on the topic of water rights, the aquifer, and private property owners; legislation on the current national restroom issue; and the importance of education, its funding and why Washington is not fulfilling requirements. Following their introductory messages, they listened attentively while citizens voiced their concerns, complaints, inquiries and frustrations. (As it turned out, the building's long-awaited elevator arrived just prior to the meeting.)

The Society met May 2, in the Art Room with Billie and Gordon Herron, Ed and Bunny Haugan, Carol, Linda Wagner, Sheryl Stedman and Karen Robertson present. Cleaning has been occurring regularly during these final weeks of construction in an effort to reduce the amount of cleaning to be secured from Serv Pro, the professional cleaning service are coming on the 12th and 13th for projects that were too involved for the members. Discussion was held on the scrap bricks and masonry bricks from the removal of the chimney, as people are interested in purchasing them. The topic was tabled to the June meeting. An executive meeting had taken place regarding the budget for 2016, and work continues on it.

On May 21, the quilt show will take place in the auditorium during Cruizin Harrington, and it is anticipated that the grand piano will be played during the show. The Rummage Sale will be held in the Rummage Room with essentially all new-to-be viewed merchandise. Donations will continue to support the elevator's annual expenses.

May 22 is the date of the recital of the 10 music students of Heather Safe. It will be held in the opera house auditorium on the grand piano at 4 p.m. Following the recital, there will be an informal reception in the Art Room.

On June 4, at 7 p.m., the group Bridges Home from Sandpoint, Idaho, will perform a mixture of Celtic and Bluegrass music. Advance tickets are $12 or $15 at the door. In addition to the enjoyable musical experience, it may also be an educational event, since their listing of instruments includes guitar, tenor ukulele, clawhammer banjo, accordion, octave mandolin, Celtic harp, resonator slide guitar, bass, Irish whistles, bodhran, stompbox and washboard, 3-part harmonicas and foot percussion.

On June 25 at 2 p.m., Bel Canto, a women's choral group from Yakima, will perform classical, popular, country, old favorites numbers and show tunes. They have performed here in previous years and generally attract a good audience.

The Harrington Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday noon, May 4, at city hall with the following present: Cassandra Pfaffle-Dick, Paula Pike, Jill Plaskon, Bunny Haugan, Kathy Hansell (Rural Resources), Kathy Hoob, Sharon Nighswonger and Cindy Haase. Reports were given on the expectations and plans for the May 16 Clean-up Day with the school kids.

Discussion was held regarding the many facets of Cruizin' day's activities. Yard sale flyers are out, as are the quilt show flyers. Four confirmed vendors are signed at the present time. Possible food vendors will be contacted. Allen Barth will have food as in previous events at the Studebaker Garage. Coffee will be available at the school and in the downtown area. The 4x4s are making good strides toward having their building ready for the Beer Garden. Portapotties have been ordered. The chamber has been encouraging owners of the 3rd Street buildings to "spruce-up" their windows and the general appearance of properties. Two yards were suggested for the yard of the month sign. The chamber expressed appreciation to Betty Warner for working with the students and repairing and repainting the outdoor benches. The next Chamber meeting will be June 1.

There will be an RSVP Prime Rib dinner at the Golf and Country Club for Cruizin' Harrington on May 21. Dinner will be served from 6 p.m. until sold out. For reservations, phone 253-4308.

Harrington's busy PTA is having a rummage sale on May 21.

The FFA will hold their plant sale from 3-6 p.m. on May 20 and from 9-3 on May 21 at the school.

Setup for the opera house quilt show will be at 4 p.m. May 20. Individuals who have failed to make arrangements for displaying their items need to contact Kathy Hoob, ASAP.

June 4 is "Get to Know Your Golf Course Day," a membership drive program that will begin at 9 a.m. with golf lessons.