Harrington news

The Harrington Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday, Nov 1, at 6 p.m. at the Post and Office. This new business does not have regular evening hours, but perhaps they will consider it since during the meeting several people passing by, saw the lights on, and stopped in for beverages of their choice. In addition to the customers, those in attendance were: Paula Pike, Kathy Hoob, Cindy Haase, Heather Slack, Bunny Haugan, Bonnee Clarke, Billie Herron, David Michaelson, Karen Robertson, Cassandra Paffle-Dick, Shelley Quigley and Tim Tipton.

With Christmas around the corner, the Chamber discussed planning and organizing the purchase from the FFA 20 live wreaths for the downtown storefronts. Plans were also discussed for decorating the tree at the Herrons’ historic gas station building on 3rd, across from the vacant lot. The city has outdoor tree lights in the old city shed. It has been decided that the Chamber will be in charge of the decorating of the tree with help from energetic volunteers. Discussion was also held on trying to locate and display the old nativity scene on that lot. Billie and Gordon Herron state that the electric power is on in their building and they are delighted to provide this location. This will all be coordinated with the Harrington PTA which is sponsoring “A Harrington Hometown Christmas Celebration” on Saturday, December 2, with “Pictures with Santa” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Harrington Opera House, “Holiday Bazaar” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Hall and the “Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. Vendor Applications are available locally or by emailing dandc246@hotmail.com to contact Carolyn.

Nominations for Chamber officer positions were discussed and all current officers were willing to stay on for the next year. A motion was made and seconded, with it carrying unanimously.

Karen Robertson and Tim Tipton gave an update about the current progress of the new Harrington website design. Their goal is for the new WordPress-based site to go live by the first of the year.

The Harrington Chamber recently mailed their attractive newsletter to all in the 99134 and 99154 zip code areas. This reviewed activities for the area for September and October including increased signage entering the town. The mailer included a notice for “Turkey Bingo” sponsored by the FBLA on Nov. 12 at the school with food at 12:30 and Bingo at 1 p.m. Harrington Homemakers are serving chili and homemade cinnamon rolls. The Homemakers provided a page listing some of their activities, including provision of a $400 scholarship each year. They meet every second Wednesday of the month from September to May at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Church. The FFA under the leadership of Betty Warner announced their “Christmas Extravaganza” from November 25 through December 2, selling poinsettias, Christmas trees and Christmas wreaths from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; or 8 a.m. to 3:30 Monday to Friday behind the Harrington School by the greenhouse. A notice was included for the Thanksgiving meal on November 23 at the Harrington School. Music will start at 10 a.m. with the meal being served about noon. Following the meal there will be a football game on TV, Bingo, games and door prizes. RSVP for the meal at harringtonmeals@gmail.com or phone Jenny at 253-350-3292 or Susie at 509-270-6023. A notice was in the mailer that the Harrington Chamber is providing a Document Shredder Service for a small fee, “locked bins at both Ott Insurance Office and The Post & Office. Harrington has long been without a cafe and the town is impressed with how well that need is beginning to be filled. Harrington Food Mart is preparing chicken strips, jo-jos, corn dogs, German sausage, pizza pockets, burritos and early riser, each costing less than $5. Similarly, The Post and Office is offering coffee, tea, smoothies, snacks and grab-and-go food. Neither business is open on Sunday, but no one is complaining. We now have food.

The Harrington PTA under the presidency of Carolyn Mattozzi is active again by responding to a request from Coach Denise Hoffman to provide a food bar Thursday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m. when the Harrington junior high basketball team plays two games against St. John. The offerings in the soup bar, reasonably priced, will be a bowl of soup, roll and a cookie for $5. Soups advertised are chili, potato soup, tortilla soup, broccoli cheese soup and chicken noodle. When asked if they were gathering for a current project, they responded, “just for our general fund,” which just goes to show that they are keenly interested in being prepared for whatever project is needed; they are always working! This is what our local children see from those in the PTA.

With the early onset of winter, the Harrington Library is hoping people will have time to look in their homes for old annuals that they may not want to retain any longer. Our library is missing the following years: 1971, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2011 and 2014. If you own but do not wish to donate annuals, the librarian would like to borrow these for a week.

Recently the Panther Press arrived in the mail. Interesting facts found in the newsletter include that there are, as of the end of October, 137 students in P-12. Included in the newsletter is a photo of the entire student body posing on the ball field as an “H.” The Board of Directors page was written by Linda Mielke, stating that until the current state funding formula is more concrete, work on our aging school building for repairs and upgrades will be postponed. She also announced that there is an additional preschool class for three-year olds taught by Jamie Lawrence. Supt. Justin Bradford’s positive influence can be seen in a portion of his page in the newsletter. “The question that I will continue to ask everyone is this: What can YOU do to contribute to the success of our students and our school? We must all do what we can to ensure that Harrington School doesn’t just survive, but that it thrives! Let us know what you can do and what you will do to contribute. There are many ways to help from reading to younger students to volunteering at athletic and club events.” His enthusiasm and optimism must be a wonderful influence on the lives of the students.