February 22, 2012

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The Dance of Design

Edie Ross, from Design Star and Martha Stewart Living, gave a speech last spring at the High Point market. The basis of this talk was “The Perfect Mess.” I have been mulling this over in my mind for the past year as I work on each design job. This fall I finally got it, as I looked down at all the samples I had pulled for a new project. My worktable was full of granite, tile, wood samples, fabric swatches and many more little details. Anyone that would be passing by would definitely see this as a mess, but in my mind it was the beginning of genius.

You see, the truth is that we designers do create a beautiful mess long before you homeowners ever see a presentation. We pull many samples of the pieces that build your project, put them in a pile and then start the elimination process. I wish that I could say that we all wrinkle our noses like Samantha on Bewitched, and everything falls into place, but this is simply not so. A great room evolves from strong and smart choices.

The work begins.

Unfortunately we all live in a world where function and price also play a factor. Here is where the dance begins. I have often fallen in love with a product that is beautiful but not perfect for the function and lifestyle of a client. A fabric may not be cost effective or durable enough for the application, a tile may be too much maintenance or out of stock and the list goes on. This is the time when I must decide what makes or breaks the project. It’s like a puzzle. If you take away a piece there is a gaping hole. Sometimes one element such as a high priced fabric or tile is the wild card. This element brings in all the other aspects of a job. Even if it is priced a little higher than we budgeted. This decision affects all the other decisions we make from there on. The budget still must be met so something has to go or other products have to be found to compensate. An expensive backsplash tile may be out of the budget but it could be blended as an accent. This dance must be done carefully to create a timeless look that fits the criteria of the room and the look that is envisioned.

The point of “The Perfect Mess” is to pull materials until the ideal blend creates magic. Each element relates to each other like in a song. A well put together project takes a little time aand sometimes a little patience is needed as the puzzle is completed, but in the end there should be….. MAGIC.

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011

Grow a Vegetable Garden or a Lovely Landscape

New Master Gardener Training Program Begins January 24th

The WSU Grant/Adams Master Gardeners have been busy this year. Since the last training session in 2009 the Master Gardeners have started several new joint ventures with community support and youth participation. The Moses Lake Drought Tolerant Demonstration Garden, located at the Moses Lake Library, has been expanded to include Washington State native plants that are suitable for home landscaping. A new Water Wise Demonstration Garden has been designed and installed in Othello at the Old Hotel and in Quincy a Columbia Basin Natives garden has been planted at the Pioneer Church, part of the Reiman-Simmons House property. This is a project of the Quincy Valley Historical Society’s community education program.

Community vegetable gardens have been also been started at several locations around the Grant/Adams service area of WSU Extension. The Doolittle Dream Park at Moses Lake North has a new vegetable garden that was tended by the Moses Lake Key Club and the produce was donated to the Moses Lake Food Bank. It will be expanded next spring and include some raised beds and areas for people in the Moses Lake North community to have their own garden plots. Othello’s new vegetable garden is located behind McFarland Elementary School on Nazarene Church property. It is adjacent to the city hiking trail and is the centerpiece of the Healthy Communities Project of Adams County Public Health. It and has enjoyed the participation of several community members including Adams County Juvenile Detention. Youthful offenders have the opportunity to pay back to their community by growing food for their local food bank. Besides space for growing produce for the local food bank, community members may also reserve garden places to grow food for their tables. Royal City’s new garden is located across Ahlers Road from the Royal School District Office. This combination garden also has garden spaces available to the community and places for volunteers to grow food for their local food bank. It had a great start this year and only two garden plots were unused. This property also has a grassland restoration project that the second graders and the seventh graders will be using in their science curricula. This fall the second graders planted it with four native grasses and several varieties of wildflowers. They will be making observations and keeping journals all through the winter and spring to see what sprouts. Starts have been made in Mattawa at Wahluke High School and also in Grand Coulee at the Middle and Elementary Schools. These projects will be carried forward in the coming gardening season.

With the snowfall and cold weather it’s time for a rest. While we rest we have an opportunity to broaden our knowledge, hone our skills, and plan for next year. You can join the WSU Grant/Adams Area Master Gardeners for a new training program to broaden, hone and plan. Classes this year begin the week of January 24 and end on April 30, 2011. As a WSU Master Gardener, you become part of a tradition of thousands of trained volunteers who help the gardening public with their questions. Volunteer opportunities are available in plant clinics at local Farmers Markets, classroom and public service organization presentations, programming at the Grant County Fair, and any number of other areas that support the program. Better than that, you receive the benefit of access to research and science to get accurate answers. You also have contact with professionals in Agricultural Science who can help you grow the best gardens for our area, whether they be for vegetable production or a lovely landscape. Classes cover topics such as: Growing Berry Crops, Home Orchard Care, Diagnosing Plant Problems, Pest Management, and Sustainable Landscape Design. You’ll also have the opportunity to join in on educational tours and classes with Master Gardeners at other extension offices around the state. Professional growers also provide their expertise. The new training session is on-line from WSU and we will meet for lab sessions three times each month to discuss what we have learned, answer questions, practice skills, and have fun with other Master Gardeners.

The cost for 60 hours of training is $100.00. This includes $70.00 for the online program which includes text, DVD, and online evaluations, and $30.00 for your lab fees.

Questions may be directed to Erik Lampi, Coordinator of the WSU Grant/Adams Area Master Gardener Program at 509-754-2011 Ext. 413 or elampi@wsu.edu.

Persons with a disability requiring special accommodations while participating in WSU sponsored events can call 509.854.2011, Ext. 413. If accommodations are not requested five (5) days in advance, WSU Grant/Adams Extension cannot guarantee the availability of accommodations on site.

Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Grant and Adams Counties. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011, Community

You’ve Been Put on Notice!

Big Brother is Watch…er, Noticin’…

To the chagrin of many, this appears to be an increasing reality of late….if you have been noticing. Somewhat of a dichotomy in this world of today when so many are doing so much just to be noticed! It appears that there is not much middle ground; one either falls into the group of those that blatantly flaunt public decorum, good sense, and often several laws to perform and record the numerous ‘You Tube’ and other odes to stupidity. LOOK AT ME! They seem to shout…while others just as loudly proclaim, DON’T LOOK AT ME…nothing to note here, just move along!

Noteworthy are the growing masses concerned almost to a point of sweaty-palmed paranoia, that feel that a Big Brother’ of Orwellian proportions is out to get every tiny byte of data on our personal and private lives. It has been noted by some experts that the average American is on camera some 10 times a day; security networks at banks, stores, cash machines, parking lots…it is as if you can’t pick your nose in private anymore!

Noticing or being noticed is not always a bad thing, are we all not ecstatic that those special ‘someone’s’ in our lives noticed us apart from the masses? Are we not grateful when we notice that oncoming train and perform the functions needed to stop our car at the crossing just in the nick of time? We often revel when others notice things that we do that display our talents, passions, and accomplishments. On the other hand, we cringe when others notice the things we would rather not have revealed; clumsy trips, careless door dings, or an unzipped fly.

And what about the “Black Boxes” that we have heard of for years and often anxiously anticipate while waiting for the data to be retrieved after tragic accidents to note just what happened? Then what about the ‘black boxes’ or ‘tattle tale’ devices reported to already exist in your new car? Do you really want to receive a notice in the mail, accompanied by a citation, notifying you that your car and a person matching your heartbeat signature and retinal eye scan were recorded traveling well over the speed limit and failing to stop completely at a stop sign? Photo proof can also provided by the cameras that were employed if you should choose to contest it.

Science fiction? Not really. It is notable that some European countries are enacting or planning to this type of ‘brothering’ while we speak. Regardless of which camp we may find ourselves in, have you noticed that nobody cares? Okay, so somebody cares, and even though some of the surveillance protuberances around us are in fact placebos, we should not let this profusion of intrusion to cause us to lose sleep or add worry to our lives. Go ahead, pick that nose and if someone who really matters notices…smile!

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011

Randy Johnstad

Basin Arts is Looking for Allies

We usually think of ‘allies’ in the context of warfare. It applies too here and now in the Columbia basin as Randy Johnstad and the forces at the Columbia Basin Allied Arts (CBAA) organization battle artistic mediocrity and cultural dilution. This struggle is not being orchestrated by a ‘war hawk-like’ General, but rather by the modestly quiet, sincere, and arts-loving leader that the Basin Arts organization has in Randy Johnstad. This organization, in close affiliation with BBCC, has taken on as its charter mission to provide ‘all arts to all people’, and ‘to provide diverse cultural enrichment and lifelong education through the arts…a worthy cause to fight for indeed.

The CBAA was not in a healthy condition when Johnstad took over in 2007; having seen years of steady decline in support of its goals. Johnstad became the first in a succession of directors, stretching back over 33 seasons now, to direct productions himself, and things are now on a steady upward trend. With the hard work and creativity of Johnstad and the entire dedicated board of directors and officers plus the community support, victory is in sight. Still, there are more battles to be fought and challenges facing them.

Looking at Johnstad’s educational credentials and earned degrees prove his fitness to serve in this rank. After years of school Johnstad entered the field of media, live and television based, producing scores of commercials and other memorable programs. For quite some time Johnstad was “The go to guy” for any needs concerning the larger than life, furry, fantastic creatures. Need a Bigfoot…you got it! Sesame Street characters for a J.C. Penny ad campaign, Randy was there. He even worked ‘under the fur’ as the Supersonics mascot “The Wheedle”. And who of us that were raised in the northwest can forget ‘Morty the Mission Meatball’? Yes, you guessed it…R. Johnstad.

With a fascinating résumé of accreditation and accomplishments, Johnstad came from the west side of this state to the wide open spaces of the basin seeking a respite from the fast pace he had maintained for decades. On a large, remote chunk of land, living ‘off the grid’ seemed to be the thing to do, though life had other plans. Fire; it can destroy as well as cleanse and refine. Losing nearly everything in a house fire did not send Johnstad into full retreat but rather saw him draw back to consider his next plan of attack. With a brother that worked on the board of our storied local ‘Masquers Theater’, a move was made by him to help out with their efforts. This led to becoming involved with some local schools theatrical programs, and when the job came open for the Director of CBAA he applied and suddenly found himself back deep in the trenches.

The twinkle in the eyes behind a wry smile really belies the playful, fun-loving side of Johnstad. He channels this and has for years used it to everybody’s advantage in working with children’s theater and high school drama departments. (Currently he is directing the “Seussical” with Ephrata High School.) His productions as Director of CBAA since 2007 have shown his devotion to the children of our area, such as the recent run of ‘Tom Sawyer’ that graced the stage of Wallenstein. Johnstad loves to see the excitement and joy in the faces of children on both sides of the stage lights.

Aiming for one major production each season, the CBAA also works regularly with the Missoula Children’s Theater group to put on several youth involved spectacles. Add to that mix the 4 major “Premiere” stage plays or musical events that assault the audio and visual pleasure center of the audience’s brain, and it is hard to see how one can do this job only part time.

Ever gracious and thankful to the community members who are patrons and to the generous support of many local businesses, a cry is sent out for still more allies. Individuals, couples, and families especially are urged to show their solidarity. Times are not as bountiful as they could be, but there are few things as rewarding as supporting the cultural growth of our children and the entire community by becoming members and purchasing season tickets. Prices are really amazingly low when you take into account the going rate for some of this talent in large cities.

This is the front line of our battle, agrees Johnstad, to keep the increasing amount of electronic and static forms of modern ‘recreation’ from atrophying the minds and imaginations of our children… and ourselves. Attending and participating in live theatre and stage performances are a very tactile, interactive experience that cannot be duplicated by pixels and flat panels. A call to ’arts’ is being made; allied forces that will leave in their wake only smiling faces, enriched children, and a stronger, culturally diverse community. www.basinarts.org

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011, People

Third & Alder Salon donates part of salon’s proceeds to local Relay for Life

(Left to right) Third & Alder Salon owner Tyler Bishop presents a check to Moses Lake Relay for Life Event Chairman Jeff Heimark

Tyler Bishop owner of Third & Alder Salon in Moses Lake recently presented a check to Moses Lake Relay for Life Event Chairman Jeff Heimark for $435.00 to the local Moses Lake Relay for Life’s mission of providing support for cancer patients in need. Jeff Heimark says “The support of the community and businesses like Third & Alder Salon are what makes this fundraiser for American Cancer Society a success.

Relay for Life has a strong tradition in Moses Lake and we welcome everyone who has a desire to participate. The money raised assists locally with patient travel and room stays during cancer treatments. It also assists nationally with treatment research and allows for new treatments to be offered in our region. The 2011 Moses Lake Relay for Life will be June 3rd and 4th.”

The American Cancer Society consists of a National Home Office with 13 chartered Divisions and a local presence in nearly every community nationwide. More than 3 million volunteers carry out the Society’s work in communities across the nation. The Society has set aggressive goals to dramatically decrease cancer incidence and mortality rates by 2015, while increasing the quality of life for all cancer patients. This year, the Society will fund an estimated $130 million for cancer research. Since 1946, it has invested $3.4 billion in research. Since its research grant program began, 44 cancer researchers who have received American Cancer Society funding have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. Not only does the Society support cancer research, but it also funds legislative advocacy, and a number of educational and patient service programs for the 1.5 million Americans who will be diagnosed this year, along with assisting their families and caregivers. More information on the American Cancer Society can be found at www.cancer.org.

The Relay for Life was started in 1985 by Dr. Gordon Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, who walked and ran for 24 hours around the track at the University of Puget Sound raising $27,000. This event would evolve into the Relay for Life. In 1992, with the help of Tacoma volunteer Pat Flynn (the Mother of Relay), the event officially became known as Relay For Life. In 1993, the number of Relays nationwide hits 500, raising $9 million. In 2006, more than 10,000 Society volunteers gathered in Washington, DC for the American Cancer Society “Cancer Action Network Celebration on the Hill.” The event was meant to send a message to Congress that cancer should be a legislative priority.

The Relay For Life “Wall of Hope,” the largest temporary monument ever displayed in our nation’s capital, was constructed on the National Mall, bearing the names of more than one million Relayers. The typical Relay For Life team is comprised of friends, family members, cancer survivors, co-workers, students, and active seniors. Once they register, they are asked to go out into their communities to raise funds for their efforts. The day of their event, they show up at the track and pitch their campsites. Then, following the opening ceremonies and ceremonial cancer survivors lap, each team is asked to have at least one team member walking at all times. During the evening, a luminaries ceremony is held where luminaries are placed around the inside lane of the track in honor of those who have died of cancer or are still bravely fighting the disease. The traditional Relay now runs from 12 to 24 hours. More info on the Moses Lake Relay for Life can be found on www.relayforlife.org.

Third & Alder Salon advertised the promotion to donate a portion of the salon’s proceeds from the month of October to their clients and everyone came through. Tyler Bishop says, “I’ve only been open for a few months but I hope to continue to give back to the Moses Lake community.”

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011, Community

The Legend of Valentine’s Day

There was a famous saint named Valentine who lived in Rome during the reign of Claudius II, around the year 270 AD. Legend has it that Claudius II outlawed marriage as a way to encourage men to join his army. Valentine refused to obey this law and was arrested for secretly performing weddings for young couples. While in prison, Valentine’s kindness and positive attitude helped convert the jailer and his wife to Christianity.

According to the legend, Valentine also befriended the jailer’s blind daughter, often writing her notes of encouragement and praying for her. Word of Valentines kindness and compassion reached Claudius II. He offered to release Valentine if the priest would renounce his religion and worship the Roman gods. Valentine not only refused, but he tried to convert Claudius II to Christianity. Claudius II rejected this attempt and condemned Valentine to death.

As the legend goes, Valentine’s prayers were answered, and the jailer’s daughter was healed. On the eve of his execution, Valentine wrote a note assuring this young girl that she was not responsible for his death. He signed the note “from your Valentine.” Valentine’s story represents many aspects of love. It was his love for God and his commitment to his values that caused Valentine to disobey the law. Valentine’s respect for romantic love is also included in his disobedience. His positive and loving attitude, even in the midst of crisis, affected the views of others including the jailer and Claudius himself. He demonstrated love for humanity through his kindness to the jailer’s blind daughter.

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011

The Lioness Club of Moses Lake makes Grant County Special Olympics athletes visit to Seattle Seahawks possible

(Back row, left to right) Lioness Club of Moses Lake members Connie VanDerVelden, Bev Love, LaDawn Garwood, (front row, left to right) Judy Thompson, Niria Martinez, Michaelle Boetger, Andrea Martinez and Christie Obershaw of the Special Olympics accepting the donation.

The Lioness Club of Moses Lake made a donation of $759 towards the Grant County Special Olympics team so they could charter a bus to take them to an event in Renton, Washington where the Seahawks train. At the event the twenty-six athletes from Grant County learned to kick, pass and run like the professional athletes who work right beside them during the event.

Christie Obershaw, 2010 Special Olympics Coach of the Year said, “At our coaches conference last year I bid on a day with the Sea Hawks and used this as an incentive to raise money for the Special Olympics program. The athletes who raised the most money were the winners and got to go on the trip. I made arrangements to charter a bus but the arrangement fell through the week before the trip. I was scrambling to arrange another bus and found out the costs were going to be double what we had money for.”

They sent out a letter to area organizations to cover the difference in cost for the trip and the Lioness Club of Moses Lake stepped up to the plate.

Andrea Martinez, President of the Lioness Club of Moses Lake, says, “The Lioness were happy to assist our local Special Olympics, the timing of their need was just before our General Meeting, the vote to assist was unanimous. This was a group we hadn’t supported in the past and we were glad to get them on their journey.”

Christie Obershaw said, “I am so thankful the Lioness Club were so generous to donate the cost for the bus so we could travel to Renton to spend the day with the Sea Hawks. The athletes had such a wonderful time and have so many photos and memories from the event.”

The purpose of the Lioness Club of Moses Lake is to foster a spirit of interest, friendliness and helpfulness among its members and to cooperate with the Moses Lake Lions Club in their philanthropic projects. The Lioness Club of Moses Lake is a non-profit organization with ongoing projects such as scholarships and numerous other donations given to the local community, all funded by the club’s efforts at the Spaceburger Booth at the Grant County Fair.

Many individuals, groups & community projects have benefited from the efforts of the Lioness Club of Moses Lake. To help support the community consider joining the Lioness Club of Moses Lake, membership is open to women age 18 and over. Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 1020 South A Street in Moses Lake at 7 p.m.

To contact our local Special Olympics call Christie Obershaw at 509-760-2074 or call Susan at Moses Lake Park and Rec at 764-3810.

To contact the Lioness Club of Moses Lake write to P.O. Box 21, Moses Lake, Washington 98837 or join their fanpage on Facebook for the Lioness Club of Moses Lake or Spaceburgers.

Filed Under: 2011-01 January 2011, Community