Harrington news

This past week the Harrington Area Chamber of Commerce released its first 2018 newsletter collection from the Chamber and other community groups, from which this news has been taken. The 2018 Chamber officers are: President, Tim Tipton, of Hideaway RV Park; Vice President, Cade Clarke, of Church of the Nazarene; Secretary, Paula Pike, of Paula’s Remote Office; and Treasurer, Cindy Haase, of Ott Insurance. They remind the community of things to do in Harrington during the winter months: Senior Meals, Monday through Wednesday at 11:30 at Memorial Hall; Harrington Public Library on Tuesday (2-5) and Thursday (3-6) with high speed Wi-Fi, computers with Internet access and e-book loans for card-holders; Harrington indoor swimming pool on Tuesday (6-8 p.m.), Wednesday (3:30-5 p.m.), Thursday (6-8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The Chamber’s reflection over the 2017 year is noteworthy. “This year the Harrington Area Chamber of Commerce made steps in the right direction. These individuals, businesses and groups are all part of a community-driven goal toward a more sustainable and relevant town of Harrington. We would like to recognize those involved in this ongoing process: 2017 Chamber members Kathy Hoob, Paula Pike, Cassandra Pfaffle-Dick, Allen Barth (deceased, Studebaker Garage), Dave Michaelson, Karen Robertson, Jill Plaskon (Wild Hair Salon), Heather Slack (The Post and Office), Mark Stedman, Jay Gossett (Harrington Haus), Ott Insurance, Harrington Hideaway RV Park, Harrington Truck & Auto, Mikatec (Gordon & Billie Herron), Crop Production Services, Grange Supply of Odessa/Harrington, Leffel, Otis & Warwick, Ag Ventures NW, Harrington Nazarene Church, City of Harrington, Harrington Golf & Country Club, Harrington School District, Harrington Food Mart, Rough Draft Ranch, RDT-Art Studio and the Ritzville Warehouse. All of your efforts, time given to volunteering and meetings does not go unnoticed. Let’s keep up the momentum going forward in 2018.” Chamber meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 12 noon. “We encourage you to attend the meetings, as your voice is important.”

The Chamber mailing included a notice for “Breakfast with the Mayor.” The first event was held January 20 at the Memorial Hall with nearly 20 present to spend an informal time with the mayor. They recommend that you bring your comments, questions or concerns with a healthy appetite to the remaining events: April 21st, July 21st and Oct 20th at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast is free.

Harrington FFA Alumni are planning the 1st Annual Dinner and Auction to be held February 2 at the Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20, with a happy hour at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Catering will be provided by Longhorn Barbecue. They advertise a Live and Silent Auction. Online pre-bidding is available at: soldbybestbid.com. For tickets or more information, contact HarringtonFFAAlumni@outlook.com.

Harrington Opera House Society “now has high-speed Wi-Fi.” They announce that they are working on their 2018 event schedule and are excited about booking small or large meetings and events that involve remote presenters, attendees or access to on-line media. HOHS is collecting ideas and suggestions as to what members of the community would like to see scheduled in our historic building. Being the first of the year, membership dollars are due which go toward operating expenses, fundraising and bringing entertainment and educational events to the Opera House, $25 individual or $35 for family or business. The immediate upcoming events are: February 1, Android & iPhone Tips and Tricks; February 10, Valentines HOH Rummage and March 2, Kevin Hekmatpanah and Pauline Zamora, cello and piano.

Harrington Homemakers invite interested persons to join their group in dessert at their meetings the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Catholic Church basement. “Learn more about our community service organization.”

“Starting Place Apartments” is name of the newly opened, former Landmark Apartments. The Manager is Targeted Management LLC. Priority is given to veterans and seniors for one-bedroom and studio apartments with water, sewer and laundry included.

God’s Closet, managed by the Community Church, is open the fourth Friday monthly from 4 to 6 p.m., offering free, slightly used clean clothing.

The Post and Office located on the corner of 3rd and Main in open Tuesday-Friday, 8-4 and Saturday, 8-3. Wi-Fi is also available on location.

Harrington Athletic Panther Booster Club is announcing a Silent Auction and Barn Dance on Saturday, April 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Larmer Barn on Tokio Rd. They are collecting donations, cash always welcome. “Some popular donation items are Panther clothing/hats, themed baskets (spa, chocolate, hunting, sports, kids, etc.), movie/dinner gift certificates, kids items, event tickets and farm decor.” Proceeds earned from this auction will be used toward supplementing uniforms and/or equipment supplies, helping with camp costs, as well as providing a scholarship for one graduate this spring. Eager contact persons are: Heather Slack, Taunya Sanford, Debbie/Lonny Soliday, and Peggy Charlton.

The ever-active Harrington PTA continues to sponsor school events and activities as well as donates monies towards educational supplies for preschool through 12th grade classes and students. “Anyone with an interest in working with students and helping with various projects and events throughout the year would make a great PTA member. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members are all encouraged to join.” At some meetings, only six people are present, but some of their larger recent projects included contributing $14,000 toward the purchase of new playground equipment for the elementary school and creating new stage curtains for the school multipurpose room. PTA meetings are held the 2nd Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the school library. “You don’t have to be a member to attend a PTA meeting.”

Senior Meals (also open to the public) are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:30 when the doors open to the public with lunch being served at noon. For people 60 and over, the suggested price is $3.50 and for everyone else the price it $8. If you have a group of three or more, please call in advance to make sure there are enough provisions, Dave Michaelson, 509-464-9322 or Susie Harding, 509-270-6023.

“Shred Service” is available with bins located at The Post & Office and at Ott Insurance. This is sponsored by Harrington Chamber of Commerce.

The Studebaker Garage is now home of the Wild Hair Salon in addition to the normal function of the garage. Jill Plaskon has 25 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and has recently moved her business from her basement to part of the storefront of the Studebaker Garage following the death of her father Allen Barth, and Jill is taking on his responsibilities. Call 509-253-4073 to schedule an appointment. The 7th Annual Harrington Car Show is planned for May 19, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be catered by the Longhorn Barbecue. There will also be live music, and Cruizin’ Day events will continue as in previous years: town garage sales, vendors, beer garden, quilt show, Opera House tours and PTA rummage sale. Entry forms are already available for the quilt show with instructions for delivery and pick up.