Odessa gardens typically produce an abundance of zucchini squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and other vegetables this time of year. Hot weather is past, nights are still warm so bees increase activity,...

"Community--a group of people living in the same place, a feeling of fellowship with others, sharing common attitudes, interest and goals." In the town of Odessa are a variety of communities where we...

After a successful career in banking, 70-year-old Jon Heimbigner has kept busy in retirement pursuing volunteer work in the areas of athletic halls of fame and engaging older athletes in the sports ac...

Quilters tend to be good cooks and bakers. Attend any quilting related event that includes a potluck meal and you will come away well sated and with a handful of new recipes. Grape nuts-Oatmeal...

Rogers & Hammerstein's musical Oklahoma! was performed last weekend at Davenport High School by the Wheatland Theatre Company with a cast composed of both local area residents and professional act...

Salads are a great way to keep the family fed on hot days, or, as a side dish anytime of the year. Any preparation cooking needed can be done early in the day while you can open windows for...

I had just checked out of the school library a book of songs. I ran the seven blocks home from school to show it to Mom. "Let's sing," I said. We sat on the floor, squeezed into a little corner in...

Summertime is ideal for teaching kids to cook. By age 9, young people can begin to master dishes involving boiling water for cooking pasta, eggs and packaged meals, measuring and mixing ingredients...

You meet the nicest people in Odessa whether they have been here for one hundred years or they just recently moved here. Odessa is a wonderful place with wonderful people. And now I would like to...

Salad season, school is out and pool time; recipes in this column are mostly from Odessa Friends of the Pool Cookbooks. Barb Schlimmer’s Taco Salad is always a hit at any event she brings it to. The...

Have you ever missed someone but never really come to the realization of it until you met up with or spoke with that person again? Usually it's someone we take for granted and assume they will always...

I have found over the last two years living here in Odessa and doing interviews, that there are some very wonderful and interesting people. Everyone has a story, and I feel privileged and honored...

Graduation season is here and high school and college graduation celebrations abound. Most years this column features salads and sides for a crowd suggestions for all the celebrations, but this year...

Another beautiful day in paradise, and today I was privileged to have a wonderful visit with Lois Renken. She was born in 1933 in Kellogg, Idaho and grew up in Spokane Valley with her parents Mark...

Rhubarb is in plentiful supply in local gardens and area supermarket. Sauces, pies, chutneys, cookies, even salad recipes abound for preparing this prolific spring and early summer fruit. Crust-less R...

What a beautiful morning! I am very thankful for life and to be experiencing it here in the lovely, peaceful community of Odessa. Let me introduce you to Jesse, Meri Jane Bohn and their...

Asparagus season has begun. Though we can buy asparagus in the supermarket most of the year, fresh locally grown is a cut above in flavor and texture. Keeping the fresh flavor and texture is all in...

It is finally spring in Odessa, and the world is beautiful. Let me introduce you to my neighbor Frank Clark. Frank was born April 29, 1947 in Everett. He grew up in Lake Stevens with his parents and...