Harrington News

The Missoula Children's Theater came to Harrington and spent two hours in auditions and less than 20 hours in rehearsals and created a magnificent production involving many of our students. Quoting from the program, "The Missoula Children's Theatre presents Cinderella, an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale. A pumpkin coach, Prince Charming, a glass slipper and a dream come true are woven together by the magic of a fairy godmother in this enchanting musical. When Cinderella's step-sisters try to keep Cinderella from attending the ball, the fairy godmother enlists the help of the mice and the pumpkins and is able to transform Cinderella just in time for the big event. Also featured in the production are Cleo, the cat, Fido, the dog, the lords and ladies, the town criers, the King and the beggars." Harrington Principal Jacob Bang sought and received a grant from the Charlotte Martin Foundation which made this production possible. Chelsey Campbell, Director, was raised in a small community near Spokane, and earned her BA from Brigham Young University Idaho in theatre education.

Patches, played by Lindsey Cline touring with the Missoula Children's Theatre, spoke and sang her way through the performance. Cinderella was played by Ellie Hedreen, her step-mother was Evie Mann, and the two step-sisters, Lovely and Beauty were played by Delani Smith and Mickey Moore. The King was nearly lost under his crown, played by Ty Brady. James Smith was the much desired handsome prince. Raggedy Annie was well played by the talented Miss Samantha Nighswonger. Cleo and Fido managed their parts well, played by Bailey Christensen and Marshall Bang. The town criers, Bryce Beer and Amber Smith, made several convincing appearances. The Beggars were Brilee Sewall, George Butrick, Izabelle Burke, Alex Bruce, Lola Philips and Naomi Smith. Lords and Ladies were played by Riley Buell, William Armstrong, Annika Walters, Wayne Mahrenholz, Kaydence Brown, Sidney Plaskon, Skyla Butrick, Darby Soliday, Janaye Wilkie, Brooke Brady, Laylah Moses, Morgan Sandoval and Beverlee Kieffer. The five mice were Lane Sewall, David Bang, Bella Mattozzi, Jack Plaskon and Truely Moore. The pumpkins in the field were Scout Sewall, Jerrila Marsh, Brenick Soliday, Gracie Bang, Glenna Soliday, Randy Mahrenholz, and Joshua Christensen. Each of these groups were well prepared, responded on their cues and helped to create great entertainment.

Debra Armstrong, Harrington High School senior, was assistant director and kept the changing of scenes and actors in harmony with the production. The Missoula Children's Theatre provided all of the costumes, and the clever and spontaneous change of Cinderella from her plain workday clothes into her evening gown for the ball was amazing on stage. Accompanist for the musical was Linda Mielke. With this whirlwind event from start to finish, the music was amazing, since Mielke and her husband Ron also furnished food and lodging for Chelsey Campbell and Lindsey Cline. Linda Mielke seemed to be as elated as the children that were performing. It was estimated that more than 100 persons attended each of the two performances amongst which were some very proud parents, and rightly so.

HOHS

The Harrington Opera House Society meeting Monday, March 3, was called to order by Pres. Mark Stedman. All board members were present with three guests. Rick Smith and Jen Mallery, Midnight Finishing, LLC, submitted a bid for the sidewalk project. Limited discussion was held regarding the sidewalk, hand rail and the slope that will be needed. The project in the auditorium on the south and east walls resulted in 42 boxes of plaster that need to be removed. Arrangements were made by Bonnie Hardy and Taunya Sandford for students to remove the boxes of plaster. Announcement was made that the ordered carpeting for the lobby, entrance to the restrooms and the Art Room would be installed on Tuesday. Money from the EDC Rural Development Grant for architectural work exceeded the expenses and $6,000 was voted to be returned. HOHS is attempting to organize an "Artisan of the Month" schedule where an artist can bring his or her products or creations for sale, order or signing. This event would be held in the art room. It was suggested to schedule Les LePere and his sister Louise Kodis for the Spring Festival in April. The next scheduled event in the opera house will be Horse Crazy Cowgirl Band on March 21. This event is advertised as Foggy Dew Western Review consisting of western music, cowboy comedy and family friendly humor. Admittance is by tickets rather than donation. All members are encouraged to help clean before this performance. Silhouette Lighting has been contacted to work with the building committee to design a complete support structure in the top recesses of the stage ceiling from which the curtains will be hung.

The HOHS meeting activated their group and "talk" became "activity". A great group of students removed the 42 boxes of plaster into a waiting truck. The students ran the old stairs of the opera house so rapidly they were not counted. The new carpet was laid with the help of volunteers moving the furniture out and then back. In the art room this included a piano and an organ. During the week volunteers did deep cleaning of the pews, woodwork and floor of the auditorium following the extensive construction project.

The rummage sale on Saturday, March 8, had a slow steady flow of customers which netted well over $200 for the elevator fund. Items will be added with themes of lighthouses and seashore, Asian artifacts, vintage Avon bottles, owls and basketry. The next sale is scheduled for this Saturday, March 15, 9-3. With a number of inquiries, HOH will now be accepting donated items for its rummage sales, except clothing, which HOH is encouraging the public to donate to The Lord's Cupboard at the Harrington Community Church. To make arrangements for donations to HOHS, call Carol for details at 253-4748.

Harrington Library Survey

Harrington Public Library received the Broadband Survey for Libraries in Lincoln County by email a day prior to Margie Hall of the EDC and Monica Babine of WSU Extension, of Kirkland, coming to the Harrington Library to assess the library, the computer usage, needs of the rural library, and speed of broadband for download and upload. The Dept. of Commerce has provided a site for testing internet speed: http://wabroadbandmapping.org/SpeedTest.aspx . Hall and Babine stated Tuesday that they were intending to visit each of the libraries of the Bi-county Wheatland Rural Libraries. One of their queries was in regard to changing this functioning group into a "regional library district". As long as Carolyn Petersen of Washington State Library continues to work with our present group, it seemed disruptive to change it into a district.

Historic Preservation

Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission met Tuesday, March 4 at Harrington city hall at 6:30 with a planned presentation by Chaz Bates and William F. Grimes of Studio Cascades. Celeste Miller called the meeting to order with Karen and Jerry Allen, Aileen Sweet, Terry Howe (liaison to city hall), Anita Harman, Paul Charlton, Marge Womach and Karen Robertson present. Much like with the Charrette last fall, the discussion surrounded the 2000 Plus Planning for Harrington, and updating recommendations of things the community might do or try to improve its business and growth potential. Some discussion was held regarding what this group believed to have caused the decline in the number of businesses: primarily the changes in farms and farming methods. Several comments by Studio Cascades included emphasizing the abrupt change from town to country, and the contrast of the downtown business district's brickwork to the farming aspect of the elevators and the trains/tracks for the transport of the grain. As with the Charrette, it was again pointed out that locals know the need to not impede the farmers in getting their grain to the elevators, and that Bates and Grimes will need to keep that in mind as they prepare their assessment. Several members were interested to know if they would be willing to incorporate some of the EWU students into their project. Mr Grimes stated his approval and "it would give students experience in the field". Grimes and Bates are both familiar with the group from EWU that were here. Midway through the meeting the board withdrew to vote on giving Studio Cascade the contract. That passed, and they were informed, and will be sending a contract. The commission stated that they would forward the grant guidelines to them. Prior to the presentation it was announced that two positions remain to be filled on the commission. Also some discussion was made regarding the Spring Festival, April 26.

Chamber of Commerce

at Ott Insurance

Harrington Chamber of Commerce met Wednesday, March 5, at noon at Ott Insurance with Kathy Hoob, Chris Harding, Lisa Rockey, Cindy Haase, Sharon Nighswonger, Cassandra Paffle-Dick, Tim Campau, and Marge Womach. Primary topic of discussion was the upcoming Spring Festival. There are presently seven pre-paid vendors and the Memorial Hall has been reserved for the event. Weather permitting there will be places for vendors inside and outside with 28 tables at the hall. Some vendors prefer to bring their own tables, which is allowed. At present, no outdoor spaces have been dedicated or designated to specific vendors. Each vendor provides their own insurance. Barth Allen is advertising for his car show and is providing music there. Chris Harding volunteered to make a contact for a band for music in the downtown area. The Quilt Show and Quilt Raffle are both confirmed. The Harrington Golf and Country Club will have coupons for the golf course. Unconfirmed possibilities included having a shuttle bus and Pete Nelson's Draft Horses and Plowing. Others had shown an interest in the Mud Bogs but to date no details had been arranged. Old business that was discussed was the sale of the float trailer and the return of the money back to the chamber, the recycled can project and the potential of passing it off to the school as a fund-raiser, adding ornamental shrubs to the restroom project at the city park, and deciding about officer positions for the current year. Regarding the officers, it was determined to retain all the current officers for the remainder of this year. A member also commented on what a wonderful job Karen Robertson is doing with the web pages and Facebook for Harrington. It was stated that she receives a minimal fee per year for this service.