The Odessa Record -

The Harrington Public Development Authority met November 21 with Paul Charlton, Jay Kane, Jay Gossett, Bunny Haugan, Heather Slack, Marge Womach, Tim Tipton and Jill Plaskon attending. The UFO event at the opera house, which was co-sponsored with the Opera House Society, netted the Authority about $230. Following the event, a nice group continued discussions at the Post and Office.

Gossett presented the group with three designs for the potential Harrington community sign, which would involve a secure cement base with steel posts with removable inserts for different messages to advertise Cruizin’ Harrington, the Harrington Fall Festival or other local events needing publicity. The signs will measure 5’ by 8’ and require 10 to 12 weeks for delivery. Prices vary depending on whether the inserts are made of metal or composite material. One price quoted was $4,460 for the frame, one insert panel and installation. The intended location for the sign is on the city-owned property across Highway 28 from the Robertson’s home if approved by the city council. Examples of the designs were Harrington Fall Festival, 4th Saturday in September, with the horn of plenty or three stalks of wheat; Cruizin’ Harrington, 3rd Saturday in May, with the image of an antique car or the Studebaker emblem; and drafts of most simplified graphics: Cruise Harrington, 3rd Saturday in May with an auto and Harrington Fall Festival, 4th Saturday in September with a pumpkin. The designs were created by Baldwin Signs in Spokane. Gossett stated that most people prefer the simplified versions of the signs, a cleaner appearance and not a lot of clutter in the design. The sign will be visible from both directions and drivers will have another opportunity to enter the town from the highway without having to turn around.

Discussion was held regarding Opera House Square and comments made at the Community Forum. Before the spring thaw, plans need to be formalized so that work can begin and move forward to show good progress by the May activity of Cruizin’ Harrington. Someone needs to gather information on the basement of the former Adams & Mitchum building and learn what was done to it when the building was removed and what needs to be done to secure it before work is begun for the park. A specific design needs to be created, based on some precise measurements that need to be taken.

The December 2 Lighting of the Christmas Tree will take place at 5 p.m. On November 27, 28 and 29, groups are planning to meet to add decorations to the tree. Wreathes have been ordered for the downtown businesses.

Slack told the Authority that the Post and Office owned by her and her husband is growing in clientele. They are maintaining their schedule of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Soup was added to their menu, and parking on the east side of Third is often seen as parallel parking to accommodate the number of people turning out. It has been announced that the next Harrington Historic Preservation Commission will meet there December 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Harrington’s Hometown Thanksgiving Dinner was furnished to one and all who were willing to RSVP for a seat and plate on Thursday. The kitchen help began arriving at 7 a.m. Jen Mallery and Justin Bradford were first on the scene, and Sam Aldous and Darren Bowers carried in the dishes, silverware and food. Others began joining in the labor of love: Cherie MacClellan; Carla, Travis, Justin and Lorie Bradford; Riley, MacKenzie, Chloe and Kenzie Longwills; Rick, Alexis and Megan Smith; Stephen and Becky Hardy; Susie Harding; Tony and Kelly Hamilton; Lynn, Cindie and Tori Rice; Dillon Haas; Lynn Wines and others.

At most times from 9 to noon, the kitchen appeared full of people. The grade school students had made place mats for the beautifully decorated tables. Music was provided from 10 a.m. to nearly noon as an open mike with a piano, guitars and a horn. Becky and Stephen Hardy, Dillon Haas and Tony Hamilton were the primary noisemakers with hymns and songs until near dinner time when Jen Mallery and Justin Bradford joined the others and sang Amazing Grace, which was followed by Tony Hamilton giving the blessing. More than 70 people enjoyed the festivities. The dinner included about 35 pounds of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, string beans, rolls, olives, cranberries, apple pie and pecan pie, and of course, the main entree, turkey. There were six turkeys weighing about 12 pounds each. Following the dinner, games were played and prizes given out. Games included bingo, a bean-bag game and Giant Jenga.

Jen Mallery was instrumental in bringing the Thanksgiving dinner to Harrington last year, and this year she had formed a 501(c3) charitable organization called Harrington Community Meals. Mallery is president, Susie Harding vice-president, Dillon Haas treasurer, Stephen Hardy secretary, Megan Smith drum major and Justin Bradford board member. The Harrington school donated the kitchen, multipurpose room and electricity. They have collected 74 plates and 100 pieces of silverware. The Sewall family donated cups for the dinner. Door prizes were donated by the Good Neighbor Pharmacy of Davenport, Les Schwab, Debbie Meserve, Lynn Wines and Yvonne Mills. The Post and Office and the Harrington Community Church donated cash. Lincoln Hospital donated the salt and pepper shakers, butter, string beans and homemade dinner rolls. Mallery said that she would like to serve an Easter dinner if sufficient interest is shown.

December 2 in Harrington

The Harrington PTA organizers invite the public to attend “a Harrington Hometown Christmas Celebration” December 2 in Harrington, which will allow people to shop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Opera House rummage sale, all by donation. Nearly all items are different from those offered at previous sales. Santa will arrive at 10 a.m. at the Opera House where photos may be taken until noon. The Holiday Bazaar with various vendors at the Harrington Memorial Hall will open at 11 a.m. and continue to 5 p.m., at which time the Harrington Christmas Tree Lighting will occur. Christmas Extravaganza including poinsettias, trees, and wreaths will be sold at the school by the FFA. All items are Washington grown.