Holidays galore: Thanksgiving, plus Christmas concerts, sales & celebration

By MARJORIE WOMACH

Thanksgiving Dinner

Approximately 50 people were present for Thanksgiving dinner at the Harrington Community Church on Thursday. The event started at 11 a.m. in the meeting room with about double the number of people who attended last year. Stephen Hardy welcomed the guests and Tony Hamilton led the group in a prayer. The dinner was organized by Harrington Community Meals, a non-profit organization, and most of the food was donated by Lincoln Hospital. The meal included turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, rolls, relish tray (pickles, olives, cranberry sauce), pumpkin pie and beverages. Those who cooked or served included Jen Mallery, Susie Harding, Yvonne Mills, Rebecca Hardy, Bonnie Hardy, Stephen Hardy, Dillon Haas and Tony Hamilton. After-dinner activities, in addition to visiting, included playing games of Bingo with prizes, Giant Jenga and Quiddler.

Panther Press quoted

How blessed the Harrington area is to have such great faculty in our schools to guide the children of this vicinity from Pre-K through 12th grade. Taunya Sanford's Kindergarten class shared their ideas about what they are thankful for, which included: "for God and Jesus and my family and Gracie," "for my dad," "for going camping," "for bugs", "for going hunting with my dad," "for Mommy and Daddy," "for cooking," "for going on walks with my Mom and Chris," "for Rock and Roll," "for my two baby brothers," "for my little sissy" and "for being beautiful and my friends." Children learn by example, and it is worth noting that Sanford included in their news to thank all of the veterans who joined the kindergarten and first grade students for donuts before the Veterans Day Assembly, to thank the parents for attending their children's conferences and to thank the school board for awarding a generous grant for Santa's Workshop.

Susan Larmer wrote on the learning that occurs in her Pre-K class as she instructs them on day and night and bears. Each of her students was sporting new knit hats made by Sanford's mother-in-law, Linda Sanford. Sue Els was thanked for stitching names into each hat. These children are continuing to learn the "no touch" rules when they communicate. "If you ever want to see for yourself what is happening with our youngest students, please stop by. We would love to share with you all that we do," wrote Larmer. When teachers such as Charlie King with the second grade students and Sarah Comella with the first graders are excited as they watch the children learn and grow, it is a sure sign that the students will continue to enjoy and make steady progress.

"We are excited to present two concerts featuring Harrington music students this December. The first will be on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 7-8 p.m. at the Harrington School. This concert will include the concert band (grades 7-12) performing Christmas music and other selections and beginning band (grades 5-6) performing selections demonstrating their first few months of learning band instruments. The second concert will be on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 6-7 p.m. at the Harrington Opera House. This concert will include students in grades preschool through grade 4 singing Christmas and other songs that they are learning in their general music classes. Additionally, the high school guitar class will present music for guitar ensemble with alto sax, trumpet and snare drum," wrote the new band instructor Robert Vierschilling.

"Turkey Bingo was a great success! Thank you to all who turned out to support Harrington's FBLA chapter and their fund-raising efforts to help cover the cost of attending conferences and competing in their FBLA events! All the tables were full of families enjoying some quality time together. The baked potatoes, chili and cinnamon rolls prepared by the Harrington Homemakers were a hit once again. Ten turkeys, five hams, a dozen pies, six dozen rolls as well as dozens of prizes were given away to lucky winners. Thank you to Betty Warner's Food Science class for making the delicious Dutch apple and pumpkin pies. Many people and businesses sponsored many of the prizes. Thanks go to Dave and Taunya Sanford, LaMarr and Susan Larmer, Studio One, Odessa Trading Co., Dean's Drive-In, Glen and Eileen Tanke, The Post & Office, Kim and Sharon Kruger, Alan and Kelli Tanke, Ron and Linda Mielke, and the Crawford, Walters and Slack families!

Two more students have earned their Microsoft Certifications this month. Caroline Slack earns her fifth certification, this time in Word Expert. Her skills were used in using mail merge to compile thank you letters, cards and mailing labels for the Fun Run sponsors. Kasper Foley was awarded his second certification, this time in Word and Chase received his third certificate this time in Excel. Next month we should have several new certificate recipients." ("FBLA and Computers: Sharon Kruger")

LaMarr Larmer, teacher of the 5th and 6th grades, shared a photo of this year's participants in the speech, spelling, math and geography contests hosted this year by Harrington. "Here are the names of the students who took a risk and participated: Jade-third place 6th grade argumentative speech; Isaac-third grade spelling; Daxton-sixth place 4th grade math; Kelsey-5th grade impromptu speech; Tommy-third place 6th grade geography; Stormy-sixth place 6th grade spelling; Mac-second place 6th grade math; Scout-third place 6th grade interpretative speech; Turner-fifth place 6th grade impromptu speech; Samantha-7th grade math; Macy-second place 5th grade argumentative speech; Claire-first place, 5th grade geography.

From the Counselor's Corner, Ginny Lathem, wrote of this risk construct in terms of routines: "These two events, from one end of the age bracket to the other reminded me when all is said and done, no matter how old or young we are, many of us like routines. We like knowing what to expect and in part, how what we expect brings us comfort and safety. I think about the kids with whom I work and the knowledge that when they have a preview of what is to come, it helps them move forward with confidence and assurance... When we are able to honor the routines of those around us, when we are able to understand the comfort routines can bring, we give ourselves the chance to connect and empathize with others. We show them and we show ourselves that walking with them is a win-win for everyone."

Christmas Extravaganza

Harrington's FFA is selling poinsettias, Christmas trees and Christmas wreaths from Nov. 30 through Dec. 7, and they were selling quickly. They may be sold out by the 7th. Their hours are 10-4 on Saturdays and 8-3:30 Monday through Friday. Support the FFA by going to their greenhouse behind the Harrington School. For information call 509-253-4331 and ask for Betty Warner, who is guiding the students in this project. Warner shared in the newsletter that Patricia Munts from the Spokane County Extension Service came to talk to the horticulture class about compost.

Harrington Hometown Christmas Celebration

The Harrington PTA invites you to attend the Third Annual "A Harrington Hometown Christmas Celebration." December 7 is scheduled to be an all-day affair beginning at the Harrington Opera House Rummage Sale opening at 9 a.m. with lots of holiday decor and gift items, followed by arrival of Santa at 11 a.m. on a local fire truck. Santa will be in the lobby of the Opera House from 11 to 1 p.m. Guests wanting photos taken are asked to use the entrance on Willis Street to allow a smooth flow of children getting to visit Santa and collect their goodie bags. Professional quality photos are available for a donation. Also at 11 a.m. the Holiday Bazaar at the Harrington Memorial Hall will offer a variety of vendors to help you fulfill your Christmas shopping list. The Harrington music program will serve homemade soup and rolls from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. As advertised: "Local talented musicians will be performing throughout the day! Free Kid's Crafts from 1-3 p.m. Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. Harrington Elementary Students will be singing holiday favorites. Come and join us for a day of shopping, entertainment, food and festivities!"