Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 03 December 2019

Special Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, December 3, 2019, 4:10pm

I. Call to order
II. Flag salute
III. Approval of Resolution 2019-04, authorizing an increase in the regular 2020 property tax levy
IV. Leffler property earnest money agreement

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 03 December 2019

Written by christmasinwashington.com

Published: 30 November 2019

Lake Chelan Tourist Center presents its Second Annual "Lake Chelan Christmas" with The Gothard Sisters Celtic Christmas on Friday December 13th 2019 and Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas on Friday December 20th 2019.

His Second Year in the Lake Chelan Valley, legendary electric violinist Geoffrey Castle brings the Christmas magic with this dazzling concert, featuring the Seattle Irish Dance Company, The Geoffrey Castle Celtic Band, and known Irish troublemaker and Tenor, Dan Connolly. This year's special guests, Seattle Opera’s own Pamela Cassela-Nim & Veronica Nim, and even a visit all the way from the North Pole by the Chief Elf himself and his wife - Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus.

Now in its 14th year, Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas Celebration has become a Northwest Holiday Tradition, bringing communities together to celebrate the magic and mystery of the season, with an Irish flair for fun!

Geoffrey Castle is a living legend on the electric six-string violin. His performance history includes playing music with members of supergroups like Heart, Queen, Journey, Bad Company, YES, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Blues Traveler, the Pogues, and the Neville Brothers, while releasing 12 albums on his own independent label and touring and performing all over the world.

The Seattle Irish Dancers are the only professional performance Irish Dance Company in the Pacific Northwest. They've performed with musicians from around the world - Gaelic Storm, The Chieftains, and Celtica Pipes Rock - to name just a few. They perform often with Geoffrey Castle and are excited to come back to the Lake Chelan Valley.

This year Lake Chelan Christmas™ adds a second Concert, The Gothard Sisters Celtic Christmas. Christmas with the Gothard Sisters is a special holiday program featuring Celtic tunes and songs as well as the sisters' joyful and sincere arrangements of Christmas carols old and new. This familyfriendly show includes sibling harmony, Irish step dancing, the sisters' signature humor and heart, and even a Christmas Eve disaster story.

The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic musical group of three sisters who play contemporary Celtic music. Through 10 years performing, touring and writing music together, the optimistic style of their music and performances continue to resonate with their fans, building a loyal international following. Their latest all-original album release, Midnight Sun, reached #6 on the Billboard World Music charts as the highest ranking debut on the chart, and the Gothard Sisters have performed in venues large and small all over the country, including a concert at the Kennedy Center's Millennium stage in Washington DC, performances with Disney Cruise line in Europe, a 21-city concert tour of Japan in 2019, music festivals and performing arts venues nationwide. Blending Celtic, folk, classical, world and northwest musical influences, the Gothard Sisters bring songs to life with violin, acoustic guitar, mandolin, bodhran, djembe, octave violin, whistle and vocal harmonies, creating music that is "vivid, inspirational and captivating." (Tim Carroll, Folk Words Review 2018)

Writing and recording near their home in the Pacific Northwest between touring nationally, the band has released 7 albums and has performed over 1,000 live shows over the course of their career These productions are brought to the Lake Chelan Valley by the Lake Chelan Tourist Center in is efforts of creating Family Friendly Community Events & Entertainment. This Year Lake Chelan Christmas™ is part of the CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON™ Concert Series providing Christmas Concerts in Lake Chelan, Leavenworth, Ellensburg, Moses Lake and Omak. Pre-Concert and Intermission Entertainment provided by the Official CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON™ Celtic Bagpiper David Wilkie.

Proceeds from these Concerts benefit various Lake Chelan Community Events & Student Programs and the CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON™ Scholarship Fund, now benefiting Chelan High School Graduates.

CHELAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PAC)

215 Webster Ave Chelan WA 98816

DATES / TIMES:

THE GOTHARD SISTERS CELTIC CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 13th 2019 / FRIDAY NIGHT (7pm - 9pm)

GEOFFREY CASTLES CELTIC CHRISTMAS / DECEMBER 20th 2019 / FRIDAY NIGHT (7pm - 9pm)

Box Office Opens at 5:00pm

Doors Open at 6:00pm

Refreshments available for purchase before the Concert and during Intermission as a Fundraiser for the Chelan High School Drama Department.

ORDER TICKETS BY PHONE

CALL ETIX # 1-800-514-3849

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

Damascus Rose Floral

311 E Woodin Ave

Chelan WA

LODGING & VIP TICKET PACKAGES

Lakeside Lodge & Suites – Chelan TEL (509) 740-3372

Full Details and Online Tickets at:

www.ChristmasInWashington.com

CHRISTMAS IN WASHINGTON INFO LINE

Tel (509) 682-9150

Written by Janice Stewart

Published: 23 November 2019

Written by Manson FFA

Published: 23 November 2019

Photo L-R Blake Cochran, Teresa Venegas, Delia Lysiak, Cody Fitzpatrick, Bryanna Harris (in front) Zane Mericle, Ryan Gildersleeve, Gunnar Rasmussen, Michah Petersen, Raeauna Mogan

The Manson Grange was the site of the District #7 FFA Apple Judging Career Development Event (CDE). There were over 88 contestants from 19 area schools. The contest was put on by Marty Cochran with help from Nathan Coggins, Travis Schoenwald, Devon Griffith, and Carol Peters. Each

Each contestant had to figure Fruit Maturity days from full bloom, take a 25-question test from the pesticide applicators handbook, identify 20 different insects, judge trays of golden and red delicious, show the proper way to pressure test apples, identify 25 varieties of apples and pears, grade 25 different red delicious and golden delicious apples, and identify 50 different blemishes.

Manson FFA had 11 members competing, they were led by Cody Fitzpatrick who came in first place, followed by Blake Cochran in 11th. Additional members were Teresa Venegas, Delia Lysiak, Bryanna Harris, Raeauna Mogan, Zane Mericle, Micah Petersen, Gunnar Rasmussen, Sam Richmond, and Ryan Gildersleeve. Manson first team placed 5th just missing a trophy by 10 points, Manson second team ended up in placing 8th. Individual members now have their sights set on bringing home some hardware at the state contest to be held in Wenatchee on Dec 11th.

A big “THANK YOU” to Manson Growers for suppling us with all the apples for this year’s contest.

Written by Written by Gunnar Rasmussen and Micah Petersen

Published: 23 November 2019

The Manson FFA apple judging team along with the shop team travelled to Tonasket to compete against other schools in two fields.

The shop team of Zane Mericle, Micah Petersen, Gunnar Rasmussen, competed in various arc and gas welding competitions.

Micah Petersen and Gunnar Rasmussen took the top two spots in the best bead competition with Micah first place and Gunnar coming in second.

The 12-man Apple Judging team practiced Variety Id, Entomology, Blemish Identification, date and maturity, and grading of apples.

Manson will host the next competition on November 19 at the Manson Grange.

Manson shop students will be host their next contest on Dec 18th.

Written by Erin McCardle, Executive Director, Historic Downtown Chelan Association

Published: 23 November 2019

Enjoy the magic of the holidays November 29 – December 24

LAKE CHELAN, WA (November 22, 2019) – The Historic Downtown Chelan Association will again host Small Town Christmas, kicking off November 29th and running through December 24, 2019. Small Town Christmas is a month long holiday celebration taking place in the quaint downtown of Chelan, Washington.

Set among the twinkling lights of downtown and the snow-capped buttes of Lake Chelan, Small Town Christmas is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell postcard scene. The charming downtown will host an incredible line up of family friendly events, unique shopping experiences, and an auction gala that gives back to the youth in our community. The month-long lineup includes:

o Kick off the holiday season in Historic Downtown Chelan for Hot Friday, November 29th! Stroll throughtown to the sounds of holiday music as you take in the stunning window displays, find that unique treasure in one of our charming boutiques, grab an early mimosa, and save with some incredible deals.

o Meet Santa Claus on the Old Bridge, November 29th and escort him to the town Christmas tree during the Parade of Lights. Santa will lead the crowd in a few Christmas carols and count down the lighting of the tree.

o After the town Christmas tree has been lit, make your way to Riverwalk Park for the Fireworks Finale, roast marshmallows, grab a cup of cider and take in the stunning lake setting!

o Don’t miss the opportunity to get fancy and bid on beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths at The Festival of Trees Auction & Dinner Gala on December 7, 2019. Proceeds benefit the Historic Downtown Chelan Association and Thrive Lake Chelan, an organization supporting and empowering the youth in the Lake Chelan Valley.

Event highlights include:November 29-30

 Hot Friday Specials

 Parade of Lights

 Christmas Carols @ the Christmas Tree

 Tree Lighting in Downtown Chelan

 Fireworks & Bonfires

 Small Business Saturday

 Breakfast with Santa

 L-Bow the Elf Performance

 Santa at Frenchie’s Flutes & Fleurs

 Holiday Matinee at the Historic Ruby Theatre

December 1-7

 Holiday Concert at the Tree by Chelan High School

 Festival of Trees Preview

 Graham Cracker Cottages at The Vogue

 Roaming One Man Band

 Santa at Frenchie’s Flutes & Fleurs

 Holiday Matinee at the Historic Ruby Theatre

 Festival of Trees Gala & Auction

December 8-14

 Holiday Crafts & Cookie Decorating at St. Andrews Church

 Santa at Frenchie’s Flutes & Fleurs Kids Crafts at Woven Threads

 Find Santa Downtown for a Candy Cane

 Holiday Matinee at the Historic Ruby Theatre

December 15-22

 Santa at Frenchie’s Flutes & Fleurs

 Holiday Matinee at Chelan Public Library

 Find Santa Downtown for a Candy Cane

Tickets for the Breakfast with Santa and Festival of Trees Gala are limited and available online for purchase – make sure to purchase early!

Small Town Christmas would not be possible without the help of our sponsors – Windermere Lake Chelan, Coldwell Banker, the Kelly Allen Agency and KOZI.

Written by Barbara LaBoe, communications, WSDOT

Published: 23 November 2019

Holiday travel prep is just as important as planning the big meal

OLYMPIA – Just like shopping, prepping the turkey and checking kick-off times before a big holiday gathering, the key to smooth Thanksgiving travel is planning ahead. Being prepared to call an audible for any delays doesn’t hurt either.

The Washington State Department of Transportation urges all travelers to “know before you go” and plan ahead for the busy holiday weekend. Staying informed also lets travelers react to any delays or other issues and still make it to the feast on time.

The agency provides several tools to help plan holiday travels:

·         Consult WSDOT’s travel times charts, which use historical information to help drivers know before they go.

·         Check out online tools, including mobile apps, traffic cameras and email alerts.

·         Visit WSDOT’s online traveler information about traffic, weather and ferry schedules.

·         Follow WSDOT’s social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook.

·         Pre-program 530 AM and 1610 AM to vehicle radios for highway advisory radio alerts.

·         Carry chains and other winter driving essentials.

·         Check current chain and traction requirements on the WSDOT mountain passes website or by calling 5-1-1, and watch for highway advisory signs.

·         Leave extra time for holiday and winter travel, slow down and leave extra space between vehicles when driving on snow or ice.

Apple Cup travel

Those traveling to the Friday, Nov. 29, Apple Cup football game in Seattle should prepare for possible winter weather on passes and allow extra time if traveling Thursday evening and Friday morning as people make their way to the 1 p.m. game.

Mountain passes

·         State Route 123 Cayuse Pass and SR 410 Chinook Pass close for the season at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, and will not be available for holiday travel. These passes close every winter due to avalanche danger, poor road conditions, lack of snow storage and no emergency response services within close proximity.

·         SR 20 North Cascades Highway remains open as of Wednesday, Nov. 20. Details about the road status and winter closure are available online and travelers should check that the pass is still open before heading out.

·         On Interstate 90, Snoqualmie Pass travelers can receive text alerts for pass delays of 30 minutes or longer – text “wsdot snoqualmie” to 468311 to subscribe, and “wsdot stop” to unsubscribe.

Tolls

In the Puget Sound area, the SR 520 bridge and SR 99 tunnel will have weekend toll rates on Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, returning to weekday rates on Friday, Nov. 29. On the I-405 express toll lanes, travel is free for everyone on the Thanksgiving holiday, returning to normal toll and HOV requirements from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. Weekends are always free to travel in the express toll lanes. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads on the Good To Go! visitors page.

Traveling by ferry

Please plan ahead for heavy holiday ferry traffic and consider purchasing tickets online or walking onto ferries if possible to save time. The longest lines are expected westbound the afternoon/evening of Wednesday, Nov. 27 and on Thanksgiving morning. Eastbound, the longest lines are expected Thanksgiving afternoon and Friday morning, Nov. 29. Those driving onto ferries can sign up for vehicle wait time alerts and check terminal conditions online. Some ferry routes run on Saturday schedules on the holiday; check ferry schedules online or call 888-808-7977 for details.

Space is limited on the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry route on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and Thursday, Nov. 28, due to tidal current cancellations of several evening sailings.

Canadian service is suspended through Sunday, Dec. 8, due to required maintenance on the vessels certified to run international service.

Other travel alternatives

Travelers planning a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should make plans to avoid holiday delays:

·         Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. There are no extra Thanksgiving trains this year. Oregon’s trains will run on their weekend schedule Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 1. All Amtrak Cascades trains require reservations and trains fill up quickly during holidays. Visit www.amtrakcascades.com/  for reservation and schedule details or call 800–USA–RAIL.

·         Information about traveling via state-operated airports is available on line or call 800-552-0666.

·         Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays.

Written by Barb Chamberlain, Active Transportation director, WSDOT

Published: 23 November 2019

WSDOT hosts virtual events Nov. 26 and Dec. 11; online open house through Dec. 15

OLYMPIA – People who live in Washington have an opportunity to help create a vision for a transportation system that supports all modes of travel – including walking, biking and rolling. The Washington State Department of Transportation is updating the state active transportation plan, which serves as the needs assessment for accessible pedestrian and bicyclist connections, and public input is needed.

An online open house is available now through Sunday, Dec. 15, at http://bit.ly/WSDOT-ATP-Online-Open-House with a questionnaire to collect input from Washington residents.

WSDOT will also host virtual events during which staff will share information on the safety, mobility and accessibility issues the plan is intended to address. Those who are interested can register at http://bit.ly/WSDOT-ATP-Virtual2019. Participants will be able to submit questions and comments using the chat function in the presentation software. These will be recorded and available online after the presentations.

Virtual events

• 12 – 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26
• 7 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11

Washingtonians are invited to sign up for the plan’s email newsletter to receive future event announcements:  http://bit.ly/WSDOT-2019-ATP.

Community events open to the public that WSDOT staff are attending are listed on the Community Events and E-News page of the online open house. This list is updated as new events are added.