In today’s column:
- THS Student Named State DAR Good Citizens
- Toledo Elementary School Honored By WSRA
- High School Girls Basketball Blueberry Plant Sale
- Monday City Council Recap
- School District Special Board Meeting 6 PM
- Lewis County Interlocal (Medic One) Meets Tonight
- Art Scene
- Tech Report
DAR Regent Shirley Stirling writes:
For the first time ever, the Sacajawea Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Olympia, Washington recognized a Toledo High School senior as her school's DAR Good Citizen. Janell Crumpacker, 2nd Vice Regent and Good Citizen coordinator for the chapter traveled to Toledo with Shirley Stirling, Regent, and Judi Hine, 1st Vice Regent to congratulate and recognize Davinagrace Ramon. They were welcomed during the high school morning assembly by Principal Martin Huffman. Shirley Stirling, Regent, remarked, "We visited nine schools to give out the awards and are very proud of Davinagrace and all our students. When we see what wonderful young adults and good citizens are graduating from our local schools, it gives us great optimism for the future."
For the first time ever, the Sacajawea Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Olympia, Washington recognized a Toledo High School senior as her school's DAR Good Citizen. Janell Crumpacker, 2nd Vice Regent and Good Citizen coordinator for the chapter traveled to Toledo with Shirley Stirling, Regent, and Judi Hine, 1st Vice Regent to congratulate and recognize Davinagrace Ramon. They were welcomed during the high school morning assembly by Principal Martin Huffman. Shirley Stirling, Regent, remarked, "We visited nine schools to give out the awards and are very proud of Davinagrace and all our students. When we see what wonderful young adults and good citizens are graduating from our local schools, it gives us great optimism for the future."
Our American Heritage and Responsibility for Preserving It - How do the combined actions of many good citizens keep our nation moving forward?
By Davinagrace Ramon
As Americans it is our responsibility and duty to work as one nation to preserve the American heritage and keep our nation moving forward. America has had so many exemplifying good citizens/nation figured people such as; Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Junior. These people were unafraid of leading our great nation into higher possibilities that no one had yet imagined, by building relationships with one another.
Though there are very few students of my age willing to take charge and lead their peers, it is the few that we should thank in having the courage to do so. Having the ability to put these skills into action at such a young age is great practice for when it may count for the near future. Leading your people does not mean having to do everything yourself and bossing people around, as some may perceive it to be. lt is having the abilities to work with different groups of people, gaining one's trust and networking, being able to listen to someone you may not agree with, taking their opinion into consideration, and assigning tasks to people so you don't stress out over the excess of work. These are the qualities and responsibilities that a good citizen leader is equipped with.
Keep in mind that there is just as much of importance to the followers of a leader. Followers work hard to get assigned tasks completed in an efficient and timely manner. They have to be able to state their opinions and give ideas while working with one another. During each process, when a group comes together, is where their actions count most. Each individual makes a difference by what they are able to offer the group. Having the capability of following someone can be a very difficult task, but because it is in our human nature and American heritage to want more for the greater of the people, we make self-sacrifices.
Good adolescent citizens are what our nation needs to be nurturing for a superior future in keeping our nation moving forward. Teaching the skills and qualities of what makes a good citizen to all who are willing to learn, will better our chances of a more unison nation. The act of combining all good citizens will bring together greater ideas and possibilities. It has been a part of our American heritage and natural instinct to want to help one another in becoming better persons and improving ourselves as a whole. Together, as one nation and community of many good citizens, we will be keeping our nation moving forward while preserving our American heritage.
***
PRESS RELEASE
Toledo Elementary Named Recycler of the Year
TOLEDO April 18, 2017- Toledo Elementary has been named Recycler of the Year for Public Education by the Washington State Recycling Association. The school is one of ten organizations and individuals selected for State awards. The Toledo Elementary School Parent teacher organization obtained buy-in from school leadership, teachers, parents and other community leaders to create an augmented approach to the Science program that blended both research and practical interactive activities. This approach has translated into improved student learning. Given that the Cowlitz River is only blocks away from the school, the focus on environment, watershed protection, recycling, composting and the development of an on-site garden for kids grew from nothing to a thriving full cycle nutrition focused series of classes called Garden Science. In the last five years, the school’s state-wide test scores have gone from the bottom 5% to recent recognition as a School of Distinction.”
Funded and staffed by a group of committed volunteers from the Toledo Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, the Garden Science program provides a year round introduction to food production, nutrition, and healthy eating habits. In addition, students learn about composting and recycling. “The enrichment of our elementary program has been phenomenal.”, according to Angela Bacon, Principal of Toledo Elementary. “We’ve seen an increase in student interest in science as a result of the Garden Program.”
Recyclers of the Year are chosen by WSRA members, board and Recycling Hall of Fame members. Recipients of the award will be recognized at a banquet during the WSRA Conference and Trade Show in Pasco on May 9.
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us.
***
Morgan & Judy Tjemsland’s THS Ladies Basketball blueberry plant sale returns with 6 varieties this year!
Sale will run the next four Saturdays - April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 13, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Riverview Hardware and NAPA. All the proceeds will go to the THS Girls Basketball Team.
***
Recap: Monday Toledo City Council hosted a Public Hearing on a Special Presentation by Lewis County Commissioner Bobby Jackson, Commissioner Gary Stamper, and Twin Cities Transit CEO Rob LaFontaine on a proposed bus service area expansion.
LaFontaine spoke at length about the current two-tenths of one percent sales tax currently in place throughout the Twin Transit bus service area, the greater Centralia - Chehalis metropolis, which provides most of Twin Transit’s $2.2 million budget. With Lewis Mountain Highway Transit (LMHT), a non-profit entity relying on grants for 90% of their operation, and Lewis County raising their 10% minimum matching fund by 5% percent each year until a 50/50 match is achieved for non-profits, LaFontaine predicts LMHT will be unable to continue bus service to East Lewis County beyond June 2017.
Expanding bus service - and the same 2/10ths of one percent sales tax to cover East Lewis County as well as SouthWest and Western Lewis County - would benefit those without “traditional transportation” such as seniors, college students, and entry-level wage earners while generating an additional $2 million in revenue. “About 5% of our income comes from the fare box,” said LaFontaine. “That’s about $20 for every $10,000 spent on taxable goods & services - probably what most folks are spending already within the Centralia/Chehalis district each year - less than $2 per month” to get transportation to outlying towns."
Tax boundaries might follow city boundaries, school districts, or other established lines, provided service coverage leaves no “islands” of unserved populations. A community could opt in or out, put a vote to its residents, in exchange for (transit board) representation.
Commissioner Jackson commented on such economic development as part of (the County’s) long-range Comprehensive Growth Management Planning (CGMP) along with broadband expansion and other incentives. He noted that Vader’s Mayor Ken Smith seemed interested in the proposed bus service expansion. Mossyrock and Morton also heard (Twin Transit’s) proposal today (Monday).
Twin Transit is slated to receive a new all-electric bus for urban use, explaining “every year, diesel bus prices rise, while electric vehicles prices continue to drop. That’s another way to keep costs down, electric vehicles functioning optimally on low-speed, mostly level in-town routes.”
LaFontaine will be hiring a consultant to determine support from Lewis County small towns, suggesting a cohesive front will carry the best chance of getting service to outlying areas.
He thanked Mayor Steve Dobosh and the City Council Members for granting him a platform.
Details of Twin Transit’s Request For Proposal (RFP 2017-01) Project Title: Lewis Public Transit Benefit Area (LBPTA) Expansion Feasibility Study may be found at this link.
Committee Reports:
Under New Business:
Public Input: Steamboat Plaza’s request to the City to revoke a street closure permit issued to Harry’s Place owner Jack LeDuc for a Cheese Days 2017 event was deemed irrelevant following a recent transfer of the business to another party, effective date June 1, 2017. Whether the new owner will seek a similar permit is unknown.
Meeting adjourned 6:45 p.m.
***
Tonight: The Toledo School District Board of Directors will conduct a
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING: Board Self-Evaluation at 6:00 p.m. tonight in the Toledo Middle School library. The public is invited to attend.
Reminder: Regularly scheduled BOD monthly meeting will be held 7 p.m. Thursday in the Middle School Library. Public welcome, and invited to attend. Agenda and minutes may be found online at Toledo School District website.
***
Also tonight: Lewis County Interlocal (Medic One) Board meeting.
Held 7 p.m. third Tuesdays monthly at Toledo Fire Department Main Station. Visit
http://www.toledofire2.com/calendar.html
***
Di says: For those of you participating in the Earth Day Celebrations and walks/marches next weekend: I have been knitting some GREEN hats... Come by Gallery 505 Artist's Co-op to pick up one. Just one per person please. They are acrylic yarn and self-striping in various shades of green. Enjoy!
PS: please sign the guest book and leave your mailing address for future post cards. ~ Di Morgan - wearable art.
Gallery 505 Artists Co-op. Open 1 - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Also on Facebook.
***
Tech Tuesday: From A Grey Area Computer Repair, this link on Apple’s project - a wearable device designed to monitor blood sugar levels without tedious finger pricking.
***
MAC lovers will identify with Thorin Klosowski’s Ode to a Dead iMac.
***
From groovyPost: Apple Releases iOS 10.3.1 - What’s Included and Should You Upgrade?
***
Check out Cult Of Mac for Daily Deals, How-to, News and Reviews on all things iOS.
***
Toledo Home To Celebrity - Wikipedia now features a page dedicated to online and local personality Ethan Siegal, who hosts Starts With A Bang, and published Beyond the Galaxy: How Humanity Looked Beyond Our Milky Way and Discovered the Entire Universe in December 2015.*
*Toledo Community Library holds a copy donated by the author himself.
***
Looking ahead - Don says: The Toledo Historical Society meeting is April 24th at 4 PM at the Greater Toledo Community Library.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
By Davinagrace Ramon
As Americans it is our responsibility and duty to work as one nation to preserve the American heritage and keep our nation moving forward. America has had so many exemplifying good citizens/nation figured people such as; Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Junior. These people were unafraid of leading our great nation into higher possibilities that no one had yet imagined, by building relationships with one another.
Though there are very few students of my age willing to take charge and lead their peers, it is the few that we should thank in having the courage to do so. Having the ability to put these skills into action at such a young age is great practice for when it may count for the near future. Leading your people does not mean having to do everything yourself and bossing people around, as some may perceive it to be. lt is having the abilities to work with different groups of people, gaining one's trust and networking, being able to listen to someone you may not agree with, taking their opinion into consideration, and assigning tasks to people so you don't stress out over the excess of work. These are the qualities and responsibilities that a good citizen leader is equipped with.
Keep in mind that there is just as much of importance to the followers of a leader. Followers work hard to get assigned tasks completed in an efficient and timely manner. They have to be able to state their opinions and give ideas while working with one another. During each process, when a group comes together, is where their actions count most. Each individual makes a difference by what they are able to offer the group. Having the capability of following someone can be a very difficult task, but because it is in our human nature and American heritage to want more for the greater of the people, we make self-sacrifices.
Good adolescent citizens are what our nation needs to be nurturing for a superior future in keeping our nation moving forward. Teaching the skills and qualities of what makes a good citizen to all who are willing to learn, will better our chances of a more unison nation. The act of combining all good citizens will bring together greater ideas and possibilities. It has been a part of our American heritage and natural instinct to want to help one another in becoming better persons and improving ourselves as a whole. Together, as one nation and community of many good citizens, we will be keeping our nation moving forward while preserving our American heritage.
***
PRESS RELEASE
Toledo Elementary Named Recycler of the Year
TOLEDO April 18, 2017- Toledo Elementary has been named Recycler of the Year for Public Education by the Washington State Recycling Association. The school is one of ten organizations and individuals selected for State awards. The Toledo Elementary School Parent teacher organization obtained buy-in from school leadership, teachers, parents and other community leaders to create an augmented approach to the Science program that blended both research and practical interactive activities. This approach has translated into improved student learning. Given that the Cowlitz River is only blocks away from the school, the focus on environment, watershed protection, recycling, composting and the development of an on-site garden for kids grew from nothing to a thriving full cycle nutrition focused series of classes called Garden Science. In the last five years, the school’s state-wide test scores have gone from the bottom 5% to recent recognition as a School of Distinction.”
Funded and staffed by a group of committed volunteers from the Toledo Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, the Garden Science program provides a year round introduction to food production, nutrition, and healthy eating habits. In addition, students learn about composting and recycling. “The enrichment of our elementary program has been phenomenal.”, according to Angela Bacon, Principal of Toledo Elementary. “We’ve seen an increase in student interest in science as a result of the Garden Program.”
Recyclers of the Year are chosen by WSRA members, board and Recycling Hall of Fame members. Recipients of the award will be recognized at a banquet during the WSRA Conference and Trade Show in Pasco on May 9.
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us.
***
Morgan & Judy Tjemsland’s THS Ladies Basketball blueberry plant sale returns with 6 varieties this year!
Sale will run the next four Saturdays - April 22, April 29, May 6 and May 13, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the Riverview Hardware and NAPA. All the proceeds will go to the THS Girls Basketball Team.
***
Recap: Monday Toledo City Council hosted a Public Hearing on a Special Presentation by Lewis County Commissioner Bobby Jackson, Commissioner Gary Stamper, and Twin Cities Transit CEO Rob LaFontaine on a proposed bus service area expansion.
LaFontaine spoke at length about the current two-tenths of one percent sales tax currently in place throughout the Twin Transit bus service area, the greater Centralia - Chehalis metropolis, which provides most of Twin Transit’s $2.2 million budget. With Lewis Mountain Highway Transit (LMHT), a non-profit entity relying on grants for 90% of their operation, and Lewis County raising their 10% minimum matching fund by 5% percent each year until a 50/50 match is achieved for non-profits, LaFontaine predicts LMHT will be unable to continue bus service to East Lewis County beyond June 2017.
Expanding bus service - and the same 2/10ths of one percent sales tax to cover East Lewis County as well as SouthWest and Western Lewis County - would benefit those without “traditional transportation” such as seniors, college students, and entry-level wage earners while generating an additional $2 million in revenue. “About 5% of our income comes from the fare box,” said LaFontaine. “That’s about $20 for every $10,000 spent on taxable goods & services - probably what most folks are spending already within the Centralia/Chehalis district each year - less than $2 per month” to get transportation to outlying towns."
Tax boundaries might follow city boundaries, school districts, or other established lines, provided service coverage leaves no “islands” of unserved populations. A community could opt in or out, put a vote to its residents, in exchange for (transit board) representation.
Commissioner Jackson commented on such economic development as part of (the County’s) long-range Comprehensive Growth Management Planning (CGMP) along with broadband expansion and other incentives. He noted that Vader’s Mayor Ken Smith seemed interested in the proposed bus service expansion. Mossyrock and Morton also heard (Twin Transit’s) proposal today (Monday).
Twin Transit is slated to receive a new all-electric bus for urban use, explaining “every year, diesel bus prices rise, while electric vehicles prices continue to drop. That’s another way to keep costs down, electric vehicles functioning optimally on low-speed, mostly level in-town routes.”
LaFontaine will be hiring a consultant to determine support from Lewis County small towns, suggesting a cohesive front will carry the best chance of getting service to outlying areas.
He thanked Mayor Steve Dobosh and the City Council Members for granting him a platform.
Details of Twin Transit’s Request For Proposal (RFP 2017-01) Project Title: Lewis Public Transit Benefit Area (LBPTA) Expansion Feasibility Study may be found at this link.
Committee Reports:
- Police: Chief John Brockmueller reported the Police Officer candidate passed all tests, starts June 1, 2017. New cruiser slated to arrive late July 2017.
- Public Works: Superintendent Steve Blahut announced the water tank paint removal & primer project underway, with scaffolding and containment structure in place, workers on the job. Muralist’s schedule will be weather-sensitive. Also noted that tissue replacement in boat launch restrooms is up following replacement of paper towels with hot-air hand dryers.
- City Clerk: Michelle Whitten produced Common Ground Toledo’s request that the City resume care of the Veteran’s Garden area at Kemp Olson Park so CGT may include maintenance and expansion of this site as part of CGT’s city-wide beautification and green space enhancement projects. Noted Association of Washington Cities (AWC) hosting meet & greet dinner event in Tenino, sought members to attend.
Under New Business:
- Lewis County Interlocal Agreement - Regional Evidence Facility - Passed
- Resolution 234A - Personal Property Items Surplus - Passed
Public Input: Steamboat Plaza’s request to the City to revoke a street closure permit issued to Harry’s Place owner Jack LeDuc for a Cheese Days 2017 event was deemed irrelevant following a recent transfer of the business to another party, effective date June 1, 2017. Whether the new owner will seek a similar permit is unknown.
Meeting adjourned 6:45 p.m.
***
Tonight: The Toledo School District Board of Directors will conduct a
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING: Board Self-Evaluation at 6:00 p.m. tonight in the Toledo Middle School library. The public is invited to attend.
Reminder: Regularly scheduled BOD monthly meeting will be held 7 p.m. Thursday in the Middle School Library. Public welcome, and invited to attend. Agenda and minutes may be found online at Toledo School District website.
***
Also tonight: Lewis County Interlocal (Medic One) Board meeting.
Held 7 p.m. third Tuesdays monthly at Toledo Fire Department Main Station. Visit
http://www.toledofire2.com/calendar.html
***
Di says: For those of you participating in the Earth Day Celebrations and walks/marches next weekend: I have been knitting some GREEN hats... Come by Gallery 505 Artist's Co-op to pick up one. Just one per person please. They are acrylic yarn and self-striping in various shades of green. Enjoy!
PS: please sign the guest book and leave your mailing address for future post cards. ~ Di Morgan - wearable art.
Gallery 505 Artists Co-op. Open 1 - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Also on Facebook.
***
Tech Tuesday: From A Grey Area Computer Repair, this link on Apple’s project - a wearable device designed to monitor blood sugar levels without tedious finger pricking.
***
MAC lovers will identify with Thorin Klosowski’s Ode to a Dead iMac.
***
From groovyPost: Apple Releases iOS 10.3.1 - What’s Included and Should You Upgrade?
***
Check out Cult Of Mac for Daily Deals, How-to, News and Reviews on all things iOS.
***
Toledo Home To Celebrity - Wikipedia now features a page dedicated to online and local personality Ethan Siegal, who hosts Starts With A Bang, and published Beyond the Galaxy: How Humanity Looked Beyond Our Milky Way and Discovered the Entire Universe in December 2015.*
*Toledo Community Library holds a copy donated by the author himself.
***
Looking ahead - Don says: The Toledo Historical Society meeting is April 24th at 4 PM at the Greater Toledo Community Library.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
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