Library - Pat Caldwell via email: Farm Credit Services will be giving us our grant money of $750 on Wednesday 4/27 along with two 19" flat screen monitors. Chuck Caley is researching what computers would be best for the library. These will be purchased soon. We are applying for an Opportunity Grant from Humanities Washington that can be used to pay speaker fees for the library. Ethan Siegel's presentation was well received by a crowd of 40. We continue to see new people and increase our number of patrons. We could always use a few "good" volunteers.
Historical Society - Don Brenner reported that a founding member, Cecil Barnes, passed away at age 104. The last Toledo Community Story has been sold. The Society is working on an updated edition. The next Historical Society meeting is May 23.
School Garden Initiative - The grade school kids need help with raised bed planters on Thursdays after school. If you're interested in helping, contact Brooke: brookeannsell@hotmail.com
Under New Business:
Steamboat Alley - Project organizer Jamie reported that Nick Delin has given permission to paint a mural on his building's alley wall. Paola De la Concha will design the mural and direct the painters. The first work party, on May 22, will be to prepare the wall for painting. We have raised $600 for materials from generous donations. If you would like to help with the creation of Steamboat Alley by donating time or money, please contact Jamie: (360)864-2602 or jamie.cummings.toledo@gmail.com
Community Clean Up (June 4) - If you have something that needs to be cleaned up, trimmed, or spruced up, tell City Hall: (360)864-4564 or cityoftoledo@toledotel.com
Wine & Cheese Garden (July 9) - Pam Olmstead via email: Steve Padula will contact the Wineries. We will feature new red Toledo wine glasses to add to your collection. The location will again be at the city boat launch but closer to the river. Camp Singing Wind folks will again be helping to set up and take down the tents. Jamie & Ethan will sell mac & cheese with the proceeds going to support the Steamboat Alley Project. We will also be hosting the class of ‘86 class reunion at our event!
Garlic Fest in Toledo? - The Lewis County Garlic Fest will be at the SWW Fair Grounds for the foreseeable future. The event is too big for Toledo to run. Dave said he will be selling his garlic at the Threshing Bee in August and may be joined by others.
P.O. Flag Pole - After a lengthy discussion it was decided to upgrade and beautify the ground space around the flagpole at the Post Office. Gary and Brian will work on it.
Seed Library - Joh wants anyone with leftover vegetable or flower seeds to bring them to the Community Library where they can be used by patrons for their own gardens.
Under Other Business:
Nouveau Jardin Coalition? - Much discussion centered around the fact that the Greater Toledo Community has a lot of interest in growing things. So a small group will be looking into the possibility of starting up a "New Garden Coalition" that will bring together members of the Garden Club, the School Garden Initiative, the Future Farmers of America, the aforementioned Flag Pole project and Seed Library idea, the Steamboat Alley project, the planter boxes around town, Kemp Olson (City) Park, the City Park Board, et al. If this sounds like something you might be interested in helping establish, contact Gary: glenngarann@aol.com
Other Upcoming Events -
• Wine Tour (April 30 - May 1) Bateaux Cellars
• Battle of the CowlArtz (May 5 - 14) Gallery 505
• Kids Fishing Derby (May 14) So. Co. Park
• Community Clean Up (June 4) Boat Launch
• THS Graduation (June 11) High School
• Cheese Days (July 7 - 10) Everywhere
• Steelhead Fishing Derby (July 23) Boat Launch
"Paint-Out" - Brian would like to invite anyone who is interested to a "paint-out" held at Camp Singing Wind on May 13th where you can join a small group of artists from the Portland area. For more info contact Brian: brianscottdennis15@gmail.com
Next v:T A.R.E. meeting: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the Morgan Arts Centre.
Submission courtesy of Mike Morgan and v:T A.R.E.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com