In today’s column:
- Common Ground Toledo Invites Volunteers To Tree Event Today
- Toledo City Council - Recap
- LC Senior Center Transition Team Meets Wednesday
- Toledo Welcomes New Business Owner
- Tech Tuesday
Image Courtesy CGT
From Common Ground Toledo:
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US!
WHERE: Meet at the Toledo boat launch and Gazebo
TIME: 11:00 AM
DATE: May 2nd (today)
We will be working around large machinery and trees so please come prepared for these obstacles. There is a chance of rain in the forecast and the temperature will be in the upper 50s so dress according. Bring a shovel and gloves as we will be moving a lot of soil.
We are repotting the trees in the large round planters in the parking lot across from the Toledo boat launch and gazebo. CGT is working with the city and they will using their heavy equipment to get the trees lifted so we can evaluate the condition of the roots. We then will add back into the containers Camp Singing Wind's amazing amended garden soil. The trees have struggled through the years especially during the hot months of summertime. The addition of composted soil will help to retain water and add nutrients back into the containers to help with any possible root damage.
Volunteer to help Toledo bloom!
***
Gary says: Calling on all community minded gardening enthusiasts… Common Ground Toledo invites you to our monthly meeting. Join us May 3rd at Rose Cottage - Glenngarann, 590 Augustus Street, Toledo 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Refreshments will be provided.
Common Ground Toledo meets first Wednesdays monthly, location TBA. New members welcome. For information call: (360)864-4036.
We hope to see you there!
***
Toledo City Council met Monday to hear department and committee reports, address new business, and publicly recognize Toledo High School LifeSmarts.
Police Chief John Brockmueller reported one agency assist involving a high-speed chase; otherwise “normal” statistics.
Public Works Superintendent Steve Blahut announced a joint effort with Common Ground Toledo to hoist trees from the planters across from boat launch to assess root condition and add soil amendments for improving development at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.
City Clerk Michelle Whitten reminded Council members about Association of WA Cities annual conference, held in Vancouver in June. Also: House Bills 1594 & 1595, regarding Public Records Requests, passed; restricts unreasonable petitions for voluminous files without legitimate need. Whitten cited the cities of Gold Bar and Napavine as examples of frivolous lawsuits crafted deliberately to overburden small town resources. Council Member Glenda Forga added that Lewis County had been compelled to create a position solely to meet such demands.
New Business:
Mayor Dobosh received congratulations from National Consumers League last week for the high school’s LifeSmarts team being crowned WA State Champions in the consumer literacy competition. LifeSmarts challenges teens on a broad range of real-world topics, and partners with organizations across the country on scholarship opportunities. The Mayor publicly recognized Toledo High School LifeSmarts at the council meeting, and will honor them with a signed letter to be sent to coach Rene’ Ketchum.
Toledo’s LifeSmarts team went on to National LifeSmarts Championship in Pittsburgh, PA where they ranked 17th overall, Toledo’s highest placement yet.
Mayor Dobosh also announced he attended Centralia’s Council meeting last Thursday, spontaneously speaking under Tourism on the agenda and advocating for Toledo as the Gateway to Mt St Helens. Toledo is included on the White Pass Scenic Byway, and Mount St Helens & Vicinity maps, both available at City Hall and downtown businesses. He reported “the phone has been ringing off the hook” since his brief speech.
***
New business owner Donna Wallace, with husband and supporter Michael L Wallace, were in attendance to address questions from the room about their opening, slated for June 1, 2017.
From Common Ground Toledo:
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP US!
WHERE: Meet at the Toledo boat launch and Gazebo
TIME: 11:00 AM
DATE: May 2nd (today)
We will be working around large machinery and trees so please come prepared for these obstacles. There is a chance of rain in the forecast and the temperature will be in the upper 50s so dress according. Bring a shovel and gloves as we will be moving a lot of soil.
We are repotting the trees in the large round planters in the parking lot across from the Toledo boat launch and gazebo. CGT is working with the city and they will using their heavy equipment to get the trees lifted so we can evaluate the condition of the roots. We then will add back into the containers Camp Singing Wind's amazing amended garden soil. The trees have struggled through the years especially during the hot months of summertime. The addition of composted soil will help to retain water and add nutrients back into the containers to help with any possible root damage.
Volunteer to help Toledo bloom!
***
Gary says: Calling on all community minded gardening enthusiasts… Common Ground Toledo invites you to our monthly meeting. Join us May 3rd at Rose Cottage - Glenngarann, 590 Augustus Street, Toledo 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Refreshments will be provided.
Common Ground Toledo meets first Wednesdays monthly, location TBA. New members welcome. For information call: (360)864-4036.
We hope to see you there!
***
Toledo City Council met Monday to hear department and committee reports, address new business, and publicly recognize Toledo High School LifeSmarts.
Police Chief John Brockmueller reported one agency assist involving a high-speed chase; otherwise “normal” statistics.
Public Works Superintendent Steve Blahut announced a joint effort with Common Ground Toledo to hoist trees from the planters across from boat launch to assess root condition and add soil amendments for improving development at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.
City Clerk Michelle Whitten reminded Council members about Association of WA Cities annual conference, held in Vancouver in June. Also: House Bills 1594 & 1595, regarding Public Records Requests, passed; restricts unreasonable petitions for voluminous files without legitimate need. Whitten cited the cities of Gold Bar and Napavine as examples of frivolous lawsuits crafted deliberately to overburden small town resources. Council Member Glenda Forga added that Lewis County had been compelled to create a position solely to meet such demands.
New Business:
- Progress Estimate #6 - Larry Brown Construction - approved
- Water Storage Improvements - Change Order #2 - approved
- Special Events Permit Request (Cheese Days) - Donna’s Bar & Grill, LLC - approved
- Special Events Permit Request (Cheese Days) - Vision:Toledo - approved
- Liquor License Permit - Vision:Toledo - approved
Mayor Dobosh received congratulations from National Consumers League last week for the high school’s LifeSmarts team being crowned WA State Champions in the consumer literacy competition. LifeSmarts challenges teens on a broad range of real-world topics, and partners with organizations across the country on scholarship opportunities. The Mayor publicly recognized Toledo High School LifeSmarts at the council meeting, and will honor them with a signed letter to be sent to coach Rene’ Ketchum.
Toledo’s LifeSmarts team went on to National LifeSmarts Championship in Pittsburgh, PA where they ranked 17th overall, Toledo’s highest placement yet.
Mayor Dobosh also announced he attended Centralia’s Council meeting last Thursday, spontaneously speaking under Tourism on the agenda and advocating for Toledo as the Gateway to Mt St Helens. Toledo is included on the White Pass Scenic Byway, and Mount St Helens & Vicinity maps, both available at City Hall and downtown businesses. He reported “the phone has been ringing off the hook” since his brief speech.
***
New business owner Donna Wallace, with husband and supporter Michael L Wallace, were in attendance to address questions from the room about their opening, slated for June 1, 2017.
Speaking outside after the meeting, Ms Wallace introduced herself as the primary overseer of daily operations, assisted as needed by her husband. After working for over a year on the premises of Harry’s Bar & Grille, she felt ready to open under Donna’s Bar & Grill, adding LeDuc “made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Watch for updates on social media.
***
Lewis County Senior Center Transition Team meets 1 p.m. Wednesday at Twin Cities Senior Center. Lewis County Commissioners will be present for questions from the Transition Team.
Minutes from April 19, 2017 pending approval at this week’s meeting:
Lewis County Seniors
Transition Team Committee
April 19, 2017
Attending: Glenda Forga, Danette York, Wanda Bowers, Howard Clark, Mona Rae Fish, Lynn Ford, Jim Henderson (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Hicker, Carol Johnson, Jan Cramer, Jeff Millman, Jo Ann Porter, Michelle Whitten (Secretary), patrons of Packwood Senior Center.
Co-Chairman Jim Henderson opened the meeting and introductions were made.
Minutes: Minutes were reviewed for April 5, 2017. Danette made a suggestion that the re-organized nonprofit be known as a governing board instead of a managing board. The consensus was to use this terminology as we move forward. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes as typed, Howard seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Lewis County Seniors 501(c)3 Reorganization - A copy of the letter and proposal to the Lewis County Seniors was distributed. Glenda, Jim and Chris went to the meeting with the proposal where it was accepted by a vote of 11-0.
Sub-Committee- bylaws, board recruitment and policy & procedures. Lynn Ford spoke on behalf of this group. They have met and worked through a rough draft of bylaws using the current bylaws. They discussed additions and who should the board members be. It is not ready yet to be presented to this group. They are also designing the structure, which is in rough draft. It may look like 16 board members to include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 8 members to oversee certain aspects of operations (Thrift, Bingo, etc.), 3 At Large positions and one member to be liaison between the five Senior Centers. The bylaws will have more detail of the roles.
They would like help with finding Board of Directors positions and if anyone had names for potential members. They would be community leaders with background in talent, money (sponsorship) and leadership skills. Their next meeting will be on May 3rd. Lynn will get electronic copies of their work to Transition Team members for comment.
Danette added that there are some successful boards in Lewis County that we could mirror, that do have some of the clients on the board. Lynn would like to see a couple seniors, but it is important to have fundraising and leadership qualities in board members.
The Mission statement is close and may need to be tweaked, as well as the Vision statement. The Board may want to work through this.
Danette asked the question as to what we see as a Transition Team as the sunset of the team. Many thoughts were discussed, the team does feel we are getting close, but not completed. The determination of the best option of a 501 © 3 has been done and agreed upon by the Lewis County Seniors group. The next step is to get bylaws, board development, policy, procedure and business plan, present to the Seniors for agreement and then to Lewis County Commissioners. We cannot give this to the Senior Board now and expect them to figure it out.
It is very clear that the LC Commissioners have made their decision that they are not funding Senior Programs after December 31, 2017, but have committed staff to help the Transition Team in finding solutions. It is clear that our next meeting should meet with the Commissioners and discuss where we are, our plans for the non-profit and specific questions we have;
If Team Members Have Any Other Questions for Commissioners Please Get Them to Glenda or Michelle Prior To Next Meeting May 3rd.
There is concern of the buildings in Toledo and Packwood. Michelle had the documents on the Toledo Senior Center and it would revert back to the City. She is confident that the Mayor and City Council will work with another entity to keep the Senior programs viable in Toledo. There is questions and rumors about the Packwood center and we need to get the documents to find out facts.
Sub- Committee – business plan. Glenda reported that the group has met and working on a plan with order of operations. They will meet next week to work on financial documents. Lynn has been working hard already on this and it may need tweaked a bit. This document will help the board with a foundation to work from.
There is question as to which group should be working on the development of staffing. Is it a bylaw or a business plan? It was decided both groups could.
Logo. The logo was distributed with new changes.
Audience. Have you discussed grant writing? Yes
What will happen with Packwood building? We will work on getting documents
Are Commissioners willing to help with legal information? We are checking
Are there any other communities that own the buildings? Yes, Toledo and Twin City.
Will a decision be made after the next meeting about buildings? Possible
Will next meeting be public? Yes, all the meetings are public.
Two ladies in the audience said they are willing to help – Zora DeGrandpre is a grant writer and Carol Aldred has worked in program development.
Watch for updates on social media.
***
Lewis County Senior Center Transition Team meets 1 p.m. Wednesday at Twin Cities Senior Center. Lewis County Commissioners will be present for questions from the Transition Team.
Minutes from April 19, 2017 pending approval at this week’s meeting:
Lewis County Seniors
Transition Team Committee
April 19, 2017
Attending: Glenda Forga, Danette York, Wanda Bowers, Howard Clark, Mona Rae Fish, Lynn Ford, Jim Henderson (Vice Chair), Elizabeth Hicker, Carol Johnson, Jan Cramer, Jeff Millman, Jo Ann Porter, Michelle Whitten (Secretary), patrons of Packwood Senior Center.
Co-Chairman Jim Henderson opened the meeting and introductions were made.
Minutes: Minutes were reviewed for April 5, 2017. Danette made a suggestion that the re-organized nonprofit be known as a governing board instead of a managing board. The consensus was to use this terminology as we move forward. Jeff made a motion to accept the minutes as typed, Howard seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Lewis County Seniors 501(c)3 Reorganization - A copy of the letter and proposal to the Lewis County Seniors was distributed. Glenda, Jim and Chris went to the meeting with the proposal where it was accepted by a vote of 11-0.
Sub-Committee- bylaws, board recruitment and policy & procedures. Lynn Ford spoke on behalf of this group. They have met and worked through a rough draft of bylaws using the current bylaws. They discussed additions and who should the board members be. It is not ready yet to be presented to this group. They are also designing the structure, which is in rough draft. It may look like 16 board members to include: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 8 members to oversee certain aspects of operations (Thrift, Bingo, etc.), 3 At Large positions and one member to be liaison between the five Senior Centers. The bylaws will have more detail of the roles.
They would like help with finding Board of Directors positions and if anyone had names for potential members. They would be community leaders with background in talent, money (sponsorship) and leadership skills. Their next meeting will be on May 3rd. Lynn will get electronic copies of their work to Transition Team members for comment.
Danette added that there are some successful boards in Lewis County that we could mirror, that do have some of the clients on the board. Lynn would like to see a couple seniors, but it is important to have fundraising and leadership qualities in board members.
The Mission statement is close and may need to be tweaked, as well as the Vision statement. The Board may want to work through this.
Danette asked the question as to what we see as a Transition Team as the sunset of the team. Many thoughts were discussed, the team does feel we are getting close, but not completed. The determination of the best option of a 501 © 3 has been done and agreed upon by the Lewis County Seniors group. The next step is to get bylaws, board development, policy, procedure and business plan, present to the Seniors for agreement and then to Lewis County Commissioners. We cannot give this to the Senior Board now and expect them to figure it out.
It is very clear that the LC Commissioners have made their decision that they are not funding Senior Programs after December 31, 2017, but have committed staff to help the Transition Team in finding solutions. It is clear that our next meeting should meet with the Commissioners and discuss where we are, our plans for the non-profit and specific questions we have;
- Current Senior Center Buildings
- Rental of buildings
- Equipment and Furnishings (turn key)
- Van
- Legal – Will they assist with transition costs of buildings and legal documents
If Team Members Have Any Other Questions for Commissioners Please Get Them to Glenda or Michelle Prior To Next Meeting May 3rd.
There is concern of the buildings in Toledo and Packwood. Michelle had the documents on the Toledo Senior Center and it would revert back to the City. She is confident that the Mayor and City Council will work with another entity to keep the Senior programs viable in Toledo. There is questions and rumors about the Packwood center and we need to get the documents to find out facts.
Sub- Committee – business plan. Glenda reported that the group has met and working on a plan with order of operations. They will meet next week to work on financial documents. Lynn has been working hard already on this and it may need tweaked a bit. This document will help the board with a foundation to work from.
There is question as to which group should be working on the development of staffing. Is it a bylaw or a business plan? It was decided both groups could.
Logo. The logo was distributed with new changes.
Audience. Have you discussed grant writing? Yes
What will happen with Packwood building? We will work on getting documents
Are Commissioners willing to help with legal information? We are checking
Are there any other communities that own the buildings? Yes, Toledo and Twin City.
Will a decision be made after the next meeting about buildings? Possible
Will next meeting be public? Yes, all the meetings are public.
Two ladies in the audience said they are willing to help – Zora DeGrandpre is a grant writer and Carol Aldred has worked in program development.
Action Plan:
Glenda Forga will contact County Commissioners - meeting - immediately
Lynn Ford will create electronic copies of draft by laws by May 3
Jan Kramer working on Logo/Flier will continue Development - Ongoing
Co-Chairman Henderson adjourned the meeting
MOTTO: NO CENTER LEFT BEHIND!!
Glenda Forga will contact County Commissioners - meeting - immediately
Lynn Ford will create electronic copies of draft by laws by May 3
Jan Kramer working on Logo/Flier will continue Development - Ongoing
Co-Chairman Henderson adjourned the meeting
MOTTO: NO CENTER LEFT BEHIND!!
***
Lewis County Senior Programs Transition Team Committee Meeting
AGENDA
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 1-3 p.m.
Twin Cities Senior Center 2545 N. National Avenue, Chehalis
Lewis County Senior Programs Transition Team Committee Meeting
AGENDA
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 1-3 p.m.
Twin Cities Senior Center 2545 N. National Avenue, Chehalis
- Welcome
- Roll Call & Introductions
- Transition Team Updates
- Approve minutes – 4/19/17
- Sub-Committee Reports
- Questions/Answers from Commissioners
- Break
- Questions from Senior Centers
- Representatives from Centers
- Next Meeting
- Chehalis – Twin Cities Senior Center
Action Plan:
Jan Kramer working on Logo/Flier will continue Development - Ongoing
Glenda Forga will track down documents concerning Packwood Center by May 3rd
Jan Kramer working on Logo/Flier will continue Development - Ongoing
Glenda Forga will track down documents concerning Packwood Center by May 3rd
***
Tech Tuesday:
Toledo’s A Grey Area Computer Repair posts this link to an article late last week warning Facebook users to beware the “10 Concerts” phenomenon.
A Grey Area is on Facebook.
***
MakeUseOf exposes Unroll.me, caught selling your data: following up with How To Stop Third-PartyApps From Accessing Your Private Data on Social Media.
***
Lifehacker compares secure messaging apps WhatsApp & Signal, stating: “While WhatsApp has the most users between these two, you’ve probably heard about Signal more often in the news whenever people are talking about encryption. Pretty much any article you read about security, from Snowden to Russia, includes a mention of Signal…”
On saving dough: Lifehacker’s May’s Money Challenge includes a guide on some surprising things you can negotiate (like rent).
***
groovyPost reveals: Apple Giving Away iWork Apps, iMovie, and GarageBand for Mac and iOS for Free
Also: Guide to Connecting to your Home or Office PC from Anywhere.
***
I(heart)Logan has frequent updates on Facebook. Bracelets and music finalists plus latest auction items TBA shortly. Read his story and find out how to get involved.
***
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
Toledo’s A Grey Area Computer Repair posts this link to an article late last week warning Facebook users to beware the “10 Concerts” phenomenon.
A Grey Area is on Facebook.
***
MakeUseOf exposes Unroll.me, caught selling your data: following up with How To Stop Third-PartyApps From Accessing Your Private Data on Social Media.
***
Lifehacker compares secure messaging apps WhatsApp & Signal, stating: “While WhatsApp has the most users between these two, you’ve probably heard about Signal more often in the news whenever people are talking about encryption. Pretty much any article you read about security, from Snowden to Russia, includes a mention of Signal…”
On saving dough: Lifehacker’s May’s Money Challenge includes a guide on some surprising things you can negotiate (like rent).
***
groovyPost reveals: Apple Giving Away iWork Apps, iMovie, and GarageBand for Mac and iOS for Free
Also: Guide to Connecting to your Home or Office PC from Anywhere.
***
I(heart)Logan has frequent updates on Facebook. Bracelets and music finalists plus latest auction items TBA shortly. Read his story and find out how to get involved.
***
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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