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11/30.2016 Wednesday Column

11/30/2016

1 Comment

 
In today’s column:

  • Common Ground Garden Community gets their Christmas on
  • Toledo Senior Center Community Meeting 12:30 PM
  • Around Town
Christmas Transforms Toledo. Via Facebook, Common Ground Garden Community says: Christmas decorations are beginning to appear on the planters around town. Many hands are involved.

Wait’ll you see what’s next!

***

Look what I got from my darling neighbor!
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She says these fresh, fragrant beauties last for months! Contact alicia.lovelady@yahoo.com for yours and support your neighbors.

***

Speaking of Christmases past, is there anything more evocative of the season than the aroma of Grandma’s holiday baking? And the feast - makes my mouth water just thinking about it.


And the stories! Grandpa illustrated long-ago memories of his own boyhood sometimes with faded photos, oftener with a little embroidering. Nobody knew better how to filch goodies from under Grandma's nose as she worked the kitchen with timing and precision.  

Today Grandma sits down to lunch once or twice a week with her friends and neighbors, because meals are meant to be shared. Conversation, news, cute great-grandbaby photos. Right? And Grandpa discusses current events, projects underway at home and around town, plans the next Second Saturday Breakfast, community dinner, Second Time Around Garage Sale, Holiday Bazaar...

Not if budget cuts shutter Grandma and Grandpa’s favorite lunch venue.

Picture
Image courtesy of Save Our Senior Centers in Lewis County

The Lewis County Tribune reports: "Lewis County is being forced to transition control of its five county-owned senior centers to cities or nonprofit organizations after June 30, 2017, county commissioners and county employees told a rowdy crowd of seniors that filled the Olequa Senior Center on Nov. 29."
(More here.)

Today the Lewis County Board of Commissioners meets their constituents 12:30 p.m. at Toledo Senior Center. Tell them what Toledo Senior Center means to you - to your community.

And if you’re online, sign the Save Our Senior Centers in Lewis County on gopetition.com. Room to leave your message too. Special thanks to Toledo Lions Club for this link.

***

Deadline today: ToledoTel says "Get your BINGO cards at our business office! First bingo ball will be posted here on Thursday!"

***
Deadline tomorrow:
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***

Now for some good news: checking my Amazon Smile account* revealed my designated charity, The Cat's Meow Spay, Neuter & Adoption Project, has received $157.29 as of November 2016 from shoppers like me - and it costs me not one penny! Click the link above for details.

And while you’re at it, let’s make sure Miss Kitty isn’t surprised by unexpected “company.”

Cat’s Meow SNAP! calendar update: 11-29-16 UPDATE - CHEHALIS ROUNDUP @ 611 NW State Avenue

*Saturday, December 10th - 11 FEMALE & 14 MALE appointments left.
*Monday, December 19th - 11 FEMALE & 12 MALE appointments left.  

***

Seen around Toledo:
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Local Cat Rescuer and EMT, Barrista and Reserve Police Officer Nathan Summers.*

*Correction: The Other Toledo inaccurately identified Reserve Police Officer Jaered Pennington as the person above.

***

It’s never too early: Native Soil Farm’s Billie Washington posts via Facebook “I posted this two years and it is even more true and reverent today. Native Soil Farm will be growing more produce in 2016* and will make it easily available. Please help support your local farmers wherever you are!”

2017*

***

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.

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11.29.2016 Tuesday Column and Tech Report

11/29/2016

0 Comments

 
In today’s column:

  • CGGC Decorating Planters Today
  • Toledo Senior Center Community Meeting Wednesday
  • Gallery 505 Opening Night Thursday
  • FCCLA hosts Dine In Dinner to Thank Community
  • Saturday Holiday Events preview
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Common Ground Garden Community has been busy creating evergreen decorations for the city planters, about to start setting them out today.


***

From Lewis County Tribune:

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Nutrition and enrichment programs at senior centers in Lewis County may lose their county oversight and funding, pending an annual budgetary review process by the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners...


All of the informational meetings at the senior centers are at 12:30 p.m.

• Winlock — Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Olequa Senior Center, 119 SW Kerron St., Winlock
• Toledo — Wednesday, Nov. 30 at the Toledo Senior Center, 150 Coal St., Toledo
• Twin Cities — Monday, Dec. 5 at the Twin Cities Senior Center, 2545 N. National Ave., Chehalis
• Pe Ell — Monday, Dec. 19 at the United Methodist Church, 421 1st St., Pe Ell
• Morton — Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Morton Senior Citizen Center, 103 Westlake Ave., Morton
• Packwood — Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Packwood Senior Center, 12931 US Hwy. 12, Packwood

More on Facebook.


***

Thursday: Gallery 505 Artists Co-op Opening Night 4-8 p.m. featuring delectable dainties, locally sourced quaffs, good company and conversation, music - the relaxing alternative to crowds and cookie-cutter gift giving.
December features handmade holiday gifts under $100. Gallery 505 open 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. On Facebook.


*P.S. In case you missed November’s popular Annual Holiday Artists Market at the MAC, this is your second chance to shop local and support your friends and neighbors.

***

Also Thursday, Toledo High School’s Family Career & Community Leaders of America writes:

Toledo Community:

The Toledo High School FCCLA appreciates your service to our community through your support of fundraisers and attendance at community service events. In the past you have supported FCCLA on their way to National Leadership Meeting and competition. FCCLA is a student led organization with its focus on the family. We would like to invite you to celebrate with our FCCLA family, Family & Consumer Science Day with a “Dine In” dinner at Toledo High School o December 1st starting at 6:00 p.m. Our FCCLA members and Toledo School District hope that you will attend this special event honoring family and community. (This event is free.)

Sincerely,
Davinagrace Ramon
FCCLA Washington State Secretary

For details contact Rene’ Ketchum, FCCLA Advisor, at rene@toledoschools.us

***

Tech Tuesday:

Ah, tis the Season...for fake emails from your bank. Check out this link to Jesse Jones’ latest scam alert.

A Grey Area Computer Repair is on Facebook here.

***

Updated Monday: Engadget’s article Malware uses Facebook and LinkedIn images to hijack your PC reveals the real culprit.

***

The Guardian on Physics: New theory challenges Einstein’s view on the speed of light.

***

Bloomberg reports: Amazon serious about counterfeiters.

***

From groovyPost: Unexpected iPhone 6s Shutdown? Get a Free Battery Replacement for Phones Made Sept. or Oct. 2015.

***

From Lifehacker: Instantly Free Up Storage On An iPhone by Downloading (Then Deleting) a Huge App.

***

According to Wired: Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge beats the iPhone 7 to best phone of the year award. (YMMV)

***

And The Verge: Google Pixel Phone Review - Home Run.

***

Digital Trends confirms: Surface Phone could be the ultimate mobile device, but not till late 2017.

***

Weekend Holiday Events sneak peek - Saturday:
  • Toledo Food Bank Walk N’ Knock begins 10 a.m.
  • Library Book N’ Bake Sale with Santa
  • Toledo Senior Center holds Annual Christmas Bazaar @ TES
  • 3rd Annual Potlatch Bazaar @ St Mary’s
  • Sunday: Santa tours Toledo, landing @ the MAC.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

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11.28.2016 Monday Column

11/28/2016

0 Comments

 
In today’s column:


  • CGGC, THS Students help bring Christmas to Toledo
  • Toledo Senior Center funding in jeopardy
  • Update: Standing Rock Faces Eviction Threat, Gains Support From Veterans and Others
  • November v:T Arts, Rec and Events recap
Picture
Photo courtesy CGGC Facebook


“Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through our town, Toledo prepared for the turkey chow down.

There was but a few who had nothing to do, so they met at the Senior Center and assembled a crew...”

Says CGGC's Gary: We are determined to get the planters decorated starting Tuesday.

Common Ground Garden Community is on Facebook.
Toledo School District is also on Facebook.

***

From Toledo Senior Center, this plea: Please put something in the column about a meeting with the Lewis County Commissioners 12:30 p.m.Wednesday (November 30, 2016).
The (Lewis County Senior) Centers are on the chopping block as the Commissioners plan their funding for 2017.

There is a strong possibility of closing the doors if they (the commissioners) decide to chop the funding. It will be ugly for the Centers.  So we would like to get people here to show the commissioners that we care for and want to keep our Center open.

This has a HUGE impact on the future of the center. It is important for as many people to show up and show their support as possible.  

Thanks.

Pass the word. See you there.

***

Update: Following an announcement that 1,500 veterans, EMT’s & firefighters would be joining the water protectors at Standing Rock, the Army Corps of Engineers issued a December 5 deadline to evict protesters.

Details via Huffington Post from YES! Magazine Editor-at-Large Sarah van Gelder, who spent two weeks at Oceti Sakowin Camp.

***

Vision:Toledo Arts, Rec & Events met last Tuesday to cover business:

Old Business -
  • Library: Bake and Book Sale 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. December 3. Special appearance by Santa for parents who would like to bring their children. BYO camera for photos. Timberland Regional Library may have some low bookshelves to loan for extending children's area.
  • Historical Society: Last meeting of 2016 was November 21.  The Society helped with an article about Wales Spring (Jordan Nailon, front page of The Chronicle, November 8).  Approved limited reprint of 2008 edition "The Toledo Community Story." Suggested to Cool & Connected advisors a task force be formed to attract businesses to Toledo and outlying areas.
  • Steamboat Alley: mural painting on hold due to weather. Delin building is in the process of being sold.
  • Water Tank: new tank is finished, old tank to be cleaned, relined & refilled
  • Veterans Parade: this year’s the biggest and best yet. Ceremony at Veteran's Wall of Honor drew over 100 people.  Vision:Toledo handed out 100 American flags to bystanders at the parade.

New Business -
  • Cool & Connected: about 40 people attended the workshop conducted by Vita Nuova November 10. They were very well organized, helped inspire creative ideas to take better advantage of ToledoTel's broadband. Summary report due shortly.
  • Christmas Time in Toledo: Mayor Dobosh and vision:Toledo are joining to bring the Christmas spirit back to Toledo. A big tree at the boat launch will be lit this year. René Ketchum is working with the schools to create festive drive-thru displays at the City Park. Ron Gaul’s art students are painting windows in Toledo businesses. The Jolly Old Elf will be at Santa's Workshop Sunday (December 4) at the Morgan Arts Centre.  
  • Common Ground Garden Community: A work party will meet 4 p.m. November 23 at the Senior Center and arrange greens into garlands to decorate planters for the holidays. Help welcome. BYO garden gloves & pruners.

Other Business -

  • Toledo School Bond: Citizens for Great Toledo Schools reminded us of the need to pass the Bond Valentine's Day 2017. Photos of high school repairs needed were circulated.  FCCLA hosts a free spaghetti dinner December 1, followed by a tour of the high school. Everyone invited.

Next vision:Toledo A.R.E. meeting 6:30 p.m. December 13 at the MAC.

***

Today - Steamboat Plaza says:
Starting Monday, SteamBoat Plaza coffee shop will stay open until 4 p.m. for a 2-week trial. We Thank You for your continued support.

***

From Toledo School District:
My thanks to those who attended Tuesday Tours last week. Lots of thoughtful questions and observations. Join me this Tuesday for a look at the issues to be resolved in the bond.

On Facebook.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

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11.21.2016 Monday Column

11/21/2016

0 Comments

 
In today’s column:

  • Toledo residents lose home to fire
  • International Indigenous Sovereign Laws (Standing Rock)
  • City Budget Workshop tonight at Council Meeting
  • Common Ground Garden Community brings Christmas

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Image courtesy CGGC Facebook

***

Lifelong Toledo resident Dave Martin was away from his home when it burned to the ground last week. Recent health issues add to the total loss, and a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help.  

***

Billie Washington says: Friends & Family,

The Standing Rock issue can be resolved if the law is followed.  Attached is the International Indigenous Sovereign Laws Document.

This needs to get out so please share. They need to quit beating around the bush and get to the heart of it!!! The Army Corp of Engineers do not even understand the law and many of us do not either, so we need to educate ourselves first.  

Thank you.

Billie Washington

***

From Patricia Anne Davis, MA, International teacher and traditional healer, Native American Concepts:

September 8, 2016
Dave Archambault II, Tribal Chief
Standing Rock Tribe
P. O. Box D
Fort Yates, ND 58538

INTRODUCTION LETTER: International Indigenous Sovereign Law Documents

Dear Tribal Chief Archambault,

Attached, find the following International Indigenous Sovereign Law documents for your review and discussion among the appropriate Tribal leaders and legal team who are collaborating to initiate the Government to Government/Nation to Nation strategies for the protection of water regarding the 1851 Great Tetuwan Treaty Rights, in response to the attempt of the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline on and near Standing Rock tribal land.
  • Indigenous Sovereign Law Memo
  • Indigenous Sovereign Law
  • Indigenous Sovereign Law Special Appearance
  • Nevada Case: Indigenous Sovereignty Westley Dick
  • Nevada Case: Indigenous Sovereignty Joann Spotted Bear

The International Indigenous Sovereign Law documents were compiled by Rudy Al James, Tlingit of Ketchikan, Alaska. He had been making presentations to various tribes in hopes of educating tribal leaders and American Indian communities about these laws with the hope of truly protecting our land and natural resources, language and cultures. I assisted Mr. James in disseminating the attached documents because he intended for American Indians to use them for their purpose.

Sincerely,

Patricia Anne Davis, MA

CC: publicrelations@standingrock.org/ssittingbear@standingrock.org
    redwarriorcamp@gmail.com
    info@lakotalaw.org

Full doc link here, 20 pages.  

***

Don’t miss out:
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Image courtesy ToledoTel Facebook

ToledoTel is on Facebook.

***

Toledo Food Bank schedule November & December 2016:

Monday November 21
Friday December 9
Monday December 21

Toledo Food Bank is behind City Hall, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on dates listed above.

***

Today: Toledo Historical Society meets 4 p.m. at Toledo Community Library.
*Note: This will be the final meeting for 2016.

Toledo Historical Society is on Facebook.

***

Also today: Toledo City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget during its regularly scheduled meeting 6 p.m. November 21. Copies of the budget may be obtained from the city office during business hours. Details on City website.

Position open until filled: City of Toledo Supt. Public Works. Description link on website.

***

Gary says: Calling all volunteers, gardeners, and Toledo Christmas enthusiasts! Common Ground Garden Community will be assembling Christmas decorations at Glenngarann noon until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Then join us and many other volunteers 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Toledo Senior Center. Details on Facebook.

***

Tuesday: Toledo High School invites the community to a band and choir concert 7 p.m.

Also: Correction - Toledo High School’s Coffee House event is scheduled for 7:30 - 9 p.m. Monday, December 12, not December 19 as stated earlier. This event follows the Elementary School Winter Concert.

***

Mike says: The v:T meeting on Tuesday will NOT be the last one this year.* The Cool & Connected folks are sending me their summary of last week's meetings. I intend to follow up by having monthly meetings to keep everyone on track to reach their 100-day goals. So I'm sure we'll have at least one meeting in December and more in the New Year.

Vision:Toledo Arts, Rec and Events meets 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Arts Centre (the MAC). Vision:Toledo is on Facebook.

*The Other Toledo incorrectly stated that November would be the last vision:Toledo A. R. E. meeting for 2016. Twice. TOT regrets any inconvenience occasioned by this error.

***

Reservations required: Wednesday Toledo Senior Center Nutrition Lunch serves up hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, green beans and cookie. Closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. Nutrition Lunches Wednesday and Friday are sponsored in part by Area Agency on Aging. Suggested donation $3 for those 60+ years of age. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewsicountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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11.18.2016 Friday Column and Weekend Outlook

11/18/2016

0 Comments

 
In today’s column:

  • Paolo’s Standing Rock pilgrimage
  • CSW’s Standing Rock: A Storytelling Concert Fundraiser
  • Toledo’s Christmas Tree returns
  • Lions Club Turkey Bingo
  • 16th Annual Holiday Artists Market
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Noted muralist Paola Suculima De La Concha Zindel says: Hey everybody! I'm going to Standing Rock  this weekend! I am gathering money to fund winterizing equipment for the camp and Sioux tribe and to document what is happening and bring back legit information to continue the communication between our people around the world and continue to raise awareness for what's happening in the name of our next generations and water!

More detail plus a YouTube video on her GoFundMe page. BTW, the goal is very modest, considering the current price of commercially bottled water.

***

Sunday Camp Singing Wind opens their doors to the community -  Standing Rock: A Storytelling Concert Fundraiser.

Hey friends! Thank you for being (a) part of this cycle to re-educate our children and come together as a resilient Powerful creative Community committed to a sustainable way of life…

We want to proclaim our support and gather our energy and resources for the folks who are protecting our water at Standing Rock...You are invited November 20 to Standing Rock: A Story-Telling Concert Fundraiser.  

We will be offering :
  • 2- 3pm crafts, reading, silent auction, and direct action station, poetry and spoken word station
  • 3- 4pm storytelling experience and concert including the presence of our friends Sandra from the Cowlitz tribe and Billie Washington from the Sioux tribe.
  • 4:30 penpal station for kids and weaving station

Come dressed up with your kids in honoring water with different colors of blue and white and green :) we are honoring the water on this day.

Donations on sliding scale per family. If you have a little, give a little if you have a lot give a lot! Paola will be going to Standing Rock at the end of this month.

Details on Facebook.

***

Cowlitz Indian Tribe via Facebook links to a public forum November 29 noon-2 p.m. at Vancouver’s WSU campus: Water is Life

Picture
Image courtesy Cowlitz Indian Tribe Facebook

Also, scope out the encouraging signs of wildlife returning to the slopes of Mt St Helens. Watch OPB’s (Oregon Public Broadcasting) Mountain Goat Survey, airing 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

***

Common Ground Garden Community update: A shout out for helping hands 4 p.m. until finished Wednesday (yes, the day before Thanksgiving) at Toledo Senior Center to arrange greens into garlands to decorate planters for the holidays. Two to three hours should do it. Bring your own gloves, hand pruners and wire cutters if you have them.

Also: Mayor Dobosh worked out the logistics of a city Christmas tree - the 20 ft. tree on the south side of the gazebo at the boat launch. There are Christmas wood cutouts of a train and seasonal figures that will surround the tree. We are all getting so excited for Christmas Town, Toledo.

Common Ground Garden Community is on Facebook.

***

Friday: Toledo Lions Club hosts their popular Turkey Bingo Night 6 p.m. at Toledo High School. Admission is $1 or 1 can of food, both of which go to the Toledo Food Bank.

Last year 75 families won a frozen turkey the week before Thanksgiving, just one more way Lions make a difference in their community. On Facebook.

***

16th Annual Holiday Artist’s Market 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Morgan Arts Centre. Says Di: This weekend we will be hosting 25 different artist's work during the Holiday Artist's Market.

Locally produced wearables and edibles will also be available. Details on Facebook.

***

Saturday: Reserve now for Toledo Senior Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Doors open 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. Entertainment provided by Nehemiah Brown. Door Prizes too. $8. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov or (360)864-2112.

***

Sunday: Michelle Quinn says - November 20 marks Toledo New Life Assembly’s 6th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal give-away 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. noon. These meals will be ready to cook and include a FREE Turkey, bag of potatoes, dressing, gravy mix, vegetable, rolls and a pie. First come, first served to the first 50 families. It will be a festive time for all. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served along with goodies and cookies for the kids with Christmas music! Toledo New Life is located at 420 Silver Street, Toledo. (360)864-4366.

***

Sunday Camp Singing Wind invites the community to join them for a family Concert Fundraiser. Details on Facebook.

***

Toledo Food Bank schedule November & December 2016:

Monday November 21
Friday December 9
Monday December 21

Toledo Food Bank is behind City Hall, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on dates listed above.

***

Monday: Toledo Historical Society meets 4 p.m. at Toledo Community Library.
*Note: This will be the final meeting for 2016.

Toledo Historical Society is on Facebook.

***

Also Monday: Toledo City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget during its regularly scheduled meeting 6 p.m. November 21. Copies of the budget may be obtained from the city office during business hours after November 18.

***

Mike says: The v:T meeting on Tuesday will NOT be the last one this year.* The Cool & Connected folks are sending me their summary of last week's meetings. I intend to follow up by having monthly meetings to keep everyone on track to reach their 100-day goals. So I'm sure we'll have at least one meeting in December and more in the New Year.

Vision:Toledo Arts, Rec and Events meets 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Arts Centre (the MAC). No meeting in December. Vision:Toledo is on Facebook.

*The Other Toledo incorrectly stated that November would be the last vision:Toledo A. R. E. meeting for 2016. TOT regrets any inconvenience occasioned by this error.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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11.17.2016 Thursday Column

11/17/2016

0 Comments

 
In today’s column:

  • Common Ground Garden Community Holiday Decorating
  • Winlock Votes to Continue Police Contract with Toledo
  • 16th Annual Holiday Artists Market Saturday & Sunday
  • On Health


Gary says: Our house smells like Christmas.

Picture
Photo courtesy of Common Ground Garden Community

Common Ground Garden Community convened last night to put into action decorating plans for Toledo including over a dozen planters and pocket parks such as their original River’s Edge landscape project at the Post Office. Natural and seasonal ornamentation plus illuminated strings will “light up the town,” as decreed by Mayor Dobosh. Restoring a traditional lighted tree as a centerpiece is primary, location TBA.

Monday and Tuesday volunteers will convene to gather and assemble materials for the planters and parks, installation taking place shortly after Thanksgiving day.

Spring planning is underway as well.

Common Ground Garden Community is on Facebook, where updates will be posted throughout the week and over the weekend.

***

Winlock City Council voted Monday to continue contracted police service with Toledo despite an increase to cover rising costs. Details at The Lewis County Tribune. On Facebook.

***

Tonight: Citizens for Great Toledo Schools meets 6 p.m. at Toledo Community Library to discuss progress and goals for February 2017 Toledo School Bond Measure. High School tours available upon request.

Email Carlie Laingham, ryancarlie@aol.com. On Facebook.

***

Also: Toledo Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. third  Thursdays monthly at City Council Chambers. City of Toledo website link here.

***

Toledo Lions Club's Annual Turkey Bingo starts at 6 p.m. on Friday at Toledo High School. Admission is $1 or 1 can of food, both of which go to the Toledo Food Bank. On Facebook.

***

Saturday: Reserve now for Toledo Senior Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Doors open 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. Entertainment provided by Nehemiah Brown. Door Prizes too. $8. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov or (360)864-2112.

***

16th Annual Holiday Artist’s Market 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Morgan Arts Centre. Says Di: This weekend we will be hosting 25 different artist's work during the Holiday Artist's Market.

Locally produced wearables and edibles will also be available. Details on Facebook.

***

Mark your calendars: Coffee House follows Toledo Elementary School Winter Concert 7:30-9-ish p.m. December 19, including $3 dinner. Sounds like a great night out.

***

Look who has a shiny new website!

***

On Health:

Optimum health starts from the ground up, and Toledo’s own Native Soil Farm shares this Facebook post on the the importance of seed saving and the Native American Seed Sanctuary.

***

Last week I listened to this podcast on Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, including the role of Mold Illness with Dr Ritchie Shoemaker of rural Maryland, a climate much like our own. While illness acquired following exposure to the interior environment of water-damaged buildings (WDB) comprises the bulk of Shoemaker’s daily practice, other illnesses caused by exposure to biologically produced toxins are quite similar in their “final common pathway.”

His website is labeled, appropriately, SurvivingMold.com.

*Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV or impersonate one on the Interwebs. Read at your own risk.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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11.16.2016 Wednesday Column

11/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Brian says: There's going to be a Common Ground Garden Community meeting (tonight) at Camp Singing Wind at 7 p.m. to discuss future projects and making a list…
Picture
Image courtesy Common Ground Garden Community

Camp Singing Wind is on Facebook.

Common Ground Garden Community is also on Facebook.

***

Last night: Toledo School District Board of Directors held their monthly meeting at Toledo Elementary School, including a tour of the facility highlighting new approaches to teaching, raising reading averages, and a special education model attracting students from outside the district borders.

One concerned parent, however, returned to reiterate her concerns surrounding an issue she raised last year that impelled her to remove her children from public school this year.

Ginger Rogers repeated her demand that the high school “do something” to block nude photos underage girls take of themselves from being sent from school property. “I get (cell and email) alerts that pedophiles...are attracted to the Toledo area by these actions.”  When Superintendent Chris Rust suggested Ms Rogers this was a matter for the police, she confirmed she had reported this matter already, and focused on the district’s responsibility.

“This (picture-taking) took place on School property, so needs to be dealt with at that level. A ‘scrambler’ system would put a stop to it. I had to yank my kids out of school,” she added, “and now they’re home-schooled.”

On a related note, she complained that policy informing parents when sex education classes are offered has been dropped. “Parents need to know so they can opt out (of school-based courses),” she continued.

The Board agreed to address these incidents on a case-by-case basis.
 
The high school baseball field has been tilled and rolled, ready for seed. Hoop straps were recommended as a safety upgrade, and the check valve replaced near the fields to remedy continual cycling.

Middle school roll down fire door was repaired following a failure, and the boiler “disintegrated” to be replaced temporarily by a water heater.

A safety grant is being sought to acquire an orbital “scrubber” for the indoor gyms, as an alternative to expensive outside services 2-3 times/yearly.

Two students from Toledo High School promoted a charter for Skills USA, a program emphasizing engineering and robotics. No monies were requested, but advisor Mrs Berry said Board approval is needed.  

FCCLA Advisor Rene’ Ketchum announced the group’s “Dine In” dinner December 1 at the high school, open to the community and free, the student’s public thank you gesture for supporting their program. Tom & Bonnie, local musical entertainers, will provide music for the event. Next week’s City Council meeting will find FCCLA students seeking a proclamation from the City to recognize December 1 publicly. Invitations have gone out to Governor Jay Insley, Lewis County Commissioner Edna Fund, Rep. Ed Orcutt and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler. Honor Society, FFA and FCCLA student-led tours of Toledo High School will precede the spaghetti dinner. “Family mealtimes are extremely important,” says Ms. Ketchum. “Come to dinner!”

Toledo Elementary School’s Tour in pictures:


***

Rene’ says: Toledo High School FCCLA is selling Poinsettias through November 18. The Poinsettias are from DeGoedes and very beautiful. $15.00 each. We hope you will support our FCCLA fundraising efforts and enjoy a beautiful Poinsettia or two.

Contact rene@toledoschools.us for ordering info.

***

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.

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11.15.2016 Tuesday Column and Tech Report

11/15/2016

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In today’s column:

  • FCCLA Dine In Night at Toledo High School December 1
  • 20 Years Later: A Thanksgiving Story begins...
  • Tech Report

Picture
From Toledo High School’s Family Career & Community Leaders of America:

Toledo Community:

The Toledo High School FCCLA appreciates your service to our community through your support of fundraisers and attendance at community service events. In the past you have supported FCCLA on their way to National Leadership Meeting and competition. FCCLA is a student led organization with its focus on the family. We would like to invite you to celebrate with our FCCLA family, Family & Consumer Science Day with a “Dine In” dinner at Toledo High School o December 1st starting at 6:00 p.m. Our FCCLA members and Toledo School District hope that you will attend this special event honoring family and community. (This event is free.)

Sincerely,
Davinagrace Ramon
FCCLA Washington State Secretary

For details contact Rene’ Ketchum, FCCLA Advisor, at rene@toledoschools.us.

***

This next Thanksgiving story begins more than 20 years ago with seven Mason jars of green beans, and ending magically as so many Toledo tales do, a lesson in the power of Faith...

But I promised I wouldn’t fill in the details before my source gets permission to reveal names.

***

Heads up: Common Ground Garden Community is rallying for the holidays! Watch for signs around town. On Facebook.

***

Tech Tuesday:

Did you know? According to online backup service Backblaze, about 80% of “consumer grade” hard drives last longer than four years, the limit of their research so far. That means you have a one-in-five chance yours will one of those others.

So quick, back up your data and swap out that outdated model for a shiny new Solid State Drive (SSD). I know just the guy to do that for you...

A Grey Area Computer Repair is on Facebook here.

***

Alternative transport was one of the topics at last week’s Cool & Connected workshop and Open House, and with Toledo’s Walking Map, historical trails and September’s First Annual Walk in the Park, Elos Skateboards perfect backpack-sized Last Mile mode of transport seemed a natural. *Note: They’ve already surpassed their Kickstarter original goal, limited production setting March earliest delivery date, $129.

***

If the Elos is too, um, pedestrian for you, take it up a notch: the Noordung Angel Limited* Urban Electric Bike will be available to only 15 visionaries for $8,700 USD. Act fast.

***

Finally, Faraday has moved from January’s concept car to a “surprisingly practical” electric car to compete with Tesla. Or you could just wait for an affordable Chevy Bolt, now being produced in Michigan for around $36,000-$40,000. Remember when cars were built in Michigan?

***

Remind me: were downtown electric charging stations discussed at last week’s Cool & Connected workshop for Toledo’s 15-year vision?

***

Want! Lytro Illium 3-D camera might improve my out-of-focus pics, 3 days left to save 76% off the MSR price from Deals/Geeky-Gadgets.

Too much? Check out their freebies including 4-hour chef audiobook, Mighty Mac app bundle, All-About-Android coding bundle, photography course and for all Toledo’s incubating makers, free logo design. Giveaways, too - enter to win.

You’re welcome.

***

TechCrunch reports on the hugely versatile musical Instrument1 from Artiphon. Really, words cannot do it justice. Check out the Vimeo. Then mail your letter to Santa.

***  

From wikiHow.com, and just in time for the Turkey Day Game: How to Connect a Flat Screen TV to a Laptop outlines 4 methods from mere pennies to more, using newer tech or older.  

***

Game on! ToledoTel customers can pick up Bingo cards at the office, game begins December 1 for 10 prizes including an Amazon Tap. Details on Facebook.

***

Today: Lewis County Interlocal (Medic One) Board Meeting 7 p.m. third Tuesdays monthly at Toledo Main Fire Department. Open to the public.

***

Also today: Toledo School District monthly Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. at Toledo Elementary School.*
There will be a tour of the facility. Public invited to attend.

Details on Toledo School District website and Facebook page.  

*TSD Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly at Toledo Middle School unless otherwise noted.

***

Toledo Lioness Club says: Wednesday is our monthly club meeting, 6:30 at Rachel Phillipps house for our Thanksgiving dinner. We welcome any new potential new members to attend.

Lioness Club meets third Wednesdays monthly at the library (unless otherwise noted). Discover the benefits of membership. On Facebook here.

***

New feature coming in The Other Toledo on Thursday. Stay tuned...

***

Thursday: Citizens for Great Toledo Schools meets 6 p.m. at Toledo Community Library to discuss progress and goals for February 2017 Toledo School Bond Measure. High School tours available upon request.

Email Carlie Laingham, ryancarlie@aol.com. On Facebook.

***

Friday: Toledo Lions Club hosts their popular Turkey Bingo Night at Toledo High School. Last year 75 families won a frozen turkey the week before Thanksgiving, just one more way Lions make a difference in their community. On Facebook.

***

Saturday: Reserve now for Toledo Senior Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Doors open 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. Entertainment provided by Nehemiah Brown. Door Prizes too. $8. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov or (360)864-2112.

***

Sunday: Michelle Quinn says - November 20 marks Toledo New Life Assembly’s 6th Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal give-away 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. noon. These meals will be ready to cook and include a FREE Turkey, bag of potatoes, dressing, gravy mix, vegetable, rolls and a pie. First come, first served to the first 50 families. It will be a festive time for all. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served along with goodies and cookies for the kids with Christmas music! Toledo New Life is located at 420 Silver Street, Toledo. (360)864-4366.

***

Sunday Camp Singing Wind invites the community to join them for a family Concert Fundraiser. Details on Facebook.

***

Toledo Food Bank schedule November & December 2016:

Monday November 21
Friday December 9
Monday December 21

Toledo Food Bank is behind City Hall, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on dates listed above.

***

Monday: Toledo Historical Society meets 4 p.m. at Toledo Community Library.
*Note: This will be the final meeting for 2016. Toledo Historical Society is on Facebook.

***

Also Monday: Toledo City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget during its regularly scheduled meeting 6 p.m. November 21. Copies of the budget may be obtained from the city office during business hours after November 18.

***

Next Tuesday November 22: Vision:Toledo Arts, Rec and Events meets 6:30 p.m. at Morgan Arts Centre (the MAC). No meeting in December. Vision:Toledo is on Facebook.

***

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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11.14.2016 Monday Column

11/14/2016

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In today’s column:
  • Camp Singing Wind Concert
  • Cool & Connected Thursday recap
  • TSD Veterans Day Assembly (FB link)
  • V:T link: Wales Spring article
Picture
***

Camp Singing Wind Family says: Hey friends! Thank you for being (a) part of this cycle to re-educate our children and come together as a resilient Powerful creative Community committed to a sustainable way of life…
Picture
Image courtesy Camp Singing Wind

We want to proclaim our support and gather our energy and resources for the folks who are protecting our water at Standing Rock...You are invited November 20 to Standing Rock: A Story-Telling Concert Fundraiser.  


Come dressed up with your kids in honoring water with different colors of blue and white and green :) we are honoring the water on this day.

Donations $15 - $500 on sliding scale per family. If you have a little, give a little if you have a lot give a lot! Paola will be going to Standing Rock at the end of this month.

Details on Facebook.

***

Last Thursday’s Cool & Connected workshop takeaway asked locals to picture Toledo 15 years into the future, as our preschoolers are graduating…
...while one visionary who predicted Bacon Days (Baconnaise?) added levity through the day-long distillation of possibilities for Toledo’s business district and community-wide broadband expansion.

The Chronicle covered the evening Open House program summarizing the brainstorming session here. Follow-up reports including links to grants and other programs to advance Toledo’s interests while retaining its historic culture and small-town advantages will be forthcoming in the months ahead from the Cool & Connected program group.

Watch for news in The Lewis County Tribune.  

***

Thursday’s Veterans Day Assembly at Toledo High School was captured in photos on the District’s Facebook page…

***

Vision:Toledo links to an article on Wales Spring from The Chronicle on v:T’s Facebook page. As I grew up on community water from an artesian well later sold off to a neighboring (upscale) community, I can appreciate how bureaucracy can confound a refreshing drink of water.  

***

Tonight: Toledo Fire Department hosts practice drills Mondays 7 p.m. This Week: EMS.

Make a difference in your community. Volunteer applications may be downloaded here for those aged 18+ as Volunteer Firefighters, ages 16-17 Junior Firefighters. Training provided.

***

Tuesday: Lewis County Interlocal (Medic One) Board Meeting 7 p.m. third Tuesdays monthly at Toledo Main Fire Department. Open to the public.

***

Also Tuesday: Toledo School District monthly Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. at Toledo Elementary School.*
There will be a tour of the facility. Public invited to attend.

Details on Toledo School District website and Facebook page.  

*TSD Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly at Toledo Middle School unless otherwise noted.

***

Reservations required: Wednesday Toledo Senior Center Nutrition Lunch serves up spaghetti with garlic bread and green beans, fruit cocktail and a brownie, Friday BBQ ribs with scalloped potatoes and a biscuit, NW blend veggies and peaches. Nutrition Lunches Wednesday and Friday are sponsored in part by Area Agency on Aging. Suggested donation $3 for those 60+ years of age. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewsicountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

***

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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11.10.2016 Thursday Column (& Extended Weekend Outlook)

11/10/2016

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Cool & Connected Workshop today will be summarized for this evening’s Open House 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Toledo Middle School.
Seated yesterday for an hour at City Hall with 4 representatives of the C&C and two other Toledo residents, a clearer picture emerged of what this pilot planning program actually does, and why Toledo beat out 295 other applicants.

Once a luxury, broadband is increasingly a basic utility like power and water. Small businesses and large need POS access, online software, WiFi (think Square). Libraries and schools and clinics rely on it. Campers and coffee customers demand it.

And, of course, online media.

Regardless of your personal vision of Toledo’s future, high-speed connectivity is integral to that future. Evidence of that is easily found at winlockneedsinternet.com.  

Today’s workshop and Open House are stepping stones to the next chapter. Be on hand to help write it.

***

Citizens for Great Toledo Schools need to raise $5,000 to fund our Bond Campaign.

Good news: as of last night, they report $3495, two-thirds of their campaign funding goal has been reached. Don’t forget - Toledo PTO will match 100% of donations made through November 11th! Which means only $752.50 (plus matching dollars) would bridge the gap.

Details on Facebook.

***

Today: Toledo School District Veterans Day Assembly 9 a.m. at Toledo High School. All service members current and retired invited, as well as family and friends, for this community-wide event. Special Presentation: Musical Action Painting.

Full schedule in TOT’s Tuesday Column.

***

Friday closures in observance of Veterans Day include post office,  schools and banks, state, federal and local offices, senior centers and libraries...and The Other Toledo (dot) com.

Open Friday: Washington State Parks offer their final fee-free day of the year, in observance of Veterans Day. Details here.

***

Toledo Food Bank schedule November & December 2016:

Friday November 11
Monday November 21
Friday December 9
Monday December 21

Toledo Food Bank is behind City Hall, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on dates listed above.

***

Saturday: Toledo Senior Center hosts their monthly Second Saturday Breakfast (7:30 - 10:00 a.m.) featuring AYCE hotcakes and full fare breakfast (biscuits and gravy for early risers) to feed supporters and participants in front of Lewis County Veterans Parade. Cost: $5. For details contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

***

Also: (visitor post on Facebook) - Lewis County Veterans Parade Toledo Wa - Toledo Football team is host(ing) a fundraiser breakfast before our playoff game this Saturday at 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (or until the food runs out) at Toledo High School.

***

Steamboat Plaza says: Enjoy a coffee before, during or after the Veterans Day Parade, all Veterans receive a $1 off, our Thank You for your service.
We realize not all Veterans have an ID, we will use the honor system. November 12th we will remain open until 4 p.m.

***

Lewis County Veterans Parade begins noon at 5th and Augustus, terminating at Toledo’s Wall of Honor in Kemp Olson Park.
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This year, the Patriot Guard Riders of Washington State will be in attendance by request. Learn more about them and the National Patriot Guard Riders.

***

Presbyterian Church Bake Sale 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. featuring fresh bread, cinnamon buns and homemade pies, located conveniently along the parade route at 312 Augustus.
Picture
***

Toledo Senior Center invites Lewis County Veterans Parade participants and supporters to stop in for refreshments following Saturday’s march, hosted by area military families.

***

Monday brings another Supermoon. The moon will be closer to Earth than since 1948, and never so close again until 2034. Details from EarthSky.org including a cool photo.

***

Update: Toledo School District monthly Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. next Tuesday, November 15 at Toledo Elementary School.*
There will be a tour of the facility. Public invited to attend.

Details on Toledo School District website and Facebook page.  

*TSD Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly at Toledo Middle School unless otherwise noted.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

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11.09.2016 Wednesday Column

11/9/2016

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Last Night’s Coffee House featured some well-known favorites along with fresh talent:
Best $3 dinner on the planet!

Drama Teacher Mrs Berry

Tianna Berg, auditioning shortly with The Disney Channel, sang a capella blues, her own music.

Pianist Thomas Campbell, wowing the crowd with The 1812 Overture, God Save the Czar...

Drama: scene with Abbey Rowe and Derrik Mattox - an adaptation.

Not pictured: Joe Wallace by popular demand, on guitar...

Lela Johnson, a capella blues

Karen Herrera, a capella C&W

Classic Comedy Routine: Abbey Rowe and Mary Grasser, Abbot and Costello’s “Who's on first…”

Seth Rowe, a capella, in honor of Veterans day -"They call me Doc"

Dakota Robins, on guitar -
Credence Clearwater Revivals’ Someday Never Comes
Die A Happy Man..
Guns n Roses, Sweet Child o Mine..
Green Day - Good Riddance ( Time Of Your Life)...
a capella - Green Day,Song of the Century..

Not pictured: Mary Grasser, 8 Days a Week by the Beatles, a capella


Next Coffee House will be in January. Thanks for supporting Toledo’s performing arts.

***

Today and tomorrow the Cool and Connected folks will be in town, trying to figure out what sets Toledo apart from neighboring communities, from 300 other applicants for this grant. And I have an opportunity to sit down with them for awhile and try to explain why my chosen home is ahead of the curve, how Toledo is leading the way via broadband, and what form Toledo's future might take.

Vision:Toledo painted this scenario from the charred ruins of a Christmas Day fire in 2010, almost like the villagers of Whoville after The Grinch stole Christmas, holding hands, reassuring one another and moving forward. 

Six years hence, Toledo's Vision Statement says it best, I think: Our vision is to promote and maintain the quality of living for our citizens through preservation of our past and development of our future.

What do you think?

Join your friends and neighbors at Thursday's Open House 5:30 - 7 p.m.at Toledo Middle School.

***

Today: Steamboat Alley needs YOU! Don’t let this perfect painting weather pass you by. Meet 10 a.m. at the mural just off SR 505 between the Community library and Gallery 505 Artists Co-Op.

***

Also: Toledo Park Board meets 3 p.m. second Wednesdays monthly in Council Chambers at City Hall. Contact cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or call (360)864-4564.

***

Plus: Game Day 3:30 - 5 p.m. at Toledo Community Library. Open to Middle and High School students. Second and fourth Wednesdays monthly.

***

And: Cowlitz Prairie Grange 6:30 p.m. meeting is a potluck second Wednesdays, cake-and-ice-cream affair fourth Wednesdays. Grange Hall at 5180 Jackson Highway. Contact Sandy Bickar, (360)864-2601.

***

Thursday:
  • Cool & Connected Workshop 8:30 a.m. @ the MAC (RSVP)
  • Veterans Day Assembly 9 a.m. at Toledo High School
  • Cool & Connected Open House @ Toledo Middle School

***

Also Thursday: A new addition for The Other Toledo.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

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11.08.2016 Tuesday Column and Tech Report

11/8/2016

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See last night’s City Council Meeting coverage on The Lewis County Tribune.

***

Coffee House: A venue for local and emerging talent, an evening out fueled by coffee and cheap eats, a showcase of performing arts.
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Option 2: sit around the tube and watch your candidate win/lose.

***

Tech Tuesday:

A shout out to Greg for keeping this column and columnist up and running every day with fast, affordable, expert tech assistance. You rock!

A Grey Area Computer Repair is on Facebook here.

***

Where PCmag posts reviews on electronics, comparisons covering a wide range of specs, Outsmart offers one money-saving alternative to everything you want from bicycles and blenders to cameras and razors, through Amazon affiliate links. They have my next electronic gadget all picked out for me.

***

Speaking of Amazon, their policy change on 30-day refunds if they have a price drop - well, who has time to monitor that? Paribus does, and they get rave reviews from sites like The Penny Hoarder and CNBC.

***

Speaking of electronic upgrades, November is more than Black Friday. This month’s Best Buys from MoneyTalks News including prices you can expect on tablets and laptops, plus other stuff you've been waiting on.

***

Oops! Forgot a special someone’s birthday or anniversary? 123greetings to the rescue!

***


Want to watch YouTube videos offline? Through 11.18.2016, you can get ½ off Airy’s $20 app with Netted By The Webbys cheat code, and indulge yourself while everyone else yells at TV or snores after November’s turkey dinner.

***

Wednesday: Toledo Park Board meets 3 p.m. second Wednesdays monthly in Council Chambers at City Hall. Contact cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or call (360)864-4564.

***
Wednesday: Game Day 3:30 - 5 p.m. at Toledo Community Library. Open to Middle and High School students. Second and fourth Wednesdays monthly.

***


Toledo School District
Veterans Day Assembly
Toledo High School
November 10, 2016
9:00 AM

*****

WELCOME
(Rise and Stand)
Angela Bacon

POSTING OF COLORS
Veterans of American Legion Post 101
VFW 3409

“STAR SPANGLED BANNER”
Dakota Robins

INTRODUCTIONS
Martin Huffman

“AMERICAN SOLDIER”
“TRAVELING SOLDIER”
Kaitee Carney

SPEAKER
Jim Echtle
Toledo High School Teacher &
United States Army Veteran

MUSICAL ACTION PAINTING
Brynna Toepper
Bailey Richardson

SPEAKER
Sergeant Jonathan W Solis
United States Army

“O AMERICA”
“SONG FOR AN UNSUNG HERO”
“BUILD ME A WORLD”
Kathy Welch
Toledo HighSchool Choir

“ARMED FORCES SALUTE”
Toledo High School Band

ARMY FLAG
Thalen Schey

COAST GUARD FLAG
Phillip Smiley

MARINE FLAG
Nathan Wilcox

AIR FORCE FLAG
Cole Langhaim

NAVY FLAG
Jake Nef

PRESENTATION OF POW/MIA FLAGS
Veterans of American Legion Post 101
VFW 3409

“TAPS”
Jeremy Cooke

RETIRING OF COLORS
Veterans of American Legion Post 101
VFW 3409

CLOSING
Heather Ogden

***

Also Thursday: Community Meeting 5:30 - 7 p.m. at (Toledo Middle School) with representatives of the Cool and Connected crew.
Picture
From Vision:Toledo’s Facebook page: There are a few seats available for workshop participants. Contact Michelle Whitten, City of Toledo, (360)864-4564 or cityoftoledo@toledotel.com

***

Friday: Toledo Food Bank schedule November & December 2016:
Friday November 11
Monday November 21
Friday December 9
Monday December 21

Annual Walk ‘n Knock will be Saturday December 3. Routes will start out at 10 a.m. picking up food. Collection barrels will be at Toledo Market Fresh, Riverview Food Mart and Timberland Bank.

Toledo Food Bank is behind City Hall, open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on dates listed above.

***

Friday closures in observance of Veterans Day include post office,  schools, and banks, state, federal and local offices, libraries...and The Other Toledo (dot) com.

***

Saturday: Toledo Senior Center hosts their monthly Second Saturday Breakfast (7:30 - 10:00 a.m.) featuring AYCE hotcakes and full fare breakfast (biscuits and gravy for early risers) to feed supporters and participants in front of Lewis County Veterans Parade. For details contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

***

Lewis County Veterans Parade begins noon at 5th and Augustus.

***

Presbyterian Church Bake Sale 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. featuring fresh bread, cinnamon buns and homemade pies at 312 Augustus (on Parade route).

***

Toledo Senior Center invites participants and supporters to stop in for refreshments following Saturday’s parade, hosted by area military families.

***

To the reader who requested links on health research:
  • Decaffeinated versus regular coffee - caffeine and theophylline content: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=339309
  • asthmastory.com , a blog
  • An Experimental Life, blog post
  • Shoestring Valley Medical, a local care alternative
  • On SSKI: http://tahomaclinic.com/2011/01/iodide/

***

Update: Toledo School District monthly Board of Directors meets 7 p.m. next Tuesday, November 15 at Toledo Elementary School.* There will be a tour of the facility. Public invited to attend.

Details on Toledo School District website and Facebook page.  

*TSD BOD usually meets 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly at Toledo Middle School unless otherwise noted.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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11.07.2016 Monday Column

11/7/2016

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Steamboat Alley supporters enjoyed spectacular weather Friday…
...and will return again 10 a.m. Wednesday to add finishing touches on noted muralist Paolo De la Concha Zindel’s next iconic mural project. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of Toledo’s history and future.

Contact Jamie, jamie.cummings.toledo@gmail.com

***

Toledo Youth Cheerleading hosted the perfect rainy afternoon pastime in the form of a 20-game Bingo fundraiser…

...including creative gift baskets to please everyone from the cat-centric to Play-Doh fans to personal indulgence spa themes, and candy. Lots of candy.


Recalling Thursday’s Soup Night concept of meeting new people in one’s own neighborhood, this columnist joined a small table and came away with the best gift - which will be shared here Thursday.  

Plenty of supporters and players filled the house, and this second-year event was declared a success by one of the organizers. 

Toledo Youth Cheer is on Facebook.

***

Monday: Toledo City Council meets 6 p.m. first and third Mondays monthly at City Hall. Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.

*Note: City of Toledo is accepting applicants for Public Works Superintendent. First review of cover letter and resumes Thursday. Full description posted outside City Hall. Contact cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or stop in during business hours.

***

Tomorrow: Full schedule of THS Veterans Day Assembly

***

Tuesday: Toledo High School hosts a doubleheader - a volleyball exhibition game followed by the ever-popular Coffee House…

Picture
***

Reservations required: Wednesday Toledo Senior Center Nutrition Lunch serves up Marinara chicken with chicken rice pilaf, Sausalito veggies, fruit combo, garlic herb roll and spumoni ice cream. Closed Friday November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Nutrition Lunches Wednesday and Friday are sponsored in part by Area Agency on Aging. Suggested donation $3 for those 60+ years of age. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewsicountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

Also:
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*Note: No more tables or spaces available for the 2016 Toledo Senior Center Annual Bazaar December 3.

***

Watch for updates on Toledo’s Common Ground Garden Community, emphasis on the upcoming holidays plus early planning for 2017.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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11.04.2016 Friday Column and Weekend Outlook

11/4/2016

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Was that some sunset or what...
Recap: Gallery 505 Opening Night kicked off November’s exhibit Honor & Thanks with a remarkable array of vintage black and white WWII photos, Toledo’s Wall of Honor snapshots and one slightly out-of-focus yet evocative photo of a child’s incongruous soap bubbles adrift on a breath of air, set against a somber backdrop of military flags on display at a ceremony.
By far the most sobering were images of The Last Good Day - September 10 - and the evening of September 11, 2001 including intimate views of the twin shafts of light installed at Ground Zero, unable to pierce the cloud canopy overhead. Iconic scenes of ruins depict silent testimony of that attack only 15 years gone.


Below Toledo Lions’ trademark Wall of Honor image is a brick bearing an inscription, along with applications for adding an engraved brick to Toledo’s war memorial to service members present and past, living and deceased.

Gallery 505 Artists Co-Op is open Tuesday - Saturday 1-5 p.m. On Facebook.

*November 12 Lewis County Veterans Parade begins noon at 5th & Augustus, terminating at The Wall of Honor in Kemp Olson Park. Details on Toledo Lions Club Facebook.

***

Recap: Author Maggie Stuckey’s presentation Soup Night at Toledo Community Library drew an intimate group of avid readers and cooks to share tomato basil, kielbasa vegetable and bean with ham soups with crackers plus the inevitable dessert table.
Her book Soup Night: Recipes for Creating Community Around a Pot of Soup begins:

At latitude 45 degrees 30 minutes north, almost exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole, it’s fully dark by 6 p.m. in January. In Portland, Oregon, the streetlights have been on for almost an hour. A bit before 6, in an older, sedate neighborhood on Portland’s urban east side, front doors all up and down the street begin to open. For the next 10 to 15 minutes, individuals, couples, and families come out their front doors and stroll easily but with purpose in the same direction. They’re all heading toward the same house, just about in the middle of the block, on the left-hand side.
Everyone is carrying something. Some of the adults have gigantic salad bowls, or warm bread wrapped in dish towels, or those familiar rectangular pans that hold the promise of homemade brownies. Some have a wineglass threaded through the fingers of one hand. Kids skip ahead, bright plastic cups firn in little fists or looper onto belts through the handle. Most people have spoons, wrapped in paper napkins and tucked into jeans pockets. One dapper fellow wears a cloth napkin folded just so in the breast pocket of his sports coat, like a fancy silk handkerchief; one soup spoon stands in the exact middle. And each person in this gentle parade carries a soup bowl. An empty soup bowl.
It’s Soup Night on Stanton Street.
    ~from Soup Night: Introduction by Maggie Stuckey

Members of the Toledo’s Adult Page Turners Book Club, small business owners and retirees joined library supporters and volunteers to sit down at paper-covered tables, embodying what Stuckey refers to as “neighbors who might not otherwise have a natural point of contact to get to know one another.” She describes this phenomenon of breaking out of the routine of arriving home after a long day working, hungry and tired, heading indoors and not reemerging until the next morning. In this manner, she points out, neighbors unintentionally become isolated from one another. Soup Night lifts a street, a block, out of this rut, with the enticement of a steaming hot bowl of soup. She tells of a widow whose social life dwindled to zero following the loss of her husband, and how she sought out other widows to create a regular Soup Night that became so popular that a waiting list developed.  

*The soup was delicious, the company first-rate, and I got to know more of my neighbors.

Thanks to Toledo Community Library and Humanities Washington for a great evening. A special shout out to Charlie Pruett, the best source for local info any columnist could want.

Toledo Community Library is open Wednesday until 7 p.m., Thursday and Saturday until 5 p.m. On Facebook.

***

Today: Steamboat Alley paint party 10 a.m. Make your mark on this historic Toledo feature and assure your place in it’s future. Won’t the Cool & Connected crowd be impressed November 10th when they notice No Alley Left Blank?

***

Support: Al-Anon AFG meets 7 p.m. Fridays at the Presbyterian Church, 312 Augustus.

***

Saturday: Toledo Youth Cheerleading is hosting Family Bingo Night Saturday November 5 at the High School. Desserts, prize baskets and 20 games kick off at 1 p.m. Cards are $5 each, and $20/5 cards. Proceeds support Toledo Youth Cheerleading.*
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Contact toledoyouthcheerleading@gmail.com. Also on Facebook.


*Not a Toledo School District sponsored event.


***

Sunday: Daylight Savings ends 2 a.m. Set your clocks back an hour before bed and enjoy the well-deserved extra hour. Unless, of course, you’re in Australia which moved into Daylight Savings Time last Sunday.


***

Monday: Toledo City Council meets 6 p.m. first and third Mondays monthly at City Hall. Visit www.toledowa.us or call (360)864-4564.

***

Tuesday: Toledo High School hosts its popular Coffee House…

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*This columnist got the heads up on the dinner menu, a crowd pleaser for sure!

***

Reservations required: Wednesday Toledo Senior Center Nutrition Lunch serves up Marinara chicken with chicken rice pilaf, Sausalito veggies, fruit combo, garlic herb roll and spumoni ice cream. Closed Friday November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Nutrition Lunches Wednesday and Friday are sponsored in part by Area Agency on Aging. Suggested donation $3 for those 60+ years of age. Contact Diana, diana.haug@lewsicountywa.gov or call (360)864-2112.

***

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.

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11.03.2016 Thursday Column

11/3/2016

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Mark your calendars…
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November 10 Toledo School District Veterans Day Assembly Program includes local American Legion and VFW members, guest speakers, and a special musical presentation. Full details to be posted in Monday’s Column.

***

What is a Highly Capable Student?

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Anyone can nominate a student for this program through November 18. Pick up forms at Toledo School District office, 116 Ramsey Way.

***
Picture



 Check out the smart kids...


From Toledo School District’s Facebook page: Congratulations to Megan Kinsman’s two Digital Communications classes, 45% and 30% of whom met Microsoft Certification standards for Word 2016 before midterm during the first trimester -
the same test given in colleges.
Besides the lifetime certificate, these
students will receive college credits            Image courtesy Toledo School Dist 
through LCC.

Next: Power Point.

***

Do you have what it takes? Toledo School District is looking for 3 relief school bus drivers. Details on Facebook.

***

Today: Gallery 505 Artists Co Op hosts Opening Night 4 - 8 p.m.
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Image courtesy Gallery 505 Co-Op

Meet local artists and craftspeople, enjoy music and light refreshments, take home something that touches you deeply.


Gallery 505 is open Tuesday - Saturday 1 - 5 p.m. through November 26. On Facebook.

***

Remember the story about Nail Soup? A hungry traveler proclaims to a poor widow he can make a heavenly meal with nothing more than an old bent nail in a pot of water. In reply to the old woman’s queries, the cook sighs aloud that just a bit of salt would bring out the full flavor, regretting the lack, whereupon the woman decides she could perhaps find a bit and returns with it. The same scene is repeated as a few vegetables are likewise added to the bubbling liquid, dried meat, herbs, until finally the wayfarer invites her to join him for a fragrant bowl.

Tonight: Toledo Community Library presents author Maggie Stuckey’s Soup Night 6 p.m., sponsored by a grant from Humanities Washington..

Connecting with neighbors in communities large and small is the concept behind her book Soup Night, getting to know folks on your street, your block, your neighborhood, making new friends and alliances over simple fare.

Stuckey’s book Soup Night is available in print and ebook on Amazon.com.  

***

See you 10 o’clock Friday morning in Steamboat Alley for a paint party!

***

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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11.02.2016 Wednesday Column

11/2/2016

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Countdown to Election Night…
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...leaving how many school days until Toledo’s February 14 school bond ballot?


Citizens for Great Toledo Schools announces: Toledo PTO will match 100% of donations made through November 11th! Details on Facebook.

While you’re at it, check out the YouTube video on the 41-Year-Old High School.

***

One more step: Cowlitz Reservation lawsuit opposing keeping its 152-acre reservation and building Ilani Casino Resort was dropped by City of Vancouver in March, Clark County more recently, and finally by Grande Ronde. Details on Facebook.

***

Today: Toledo Lions Club is hosting the Lions Health Screening Unit at Toledo Elementary 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Image courtesy Northwest Lions Foundation

The Unit is a tractor/trailer rig that travels around the state conducting hearing and vision screening tests. This is the second year for Toledo kids, Kindergarten through 5th grade.

An estimated 30,000 free screenings are offered at schools, fairs and other public events all over Washington State and Northern Idaho for sight and hearing plus glaucoma, diabetes and high blood pressure. Details on the LHSU (Lions Health Screening Unit) here.

Lions Club is widely recognized for collecting donated glasses for those in need worldwide. See what Toledo Lions Club does in our community.

***

This just in - Steamboat Alley promoter Jamie Cummings says: This Friday, November 4th, at 10 a.m. we'll be painting the mural. The weather should be great, so come on down and make your mark!

***

Health Corner: From JamesClear.com, who says Systems Beat Goals, this comprehensive piece on the science of sleep. Not covered: why yawning is contagious.

More: From Scientific American, this surprising news about sleep and wakefulness.

And: Dr Mark Hyman connects the dots between sleep and weight loss in his article The #1 Thing Derailing Your Weight Loss: A Doctor Explains.

***

Heads up: Coffee House November 8 featuring self-serve coffee and cookies by donation, optional $3 dinner, and of course, familiar and emerging talent at the mic. New: Raffle basket. Runs 7 - 9 p.m.

***

City of Toledo is accepting resumes for Superintendent of Public Works. For particulars, email cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or stop in at the office, 130 N. Second Street, Monday - Friday during business hours.

***

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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11.01.2016 Tuesday Column and Tech Report

11/1/2016

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Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 Lecturer Tom Boone reports:

Sunday, October 30, Lewis County Pomona Grange held their Annual Harvest Dinner & Program with 3 local chapters of FFA from Chehalis, Onalaska & Winlock. Each FFA chapter put on a power point program of what they are doing in each of their communities. The highlight of the program was presenting Lewis County Pomona Grange with the Granger of the Year plaque. 

This year the honoree was Lewis Zion, Pomona Overseer & Cowlitz Prairie Grange Master. He has been a member of the Grange for 25 years, he is active in the Masonic Lodge in Silver Creek, WA, American Legion Post 508 in Onalaska, WA and Lewis County Voiture 83.
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Image courtesy Tom Boone, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 Lecturer

Lewis Zion, left, being presented his award from Lewis County Pomona Master Lewis Rohrig.

Cowlitz Prairie Grange 6:30 p.m. meeting is a potluck second Wednesdays, cake-and-ice-cream affair fourth Wednesdays. Grange Hall is at 5180 Jackson Highway. Contact Sandy Bickar, (360)864-2601.

***
It’s here!
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NaNoWriMo* 2016 kicks off today and sprints through November collecting 50,000 words in the form of a novel. Well, first draft anyway. Signed up, got my writing buddy, coffee at the ready. Looking for my horned Viking helmet.


Thanks in advance for your support and understanding.

*NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.

***

Toledo’s Cool & Connected workshop and public meeting November 10 will lend community-generated goals featuring broadband and local resources.

Participation means building the place you want to live, work and play. As one of only 5 small towns selected from all over the U.S., Toledo has an extraordinary opportunity to set precedent.

Watch for updates at Vision:Toledo and The Lewis County Tribune.

***

Tech Tuesday:

Last week a reader commented with a link to an article about AT&T’s DirecTV acquisition and new streaming service, designed to one-up DISH TV’s streaming success Sling.

For a picture of AT&T’s dark side, check out their NSA-type spying via Facebook.

Plus this: As if crafting a derogative verb form of cable TV’s pinnacle of poor customer service isn’t enough, check out Comcast’s latest folly, suing Nashville over over their expeditious ordinance One Touch Make Ready, which precludes Google Fiber from waiting around until Comcast feels like moving lines to accommodate the competition.

*A shout out to A Grey Area computer repair for returning the other household daily driver computer to health in record time and under budget when gremlins rendered it a zombie last week.

A Grey Area Computer Repair is on Facebook here.

***

If The Gadgeteer is my favorite wish list generator for All Things Tech, then Unclutterer.com’s Unitasker Wednesday collection of one-trick ponies is the Vortex of Incredibly Unnecessary Stuff, great mostly for laughs.

***

From AndroidPolice.com: chat upgrade - Video calls are going live in WhatsApp.

***

Miss the battery life you enjoyed on your old iPhone? The solution, reviewed by Neil Henning on The Gadgeteer, is the UGreen iPhone 6/6S Battery Case review.

***

Thursday: Gallery 505 Artists Co Op hosts Opening Night 4 - 8 p.m. November theme: Honor and Thanks. Meet local artists and craftspeople, enjoy music and light refreshments, take home something that touches you deeply.

Gallery 505 is open Tuesday - Saturday 1 - 5 p.m. through November 26. On Facebook.

***

Also Thursday: Toledo Community Library hosts Maggie Stuckey’s Soup Night, their next Humanities Washington grant-sponsored presentation at 6 p.m.  


*Note: Toledo Community Library’s Adult Page Turners  next meets December 29, 2016. No meeting in November.
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Order your copy from Timberland Regional Library kiosk in the Library.

***

Saturday: Toledo Youth Cheerleading is hosting Family Bingo Night Saturday November 5 at the High School. Desserts, prize baskets and 20 games kick off at 1 p.m. Cards are $5 each, and $20/5 cards. Proceeds support Toledo Youth Cheerleading.*

Contact toledoyouthcheerleading@gmail.com. Also on Facebook.

*Not a Toledo School District sponsored event.

***

Sunday: Daylight Savings ends 2 a.m. Set your clocks back an hour before bed and enjoy the well-deserved extra hour. Unless, of course, you’re in Australia which moved into Daylight Savings Time last Sunday.

***

Reserve early: November 19 Toledo Senior Center hosts their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Entertainment by local favorite Nehemiah Brown. Only $8. Watch for details or contact Diana, diana.haug@lewiscountywa.gov.

***

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

    Sign up to have The Other Toledo delivered right to your inbox. We hate spam too so we never sell your information.

Subscribe to Newsletter
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    Arrived in The Other Toledo early 2011. 

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