Come Visit the Rockford Community Center

The Rockford Community Center is open. We are located at 229 South First, just behind the Methodist Church. Current hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The center is currently staffed by volunteers. If you would like to become a volunteer and help staff the center give us a call at 291-3605. The more volunteer staff we have the more hours the center can be made available to our community and of course, kids are always welcome.
If you are looking for a place to hold a meeting or teach a class, give us a call. If you have other questions please call me at 220-6779.

RCC Remembers Our Veterans

Since there was a surplus of Christmas wreaths, the RCC decided to decorate the Veterans grave sites at Fariview Cemetery. Since there was too much snow to see the names, several wreaths were set at the base of the Veteran Memorial in the cemetery and the others were hung on the fence by the entrance. Vice President Bill Benson, also a veteran, performed this honorable and solemn act.

Holiday Wreaths available at the RCC

Now taking orders for holiday wreaths at the RCC.
Prices are $20.00 for plain and $25.00 for decorated.
Wreaths can be pre-ordered and picked up at the RCC beginning November 11th through December 4th. Call RCC @ 291-3605 for information.
Special arrangements can be made by contacting the RCC.

Halloween Events In Rockford

Halloween Party in the Rockford Community Center
Hot Dogs and Bonfire in the Park
Costume Party in the McIntosh Grange

All events start at 5:30pm on October 31st

Have fun and watch out for the GHOULS & GOBLINS!!

Meals on Wheels in Rockford

Rockford Community Center (RCC) officers Mary-Lou Benson and Phil Evans met with Pam Almeada with the Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels program on October 15th, 2010.
Pam is looking at four possible places in Rockford that are acceptable to set up the operation. The McIntosh Grange buildng, Rockford United Methodist Church and the St Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall were looked at but it was decided to serve the meals in the Community Center which is also in line with the RCC mission of helping those in the Rockford area in need of assistance.

Pam said that Meals on Wheels will be in Rockford one day a week and distribute 6 frozen additional meals for those who participate in the program. Those who are house-bound would have their meals delivered to them by local volunteers. Arrangements are being made to prepare the meals at the Fairfield Care facility (former Fairfield Good Samaritan Center) as this kitchen complies with the Spokane Regional Health District regulations. The meals would then be served at the RCC and the 6 frozen meals would be taken home for the rest of the week.

The projected time to begin Meals on Wheels in Rockford is around the last of December or first of January, 2011. The list of names of people in the community who need meals brought to them and those who would come to the RCC for their meals are being gathered. Volunteers are also needed to take the meals to the house-bound.
If you or someone you know will benefit from this program or would like to volunteer, please call Mary-Lou at (509) 291-3146 for more information.

Free Yard & Garden Debris Collection Day

Saturday, November 6th is the next yard & garden debris collection event day. Leaves, grass, brush and other home yard trimmings will only be accepted. The hours are from 9 am to 3 pm behind the Town of Rockford city hall. This service is provided at no charge. If you need assistance or have questions, please call the city hall @ (509) 291-4716.

RCC Agenda for October 4, 2010 Meeting

Minutes from September 20th meeting
Treasurer's report

Rockford Community Center (RCC):
1) Youth (Nick, Sean, Todd)
2) Halloween ideas (Todd)
3) Fund raising ideas, vending machines, holiday sales (Lorrie)
4) Fair booth summary (Phil)
5) Wood stove pellets (Phil, Tom)
6) Attending a Freeman School Board meeting (Todd, Phil, Lorrie)

Community Gardens
1) Catholic church location (Todd)
2) Water for the gardens (Todd)
3) Possible garden sites

Communication
1) Newsletter (Lorrie)
2) Website update (Lorrie)

Nezt meeting date?
Adjourn

A Big Donation to the RCC--Hot Dog!

The Banner Bank Weenie Wagon was in the Rockford city park on July 29th. They served hot dogs, potato chips, cookies and pop. This was in conjunction with the Movies in the Park program.
The items remaining were donated to the Rockford Community Center (RCC) for a future barbecue. The donatation consisted of 5 cases of hot dogs, 6+ cases of hot dog buns, 3 cases of potato chips and a case of pop.
Some of these items will also be donated to the Immaculate Heart Retreat in Spokane and the North Palouse Food Bank in Fairfield.
Thank you to Banner Bank for the donation.

Free Summer Activities

We are so fortunate to have many events this summer for the whole family and they do not cost a cent.

Wednesday Afternoons--Summer Swim Program @ Tekoa Pool
Wednesday Nights--Basketball in the Park @ 8:00pm
Thursday Nights--Movies in the Park @ dusk (free popcorn and pop)
August 6th 7-11pm --Youth Dance in the Park
August 21st 11am-3pm-- Hot Rockford Nights Car Show/Swap Meet in the Park
August 21st 7pm--Free Piano Concert by recording artist John Nilsen @ Rockford United Methodist Church

Other activities:
Farmers Market in the park on Saturdays from 9-3

Rockford Community Center Open House

There will be an open house in the new Rockford Community Center (RCC) on Sunday, August 1st from 2-4 pm. It is located at the southeast corner of Emma Street and First Street in the same building as Cindy Lou's Dog Grooming. There will be refreshments and a mini tour of the facility. RCC has recently received 501 c 3 nonprofit status. Please come and see the beneficial community facilty.

Minutes of July 5, 2010 Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:34pm by Chairperson Lorrie Pope

In attendance was Mary-Lou Benson, Todd Hart, Sean Hart, Levi Pereira, Phil Evans, Tom Pope, Lorrie Pope, Patrick Malone, Micki Harnois, Beryl Childs and Vivian Plank.

The June 21, 2010 minutes were approved as presented.

Treasurer's Report (all in checking) RCC $339.75
501c 3 $9,865.00

$135.00 was withdrawn from 501c 3 account to pay for the Money Management Class for Certification as Money Managers that was attended by Mary-Lou Benson, Vivian Plank and Linda Thomas.

The officers were introduced and each gave a brief resume.

The by-laws were examined and amendments and deletions were discussed. Mary-Lou will rewrite them as proposed and will present at the August 2, 2010 meeting.

Old Business
Vivian talked about the Money Management Class that she and others attended. A session will be held for members at a later date.
The Farmers Market made a profit of $73.90 last Saturday.
A fund raiser for the farmers' market through the RCC was presented by Lorrie Pope. She suggested that a special coffee be purchased and sold at the market under its' own label. It was suggested that the coffee be tried first to see if it would be accepted by the market patrons.
The Community Center has furniture and some of the painting has been done.
Todd noted that there is more work to be done and asked those who can do so to help.
The Community Gardens have been planted and are growing. Some tomato plants had to be replaced.
The youth car wash that was held last Saturday netted $40.00.

New Business
Micki talked about the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) conference in Vancouver, WA that she recently attended. The Horizons program was presented and was a hit and peaked the interest of several communities of all sizes throughout the state.
A brief synopsis of the 18-month Horizon's Poverty Reduction Program was presented and the short and long term goals for Community Center, Communications and Community Gardens was discussed. The goals that have been met were identified and those not completed remain on the list.
New short term goals identified for the Community Center include:
1. The Center will be up and running by it's open house date
2. The computers will be functioning
3. The pool table will be fixed
4. The Community Center will have a web site of its' own
5. Open House will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 2-4pm.
Phil has secured a time for serving refreshments at the Hatton-Coulee Rest Area located at the junction of US Hwy 395 and SR Hwy 26. The date is August 6-8, 2010. He and Linda (Clark-Evans) will staff it all three days and may have help with some of the youth. He is asking for donations of cookies from members. There is a chance that he may also be able to secure the spot on June 20-22, 2011. This will be discussed at a later date.
Patrick talked about grants that are available on the website www.Grants.gov that are municipal grants but federally funded. He also advised the Board to make decisions as one body in regard to programs, grants, etc. so there is accountability.
There will be a two hour mind mapping event that will evaluate the progress of the Rockford Horizons program. This will be held on July 20th at 6pm in the St Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall located on south River Street. Food and refreshments will be served. It is intended that everyone who participated in the program will be contacted and invited to attend as well as the general population of Rockford.
Grants offered by the National Gardening Association and Home Depot were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary-Lou Benson
Secretary

Movies in the Park start June 17th

It is that time again for summer family fun! One way to enjoy the warm evenings is to watch one of the movies in the Rockford City Park. They are shown on Thursday nights starting at dusk and are rated G, PG or PG-13 (with prior approval by the committee). There is free popcorn and pop donated by local businesses and organizations. It is fun to watch families settle in with their lawn chairs and blankets, forgetting all their cares for a couple hours. The one drawback is that younger kids still have to be taught to pick up their litter instead of others doing it for them. Hopefully this year it will be different. I have missed 3 movies since this activity has been happening (3-4 years?). Movies have included Sandlot, The World's Fastest Indian, RV, August Rush and Nim's Island. Most of the time cartoons are shown first.
Come join us for a fun memorable experience!

Calling All Community Garden Volunteers

It is now time for planting! Last night (June 14th) was the first night for the big dig!. Now that the weather has improved we are ready to get started. If you want to help with the Community Gardens whether it be to plant, water or harvest it would be greatly appreciated. Remember that the produce will either be sold every Saturday at the Farmers Market to benefit the Rockford Community Center or given to families/persons in need. For more information contact Keith Wigen @ (509) 291-3602

State Representative Susan Fagan Will Hold Town Hall Meeting

On Monday, June 21st at 7:00pm State Representative Susan Fagan from the 9th Legislative District will be holding a Town Hall meeting in the Rockford City Hall.
She will be discussing the state budget as well as important legislative bills and issues. Plan on attending and expressing your ideas and concerns as this helps Susan as she does her job "for us" in Olympia.

For information call (509) 291-4716.

Rockford Community Center April 5, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Members presnt: Mary-Lou Benson, Joanie Thompson, Susan Gallagher, Todd Hart, Sean Hart, Jeff Barratt, Phil Evans

Meeting called to order at 6:07 pm by Chair Todd Hart

Minutes amended to include Sean Hart as present at the last meeting. Minutes approved as amended.

Treasurer's Report not available.

Old Business:
Status of 501 c 3: All paperwork has been submitted to the IRS. We are awaiting our acceptance as a non-profit organization.
Insurance: All paperwork has been submitted. The premium is $467.00 per year. This quote includes $1 million General Liability, $500,000 Medical Expense to Others and $5,000 Business Personal Property with Special Causes of Loss and a $500 deductible on the BPP. The liability includes the coverage for the Farmer's Market, Basketball in the Park, Movies in the Park and the Christmas Wreaths. The check for that amount will be submitted on Tuesday, April 5, 2010. Items necessary to comply with the insurance: all obtained but not installed pending the approval for coverage.
Status of donated items: On hold until we can get into the building and find places for them.
Surveys: Out of 20 given out 9 have been returned.
Garden Plots: Keith Wigen said that Steve Meyer will plow the fields. Joanie Thonpson has chicken manure to donate. It was mentioned that Fairfield has a greenhouse and will be selling plants. The plan for the area in front of the park restrooms was brought up. There was discussion as to the use of cherry tone timbers as opposed to railroad ties. The deciding factor is the cost of materials. Todd said that he will take two of the trees and leave one. Linda Wigen will use plants from her garden.
Newspaper: No news available.

New Business: Background checks are not being done by SCOPE. Mary-Lou will check with the Washington State Patrol as to the procedure for obtaining background checks.
Lighting for the Community Center: Todd will contact Avista regarding the changing of the existing fixtures to more efficient lighting. There may be a rebate for that.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40pm.

Resptfully submitted,

Mary-Lou Benson
Secretary

WSU Sociology Students at Work for You!

Sociology 433, an undergraduate class at Washington State University, has been researching options and resources for topics that are important to your rural communities as you work to reduce poverty. Topics include: affordable housing, neighborhood safety, youth activities and much, much more.

Your community may be in contact with one of these teams, but all of their research may be relevant to the issues you are addressing. Click to the Horizons website http://www.horizons.wsu.edu/project/horizons3/community.html to read about their work.

Beautiful Rockford, WA Stuns Lamont By Holding Rival 'Social Event' In Same Calendar Year

The charming, strategically located and annoyingly well-managed Town of Rockford stunned the lowly, shockingly self-absorbed Town of Lamont, the 2nd smallest Town in the State, by announcing that they, too, would be putting on an exciting event in this calendar year - on May 1st, 2010 - in spite of the fact that Lamont thought that they had 'dibs' on the year 2010 and thus could expect no competition to their 100 year festival from anywhere in the State. (What collective self-delusion!) "Well, I guess times are changing around here!" said the huffy Mayor who tends to crumble when faced with competition of any kind. "So when I got wind of that surprisingly clever Sadie Hawkins/May Day dance on May 1st - held in Rockford's own fairgrounds (what show-offs! We don't even have a public bathroom and they have an entire fairgrounds? Oh yea, life is fair!) - of course I was consumed with envy and angst" said the brooding public servant. "Sure, we naturally look up to towns like Rockford with all of their fancy trees and stores and restaurants and all of that - but a dance? The only way that the citizenry of Lamont could ever work up the courage to dance in public would somehow involve a jug of moonshine and the woeful siren call of a lone banjo or whatever. But these Rockfordians are organizing a whole event around dancing! What nerve! What bravery! What unbelievable gumption! And what’s with their smarty-pants Mayor - Micki Harnois? She is a doggone genius! And then there's that amazing over-achiever Clerk/Treasurer they have - that iconic Darlene! Dang! How are we ever supposed to compete against that? But anyway, I still thought we had 'dibs' on 2010! Is nothing sacred anymore? Let me guess, they don't resolve disputes with the time-honored 'Scissors, Rock, Paper" method anymore, either! Oh, I just wish I was the Lamont mayor back in our heyday - the year 1911. Things were just so much simpler! " he sniveled.The inspired and lovely Town of Rockford (known as the Gateway To The North Palouse!) is located on SR 27 about 15 miles south of Spokane Valley - and will be holding their really cool dance at the Rockford fairgrounds (the money raised will go to support the fairgrounds which is a darn good cause in these budget cutting times! Go help!) on Saturday, May 1st from 6:00-10:00 pm. Lamont, on the other hand, is having their 100 year festival in the town park (that we need to rename 'The Lamont Fairgrounds', for Pete's sake! Why don't we have a fairgrounds?) on Saturday, June 19th at 11:00 AM. Mark your calendars for both events! The strength and beauty that is America is contained in its small towns - so stop being so busy and come savor the vibrant beauty we all once took for granted. You can ease into the richness that is Americana by going to the Rockford event first then plunge yourself back 100+ years by attending the Lamont festival on June 19th. (Going straight from the modern world into Lamont might be too shocking to all but the most robust nervous systems - so it is better to ease into it via Rockford first! Better safe than sorry, as we always say!)Besides stores, restaurants and businesses of any kind, some other cool things that Rockford has and Lamont does not includes: Little League baseball, a really smart, socially robust Mayor (who is on the AWC Board of Directors, too, for crying out loud!), an annual Frog Race, basketball, horsemanship, summer movies in the park, a Saturday Farmer's & Flea Market and teen organized dances (there is that dancing AGAIN!). And the summer culminates (that means finishes up or something) with the Southeast Spokane County Fair where three lovely young ladies are crowned Queen and princesses. This amazingly complicated organizational effort (by Lamont standards) also includes exhibits, entertainment, concessions, rides, vendors, and booths manned by civic groups serving wholesome (what?) homemade foods in the fairgrounds and Town Park. (they have a park too? Isn't the fairgrounds enough? Dang!) Oh yea, and they have a streetlight, too! (darn their eyes!)

Taken from The World of Lamont, Washington http://lamont-wa.blogspot.com/

Horizons Leadership Meeting- January 4, 2010

Present: Todd Hart, Mary-Lou Benson, Vivian Plank, Sean Hart, Micki Harnois, Jeff Barrett
Called to order at 6:45 pm.

Community Gardens:
There will be a separate garden meeting soon to plan the crops, placement, discuss what we learned from last year, raised beds, greenhouse covering.
Keith Wigen has said that the church garden (#2) should be expanded. There is also a need for more "weeders" this year.
The raised beds that are made of pine should be lined with plastic.
Micki said that there are water meters available but need to be adapted which Todd agreed to do. The twelve meters were donated by Consolidated Irrigation District #19 in Spokane Valley.
The Osterberg's have a heated greenhouse that may be available for use.
The tomato/peper crop in the Stevenson's garden (#3) will need weeding and care. Terry Bennett did it last year and will take a much deserved break.
The people who volunteered last year will be notified and asked to participate this year.

Farmers Market:
It was suggested that there be a sign-up book for the visitors to the market so they can be contacted and sent a thank you.
The vendors from last year will be contacted by letter.
Mary-Lou and Vivian will attend the Washington State Farmers' Market Association Convention in Tacoma again this year.

Placemats:
We need to determine: 1) the printing cost, 2) will the two restaurants/bars (Fredneck's and the Harvest Moon) be willing to buy them, 3) how are we going to get advertisements and 4) how much will the charge be for ads?

Micki will be attending and presenting at the Horizons state-wide conference on March 19th and 20th in Moses Lake.

Mary-Lou Benson
Facilitator

November 10, 2009 Rockford Horizons Meeting

In attendance were Vivian Plank, Mary Lou Benson, Jacob Benson, Micki Harnois and Phil Evans.

Phil Evans gave a presentation on broadband in Rockford. He has been in contact with several internet providers and cell tower companies about putting antennaes on the Town's new water reservoir (soon to be constructed). Most companies pay an average of $1,000 a month for rental for antennaes place on a structure.

Phil also talked to Mayor Wagner about having a laptop computer for community use to be located in the City Hall. This discussion is still ongoing. A desk would have to be placed in the back area of the City Hall and not connected to the Town's computer system. We will check with Patrick Malone about getting a laptop for our Horizons group.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 24, 2009 in the Harvest Moon.

2010 U. S. Census is coming to your house soon!

The 2010 U. S. Census forms will be mailed on March 15, 2010. Every household will be given the short form with 10 questions to answer. The American Community Survey (the long form) will be sent to an average of 1 in 6 households nationwide.

It is so important to your community, school and you to complete and mail back the form. This gives the Town of Rockford and Freeman School District information regarding such topics as population, median income, education, buildings constructed, and travel time to work. This data is necessary for grants and programs such as free and reduced lunch program. The ability for Rockford to be included in the Horizons program stemmed from this information.

Please send the completed survey form back as soon as you can or the Census takers will either phone or visit your home to gather this needed information. This takes billions of extra dollars to do. So please participate!

Reminders of this important topic will be posted on this blog periodically.