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/

Micki Harnois sworn in as New Mayor

On January 2, 2010 the Rockford City Hall was filled with family, friends and associates as Micki Harnois was sworn in as the new mayor of Rockford. RUMC Pastor Kathy Barrick opened with an inspirational blessing and Clerk-treasurer Darlene Lashaw performed the ceremony.
Micki has been involved with the Rockford Horizons program since the beginning including the Study Circles, Leadership Plenty and the strategic planning. She has been involved in various community organizations for many years.
The highlight for her was doing a presentation about the Rockford Horizons program at the Inland Northwest Partners conference last fall. One of the board members was inspired by the effort to reduce poverty and the local donations for the recent stream bank project that he nominated the Town of Rockford for a Community "Hometown Heroes" Award which we received in November. This plaque is proudly on display in the Rockford City Hall.

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

RCC Meeting Minutes, January 6, 2010

Members present: Sean Hart, Todd Hart, Mary-Lou Benson, Micki Harnois, Jeff Barrett
Called to order at 6:05 by Chairman Todd Hart
Minutes of previous meeting not read.
No Treasurer's Report offered
Old Business:
The status of the 501 c 3 application was discussed and completed with minor adjustments to be made by Vivian. It should be in the mail before the deadline of January 29, 2010. Once the 501 c 3 status is established, the RCC will fall under the jurisdiction of the Leadership/WSU Horizons umbrella. Meetings will be in the City Hall once that occurs.
New Business:
Todd announced that half of the building beside his store can be used as the Community Center because he has rented the other half. RCC will need to have heat and lights before it can be utilized. The members will examine the building and its needs before proceeding.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm.
Respectufully submitted,
Mary-Lou Benson
Secretary

Your Money--Earn It! Keep It!! Save It!!

The United Way's CASH Coalition and its members and volunteers are working together to help you get cash back!

EARN IT--Did you earn less than $43,279 in 2009? The Earned Incom Tax Credit (EITC) could pay you as much as $5,657 based on your earnings and family situation (individual results may vary. You must file your taxes to receive your credit)
KEEP IT--Don't pay to file your taxes. Visit a free tax preparation site to have your taxes carefully prepared and e-filed quickly and without a filing fee (free tax preparation and filing services available subject to eligibility)
SAVE IT--Want to own a home, go to school, buy a car or start a business? There is a program that can help you save money, reduce your debt, and learn to manage your money. For information contact: SNAP Financial Access-509.456.7174, www.snapaccess.org

Taxes can be done free at the following locations from February 1 to April 15 (subject to eligibility on a first come, first served basis):

Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E Main Ave
Spokane Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S Regal St
Call 509.358.3526 for an appointment.

Rockford Horizons Receives Community Award

On November 18, 2009 the Town of Rockford received a Community "Hometown Heroes" Award from Inland Northwest Partners. We were nominated by Paul Kimmell of Avista for the stream bank work (funded by local donations) as well as the Rockford Horizons program. The award was presented at a luncheon in which Mary Lou Benson (pictured) received the plaque from Joe Tortorelli, Board member of INP. Our group sincerely appreciates this recognition for our community and it is stimulating that the our endeavors are being noticed.

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.

Sign up now for the Hope & Power workshop

The Inland Northwest Spokane YMCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program is putting on a very special Hope & Power workshop. This group offers financial workshops and resources for survivors of domestic violence.

The YMCA location is at 930 N Monroe Street. The Holiday on a Budget workshop will be on November 16, 2009 starting at 5:30 pm. The workshop includes resources for free and inexpensive holidays activities, handmade gift, decoration and card ideas, free crafting supplies and activities for moms and kids to do together. There will also be drawings for special holiday gifts!

Childcare and dinner will be provided with registration. Dinner will be provided by the Campus Kitches Project. Please call (509) 789-9297 to register. This workshop is made possible by a grant from the Allstate Foundation.

Hope and Power offers the following financial programs:
1) Match Savings
Up to $400 to help achieve an education or work related goal.
2) Checking Account Access
Help obtaining a checking account for those who may otherwise have difficulty
doing so
3) Secured Credit Card
Help obtaining a credit card to assist in rebuilding your credit. The security
deposit is provided by the program
4) Life Coaching
Intensive Certified Life Coach lead support to help you achieve your career
related goals.

Please pass this on to those who deserve a great holiday season!!

Minutes from Rockford Horizons October 27, 2009 Meeting

The Horizons Visioning/Strategic Plan was discussed and the progress reviewed.

Communications:
The community events are being posted on the Town reader board. The community calendar is being circulated in the Town utility bill. It is also on the Horizons blog as well as the Town website. A few copies should be posted throughout Town such as at the Post Office and various businesses. Phil Evans will have a presentation at the November 10th meeting to discuss what he has learned from several broadband providers. A survey will be drafted and sent out to the community to find out the desire for wireless and broadband and how many households can afford it. The Town is currently on a contract for administration of the website. The Horizons blog is being updated more frequently.

Community Center:
More programs were discussed to be housed in a facility. The Horizons group is finalizing paperwork for 501(c)3 status with IRS.

Community Garden:
Ther was discussion about the sort of crops that should be planted next year and those that were not popular. A local contractor will be contacted regarding putting raised beds in one of the garden spots. A greenhouse has been donated which will help get seeds started. The three garden spots will be available for use again next planting season. The farmers market was a success this year and the hope is to have music and cooking demonstrations as a bonus.

Patrick Malone was in attendance and helped us with ideas to get youth involved. One incentive is to get a student involved in the website and other projects such as designing placemats and soliciting for donations from local businesses. They would do this during their senior year and upon entering a college would receive an incentive of $1,000.00 toward their tuition (e.g.). Patrick also gave us an application for Horizons Community Capacity Fund which Vivian P. will complete and send in.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at the Harvest Moon.

You can become a Certified Money Management Trainer

The lack of financial education and current economic conditions has created serious financial distress in households throughout the Inland Northwest. Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS)invites you to become a Certified Money Management Trainer (CMMT) who can provide financial education and, ultimately improve lives and the community.

Please join over 100 leaders this year who have taken this training and use it regularly with their clients and customers.

You will be able to assist families:
Assess finances and set goals
Make and keep budgets
Pay down credit and use it wisely
Build savings
Create an acion plan when facing less income
Manage credit reports and improve scores

Additional perks:
Free resources, tools, books for the people you serve
On-going support from CCCS staff and volunteers
Educational credits or CRA credits
Bring the tools home to your co-workers, clients and family

Training will be held:
Coeur d' Alene, ID on Friday, November 20th
9:30-3:30
First Presbyterian Church, Fireside Room
521 E Lakeside Ave
OR
Spokane, WA on Thursday, December 17th
9:00-3:00
Northtown Office Building, Columbia Room
4407 N Division St, Suite 814

Cost for this training is $45 per person-lunch is provided
Please call 509.242.4205 for more information, special accomodations or if you would like to apply for a scholarship.

Space is limited---Register Today!