Vol. 16, No. 2

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Contents

Last HPCC News Roundup As President
Bookmobile Coming To High Prairie
Observatory Night—Third Time’s The Charm
Let’s Bring Back Monarch Butterflies To High Prairie!
Cucumber Curry
Centerville Students Visit Local Art Studio
Needlers’ Getaway To Seattle
A Look Back At The 2016 Firehouse Sale
Firehouse Sale Inspires Musical Appreciation
Myrin’s Famous Brats
Further Thoughts On Firehouse Sale
Another Funny Story
2016 Firehouse Sale Results
2016 Firehouse Sale Photos
FireLines:
Training For Life Flight Landings
Burn Ban In Effect
Firewise Committee Targets Wildfire Safety
High Prairie Fire Safety: Firewise Communities Program
Summer Garden Tips
Scenes Of Summer
High Prairie High Tea Is A Hit

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Last HPCC News Roundup As President

hpcc

Mike Richards

High Prairie friends and neighbors, it is with a tinge of bittersweet that I write this installment for the High Prairian. This will be my final contribution to this wonderful publication as President of the High Prairie Community Council.

It it not with a light heart that I leave this post. Many of you will understand it is the realities of life that rear their heads and compel me to make this change. There are just not enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done, and I feel that I am not serving the office with all the time that it deserves or needs.

And, as the father of three daughters that many of you are familiar with, they have to take precedence over everything else. They are not getting any younger, and their education and activity lists are only going to get longer.

I won’t be leaving entirely, however. I have committed to staying on as the Community Center Coordinator and adviser to the next President, if needed.  I will be relying on several dedicated volunteers to help me out by opening the center for scheduled events. If you know anyone who is interested in renting the venue, have them get ahold of me directly.  My contact info is on the web page at www.highprairiecommunitycouncil.wordpress.com under the label “Community Center”.

So much for the bitter part. Now let’s talk sweet!

After another hugely-successful, best-ever High Prairie Firehouse Sale, we are sitting pretty for yet another year of activities and improvements to be made on behalf of the Fire District and the Community Center. The overwhelming message from everyone involved is, “Fix the kitchen!”

I want you to know that your comments are well-taken, and we have already been discussing how to approach the problem. So far, the discussion is centered around having a local kitchen design expert come in and lay out the best plan to rearrange the entire floor. We are looking into a commercial-style dishwasher that can blast plates and cups clean in a matter of minutes and not hours. If we upgrade the dishwasher in this manner, it will almost certainly mean replacing the stainless steel counters and sinks on the west wall under the windows.

What does all of this mean for the Community Council? It means a lot of time and money spent. Several thousand dollars and more.  It’s not a small job in any way. However, we can do it with your help. In the coming months, there will be several meetings during which we discuss the annual budget and projects such as the kitchen. I strongly encourage members of the community to attend these meetings, participate in them, and provide input. This is your Community Center, and it is thanks to your participation that we are even in a position to have these discussions. Please plan on attending one or more of these meetings.

We will also be making our annual contribution to Fire District 14, an event that we look forward to with anticipation and gratitude for the fire commissioners.

Speaking of the Fire District… If you have not already heard the big, big news, Legends Casino in Toppenish came through for us again this year! They donated a significant amount to FD 14 via the High Prairie Community Council’s 501(c)3 nonprofit status.

Each year, the casino accepts grant applications from nonprofit groups around the region, and puts those applications through a vetting process. They then donate a significant amount back to the communities in which they have a presence, if they benefit the native community in some way. Due to some Yakama Nation property located within the boundaries of FD 14, they have a keen interest in donating back to our community.

You may remember last year that we were awarded five thousand dollars to upgrade the pagers the firefighters use to new ones that are compatible with the county’s new radio system. This year, Legends came through with four thousand dollars to be used in purchasing Bendix programmable radios. Thanks to Tim Darland for spearheading this effort!

That about wraps up the latest goings-on at the Community Council. I would like to end on that high note and wrap up my tenure by saying the following: It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve the community the past two years. Your HPCC board members are fine people working incredibly hard for you, and they can always use your support and kind words. They are appreciated.

I leave my post with the best of feelings toward the community, the board and the numerous, dedicated volunteers that make up the organization. We have something really special going on, here in High Prairie and I sincerely hope that someone will step into the role of president who will take it as seriously as I tried to, and devote to it the time it needs to be done well.

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Bookmobile Coming To High Prairie

Lozetta Doll

The Fort Vancouver Regional Library Bookmobile will be stopping again this summer at the old fire hall on Centerville Highway. There will be a summer reading program for teens and children with lots of good prizes and incentives. Put the following dates on your calendar!

Also a great way to meet up with friends and neighbors during the busy summer season.

9:45 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. on these dates:

June 14 and June 28

July 12 and July 26

August 9 and August 23

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Observatory Night—Third Time’s The Charm

Audrey Bentz and James Day

We try again on the 30th of June—the weather didn’t cooperate last month, and we wanted to have the best viewing possible for this amazing gift of a world-renowned observatory in our “back yard.”

Another advantage, by then the Goldendale Observatory’s 24.5 inch reflector should be in its new configuration as a Newtonian with a new mirror that will increase the quality of the image. Visit the website www.goldendaleobservatory.com for the latest information.

On June 30, prepare to meet at the Community Center at 7:30 p.m. We will ride in cars together for efficient carpooling, or you can meet the group at the Observatory before 8:30 p.m. Bring a Discovery Pass if you have one; one for each car will get us all in without any further charge. Please dress warmly as temperatures may still drop quickly after dark.

What will we observe? The evening of the 30th should be a wonderful display of the planets of Jupiter, Mars and Saturn for the evening presentation beginning at 8:30 p.m. After a brief introduction to the planets in the theatre room we should have the opportunity to view the planets through the telescopes in and around the large dome. There will be excellent views of Saturn with its rings around it —Saturn will be only 539 million miles from planet Earth that night. We may see some details on planet Mars and also the four moon of Jupiter. As an option, we can stay until the best viewing after 10 p.m. We’ll get beautiful views of the Milky Way, and the sights may include planetary nebula and globular clusters not visible without telescopes. These are best viewed in the truly dark skies which are available and protected in our area.

Please call or email me, Audrey Bentz, if you are planning to go so I can contact you if anything changes. 509-365-3600 or amsong@gorge.net.

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Let’s Bring Back Monarch Butterflies To High Prairie!

Audrey Bentz

Monarch_ButterflyAs you likely know, the Monarch Butterflies were becoming endangered, due primarily to increased used of herbicides, and the loss of the Milkweed plant which they need for reproduction. But because efforts are made to bring the plant back again, they are just beginning to make a comeback. I have ordered seeds, and suggest you get some from me, or order your own (very cheap) and let’s all plant lots and make High Prairie a safe haven for those beautiful butterflies! Check out “Live Monarch—Seed Campaign 2016” at www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm for details.

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Cucumber Curry

From Garden Way’s Joy of Gardening Cookbook by Janet Ballantyne

Serves 6–8

It won’t be long until gardens are in full production! Use those excess cucumbers at the height of the harvest for this mild curry. If you like your curries hot, add extra curry powder and hot sauce—and serve plenty of rice! This dish looks best with unpeeled cucumbers.

2 tablespoon butter
1 cup diced onion
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1–3 teaspoons curry powder
4 cups diced, seeded cucumbers
1 tablespoon all-purpose unbleached flour
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
1/2 cup yogurt
salt and pepper
dash hot sauce

In a large saute pan, heat the butter and saute the onion, turmeric, and curry powder until the onion is limp, 3–5 minutes. Add the cucumbers, and saute for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with flour and stir well. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and tamari. Cook until the cucumbers are just tender, 2–5 minutes. Stir in the yogurt and season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes

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Centerville Students Visit Local Art Studio

Rebecca Sonniksen

Sonniksen engages students for their opinion about the placement of a color in one of his paintings.

Sonniksen engages students for their opinion about the placement of a color in one of his paintings.

“This may be the most students I’ve had in my studio,” commented artist Scott Sonniksen, as two groups of Centerville School students toured his Swale Creek studio May 9.

As a follow-up to an earlier classroom presentation, Jennifer Armstrong, paraeducator, had arranged for fifty-four of her 3rd to 8th grade students to see first-hand how this Northwest artist accomplishes the business and the craft of his art.

Students walked into a studio lined with large abstract paintings up to 6’ by 8’ and 16” by 20” paper pieces spanning a career of 50 years. Up close, they could examine the works and ask questions of the artist about how he created particular shapes, textures, and colors.

“I painted over that painting,” Sonniksen said, gesturing to a large painting propped against the wall. “Don’t be afraid to experiment, because sometimes the best things happen by happy accident.”

This message was reinforced when Sonniksen gave each student a special watercolor paper to create their own impression of the visit.

Sonniksen demonstrated how to build a frame and stretch canvas and what brushes and tools he uses to create certain effects. In addition to the creation of art, he talked about the business of art, using an example of an RFP (Request for Proposal) from Oregon Health Science University he received from his art representative.

Sonniksen’s paintings are included in public and private collections throughout the U.S., including the Portland Art Museum and the Seattle Art Museum. Returning from his graduate work at Yale University, Sonniksen was Chairman of the Art and Art History department at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Principal of Radius Marketing & Design, Sonniksen consults with individuals and businesses on interior design. He and his wife, Rebecca, moved from Portland to High Prairie last year.

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Needlers’ Getaway To Seattle

Diane Cazalet

“The Seven” pose in front of the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit

“The Seven” pose in front of the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit

In late April seven of the High Prairie Needlers took the train for a two-night stay in Seattle. When we took our seats on Amtrak upon departure from Vancouver the conductor didn’t bother to check our tickets but instead exclaimed, “Oh, you are ‘The Seven’!” We had a few laughs about our new name and from then on referred to ourselves as, ‘The Seven’.

Our trip felt a little like being back in high school or college again even though all of us, except one, were traveling on senior fares. We shared lunches, snacks and stories on the train and enjoyed the carefree travel. On arrival we went by bus and monorail to the Seattle Center for the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit. It was the highlight of our trip as we spent  hours there photographing and viewing the exquisite glass works both inside and out in the gardens. It was such a beautiful setting with spring blooms, flowering glass and the Space Needle above us in the background.

For the next two days we kept busy with much walking through downtown Seattle and Bainbridge Island. We took the ferry to Winslow (on Bainbridge Island) to shop and have a leisurely dinner in a local fish house and pub. We all had to take photos of the rock art in the gardens. There were multiple figures made of basalt and other stones. They were almost life size, walking, running, riding a unicycle and doing handstands. ‘The Seven’ all wanted to make figures for our own gardens on our return but decided that would be something we do together later in the year.

Our hotel was out at the Sea-Tac Airport so we took the local ‘Link’, or light rail, to our rooms each night. We shared our evenings together with wine, snacks and much laughter. We felt no different than we had 40 to 50 years ago at a slumber party. Such fun for those of us who had not shared rooms with girlfriends in decades. We returned with many good memories, but I am told that several of us took a good day to recuperate from all the activity. One of us had pedometer and it recorded that we walked around the city over seven miles in one day. I guess that did not discourage anyone as we are already planning our next adventure together.

(click image for enlarged view)

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A Look Back At The 2016 Firehouse Sale

Deborah Fenwick

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the hardworking volunteers who made this year’s event the best ever!! Once again High Prairie residents proved what a truly special community we live in and how everyone can work together for a common cause. The annual sale would not have been a success without the donations and support of so many neighbors, local businesses and the people who look forward to attending the sale every year.

Bargain hunters swarmed the rummage sale Friday while dining on homemade baked goods and Myron’s famous brats. Saturday’s classic car show drew enthusiasts to the pancake and sausage breakfast. Despite a rainy day on Sunday, people came to eat while viewing the raffle drawings and to see if they were the high bidder on items in the silent auction.

Unsold clothing and household donations were gladly accepted by the White Salmon clothing bank and Lyle Museum.

This was the primary fundraiser to keep the community center operational and support our rural volunteer fire department. Every year is different and brings new challenges and new ideas to make the annual event even better than prior years. There is a lot of work that goes into planning and set-up months in advance.

A frank discussion about what worked and what didn’t took place at the May community council meeting. Future sales will depend on reinventing the event and more volunteers to step in with all areas of planning and implementation. A critique/survey is available to provide suggestions and ideas. Those interested in completing the survey, organizing or chairing for 2017 please email firehousesaleHPCC@gmail.com or call (541)980-1330.

Raffle Winners:

Quilt – Tom Loorance
Bicycle – Ted McMurrin
Rifle – Charles Kessler
Ice Chest – Chris Parrish
Fishing Gear – Marlow Griffin
Knife Collection – Randy Miller
Flashlight – Trevor Woodruff

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Firehouse Sale Inspires Musical Appreciation

Audrey Bentz

During the Firehouse Sale, I felt inspired to write this song which goes to the old tune “I Love Those Dear Hearts and Gentle People.”  Some of us had fun singing it at the sale during lunch on Saturday:

FIREHOUSE SALE SONG FOR 2016

I love those dear hearts and gentle people
that live in High Prairie
Because those dear hearts and gentle people
mean oh so very much to me.
They make good food, quilts, put up tents,
Support our firefighters too
They raise great gardens and help each other,
A real community, it’s true!

I feel so welcome each time we come this way,
as we travel home on Centerville Highway
I love those dear hearts and gentle people
that live and love on High Prairie.

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Myrin’s Famous Brats

Barbara Parrish

Myrin’s merry brat-makers, Quinn, Xander & Riley Perry Photo: Audrey Bentz

Myrin’s merry brat-makers, Quinn, Xander & Riley Perry. Photo: Audrey Bentz

Myrin’s brats have become so “famous” that two men from Washougal tried to be first in line to buy the 10 pounds of brats donated to the Silent Auction. They got up early and headed out. In their hurrying, they were stopped on SR14 and got a speeding ticket (I’m guessing somewhere around $250.00, they didn’t say). So they were there in time to pay the “buy-it-now” price of $55.00 and were very thrilled with themselves that they made it on time! These two bought the brats last year and were determined to have them again this year – EXPENSIVE (but tasty) EATING!

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Further Thoughts On Firehouse Sale

Audrey Bentz

There have been a sizable number of residents who put in so many hours/days of volunteer work, to make this annual event a major way to support our firefighters and upkeep of the community center. We all benefit—especially for the fire protection of our homes and land. Therefore we need to let these generous people, some who have been giving scores of hours over the past 17 years, a huge thank you for their ongoing gift of time and abilities.

The best way we can thank them, is for all of us to give of our own time next year. If everyone contributed at least 5–10 hours, we may alleviate the huge responsibility on a few (some are growing old you know!). You will be hearing for a response early next year!


 

High Prairie Fire Chief Tim Darland, in a May 10 email:

The Fire Commissioners and myself greatly appreciate all of the community’s efforts to make this the best firehouse sale ever!  Keep up the great work and a sincere “Thank You” for volunteering your time and energy for the benefit of the HPCC and Fire Department!


From an email note received on May 16:

To Deborah and all chairmen and their committees—a special thank you for the great High Prairie Fire Sale again this year. When I arrived early on Friday, those in charge were doing last minute set-ups with quiet laughter and joy which I found incredible.  And it was so much fun being a part of it all.  Thank you to all of you… Gail Amery

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Another Funny Story

Barbara Parrish

One of our very dear friends and neighbors was looking at the hardware section of the sale and found some wood flooring still in the box. She pointed out to her husband that she wanted to buy it, since it matched the flooring she already has at home. Hubby “fessed-up” and told her that it was her flooring. He donated it—she bought it back!

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Training For Life Flight Landings

fireLines

Jake Jakabosky

lifeFlight webOn April 9, High Prairie firefighters went to John Day Dam to get in-person training on how to handle Life Flight arrivals. Conditions were windy, making for quite a realistic situation when the Life Flight helicopter landed at the helipad located at the north end of the dam.

The firefighters were instructed in radio communications, terrain limitations in the landing zone, brush height restrictions, the clearance from various obstacles like trees and power lines, etc. They also learned patient loading methods and how to measure and communicate wind speed and direction, including using smoke and hanging flagging on a truck’s aerial to show the wind direction. They were reminded not to wear hats, helmets or loose clothing when bringing a stretcher to the helicopter (they could get sucked into the rotors), and to safely approach the helicopter from an angle where the pilot can always see them.

The firefighters enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions of the Life Flight pilot, medic, and nurse. For example, since the pilot uses infrared night-vision goggles, is he able to see the red landing zone beacons and vehicle emergency lights that are used at night to identify an emergency helicopter landing site? The answer was yes, the pilot simply looks under the goggles and can see everything plainly.

Although the necessity of Life Flight landings on High Prairie is rare, Fire District 14 was involved in two such incidents in 2015. With the April training, they are now even better prepared for such events.

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Burn Ban In Effect

Burn Ban in Effect sign 1On May 10, the Klickitat County Commissioners enacted an outdoor burn ban within unincorporated areas of Klickitat County. The burn ban runs from June 1 through September 30, 2016, the time the county will be most susceptible to wildfire according to evaluations done by the Klickitat County Interagency Fire Association. If fire conditions continue to be hazardous in the Fall, the burn ban may be extended into October.

The County burn ban does list some exceptions. It allows for the use of residential barbecues, although users should pay extra attention to placing and operating them safely to avoid accidental fires.

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Firewise Committee Targets Wildfire Safety

James Day

FirewiseCommunitiesLogoColorThe High Prairie Firewise Committee is up and working. Members have been drawn from each of the areas on High Prairie. Current members are:

Fred Henchell/James Day of High Prairie Road area
Phillip Haner of Centerville Highway area
Tom McMackin of Struck Road area
Chris Sattem of Shilling Road area
Matt Kotwasinski of Whites Ranch Road
Jeff McMullin of Stacker Butte Road area.
Larry Dennis of  South Prairie Road area
Maxine Thompson of South Prairie area.
[We still need someone from Knight-Dillacort area.]

The two things that are most significant in the application for Firewise Community* membership are a count of the number of residents within HP Fire District 14 and the development of a plan to address things identified in the Fire District 14 assessment performed by Scott Brewer in 2013. Part of the plan is to address the high-to-moderate-risk residential structures identified in that evaluation (which is virtually all of us) with distributed educational materials, community workshops and courtesy site visits by District 14 volunteers trained to identify hazards and provide feedback directly to residents.

Further items included in the Firewise plan should be the creation of a communication and evacuation plan for this community in the event of a large scale wildland fire or other natural disaster. To that end individuals should be made aware of the risk level of their area, not just their own structures, and make plans to care for their animals and families in the event of large scale wildfire. Special methods should be put in place to identify and help those less able to evacuate rapidly such as the elderly. Road mile markers could be installed to help identify locations throughout  District 14 that would be easily seen in smoky conditions. State highways likely to be vital evacuation corridors should be examined for hazards to safe traffic flow and Firewise volunteers trained to work with others directing evacuations.

DNR is eager to help work on road corridors which should be cleared of fuels to create safe routes for fire vehicles and everyone else in the event of wildland fire. The DNR and the conservation district out of the Goldendale office are very supportive of this effort as it helps them protect their lands and keep fire from crossing from public lands into private holdings. With Firewise Community national status High Prairie should be first in line to receive support on community projects in public areas such as the fuel-filled areas along Struck Road and Centerville Highway as well as individual projects to help residents make their homes and livestock more fire safe.

Kaci Bartkowski with the Conservation District has offered to do a driving evaluation of the public areas within the community to help add to the residential evaluations Scott Brewer did in 2013. Once this is done we will be much closer to understanding what actions should be taken by the community to reduce risk. Central Klickitat county has been identified as at high risk for wildfire for various reasons and some of that risk must be addressed by local residents to reduce the impact of any wildfire in the area.

By participating with the Firewise Committee all community members will benefit in more secure properties and a better trained volunteer fire district staff. Homeowner insurance companies will take note of this qualification and are encouraging participation in Firewise.  Membership in national Firewise will also establish with state and county agencies our existing efforts and encourage their support in removing fuels in public and private areas.

*For an overview of the Firewise Communities Program, read the article by Gwen Berry.

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High Prairie Fire Safety: Firewise Communities Program

Gwen Berry

Perhaps you’ve seen Firewise brochures with diagrams showing how far out from your house to have a green space, what kinds of vegetation to plant, and other things you can do to make your home safer from wildfire. Firewise is a national program that teaches residents about the hazards of wildfire, and how they can put simple, smart practices into play around their homes.

But working with individual property owners is only part of the program. The program’s full name, “Firewise Communities Program,” reflects the larger focus of the program, to encourage neighbors to work together to help prepare for and reduce the risk of home destruction due to wildfires. They know that our individual safety can be unavoidably linked to how prepared our neighbors are. Everyone is safer if the effort is community-wide.

To support communities in making that coordinated effort, Firewise has developed a series of steps that move a community through the process of assessing wildfire risk, creating a community-wide action plan that guides their residential risk reduction activities, engaging and encouraging neighbors to become active participants in building a safer place to live, and enacting the plan. As the community proceeds through the steps, it can apply for recognition as an official Firewise Community.

There are many benefits attached to being a Firewise Community, including increased access to funding and assistance, as well as increased support by county and state entities for risk-reduction activities.

Here are the five steps, and High Prairie’s progress through them:

Step 1: “Obtain a wildfire risk assessment as a written document from your state forestry agency or fire department.” 

– In 2013, Lyle Fire Chief Scott Brewer did a risk assessment on all the residential properties on High Prairie (as well as Lyle).

Step 2: “Form a board or committee, and create an action plan based on the assessment.” 

– A High Prairie Firewise Committee has been formed, and the committee is developing an action plan.

Step 3: “Conduct a ‘Firewise Day’ event.” 

– No plans for this yet.

Step 4: “Invest a minimum of $2 per capita in local Firewise actions for the year.” 

– High Prairie gets credit for all volunteer hours put in on Firewise activities, so this is already on its way to being paid.

Step 5: “Submit an application to your state Firewise liaison.” 

– The Firewise Committee is tasked with submitting that application.

The Firewise Committee’s members recognize the risks of living in an area historically known for destructive wildfires and are working to organize the community’s wildfire safety actions, both in risk reduction and emergency response. For more specific information on actions being anticipated, read the accompanying article by committee member James Day.

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Summer Garden Tips

Amanda Richards

Looking for a simple way to conserve water when planting your garden or trees?  Install a drip system!

We visited Bryant Pipe and Supply in The Dalles (or Hood River) and explained to them our garden ideas and they had recommendations on how to implement. You can have a sprinkler with adjustable radius, 6” or 12” spacing drip line, slow or fast dripping nozzles, and the list goes on and on. At first, we thought that this kind of system would be cost-prohibitive, but it’s extremely affordable. We even added a line over our deck and installed misters. In the heat of August, it’s the favorite place for everyone to congregate.

Now that I’ve told you how to easily grow plants, I’m going to reverse it and tell you how to kill them:  white vinegar. To kill weeds in an area you wish to plant in again: on a sunny day, add a squirt of dish detergent to a bottle of white vinegar and spritz on the plants you wish to kill. If you want to eradicate all plant material and not have any come back up (or have no wish to plant something), add 1/4 cup of salt to the mixture.

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High Prairie High Tea Is A Hit

Anna Purcell

high tea photo webOn Saturday, April 16, our first annual English Tea began at 11:00 a.m. with all the ladies arriving in their gorgeous hats made with style and imagination. The room was decorated in warm and stimulating works of art, quilts by Catherine Conkey, and eclectic and powerful paintings by Nance Carter.

Eight tables for eight were covered with beautiful ivory linens and graced by the finest teacup and teapots, glass sugar bowls, and glass creamers. The sugar bowls held an array of white crystalized sugar swizzle sticks as used in the finest hotels in Europe. Three-tiered glass plates held stunning arrangements of flowers on the top; the other tiers were covered with finger sandwiches.

During the Tea, guests enjoyed the sandwiches: egg salad; cucumber with chive and cream cheese; chicken, celery, scallion, herbs and toasted almonds; smoked salmon, lemon, and dill cream cheese. On the side there were orange poppy seed scones with clotted cream and preserves. A special treat was chocolate covered strawberries rolled in nuts. It was all accompanied by English Breakfast tea.

The program started with an observation that, had we all been pioneer ladies, we would have arrived by horse and buggy, and probably very dusty. It was also explained that at a ladies’ tea in Europe you could tell the difference between upper and lower class by when they put the milk in their tea. If you were lower class, you poured the milk in first. It meant that you could not afford good china. You risked breaking the cup if the tea was too hot, so you had to pour milk in first. Of course, the upper class had a choice.

The program was as follows:

Pioneer Women: Doris and Barbara from the Lyle Museum brought some wonderful material on Lyle. Photos, newspaper articles, a beautiful black dress and some lingerie. Doris and Barbara (dressed in the era of early 1900’s) told a story of what it was like to live back then.

Catherine Conkey: Catherine, artist and teacher, told the stories of her inspiration of each quilt, some of which were already being displayed.

Centerville Singers: Three beautiful songs were sung by the girls.

Centerville Singers

Centerville Singers

Decision Time: prize for the most unusual hat. Nance and I could not decide. We choose four, and by applause of the guests we narrowed it down to three. Myrtie McKercher, Terry Chabbert and Judy Suhr were the winners. They each took home a beautiful basket, graciously donated by Brigitte Free.

Etiquette Question: “Does a lady always have to shake hands upon being introduced?” Everyone at the table had to discuss it and come up with an answer. No prizes here, just the glory of getting it right. We then auctioned off a one night stay at The Columbia Gorge River Hotel. It was won by Shivon Crossman.

More Prizes: We gave away prizes to anyone who had a paper dot on their chair. Some of the prizes included table runners and place mats made and donated by Deb Hansen.

According to the people we have heard from, the Tea was enjoyed by all. We only had one problem – we finally ran out of scones. A good complaint!

We would like to thank these ladies who made everything possible:

• To the ladies who allowed us to borrow their china cups, saucers and teapots.

• To Doris and Barbara who donated their time. A great job.

• To Shivon (Portland) and Judy (Seattle) who worked their buns off, we could not have done it without you.

• To Catherine (Portland) with her gorgeous quilts, what a treat, thank you.

• Nance Carter who hung her amazing art for our pleasure, we are so lucky to have such a talented and hard working lady in our community. It was a pleasure to work with you.

• To the Centerville choir who sang like angels, and choir instructor Patty McKern. Thanks.

• To Deb Hansen who made and donated the smashing table runners and place mats, thank you.

HighTea_Mertie web

Mertie in her award-winning hat

• To Deborah Fenwick who sewed up the table cloths, with everything else you had going on in your life. A big thank you.

• To Diane Cazalet who took in money and handed out place cards, thank you, too.

• To Myrtie who always shows up and quietly helps out, thank you.

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