Gwen Berry
Spring without a Firehouse Sale is like Aunt Jemima’s pancakes without her syrup.
But there it is. For the first time in 19 years, it looks like High Prairie will not be holding its long-time annual fundraiser. UNLESS—a person or people step forward and commit to getting it off the ground. There’s still time if someone acts right away. If you are so inspired, get in touch with Sharon (509-365-4429) or Barb (509-281-0933) ASAP!
Because of this, the HPCC Board is interested in hearing and evaluating as many new ideas for fundraising as possible. Without the Firehouse Sale, HPCC won’t have the funds to make its usual large contribution to the Fire District and will struggle to cover the costs of maintaining and using the Community Center. If you have ideas for how HPCC can fund its operations, please get in touch with Sharon, Barb, or any board member.
Speaking of Board Members, the Board is now one member short. Two members resigned in January. Audrey Bentz stepped in to fill one vacant seat, and the Board would like to fill the other one. The board members are Sharon Aleckson (Vice-President), Barb Parrish (Secretary), Ken Hansen (Treasurer), Chris Sattem, Bill Downey, Roberta Barkhurst, and Audrey Bentz.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at HPCC? Among other things, this winter the HPCC Board is working on some essential administrative projects, including updating the organization’s bylaws and the Community Center rental procedures and forms. If you’re interested in the status of either of those projects, call Sharon or Barb.
The Board has also been looking into getting the floor resurfaced in the Community Center. It hasn’t been done since the Center opened in 2010. A bid from a floor business in The Dalles came in at $2,128 and would require that the floors be finished twice in one year. Barb Parrish writes, “We cannot afford that and we don’t need twice in one year. If we had a community member with experience in this area who would be willing to volunteer their time, we could work together to get the job done.” Anybody? Volunteers have been responsible for much of the work and many improvements to the Community Center. No reason it can’t happen again.
Sheriff Bob Songer will be the guest speaker at the HPCC meeting on March 22. The meeting starts at 7 pm at the Community Center.
HPCC will be assisting with the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner on March 24. Please consider attending. Let’s have a big show of support for our friends and neighbors who volunteer their time and effort to make sure the rest of us get the help we need in emergencies.