BRIEFS

DISTRICT LEVY TO GO ON BALLOT

WAITSBURG - Last Wednesday night, the Waitsburg School Board approved a maintenance and operations levy resolution. The levy will be before voters on the ballot for the Feb. 14 Special Election. If approved by voters, in 2013 the district would collect $435,000 ($3.62 per $1000 assessed valuation). For collection in 2014, the district would receive $447,000 ($3.72 per $1000 assessed valuation). The money would help maintain school programs and athletics, employees and the district's facilities.

CITY GETS GRANT FOR CHIPPER

WAITSBURG - The city of Waitsburg will receive grant money for a $28,000 chipper from the Department of Ecology. The city will be able to use the chipper to help dispose of fallen branches after winter storms and during the city's spring clean up.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S LUNCHEON

DAYTON - The Christian Women's Connection (CWC) Luncheon will be held at the Seneca Activity Center in Dayton on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10.00 and will be catered by Dayton General Hospital. The speaker/special feature for this month is Cathy Rasley, the energetic owner of the unique Hot Mama's Espresso in Walla Walla. She has been a cheer coach for 17 years at Walla Walla High School and has worked as a special education teacher's assistant.

Paige Wood will sweeten the air with her music. She is a 14-year-old homeschooler living in Waitsburg, who keeps busy with a multitude of activities. Please RSVP and childcare is provided. Call Judy Jackson at 399-2005 to reserve your lunch and also to let her know if you need a babysitter for the luncheon. Please honor your reservation; "gift" it to a friend, or call Judy by noon on Friday, January 6th to cancel if your plans change; otherwise, we are obligated to pay for your meal if you are unable to attend.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN DAYTON

DAYTON -- First Congregational Church-UCC in Dayton is hosting a Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. There will be reflective music, some shared readings, candle lighting and communion. All are welcome. The church's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. All are welcome to join in singing favorite Christmas hymns and carols, participate in reading the story of God with Us and a candlelight finale of "Silent Night."

Grace Episcopal Church, 301 S. 3rd Street, Dayton, will be holding Christmas services on Saturday, Dec. 24 and Sunday, Dec. 25. The Christmas Eve service will be held at 5 p.m. Christmas morning service will be at 9 a.m. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. Reverend Steve Woolley of Walla Walla will conduct the services.

DAUGHTERS OF PIONEERS MONEY

WALLA WALLA - The Walla Walla Chapter No. 12 of the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington annually offers a $500 scholarship to students in local schools. The deadline for those interested in applying is May 15, 2012. To qualify, an applicant must be a descendant of a person who established residence in Washington prior to 1871, Oregon prior to 1853, Idaho prior to 1864 and Montana, west of the crest of the Rocky Montana, prior to 1864. In addition to this, the applicant must be a resident of Walla Walla County, Dayton, Wash., or Milton-Freewater, Ore. Please contact your school counselor for an application packet, or address your request to Scholarship Chairman DPW, No. 12, Francis Ave., Walla Walla.

HOSPICE HOSTS GRIEF GROUP

WALLA WALLA -- A grief support group for children ages 6 - 12 sponsored by Walla Walla Community Hospice will begin Jan. 10, and continue Jan. 24, Feb. 7 and 21 and March 6. The group will meet from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the YMCA.

The Hospice bereavement team will utilize children's literature, videos, and art to help children process their thoughts and feelings related to the person they have lost. Participants will also have opportunity for play time at the YMCA. There is no charge, but parents are asked to register by calling the Hospice office at 525-5561 or by email to info@wwhospice.org before Jan. 6.

FIRST THURSDAY CONCERT

WALLA WALLA -- The First Thursday concert, Jan. 5, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church,

323 Catherine Street, Walla Walla, from 12:15 to 12:50 p.m., will feature music performed by Debra Bakland (formerly Richter) of Canadian University College, LaCombe, Alberta, playing piano; Amy Dodds of Whitman College, violin, and Lyn Ritz of Walla Walla University, violin and viola. The music of Mozart, Beach, Clarke and Tchaikovsky will be on the program. The performers have asked that contributions be given to the Red Cross. Bring a friend, your lunch and enjoy the music. For more information contact Tanya at 529-1083.