BRIEFS

BASIC TRAINING GRADUATION WAITSBURG -- Air Force Airman Timothy J. Hofer graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Hofer is the son of Christine Silver of East Eighth Street, and Jeff Hofer of Main Street, Waitsburg. He is a 2011 graduate of Waitsburg High School.

COMMERCIAL CLUB WAITSBURG -- Jody Ream, General Manager of Ski Bluewood, will be the featured speaker at the next Waitsburg Commercial Club meeting on Tuesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m., at Waitsburg Town Hall. Jody will update us on the 2012-2013 ski season and current operations of Ski Bluewood. Dinner reservations are encouraged; please RSVP to 337-6546 or ikbakeve@charter.net. Information about the Waitsburg Commercial Club is available on facebook or at www.cityofwaitsburg.com

SUZI AND SLIM PRESCOTT - Suzi and Slim will perform the music of Johnny and June Carter Cash, Hank Williams Senior, Patsy Cline and The Everly Brothers from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, at the Tuxedo Bar and Grill in Prescott. The concert will be an "Old Time Country Hoedown." For booking and pricing information, visit nevadaslim.com or call 509-849-2422.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE DAYTON - The community is invited to a special musical performance by Dayton resident Heather Stearns at the Soup Supper & Annual Meeting of the Blue Mountain Heritage Society at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3 at the Dayton Senior Center. Stearns will debut three original songs that she has composed for this event. The music will accompany video history interviews the historical society is compiling as well as for future audio and film presentations at the Palus and Smith Hollow School museums. Stearns plays 10 different instruments. The event will also include a silent auction and a meal. For more information, contact 509-629-1111.

SHOEBOX UPDATE DAYTON -- A record number of 12,642 Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes were packed and given to the 2012 collection by individuals, groups, clubs and churches in the East Oregon/ Tri-Cities, Washington region. This topped last year's total collection of 11,410 shoeboxes by 1,232. The Dayton-Waitsburg area gathered a whopping 188 shoeboxes, compared to 108 last year! Karen Dyball of Dayton coordinated the area's collection drive. Shoeboxes are filled with toys and personal items for children in Third World and war-torn countries. During the week of Nov. 12-19, they were taken to local relay centers in churches and businesses, then hauled to Bethel Church in Richland. There, they were individually checked to ensure there no liquids, chocolate (which can melt), or war-themed toys. Shoeboxes from eastern Oregon and Tri-Cities region will be distributed to needy children in the Philippines, Peru, Panama, Mongolia and Nepal.

4-H AWARDS PRESENTED WALLA WALLA - On November 18, 4-H youths and adult volunteers were honored at the 2012 annual 4-H Achievement Program. Approximately 185 awards were presented to 4-H members, clubs, and volunteers who reside in Walla Walla, Waitsburg, Touchet, Prescott, Lowden, Milton-Freewater and surrounding areas. Award recipients received medals, pins, trophies, plaques, certificates, or other special awards for their 4-H accomplishments during the past year. Emcees for the evening program were 4-H teens Grace Burrows, Danny Butler, Allen Flaa , and Samantha Zuger. Walla Walla County 4-H Ambassadors, Mary Adamski and Zach Hubbard helped present awards. Kellie Donovan-Casebier received recognition as the Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Leader of the Year for her exceptional leadership and service to the young people of the Walla Walla County 4-H program. Outstanding 4-H Members in Walla Walla County were selected in each age division. The junior division outstanding members were Makenzie Frost and Patton Wright. Receiving honorable mention awards were Ryan Chapin, Larissa Krueger, Kinsey Nelson, Tayler Nelson, Ceci Rodriguez, and Emily Skramstad. The intermediate division recipients for outstanding member were Erin Chapin and Colton Dodd. Receiving honorable mention awards were Emily Adams, Maddie Fenton, Abby Grudzinski, and Macy Rugraff. The senior division winners for outstanding members were Darnelle Larish and Michaela Nordheim. Receiving honorable mention was Jessica Dodd. These members were selected for the quality and growth of their 4-H project, their leadership skills, and their active involvement in the total 4-H program. Dry Creek 4-H Club and Ranch and Home 4-H Club were recognized as the top Outstanding Walla Walla County 4-H Clubs for the 2011-2012 4-H year. These clubs had the largest percentage of club participation in county events, contests, community service, and other 4-H activities.