By Carolyn Jones/Hands Across Nations
We all come to transition times in our lives – those times when one part of life is ending and another is beginning. This week is a transition time, a time of letting go of my beloved home country and town, my family and friends so that I can return to Uganda, to my second beloved country, husband and Hands Across Nations (HAN) family. It is a refocusing, moving from one good thing to another. As a positive person, I endeavor to focus on the good in life. One person, who has been in a wheelchair for over 40 years called it, “Gazing at God and glancing at our problems and heartaches.”

Gazing at God, I’m reminded of the best ever benefit night for HAN, “Empowered Together” with many supporters who have been faithful in working with us for years. Also on that night, almost half of the people attending, were there for the first time. It was a sellout night and the positive comments about the night were: great food and lots of it; that skit was the topper for the night; the videos of the lepers and the rubber sandal makers learning to read touched my heart; a beautiful lay out of your silent auction baskets; and there was such a spirit of love from God there. People opened their wallets and purses and paid generously for the auction items, the desserts and for parts of the literacy projects – including materials for classes for prisoners, boxes of reading glasses and for a new motorcycle for our literacy trainers. In the end, after expenses, just over $17,300 was raised for the start of this next year in Uganda. More

Three 49 Degrees North patrollers have been singled out and awarded for excellence by first the Inland Empire (IE) Region, and the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Division of the National Ski Patrol.

In April 2016, Ben Eminger of Chewelah was awarded Outstanding Young Adult Patroller from the 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol. At the same time, Dave Deveau of Chewelah was given Outstanding Alpine Patroller, and Marianne Becker of Mead was handed Outstanding Auxilliary Patroller. Unknown to them, their nominations were forwarded for region consideration. IE Region chose to recognize them in their categories and sent their nominations to Division. After review, the PNW Division also selected them as Outstanding Young Adult Patroller, Outstanding Alpine Patroller, and Outstanding OEC Instructor. They received both the Region and Division plaques during a ceremony at the 49 patrol’s skills refresher October 8, and were completely surprised. None of the three 49 patrollers had known before the meeting that they were going to receive these awards.
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The Chewelah Valley Lions Club selected two winning poster from the 17 entries. The theme for this year’s contest was “A Celebration of Peace.”

The colorful posters from young artists Conrad Bowers, Jenkins Junior High School and Jasmin James, Mary Walker, will be forwarded to the next level of competition. Second place winner Lilyana Willyard is also from Springdale.
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Here are Remember When for Oct. 27, 2016…

110 Years Ago – October 19, 1906
The Chewelah town council voted a 6.5 mil levy; 4 mils going to the current fund and 2.5 mils to the indebtedness fund. This levy on the $131,000 valuation of Chewelah property gives the city another $851 for next year.
Model Market is advertising that they will sell meat by the quarter for 5-cents a pound for the next 30 days. More

Valley School’s Pep Club is again hosting the Winter Craft Fair in Valley. This year’s event is December 3 at the Valley School Multi-purpose room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration forms have gone out to last year’s participants and space is limited, so register soon. If you are interested in a booth, you may reserve space by calling Gail Churape at 935-6973.
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The Third Annual Pub Crawl and Poker for Pets to support Becky’s Best Buddies Pet Rescue is coming soon! Be sure to save the date! On November 19, at 5 p.m., seven local restaurants will team up with Becky’s Best Buddies and seven local card dealers for fun, food, and fundraising with friends! Tickets are $10 and available at most participating “Pubs” or from Becky Washington and Aubrey Markel.
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The Chamber of Commerce will be giving away free pumpkins on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Chamber Office at 401 S. Park Street. They will be available starting at 8:30 a.m. until they are gone. The pumpkin giveaway is sponsored by Chewelah Chamber and Country Chevrolet. More