Tidbits, Jan. 10: On our changes, Pateros' birthday and school board kudos

We're still here!

In case anyone missed the announcement made in our Dec. 20 edition, "NCW Media to close Brewster Herald office," some may have been surprised to encounter a locked door to a dark and empty space last week at 525 W. Main Ave. Indeed, the office closed Jan. 1, but subscribers will still receive their paper every Thursday.

Many things will remain the same; our contact information, for instance. If you need to place an ad or renew your subscription, simply call (509) 689-2507. The Brewster-based number will ring through to our new headquarters in Chelan, which we share with our sister newspaper, the Lake Chelan Mirror. If you feel like stopping by when you're in the neighborhood, the address is 315 E. Woodin Ave.

If you prefer sending information via fax, our number is still the same: (509) 587-3355.

I now work from my home in Pateros, excepting Tuesdays when I lay out the newspaper in Chelan. If you want to invite me to cover an event or need to submit items for Tidbits, news, the bulletin board or the community calendar, or if you'd like to submit a letter to the editor or your own photos and stories, e-mail me at reporter2@qcherald.com or qchreporter@gmail.com. My primary phone number is (509) 679-4670, although you can continue to submit items by calling the main office number as well.

Don't forget, you can always check out our "Contact Us" page at www.qcherald.com, or simply check page 4 to find our contact information.

Pateros centennial

Did you spot the historical account of Pateros' beginnings on page 10 of last week's paper? City Deputy Clerk and Museum Coordinator Joni Parks has been combing old documents and photos to write detailed articles about how the town got its start, and last week's entry was the first installment of a monthly series that will last through July, when the city plans to celebrate its 100th birthday at the 66th annual Apple Pie Jamboree, to be held July 19-21.

As of the Dec. 17 city council meeting, 10 visitors from Pateros, Philippines were confirmed as guests at this year's Jamboree, said Mayor Gail Howe. The city is accepting donations from residents and anyone else who'd like to contribute to the centennial celebration. A note was included in last month's utility bill, and more information is available at city hall by calling 923-2571.

Say thanks to your local school board members

The month of January has been proclaimed School Board Recognition Month by Gov. Chris Gregoire. This marks the 18th year of the annual observance initiated by the National School Boards Association in 1995.

The Washington State School Directors' Association, along with fellow educators and the community, take time in January to celebrate the 1,477 elected school board members from 295 school districts in Washington. Locally, the Pateros School District shared it will honor its board during the Jan. 28 meeting.

"School board members have the tremendous responsibility of preparing the children of our communities for a bright future," said Debbie Long, president of WSSDA. "It's a big job and the recognition is well deserved."

School board members play a crucial role in developing policies and making tough decisions on complex educational and social issues. These issues affect the entire community. They are also directly accountable to the citizens in their districts, serving as a vital link between members of the community and their schools.

This day in history - Jan. 10

1776: Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," which greatly influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence, was published.

1840: The penny post, whereby mail was delivered at a standard charge rather than paid for by the recipient, began in Britain.

1861: Florida seceded from the United States.

1920: The League of Nations ratified the Treaty of Versailles, officially ending World War I with Germany.

1946: The first General Assembly of the United Nations convened in London.

1949: Vinyl records were introduced by RCA (45 rpm) and Columbia (33.3 rpm).

1984: The U.S. and the Vatican reestablished diplomatic relations after a 117-year break.

2003: North Korea announced that it was withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.