George Crier 2019

George Crier

Inside: Citizen of the Year, July 4 events, Shree Saini, Cherry Bomb Run and more!

A SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION

14

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

GRANT COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #3 Dedicated to Fire Prevention & Life Safety

FIREWORKS SAFETY

BE PREPARED BEFORE YOU LIGHT FIREWORKS * * * *

Use care in selecting the area for discharging fireworks.

Please don’t light fireworks if the weather is windy.

Purchase only legal fireworks from licensed dealers.

Ensure the safety of pets.

Happy 4 th of July from our family to yours!

BE SAFE WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS * * * * *

Have a designated adult light all fireworks.

Use eye protection.

Light fireworks one at a time. Keep spectators & yourself at a safe distance.

Use outside only.

Do not approach any dud fireworks for 5 minutes.



Kwon FAMILY DENTISTRY

BE RESPONSIBLE AFTER YOU FINISH * Be considerate of your neighbors. * Clean up your debris when you are finished. * Make sure all fireworks, matches & lighters are out of reach of children.

Have a FUN and SAFE 4th of July! from the Board of Commissioners, Staff and Volunteers of Grant County Fire Protection District #3 1201 Central Ave. S, Quincy, WA • (509) 787-2713 • www.gcfd3.net 0626.00074447.4.83.5.56.GeorgeCrier

Paul Y. Kwon, D.D.S., AFAAID

Dental implants available.

We welcome new patients. Se habla español.

Open: Monday - Thursday 8-5pm 746 F ST SW, Quincy • Tel: 509 787-1507 • Fax: 509-787-2100 0626.00074833.4.83.5.56.GeorgeCrier

Happy Fourth of July!

FIBER IS AVAILABLE TO YOU! To learn more about our blazing-fast fiber optic internet service and how to connect, visit grantpud.org/getfiber or call us at 888-254-1899.

¡La fibra óptica ya está disponible!

Para informarse de cómo usted puede recibir un servicio económico de internet de alta velocidad por medio de la red, favor de visitar grantpud.org/getfiber o llamarnos al 888-254-1899.

El servicio de internet más rápido.

grantpud.org/getfiber

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

GEORGE CRIER 2019

15

Celebrate the Fourth, from breakfast to bedtime

BY JEANNIE MORAGA For the Post-Register

The city of George has been partying big for the Fourth of July for years and has no plans to stop!

To start this 62nd annual celebration right, register for the Cherry Bomb Run at 7 a.m., two blocks west of the park on the Montmorency Boulevard island. Take your pick of a 2-mile or 10-kilometer race. All ages are invited to participate.

Grab breakfast-to-go at one of the food booths, then head to the Rotary Pie Pavilion to watch the Georgettes prepare their famous cherry pie in a 64-square-foot pan.

At 8:30 a.m., the Cherry Bomb Run begins. This year is sure to be a special race as it is the 30th anniversary of the run.

All food booths and the open-air market open at 9 a.m. Tasty meal options include hand-dipped corn dogs, burgers, fries, nachos, corn See Fourth, page 12

2018 file photo

George Washington Towing (509) 785-5984 Greeting Cards & Gifts Suntan Lotion Camping & Fishing Supplies Fresh Produce Groceries Snacks & Pop Balloons Beer & Over 20 WA Wines Convenient Post Office

Happy 4th of July!

785-3231 | 207 W Montmorency Blvd., George, WA Two Blocks South of I-90 | Open 7 days a week Summer Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m 0626.00074442.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

Rich Tacos Join us for BREAKFAST

AT THE GEORGE 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION!

Breakfast from 7am - 11am Lunch/Dinner 10am - end Breakfast burritos, tacos, tortas & pupusas!

509.398.4564

119 F St. SE, Quincy

SUSTAINABLE, TRACEABLE, IDENTITY PRESERVED FROM FIELD TO FORK

Happy 4th of July!

815 E St SW, Quincy, WA 98848 509-787-1544 • www.centralbean.com

16

GEORGE CRIER 2019

Fourth, from page 11

on the cob, taco salad, Thai food, Bavarian kettle corn, elephant ears, cotton candy … “Pretty much everything a hungry kid could hope for,” said Debby Kooy, treasurer of the George Community Hall board.

Market booths, including arts and crafts items for sale and facepainting for the young (and young-at-heart), await to entertain, educate and offer that special something for everyone in the family.

Registration and lineup for the Grand Parade is at 9 a.m. in the

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Martha Inn parking lot.

Find a comfortable spot with a good view for the Grand Parade’s 10 a.m. start. It’s a short route but full of fun and the spirit of the day.

After the parade, the annual patriotic observance will take place onstage, and at the flagpole, with Kooy as emcee.

There will be a variety of activities and children’s games available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Two contests run from 11:30 to noon, allowing participants to show off their prowess at pie-eating (at BB Court by the Pie Pavilion) or

Call us for all your Real Estate needs.

Have a happy 4th of July!

M ANAGING B ROKER , P ARTNER : J IM W EITZEL www.GaryMannCentralWashington.com Se Habla Español

0626.00074446.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Post Register

2018 file photos

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

GEORGE CRIER 2019

17

See a full schedule of events on page 28

The George Crier section of

2018 file photos

cherry-pit-spitting (at the basketball court). Take your pick!

At noon, hurry back to the Pavilion to get a piece of cherry pie with ice cream ($1 donation is suggested) while it lasts!

Enjoy on-stage entertainment beginning at 11:50 a.m. with a musical performance, followed by magician Joey Pipia at 1 p.m.

Then, from the afternoon to the evening, four musical acts are set

for your enjoyment: • at 3:30 p.m., Darnell Scott & Mojo Dave Robinson • at 4:15 p.m., Mike Faast Swing Quartet • at 5:45 p.m., Darnell Scott Blues Band • at 7:15 p.m., Los Vega.

At dusk, a fireworks display brings the fun-filled day of patriotic celebration to a fitting close. A happy Fourth of July for the whole family!

The Quincy Valley Post-Register is published by Washington Media LLC, 305 Central Ave. S, Quincy, WA, 98848.

509-787-4511, Fax: 509-787-2682 © The Quincy Valley Post-Register 2019

Editor - Dave Burgess, news@qvpr.com Ad Director - Janette Morris, ads@qvpr.com Graphic Design - Pedro Cababellero, design@qvpr.com News Clerk - Luisa Leon office@qvpr.com

Happy 4th of July 509.785.3505 Hours: 6am -6pm 300 Washington Way, George, WA (Near the water tower)

Moses Lake

George

(509)765-8864

(509) 785-8864

Othello

Royal City

(509) 488-5264

(509) 331-5032

Proud to be a part of the George Community!

0626.00074479.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

18

The Quincy Valley

GEORGE CRIER 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Post Register

Meet George’s Citizen of the Year Courtney Felder (hair and hay cutter extraordinaire)

BY RACHEL DILORENZO For the Post-Register

What would you guess a young, local business owner does during her free time? Well, if you guessed cutting hay on the family farm and juggling a wide variety of volunteer tasks, then you may be right.

That is the schedule of the 2019 George Citizen of the Year, Courtney Felder.

She graduated from Quincy High School in 2008 and later earned a cosmetology license with Bluestone Academy in Ellensburg. Courtney currently owns and operates her own salon, in Ephrata, called Bellissimo.

Courtney grew up in George. As she proudly describes, “I have been a member of the George community all my life. My parents have a farm, just outside of town.”

She has fond memories of attending the George Fourth of July celebration as a child.

“It was a great place to see your friends and experience firsthand how welcoming this town can be. Everyone knows everyone, and if you are new, they welcome you with open arms,” she said.

This energetic young woman is quick to give credit to her parents.

“My parents are my heroes. They have taught my siblings and me the value of hard work. We

George Citizen of the Year for 2019 is Courtney Felder.

Dave Burgess/Post-Register

all had to contribute, to make the farm run,” she In order to become nominated for Citizen of said. “Their determination, dedication, and per- the Year, there is the expectation of community severance has always inspired me to work hard involvement. As Courtney explained, “There are a at my own career – and to never give up.”

See Felder, page 15

0626.00074535.9.83X5.67.GeorgeCrier

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

H

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

19

GEORGE CRIER 2019

A message from George Mayor Gerene Nelson

ere is a rundown of recent news and developments for the city of George.

• The 16” water main im- Gerene Nelson provement project adding water supply to Port District property has been connected and will soon be operational, thanks to funding from Community Development Block Grants, Grant County Economic Development Council, legislative appropriation, Ancient Lake Wine Company and the Quincy Port District. This water availability makes it possible for more development at the Port District in George.

• The summer reading program at the library is in full swing. If interested, children may sign up at any time.

• A new home has been constructed in town, the first one in many years. Looking forward to seeing more activity like this.

• Frontage Road west of Royal Anne paving was done in 2018.

• Paving of Royal Anne from Frontage Road to Montmorency will be done later this summer. The roadway will be closed during work, starting approximately early August for four to six weeks. Detours will be in place.

• Grant PUD fiber optic line has been installed throughout town and is available for all. The high-speed

Felder, from page 14 number of events that require a lot of volunteers, to make them successful.”

She has been involved with many of these events for several years. Even prior to becoming a Georgette (a local volunteer group) 10 years ago, she was actively serving the community.

The 2019 Citizen of the Year is currently a member of the board of the George Community Hall, as well as the treasurer for the

Dave Burgess/Post-Register

This house built on Nanking Avenue in George was framed up in January 2019.

internet network is thanks to a Microsoft donation of $200,000 toward Grant PUD’s $650,000 cost for the fiber optic network extension.

• George Municipal Code is now available online.

Georgettes club.

“I have tried to help,” Courtney said, “and be a part of as many events held in George as I’m able to. With the July Fourth celebration, I help bake the pie crust, and assemble the pie ... The day before the event, I help prepare vendor spaces, clean the park, and set up our stuff.”

As a Georgette, Courtney also helps organize “coffeehouses,” which are events held throughout the year. Responsibilities include arranging dinner

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

for band members and intermission refreshments for attendees, as well as a final cleanup.

Given her often hectic schedule, Courtney admits, “I have grown to appreciate, and to sometimes even enjoy, the craziness that comes with it. … Just owning my own business keeps me busy, but doing all of these things has really added a diversity to my life. I have really enjoyed being a part of everything that helps make George what it is.”

JULY SAVINGS! Save on paint this July!

June 28 - July 7

CARL & JILL NICHOLSON 253-332-8262 SERVICE

the n o d e Clos ly! u J f o 4th N! U F e v Ha

See store for details

Trusted + Local Real Estate Advisors

NICHOLSONSELLS.COM

I am up for election in November and am looking forward to helping George continue to develop more economic opportunities as well as housing options for the benefit of the residents of our community.

23 E St SE Quincy | 787-0800 | quincyhl.com 0626.00074556.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

Hair Quarters Featuring Ann Meyer • Haircuts • Glitz • Styling • Perms • Colors • Waxing • Foils • & more

Call 785-4247

for an appointment!

21 D St SW Suite B5, Milbrandt Building 0626.00075100.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

RESTAURANT

JAKE’S MEATS

MEAT MARKET Mini Market Items:

A few of our items:

Specialty Home-made Jerky

Carnitas Breakfast Burritos

Shrimp Cocktail

Tacos

& Home-made Sausages Hot Food | Carnitas

509-787-4374 | 6726 State Rd, Quincy | Hours: 7am-8pm (Mon-Sat) | 8am - 6pm (Sun)

20

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Miss India Worldwide Shree Saini chose to become better, not bitter

BY JAANA HATTON For the Post-Register

Being Miss India Worldwide has kept Shree Saini, of George, traveling through four countries, 11 states and 70 cities during her year of reign.

Photo by Niko Kent

Being a teenager and the object of bullying is painful. Shree Saini of George, Washington, didn’t let the harsh words and actions of others get in the way of her becoming Miss India Worldwide in 2018.

Being bullied didn’t crush her, but gave her wings, instead.

When Shree was 3 years old, the family moved from India’s Punjab region to the United States. They lived on both coasts and in between before settling down in Moses Lake.

That is where Shree spent her school years – and endured being bullied from middle school onwards.

She looked different, didn’t quite fit in, with her Indian appearance.

Instead of reacting with anger, Shree determined that bullying can make you bitter or better – she decided to be better.

Some of her positive actions were the inspirational messages she began to submit to the Columbia Basin Herald, becoming an advocate for

all those suffering from the meanness of peers.

Shree found much joy in practicing ballet, it gave her a positive outlet.

She started at a young age, and at that time nobody knew there was a severe physical condition that would make ballet a much harder undertaking for her than for many others. Shree had had a defective heart since birth. The condition was finally diagnosed when she was 12, and she received a pacemaker. That again caused her peers to exclude her from their company.

“Before the surgery, her heart was doing less than 20 beats per minute, (not 60, which would be the normal rate),” said her mother, Ekta Saini.

“After the surgery, she had to have her arm tied to her chest during recovery, which led to other problems.”

Whatever problems came Shree’s way, they didn’t stop her. She excelled in ballet to such an extent that the respected Joffrey School accepted her in. Shree did not pursue further dance studies there, but was nonetheless pleased to know she could have.

205 F STREET SW QUINCY, WA 98848 509 787-1500 An Independent INSURANCE Agency SINCE 1952

LIFE / MEDICAL / AUTO / HOME / COMMERCIAL / FARM 3 convenient locations | Open Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5pm QUINCY -13 C St. SW - 787-3571 | EPHRATA - 105 Basin St. NW - 754-2021 WENATCHEE - 518 N Wenatchee Ave - 663-1331 FREE QUOTES! Call, email or visit us online at: www.martinmorris.com or email contactus@martinmorris.com

0626.00074475.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

T&J Service Center

603 Frontage Rd - PO Box 5025 - George, WA 98824

Owner - Tom Jones Phone 509-785-3951 Fax 509-785-6045 Cell 398-2241 Auto Parts and Repair - Tune Ups - Tires - Batteries - Towing Farm and Home Hardware - Hydraulic Hoses and Couplers Oils and Gasoline Additives - Hydraulic Fluids

MON-FRI: 7:30am - 6pm Saturday: 7:30am - 4pm 24/7 ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE YOUR CERTIFIED FARM TIRE SPECIALIST FOR: Bridgestone Tracks • Farm Tires Farm Wheels • Bio-Tire Ballast Wheel Spacing • Irrigation Tires Passenger Tires • LT Tires

*Monthly cia Spe ls: 6 month NO interest OAC

We are committed to a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Grow with us Quincy, Washington 10472 Rd O NW • 787-1571

0626.00074565.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

The Quincy Valley

Post Register By the time Shree was in high school, the family lived in George.

Ekta Saini recalls one frightening night when Shree could have been killed on her way back from a school function. “It was December and dark.

Shree came across some black ice, and her car was flipped over.”

The accident took place only a mile and a half from the family’s home.

Despite the horrific burn injuries to the face that Shree suffered from the crash, she walked home, and from there, her parents rushed her to the Moses Lake hospital.

A year later, she entered a beauty pageant.

Shree started competing in beauty pageants in 2014, the first one being Miss Moses Lake. She became Miss Seattle both in 2016 and 2017 and likewise won in the Ms. East Cascade pageant in 2016. Shree proved herself to be different, indeed, but in an exemplary manner.

Along the way, Shree had many mentors, one of them being her mother. Some of the others have been or are: Prashanti Chitre for a performance at the Mayden Bauer Center in Bellevue; pageant coach Pamela Curnel (director of Mrs. Washington America for 27 years); Maureen Francisco and Peggy Miller and Dharmatma Saran and Neelan

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

Photo from Ekta Saini

Shree suffered severe burns to her face in a car accident when she was nineteen, but continued on with beauty pageants.

Saran, owners of the Miss India USA & Miss India Worldwide (they were the founders of the pageants and have kept it going for 39 years).

On June 15, 2019, Shree graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

“She is going to take a year off to do inspirational speaking engagements,” Ekta Saini explained. “Shree would like to have her own talk-show, like Oprah Winfrey.”

While beauty pageants have made Shree well-known, there was a sur-

Coffee House & Bistro

GEORGE CRIER 2019

21

Photo from Ekta Saini

In high-school Shree began submitting inspirational messages to a newspaper both to overcome being bullied and to support others in the same situation.

prise left in her, enough to catch her parents off-guard: for her 19th birthday, Shree wanted to go to Calcutta.

Not to Seattle for a rock concert or a shopping spree, but to India to visit the Mother Theresa Ministries.

Her parents allowed that, and later said it matured Shree to have the visit.

Shree may look up to Oprah Winfrey as a talk-show hostess, but she finds something profound in Mother Theresa’s work, a kind ambition to help.

Shree has nearly completed a demanding year, having juggled studies and the Miss India Worldwide engagements while visiting four

countries, 11 states and 70 cities. She submitted many a study paper from an airport, a few minutes before the gates closed on her flight.

“As a world titleholder, I am so ready to give more of myself to charitable causes and do my very best work in this year,” Shree said in December 2018.

According to Ekta Saini, Shree was always a loving child, giving easy hugs to anyone. It seems Shree hasn’t changed as she continues to embrace the world with kindness.

For more information and inspiration, go to www.ShreeSaini.com.

1099 Hwy 283 N, (at murphy’s corner) Quincy, WA

509-237-0457 Open Mon. -Sat, 6 am-4 pm & Sun. 8am-4 pm

Serving breakfast and lunch. Biscuits & gravy, bagel deli sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, fresh baked goods, espresso & tea. Free WIFI. Now offering gluten free bagels!

©2014 CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

C��� �� �n� ��� ��� ���ec�i�� � ���r�, loc�� ���e� �n� h�n� �r��e� w��e� �� loc�� ��is�n�.

Happy 4th of July!

0626.00074485.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier Upper Columbia Basin

Thrift Store

“Helping famalies build a better future”

Something for Everyone Great Prices

Store Hours: Mon.-Sat.-11am-4pm | Donations & other business: Mon.-Sat.-9am-4pm 0626.00074449.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

GO AHEAD, DREAM BIG Reach your goals with proactive planning and timely advice from people who are passionate about your organization.

Audit

Tax

Outsourcing

Advisory

509-787-4513 | CLAconnect.com

22

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Bandleader brings the beat to George

BY SEBASTIAN MORAGA For the Post-Register

Multifaceted musician Mike Faast will bring the American swing sound to the Fourth of July at Community Park with one of his bands, the Archtops.

Faast (FAW-st), who also leads bands that play other genres of music, plays the swing standards from the 1940s and 1930s in a quartet format that emulates the big-band sound of that era, providing an entertaining, happy, high-energy backdrop to the events the quartet attends.

A bluegrass and gospel songwriter, Faast relies on the tried-and-true standards of that big-band era when playing swing music, all the while adding his own spin to it.

The Archtops will have two guitars, a clarinet and a bass.

“It creates a high-energy version of the commonly known jazz standards,” he said.

This is not Faast’s first time in George. A couple of years ago he came to town with a western-swing band, the Jangles, described by Faast as a band that plays swing music, but with country lyrics that are all about “landscapes, livestock and laments.”

Courtesy photo

Mike Faast, in the suit and tie, with bandmates.

A performer who has played across the state and the West Coast, even opening for country star Randy Travis once with a gospel band named Brother’s Keeper, Faast said having such an eclectic mix of bands has played to his advantage in the local circuits.

“One, you give the client some options, and two, you’re probably going to be able to pull a band together, because if one set of musicians

is not available, the other probably is,” he said.

For the George show, he went into his Rolodex of musicians to find a replacement for one of the Archtops.

Some of the band members cross over from band to band, but they all have something in common: Their preference for an acoustic sound and for a songbook ranging from the 1930s to the 1970s.

“That’s where I kind of draw (the

line),” said Faast.

He said he pays the bills as a contractor and that if music were his full-time job, he probably would narrow his chosen music genres to just one. But since it’s a hobby, he gets to dabble in a lot of types of music.

“Just this weekend, I did a western thing on Saturday and a gospel show on Sunday,” he said.

To learn more about the Archtops, go to www.thearchtopsband.com.

Need safe storage?

CALL QUINCY MINI STORAGE 17 B St SE, Quincy, WA

(509) 787-2303

• Medical /21+ Recreational • Quality Products • 6.5 Miles off of I-90 (Exit 151) • Coordinates: N47° 10’2.551” W119° 43’ 34.725” • RV/ Trailer Access HOURS: Mon - Thur 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Fri - Sat 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

5384 Road K NW, Quincy • 509.398.8843 Check us out on www.Leafly.com

(a) “This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.”; (b) “Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment.

Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.”; (c) “There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.”; and (d) “For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.”

0626.00074789.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

0626.00074484.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

Taste the Best NEW items arriving weekly!

THAT THE QUINCY VALLEY HAS TO OFFER!

Local fresh produce, fruit shakes, smoothies, espresso, plus fun gifts, wine & jewelry.

Open April through November

4 miles west of Quincy, WA on Hwy. 28 509-787-1543 whitetrailproduce@gmail.com

0626.00074489.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

GEORGE CRIER 2019

23

George Elementary wraps up school year

BY RACHEL DILORENZO For the Post-Register

Curt Schutzmann is making his mark on the George community. He began in 2016 as principal of George Elementary and can take pride in many achievements.

As Schutzmann explained, “George Elementary is already a K-5 school.

Having added two 4th-grade classrooms last year, we went on to add a 5th-grade classroom this year.”

Students and staff are now enjoying a total of eight new classrooms (added two years ago) and a new gym.

Schutzmann reported, “It is amazing having the extra space provided by the new gymnasium. There are also two new student bathrooms; two new staff bathrooms; as well as a new staff workroom.”

This principal is particularly excited to have the space provided by the new gym. General assemblies are held every Monday morning. The school also holds Star Shine Student of the Month assemblies in the gym.

“It is great having a self-contained building,” Schutzmann added. “In the past, the gym doubled as the cafeteria. After staff served breakfast, our custodian had to clean the entire gym, in time for PE classes and lunch.”

There is now also ample space for George Elementary’s back-to-school open house, monthly family nights, movie nights and bi-annual student concerts.

He is proud to report that family nights typically host 150-180 attendees.

So, what else makes this school great?

“Our staff!” said the principal. “They love kids, our community, and their jobs. I really admire their passion, joy, and commitment to our students.”

While admitting that he is still “growing into” his position as principal, Schutzmann is also confident that he is getting better every day. “I have

File photo

Curt Schutzmann, principal of George Elementary School (seen here in 2018 in a new part of the school), still appreciates the expansion of the facility done over the past couple of years.

learned a lot. I am still settling in,” he said, chuckling. “I consider this position as including ‘on the job training.’ ” When asked what makes him proudest of the school, Schutzmann explained that he has never before witnessed this level of community/family support and participation.

Beyond that, George Elementary recently began following the PBIS (positive behavior intervention support) model, which emphasizes rewarding positive behavior.

“This past year, PBIS has been a big focus for us. This has made a positive impact on our students’ behaviors.”

Overall, Schutzmann is happy in the role of principal in George. One might say that he has expanded his family circle by 205 (the current student enrollment).

Irrigation for the Basin Backed by the industry’s leading technology Factory trained sales & service personnel

KOOY'S IRRIGATION, INC. 5284 HWY 281 N • QUINCY • 787-1484

24

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Post Register

Cherry Bomb Run enters middle age as fit as ever

BY SEBASTIAN MORAGA For the Post-Register

The Cherry Bomb Run completes its third decade this year, with a 30th anniversary edition on July 4 that promises to be as popular as ever with newcomers and mainstays alike.

The run includes two events, a two-miler and a 10K, and starts both at the same time, 8:30 a.m. in George.

The early run serves as a prelude of sweaty, athletic entertainment for a full slate of Fourth of July events.

People from all over the state show up at the race, which has prizes according to age groups. These age groups include septuagenarian racer Ginny Omlin, who keeps showing up every year to compete, to the point that a new age group had to be created, once she reached a certain age.

“We had (age groups) up to 60, and when she turned 70, she told me, ‘You need to have another category, because it’s not fair for me when I’m 70-some years old to compete against 60-year-olds,’ ” said Elliott Kooy, who created the race 30 years

ago and is still managing it.

Kooy remembers the beginnings, when the purpose was to find something that would gather people early in the morning of the Fourth. A runner himself, he thought creating a version of one of his favorite pastimes could be the answer.

Thirty years later, he marvels at the success of that decision. Even in the heat of summer, people including the police chief of Quincy, vacationers from Sunland and runners from Quincy High School and Royal High School, all meet in George for a morning run (or walk) on the most patriotic day of the year.

This year, even a politician from Olympia will show up. OK, sort of from Olympia.

Alex Ybarra is a longtime Quincy community leader who this year served as a state representative.

Ybarra has participated in the race for more than 20 years, making time to participate even when he was working on the west side of the state.

“Didn’t always do so good in

2018 file photo

the Seattle races,” Ybarra said. “In George I always do well.”

Co-workers in Redmond would look at Ybarra with his medal and soon developed a new moniker for him.

“The King of George,” Ybarra said.

Now that he’s a state representative for Legislative District 13, the odds are even better that he will be in George on the Fourth. Not just to sweat with his constituents, but kiss babies and shake hands at the parade, and later to hang out with his relatives.

For the Ybarras, the Fourth has long been a reason to get together, and this

Happy 4th of July!

• A/C lines made to order • DOT approved Brake lines • Metric Hydraulic fittings • Karcher & Mi-T-m Certified Pressure Washer repair center • We build Hoses in minutes!

201 S. Hamilton

year is no exception.

The Cherry Bomb Run also serves as a fundraiser for the George Community Hall, helping pay for the annual fireworks show, the “World’s Largest Cherry Pie,” and other attractions of the Fourth of July in the 98824.

The sweltering heat is no match for the popularity of the run, Kooy said, noting that the race starts early so it’s not so warm, and joking that in 30 years almost everybody has made it safe and sound.

“We have only had two people die so far,” he quipped, entirely in jest.

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

GEORGE CRIER 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

25

George Community Hall’s roof project is funded

BY DAVE BURGESS news@qvpr.com

After more than a year of uncertainty about the George Community Hall’s roof, the hall’s board can confidently – and gratefully – say that funding is in place to rebuild it.

The roof project is a major undertaking for the group of local people who run the center, which is more than 50 years old.

“We are still keeping our fingers crossed to get it done this year,” said Debby Kooy, who is on the hall’s board of directors.

At the earliest, construction may start at the end of August. The project is estimated to take two months to finish.

“Hopefully we’ll find a contractor that’s not too busy,” she said. “All the things have to align.”

But with funding from the state, there is no doubt anymore whether the project can be done.

“We are funded and we are just kind of treading water” waiting for the state money to arrive, Kooy said.

An early estimate of the cost of rebuilding was $70,000, which sounded like a lot of money to raise. Donations came in slowly at first, but a substantial sum accumulated. Then the goal posts moved: An engineering firm studied the building and estimated the cost of repairs at $250,000.

With an estimate so much higher, the board sought funding from the state legislature. After an uneasy period, the funds were included in the state capital budget. The George Community Hall roof project will receive $201,000 from the state, and the hall board will add $55,000 based on

donations, according to figures reported in May. A statement on the hall’s website expresses the board’s – and the community’s – gratitude: “We don’t yet know when the demolition and re-construction will occur. But we are profoundly grateful to all who have been pulling for us along the way: our donors who support our efforts to keeping the fun traditions, events and activities alive in George, WA, AND the Washington State legislators who took the time to consider our request, particularly State Senator Judy Warnick and Representative Alex Ybarra; and to all who went the extra mile and wrote letters of support for the project. THANK YOU, to all of you!

“As a result, we can look forward to many more years of usefulness of our facility to the George, WA community.”

OVERCAST LAW OFFICES, PS

1115 Central Ave. S. Quincy, Washington 98848 www.overcastlaw.com

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

CHET’S HONDA POLARIS

Happy 4th of July

(509) 787-4247 • Business/Corporate Matters • Real Estate - Agricultural, Residential and Commercial • Debt and Account Collection • Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Probate • Bankruptcy – Creditor and Debtor Representation

0626.00074482.4.83.2.67.GeorgeCrier

(509) 787-3617 17 H STREET SW QUINCY, WA 0626.00074902.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

0626.00075147.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

0626.00074492.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

26

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Life is magical for Joey Pipia

BY SEBASTIAN MORAGA For the Post-Register

Courtesy photo

Joey Pipia is scheduled to amaze the audience at George’s Fourth of July.

Joey Pipia makes no secret of his perennial love for his trade.

For starters, there’s the decor in his home office.

“Hundreds of decks” of cards, he said, adding that he tries to respect the home space and keep his props in his office, as well as respect the fact

Happy 4th of July!

Serving & Caring For You

787-7631 • 201 A St SE, Quincy www.providencefuneralservice.com

Providence Funeral Services

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

that his piano-teaching wife might not want magic props strewn about as she tries to teach Mozart.

Pipia (PEEP-ya), a magician since his teen years, and the married father of grown children (he won’t reveal his age), arrives in George on July 4 as part of the entertainment roster for the town’s big summer party at Community Park.

A resident of Port Townsend, Pipia does two kinds of shows, one for stand-up magic and one for up-close magic. He will bring the former to George, in what will be his first time in town. He has performed all across the United States and around the world, on cruise ships, wine-tasting events, and cities like New Orleans and New York.

Pipia, a former clerk at a magician’s store in New York, had among his customers a New Jersey guy named David Kotkin. In time, Kotkin changed his stage name to David Copperfield.

People like Copperfield, Pipia said, have helped magic remain popular over the years.

People are just drawn to magic, partly because it gives people a sense of wonderment they often don’t get in daily life, he said.

To Pipia, magic is much more than a job or a hobby, it’s part of his

Post Register family’s DNA. His daughter Phina, (FEE-nuh) works as a performer, sometimes teaming up with Dad onstage.

“It’s called ‘The Psychic Dynasty: the world’s only father-daughter mind-reading duo,’” Pipia said.

She is in Alaska on tour, Pipia said, as part of a community of performers named The New Old Time Chautauqua.

Being a magician’s child is fun but not always easy. Pipia still recalls the term paper his psychology major daughter wrote about him in college.

“In the real world, if you toss an apple in the air, it comes down. In my house, you’re not sure,” the paper read, according to Pipia. “It might come down or it might just stay there.”

With a certain apple having fallen pretty close to the tree, and with a career that has earned him kudos from such luminaries as Raymond Joseph Teller (of Penn & Teller), Pipia declares himself a lucky man to have found a niche as a magician.

Some friends of his have picked a line of work that becomes harder as they age. Not Pipia. He is in it for the long haul.

“I’m probably going to die with a deck of cards in my hands,” he said.

All in for you Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE FOURTH OF JULY East of George Next to Lad Irrigation East of George 509-785-2955Next to Lad Irrigation 509-785-2955 FAX: 509-785-3770 FAX: 509-785-3770 Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Hours: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday - Friday Monday - Friday

0626.00074443.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

If you can dream it, we can find it!

Deb Adams 750-1384

Tom Tom Parrish Parrish 797-3495 797-3495

Kelly Daja Mayfield Daja Field Mayfi eld 760-4212 760-6984 760-4212

0626.00074491.4.83X5.56.GeorgeCrier

Lynda Harrison 264-3656

The Quincy Valley

Post Register

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Special 16-page pullout section

GEORGE CRIER 2019

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

OVENELLFARMS.COM | 509.787.9110 0626.00074481.4.83X2.67.GeorgeCrier

s TraviCustom

ng Herri

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! 509-237-1663

Affordable for your pocketbook.

Reliable service spanning the entire Columbia Basin and surrounding areas.

Happy Fourth of July!

Advancing a future for everyone.

As technology moves forward, people and communities cannot be left behind. We believe in a future where every person has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to achieve more.

Learn more at Microsoft.com/philanthropies

27

28

GEORGE CRIER 2019

The Quincy Valley

Special 16-page pullout section

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Post Register

62nd Annual

GEORGE 4th of July Celebration

All events are at George Community Park unless otherwise noted.

7 A.M. - Food booths OPEN for breakfast - Construction of Giant Cherry Pie at Rotary pie pavilion - Registration for Cherry Bomb Run (located two blocks west of the park on Montmorency Boulevard Island) 8:30 A.M. - Cherry Bomb Run start time 9 A.M. - Parade registration/line-up at Martha Inn parking lot -Open-air market and all food booths OPEN 10 A.M. - Grand parade 10 A.M. - 3 P.M. - Children’s games and

NOON - Giant cherry pie served with ice cream at the Rotary pie pavilion while it lasts! ($1 suggested donation for pie & ice cream) 1 P.M. - On stage: Magician Joey Pipia 2 P.M. - Music on stage by Brittany Jean 3:30 P.M. - Music on stage by Darnell Scott & Mojo Dave Robinson 4:30 - 5:30 - Onstage: Music by Mike Faast’s Archtops Swing Quartet 5:45 - 7 P.M. - Music by Darnell Scott Band 7:15 P.M. - UNTIL DUSK - On stage: Los Vega

activities open 11 A.M. - Patriotic observance onstage and at flag pole. Announcer/Emcee Debby Kooy.

11:30-NOON - Pie eating contest at Basketball court by the pie pavilion -Cherry Pit-Spitting Contest at Basketball Court

Fireworks Show Begins at Dusk