On December 13, 2009 a small gathering of interested Soap Lake fans attended the first in a series of visits honoring our senior citizens through sharing stories. The event was held at Brix and Stone hosted by Linda Bonneville. Linda grew up in Soap Lake and it is her abiding interest in the town that inspired the idea to start a series of Sunday story sharing sessions. Activities start with tea and scones served by hostess truly, Linda. During the interview section of the program, the audience of seven invited guests can ask questions or show photographs and inquire about what life in Soap Lake was like at the turn of or during the last century.

  Two gay guys, 4,097 hand-tied red ribbons, and World Aids Day, all wrapped up in the idea that it’s not what you think, it’s what you do to make a difference that counts. Soap Lakes own John and Nathan figured out how to make a twenty foot ribbon drape from roof to earth across the side of their brightly painted JONAH Espresso stand in “almost” downtown Ephrata; our sister city, made more colorful on account of John and Nathan.

Soap Lake’s own Edna Jurgens was bestowed many lofty titles over the years.  Madoline McNamara said she had a heart of gold and called her the angel of Soap Lake. Her son Joe said,  “My mom had a heart bigger than the moon.”  Father McDonnell from St. Rose of Lima Catholic church in Ephrata told her she was, “the best Baptist Catholic” he ever knew.  She earned these accolades through her unstinting service to the poor over the 40 years she operated her Catholic Charities Thrift store. Edna is no longer with us, but her legacy is.

I met Dan Heaton through a client who gave me one of his DVD's called Defect. I sat in front of my computer for forty hair-raising, eyeball stretching, knee jerking, awe-inspiring minutes, and then went on for another fifteen or so more playing all the extra features. I never wanted to unicycle, but I have been an avid mountain biker for years and when I watched what the young and restless do on a uni-cycle, I was blown away. I knew I wanted to meet Dan. I am so glad I did.

Following my mother's famous words, "you never know until you ask," I inquired if he would be willing to bring his film to Masquers Theater in Soap Lake. Not only did he agree, he has offered to present the world premiere of his latest film, Revolution One. This is serious entertainment - a documentary of the sport with lots of action.

Dan Heaton is an international celebrity (don't tell him this though; he's a quiet, laid back guy who doesn't aim for the limelight). He is one of Columbia Sportswear's sports heros, and a pioneer of street unicycling. Check out the three minute video that gives you a snapshot of Dan and his sport.

We lost our Mid, our luster, our always smiling goddess of the bean.  Good-natured Mid who touched our lives with conversation, pithy lines, goodwill and an always smile and a wave.  She is with us no more. Is she really gone?  In our hearts, who of us feels her presence?  It's her smile we remember as we pass the tiny coffee stand, and it's our memories of her that remind and sustain her visage.

Our Mid - Painted on the clouds, sky bound mistress of heaven's only for Harley rider's gate.  She's part of us now, swirling with the wind, falling with spring rains and winter snow.  She knows her home and her people, that is us, she'll be watching and pouring sweet songs upon us from on high.  When you are still against the breeze and your own wild thoughts - think of Mid and know she's a breath, a thin veiled hand, a touch away.  It's our thoughts that take us to her side, silent, invisible, reaching towards places too hard to reach, but touch it we must as we remember her, our morning brew maker, our smiling, caring, hard-working friend who now has a front row view from on high.

June 20, 2009, what a day, what a crowd.  Long, warm and full of meaning for the over 250 people who gathered to share the unveiling of what is the world's first human figure sundial. It was also the first time Don Johnstad's song, The Healing Waters Calling was played, and the first time in over thirty years a large contingent of Colville tribal members gathered at the lake to share special memories with their anglo neighbors.

Raymond Gravelle kept all parts stitched together with his fabulous job of Master of Ceremonies.  And what a ceremony it was, including a presentation of flags by the American Legion and a heartfelt acknowledgment of veterans by Vietnam Vet Randy Downing.

Artists David Govedare and Keith Powell shared their experiences working on the project and conveyed their deep appreciation to the Colville tribal members who shared the days events.