Basin Events for the week of Feb. 7-14, 2025
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 3 weeks AGO
Rotary Club of Moses Lake members and city workers move the polished concrete top on a new ping pong game into place in Carl T. Ahlers Memorial Park. Anyone interested in Rotary is invited to learn more at Moore Brewing Company Tuesday.
FILE PHOTO
Singles and couples are invited to paint a Cupid gnome at Camas Cove Cellars Saturday.
Improv comedian Michael Glatzmaier will turn audience ideas into hilarity at Moore Brewing Company on Valentine’s Day.
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves. | February 7, 2025 3:35 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — In this weather it might seem like the only thing do is to hunker down under a heap of blankets, but for those willing to bundle up and brave the wind there’s a whole world of fun out there. Here are a few suggestions:
Feb. 7
Valentine’s pinecone craft
Join Highlighters Art Club of Coulee City for a fun craft. $30 per person. 6-9 p.m. at 504 W. Main St., Coulee City. Info: highlightersartclub@gmail.com.
Movie Day at the Library
North Central Washington Libraries presents “Wicked,” a fantasy/musical movie, free for all ages. Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. The movie is rated PG and runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Feel free to bring snacks to nibble on while watching the movie, just be sure to clean up after yourself before you leave. 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Quincy Public Library, 8 B St SE. Info: 509-787-2359.
Open Mic Night
Try out your best material where the stage is open to everyone of every skill level. Not only is it a great way to gain experience as a performer, it's a great way to learn to play with other musicians. 5 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-4193.
Feb. 7-23
Clue: On Stage
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host, Mr. Boddy, turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where and with what. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Masquers Theater, 322 Main Ave. E, Soap Lake. Info and tickets: www.masquers.com.
Feb. 8
Cupid’s Market
Fall in love with local goodness at Cupid’s Market. Shop fresh, local produce and handmade gifts and meet local farmers and artisans who bring love to every product. Presented by the Moses Lake Farmers Market. Admission is free. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: farmersmarketml.com.
Concealed Carry Class
This 4-hour comprehensive training course is designed to educate individuals on the laws and regulations surrounding the carrying of concealed firearms. This class covers essential topics such as the use of force, firearms safety and the proper handling and storage of firearms, as well as the specific laws and any requirements for obtaining permits in Washington, Oregon and Arizona. Upon completion of the class, attendees will be eligible to apply for the above-mentioned permits and will also receive a WA — HB-1143 Gun Safety Certificate. The cost is $74.99. Sponsored by Legal Heat. 7-11 a.m. at Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1020 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info and tickets: https://bit.ly/LegalHeatTix.
Cupid Gnome Sip and Paint
Great for singles or for couples to do together. Participants will paint a Cupid gnome on a 10x20 canvas. All supplies are included. Wine, food and beverages will be available for purchase. $35 per person or $69 for a couple. Presented by The Creative Studio by Rustic Girl Painting. 3 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-4193. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/CupidGnomeCC25.
LJ Polmateer
Live performance by a local musician known for the easy-going, feel-good vibes of acoustic-style reggae with rock, hip-hop and a little blues sprinkled in. 7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052.
Feb. 10
Books & Brushes Craft Time
Family arts and crafts programs feature crafts that you can make at the library and take home. Stop by anytime between 2:30 and 4 p.m. at the Ephrata Public Library, 45 Alder St. NW. Info: 509-754-3971.
Feb. 11
Get to Know Rotary
A public event with an opportunity to learn what the Rotary Club of Moses Lake is all about. See the projects Rotary has been a part of, meet the members making it happen and maybe enjoy a beverage or two. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Moore Brewing Company, 302 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: rotarymoseslake.org.
Feb. 12
Create & Cackle
Do you like to make stuff? Do you have a project unfinished? Want to just hang out and finish a project? Just drop in, have a drink and a snack and create. Knitting, drawing, sewing, crocheting, perler beading, coloring, painting, origami or basket-weaving — the only limit is what you bring. Bring your own project and drinks/snacks and hang out with like-minded individuals. 7 p.m. at The Main Event, 116 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 843-323-2218.
Feb. 13
Valentine’s Day Card-Making
Drop in and create a Valentine's Day card! Available while supplies last. Everyone welcome. 4 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489.
Feb. 14
H.E. Gritman Senior Center Valentine Breakfast
Bring someone special and enjoy a homemade breakfast of pancakes and sausage or biscuits and gravy and sausage. Cost is $7 and all ages are welcome. There will be Valentine’s treats and a door prize. All proceeds go to support the activities at the Senior Center. 7:30-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921.
Music and Wine Straight From the Vine
Enjoy a fabulous indoor evening with music by Days of Honey, award winning wine, craft brews and hard ciders. Bring a friend or your Valentine’s Day sweetheart. Days of Honey are experienced musicians Zach and Lori, who will be playing a mix of pop, funk, rock, country and some jazz. 6-8 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: 509-750-4193.
Comedy Night
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a night full of laughter with Michael Glatzmaier. Every performance is completely improvised, based on audience suggestions. Write down your ideas on paper and watch as they transform into spontaneous stand-up and comedy songs. Michael recently recorded a Dry Bar special, has performed in festivals like SFIT and Bumbershoot and is currently working on a new improvised documentary comedy special. 8:30 p.m. at Moore Brewing Company, 302 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-707-0192.
Singles and couples are invited to paint a Cupid gnome at Camas Cove Cellars Saturday.
Improv comedian Michael Glatzmaier will turn audience ideas into hilarity at Moore Brewing Company on Valentine’s Day.MORE STORIES
ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Newhouse reintroduces Farm Workforce Modernization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan bill to make hiring and retaining foreign farm workers more feasible was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives May 7 by Reps. Dan Newhouse, R-WA, and Zoe Lofgren, D-CA. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2025 would establish a new category for foreign nationals living in the U.S. and working on farms and ranches. To qualify as a certified agricultural worker, or CAW, an immigrant would have to have worked in the U.S. for at least 180 days in the last two years and be inadmissible or deportable but be under a grant of deferred departure or hold temporary protected status, according to a fact sheet from Newhouse’s office. A CAW’s spouse and children could also be eligible to remain in the U.S. as certified agricultural dependents. A CAW would be eligible to work in the U.S. year-round, unlike seasonal workers admitted under the H2-A visa program. “In the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices. If it wasn’t obvious before, the pandemic made clear that our country’s agricultural workforce rules are in dire need of reform,” Lofgren wrote in a statement. “The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act stabilizes the workforce, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It’s well past time we get this legislation that serves the best interests of our country to the president’s desk.”
Loans, grants help a new generation of farmers take the field
SPOKANE VALLEY — As many as a third of farmers in the United States are over the age of 65, according to a study by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Farm Financial Management. Many of these have family members to pass their farms on to, but in order for American agriculture to continue, a new generation of farmers is needed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has assistance available for beginning farmers or those who are returning to the field after an absence, according to an announcement from the USDA. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to farmers and ranchers who have trouble obtaining commercial credit from a bank, according to the announcement. “Farming and ranching is a capital-intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations,” Geremy Nelson, FSA Acting State Executive Director in Washington, wrote in the announcement. “FSA loans are designed to make sure that everyone has access to credit. Last year, FSA in Washington obligated $32.9 million in loans to beginning farmers and ranchers.”
Boys & Girls Club to offer free summer meals
MOSES LAKE — The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin will be offering breakfast and lunch for children again this summer. And this time, they’re offering it in more places. “We’re doubling our location sites,” said Cecily Hendricks, director of operations for the club. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the McGraw Clubhouse and North and Midway elementary schools, according to an announcement from the club. Lunch only will be served at Lakeview, Maple Grove and Doolittle parks. They’re free to any child 2-18 years old; there’s no need to be a Club member, the announcement said. Parents can pick up meals for their children by filling out a form. Because Moses Lake qualifies as rural, the meals don’t have to be eaten onsite.