New Format for The Monthly Chamber Forum!
Starting in January, the monthly Chamber Forum is now a morning event with networking at 7:30 am and the program starting at 8. The event takes place at The Station in Centralia, offering a more casual experience. The program is designed to give Chamber members time to share their own news and includes a ten-minute slot for a featured member to provide a mini presentation before the monthly speaker.
Those who want to purchase coffee or a morning snack are encouraged to arrive at 7:30. “This also gives people time to network with each other,” added Executive Director Cynthia Mudge.
The Forum is open to anyone and is a great way to meet other business owners and leaders, hear what’s new in the community, and to promote their events and programs.
The Chamber is especially grateful to O’Blarney’s at the Gibson House for serving as the central location for many years. “We will continue to host special programs there, such as political debates,” added Mudge.
The Station, operated by LC Coffee Company, has newly renovated its space and its offerings. This location is warm and inviting. The new format for food service means there is no longer a required beverage fee.
The Chamber is seeking speakers for its Forums and encourages those interested to contact Mudge at 360-748- 8885 or email her at director@ chamberway.com.
The Forum meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Mark your calendars for the following dates!
7:30 am • The Station
120 S. Tower, Centralia
January 11
February 8
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8
September 12 – NOON – Annual Member BBQ – Dick’s Brewing
October 10
November 14
December – Happy Holidays! No Forum. See you at the Business After Hours!
BAH! BUT NOT HUMBUG! Business After Hours 2024
The 2024 Business After Hours (BAH) is another Chamber program that not only offers a great opportunity to meet other members, but it also allows BAH sponsors to showcase their facility and services in a very personal way. As with The Forum, attendance is open to the public.
BAH 2024 Schedule
3rd Thursday of each month
5 – 7 pm
January: BAH replaced by Chamber Annual Banquet (Friday, January 19)
February 15: The Refined Man
March 21: Centralia School District
April: Dick’s Brewing 30th Anniversary
May: The Boys and Girls Club
June 20: Althauser, Rayan, Abbarno
July 19 (Friday): Visiting Nurses Golf Tournament
August 15: Open
September 19: ToledoTel
October 17: Chehalis School District
November 21: Annual Turkey Bowl!
December 19: Annual Ugly Sweater Contest!
Happy Holidays from Artrails!
The artists of ARTrails can’t wait to see you this year! If you are interested in becoming a part of this community of artists, join us at Rectangle Gallery (209 N. Tower Ave., Centralia) on January
10th at 10:00 a.m. for information on how to best
show off your artwork to jury into shows, galleries and ARTrails. Happy Holidays!
January Clearance Sales Happening Now!
Refresh your seasonal wardrobe and shop January clearance sales at the Centralia Outlets! Save on a huge selection of name-brand apparel and footwear for the entire family. Find stylish new winter wear, sweaters, and PJs at Polo Ralph Lauren, Hanes Brands, Jockey, and more. Shop the latest trends in clothing at Lane Bryant, Aéropostale, DXL, and Chico’s.
If your New Year resolution is to be more active, look for the gear you want at New Balance, Nike, Sketchers, and Under Armour. For the more adventurous, find great hiking and snow gear at Volcom, Columbia, and Eddie Bauer to add comfort and keep you warm and dry in our PNW weather this winter.
Browse the latest and greatest selection of new scents in soaps, lotions, candles, and more at Bath & Body Works. Also find great accessories from Coach, Kay Jewelers, and Claire’s to add the perfect finishing touches and layers to any outfit. The Centralia Outlets have you covered head to toe!
With such great prices on the brand names you want and an ever-changing selection, don’t miss out.
When the Outlets have a sale, it’s REALLY a SALE! Visit centraliaoutlets.com for more store information, and follow social media for in-store sales and updates
Health and Hope is Pivotal!
The Health and Hope Free Medical Clinic in Centralia stands as a source of compassion and healing for the uninsured residents of Lewis County. Open every Tuesday evening from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, this clinic is a lifeline for those who may otherwise go without essential medical care.
What sets the clinic apart is its commitment to providing holistic care that goes beyond addressing immediate health concerns. With a focus on the uninsured and low-income residents, the dedicated team of healthcare professionals at Health and Hope not only treats physical ailments but also addresses the broader well-being of each patient.
The clinic’s welcoming atmosphere and volunteer-driven approach create a supportive environment where individuals in need can access essential medical services with dignity and respect.
In a community where healthcare access is often a challenge for the uninsured, the Health and Hope Free Medical Clinic plays a pivotal role in promoting health equity and fostering a sense of hope for those who rely on its services. You can find more information on our website; www.hhmo.org or search for us on Facebook. Volunteer opportunities are available and board member positions are open as well.
Choosing the Right Room Colors When Decorating Your Home
When you set out to paint the rooms in your house and need to choose the best room colors, you should begin by determining what type of mood or setting you are looking to create. Then, take the time to find the color that matches your every decision.
Remember, when painting your rooms, or if you’re hiring a professional interior painter, you want to avoid a hectic look and create a relaxing atmosphere, so be sure to limit the number of colors you use in any one specific room.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress can easily creep up on every one of us. Stress has a very negative effect on people and should be managed properly. A common way to help keep stress levels down and under control is by choosing the most calming colors for your home, especially the rooms you frequent.
What most people are unaware of is that the right colors can help reduce anxiety and depression.
The psychology of colors confirms that colors can have a definite effect on people’s moods and feelings. There are a lot of calming colors that can help to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Look at these colors that help to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
White, Blue, Purple, Green, Yellow, Orange, Tan, Gray.
To schedule your free, personal interior or cabinet painting quote: Pro Tech Painting 360-643-9773
Don’t Shoot Your Eye Out!
This is a memorable movie phrase most of us have heard in reference to the infamous Red Rider BB gun. But, this is an injury the doctors at Rainier Eye rarely see. Most commonly, patients call or stop in due to small particles stuck in the eye. Pieces of metal, sawdust, and debris can cause surprising amounts of pain. While our clinic policy is to fit you in as soon as possible, we’d rather spare you the pain! Which brings us to a new offering in our optical…
We now have an array of safety eyewear which can be made with prescription, even with bifocals or progressives. Most styles feature sideshields and some even have a foam liner which blocks dust and very fine debris from drifting onto your eyelids and into your tears. Pentax and Wiley X offer styles for men and women, ranging from subtle to sporty. The lenses can have the ANSI standard drop-ball test to prove their shatterproof quality. We will work with your employer if they have a voucher or health savings program.
If you work (or play) in a situation where you need safety eyewear, come stop by and see us!
The Lewis County Tennis Association
The Lewis County Tennis Association is eagerly anticipating the construction of its new Regional Indoor Tennis & Wrestling Facility set to be completed in October 2024. This ambitious project represents a significant milestone for the local tennis community, providing a year-round space for enthusiasts to hone their skills and fostering a vibrant tennis culture in the region.
A dedicated fundraising campaign has been launched, with an impressive $2.2 million of our $2.8 million goal already pledged by generous supporters, including a state appropriation of $875,000.
In order to maintain our completion date goal, the association is actively encouraging additional contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations passionate about promoting tennis and fostering a healthy, active lifestyle in Lewis County. Every donation brings the community one step closer to realizing the full potential of this indoor tennis & wrestling facility, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come. Together, the Lewis County Tennis Association, the Chehalis Foundation, Chehalis & Centralia school districts, and the United States Tennis Association are working towards a shared vision of a thriving tennis community with a facility that will serve as a hub for skill development, competition, and camaraderie in tennis, as well as a designated practice space for junior high wrestling.
If you would like to be a part of this project, visit our website; www. lewiscountytennis.com or www. Chehalisfoundation.org to make a donation. All donations made through the end of the year will be doubled by a generous matching contribution!
Recycle Christmas Trees and Holiday Lights
Have you ever wondered what to do with Christmas trees and broken holiday lights at the end of the season? You can reduce the impact on your local landfill by having them recycled! Bring your trees and lights to the Lewis County Transfer station in Centralia December 26th – January 7th, 10am-4pm. Be sure that all decorations and tinsel have been removed from the trees. Trees can also be brought to the
East Lewis County Transfer station in Morton. Sensitive Document Shredding will also be available at the Lewis County Transfer station in Centralia January 6th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. No flocked or artificial trees will be accepted. You may dispose of flocked, artificial or decorated trees at the transfer station where regular fees will be charged ($15 minimum for 280 pounds or less).
Wreaths must be free of ribbon, wire and decorations. No trees or wreaths from commercial operations
will be accepted. Donations gladly accepted to support WSU Lewis County Master Composter and Master Gardener programs. For more information, contact Jason Adams, Program Coordinator, WSU Lewis County Gardeners at 360-740-1216 or Jason.Adams@ lewiscountywa.gov
It Is a Great Time To Sell With Paula Burrows Team!
The Paula Burrows Team brokered by eXp Realty is a full-service real estate team led by managing broker, Paula Burrows. Our team of expert agents are committed to your real estate goals and we enjoy being a valuable part of our local communities!
Lewis County Residential Only Stats for November 2023:
Total Sold – 93 homes!
Average Sales Price – $414,254
Percent of List Price Received – 97.0%
The numbers above show that it is still a great time to buy and sell in our area!! Call (360) 520-4810 or visit www.pbthomes.com with any questions regarding these stats, real estate interest, and your home’s value!
(All data from Northwest Multiple Listing Service)
