Tribe gets economic development grant
The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe has received a $100,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for technical assistance and equipment for a small business incubator.
The Tribe was among 25 rural organizations and communities in nine states to receive $4 million in economic development grants.
The funds reflect the USDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting rural communities, said Thomas Dorr, undersecretary for rural development.
“While USDA provides the funding, it is the local community that turns these funds into new job opportunities to generate economic vitality for their community,” he said.
Funds are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.
“These projects reflect the diverse economy of rural Washington State, from downtown retail development to agri-tourism to renewable energy,” said Jon DeVaney, state director of the USDA program. “What they have in common, and why they are being supported by USDA Rural Development, is that they all help bring needed economic growth and employment opportunities to these rural areas.”
Community leaders invited to summit
Valley parents and educators will share what they’ve discovered about the challenges of growing up in the Valley, at an upcoming summit planned for Duvall.
The third annual Snoqualmie Valley Key Leaders Summit is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at the Grange Cafe, located on Main Street.
The retreat, meant to help community leaders promote health and well-being, is sponsored by the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network and Snoqualmie Valley Hospital.
Speakers include Valley teens who are studying environmental influences on health. Attendees will review what students reported in the healthy youth survey, and explore ways to work together to improve healthy outcomes for Valley children.
Snoqualmie Valley Community Network member Kristi Sullivan said the group hopes to get as many different sectors of the community involved in the summit as possible. The more sectors of the community that re involved, the more likely that health efforts aimed at teens will be successful, according to Sullivan.
“It’s up to all of us,” she said.
To learn more about the event, call Kristy Sullivan at (425) 333-6614.
Culinary evening planned at Salish
The award-winning culinary program at the Salish Lodge and Spa will hostseveral dining experience events this fall.
The first, an evening with Alan Shoup of Long Shadow Vintners, is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Shoup is a celebrated pioneer of the Washington wine industry, reflecting a style called “garagistes.” This 1990s movement of innovative winemakers in Bordeaux emerged in reaction to the more traditional styles of the region, but whose wines have regularly received top marks.
At the Salish dinner, guests will enjoy the many vintages and varietals that have become known as intense and individualistic. Visitors can join Executive Chef Justin Sledge’s culinary team and Shoup as they collaborate on what will be an evening to remember. Tickets are $125 a person.
Advance reservations are required, and can be made by calling 1-(800) 2-SALISH.
Karate classes start at Si View center
Instructor Jum Curtis is offering Shudokai Karate classes, starting Tuessday, Aug. 5 at the Si View Community Center in North Bend. Classes are for all ages, 7 to adult, and cost $48 per month. To learn more or sign up, call Jessica Steinborn at Si View, at (425) 831-1900.
Curtis has been practicing and teaching various kinds of martial arts for 50 years, and holds the rank of tenth degree master. He is the executive director for the North American Self-Defense Association.