Spoken Gently's Blog: Community News

Today, the AP reports second quarter home prices drop the largest since the inception of Standard & Poor's Case/Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. The drop is 15.4 percent lower than last year. I'm reminded of this blog entry!

The Tri Cities Washington market, however, is maintaining property values. Actually, Washington state as a whole, isn't too bad either! Never a better time to buy property in the Tri Cities than now!

Related:

• Standard & Poor/Case Shiller Home Price Indices

• CNN Money - Home Prices Plummet To New Record Low
   

Our local newspaper reports, "Tri-City educators are working hard to ensure students are meeting and exceeding learning standards and are prepared for life beyond high school. That's what the Kennewick, Pasco and Richland school superintendents said Wednesday during the annual Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce State of Education address in Richland." Kudos for the education system in place for Tri Cities Washington students. Certainly the reason why our community stands above the rest.

However, apparently spelling is not high on the list for some. A local school announcing a WASL celebrtaion, er, celebration:

Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco Washington continues it's upward jobs increase. The Tri City Herald reports:

"Consistent growth in the local job market makes the Tri-Cities an island of prosperity amid a sea of nationwide economic gloom, says the regional labor economist. Last month, about 2,000 jobs were added to the Tri-City economy, thanks to continuing demand for construction, wholesale trade and professional services, says a report released Tuesday."

As employment continues it's consistent growth, so will the demand for real estate increase. When considering a home purchase or property investment, consider Colleen and I to service your real estate requirements.

Hairspray, Yakima Capitol Theatre and Tri Cities Washington Toyota Center | Looking for something to do this weekend? Consider viewing a performance of Hairspray. KNDO writes:

It's time to let your hair down at dance the night away at the Hairspray musical. Be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this smash hit musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance - and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party. Hairspray will be performed at The Capitol Theatre, in Yakima, WA. The event takes place on February 23, 2008 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

The musical also has a showing at Kennewick's Toyota Center, Sunday, February 24th at 7:00pm. From the Toyota Center website:

Broadway’s Tony Award® - winning musical-comedy phenomenon…

Tri Cities Duck racing is back! For 19 years the Tri Cities Rotary Clubs have sponsored this community favorite to raise funds for those needing assistance in the Tri Cities area, and/or the Rotary Club's various charities. The Tri Cities Rotary Clubs hope to sell 40,000 ducks at $5.00 a piece. Of course, folks can donate more.

This family fun event starts with a Lampson crane dropping tens of thousands of rubber ducks into a marked race course on the Columbia River. The winning duck receives this year's grand prize, a Toyota Camry! There are many more prizes as well.

The 2007 theme is "Ducks to the Rescue." This year's race starts at noon on October 13th. Ducks can be purchased at Joe's Outdoor Sports or at Toyota of Tri-Cities. Rotarians will also…

The Tri Cities Washington Antique show roles into Pasco's TRAC Pavilion. The Tri City Wa Antique show, considered the largest in the state, will host the Southeastern Washington Quilters (SEW-Q) Quilt Auction to benefit Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House. The Tri Cities Antique show will house a number of antique vendors from around the county promising a wide variety of antiques and collectibles reasonably priced to sell. Consider joining the fun, and for good cause, Friday, Oct. 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the TRAC facility in Pasco.

This year's Apploosa at Liberty Christian is Saturday, September 29th from 10am to 7pm. For several years Tri Cities Liberty Christian School has organized Appaloosa to garner funds for the children's programs at Liberty Christian. Come join the fun as there will be food, games, entertainment, and you can meet the Mr. and Miss. Apploosa of each class!

Among the many activities, you can Rent-A-Kid, pick lollipops from a lollipop tree, get a Country Photo, spray crazy at the crazy spray booth, and you can even experience Washoos first hand!

Consider joining the folks at Liberty Christian for a fun day, and at the same time help a worthy cause.

Related Resources: Apploosa | Applooza Pictures | Liberty Christian School

Looking for something to do with family or friends this weekend? Consider the Fall Harvest and German Heritage events at the Fort Walla Walla Museum. The two programs are combined this year into a weekend of fun September 22nd and 23rd, from 10am-5pm.

For 15 years, this pioneer-style event brings food and games for everyone, and lots of activities centered around methods and utilities of generations past.

There are plenty of performances to watch and/or participate in like the Living History Company's dances of bygone years. You'll be entertained by the Germans from Russia who tell their saga through music and dancing. Or perhaps you'll be interested in "A Symphony of Color" Heritage Quilt Festival, and a "Sisters in Art" show.

For more activity and…