75 years of service

The Grant County PUD is quietly celebrating its 75th anniversary this year by having its some 630 employees strive to volunteer 7,500 hours of community service.

So instead of a big formal event, employees will help various organizations throughout the communities they serve, according to Thomas Stredwick, a district spokesperson.

"We felt that we wanted to highlight the work that takes place within our community every year, rather than a one-time event," he explained.

Employees will also take part in community events throughout Grant County this year. If you see PUD employees at your local parade or charitable event this year, thank them for their service and congratulate them on the anniversary. Employees have donated 2,251 volunteer hours so far.

Local non-profits can request PUD volunteers by visiting the district's website, www.gcpud.org, then clicking on "community" and "community service," then "volunteer request."

The district also plans to sponsor a drawing contest for local children ages 12 and younger in the near future. The winner receives a tour of the district's Priest Rapids Project with up to four family members.

This year, we encourage you to learn more about the history and events that formed the PUD. For more information, visit www.grantpud.org/your-pud/what-is-a-pud/history-of-grant-county-pud and www.grantpud.org/your-pud/what-is-a-pud/grant-pud-milestones.

To see new historical pieces this year, visit Grant PUD's YouTube Channel, at www.youtube.com/user/GrantCountyPUD> and the district's Facebook and Twitter pages.

And for those of you who haven't visited the Wanapum Dam's visitor center, its hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

We like the PUD's understated but service-focused approach for its anniversary. Congratulations Grant PUD and keep up the good work.

- Editorial Board