Columnist takes time to tie up some loose strings
Port of Moses Lake’s Rich Mueller demonstrates the versatility and usefulness of the Drink ‘N’ Plate by holding his drink and plate of food in one hand, while using the other hand to shovel the food from the plate to his mouth. “I have seven kids and one on the way,” he said. “Where can I get my hands on some of these?”
Several items have been floating around in my world without closure. It is time to give you an update.
Col. Newberry's Columbia Basin visit
Col. Paul Guemmer relinquished command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base last August. Col. Brian Newberry assumed command on the same day.
Col. Newberry had heard from Col. Guemmer about Moses Lake and the Columbia Basin. At the top of the list was the support of the people of the Columbia Basin for the Fairchild troops when they were here during the repaving of the Fairchild runway a couple of years ago.
Col. Guemmer wanted to maintain contact with us after their departure. Col. Newberry feels the same.
Upon our first meeting, I asked if Col. Newberry had ever been to Moses Lake.
"Many times," he said. "But I seldom touched the ground."
The Grant County Airport was a frequent destination during C-17 training flights when he was stationed at Joint Base Lewis/McCord.
I suggested a day or two in Moses Lake to visit the people and see the surrounding area. Here is my idea for the commander's visit:
Col. Newberry and his wife, Jill, would travel to Moses Lake on a Monday afternoon. They would attend some type of function this evening. Early the next morning, the Newberrys would attend the early morning meeting of the Morning
Rotary, with the Moses Lake Noon Rotary invited, along with all Columbia Basin Rotary clubs.
After the Rotary meeting, a series of tours would be conducted, such as the City of Moses Lake, the local Job Corps Center, and the Port of Moses Lake. At noon a luncheon at the Porterhouse Steakhouse would be scheduled as a chance for the public to meet the new commander. The Newberrys would head back to Fairchild in the early afternoon.
Col. Newberry was all for the plan, but he couldn't leave the general Fairchild area for a few months after taking command of the Wing. We stayed in touch and finally looked at a late February date. Two week ago Col. Newberry called.
"Dennis, at this time the Air Force has restricted activities, because of the budget," he said. "I won't even be allowed to travel to Moses Lake."
I was aware of the budget constraints coming down from the Secretary of Defense. The unclassified Army document I saw included the following guidance, "authorizing each Service to take immediate steps to reduce expenditures and conduct detailed planning in the event the budgetary cuts and shortfalls occur."
The memo also has wording asking for reduction of base operations, reduction in appropriated fund support for community and recreational activities, along with a reduction in utilities consumption to the maximum extent possible.
Also, commanders were to curtail temporary duties and professional training not deemed mission critical, such as attendance at or hosting of conferences, staff assistance visits and training seminars.
Remember, the memo I saw was for the Army, but I have a feeling a similar memo was sent out by the Air Force.
Bottom line: Col. Newberry is anxious to travel to the Columbia Basin and visit with local citizens, however the visit will take place later rather than sooner.
In the meantime, Col. Newberry thanks you all for your continued support of our troops. He is anxious to pass along the message in person.
Drink 'N' Plate a hit
A good while back a package arrived at the front door. Inside were two odd looking items. Additional handling of the items revealed they were Drink 'N' Plate holders made by Pioneer Plastics.
Garnet and I had them nearby, but hesitated to use them as it might look funny carrying one around at a party. Then at a Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce function we found ourselves standing with a plate of food in one hand and a glass of water in the other.
"Wouldn't it be great to have the plate holders tonight." She said.
Subsequently, we have taken them to several functions. These things work and are extremely convenient, as they allow a person to hold their plate of food and drink in one hand. My initial fear of having people laugh at me has passed. These days people only ask where they can get some.
Besides parties, they are great for picnics, tailgating, buffets and camping. At a Christmas party, Port of Moses Lake's Rich Mueller inquired about the Drink 'N' Plate. I asked him to try it, so I could get a photo. He liked the device, but had a more realistic purpose for the inquiry.
"I have seven kids and one on the way," he said. "Where can I get my hands on some of these?"
The Drink 'N' Plates are available online for around $3 each. For Rich: Online a set of 12 sells for around $35.
Parking Express
Last year I told you about a park-n-ride operation located near the Spokane Airport. We used the Parking Express service during out trip to Las Vegas and the SHOT Show in January of 2012.
This year we used them again with the same two words to explain the experience; friendly and convenient.
There is one change to the fact of doing business with the owners, Juan and Amparo Contreras, this year; now they are friends. It would be difficult for anyone to leave their vehicle with them, travel to and from the airport and not end up friends with these people.
The Website, www.spottedroadparking.com, lists their hours as today, 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. Although they have a couple of employees, most of the work is accomplished by this enterprising couple, I'm sure.
Parking Express advertises they are three minutes from the airport and the timeline is correct. Last year upon our return, I called Juan when we exited the plane. This caused Juan to wait for us in the parking lot.
There is no need to call so far ahead. This year I waited until we had our luggage and were headed for the pickup area. We visited with a lady from Seattle who was in Spokane to view a ballet tryout, as we waited the few minutes for Juan to arrive.
Their rates are $5 a day, which includes tax and the free shuttle to and from the airport. The monthly rate is $120 for 30 days.
Last year Juan said he would have the vehicle warmed up if I left my vehicle key with him. I decided not to, but he had all of the snow clean off. This year I left the key and the Jeep was not only snow free, but warm and ready to drive away in comfort.
For your GPS: The address is 1610 S. Spotted Road, Spokane. I haven't seen the lot completely full yet, but suggest you make a reservation at 509-747-6955.
Although this column doesn't usually tout an individual business, this is an exception. Excellence in service deserves a positive word or two in print. Plus I want all my readers to share in the quality service provided to me.
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