Friends of Amon Update and Invitation

January 2009
Friends of Amon UPDATE and INVITATION to Concert and Silent Auction on Jan. 23-24

1. UPDATE—RESTORING NATIVE VEGETATION IN AMON BASIN has finally begun! In mid-December, a dozen intrepid volunteers raked a section of trail in the Amon Creek Natural Preserve and seeded it with native rabbit brush and Wyoming sagebrush after the City of Richland prepared it for our work. Barriers were placed to identify and protect this valuable area. (See attached pix). We will resume efforts when the weather breaks, and we sure can use your help! If you are willing to volunteer now and then, please let me know by sending me an email at kdechter@charter.net.

Sadly, the following snowy weather proved irresistible to local snowmobilers who rode roughshod over our freshly planted area within three days of our work (!!!!!) Some of those perpetrators were apprehended, but we must all continue to be vigilant. Signs are posted: “no unauthorized motor vehicles” means just that. Please help us PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE: if you are out on the trails and see someone violating this rule, call the Richland Police at the non-emergency number (628-0333) immediately. Program 628-0333 into your cellphone so you can call right away. If you have a camera, take pictures. When you call Dispatch:

Mention Amon Basin and the nearest cross street. For example: Center & Leslie or Piper & Willowbrook Avenues. The snowmobilers were entering from Piper St. and Claybell Park.
· Note the type and number of vehicles, number of people, color of clothing
· Note the time and general location of the violators
· Do not approach violators. Leave that to the police.
· Call Kathy Dechter (Tapteal Greenway Board) at 627-0950 so we can follow up.
Richland police will respond. They will ticket violators.
2. TINGSTAD AND RUMBEL WINETASTING & CONCERT/AUCTION FUNDRAISER On a much lighter and far more melodious note, set aside Jan. 23 & 24 to come enjoy Tapteal Greenway Association’s 3rd annual

WINE TASTING— BOOKWALTER WINERY-Tulip Lane, Richland
Friday, January 23--6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Eric Tingstad and Nancy RumbelProceeds benefit the Tapteal Greenway Association
Enjoy tastings of Yakima Valley wines by Alexandria-Nicole, Chandler Reach,
Maison Bleue, Wildridge, Harlequin, Naches Heights, and Bookwalter wineriesTapas menu items by Bookwalter available for purchase.
A Wine Silent Auction will accompany the tasting.$25 per person in advance, $30 at the door (this event sells out, so please reserve right away.) Please make advanced payments and table reservations at Bookwalter
(627-5000, info@bookwalterwines.com)

TINGSTAD & RUMBEL CONCERT —Battelle Auditorium- 902 Battelle Boulevard
Saturday, January 24—8:00 p.m.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for SILENT AUCTION** benefiting Tapteal/Amon.
Snacks, wine & soft drinks will be served.

CONCERT features Grammy-winning artists Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel
Advance tickets are $15, ($17 at the door). Student/Seniors are $13 ($15 at the door).
Tickets are available at both Bookworm locations, the Octopus' Garden in Richland, and at REI in Kennewick. All profits from the Silent Auction and Concert benefit Tapteal Greenway Association and its local environmental preservation efforts, including the Amon Basin Community Project. More details at www.tingstadrumbel.com & www.tapteal.org .

**SILENT AUCTION ITEMS URGENTLY NEEDED! Please donate items to this worthy fundraiser accompanying the T&R concert on January 24. Proceeds benefit the Tapteal Greenway and Amon Basin.
IMPORTANT! Please call 627-0950 or email kdechter@charter.net to let us know about your donation and to arrange a pickup.
Here are some items donated to last year’s Auction to give you some ideas.
DVDs, CDs (new) Georgia O'Keefe Print Handmade Jewelry Case of wine H&D Basket with wine Blanket/salmon basket Book - The Life Story of Etta Jamison Basket of Primroses Margarita Set Coffee Pot Wine Decanter Southwestern Print by Edie Johnson Alaskan pin
Crystal and rose glass beaded necklace Bath and BodyWorks Basket Hematite Necklace Amethyst Necklace and Ring Bath Basket Beaded Necklace and Bracelet Princess House Crystal Sundae Dishes and SpoonsSet of three nature prints Grill John Clement Print "Mt. Hood and Lupine"Evelyn Benham Painting "Vineyard Bounty"Geese Oil Painting

THANKS for caring,

Kathy Dechter

627-0950
kdechter@charter.net
Tapteal Greenway Board of Directors