Last October the MCA sponsored our first Halloween event. There was a small booth at the corner of Colchester and Spruce, the location of the unofficial Manchester Haunted House, that served hot chocolate to half-frozen hob-goblins, sold glow in the dark bracelets and directed families down to the library where the MCA had games and activities for kids of all ages. If you missed this last Halloween you've got a good chance to catch it this year! To see some photos of 'Halloweiners' and hauntings just click this link.
A MCA CHRISTMAS
Back by popular demand and no small effort of MCA Vice President, Phil Paquette, the community Christmas tree was back last year. The tree was donated to us by the Port Orchard Eagles, electricity was donated by Islands Hair Salon and a generous cash donation was made by Subaru to help decorate it. With a lot of resolve and hard work the tree came together beautifully. We hope that we can continue to bring the community the tree every year but with aging backs, lack of funding and lack community hands-on involvement we might not be able to do that. Your support is needed.
KITTY COOK RETIRES!
Our Manchester Postmaster, Kitty Cook, will be hanging up her rubber thumbs on March 3rd. Postal clerk, Michelle Gagg, has a scrapbook in the office for the community to come in and sign for Kit. Please take time to go into the office to wish Kit well in her retirement. There will be a informal get-together at the post office on the 3rd at 3PM. Refreshments will be served. It's easy to remember 3-3-03 at 3PM!
VETERANS MEMORIAL
The Veterans Memorial in Manchester now has 96 bricks remembering veterans and they will be laying 11 new bricks soon. The AMVETS are thinking about letting non-veterans buy bricks for the memorial. There will be a few pre-written sentiments for non-veterans to choose from as well as an opportunity to write your own. All submissions for a non-veteran brick will be on an AMVETS approval basis. Appropriate sentiments would be "The Doe family remembers the Pearl Harbor Veterans" or "In memory of the USS Indianapolis." "Erin loves Doogie" is not appropriate. Order forms for bricks are available in the library, BJ's Deli, Family Inn and the Chamber of Commerce in Port Orchard.
LIBRARY FLOWER BEDS
You've probably noticed that the large trees and bushes in the flower beds along Main Street in front of the library (that would be the area where the MCA put it's Christmas tree) is bare. The Friends of the Library in association with the Long Lake Gardening Club are working on plans to replant that area. It's all still in the planning stages but there is talk of a patio area and an possible support and electrical system for future MCA Christmas trees. Anyone interested in supplying muscle or ideas should contact the Friends of the Manchester Library or the Long Lake Gardening Club.
Welcome to Manchester Sign
The 'Welcome to Manchester' sign (at the corner of Miracle Mile and Colchester) has developed a serious lean. It needs to be attended to but the MCA can't figure out who is responsible for the maintenance of the sign. Does anyone know? If you do please reply to this email. We have several new business in town who would like to include their names on the sign and don't know how to go about it.
BJ'S DELI
The new deli in town, BJ's Deli (in the old Past & Presents location) is now open for business. Owner, Michelle Turrnel, offering homemade soups, salads and deli-style sandwiches Tuesday through Sunday, 11AM to 7PM.
Manchester Barber Shop
Valisa Douglas opened her doors at the Manchester Barber Shop on December 3rd of last year. If you haven't been in for a little head maintenance you can drop by the 2288 Colchester Drive location (between the EPA and Fox Sprinklers) Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 5pm or Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Valisa welcomes walk-ins or appointments (871-6090) and, as a full service barber, she does shaves as well as cuts. Seniors and kids under 10 get a discount.
Carmen's Hair Haven
Right next door to the barber shop is Carmen's Hair Haven. Carmen Gilchrist opened her doors to perms, colors, cuts, scalp massage, foils, facial waxing and manicures on February 1st. Seniors are offered discounts on perms, colors and cuts. For the month of March mention the MCA and receive discounts on her services!
LOCAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS