A glimpse into Ritzville, personal reflections

I didn’t grow up in Ritzville in the traditional sense, but the city is still is dear to my heart.

It makes me think of cold Popsicle juice dripping down my hand as I walk home from the pool on a Thursday night during an extended summer break at my grandparents’ house by the tennis court. It makes me think of the smell of dirt that wafts in the air during harvest time and the constant sneezing from the wheat germ in the air. It makes me think of home.

My husband, son and I moved here from Spokane last year to get reacquainted with the town. My husband recently fulfilled his dream of becoming a law enforcement officer and the town greeted him with open arms.

It made the transition so much smoother to be welcomed so warmly.

In 2017, I graduated with my bachelor of arts degree in theology and philosophy. I do not regret getting it as it has made me a well-rounded individual, but I do not recommend any man, woman or child go to college for a philosophy degree — contrary to popular belief, there are not many jobs that this is a useful education to possess.

I worked in early intervention services for the past five years under the umbrella of social work before becoming unbelievably burnt out and looking for something that could still support my family with our move. That’s where I met the wonderful staff at the Ritzville Public Library and learned that I could be a team member and provide some valuable input as well.

The library has a plethora of resources for everybody.

Aside from the stacks of books, our website provides different resources online such as the Chilton Library to help you fix what ails your vehicle. Or Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep that helps you prep for a vocational test, prepare for the US Citizenship test, prepare for college entrance exams, or find a school or scholarship, to name just a few. We also have computers, free Wi-Fi, printing for only $.15 a paper, free scanning and outgoing faxes, magazines, craft bags, and telescopes that can be checked out by patrons in good standing.

We will also be hosting the Rural Resource Community Fair at 10 a.m. Monday, June 17.

The library is proud to partner with and utilize the resources they provide the community, such as free health screens and bringing Department of Social and Health Services out to meet with people unable to make the drive into Moses Lake or Spokane.

Some of the other vendors that will be featured are care coordination, housing assistance, CHPW, and Molina Healthcare. Come on over and check out what resources they have to offer.

Additional programs happening in April:

Thursday, April 11 — 5 p.m., Film Fanatics (18+). This month’s movie will be Collateral Beauty (PG 13), starring Will Smith. After experiencing a tragedy, a man isolates himself from life and turns to love, time and death in search of universal truths. To his surprise, he begins to understand the interwoven nature of these concepts and discovers that moments of beauty and importance can arise even in times of grief.

Saturday, April 13 — Noon. Adults, get your crafty hats on for “Crafty Corner” (age 18+), where you’ll be whipping up some snazzy jewelry.

Wednesday, April 17 — 4 p.m. Tween Zone (ages 9-12) will be diving into the art of crafting origami masterpieces.

Wednesday, April 17 — 5:30 p.m. Board meeting is open to all. If you are unable to attend in person, request a digital link from [email protected].

Saturday, April 20 — Noon. Adult book club, Ritzville Readers. We gather to discuss our latest literary adventures based on a chosen theme or topic. April’s is humor/satire. Don’t feel like reading? No problem. Come for a stimulating conversation and enjoy mouthwatering Mexican cuisine with fellow book enthusiasts.

Friday, April 26 — 4 p.m. Teen Scene, designed for teenagers to have fun, and this month they will be hosting a workshop.

— Ky Beck-Gmeiner can be reached at [email protected].