"The Earth laughs in flowers."

"We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there."

Charles F. Kettering

May 15, 2012- A total of 15 grant applications totaling $5,600 were approved by the nonprofit Wheeler County Cultural and Heritage Coalition for projects throughout the county.

Each project meets the mission of the coalition, which is to preserve and celebrate the diverse culture and heritage of the county. The coalition receives limited funding annually through the Oregon Cultural Trust.

These funds are supplemented with contributions from area residents and businesses that care about the county, its rich history and its culture.

A renewed membership drive is underway to help the coalition continue its efforts this year. The membership fee for individuals is $10, for families it is $10, and for businesses it is $10.  Each participating business will receive a membership certificate for posting and all donors will be kept informed of coalition activities.

“The larger counties in Oregon are bragging that they are trying for participation by 1-2% of their residents,” said coalition chair Dan Cannon. “It would be great for Wheeler County to take the lead statewide and be able to show strong support by local people who care about what we do.”

Memberships are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Wheeler Co. Cultural & Heritage Coalition, P.O. Box , Mitchell, Ore. 97850.