Randy Hermsen

Randy Hermsen, 54, of College Place died Dec. 7, 2009, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.
Arrangements are pending at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St.

Just this morning, I was told the news.
I couldn’t believe it and am a little confused.
How could a guy that makes me laugh all day,
Decide to just pick up and walk away?
I thought you would handle it longer than you did,
You never gave up and you never hid.
I watched you go through some hard times.
Whether you were innocent or convicted of your crimes.
You were the one person that would never stop,
And you always found a way to come out on top.
So, it surprises me that much more
That you were the one to walk out the door.
You were a beacon for many, a champion of hope,
And you were the rock people hung to when they just couldn’t cope.
When I felt I couldn’t take the hostility any longer,
You stepped up and made me stronger.
When I just wanted to lash out and fight,
You helped me find the path that was right.
I enjoyed your humor no matter how racy,
You kept me sane when all around us was crazy.
We all know that you left and aren’t coming back,
And we are hurt that you didn’t call us to help you pack.
But we know what happened and understand
That things don’t always go quite as planned.
We all hate the fact that you are no longer here
But no matter how far you went, you’ll always be near.
Because, in my heart and memories you always stay,
And I will think of you each and every day.
You were one of the rare people that made this world a better place
And I wish so bad that I could tell you to your face.
I will miss you Randy, you were truly a great friend.
But more than that, you were my brother by the end.
So rest now, as you deserve to do,
And know that your fight with cancer is through.
You have so much life that will go unsung
And I hate that it’s true that only the good die young.

I miss you chief and wish I could tell you that I have not met many people quite as important as you.

From the grotto!

I have burned an idea through my head for some time now (possibly a year) and, as the planets align or the fates spin (whichever great destiny you may subscribe to), I have determined that NOW is the time!

The foundation of the Infinite Inkwell Writer's Guild has been set and the structure which sits upon said foundation is being developed!
Currently, our membership sits at two individuals. If you live in the Walla Walla area, have a sincere passion for writing, and would like to gain membership, contact me here or on Facebook.

We will gather for regular or semi-regular meetings. The goals of these meetings will range from writing challenges to network enhancement or any other discussion topic which will enhance our writing or publishing agendas.

Thank you Joe

On Wednesday, June 3^rd, Walla Walla Community College, with the assistance of Phi Beta Lambda, opened the doors of their theater in the Health And Science building for award winning local author and business entrepreneur, Mr. Joe Cooke, who spoke to an audience of students and Walla Walla residents on the topic of Creative Entrepreneurialsm, ‘The Road Less Traveled’. Here is a sample of what happened on this bright and pleasant morning for those unfortunate few that could not attend.

With an introduction of Mr. Cooke and his impressive accomplishments, including his college education, previous businesses, seats in office, and a mention of his publishing company, Cannon Publishing Group, Joe Cooke takes the stage and instantly captures his audience with a soft, welcome personality. His discussion on entrepreneurial success begins within Mr. Cooke’s own history and travels through his own ups and downs into the present.

Determining the message behind today’s discussion comes quickly as Joe not only talks about what one needs to succeed, but shows it in his speech, and that thing is passion. With an eloquent presence and skilled speech, Mr. Cooke brings the audience through a range of feelings from amused to inspired as his words find their way into each attendee’s ears and shoots to their motivation centers.

After his presentation, Mr. Cooke generously comes into the crowd and connects with many members of the audience, even staying well after the discussion to carry on community rich conversations with a few remaining people from the audience.

Through the day, the college was abuzz with the quality of this presentation and some individuals that attended were suddenly finding their passion again, rethinking their dreams and goals, and asking, “Why aren’t I getting my business started?”

Joe Cooke speaks to Walla Walla

Joe Cooke, not just an incredible, but also an award winning author. The man who penned the following books, Elysen, The Broken Leg Book, Shadow of the Raven, and the recently released Thorsen’s Law will be speaking at Walla Walla Community College on Creative Entrepreneurship as well as discussing the pros and cons of attempting to live your own life in these difficult economic times. This is very exciting for me as an aspiring author and I am very eager to attend this event! I have found that the event is FREE to the public so jump on in and get involved in this seminar! Here's the skinny:

Joe Cooke's Discussion on Creative Entreprenuerism

Hosted by: Walla Walla Community College's Phi Beta Lambda/FBLA club
Location: WWCC Campus, Health and Science Building. Room 1732
Walla Walla, WA
Date: Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009
Time: 8:30 - 9:20 am
Phone: 509 - 520 - 1005
E-mail: joecookecpa@yahoo.com

This will be a one hour seminar and it is FREE and open to the public!
HOW COOL IS THAT?

ATTENTION PARENTS - Local Kidnapping Issue

The Beginner's Mind School just received a mass phone call from the Walla Walla police department that explains a predator in a white car is trying to pick up children walking home. If you have children in the WW area (including surrounding towns) BE AWARE of this situation! He is trying to lure them into his car with candy and gifts and has also tried to convince them that a parent requested he pick the children up.

This has caused mixed feelings of concern and anger.
I feel like I am pretty good at seeing the world through the eyes of others, but no matter how many times I try stepping into the shoes of someone like this to understand why they do it, I just don't get it. I can't even come close to getting it.

Whatever the thoughts are behind this deranged person, let's all work together to keep our children protected and informed! The first way to be certain your children learn is to explain the situation to them. Additionally, reassure them that they will NEVER get into trouble for NOT getting into a car with someone that claims mommy or daddy sent them!

Beyond that, here are some websites for you parents to visit in order to help you understand how to protect the one's you love the most!

Website #1

Website #2

Website #3
This site has additional links to organizations that deal in child abduction prevention.

Martial arts is a great defense for a child but it SHOULD NOT BE THE FIRST DEFENSE!

If you have any information on this problem, contact the local police department.

Walla Walla Police Department
15 N 3rd Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 527-4434

College Place Police Department
625 S College Ave
College Place, WA 99324
(800) 433-3243