Grants Pass Now

This years Extreme Dream proceeds will benefit Josephine Community Libraries, Inc. & other Zonta Club of Grants Pass Foundation service projects.

The Grand Prize winning ticket holder will have a choice of one of the following four prizes: $10,000 Shopping Spree at Field’s Home Improvement, $10,000 Arctic Cat ATV Package from Dave’s Outdoor Power Equipment in Cave Junction, $10,000 Shopping Spree at Gates Furniture or $10,000 Shopping Spree at Hart’s Jewelers.

Tickets are $10.00 each, 6 for $50.00, 12 for $100.00 or 18 for $150.00. Only 5000 tickets will be sold. One Grand Prize Winner. Winning ticket will be drawn Tuesday July 22, 2008 after 7pm at ‘Concerts in the Park’ in Riverside Park during Back to the Fifties week. Winner need not be present to win.

Tickets are also available at Logan Design, Blind Georges, Les Schwab Tires 6^th St, and Dave’s Outdoor Power Equipment in Cave Junction. Contributing Gold Sponsors are Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, Women’s Health Center of Oregon & Connie Sloper.

Victoria Emmons stars in new film, “Come What May”

Grants Pass, OR, June 26, 2008: Victoria Emmons, member of The Emmons Sisters band and President of Richard Emmons Consulting and Oregon’s No. 1 HMA Business Growth Expert, will hold a public seminar on “Eight Steps To Grow Your Business” on Thursday, April 24^th from 7 to 8 p.m. in Guild Hall located in the Boardroom of the Guild Building.

Richard Emmons says that “Especially in this challenging economy, every business must overcome three problems to be successful. The first problem is getting your product or service in front of people who are interested. This is the first problem that must be overcome. If you can’t get your product or service in front of interested people then you cannot make money. The second problem is how to get the people who are interested your products and services to buy from you and not from your competitors. Once you have solved the first problem then, of course, those people have to buy from you and not your competitors. The final problem is to get one-time customers to become frequent and continuous customers.” At this seminar, Richard Emmons will explain proven business growth strategies which can solve these three problems.

Seating is limited so please call the Boardroom at (541) 244-2650 to make your reservation or to get directions.

Richard works with small to medium sized businesses to help them maximize their business growth success. He looks at all the business growth assets which are already in place or hidden in a client’s business and finds ways to use them to create dynamic and profitable growth without the client having to invest any extra money in advertising or having to make a lot of significant changes in their business operations.

Richard has 18 years of senior management experience in five different industry sectors. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated from California State University Fullerton.

Richard Emmons is Oregon’s No. 1 HMA Business Growth Expert.

For a free, no obligation, “Rapid Business Growth Analysis” of your business, you can contact Richard at (541) 244-2654, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Note 1: Richard Emmons Consulting is a business growth consulting company that works with small and medium sized businesses, helping owners find and maximize the hidden growth assets in their business at no extra cost in advertising.

Richard Emmons Consulting helps business owners grow their businesses by 25% to 100% in as little as 3 to 6 months and he guarantees his work!

Note 2: Richard Emmons is available anytime for clarification and interview.

###

Press contact:

Richard Emmons, President, Richard Emmons Consulting

1867 Williams Hwy, Suite 205, Grants Pass, Oregon 97527.

Telephone: 541.244.2654 Cell: 541.660.2845

E-mail: richard@richardemmons.com

Grants Pass, June 25, 2008-A free summer reading program for children of all ages is being offered by Josephine Community Libraries, the nonprofit organization working to reopen the libraries in Josephine County.

The program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursdays from July 3 through Aug. 7 at Parkway Village Shopping Center, 1519 N.E. F St. in Grants Pass. The room is located off the courtyard behind the Gooseberries grocery store.

Josephine Community Libraries will kick off the reading program as part of Kids’ Day at Parkway Village on Saturday, June 28, beginning at 10 a.m.

Children may bring one or more books with them to the program and exchange the books with others, although this is not required to participate. Volunteers will help with storytelling. Parents and children are welcome to bring chairs or pillows to sit on.

Members of the public who would like to drop off children’s books to give to participants may do so during the first and last half hours of the program.

For more information about the Josephine Community Libraries summer reading program, contact Sharon McBerty, at 476-9652, or visit the Web site at www.josephinelibrary.org.

# # # # #

Josephine Community Libraries, Inc.

P.O. Box 1684   Grants Pass, OR  97528

541-660-6531

info@josephinelibrary.org www.josephinelibrary.org

Grants Pass, June 14, 2008-Rachel Hart of Grants Pass knows how to get a good financial return. The eight-year old was able convert a small investment in lemonade ingredients into $30 from her lemonade stand to give to the libraries.

But Rachel’s fundraising gets better: According to the American Library Association, researchers in South Carolina found that for every dollar invested in a library, there was a direct and indirect return on investment to the state of $4.48, almost 350 percent. If those numbers are used to calculate the community value of Rachel’s $30 donation, her initial investment of $1.55 in lemonade ingredients could yield $105 worth of benefits to Josephine County.

That’s an impressive financial return from a few cups of lemonade.

Of course, Rachel’s contribution is far greater than its monetary value-it speaks volumes about the value of a library in an eight-year-old’s life, the treasure of imagination and information Rachel does without every day the library is closed. Not that Rachel would take credit for that kind of community engagement: “It seemed like fun to me and I wanted to help out!” beamed the enthusiastic second-grader.

With taxpayers receiving federal tax rebates in the coming weeks and months, Josephine Community Libraries is encouraging the community to follow Rachel’s example and stimulate the economy by donating to the library. “Since the point of the tax rebate is to stimulate the economy,” asks Josephine Community Library spokesperson Jennifer Roberts, “why not give all or part of your check to the library? It’s a great way to stimulate the economy AND keep your dollars working locally.”

The libraries in Josephine County closed over a year ago, on May 17, 2007. In September 2007, committed community members formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to reopening and sustainably operating the libraries in Josephine County. The group proposes a model based on public radio and public television, in which memberships are offered, but everybody has access regardless of membership status. This will contribute not only to the libraries’ reopening, but to their long-term sustainability.

Josephine Community Libraries is currently in the fourth week of its first membership drive. Last week the group sent out an appeal to every household in the county in a bright yellow envelope, asking for support in reopening and operating the libraries. Doug Walker, President of the Board of Directors of Josephine Community Libraries, points out that “this is our big chance to open the libraries in our county. Look for your yellow envelope and become a member of the libraries.”

People interested in getting involved with the library effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org. Those interested in becoming members can make their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” and mail it to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.

Josephine Community Libraries, Inc.

P.O. Box 1684 Grants Pass, OR 97528

541-660-6531

info@josephinelibrary.org www.josephinelibrary.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Community wide famine relief effort for the people of Burkina Faso.

The 5K walk will take place on Sunday, July 6^th at 12 noon and will begin and end at Riverside Park.

To sponsor a walker or to participate as a walker, pick up forms at 235 SE 7^th Street  Grants Pass

For more information about Burkina Faso or Walk for Grain, go to www.walkforgraingp.org or call 541-476-6827

Marchers walk up Sixth Street in Grants Pass.

Grants Pass, May 19, 2008—Josephine Community Libraries officially kicked off its five-week membership drive on Saturday, May 17, with a procession and commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the day the Josephine County Library Main Branch shut its doors to the public.

People were invited to write memories of and thoughts about the library and tie them to a wreath at the Grants Pass Growers Market Saturday morning. They were also invited to join a funeral procession past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse for a short program.

Eight-year-old Rachel Hart of Grants Pass tells how she raised money for the library.

Invited speakers spoke of the impact of the library closure and what they’re doing to help get the libraries open again. Eight-year-old Rachel Hart of Grants Pass shared her story of raising money for the library from the proceeds of her lemonade stand, while fourth graders from Sharon McBerty’s class at Riverside Elementary in Grants Pass shared letters they had written about the library.

Bonnie Johnson of Williams, head of the Operations Committee for Josephine Community Libraries, read a statement from former employees of the library, supporting the work of Josephine Community Libraries and endorsing the memorial service. The group wrote, “We didn’t just lose the jobs we loved but, like all Josephine County residents, we were denied the use and enjoyment of the libraries by the closure. We also lost the daily contact with co-workers who had become good friends over the past fifteen years. The closure is still like an open wound for us and our broken hearts haven’t healed.”

Supporter Bob Bath of Grants Pass shared his experiences of the library’s closure, asking whether “the knowledge contained in a library is for those who can afford a bookstore and the Internet, or if it should be for everyone.”

Josephine Community Libraries recently received 501(c)(3) charity status from the Internal Revenue Service, allowing members to write off donations made directly to the library group and enabling the organization to apply for a variety of grants. With receipt of 501(c)(3) status, the group has launched its membership drive, in which it will invite the community to become members Josephine Community Libraries in a patron model similar to that of public broadcasting.

During the membership drive, the group plans to hold various community activities and to mail information to every Josephine County household and business so that everyone will have the opportunity to become a founding member of the new library, regardless of how much they’re able to contribute. The group has developed a management plan, evaluating ways to pay for desired services such as interlibrary loan and Internet access.

The group has already raised about $80,000 but needs at least $200,000 and a membership base before approaching county commissioners to work out a contract for the existing library and collection, as it must show sustainability.

Those interested in becoming members can send a check or money order payable to Josephine Community Libraries to PO Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR, 97528. Those wanting more information or to volunteer can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org.

Josephine Community Libraries officially kicks off its membership drive on Saturday

Grants Pass, May 16, 2008— Josephine Community Libraries will kick off its five-week membership drive Saturday with a procession and commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the day the Josephine County Library Main Branch shut its doors to the public.

People are invited to write memories of and thoughts about the library and tie them to a wreath at the Grants Pass Growers Market Saturday morning. They are also invited to gather in an area next to the post office at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and join a funeral procession past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse for a short program. The program’s emcee will be Kevin Widdison, whose column in the Grants Pass Daily Courier last summer prompted an outpouring of support for the idea of a library run by a community group, stepping forward to fill the gap in services traditionally provided by the government.

Members of the public have submitted written comments about what the library closure has meant to them, and excerpts will be read at the commemoration on Saturday. Also, invited speakers will talk about the impact and what they’re doing to help get the libraries open again. Josephine Community Libraries board members and volunteers will also be present.

One of the event organizers, Jennifer Roberts, said, “While some of our speakers will discuss our shared sorrow at not having the libraries open, the event will also celebrate the joy of an effort that is drawing together the community with hope for getting them open again.”

The membership drive begins on the anniversary of the library closure, with people contributing their individual tales to the collective story of the community.

“We wanted to collect these stories because it’s important to remember what we’ve lost and how it was precious to us,” Roberts said.

The drive will end with a vision workshop on June 21, where people will be invited to share their dreams for a library years in the future.

Josephine Community Libraries board member Bill Peterson is the organizer for the vision workshop. “The vision workshop is important to us because we’re not just looking backward in paralyzed sorrow. Together, we can turn memories into hope.”

—more—

Josephine Community Libraries, page 2

June 21 is also the beginning of summer, the symbolic coming of a new season for libraries in Josephine County.

Board President Doug Walker explained some of the history of the grassroots library effort. He said that those involved had debated the best way to run a library under private management and decided on a model similar to public radio, in which donors become members, but the library is open to anyone regardless of ability to pay.

Josephine Community Libraries recently received 501(c)(3) charity status from the Internal Revenue Service, allowing members to write off donations made directly to the library group and enabling the organization to apply for a variety of grants.

During the membership drive which launches on Saturday, the group plans to hold various community activities and to mail information to every Josephine County household and business so that everyone will have the opportunity to become a founding member of the new library, regardless of how much they’re able to contribute. The group has developed a management plan, evaluating ways to pay for desired services such as interlibrary loan and Internet access.

“In order to make this plan work and open the libraries with the services and materials we all need, the organization needs large donations,” Walker said. “However, the benefits that come from a library belong to all of us, and every little bit helps.”

Walker went on to explain the membership levels, which consists of Sustaining Members of up to $200, Bronze Member at the $201 to $500 level, Silver Member at $501 to $1000, Gold Member at $1001 to $5000, and Platinum at $5001 and up.

The group has already raised about $80,000 but needs at least $200,000 and a membership base before approaching county commissioners to work out a contract for the existing library and collection, as it must show sustainability.

“The membership mailing is currently being printed, so look for it in the next couple of weeks,” Walker said. “It will come in a bright yellow envelope.” He added that those who don’t want to wait to become a member can send a check to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or donate using PayPal on the Web site, www.josephinelibrary.org.

Those interested in more information or volunteering with the effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org.

* * * * *

Josephine Community Libraries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1684 Grants Pass, OR 97528
(541) 660-653
info@josephinelibrary.org www.josephinelibrary.org

Josephine Community Library at Growers Market.

Grants Pass, May 12, 2008-To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the closing of Josephine County’s libraries on May 17, Josephine Community Libraries will hold a “Remember the Libraries” memorial service. Library mourners will gather just outside the Growers’ Market at 11:30 a.m. to begin a funeral march past the library and to the steps of the Josephine County courthouse. At the courthouse, revelers will celebrate the life of the library with stories and songs.

Those interested in reopening the libraries are also invited to attend and get information or stop by our Growers’ Market booth earlier in the day.

Community members who would like to have excerpts of their stories read at the celebration are invited to send stories of under 1000 words to Josephine Community Libraries, P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or to info@josephinelibrary.org (with “Story” in the subject line). These stories may be used in the organization’s historical record to show the impact of the libraries for future generations; they may also be used in fundraising and promotional materials. By submitting their work, authors agree to permit Josephine Community Libraries to reproduce and disseminate their work in print or electronically. However, the authors otherwise retain all rights over their submission.

Overall, Josephine Community Libraries has raised over $80,000 in cash and has pledges of cash and in-kind goods and services totaling approximately $120,000. The organization will be based on the public radio/public television model, in which memberships are offered, but everybody has access regardless of membership status. This will contribute not only to the libraries’ reopening, but to their long-term sustainability.

The libraries in Josephine County closed almost a year ago, on May 17, 2007. In September 2007, committed citizens formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County. People interested in getting involved with the effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org. Those who would like to become a member can make their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” and mail it to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.

Grants Pass, May 7, 2008—To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the closing of Josephine County’s libraries on May 17, Josephine Community Libraries is collecting stories from community members about the impact of libraries—open and closed—in their lives.

“Anniversaries are always a time to reflect,” notes volunteer Robin Elliott, “and on this anniversary in particular—one year of a shuttered library—we thought it would be appropriate to record and share the powerful stories we hear of how much people love and miss their libraries.”

The community is invited to send their stories of under 1000 words to Josephine Community Libraries, P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528 or to info@josephinelibrary.org (with “Story” in the subject line). These stories will be used in the organization’s historical record to show the impact of the libraries for future generations; they may also be used in fundraising and promotional materials. By submitting their work, authors agree to permit Josephine Community Libraries to reproduce and disseminate their work in print or electronically. However, the authors otherwise retain all rights over their submission.

Overall, Josephine Community Libraries has raised over $80,000 in cash and has pledges of cash and in-kind goods and services totaling approximately $120,000. The organization will be based on the public radio/public television model, in which memberships are offered, but everybody has access regardless of membership status. This will contribute not only to the libraries’ reopening, but to their long-term sustainability.

The libraries in Josephine County closed almost a year ago, on May 17, 2007. In September 2007, committed citizens formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County. People interested in getting involved with the effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org. Those interested in becoming member can make their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” and mail it to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.

GRANTS PASS, May 5, 2008-As residents of Josephine County approach the one-year anniversary of the libraries’ closing on May 17, 2007, a local group trying to reopen the libraries has received some very good news: The IRS has granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., the all-volunteer organization working to open the libraries in Josephine County.

“This is terrific news!” says Corin Goodwin, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Josephine Community Libraries. “With confirmation of our nonprofit status in hand, we’re excited to launch our membership drive and kick our activities into higher gear.”

In a letter received May 1, 2008, by Board Treasurer Dennis Doyle, CPA, the IRS explained that nonprofit status has been granted retroactive to the organization’s filing for nonprofit corporate status with the State of Oregon on September 21, 2007. Between then and now, Josephine Community Libraries has been accepting memberships through the Rogue Community College Foundation so that donors could claim a tax deduction. The group submitted its application to the IRS in January this year, soon after meeting the requirements of installing the board of directors, adopting bylaws, and creating a three-year budget.

With the granting of IRS nonprofit status, Josephine Community Libraries will be able to accept tax-deductible memberships without RCC’s generous affiliation. Memberships can now be made
payable directly to Josephine Community Libraries.

Because the nonprofit status gives the group authority to accept tax-deductible memberships directly, Josephine Community Libraries will soon launch its membership drive. To date, before the

membership drive has even officially begun, the group has raised over $80,000 in cash and has pledges of cash and in-kind goods and services totaling approximately $120,000. Once the organization has raised $200,000, it can begin negotiations with the county to lease the library building and the collection.

Josephine Community Libraries proposes a model based on public radio and public television, in which memberships are offered - but everybody has access regardless of membership status. This will contribute not only to the libraries’ reopening, but to their long-term sustainability.

The libraries in Josephine County closed almost a year ago, on May 17, 2007. In September 2007, committed community members formed Josephine Community Libraries, Inc., a private nonprofit dedicated to reopening and operating the libraries in Josephine County. People interested in getting involved with the library effort can send an e-mail to info@josephinelibrary.org or visit www.josephinelibrary.org. Those interested in becoming a member can make their check or money order payable to “Josephine Community Libraries” and mail it to P.O. Box 1684, Grants Pass, OR 97528.