What's been going down in Downtown?

A sad farewell, a new beginning.
Merchants Ltd. closed its doors in the wee hours of New Year's Day. We bid a sad farewell to a downtown institution, with grateful thanks to the Austin family for over 30 years of pastries, cheeses, and playing cards. And especially for bringing espresso to Walla Walla!

Congratulations to Tom Maccarone and Jake Crenshaw of T. Maccarone's for the purchase of the business. We can't wait to see what you'll do with the new Olive Marketplace and Café this year! In order to devote their energies to getting the new place ready, T. Mac's will end their lunch service on Friday. Olive will serve both lunch and dinner when it opens. Dinner and lounge hours at T. Maccarone's are the same: 4:00 pm 'til close daily, with weekend brunch (both Saturday and Sunday) served from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Generous donations made by local businesses

Several businesses kept their tax dollars working at home in 2009 through the Washington Main Street Tax Incentive Program. Essentially, the donation goes directly toward revitalization work and the businesses get credit for 75 percent of that amount on their annual state business and occupation tax. "The Main Street Tax Incentive Program gives us the ability to put some of our state taxes to work here in our own community.  The Downtown Foundation helps Walla Walla keep a focused business momentum for the downtown area, creating a positive synergy that makes our community a great place for the citizens of Walla Walla and our many visitors, alike," says Mark Anderson, owner of the Walla Walla Foundry. Banner Bank, Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla Electric, Doyle Electric, Daniel J. Tompkins, CPA, The Walla Walla Foundry, The Union-Bulletin, Key Technology, Opp & Siebold, Software Planning, and Snyder-Crecelius have also contributed, helping add to the $120,733.33 total for the year. "The maximum amount allowable for our organization is $133,333.33," stated Agostini. Thank you to all of those businesses who so graciously donated in 2009.

Fun Photos
For your enjoyment!

Here is a great photo of DWWF staff member, Cheryl Thyken sitting on Santa's lap. Thanks, Cheryl, for finally giving in and allowing us to publish this.

Do you realize what this is?! That's right! This is one truly epic photo of the DWWF Exuctive Director, Elio Agostini. No one can really remember the context of this photo, but nonetheless, we thank Elio's daughter, Lisa, for sending this photo to us.

What's Up
Downtown
A weekly calendar of events and news
In Downtown Walla Walla

Open Mic @ Walla Walla Village Winery 107 S. 3^rd, Thursday nights 7-10 pm. Hosted by Blue Mt. Spanish Sound. Come in for some great wine and fun. Also, ask for the new CD Platinum Moon.  Play what's in your heart! Sign ups by phone okay!  Call 876-1444 after 4pm.

Vintage Cellars- 10 N 2^nd, Monday nights, Open Mic, 7-11pm.  For more information call 529-9340.

Live @ Sapolil Friday, Jan 8^th, 8-11pm. - Dr. Mark Brown, Gary Romjue & DWWF's  Jennifer Northam!   -  Dr. Mark Brown plays pure magic on the keyboard, throws in a little trumpet, blues harp and vocals.  You'll see why we call him the Good Doctor!   And for this night the Good Doctor is joined by Gary Romjue of Seattle who brings to town his guitar & outstanding electric blue fiddle, with Jennifer Northam adding her own smooth vocals!   Special, No Cover Event

Willow, 2 E Rose Street, Willow will be closed the month of January to take some time off, to re-paint the gallery walls, and to prepare for their exciting line-up of exhibitions coming next year.  The February-March, 2010 exhibition will host new works by Claire Johnston and Jim German of Waitsburg.  Artists' reception and opening night on February 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.!

The Pottery Painting Studio - Carnegie Building, 109 S. Palouse St. - City of Walla Walla Parks & Recreation offers a chance to show your creativity!  For more information: 527-4527 or recreation@ci.walla-walla.wa.us

Other Events
Downtown

SAVE THE DATE!

Julia Child Cook-Off Contest- February 5^th, 5-7pm at Someone's In The Kitchen, 132 W Rose.   Try Julia's classic boeuf bourguignon recipe! Enter the contest by Jan 15^th and tinker with it, put your stamp on it, modify or elaborate. Send name, address, phone number and email address to enter the contest- more information will follow for ticket sales to attend that day! The grand prize will be the two-volume set of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking".  This event is sponsored in partnership with the Union Bulletin and the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation.  Call the DWWF office 529-8755 for more info!

Kirkman House Museum- New Exhibit-"Catherine Paine Blaine: Seneca Falls and the Women's Rights Movement in Washington State".  The year marks the centennial of Women's Suffrage in Washington State and the museum has an entire year of exciting exhibits starting with the opening, January 13^th.  Museum hours are Wednesday- Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 1-4pm.  Admisssion is a suggested donation of $5/ adults & $3/ students & seniors.  For additional information visit www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org  

There are over 35 Shops, Restaurants and Wine Tasting Rooms are open on Sundays Downtown! For a full list, go to www.downtownwallawalla.com and click on the EVENTS tab.