Articles written by Luella Dow
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Christine Transue is a true 'people person'
I recently spent an evening with a happy group at Tyler Grange. I met Christine Transue, a lovely young mother who knows many people and has friends among those who came to the... — Updated 11/12/2015
A friendly deed can lead to an inner smile
The refusers say, “No,” to those who ask for their help. They kick cans along the road, leave papers and trash wherever they’ve walked. A battered can becomes their gift to a neighbor’s yard. This morning, while walking... — Updated 10/8/2015
It's time for Tyler Grange's annual Harvest Dinner
Every year the Tyler Grange folks prepare an excellent dinner for friends, neighbors, relatives and hopeful people hungrily standing nearby. This year, on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m., the exciting time begins with the dinner, followed by a b... — Updated 10/1/2015
Arguments and boyfriends, not a good combination
My sister, Lorraine, and her boyfriend, Aaron, were arguing about my sister’s cat. They had been in the living room for about an hour while I was in another room ironing clothes and pretending I hadn’t heard their arguments.... — Updated 9/24/2015
Gertrude Moe, a truly lovely lady
It was Aug. 27, 2015, the day Gertrude Moe and I met. She had spent two days walking, not because she had to walk, but because she likes to walk. Gertrude is 93 years old. She uses... — Updated 9/3/2015
Meet the new pastor in town
She is dynamic, energetic, animated and very youthful. The United Methodist Church here in Cheney has a new pastor, and like a whirlwind blowing into town, pastor Alissa Bertsch... — Updated 8/27/2015
Porter's Dog - a short story
Porter Conner, a single man, had found the dog he wanted. It was a fine looking, happy Labrador who liked to receive Porter’s kind words and gentle scratches behind the ears. Porter named him Conner, a name he could easily... — Updated 8/20/2015
Cheney's own Rosie the Riveter
Yes, Cheney has its own, genuine, real-life "Rosie the Riveter." Her name is Elaine Bower Lopes. Just as depicted in books, movies and magazine articles, she operated a riveter and... — Updated 8/13/2015
Cheney's Lyle and Alice Polack are definitely very busy people
Here's Lyle and Alice Polack. We sat down to talk one day and I found this couple have many things to tell. Lyle said, "I come from Michigan." He calls himself a transplant. He spen... — Updated 8/6/2015
Part 2: Good things do happen
Editor’s note: Luella Dow continues her story from last week of challenges faced in her youth. Even at my age I understood they didn’t like me. I’d go home again. I managed to gather the armful of school supplies I had... — Updated 7/30/2015
Part 1: Good things do happen
This is the true story of some events that happened when I was very young. I grew up on my father’s dairy farm that was exactly one mile from the country school. My mother decided one mile was the perfect distance for me to walk... — Updated 7/23/2015
Grandmas are friends - a short story
I was at the park with two of my friends one afternoon, when the voice of a mother echoed through the trees surrounding us. “Greg, you nuisance, get over here. I’m not keeping the food just for you.” A young boy, about 8 year... — Updated 7/9/2015
The self-made treat for a lonely child
By LUELLA DOW Contributor “Luella, get that cat out of the house. I told you three times!” That was Mrs. Borgrim, my mother’s friend making my ears ring. She was keeping our home organized while my parents were at a meeting... — Updated 6/25/2015
Felix, the dog who does it right
I was walking about 20 minutes from my home on an early summer day. I could see the pond and the new goslings learning to swim behind their mothers. A car was edging close behind me. I didn’t look back. The neighbors on this... — Updated 6/11/2015
Medical Lake seniors showcase artwork
On a quiet, residential street in the little town of Medical Lake is an art gallery. It was the scene of a real live art exhibit this past Saturday afternoon. The gallery belongs... — Updated 5/21/2015
Norwegian heritage, American upbringing
Where do you find all the happy, friendly people you see in Cheney? Try Chryssee Pettit. Chryssee tells me she grew up in Reardan and Pomeroy. She said, "I always wanted to help... — Updated 5/7/2015
Eloise and Jim Goodwin share the spirit of giving
Eloise, the new baby in the Holt family, was born in Spokane on June 16, 1929. As Eloise grew, school boundaries changed,too. Eloise spent grades 4-8 at Four Lakes, changed to Cheney Junior High (now Cheney Middle School) and final... — Updated 4/30/2015
The story of the cat that got even in the cold
Some people invite their pet cats into their homes. On a really cold night they give that cat a cozy spot at the foot of the bed. I belong to that tribe of do-gooders. People who don’t like cats never let themselves think of... — Updated 4/23/2015
Kirsten Bleeker's adventure in Iceland
Kirsten Bleeker is the daughter of Doug and Carolyn Bleeker who live in Chattaroy. She is my granddaughter. In August of last year, a plane took Kirsten to Iceland where she would... — Updated 4/16/2015
Bonita Brady and what's beyond the corner
When I first met Bonita Brady, who calls herself Bonnie, I caught a glimpse of a few of my own traits. Then I realized nobody ever catches up with Bonnie. Brady told me she was born in Chicago. Her father was an electrician. I... — Updated 3/5/2015
Floyd and Carrie Low's love resulted from an act of determination
Carrie Low said, "When I met Floyd I was 17. Floyd was a senior in high school. He was the only one in his family to graduate from high school. He was determined to get acquainted... — Updated 2/26/2015
Messages from intelligent people
I have gathered these quotes which make me smile. I have not intended to insult or besmirch those who innocently caused the smile. Listen carefully. An important person who often roams the hallways of Cheney’s prestigious... — Updated 2/19/2015
An idea borne on the wind
My friend Cally, sat in the chair and spread her arms, “I’ve had this idea for many months, Luella but I’ve never been able to get anybody interested in buying my lovely greeting cards. They’re just there, day after day... — Updated 2/12/2015
Everybody cares when there's music playing
Nobody cares when Joey drops the bat and the ball rolls across his toes onto third base. Nobody cares when half the kids are sharing sandwiches and not one of them ever says, “C’mon Joey, come eat with us.” Nobody cares when... — Updated 2/5/2015
Custom Coaches' Bob Williams loves cars
When Bob Williams was just 9 years old his parents brought him from California to Kennewick. After a time, they came to Cheney. He said, "I started my business in body work in... — Updated 1/29/2015