Help!! I was in the Walhalla Area Chamber when Liann decided to change the window displays and put in Spring and Easter items. She got out a box of rabbits of all sizes and when she turned her head those darn rabbits captured me, I think if Liann ever finds me , I will make sure to stay away from that box. The windows on main street are always decorated for everyone to enjoy.
Saturday was a busy day for me but I did get the time to go to the Gorge Gallery on Main Street. I wanted to see the artists that were demonstrating their talent. 
Dave Gray let me watch as he did his chalk painting and Lori Gray gave me a lesson is one stroke painting. 
There were lots of ladies visiting and they let me rest for a minute with them. The members of the Gallery told me that there will be a free cookie decorating class for kids from kintergarden to 8th grade this Saturday, maybe I’ll see if I can join in the fun. Watch to see my cookies. The Gorge Gallery is located in the Walhalla Area Chamber office.
Well, Wally decided to learn to Blog with a few other new bloggers. Had a good time and with the help of Mike finally got the hang of Blogging. Fun and Food with all my friends.
Action Plan Committee “Welcome to Walhalla” meet several times, each member meet with different area businesses and collected gifts, coupons, gift certificates etc…The group than ordered canvas totes that were imprinted by Ink Impressions a local business. The tote reads “Welcome to Walhalla “Heart” of the Rendezvous Region. Totes are given to new members of the community. The committee has done a wonderful job developing partnerships with local business and making every new family feel Welcome to Walhalla. Shirely a member of the Welcome to Walhalla Action Committee is presenting Wally Moose with his welcome tote.
High school sweethearts, and families stood in line and waited as the doors opened to the Walla Theatre in 1950, to enjoy cinema at it’s finest. If the walls of the Walla Theatre could talk, the secrets of first dates, kisses and proposals would make the headlines. The smell of popcorn filled the theater until 1982 when the Walla Theater closed. Since 1982 the community has had the vision and goal to revitalize the Theatre, in 2006 the owners have donated the building to the community. The communities’ plans are to renovate the theater into a performing arts’ theater and cinema. Providing the arts in a rural community contributes to a well round education, cultural experience and family entertainment we want to offer our residents, especially the youth. Plans are to host year round events encompassing visual, fine, and performing arts, and cinemas.
The Walhalla Public School does not have a stage, making it difficult for the school to host performing arts’ events and lyceums. The renovation of the Theatre will give the school and community this opportunity.
Renovations consist of repairing the roof, expanding the stage area to accommodate large productions, add dressing rooms, update the plumbing, electrical, sound, and cosmetic improvements. Dr. Tom Isern from the North Dakota State University has partnered with NDSU Extension Center for Community Vitatity and will help with the project and prepare the application for the Walla Theatre to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places. This project will benefit all area residents.
The Gorge Arts and Heritage Council have taken the leadership in this project, and will continue to update the community on the progress. If anyone would like to make a donation to the Walla Theatre Renovation Fund contact the Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Tourism Action Plan Committee have been busy working on a Master Tourism Plan. The committee decided to apply for funding through ND Park & Rec to develop the Pembina River Trail, which consist of three (3) canoe access points with floating docks along the Pembina River, Vang Bridge, Brick Mine Bridge and Riverside Park. ND Park & Rec approved a grant of $41,000.00 and the committee raised the local match of $10,250.00 be developing partnerships with the City of Walhalla, Pembina County JDA and Cavalier County JDA. Project is underway, docks have been ordered and construction will began at the three sites in the spring. The committee also developed a partnership with ND Forest Service and applied for funding through DOT TE Program to development the Tetrault Woods State Forest Scenic Overlook. Waiting for approval from DOT. This spring construction will also began at the Masonic Scenic Overlook, which was funded by the ND Scenic Byway fund. The committee is also developing a plan to expand hiking, biking and cross county trails for 2008-2009. Tourism has great impact on the business community, therefore creating jobs in the area benefiting the unemployed.
I had to make a visit to the cell tower, and check it out for myself before I invest in a cell phone. I told Kathy she needs to join the 21st century and get a “cell”. I better give Alltel a call, I need to be prepared in case of an emergency during my rendezvous. Walhalla is fortune to have service, it is very important in today’s business world and for emergencies. I plan to go site seeing the rest of the day. Wally
Walhalla never had cell service before December 5, 2007. Community motto ”Visit Walhalla and Take a Cell Phone Vacation”A Horizons Action Plan Committee “Cell Service” went on a mission. The committee developed partnerships with members of the ambulance and fire departments, the Pembina County Emergency Management, and decided it was time to take action and contacted Alltel and Verizon. The City of Walhalla kept in contact with both companies and for several years both companies made verbal commitments that they would be coming to the area soon, but nothing concrete ever happened. The Horizons Action Committee and partners starting calling the companies and Alltel made a commitment to have service in the area before in the end of 2007. Walhalla residents were so excited it was like watching children in a “candy” store. Leadership and Partnerships prove to be successful.
Walhalla was so lucky to have NDSU bring the Group Decision Center to Walhalla. Thirty-six computers all networked together having the opportunity to share ideas for the betterment of our community. Forty-
eight (48) students in the afternoon and Twenty-three adults in the evening participated and it was learning experience for everyone. To have the opportunity to have state-of-the-art technology in Walhalla was Awesome! The survey reports were instrumental in developing our community vision.
I met Liann Zeller, Director of the Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce and Liann has tourist information on just about every 
place in North Dakota. But when in comes to Walhalla and the Rendezvous Region Liann can tell you everything you need to know. The Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce is also the home of the Gorge Art Gallery and Museum of Natural History. Local artist display and sell their work from the Chamber/Gallery/Museum. Any artist in community, region or state can display their work and the Gorge Art Gallery encourages all artist to take the opportunity to show and sell. The Museum of Natural History consist of a small display of artifacts from the area. Local residents bring their artifacts in to be put on display, Liann would like more, and everyone is welcome to put there treasures on display. It’s also a great opportunity for the community to be exposed to the arts and natural history. Every Friday one of the artist is in the Gallery working on a project, and throughout the year the Gallery host different activities and classes from watercolor, to making gingerbread houses, to card making to photography etc. Some of the classes are free and the cost of others are very inexpensive, just a few dollars to cover the cost of materials, this way everyone can take part. The Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce and Gorge Art Gallery provides the leadership needed to be a a well rounded successful rural community. And I’m so glad I decided to explore to area. See you around Wally!
