fishing cup

Bob Ellingson met Celene Christensen during the summer of 1963 in Port Angeles, Washington. Bob vividly remembers sitting in a college library one day when he looked up and saw the most beautiful girl wearing a pretty green corduroy dress. That beautiful girl became his wife on Dec. 21, 1964. For the first few years of marriage, the couple lived and worked in Port Angeles, Seattle and Bellingham. They had their first son, Eric, in 1965. While in Seattle, Bob put himself through college and supported his new family by working nights and attending the University of Washington during the day. Their second son, Brett, was born in 1967. In 1970, the family moved to Centralia. Bob began teaching at Washington Elementary School, where he taught fifth grade for many years. Celene was a stay-at-home mom until her boys were in high school, then she attended college at Central Washington University to receive her teaching degree. Celene taught elementary school at Jefferson Lincoln and Oakview Elementary school for several years. Bob later owned the Print Shop for many years along with teaching technology at Maple Lane School. They both retired in 1999. Bob likes to joke and say that he hasn’t worked this century. The couple continues to stay busy with family, hobbies, church, volunteering and traveling. Some of their travels have included; backpacking through Europe and North Africa, a trip down the Rhine, visiting relatives in Sweden, Hawaii trip with the family, Alaskan cruise, adventures on the Trans Mongolian Railway, road trip to Alaska in their Volkswagen van and countless camping trips with family and friends. The couple's children (Eric and Marcia and Brett and Joey) hosted a big bash “seafood extravaganza” dinner in Birch Bay with all of the family in attendance to celebrate their 60th anniversary. The Ellingsons have six grandchildren, Micah, Sarah, Christa, Gina, Jasper and Alida; and three great-grandchildren, Connor, Avaya and Axel. ••• To submit an anniversary announcement to The Chronicle, email photos and details to news@chronline.com . Information can also be mailed to 321 N. Pearl St., Centralia.

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By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. Houseplants don’t get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Making your own (plant-based) milk Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has explained that before any GM food or material is released in the country, it undergoes strict regulatory procedures and scientific scrutiny. This follows the recent alarm raised by critics of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) over the safety of GM foods. The Director General of NBMA, Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra while addressing journalists recently, said the mandate of the Agency is to prioritize the safety of Nigerians and the environment. “Every Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) approved by our Agency undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny and strict regulatory procedures to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. “Our regulatory framework is designed to protect you, our citizens the environment and our diverse biodiversity from any potential harm”, she said. Dr Asagbra noted that the negative statements circulating are not only misleading but lack credible scientific backing. She said the critics of the technology aim to spread fear and misinformation. “We ask these organizations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims”, she added. Furthermore, the NBMA Boss stated that the Agency relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions. “Our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment, and we will not compromise on this. “It is important for the public to understand that without the NBMA, Nigeria could become a dumping ground for unregulated and potentially harmful GMOs and products of biotechnology “Our Agency is your shield against such dangers, ensuring that only safe and beneficial biotechnology products enter our market. “Our goal is to foster innovation in a safe and regulated manner, promoting scientific advancements that can improve food security and contribute to sustainable agriculture”, she said. She however assured the members of House of Representatives who are investigating GMOs of the full cooperation of the agency. “The NBMA remains transparent and accountable in all its operations. “We invite you to review our processes and the rigorous evaluations each GMO product undergoes before approval. “We are confident that our procedures meet global standards and are in the best interest of Nigerians. “Nigerians, we stand at a crossroads where we must choose between progress and fear. Biotechnology offers us tools to address food security challenges, increase productivity, and combat climate change. “We urge you to trust in the rigorous processes and dedicated efforts of the NBMA to protect and improve our lives and to always forward your suggestions, complaints and observations to the NBMA. “The NBMA is committed to promoting scientific literacy and the acceptance of innovation. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our regulatory approaches are transparent, science-based, and in the best interest of Nigeria”, she added. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now

FILE PHOTO: Sep 29, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) is stopped by Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Simi Fehoko (87) on a kick off return in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/File Photo The Kansas City Chiefs placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on injured reserve Saturday with a knee injury. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters Friday that Hardman suffered the injury before the team's on-field work when his "knee locked up on him." The earliest Hardman can return is Week 18 against the host Denver Broncos. Hardman, 26, signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs in June, just months after he caught the game-winning touchdown in Kansas City's 25-22 overtime victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. A three-time Super Bowl champion, Hardman has 12 catches for 90 yards as well as five rushes for 62 yards and a touchdown this season. He also has 20 punt returns and five kick returns. Hardman has 178 receptions for 2,302 yards and 16 touchdowns in 80 career games (28 starts) since being picked by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed as a free agent with the New York Jets to start the 2023 season before being traded back to the Chiefs. In a corresponding move, the Chiefs signed receiver Nikko Remigio off the practice squad, where he has spent the entire season after not making the 53-man roster in training camp. The Chiefs (11-1) are set for a divisional matchup Sunday night against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (8-4). --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) Love: The Lovers Mood: The Hanged Man Career: Strength This week brings good news on the health front, especially for those dealing with chronic conditions, as a new treatment shows positive results. Traditional healing methods can further enhance these effects. Your efforts to bring harmony to your family life are likely to succeed, with younger family members being especially drawn to your positive energy. In your romantic life, peace and happiness with your partner are on the horizon. However, professionally, delays in discussing critical issues with seniors may lead to disappointment later, so don’t put it off. Be cautious when dealing with loans, as financial risks are high. Travel opportunities, possibly overseas, bring excitement, and a great deal on a new home might be on the table. Students need to focus hard to regain concentration. Lucky Number : 6 Lucky Colour : Blue TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20) Love: Judgment Mood: Magician Career: Ten of Wands This week, you're open to new ideas and collaborations, leading to positive career progress. You may receive attractive job offers, bringing both professional growth and financial benefits. Smart financial planning will help reduce expenses and boost savings. Romance is also in the air, with your partner in a particularly affectionate mood. If you’ve been thinking of proposing, now might be the perfect time. However, watch out for negative energy that could impact your health, and steer clear of arguments at social events to avoid family conflict. Selling your home privately may also save significant costs. Lucky Number : 9 Lucky Colour : Brown GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21) Love: The World Mood: King of Wands Career: Justice This week brings positivity for Geminis. At work, you might not feel entirely connected to your organization, but that won't hinder your professional progress. Students can expect good results and improved concentration. An exciting overseas trip could be in the cards, offering lasting memories. Your support will be crucial in helping your family through difficult times. Keep an eye out for an exotic travel opportunity and a good deal on a residential property. Important document signings may be postponed, so stay flexible. Offer assistance to others whenever possible—it will bring you satisfaction. Lucky Number : 3 Lucky Colour : Red CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 22) Love: Four of Cups Mood: The Magician Career: The Hanged Man Love is in the air for Cancerians, with your romantic partner subtly trying to connect with you. Pay attention to these cues. A harmonious home life will benefit your children and restore peace. Professionally, your intelligence and influence will help you resolve workplace issues, particularly in communication with subordinates. Some of you may see profits from past investments. Strong willpower will keep chronic health issues at bay, and adopting a healthier lifestyle will ensure continued good health. However, a fun trip may not be as enjoyable if you're mentally preoccupied. Avoid entering joint ventures in real estate for now. Lucky Number : 1 Lucky Colour : Golden LEO (Jul 23-Aug 23) Love: Knight of Wands Mood: Three of Coins Career: Devil This week, you'll be able to channel your energy in a productive direction. In your career, instead of waiting for opportunities to come to you, actively seek them out. Those with digestive issues may experience significant improvements with changes in diet and treatment. Financial gains are possible from unexpected sources, but avoid unreliable financial advice. Your presence at home will uplift your children, and small gestures on the romantic front may have a profound effect. Traveling may come with challenges, but new connections will be worthwhile. Make sure to resolve any leave issues before planning your vacation. Lucky Number : 7 Lucky Colour : Pink VIRGO (Aug 24-Sept 23) Love: Wheel of Fortune Mood: Devil Career: Two of Wands This week presents a promising time to adopt a more balanced approach to life. Romance will bring joy, and quality family time will bring peace and harmony. At work, take action instead of waiting for things to fall into place if you want to succeed. Health improvements are likely as your attitude toward life shifts positively. Plan your travels carefully to avoid stress and make room for leisure. Exploring real estate options may lead you to a good deal. However, efforts to reconnect with old business contacts might not pay off this week, so new connections will require hard work. Lucky Number : 4 Lucky Colour : Red LIBRA (Sept 24-Oct 23) Love: The Hermit Mood: The Magician Career: Two of Coins Being straightforward and honest will help you achieve your goals this week. Holistic healing methods might bring relief without the need for traditional treatments. Financially, an improved situation will allow you to pay off debts ahead of time, and smart spending will help save even more. Your hard work will be recognized at your job, leading to an improved position. If you're searching for a life partner, your quest may come to a happy conclusion now. However, your stubbornness could disturb family harmony, so try to be more flexible. Investing in undeveloped properties may prove profitable. A trip to an offbeat location could turn out to be more fun than expected. Lucky Number : 11 Lucky Colour : Purple SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22) Love: The Hermit Mood: Two of Swords Career: Two of Coins This week, bold decisions and consistent effort will bring steady personal growth. Romance will be a highlight, with strong influences all week. Singles may find success on dating apps, while married Scorpios could receive exciting news. At work, stay alert, as someone might try to disrupt your plans, but don’t let minor issues stress you out. Overcoming negative thoughts will improve your health, and practicing meditation can help bring inner peace. If you're thinking about long-term investments, properties under construction may offer good opportunities. However, be wary of persuasive talk that could lead to financial loss. Lucky Number : 1 Lucky Colour : Light Green SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21) Love: The Star Mood: Five of Swords Career: Three of Coins This week, your confidence in your decisions will be high. You may achieve a significant position in your job and do well in your professional role. You might also indulge in luxury items, adding comfort to your life. A family celebration may bring joy, and the household atmosphere will remain lively. However, avoid getting too involved in your partner’s affairs, as it could lead to misunderstandings. Strengthen your relationship by showing trust. If you're dealing with obesity, sticking to traditional weight loss methods will bring results. Quick fixes should be avoided. Lucky Number : 17 Lucky Colour : Orange CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21) Love: Three of Swords Mood: The Tower Career: The Empress This week promises professional growth, with new responsibilities helping to advance your career. A new business opportunity may also lead to financial gains. Keep an open mind toward unconventional ideas for more success. You’ll enjoy a supportive relationship with your family elders, whose advice will help you make the right decisions. Married life will be harmonious, with your spouse playing a key role in managing household duties. Be prepared for possible disruptions on long road trips due to weather, so plan accordingly. Investing in residential property could bring future benefits, and students may win scholarships. Lucky Number : 5 Lucky Colour : Peach AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19) Love: Temperance Mood: Two of Wands Career: The Moon This week is filled with creative ideas, and your efforts will lead to gains beyond expectations. Business professionals will successfully negotiate deals and may even enter new partnerships. In your career, you’ll have opportunities to sign new contracts. However, your romantic relationship might face challenges, so try to understand things from your partner’s perspective to improve the situation. Despite your busy schedule, find time to connect with nature, which will refresh your mind. It's also an excellent time to invest in real estate, as property values are rising, leading to potential gains. Lucky Number : 7 Lucky Colour : Magenta PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20) Love: Eight of Cups Mood: Six of Swords Career: Three of Wands This week brings positive developments in both family and personal relationships. Your love life will be filled with romance, and you’ll enjoy special moments with your partner, making it a good time for marriage. Domestic peace and harmony will bring immense happiness. At work, ensure that important files are complete before handing them over to seniors to avoid any embarrassment. You might also go on a pleasurable trip that revitalizes your spirit. Healthwise, removing minor irritants from your routine will help you enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle. If you're selling property, seek expert advice to get the right price. Lucky Number : 8 Lucky Colour : Yellow By: Manisha Koushik (Astrologer, Tarot Card Reader, Numerologist, Vastu & Fengshui Consultant) Email: support@askmanisha.com Url: http://www.askmanisha.com Contact: +919650015920Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. HO/The Canadian Press Vancouver’s Bench Accounting suddenly ceased operations Friday, potentially putting hundreds out of work and leaving customers of the bookkeeping company – which had raised more than US$100-million from leading tech investors, including Shopify Inc. – scrambling for alternatives. The previous homepage of the Bench website was replaced Friday with a “ notice of service closure ” that said its platform was no longer accessible and that customers can expect to receive more information about how to access their data by Dec. 30. “We know this news is abrupt and may cause disruption, so we’re committed to helping Bench customers navigate through the transition,” the notice said, which also recommended customers switch to San Francisco–based accounting startup Kick. In a post on X, Shopify chief operations officer Kaz Nejatian blamed the shutdown on the decision in late 2021 to replace Bench co-founder Ian Crosby with Jean-Philippe Durrios as chief executive officer. “Bad investors destroyed a great Canadian company by replacing the founder with so-called professionals,” Mr. Nejatian wrote. Tobi Lutke, Shopify’s founder and CEO, replied to Mr. Nejatian’s post, saying: “this is exactly what happened. Replacing Ian Crosby is what killed the company.” Mr. Crosby ran Bench as CEO until late 2021, when he left to launch another accounting startup called Teal alongside Adam Saint, a fellow Bench co-founder. Teal was acquired by U.S. fintech company Mercury in September, and Mr. Crosby is now listed as Mercury’s head of accounting products. Multiple unverified reports said Bench has filed for creditor protection and that its roughly 450 employees had been laid off, though Mr. Durrios did not respond to multiple requests for confirmation. Bench first launched in 2011 and at its peak had a staff of nearly 700. Customers of the now-shuttered accounting subscription service were quick to voice their frustration. “After being a loyal client and partner since 2019, I’m feeling completely blindsided,” Monika Rose, founder and CEO of artisan market Grapes & Goods, said in a LinkedIn post. “Over the past year, I noticed higher team turnover and slower communication, but I chose to give them the benefit of the doubt. Just weeks ago, I even decided to onboard my new company with them. Now, I’m left with no books and feeling deeply let down.” Richie McIlroy had been a Bench customer for just two months when he learned the company was shutting down. His company, a Liverpool, U.K.-based screen recording sharing startup called Cap that he describes as an open-source alternative to the video messaging app Loom, paid Bench nearly US$2,000 for 10 months of backfilling and two monthly subscription payments. “They very happily took our money,” Mr. McIlroy told The Globe. “Nothing has been completed. It was supposed to be completed by the start of January, just in time for our first filing. This situation is absolutely ridiculous.” Bench was co-founded by Ian Crosby, and in 2012, the company joined the TechStars accelerator program in New York as 10sheet Inc. before changing its name to Bench Accounting and moving to Vancouver the following year. Bench went on to raise roughly US$113-million from some of the biggest names in the technology space. Shopify participated in its most recent fundraising round in 2021, which also included Inovia Capital, Altos Ventures and Contour Partners. British small business software maker Sage Group also participated in that round and Bank of Montreal provided some debt. In a statement posted to his personal social accounts on Friday, Mr. Crosby said he was “very sad to see that Bench Accounting has shut down.” He said he was “fired from the company I co-founded” while having lunch with a member of the Bench board of directors in November of 2021. “The board member thanked me for bringing the company to this point, but that they would be bringing in a new professional CEO to ‘take the company to the next level’,” Mr. Crosby wrote. “I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company.” “I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs that think they can ‘upgrade’ a company by replacing the founder,” he said. “It never works.”