Uniontown, PCEI among Avista grant recipients

Two local groups are recipients of $6,500 in funds from Avista in their third quarter Avista Foundation grants.

The Uniontown Community Development Association received $3,500 to help convert the 1920s mercantile building on Main Street into a manufacturing facility for Grandma Lela’s Oatmeal.

Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute received $3,000 for installation of an energy-efficient public restroom at the PCEI Nature Center in Moscow.

Uniontown Community Development Association (UCDA) is now at work restoring the mercantile building. The venture will transform a deteriorating vacant building into a food product processing and retail center.

The UCDA bought the building at auction in July for $39,750.

“The development of this center will provide more than 10 new jobs and will put a vacant commercial building back into productive use,” said Dale Miller, president, UCDA. “With the generous support of the Avista Foundation, we can continue our work to reenergize this community with the spirit of innovation that is needed to succeed.”

Grandma Lela’s is a business started in January by Cheryl and Steve Waller, along with Kathy Stilwell.

“Promoting business growth and job creation is fundamental to the revitalization of our small, rural communities,” said Paul Kimmell, Avista regional business manager for the Palouse. “The Avista Foundation is proud to be a part of such an innovative project whose long-term economic effects can make a significant difference.”

The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI)’s Nature Center in Moscow has more than 3,000 annual visitors for environmental learning opportunities through field trips, community events, sustainability workshops and more. The $3,000 Avista Foundation grant will help fund the purchase and installation of a demonstration solar panel system and energy efficient lighting for the restroom.

“In keeping with our mission, we wanted to develop a facility that promotes energy efficiency and environmental protection, as well as add more teaching tools,” said Thomas C. Lamar, PCEI executive director.

Other third quarter 2012 Avista Foundation grants also include $50,000 to Providence Health Care Foundation for a pediatric emergency room at Sacred Heart in Spokane, $3,500 to The Wild Horse Sports Association for a community sports complex in Plains, Mont., and $2,500 to the Oregon Dental Foundation for a two-day free dental clinic in Medford.

The Avista Foundation, established in 2002, focuses its giving on grants that strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for people served by Avista Utilities.