Leadership Washington program begins new year

WASHINGTON — Leadership Washington, a nine-month leadership program sponsored by the Washington Chamber of Commerce, kicked off another year Wednesday, Sept. 8, with a new class of 25 members.

The theme of the day was City History Day, and the class had the pleasure of spending much of the day with local historian Michael Zahs.

The day began at 8:30 a.m. at the Blair House where photographer and former Leadership graduate Rachel Fishback shot the annual class photo. After a few orientation exercises, the class toured the Blair House, then drove to Elm Grove Cemetery for a tour led by Zahs.

From there it was off to a picnic shelter at Sunset Park where another Leadership alum, Police Chief Jim Lester, grilled lunch for the group. Members of the Leadership Washington Planning Committee were there to greet the class and Chamber Director Michelle Redlinger delivered some welcoming remarks.

Then it was up the hill from the shelter for a tour of the Alexander Young Log House led by Marj Lins and a drive back to downtown to learn the history of the State Theatre from Zahs and theater manager Kaylin Vibbard.

From there, class members went to the F-Troop Military Museum where tour guides Tonnie Crile and Rachel Nicola welcomed them. The day ended at the Mills Seed Co. building with Terry Philips presenting a history of the site.

Jenny Morgan, Kara Booth and Mekenzie Edwards were the leaders for the day.