Merc's Laramie Project explores themes of violence, tolerance and community healing

By Laurelle Walsh
In October 1998, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyo.

The murder of Matthew Shepard was perceived as an anti-gay crime, and brought attention to the lack of hate crime laws in various states, and inspired the expansion of federal law to include violence based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Five weeks after She

Music Days filled with jazz, orchestra, recitals

By Laurelle Walsh
Pipestone Music Days returns this weekend (May 25-26) with an annual celebration of homegrown classical music and jazz performed at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp.

A formal concert will be presented on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children 12 and under. Concessions on Saturday will be provided by the Valley Teen Center.

The 11-member Pipestone Youth Orchestra wil

What's happening

The Methow Valley Farmers Market in Twisp happens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. (Photo by Sue Misao)

Here's more:

Wednesday May 22
AWANA: Fun and games for ages preschool through 6th grade at Cascade Bible Church, Twisp. 997-8312. 7-8:30pm

Thursday May 23
COHOUSING: Info meeting about cohousing in Winthrop, at new barn at Shafer Museum. 996-3375. 7pm

Friday May 24
BICYCLE T

Artistic director search continues at the Merc

By Laurelle Walsh
The Merc Playhouse will continue to accept applications for a new rtistic director until June 1, according to Managing Director Jane Hubrig. The position is soon to be vacant due to the departure of outgoing Artistic Director Julie Wenzel, who will be moving out of the valley at the end of June.

“We are getting quite a few applications, and some very good ones,” Hubrig said. “The position calls for a unique skill set.”

Big day for bird counting

The Methow Naturalist held its 18th annual Migratory Bird Count last Sunday (May 19). Twelve people combed the valley, identifying birds by sight and by sound. The spotters saw or heard 103 species, with more than 800 total birds encountered.

Pied Billed Grebe 3
Double-crested Cormorant 15
Canada Goose 10
Mallard 25
Gadwall 4
American Widgeon 3
Blue-winged Teal 5
Cinnamon Teal 5
Green-winged Teal 2
Wood Duck 1

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