By Sally Gracie
Wouldn’t it be something if Rose Weagant could create a program about the 1948 flood as she did with “BURN: Stories of the Fire,” which played to a full house at The Merc Playhouse on Saturday
(Nov. 22)?
Ki Gottberg, artistic director of The Merc, explained that what we would see is called “theater of testimony.” For “BURN,” many stories were woven together to create one dramatic and emotional experience for the audience. Rose used passages from Methow Valley News reporting, road closure warnings, telephone texts, journals, poetry and music, Facebook posts and fire incident reports to create the script. Highlights were Ken Bevis’s song, “There Was a Firestorm,” which opened and closed the show, the Ringgold family’s texts, and Salyna Gracie’s poetry. Shelley Block’s emotional narrative about saving her two horses was especially affecting.
This is a theatrical work that could be replayed in 10 or 20 years. It is part of the historical record.
Nine tables at the first Christmas bazaar were annual fundraisers hosted by valley schools and organizations. I didn’t do much shopping, but I came home with two pies and a couple of dozen raffle tickets. Along with the raffle tickets, I now have a couple of weeks to anticipate my winning Christmas this year.
All of these groups will return to the gym for the second bazaar on Dec. 6, and they will be looking for your support.
My fingers are crossed especially for one of five $1-tickets that could win me the Methows Valley United Methodist Church women’s “Made in the Methow” basket. It includes three bottles of Lost River wines, potholders, Molly’s soaps and Lariat coffees.
Methow Valley Community School’s raffle tickets are$10 each, and the prizes are a chance at eight gift certificates: Hank’s Harvest Foods for $250; Glover Street Market’s, $150; and the Do-It Center donated two $50 certificates.
The school’s table also showcases note cards designed by students and its locavores cookbook. Little Star Montessori School once again is selling the popular Methow Values coupon books for $20.
I finally bought a raffle ticket to support the Liberty Bell High School junior class’s Close Up trip to D.C. from Monica Chavey, an LBHS junior who was tending the table. My $10 ticket gives me a chance at more than 50 prizes. At another table, wreaths ($28) and swags ($24) were for sale to raise funds for the senior class after-prom party.
One lucky $1 raffle ticket purchased from Friends of the Pool will win a family season pass and swim lesson session at the Wagner Pool. One of the bright blue-and-orange T-shirts ($12), also available at the table, would make a nice gift.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has so many items for its “Health and Fitness” basket — a picnic basket fully outfitted with cutlery, etc. — that items like the yoga mat are in a separate package. Tickets are $1.
American Legion Auxiliary 120 raises money for its scholarship fund by selling raffle tickets. This year’s prize is a $325 gift certificate to Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, wine and wine glasses, jam and more. Tickets are $1. The auxiliary does not have its drawing until the spring.
Methow Valley Garden Club’s prize is a “Taste of Italy” basket, full to overflowing with Italian foods. Tickets are six for $5.
Methow Valley Community Center will once again hold its Christmas tree sale fundraiser. Latest word is the tree stand will be open on Hank’s parking lot on Saturday (Nov. 29).
Congratulations to Jim and Charlotte Mitchell, celebrating 50 years of marriage on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27). They were married in Okanogan and have spent all their married years here in the valley. Their children are Michelle (Brent) Manley of Kent and James (Stephanie) Mitchell of Twisp.
