Something to be proud of
Dear Editor:
I want to take thank everyone who made yet another year of Neighbors Helping Neighbors possible. From the community donations that allow us to purchase the holiday meals, to the schools that collect non-perishable items that fill the cupboards (Methow Valley Elementary School collected over 4000), to the businesses that put out our coin jars and donation boxes, to the students who made holiday cards for our recipients, to the 4-H group that made candy wreaths, to the countless volunteers and individuals who help me run this program, and to Hank Konrad (and his incredible staff), who always allows us to take over the stock room for almost a full week as we sort and pack the holiday baskets.
We delivered 141 holiday food baskets this year, which translates to just shy of 400 people in this valley! That is something each and every person who contributed, in any way, should feel proud of. There is no doubt in my mind that the Methow Valley is one giant neighborhood. Thank you!
Jennifer Elden, program manager, Neighbors Helping Neighbors
An inspiration
Dear Editor:
Thanks for putting together the Trial by Fire supplement to the Methow Valley News. The stories are very compelling. There are hundreds of these stories still waiting to be told, many still buried in the ashes. All involve a lot of sadness, but also courage, hope and a few miracles.
The supplement will inspire readers to help or donate to the relief groups like ccanrelief.org. They have identified a need of at least $8 million to rebuild homes.
George Wooten, Twisp
Celebrate the News
Dear Editor:
I think it is remarkably cool that we in the Methow Valley still have a newspaper! When many small towns have lost their local newspaper, ours comes out every week. I don’t know about you but I plan my social outings based on the calendar. I enjoy reading what is going on, and checking out the photographs to see if there is anyone around I still recognize.
So, I’ve decided to host a 113th birthday party for the Methow Valley News: Jan. 31, 7 p.m. at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. Everyone who appreciates the value of our local “wipe,” as we used to say, is invited. With a variety show format, there will be stories from past and current newspaper folks. Poking fun at the paper is also high on the agenda. There will be lots of music too, including the Hottells, Hank Cramer, Brad Pinkerton (maybe the other guys too), Ben Gilmore, and more. I will be the host of the evening and have a couple of tricks up my sleeve as well.
Thank you Don Nelson for buying the paper and becoming a member of our community. I’ve seen a lot of editors come and go in my time, and each one has brought something unique and important to our valley. Let’s celebrate this amazing valuable way we keep in touch.
Lauralee Northcott, Winthrop
Thanks for the company
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank the community for making my job at the Twisp branch of North Central Regional Library (NCRL) interesting and fun. I especially want to recognize all the volunteers and the Friends group who made it easier.
It has been an honor to serve this community these 30 years and I am finding it very difficult to leave. Many people have steered me to books, authors and movies that I could then pass on to others. These personal connections really make our library special. Libraries are a great resource and NCRL is one of the best: free education, free entertainment, free computer use, and lots of good company.
So although I will not be serving you, I hope to see you at the library from the other side of the desk. Thanks to you all including the person who left the truffles!
Terry Dixon, Carlton
Snowmobilers help
Dear Editor:
We would like to heartily thank Ed Surett of Mountain Trails Grooming Association and the Methow Valley Snowmobile Club for stepping in to help groom the Methow Valley Nordic Team McCabe trails at the high school this week. We have early snow this year but the team hasn’t been able to take advantage of our high school trail due to snowmobile issues. Ed and the snowmobile club came through and used their grooming equipment to get our trails up and running. We have a Junior Qualifier race scheduled at the trails Jan. 17–18 (come out and watch the excitement!) and it is imperative that we get on the trails now. Thanks to Ed and the snowmobile community for helping us out!
Leslie Hall, Director, Methow Valley Nordic Team
