Help out at the rink
The Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink is looking for skilled carpenters to volunteer their expertise this week to help with framing the new buildings under construction at the rink. Volunteers are needed from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Friday (July 3). For more information, call (509) 341-4400. Refrigeration equipment and other amenities are being added to the rink this summer.
Recognition for Coghlan
Anne Coghlan of Winthrop, who is on the nursing faculty at the Omak campus of Wenatchee Valley College, has received a 10-year service award from the school.
Pacific Biodiversity Institute seeks volunteers
Pacific Biodiversity Institute (PBI) in Winthrop is studying the ecological effects of the Carlton Complex Fire, especially the effects on wildlife and their habitat, and is looking for volunteers to participate in the 2015 field season. Participants will gather data on (and learn about) forests, native plants, birds, and mammals — including some endangered species like the western gray squirrel and gray wolf.
PBI is also looking for experienced birders who would like to participate in point-count surveys to study the impact of wildfire on bird populations; and for people with experience in native plant identification and the identification of weedy species to help with ecological surveys of areas that burned on the Methow Wildlife Area and Alta Lake State Park.
PBI is working with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife on a three-year statewide survey of the threatened western gray squirrel, and needs volunteers to help staff and interns place hair-sampling tubes in fire-affected areas either on or near your property or on public lands.
Volunteers are needed immediately, and throughout the summer and early fall. To learn more, call 996-2490.
Solid waste stations closed
The Okanogan County central landfill, Twisp transfer station, Ellisforde transfer station and Bridgeport transfer station will be closed Saturday (July 4) in observance of Independence Day.
Sewing lessons for kids
Okanogan County 4-H is offering a sewing camp for kids 8 and older from July 13-16 at the Malott Grange Hall, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day. Cost is $17 for 4-H members and $27 for non-members. Bring your own sewing machine if you can. To register and for information, call (509) 826-2210.
Carlton Complex recovery events
The Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group (CCLTRG) is organizing a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of last summer’s wildfires.
A “stronger than fire” progress report will be offered on July 14 at the Twisp River Pub, beginning at 5 p.m. CCLTRG and the Methow Valley Long Term Recovery Organization (MVLTRO) will present a retrospective of the fire’s impacts at the free event, followed by an update on recovery efforts — including the progress on rebuilding 40 homes lost by uninsured, or underinsured, residents; and Methow Ready, an organization working on efforts to better prepare the community for future emergencies.
On July 17, the CCLTRG and the Summer School Gang will host a community barbecue and volunteer recognition ceremony from 2-7 p.m. in the Pateros High School gymnasium. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided and the community is encouraged to bring side dishes and desserts to share. A volunteer recognition ceremony will take place at 6 p.m.
Also on July 17, Brittany Jean, the Brewster singer-songwriter whose song “Wildfire” has become the soundtrack to CCLTRG recovery efforts, will open the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival with a performance of her song at 7 p.m. in the festival beer garden. Jean is donating all proceeds from sales of her song to Carlton Complex recovery efforts. Admission to the opening night performances is $10, or included with a weekend festival pass.
On July 18, fire-response volunteers are invited to march in the Apple Pie Jamboree Parade, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds from the fire hall in Pateros.
