Help The Cove communicate
The Cove is asking for the community’s help in updating its database so it can more effectively communicate with local residents, especially via email. Call 997-0227 or email thecovecares@gmail.com if you are willing to share your email address. The Cove is also asking for your names and phone numbers. All information will be kept confidential and will not be shared.
Open house for resource center
The Pateros/Brewster Community Resource Center will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at its new office in the Pateros Mall on Friday (July 17) from 4–5:30 p.m. The nonprofit center, established in January, was created to provide support for people in need and help improve the well-being of south Okanogan County residents. Room One in Twisp has provided advisory support, and oversees Pateros-based case managers at the resource center. Other partner organizations include Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare and the Pateros School District. For more information, call (509) 733-1876 or (509) 670-1381.
Winthrop seeks planning commissioners
The Town of Winthrop is seeking to fill four openings on the town’s planning commission.
The citizen group helps guide long range-planning for the town.
The current group of commissioners has prepared an update of the town’s comprehensive plan that is now going through the adoption process. Tasks ahead include revising zoning and other land use regulations and completing an update of Winthrop’s Shoreline Master Program.
The commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month. Commissioners are appointed and serve on a voluntary basis. Anyone interested can contact Town Hall at 996-2320 or send an email to Mayor Sue Langdalen, mayor@townofwinthrop.com.
‘After the Fire’ class at Skalitude
The North Cascades Institute, an environmental learning center on Ross Lake, is offering a three-day class — “After the Burn: Wildfire Ecology in the Methow” — on July 24–26 at Skalitude Retreat near Carlton. Instructor Susan Prichard, a forest ecologist specializing in fire ecology and forest disturbances, will lead discussions about how vegetation, landscape and aspect impact fire behavior within the shrub steppe and dry forest ecosystems, as well as post-fire impacts to riparian areas and animal behavior. Cost is $250 including two nights of lodging at Skalitude, or $195 for “local commuters” who don’t require overnight accommodations. Call (360) 854-2599 to register or visit ncascades.org/signup/programs/after-the-burn.
Net zero energy strategies
“Approaching Net Zero Energy via Passive House Strategy,” a presentation on energy-saving residential construction principles featuring Howard Cherrington of Integrated Design Concepts and homeowner Mark Ryan, will take place on Aug. 7 from 6-7 p.m. at Ryan’s home in the Wolf Creek area. The presentation is free; pre-registration is required because seating is limited. To register, call 997-2787.
