Assault on the valley
Dear Editor:
As residents of the Methow Valley, we must object to the proposal for U.S. Army helicopter training in our valley. This valley is very susceptible to noise and air pollution.
This training program would have a serious impact on us and our tourism-based economy. This is a quiet and peaceful valley, and this action would change this forever!
Jessica and Joe Klein, Winthrop
Kick ’em out
Dear Editor:
Was the future biblical King David doomed to ignominious failure from his obscure shepherd beginning? His brothers told him to go back to his few sheep because he was unarmed, puny and untrained. The Philistines were a great massed army with Goliath their champion. Did David’s creator reject him?
Why does our creator stir up the presumed least of mankind to do the most “impossible” tasks?
Why did God pick the wretched foundling Moses out of Egypt’s Nile River to finally overthrow mighty Egypt and free Israel?
Didn’t God re-fashion his conspicuous champions to be invincible? Why did George Washington emerge from early battles as the only survivor with his clothing riddled with bullets, and flesh untouched?
Why did the disrespected George
Patton ignore orders to “stand fast” and instead overrun all the mightiest armies of the Third Reich?
How did a big Irish lifeguard and actor like Ronnie Reagan kick incompetent political hacks out of America and drive America into unprecedented strength, morality and sovereignty?
Has our America finally succumbed to its Muslim agenda under “oh bummer” today?
Are we Americans all dead meat? Or just brain dead?
Kick the incumbent cadavers out of office and give us a life force. I’m with Ben! Ben Carson, that is!
Ward Hartzell, Twisp
Thanks for series
Dear Editor:
To Don Reddington: Thank you so much for your courageous, thoughtful and articulate articles on dealing with Alzheimer’s. You and Jerry, Ginger, Josephine and Raleigh are performing a valuable and important service. Keep up the good work. We’re all with you!
Wayne and Linda Mendro, Twisp
Enjoyed the journey
Dear Editor:
I wish to acknowledge that I am so very blessed. I have worked with an excellent team of board members of The Cove and Jamie’s Place, staff, elders, families, volunteers, medical providers, and community supporters for the past nine years. I feel lucky to have the variety of skills that allowed us to create a home for our valley elders who previously had no alternative but to move from the beloved Methow Valley.
I regretfully, am leaving my position as registered nurse and administrator of Methow Valley Family Homes (Jamie’s Place and Mountain View) in September to support my family and explore future opportunities. I will assist throughout the transition to new staff, new management, and new possibilities. I will always be an advocate of person-centered, community-based long-term care. I have so appreciated the love and trust of our elders and families who have allowed me to walk this journey with them. The elders will forever be carried in my heart, and in the experiences learned by all who cared for them, all these many years. Thank you to those who have supported, and continue to support, our community-based nonprofit long-term care homes. You are such a gift to our vulnerable elders.
Author Tia Walker wrote: “To care for those who have cared for us, is one of the highest honors.” Thank you to all who have assisted me in providing our share of care to the elders of the Methow.
Sheila Brandenburg, Winthrop
Help with rebuild
Dear Editor:
There was a bit of misinformation in last week’s editorial. I was fortunate enough that my concrete was still okay after the burn. That meant three walls, a slab floor, and most of the roof (which was concrete) were usable and I didn’t need to pour a new foundation.
Last Monday a crew of volunteer retired carpenters from North Creek Presbyterian Church located in the south Everett area, and a group of young men with Christian Public Service (Mennonite affiliated) came in and started a flurry of activity. By the end of the week the place was all framed in, sheathed, false ceiling built, and even windows put in and trimmed. The Christian Public Service group (men I would say to be in their early 20s) were from all over the country (Missouri, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Alberta, Canada).
I don’t know how to thank these men enough for contributing their time, energy, and skills to my rebuild. Their effort is greatly appreciated.
Buddy Thomas, Twisp
Sick of criticism
Dear Editor:
Dana Visalli is at it again trashing the U.S. military (“Who do you serve,” Methow Valley News, July 15). I did not serve in Vietnam, but lost a brother to that conflict in 1967, so I am greatly offended by his statement that war crimes were commonplace by U.S. soldiers.
The book Kill Anything That Moves that Mr. Visalli references, written by Nick Terse, had an obvious agenda to uncover as many suspected war atrocities as possible attributed to the U.S. military. Terse, who writes articles for The Nation magazine, as well as other liberal publications, is eager to present his anti-American viewpoint. Another author, Gary Kulik, who actually served in Vietnam unlike Terse, also wrote a book, War Stories, which refuted many of these so-called war crimes.
Certainly, there were rare instances of atrocities committed by Americans, who were then justly prosecuted. Atrocities committed by the other side hold no interest for Mr. Visalli.
I am sick and tired of individuals who did not serve disparaging the men and women who did.
Bob Jateff, Winthrop
Much gratitude
Dear Editor:
On the anniversary of the Carlton Complex Fire, it is so apparent to me that our amazing community is continuing to pull together on so many fronts. By pulling together we are rebuilding homes, showing helping hands and loving hearts and creating new economic growth potential and employment for valley residents. One such example is the Herculean hard work, generosity, belief and dedication that has been happening at the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink (WISR). The building remodel is framed in and the rink is excavated and being prepared for the refrigeration and pouring of the slab in early September. Despite the blazing hot weather, the occasional equipment breakdown, the late arrival of some materials, and the volunteer force working on their weekends, we are on track to have refrigerated ice this winter! That means youth hockey for an entire season, tournaments that book in advance and contribute to our economy, skating lessons, and general all around fun from November to March! We are so lucky to get to live here!
Deep, deep gratitude and appreciation to all those who believe in this project and have donated time, materials, equipment, money, food, laughter, carpenter skills and a flat-out love for this community. As one of the many nonprofits that depend on community support we understand the commitment it takes from many volunteers to turn dreams to reality. The WISR board recognizes and appreciates all you volunteers!!
Jill Calvert, President, Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink
