By Don Nelson
Make it a ‘green’ Christmas
Some things bear repeating, some things should go without saying.
Our annual exhortation to do as much of your holiday shopping as possible with valley merchants falls into both categories.
We are all part of an interdependent economy here in the Methow, relying not only on visitors but also each other to keep the place viable. Mutual support is what makes this a community.
It’s not like you have to sacrifice quality or variety to do your shopping with your neighbors. Our local shopkeepers offer top-of-the-line merchandise, and if they don’t have something in stock they can probably get it for you. And the array of Methow Valley products available from many of them is remarkable, including food, beverages, arts, crafts, personal products, clothing and more. Don’t forget experiences. Gift cards for Nordic trail and Alpine ski lift passes, or nights of lodging, aren’t a bad idea.
Local shopping is also a social thing. It’s a good time of year to be chatting with people you perhaps haven’t seen for a while.
Keeping our dollars in local circulation means that some of those you spend will likely find their way back to you. Let’s keep them home for the holidays.
No sub-stitute
Now here’s the crass commercial portion of our message: I don’t want to sound like an NPR pledge drive. But, I am asking those of you who are not regular subscribers to consider supporting community journalism at its most vital level.
To help persuade you, we are again launching a “sub sale” — discounting all of our subscriptions for a limited time, as we did this time last year.
The Methow Valley News gets very little revenue from our online efforts, though they increasingly demand more resources — the print edition supports our work on Facebook and our website.
Advertisers pay for most of what we do, but subscribers have an important role as well. Without them, there would be no reason for advertisers to stick with us.
We’re not asking for a handout. We’re devoted to serving this community — and its many friends — with top-notch journalism. We promise to continuously deliver valuable information, both in print and online.
If you believe in community journalism, please consider a new subscription, a renewal, or an extension at our discounted price. Or buy a subscription for a friend, relative or organization. You can even buy an undesignated subscription, and we’ll send it to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
To subscribe, call the office at 997-7011 (we take debit and credit cards), or to buy a subscription online visit methowvalleynews.com/subscribe. Special pricing expires Dec. 31.
Of course, we’re happy if you just keep buying the paper at our local outlets, too.
Good neighbors
In keeping with the holiday spirit, here’s a reminder that there is still time to make contributions to Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Manger Mall. These programs are part of the valley’s long-time tradition of generosity this time of year. Last year, the two programs provided gifts for more than 225 children and holiday food baskets for more than 140 families. It’s not likely those numbers will be going down this year.
Food items can be dropped off at Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, Evergreen IGA in Winthrop and the Mazama and Carlton stores. Leave gifts for kids at Mick & Miki’s Red Cedar Bar and North Cascades Bank in Twisp, Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness, and at the Mazama and Carlton stores.
You can also leave a food donation on your front porch — leave the light on — on Thursday evening (Dec. 10) if you live in Twisp or Winthrop, and volunteers from Okanogan County Fire District 6 will pick them up.
Make monetary donations at North Cascades Bank or The Cove in Twisp.
And if you’re in need of the help, there’s one more chance to sign up for a food basket, from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday at The Cove.
Help if you can. There’s more than enough cheer in our hearts to chase away the winter chill.
