Runaway train
Dear Editor:
In the article, “Local climate task force seeks public input at ‘Resilient Methow’ workshop” (Nov. 6), Amy Snover depicted a “train coming down the track” at us. But perhaps a better analogy would be if we are all riding on or operating that train. Something like: A locomotive is barreling down the tracks. Up ahead is a solid brick wall. A few scattered, faint voices warn “Look out!” “Slow down!!” but go unheeded — unheard over the engine’s roar and the conductor’s cries of “Faster!” “Faster!” as his minions shovel coal into the train’s overheated firebox.
The new horsemen of the apocalypse — overpopulation, climate change, pandemic and nuclear war — are out front, leading the charge.
The human population clock spins out of control, while the number of extinct species goes up with equal rapidity. It’s two minutes to midnight, but the hedonistic passengers in the dining car — partying as hearty as ever and feasting on the flesh of less-fortunate animals — just draw the shades or turn away. For “sport,” some shoot at the wildlife peacefully grazing nearby.
Jim Robertson, Twisp
Wonderful event
Dear Editor:
Ingredients for a celebration: excellent food, great folks, music sung from the heart, some tears, some laughs, and a commitment to share in the continuation of a worthy endeavor. The Methow Valley Interpretive Center held its first “official” fundraiser last Saturday night and it had all of the “right” ingredients. We would like to thank Rob Grestzner and Gudrun Brunot for coming out of retirement and producing an amazing array of hors d’ oeuvres to feast on, their trusty crew of food volunteers get special notice. Ken Bevis and Lauralee Northcott offered up what they do so well — sharing deeply felt stories and songs — and then Ken produced another talent, getting money out of people’s pockets as the auctioneer for a live auction. Over 40 people and businesses offered items for a fun-filled silent auction. The Dixons provided warm and friendly bar service. We hope all who attended went away with something good, even if it was simply a good memory of time shared with old and new friends. Thank you all of you who participated. You made a wonderful evening!
Carolyn Schmekel, Twisp
Ready to move forward
Dear Editor:
First, I want to thank each every one who supported my campaign and who voted for me. I want everyone to know how much I appreciate their efforts and their vote. Second, I want to thank my campaign team and the supporters who committed many hours to learn about the issues, write letters to the editor, get campaign signs placed, organize and attend my “meet the candidate” events and talk to everyone they knew about me and why the supported me. Thanks so much.
I believe the success of this campaign is a strong indication that the people of Fire District 6 are ready to get the new central fire station and training facility built. We are ready to move forward on this build.
I am firmly committed to providing the best possible emergency response to our community while providing our firefighters with the needed facilities and equipment to do their job safely and efficiently.
I intend to show my thanks for your support by finishing what we have started and by taking advantage of the Betti Foundation’s generous offer of grant funding.
Darold Brandenburg, Winthrop
Thanks for support
Dear Editor:
On behalf of Kirsten Ostlie, Tracy Sprauer, Bethany Ridenour and myself, we want to express our gratitude to our community for those who attended the celebration in honoring and remembering our beloved departed on Nov. 1 The first public event that is dedicated to embrace and commemorate the circle of life in our community. Death is only a transmutation into a different form of existence for many cultures. For our community to acquire a closer experience with this phenomena in a caring and loving form through building altars, telling stories, making flags and paper flowers and culminating with the ceremony of lighting candles was a vivid moment that witnesses the spirit coming alive in the people we love and are no longer with us in a physical body. Thank you so much for being part of this celebration and we hope to see you next year.
Imelda Cervantes de Barnard, Twisp
