In a world of interconnectedness, two former co-workers at an international accounting firm discovered they were both property owners in the Methow. When Jill Sheley and Della Glein became reacquainted and discussed their paths since their mutual employment ended, they learned of another passion they shared — a new Winthrop library.
Jill serves as executive director for Friends of the Winthrop Public Library and is frequently the face of FOWL’s capital campaign. Della learned from Jill that the FOWL website needed some improvement. She was able to use her IT expertise to help out. The third co-worker has been a financial supporter of the project even though recently selling the Methow family property.
We hope that when the innovative new library is completed the coronavirus will be finally taken down so that gathering is possible once again. In the meantime, the safely distanced Mazama Store courtyard gives one a small sense of the human connectedness that not so long ago was “normal.” On a recent hot evening, an unusual six degrees of separation moment happened.
Jill Sheley promoted the new Winthrop public library at the Mazama Store.
Jill Sheley had her table set up to bring awareness to the library project and campaign. Della and her husband Rick were having a cold drink after splashing in the river. Jill mentioned that their mutual friend had sold his property. Della pointed to another table with the comment, “Yes. That fellow is the new owner!” He then introduced himself to Jill and offered some areas of his own expertise that might eventually be useful to the project.
A new bench on Jack’s Trail beckoned those ready for a break.
It’s a small world after all!
This week, our horse rides took us to Big Valley and Jack’s Trail. There were two things of note. First, Methow Trails has placed a new bench at the far meadow on Jack’s Trail and another on the Big Valley trail. Each bench has a thoughtful saying engraved/painted on the bench back and a cross-country ski incorporated in the structure. They are very clever and welcoming to a weary walker or rider. Oh, and each bench has a bottle opener attached! Bring your beverage.
The other notable takeaway from our rides was trail etiquette. I couldn’t help but wonder if all the users had read my column last week. Every cyclist stopped, dismounted, and asked for direction as to how to proceed. It was incredibly refreshing and “thank yous” all around!
