Sign up for Hottell’s history classes
Registration is now open for Bill Hottell’s annual history class series for 2022, which will focus on Germany and central and eastern Europe and begin on Jan. 12.
Last year’s sessions were held online, but this year’s series will be conducted in person at the Methow Valley United Methodist Church on Wednesday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. through mid-March. For that reason, Hottell said, the class sizes are limited and he urges early registration to reserve a spot. Proof of vaccination, masking and safe distancing will be required. Hottell said there is also a possibility that the sessions may be available online in the future. To register, email billhottell@gmail.com with your name, telephone number and/or email address, or call 997-6655.
Methodist service on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, Methow Valley United Methodist Church will have a candlelight celebration at 5 p.m. The service also marks 25 years of worship in the church’s sanctuary. Masking is required for all persons entering the building. For those who don’t wish to mask up, there will be a broadcast of the service over the church’s radio system so people can stay in their vehicles and listen. After the service, there will be singing outside.
OBHC holiday hours
Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare administration offices will be closed from noon on Thursday (Dec. 23) through Friday (Dec. 24). Offices will reopen on Monday (Dec. 27) with regular hours. Offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 31, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday, reopening with regular hours on Monday, Jan. 3. Crisis response services will remain available 24 hours a day throughout the holidays by calling toll-free 1 (800) 852-2923, or via TTY relay at (509) 826-2113.
Okanogan Highlands program
Okanogan Highlands offers “Okanogan Ice Islands: Nunataks,” a free program by George Thornton, on Jan. 7, 2022, exploring the high, craggy peaks rising to the west of the Okanogan that are home to unique plant communities.
Thornton, a high school teacher, botanist and lifelong nature enthusiast, will discuss various theories about local natural history and ecology using Chopaka Mountain as a primary example of several nearby Cascade peaks. Thornton taught for 33 years, worked summers doing vegetation surveys for the U.S. Forest Service, and has hiked and explored most of the north Okanogan area.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Tonasket Community Cultural Center, 411 S. Western Ave. For information, visit www.okanoganhighlands.org.
Watershed Council vacancy
Applications are being accepted for an open, at-large seat on the Methow Watershed Council. Interested individuals need to be residents of the Methow Valley, registered to vote in Okanogan County, with an interest in serving their community in regard to our shared water resources. Responsibilities include preparing for and attending one monthly council meeting, participating in or providing leadership for various subcommittees, and participating in council education and outreach efforts.
Submit a letter of interest to methowwatershed@gmail.com by Jan. 14, 2022. Applicants will need to attend the Jan. 20 meeting, which begins at 5 p.m. Questions about the position can be sent to the same email address.
Chambers, District 6 deliver toys, food
The Twisp and Winthrop Chambers of Commerce are partnering with Okanogan County Fire District 6 and the Association of Washington Business (AWB) to deliver toys and food to families in need, part of AWB’s Holiday Kids’ Tree Project. Local chambers of commerce across Washington will deliver “Santa kits” to 24 fire districts this month. The fire districts will then distribute the toys and food to families in their communities. “AWB’s Holiday Kids’ Tree Project is a festive tradition that makes a difference in so many lives. It’s a valuable addition to all the ways Fire District 6 serves families and businesses in the Methow Valley.” said Don Linnertz, vice president of the Twisp Chamber of Commerce.
Episcopal Christmas Eve service
Methow Episcopal will hold a Christmas Eve service at the Friendship Alliance Church on Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., preceded by carol singing at 3:30. The church is located at 809 Highway 20 in Winthrop; masks are required. You may also join online. Go to www.methowepiscopal.com/ for more information. All are welcome.
