Hottell’s history classes now online
Because of concerns about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Bill Hottell’s annual history class series for 2022, which begins this week, will meet via the Zoom platform and not in person as originally planned.
The series will focus on Germany and central and eastern Europe and begins on Jan. 12, continuing on Wednesday mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. through mid-March. To register, email billhottell@gmail.com with your name, telephone number and or email address, or call 997-6655.
Blood drive in Omak
Mid-Valley Medical Office Building in Omak will host a community blood drive on Tuesday (Jan. 18) from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All blood types are needed, especially type O. Visit donors.vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825 to make an appointment. For more information, call (509) 714-6443.
Library offers ‘My Story’
The Twisp library presents “My Story,” a collection of stories told by Methow Valley residents via the Zoom platform, on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. The presenters will draw on their own experiences to create their stories. To get the Zoom link, register at this web address: https://ncrl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=82720.
Conservation District asks for input
The Okanogan Conservation District has created a survey to get input from the community on its five-year planning process.
To take the survey online, go to www.okanogancd.org/survey. Paper copies of the survey and boxes to collect them have been distributed around the county, including to the Okanogan, Tonasket, Oroville, Brewster, Twisp and Chesaw libraries.
The survey lasts through Feb. 4. Each survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, according to the district.
TwispWorks unveils economic study results
TwispWorks will host a virtual event celebrating the release of its comprehensive economic study of the Methow Valley on Jan. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m.
In 2020, TwispWorks commissioned the study to better understand the structural changes occurring in the Methow Valley. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the organization conducted launched four surveys, held community listening sessions and gathered data on tourism, part-time homeowners and remote workers. More than 1,000 people responded.
During the Jan. 19 presentation you’ll have a chance to learn about the economics of the Methow Valley, what’s working well, and what areas need more support and information. The event will be moderated by TwispWorks Executive Director Sarah Brown, with Julie Tate-Libby, the study’s author and TwispWorks’ program director. Email info@TwispWorks.org, call 997-3300 or visit https://twispworks.org/events for more information.
Rural economy discussions resume
TwispWorks and the Methow Conservancy will continue their partnership conversations about rural changes in the Methow Valley, exploring alternatives to a recreation economy, with the first of four quarterly discussions set for Feb. 28. The virtual session will be from 7-8:30 p.m.
Each session will be a deep dive that aims to broaden our individual knowledge, foster community conversations, and identify areas for collective action. The first class will explore alternatives to a recreation economy. Led by Julie Tate-Libby and Daniel Senner, the class will explore alternatives such as agricultural tourism, value-added products and sustainable resource-based industries with examples from other communities.
Email info@TwispWorks.org, call 997-3300 or visit https://twispworks.org/events for more information.
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. Submit a letter of interest to methowwatershed@gmail.com by Friday (Jan. 14). 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.
Health exchange deadline
The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is reminding Washington residents who still need 2022 health insurance that they have until Saturday (Jan. 15) to select a plan on Washington Healthplanfinder.
More than 233,000 people have signed up for coverage through the exchange for 2022, including 32,000 new customers.
For more information or to sign up, go to www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
