Hydrant help appreciated
Dear Editor:
As volunteer project manager for the Mazama Hydrant Project, mentioned previously in this newspaper, I need to extend huge thanks to all the people who have contributed toward this effort to increase fire security in the Mazama area and beyond. We received checks from an astonishing number of individuals and institutions, both in “Greater Mazama” and as far south as Twisp-Carlton Road.
As of Wednesday, March 23, at about 3:30 p.m., we achieved our goal: We raised significantly over $100,000 in individual donations. In addition, at the last minute, the Okanogan County Board of County Commissioners allocated funds to the project from federal American Rescue Plan Act resources, allowing us to enhance a number of key aspects of the installation. As a result, we have ended fundraising efforts and are in the process of returning funds received after that date. So, thanks and whoa!
At present, contracts are being awarded for the work necessary to develop this high-volume water source for the upper Methow Valley. Predictions are hard, especially about the future, but I’m hoping that we will have it done before fire season really gets underway. And it’s going to make a huge difference to our firefighting efficiency and success.
So, thanks to everyone: individual donors, the county, the Okanogan County Fire District 6 chief, and all the people who helped make this happen.
Alan Fahnestock
Winthrop
Thanks from Jamie’s Place
Dear Editor:
During these tumultuous times it is reassuring to know there are angels among us.
I am the director of Jamie’s Place Adult Family Home in Winthrop. You may recall we had a pipe burst in January and our elders have been displaced while the building was repaired. We suffered through all the challenges of the day: COVID, supply chain issues, inadequate work force causing construction delays. There were times it felt as if we would never get back to our beloved home.
I am delighted to report we moved in on March 26. This would not have been possible without the help of Methow At Home. I reached out to the program manager, Deidre Cassidy, explained our challenges and the angels swooped in! We had a team of skilled and hard-working people putting in flooring, doing electrical work, hanging blinds and outlet covers — you name it! It was amazing to witness and at times I was brought me to tears by their generosity.
We are blessed in this community to have a valuable resource like Methow At Home. They provide critical support to seniors in the valley who desire to age in place. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with transportation to doctor appointments, the grocery store, light house-cleaning, yard maintenance and a myriad of other areas of support, visit their website or give them a call at 996-5844.
There were many other angels who supported Jamie’s Place and made our move-in day possible. You know who you are! Thank you to everyone who supported us and helped us along the way. Because of the generous spirit of our community, Jamie’s Place will be a beautiful home for elders in the valley for years to come.
Rana S. Clarke
Winthrop
Honoring Vietnam vets
Dear Editor:
The American Legion Hodges Post 84, Oroville, Washington, is requesting that the Washington State Department of Transportation honor the veterans of the Vietnam War by dedicating State Route 20, from the Idaho border to the Skagit County line in western Washington. Hodges Post 84 hopes to recognize the sacrifices made by Vietnam Veterans to the state of Washington and to the United States of America with this dedication.
I will be asking our state representatives in Olympia and from Washington, D.C., to help support this effort. I will be asking all of the representatives of all three counties and cities in Stevens, Ferry and Okanogan to write letters of support.
But first I am asking you to write a letter of support and help us in our effort to honor those veterans of the Vietnam War. As a member of Hodges Post 84 and project chair, I am asking you to send your letter to Arnie Marchand, P.O. Box 1945, Oroville, WA 98844-1945, and ask your city, county and state representatives to do the same. Thank you all for your time and consideration.
Arnie Marchand
Oroville
Showing support
Dear Editor:
Last Thursday I read Terry Hardesty’s obituary in the paper, then I got an email from our church secretary at Cascade Bible Church saying “we need help with the memorial and potluck for Terry in the Master’s Christian School gym on April 1.” I thought, the church I attend and one of the schools I support, I better “show up,” so I did, with roast pork and southern barbecue beans! I am so glad I did, and that the gym was available.
The family and friends need our support during times like this, and from reading the obituaries in the paper, we are going to have many more opportunities to reach out and comfort our neighbors. I received that love, help and comfort when my husband, Len Baylor, died n September. Thank you to those who spoke and shared in any way! We are privileged to live in the Methow Valley.
Elsie Baylor
Carlton
Help stop sexual ‘grooming’
Dear Editor:
Room One has in Twisp been working alongside our community on issues of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and healthy relationships since 1998. Last month, Dr. Megan Schmidt wrote a courageous “My Turn” column, sharing her experience of how quickly and easily very disturbing images could be sent to her child’s phone. Dr. Schmidt shared important information for parents on how to respond if their child is being groomed by an adult who is sending inappropriate sexual content to them.
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month (April), we wanted to amplify this important message. Grooming is happening when a person manipulates a more-vulnerable person with the intention of perpetrating abuse. Unfortunately, people who use grooming behaviors are often well-liked; they target parents (as gatekeepers to their kids) and young people directly, winning favor, and building trust. Often, these perpetrators are not strangers.
How can you know someone is grooming your child? Some grooming behavior includes: an abuser spends more alone time with their target, gives them special treatment, and solicits secrets. Later, as trust is built, the abuser will increase risky behavior, maybe offering alcohol or drugs, sharing details about their sex life, or exposing the other person to pornographic content, which normalizes inappropriate sexual behavior.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of online activity can make these behaviors all the more accessible, and private. As the manipulation increases, the abuser may use fear and shame to keep the other person quiet (using their secrets or risky behavior against them). Final escalation can result in sexual assault and coercion.
Anyone who has come forward and shared their experience of being groomed is incredibly brave. Too often we do not hold abusers accountable, which perpetuates a culture of silence for victims. Most sexual assaults go unreported. Children are especially prone to this because of fear and shame. If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of the above mentioned issues please do not hesitate to reach out to trusted adults. Give us a call, or more information, including information on online stalking and abuse see our recent blogpost: http://roomone.org/posts.
Caitlin Cordell
Room One
Twisp
