Thanks for support
Dear Editor:
A big note of gratitude goes out to all those who participated in our successful Congo benefit event on Oct. 23: people who sang, read, helped with set-up and clean-up, ran the sound system, baked cookies, and to all of you who came and contributed to the cause of educating students in the DRC (Congo).
Without you all these kids would likely be out on the streets; but with your support they are becoming productive citizens of their challenging country. We also appreciate the Methow Valley United Methodist Church for allowing us to hold the event there. What a great community we live in!
Thank you on behalf of all of us.
Linda Mendro
Twisp
Snow blower safety
Dear Editor:
To my fellow snow country folks: Now that it looks like winter has definitely settled in, I feel moved to pass on some annual advice. Especially given the Zoom Town reality of several new members to our community, some who undoubtably will be operating a snow blower for the first time.
Almost 30 years ago I had a moment of brain-deadness and ended up turning off a snow blower with my left hand, being flown to Harbor View Hospital in Seattle where three hand surgeons spent 21 man-hours rebuilding my hand. I write to remind all of you snow blower operators this winter season to not repeat my stupidity!
Even with new designs and safety features on today’s machines (mine was 20 years old 30 years ago!), blowers can still jam with wet snow or “yard” objects. Due to the potential kinetic energy stored in the engine compression and belt tension when jammed, the impellers in a blower can rotate slightly when a jammed or clogged machine is freed up. There is very little clearance in the impeller housings. If your hand is the “freeing” agent you can lose fingers or an entire hand. Never use your hand or foot to clear a clogged or jammed snow blower. Use a broom handle or long, stout stick. All new blowers come with a plastic paddle used to clear jammed blowers. Some even advise removing the spark plug to release any engine compression before working on a machine.
Snow blowers, like many powered devices, are in and of themselves not dangerous. They do need to be respected and operated with care and attention. Fatigue, being in a hurry, distractions, objects left out in the snow, etc., are the real dangers. Hopefully you will remember my story every time you operate a snow blower and not create your own story. Have a safe winter season.
Barry Stromberger
Twisp
Keeping up tradition
Dear Editor:
The multiple awards the Methow Valley News received in the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association “Better Newspaper Contest” (Nov. 2 edition) are very impressive but were no surprise to us. Congratulations, nevertheless!
We have been subscribing to and reading the News since we built our home in upper Rendezvous is 1994 and have been impressed with the quality of the local coverage by this small-town newspaper, under several owners/editors. We further have been surprised by the geographical extent of the readership, with comments and mentions from well beyond the valley. The current owner/editor and staff are keeping up and even enhancing the Methow Valley News tradition mightily!
Tom and Carol McCord
Winthrop
It’s all good
Dear Editor:
The sun shines bright and warm. The brave Ukrainians have retaken their city of Kherson. They were met not with bullets, but with hugs, kisses and watermelons. And the Trump-loving politicians are getting thumped in the midterms.
Steve Love
French Creek, Methow
