Climate action happy hour
Resilient Methow and the Methow Conservancy will host a free “climate action happy hour,” an active, participatory event where people can brainstorm climate resiliency actions with fellow community members over beer or seltzer and snacks, on Nov. 29 at the Twisp Valley Grange. The free event will be from 4-6 p.m. RSVP required under events at https://methowconservancy.org.
Facilitators will provide climate action resources and a blueprint for determining what types of engagement are a good fit. The goal is for every person to leave the event with at least one meaningful step they will take to combat climate change or build resilience, plus a network of comrades.
Manger Mall drop-offs
Donations of new, unwrapped gifts for the Methow Valley Manger Mall program may be brought to collection boxes at the Mazama Store, Winthrop Store, Winthrop Physical Therapy and Fitness, Ulrich’s Pharmacy, North Cascades Bank, Twisp Daily Business, Blue Star Coffee Roasters and the Carlton Store until Nov. 29.
Trail’s End Bookstore in Winthrop offers a 10% discount on books purchased at the store and has a collection box on site.
Monetary contributions may be made at The Cove, P.O. Box 895, Twisp WA 98856. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Thanksgiving dinner
The Brewster American Legion will serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 2-5 p.m. on Nov. 24. The dinner is free and open to the public; donations will be appreciated. For information, email gregwagg@yahoo.com. Volunteers are needed to help with cooking, serving and cleaning up. Contact the Brewster Legion between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
L&I workshop
The Economic Alliance is sponsoring a workshop for all employers in Okanogan County to learn about the upcoming changes in the Labor & Industries rate for 2023 on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. – noon at the 12 Tribes Resort Event Center in Omak. Learn about the new minimum wage increase and the new wage range posting requirements and how it will affect your business. To register, call the Economic Alliance office at (509) 826‑5107.
Housing Trust annual meeting
The Methow Housing Trust will conduct its annual membership meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the community room at the Winthrop Library. For information, visit https://methowhousingtrust.org.
Comment on grizzlies
The public is invited to submit comments on the grizzly recovery planning process for the North Cascades, recently announced by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service. For information or to submit comments, go to the project website: parkplanning.nps.gov/NCEGrizzly. Virtual public meetings about the process are scheduled for Dec. 1 at noon and Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Information on how to join the meetings is available at the project website.
‘My Story’ at Twisp Library
The Twisp Library hosts its popular “My Story” program on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. There will be four storytellers at the free event: Kyle Erickson, Dave Rodriguez, Tom Ackley and John Lindsey. Refreshments will be provided by the Twisp Library Friends. For information, call (509) 997‑4681.
Natural history class
The Methow Natural Journal is offering a six-session class, “Earth & Sky, Flora & Fauna: Natural History of the Methow,” to be held Wednesday evenings at The Cove II in Twisp on the first two Wednesdays in December and then continued in January. The program will include a hands-on lab session. Taught by local naturalist Dana Visalli. Cost is $0-$80. For more information and to enroll, to find email contact Dana at dana@methownet.com. Space is limited.
Pesticide certification
The Okanogan County Noxious Weed Control Board offers its fall Pesticide License Recertification Class on Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Omak Theater, 108 N. Main, Omak. For more information or an agenda call (509) 422-7165; email noxiousweeds@co.okanogan.wa.us; or visit www.okanogancounty.org/government/noxious_weed_control.
Ham breakfast
The Methow Valley Amateur Radio Club (MVARC) is hosting a pancake feed at the Twisp American Legion Building on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Suggested donation is $10. For information, email MethowValleyHams@gmail.com.
The club meets every third Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Twisp American Legion building, 626 Bridge St. The next meeting is Dec. 17. Anyone interested in ham radio may attend. You do not have to be a ham operator.
Master Gardeners sought
The WSU Okanogan County Master Gardener Program is now accepting applications for new Master Gardener volunteers training, through a partnership with Chelan County. Classes will begin in January and run through April. Classes will be held on zoom January-March, with hopes of meeting in person in April. Call Okanogan County Extension office at (509) 422‑7245 for more information.
Party for special needs kids
Okanogan County Parent to Parent will host a “sensory friendly” party with Santa, for children with special needs or developmental disabilities, on Dec. 3 at the Twisp Valley Grange, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will include pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, crafts and more. For information, email anneeyoung@outlook.com.
