Patterson Lake perils
Dear Editor:
Here’s a bit of little-publicized, collateral damage in the Methow from COVID. The trillions of federal dollars appropriated during COVID for improving the economy have some “improvements” in store for Patterson Lake. This tranquil little lake favored by locals could be taking on some of the tourist-attracting aspects of Pearrygin Lake.
As stated in a Nov. 2 legal notice, the project includes: “Adding asphalt to the entry and area around the vault toilet . . . install precast concrete boat ramp planks and articulated concrete blocks for the boat ramp, [and building] a new floating dock with steel piles.”
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a “Determination of [environmental] Non-Significance” back in August. Obviously, this says nothing about the effects on Methow residents who love this little lake (including people, birds and other wildlife) of making it much easier for big boats to use it.
Public comments can be filed until Dec. 5. While I fear this is a “done deal,” there are still some things we should ask for to limit the negative effects of these “improvements.” First, maintain the existing 8 mph speed limit on the lake. If that is removed, we’ll see noisy jet skis and water ski boats like on Pearrygin. Even better, ban both outright.
Second, prohibit overnight mooring of boats on the lake. This rarely happens now on Patterson but is likely to increase with easier access for big boats. I’ve received reports from two early-morning kayakers who saw raw sewage close to boats moored on Patterson. Regulations against dumping aren’t enforceable. When done at night, it is almost impossible to monitor or police.
Public comments should be sent to Rocky Robbins, Okanogan County Office of Planning & Development, 123 Fifth Ave. N., Suite 130, Okanogan, WA 98840, or email rrobbins@co.okanogan.wa.us, Re: Notice of Application Patterson Lake Access, SDP 2022-2.
Randy Brook
Twisp
Thanks for the help
Dear Editor:
The Methow Valley Senior Citizens Association was privileged to sponsor a lunch in honor of our veterans. The lunch was a small way of thanking all who have served in the armed forces and for protecting the freedoms we are privileged to enjoy in this country.
We would like to thank the veterans and guests who attended and also thank the following: Twisp Police Chief Paul Budrow; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 120; Hank Cramer; the Methow Valley Community Center for providing use of the gym; Kiwanis Club and Key Club for helping with set up and take down of the room; Blue Star Coffee Roasters for the coffee; B-S Bar-B-Que for providing the lunch; Methow Valley Cascaders 4-H Club for the handmade cards and helping serve lunch; and the Methow Valley Senior Citizens volunteers for helping with everything.
Judy Tonseth, President
Methow Valley Senior Citizens Association
Be thankful
Dear Editor:
It is the season of thankfulness. May we all have gratitude, and attention to what we receive and give back. May we use and not waste, and may we transition toward a more responsible and healthier and happier world.
Susan Crampton
Twisp
Limited options
Dear Editor:
As reported in the Oct. 26 article, “People can preview health insurance options this week,” open enrollment through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is underway. Our family is lucky to have “good” private health insurance, but we continue to research what’s available on Washington Healthplanfinder every year to compare prices and coverage.
For 2023, there is a myriad of options, none of which are much cheaper or with better coverage than the premium private plans. Further, none of the options available on the exchange cover both our primary care provider and our local pharmacy in Twisp. We would prefer to keep both our doctor and continue to give business to our local pharmacy.
We also question the benefits of choosing a “Gold” plan versus a “Bronze” plan. Considering the costs of each, we could end up paying $2,000-$3,600 more in premiums yearly under the Gold plans for the opportunity to possibly save $800 in our worst health care year.
“Good insurance” doesn’t always equal a good patient experience. Recently, a family member’s insurance refused to cover a prescription for a vital medication, resulting in several days of haggling during work hours between the insurance company, the doctor’s office, and the pharmacy, just to get a medication that was already prescribed by their doctor.
So, what are the alternatives? The combination of a low-cost catastrophic coverage plan coupled with a Health Savings Account, which has historically been an affordable option for healthy people, is no longer an option for most people over age 30. Also, due to a recent decision by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), “Health Share” plans will no longer be allowed in Washington. The OIC has concluded that coverage equals care and health insurance is the only way to pay for that care.
So, while there appears to be a broad range of options, in reality, the choices for consumers are limited, trade-offs are required, and the plans are quite expensive. Should we be demanding better options?
Lauren McCloy
Twisp
Generous community
Dear Editor:
To Give Methow donors: You make the Methow Valley a better place! During last month’s record-breaking Give Methow campaign you generously expressed how much you care for this place, its people, its arts, and its history. You showed your confidence in 40 amazing nonprofit organizations whose mission-driven staff and boards work tirelessly to make this valley healthier, stronger and safer for more of us.
On behalf of the Community Foundation of North Central Washington and the Methow Valley Fund advisors, thank you for being such an important part of what makes all of this work possible. It couldn’t happen without you!
Betsy Cushman, Chair
CFNCW Board of Trustees
Winthrop
