Dangerous conditions
Dear Editor:
Today is Thursday, April 27. At long last the bluebells, the shooting stars, the spring beauties and the balsam root graced us with their long-awaited arrival especially after a winter of record amounts of snow. The aspens and cottonwood trees leafed out in that electric green color of new growth. Accompanying this beauty is the spring migration of songbirds that fill the air.
My joy was dimmed by the amount of smoke in the upper valley, from Mazama to Winthrop, which seemed more congruent with a raging wildfire and not a controlled burn. Two days from now the Sunflower Relay will take place, that is if the runners don’t choke and die on all of the smoke. These are dangerous conditions for athletes. I would like to ask the U.S. Forest Service if there is a way to undertake controlled burns that help us appreciate the efforts to minimize the risks of wildfires without choking all of the residents and wildlife on smoke.
Hilary Lyman
Winthrop
Don’t miss ‘Oz’
Dear Editor:
What a joy to be in the audience for the third presentation of “The Wizard of Oz.” Community at its best was on stage. Families were on stage with parents and their children participating. Music embellished the quality voices and added another layer of excellence to the production. The set lent itself to providing the frame in which all the lively song, dance and story took place. The dialog was familiar and still timely. The costumes were a transformative element to the characters that wore them and of course to the audience. The lighting did its job lighting up the faces of our community who were truly bringing us an amazing gift.
Thank you community for helping raise the money for quality lighting, quality sound, a quality building and for an enthusiastic response to the talent we saw. The direction tied it all together. What a production. Don’t miss it: this weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinee.
Carolyn Sullivan
Winthrop
An option
Dear Editor:
Our community has rightly determined the increasing need for more options in elder care. We are fortunate to have such high-quality care with Jamie’s Place. However, due to the number of aging people in the Methow Valley, there is often a waiting list.
I experienced this with my mom. She was living with me and my family. Unfortunately, dementia and declining physical health made it difficult and unsafe for her to remain in our home. There weren’t any openings in the Methow at that time.
We were referred to Marlen DeOchoa in Brewster. Both Mom and I were nervous about her moving into a new, unfamiliar place. Marlen really knew how to make my mom feel that she was at home, and was contributing as part of a family. This was very important to my mom. Mom was engaged with people and activities that she loved. Marlen included my mom in meal planning to ensure her favorite foods were served. Mom was always part of an active household.
Marlen has a wealth of knowledge from her training and years as a caregiver. She was able to discern a significant medical issue, and sought attention immediately, always communicating with me. I completely trusted her competence in caring for my mom. However, I am most grateful to Marlen for making my mom’s last months happy ones.
Marlen has recently opened an adult family home called Casa Mia, so she is now able to provide care for more people. I strongly recommend the care at Casa Mia for anyone having to make the decision that a beloved elder is no longer safe in their own home. For my family, it was definitely worth the drive to Brewster.
Lisa Miller
Carlton
