Rally in the valley
A “Get Out the Vote”/ No Kings” rally will be held along Highway 20 in Twisp, Winthrop, Mazama and Carlton on Saturday (Oct. 17) from noon-1 p.m.
‘Learn to Burn’
The North Cascades Prescribed Burn Association (NCPBA) offers a free “Learn to Burn” workshop, designed to introduce community members to the principles of prescribed burning on private land, on Saturday (Oct. 17) in the Hen House room at the Winthrop Barn, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Participants will gain practical experience in what influences fire behavior, how to plan for a safe burn on private land, control line construction and site preparation, understanding forecasts, drip torch safety and controlled burning techniques, proper tool use, pump operation, and hose set-up around a burn area.
Register at www.northcascadespba.com/events.
History of Mazama
The Shafer Historical Museum presents “Our Methow Home: Mazama” on Saturday (Oct. 17) from 4-6 p.m. at the Mazama Community Club. The free program looks at the history of the Mazama neighborhood and its development and mining influence at the end of the 19th century up to the 1950s. It features a video of the place, the homesteaders, and the Slate Creek Mining District in Whatcom and Okanogan County.
Making sourdough
Bluebird Grain Farms and Laura Martin of Chiliwist & Raw present a “Whole Grain Sourdough Class” on Saturday (Oct. 17) from 1-3:30 p.m. at Bluebird Grain Farms in Winthrop. Learn to mix, strengthen, ferment, proof, score, and bake sourdough using Bluebird’s whole grain flours. Take home your own starter and two loaves to bake. Cost is $99. Reserve a spot at https://bluebirdgrainfarms.com/shop/classes-farm-experiences/; or email info@bluebirdgrainfarms.com; or call (509) 996-3526.
Fall Harvest Party
Classroom in Bloom’s Fall Harvest Party, featuring cider pressing and garden games among other activities, will be on Saturday (Oct. 17) from noon-2 p.m. For information, visit www.classroominbloom.org/new-events.
Repair Café
The next Methow Recycles Repair Café will be on Saturday (Oct. 17) from 10 a.m.-noon at The Cove in Twisp. Get appliances fixed, clothing mended, and tools sharpened. Items must be small enough to be carried and not leaking fluids or hazardous in any way. You must stay with your item during its repair. Bring any parts you may have to complete the fix. The sewing team only mends clothing, no custom alterations. Free, donations welcomed. For information, visit www.methowrecycles.org.
Home Range event in Seattle
Join host Home Range Wildlife Research for captivating stories with renowned wildlife ecologist and Emmy-winning host Chris Morgan, from “The Wild” podcast, in an appearance at the REI Flagship store in Seattle on Saturday (Oct. 17) at 6 p.m. Attendees will also hear from Home Range Wildlife Research biologists. There is a suggested donation to register for this event. For more information and tickets, go to www.homerange.org/chris-morgan.
Pet food for Cove
A pet food collection for The Cove will continue through Halloween at 408 Burgar Street in Twisp, where there will be a collection box.
Learn about emergency services
Methow At Home hosts a free community event offering information on emergency medical services and air transport in the Methow Valley on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Twisp Valley Grange, from 4-5:30 p.m.
The event will bring together representatives from Aero Methow Rescue Service, Airlift Northwest, and Life Flight Network for a presentation and panel discussion. The program will be facilitated by Nicole Ringgold, creator of the “Between Here and Help” podcast. Following the discussion, there will be time for audience questions, and information tables will be available. For information, visit www.methowathome.org/events
Composting workshop
Methow Recycles partners with B2G Compost and Methow Valley Citizens Council to present an interactive composting workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m. at the Winthrop library.
The free event will feature Marion Owen, an organic gardening/composting educator from Alaska. A pizza dinner will be provided. For more information, visit methowrecycles.org.
At the Winthrop library
The Winthrop library hosts a variety of events for all ages:
• Fridays, Story Time at Solace the Cedar Tree, 11 a.m.
• Friday, Oct. 16, “Open Book Club” in partnership with Methow At Home, 1-2:30 p.m. Sign up at methowathome.org/events.
• Saturday, Oct. 17, “Avoiding AI Workshop,” 1-3 p.m. Learn more and take control of your devices and your privacy. The workshop will cover the basics of how AI technology works, why it is unreliable as a source of information, what privacy concerns are associated with AI, and how to disable it on your devices as much as possible. Registration is required. Visit https://ncwlibraries.libcal.com/event/17568338.
• Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 20/21, “Fun with Journaling Workshop” with Julie Goldstein, 3-5 p.m. The workshop is a creative and casual introduction to journaling that builds on two sessions. No experience or artistic skills necessary.
• Saturday, Oct. 24, “Rooted in Music: An Afternoon of Folk N Roots,” noon- 3p.m., in partnership with the Winthrop Folk N Roots Fest and Friends of the Winthrop Library (FOWL) to present three bands from the festival.
School retirees meet
The Okanogan County School Retirees’ Association will hold a general meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 639 W. Ridge Drive, Omak. Agenda items include a vote on grant winners. For information, call (509) 429-0292.
‘Potluck with a Purpose’
The next “Potluck with a Purpose” at the Twisp Valley Grange will be on Wednesday, Oct. 28, featuring Sam Thrasher, who will talk about how she started a WSDA Grade-A-licensed dairy in the Methow Valley. Bring food to share. Water, glasses, plates, silverware, napkins provided. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., potluck starts at 6 p.m., program starts at 6:20 p.m.
‘Big Fix’
Team Okanogan Animal Rescue’s next “Big Fix” event will be Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds. Free spaying and neutering will be offered. No appointments; first-come, first-served. For information, visit www.toarwa.org/bigfix.
Halloween at the Community Center
The Methow Valley Community Center’s Halloween events will both take place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4:30-7 p.m.
Happy Halloween Lane is a spook-free event for younger kids held in the gym. Kids can meander through a maze of giant, friendly inflatable Halloween characters and trick-or-treat at several candy stations along the way. This event is free thanks to the Winthrop Kiwanis and our business sponsors.
The Haunted House is held in the main building with a “Scary Movies” theme this year. You’ll see everything from Frankenstein to Freddy Krueger. Children under 8 are not allowed entrance. Kids 8 and up must be accompanied by an adult. The entry fee is $5 per person. The link to presale tickets will be on the Community Center website or via QR codes on the posters.
