By Elizabeth Walker On May 21, our email and phone lines started blowing up. As the front house for the Methow Valley Clean Air Project, Dr. Raleigh Bowden and I frequently advise on air quality issues. And the issues are almost always about smoke. In this case, valley residents were calling for information regarding smoke […]
My Turn
Consider other options to apple maggot quarantine
By Buck and Nancy Jorgensen Our family has been growing apples in the Methow Valley for over 50 years. During that time, our Canyon Creek Apples have developed a sizable list of customers on both sides of the Cascades who enjoy farm-to-table, fresh tree-ripened fruit. Historically, we have sold our apples at our roadside stand […]
Protect the Methow Valley’s water rights
By Mary McCrea There are many joys of living in the Methow Valley. Seeing the green pastures and agricultural fields and the beautiful orchards in bloom and eating healthy locally grown food are high on the list. These joys depend on a common element — water for irrigation. Imagine, if you will, what the valley would be without […]
Natural burial cemetery would give valley residents another option
When I die lay me down in the woods With the rotten logs Lay me down in the forest so I can be part of the trees Let my bones bleach away My flesh turn to soil … When I die lay me down in the woods So I can be free – Ken Bevis […]
Thinning, prescribed burning are key to forest restoration efforts
By Susan Prichard After all the summer wildfires we’ve had in and around the Methow Valley, most of us who call this valley home are resident fire experts. We know what early spring snowmelt and periods of summer drought mean for fire danger, and we know that the shrub steppe and forests around us burn […]
The value of listening across differences
By Raleigh Bowden I’m increasingly intrigued by the value of listening to people who think differently than me and finding ways to have both of us feel heard. I was recently called to jury duty, and selected to my surprise, and found myself ensconced in the jury room with four men (all NRA members, the […]
Mental illness in a time of madness
By David Asia Mental illness hits pretty close to home for me, for personal reasons and because I spent a good part of my professional life learning from, and with, people with mental illnesses and their families. I’ve sat with them as they’ve struggled with mental health agencies to find the right kind of care. I’ve […]
Honoring choices: the importance of an advance directive
By Betsy Weiss This community is fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a seminar coming up April 19 at the Winthrop Barn to help you develop an advance directive. It is jointly sponsored by The Methow Valley Clinic, Family Health Center of Twisp, Methow At Home, Room One, Aging and Adult Care and Confluence […]
Little Star Montessori School builds on Rayma’s dream
By Stephen Hirsch I moved to the Methow, along with my wife Rebecca and son Nate, in 2001. I remember a visit that spring, looking for a place to rent. We stopped by Little Star Montessori School. We learned about the toddler program, and we also heard about the Little Star auction that weekend, which we […]
How to act locally and impact climate change
By Steve Ghan My wife and I just returned from four glorious days in the Methow Valley. I love the winter sun shining on the snow-covered fields, the majestic ponderosa pines, and the mountains rising in the distance. I am amazed at the generosity of the Methow farmers allowing skiers to pass over their land […]
