Methow Valley shows us creative ways to build community
WINTHROP — If you want to learn innovative ways to build community, the Methow Valley is an excellent place to visit. Every time I come to the valley, I learn about some new approaches...
Author: Rufus Woods
Podcast episode #61: Everett Burts and the power of mentors
My guest for this episode is 87-year-old Everett Burts, a retired Wenatchee entomologist who grew up on a remote farm near Wenatchee and who discovered his passion for science thanks to mentors at Wenatchee...
Grace Lutheran to host 70 youth and adults exploring homelessness here
On June 16, Grace Lutheran Church will host about 70 youngsters from several sister churches around the country who will be taking part in a week-long program that will expose them to what it’s...
Volunteer Attorney Services expanding efforts to serve poor
It is heartening to see Chelan-Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services taking important strides in improving service to low-income individuals in our area with civil cases. Recently, the organization raised a record $30,000 at a sold-out...
Community Land Trusts: A powerful tool to create long-term affordable housing in North Central Washington
If we are going to develop adequate supplies of affordable housing, launching new and expanding existing community land trusts would seem to be a wise course. It is a certainty that the wave of...
Looking for a copy of 1966 Lincoln Elementary book, ‘Sagebrush to Orchards’
Massage therapist Becky Pottorff stopped by my office the other day to see if I knew where she might find a copy of a book published by fourth and fifth-grade students at Lincoln Elementary...
Gratitude teacher brings her life wisdom to NCW
I have great admiration for those with the inner sense peace to take life as it comes and accept the disasters and foibles with as much grace and dignity as successes. They are truly...
Jean Vanier’s life: An alternative to materialism
Our society has become fixated on individualism, competition, accumulation of wealth, and an obsession with consumption and efficiency. Short-term gains have displaced a commitment to long-term sustainability. Of the many downsides to this materialistic...
Leavenworth battle demonstrates need for dialogue, community vision
There is a serious rift in Leavenworth over a proposal to develop a $6 million adventure park — a fight that is raising critical questions about the future of the Upper Valley. The argument...
Winter’s Tale film project connects us to a powerful Native American legend
A small group of talented high school students are working feverishly to put the finishing touches on The Winter’s Tale, a film that will help connect our valley with the 10,000 years of Native...