What is accomplished when we fight hate with more hate?
Some situations in life are so disturbing they shake our confidence in human beings. While at first it seems the problem is caused by the bad actions of some “other” person, it is rarely...
Category: Our Well-being
Intelligence Squared fosters debate and civility on key national issues
Despite the highly contentious and emotion-driven political atmosphere that is ripping apart the social fabric in America, one can still find information sources based on rational discussion and mutual respect that invite us to...
Dalliance with dahlias leads to national honor for Linda DeRooy Holmes-Cook
There is something magical about dahlias, those otherworldly-looking flowers, that causes ordinary people to develop a cult-like obsession with them — an obsession that knits together people from all walks of life. Linda DeRooy...
Inner strength powered Erin Murray to a world title in the Strongman Games
Wenatchee native Erin Murray was recently crowned the World’s Strongest Woman in her weight class, but what she accomplished was as much the result of developing inner strength and resilience as building physical strength....
Dividing Paradise: What I have learned about the social divide in rural communities
(Editor’s note: This is the third and final column focusing on the book: Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream by WSU sociologist Jennnifer Sherman) We all have blind spots. We see...
Methow Conservancy exploring ways to bridge the social divide
(Editor’s note: This is the second of three columns focusing on the book: Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream by WSU sociologist Jennnifer Sherman) In an increasingly challenging social environment of...
Shiloh Burgess built the chamber into a powerful local asset; joins Douglas PUD
The Greater Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce underwent a remarkable transformation under the leadership of executive director Shiloh Burgess, who recently left to take a government affairs position with Douglas County Public Utility District....
Once a grizzly recovery skeptic, I’m changing my tune on the issue
When it comes to the question of whether we should reintroduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades, I have been a skeptic. My hesitance was based on a personal preference of avoiding encountering grizzlies...
WSU sociologist offers deep insights about rural social divide impacting NCW communities
Perhaps the most vexing challenge we face in our North Central Washington communities today is addressing the growing economic and social divide that is the result of our economy shifting from being based on...
Tina Nicpan-Brown, regional teacher of the year, engages students with the power of curiosity
For Tina Nicpan-Brown, the art of teaching comes down to fostering and nurturing the curiosity of young minds. What a great reminder that learning (and teaching) are human endeavors rather than mindless mechanical processes. ...