Wildfires have been the focus this month. After a “firestorm” ripped through the valley on July 18, we lost power and all phone services for 8 days, taking us back to basic means. The devastation of our valley is mind boggling. Our home, farm and fields were not threatened like so many other places. A couple hundred structures burned in our area ranging from Winthrop to Pateros. The landscape is singed in areas; the smoke roles on. If you would like more information about the Carlton Complex Fire view their facebook page.
Many of you may have tried to contact us during this time. Our sincere apologies for no communication on our part. The only way you could have reached us is driving up to our front porch… the old fashion way; which Ara of Wildpatch Bread did. She showed up on my doorstep to pick up her flour and paid with hard cold cash. Which in turn bought our groceries for the remainder of the week, since we couldn’t use our debit cards or access any money from the bank!
A big shout out goes to Okanogan County Electric Co-op and electrician, Tim Otonicar who helped us with generators, wires and power. These guys are working around the clock to restore power lines.
Many of you have asked how can I help? Here is a list of community services that you may want to consider donating to:
The Cove — Serving “aid, food, shelter, and comfort” throughout the Methow Valley from Twisp. They plan to use funds to help people affected by the fires with immediate needs — like vouchers that prevent them from eviction or help to avoid getting their power shut off. Their website is: https://www.thecovecares.com/ and to donate online to the Cove go to: https://www.thecovecares.com/
Room One — A social service organization in Twisp. They plan to use funds strategically to help those they predict will be accessing their social and mental health services in the near future. Their website is: https://www.roomone.org/ and to donate online to Room One go to: https://npo.justgive.org/
The Community Foundation of North Central Washington — Has started a special Fire Relief Fund taking a long term approach towards rebuilding economic development in the aftermath of the fires. To see their website and specific donation information go to: https://www.cfncw.org/
Aero Methow — Our Valley’s emergency medical services have been busy throughout this week. To help support Aero Methow Rescue Service you may donate to the Aero Methow Rescue Service Fire Support Fund at any NCNB Branch – a division of Glacier Bank, Farmers State Bank or www.aeromethow.org
The Salmon Safe farm to table dinner that was slated for August has now been cancelled due to the fires.
On a positive note, we did get our Rye field harvested on July 30th!
