NCW fun in the winter sun Y EVENTS CALENDAR
WENATCHEE VALLEY’S
NUMBER ONE MAGAZINE
January 2019
OPEN FOR FUN AND ADVENTURE
Price: $3
MY BEST DAY
READERS’ STORIES FROM 2018 of birth, rebirth, travel & joy Second look
Some of our favorite photos from 2018
Bald Eagles
Big birds hold special place in our hearts
Bold beauty
Hillside home is grand with generous space
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It’s a Wild(life)
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Contents
page 7
days that made readers smile big
Features
7 best day stories
Readers tell us what were their best days in 2018 — and what good days they were!
14 second look at our favorite photos
Some photographs are just too good to let go of with only one viewing... plus we asked those involved to tell us what they think now about the pictures
18 running cross country
Marlene Farrell finds the joy in testing herself against other adults by competing as a master in this sport
20 walk in an area of outstanding beauty
Linda Hightower is super excited as she and Keith leave home to pick up a travel trailer in Texas.
And, dancing with the hankie-waving Morris Men
22 fun in the sun
You say winter has gotten you housebound and blue? Cary Ordway has some bright ideas for fun even in days of limited sun
24 bold hillside beauty
6,000-square-foot in Eagle Rock has more than just space to offer Art sketches n Revisiting 4 artists to see what they are up to now: painter Marti Lyttle, videographer Jeff Ostenson, blue grass musician Marie Vecchio, and painter Dean Rainey, Page 31
Moving?
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DANGEROU
S WOMEN
Y EVENTS CA
LENDAR
WENA TCHE
NUMBEE VALLEY’S R ONE MAGA ZIN E
March
2016
THE M OF A AKING
Price: $3
COWB OY From to yee-quiet scient
Columns & Departments 6 A bird in the lens: The mighty Bald Eagle 13 Pet Tales: Hank graduates, now to help kids 28 June Darling: A new idea to make goal setting work 30 The traveling doctor: When a good thing goes bad 31-35 Arts & Entertainment & a Dan McConnell cartoon 36 History: A determined German grew his own success 38 That’s life: Not yo’ mama’s mountain chairlift
Work Where You Play! Chelan County is a world-class destination for vacation and recreation. But it’s also a great place for business. With low-cost hydropower and a county-wide fiber network, you truly can work where you play!
ist horse- hawing riding man
+
Cary
ordw
they built this city
ay’s
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OPENING SHOT
®
Year 13, Number 1 January 2019 The Good Life is published by NCW Good Life, LLC, dba The Good Life PO Box 2142 Wenatchee, WA 98807 PHONE: (509) 888-6527 EMAIL: editor@ncwgoodlife.com sales@ncwgoodlife.com ONLINE: www.ncwgoodlife.com FACEBOOK: https://www. facebook.com/NCWGoodLife Editor/Publisher, Mike Cassidy Contributors, Tim McCord, Michele Peters, Bill Landsborough, Tom Bryant, Byron Scott, Linda Hightower, Annette Byrd, DeeDee Cleveland, Marlene Farrell, Cary Ordway, Lee Martin, Julia Scott, Bruce McCammon, Donna Cassidy, Jim Brown, June Darling, Dan McConnell, Susan Lagsdin and Rod Molzahn Advertising: Lianne Taylor Bookkeeping and circulation, Donna Cassidy Proofing, Dianne Cornell Ad design, Clint Hollingsworth Video editor, Aaron Cassidy TO SUBSCRIBE: For $25, ($30 out of state address) you can have 12 issues of The Good Life mailed to you or a friend. Send payment to: The Good Life PO Box 2142 Wenatchee, WA 98807 For circulation questions, email: donna@ncwgoodlife.com BUY A COPY of The Good Life at Safeway stores, Mike’s Meats at Pybus, Rhubarb Market, Martin’s Market Place (Cashmere) and Dan’s Food Market (Leavenworth) ADVERTISING: For information about advertising in The Good Life, contact Lianne Taylor at (509) 6696556 or lianne@ncwgoodlife.com WRITE FOR THE GOOD LIFE: We welcome articles about people from Chelan and Douglas counties. Send your idea to Mike Cassidy at editor@ncwgoodlife.com
The Good Life® is a registered trademark of NCW Good Life, LLC. Copyright 2019 by NCW Good Life, LLC.
Waterville winter in black and white
ties. This shot is the old Highland School House in Douglas County. Built in 1905 and abandoned in 1949. I like to drive the many different side roads to find old abandoned buildings and barns. The spring time is a beautiful time to go exploring the miles of flat wheat fields as well. Drive north from Waterville toward the Mansfield area and you will come across some Ice Age glacial erratics.
By Tim McCord
Wintertime is one of the
best times to take black and white photos. Not much color when the snow is on the ground and there is a lot of black/white contrast. I love driving up to the Waterville area during the winter to see the beautiful views and to capture photo opportuni-
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S
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LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
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WENATCHEE VALLEY’S
NUMBER ONE
HEALING POWER OF STEM CELLS Y EVENTS CALENDAR
MAGAZINE
◆5 buil
On the cover
Jesse Johnson holds Miles Dean Johnson on his birth day in the central photo. Other photos, from top left, are Linda and Keith Hightower taking delivery of their new travel trailer, Bill Landsborough with Sharon Landsborough on their wedding day, and a selfie by Tom Bryant with his daughter Natalie at Mesa Verde. See the stories by readers on their best days in 2018, starting on page 7.
WENATCHEE VALLEY’S
NUMBER ONE
CAVES & CASTLES OF FRANCE Y EVENTS CALENDAR
MAGAZINE
WENATCHEE VALLEY’S
NUMBER ONE MAGAZINE
1
20
September 2015
Price: $3
Open for fun and adventure
June 2015
Open for fun and adventure
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May 2015 n Cover price: $3
LOVING THE LIFT
(tiny) TRAILER LIFE
Riding an invisible river of air exhilarates Cashmere flyer
Our
100th
RUNNiNg wiTh DOgS
issue
AGILITY COURSE PUTS OWNERS AND THEIR BEST FRIENDS TO THE TEST
Best Days
5 readers tell their favorite stories
Ed’s Boat
Tree wanted to be a beautiful dory
They Built This City
Who made Wenatchee the livable city it is
Name: __________________________________ Address: ________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________ ________________________________________
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January 2019
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editor’s notes
MIKE CASSIDY
A place I could call... Cassidyville?
Cassidyburg? The Land of Cassidy? Excuse me, but I am just trying out a few names should I get the chance to name a town after… well, me. Unfortunately, in these modern times, most towns are already named, and not too many are starting fresh, in need of a designation. That’s a shame, because think Cassidytropolis — there’s a name destined for greatness. I started playing with town names after reading Rod Molzahn’s history article this month about north central Washington pioneer Ernst Wagner. It’s an incredible story of determination and grit, and his refusal to give in to setbacks. Rod concluded his story by writing: “(Wagner) retired from the international market in 1919 but continued to develop the orchards at Wagnersburg,” “Wait,” I said in an email to Rod, “I’ve never heard of Wagnersburg. Where’s that at?” So Rod enlightened me with the following story: “Wagnersburg is about halfway between Wenatchee and Entiat on the Columbia River. There is a Great Northern siding there that the railroad people named Stayman (an apple variety). “Ernst didn’t like the name. Since it was on his land he went east to talk with Louis Hill (J.J.’s son and president of the Great Northern.) Louis and Ernst were friends. “Ernst told Louis he didn’t like the name and Louis asked him what he preferred. Ernst said he wanted it called Wagnersburg. Louis got on the phone
and called someone who had the name changed by the time Ernst got home.” Now, that’s a story of a person who deserved to have a place — even if it’s just a railroad siding — named after him. See Rod’s story on page 36. An alert reader — thank you retired Forest Service Plant Ecologist Terry Lillybridge — pointed out the photo we ran last month in Jaana Hatton’s Meet Our Native Plants column was incorrect. “I like the articles that Jaana Hatton does in The Good Life. They are nicely written and informative. However, in her latest article on Oceanspray, the photo displayed is that of Clematis ligusticifolia (Western Virginsbower) and not that of Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray).” Oops! To make matters right, here is an actual photo of Oceanspray:
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Health Alliance Northwest is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health Alliance Northwest depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in our network. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-877-5611463 (TTY: 711). Health Alliance Northwest complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Spanish: ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita, están disponibles para usted. Llame 1-877-750-3350 (TTY: 711). Chinese:注 意：如果你講中文，語言協助服務，免費的，都可 以給你。呼叫 1-877-750-3350 (TTY: 711) med-aepsemad19WAC-0618_TGL (4.5 x 5.4) H3471_19_67002_M
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column a bird in the lens
Bald Eagles hold a special place in our hearts I
By Bruce McCammon
t always seems to me that people react a bit more enthusiastically when they see a large, wild animal. I refer to the group as “charismatic megafauna.” Bighorn sheep, elk, rhinoceros, elephants — the list goes on. See one in the wild and you will almost always hear someone gasp or cry out with glee. Bruce McCammon The same is retired, colorholds true for blind and enjoys large birds photographing the birds in north centhat we see tral Washington. in eastern Washington. Great Egrets, Great Blue Heron and Osprey all qualify to fit in a class of large, charismatic birds. For me, though, the Bald Eagle sits at the top of the list of big, stunning birds. With a wingspan of up to eight feet, bright white head and tail on a dark body, an adult Bald Eagle is hard to miss.
Our national bird holds a special place in American’s hearts. The Bald Eagle population declined at the beginning of the 20th century due to hunting and pesticide use. Today, the number of Bald Eagles is increasing due to restrictions of pesticide use, conservation efforts and a lot of work by citizens and various state or federal agencies. Bald Eagles are seen in large numbers in Alaska where they
Celebrating the 100th year of the Apple Blossom Festival
PEOPLE of Our PAST Join us for a themed dinner February 23rd 6pm $35 members $40 non-members
Additional performances by donation February 23rd 10am & 2pm February 24th 2pm For more info visit wenatcheevalleymuseum.org or call (509) 888-6240
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forage on extensive salmon runs. In north central Washington, Bald Eagles are a seasonal visitor. They might be seen here during any month but they are most numerous in the late fall and winter. When I notice that our Osprey population has disappeared or decreased I start looking for eagles. They are commonly reported along the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. We enjoy counting them as we drive to Montana or Oregon. We keep a list of sightings as we walk the Apple Capital Loop Trail and the Horan Natural Area. As a bird photographer, I am always looking for a dramatic photo of a Bald Eagle. The classic image shows an eagle swooping down to grab a fish from a river or lake. Eagles, unlike Osprey, do not dive into the water after their prey. They rely on their powerful talons to
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January 2019
They might be seen here during any month but they are most numerous in the late fall and winter. grab and secure a fish as they fly by. Osprey dive into the water after fish, fully submerging their bodies. Both are spectacular events to witness. Someday I hope to be at the right place at the right time with my camera. I hope you get to see several Bald Eagles as you drive or hike through our area this winter. Anywhere along the Wenatchee River or the Columbia could be productive. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera. Good luck.
MY BEST DAY IN
We asked readers to tell us about their best day in 2018. Several responded, and here are a few of our favorites.
Mamas just know things about their children, no matter how old they get
2018
New father Jesse Johnson holds Miles Dean Johnson on his birth day, weighing in at four pounds, 11 ounces. Mom Cynthia Jeanne made a healthy recovery and the three of them now share a home in Colstrip, MT.
By Michele Peters
time. But, I promised him I would be there even though he was over 800 miles away. uesdays and Wednesdays by most acWhen the concerned call came in, I immecounts are just another average day in the diately started making plans. A conversation middle of the week. However, a specific arranging time off with my boss; a call to 24-hours spanning Tuesday to Wednesday in my husband; online ticket reservations to fly late August ended up more memorable than from Pangborn; a suitcase thrown together, most. and I headed out as soon as flight schedules My adult son and I share an extra special allowed. bond. I gave birth to him when I wasn’t The plane touched down in Billings after much more than a child. His sudden arrival midnight. I didn’t intend to ask him to leave in my world gave me the purpose and drive I her side at the hospital so I arranged my first needed to love myself and want more in life, Uber ride, ever. This day would bring more even as a single parent. than one “first” for me. This year, we faced another life-changing At the hospital entrance, he rushed out to moment together. plaster me with a long bear-hug. I tangibly The truth was, I didn’t think it would hap- felt his worry transform into relief at having pen so soon. We both thought we had more me there with him.
T
January 2019 | The Good Life
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Mamas just know things about their children, no matter how old they get. They know. Despite any worries I held in that moment, I put on my game face and told him everything would be all right. Frankly, things were about to get crazy. Scary crazy. He took me up to the birthing room where his son, my grandson, was about to be born — three weeks early. Within minutes, the laboring mom’s blood pressure spiked to stroke/seizure levels and the baby’s heart rate dropped drastically. Chaos erupted and the doctors and nurses barged into the room with urgency. I sensed my child feeling his whole world slipping away. I assured him.
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a long story short, asked her out and to my surprise she said yes. So we started dating pretty seriously and I, remembering way, way back when couples went steady, asked her to go steady with me. She said yes so I went upstairs to find my very old class ring for her to wear when I then found the diamond ring that I had made ahead of time for my A self-described “geek girl,” Michele Peters is an bride-to-be. Applications Administrator for a local company MY B I thought for EST D and has enjoyed the excitement and challenge of A Y a moment and working in technology for the past 20 years. Her IN 20 18 alter-ego, ML Peters, is an aspiring author with a then said, “Why desire to read and write stories that captivate the Bill Landsborough with Sharon Landsborough on not?” and went world. Until then, her equally geeky husband and their wedding day. Photo by Jackie Stonas. downstairs and not-so-geeky teenage daughters willingly read her said I couldn’t musings from their home in East Wenatchee. Visit find my class ring so would this diamond do in 2013. both egos on instagram: geekgirly and mlpeters. author. if you will marry me? I started doing online dating and signed She laughed her beautiful laugh and said up on two dating sites. At one point I was talking to eight ladies by phone and email. I “Yes.” So we were married on Jan. 13, 2018, the best day of the year in my life! wasn’t desperate but was looking a lot. I met some wonderful ladies but we who Bill Landsborough is a native Washingtonian are older, have a lot of baggage in the form of who loves being active in the great Northwest. He family, church, politics, location and prefermoved to Wenatchee in 2004 and loves golf, ping ences. I realized it was going to be harder pong and anything outdoors. than I originally thought and after searching for a year and a half, I quit the dating sites and said to God, “If you want me to find someone, you have to provide her to me.” So I settled down to live out my life comfortably as a widower and a single man. It wasn’t until September 2017 at the Bill Landsborough Wenatchee Valley Senior Center ping pong room, where I play with about 18 other he most important day of 2018 for me seniors every week, that a nice lady named has to be Jan. 13. Sharon Thayer came in to play. On that day I married a lady who was and She was pretty, good at ping pong and is an answer to prayer. had a fun laugh and a great sense of humor. You would think, ho-hum, another wedBUT... she was wearing a wedding ring. So ding story. But how many wedding stories do that was the end of that. By Tom Bryant you read about when the couple is in their But, after about the third time seeing her mid 70s? his year has been a gift. A gift of life there, I found out that she was a widow and My search for a lady in my life began about just had not taken off her wedding ring. and lifestyle alteration. a year after my previous wife, Colleen, died After a 38-year career, I retired on April 27. So I went over to talk to her and, making
2018
He trembled and shook as he struggled to put the scrubs on for the emergency Csection. I helped him. Pulling the baby-blue surgical top over his head, tucking his pants into the bottoms, and tugging the paper slippers over his shoes, I flashed back 25 years. Was I in that room helping a grown man or was I back in time dressing my little boy? I comforted him. He silently followed along when the staff wheeled her out of the birthing room. Attempting to hide the tears in the corner of my eyes, I told him it was going to be okay. Forty-five minutes felt like hours when the nurse finally came with news. My first concern was that everybody was okay. Once assured, it sunk in: I was a grandmother. And, my son was a father. The love in my heart multiplied a thousand times that day.
W I NN
ER
She was pretty, good at ping pong and had a fun laugh, BUT...
Just nine days into my retirement, I got a wakeup call
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January 2019
MY BEST DAY IN
2018
I decided I must go back to the falls and honor my friend James By Byron Scott
I first met James in 1996, at Bethel Church, in Richland. We shared common interests: our faith in Jesus Christ, nordic skiing, camping and hiking. Thus began a friendship that covered plenty of miles and 22 years. Three months after meeting him I relocated to East Wenatchee. Yet in spite of the greater distance between us, and getting married to my wife in 2002, we continued to travel together around the Northwest many times a year. Tom Bryant and his daughter Natalie stand in front of the ruins of a multi-room dwelling built into stone Several years ago, James moved to East cliffs by ancient Pueblo people at Mesa Verde. Wenatchee. Now only living a mile away, it was easier to plan our outdoor journeys. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest was one of I had aspirations of getting into better physi- changes, and getting lots of exercise I feel our favorite places and we’d often drive five cal shape and making up for all the transbetter than I have in years. hours, set up camp, then hike into the forest gressions of the life I had lived so far. Since the event I have lost 65 pounds (I searching for waterfalls. After all, I was feeling pretty good and had plenty to lose) and spend every day foIn May 2016, we journeyed to the Gifford since I am only 62, I had plenty of time to set cused on the gift I have been given. Pinchot National Forest, looking for one of and then get on a healthy course. My daughter and I were able to take a road the highest rated waterfalls in the NorthJust nine days into my retirement on May trip in October and I did more hiking and 6, I got a wakeup call and had my naiveté felt better doing it than I have since I was in west, according to our Northwest waterfall book: Falls Creek Falls. revealed, big time. my 30s. I took photographs along the scenic 1.8Following a five-mile bike ride on the Sage We went into Arches National Park at 6 mile path, but nothing prepared us for the Hills trail, I returned home and was experi- a.m. on the morning of Oct. 10 and drove sight of the falls! The three-tiered falls is encing pressure on my chest. It did not take to the end of the park and while hiking the over 300 feet high from top to bottom, and me long to understand that I was not going Devils Garden trail we got to see the sun the volume of water thundered as it hit the to recover from this on my own. come up on this spectacular segment of pool below. My wife was out and I texted her about God’s landscape. A constant mist of water permeated our coming home as soon as she could. She was In this early morning setting, we experifaces as we took in this majestic sight and we home in under 15 minutes and the EMS call enced the real diversity and beauty of naagreed: we must return! was made and as I was on the way to the ture. We also did the Balcony House tour at May 2018 was supposed to be our return to hospital they revealed that I was indeed hav- Mesa Verde in Colorado, and climbed to the Falls Creek Falls trip, but James discovered ing a heart attack. top of Independence Rock in Wyoming. he would need shoulder surgery. It was deI was rushed to the ER and the marvelGetting my life turned around and the cided, as soon as he was able to comfortably ous team at the Wenatchee Valley Medical quality time spent with my family and Center got me in immediately to the cath friends this year has been the most precious make the journey, we would go. Three days after his outpatient surgery, a lab. I had a complete blockage in my right opportunity I could ever have expected for mutual friend and I tragically found James coronary artery and got two stints, which 2018. unresponsive in his apartment; it was one of provided immediate relief. the hardest days of my life. Tom Bryant is a longtime Wenatchee resident and a I had just received a new lease on life 1974 WHS graduate. He and his wife Maureen have In the days following his death, while we and recognized that it was on me to get been married for 40 years. He retired in 2018 follow- helped his brothers from Oregon load up things turned around. I have made signifiing a 38-year career with Chelan County PUD. his belongings, his older brother offered me cant changes in my life and along with the
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miracle of medicine, adopting major dietary
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MY BEST DAY IN
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Above: James measures a tree on a an earlier hike to Falls Creek Falls in May 2016. RIGHT: Hiking buddy Byron Scott planted James’ ski poles overlooking the falls and said a prayer.
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If not hiking James’s nordic ski equipment. I wasn’t sure around the what I would do with it, since we were differ- Northwest, you ent sizes, but I graciously accepted. will find him At his memorial service in June, I shared in the gym at Mountain View various photographs in a slide show of our Fitness or at adventures over the years and was honored home working to read from the Bible, Proverbs 18:24, “... in the yard. there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I then declared aloud, “You have been that kind of friend, James.” I decided I must go back to Falls Creek Falls and honor James in some way. I made the trip on Sept. 27, 2018, arriving late in the afternoon. The weather seemed divinely good that day, and as I reached the observation point, I realized I had Falls Creek Falls all to myself. After saying a prayer of thanksgiving for my friend James, I planted his Nordic ski poles in the dirt, facing the falls, and began taking photographs. I spent about 30 minBy Linda Hightower utes alone before beginning the hike back to the trailhead, but it felt like James was right y very best day in 2018 was Tuesday, there with me. June 12. My day at Falls Creek Falls, honoring my I had just finished my last day as Cashmere friend, James, was my best day of 2018. High School’s teacher librarian the day before on June 11 with a big retirement celebraByron Scott is retired from the Bonneville Power tion and final cleaning up of my office. Administration, and now enjoys playing fantasy After 23 years at Cashmere High School, football, investing in the stock market, encourI had a lot of mixed emotions retiring, but I aging others on Facebook, and connecting with people through Bible study and food distribution was ready for a change and looking forward ministries. He is a Northwest outdoors enthusiast. to traveling and more time with my husband
I was super excited as we pulled out of our Malaga home M
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Keith and our extended family. On the morning of the 12th my husband of 42 years and I took off at 10:45 a.m. in our packed Ford 150 pick-up after a morning of house cleaning and started down the road to new adventures! Our destination was Rice, Texas, over 2,000 miles away, where we would pick up our new Casita travel trailer direct from the factory because they have no dealers. My husband Keith had researched for about two years looking for the perfect small travel trailer for us, one that would be suitable for moderate off-road adventures. Finally our plans were coming into fruition. Keith hadn’t wanted to camp with me since our three daughters were very young and I had been tent camping with my sisters for years. Keith told me if he were to camp again, it would be with a bed off the ground with a memory foam mattress, a shower and air conditioning. Yes, he’s the picky clean one in our family. As we prepared for my retirement, our plan to camp resulted in our choice of the
January 2019
MY BEST DAY IN
2018
Meadowlark on a barn roof.
Linda Hightower and her husband Keith pick up their new Casita travel trailer in Texas.
Casita trailer. Casitas are built with marine grade fiberglass bodies and they are easy to tow. I was super excited as we pulled out of our Malaga home and hit the road. At the first rest stop on I-90 I got into the driver’s seat and we headed east towards Idaho. We stopped for lunch at the old Cataldo Mission (Idaho’s oldest building) just outside of Coeur d’Alene and saw three moose enjoying their wet underwater lunch nearby the mission. We continued down the road to Wallace and stopped for yummy fresh huckleberry milkshakes at the Red Light Garage. Driving that afternoon through the beautiful Idaho mountains and into Montana brought us to Missoula where we had reservations that night. After gassing up at Costco and walking down to eat our dinner at Applebee’s, we found our Super 8 Motel and ended our wonderful day. Traveling 366 miles at a leisurely pace suits us and we looked forward to driving the next day to our second destination 343 miles away: Billings. I still haven’t lost my excitement of starting my retirement as I look back to June 12. Since then, we have spent 46 nights camping in our Casita from Texas to Ocean Shores and we look forward to many more adventures in our Casita in the future.
Anticipation I
By Annette Byrd
had waited for this day all winter, through the dark days and long nights, through the piles of snow which, although when fresh and cold, shone like diamonds scattered across a robe of brilliant white ermine, had since turned the appearance of old, worn, rags —patchy and yellowed. As the day approached I waited ever more expectantly, hoping it might be today and when today was not “THE Day,” I grew tense with anticipation that tomorrow would certainly fulfill my expectation. It was the same every year. I dutifully noted the distance between Dec. 21 and March 20; winter was supposed to end and spring begin but I knew it was never that simple. Spring rarely started on a calendar day. It certainly did not arrive with the robins — they could not be depended on. Sometimes they showed up in the middle of winter and one year a few even stayed all winter long. No, there was only one sure sign that spring had actually arrived. Now the day was close — it had to be. Surely he would not disappoint me this year. He never had yet. And so, each day as I performed the daily
January 2019 | The Good Life
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duties of living a part of my brain and certainly at least one ear waited and listened, straining to hear the arrival of spring. March 20 came and went. It was not “THE Day” even though my calendar said — in small print — “Vernal (Spring) Equinox.” If this was supposed to be the first day of spring it definitely was not spring at our house. Early on the 21st, before I had breakfast, before I headed out for my morning walk — at exactly 7:30 a.m., I stopped everything as my ear caught a distant sound. No matter how faint, I always heard it. I rushed outside. There it was again, now much louder — that clear, bell-like tone — so pure, so rich: like liquid gold flowing through the air. Once again the Meadowlark had returned. He proclaimed in a vibrant trill that rose and fell in unblemished glory that this was “THE Day,” delivering his unequivocal message that spring had now truly arrived. My heart leapt, suddenly full of joy and hope for a fresh start. The earth would again loosen the death-grip of winter and be born again as seeds sprouted and blossoms bloomed and daylight increased. Life would spring forth afresh. There was no doubt. None whatsoever. Whether he came early or late the Meadowlark never failed. When he sang, spring came. And for me — it was once again the BEST DAY! Annette Byrd went to Chelan High School, lived in Stehekin, worked for KYSN radio in the early years, and was the East Wenatchee librarian for six years until she married and moved to Elgin, OR.
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MY BEST DAY IN
2018
Who else to volunteer but ‘oma’ M
We gazed into each other’s eyes, she napped on my chest with my heartbeat to sooth her, and her smiles were nonstop even when napping.
By DeeDee Cleveland
y best day of 2018 was a very long day — about 36 hours. I was eager to meet my son’s first child. I awoke Oct. 8 at 5 a.m., leaving Chelan to arrive at SeaTac airport in time for a 2:40 p.m. flight to Europe. Seattle to Amsterdam was nine and a half hours landing at 8 a.m. on what was by then Oct. 9. I stayed awake thanks to entertainment on the screen in front of me. Next was the four-and-a-half hour layover in Amsterdam then a one hour flight to Nuremberg landing at 2 p.m. At the airport, I rushed to the escalator and U-bahn station, literally beneath the airport and hopped onto a high speed train at 2:30 p.m. That trip took about 20 minutes. With the guidance of kind strangers, I boarded a Bahnhof train heading northeast for Ansbach. No signs inside the train indicated the stops and knowing no German, I was trying to follow along with my phone’s GPS. Thankfully, some folks near me said they were getting off at the same station, so no worries, “Just follow us.” By 3:45 p.m. my daughter-in-law met me at the station. This is where the best part started — meeting Ella. I felt nothing but excitement and amazement. I rode in the back seat of the car, holding the five-week-old’s little hand as she slept, which she did a lot of during the next two weeks.
When we arrived at their home in a charming Bavarian village, an hour had passed and it was soon time to think of dinner. Naturally, someone had to hold Ella while the meal was prepared, who else to volunteer but “oma” (one German word committed to my memory). Unpacking or freshening up was not important at the moment — my main focus was on Ella. After my son arrived home from work we ate dinner, me holding the infant in one arm and eating with one hand as parents often do when a child is small. Most moms will remember the tenderness and ease of handling one so tiny. Soon it was baby’s turn to eat and then prepare her for a nap. The every four-hour feedings felt natural although it had been over 30 years since I had that parental responsibility. It brought me so much pleasure to be with Ella for two weeks with lots of time to hold her and snuggle during the days and nights. We gazed into each other’s eyes, she napped on my chest with my heartbeat to sooth her, and her smiles were nonstop even when napping. She is a good traveler; she likes her stroller rides in Bavaria and is curious of everything around her.
FIT�&�LEAN
2018
Oma DeeDee and baby Ella.
We are all looking forward to our next time together, not yet decided which comes first — in the USA or Germany. But this oma will be eagerly anticipating the day. DeeDee and her husband live in the beautiful Chelan valley. Now retired, passions include yoga, rock collecting, painting rocks and photographing doors.
PICKLEBALL�-�TENNIS -�FITNESS RACQUETBALL�-�AQUATICS
2018! GET�STARTED�TODAY!
14�DAYS�FOR�$14 12
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662-3544�/�WWW.WRAC.ORG www.ncwgoodlife.com
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January 2019
K
ayla Stewart and Ryker Stewart, 3, of Wenatchee were out walking their dog Remi. Remi is a black lab and is six years old. Kayla said they got Remi when she was a puppy and she loves Remi’s energy. “She is a real bird dog. She catches ducks, loves her ball and walking the trail,” said Kayla. Kayla was walking with her friend, Susie Rose, of Wenatchee, who was with her dog Tilly, a seven-year-old Bouvier des Flandres. Susie got Tilly as a puppy from a breeder in Ohio. “She sat with me the whole time on the airplane in my lap.” “I love everything about her. She is really a sweet dog, great companion and never leaves my side,” said Susie.
J
essica Johnson, executive director of SAGE Advocacy Center in Wenatchee, graduated with Hank, a Labrador Retriever, from Assistance Dogs Northwest training program in December. Hank will provide comfort and courage to children who are victims or witnesses of crime throughout the legal process. Hank and Jessica will work together in the child advocacy center at SAGE. Assistance Dogs Northwest is a charitable organization serving children and adults with physical disabilities and other special needs in the Pacific Northwest. Dogs undergo up to two years of training and passing rigorous health and temperament screenings prior to graduation.
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Editor’s picks:
A few
FAVORITE PHOTOS from
2018
Some pictures are just too fun to publish only once. As the beginning of a new year is a good excuse to look back on the previous 12 months, here are a dozen photos I especially enjoyed from 2018 — with updated and expanded captions from the people in them. Like seasonal delights, these are good for a second helping. — editor Mike Cassidy
Jackie Stonas, August: When I look at this photo I have such a clear memory of how I felt in that moment — pure joy. I have since been putting my citizenship “to work.” I was excited to get a jury summons in October — because this was the first time I could actually serve. The size of the voter pamphlet was daunting but I read the entire thing to be as educated as possible for the November election. When I dropped my ballot in the box by the library the experience gave me goosebumps! After living in the USA for over 25 years this was the first time I’ve been able to have an active voice in the leadership of our community and state. What a privilege! God bless the USA!
Jill LaRue, February: On an afternoon land safari at Chobe National Park in Botswana, we came upon a large herd of about 20 giraffes on the flats by the river. Living the good life, the frolicking calves ran around and stirred up the dust. The older giraffes looked so awkward trying to drink from watering holes with their long necks and legs.
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Jack Bickford, with tiny house building partner Brandon Williams, April: We have encountered hundreds of interested customers, but connecting the peoples’ desires with a feasible home of their own has become almost impossible with the movement of Washington state and its counties to adopt big RV business regulations, making RVs and residential homes harder to build than ever before.
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January 2019
Mary Sanders plays piano with her husband, Steve, on the bass, April: We are still able to surprise and support each other during a performance. The main reason is it is just so much fun playing together. It took me 36 years to find the perfect bassist. People tell us they enjoy our performances and personalities. We laugh, almost as much as we play. We are individually our best fan when one or the other is performing. If there is ever disagreement between us — all one of us has to do it start playing, the other joins in and peace reigns.
Connie Morris, with her husband David, November: Each of us, a little scared, were waiting in separate pre-surgical rooms. Our daughter, Rachael, suppressing her own fear, cheerfully suggested we take one last picture before we are anesthetized for the kidney donation and transplant. In his embrace, I remember thinking, “we got this.” Devin Scroggins with his dad, Boyd, August: Last May my dad and I traveled Route 66. It was an exciting nine days visiting all of the old sights like the old Soulsbys service station in Mount Olive, IL. Looking back now I see that the highlight of the trip was the many hours my dad and I spent recalling stories and memories of family and friends. It was truly a trip of a lifetime. January 2019 | The Good Life
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➥
More
FAVORITE PHOTOS from
2018
Olivia Haas, June: We settled in quickly to our charming “new” old home. Some updates have been made and the place really feels like our own now. The kids absolutely love living here — maybe it’s the walking trips to the library or the princess-like rooms they have. We couldn’t be happier and we are looking forward to next spring so we can build out our garden beds and grow our own food.
Andy Peart with Jasmine Hall (aka Ando and Jas), Snatchee Records, September: The image was captured in front of Wally’s House of Booze where we put on an average of 80 live shows per year. We are living the good life. Cheers to thrilling music, exceptional community, life-long friends, and the chance to love what we do... May our nights forever be loud, fast and fantastic! Josh Osburn and the llamas, October. Photographer Brad Brisbine writes: Being familiar with this trail, I did some “previsualizing” of my shots. This shot though, was about being ready for serendipity. Josh changed direction and walked right past me. Three seconds to shade my lens, compose and trip the shutter. I like the effect of Josh being so close, with the diminishing perspective behind him.
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January 2019
Debbie Gurnard, with Bonnie Fortner, April: This picture was taken in the beautiful medieval town of Cirauqui, Spain. Looking at this picture takes Bonnie and me back to our trip and reminds us it really was a once in a lifetime experience. Our memories of the people we met, the towns and villages we traveled through will forever be a gift we will treasure.
Jason Sims, March: The mischievous grin that adorned the cover last year is still the same smile I see when I fool myself in the mirror, knowing the secret yet still being amazed. It reminds me of the profoundness of magic and its beautiful ability to move us. There’s an allure to the mystery of conjuring and it is one of the best gifts to share with another person. I hope to continue sharing this gift because we all need a little magic in our lives.
John Darling, February: This was taken in Yasunii National Park, in the Ecuadorean Amazon Basin. A place of enchantment and adventure, I was experiencing the National Geographic of my childhood. I witnessed the clash of the modern world and an emerging primitive culture, the tranquility of a simple life, the awe and wonder of the natural world. It was a time to experience peace, joy and gratitude in a complex world.
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Running cross country for the team — and myself It’s just so fun to run as fast as I can, every part of me working together
S
By Marlene Farrell
ome people would rather sleep in on a dark November Sunday than drive for a couple hours just to run six kilometers in a public park. For my friend, Eric Wulfman, and me, it was just one of the things we’d come to accept for the love of our sport of competitive cross country. We both woke up around 4:30 a.m., with time for race day rituals before rendezvousing to carpool to the Pacific Northwest Open and Masters Cross Country races in Seattle. Bikers worry about gears, tires and brakes. Since my only “gear” is socks and spikes, I obsess a bit over these details, packing three pair of socks for one pair of feet. Cross country is as old as hu-
manity, given we were running long before there were established roads on which to run. It’s also been a popular competitive event for more than a century. The required combination of endurance, speed and nimbleness to cover hilly, muddy, uneven terrain make it seem a sport for young athletes alone. However, there are contingents of master (anyone older than 40) cross country runners across the country and around the world. “Master” doesn’t imply that we are particularly masterful at racing. It’s just a nice term for old people. Cross country can’t be compared to the omnipresent half marathon scene, known for flat courses, good post race food, t-shirts and medals for all. In contrast, we master cross country runners head to parks where we run multiple laps designed to utilize hills, sharp turns, lumpy fields and rutted trails. We receive no swag. We train specifically. You can’t get by in a cross country race
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we master cross country runners head to parks where we run multiple laps designed to utilize hills, sharp turns, lumpy fields and rutted trails. We receive no swag. just by logging miles. There must be speed work. And at the race, we run as hard as our legs and lungs allow. The first step to competing, as we enter our 40s (me) and 50s (Eric), is getting to the start line healthy. For the two-and-a-half hour car ride to Woodland Park in Seattle, we made sure to remember important items — tennis balls. I used one to prod and release my hamstrings and gluts, rolling it between me and my seat for
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January 2019
Marlene Farrell, far right, makes a turn on the USATF Club Cross Country Nationals course in Spokane.
almost the entire ride. Eric is far tougher than most of us. He lives with rheumatoid arthritis, which affects athletic performance, as do the medications used to treat it. “Races are goals that keep me running, even when I’m not feeling 100 percent,” he said. “A life-long condition doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you love. At this point, I consider every time I race, it’s a win.” Why we like to race is related to coaching kids. We enjoy being around runners, young and old. Eric spends a lot of time in coach mode, being the distance coach for Cascade High School’s track program and the head cross country coach at Icicle River Middle School. I was Eric’s assistant coach this fall. We both agreed there was a connection. “Racing makes us better
Most of us wear spikes anyway, which clatter against the asphalt and feel like hard points beneath our feet. coaches,” Eric said. “We’re not just drawing on memories of racing decades ago.” That Sunday we headed to Woodland Park in Seattle to race for our team, Seattle Running Club (SRC). Six other teams from the region were also there. It’s a tough course. The start is evil. The hill is plenty wide but it also slopes down. When your stride is several inches shorter and your shock absorbers aren’t as lubricated as they used to be, you notice how quickly the ground falls away, and you land hard on every little lump and hole. “There’s some real twisted ankle potential,” Eric warned. For 6k, we ran three identical laps. The course, on mostly grass and dirt, crossed pavement three times each lap. Most of us wear spikes anyway, which clatter against the asphalt and feel like hard points beneath our feet. In other places there were side camber, twisty tree roots, cedar branches hanging low, sun streaking into my eyes. There’s a hill I love. It teases us as we approach the finish, before we plunge and loop around a notorious tight turn on fallen leaves. Few other running events are so team-oriented; we race for the sake of something bigger than ourselves. Each person I pass in a race helps lower my team’s overall score (the goal is to have the lowest score, based on runners’ placings). The other SRC racers cheered for us while they warmed up for their open (under 39) races. They stood at key spots to encourage me up the hill, convinc-
UPDATE FROM NATIONALS
TOES ON THE LINE, AND THEN BANG! WE’re OFF
The national championships,
Dec. 8 in Spokane. The cold air was bracing. The sun, which set the course aglow and cast beautiful elongated runner shadows during yesterday’s preview, was nowhere to be seen today. I can plan all I want for a great race. Most of the time, forces outside myself decide my fate. But I make a plan anyway, writing an optimistic pace time on the palm of my hand. After a brief warm up, toes were on the line, BANG went the gun, and we lunged. There were over 150 women in my race, but I only had eyes for those in front, setting a fast clip. After a long straightaway we hit the many curves. I aimed for perfect tangents. The stubbly grass gave no resistance to my spikes. It required so much concentration that the markers were a blur, and I only thought to check one marker (3k time at the halfway point). I was four seconds ahead! As always, my teammates’ ing me that I looked strong. Cross country is contained in the fall season. It’s more than a stand-alone race; each race builds on the previous ones. I hope to make progress, in pacing, fitness, power and confidence. To race hard for a couple laps around a track is one thing. To run for what feels like forever in a marathon is at the other end of the spectrum. Cross country sits somewhere in the middle, requiring tenacity. I try to hold myself at full throttle for more than 20 minutes, a long enough time to feel my mental scaffolding crack. But it doesn’t crumble. I will my legs to keep churning, as they have January 2019 | The Good Life
I surged. Only a very decisive pass can break my opponent’s will. cheers boosted me, even when my limbs started to burn and my throat felt ragged. I worked my way up to 11th place. Then 10th. We were stacked, 9, 10 and 11. I had a choice; I could yield, hold or dare. I chose the latter. There’s no perfect moment to pass someone, but when I found myself within a couple feet, I surged. Only a very decisive pass can break my opponent’s will. It worked, but I couldn’t let down my guard. The finish, after a 90-degree turn, was on a slightly uphill straightaway. It was perfect for a kick, with heaving lungs and pumping arms and resisting the urge to look back at my pursuers. Then, across the line, holding onto 9th place, I smiled between gasps. for decades of racing. This is a more inspiring year than most to run master’s cross country. National level events don’t happen frequently in the Pacific Northwest, but this year our culminating event is USATF Club Cross Country Nationals in Spokane in December. My first four races this season have been in picturesque fall weather. I’ve run comfortably in a tank top and shorts. But luck could turn for Nationals. If so, I’m psyched. Part of the culture of cross country is racing, rain or shine. Nationals might even have snow. It snowed 10 years ago when Spokane last hosted it. Eric and I, Nordic skiers in the www.ncwgoodlife.com
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Eric Wulfman, my Leavenworth running friend, had a race with an unexpected challenge. Asthma-like symptoms, of which he felt a hint last month, hit him hard during his 10k race. He needed to drop out. Eric said, “The biggest thing is, you’ve got to know your body. If something comes up (medically), you must make the right decision, not based on ego. I feel bad for not getting to score, but it could have been a bad situation for me. “In no way would I not go back and do it again. It’s fuel in the furnace for next time. And either way, it’s neat to watch the best people in the country racing.” Our Seattle Running Club master’s women’s team finished 7th at nationals in Spokane, wrapping up our 2018 season. After all five races, the three dozen racers and friends commiserated and celebrated, reliving the details of something that made us feel so very alive.
winter, won’t mind at all, though the visiting teams from San Diego or Atlanta might. It’s hard to have a perfect race. But we know what it takes to have a deeply satisfying one. “As I race, I check in with myself and how my race is going.” Eric said. He’s a “glass is half full” kind of guy. “Being positive helps me dig deeper in the middle of the race.” For me? It’s just so fun to run as fast as I can, every part of me working together. Post race, I feel happily hollowed out, like I left some of my essence out there on the course. I think my teammates understand. It keeps me coming back, every fall.
A walk in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ And dancing with the hankie-waving Morris Men
I
By Lee Martin
love most things British: their history, their pubs, their humor, and their authors. While I had been to the United Kingdom several times in my lifetime, I had never really considered hiking through the countryside. Then I read Bill Bryson’s Notes from a Small Island about his experience hiking through the English countryside. I was inspired and when I mentioned this to my daughter Grace, she said “Let’s plan a trip.” It turned that the other members of the family wanted to go, so there would be five of us: Grace and her husband Nathan, and my daughter Hannah and my son Kendall. We booked our tickets and started planning. When you hike the trails in England, you’re walking on public as well as private land. You have a right to trespass on private land. This is because of the Countryside and Rights-ofWay Act of 2000 that legalized trespassing on certain designated paths. We would hike between 10-15 miles per day in an area called the Cotswolds and stay at a different town each night with names like Cheltenham, Cirencester, and Northleach. They gave us a 50-page manual with step-by-step directions so we wouldn’t get lost.
TOP: Signposts show the way through the Cotswolds, even if it’s private land. ABOVE: The Gloucester Morris Men dance and wave their hankies.
Here is an excerpt from one of the manuals: “At Bellis Nap cross the stile and leave via the stile. On the opposite side turn left to the kissing gate and follow the path ahead keeping the stone wall and woods on your right. Go to a kissing gate and follow the path downhill to the bottom of the field, the path turns left and follows the field boundary to a kissing gate.”
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The Cotswolds are part of what is called “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” or “AONB” for short. The British love to use superlatives to describe anything they have. We have the United States, they have the United Kingdom, we have the First Lady, they have the Queen, and we have the National Parks and they have the “AONB.”
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January 2019
At the end of a long day of hiking, we entered a picturesque village called Painswick. As it happened, that evening England was to play Croatia in the World Cup. If you want to see the English in their native habitat go to a pub to watch a soccer game. And not just any soccer game but their beloved country in the World Cup. It’s their Super Bowl
Village buildings, composed of the unique limestone of the area, provide a welcome respite while hiking.
to be sure. We ended up in a pub sitting in an old medieval courtyard jam-packed with locals, drinking their ale, straining to get a good view of the match on a big screen TV, and finally getting their dreams dashed as England lost. One of the locals I was watching the game with turned out to be a mason. I asked him about the unique material from the area called Jurassic limestone used to build these villages. He told me the houses were all required to keep to this standard and you had to get a special exemption from the local authorities to vary from this style. It appeared there were few rebels. My friend had also told me he had moved to California and then back. Why would anyone
want to leave the AONB? I was about to find out the next morning when we had a typical English breakfast with our hostess. Except we asked for English pancakes that are thinner and more like Swedish pancakes. This odd fact will have relevance in a minute. Our amiable English hostess shocked me though when she said she wanted to move to America. She and her husband we going to sell their quaint cottage and move to the Southwest. She loved our national parks and the immensity of our country to explore. I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to leave the AONB. And then she said the thing that probably shocked me even more: “Oh, my husband loves your pancakes and that’s one of the reasons we want to move to the U.S.” January 2019 | The Good Life
I was wondering what kind of pancake would compel an amiable (and I assumed sane) English couple to pull up roots from here. She continued to explain: “We love those roadside diners that you have that make great thick and fluffy pancakes. You might have heard of them: they are called Denny’s.” I almost fell over in my chair. I thought, “YOU’RE MOVING TO THE U.S. FOR DENNY’S????” Just so you know, I was a good tourist and nodded in agreement as if I agreed they were THAT good! Another evening after a long day in Cirencester, we came upon some entertainers about to perform in the town square. As it turned out, they were the Gloucester Morris Men. The men were dancers, in age from 60s to 80s. It’s a form of dancing common to the Cotswolds that dates to the 15th Century or so. The men were dressed in all white and wore bells on theirs shins, waved hankies, and carried sticks like swords. The dancing’s original purpose apparently was to ward off evil spirits and encourage crops to grow. Now its purpose was to keep up the tradition. I think its purpose has always been to amuse. The dancing went for 45 minutes and on breaks I took up conversation with Dave, one of the actual Morris Men. He tried to fill me in on what was going on. I could tell that most people — especially my adult children — found it amusing, bordering on comical. Apparently, they were not alone. Dave told me that they had performed on TV, and that the media regularly made quite a bit of fun of them. He said, “I am getting very tired of them (media) making fun of us.” Then he turned and joined his hankie waiving, stick carrying comrades. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that maybe if he stopped dancing with a hankie, that www.ncwgoodlife.com
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“Oh, my husband loves your pancakes and that’s one of the reasons we want to move to the U.S.” would help with the media’s abuse. After they were done, we got pictures taken and were planning on leaving when he invited us to their next performance at the local pub. I could see in my kids’ eyes that they had seen enough. But Dave and the other Morris Men kept insisting. Have you ever tried to resist the Morris Men? I think not, so don’t judge me because I said yes. This is after all why I travel — to get engaged in the culture. Also, they mentioned the word “pub.” We all walked to the pub to get refreshed and then they walked onto the cobbled street to perform again. We couldn’t really tell the difference between the two performances except for the pint of ale. This did help, I must admit. However, we were rewarded at the end of the performance where, as a sort of encore, they invited us to join them in their dance. So, there we were in a medieval town, in front of a pub, waving hankies with old British gents, warding off evil spirits. You know, I think it worked because we have been smiling ever since thinking about them. Dave, I’m not laughing at you, but smiling with you. Lee Martin has lived in Leavenworth since 1995 where he and his wife raised their kids. He has a financial planning practice for his day job.
Know of someone stepping off the beaten path in the search for fun and excitement? E-mail us at editor@ncwgoodlife.com
s ’ y a w d r O y r Ca CENTRAL
WASHINGTON
Zip up!
Experience
Winter fun for Weather Weenies Visitors can buy a $5 button that gets them into most activities, although there are separate admission prices for Wine Walk, Alefest and certain other events.
by Cary Ordway
F
or some people in North Central Washington, there is just one problem right now with this gorgeous part of the universe called the Wenatchee Valley: It’s winter. Oh lots of people put on a brave face when the temperatures dip, the winds howl and the snow flies, and some people will actually tell you that they LIKE the snow because, well, it’s just so darn pretty this time of year. And, when you’re riding a chairlift at Mission Ridge, it’s hard to argue that frequent snow, abundant sunshine and gorgeous valley views don’t add up to a feast for the senses. But as you get older, the weather just seems to get a little colder, and some people start looking around for alternative activities that don’t potentially expose them to polar extremes. These people are the Weather Weenies -- a group that doesn’t necessarily want to give up and sit on the couch until the spring thaw. But they do insist that they don’t risk hypothermia. With the Weenies in mind, we offer here a few fun winter activities in NCW graded on a scale from one icicle (you have to wear a coat to and from your car), to four icicles (wear long underwear, a big coat AND a heated vest). Bundle up and enjoy:
For complete information on the Lake Chelan Winterfest events this year, please visit www.lakechelan.com/winterfest or phone 509-682-3503. Indoor Ice Skating (1 icicle)
Mountain Springs Lodge offers snowmobile adventures near Lake Wenatchee
Lake Chelan Winterfest (2 to 4 icicles) Like many of our suggested activities, the icicle rating for WinterFest really depends a lot on Mother Nature. It’s a given that January at Lake Chelan has the potential to be snowy, windy and okay we’ll say it, bone-chilling. But we’ve also been there when the winter sun drenched this fun little community and made it so warm they couldn’t keep their famous ice carvings frozen. The festival actually attracts as many as 15,000 visitors so body heat goes a long way toward keeping temperatures reasonable. The festival, which was started years ago to get more people visiting the lake in winter, is a classic
example of “build it and they will come.” Winterfest now pumps millions into the local economy. The event is held over two weekends -- one focused more on Chelan, one on Manson -- and boasts amazing ice sculptures, live music, wine and ale tasting, and many other activities. This year’s festival will be from January 18-27. This trip to Lake Chelan will be especially enjoyable for people who love a festive spirit that brings out people of all ages. Participating in this event is like walking right into a Norman Rockwell painting. Both kids and adults enjoy a long list of activities and, for the party crowd, the wine and ale events are not to be missed.
Cary Ordway is publisher of NorthwestTravelAdvisor.com and host of Exploring the Northwest, heard at 6:27 a.m. and 1:25 p.m. weekdays on KPQ 560 AM, Wenatchee. Central Washington Experience is made possible by the sponsors appearing in these pages. Email: getawaymediacorp@gmail.com WINTER 2019 | THE GOOD LIFE | Central Washington Experience |
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If you want some of the Winterfest fun but want to leave the winter part out, consider taking advantage of a very unique activity offered here in the Wenatchee Valley: indoor ice skating. Maybe you’re like me and you remember the old days when ice skating meant having it cold enough outside to freeze a pond of ice. As kids in Waterville we would spend frigid evenings out on the town’s small rink, breaking every so often to skate-walk our way over to the tiny shack that had a wood-burning stove and a mean temperature of approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It warmed you up all right, but also left you with an indelible red glow. Nowadays both kids and adults in Wenatchee can stay warm even while they skate, protected from the outside elements by our gorgeous Town Toyota Center. That means
Fun for
and at least five years old to ride on the back. Couples, too, have found snowmobiling is a fun date activity that certainly encourages a certain amount of snuggling to get warm again.
Weather Weenies
The length of your snowmobile tour depends on your sense of adventure and your pocketbook. Trips are offered for one, two, three and four hours, with prices ranging from $79 for one hour for a driver (less if you’re a passenger) to $274 for four hours including a specially prepared lunch on the trail.
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no layers and layers of jackets and scarves, no shivering and no frozen snot. The Town Toyota Center rink is open from 1 to 3 p.m. every day for the general public and it’s just $6 admission and $2 skate rental. It’s the place to be for local teens on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. with a $7 admission price plus $2 skate rental. Kids under 5 skate for $3 while adults 55-plus skate for $4. For more information, please visit www.towntoyotacenter.com or phone (509) 667-7847. Guided Snowshoe Hikes (2-4 icicles) The Lake Wenatchee area is one of the most beautiful in North Central Washington in summer and, in winter, it’s even more spectacular. The trick is to do your winter exploration on a really sunny day and to come prepared to walk on the snow, not in it. The staff at Lake Wenatchee State Park has just the answer with their regular guided snowshoe hikes at the park. These family-friendly hikes get you right out into our incredible mountain scenery and do it in a way that will not require a rescue helicopter to take you home. These hikes, in
For more information, please visit www.mtsprings.com or phone (800) 858-2276. Indoor ice skating at Town Toyota Center comes in at one icicle for Weather Weenies
fact, are billed as “mellow” with the most dangerous activity being the occasional snowball fight. True Weather Weenies will be relieved that there are two versions of this hike: short and shorter. The adventurous can go for 2.4 miles while, if you’re the type who can’t quite get the Donner Party out of your head, you can take a 1.4mile trip. Layered clothing is a must. Snowshoes are available for rent, but call ahead to reserve your pair. For more information, please phone (509) 763-3101. Snowmobile Adventure (3-4 icicles) For all those gear-heads out there who like to include machines in their outdoor recreation, Mountain Springs Lodge near Leavenworth offers the chance to drive your own snowmobile along
spectacular mountain trails and do it under the watchful eye of the resort’s experienced guides. Yes, it can be chilly out there, but Mountain Springs mitigates all of that with full body suits, boots, helmets, gloves and hand-warmers. There’s no experience required to drive these vehicles, but you’ll get some training and orientation, and helpful hints along the way. You can also ride on the back of a sled as a passenger, but Weenies will want to keep in mind that the drivers are better protected from the elements. The views in this part of the Cascade Mountains are incredible and you’ll get some amazing shots taken from high vantage points. Families have found this to be a fun group activity because the resort will rent up to 10 snowmobiles at a time. You have to be at least 16 to drive a sled,
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Sleigh Ride (3 icicles) There’s nothing that says Winter Fun like a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh and, while this experience can be a bit frigid, Weather Weenies can hedge their bets by combining this with a nice, warm stay at a local resort. Leavenworth’s Sleeping Lady Resort has a Sleigh Ride Package that will take you gliding across open meadows and along the Icicle River for 1.5 miles. It’s about a 30-minute trip, but warm blankets are provided. Then it’s back to the nearby Sleeping Lady Resort for hot chocolate, spiced cider and coffee in front a wood stove. The package includes a night’s accommodations, a dinner and a breakfast and a Weenie favorite -- full use of the resort’s woodland rock hot pool and sauna. For more information, please visit www.sleepinglady.com or phone (800) 574-2123.
Bold hillside beauty Seven acres, six bedrooms, five baths, four miles from town, three car garage, two fireplaces, one swimming pool and a world class view
T
Story by Susan Lagsdin
his house on its view-grabbing seven acres at Eagle Rock, is available for $1.5 million. What does that look like in Wenatchee? It is a surprise from the first walk-in. It’s decidedly big (at 6,000-plus square feet) and carries all the cachet of classical grandeur — arches, columns, rotunda, paned and bowed windows, vast views and serene landscaping, and yet in its scale and flow it is essentially comfortable and unpretentious. It feels like a place where you could sit down and read a book, grab a cup of coffee, groom the dog. When their new family home was first envisioned, Jack and Patty Jones still lived in Quincy but thought they’d soon be raising their four kids in its spatial luxury and sending them to Wenatchee schools. However, from first dream to walk-in ready took more years than intended. Maureen and Jeff had already graduated from Quincy High School, and so only Megan and Greg were Wenatchee grads. The house may have missed
Wraparound views from the yard and almost every window stretch from the Palisades almost to Monitor. Lawns and trees surround the home, while most of the steep acreage remains in sage and grasses.
the first round of childish laughter and clambering footsteps on the stairs, but it fulfilled its promises well over its next 25 years. The Joneses (both of whom have passed away) might be proud to know how highly regarded it still is. Daughter Maureen cites a few instances when the siblings were able to return for an extended visit, grandchildren in tow. “Our home was always there when we needed it — it was definitely a place we could come back to.” She is also pleased that both her parents were able to live long and happily in the home’s embrace. Designed to live in as long as possible, the “forever house” was never meant as a retirement
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The home’s three floors are distinctive here – the basement has recreation and sleeping rooms and plenty of storage, and two full bedroom suites are up high for optimum views. Full time living can stay contained on the central level.
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White oak flooring glows against the pale dove gray and white color used throughout the house. The family-friendly open-plan living area demonstrates the owners’ initial intentions in 1992, yet fits 2019 standards.
Big French doors swing wide open to the entrance portico, the paved parking area, complete with basketball back board and a three-car garage. Colonnades, arches and a rotunda add a touch of classical elegance.
home — the Joneses were too active for that. After the move to the new place in 1992, Jack Jones drove to work every day from high atop the hill to his farm in Quincy. (That farm, still maintained by the two sons, has been planted through the decades to produce just what the market needs, from onions and potatoes through apples to grapes, and is now best known as a vineyard and winery: Jones of Washington.) At the house, Patty’s domain, crabapple trees were planted on the drive, a “baby vineyard” to the side, and evergreens for privacy. In the home’s planning stages Patty scrutinized dozens of Architectural Digest magazines
Exquisitely maintained from its first day, the house retains a brand-new look with many details that suit the 2019 buyer. Some of Patty Jones’s original choices that presaged the current demands of homeowners are white and dove gray paint
}}} Continued on next page
but Maureen said that later her mother confessed, “If I’d known ahead of time what a big deal our architect (Curtis Gelotte of Kirkland) was I wouldn’t have had the nerve…” Gelotte managed the threelevel home’s superstructure but Patty’s eye was on every design detail including color, tile, windows, trim and flooring. Camiekae Lynch of Leavenworth Properties, which has listed the property for sale, hosted a walkabout through the home. January 2019 | The Good Life
k l a T t h Straig I believe real estate is a business that requires clear communication.
June Stanaway
If you appreciate someone who believes in talking straight, give me a call today. Find out why I am one of the area’s 925 5th Street leading Real Estate Professionals. Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 699-1321• junestanaway@aol.com www.MovingWenatcheeRealEstate.com
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Built to feed and entertain an extended family, the kitchen features a large-scale refrigerator and double ovens and is dominated by the wide countertop. The informal dining space provides yet another valley-wide view.
Bold hillside beauty }}} Continued from previous page throughout, oak quarter-sawn flooring, ceramic and Italian marble tilework. She told people the house didn’t need paintings on the walls -- the views were the artwork. Another feature that could easily be found in a brand new home is the familiar open plan, where main floor activity flows unimpeded from dining to kitchen to living room. The rounded counter in the brightwhite kitchen symbolizes that very contemporary sensibility. But, in addition to that informal area and a windowside breakfast nook, the Joneses also reserved a spacious formal dining area off the entrance foyer. The main floor master suite features a “bathing room” (shower and tub) in the bathroom, a workout room, walls of extra storage, and a small office nearby. It’s designed for separation from the four other
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Salon, conservatory, library, sitting room or office – this side room lends itself to a variety of uses, but the Jones family found the grand piano fit perfectly. The traditional multi-paned windows are a strong repeated feature.
bedrooms and makes the main floor the heart of the house for owners. Two full bed and bath suites with a connecting balcony are upstairs; two bedrooms downstairs share a bath and open on to a large recreation room with a small kitchen. An especially luxurious feature of this home is the newlyrenovated 1,800-square-foot indoor recreation area for the
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pool and hot tub, with French doors leading to a sheltered patio, a comfort on this high and open hillside. Maureen said, “My daughter learned to swim in this pool when she was only three; we’d go to birthday parties, and if there was a pool she’d jump in the deep end, no problem.” What’s the future of this grand but welcoming house? Will it become a getaway from urban stress? A kid-filled family
An untypical Wenatchee home feature, the original 1,800-square-foot natatorium was recently updated. The swimming pool and spa tub are covered for year-round use, but sets of French doors open up to the sunny patio.
home or a pleasure palace for entertaining? Whatever the new owners appreciate about the privacy, the space and the design, there is also the stunning view. At the end of the day they can pull up a chair and catch Wenatchee’s city lights, glistening rivers, orchards, foothills and peaks from just about every window.
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If you’d like us to consider your remodel, a new home, or historic, unique, grand, or otherwise intriguing house, please submit a brief project summary to Susan Lagsdin at sjlagsdin@yahoo.com.
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column moving up to the good life
june darling
WOOP, WOOP, we can set and meet goals I
t’s January, again. Do we really have to think about goals? If you are 60-plus, perhaps you think goals are a thing of the past. According to research done in the United Kingdom, (and perhaps it applies in the U.S. as well), when we reach our 60s, we seem more nonchalant about goals in general. We also care much less about making money and what others think about us. This doesn’t mean we don’t care about anything. We care more in our later years about our spouse, about our family, and about nature. And though we aren’t interested so much in being bigger and better, we are concerned about maintaining what we have. We may not be interested in running more marathons, for example, but we may want to keep up our ability to walk. Sixty plusers, like me, also care just as much as we did in
our 20s about our weight. So, it’s quite possible you have that same ole goal, though you may have given up hope, to lose some weight. Here’s the good news. There is hope. A sound, well-researched technique for achieving goals called WOOP can help. WOOP is an acronym that stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. WOOP is based on research by Dr. Gabriele Oettingen. The WOOP technique has been used successfully in almost every area you can imagine including achieving better relationships, better health and fitness, getting better grades and lowering negative emotions. When you use the WOOP method, you start with identifying your most important wish or concern. You choose a wish that feels challenging but also seems like one you can accomplish — say in the next two months.
Next you consider what would happen to you if your wish were fulfilled. How would fulfilling your wish make you feel? This is the outcome or benefits part of WOOP. Those two preceding ideas around wishes and benefits are really not all that new in the world of goal-setting, but the next step around obstacles is both new and counterintuitive. You consider this question — what is your main inner obstacle to achieving your wish? What is it within yourself that holds you back from fulfilling your wish. What is it really? Considering your main inner obstacle doesn’t sound terribly motivating, but it is… because you don’t leave yourself there feeling glum. Instead, you make a plan for overcoming your obstacle. You think of one action you can take to overcome the obstacle. For example, let’s say that I want to weigh 125 in February.
In December I weigh 145. What’s the biggest obstacle within me that’s holding me back from achieving my wish to weigh 125? Well, I’d say the biggest obstacle I have within myself to losing that weight is my wanting to drink a beer as the sun goes down. Once I have that beer, I am more likely to have a glass of wine. Now, not only do I have those alcohol calories, but I have also lost a large part of my selfcontrol around overeating and having a brownie for dessert. My one action to overcome my inner obstacle, my plan is that when the sun goes down, if I feel like I want a beer, instead I will grab a glass of water or cup of chamomile tea. For me it’s all about identifying that inner obstacle and making a one action plan to overcome the inner obstacle.
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For me, thinking about the benefits and losses was not as helpful as considering my inner obstacles... What works best for you in the WOOP process may be different. I realized this as I talked via email to WOOP and goal achievement expert, Dr. Gayle Scroggs, who has designed goal achievement programs for coaches and psychologists. Though Gayle lives in the Washington, D.C. area, I was surprised and delighted to find out that she comes to the Wenatchee Valley occasionally to visit family. Until we meet in person, Gayle gave me a few tips in addition to the idea that motivation is nuanced and needs to be personalized. In Gayle’s own work with clients, she emphasizes the bensupporting sponsors
efits of reaching the goal, but she says that some clients need a different way of motivating themselves. Strange as though it may seem, Gayle has noticed that sometimes clients are more able to “kick themselves in the pants” by considering their losses more than their benefits. For example, I may think about the benefits of weight loss — how good it will feel to be able to wear my expensive, smaller-sized outfits. What may actually get me moving, however, might be considering how awful I would feel if I never could get back to a comfortable weight. You may want to play with both benefits and losses to see which feels more motivating for you. For me, thinking about the benefits and losses was not as helpful as considering my inner obstacles and making a plan. And, I am happy to report, using the WOOP process, I did lose 10 pounds in four weeks. You can
find out more about the WOOP process and the scientific research at www.WOOPmylife. org. January is THE big month for goals and thinking about what’s important. After much thought, perhaps you’ll end up saying “to heck with goals.” You’ll go for a walk and call your family. That’s fine. You know what’s important to you and you don’t need extra motivation to make it happen. Or maybe, no matter how old you are, now that you see there is hope, you’ll decide to dust off your wishes. Maybe you’ll even re-visit that eternal goal of losing a few pounds. This January how might you move up to The Good life by considering your priorities and take WOOPing steps toward achieving your goals? June Darling, Ph.D. can be contacted at drjunedarling1@gmail.com; website: www.summitgroupresources. com. Her bio and many of her books can be found at amazon.com/author/ junedarling.
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column THE TRAVELing DOCTOR
jim brown, m.d.
When something normal becomes bad Almost everyone has had
experience with inflammation of one sort or another in his or her lifetime. Whenever we cut ourselves, are stung by an insect, suffer any injury like a broken bone, sprain an ankle, have surgery or an infection, we become aware of inflammation with its redness, tenderness, swelling and pain that comes on rapidly and is generally short lived. Inflammation is a major defense mechanism of our body that fortunately we are born with. When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological response from our immune system to try to remove it. When this happens our
damaged cells leak and release chemicals that cause the blood vessels to leak, causing swelling. These chemicals also attract white blood cells that “eat” germs and the dead or damaged cells. Infections, wounds, and any damaged tissue would not heal without this response to acute injury. On the other hand, many people suffer from chronic inflammation that plays a critical role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time. These disorders are called autoimmune diseases, which are conditions caused by our own immune system. In these cases, one’s immune system produces antibodies that instead of fighting infection and defending against other invad-
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ers instead it attacks one’s own normal tissues. The actual cause of autoimmune disease is unknown, but environmental influences, infections and exposure to certain chemicals possibly might be involved. Autoimmune diseases seem to run in families suggesting genetic factors. It is unknown what causes the immune system to “misfire” like this. At other times, low-level inflammation becomes activated when there is no apparent injury or disease. Unfortunately, autoimmune disorders are relatively common and are increasing in incidence worldwide. In 2016, NIH (National Institutes of Health) estimated that 24 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. Another source suggests that as many as 50 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. Women get autoimmune disease at a rate of 2:1 vs. males or 6.4 percent of females vs. 2.7 percent of males. In females it often starts during a woman’s childbearing years. There are 80 to 100 different autoimmune disorders. Some of the more common and familiar ones are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) and inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis, Sjogren’s syndrome, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels ) and Hashimoto Thyroiditis. The symptoms are fairly nonspecific and may include chronic fatigue, mouth sores, chest pain, cramping abdominal pain, low grade fevers, rash, muscle and/or joint pain, tingling of the hands or feet and weight loss. The diagnosis initially made
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by your physician is suggested by your history and by a physical exam. There is no single test that makes the diagnosis. However, most autoimmune disorders frequently show a positive antinuclear antibody blood test (ANA) that suggests the likelihood of an autoimmune disorder. Gastrointestinal diseases like Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are generally confirmed by endoscopy and biopsy when the disease is suspected. Treatment generally is directed at reducing the over-active immune response and reducing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and immune suppressing drugs are currently the mainstays of treatment. Many of these are currently heavily marketed in television commercials. Your doctor will decide the best drug and treatment regimen for you. The goal of immunosuppressant therapy is to find an effective treatment plan having the fewest, and least harmful side effects. Immunosuppressant drugs are available only by a prescription from your doctor. These medications come as tablets, capsules, liquids, and injections. A combination of drugs may be used. Newer treatments for autoimmune disease, aimed at reducing the immune response, are rapidly advancing and changing. These medications are best prescribed by specialists dealing with autoimmune disorders. Jim Brown, M.D., is a retired gastroenterologist who has practiced for 38 years in the Wenatchee area. He is a former CEO of the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center.
Videographer and businessman Jeff Ostenson.
Painter Marti Lyttle.
ARTISTS UPDATE
Creators keep on creating E
very January, we riffle through our files to find a few previously-highlighted artists who will share with our readers recent life developments and insights on their work. In 2019, our picks from the past demonstrate a range of changes that have enriched their lives.
MARTI LYTTLE: Good time in the studio Almost four years ago when you first read about her in The Good Life, Wenatchee painter Marti Lyttle, influenced by a bout of cancer and realistic dreams of a woman at an easel, had retired from psychotherapy and finally followed her lifelong urge to create art. Connecting informally and in classes with other local artists, Marti exhibits work at Two Rivers Gallery and Mela as well as venues on the west side and assists with Pybus Market’s art activities. She said she continues to be challenged, as are many artists, with the necessities of self-promotion and online marketing, but she’s vowed to January 2019 | The Good Life
continue work on that aspect of her art. That 2015 article focused on her “regional landscape paintings …sage hills, river, meadows and cliffs re-translated in her soft impressionistic style: rich with color, glowing with light.” Marti said then, “I’m ready to go more abstract for a while, try some mixed media; I’ve got to take a little break from representational art.” The little break was more of a continuum than a cutting off. She recently said, “I’m accepting the fact that my ‘impressionist’ Muse loves to paint scenes that evoke a sense of calm serenity and invite a narrative… My abstract Muse loves to experiment with art techniques, different media and design elements. These two Muses have made peace with each other and www.ncwgoodlife.com
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we’re all having a good time in the studio!” They’re all having such a good time that Marti was chosen to create the 2019 Centennial Apple Blossom poster, which shows a springtime view of orchards rich with serene colors and glowing with light.
JEFF OSTENSON: Aim for an oscar Jeff Ostenson of North 40 Productions hopes to live in Wenatchee for the rest of his life and help keep his city strong via commitment to the PAC, GWATA, The Community Foundation, Our Valley Our Future, various boards, and investing in
}}} Continued on next page
Painter Dean Rainey.
his The Good Life profile he celebrated the team’s diversity of artistic expression, and Bluegrass musician and festival organizer Marie since then he’s Vecchio. worked at meld}}} Continued from previous page ing North 40 into an industry the downtown. force. We described, “A group Setting high goals for united in a common purpose and Wenatchee is coupled with setpooling ideas… it’s a vital part of ting high goals in his career. reaching a goal… each member of “Why not aim for an Oscar? the staff knows to firmly defend Why would you aim any lower?” the integrity of their own area — he said. audio, image, editing, graphics — “We all love our art, and we’re but simultaneously is prepared to passionate about it — that’s a compromise.” given. But these past few years Every project makes the whole I’ve concentrated on us becomteam better, and Jeff thinks ing really excellent at craft.” better inevitably begets more For him and his crew that captivating projects. The commeans investment in top-flight pany currently produces 30 to equipment and setting tough 40 videos a year, highlighted by standards for efficiency and skill large scale, widely viewed films level, fueled by education. “We like Lifted, Northwest Treaty go to the conferences and take Tribes, and Era of Megafire, and classes and clinics, we watch Jeff’s office wall this month is videos all the time and critique splashed with multicolored stothem.” ryboard pages for their coveted Jeff’s vision isn’t new but upcoming dream project: The renewed. Five years ago, in Centennial Apple Blossom film.
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MARIE VECCHIO: each year gets better Marie Vecchio laughed happily at the question “What’s new?” Not much, she declared. Since 2012, life in her Blewett Pass cabin continues serene and beautiful all four seasons, with close-up bear and cougar sightings lending excitement. She’s still serving diners at McGlinn’s, still playing the bluegrass fiddle for pleasure (“As long as I get better than I was the year before, I’m OK.”) Marie also starts her 18th year as Executive Director of Cashmere Community Concerts, which hosts local concerts as well as the region’s only big bluegrass festival every summer. Six years ago, we wrote, “The culminating event that draws people from all over the Northwest is the festival every third weekend in June at the county fairgrounds… it stays relaxed and friendly, with a reunion vibe. All
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day long there’s music in the hall, on the lawn, wherever two or more are gathered together…” The festival (June 14-16 this year) continues to grow, attracting well-known performers from around the country. Marie remembered, “When we started in 2003, we were so excited to have someone from Spokane accept an invitation to play.” The festival has come of age, made a name for itself. “Now, I just sit down with the Board and ask, ‘Who do you want?’” Marie describes one big change in the organization that makes good sense: the grueling schedule of nine bluegrass concerts a year at the Riverside Center has been streamlined to two every fall and two every spring. The year-round pressure on organizers is relieved, and Marie said, “We still get really good crowds, still charge only $3 admission — nothing has changed except for the better.”
DEAN RAINEY: big work gets bigger Dean Rainey has made one basic change in his chosen art form. His favorite subjects still include wildlife, Western history and wide-open landscapes, but he’s disciplined himself to work on increasingly larger canvases, explaining, “It’s really a challenge to paint big, and it keeps me focused on one project for a long time.” A painting of Denali is 14 inches high but stretches to five feet long, and currently on his easel is a two-foot by four-foot portrait of a Montana cowboy. Dean has maintained the discipline of copious research. The 2016 article cited “a library of floor-to ceiling-bookshelves full of source material. Using photographs from his files as a starting point, with acrylic on canvas he’ll add elements in his home studio. He said especially when he’s depicting an animal, he goes to his textual sources for anatomical accuracy.” Dean pointed to another large painting of a leaping deer. “A fellow came in and told me if that was really Rainier in the background, it had to be a black tailed deer, not a white-tail. That concerned me, so I looked it up.” He added with satisfaction, “Turns out I was right.” Dean is used to toting his canvases via motorhome to regional shows. In 2018, however, he stayed closer to home, renting a small retail spot in the downtown center of Wenatchee just for the holiday season. His early career in retail display served him and his friends well: Terry Johnson’s pottery and Larry Gay’s bronze sculptures were attractively displayed on low tables, and the walls were filled with Dean’s evocative Western-themed paintings.
fun stuff what to do around here for the next month NCW BLUES JAM, every second and fourth Monday. 7 – 10 p.m. Riverside Pub. Homegrown Country Jam, every first and third Monday night, 7 to 10 p.m. Riverside Pub. Upper Valley Running Club, every Tuesday, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Check-in at the gravel lot across from O’Grady’s Pantry. Maps will be available for a marked 3-mile trail route, partly along Icicle Creek. Run or walk, by yourself, with a friend or with your family. Participate 10 or more times and earn an Upper Valley Running Club tech tee. Info: sleepinglady.com. Wenatchee Paddle Club, every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. open paddle, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m. novice kayak paddle group, Saturdays, 7 a.m. masters crew rowing. Info: wenatcheepaddle.org. 1 million cups, every first Wednesday of the month. 7:45 a.m. sharp. Entrepreneurs discover solutions and thrive when they collaborate over a million cups of coffee. Come join this supportive, dynamic community and hear from two businesses that are between 1 – 5 years old. Discover how we can help move them forward in a positive environment, fueled by caffeine. Coffee provided by Mela Coffee Roasting. Wenatchee Valley Chamber office, 137 N. Wenatchee Ave. Shrub-steppe poetry podium, every last Wednesday, 4 – 5 p.m. A free, poetry-only public reading. Read your own poems or the work of a favorite poet. The Radar Station, 115 S. Wenatchee Ave. Info: sfblair61@gmail.com. Weekly Club Runs, every Thursday check in between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Pybus Public Market south entrance. Either a 5k or 10k walk or run on the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail. Complete 10 weekly runs and receive a free shirt. Cost: free (other than a smile). Writing for Clarity, every Thursday, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Bring a notebook and pen. Meet at Pybus Public Market in front of the community kitchen. Cost: free. Info: 393-6779 or 884-6955. 2 Left Feet, every Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m. 2 Left Feet is a loose organization of local dance enthusiasts who would like to see more dancing in January 2019 | The Good Life
Oil and water do mix
Two Rivers Gallery will feature the oil paintings of Western artist Dean Rainey at First Friday, Jan. 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery at 102 N. Columbia, Wenatchee, will also have a new show of over 50 local and regional artists, along with music by pianist Jeannie McPherson and complimentary refreshments. the Wenatchee Valley. Beginner lesson at the top of the hour followed by carefree social dancing. No partner necessary to join in the fun. Dance style will be 1940s swing with a bit of salsa, blues, waltz or tango thrown in. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org. Game Night, every 4th Friday. Board games, card games or any games you bring. Open to families and all ages. Hosted by Pacific Crest Church. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket. org. Jam at the Crow, 7 – 10 p.m. Every first Sunday. The Club Crow in Cashmere, 108 1/2 Cottage Ave. Cost: free. Write on the River Writers Competition, deadline is 2/15. Writers may submit nonfiction, such as an essay, article, or memoir: or fiction, a short story or narrative. The short (1,000 words or less) entry may be complete as written or an excerpt. $1,200 in cash awards will be given to winners. Entry fee: $20 per submission or $40 per submission with three
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written critiques. Details: writeontheriver.org. Snowshoeing AT Lake Wenatchee State Park, 1/1, 11 a.m. This hike for first-timers in snowshoes or adults with children. Easy with varying views, plenty of opportunities for snowball fights and memorable photo. Limited number of snowshoes are available to rent. Hot cocoa and light snacks available. Cost: free. Info: Amanda Fisher 763-3101 or lake. wenatchee@parks.wa.gov. Arboriculture Short Course, 1/3, once a week each Thursday through 3/21, 9 a.m. – noon. Confluence Technology Center. Learn tree management and is ISA Certified Arborist Exam material. First week will be tree biology. Cost: 12 week course $110 or $10 per week. Info: 667-6540 or email Paula Dinius: pdinius@#wsu.edu. Snowshoe Tour, 1/3, 10 a.m. – noon. Join naturalist guides for a snowshoe stroll along the river front trail in Leavenworth. Snowshoes provided. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinsititute.org.
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}}} Continued from previous page Snowshoe Tour, 1/4, 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641.
Commerce, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. 137 N Wenatchee Ave. *Radar Station, 1/4, 4 – 9 p.m. 115 S Wenatchee Ave. *Pans Grotto, 1/4, 4 – 9 p.m. 3 N Wenatchee Ave. Ste 2. *Class with a Glass, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. 10 S Columbia St. *Mela, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. Nosh provided. Cost: free. 17 N. Wenatchee Ave. Cost: free.
Basketball showcase, 1/4, 3:30 p.m. Wenatchee vs Eastmont boys and girls teams. Town Toyota Center. Cost: $5. Info: towntoyotacenter.com.
Skirennen Nordic Race, 1/5, all day. Fun race for all ages. Leavenworth Golf Course. Info: skileavenworth.com.
First Friday Events Include:
Night Skiing, 1/5, 4 – 8 p.m. and every Saturday night at Mission Ridge. Info: missionridge.com.
* Guided Art Tours, 1/4, 5:30 – 7:10 p.m. First Fridays with professional artist talks, mini lessons, and collector prints. All tours begin and end at Columbia Station. Tours help familiarize you with local art venues and artists. Terry Valdez will highlight his “Confluence of Communities” funnel series. Guests will then board Current B to tour the RGG members show at the Robert Graves Gallery. Cost: free. Info: 664-7624 or sdanko@libnktransitcom. *Two Rivers Art Gallery, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. featuring the oil paintings of western artist Dean Rainey. The gallery will have a whole new show of over 50 local and regional artists. Local wines. Music by pianist Jeannie McPherson. Complimentary refreshments. 102 N Columbia, Wenatchee. Cost: free. Info: 2riversgallery.com. *Tumbleweed Bead Co., 1/4, 5-7 p.m. Refreshments served. 105 Palouse St. Cost: free. Info: tumbleweedbeadco.com. *Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1/4, 5. – 8 p.m. Light refreshments. Info: Wenatchee.org. *Lemolo Café and Deli, 1/4, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 114 N Wenatchee Ave. *Mission Street Commons, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. 218 S Mission St. *Robert Graves Gallery, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. Sexton Hall at Wenatchee Valley College, Ninth St entrance. *MAC Gallery, 1/4, 5 – 7 p.m. Wenatchee Valley College Music and Art Center, 1300 Fifth St. *Ye Olde Bookshoppe, 1/4, 5 – 8 p.m. 11 Palouse St. *Wenatchee Valley Chamber of
Snowshoe Tour, 1/5, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Bridal Premiere, 1/5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Door prizes, fashion show by Katrina’s. Town Toyota Center. Cost: free. Info: katrinasweddingboutique.com. Anna Gullickson, 1/8, 6:30 p.m. Anna Gullickson will share her story of being an outdoor enthusiast and how her unique jobs and experiences inspired her to continue to follow her passion from flying floatplanes, ski patrolling, working to save the Endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, saving abused and neglected animals, to changing her diet and opening her eyes to the world around her. Turns out you don’t have to be anyone special to make a difference and create a positive impact on the world around you. Barn Beach Reserve. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinstitute.org. Arboriculture Short Course, 1/10, once a week each Thursday through 3/21, 9 a.m. – noon. Confluence Technology Center. Learn tree management and is ISA Certified Arborist Exam material. This week tree identification and selection. Cost: 12 week course $110 or $10 per week. Info: 667-6540 or email Paula Dinius: pdinius@#wsu.edu. Snowshoe Tour, 1/10, 10 a.m. – noon. Join naturalist guides for a snowshoe stroll along the river front trail in Leavenworth. Snowshoes provided. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinsititute.org.
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Monthly movie on the big screen: Wayne’s World, 1/10, 6:30 p.m. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $3. Info: numericapac.org. Witness for the prosecution, 1/10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 7:30 p.m. Matinee: 1/20, 2 p.m. Live performance by the Music Theatre of Wenatchee. Riverside Playhouse. Info: numericapac.org. Brian Regan, 1/10, 7:30 p.m. Live performance by one of the best stand up comedians in the country. Town Toyota Center. Cost: $35. Info: towntoyotacenter.com. Snowshoe Tour, 1/11, 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. El Sendero Backcountry film festival, 1/11, 7 p.m. Ten short films showcasing the beauty and importance of our winter wild lands. Sponsored by El Sendero Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $15. Info: Gus Bekker 860-7332. Tickets: numericapac. org. The Met: Live in HD – Adriana Lecouvreur, 1/12, 9:55 a.m. Snowy Owl Theater. Cost: $22. Info: icicle.org. Snowshoe Tour, 1/12, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Cross Country Ski Basics for Women, 1/12, 10 a.m. – noon. Plain Valley Ski Trails. Info: skiplain.com. Bavarian Bruisefest, 1/12, 13, 10 a.m. This 10-team tournament is in downtown Leavenworth. Hosted by Apple City Roller Derby. Festhalle. Info: applecityrollerderby.com. Night Skiing, 1/12, 4 – 8 p.m. and every Saturday night at Mission Ridge. Info: missionridge.com. Seattle Mariners, 1/15, 4 – 5:15 p.m. Seattle Mariners players and team officials make a stop at Pybus Market to answer questions and sign autographs. They also have prizes to give away. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org. Arboriculture Short Course, 1/17, once a week each Thursday through 3/21, 9 a.m. – noon. Conflu-
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January 2019
ence Technology Center. Learn tree management and is ISA Certified Arborist Exam material. This week tree soil and water relations. Cost: 12 week course $110 or $10 per week. Info: 667-6540 or email Paula Dinius: pdinius@#wsu.edu. Snowshoe Tour, 1/17, 10 a.m. – noon. Join naturalist guides for a snowshoe stroll along the river front trail in Leavenworth. Snowshoes provided. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinsititute.org. Les Miserables School Edition, 1/17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 7 p.m. The Eastmont High School Drama and Choir present this enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Directed by Tara Abbott and Cynthia Brown. Eastmont High School Auditorium. Cost: $10 students, $15 adults. Tickets: numericapac.org. Villalobos Brothers, 1/17, 7:30 p.m. Brothers Ernesto, Alberto and Luis use their violins and voices to redefine contemporary Mexican music. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $17-$25. Info: numericapac.org. Winter Fest, 1/18 – 27. Kids activities, Apple Bin train rides, wine tasting, bubble bar, alefest, brewers and distillers night and battle of the bloody Mary. Downtown Chelan. Cost: free. Info: lakechelan.org. Snowshoe Tour, 1/18, 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Taste of the Northwest, 1/18, 5 p.m., 1/19, 6 p.m. Featuring fresh shucked oysters, clam chowder and bread bowls, loads of Washington wineries, Northwest breweries, whiskey tastings, live music, playoff football, drink specials and more. Campbell’s Resort. Cost: $45. Info: lakechelan.com. Bavarian Ice Fest, 1/19, 20, 8 a.m. The village is still dressed in over half a million twinkling lights and this weekend is a flurry of frosty frivolity. Games include Frisbee Sweep, Ice Cube Scramble, Smooshing and more. Snow sculptures, snowmobile sled pull, live ice carving, Stevens Pass grom playground, snowball toss and ice fishing. Plus snowshoe demo day at Ski Hill 10 a.m. on Sunday, fireworks 6 p.m. Sunday. Downtown Leavenworth. Cost: free. Info: Leavenworth.com.
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WHAT TO DO
We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com
Bundle Up Fest and activities fair, 1/19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 5k run for kids and adults, hay rides, s’mores and a petting zoo. The Youth Sports and Activities Fair will have information about sports, dance, drama and all things fun for kids. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: 888-3282 or pybuspublicmarket.org. Snowshoe Tour, 1/19, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Night Skiing, 1/19, 4 – 8 p.m. and every Saturday night at Mission Ridge. Info: missionridge.com. Cold Winter nights comedy series: Andrew Sleighter, 1/19, 7 p.m. Andrew’s laid-back style and clever writing has won him appreciation from fans and respect from his peers. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost $22. Info: numericapac.org. Winter Piano Festival Faculty Concert, 1/19, 7 p.m. With Christina Dahl, Oxana Ejokina, Gilbert Kalish and Seth Knopp. Canyon Wren Recital Hall. Cost: $22. Info: icicle.org. Empty bowls community painting, 1/20, 1 – 6 p.m. The purpose of this event is to “Inspire creativity, build community, and raise awareness about food insecurity and hunger In Chelan and Douglas Counties.” With a $10 donation you receive a blank bowl that you will paint (all materials provided). Your donation includes admission to a dinner in the spring. Pybus Public Market. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org. Full moon ski and snowshoe party, 1/20, 7 p.m. Bring a headlamp, your skate/classic skis or snowshoes and play on Plain Valley’s ski and snowshoe trails. Cost: free. Weather permitting. Info: skiplain.com. Story time, 1/23, 9:30 a.m. Monthly tours for children and their caregivers. All tours begin and end at Wenatchee’s Columbia Station and are designed to familiarize community members with public transportation. Hot cocoa and cookies served, then board the Link bus to ride to the Wenatchee
Public Library for a special story time featuring Paul Zelinsky’s “The Wheels on the Bus.” Cost: free. Info: 664-7624 or linktransit.com/tours. Arboriculture Short Course, 1/24, once a week each Thursday through 3/21, 9 a.m. – noon. Confluence Technology Center. Learn tree management and is ISA Certified Arborist Exam material. This week tree nutrition and fertilization. Cost: 12 week course $110 or $10 per week. Info: 667-6540 or email Paula Dinius: pdinius@#wsu.edu. Snowshoe Tour, 1/24, 10 a.m. – noon. Join naturalist guides for a snowshoe stroll along the river front trail in Leavenworth. Snowshoes provided. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinsititute.org. Timbrr! Winter Music Festival, 1/25, 26, 8 a.m. Over 17 artists perform. Leavenworth Festhalle. Info: winter.timbermusicfest.com. Empty Bowls Glazing Days, 1/25, 26, 27, 28, 29. Sleeping Lady will host the 23rd Annual Empty Bowls. Empty Bowls is a key fundraiser for Community Cupboard, a program of Upper Valley MEND. The Empty Bowls Festival is an annual fundraiser that supports the Community Cupboard food bank and art education in local schools. Hundreds of Upper Valley residents participate in this unique event every year, which is coordinated entirely by local volunteers. Participants buy un-decorated bowls made by local artists and paint them with a design of their choice. The bowls are then fired and returned to their owners at a community dinner in March. As well as being able to decorate your own bowl you can bid on bowls painted by local artists in the Artist Bowl Auction prior to the community dinner. Info: uvmend.org. Snowshoe Tour, 1/25, 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Chicks on Sticks, 1/26, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Only rule: mandatory pink! Have fun and bring awareness to breast cancer. Proceeds will be donated to The Wellness Place in Wenatchee. Leavenworth Fish Hatchery. Info: skileavenworth.com. Snowshoe Tour, 1/26, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Leavenworth National Fish January 2019 | The Good Life
Hatchery is offering free guided snowshoe tours. Snowshoes supplied, as are poles and gaiters for those who need them. Reservations required. 548-7641. Cross Country Ski Basics for Women, 1/26, 10 a.m. – noon. Plain Valley Ski Trails. Info: skiplain.com. Guided SnowShoe hikes for families, 1/26, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn the basics of walking with snowshoes on an easy snowshoe walk. Stop and read a snow themed book and learn about winter animals. Snowshoes provided by the City of Wenatchee. Bring water and snacks, dress warmly and wear sturdy waterproof shoes. Squilchuck State Park. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org. Night Skiing, 1/26, 4 – 8 p.m. and every Saturday night at Mission Ridge. Info: missionridge.com. Arboriculture Short Course, 1/31, once a week each Thursday through 3/21, 9 a.m. – noon. Confluence Technology Center. Learn tree management and is ISA Certified Arborist Exam material. This week tree installation and establishment. Cost: 12 week course $110 or $10 per week. Info: 667-6540 or email Paula Dinius: pdinius@#wsu.edu. Snowshoe Tour, 1/31, 10 a.m. – noon. Join naturalist guides for a snowshoe stroll along the
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river front trail in Leavenworth. Snowshoes provided. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheeriverinsititute.org. Follies 70th Anniversary, 1/31, 2/1, 2, 7 p.m. and 2/2, 1 p.m. Local talent singing and dancing to raise funds for the Wenatchee Valley Follies Guild and Children’s Foundation. Directed by Jaime Donegan. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $27 - $32. Info: numericapac.org. Winter Ice Gala, 2/1, 6 p.m. A formal dinner and professional ice show benefiting the Arena Youth Enrichment Fund. Special guests Mirai Nagasu, the first female to land a triple axel at the Olympics in 2018 and Ross Miner, 2018 US National Silver Medalist. Local stars are Liam Kapeikis, 2018 US Figure Skating Bronze National medalist, intermediate men and the Wenatchee Figure Skating Club. Town Toyota Center. Cost: $125. Info: towntoyotacenter.com. Guided Snow Shoe hikes for families, 2/2, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn the basics of walking with snowshoes on an easy snowshoe walk. Stop and read a snow themed book and learn about winter animals. Snowshoes provided by the City of Wenatchee. Bring water and snacks, dress warmly and wear sturdy waterproof shoes. Squilchuck State Park. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.
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column those were the days
rod molzahn
A determined German overcoming one hardship after another, Ernst Wagner never quit paddling toward success
It was a curious sight.
A large raft was slowly crossing the Columbia River from east to west under paddle power and more quickly moving downstream by current power. The raft carried a stove, bedding, household stuff, 900 young apple trees and the Wagner family. Ernst and Mary paddled furiously while their two young daughters, Emma and Julia and newborn son, Otto, huddled together with the cargo. Ernst Wagner came to the United States from Germany in 1881 at the age of 21. He quickly started working his way west, stopping first in Chicago where he worked for a time on the Nickel Plate Railroad. He also met Mary Ann Marmon. In 1882 Ernst went to Helena, Montana. He worked for a year in the construction trade then returned to Chicago where he and Mary were married. They returned to Helena and Ernst worked for a year on a crew clearing land for the new state capitol. Ernst was unhappy with the extreme climate in Montana and, leaving Mary in their Helena home, started west to explore the country. After a short stop in Ellensburg he went on to Tacoma then south to Cowlitz County along the lower Columbia River. He liked it there and bought a 40acre produce farm. Mary soon joined him. Ernst tried various ways to supplement his farm income. He even built a stern wheel river steamer to haul produce and freight up river to Portland. None of his endeavors made
Ernst Wagner, photographed in 1945 at age 85, a couple of years before his death, taken from Pioneers of North Central Washington by Eva G. Anderson.
money. In 1891 Ernst traded the steamer for property at Waterville where he had heard things were booming. The Wagners packed their belongings and took the train to Ellensburg where they spent the winter. Early spring found them packing up for the trip over Colockum Pass. They hired a driver with an open wagon to make the journey. They encountered 14 feet of snow on the pass and were forced to stop at a woodcutter’s cabin to unload the wagon. They stayed for three nights while the driver returned to Ellensburg to find sled runners for the wagon. With those they crossed the pass to Wenatchee where a ferry took them across the Columbia. The wagon driver took the Wagners up the torturous Corbaly Canyon road finally reaching Waterville. The family opened a furniture store but, again, the business was not the
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success Ernst Wagner was hoping for. In 1893, down along the Columbia, the new town of Orondo was heavily promoted by Dr. J.B. Smith, who owned a hotel and store there. That was enough to get the Wagners packing again. Back down Corbaly Canyon they went to Orondo. They moved into an empty building next to Smith’s store for a onetime rent of $10 and converted part of it into an “eating house” offering meals for 15¢ a piece. They got few takers. Ernst recalled later, “I starved out.” An itinerant salesman with a wagonload of 1,000 sapling apple trees to sell ran up a $4.50 bill at Wagner’s eating house but never sold even one tree. He couldn’t pay his bill. Instead, he offered Wagner the trees. Ernst objected, saying he had no land to plant the trees on but he took them anyway as there was nothing else to take. J.B. Smith offered Wagner two rows of land on his orchard in exchange for labor. Nine hundred of the trees rooted. Ernst and Mary closed the “eating house” and staked out a homestead claim near the mouth of Corbaly Canyon, built a house and an irrigation canal from the upper end of the creek to their land. They cleared land and transplanted the 900 trees. They planted vegetables to sell in Waterville. That plan also failed, then a dispute with a neighbor began over water rights from the creek. Wagners agreed to sell the neighbor their share of water rights then they dismantled their house and used the lumber to build the raft. Their intent was to cross
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January 2019
the river and land at Entiat. Instead, the current carried them two miles downstream before they reached the shore. They claimed their new homestead where they landed. They took apart the raft and rebuilt their house. The 900 trees were planted — again — in among the sagebrush and hand watered by buckets from the Columbia. Ernst had been a steeple-jack in Germany so, while he waited for his trees to produce, he got work on several area bridge projects. He worked on the first Wenatchee Bridge as well as bridges at Cashmere, Peshastin, Pateros and Twisp. Wagner also designed an irrigation ditch to bring water from high on Swaukane Creek seven miles to his thirsty trees. Part of the system had to pass across a vertical rock wall. The family worked together. Mary and Emma built wooden flume sections at the top of the cliff while Ernst roped up and lowered himself down the cliff face where he drove steel pins into the rock to support the flume. The sections were lowered down to Ernst who set them on the pins and fastened them together. The water allowed the Wagners to expand their orchard. By 1900 the original 900 trees were producing and 165 acres were in trees by 1905. By 1907 Ernst was weary of fruit brokers. He complained that when they were involved, “All the growers got was a pad and a stamp.” Wagner was determined that year to take his three carloads of apples to Seattle and
The following year Wagner took his crop plus an additional 30,000 boxes purchased from other valley growers and returned with a profit of more than $100,000. sell them himself. He didn’t find a buyer in Seattle but did learn that Australia wanted apples. He persuaded a steam ship company to take the apples and the entire Wagner family from Vancouver B.C. to Australia and to waive the freight and passenger charges until the fruit was sold. The plan worked. The Wagners came back with a $5,000 profit. The following year Wagner took his crop plus an additional 30,000 boxes purchased from other valley growers and returned with a profit of more than $100,000. Ernst Wagner was the first international exporter of Washington apples. He continued to make annual selling trips to Australia, New Zealand, South America and Europe until the First World War took all the shipping space on all the steam ship lines. He retired from the international market in 1919 but continued to develop the orchards at Wagnersburg, which was halfway between Wenatchee and Entiat on the Columbia River. Historian, actor and teacher Rod Molzahn can be reached at shake. speak@nwi.net. His third history CD, Legends & Legacies Vol. III - Stories of Wenatchee and North Central Washington, is now available at the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center and at other locations throughout the area. Know of someone stepping off the beaten path in the search for fun and excitement? E-mail us at editor@ncwgoodlife.com
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the back page: that’s life
Not yo’ mama’s mountain chairlift By Julia Scott
I know not how on God’s
white earth I had managed to board the high-speed quad chairlift at this mega ski resort, but somehow, this country bumpkin was with my family on our way to the top of the mountain. It was the whopping-est highpowered, most ferocious monster I had ever seen, and I was ensnared within its malicious jaws. As a farmer’s wife, I should have been accustomed to large, loud engines. Nevertheless, they have always intimidated me. And this was a RAGING BEAST! The closer to the top, the more nervous I became. If not for wanting to stick tight to my family, the ear-splitting roar of the behemoth engine would have had me skedaddling to the lodge to nurse my irrational fears over hot chocolate. (With marshmallows, please. Stat!) My husband, Greg, had been patiently, calmly explaining how the chairlift operated and how to exit. He knew if I didn’t experience a successful departure I’d be hard-pressed to do it again. As we reached the top, my precarious fate lay before me. We were next to unload. This was the moment of truth…
Our chair had slowed just as Greg said it would, but by now the engine was belching such a steady stream of expletives I could barely hear his words. Greg hollered calming, instructive words to me. “IT’S NOT DANGEROUS, IT’S JUST SCARY! TRY TO RELAX!” he bellowed. “JUST DO WHAT I DO!” I was completely unnerved by the roar of this enormous, ear-splitting, thundering contraption and the approaching bullwheel, compounded by the stress of the oncoming chairs behind. Relaxing was about as easy as hiccupping and snorting at the same time. This was not yo’ mama’s mountain chairlift — this was a HURLING DEATH MACHINE! The chair had switched from the fast cable to the slow one by this time. I felt my skis make contact with the ramp. All I had to do was stand up with Greg, but deathly fear told me (in the same voice as Luke Skywalker’s father) that I wouldn’t be able to exit before the chair swooped off again, launching me into a high-speed bullwheel merry-goround of murder! There was still plenty of time to exit, but I was taunted by the image of this monster machine catapulting me far into the great abyss; my deader-than-a-dilapi-
dated-dodo’s carcass entombed deeply, only to be dredged out in the spring thaw. I tried to comfort myself with the idea that maybe these fears were a figment of my imagination (which is all too often crammed with all sorts of odd figments.) But as anxiety escalated to terror, I stood too soon. Go figure. I tried to ski out of it but there was just too much momentum. The moving seat pressed against the backs of my knees. In what became an exceedingly embarrassing moment before God Himself and a mountain packed with people tighter than a can of sardines (and patrol dogs too) — Miss Grace Olympian herself LURCHED into a colossal BELLYFLOP! The others on my chair skied effortlessly down the ramp on cue like a well-oiled machine. But there I was, SPREAD-EAGLE PLASTERED to the ramp — blocking the exit. Anxiety mounted within as the upcoming chairs loaded with skiers loomed forward, convincing me I couldn’t get out of the way in time. I pictured an immense pile of people, skis and poles, snowboards, hats, gloves, goggles, bad tempers and appalling insults. And as the weight multi-
plied, underneath it all — there I’d be, squashed flatter than a road pizza. Julia Scott, a God help us Wenatchee all! resident, is praying Just as I for enormous snowfall this winter was decidand plans to make ing between good use of Mission burial and Ridge skiing (and cremation, the chairlift!). from straight out of the clouds above, like mercy from heaven — I felt the rescuing hand of Greg seizing the back of my coat as if I were an errant pup. Our gang, and far too many onlookers became a bursting, belly-laughing chorus as Greg slid me down the ramp to safety. Yup, another big fat slap across the self-esteem. My neck had a charley horse and I thought I might have a hernia to complement it. But nevertheless, I survived the ordeal. Several winters have passed, and I am now so slick about exiting high-speed chairlifts that sometimes I do it with my eyes shut, just to show off to myself. And I can’t help but chuckle whenever I think of how the former “Hurling Death Machine” turned out to actually be “The Sweet Chariot of Winter Fun.”
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