September 2017 The Good Life

S

D RE

TU A E

F

e

of

th

E OM

H

rs

r

u To

e ld

FUN EVENTS CALENDAR

WENATCHEE VALLEY’S

ui

◆017 b

NUMBER ONE MAGAZINE

2

September 2017

OPEN FOR FUN AND ADVENTURE

THE

LAVENDER MAN

Former pro basketball player finds new passion among purple petals

plus Moms feel the joy hiking with their boys Why reading is so great for men The latest on prostate cancer

Price: $3

Shoot for the stars with

1.5

%

cash back

on all purchases when you use your LUNA card, only from Numerica.*

Visit numericacu.com for more information

or Ask to see if you qualify.

800.433.1837

*Here’s the legal stuff. $20 membership fee for new members and $29 annual fee for new applicants.

GET IN THE GAME CELEBRATE PUBLIC POWER WEEK OCT. 1-7

ENTER TO WIN GAME-CHANGING DEVICES TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

Entry details at our offices, online at

chelanpud.org, on Facebook.com/ChelanPUD and Twitter @ChelanPUD

ConservationMakesCents.org

Old Time

Radio Show

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

3

>>

Contents

page 37

jokes and notes from bagpiper john mcquaig

Features

7 be still

Sit down, take a mental break, ease up on the “doing” — just be

8 moms hiking with their boys

Mothers spend quality trail time with their quickly-growing sons

10 falconer in the foothills

Susan Rae Sampson was out for a walk when she encountered a man working his birds of prey

12 the lavender man

Former pro basketball player has found a new passion in fields of purple petals

14 running through landscapes

When Andrew Holm hears the call of the wild, he puts on his running shoes

16 Big amenities in a smaller home

Columns & Departments 26 Pet Tales: Maynard finally gets his dog 27 Bonnie Orr: Peaches and roses, a beautiful combination 28 June Darling: Why reading is good for men 30 The traveling doctor: Update on prostate cancer 32-39 Arts & Entertainment & a Dan McConnell cartoon 40 History: Pace picked up in the 1880s 42 That’s life: The twirling skunk

Home Tour house aims at downsizing owners who still want the finer things and all of the “now” technology

25 chelan home tour,too

Four homes show off the Chelan experience Art sketches n Quilt artist Lesley Allen, page 32 n Bagpipes musician John McQuaig, page 37

23rd Annual Tour! www.BuildingNCW.org

FRIDAY Sept. 15 noon to 7

SATURDAY Sept. 16 10 to 7

SUNDAY Sept. 17 11 to 4

Presenting Sponsors

Media Partner

Associate Sponsors

Artisan

Flooring LLC

Chefs on Tour Sponsor

CUSTOMConStruCtion CONSTRUCTION CuStom & CABINETRY & Cabinetry

by Shane Covey, LLC

by Shane Covey, LLC

4

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

THURSDAY Sept. 14 4 to 9

|

September 2017

>>

editor’s notes

MIKE CASSIDY

design center marson and marson

Slow down, you move too fast We love the action stories

here at The Good Life.

People climbing mountains, taking up new instruments, raising alpacas, building unique homes, heading out, getting on, finding a new adventure around the next turn.

Whoopee, bring it on.

And then poet Susan Blair — who we wrote about in the last issue — sent us an essay about... well, doing nothing.

That’s right, the whole point of Susan’s essay is about not being a doer. Calm down. Catch your breath. Take a chair.

Whoa, what kind of idea is this? Could this be a Good Life story?

You betcha.

Poets are people great with words, and when Susan writes about being still, she can make it sound like an event worth trying.

When she writes elsewhere about being still, she gives this color commentary: One of my favorite spots for “ just being” is in my Adirondack chair on the patio. That angle of leaning back slightly, legs up on the ottoman, is deliciously comfortable. From here I watch the evening nature show. My rose bushes have exploded this spring, as did the Siberian Iris before them, and are now accompanied by a profusion of mauve coneflowers, burgundy lilies and blue hydrangeas. The three birch trees — “The Three Graces,” I call them — at the edge of the property dance daintily in the breeze but positively shuck and jive in the high winds we get up here near Castle Rock.

Check out Susan’s story on page 7. It’s best to be sitting while you read it.

Now back to the regularly scheduled action magazine — Susan Rae Sampson was hiking when she ran into a falconer. No, she didn’t travel through a time portal into the past, falconers are still very much needed in these days of techno magic.

After a bit of conversation, she got to try the glove on to create a landing perch for the bird.

You can see her photo on page 10, where she is giving off an expression of “this is no big thing.”

So I asked her, was she afraid?

“Having the hawks perched quietly on my arm was interesting,” said Susan. “Having the bigger one come flying at me to land and grab that piece of bait on my glove was a little intimidating — that beak, those talons!

“I flinched once or twice, so (the actual falconer) Paulie stood right behind me and had the hawk take off and land several times right over my head so that I could be sure I didn’t need to duck and cover.”

That’s more the adventure we are used to.

Homes on tour — This month we devote quite a bit of space to the annual BNCW Home Tour, Sept. 15-17.

If you like to look inside of some new homes going up in the area, this is a great time.

Plus, on Sept. 16, Chelan is having a tour of existing homes that residents were gracious enough to open for public view.

Go ahead, peek around, that’s what they are there for.

Sit down now and enjoy The Good Life.

— Mike September 2017 | The Good Life

Adura by Mannington Less Expensive than Tile and can be Grouted!

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Experienced in-house installer, book now before Spring rush

Over 60 years of Kitchen and Bath Design Experience.

509.548.5829 www.marsonandmarson.com/designcenter.html 11685 US Hwy 2 in Leavenworth Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm Saturdays by appointment

◆ 3500 sq. ft. design showroom ◆ Cabinetry -wide selection of styles ◆ Computer-aided cabinet layouts ◆ Complete home design packages

◆ Carpet, Vinyl & Wood ◆ Decorative Tile ◆ Expert installation available ◆ Countertops

HealthAllianceMedicare.org

Health Alliance Northwest Medicare has a strong network of doctors you can rely on, so you can stop worrying about health care and get back to doing what you love.

Call us to learn more.

1-877-561-1463 (TTY 711) daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time Voicemail used on holidays and weekends, February 15-September 30 Health Alliance Northwest Medicare is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in Health Alliance Medicare depends on contract renewal. The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. 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 1-877-750-3550 (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 1-877-750-3550 (TTY: 711). med-WACcbresourceguide-0217 • Y0034_15_31560 www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

5

>>

OPENING SHOT

®

Year 11, Number 9 September 2017 The Good Life is published by NCW Good Life, LLC, dba The Good Life 10 First Street, Suite 108 Wenatchee, WA 98801 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, Dan Fitting, Marlene Farrell, Meleah Butruille, Susan Rae Sampson, Jaana Hatton, Sarah Shaffer, Rachel Dilorenzo, Susan Blair, Donna Cassidy, Bonnie Orr, Jim Brown, June Darling, John Darling, Dan McConnell, Susan Lagsdin and Rod Molzahn Advertising manager, Terry Smith 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 10 First Street, Suite 108 Wenatchee, WA 98801 For circulation questions, email: donna@ncwgoodlife.com BUY A COPY of The Good Life at Safeway stores, Walgreens, 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 Terry Smith at (509) 8854922, or sales@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 2017

by NCW Good Life, LLC.

the many phases of a lunar eclipse

By Dan Fitting

I

took the picture of Wenatchee from Skyline Drive as well as the moon when we had the full lunar eclipse Sept.

27, 2015.

I spent half the night taking

shots of the different stages of the moon using a tripod with long exposures.

Because the ark of the moon was so big I wouldn’t have been able to see Wenatchee, I cut and pasted it at a lower ark. (So there was a bit of cheating involved but not much).

But the final outcome was worth it.

For more of my photos, in-

Keep Moving

cluding some images from my travels, visit danfittingphotography.com.

On the cover

Donna Cassidy took this photo of Joseph Downs in his lavender fields in East Wenatchee.

Physical Therapy for All Ages and Abilities

PHYSICAL THERAPY

(509) 665-3156

www.biosports.net

• Sports Biomechanics • Physical Therapy • Video Gait Analysis • Orthotics • Functional Testing • Pool Therapy • Massage Therapy • Work Related Injuries

Relish your days 6

| The Good Life

ncwgoodlife.com

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

To subscribe, send $25 ($30 out of state) To: The Good Life, 10 First Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801 or email: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

Be still Learning that life is not all about doing, but being. A lap cat helps.

By Susan Blair

“Just BE,” my friend Joy said some 20

years ago, “in the silence.”

She sat in the silence every morning, often writing in her journal as inspiration visited her, with the intention of deepening her spirituality and creativity.

As my mentor, she exhorted me to develop this practice as well. She urged me to slow down. She reminded me that, “we are human beings, not human doings.”

I resisted — and not all that silently, either. “But I have so much to do!” I wailed to her. “I can’t waste time doing nothing.”

I had a full-time job in a federal human resources office, a part-time job teaching aerobics and other workout classes, an “occasional” job presenting professional training, a yard full of plantings (and weeds) that seemed to grow before my very eyes, and oh yes, the normal and usual household chores.

Convinced as I was that my value as a person and a wife lay in how much I accomplished in a day, and because my paycheck was considerably smaller than my husband’s, I felt I needed to earn my keep by doing.

Always be doing, getting things done.

On the first day of a new work schedule dictated by the new boss, I found myself with an extra hour in the morning between seeing my husband off at 6:30 and taking my shower. What should I do? Clean something?

Organize a closet? Dust?

I decided to experiment with Joy’s recommendation.

After the good-bye kiss, I poured a cup of coffee and settled in my favorite chair, feet up on the ottoman. Bingo! Katya was in my lap, and I swear she’d started purring before her feet left the floor. We sat together in the almost-silence (reference the rumbling kitty motor) as I pet her, sipped my coffee and daydreamed.

I use the word “daydreamed” loosely because most of my thoughts swirled around how much I hated my full-time job. The stress of being overqualified, underutilized and undervalued gnawed at me daily.

I know now that my emotional toolbox

... with a cat cuddled in my lap and the two of us sharing the love, my energy for seething and grieving diminished. lacked the implements with which to handle this stress. I couldn’t find the humor in the situation. All I could do at the time was seethe and grieve.

But with a cat cuddled in my lap and the two of us sharing the love, my energy for seething and grieving diminished. That’s what I discovered as I repeated this exercise the next morn- Susan Blair: Learning what mattered in life was that what mattered to her. ing, and the next, and the next.

Yes, of course I had to repeat it: Katya I was relaxed. There was no hidden agenda, expected me to. She would sit by our chair, no office strife, no interpersonal drama. I waiting patiently yet pointedly, issuing her grew to value my own company, to honor my polite order. Her regal authority demanded own thoughts and sensations. obedience — and I had, after all, named her My attitude about mattering changed: it after the Russian Empress Catherine the didn’t “matter” if I “mattered” at work; what Great. (Besides, as every owner can tell you, “mattered” was that I “mattered” to me. I cats have never forgotten how they were was taking care of my Self, myself. worshipped in ancient Egypt, and continue I learned that to “be in the silence” surto this day to consider such reverence their rounded by beauty on a regular basis was due.) like taking vitamins for the soul.

My experiment became practice; my pracI quit that job 12 years ago, and four years tice became ritual. ago we moved into a new house in a different Every morning I’d be in my special spot, city. My schedule has changed, but I have sometimes reading, sometimes writing, maintained my early-morning ritual. sometimes simply enjoying the view of my I start each day in my chair with coffee, elegant living room. cat and candles. Katya, bless her, is still with In springtime my view extended through me. Most of the time I read, sometimes I the French doors to the purple wisteria drap- write, sometimes I simply sit in the silence ing the arbor and crimson rhododendrons and enjoy the view while my husband is bordering the deck. Bushtits and chickadees elsewhere in the house, pursuing his own at the feeder would entertain me, and if I tradition. were alert and lucky, I’d see a hummingbird.

It’s a different chair, and the view is differOn dark winter mornings I’d arrange ent, too, but the profound sense of peace is candles on the coffee table opposite my chair the same. Yes, I “be.” and light them, often foregoing the reading lamp in order to bask in the soft coziness.

Susan Blair is a Wenatchee writer and poet (and is known as “Perri The Poetry Fairy” in local elemenIn the calm quiet I created beauty and tary classrooms). reveled in it, and as I did so, I experienced an ever-increasing sense of peace. I was safe,

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

7

MOMS

A chance to just be with their sons on the edge of the teenager years

By Marlene Farrell Photos by Meleah ButruilLe Our small band of backpackers tramped away from our lakeside campsite, through boulderstrewn alpine meadows and a small tarn, following Quentin.

He had found the perfect bear bag-hanging tree. It was perched on a small knoll amid other trees, but 20 feet up its trunk was a fat branch with few obstructions.

HIKING WITH THEIR

We, two moms and our 12-year-old sons, did it all together —finding the right-sized rock, wrapping it snugly in the end of the cord, tossing it up over the branch. After several rewraps and tosses and much laughter, we got the line in place and then hoisted the food until it dangled far above our heads.

It was such a little thing, but it was precious because our husbands, both capable outdoorsmen, weren’t around.

We succeeded at the bear bag, setting up the tent, and even more so, hiking with full packs past Stuart Lake on a steep unmaintained trail to Horseshoe Lake.

Gratitude overwhelmed me

8

| The Good Life

BOYS

Evan took this photo of Quentin, Marlene and Meleah walking past Mount Stuart toward Stuart Lake.

The beautiful day was getting hotter and the boys were looking forward to jumping into Lake Stuart.

Evan shows a cutthroat trout — he released all the fish he caught.

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

that this trip came together.

It was a last minute decision, squeezed in between other commitments. We could have easily skipped the adventure, making our lives less hectic, but we seized the opportunity.

Kids’ lives spiral upward in busyness in middle school. As moms, we’re there for them, driving them everywhere,

Our steady pace on the trail afforded me time to ask a lot of questions. We might not delve into deep philosophical questions, but Quentin and I come to know each other through talking while walking. watching their sports, doublechecking their homework.

But Meleah Butruille and I wanted a chance to just be with our boys. We both have daughters and somehow the one-onone time with chances to have deeper conversations are more plentiful than with our sons.

The boys proved very capable.

Every year they can carry more on their still slightly narrow frames and hike farther on their long legs. We teased them how in 10 years they have to invite us back and we’ll let them do the planning and carry the majority of the weight.

Evan fished more times than I thought possible. He watched the creeks and lakes patiently until he spotted a fish and then assembled his rod and reel in the blink of an eye.

He caught several beautiful trout with flaming throats, and he always hollered for Meleah to come see. He fishes a lot with his dad, but this time it was for Meleah and Evan to share.

A lot of the trip was about hiking. When you’re covering 17 miles round-trip with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, that’s just the way it is. Sometimes the boys hiked ahead, and Meleah and I caught up on each other’s lives.

Other times we naturally fell into step with our sons.

While hiking, Quentin confided in me about his latest computer game designs. His brain is adept at navigating the complex

Marlene and Quentin at Horseshoe Lake: Before long, it will be the moms’ turn to stand on rocks to be even with their growing sons.

logic of game coding; I do my best to keep up.

Our steady pace on the trail afforded me time to ask a lot of questions. We might not delve into deep philosophical questions, but Quentin and I come to know each other through talking while walking.

When we crested the top of the climb, scrambling through rocks baking in the sun, the view of Horseshoe Lake was a magical reward. The serene brilliant blue wove its way through the rocky basin full of small larches.

Aptly named, Horseshoe Lake has a meandering curvy shoreline that begs to be explored.

Mount Stuart dominates the rocky cirque in which we were nestled.

Evan immediately grabbed his fishing pole. Quentin dropped his pack and scampered off, looking for an ideal campsite, saying, “It’s like being on the moon.” I think he meant the

lightness he felt and also the out-of-this-world beauty.

Wild solitude was ours for a long evening, as we watched the peaks blush and more trout rise and as we crunched on freezedried ice cream. Although we were tired, it was with a bit of reluctance that we climbed into the tent that night.

Both times we passed Stuart Lake we stopped where a boulder leaned over the water. There were two ways into the lake — easing in from a lower rock ledge or up above, running and leaping with faith.

Experimenting with both methods, we jumped in, the water rejuvenating itchy bug bites and tired feet. It was simple for the boys, who still hooted and whooped.

I felt like a kid again, taking the plunge off the rock, experiencing the thrill of falling and the suddenness of cutting through the surface to the cold below.

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

9

The final miles of a backpack trip are often subdued, as we are lost in our own thoughts and one with the rhythm of downhill hiking with lighter packs, slowly transitioning to a return to the ordinary after being away from it all.

Evan, leading at the time, called back to Meleah, “Mom, come talk to me.” Meleah said this surprised and delighted her.

Quentin and I hiked together too. I don’t remember our conversation beyond a shared contentedness. We simply were happy to be together. Though, if I’m honest, we were also eager for some post-trip grub, something involving melted cheese.

In a few months Quentin will be a teenager. Before long, he’ll be off on his own young adult journey of a sort I can hardly imagine.

I only hope he and I can squeeze in a few more adventures like this one in the meantime.

Finding a falconer in the foothills birds of prey used for no-kill nuisance bird abatement programs

By Susan Rae Sampson

W

hen I walked in the foothills near Wenatchee Heights during the last few weeks before the late cherry harvest, I walked right into a scene from Merry Olde England.

There was a falconer, his left hand in a thick leather gauntlet, a large Harris’ Hawk named Isabella perched on his hand.

The man behind the bird was Paulie Corry, who told me that he came from a 300-year-old line of British falconers. He wore an Akubra hat from Australia, but his accent was genuine Liverpool.

His hawk wore soft leather cuffs around her legs, fitted with grommets for the snap swivel on the glove, but the swivel wasn’t attached. She wore short leather straps called “jesses” for holding her, if needed, but they were flapping loose; and she wore no leash.

Instead, her cuffs were fitted with small Christmas jingle bells for locating her after she flew free and landed. Importantly, she also wore a yellow band that shows that she was registered with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It would be illegal under U.S. law for Paulie to own, buy, sell, give, or possess any migratory bird without a license to do so.

Paulie is a licensed Master Falconer who is also authorized to use birds for no-kill nuisance bird abatement programs; and that’s what has brought him to the Wenatchee area for the summer.

Pauli started his falconry

career with the U.S. Air Force in Dover, England, chasing off nuisance birds from an airfield.

He moved to Escondido, CA, became a U.S. citizen, (“I’m no royalist, and I read the Constitution”), and accepted another contract with the USAF. The U.S. Air Force appoints an officer as its official falconer, but it subcontracts for abatement of nuisance birds. For 10 years, Paulie and his hawks handled nuisance birds at March Reserve Air Force Base near Riverside, CA. Commenting on “Sully” Sullenberger’s bird strike that led the pilot to put his Airbus down on the Hudson River in 2009, he observes that New York’s Kennedy Airport has a falconer, but LaGuardia does not. Sully started from LaGuardia.

Paulie’s work hasn’t been limited to airports. He and his hawks chased seagulls away from a landfill near Anaheim, CA, because the gulls were scavenging garbage and dropping it on Angel Stadium. He chased gulls from a landfill near Santa Barbara because the gulls scattered garbage up to a quarter of a mile away, polluting a waterway. The gulls learned to flee as soon as they saw his Akubra hat.

Paulie also did a gig at Sea World in San Diego, chasing off aggressive gulls that were stealing tourists’ food, then he put on a show: He would warn spectators to keep their hands down, then let his hawk fly close over their heads.

Unfortunately, a drunken spectator held up a hotdog with catsup on it. The bird saw

10

| The Good Life

Susan Rae Sampson tries her hand as a falconer with Mr. Biggles. Photo by Mark Oswood

Unfortunately, a drunken spectator held up a hotdog with catsup on it. The bird saw meat and blood, and it struck. meat and blood, and it struck.

A hawk’s talons can’t be pulled out of their targets, because talons are locked onto prey in their default position. A falconer has to know a technique to unlock them. This time, the spectator wasn’t injured, but Sea World could envision a different outcome, so the program had to end.

Paulie is working locally to chase ravens away from cherry orchards. He says that an orchardist’s loss to birds can reach $20,000 in a three-month season, even if trees are wrapped in nets to keep birds out.

He says that trained birds

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

work in the Tri Cities area in late July to protect the blueberry crop. Growers like the no-kill bird abatement program because it is environmentally clean.

Paulie’s birds include four Harris’s Hawks, all females from the same clutch, and three falcons. Falconers prefer females for hunting because they are a third larger than males of the same species.

His Peregrine, Mr. Biggles, is actually three-quarters Peregrine and one-quarter Saker falcon. The Peregrine ancestry traces back to pure California stock that falconers used to restore the Peregrine population after it was nearly decimated by the use of DDT in the environment prior to 1972, when the chemical was banned from agricultural use.

Paulie’s technique is to observe the movement patterns of nuisance birds, then to release his hawks close to them, to

Paulie says that hunting hawks could kill enough game by noon to feed its handler for a week.

the ground.

Unfortunately, Golden eagles and female Peregrines can prey on Mr.Biggles, and coyotes can recognize his calls.

Paulie’s birds don’t interact with wild raptors, but there is always the risk that they’ll stray or migrate. Prairie falcons and Gyrfalcons are more likely to stray, but most trained birds know where they’re guaranteed their next meal, so they tend to stay.

In the wild, Paulie’s birds might live for five years. As trained birds, they can live 15 or 20 years.

The birds are valuable. A trained Peregrine can bring up to $20,000 in Saudi Arabia, where falconry is a tradition extending through cen-

move the nuisances along.

Untrained falcons strike other birds in the air and untrained hawks trap their prey on the ground.

Wild hawks use their talons to hold the heads of their prey on the ground, then sever the spinal cord of the prey with the spurs on the back of their feet. Falcons use a notch behind the Pauli Corry, in his Akubra hat from Australia, explains the need for modern-day falconers, curve of their beaks to while holding his Harris’s Hawk Isabella Photos by Mark Oswood dispatch prey quickly before they can be injured themselves. turies.

By contrast, Paulie’s falcons The birds are not easy to are taught to hunt on the maintain. “They’re like babies,” called mews.

The mews have t isn’t easy to get a falconry ground, and both his hawks and Paulie said. They have to be fed to pass inspection by the State license. falcons are taught to “let it lie,” and exercised and their training Department of Fish and WildFirst, a would-be falconer rather than to kill and eat the reinforced every day, and rarely life, working in coordination must find a Master Falconer to prey. That’s a challenge to the is a trained falconer available to with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife be a sponsor. The student must birds because they won’t hunt at babysit.

Service. study literature and pass a writall unless they’re hungry.

But Paulie is good to his birds, Once the student passes the ten examination on all aspects His raptors would risk their and they’ve been good to him — test and inspection, he or she of caring for a bird, from bird health to eat wild prey, especialthey’ve paid for a nice house for may acquire only one bird to identification through nutrition, ly pigeons, which can carry dishim and his wife, for his pickup begin training. Training requires health and emergency treatease. If they do kill another bird, truck, and for college for his time every day, and can take ment of bird diseases. he must report that to the Fish three children. weeks or months.

Next comes a two-year apand Wildlife Service, because a And being imprinted on his Paulie Corry said it took sevprenticeship in caring for and kill reflects poorly on the skill of father, one of his sons is a falen years for him to attain the training the birds. the Master Falconer. coner. proficiency to hold falconry’s Then it’s time to build proper None of the raptors, wild or

highest title, Master Falconer.

Paulie Corry can be found on Facetrained, retrieve their prey. A facilities to house the bird, book. Paulie’s email is falconer who hunts has to follow CorryWildlifeControl@gmail.com. his bird to retrieve any game he wants to keep for himself. squawked for food. “He’s imlessly. When Paulie whistled, EXTRA READING: Helen MacDonPaulie says that hunting hawks printed on me, so I’ll always be Isabella returned at once. She ald’s 2014 memoir, H is for Hawk chronicles her training and the could kill enough game by noon weighs 36 ounces (two-andhis mother,” Paulie explained. efforts of writer T.H. White to do the to feed its handler for a week.

Mr. Biggles is fitted with a a-quarter pounds) and hit my same. The book won several literary That’s especially true of his radio transmitter because he glove forcefully. prizes and became a best-seller.

Harris’s Hawks, which naturally can fly 1,000 feet high and range Paulie rewarded her with a hunt in packs.

2,000 feet out, and Peregrines morsel of common quail meat Susan Rae Sampson relocated to the Paulie had me toss the big, can hit 240 miles per hour, so supplied by a specialty grower Wenatchee area in 2009, where certain bird-watching friends promised rust-colored Harris’s Hawk, in Spokane. He always trains his sometimes after he lands, he’s that she’d have rich bird-watching Isabella, up into the air. She flew birds by rewarding them with a challenge to find. On a windy opportunities. They never expected into a nearby tree, where a robin food, never by punishment. day, he might have to be lured this one. took alarm and scolded ceaseback by a decoy dragged along Mr. Biggles squawked and

The long flight to being a falconer I

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

11

Having the skills to do it all, from planting to selling the final product, is Joseph’s unique talent. That, and having the stamina to work long days.

THE LAVENDER MAN FORMER PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER AND TEACHER IN TASMANIA FINDS A NEW FIELD AMONG PURPLE PETALS

I

Story and photos

by Jaana Hatton

first met Joseph Downs at Pybus Farmers Market in early July. His tall frame, stooping to get in and out of his display booth, caught my eye. Then I glanced at his products more closely: lavender.

Big men who look like loggers aren’t what one usually connects with such a gentle substance, and I was intrigued.

Joseph invited me to visit his lavender farm in East Wenatchee, an open two acres of sandy loam soil, which is perfect for growing the dry-loving herb.

I had to drive through orchards and along gravel paths, convinced that once again the GPS had tricked me, but his purplecolored mailbox was a welcome beacon of finally having arrived.

While I was waiting for Joseph to get ready for the interview,

I studied a large grouping of lavender starts, still in their pots and with name tags. I was amazed to find 10 variants, such as lavender melissa lilac, lavender hidcote pink, and lavender blue mountain white.

“There are 175 variants of lavender,” Joseph said. “I grow 40.

One half of them are for culinary use and the other half is for health and beauty products.”

The different kinds of lavender have their specific qualities as far as stem length, bloom and scent. Yes, lavender has variations in its fragrance. I got proof of it by rubbing a few leaves of different plants against my palm and then smelling the released aroma.

The longer stemmed plants are practical for crafts while some others are perfect for cooking.

“I harvest them when they are at 50 percent bloom,” Joseph said. “Most people start cutting

12

| The Good Life

Joseph bottles and labels all of his own products. It’s a time-consuming and precise task.

during the third year, but I’m comfortable utilizing my second year plants.”

Joseph hasn’t always been a lavender farmer or in agriculture at all. Instead, he was a professional basketball player from college onwards, which was almost 30 years ago. He graduated from the College of Idaho with a degree in sociology and psychology, qualifying him to teach.

He was first recruited to play in Peru for two seasons.

Before he left that South American country, he made a point of climbing the mountain of Machu Picchu — yes, actually climbing, not taking any transportation up to the nearly 8,000 feet of elevation.

Initially he was going to hop on a bus as he was carrying a backpack full of souvenirs,

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

but the one-hour wait was too long for Joseph’s patience. So he climbed, straight up with no switch-backs. The souvenirs got the special touch of the mountain before they arrived in the United States to be distributed to family members.

Joseph left Peru because his agent found a basketball player/ teacher position for Joseph in Tasmania. It became his home for the next 23 years. He came back to the Wenatchee area to be with family and aging parents. Spending time with relatives helped his readjustment to the American life.

After seeing a friend’s greenhouses, Joseph realized the potential of agriculture in our area.

In July 2015 he bought the East Wenatchee location especially for lavender farming. He put

oils and creams and that’s about it.”

He has since discovered it is great for culinary uses, crafts and as an addition to honey and lemonade, for example.

Recently someone asked Joseph if he knows how to make a furniture polish with beeswax and lavender.

“I’m willing to look into it. I’m still learning,” he said.

After visiting his farm, I came home with a complimentary bouquet of freshly harvested lavender. It has now been dried and put into little sachets. It’s amazing how delightful the scent from a handful of dry purple petals can be.

Lean Meats, Fresh Vegetables & Delicious Sauces !— —A ll Grilled To Perfection

For more information on Joseph’s farm and products, go to www.thelavenderboutique.net.

After harvesting, the lavender stems dry outside in the bins. They have to be aired and turned twice a day.

in the first plants in April 2016.

There are no basketball hoops to be seen on the property.

Because Joseph’s business, The Lavender Boutique, grows, harvests, distills, makes and sells the products there aren’t enough hours in the day.

It is the same determination that pushed him to climb Machu Picchu that now keeps him going with the lavender endeavor.

There is weeding, watering, cutting and an ongoing rotation of chores to keep up with.

Joseph rarely has time to sit and smell the lavender, other than for product checking.

Thankfully the plant is pest resistant, whether it’s bugs or deer. The biggest nuisance are the weeds, but even that gets easier after a few years of rigorous plugging.

Joseph went to college to become a teacher, and he seems to be continuing on that path. He enjoys educating people in the many uses of the herb and even in how to grow it.

“Feedback from customers is

helpful. I like to know that they have enjoyed our products, or if there is something to improve,” Joseph said.

Besides attending farmers markets for the people-connection, he keeps the farm open for visitors.

“I love to have people stop by.

Last year we had a Harvest Festival and Christmas Party here, and we will do it again.”

His plan is to use the farm for agritourism and to offer workshops and cooking demos. He isn’t afraid to let people loose on the fields to pick their own stems, either.

“Lavender is fairly easy to grow if the soil conditions are right. There has to be good drainage,” Joseph said. “As to which variety to plant, it all depends on the intended use. Is it for cooking, oils or for landscaping?”

Joseph has spent more hours on research than he can count.

“My biggest surprise has been how versatile lavender is. Initially I thought I would be making September 2017 | The Good Life

Jaana Hatton is a Wenatchee freelance writer. She loves all things outdoors and natural. Before moving to Wenatchee three years ago, Jaana lived in Anacortes (two hours north of Seattle) and successfully grew lavender on her property.

WENATCHEE

Downtown across from the PAC 509.662.1154

LEAVENWORTH Downtown across from Brewery 509.548.WOK2 (9652) — Full Service Bar! —

Grab your wrist corsage or bowtie and take a trip back to

THE GOLDEN AGE If you’re a senior (citizen, that is), you’re invited to a Senior Senior Prom at Pybus Public Market on Friday, Oct. 6 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss the fun, with live music, Prom King and Queen, photographer, drinks and appetizers. All proceeds from ticket sales ($15 each or $25 couple) will go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Get yours today at Highgate Senior Living, 1320 South Miller.

Prom night is coming and it’s going to be golden!

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

13

Running ‘is only one way to experience the feeling of simply moving quickly across terrain.

That is incredibly grounding to me’

by Rachel DiLorenzo

S

ort of like the backup generators he relies upon from time to time, Andrew Holm is powered by a steadfast stamina.

Often, he’s directed uphill, running toward the tops of ridges and mountains. Other times, he’s busily multi-tasking in the middle of the forest.

But whatever the situation calls for, he comes prepared with curiosity, cool composure and a craving for “the call of the wild.”

He is addicted to the accessibly rugged terrain of his neighborhood in the Cascade Mountains, and spends his spare time exploring it. On his runs and Nordic ski adventures, Andrew often recruits others, making friends along the way.

Inspired by a favorite aunt, he’s been running since the age of six.

“I guess I had an enchantment with track and field,” he admitted with a smile. That passion (for all types of running) contin-

Running through

landscapes Andrew Holm rounds a bend near the beginning of the Kanisku 50 this year.

ues to grow.

As he explained, “There is only one way to experience the feeling of simply moving quickly across terrain. That is incredibly grounding to me.”

Between runs, he is the operations officer of both Tierra Retreat Center and Tierra Learning Center (which includes Tierra Village, a residential program for adults with developmental differences).

These properties are located within Sunitsch Canyon, between Leavenworth and Plain.

His duties can range from bookkeeping and project management, to weed whacking and toilet plunging. Andrew, it

14

| The Good Life

seems, is a genuine subalpine jack-of-all-trades.

Sunitsch Canyon is a tranquil, idyllic woodland community.

Yet, there are challenges unique to Tierra’s location in the middle of Wenatchee National Forest.

“Power outages and water line breaks bring memorable moments. We’ve been out in the snow at midnight digging for breaks. Other times, we’ve strapped generators to golf carts, just to get the guest rooms vacuumed,” said Andrew.

At the retreat center, Tierra has played host to a diversity of guests. “Once, we had a group of Russian folks who effectively installed a miniature Olym-

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

pic Village. On a Friday afternoon, we were surprised to find a large inflatable welcome gate, complete with techno music thumping. This all coincided with the local preschool finishing up for the day...” Still struck by the memory, he mused, “There are a lot of stories.”

Andrew and Shanda Holm moved to Plain in 2000. After spending a few years in the White River area above Lake Wenatchee, they moved off the Chumstick Highway in 2007.

Since they live on the Tierra property (Shanda is director of Tierra Village), the Holm family doesn’t worry about ‘taking their work home’ with them. “It’s inevitable,” he said, “but not something we’re all jolly about!”

Instead, they strive to work fun outings into their daily routine. The natural beauty of the Cascade hillside offers “large moments of quiet and stillness, even at busy times. The evening or morning light, and the diversity of birds and animals that pop up, create a fresh page every day.”

Over the past decade, Andrew has discovered some unique pockets. “The ridge on Rosy Boa above Ski Hill never fails to impress,” he confided, “and the White River, the Little Wenatchee drainages and the Napeequa valley are all incredibly special… and I really

Running with the kids

In 2012, his friend Marlene Farrell encouraged Andrew to start sharing his enthusiasm with young people.

Thus began his stint cocoaching at Peshastin-Dryden School, where Marlene had recently established a running club. The club later moved to Osborn Elementary.

“Marlene spearheads the effort, while I gather the tail.

Together, we’ve evolved into a good co-leadership,” the coach went on earnestly.

“Kids want to run. It’s awesome, the number of signups and interest we get. It’s simple and pure: We get Cascade High School kids, recent graduates, parents, and older siblings, all coming out to volunteer.

“We end up down at Enchantment Park, running by the river in the spring. All these kids, these volunteers,” he marveled, “without distractions for a couple of hours. No phones or videos. All just running for fun, for the sake of being out.”

enjoy the state park at Lake Wenatchee.”

Then, there’s the head of Eagle Creek, where he has several favorite “unglamorous” routes that climb the Entiat ridge.

“But as far as my home stomping grounds go,” he added, “the Chumstick crest, from Tumwater Mountain to Plain has some great hidden gems.”

Among the more memorable backwoods experiences, he has twice been charged by a mother bear.

“Both times were similar: I was rounding a corner or coming over a rise. I saw the cubs shoot up a tree, before I even had time to blink,” he continued, “and though I wished the mother had pulled up shorter, luckily my instinct kicked in. I put my arms up, walked back slowly, and attempted to make some calming utterances. Actually, everything was very calm while it happened. Only later did my heart start to race a little.”

In the end, “I wasted no time

Andrew Holm: No phones or videos. All just running for fun.

September 2017 | The Good Life

rerouting the run!”

Does all that running ever get exhausting? “Of course it does, sometimes.” Yet, this athlete approaches it as a form of discipline. “Running makes me feel fit, and teaches me forbearance,” he said, “I feel like an animal that has evolved to travel efficiently across landscapes.”

In fact, a recent July Saturday found him running his first 50mile race. “This was something I had armchair-talked last season.

This spring, I set out to actually accomplish the goal. It was a big push, a great race up in the Colville National Forest. I was fortunate to have one of my best running buddies come along, to pace me through the last 16 miles,” he said, “in 95-degree heat.”

But the next day offered no rest for the weary.

As it turned out, the retreat center was short-staffed, and Andrew came in to help. “When I can be available in these situations, I enjoy lending a last-ditch set of helping hands.”

Actually, staff assumed the chill fellow in the ball cap was the new guy. They had no idea he was their boss, out schlepping giant bags of laundry and recycling, delivering supply tubs, and even tracking down toilets to scrub.

This mountain trekker has no plans to slow down. When asked for guidance for the aging runner, he offered this: “There’s no reason why you can’t still run hard and fast. Experience and wisdom come into play. And you probably have some toughness built up, that’s an asset,” he added, “Just don’t quit!”

There’s a bit of motivation we can all embrace.

Rachel DiLorenzo is a Yankee-born, midwest transplant who loves the great northwest, and meeting new people.

Know of someone stepping off the beaten path in the search for fun and excitement? E-mail us at editor@ncwgoodlife.com

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

15

WESTERB984CF

Sold and erected by an independent locally owned builder.

Your building can be customized just the way you want!

(509) 884-0555 www.westernbuildings.com 4968 Contractors Drive East Wenatchee, WA 98801 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • AGRICULTURAL

★★

ah ★ o to me see

Building North Central Washington Home Tour & Remodeling Expo Sept. 15 - 17

Luxury

living condensed

This is one of the homes on the Building North Central

Washington’s 2017 Home Tour and Remodeling Expo.

For other select homes on the tour, see pages 21 through 24.

Tour dates are Sept. 15 - 17, with 10 homes. Visit: www. buildingncw.org/events for more information and to buy tickets for Chefs on Tour on Sept. 14 and for the tour itself.

Lights, mirrors, sleek flooring — those deliberate details plus an easy, sensible traffic flow add inside dimension to this mid-sized house.

• Open Now

• Brand New Facility • Electronic Gate Access • 24 Hr Surveillance • Fully Secured • DriveUp Access • Month to Month Rates.

Eagle

Self Storage Units 16

Call Now For Special Pricing!

1821 N. Wenatchee Ave. eagleselfstorageunits.com

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

509-423-6400

|

September 2017

Home Tour house aims at downsizing owners who want the finer things and all the ‘now’ tech Story by Susan Lagsdin Photos by Donna Cassidy

A

ccomplished veteran builders work long seasons every year to house Wenatchee’s growing population, and you’ll see a sampling of their skills at the BNCW Home Tour and Remodeling Expo in September.

One of the younger local builders stands out not so much for his deep history here but for his energy and confidence.

Andrew Lange may be relatively new to the industry, but he’s totally focused on delivering the best house he can, like this recently-built residence on Brambling Brae Street in the Campbell Glen subdivision. This

Andrew Lange poses in front of the home that he’d designed for himself, came very close to selling, and was ultimately happy to call his own again.

September marks his fourth Home Tour in a row. “Best thing a builder can do to show their

stuff,” he asserted.

Homebuilding was not an early dream or aspiration. He

graduated from Pateros High School, tried and disliked col-

}}} Continued on next page

Thanks to all the top quality local builders who allowed us to feature our counter tops in this year’s Tour of Homes!

Come Check out our new showroom to better serve YOU our customer

The Strength of Advice D.A. Davidson & Co. is a resource for investment and wealth planning in North Central Washington, offering straightforward advice and personalized solutions.

Over the years, our team of professionals has built a reputation based on trust, honesty and experience. We’d like to earn your trust, too.

Contact one of our Financial Advisors today to learn more about customized investment and wealth planning services for families, businesses and charitable organizations.

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Curtis Harvey Vice President, Financial Advisor John Peterson, CWS® Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Branch Manager Robert Johnson Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor Kyle Peterson Financial Advisor

FULFILL YOUR DREAM

• Professional design consultation • Free accurate estimates • High quality product fabrication and installation to your new home or remodel • Custom shower walls with granite slab

Precision Water Jet

SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Russ Fode, CWS®

Precision Water Jet Inc.

Phone: (509) 888-7954 | Fax: (509) 888-0581 207 S. Columbia St, 98801-3028 | Wenatchee, WA

PrecisionWaterJetInc.com • Email: info@precisionwaterjetinc.com September 2017 | The Good Life

Vice President, Financial Advisor

Wade Gebers

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

Darren Goehner, CWS® Vice President, Financial Advisor

151 S. Worthen St., Suite 201 | Wenatchee, WA dadavidson.com | D.A. Davidson & Co. member SIPC

(509) 664-9063 www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

17

Looking to down size? I can help!

“DON’T MAKE A MOVE WITHOUT ME!”

Cell: 509-679-4625

Pam@Windermere.com www.WenatcheeValleyProperty.com

Windermere Real Estate/NCW

Create your perfect at-home retreat with a Bullfrog Spa. 160 S. Worthen St. Wenatchee, WA 98801

(509) 662-1590

www.pooltospaservices.com

The Most Important Meeting of the Day...

The distinctive slate wall, which matches the exterior siding, gives a traditional look to modern components: a large screen TV site and decorative non-wood fireplace.

Luxury Living Condensed }}} Continued from previous page

The World’s #1 Selling Spa Brand Come See Why.

514 S. Wenatchee Ave.

663-1177

Reg. #CENTRWW265DF

hotspring.com 18

| The Good Life

lege and started to build fences, first for his dad and then going solo for six years. He makes it clear he’s had no formal construction training or apprenticeship.

But in 2014 Andrew was 29, and he wanted a house. He found an affordable shell, bankruptcy-abandoned, on Ashwood Drive, and with no construction background beyond posts and rails, he truly believed he could finish it, live in it a while, maybe sell it and pocket a little profit.

He remembers the moment he realized: “I can do this!”

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

He did do it. He re-engineered the house, which had been jerryrigged in spots and oddly configured in others, and learned construction, literally, from the outside in and the bottom up.

A newbie with a stupendously steep learning curve, he also had to scout proficient subs and craftsman, who evolved into a crew he now calls “a miniature army.”

Not only was that his first homebuilding project, it made the cut for the Home Tour in 2014. And, yes, he lived in it a while, sold it, and pocketed a profit.

Buyers aren’t looking for “monster houses” anymore. They want perfect size, perfect flow and all the luxurious touches.

His second house he built for his brother, and it was in the next year’s home tour. Now, he continues to build houses and he continues to show his handiwork to the public.

On his quick and fruitful journey, he’s learned what buyers want.

This 2017 house, he says, has, “Million-dollar amenities for half the cost.” Buyers aren’t looking for “monster houses” anymore. They want perfect size, perfect flow and all the luxurious touches.

Mature homeowners may downsize, but they insist on quality and are likely to know what they don’t want, and Andrew adapts to that.

What many buyers don’t want is a tub, a separate dining room, walls of drapes, a bedroom-sized laundry room, a big hall closet and a sea of lawn grass. So, they would be very pleased with this home’s huge tiled and glassed shower, the open concept living area, the clean window scape facing orchard trees, coat hooks and a bench in the hallway, mudroom washer and dryer space, and a diminutive, easycare back yard.

What most buyers do want is usable space. Within 2,100 sensibly-used square feet, this home has three bedrooms, four baths (two major, two minor) and an upstairs bonus loft.

A pool beats a playing field for buyers with kids grown and gone, and contemporary designs — not all turquoise and white rectangles anymore — look more like rock-rimmed reflecting ponds. This pool fills the backyard space gracefully.

}}} Continued on next page

There’s not much space for soccer or swing sets, but a luxurious patio and pool, ringed with minimal care landscaping, instead invites luxurious repose.

These subs helped with Lange Construction’s 2017 tour home!

Proud to have supplied appliances on

Lange Construction

Congratulations Lange Construction!

Proud to have built your custom pool.

Tour of Homes house.

Rookard Custom Pools

1729 N. Wenatchee Ave. 663-1671 • www.savmart.net

509-679-3840 •Rookardcustompools.com.

Rain Gutters Contractors & GALE • Insulation Upgrades • Garage Doors • Fireplaces • Rain Gutters Garage Doors 509-662-5171

Senior and Military Discounts

www.mascocs.com

Call for your FREE Estimate Today!

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

19

Thank you Lange Construction for choosing Eagle for your beautiful Vinyl fencing.

509-668-0444

Luxury Living Condensed }}} Continued from previous page Buyers also want the latest technology possible. Andrew wires every house for the future, with the choice of implements open to the owner. This is a Smart Home, which means it’s already complete with stereo sound throughout, exterior security cameras and light and temperature controls, including “house off” for energy savings.

It’s all on a cellphone app.

High-tech amenities don’t preclude traditional comfort, and in this house a cool contemporary look is softened by Craftsman touches.

Andrew chose acrylic-antiqued pine board floors for the main living areas, and thick carpet cushions the bedrooms and loft staircase. He picked dove gray wall color, deep white trim and molding, pale quartz counters, and stacked slate on the outside and the full fireplace

We’re experts at finding dirt’s

wall.

As the owner of Lange Construction, Andrew is the contractor, the builder, the major decision-maker. Using local craftspeople whose skill and work ethic he values, he has assured himself satisfying results from “rough in” (all major pieces like wire and pipes, flooring, cabinets installed in place) to “trim out” — the final move-in touches (light switches, window trim, paint). During our interview, four different workmen drifted into the space with tools, got a hello and went off to a task.

At 33, Andrew is a savvy multi-tasker. Everything he does is geared toward making his homes easier to build and better.

He started his own excavating company, he still has a fence company, he works with a good architect and he makes all the interior design choices. He’s got

Way Up Here

Right Here Way Back Here Under Here

Serving Chelan & Douglas Counties since 1998

509-663-1710 owner4165@merrymaids.net

Under Here

Under Here

Call now for a FREE ESTIMATE

When was the last time you looked under here?

MERRYMAIDSOFWENATCHEE.COM

Relax. It’s Done ©2015 Merry Maids L.P. All rights reserved

20

| The Good Life

The walk-in shower was made more spacious with no tub. Andrew felt it deserved it’s own special touch, hence the Tuscan-look accessory shelf.

his eye on every one of his building sites.

Each home takes him and his crew ideally five months to build, from staking the foundation to the final vacuuming. They all work several jobs simultaneously. In August, he had completed 10 homes in this

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

subdivision, “With 12 left to go,” he said. He’s started work on another 10 projects in Chelan.

The obvious question for this bold young builder was “How do you do all that?” Andrew demurred with a shrug and said, “Well, I’m just really well-organized.”

★★

ah ★ o to me see

BNCW Home Tour & Remodeling Expo Sept. 15 - 17

WESSMAN CONSTRUCTION, LLC

3615 Knowles Rd., Wenatchee Features of the home include n Granite countertops n Stainless steel appliances n Hardwood floors n Custom slate master shower n Knotty alder doors throughout n Blue pine ceilings on covered porches n Hearth is repurposed slate from a 1930’s classroom chalkboard

n 2nd bathroom countertop is repurposed from a 1930’s classroom chemistry table n Sit-up bar w/ a custom liveedge wood top n Custom wood wall from repurposed old wood pallets About the builders Randy Wessman and Christian Wessman, father and son, are second and third

generation builders and have been building in the Greater Wenatchee Valley since 1999.

Randy started building in 1986 after he graduated from Central Washington University in 1985 and Christian joined the team 3 years ago.

With 31 years of construction experience as a licensed contractor they truly enjoy all the aspects of the construction industry.

Proud to have supplied Lumber and Building Materials to the tour home of Wessman Construction.

Leavenworth 548-5829 Wenatchee 663-5154

Thinking of building or remodeling? Think of us.

At Chelan County PUD,

Computer Aided Design & Drafting Residential / Commercial Construction Consulting Site Development Construction Documentation Floor Plans & Elevations Renderings & Presentation Models Large Format Printing and Plotting Construction Permitting Project Management AS-Built Drawings Site Planning Custom Home Plans

509-662-3699

CONSERVATION MAKES CENTS Take advantage of rebates on: • • • •

smart thermostats LED lighting low-flow showerheads super-efficient heat pumps

ConservationMakesCents.org

www.completedesign.cc September 2017 | The Good Life

• ductless heating and cooling • heat pump water heaters

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

21

★★

ah ★ o to me see

BNCW Home Tour & Remodeling Expo Sept. 15 - 17

ONE-WAY CONSTRUCTION NW, INC. 16150 River Road, Leavenworth

Features of the home include n Open floor plan n Floor to ceiling windows n Modern finishes n Wood floors throughout n Wood walls n Modern tile bath surround n Built-In bunkbeds n Tile bath floors n Cozy fireplace / central air n Quartz countertops n Spacious deck n Nature views n Cedar siding n Metal roof and exterior wall n Custom cabinets / shelving

About the builders One-Way is a premier home builder and general construction company based in Leavenworth and serves surrounding North Central Washington areas.

Founded in 2000, the owners, Sam Littrell and Rob Sorensen, have built a family-run company of skilled craftsman with diversified strengths to accomplish every job they take on with professionalism and integrity. One-Way is proficient in custom homes, design, commercial, excavation, and concrete with long-

standing relationships with local businesses and are well known in the community.

One-Way’s number one priority is customers’ satisfaction. A huge part of the company’s success is due to our clients’ strong recommendations to others.

Each job is managed by an attentive project manager who is available to the home owner when needed. The owners say: “If you are looking to build your dream home or transform your current home, call the people who do it the right way: One-Way."

Proud to have supplied Lumber and Building Materials to the tour home of One-Way Contruction.

Custom Design • Quality Options Expert Advice featuring cabinets by: 610 South Main Street Ellensburg, WA

610 South Main Street 509-962-2551 WWW.YOURPREMIER.NET Ellensburg, WA

Wenatchee 663-5154

509-962-2551 WWW.YOURPREMIER.NET

Imagine the fun you could have! ❑ 12 months for $25 in Washington $30 out of state ❑ 24 months for $50 in Washington $60 out of state

S

ME

D

RE

U AT

FE of

e th

HO

rs

r

u To

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

de

WENATCHEE VALLEY’S

NUMBER ONE

HEALING POWER OF STEM CELLS Y EVENTS CALENDAR

MAGAZINE

◆5 buil

WENATCHEE VALLEY’S

NUMBER ONE

CAVES & CASTLES OF FRANCE Y EVENTS CALENDAR

MAGAZINE

WENATCHEE VALLEY’S

NUMBER ONE MAGAZINE

1

20

September 2015

Open for fun and adventure

Price: $3

June 2015

Open for fun and adventure

Price: $3

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

Subscribe to The Good Life for yourself or a friend.

Name: __________________________________ Address: ________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________ ________________________________________ Mail to: The Good Life,

Tree wanted to be a beautiful dory

They Built This City

Who made Wenatchee the livable city it is

10 First Street, Suite 108 Wenatchee, WA 98801 509-888-6527 • www.ncwgoodlife.com

22

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

★★

ah ★ o to me see

BNCW Home Tour & Remodeling Expo Sept. 15 - 17

SADLER CONSTRUCTION, INC. 6700 Osprey Lane, Cashmere

Features of the home include n 3-car garage n Open floor plan n Vaulted ceilings n Large office/bonus room n Covered porch n Tile shower in master bath n Heated tile floor in master bath n Upgraded white maple cabinets n Solid surface countertops throughout n Gas range n RV parking n GE slate appliances n Gas fireplace n Corner lot n Landscaping with sprinkler system

About the builder Sadler Construction, Inc. was founded in 1980 by company owner, Steve Sadler.

Steve and his team focus on providing clients with quality workmanship, exceptional performance and solid relationships. Sadler Construction, Inc. has earned a solid reputation for keeping promises and delivering results – meeting and exceeding the individual needs of a wide variety of residential and commercial clients.

From concept to completion, Sadler Construction, Inc. provides a full range

of services to assist clients during the planning, design and construction phase of residential or commercial projects.

Valuable relationships with designers, regulatory agencies, subcontractors and suppliers provide another advantage to Sadler’s clients.

Sadler Construction, Inc. utilizes a management approach that enhances communication, reduces interim financing costs and assures high quality craftsmanship.

Learn more about Sadler Construction, Inc. at www.SadlerLuxury Homes.com.

Proud to have supplied Lumber and Building Materials to the

Homes on the BNCW 2017 Home Tour are:

tour home of

Sadler Construction.

Leavenworth 548-5829 Wenatchee 663-5154

Congratulations Sadler Construction on your tour home.

It was a pleasure supplying your appliances.

Rain Gutters Contractors & GALE • Insulation Upgrades • Garage Doors • Fireplaces • Rain Gutters Garage Doors 509-662-5171

Senior and Military Discounts

www.mascocs.com

Call for your FREE Estimate Today!

1729 N. Wenatchee Ave. 663-1671 • www.savmart.net

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

23

n Berry Construction – 1910 Broadview, Wenatchee n Lenssen Homes – 2026 Maiden Lane, Wenatchee n Wessman Construction – 3615 Knowles Road, Wenatchee n One-Way Construction – 16150 River Road, Leavenworth n Real Homes – 568 Sebastian Way, Wenatchee n Sage Homes – 2206 Treat Street, East Wenatchee n Sage Homes – 2243 Treat Street, East Wenatchee n Sadler Construction – 6700 Osprey Lane, Cashmere n Lange Construction – 1746 Brambling Brae, Wenatchee n Lexar Homes – 476 Chestnut Court NW, East Wenatchee

★★

ah ★ o to me see

BNCW Home Tour & Remodeling Expo Sept. 15 - 17

REAL HOMES

568 Seabstian Way, Wenatchee Located in Wenatchee in the Fiesta Heights neighborhood you will see a beautiful 2-story home.

When you enter this home you will see Montgomery apple Pergo floors, spacious great room with beautiful finishing touches making the kitchen and dining room a great area for friends and family to enjoy.

In the kitchen, pendant lights hang over an island with beautiful upgraded cabinets and custom tile backsplash, which gives the kitchen a wonderful look.

Custom painted floor trim and recessed can lights throughout the house create a warm feeling in each bedroom and bathroom.

Upstairs you will find a spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet and access to the bathroom, plus 2 more rooms perfect for the rest of the family.

Our Max Grande is just the perfect and something we are very proud of. house you have been looking for.

Real Homes is an approved VA, FHA and USDA Rural Housing Builder and Are you a Slave to Rent? Why keep the only approved Energy Star Home making your landlord’s mortgage paybuilder in our area and a proud member ments when you could be buying your own home? We have housing specialists of BNCW. on hand to help you through the painBuilders Bio less process of leaving your old rundown Javier Guardado, foreman of Real apartment/rental and buying yourself a Homes, moved to Wenatchee in 1997 brand new custom built home.

“Making Real Estate Real” is our motto from California with 25 years of experi-

ence in the construction field.

Javier joined forces with Jon Port, owner of Real Homes, North Central Washington’s premier builder of affordable custom homes.

Javier prides himself as being a wellorganized foreman making sure the customer is happy and satisfied and uses his skilled and experienced crew to finish the job fast and in a professional manner.

Congratulations Real Homes! Thank you for choosing us for your plumbing needs.

Proud to have supplied Lumber and Building Materials to the tour home of Real Homes.

Leavenworth 548-5829 Wenatchee 663-5154

24

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

Chelan Tour of Homes and Art Show: Sept. 16 C

helan Community Hospital’s annual Tour of Homes as well as its related art show at Tsillan Cellars not only showcases the work of architects, builders and artists, it may save lives.

For 70 years, Guild B has been a booster and friend to the hospital, and especially in anticipation of a new facility, its big fall fundraising project is a way for local residents to help purchase specialized medical equipment.

As in the past, four families are proud to open their homes to the Tour and assist Guild B in its work. These houses are strategically situated to take in the best of Lake Chelan’s beauty, and each has architectural and design attributes that are definitely worth seeing.

For a very Chelan Saturday, take a stroll through these elegant homes and enjoy wine and art afterward. The hours for the open homes and art show are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. n The Larry and Rosie Epstein home: With its hillside location off Summit Boulevard, it commands a sweeping view of Lake Chelan as it turns north on its way to Stehekin. With its rambling one-level design and easy flow, it is ideally suited to gracious retirement living at the turn of the lake. n The Dan and Dian Prentice home: This historic house was built in 1930 with original art

The rear view from the Dave and Sherry Weitzel home gives the full 100 percent Chelan experience.

created by architect/designer Milan Heger and fine interior finishes by Lukas Prochazka.

The atmosphere is one of rustic elegance, and with its peaceful lakeside setting, it is indeed an historic treasure. n The Dave and Sherry Weitzel home: Perched on a hill overlooking the lake, this has a stunning view. The design

and décor are inspired by Texas hill country, and shades of slate and dove, chalk and straw are carried throughout the home.

Three spacious guest suites with pool access lend the feeling of a resort. n The Jeff and Kelly Chambers home (featured in the July 2017 The Good Life): This big vacation place was designed with

family – lots of family – in mind.

With its gracefully-designed 7,000 square feet, it features plenty of company spaces, pool area and south views from its vineyard hill near Manson.

Know of someone stepping off the beaten path in the search for fun and excitement? E-mail us at editor@ncwgoodlife.com

Saturday, September 16, 2017 • 10am to 4pm Tickets $20 online at www.LakeChelanHomeTour.com Also available at: Allisons of Manson, the Culinary Apple or the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and at www.LakeChelanHomeTour.com

Art Show at Tsillan Cellars Featuring 20 Northwest Artists

Featured Homes

10am to 4pm • No ticket required to enjoy the Art Show - Supported by Tsillan Cellars All proceeds are used to purchase needed medical equipment for Lake Chelan Community Hospital

Chambers Home: Quail Run

Prentice Home: Historic Treasure

September 2017 | The Good Life

Epstein Home: Turn of the Lake

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

25

Beautiful homes, lovely art, delicious food, wine, and vistas galore will make your day in Chelan a special event!

Supported by Lake Chelan Community Hospital

Weitzel Home: House on the Hill

PET tales

Tells us a story about your pet. Submit pet & owner pictures to: editor@ncwgoodlife.com

Remember this?

Back in December 2014

Maynard Lamb was expecting a German Shepherd when his wife, Pam, called to say she had rescued a dog in Idaho.

“Having three dogs at the time, I really wasn’t eager for another dog in the house — but she knew a German Shepherd was something I always wanted.”

Instead, the dog was Little Bit (see the insert at right).

Now...

Mayn finally got his dog.

“I bought her from a fella down in Yakima,” said Mayn.

“Her surroundings were not up

to par, and she smelled of urine and feces. She was the runt of the litter that no one else wanted, but she looked perfect to

me. I brought her home and Pam took her immediately to the veterinarian.

“At 10 weeks old, Trigg had two parasites and weighed only 7.5 pounds. She was 7 pounds underweight. Poor little thing.

“Pam made Trigg her special

project. With time, love, and care Trigg grew and grew. She is now six months old and weighs 50 pounds. She is happy and the most beautiful and gentle dog you could ask for.

“She loves to follow Pam everywhere, and is always ready to go.

“The funny part is that everyone passed on her, for all the other pups, but five will get you ten, Trigg was the best one of the litter. We love her!”

Oh, and Pam and Mayn still have three other dogs including Little Bit.

WENATCHEE Cascade Veterinary Clinic 509-663-0793 cascadevetclinic.com

LEAVENWORTH Bavarian Village Veterinarian 509-548-5896 bavarianvillagevet.com

EAST WENATCHEE Eastmont Animal Clinic 884-7121

26

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

>>

column GARDEN OF DELIGHTS

bonnie orr

Peaches and roses, a beautiful combination Tree-ripened peaches are

one of the most fragrant fruits.

NCW produces a variety of these luscious, juicy fruit in late summer.

Preserving rose petals with sugar captures the rose’s fragrance.

What a pairing — better than peaches and cream — peaches and roses.

In September, the rose bushes provide one final grand burst of bloom. Though many rose bushes died during the past winter, others have regrown and regained their vigor, so this autumn bloom is truly appreciated.

If you have never eaten rose petals, this could be the year to celebrate your bushes. The preserved petals taste just like the rose smells. Make sure you use roses that have not been treated with systemic insecticide nor with any other type of poisonous spray.

On a sunny morning gather three or four blooms from your most fragrant multi-petaled rose such as those produced by hybrid tea bushes. If you have no rose bushes beg some blooms from a neighbor.

Candied rose petals are a companionable treat to make with other people, especially children.

Candied Rose Petals 3-4 roses 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg white — organic or home raised is best 1 teaspoon water 1 sheet parchment or wax paper 1 small brush 1 small spoon 1 drop rose water — optional Separate the petals from the green

A feast for the eyes and the palate — roses and peaches.

base of the flower. Select the largest petals.

To make super fine sugar, grind 1/2 cup of sugar in a blender or food processor until the sugar is very fine and has turned white. Place the sugar on a flat plate Select a large egg and separate out the white and set aside the yolk for another purpose. Lightly beat the white with a teaspoon of cool water.

Lay out a 12 x 16 piece of parchment paper or waxed paper.

Brush each rose petal on both sides with the egg white.

With a small spoon, sprinkle both sides of the dampened petal with sugar.

Let it dry on the paper. Repeat until you have made more than you think you will need.

If there are any extras store them for up to a year in a tightly closed glass jar or metal box.

If there is extra sugar after you have dipped all the petals, put a drop of rose water in the sugar and stir well to September 2017 | The Good Life

make rose flavored sugar.

Now you say, “Why have I gone to all this bother?”

Roses and peaches are my favorite way to eat peaches.

To create an afternoon snack or a light dessert after supper, break open tree-ripened peaches, take out the pit, place the fruit on a plate and garnish with three rose petals. This is a “I am sure glad I tried this combination” type of dessert.

If you want to be really decadent, sprinkle a bit of the rose flavored sugar on the peach half — but this final step is truly gilding the lily!

I love to preserve peaches to enjoy their fragrance all year long.

I can them in light syrup and dehydrate them. Frozen peaches should be dusted with sugar and a bit of lemon juice before www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

27

placing the slices in the freezer. Otherwise the peaches turn brown and get soggy.

A winter peach pie from frozen peaches is such a treat.

I prefer fresh peaches raw rather than cooked. Cooking evaporates the delicate flavor and texture. Besides, this fine fruit definitely does not stand up to spices and herbs.

Mixing peaches with other sweets also diminishes the peaches special charm.

Homemade peach sorbet made with fresh peaches is a NCW late summer dessert.

Peach Sorbet

Serves 2 1 hour freezing time

1 cup pureed peaches 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoon vodka 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Mix and put in a shallow pan to freeze. The vodka is tasteless and prevents the puree from freezing into a solid block. Take the mix from the freezer every 20 minutes and whip it with a whisk or in the food processor for 30 seconds, and then continue to freeze. Do this three times.

Take from the freezer 20 minutes before serving. Serve in lovely little bowls garnished with candied rose petals.

Bonnie Orr — the dirt diva — cooks and gardens in East Wenatchee.

>>

column moving up to the good life

june darling

Reading your way to the good life “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.

If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

— Albert Einstein

O

ne dark and stormy night, a young boy howled with delight while reading adventures of the Bobbsey twins and Hardy boys.

By young adulthood, as the boy continued to read a book a week — Chip Hilton books and later

Jules Vern and Thomas Costain — he began to look beyond “the real.”

By full adulthood David Baldacci, Larry McMurtry, Dan Brown and many others had entered his world. The man developed special insight. He was able to see what others could not; he could sense what others wanted.

The man became involved in all sorts of business ventures and successfully developed beautiful, residential property.

28

| The Good Life

He lived happily ever after, reading every day.

The previous paragraph was an introductory tale about well-known, local businessman, Brian Nelson. The fictional twist seemed fitting considering the topic.

Brian and I met to discuss an article I wrote last September about the many benefits of reading. I had mentioned that I was on a new quest to read a fiction book a week. Brian said that he’d been reading a fiction book a week since childhood.

This is a little counter-intuitive, as often men are portrayed as action figures, rather than readers. Yet, Brian is an example they can be both.

Property development, in particular, Brian believes is similar to “reading” a story — “seeing” the beginning, the middle and the end. One must “see” the roads, the lots, the water, the electricity, irrigation, elevation, contours. A developer must have the ability to get inside others’ heads to understand their desires and needs, he said.

According to current research, Brian is on target in his belief that reading fiction improves the ability to get inside others’ heads and to see things that others cannot.

The latest brain research indicates that reading fiction improves brain connectivity, imagination and creativity as well as social and emotional intelligence.

When I mentioned to Brian that people, especially men, don’t value fiction reading, he seemed surprised and mentioned that members of the Cashmere Valley Bank board often passed their fiction books around and discussed them together.

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

Brian didn’t want to be preachy about reading even though he felt it had made a significant impact on his life. He just seemed perplexed that some people don’t read. He starts each morning reading about 35-45 pages early in the day; then he reads later at night.

As we discussed reading, Brian asked me about my own goal of reading more fiction. I, too, had settled on about 35 pages a day.

We both agreed that reading for us was thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable.

My own adventure had morphed into reading mysteries written by foreign authors. One of my goals was not only to increase my fiction reading, but to understand more about different cultural perspectives.

It makes me feel like a world traveler and turned out to be much more relevant than I ever imagined.

For example, I started reading Inspector Chen books set in Shanghai which have been very helpful in understanding more about Chinese culture and my Chinese daughter-in-law.

Reading, it seems to me, is imperative for living the good life as individuals and communities.

A 2007 report from the National Endowment for the Arts stresses the importance of pleasure reading because it correlates to academic achievement, civic, social, and economic outcomes.

When we think about the need for better understanding of ourselves and others, for stress relief, for improved wisdom, compassion, and creativity, I think we need to strongly encourage reading — especially fiction reading for boys.

Books with some sort of narra-

some suggestions), setting aside time for reading, talking about its benefits, and holding up examples like Brian Nelson.

I was delighted today to find out that one of my daughter’s-in law and one of my sons are beginning a couple’s fiction book club with two other couples. A couples’ fiction book club seems like a great way to build relationships and involve both genders.

If you want to start with what Brian is reading as of late, here Brian Nelson: Reading fiction improves the ability to are three: get inside others’ heads and to see things that others Lake Chelan, cannot.

The Greatest Lake tive seem to be best for improvin the World. John Fahey is a loing emotional and social intelcal author who traveled to hunligence as well as creativity for dreds of lakes on four continents all of us, but boys may really get to prove that Lake Chelan is the a boost. greatest lake in the world.

Some researchers, like Dr. The Clifton Chronicles by JefPhillip Zimbardo, are very frey Archer. Brian has read all 35 concerned about “the demise of Archer’s books over a 39-year of boys.” Boys are not achievperiod, but he most strongly ing and are not creating to the suggests The Clifton Chronicles. degree that girls are. Males are Brian especially likes historiburying themselves in work, in cal fiction. This last one, All The technology, in drugs and alcoLight We Cannot See: A Novel is hol, rather than real relationone that many seem to enjoy — ships because they are confused, it was a New York Times bestZimbardo says. seller; if you haven’t read it, now The story is different for those is the time. boys who read a lot, especially How might you continue for pleasure. They have lower moving up to The Good Life by school drop-out rates, go to reading fiction and encouraging jail less, have more satisfying others, especially men, to do the relationships, and higher paying same? jobs. That’s helpful for all of us.

June Darling, Ph.D. can be contacted How can we encourage ficat drjunedarling1@gmail.com; webtion and pleasure reading if we site: www.summitgroupresources. believe in its importance? com. Her bio and many of her books Modeling — reading ourcan be found at amazon.com/author/ selves, having books readily junedarling. available, letting children read what they want to read (with September 2017 | The Good Life

Food & Drink Guide St 1st

St se lou a P

(509) 66-SUSHI

St do on Or

(509) 667-8744

8 N Wenatchee Ave “Wenatchee, Thank You for supporting us over the last 7 great years!

We look forward to the next 7 years!”

M-Th: Friday: Saturday:

11am-3pm, 4:30pm - 9:30pm 11am-10pm 12pm-10pm

Delicious, healthy, and artistic in one!

Please follow us on

for weekly specials

You’re in for a tweet!

Join us for Saturday morning Bird Walks with Heather Murphy, a local wildlife biologist, nature journalist and artist. Sept. 2nd & 16th at 9 am. Meet at the gazebo in the garden & bring binoculars. It’s free!

509.548.6344 SleepingLady.com Be sure to drop by O’Grady’s for 2.6 miles down Icicle Road, a delicious brunch afterwards! outside Leavenworth

Thank You Customers For Our 30th Anniversary!

230 Grant Road, East Wenatchee

✓ Delicious Lunch Specials (Served until 2:00 pm!)

✓ Dinner Specials & Combos ✓ Two 7-Course Family Meals (Minimum 2 orders!)

✓ Hot & Spicy ✓ Vegetarian ✓ Beer & Wine Call Ahead For Orders-To-Go!

www.GoldenEastWenatchee.com OPEN

Menu in Phone Books! Tues. to Sun.!

(509) 884-1510 www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

29

>>

column THE TRAVELing DOCTOR

jim brown, m.d.

Update on prostate cancer new treatments and new ideas for this cancer one in seven males get

Since September is pros-

tate cancer awareness month it seems appropriate to discuss any new information or thoughts about treatment of this all too common disease.

Recently I was asked to lead a discussion about my experience with prostate cancer and the current thinking about it with a group of prostate cancer survivors and men concerned about this disease.

This prostate cancer support group has been meeting togeth-

er monthly for breakfast for over a year and half in Leavenworth.

We had a lively discussion.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men other than skin cancer. One in seven males get it, and it is the third leading cause of cancer death in males after lung and colon cancer.

If there is any good news about this cancer, it is that most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. There are 120 new cases per 100,000 males annually or 240,000 cases and 20 deaths per 100,000 males annually.

The main risk factor for getting this cancer seems to be age as the average age of diagnosis is 70. It is rarely diagnosed below age 45.

The Great Escape Geology Tour

(509) 888-6240

Saturday, Sept. 9 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WenatcheeValleyMuseum.org 127 S. Mission St., Wenatchee, WA Call or visit our website: wenatcheevalleymuseum.org/our-events/

This tour will examine the incredible erosive consequences of the floodwaters escaping the Quincy Basin, via Lynch, Potholes and Frenchman Springs Coulees. Also will examine the 8 mile wide Drumheller Channels, through which most of the Quincy Basin floodwaters drained largely down the Lower Crab Creek drainage, toward the Columbia River at Beverly, WA. For more information and tickets, call now to reserve a spot on this tour!

African Americans have a 60 percent increase of prostate cancer vs. caucasians. Men with a family history of prostate cancer and military men exposed to “agent orange” have an increased incidence of this cancer.

Prostate cancer is generally diagnosed after a PSA (prostate specific antibody) blood test is found to be elevated. This is frequently followed by a prostate biopsy.

When I was diagnosed, the only options were radical prostatectomy surgery, external radiation therapy and brachytherapy, the insertion of radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.

I was leery of surgery because of the high incidence of side effects, which include urinary incontinence and impotence.

I first explored radiation therapy and then brachytherapy, however since I was having symptoms of an enlarged prostate anyway, the radiation oncologist I consulted felt that those symptoms might become worse with radiation therapy, so I finally opted for open radical

Unlock your dream home!

127 Easy St, Wenatchee (509) 662-7722 www.CashmereValleyMortgage.com Division of Cashmere Valley Bank

The results of this particular therapy are impressive.

Equal Housing Lender, Member FDIC

30

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

surgery.

Several years later robotic surgery for prostate cancer became popular. The main advantages of that surgery are quicker recovery and less postoperative pain, however the incidence of side effect issues did not seem to change with robotic vs. open surgery.

Currently there are several more options for treatment.

Some new approaches or options for the treatment of prostate cancer include surveillance without treatment.

Another method is cyrotherapy or the freezing of the cancer with a probe inserted into the cancerous tissue. Reportedly this kills the cancer cell without damage to the normal tissues around it.

Another new approach is proton beam therapy. The proton beams deposit much of their energy directly in the tumor, reducing damage to healthy tissue and allowing patients to receive higher, more effective doses.

Clinical trials have shown that patients with low and intermediate risk prostate cancer can be treated with proton therapy with a cure rate of 99 percent at five years and only a 1-2 percent

The latest guidelines... concluded that PSA screenings have only a small potential benefit for reducing the chance of dying of prostate cancer for men ages 55-69... risk of serious side effects. This treatment is available in Seattle through the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

I called them and found out that this therapy is covered by Medicare and many insurance plans. The results of this particular therapy are impressive.

Currently, many experts recommend deciding on which therapy or no therapy should be based on the Gleason score of the cancer. The Gleason grading is done by the pathologist who studies the biopsy or surgical specimen and gives it a score from 2 to 10 based on complex criteria.

The Gleason score has been shown to be a strong predictor of survival. The higher the score, the worse the prognosis.

Essentially a score of six or less has a favorable outlook, a seven is more or less indeterminate, and a score of 8-10 generally has an unfavorable outlook.

Many experts now suggest that patients with a score of six or less can be managed by either surveillance or a less aggressive approach than radical surgery.

Those with a score of 8-10 generally need immediate surgery or some form of radiation.

Those opting for surveillance in order to avoid potential side effects need to repeat a PSA every six months and have a repeat biopsy every year.

Since having a Gleason score of six or less is so favorable and that surveillance avoids the 70 percent possibility of inconti-

nence or impotence, that seems to me to be a rational approach to this dreaded disease.

A recently reported study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs assigned 731 men with prostate cancer to observation vs. surgery.

After 20 years two-thirds of the men had died however only 9 percent of the original group died from prostate cancer, slightly less in the surgery group, showing how relatively seldom the disease proves fatal.

There are some physicians who even question whether or not to do screening PSA tests

in the first place if the prostate feels normal on rectal exam and the patient has no symptoms.

The latest guidelines from the U. S. Preventative Services Task Force recently published by the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that PSA screenings have only a small potential benefit for reducing the chance of dying of prostate cancer for men ages 55-69, while exposing men to possible over treatment and side effects from biopsies, radiation and surgery.

If 55-year-old men choose not to be screened, their chance of dying from prostate cancer over the next 10-15 years is about 0.6

percent. If they choose to be screened, their chance of dying from prostate cancer is 0.5 percent.

Since the average age of diagnosis is now between 65 and 70, I think there is some justification in waiting to do a PSA test until later in life if one has no risk factors, symptoms and a normal feeling prostate.

This is my personal opinion and not necessarily shared by many urologists.

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.

Advertise your healthy lifestyle business here for as low as $95.

Call 888-6527 for more information!

We’ve Moved To 134 N. Mission 509-663-8772

Valuplus

Medical  S upply Is now...

Home Health Care Center

September 2017 | The Good Life

Same great products, same great service!

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

31

Lesley Allan is happy to pose in front of her “office” — the Chelan County Courthouse. She’s a full-time judge who uses her creativity in part-time artistic pursuits — especially quilting.

Judge Lesley Allan’s creative quilting is a break from the bench

By Susan Lagsdin

Superior Court Judge Lesley

Allan is imbedded every working day in the human drama of crime and punishment.

For 20 years she has focused on Chelan County’s felonies (sometimes 150 contacts a week) and domestic violence, rotating with two other judges to preside over hearings, adjudications and longer court trials.

That whole time she’s also been an active member of the North Central Washington Quilt Guild.

Quilting allows her satisfying self-expression. She said, “I draw most of my ideas from my life experiences.”

But they are positive images from her own life outside of work — like her brother’s jazz

music, the view from Saddlerock, the first marathon race of a young friend.

The reward for her is seeing the pleasure people find in the very personalized gift of a finished quilt. The close-up focus on placing myriad blocks, puzzle-piecing colors and textures, also helps her to leave stressful work behind at the courthouse.

“Quilting is my therapeutic outlet,” she said.

As a teen and before her law career, Lesley did a considerable amount of sewing, including wedding dresses and baby quilts. Then, she said, “I was busy with other life commitments — but I really started quilting regularly when I joined the North Central Washington Quilt Guild.”

That was in the early ’90s, soon after her move to

32

| The Good Life

She Just Felt Like Running, a gift quilt that honors a friend’s first Boston Marathon, came from a group exercise and features the bright primary colors Lesley especially enjoys.

Wenatchee.

The Guild itself has almost 200 members, many of whom find creative satisfaction in their round robin groups — much smaller, informal cadres of likeminded fabric artists who inspire and challenge one another.

Lesley directly credits her own artistic growth to the group to which she was invited, The Wenatchee Art Quilt Organization, calling themselves “the WAQO’s.”

“They are such amazing artists. Sometimes I feel like a fraud, trying to be that good,” she said. “But I enjoy connecting with like-minded people and seeing the incredible things they create.” (She’s speaking of Linda Reisteter, Jill Theriault, Donald Larson, Lynn Pittsinger and Geraldine Warner.)

The WAQO meets monthly at members’ homes to compare

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

notes, share new information and show work in progress, and sometimes they hold a longer session like a fabric shopping spree or a recent silk-dying day.

But the most compelling activity, Lesley said, is the prompts: a very focused group challenge about four times a year. “That’s where you are really pushed to stretch yourself.”

Some extraordinary quilts have come from imposed ideas.

Single key words are often the basis: “currency,” “time,” “heritage” were a few concepts; “portrait,” “collage,” “lettering” were a few styles. The interactive challenges are also fun and yield surprising results.

Creating a design using 12 pieces of other’s favorite fabrics was one; another was using your own least favorite color.

Lesley has grown not only at the imaginative level but in her

fun stuff what to do around here for the next month NCW BLUES JAM, every second and fourth Monday. Riverside Pub. Sign up starts at 6:30 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m.

Leslie’s older brother is a jazz musician, so last year she created, Freddy James Rocks 60 (with her sister Holly’s help) as a birthday quilt for him. It was an early experiment in using applique.

Wenatchee Paddle Club, every Tuesday, 9 a.m. open paddle, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 a.m. masters crew rowing, Wednesdays, 6 p.m. novice kayak paddle group, Saturdays, 7 a.m. masters crew rowing. Info: wenatcheepaddle.org.

technique. Learning to applique let her add images beyond traditional quilt designs, and buying a long-arm quilting machine (so the designed top can be attached to a batten-filled bottom) gave her more control over the look of the finished product.

And, like any avid quilter, Lesley has an ever-growing stash of fabric. Most she buys in onethird-yard pieces; sometimes she succumbs to the temptation of multiple yardage. “But there’s no fabric guilt. I know I’ll use it sometime.”

When she gets an idea for a new quilt, she just goes shopping in her own cupboards.

More time to quilt is in the future. “I look forward to when my schedule is not so full, when my free time is not so limited,” she said. For now, work dominates her days, with some refreshing sidetracks, like keeping fit with outdoor activity and Scottish country dancing.

Lesley also handily blends profession with pleasure when she co-coaches and advises local high school students. She took nine teens to Chicago in early August to the National YMCA Mock Trial Competition and came home with a national champion team, comprised possibly of Wenatchee’s future attorneys and judges.

Upper Valley Running Club Run, every Tuesday night through the fall, 4:30 – 6 p.m. check in time.

Maps available for a marked 3 mile trail route. Run or walk. Participate 10 or more times and earn a run club tech tee. Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. Info: sleepinglady.com.

In this fun quilt challenge that her quilting group devised a few years ago, notice the 10 objects in Lady of the Lake that start with “L” (Lesley’s first name initial) They are: lady, locks, locket, lake, letters, lips, lids, lobster, life ring and leaves.

Quilt and fiber art fest Sept. 8 & 9 ton Quilt and Fiber Art Festival, Sept. 8 and 9 at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, will feature a wide array of work made by the area’s quilters and fiber artists.

The new annual event takes the place of the former Harvest of Quilts presented by the NCW Quilt Guild. Festival chair Geraldine Warner said the guild made the change to reflect an event that showcases everything from the latest in textile art to traditional patchwork quilts.

The 2017 festival will feature more than 300 pieces, some by quilters and artists who are exhibiting regionally and nation-

ally. A silent auction will feature 13 artistic quilts with an earth, wind, fire and water theme with proceeds to benefit the local Mobile Meals.

The featured artist at this year’s festival is Pat Koehler of Wenatchee. Pat uses a folk art and vintage style in quilting and embroidery, and the frivolity and whimsey of doll making.

Jim Tharpe of Seattle is to bring a display of his family’s quilts dating back to the 1800s, along with family photos and histories. Some of the quilts were made by family members who were slaves and include folklore stories and connection to historical events.

For more info, see: www. ncwquilt.org.

Will that exhilarating experience make it all the way into a quilt? Because Lesley is an artist

who uses the joys of her own life and others to fuel her creativity, it’s certainly a possibility.

The North Central Washing-

September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

33

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).

Leavenworth Community Farmers Market, every Thursday, 4 – 8 p.m. Local eggs, meats, cheeses and breads, produce, fruit, prepared foods, local crafts and more. Lions Club Park. Cost: free.

Guided Explorations of Barn Beach Reserve, all summer Thursdays, 10 a.m. No need to register, just stop by and enjoy the native plants and animals, learn about the history of this iconic Leavenworth landmark. Tour takes about 45 minutes.

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 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.

}}} Continued on next page

Wenatchee Naturalist: Learn about local plants, animals and ecosystem

Evergreen State in Pink is a watercolor by Nicki Isaacson. She is the featured artist through September at Two Rivers Art Gallery, 102 N. Columbia, Wenatchee.

>>

WHAT TO DO

We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

Crest Church. Pybus Public Market.

Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket. org.

}}} Continued from previous page

Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market every Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and every Thursday, 3 – 7 p.m. thru October. Stop by and explore the unique mix of vendors offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, one-of-a-kind artisan goods and tasty cuisine. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Tread Lightly Fridays, noon. This concept is simple – as a business or employee, do something environmentally mindful each Friday. This could mean riding a bike to work, utilizing a self-container for takeouts, selling locally sourced foods, composting waste, or something else entirely. It can be as simple or complex as you like. This project, as part of the Our Valley What’s Next community visioning and development initiative, aims to help reduce the community’s carbon footprint while having fun at the same time.

Participating businesses and individuals will receive attention on the Tread Lightly Friday Facebook page.

There also will be classes held to educate businesses on how they can “tread lightly” and save money at the same time. Contact Tandi Canterbury with The Hunter’s Wife Health Bar at 509 264-7466 or tmcanterbury@gmail.com.

Game Night, every 4th Friday.

Board games, card games or any games you bring. Open to families and all ages. Hosted by Pacific

City of Quincy Farmers Market, every first and third Saturday through September, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lauzier Park. Cost: free. Info: social media.

Pack Walks every Saturday, 9 a.m.

Loop trail behind Pybus market. All dogs must be on a leash and bring doggie waste bags. Cost: free. Info: wenatcheefido.org.

Hot Rodzz Espresso Saturday Night Cruise-Ins, every Saturday night, 4:30 p.m. Hot rods and motorcycles cruise on in. Check out the cars and motorcycles, $1 tacos.

Pybus Public Market parking lot.

Cooking Demo with Ruth Leslie, every last Saturday of the month. Ruth will cook with ingredi-

34

| The Good Life

Registration is underway for

terpiece for the course,” Susan said. “I delight in taking people to the special places along the White, Entiat, Icicle and Wenatchee rivers.”

Students will learn through hands-on experience by using study collections, microscopes and field guides, and by listening to experts who visit the classroom and accompany the group on field trips.

Susan introduces field note taking and drawing techniques that students can continue to practice once the course is completed, and they are introduced to the work of 12 local conservation organizations. The Wenatchee Naturalist website provides resources and links for continued learning during and after the course. Students receive a field journal, loaner library box and hand lens.

Susan hopes that those who participate in the Wenatchee Naturalist course “will find new communities where they can make a difference as a volunteer in support of local conservation.” For further information, Contact: Susan Ballinger at skylinebal@gmail.com or by calling 669-7820.

ents from the market. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

the mountains, out under the stars.

Directed by Kevin McKee. Ski Hill Amphitheater, Wenatchee National Forest. Info: leavenworthsummertheater.org.

the 12-week fall Wenatchee Naturalist Course at Wenatchee Valley College Continuing Education Program.

Susan Ballinger is the designer and instructor of Wenatchee Naturalist learning community, a partnership program of the college with Chelan-Douglas Land Trust.

During the fall course, participants explore habitats along local rivers and learn about the animals and plants and their roles in local ecosystem. The course also has a much deeper purpose. “The mission is to cultivate awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the Wenatchee River region by developing an active corps of well-informed community volunteers,” Susan said.

The course is designed for curious adults who enjoy learning about the natural world, but have limited formal science training. Participants take the class to expand their knowledge about the Wenatchee River watershed’s plants, animals, habitats, landforms and key conservation issues.

“The field trips are the cen-

Jam at the Crow, 7 – 10 p.m.

Every first Sunday. The Club Crow in Cashmere, 108 1/2 Cottage Ave. Cost: free.

Bye Bye Birdie, 9/1, 8 p.m. A hip swiveling musical comedy set at the dawn of the sensational ‘60s and studded with splashy production numbers that spill off the stage. Hatchery Park Stage at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Directed and choreographed

by Casey Adam Craig. Info: leavenworthsummertheater.org.

The Sound of Music, 9/2, 3, 8 p.m. The Leavenworth village classic story of the von Trapp family, becomes a truly magical evening in

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

First Friday events include: *Two Rivers Art Gallery, 9/1, 5 – 8 p.m. Featuring award winning artist Nicki Isaacson. The gallery will present a whole new show by over 50 local and regional artists.

Music by pianist Jeannie McPherson. Wines by Errant Cellars.

Complimentary refreshments. 102 N Columbia, Wenatchee. Cost: free.

Info: 2riversgallery.com. *Tumbleweed Bead Co., 9/1, 5-7 p.m. Refreshments served. 105 Palouse St. Cost: free. Info: tumbleweedbeadco.com.

>>

WHAT TO DO

We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

*Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 9/1, 5.

– 8 p.m. Light refreshments. Info: Wenatchee.org. *RadarStation, 5 - 8 p.m. Exhibits showcasing works in the pop-surrealism and lowbrow movement, culling from artists all over the country but with a focus on local talent.

Handmade and locally created art and curiosities available in the gift shop. 115 S Wenatchee Ave. Info: radarstationart.com.

Lake Wenatchee Fire & Rescue Auxiliary’s 23rd Annual Yard & Bake Sale, 9/2, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 9/3, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sales by donation, Fire Station 93, 19015 Beaver Valley Rd (next to Beaver Valley School in Plain).

Sleeping Lady Bird Walks, 9/2, 16, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Join Heather Murphy, local wildlife biologist, nature journalist and artist. Sleeping Lady area. Cost: free. Info: sleepinglady. com.

Wenatchee Riverfront Railway Train, 9/2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nile Saunders Memorial Run. Ride the mini train. 155 N Worthen east end of the railroad pedestrian bridge.

Cost: $2.

Alphenfolk in the Gazebo, 9/2, noon – 2 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m. 9/3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 9/4, 30, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 9/10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Live music and folklore of the Alps with authentic instruments, singing and yodeling. Downtown Leavenworth.

Cost: free.

Twilight Alphorn Serenade, 9/2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 8 pm. End your day with the soothing tones of the Leavenworth Alphorns. Downtown Leavenworth. Cost: free.

Chelan County Fair, 9/7-10. Live music, Sammy Kershaw and The Olson Bros Band, live entertainment, 4H and FFA display of animals, food booths, rodeo, dog classes, carnival rides, predators of the heart, pirate’s parrot show, Jeff Evans’ magic game show, Dachshund dash, lawnmower races, arts and crafts, and so much more. Chelan County Fairground, Cashmere. Info: chelancountyfair.com.

Trailhead Talk Series, 9/7, 6 – 7 p.m. Sagebrush to orchards – the transformation of our valley, 1900 – today. Learn about our valley’s early history. Using historic photos,

local historian Chris Rader will tell the story of how a sagebrush valley has turned into orchards with the opening of the Highline Canal in the early 1900s. Saddle Rock Trailhead.

Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Join Sunny FM’s “Dave in the Morning”

Puerto Vallarta

Quilt and Fiber Art Festival, 9/8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and 9/9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pat Koehler is featured artist. Over 300 quilts, displays of fiber art, dolls and beading, quilt raffle. Jim Tharpe of Seattle is host with a display of his family’s quilts that date back to the 1800s, some with folklore stories and connection to historical events. Town Toyota Center. Cost: $5.

Fall Car Show and Bridge Dance, 9/8, BBQ 6 p.m., 9/9, all day. live music, beer garden. Show and shine car show. Downtown Chelan Riverwalk Park. Info: lakechelancarshow.com.

Piatigorsky Foundation Concert, 9/8, 6:30 p.m. In memory of Wilfred Woods. Featuring cellist Evan Drachman and pianist Lisa Bergman. The Grove Recital Hall, Music and Art Center. Cost: free.

Lake Chelan Shore to Shore half-marathon and 10k run, 9/9, 8 a.m. Half-marathon starts at Lakeside Park on the south shore of Lake Chelan and ends on the north shore in Manson. 10k run starts west of Chelan on Highway 150 and ends in Manson. Info: runwenatchee.com.

Fun in the Sun!!!

January 13, - January 20, 2018

7 nights at the all-inclusive Club Marival with transfers

Starting at $98100 pp do Call Journey Travel and Tours at 509-662-7775 for more information on promotions

TV Plus can do WHAT?

Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 9/9, 9 a.m. 2 mile walk. Pybus Public Market. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Free bike helmet fitting and giveaway, 9/9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Kids from ages to 1 to 18 must be present to be fitted. West entrance of Pybus Public Market. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Quincy Valley Balloon Festival and Pyrotechnics Experience, 9/9 - 10, 6 a.m. weather permitting. Watch the balloons take flight. At dusk hot air balloon will not lift off the ground but will illuminate for a night glow. Saturday evening bring your lawn chair or blanket to watch the fireworks show like no other. Food vendors, beer and wine garden. Lauzier Park in Quincy. Cost: free.

Quincy Valley Consumer Awareness Day, 9/9, all day.

Food, live entertainment, parade at 10 a.m. local tours, car show, tractor pull, produce sale at 9 a.m., petting zoo, kids games, farm to

}}} Continued on next page September 2017 | The Good Life

TV Plus is the latest in home entertainment technology from LocalTel! LocalTel’s TV Plus has never-before-seen features putting you in control of the most cutting-edge TV viewing experience.

TV Restart At anytime while a show is airing, click Restart to watch it from the beginning!

Remote Scheduling and Soft Remote Use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control.

Catch Up Network DVR and Whole Home DVR Watch any program that aired in the last 3 days.* Two options for recording your favorite shows.

Contact us today for details!

888-8888 • localtel.net 341 Grant Road, East Wenatchee *Features may not be available on all channels or in all service areas - Please contact LocalTel for full details

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

35

>>

The Art Life

WHAT TO DO

We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

}}} Continued from previous page market fun run, cook offs, and more. Quincy High School Festival grounds.

Beat the Beast, 9/9, 5k and 2k run.

Quincy. Info: runwenatchee.com.

The Great Escape Geology Tour, 9/9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ice Age Floods using the Grand Coulee and the Upper Crab Creek drainages, filled the Quincy Basin at a rate up to 16.5 million cubic meters of water per second. This tour will examine the incredible erosive consequences of the floodwaters escaping the Quincy Basin, via Lynch, Potholes and Frenchman Springs Coulees. And examine the eight mile wide Drumheller Channels, through which most of the Quincy Basin floodwaters drained largely down the Lower Crab Creek drainage, toward the Columbia River at Beverly, Wa. Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center.

Info: wenatcheevalleymuseum.org.

Cascade Couples Golf Championship, 9/9, 10, 11 a.m. Leavenworth Golf Course. Info: leavenworthgolf.com.

Historical Walking tours of Leavenworth, 9/9, 10 a.m. Town Walks. Tour begins at Upper Valley Museum, Leavenworth. Cost: $5 donation. Info: uppervalleymuseum. org.

Leavenworth Fall Wine Walk, 9/9, noon – 5:30 p.m. Stroll, sip and savor through downtown Leavenworth. Complimentary wine glass, bottle tote, prizes, specialty cheeses from the Cheesemonger, live music. Cost: $45pp, $80 per couple. Info: cascadefarmlands. com.

Musikkapelle in the Gazebo, 9/9, noon – 3 p.m. The Bavarian Village town band performs live.

Downtown Leavenworth. Cost: free.

Sport Gymnastics Golf Tournament, 9/10. Highlander Golf Course. Info: sportclassicgolf.com.

Sip, eat and paint, 9/10, 4 – 6 p.m.

Spend a relaxing afternoon painting alongside friends or making new ones. Includes a glass of wine or beer and a small plate. All art supplied to complete your own bird painting on salvaged wood with instructor Dzhan Wiley. Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort. Cost: $55.

Info: sleepinglady.com.

Early Morning birding and ID skills building, 9/13, 7:30 – 9:45 a.m. With Susan Ballinger. Walla Walla Point Park. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Bree Loewen, Found: A life in Mountain Rescue, 9/13, 7 – 9 p.m. Bree will share stories and images from her newly released book.

Wenatchee River Institute. Cost: by donation. Info: wenatcheeriverinstitute.

Citizen Science: eBird Monitoring, 9/14, 10/12, 11/9. 7 a.m.

– noon. Would you like to spend a weekday morning hiking, viewing wildlife, wildflowers and snowcapped mountains while being part of a small team collecting bird species data? Mountain Home Preserve. Contact Susan Ballinger @ susan@cdlandtrust.org.

Trailhead Talk Series, 9/14, 6 – 7 p.m. Home landscaping tips inspired by our Foothills. Susan Cusick leads this talk and gives tips and pointers about what works in our area. Saddle Rock Trailhead.

Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Building North Central Washington Home Tour and Remodeling Expo, 9/15-17. Eleven homes to view. Chefs on Tour on 9/14. Info: buidlingncw.org/events.

Citizen Science: eBird Monitoring, 9/15, 10/19, 11/16. 6 a.m.

Would you like to spend a weekday morning hiking, viewing wildlife, wildflowers and snow-capped mountains while being part of a small team collecting bird species data? Horse Lake Reserve. Contact Susan Ballinger @ susan@cdlandtrust.org.

M-Pact, 9/15, 7:30 p.m. Imagine… The smooth soul of Sam Smith, the percussive power of Stomp, the funk and groove of Bruno Mars, the sophisticated harmonies of Take 6, and the brass bite of the Michael Bublé Big Band… All created by the human voice alone. Live performance.

Numerica Performing Arts Center.

Info: numericapac.org.

HawkFest 2017, 9/15 and 9/16. Join the Chelan/Entiat Ranger District, North Central Washington Audubon Society and HawkWatch International this fall for the eighth annual HawkFest. This free family event combines educational activities in Pateros with a field trips to the Wells Wildlife Area and Chelan Ridge HawkWatch site. On Friday, Sept. 15, there is a raptor ID and migration workshop at the Pateros

36

| The Good Life

// SKETCHES OF LOCAL ARTISTS

John McQuaig on the bagpipes:

First come the jokes then come the haunting notes J

By Susan Lagsdin

ohn McQuaig is learning to play the bagpipe. He knows the jokes, and he tells them pre-emptively; a bagpiper, particularly a novice, needs to steel himself to the reality of his avocation and deal with it.

Q: “How can you tell if a bagpipe is out of tune?”

A: “There’s air going through it.”

Q: “How can you end up with a million dollars?”

A: “Start with two million and open a bagpipe store.”

Q: “What’s the definition of a gentleman?

A: “Someone who knows how to play the bagpipes but chooses not to.”

That said, John has learned to stay in tune, he has other income streams, and he is a consummate gentleman.

He also knows that bagpipe music can stir the soul. It often brings tears of nostalgia to people with no Scots-Irish blood whatsoever. It conjures green highland ridges with marching phalanxes of plaided pipers and drummers leading the troops with Scotland the Brave. If you hear Going Home on bagpipes, you’ll probably reimagine police and firefighter funerals from a closer age. Danny Boy is always good for a cry.

Why? John has no answer, but when he visited Scotland, the sounds tapped into his own family heritage, and he yearned to make the music.

“It’s hard to explain,” he said,

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

“but I felt like Scotland was in my soul.” At a Holden Village retreat last winter, he met a man who offered to teach him the basics, and he’s persevered since then, practicing alone on his small Fireside pipes, not the larger Highland style, with no intention of wearing the kilt and sporran or marching in a parade. Yet. “The plaid is all about history — the Farquharson plaid (similar in color to the more familiar Blackwatch) is the one our family can wear,” he explains. And though Wenatchee used to have a British Brass band, and there are Scottish dance aficionados, John hasn’t yet found local bagpipers with whom to play, let alone march. He said he’d welcome any responses — bagpiping can be a lonely enterprise.

The internet helps him with technique, but instructors and co-pipers are rare in the region.

As a musical instrument, John explained, the B flat bagpipe has a very limited range of only 13 notes, no sharps and flats, and a single octave. He admits, “It doesn’t play well with others,” and so we don’t see it in local gigs or casual combos.

Pipers learn to insert quick related notes, using breath and agile fingering to add texture, and those embellishments are a challenge. “I’m working on adding in the ‘grace notes,’” he said.

“That’s what makes bagpipe music really interesting. And it takes a lot more practice than I thought.”

John has to squeeze in (!!) time to practice the pipes, because ever since his Wenatchee High School days, with a hiatus for college and his career start, he’s been active in the performing

>> “They say learning something this complicated can help stave off some of the problems of aging.” accountant will run the numbers and consider the option.)

In his working life John evolved from CPA to, simultaneously, business strategy consultant, orchardist, property developer and bank board chairman.

He also folded his love of mountain climbing in with his business acumen and in 2007 wrote an inspirational management book, Parallel Peaks.

A lifelong learner, John has delved deeply into the arts, outdoor activity, community concerns, and now this very singular new musical instrument.

“They say learning something this complicated can help stave off some of the problems of aging,” he said. For all the reasons one might choose the bagpipes, this one alone might suffice. But remember that the music is also in his blood.

One last joke about this iconic, soul-inspiring, much-loved instrument with its own martial and musical history. It’s OK — the bagpipe’s been extant in some form since 1000 B.C. It can take the heat.

John McQuaig — of Scottish ancestry — said playing the bagpipes was on his bucket list.

arts.

He said, “I love it that I can have a business meeting at six, make choir practice at 7 and be at an 8 play rehearsal on time.

This town makes it very easy to be involved in whatever you love to do.”

Mountain climbing captivated him about the same time he started taking notable roles in Music Theater productions, so he’s been using and enjoying the

best of the Wenatchee area for decades.

And he’s conquered other peaks. “I’ve climbed three of the Seven Summits,” he said. “Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in the Andes, the Elbrus in Russia.

It’s not quite half. I can’t decide if I want to do one more to make it 4/7 or not…” (Since he’s gone halfway up Everest, suggested the interviewer, why not call it an even 50 percent? This career September 2017 | The Good Life

Q: “What’s the difference between a bagpipe and an onion?”

A: “When you chop up a bagpipe, nobody cries.”

As for “crying,” we know lots of people who lose composure when the first long notes furl out of a regimental pipe and drum band. If you’ve been on the joshing side of bagpipes for a while, then go online, google bagpipe music or Scottish bagpipes and then listen, eyes closed, to capture the spirit of the songs. www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

37

WHAT TO DO

Fire Hall with Dr. Dave Oleyar from HawkWatch International.Register in advance for the field trips and workshop at ncwaudubon.org., or visit the exhibits at Pateros any time during that Saturday.

Youth Hunting and Fishing Day, 9/16, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. NCW Gun Club, East Wenatchee. Cost: free. Info: Wenatchee Sportsmen’s Facebook page.

British Car Show, 9/16, 10 a.m.

– 2 p.m. Open to all British cars, trucks and motorcycles. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Lake Chelan Community Hospital Home Tour, 9/16, 10 a.m. – 4 pm. Art show at Tsillan Cellars featuring Northwest artists. Cost: $20.

Info: lakechelanhometour.com.

Fall White River Salmon Tour, 9/17, 1 – 4 p.m. Experience and learn about sockeye salmon’s return to the White River with local fish biologist Chuck Peven. RSVP required. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Wenatchee River Institute Fall Banquet and Fundraiser, 9/20, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Join Wenatchee River Institute for a night filled with food, drink, music and an auction. Dinner

by Ravenous catering. No host bar of local beers and wine, homemade desserts. Cashmere Riverside Center. Cost: $50. Info: wenatcheeriverinstitute.org.

Trailhead Talk Series, 9/21, 6 – 7 p.m. Tips for outdoor photos with phones and cameras. Local photographer Frank Cone will give tips and offer guidance for taking landscapes and close-ups. Saddle Rock Trailhead. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Glengarry Glen Ross, 9/21-23, 7 p.m. 9/23, 2 p.m. Live play with Mission Creek Players. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $22.

Info: numericapac.org.

Leavenworth Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, 9/22 – 10/1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Thousands of quality used books for sale at just $1-$3. Corner of 8th & Commercial Streets in downtown Leavenworth. Proceeds benefit all Leavenworth Library children’s programs and many library expenses.

Harvest Festival, 9/22, 6 p.m.

9/23, all day. Festival kicks off Friday night with dinner, dance and

}}} Continued on next page

>>

WHAT TO DO

We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

}}} Continued from previous page open beer garden. Saturday, food, beverages, arts and crafts, entertainment, magician, children’s carnival games, inflatable bounce toys, a pumpkin patch. And beer garden.

The playgrounds of St. Joseph’s Catholic school. Info: stjosephwen. org.

Fall Family Day Hikes – Insect Investigations, 9/22, 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Explore our trails with fun, handson activities to get up close and personal with nature. Learn more about the creepy crawlies that live in our foothills. Saddle Rock Trailhead. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust. org.

Autumn Leaf Festival and Parade, 9/23, 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. parade at noon, 9/24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Downtown Leavenworth.

Cost: free.

NCW Dahlia Show and exhibition, 9/23, 24, all day. Come see the State’s best collection of dahlia’s. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Wenatchee Riverfront Railway Train, 9/23, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Railroad Day. Ride the mini train. 155 N Worthen east end of the railroad pedestrian bridge. Cost: $2.

Loverboy and Survivor, 9/23, 7:30 p.m. Live performance by rock band. Songs include, Lovin Every Minute of It and This could be the Night, Girls in Love are some of the fan favorites. Town Toyota Center.

Cost: $39. Info: towntoyotacenter. org.

Just Plain Fun Run, 9/24, 11 a.m.

3 mile trail run and family walk. All proceeds to benefit Beaver Valley

School in Plain. Info: plainhardware. com.

Shanty Chor, 9/24, 4:30 p.m. Live performance singing sailor work songs. Pybus Public Market. Cost: free. Info: pybuspublicmarket.org.

Geology of the Icicle Valley, 9/25, 4 – 6 p.m. Join geologist Kelsay Stanton and look at the geology underfoot and in the surrounding landscape and see evidence of glaciers and identify local rocks.

Sam Hill property. Cost: free. Info: cdlandtrust.org.

Wenatchee Naturalist, 9/27.

12-week fall course at Wenatchee Valley College Continuing Education Program. Susan Ballinger is the designer and instructor. Explore habitats along local rivers and learn about the animals and plants and their roles in the ecosystem. The mission is to cultivate awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the Wenatchee River region by developing an active corps of wellinformed community volunteers.

This course is designed for curious adults who enjoy learning about the natural world, but have limited formal science training. Info: wenatcheenaturalist.com.

Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, 9/28, 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come and take part in the many inter-generational hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, wildlife “edu-tainment,” music, art and experience a meaningful cultural exchange with Native Americans in their tribal village. Leavenworth Fish Hatchery.

An evening with Darrell Hammond, 9/28, 7:30 p.m. New York Times bestselling author and longest-tenured cast member in Saturday Night Live history will share his personal story of trauma and how he lives every day for recovery. Hammond’s life story will

38

| The Good Life

shock, and then it will heal. Town Toyota Center. Cost: $30. Info: towntoyotacenter.com.

OkTOberfest, 9/29, 10/6, 13, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. 9/30, 10/7, 14, noon – 2 a.m. Live music, German food, arts and crafts, activities for the whole family, and beer! Don’t miss tapping the keg every Saturday at 1 p.m. Downtown Leavenworth. Info: leavenworthoktoberest.com.

Bonnie Birch Trio in the Gazebo, 9/29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Accordion music. Downtown Leavenworth.

Cost: free.

Icicle Creek Family Film Festival, 9/29, 30. Heidi will show 7 pm. at Snowy Owl Theater on 9/29. Workshop: Stop Motion for Creative young minds, at Canyon Wren Recital Hall on 9/30, 10 a.m.

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

Workshop: Family Filmmaking with Jonah Kozlowski at Snowy Owl Theater, 9/30, 10 a.m. Noon to 4 p.m. family food and bouncy houses face painting, sno-cones, ice cream and more. Best of Fest: Children’s Film Festival, at Snowy Owl Theater. 9/30, 1:30 p.m. Kubo and the Two Strings, 9/30, 4 p.m.

Snowy Owl Theater. Petting zoo 10/1, 1:30, Numerica Performing Arts Center. Kedi, 10/1, 2 p.m. at Numerica Performing Arts Center.

El Jeremias, 10/1, 5 p.m. at Numerica Performing Arts Center. Cost: $10 per screening or fest pass, $30.

Info: icicle.org.

The Association, 9/29, 7:30 p.m.

Live performance. Rock and Roll Band from 1967. Songs include: Cherish, Never My Love, Windy, Along Comes Mary. Numerica Per-

>>

WHAT TO DO

We want to know of fun and interesting local events. Send info to: donna@ncwgoodlife.com

forming Arts Center. Info: numericapac.org.

Oktoberfest Marathon and half-marathon, 9/30, 7 a.m.

Start near Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, loop through the Icicle Canyon the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth through wooded riverfront trails. Info: runwenatchee.com.

Wellington Town Site Tour, 9/30, 10/1, 10 a.m. Meet at the Upper Valley Museum to share a ride up Stevens Pass. Narrated tour of the site of the 1910 tragic railroad disaster. Cost: $20 must RSVP. Info: uppervalleymuseum.org.

Evil Dead the musical, 10/4, 7:30 p.m. Hilarious live stage show that takes all the elements of the cult classic films, The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness and combines them for one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Numerica Performing Arts Center. Info: numericapac.org.

Wings and Wheels, 10/5 - 8.

Friday Cruise, Saturday car show, carnival, free kids activities, wine tasting, craft and food vendors and more. Eastmont Community Park and Pangborn Airport, East Wenatchee.

The Golden Age Senior Prom, 10/6, 4 - 7 p.m. Live music, Prom King and Queen, photographer, drinks and appetizers. All proceed go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Sponsored by Highgate Senior Living. Pybus Public Market. Cost: $15 pp or $25 couple. Tickets: Highgate Senior Living, 1320 S Miller.

Wenatchee Mini Maker Faire, 10/21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. A showcase of invention, imagination, creativity and resourcefulness and a celebra-

Will Wenatchee Buy into Glengarry Glen Ross?

M

ission Creek Players upcoming production of Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet is no play for children, said producer Terry Sloan.

It was chosen by long time Mission Creek Player’s Co-founder Kathy Z. Smithson, director, because it is a gritty Pulitzer-prize winning play that is a masterpiece of American Drama that she feels Wenatchee is ready for.

“This window into one aspect of human nature will keep you interested and wondering what will happen next,” said Kathy.

Mamet is well known for his mastery of language and the language in this play reflects the rough crassness and emotionalism of his characters.

Because these characters, all terrific male roles, are frustrated, they resort to outbursts of obscenity and profanity.

Kathy added that Mamet makes no apologies for this speech because it’s an important means of depicted character, exposing emotional response and creating tension. tion of the Maker Movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making and share what they are learning. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to entre-

The pressure is on to sell, sell sell: from left are: Benjamin Walker ( Detective Baylen) , David James (Richard Roma), Zane Palmer (James Lingk) and Matt Cadman (Dave Moss).

The plot is set in motion when the unseen company directors, have introduced a system that puts the salesmen — played by Steve Zimmerman, Matt Cadman, Henry Hettick and David James — at war with each other, under the direction of their office manager, Williamson, played by Pete Mathews.

Their device is a sales competition in which the winner will get a Cadillac, the runner up a set of steak knives and the losers will be fired. Realizing their livelihoods are threatened, the atmosphere begins to heat up.

There is deception and illusion at work on every level.

Although Mamet also wrote the screenplay for the award winning film, the stage play is somewhat different, said Kathy.

Also in the play is Benjamin Walker who is playing Detective Baylen who enters in act two.

Tickets are $22 and can be purchased online at Numerica Performing Arts Center or by calling 663-ARTS. The play is limited to four performances: Sept. 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 2 p.m. at the PAC.

preneurs to artists to performers to scientists to garage tinkerers.

Wenatchee Convention Center.

list your planned activities, or learn how you can participate, call coordinators Laurel Helton 663-6662 or Margie Kerr 670-5684 and/or visit the website wenatcheemkdd.com.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY, Saturday, Oct. 28. To submit project ideas,

The Valley’s Best Mix of Music + The Latest Local News Music The Whole Family Can Agree On! With the Biggest Hits of the 80’s, 90’s and today KOHO 101.com News you need, voices you trust, and music that keeps you moving September 2017 | The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

39

>>

column those were the days

rod molzahn

1880s roll on with development& disaster The year 1887 saw continued

settlement to the north of the Wenatchee Valley.

Lewis Detwiler and his family were the first to homestead up the Entiat Valley, moving there from their first homestead near Orondo.

The wheat fields of the Waterville Plateau saw their first threshing machine. Mason Thurlow, Harvey Nickell and Napoleon Stone, friends from Texas, followed the Chilliwist Trail from near Malott over the Loup Loup Pass area and down into the Methow Valley, the first homesteaders in the valley.

Then, 1888 was an active year.

Thurlow, Nickell and Stone made a round trip to Ellensburg and returned to the Methow with the valley’s first mowing machine, rake and plow.

Sam Miller closed the trading post at the confluence but a Mr. McPherson opened a new store south of the confluence along the Columbia. Don Carlos Corbett, representing the Wenatchee Development Company, platted a town around the intersection of Miller Street and Springwater and encouraged people to join in developing the new town called Wenatchee.

That same year heard the first talk in town of the need for a “big ditch” to irrigate the Wenatchee Flat and Captain W.P. Gray guided the “City of Ellensburg” through the Rock Island Rapids, the first steamship to reach the upper Columbia.

Homesteading was still happening in surrounding areas in 1889 including Nahahum Canyon, still attracting new settlers.

The Entiat still had free land as did the valleys of the Okanogan.

In Wenatchee, new arrivals in 1889 were likely to be business men opening real estate

“I waved my hat and called to Mr. Sherman to come on and behold the paradise we had been looking for.” offices, hardware stores, general merchandise stores, hotels and saloons.

Mike Horan moved his family and butcher shop from Cle Elum, a place they considered too wild to raise a family, to Old Town Wenatchee and a lime plant opened north of town.

Prosperity seemed near. Then came what ever after would be remembered as the “Hard Winter.”

It began with deep snow and bitter cold in November. Then a series of thaws and refreezing through December left a hard crust on the ground that cattle and horses could not dig through. The stock began to starve.

1890 began with extreme cold and deep layers of snow and ice that stayed on the ground until mid May, longer in the mountains.

Colockum Pass was impassable for anything but men on snowshoes who crossed the pass to carry back sacks of flour.

They made pancakes to feed the cattle. The cattle died in spite of their efforts. New settlers were few that year.

Taz Rarey came to the valley.

He went on to build a successful mercantile business. Of more interest to the many single men in the valley, Mrs. Glovina Foote settled on land up against the western foothills, with her were two young daughters, Lottie and Anna Belle. Lindley Hull

40

| The Good Life

recalled that after they arrived there were a lot of baths taken, clothes washed and faces shaved before the big dance in the girls’ honor.

After trying out the Waterville Plateau and finding no satisfaction there, Mr. and Mrs. I.W. Sherman packed their wagon and headed down the dangerous Corbaly Canyon road to find a greener pasture. They crossed the Columbia, skirted the north end of the Wenatchee Flat, passed the Davidson ranch and climbed the trail near Horse Lake. It was a difficult trip.

Mr. Sherman said, “We will come this way once but never again.”

Mrs. Sherman walked to the top of the last rise and looked down on the upper valley. Her words then echoed the thoughts of everyone who had passed that way. “I waved my hat and called to Mr. Sherman to come on and behold the paradise we had been looking for.”

By 1891 the Wenatchee Development Company, with offices in Seattle, had accepted the reality that they would never build their planned railroad over the cascades and through the town of Wenatchee that they had platted and touted only three years before around Miller and Springwater streets.

They had, however, learned that J.J. Hill planned to bring his Great Northern line through the Wenatchee Valley with tracks that followed the right bank of the Columbia.

The development company quickly began to buy up large tracts of homestead land along the river. They platted a new town of Wenatchee and set out to convince the residents of their old town to move to the new town.

They advertised in Seattle for

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

businesses that would take a free lot and move to Wenatchee.

They found a young couple, Frank and Belle Reeves, in Ellensburg and convinced them to move their newspaper to Wenatchee and use the paper to encourage reluctant Old Town residents to make the move.

They succeeded.

With the railroad a sure thing, 1892 brought the largest influx of people to Wenatchee since 1885.

Arthur Gunn came to direct the town’s first bank. Charles Morrison started, yet again, another sawmill in the Squilchuck.

He later moved it down to town and turned out lumber to build the new town and later apple boxes to help the apple growers grow.

W.O. Parr opened a barbershop. Between haircuts he studied law in the back room and later became Chelan County’s Superior Court Judge.

O.B. Fuller came to develop down town real estate. F.J. Bailey, a contractor, built ferries, steamships and bridges. With all the hard work going on James Boyle thought it was high time to open a laundry.

In December of 1892 the final tracks were laid at Wenatchee and the great change bringer, the Great Northern Railroad, arrived spelling the success of the town and the final blow to the P’squose people’s hopes for their promised fishery reservation.

Historian, actor and teacher Rod Molzahn can be reached at shake. speak@verizon.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.

sprayed... }}} Continued from page 42 esting. I stayed in front most of the time as even if I was 100 feet behind my friend I could still smell him.

He didn’t smell like “skunk” he smelled like some gnarly cleaning chemical that made you almost want to vomit.

But, it was hard not to laugh the entire way back as to how random it was to be sprayed by a skunk while mountain biking.

We concluded that the skunk was twirling in circles because either a) it didn’t know where to go to get off the trail in a speedy pace or b) it heard him coming but didn’t know which way to point it’s sprayer as it wasn’t sure which direction he was coming from.

Once we were nearing the car but before we even got to it, Jim pulled to the side of the trail and was on his phone calling a mutual friend of ours who works as a vet in town. Jim thought this would be the perfect friend to ask since our vet friend gets the skunk smell off dogs sometimes.

Our friend gave him the run down on how to get rid of the skunk smell.

You need-hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dawn dish soap. You mix them together and make a paste out of it and then scrub it all over your body.

Seeing that my friend smelled terrible, I decided to head into the nearest grocery store and get the supplies he needed to get rid of that stink. We had all the windows of the car open and Jim attempted to get rid of the smell by taking off his shirt and pants and putting them in a bag in his trunk while I went into the store.

All needed supplies were retrieved and purchased, at which point I was driven by Jim in his underwear, to the Number 2 Canyon trailhead to get my car.

We then said our farewells and I asked that he keep me apprised as to how well his concoction of

Marketplace We had all the windows of the car open and Jim attempted to get rid of the smell by taking off his shirt and pants and putting them in a bag in his trunk... supplies gets rid of the smell.

Later that evening Jim sent me a photo of buckets of water in the yard along with a kiddie pool, and his bike. Seemed not only did the skunk spray his clothes but behold, on his bike and bike shoes as well. The smell reportedly came off him with one scrub of the magic paste but took much longer for the smell to dissipate from his bike.

How very little I have seen skunks in my life thus far and how random it was that my friend was sprayed while mountain biking.

It could have just as easily been me sprayed as a few minutes beforehand I had been the one riding in front.

I guess it was fate for him to experience it and for me to find it most entertaining.

All is well that ends well and it ended well for the skunk too, as he or she wasn’t run over by a bike.

For more stories like this one,visit www.wenatcheeoutdoors.org.

Sarah is the Executive Director for the non-profit WenatcheeOutdoors and says she loves her job. She has the opportunity to take families out for hikes in nature. She works with the Goathead Warriors, which is a partner with WenatcheeOutdoors, on ridding the Loop Trail, Wenatchee, and East Wenatchee of those pesky goathead thorns, and she helps to educate the community about all the amazing trails we have in our backyard.

September 2017 | The Good Life

Insurance

Home

Unique Antique Mall with 30 dealers bringing you treasures for home and garden

Repurposed • Farmhouse New • Found • Salvaged 133 N. Wenatchee Ave. 888-5286 spruceandwillowhome.com

Funeral Arrangements

The Marketplace

Ward’s Funeral Chapel

Advertise in The Good Life marketplace Reach adventurous readers who are willing to try something new!

Full Service Funeral & Cremation Provider Pre-Arrangement Plans

509-548-7011 Family Owned & Operated Serving the Wenatchee Valley since 1970 wardsfuneralchapel@nwi.net wardsfuneralchapel@nwi.net

Please Contact

Terry Smith

(509) 885-4922

Insurance Planning

New & Used

Simply Unique

Serving You for 35 Years!

Information You Can Rely On!

509 888-9515

Let Kathy assist you with answers to your questions about:

• Life Insurance • Long-term Care • Medicare Call Kathy Today! • Medicare Part D Rx Our Home Town • Medicare Advantage Health, Disability And Favorite!

Annuities Kathy Z. Smithson

201 S Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801 heidi.simplyunique@yahoo.com

Rusty

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

41

509-884-5195

ksmithson@frontier.com 720 Valley Mall Pkway E. Wenatchee www.smithsoninsuranceservices.com

the back page: that’s life

The twirling skunk A

By Sarah Shaffer

good friend of mine and I went mountain biking recently on a ride that has been on my bucket list — the Twin Peaks to Sage Hills ride.

Both my friend (whose pseudo name is Jim, as he did not want his real name associated with this story for fear of being recognized by the public once this story is published, which will make more sense near the end of this story) and I have kids that go to daycare only a couple of days a week and so we were pumped to have eight hours to get into the outdoors for some parent fun.

The day started off fantastic, the wildflowers were in full amazement mode, the biking was pleasant and we both had about the same riding tempo, which made it enjoyable to not feel like one of us was having to wait for the other.

Jim and I did some repair work on part of the trail that had a couple of downed trees. We cleared one tree and made some space for another so that future bikers could use the path without having to dismantle their bikes.

Once we reached the crest of the East Summit of Twin Peaks

What are you laughing at?

All of a sudden I heard him yell out. I don’t know what he said but I kept biking towards him but being more cautious as I went.

Sarah Shaffer rides through the wildflowers prior to the skunk incident.

(which is located up Canyon 2), it was new terrain for this gal.

We headed down the ridgeline towards the backside of Sage Hills.

The views were epic, sweeping mountains, the enchantments, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier they were all visible on this perfect day.

The ridgeline riding had two short sections of “walk a bike,” and then we were heading on an extended downhill towards Sage Hills where we had a car parked at the base of Horse Lake Road.

We had about 45 minutes of riding left to go. Jim was in front at this point a little ways ahead of me while I was taking in the

We’re looking for fresh, true stories from local people that’ll bring a chuckle to our readers.

Limit yourself to 500 to 1,000 words and send to: editor@ncwgoodlife.com Stories published will win a $100 gift certificate to any one of our advertisers.

42

| The Good Life

www.ncwgoodlife.com

|

September 2017

scenery and biking a bit slower on the downhill.

All of a sudden I heard him yell out. I don’t know what he said but I kept biking towards him but being more cautious as I went. When I rounded a bend I saw him in the middle of the trail and he said: “Stop.”

Then Jim said, “I think I was just sprayed by a skunk. It was spinning in circles as I came around the corner smack dab in the middle of the trail. I did my best to not hit it but went right past it and it sprayed me I think.

I think the spray even got into my mouth while I was letting out a curse word.”

All I could do at that point was laugh. Mind you I still had to cross the section where the skunk had just moved off the trail, and dew droplets of skunk spray were on all the plants as I walked my bike carefully past.

The rest of the ride was inter-

}}} Continued on page 41

ICICLE CREEK

CENTER FOR THE ARTS I N L EAVENWORT H SEASON LINE-UP ANNOUNCED AT ICICLE.ORG FLAMENCO

OCT 5 WORKSHOP OCT 6 PERFORMANCE

FILM

SEP 29 - OCT 1

ERIC & ENCARNACION

ICICLE CREEK FAMILY FILM FESTIVAL

Sponsored by: Weinstein Beverage Co, Arts WA/NEA, Sleeping Lady Foundation

Sponsored by: Sleeping Lady Foundation, People’s Bank, Numerica Performing Arts Center, Clennon Orchards

OPERA

OCT 7

NORMA

FILM

CHAMBER

OPERA

OCT 14

OCT 21

VOLTA PIANO TRIO

DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE

WORKSHOP & LECTURE

OCT 21

OCT 28, 3PM WORKSHOP, 7PM LECTURE

Sponsored by: Cascade Medical, Steven’s Pass

Sponsored by: Weinstein Beverage Co, Arts WA/NEA, Sleeping Lady Foundation

ROGUE ELEMENTS

INTERFAITH AMIGOS

Your Ticket To Great Entertainment

ICICLE.ORG (509) 548-6347

WEALTH ADVISORS

Build a Team & Join us for the Wenatchee Walk to End Alzheimer’s

REGISTER YOUR TEAM AT WWW.ALZ.ORG Registration is Free!

Participate and help create a future without Alzheimer’s!

Objective, Transparent and Unbiased Financial Guidance Independent and locally ownedd | Fee-only, F 100% commission free |

Services Se er vices P Provided

• Comprehensive Investment Management • Reti Retirement tirrement and Financial Planning • Tax and Est Estate Planning • Corporate Retirement R Plans

Call C alll today tod d to schedule a FREE portfolio p ortfffo olio review. 509.886.8866 Registered In Investment Advisor | Member NAPFA

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Pybus Public Market Opening Ceremony begins at 8:45 a.m.

2-mile Walk begins at 9:00 a.m.

For more information contact Pam Draggoo at Aging & Adult Care of CW 509-886-0700 ext. 229 email:draggp@dshs.wa.gov

, CFP® 135 S. Worthen St, Suite 300 Wenatchee, WA 98801 W We

www.cascade-wealth.com ww

Oct. 5th Oct. 8th

For more information please contact the East Wenatchee Events Office at 509-886-6108

Cashmere Senior Care Campus Cashmere

Convalescent and Rehab Center

• Medicare/Medicaid Approved • 24 Hours Skilled Nursing Services • Restorative/Rehabilitation Care including PT, OT & Speech Therapies • Wound Care • Hospice Services • Specialized Dementia

• Dietician on Staff • Therapeutic Dietary Consulting • Individualized Activity Programs • Facility staffed Social Services Dept.

• Pharmacy Consultant • Outside Agency Referral

509-782-1251 www.kashmircc.com

817 Pioneer Ave. Cashmere, Washington

Independence… Choices …

Independent & Assisted Living Studio and One Bedroom Apartments Available.

• One inclusive rate • Great activities and social programs • 3 meals per day • 24 hour staff • Monitoring of general wellness • Family owned and operated

Phone: 509-782-7600 ~ Fax: 509-782-1821 Email: epledalen@kashmircc.com 809 Pioneer Ave. Cashmere, WA 98815