Good Morning it’s Saturday January 23rd, and this is The Wenatchee World’s newest podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

 

Today - The Wenatchee Valley cold-weather shelter opened at the start of the month, and it’s already nearly full.

 

This episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.

 

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Now our feature story.

Wenatchee’s only cold weather shelter opened on January 1st, and word traveled fast. Two weeks later, there was hardly any space left. with evening temperatures dropping just below freezing.

Andrew Thomas, who stayed at the shelter was worried he was going to have to stay out in the cold, with evening temperatures dropping just below freezing.

Thomas said he is not used to being homeless and that he just had a bad situation happen that day.

Wenatchee’s cold weather shelter opened late this year. Officials said there was a delay since it took time to figure out how to safely accommodate people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the cold-weather shelter is in the Gospel House.

Noe Mendoza, from Wenatchee, said this winter is the first time he has been homeless. To him, the Gospel House is a great spot, with the exception that it’s only open for 12 hours.

The shelter can take 18 guests at a time, with an extra space in case law enforcement finds someone in need.

Gary Steele helps run the People’s Foundation which is located at the Gospel House. To safely house people for the night Steele uses 21 one-person tents, all equally spaced apart. Staffers check temperatures of guests before they arrive and masks are required for everyone inside until they zip up their tent.

Steele said the operation has been going pretty well so far. He said it’s not a perfect world but they do the best they can.

Hugo Ciborian, is a shelter worker who told us that they’re up to the point where they may need more tents, but he doesn’t know if they could even fit.

Devin Steele, works there too, he said he has seen a lot of new faces coming into the shelter this winter. And that word got out faster than it did last year.

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Now, our weekly profile of one of the World's 30 Under 35 award recipients. 

Raised in Wenatchee, Sam Chapin earned a degree in business administration with a specialization in marketing management at Central Washington University. After graduating, he first put his education to work as the marketing manager at Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort for one season, helping establish a social media marketing program during one of the worst snow years in its history. The next year, he started working at Caffe Mela, where he wore many hats.

Chapin was then invited by Caffe Mela owner Kyle Hendrickson to help develop and operate Foray Coffee, a tech startup offering customers a café level experience for coffee and food without any waiting. The development included creation of an app, built from the ground up, to process online coffee and food orders. It uses customers’ GPS data to alert the barista when it is time to begin making the customer’s order so that it is ready for them when they arrive.

The store opened in the fall of 2019. Chapin is its vice president of operations.

Chapin says its the people around him that inspire him to be successful. His family, friends, mentors, pastors, professors and employers have inspired hinm to strive to make a positive impact in any and every way he can. He says that most of all, he’s inspired and supported by his wife, Rosie and his son, Ian. 

He’s also continually inspired by individuals who do not let their circumstances define them. And along with these sources of inspiration, his greatest is Jesus Christ. Chapin’s faith in Christ inspires him to love in ways he otherwise could not, strive to reach goals he could not accomplish on his own, and aim for excellence based.

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Finally, some local history, Wenatchee Valley History is brought to you by NABUR [this is pronounced just like neighbor] – your trusted neighborhood community. NABUR is a free online forum you can trust to connect with your community, focus on facts & make a difference. Join the conversation! Visit wenatcheeworld.com/nabur

 

Once part of the Fox Theatres chain when it opened in January 1920, the Liberty Theatre has now grown to include most of the block. Fox had been forced to divest due to an antitrust suit. Today,  the word ‘FOX’ is still visible under ‘LIBERTY’.

 

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Thanks for listening. Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com

 

The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Tuesday!

Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning it’s Thursday January 21sh, and this is The Wenatchee World’s podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Touched by the suicide of a high school student, WHS Senior, Kamryn Fowler decided to do something.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.

Also, as the pandemic, civil unrest and dark winter days continue into the new year, Wenatchee Valley residents are reporting more feelings of anxiety, sadness, isolation and discouragement. That’s why we at The Wenatchee World and NABUR have organized a free, interactive mental health panel. Join us on This evening from 6 to 8pm, and make sure to RSVP at wwrld.us/mentalhealthpanel.

Now our feature story…

Touched by the suicide of a high school student, Kamryn Fowler decided to do something. Fowler is a Wenatchee High School senior, and she was really worried about the mental health of her peers during the pandemic.

Somehow, she wanted local leaders to hear their voices before more suicides followed.

Fowler, describes herself as a social butterfly. For her, the first couple of months at home were a struggle without social interactions.

So Fowler decided to conduct an online survey of teenagers in the Wenatchee Valley asking them about their physical and emotional concerns. She created a Google Form of questions exploring health consequences of at-home learning and quarantine.

She received over 100 responses from middle and high school students. 

Some of them, very emotional and raw.

Fowler says she was blown away by some of the home situations these kids are going through — domestic violence, toxic households, and drug use. And she’s  heartbroken that school isn’t an option for kids to escape from their home life.

Wenatchee School District Director of Learning and Teaching, Mike Lane, said he was impressed with Fowler’s initiative. He also said the survey responses did not surprise him.

Most concerning for Lane are the issues around depression and anxiety. He said last week the district hosted an online community forum with two psychologists from Confluence Health presenting on depression.

Here’s a quick clip

Lane said they spent about half the time with a live question-and-answer session taking questions from students, parents, and the community. 

Nearly 100 people participated in the live event. Now, you can view it on the Wenatchee School District’s YouTube page.

Now, Larry Hibbard doesn’t spend as much time with his wife as he used to; someone a little older has been keeping him out late — her name is Valentina, and she’s a 100-year-old self-playing instrument.

Hibbard owns Ruby Theatre in Chelan, and has been restoring an antique music device known as a photoplayer.

Valentina spends most of her time hidden behind long, red curtains, graced by rows of empty seats inside of the Ruby. It’s a fitting aesthetic for the decades-old music machine, which grew up playing music to silent films.

According to Hibbard, few people have heard of player pianos because they are not around anymore, they were developed for movie theaters; they came with movie theaters, and they left with movie theaters.

The plan for what to do with Valentina has not been fully determined yet, Hibbard is going to wait until theaters in Washington can open up again before making any big decisions.

Visit wenatcheeworld.com/nabur

The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center is a Wenatchee landmark itself. It was formerly the city’s post office. 

Thanks for listening. Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com.

The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Saturday!

Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wenatchee World Podcast

The Wenatchee World Podcast

Good Morning it’s Thursday January 14th, and this is The Wenatchee World’s podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Today --- the Wild Wenatchee Swimmers are feeling cold-water benefits

Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.

(same message all week)  Also, as the pandemic, civil unrest and dark winter days continue into the new year, Wenatchee Valley residents are reporting more feelings of anxiety, sadness, isolation and discouragement. That’s why we at The Wenatchee World and NABUR have organized a free, interactive mental health panel. Join us on Thursday January 21st from 6 to 8pm, and make sure to RSVP at wwrld.us/mentalhealthpanel.

The water temperature is 44 degrees. The air temperature is 43. There is snow on the foothills.

Five people are walking across a sandbar that juts into the Columbia River off Walla Walla Point Park.

Swimmers.

It’s the first winter dip for two of the swimmers.

One of them is Sheila Borden, a 44-year-old Wenatchee woman. Sheila is nervous, she doesn’t really like being cold. A big, furry hat tops off her full-body wetsuit. 

13 year old Marieka Campbell shivers and says “I’m so cold; I hate doing this but my mom says it’s good for you.”

The other three are veterans.

50 year old Sarah Applegate, Marieka’s mother, heads into a crawl stroke and says - this is awesome.

Back in October 70 year old Charlene Woodward started a Facebook group. It’s called Wild Wenatchee Swimmers. Right now, membership is at about 45 people with 12 active members. Many of them swim at 11 a.m. every Saturday at the sandbar; while others take dips in the river off Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park and Lincoln Rock State Park during the week.

Woodward, after offering encouragement to all, heads right in and starts a 10-minute swim parallel to the beach with another veteran, Kathy Gavin.

Woodward grew up as a competitive swimmer and went on to coach and teach swimming. She and her husband own Dogwise, a mail-order bookseller and publisher of books on dogs. 

She says that this is ridiculous that we are doing this, but, for her, it’s something to do during the pandemic that is safe. They wear masks until they get to the river and they don’t get close together.

Woodward has read about the health benefits of cold-water swimming and feels she experiences them.

Afterwards she feels energized, and it lasts pretty well all day.

Her tip for beginners? Stay in for less time than you think you can. This is not an endurance contest; it’s not a macho thing. Get out and dry off and warm up as soon as possible.   And stick with it.

She said she’s 70 and she hopes that she’s doing this until she’s 90.

Kelly Anderson, another regular swimmer, always wanted to try a polar bear plunge but kept chickening out.

Anderson describes herself as a person who hates cold water - so to her, this felt like a big personal challenge.

When a friend showed her the Wild Wenatchee Swimmers Facebook page, she was intrigued. And when she showed up in the parking lot for her first swim, she felt super-supported by these strangers!

Anderson is a cancer survivor and also suffers from nerve problems, a bad back and chronic depression.

After about a week with the Wild Wenatchee Swimmers, she said that she was down to 70% reduced pain in my back, hips and neck. Then, she started having pain-free days.

She even texted a friend and said she just felt so happy for no apparent reason, and can only say that’s the swimming!

Now, Few are brave enough to fly 10,000 feet in the air, and parachute jump out into an unknown forest only to touch land and fight a raging forest fire. 

For longtime Wenatchee resident and author Gene Jessup, it was just another day on the job.

Jessup was a smokejumper for the North Cascades Smokejumper Base in the late 1950s and ‘60s. 

A smokejumper is a trained firefighter who provides rapid fire response by parachuting to the source of the fire, usually in the high mountains. Now at age 82, he reminisces on the adventures, dangers and camaraderie of the job in his new book, “Between Heaven and Earth: The Adventures of a Smokejumper.” 

The book is available online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon - there’s also a Kindle edition.

The Wenatchee World spoke to Jessup about the occupation, having his brother as a jump partner and his novel. When we asked what a jump feels like and he said that since smokejumping training is so extensive at a certain point, after two or three weeks, everything starts to become automatic. You climb in the airplane, you go up for your first jump, you’re sitting at the doorway, and you’re looking out at the horizon and you’re almost numb. You can’t remember what day it is or what you had for breakfast or anything else.

When the slap on the back comes, you just automatically step right out of the airplane. In a few seconds you’re hanging in the air wondering. ‘How the hell in the world did I get here?’ Then, when you land after that first jump, you say, ‘Aw man, that was the greatest thrill in the world. I can’t wait to do this again.’

We also asked Jessup about the camaraderie amongst him and other smokejumpers. He told us that they’re very, very close with. His brother was his jump partner in ‘59 and ‘60 and that created a very special bond between them.

To read our full interview with Jessup, visit us at wenatcheeworld.com.

Visit wenatcheeworld.com/nabur

The Tyee creek fire was one of the largest fires in North Central Washington. In July and August of 1994 it burned for 33 days and it destroyed 35 homes. 

Thanks for listening. Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com.

The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Saturday!

Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wenatchee World Podcast

Good Morning it’s Saturday January 9th, and this is The Wenatchee World’s newest podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Today - The Chelan County Commissioner England signs off after 12 years

This episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.

Now our feature story.

After 12 years, Chelan County Commissioner Doug England will get to enjoy retirement.

England signed off as a commissioner after a recent meeting, handing off the position of chair to Commissioner Bob Bugert. Bugert and Commissioner Kevin Overbay thanked England for his years of service.

Bugert said that he has tremendous respect for England and how he’s been a leader of the Chelan County Commission over the last 12 years.

And Overbay thanked him for showing him the ropes the last four years as a commissioner. He noted that England was gracious even in his disagreements.

England thanked the commissioners for their work and said all five commissioners he worked with showed honor and integrity. He said he didn’t think there should be a limit on how many times a commissioner could run for office, but that politicians should leave when it is time.

England said that [quote] “they change politicians and diapers for the same reason and I think three terms is enough and I think it is time for someone else to step in and take care of it”

With England’s retirement there are no more orchardists or agricultural industry employees on the Chelan County Commission. Overbay worked for the Washington State Patrol, Bugert for the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and incoming Commissioner Tiffany Gering for the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.

Overbay is now the longest serving commissioner that oversees Chelan County government, land planning and budgets.

State Representative Keith Goehner served with England for about 10 years. Goehner said he enjoyed working with England who he said brought a lot of experience from his years as an orchardist and from just looking at the bigger picture.

Goehner said he was impressed by England’s work to get the Stehekin Road fixed that washed out several years ago. At the time, England went to Washington, D.C. frequently and talked to many people in an effort to resolve that problem.

And though the road is still damaged, the environmental review process is underway for fixing it.

Chelan County’s reserve has also grown to about $13 million during England’s time. He also pushed for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to abandon efforts to transplant grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

Some of his other accomplishments include starting the short-term rental regulation process, passing zoning regulations on cannabis producers, developing a Shoreline Master Plan Program, guiding improvements for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center, and overseeing changes in local mental health treatment.

Now, our weekly profile of one of the World's 30 Under 35 award recipients.

29 year old Xochitl Velazquez is the Assistant director at the Washington Apple Education Foundation. After graduating from Eastmont High School and Wenatchee Valley College in 2009, Velazquez went on to attend Gonzaga University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 2012, and the following year earned a master of business administration degree. 

About four years ago she accepted a job as a lender at Cashmere Valley Bank, a move that allowed her to return to the Wenatchee Valley to be closer to family. Once here, she got involved in the community, joining the board of the NCW Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and stepping up her volunteer efforts with the Washington Apple Education Foundation. And then in September 2019, she accepted the post of assistant director at the WAEF.

 Her focus is now on coordinating events for current college scholarship recipients and working with volunteers. This spring, she adapted WAEF events to move from in-person to virtual settings to help make sure students did not get behind on their education dreams and career goals despite the challenges of the pandemic.

For Velasquez, being a successful and accomplished individual is her way of giving back to her family for their continuous love and support.

Finally, some local history, Wenatchee Valley History is brought to you by NABUR – your trusted neighborhood community. NABUR is a free online forum you can trust to connect with your community, focus on facts & make a difference. Join the conversation! Visit wenatcheeworld.com/nabur

Susan Hart was born in Wenatchee, and became a well known actress in the 1960’s. She starred in movies like Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, City in the Sea, and The Wild Wild West. 

Thanks for listening. Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com

The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Tuesday!

Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good Morning it’s Thursday January 7th, and this is The Wenatchee World’s podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We’re excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Today, -- The Riverfront Village Apartments could be the largest single housing complex in Wenatchee.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.

Now our feature story…

If completed, the Riverfront Village Apartments would be the largest single housing complex in Wenatchee.

Recently, the developer behind the project applied for building permits. This brought the complex one step closer to life. It set the stage for the next chapter of Wenatchee’s downtown waterfront development.

The project would include over 400 units spread across five buildings standing five stories tall. They would be located on the corner of North Worthen and Fifth streets.

The developer is Redmond-based Anandacom LLC, a commercial real estate company that builds and manages residential and retail projects.

The only active project listed on their is Wenatchee’s, which it says will [quote] “set a new standard for the city.”

The complex was first proposed in January 2020. Since then, the developers have been working with the city to adapt their plans in preparation for permit applications. 

The layout has changed slightly, but the overall scope of the project is very similar to the original plan - which includes a recreation building, a pool and over 500 parking spaces.

The permit applications are now under review with city planners, and once that’s complete, the general public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal.

But according to Community Development Director Glen DeVries a timeline of when construction may start or end is not yet clear.

If approved and completed as planned, it would offer almost exactly the same number of units as the Riverside 9 and 600 Riverside apartments combined. Those two complexes, which are owned by Kirkland-based Weidner Apartment Homes, are just a quarter-mile away from this project.

The project site is currently owned by Lineage Logistics, a fruit storage company that decided to sell its two main campuses in Wenatchee.

Their southern campus, on the corner of Orondo and Columbia streets, was purchased by the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority last year. The port is now dividing up the property and selling the pieces for private redevelopment.

That was Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority Commissioner Rory Turner during a meeting last year talking about the Lineage Logistics property.

This northern property is tucked between Riverfront Park to the east and the BNSF Railway tracks to the west. The property has drawn extra attention due to its proximity to the current Chelan County PUD headquarters.

After the PUD moves into its new consolidated headquarters in Olds Station in a few years, the existing campus will be redeveloped. Planning for that process is underway now but no concrete plans for the property have been decided.

Stay up to date on this story and more by visiting us at wenatcheeworld.com

Now, this year gave us a lot of TV to watch and far too much time to spend watching it. From Tiger King to Baby Yoda, 2020 will not be forgotten.

Here at the Wenatchee World we are experts at enjoying a good show. And, we’re excited to share these wonderful discoveries.

Oscar Rodriguez, our staff writer recommends the Queen's Gambit. He says that it shows that chess is not only a highly competitive, personality-driven sport but also an excellent vehicle for a compelling drama. 

Luke Hollister, our Staff writer, videographer recommends...‘Sex Education’- he says it’s Shakespeare meets postmodern aliens with tentacles: what’s not to like? Hollister’s other favorite? ‘The Mandalorian’ Give it a watch, your eyes will be happy.

Madeline Happold our Journalist product manager enjoyed the Code Orange livestream. One of the first band’s on Happold’s radar to turn to livestream was this Pittsburgh-based hardcore band. The band enlisted the help of a videographer to pull off a Matrix-esque, cyberpunk live stream.

And finally, Russ Hemphill, our Managing editor enjoyed watching a good interview. “Hot Ones” is one of his favorites. Great questions for celebrity guests as they eat wings covered with increasingly hot sauces. 

For the full list of our favorites visit our website.

Finally, some local history, Wenatchee Valley History is brought to you by NABUR  – your trusted neighborhood community. NABUR is a free online forum you can trust to connect with your community, focus on facts & make a difference. Join the conversation! Visit wenatcheeworld.com/nabur

For thousands of years before Euro-American settlement, the Wenatchee Valley area was inhabited by indigenous people who lived on the land. The Wenatchi were a nomadic culture and they were closely bound to nature. 

Thanks for listening. Today’s episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com.

The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Saturday!

Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wenatchee World Podcast

The Wenatchee World Podcast