We consider volunteers to be the “heart” of our organization for one simple reason: every day, in ways both great and small, volunteer support allows HopeWest to continue our mission of helping families in our community facing the issues of aging, illness, and grief. Volunteers give their time and energy[Read More…]
Columns
EDITOR’S COLUMN: Perspective
As a child I was fascinated with ants, to the point my mother told me I better stop staring at those tiny things all the time or I’d ruin my eyesight. Whether my obsession with ants or bad genetics landed me in Coke bottle glasses at 12 is open to[Read More…]
Humphrey the Camel
The joke goes: How do you sneak up on a unique camel? Answer: you “neek” up on him. How do you sneak up on a tame camel? Answer: “tame” way! Aside from the talking office camel on commercials proclaiming “Hump Day”, not too many people have pet camels. Humphrey, the[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Keepers of the river
Whew, that was close. The call on the White River, which was imposed in December, has been lifted. Collective ripples of relief must have passed through the valley as the news spread last week. If not, that is as much a concern as the drought and water shortages all over[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN: Just say “no”
Know your limits. Know when to give, know when to demand, know when to say no, know when enough is enough.” ~ Unknown There’s a soundtrack on repeat in my head that has the “be all you can be” Army recruitment jingle, coupled with Jane Fonda saying “go for the[Read More…]
Resources for veterans
Attention veterans! Here are some websites with good information for veterans, family members and loved ones. Access and manage your VA benefits and healthcare: www.va.gov Find Department of Veteran Affairs facilities and services: www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-department-of-veterans-affairs Veteran Crisis Line: 1-866-966-1020 Other resources for mental health: www.mentalhealth.va.gov Careers for veterans: vacareers.va.gov Burial allowances[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: The writing on the wall
“What is wrong with you? The current writing on the wall not obvious enough?” There has not been a time recently that the old saying was not blurted out at someone in what started as a friendly conversation. The change in the way words were said, not only with the[Read More…]
Bovine pyroglyphics
The days of cattle barons and range wars are in the past, but cattle, sheep and brands remain. Brands are now registered statewide and are put on other livestock besides cattle. Instead of traditional branding, sheep are branded with a semi-permanent paint. Si-ro-mark sells sheep marking fluids in red, green,[Read More…]
A state budget that meets our needs
I am proud to share that the State Senate and State House just passed our annual state budget – and it is one that is balanced, supported by both parties, and most importantly, addresses some of our communities’ most pressing needs. Every year, the budget process presents an opportunity for[Read More…]
EDITOR’S COLUMN: The art of grief
“You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.” ~ Old Chinese Proverb Every time I think I’ve mastered the art of grief — and it is an art, in that it’s intensely personal and wildly[Read More…]
The fur-bearing trout
There has been an unconfirmed sighting of a rare fur-bearing trout this weekend at Lake Avery. This reporter accepted the story with a certain amount of skepticism. I consider all fish stories suspect unless accompanied by a catch or at least a photo of the catch. Tales of record-breaking fish[Read More…]
LOOSE ENDS: Libraries connect communities
The role that a library serves in a community is unique. It is the one place that everyone of all ages can research information, as well as check out books and other reading materials or stay for a bit to use the computers. Yet, the best thing about the public[Read More…]
