Local News

Stronger than fire: Carlton Complex one-year anniversary events planned

Jun 26, 2015

The Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group (CCLTRG), the grassroots organization coordinating reconstruction efforts in the wake of Washington’s largest-ever wildfire, is organizing a series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of last summer’s wildfires.

“We’ve come a long way since those dark days,” says Carlene Anders, executive director of the CCLTRG. “As we approach the one-year anniversary, we want to take this opportunity to thank all the individuals who have contributed in various ways—large and small—to our recovery. They number in the thousands. We also want to update the community on our progress—because it, too, is significant—and not always easily visible.”

July 14 “Stronger than fire” progress report at Twisp River Pub

On Tuesday, July 14, at 5:00 p.m. at the Twisp River Pub, the CCLTRG, and the Methow Valley Long Term Recovery Organization (MVLTRO) will present “Stronger than fire,” a retrospective of the fire’s impacts, followed by an update on recovery efforts—including the progress on rebuilding 40 homes lost by uninsured, or underinsured, residents; and the MVLTRO’s efforts to better prepare the community for future emergencies: MethowReady. The event is free and the Pub will be open serving no-host food and drinks.

Community barbecue and volunteer recognition in Pateros

On Friday, July 17, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., the CCLTRG and the Summer School Gang will host a Community Barbecue and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony at the Pateros High School gymnasium. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided and the community is encouraged to bring side dishes and desserts to share. A volunteer recognition ceremony will take place at 6:00.

From 4:00-6:00 p.m., Maurice Goodall, Okanogan County emergency manager, will be on hand to encourage residents to “opt in” to the new Okanogan County Alerts System. “Each member of the household should register,” Goodall says, “so that we can notify you—via text, voice message, or email—whenever there is an emergency alert, such as a fire, flood, or other anticipated emergency.

“Future emergencies will occur; it’s not a matter of if, but when. We each need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and our community.”

Residents can also register at any time by going online to the Okanogan County Department of Emergency Management website (http://okanoganDEM.org/) and click on the Okanogan County Alerts System icon.

‘Wildfire’ recognition at Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival

Also on Friday, July 17, Brittany Jean, the Brewster singer-songwriter whose song “Wildfire” has become the soundtrack to CCLTRG recovery efforts (www.carltoncomplexrecovery.com/video/), will open the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival with a performance of her song at 7:00 p.m. in the Beer Garden. Brittany Jean is donating all proceeds from sales of her song to Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery efforts (www.carltoncomplexrecovery.com/wildfire/). The Blues Ranch is located one mile west of Winthrop on Hwy. 20. Admission to the opening night performances is $10, or included with a weekend Festival pass.

Apple Pie Jamboree

On Saturday, July 18, fire-response volunteers are invited to march in the Apple Pie Jamboree Parade, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds from the Fire Hall along Lakeshore Drive in Pateros. Many of the groups who responded immediately during and after the fire will return to honor our region’s resilience over the last 12 months. Any group or individual who volunteered post-disaster is welcome to join the parade. To register, visit www.paterosapj.com/paradeform.html.

“We invite the community to join us in any—or all—of these commemorative events,” Anders said. “It’s good to reflect on the ways we’ve come together as a region to support recovery efforts and to renew our commitment to full and complete recovery.”

From July 1 through July 18, the CCLTRG is also conducting an online giving campaign, “Stronger Than Fire.” To learn more or to donate, please visit CarltonComplexRecovery.com. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.