Connecting through the arts

This letter is to express my praise for all the ways we make connections in our community. Through music concerts at Centrum, as well as art exhibitions and movies, we come together and enjoy the hard work and talent of many kinds of artists. We thrive when we grow and face hardships. Our own visions of a brighter future become more possible when we see how each of us adds our own voice to the choir of life.

During this past week I had a tree fall upon my roof but I found a way to overcome that obstacle, taking one step at a time and learning how to find the professionals who could help me during a stressful time.

Living here for over 30 years has given me a trust that things will work out if I just take my time and search for solutions.

The winter weather is a reality but also the chances to see the colorful paintings at out galleries helps bring a balance to the inner landscape we have. Through sports and theater we can rise above pessimism and keep hope in our hearts and souls.

For me, attending concerts, listening to our orchestra, and going to the theater and our library provides an opportunity to re-connect to our human values of respect and understanding for many kinds of voices.

Nan Toby Tyrrell

Port Townsend

All County Citizens Alliance

Wow, was I ever ignorant! About a year ago, which was about a decade after “Make Waves” plans crashed into the sea, I heard of the resurrected plans now called “Healthier Together.” Yet another attempt at a 35,000-square-foot YMCA located in the heart of the city of PT. Wasn’t this PT’s ‘Rite Aid, Wrong Town’ and ‘Keep Walmart Out’ municipality? I did not want to get involved, but I did. Then others did. We are now called ACCA (All County Citizens Alliance).  

What got me involved was attending a Healthier Together meeting, which had approximately 11 attendees (later purported to be “well attended”). What I saw and heard from the OPSIS architectural consultants was jaw-dropping. Do they think the voters of Jefferson County are a bunch of idiots? The way they presented the material was so manipulative that I could not help but continue looking for more answers. Initially, it was because I didn’t want my business of the past 20 years, Evergreen Fitness, to be financially devastated by a public entity such as the YMCA. I continued because as I dug in and became more educated with facts I was disturbed by the proposal and what it would mean for the county. 

In the past year, so much information has been revealed by the handful of members from the ACCA; information that had been withheld from our County Commissioners and our City Council. Not to mention that there were many holes and misrepresentations in the feasibility studies created by the OPSIS and Ballard King consultants.  

Records show that over $700,000 of our tax dollars have already been spent investigating the possibility of this aquatic center. Nothing concrete, just feasibility. More Jefferson County tax dollars will need to be spent on the necessities of sewer systems repairs, the water supply, and of course our roads. Please be informed. Stop wasting our money. 

Michelle West

Port Townsend