Menopause is normal, and reducing stigma will allow more women to get help

More than one million women go through menopause in the United States every year. Given this statistic, you might think that we’d be able to talk openly about menopause, but this fundamental part of women’s lives is still stigmatized. Much of this comes from our culture’s shame around aging: the belief that once women lose their fertility and youth, they must be dried up and devoid of sexual attraction or vitality. 

As many of you know, the beloved annual event "Girls' Night Out", has been cancelled due to the rising number of Covid cases on the Olympic Peninsula. We at Vespertine fully support the Jefferson County Health Department and PT Main Street Program as they take the necessary steps to keep us safe.

HOWEVER...

We still want to have some fun and raise money to expand the services and access to breast healthcare locally!

So, for the ENTIRE month of October, 10% of our online sales will go to Jefferson Healthcare Foundation, directly benefiting Jefferson Healthcare's Women's Clinic and convenient, local access to services.

A quiet revolution is happening in the middle of downtown Port Townsend. I say quiet because the Vespertine Boutique, which has been open 11 days now, is a peaceful refuge.

The store is filled with art, candles, sofas, soft lingerie, books and toys for people older than 18. Owner Jaime Jaynes, 42, dreamed up this place based on her upbringing here plus her career elsewhere, plus her hopes as a 21st-century woman.

“In botany, a vespertine flower is one that opens or blooms in the evening, ” according to the shop’s website. In the front window of the store at 914 Water St. is Jaynes and the company’s credo.

“We support lifelong sexual health. We recognize intimate relationships and experiences change as our bodies age … our mission is to offer the best products and resources to support more pleasurable and safe experiences for our clientele at any stage of life.”