May 17th, 2012
“There is no future in neighbors fighting neighbors.”
It’s with a sad and resigned feeling that I quote these words from my mentor, Pat Pomeroy, who with her husband Wes, raised four daughters, was Broker-Owner of Coldwell Banker Orcas Island, and a major contributor to United Way of San Juan Islands.
I say this on the eve of the joint County Council/Planning Commission meeting for a public hearing on the Fish and Wildlife portion of the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), which will take place in Friday Harbor on Friday, May 18 at 8:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. The hearing will be videoconferenced at the Orcas Library (where the public can comment) and it can also be viewed at http://sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx
This hearing will deal with the “buffer” issue protecting wetlands, the bone of contention for many who are dead set against the CAO update. It’s important to keep in mind two factors:
1) Regulations proposed only apply to new construction
2) The county is taking a “customized” approach to buffers, where individual cases can be considered.
There has been much discussion of the use of “best available science,” and what exactly that means. Deep in our hearts we know that fish and wildlife need conservation from humankind’s two great failings: pollution and over-development.
We also know that part of our local, islands’ character is independence and personal expression – I’ll bet you can count on one hand the communities that have a cow for a Mayor or raised over $18 million to save a mountain, or that lost official transport when a ferry captain showed his house to his girlfriend.
Now, regarding the CAO update, we see that expression in cynical bumper stickers and heated public comment; while unpleasant, they remind us that while some people feel the powers that be are not listening, others have chosen to “drop out” with a bitter view of government and their neighbors.
Still others say we should just forget the whole thing. But most of us just want to finish the project of updating the CAO and move on to more important business in living the good life of natural beauty and personal freedom. The other over-arching characteristic of our island communities is our respect, care and compassion for our neighbors.
As we grow, so grows government, because government is us – the toad worker (I meant ROAD worker!), the records keeper, the tax collector, the land use planner, the teacher, the fire and rescue workers, the water and other utilities’ workers, and all the rest of us who pay income, retail, and business taxes.
And government changes lives from what we’re used to. Now kids not only must be seat-belted in cars, but they must have special seats – “In my day” babies sat on mom’s or siblings’ laps and kids scrambled like kittens all around the vehicle. But today, there are fewer deaths and injuries, thanks to seat belts.
It doesn’t help local policy- and rule-makers’ case when the implementation of their decisions is biased or ill-informed. That gets to the question of leadership and motivation.
Enforcement is dictated by complaints in our county: them’s the rules. Permitting can be slow and random. There will always be exceptions and mistakes.
And no good deed goes unpunished. No great idea is not dogged by nay-sayers. It takes great personal strength to remain true to one’s vision when criticisms become personal, heated and defensive. It also takes great personal strength to persist reasonably when power to enforce becomes the controlling rationale, and a reasonable exception is called for.
And in governance, there is a bottom line, not based on money, but on principle and vision. A leader, a “decider,” will make some unpopular decisions for the good of all in consideration of the vision.
The CAO update process has taken vast amounts of county government time, effort and money. In the end, enforcement will depend on the ability of neighbors to work with neighbors before taking their complaints to an official level, even more than on protection of nature or the right of personal expression.
And for that, we are inordinately fortunate. As the CAO update process drags on, we are forgetting the way to work together, and instead becoming entrenched in our “sides.”
It is time to move on, make some decisions about this long-delayed process, and turn to other issues in our quest for “the good life.”
In this county, we are so incredibly fortunate to have vast personal freedoms and profound natural resources. We all want to protect and enjoy that. While some enjoy a good debate, others just want to putter, plan and protect as a private citizen. Both are good motivations, but when the debate delays decision, it is time to move on.
Moving on may mean the next step will be to employ the lawyers and judges to fight the CAO update in the courts, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could just come to case-by-case consensus?
We are the government, and we can only achieve that vision if we also remember that we are still neighbors, and not just faces in the crowd.
Margie Doyle
May 17th, 2012 |
May 17th, 2012
Sunday, May 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Liberty Garden ( across the street from the Eastsound Saturday Market)
From Learner Limbach, FoodMasters
Come spend an inspiring and informative day of hands-on learning about home mushroom cultivation.
This year you will get to create a bulk substrate of Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) & Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycila.
Each participant will walk away with their own substrate to grow at home (your choice of either Shitake or Oyster) and all the knowledge to do so!
As this class is likely to fill up, I am asking that people pre-register. Please contact me if you would like to register for the class.
If time permits, we will have a short demonstration of how to use Myco remediation to deal with potential contaminants on your land.
Cost is $35. Limited scholarships and/or trade opportunities are available by inquiry at foodmasters.orcas@gmail.com
May 17th, 2012 |
May 16th, 2012
Joan Roulac will teach an eight-week T’ai Chi Chih series beginning June 4 at the Orcas Senior Center. This series introduces a late-afternoon class.
T’ai Chi is an ancient flowing Chinese practice that cultivates, stimulates, and balances our vital life force energy so effectively that Harvard Health Letter refers to T’ai Chi movement as “medication in motion.”
A free T’ai Chi Chih introductory class will be offered Monday June 4th at 11 a.m. in the Lundeen Room.
“Students have many different reasons for exploring my classes,” says Roulac, who has been teaching T’ai Chi Chih for 25 years. “Every one wants the same four things: Better Balance, Strength, Flexibility & Peace of Mind.
“Students love receiving many essential benefits from this simple daily practice including more abundant:
- flow
- peace
- vitality
- balance
- strength
- flexibility
- tranquility
- happiness”
The 8-Week Summer Series runs:
Mondays June 4 ~ July 23
11:00am ~ Level 1 ~ Fee $90
1:30pm ~ Level 2 ~ Fee $90
5:30pm ~ Level 1&2 ~ Fee $126
To contact Roulac, call 376.6336 + chiworks4me@gmail.com
May 16th, 2012 |
May 16th, 2012
Orcas Angels' mission: to help everyday in ordinary ways
The Orcas Angels, island 501(c)3 nonprofit will host a Benefit Yard Sale this Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Country Corner.
Orcas Angels is “a community driven, local networking, nonprofit public charity that is dedicated to the well being and success of residents and business owners of Orcas Island. We work with companies, both profit and nonprofit, to ensure that we have the resources to help out the people who sustain this island when they unexpectedly hit a time of need.
The organization maintains a 24 hour contact line at 800-420-4542. Its website is www.orcasangels.org.
Angels’ Director Liz Longworth says, “Come and find some great treasures and make a donation for a good cause!”
May 16th, 2012 |
May 16th, 2012
The Wanderers perform at Washington's Grand Coulee Dam, constructed during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
From Bill Buchan
The popular singers, The Wanderers and Tom Rawson, return once again to the islands this weekend — to Orcas on Saturday, May 19 and to Lopez on Sunday, May 20.
The Wanderers are the duo of Carl Allen and Bill Murlin. They feature folk songs from the 1950s to today. They focus on good harmonies backed with well-blended guitars and banjo.
In addition to those great old songs, they specialize in the Columbia River songs by Woody Guthrie written in Portland, Ore., in May 1941. Their programs include Woody’s quotes, known and unknown songs and stories about how the songs were written.
Folksinger Tom Rawson is the Northwest’s very own version of Pete Seeger. Armed with longneck banjo and other weapons of mass delight, Tom is a master of warmth and wit who loves to share his musical treasures with an ‘I know something you don’t know and you’re gonna love it too’ kind of smile.
Tom will be accompanied by Ellen van der Hoeven on penny whistle and vocals. From gospel to contemporary, profound to downright silly, Tom will have you singing, clapping, and laughing along all night.
Join The Wanderers and Tom for some humorous stories, user-friendly songs, and acoustic folk philosophy that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling. Tune up your vocal chords; you’ll need ‘em!
Orcas Island - Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Orcas Island Senior Center, 62 Henry Road, Eastsound at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $12. For information, call 360-376-3613
Lopez Island – Sunday, May 20, 2012 at The Gathering Place at The Hamlet, 229 Village Road, Lopez Village at 2:30 p.m. Admission: Free Will Donation. For more information, call 360-468-3397.
May 16th, 2012 |
May 16th, 2012
Chamber Music Festival Early Birds await their tickets in May 2011
Join the Early Birds on Wednesday, May 23
Wednesday, May 23, is an important date for music lovers. That’s the day tickets go on sale for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, which takes place August 9 through 25.
“Early bird” patrons get up at the crack of dawn to secure the best possible concert seats. They’re greeted outside Orcas Center with coffee, goodies, music and friends. Ticket orders will be taken starting at 8 am. Phone sales will begin at 10 am by calling 376-2281. Online sales will begin at noon May 23, and continue throughout the Festival. Go to www.oicmf.org and click on “Purchase Tickets.”
2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the nationally renowned Festival, and it’s an exciting celebration you won’t want to miss! This year’s Festival features two world premiere works by composer/pianist Jake Heggie, the popular Miró Quartet as Quartet-in-Residence, legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, returning favorites Andrés Cárdenes, Chee-Yun, Ida Levin, Lorne McGhee, Monique Mead, Anne Martindale Williams, plus world famous musicians appearing on Orcas for the first time!
New events are also being planned this summer. There will be a free concert in the Village Green, an Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival concert on Lopez Island, and Hamlet Concerts by the Miró Quartet in Olga, West Sound and Deer Harbor.
Go to www.oicmf.org for complete concert information, including the dates, repertoire and musicians who will be performing. Questions? Call the OICMF Office at 376-6636.
Whether you want to line up early, pick up the phone or go online, don’t miss being part of opening day of ticket sales for the Chamber Music Festival!
May 16th, 2012 |
May 16th, 2012
Wednesday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center
Want to feel good about the youngsters of today? Come to the Senior Center when you’re hungry tonight for dinner!
The Orcas Fur and Feathers 4-H Club will serve their annual dinner tonight, under the direction of Kathy Thompson, for the enjoyment of the public.
The menu calls for a creamy corn soup, local green salad with yummy garnishes, roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh vegetables and a rhubarb dessert.
The cost is $5 for kids and seniors and $10 for adults.
May 16th, 2012 |
May 15th, 2012
Dick Staub, pastor of the Orcas Island Community Church, invites attendees to KindlingsFest 2012, saying, “Refresh yourself: spiritually, intellectually, creatively and relationally.”
KindlingsFest will take place July 25 through 28 at the Community Church. ” It is a celebration of Art and Ideas where they intersect with the spiritual,” says Staub. The four days will include morning lecture, conversations with artists in residence and BagEnd Cafe.
“The Kindlings is a relational, intergenerational movement whose mission is to rekindle the spiritual, intellectual and creative legacy of Christians in culture. The Kindlings welcomes people to participate in our events regardless of their religious affiliation.”
For information and registration: http://www.thekindlings.com/kindlingsfest/
The theme for KindlingsFest 2012 is “Crabbed Age and Youth Cannot Live Together: Creating an Intergenerational Future In a Fragmented Age.” Staub says, “Since the beginning of time older and younger generations have asked if they can live together. (Shakespeare coined the phrase, “Crabbed age and Youth. ” Today we live in a fragmented age that separates us into demographic groups by our age. We see this in culture and in faith communities.
“At The Kindlings we know it was not always so, nor do we believe it should it be. From ancient times the aged and youth have been encouraged to know one another, learn from one another, create with and love one another. 2012 KindlingsFest is aimed at exploring the challenges and benefits of creating a richer intergenerational future through a rich mix of spiritual, intellectual & creative approaches to this theme. ”
Speakers/Panelists:
Malcolm Guite (Chaplain in Cambridge UK), Maureen McQuerry (author of young adult fiction), Dr. Jeff Keuss (Seattle Pacific University), Rev. Jenny Spohr (Host The Kindlings Muse @ Hales), Dr. Jerry Root (C.S. Lewis Scholar),
Artists In Residence:
Jason Carter, (Harp Guitarist), Jeremy Mangan (Visual Artist) James Riordan (Writer), Dieter Zander (Photographer), Nigel Goodwin and more to be announced.
Space is limited ~ Last Year Sold Out & Registrations Are Ahead of Last Year!
Register at http://www.thekindlings.com/kindlingsfest/
May 15th, 2012 |
May 15th, 2012
A lighter moment during practice on Saturday
By Martin Taylor
Orcas Island junior rowing club is very close to the end of another season — just one more practice then they are off to NW Regionals on Vancouver Lake, Vancouver, Wash. on Thursday.
This event is very exciting –three days of intense racing against the best junior rowers in the Northwest, many of them with hopes of medaling and if they come in the top two in varsity events qualifying for Nationals three weeks later in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Despite being the smallest club attending the regatta, Orcas has high hopes of sending one or two crews to Nationals.
So please share the excitement with us. Send us good wishes. Stop us in the street or at the market.
Follow their blog for live updates from the course throughout NW Regionals. They will be very busy. Probably burnt to a crisp from the sun and the adrenaline. But we will keep up the news from the event at the club’s web site.
Wish them luck and share the excitement!
May 15th, 2012 |
May 15th, 2012
Updated May 15 at 9 p.m.
Friday, May 18 at 8:45 a.m. in Friday Harbor-videoconferencing at the Orcas Island Public Library, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From Ingrid Gabriel, San Juan County Council Clerk
The San Juan County Council will conduct an Early Start Special Meeting on Friday, May 18, 2012 in the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor beginning at 8:45 AM. Agenda items include:
- San Juan County Council and Planning Commission joint public hearing on an ordinance amending the Critical Area provisions of the San Juan County Code. The ordinance addresses Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas.
- Approval of San Juan County Council’s May 8, 2012 minutes
- Discussion of county administrator transition.
The agenda and related materials may be obtained 3 days prior at the County website at www.sanjuanco.com/council/default.aspx or at the Council offices during each business day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information please contact the Clerk of the County Council at (360) 370-7470.
Interested parties are encouraged to attend and submit written or oral comments. Written comments submitted prior to 8 a.m. May 17 will be copied for the Planning Commission and Council members.
If written comments are submitted after 8 a.m. May 17, or at the hearing, please provide 20 paper copies. In addition, videoconferencing for the purpose of public comment will be available at the Orcas Island Public Library only, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed at http://sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx.
The proposed ordinance:
- revises the list of maps used to identify FWHCAs;
- modifies definitions of terms;
- adds a section on applicability;
- identifies types of FWHCAs;
- adopts provisions associated with the use of maps; revises the classification system to meet current state requirements; establishes protection standards including standards for aquatic FWHCAs including streams, lakes over 20 acres in size and marine shorelines, as well as upland habitats and specific species;
- revises the process for nominating species of local concern.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Review
An Environmental Checklist for the proposed amendments was reviewed, and it was determined that adoption of the proposed regulations will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and an environmental impact statement is not required under RCW 43.21C.030(2)(c). Under WAC 197-11-340(2) a Determination of Non-Significance was issued on May 1, 2012.
Comments on this determination must be submitted by May 16, 2012. Following a final decision this determination may be appealed with the underlying action to Superior Court or State Boards as provided in RCW 36.70A, RCW 90.58, and RCW 36.70C. For appeals to Superior Court, the appeal period is 21 days and for appeals to the Growth Management Hearings Board, the appeal period is 60 days.
May 15th, 2012 |
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