May 19th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Village Green
Enjoy incredible, affordable food over Memorial Day weekend
An injured Bald Eagle receives treatment at Wolf Hollow
When a wild animal is in need, there is one place they can turn: Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
One of its primary sources of funding is the annual Bite of Orcas, a culinary event held in the Village Green. Money raised from the eating extravaganza helps Wolf Hollow continue to come to the rescue of birds, mammals and reptiles.
Now in its 18th year, the Bite offers a delicious menu of foods like seafood chowder, cupcakes, ice cream, sushi rolls, steak fajitas, steamed clams, chicken chipotle salad and Chicago-style hot dogs.
The wide sampling of flavorful and eclectic cuisine comes at a price that is hard to beat. Tickets are sold in $1 units and can be used at any of the participating restaurants underneath the big white tent on the Village Green.
A variety of local food purveyors are contributing delicacies (and donating 33 percent of their profits) to the Bite of Orcas.
Proceeds from the event go to Wolf Hollow, a nonprofit organization that not only rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, but also provides public education and conducts non-invasive research. It is located on San Juan Island, but has served all of San Juan and Skagit County for the past 30 years. The 40-acre property hosts 40 animal enclosures, including an eagle flight enclosure, seal pools, a deer enclosure and a songbird aviary.
May 19th, 2013 |
May 19th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
Challenges brought by groups from opposite ends of land-use spectrum
From the San Juan County Prosecutor’s Office
For three weeks the attorneys at the prosecutor’s office have been writing, revising and honing the response to the challengers of the county’s critical areas ordinances adopted in December 2012.
The county’s response, at almost 100 pages with about 1000 citations covering about 100 issues, is the most complete statement of the controversy over the critical areas ordinances. “Our objective,” said Prosecuting Attorney Randall K. Gaylord, “is to show the Growth Board that we followed the law, considered the science, and applied the policies adopted by the county council.”
The critical areas ordinances concern wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, frequently flood areas and steep slopes. The ordinances have exacting standards to protect these resources and assure that the species of concern are not lost due to development. The ordinance also reflects the county council’s choices to balance the regulatory system with a recognition that preexisting structures and uses should be allowed to continue.
The challengers have presented issues from opposite ends of the land use spectrum. Friends of the San Juans contend the critical area ordinances make too many exceptions and ask that the Growth Board use other scientific reports. Common Sense Alliance, P.J. Taggares, John Evans/San Juan Builders and William Wright also ask that the Growth Board follow the reports of other scientists and want a study of each property before it is designated a critical area. A request by Citizens Alliance for Property Rights (CAPR) to join the case was denied by the Growth Board.
Gaylord said the challengers offer what each of them considers a better approach. “But that’s not the legal standard,” said Gaylord. The county’s response shows how the county council used and considered the “best available science” and explained why the county council departed from the recommendations of the scientists.
“The county council was not required to use specific reports. It could use a range of reports considered best available science or provide a rational explanation when it departed from that range,” added Gaylord. Regarding designation of specific properties as critical areas, Gaylord added that the law permits the approach which evaluates the harm to the critical area at the time a development is proposed.
At a prehearing conference the Growth Board created seven categories of issues regarding four ordinances that address the critical areas – places like wetlands, frequently flooded areas, steep hillsides and habitat for fish and wildlife.
“The most important issues are the procedures used to designate critical areas, and the performance standards used to protect critical areas,” said Gaylord. Other topics to be considered by the Growth Board include consideration of property rights and public participation. Read more…
May 19th, 2013 |
May 18th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
From the Orcas Island Community Foundation
Orcas: this is the week to make history!
The Orcas Island Community Foundation and Partners in Philanthropy have committed over $106,000 to fund some amazing proposals in this year’s Community Grants program. Thanks to their support, seniors will continue to get home support through Hearts and Hands, there will be CPR training and a defibrillator available at Moran State Park, the Farm to Cafeteria program will continue to thrive, and so much more.
$106,000 is exactly the record amount distributed through the Community Grants program in 2012. We still have one more week to go before this cycle closes on May 24th.
Let’s set a new record! There are still many great opportunities on the list- enrichment programs for the Senior Center, weekend food for kids in need, funding a counselor for the school, and more. See all the opportunities at www.oicf.us. If there is one that you want to support, make a donation of any amount and make our community stronger! We can do it!
The Awards Celebration will be on Friday, May 31st, at 2 pm at the Orcas Center. Come celebrate the wonderful programs and donors who keep our community vital and vibrant.
May 18th, 2013 |
May 18th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
To the Editor,
I would like to commend the Orcas Island Fire Department/EMS, Emergency Management, Airlift Northwest, Camp Orkila, the volunteers from Deer Harbor and all the others whose combined effort made the recent fire drill in Spring Point an outstanding success. Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien coordinated the activities of an impressively professional crew. Bob Connor had prepared a field for use as an alternate Landing Zone for helicopter evacuation. Sheila Gaquin organized Red Cross facilities at the Deer Harbor Inn, the designated Emergency Center. Altogether a fine example of professionalism, resourcefulness and community effort.
One problem that was readily apparent was with communication.The Fire Department was able to work around crowded radio frequencies. However, cell phone coverage in Spring Point and other areas on Orcas is all but non-existent. Reception is better through the local Canadian network than with our domestic ones in these dead zones. During the recent wild fires in California we saw numerous examples on the news of vital information being exchanged through Twitter or Facebook. And in our dead spots we cannot even make a 911 call.
OPALCO has reached out to the island community to support an improved Broadband through an expanded optical cable network. In my view this would be an outstanding development. However, contrary to rumor, it does not affect coverage for cell phones. The proposed antennas at the end of its lines would only provide Wi-Fi to expand the cable network’s coverage. I am told that these same antennas could also be used to enhance cell phone coverage but one or more of the carriers (ATT, Verizon, etc.) would have to be convinced of the economic incentive.
I believe it is incumbent on OPALCO, our County Council and all our cell phone users to explore and encourage multiple uses of these antennas before the opportunity is lost. Poor reception is not just an inconvenience. As demonstrated in the fire drill it is an avoidable condition that potentially affects the security of much of our islands.
David Schermerhorn
May 18th, 2013 |
May 18th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
May 22, 23, and 24, 2013
From Stan Matthews
County Interim Information Technologist and Communications Manager
A special three day filing period will be held in accordance with RCW 29A.24.171 only for the offices listed below. The special three day filing period is being held because no candidate filings were received during the regular filing period.
Candidate filings can be made in person or by mail Monday May 22, 8 a.m. until Friday May 24 at 4:30 p.m. Online candidate filings will be accepted Monday May 22 at 9 a.m. until Friday May 24 at 4 p.m. If there is still a void in candidacy after the special three-day filing period, the office will not appear on the November 5, 2013 General Election ballot.
More information about filing for the offices listed below may be obtained by contacting the Elections Office at 55 Second St, PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, by calling (360) 378-3357, or by e-mailing the elections office at: elections@co.san-juan.wa.us. Information can also be found at the San Juan County Elections Office web-site at www.sanjuanco.com/elections.
THE ONLY OFFICES FOR WHICH FILINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ARE:
- San Juan County Fire Protection District 5 (Shaw Fire) Position 3
- Orcas Island Park & Rec Commission 2
- Orcas Island Park & Rec Commissioner 4
- Orcas island Park & Rec Commissioner 5
- San Juan Island Cemetery District (Stuart) Commissioner 1
- Cape San Juan Water Commissioner 1
- Cattle Point Water Commissioner 1
- Cattle Point Water Commissioner 3
- Eastsound Sewer and Water Commissioner 5
- Fisherman Bay Commissioner 3
Candidate filings for the above positions only, can be made in person, by mail or online. If there is still a void in candidacy after the special three-day filing period, the office will not appear on the November 5, 2013 General Election ballot and the current incumbent will remain in office.
May 18th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
David Lutz
Kaivalya Natana–Sanskrit for “silence dancing.” Imagine every action in our lives flowing from a place of silent potential into beautiful, smooth manifestation.
“It’s not only possible, it’s pretty simple!” claims Orcas resident Dave Lutz. “Kaivalya is the process of creation itself, and we can tap into this heart-opening flow through a very simple and easily-learned ancient method. It’s possible to learn kaivalya in a single day, and dramatically transform your life.”
Lutz maintains this practice will bring deeper fulfillment, awareness , and reduction in stress to every level of life.
“From relationships to health, you will see a difference,” he adds.
He’s offering a one day workshop where part of the focus will be on the movement form of kaivalya. “It is what tai chi and qigong were based on, but much simpler, more powerful, and easier to learn,” he says.
He’ll also dive deeply into the concept of how it works on a universal scale, and then tie this into our individual lives. It will be held at the Ocean Song temple at 102 Cliffhouse Ct. next to Rosario on Saturday May 25th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $45.00. RSVP to 376-3472, or kaivallha@sambodha.org
May 17th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
The Funhouse Commons Teen Advisory Board meets tonight, Friday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
All are welcome to attend and become a part of the Teen Advisory Board. Pizza will be served and the group will plan fun events for Teen Nights.
And, your participation looks great on your resume!
Call 376-7177 for any questions.
May 17th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
I can hardly wait to be in Kaleidoscope’s Pet Parade on May 25!
Saturday, May 25 Registration at 10 a.m. in front of the Elementary School
The 23nd Annual Pet Parade will be taking over the streets of Eastsound on Saturday, May 25.
Kaleidoscope Preschool and Child Care Center is at it again, preparing for the island’s furry friends parade. The starting location is School Road in Eastsound at 10 a.m. for judging. As usual, the parade will start at 11 a.m.
Participants will mosey down School Road to North Beach Rd, take a left on A Street, right on Prune Alley, right on Main Street, then back on North Beach Road to the Eastsound Village Green Band Shell. Rumor has it that Children’s House Mayoral Candidates will be campaigning so come schmooze with your friendly, furry politicians.
And new this year, parade participants will be divided into 2 categories:
1. Children and pets that WANT to be categorized and judged for trophy award to be presented on Eastsound Village Green
2. Participants want to be eligible for Pawki’s Best ADULT Entry Gift Certificate and are there primarily for the parade experience.
All participants will register, get photographed by Pawki’s and get goodies of their choice from Pawki’s. Entries will NOT be allowed to enter either judging line after 10:45, so make sure you are not on “island time.” This new system will reduce the time it takes for the judging and awards, and increase the enjoyment of the parade experience for ALL.
BIG thanks to the island businesses that are sponsoring 17 exciting categories for this year’s pet parade. The local business support is always encouraging, with many sponsors saying “YES” before they are even asked!
Also available at the end location will be kid friendly food (donated by The Lower Tavern) and customized Kaleidoscope T-shirts.
Any questions, call Kaleidoscope at 376-2484.
May 17th, 2013 |
May 17th, 2013, by Margie Doyle
June 10 deadline for public comment on wide-ranging rules to implement the voter-approved legalization of pot
Medical marijuana grower Brendan Howley working with marijuana plants grown under current state medical marijuana prescriptions in Skagit County. New rules are being proposed for sales under a state law legalizing marijuana. Crosscut photo by Tom James.
By John Stang for Crosscut.com
One way that smoking legal pot will just be like smoking cigarettes: Your pack of weed could include the printed label, “Warning: Smoking may be hazardous to your health.”
The Washington State Liquor Control Board unveiled Thursday the draft ground rules for growing, processing and selling recreational marijuana. The public has until June 10 to comment on the proposed regulations.
The 46-page set of draft rules includes how to apply for a license to grow, process or sell pot. How to object to such a facility locating an area. How to get a license revoked or suspended. Where such an operation can be located. What paperwork will be needed for a long list of marijuana-related activities. How the weed will be taxed. The potency of the pot. How the finances are to be set up and monitored.
On taxes, each sale from a grower to a processor to a retailer to a customer -— including those involving middlemen in that chain —- will result in a 25 percent tax to the state.
(To read the full story, go to crosscut.com/2013/05/17/marijuana-rules-take-minute-inhale-then-offer-your-coments)
May 17th, 2013 |
May 16th, 2013, by Lin
A Review by Cara Russell
Talented orphans from Oliver!
Nineteenth-century England was a time of political and social unrest, and the last place you would want to be born—especially if you were an orphan.
Charles Dickens’ Oliver!, directed by Deborah Sparks, opens with about fifteen orphans slowly marching into a workhouse, an empty bowl and spoon under each arm, singing “Food Glorious Food.” The workhouse is run by the pompous Mr. Bumble (Joe Babcock) and the materialistic matron Widow Corney (Lesley Liddle), who believe that it is only right to keep the orphans on a strict diet of gruel.
A small boy emerges from the group, approaches Mr. Bumble, and utters the famous line, “Please sir, I want some more.” Mason Scoggin who plays plays Oliver is both sweet and incredible. Outraged by the request, Mr. Bumble and Widow Corney sell him to the undertaker Mr. Sowerberry, a smaller role made large by excellent acting (Freddy Hinkle).
Living with the undertaker and his family turns out to be another disaster when the mean-spirited Nora Claypole, well-played by Claire Orser, relentlessly bullies Oliver, driving him to stand up for the mother he never met.
Oliver runs away to London. He immediately meets the clever and charismatic Artful Dodger (Matthew Laslo). And Laslo makes a cool Dodger, just the kind of kid who could do more than get by living on the streets. The two boys take to each other like old friends and Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin (Robert Hall), a conniving conman who takes homeless children and turns them into pickpockets. Hall’s Fagin is intriguing and lovable, and keeps your attention with every song, gesture, and raise of his eyebrow. And Fagin’s boys are crafty, endearing, and a joy to watch.
The young prostitute Nancy (Cali Bagby), is the true hero of the story. She tries to see the good in her corrupt life, including her bullying lover. She feels an instinct to protect young Oliver, but to what end? Bagby has a beautiful singing talent, and she brings moments of joy, sorrow, and depth to her character when she sings “As Long as He Needs Me.”
Nice guy in real life, Conrad Wrobel is completely transformed when he enters the stage as the murderous Bill Sykes. He remains scary and cruel until the curtain call, where he gracefully absorbs the boos and hisses from the crowd, and sings for the first time with the entire cast.
Every member of the ensemble brings old London to life, with their many roles and good ole gang mentality. Throughout the night we hear beautiful solos by Holly King, Mimi Anderson, and Stormy Hildreth, just to name a few.
There is a shout-out to the silent film era, the lighting is fantastic and eerie, the costumes are beautiful, and the wigs extravagant, taking the audience into the twisted larger-than-life world of Oliver!
Songs include “It’s a Fine Life,” I’d Do Anything,” and “Consider Yourself.” Oliver! will leave you humming, singing, and whistling these fun tunes even after you leave the theater.
Top hats and large wigs off to Deborah Sparks, who has directed a wonderful production.
Oliver! continues at Orcas Center Friday – Saturday, May 10 – 11 and Friday –Saturday, May 16 – 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Oliver! are $18 for adults, $11 students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm.
For more information about Orcas Center 2013 season events, please visit orcascenter.org.
May 16th, 2013 |
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David Schermerhorn’s work with emergency preparedness along with all the other things he does as a volunteer is a magnificent example of volunteer community involvement. We thank you, David, for your concern and energy in promoting a better life for us all.
I wonder if satellite phones would be the least expensive (certainly more expedient) alternative …