Elementary School Needs Funding (matching or otherwise) to Fix Utilities

Work was completed this month at the Orcas Island High School for the energy conservation upgrades provided by the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction grant awarded earlier in the year. Now the Orcas School Board must decide how to “match” the awarded grant funds to pay the $150,000 costs.

“This changeover to more efficient [energy] will save us money in [heat] and water costs and have also earned us an energy incentive through OPALCO,” said Orcas Island School District Superintendent Barbara Kline.

Weather-stripping, motion-sensitive lights and water-saving fixtures have been installed. The heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) system has been retooled.

Unlike the high school, more extensive repair and renovation to the utility systems in the elementary school will require more extensive funding.

The district had applied for a grant to the State Department of Commerce for $1.5 million for HVAC and plumbing replacements in the elementary school. But Orcas did not get that grant “largely due to our inability to do a three-to-one match for the grant funds,” said District Superintendent Barbara Kline late last month.

Lieutenant Alden and the Active, circa 1852

By Tom Welch

The United States Exploring Expedition, commanded by Charles Wilkes, was the first government expression of interest in the San Juan Islands. Surveying the islands in 1841, Wilkes and the Expedition (also known as the U.S. Ex Ex) named many of our local features and landmarks. Shaw, Blakely, Decatur, Waldron, and other Islands were named in honor of heroes of the War of 1812 by Wilkes. He also named Mount Constitution for one of the successful U.S. Navy vessels in that war. Lieutenant James Alden was a member of the Expedition, on board the ‘Porpoise’, and was later active in our area in another capacity.

In 1855 James Alden was Captain of the U.S. Survey and Revenue Vessel ‘Active’, engaged in survey work for the Joint U.S.-British Boundary Commission. The ‘Active’ was a wooden-paddle steamer, converted from a schooner-rigged vessel purchased from a commercial west coast firm and refitted at Mare Island.

The Eastsound Planning and Review Committee (EPRC) holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of the month. This Thursday, Sept. 2, it will change locations to meet at the Eastsound Fire Hall from 3 to 5 p.m.

The agenda calls for filling empty positions, updates from County Council Members Gene Knapp and/or Richard Fralick, solid waste, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update, Road Transfer to Public Works, and new issues.

Chair Gulliver Rankin described the EPRC goals to create better communication with the County Council on:

• 2009/2010 priorities;
• Pending ordinances affecting Eastsound

A request to change the Uniform Development Code (UDC) to remove the airport overlay zone from the Gerard Property will be presented by Francine Shaw.

John Campbell and Lisa Byers will address the EPRC on affordable housing with the goal of understanding the context and issues of housing in Eastsound in developing a housing element.

EPRC Member Audrey Moreland will give an update on the “Streetscape” plan for Eastsound; EPRC Member Patty Miller will give an update on the “A” Street to Main Street and Mount Property stormwater treatment project.

Finally the EPRC will review 2010 priorities in light of county budget constraints and refocus on one priority.

Not long ago the Sounder had a cartoon caption entitled, “In The Argument Over Airport Access Rights.”  It was a two panel drawing of “The Losers,” and “The Winners.” The “Losers” were the Port of Orcas and property owners adjacent to the airport. The “Winners” were the “Lawyers.”

A new group now needs to be added to the “Losers.” That will be the “Taxpayers.” It is regrettable that the cartoon was so prescient.

In order for the owners of the property adjacent to the airport to protect their deeded access to the runway it appears the Port of Orcas and the FAA are backing the landowners into a corner which will inevitably lead to expensive lawsuits defending the Ferris Deed. This will not only be costly to the landowners; it will ultimately result in taxpayers paying to defend the Port’s and FAA’s position.

In all likelihood, the landowners will prevail. The 1959 Ferris Deed is a legal document clearly stating that the property owners shall have the right of access and the use of the airstrip for aviational purposes only.

The Big Leaf Maple, planted in 1905, just needs better nutrition, arborists find

It now appears that all that’s wrong with the venerable old maple tree in front of Nellie Milton (Orcas Island) Elementary School is that it’s over-loved and thirsty!

Indicates that years of happy feet treading the ground around the 105-year-old maple have compacted the soil so thoroughly that water can’t seep down to its roots.

Plans call to loosen the soil around the tree and perhaps shelter it from “smother-love” with a fence.

A report from Olaf  Ribeiro, Ph.D. Certified Plan Pathologist and Arborist, conducted August 6 this year, concludes that the Big Leaf Maple’s “twig dieback and [poor] foilage coloration is probably… a result of dry soil conditions and/or nutrient imbalances.”

Decay previously noted on the south stem “appears to have calloused over at the presented time. ” The report finds “no signs of insects, fungus infections, sap flow…stress fracturaures…strucutral problems.. or decay. ”

However, soil examination showed that excessive amounts of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc inhibit the uptake of nutrients copper, iron, zinc, boron, calcium, magnesium. The pH is also high.

Crowd-waving preceded the dancing as the Orcas Rec benefit concert began at the Village Green on Saturday

Updated Aug. 30

The “Cherry Cherry Band” regaled Orcas Islanders with a Neil Diamond-style concert on the Stage at the Village Green on Saturday late afternoon.

While many concert-goers brought their own chairs, most were up and swaying, rocking, dancing or jumping to the music.

The band came from Seattle at no charge, in order that the Orcas Rec program could derive the most benefit from the donations. Linda Sheridan, Orcas Rec Coordinator, was pleased with the turnout and the donations, which totaled around $1,000.

"Acrobatic" father-son dancing at the "Cherry Cherry Band" benefit for Orcas Rec

Along with lead singer Steve Kelly leading Neil Diamond favorites “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “I Am, I Said,” the band played rock-era and funk favorites, “Under the Boardwalk,” and “Play that Funky Music, White Boy.” Couples slow-danced to the Boys Town anthem, “He Ain’t Heavy — He’s My Brother.”

A craft table was set up to make necklaces and other adornments, while kids tripped barefoot through the crowd, tossed balls around, climbed over each other, nibbled on ice cones, pizza and other treats provided by local vendors, (also to benefit Orcas Rec), or occasionally circulated with donation canisters during the show.

Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon will be held on Sunday September 5^th. This is the 12 annual triathlon in memory of Steve Braun, island athlete, “and since the County is closing Orcas Rec Nov 1^st it could be the last,” says Linda Sheridan, Orcas Recreation Program Coordinator.

The pre-race talk starts at 8:30 a.m.  and the race begins around 9 a.m. Participants can do one of the three legs — swimming, biking or running — of the race and/or participate as a team. The race is a .4 mile swim in Cascade Lake, a 17 mile bike out to Doe Bay and back, and a 3.5 mile run around Cascade Lake.

Cost for the race is $45 pre-registration for triathletes; $35 individuals (1 or 2 events or team member); $30 under 18
After September 3^rd, add $10 late fee.

The course is a .4 mile swim in Cascade Lake, a 17-ile bike ride, and a 3.5 mile trail run.Individuals can participate in one, two, or three parts of the triathlon or  can participate as a team.

Entry forms are available at the Orcas Rec.

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager

The County Council will review the results of the public opinion survey on solid waste services and solutions on Monday, August 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Council’s hearing room in Friday Harbor. The survey report is available online through a link on San Juan County Council’s agenda page at: www.sanjuanco.com/council/displayAgenda.

“The objective of this project was to characterize county residents’ attitudes, beliefs, and values about solid waste management through a transparent, inclusive process allowing any interested resident to participate,” said Nina Rook, of Marketing Resources who designed and conducted the survey on behalf of the county.

Four thousand of the 9,000 households in the county were randomly selected to receive a survey questionnaire in the mail. A total of 1052  (26.3%) of this core group responded, and their answers and comments provided a substantial base for statistical analysis.  The results are shown in the report both county-wide and in comparisons between islands.

The report to be presented at Monday’s workshop charts community-desired services, consideration of different organizational structures, attitudes towards paying for services, and support of different budget options.

Program  safely disposes of excess prescription drugs

By Marta Nielson
Orcas Island Prevention Partnership Community Coalition Director

The “Medication Take Back” monthly program continues next Wednesday, September 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ray’s Pharmacy located in “Templin’s Square” at 68 North Beach Road in  Eastsound

The Take Back Program initiative was begun with a partnership between the San Juan Sheriff’s Office and the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.  Ray’s Pharmacy on Orcas, Friday Harbor Drug and the Lopez Pharmacy are all joining in to help with this important program that addresses the need to have a safe way to dispose of excess prescription drugs.  The Lopez Island Prevention Coalition and Orcas Island Prevention Partnership are also helping to get the word out and encourage all Islanders to take part.

Take Back Programs are beginning nationwide to offer a safe place for citizens to dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications.  The problems surrounding the disposal of prescription drugs is two fold.  These chemicals are highly toxic to the environment when flushed or washed down the drain, but, if kept at home beyond their prescribed usage time, they can fall into the wrong hands.

Fourth-graders at the Orcas Elementary School learn from a salmon dissection conducted by the San Juan Nature Institute's "Salmon in the Classroom" program

By Fiona Norris
Science Director, San Juan Nature Institute

Jim and Kathy Youngren have graciously agreed to host a benefit fundraiser for Salmon in the Classroom at Orcas Elementary School, on Sunday September 12 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Supper will be barbecued salmon from the Queen Charlotte Islands, or sausages, served with salad and a dessert. Tickets are $30 per person with a discount for couples ($50) and families ($60 for family of four). Reservations are required to assist us in the planning.

Tickets will be available at Island Market from 10 -12 noon on Saturday August 28. Reservations may also be made by calling 378-3646 or emailing San Juan Nature Institute at science@sjnature.org.

This year, San Juan Nature Institute will offer Salmon in the Classroom to the fourth-grade classroom. The Glenwood Springs Hatchery will supply eggs so that salmon may be raised in the classroom aquarium with equipment on loan from the Department of Fisheries.

Closing the Emmanuel Parish Brown Bag concert series at noon on Wednesday, August 25 will be Martin Lund and guests.

Also featured will be Mackie Blackburn and Robin Gropp, who will play their violins. Mackie, who will be a senior this fall at Orcas High School, received the Virgil Cleveland Memorial Scholarship this year, and attended the Seattle Youth Symphony Marrowstone Music Camp in Bellingham. This scholarship is funded by donations at the Brown Bag Concerts.

Martin Lund is a versatile composer, arranger, and musician who plays many instruments including piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, in many styles, including classical, jazz, blues, rock and country.  He spent over 20 years in Los Angeles playing a variety of music in radio and television.

Martin is regularly featured in productions at the Orcas Center and every year hosts local musicians in his One World Music concerts, benefiting the Fun House.

The Music Committee of Emmanuel Parish thanks all the artists who have generously contributed their musical talents this summer to the Brown Bag series, making this annual scholarship possible.

Last in a series of articles
By Brigid Ehrmantraut

Saturday was the last day of the San Juan County Fair!  Everyone is very tired and pleased with themselves. The main events centered on culmination: the Small Animal Round Robin, 4-H livestock and still-life auctions and the 4-H awards.  The champion chicken race winner was Margot Van Gelder from Orcas!

Small Animal Round Robin was won by:  senior, Mackenzie Brown; intermediate, Brigid Ehrmantraut (yes, me); and junior, Hanna Howard.  The overall high point belt buckle was won by Mackenzie Brown, though all were within a few points of each other.  Past winners Grace Thompson and Kelsey Guyer (both from Orcas) judged this year, as did Lopez poultry expert Tyler Cochran, who is finishing his last year of 4-H.

The livestock auction went well, but without as many bidders as usual or as many entries.  I think that over all however, prices were up from last year. My chicken eggs went for about $150, which seemed about the mean for eggs.

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Progam Manager

The San Juan County Solid Waste Survey received responses from 26% of the recipients of the questionnaires mailed in late July. Survey Consultant Nina Rook of Marketing Resources termed the response rate “Outstanding.” Rook will present the results of the survey to the County Council at a workshop held on Monday August 30; beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Council’s hearing room in Friday Harbor.

The survey report should provide insights into the public’s attitude toward the difficult decisions the County faces in providing public services for garbage, recycling, and reuse over the next six years.  The draft report will be available to the public on the County website by Friday, August 27.

The survey was mailed to a core group of 4000 randomly-selected household addresses within all zip codes in the county.  More than 1000 households – nearly one-eighth of all households in the county – filled out questionnaires.

To provide an opportunity for all other interested parties to have their opinion recorded, an  online survey was also available on the County website.

Report from the San Juan County Fair
By Brigid Ehrmantraut

The fair is rolling along nicely. Other than some chilly breeze, all has been going well. Thursday was another full and rapidly spent day.

The morning was busy with sheep, poultry, dog and horse events. The afternoon progressed with goat, 4-H demonstrations, youth judging and more horse games. Large Animal Round Robin preparation was also held this evening. The Round Robin contest is held after general animal showmanship is completed, when the winners of each animal project in every age division compete with one another by showing EVERY creature considered large animal.

The Large Animal competition will be Friday at 3:00 pm. Small Animal Round Robin is also done this way, but with kids showing smaller critters, and will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am. After a Round Robin finalist is declared for each age group, all the winners of the ages compete together for the belt buckle award — a much sought after accomplishment.

Poultry winners this Thursday include Junior: San Juan’s Laura Brown; Intermediate: Wylie Kau of Orcas; Senior: Katie Gauthier from San Juan.

Planning Commission to review changes this Friday

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager

The San Juan County Council will hear its first formal staff presentation on a set of proposed amendments to the appeal provisions of the Unified Development Code at its August 24, 2010 meeting.

The purpose of these amendments is to improve consistency between the UDC and the County Charter. These amendments were carried over from 2009, and will be a part of the first set of UDC amendments to be considered by the Council in 2010.

Other changes that will be considered in the year’s first set of UDC amendments include proposed changes to SJCC Chapter 18.30 concerning regulations for Land Use Districts; amending SJCC Chapter 18.90 to consider requests related to legislative actions and site-specific redesignations; and amending SJCC Chapter 18.20, to update the definitions associated with the proposed changes.

A copy of the work plan which summarizes all proposed UDC amendments can be viewed at http://www.sanjuanco.com./cdp/default.aspx.

The proposed amendments to Chapter 18.90 will be heard by the Planning Commission on August 20 in the Council Chambers. Hearings for other items have not been scheduled.

Seabastian Paige, incoming Orcas High School freshman, helps put away fresh green beans during Farm to Cafeteria's 5th Season

By Madie Murray

More than 200 lbs of fresh food right out of the ground was processed and frozen for use in the school cafeteria menus this coming school year.

Deliveries from La Campesina, Black Dog and Morningstar Farms of Yukon Gold potatoes, rhubarb, beets, chard, cabbage, kale, onions, garlic, basil, sour cherries, green beans, and zucchini squash were made early Tuesday morning.

By noon Wednesday, F.E.A.S.T. students and community volunteers had finished washing, slicing, dicing, grating, bagging, tagging and freezing everything.  It’s expected we may have another day of processing later in September of other items that were just not quite ready to harvest right now because of the cool summer such as tomatoes, plums and berries.

Thanks to Bruce Orchid who pulled it all together and took command, F.E.A.S.T. students Sophie Prewitt, Sebastian Paige, Bailey Johnson, Ursula Pamatian and Iris Parker-Pavitt, as well as Farm to Cafeteria members Whitney Hartzell, Margie Doyle and Garden Keeper Chelsea Cates.  Couldn’t have done it without you!!

Outdoor Concert to benefit Orcas Rec

Orcas Recreation Program plans an outdoor concert at the Village Green on Saturday August 28^th, featuring the classic hits of Neil Diamond.

The Cherry Cherry Band are from off island, and have volunteered to come do a free concert for Orcas Rec at the Village Green. They will be the only performers that night and are quite professional (they sing at casinos, private events, fundraisers etc and travel all over the US performing). They exclusively perform Neil Diamond songs. The lead singer is Steve Kelly and he encourages people in the audience to dance and sing along to make the show more fun.Their website is www.cherrycherryband.com

As a benefit for  Orcas Rec we will be selling food, non-alcoholic beverages, and Orcas Rec Frisbees. There will be a craft table for kids (by donation) and during the set breaks we will have kids and coaches in their soccer t-shirts walking around with donation jars asking for donations.

I am looking for volunteers to help run concessions, sell Orcas Rec merchandise, and “work the crowd”.

We are still in the planning stages for all of this.

Last in a three-part series

County Auditor Milene Henley, CountyAdministrator Pete Rose, Council Members Richard Fralick and Gene Knapp met with Orcas Islanders on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at a Town Hall meeting at the Eastsound Fire Hall.

During the general question period, Tom Zimmerman,who owns two 5-acre parcels between Olga and Doe Bay, complained in a written statement that permits take “an inordinate amount of time; some would like to stop growth altogether.”

He added that “State intervention for state monies is a poor tradeoff.”

Zimmerman also noted that the County Charter is “up for review; we should take a good hard look at the Council and what it has or hasn’t been doing.”

In response to another question from the audience, Fralick said that the County had granted the Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD)  $80 to $85 thousand for sewer extension lines on OPAL commons property. He’d was asked if the claims filed for the grant were legitimate and replied that he’d checked on the timing of the grant, and learned “there was no limit on the amount of time in executing their [ESWD] plan.”

Following the question-and-answer period, the meeting moved on to the Critical Areas Ordinance Update.

The Orcas Island Historical Museum presents the next special event produced in conjunction with The Smithsonian’s Journey Stories exhibit:

“Ancient Peoples’ San Juan Journeys,” a presentation by Amanda Taylor and Stephanie Jolivette at 7:30 pm, Friday, August 13, 2010.

Amanda Taylor and Stephanie Jolivette are Ph.D. candidates in Archaeology at the University of Washington who conducted fieldwork from 2005 through 2009 as part of the San Juans Archaeological Project.

Their research goals were to better understand the  migration and settlement patterns of Prehistoric Native Americans by exploring, sampling and radiocarbon dating shell midden sites throughout the San Juans. Shell middens, which are ancient dumps where food refuse and broken tools were left by Native Americans, are both sacred ancestral places and a source of data for archaeologists. Taylor and Jolivette will discuss the chronology which they created based on their findings in the context of ancient environmental change.

The talk will be given at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Admission is free.

Part 2 in a series of reports on the August 4, 2010 Town Hall meeting with Orcas Island County Council Members and County Staff, Administrator Pete Rose and Auditor Milene Henley.

After a discussion of the County Budget, the Town Hall meeting then turned to consider the county’s troubled solid waste program, its “solvency and lack thereof,” said Orcas West Council Member Richard Fralick

“The matter continues to be perplexing and difficult,” Fralick said, before going into a recent history of the matter, including the identification of a new site in April 2009, negotiations for a lease/purchase agreement with the Town of Friday Harbor, the subsequent  withdrawal, on April 1, 2010 of the town from the agreement, to the close of the San Juan Island transfer station on June 30 and its conversion into a “drop box facility” as of July 1, 2010.

As a drop box facility, waste is dropped into a container which is then hauled off the site – now to Orcas Island.

“We have to come up with a scenario that works and we don’t know what that is,” Fralick said.