2008 – for just one little year, it was a doozie!
Maintaining the level of service of San Juans’ route ferries was an ongoing challenge, with the “Steel electrics” pulled from service, and the FAC chastised for failing to announce their meeting. Chair Alex MacLeod was fired by the Council midst reports of higher-ups in WSF and state government displeased by the activism of the San Juans’ ferry advisory group. FAC member Charlie Glasser resigned from the committee in protest, and Council member Alan Lichter likewise resigned as liaison between the FAC and the Council. In May, the local ferry task force was dissolved. The interisland ferry was the scene of meetings with WSF and state officials in October, and another such meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2009.
This highly-charged election year started in the San Juans with voter caucuses on Feb. 9, and the mail-in primary election on Feb. 19. The County Democrats cast most of their votes for Barack Obama, and the Republicans favored John McCain.
In state and county elections, San Juan Islander Kevin Ranker was voted State Senator for the 40th Legislative District, and Richard Fralick took over County Council member Alan Lichter’s post.
County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord faced off against John Linde in the newly-created San Juan County District Court Judge race, but in the end Linde retained the position to which he’d been appointed earlier this year.
We were saddened by the sudden deaths of several of our young people, who seemed to be in good health. Anthony Richardson collapsed in late April, Darlene Pohl died suddenly in September, and Dana Mullan passed away in October. The loss of these good young people in our community gave us all the charge to make each day with purpose and awareness, and appreciate those who travel this journey of life with us.
The Fire Department expected to be challenged by the community, as it stated in a Jan. 18 press release that announced Buddy Wright was to be hired as Battalion (Assistant) Chief at $7,500 per month. Chief Harris justified Wright’s salary, claiming he would have had to pay a computer consultant over $30,000 just to put one year of training in an online format, as Wright had done. Wright was also assigned scheduling duties.
By mid-February, a petition was circulating protesting the salary plus benefits for Battalion Chief. A second petition from past and present volunteers and employees of the Fire Department was also circulated. Wright resigned, and in May, the three fire/medics proposed dividing the assistant chief duties among them. This proposal was adopted by the Fire Commissioners, beginning in 2009.
“Border” checks started in early spring, prompting meetings with federal Border Patrol agent Joe Giuliano on San Juan and Orcas Islands. The checks detained undocumented immigrants, some of whom were transported to Bellingham, Blaine and Tacoma before being allowed to return to the islands while their cases are pending. The County Council sent a letter to our congressional delegation protesting the stops at Anacortes. A weird turn came to the situation in October, when Giuliano was arrested for child rape after admitting having sex with a 14-year old girl.
Entertainment for the year was stellar, beginning with the 3rd annual Orcas Idol competition, won this year by Locket Goodrich. Later in the spring, a huge community cast presented the Walt Disney musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” to sold-out crowds for three weekends.
The Parent-Teacher-Student Association hosted welcoming and fund-raising activities, from the “Moms and Muffins” and “Dads and Donuts” morning treats to Friday night roller-skating.
The Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival brought violinist and music educator Monique Mead as “Artist in residence” at the school in March. The festival, held at summer’s end, packed the Orcas Center for two weeks with concerts, lectures, receptions and dinners during its 11th year.
Literary lights shone brightly here as well: Waldron Island resident Sam Green was named Washington State’s first poet laureate. KindlingsFest, a free, three-day workshop celebrating the writings of C.S. Lewis, was sponsored by the Orcas Island Community Church in July. Barbara Lewis and a team of “writing gurus” initiated the Orcas Island Writers Festival in September
After staring back at the abysmal 2006-2007 School budget, once again the Orcas Island School District (OISD) faced the challenges of a projected $667,000 deficit. Once again, the community-district partnership, spearheaded by the Orcas Island Education Foundation, and with the mighty assistance of the volunteer Budget Advisory Committee, which identified $365,000 that could be removed from the deficit, and community contributions of $200,000, the district was able to balance the books and maintain most programs.
In the process, the OISD presented a strong profile to state legislators and executives, including Governor Chris Gregoire, who promised (and delivered) a meeting with the state Basic Education Task Force and the director of Rural School Districts in the state.
In September, Barbara Kline was named half-time superintendent and half-time High School Principal, with her Middle School Principal duties taken on by Elementary Principal Tom Gobeske.
One year after its Resort Master Plan was approved, Olympus Properties closed Rosario Resort and sold it for $5.45 million to an Anacortes-based real estate development and rehabilitation business. The closure of the resort left some 200 islanders without employment.
Growth continued to stretch – and fray -- our seams as a new stormwater funding proposal was researched and vetted by a Council sub-committee. The Orcas Village Plan was approved. OPAL continued its latest housing project off Mt. Baker Road, while Homes for Islanders sought teams of home builders for property near Rosario.
A legal settlement announced in March set an end-of-year deadline for the county’s comprehensive plan to update the housing and land-use elements, a necessary component for compliance with the Growth Management Act. John Campbell, a founder and board member of Homes for Islanders, contended that the update would force the county to reconsider the amount of affordable housing needed. By years’ end, the Hearing Examiner had extended the deadline into 2009, and public hearings on the matter are scheduled in January.
Coming next: You said it! Quotes on Orcas in 2008.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
More ferry conversation and grassroots solutions
Many Orcasians, with holiday horror stories of airport strandings and freeway logjams, are returning home on our reliable Washington State Ferries.
For all its budget problems, WSF runs safe, clean boats on a reliable schedule. Think how often we hear of Phillipine ferries sinking, and of European ferries running on a maybe-maybe not schedule. This marine highway is cause of great concern to islanders, but we hope it continues to provide a stable, if expensive, means of transportation on and off the islands.
The ferries also remind me of a pub or church, where random members of the community gather to toss around ideas of common interest. Last Sunday, as I returned from a week off-island, having succeeded at relaxing, gathering family members around, and preparing heart and home for celebration -- but having failed at transporting family to and from the airport because of icy driving conditions -- I chatted with three
Our talk turned to the work of investigative journalism exposing the dangers of staph infections in hospitals, motivating the
In December 2007, the New Yorker magazine reported on a simple, but effective, means of combating hospital infections -- a rudimentary checklist:
"In 2001, though, a critical-care specialist at
....
Pronovost and his colleagues monitored what happened for a year afterward. The results were so dramatic that they weren’t sure whether to believe them: the ten-day line-infection rate went from eleven per cent to zero."
For more on this study, go to www.NewYorker.com and type in "Annals of Medicine" +Checklist by Atul Gawande, for Dec. 10, 2007.
By reporting on the work of others, their successes and failures, journalists make public problems, processes and solutions that can benefit the community dramatically. Sometimes the research is complex, as I've found in reporting on the water rights issues in Washington State and on Orcas Island; sometimes simple checklists and naive questions lead the way to the crux of the matter, as in checklists and observation.
So again, as I talked to my island neighbors on the ferry -- a retired teacher, artist and a business consultant -- we discussed the work we all have ahead of us in climbing out of the worldwide economic dilemma.
The teacher proposed that retirement plans and benefits be changed so that no one could draw on their retirement pensions before the age of 62.
The business consultant commented that this solution could only be implemented if the unions agreed, which would never happen, he predicted.
The teacher said that the US Congress should lead the way, voluntarily agreeing to such a limitation, but the consultant forecast that only with municipalities and states going bankrupt would union contracts be broken and all retirement agreements be revisited.
This is what our neighbors are thinking. It seems to me that it is worthwhile, as a known activist community, to contact our congressional representatives and ask for a response to deferring retirement pensions such as the ones they receive, until a reasonable age, such as 62.
Any comments?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
End of year challenge to Bullwings readers!
Hi folks,
In re-reading recent posts, I've been a bit embarrassed at the typos therein. So I thought I'd have a little fun at my expense.
For every typo found and comment sent to the blog, I'll print out the entire blog -- all posts from its inception in November until year's end-- and send the hard copy to you (after I've corrected the typos).
Just do two things:
1) find the typo
2) comment on the typo on the blog site.
If you have any trouble sending your comment through the blog site, please email me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com and I'll give you 10 signed shares of stock in Port Gamble Publishing, payable upon the first initial public offering, in addition to the print out.
Thanks for investing in Orcas Issues!
Margie Doyle
In re-reading recent posts, I've been a bit embarrassed at the typos therein. So I thought I'd have a little fun at my expense.
For every typo found and comment sent to the blog, I'll print out the entire blog -- all posts from its inception in November until year's end-- and send the hard copy to you (after I've corrected the typos).
Just do two things:
1) find the typo
2) comment on the typo on the blog site.
If you have any trouble sending your comment through the blog site, please email me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com and I'll give you 10 signed shares of stock in Port Gamble Publishing, payable upon the first initial public offering, in addition to the print out.
Thanks for investing in Orcas Issues!
Margie Doyle
Susan Osborn concert changes to benefit Jordan Griffin
Orcas Island singer/composer Susan Osborn (pictured right as Dickens' Ghost of Christmas Present in the 2006 production of "A Christmas Carol") sent out the following announcement today regarding the cancellation of her Christmas Concerts, an Orcas Island tradition for 22 years. Those fortunate to subscribe to SnoozeNews, Osborn's email newsletter, will recognize a familiar tone of generosity, courage and beauty in the message:
"Dear Friends,
It has been pointed out to me that not everyone may be aware that the Chapel Concert tickets include a "No Refund/ No Return" clause at the bottom of the ticket. We instituted this policy some years ago, because these concerts are self-produced. We have relied upon the kindness of many different local retailers through the years to sell the tickets. We do not have sponsorship, or ticket insurance in case of cancelation. In 20 years, we have never had to cancel any concert.
However, in the unusual circumstance of having to cancel all of the concerts this year, we are offering a refund. If you would like one, please send the tickets to us, with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the amount you paid for your tickets (this year's tickets were priced on a sliding scale from $10 to $20) to: Susan Osborn/ PO Box 35 / Orcas WA 98280. We will be happy to send you a check.
We will donate any other profits beyond expenses to the fund for Jordon Griffin, who was paralyzed in a snowboarding accident here on Orcas shortly before Christmas. Our prayers and support go out to this family as they deal with this unexpected challenge, and enormous life-changing event.
We are offering these two options in lieu of trying to reschedule the Christmas concerts. However, we extend an invitation to join us for a New Years Day musical meditation in the chapel at 5PM. This will be an opportunity to gather in the beauty of the chapel at the beginning of a new year. There is no charge for this event. All are welcome.
One thing is for sure, this has been a year of change. There are the changes we vote for, and the changes that are determined by forces beyond our control, like the weather. The bitter and sweet letting go day to day, of our expectations, of the longing for comfort, of some sense of ritual and tradition, of regularity. I am always in new territory. I can surrender to what is, making the best of what I am given and create something new with it, or resist it. I find myself doing both.
Once, many years ago, when David and I were at Findhorn in Scotland, we met Sir George Trevelyan. A philosopher and visionary, he was then in his mid- 70's. We were standing at the tea table together when we asked him "What do you think is the most important work to do from now on?" And he replied "My work is about helping us to make our changes more gracefully. This is the ultimate hope!" This Christmas season has brought Sir George's words home again to us courtesy of the snow and cold.
Sending Love at Year's End, Susan O"
You can get on the SnoozeNews mailing list by emailing SusanOsborn@susanosborn.com.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Love principles, a gift from my mother
As we honor this season of peace, light and love, I treasure the simple list of principles for love that guided my mom's life.
My mother was an Anglican minister's daughter. As a child, she went to church three times on Sundays. But she was no ideologue. As the oldest sister in her large family, she practiced a deeper compassion than I'll ever learn, she faced new adventures with an open spirit, and she absolutely loved to have a silly, crazy good time. She sought peace and beauty while challenged by poverty, disappointment and insecurity.
As an adult, she found these Love Principles, and typed them out, mistakes and all, on a manual typewriter and scotch-taped them to a picutre frame -- a humble presentation, but smack dab in the middle of the kitchen shelf where she could refer to them daily.
Her kids were always the first to point out how flawed Mom was, but we couldn't get better advice than this:
Love Principles
We've been gifted with this beautiful snow and slowness and quiet, to envision and practice whatever our dreams are.
My mother was an Anglican minister's daughter. As a child, she went to church three times on Sundays. But she was no ideologue. As the oldest sister in her large family, she practiced a deeper compassion than I'll ever learn, she faced new adventures with an open spirit, and she absolutely loved to have a silly, crazy good time. She sought peace and beauty while challenged by poverty, disappointment and insecurity.
As an adult, she found these Love Principles, and typed them out, mistakes and all, on a manual typewriter and scotch-taped them to a picutre frame -- a humble presentation, but smack dab in the middle of the kitchen shelf where she could refer to them daily.
Her kids were always the first to point out how flawed Mom was, but we couldn't get better advice than this:
Love Principles
- Receive all people as beautiful, exactly as they are.
- Provide people with opportunities to give. instead of trying t o change someone else
- Perceive problems as opportunities
- Be the change you want to see happen, instead of tryiing to change comeone else.
- Have no specific expectations, but rather abundant expectancy
- Create your own reality consciously, rather than livjng as if you had no control over your life.
We've been gifted with this beautiful snow and slowness and quiet, to envision and practice whatever our dreams are.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house...
Rhys and Grace Thompson wait up for Santa Claus as part of "The Magical Season." Dinner theater-goers saw an re-enactment of Clement Moore's composition of the Christmas classic, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," last Friday night at the Outlook Inn's Victorian Room.Daily news, journals, blogs and lists
What’s a blog?
Many people have asked me this, and my simplest answer is “It’s a log (journal) you read and write on the Internet.”
If you have Internet access (and you do if you’re reading this) you can blog. Not to be self-deprecating, but think of it as “blah blah blah….”
As a lifelong journalist (both personal and professional) I find blogging, or “journalling” an excellent way of staying connected to my own thoughts, and through blogs, the experience and attitudes of others.
I hope that as this blog, Orcas Issues, continues, people will contribute comments so that we can have conversations about the things on Orcas that matter to us – the schools, our Seniors, business and the economy, ferries and border “checks” at Anacortes, affordable housing, growth and government, our beautiful and endangered environment, Camp Orkila and Rosario, Turtleback Mt. and Moran State Park, profiles of the work of our neighbors and entertainment and expression through the arts.
Lists and the magic of writing
There’s something magical about writing things down and in these days of year-end recaps (and hazards of driving in the snow), I think it’s fun to make lists – of books read, movies seen, trips taken, parties enjoyed, goals accomplished, lifetime ambitions, performances attended, proud moments, walks taken, miracles experienced and the like. The magic of writing lists down is it focuses our attention, and gives us a "big picture" view of our everyday life that forms our characters and our destinies.
In the next 10 days, I plan to consider the top stories that we talked about on Orcas Island last year, and the personal connections that make those stories so real to us.
Your comments have the ability to enhance this blog, as they expand the conversation and often provide more thoughtful insight into the topic being written about. It makes the blog content more community-driven.
I've just experimented with making a comment and it seems to only accept "anonymous" as a profile -- I'd really appreciate you identifying yourself in the content of your message until I figure out how to get it to accept other profiles, which it asks for after you write your comment. Thanks for working with me on this!
Feel free to continue the discussion on any topic that is an Orcas Issue. Send your own lists in and let’s play “Letterman” with our Top Ten lists! I'll start with a list of "Top Time-wasters"
My Top Time-wasters
vegging out in front of CNN news (especially for the second same hour)
driving into Eastsound instead of walking
rushing
gossip
surfing the internet
Many people have asked me this, and my simplest answer is “It’s a log (journal) you read and write on the Internet.”
If you have Internet access (and you do if you’re reading this) you can blog. Not to be self-deprecating, but think of it as “blah blah blah….”
As a lifelong journalist (both personal and professional) I find blogging, or “journalling” an excellent way of staying connected to my own thoughts, and through blogs, the experience and attitudes of others.
I hope that as this blog, Orcas Issues, continues, people will contribute comments so that we can have conversations about the things on Orcas that matter to us – the schools, our Seniors, business and the economy, ferries and border “checks” at Anacortes, affordable housing, growth and government, our beautiful and endangered environment, Camp Orkila and Rosario, Turtleback Mt. and Moran State Park, profiles of the work of our neighbors and entertainment and expression through the arts.
Lists and the magic of writing
There’s something magical about writing things down and in these days of year-end recaps (and hazards of driving in the snow), I think it’s fun to make lists – of books read, movies seen, trips taken, parties enjoyed, goals accomplished, lifetime ambitions, performances attended, proud moments, walks taken, miracles experienced and the like. The magic of writing lists down is it focuses our attention, and gives us a "big picture" view of our everyday life that forms our characters and our destinies.
In the next 10 days, I plan to consider the top stories that we talked about on Orcas Island last year, and the personal connections that make those stories so real to us.
Your comments have the ability to enhance this blog, as they expand the conversation and often provide more thoughtful insight into the topic being written about. It makes the blog content more community-driven.
I've just experimented with making a comment and it seems to only accept "anonymous" as a profile -- I'd really appreciate you identifying yourself in the content of your message until I figure out how to get it to accept other profiles, which it asks for after you write your comment. Thanks for working with me on this!
Feel free to continue the discussion on any topic that is an Orcas Issue. Send your own lists in and let’s play “Letterman” with our Top Ten lists! I'll start with a list of "Top Time-wasters"
My Top Time-wasters
vegging out in front of CNN news (especially for the second same hour)
driving into Eastsound instead of walking
rushing
gossip
surfing the internet
Monday, December 22, 2008
Keep posted on ferry information
The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) reminds travelers to allow extra time for ferry travel throughout the holiday season.
In addition, route disruptions due to the extreme weather conditions may affect sailings, as happened before Christmas Day.
Holiday schedules
Some routes will operate on special holiday schedules on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All routes are expected to see heavy traffic over the holidays. WSF will operate ferry service in the San Juans on Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1) on the regular weekday schedule. Holiday schedule details are available from the WSF Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Winter sailing schedule
The winter sailing schedule starts Sunday, Jan. 4 The Anacortes/San Juan Island routes experience the most change during the winter schedule. The normal four boats will run in the San Juan Islands during the week, Monday through Friday, while only three boats will run on weekends. The winter schedule includes two different sailing schedules for this route, a weekday and a weekend schedule.
For more ferry system information and sailing schedules, please visit the WSF Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.
In addition, route disruptions due to the extreme weather conditions may affect sailings, as happened before Christmas Day.
Holiday schedules
Some routes will operate on special holiday schedules on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. All routes are expected to see heavy traffic over the holidays. WSF will operate ferry service in the San Juans on Christmas Day (Thursday, Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Thursday, Jan. 1) on the regular weekday schedule. Holiday schedule details are available from the WSF Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Winter sailing schedule
The winter sailing schedule starts Sunday, Jan. 4 The Anacortes/San Juan Island routes experience the most change during the winter schedule. The normal four boats will run in the San Juan Islands during the week, Monday through Friday, while only three boats will run on weekends. The winter schedule includes two different sailing schedules for this route, a weekday and a weekend schedule.
For more ferry system information and sailing schedules, please visit the WSF Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.
Islands' ferry service - weigh in on new plans, including local control (and costs) for ferries
WSDOT Ferries Division seeks comments on its draft long-range plan
On Dec. 19, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division (WSF) released its draft long-range plan for services and investments through 2030 for Washington’s marine transportation system.
“The draft plan comes at a historic point in marine transportation,” said David Moseley, Ferries Division Assistant Secretary. “Demand for ferry service is projected to increase as population in ferry-served communities grows, but the system is constrained by tight financial resources, limited vehicle carrying capacities during peak periods, and aging vessels and terminals.” The draft plan puts forward two options for consideration:
Plan A. This option assumes that the State will continue in its current role as owner, operator, and principal funder of ferry services in the Puget Sound region. Current level of service remains with operational strategies implemented over time and several new vessels coming online. This plan contains a significant budget shortfall that will require new revenues.
Plan B. This option recognizes that the State may not be able to provide new revenues to meet the evolving needs of all ferry customers and communities, and looks at marine transportation very differently. It proposes an alternative where the State takes responsibility for the core marine highway system and a locally-funded entity or entities would take responsibility for a new marine transit system. This option also assumes operational strategies would be implemented over time. It also contains a budget shortfall, but it is significantly smaller than Plan A.
In January 2009, WSF will hold public hearings on the draft long-range plan. The hearings are an opportunity for the public to learn more about the two options for consideration and to provide feedback. Public comments received will help inform the final plan, which will be provided to the State Legislature on Jan. 31.
The format for the hearings is a 30-minute presentation followed by a 90-minute public comment period. “Public feedback is critical to the development of the long-range plan,” said David Moseley. “This is the community’s opportunity to comment on the draft plan which will guide services and investments for our state marine transportation system over the next 22 years.”
The public hearing schedule in the San Juan Islands isas follows:
Thursday, Jan. 15, 11:35 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – San Juan Islands Aboard San Juan Inter-Island Ferry.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Anacortes Fidalgo Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.
Those concerned can obtain a copy of the draft plan by:
Attending a public hearing
Going online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358
Visiting a local library
Requesting a CD by calling 206-515-3411
To comment on the draft long-range plan:
Attend a public hearing
E-mail wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov
Write to Washington State Ferries, Attn. Joy Goldenberg, 2901 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
Background: WSF has spent the past year working to address the long-term financial sustainability of the ferry system. This work stems from 2007 legislation (ESHB 2358). The legislation identified specific topics for study and required new levels of cooperation and collaboration between the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Transportation Commission and WSDOT.
For more information on the ferry financing legislated studies, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.
For more ferry system information, please visit the WSF Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.
On Dec. 19, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division (WSF) released its draft long-range plan for services and investments through 2030 for Washington’s marine transportation system.
“The draft plan comes at a historic point in marine transportation,” said David Moseley, Ferries Division Assistant Secretary. “Demand for ferry service is projected to increase as population in ferry-served communities grows, but the system is constrained by tight financial resources, limited vehicle carrying capacities during peak periods, and aging vessels and terminals.” The draft plan puts forward two options for consideration:
Plan A. This option assumes that the State will continue in its current role as owner, operator, and principal funder of ferry services in the Puget Sound region. Current level of service remains with operational strategies implemented over time and several new vessels coming online. This plan contains a significant budget shortfall that will require new revenues.
Plan B. This option recognizes that the State may not be able to provide new revenues to meet the evolving needs of all ferry customers and communities, and looks at marine transportation very differently. It proposes an alternative where the State takes responsibility for the core marine highway system and a locally-funded entity or entities would take responsibility for a new marine transit system. This option also assumes operational strategies would be implemented over time. It also contains a budget shortfall, but it is significantly smaller than Plan A.
In January 2009, WSF will hold public hearings on the draft long-range plan. The hearings are an opportunity for the public to learn more about the two options for consideration and to provide feedback. Public comments received will help inform the final plan, which will be provided to the State Legislature on Jan. 31.
The format for the hearings is a 30-minute presentation followed by a 90-minute public comment period. “Public feedback is critical to the development of the long-range plan,” said David Moseley. “This is the community’s opportunity to comment on the draft plan which will guide services and investments for our state marine transportation system over the next 22 years.”
The public hearing schedule in the San Juan Islands isas follows:
Thursday, Jan. 15, 11:35 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – San Juan Islands Aboard San Juan Inter-Island Ferry.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Anacortes Fidalgo Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.
Those concerned can obtain a copy of the draft plan by:
Attending a public hearing
Going online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358
Visiting a local library
Requesting a CD by calling 206-515-3411
To comment on the draft long-range plan:
Attend a public hearing
E-mail wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov
Write to Washington State Ferries, Attn. Joy Goldenberg, 2901 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
Background: WSF has spent the past year working to address the long-term financial sustainability of the ferry system. This work stems from 2007 legislation (ESHB 2358). The legislation identified specific topics for study and required new levels of cooperation and collaboration between the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Transportation Commission and WSDOT.
For more information on the ferry financing legislated studies, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.
For more ferry system information, please visit the WSF Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Eastsound apartment for rent - move in right away!
Eastsound apartment for rent
2 bedroom, 2 bath upstairs condo is unexpectedly vacant as of now.
Responsible tenant sought - family, couple, roommates.. etc.
It is freshly painted and deeply cleaned.
The apartment is quiet,
has quiet neighbors too,
has laundry facilities on the premises
and is located within very easy walking distance of every part of Eastsound.
$875/mo and 1 year lease
No dogs and no smoking.. I'll certainly consider a kitty... and, let's talk 376 2986 or work 2281 ext. 4
2 bedroom, 2 bath upstairs condo is unexpectedly vacant as of now.
Responsible tenant sought - family, couple, roommates.. etc.
It is freshly painted and deeply cleaned.
The apartment is quiet,
has quiet neighbors too,
has laundry facilities on the premises
and is located within very easy walking distance of every part of Eastsound.
$875/mo and 1 year lease
No dogs and no smoking.. I'll certainly consider a kitty... and, let's talk 376 2986 or work 2281 ext. 4
Staub: A Cold Christmas Threatens Joy
Pastor Dick Staub of the Orcas Island Community Church wrote on his website's blog (www.dickstaub.com "staublog")yesterday:
It is 12º outside ~ a bleak midwinter morning if ever there was one.It is Christmas week and Sunday the fourth candle of advent will be lit at Orcas Island Community Church.I will speak on "Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room," picking up on the theme of "Joy to the world, the Lord is come."
Last Monday Mark felt severe pains in his chest and was airlifted off the island for a life-saving surgery removing a cholesterol blockage from an artery. Scary, but the amazing news is on Monday he plans on being back at work baking his scrumptious goodies at his popular coffee shop/bakery.
Wednesday afternoon Jordan went snowboarding and while doing a flip landed wrong on his neck leaving him numb from the neck down. It was a windy, blustery evening and the medical airlift helicopter couldn’t fly in the high winds. A Coast Guard helicopter tried and after one failed attempt at touching down, managed heroically to pick up Jordan and airlift him to Harborview hospital in Seattle.
Emergency medical flights carry only the patient, so Jordan's mother Rachel and other family members had to wait for the next ferry and make their way on icy, snowy roads to Seattle ~ they arrived in Seattle four hours after Jordan did.
Tests and surgery the next morning revealed that a vertebra in Jordan's neck was shattered and his spinal cord severed. His chances of walking again are slim.
But never underestimate the power of prayer.
To see Staub's complete sermon, go to www.dickstaub.com
It is 12º outside ~ a bleak midwinter morning if ever there was one.It is Christmas week and Sunday the fourth candle of advent will be lit at Orcas Island Community Church.I will speak on "Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room," picking up on the theme of "Joy to the world, the Lord is come."
Last Monday Mark felt severe pains in his chest and was airlifted off the island for a life-saving surgery removing a cholesterol blockage from an artery. Scary, but the amazing news is on Monday he plans on being back at work baking his scrumptious goodies at his popular coffee shop/bakery.
Wednesday afternoon Jordan went snowboarding and while doing a flip landed wrong on his neck leaving him numb from the neck down. It was a windy, blustery evening and the medical airlift helicopter couldn’t fly in the high winds. A Coast Guard helicopter tried and after one failed attempt at touching down, managed heroically to pick up Jordan and airlift him to Harborview hospital in Seattle.
Emergency medical flights carry only the patient, so Jordan's mother Rachel and other family members had to wait for the next ferry and make their way on icy, snowy roads to Seattle ~ they arrived in Seattle four hours after Jordan did.
Tests and surgery the next morning revealed that a vertebra in Jordan's neck was shattered and his spinal cord severed. His chances of walking again are slim.
But never underestimate the power of prayer.
To see Staub's complete sermon, go to www.dickstaub.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Be whole! Be hale! Be hearty!
Last night's dinner theater celebration of "The Magical Season" was packed with snow-bound islanders ready to enjoy the warmth and humor of the holiday season. And they got a wassail bowlful, thanks to the Victorian Room Readers' Theater, under the direction of Patty Monaco, and the production genius of Leslie Ginnis.
The room was packed, and unfortunately, folks had to be turned away. The audience was primed to boo the pompous professor who didn't want the world to know he'd written the jingle, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," to applaud Rhys and Gracie Thompson as they spiritedly recited that poem and to guffaw along with the auction-bound husband who saw "the bowling ball of fate rolling right down his alley."
In that spirit, as we race out of the house for the ferry and pack Christmas presents and clean up the mess from the garbage the dog got into (thank heavens I put the pork chops back in the fridge), here's the old Walt Kelly "Pogo" version of "Deck the Hall"
Deck us all with Boston Charlie
Walla Walla Wash. andKalamazoo!
Nora's freezin' on the trolley,
swaller dollar cauliflower alleyga roo!
Don't we know archaic barrrel
Lullaby Lilla Boy, Louisville Lou
Trolley Molly don't love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola
Hullabaloo!
The room was packed, and unfortunately, folks had to be turned away. The audience was primed to boo the pompous professor who didn't want the world to know he'd written the jingle, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," to applaud Rhys and Gracie Thompson as they spiritedly recited that poem and to guffaw along with the auction-bound husband who saw "the bowling ball of fate rolling right down his alley."
In that spirit, as we race out of the house for the ferry and pack Christmas presents and clean up the mess from the garbage the dog got into (thank heavens I put the pork chops back in the fridge), here's the old Walt Kelly "Pogo" version of "Deck the Hall"
Deck us all with Boston Charlie
Walla Walla Wash. andKalamazoo!
Nora's freezin' on the trolley,
swaller dollar cauliflower alleyga roo!
Don't we know archaic barrrel
Lullaby Lilla Boy, Louisville Lou
Trolley Molly don't love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola
Hullabaloo!
School board holds regular meeting Dec. 18
The Orcas Island School District board had a rollicking good time on Thursday, Dec. 18 as the threat of snow, ice and winds combined to keep all but the heartiest school supporters away.
Board member Charlie Glasser communicated by phone conference, with his remarks kept to a pithy minimum.
As the upcoming school bond work session had been postponed, the OISD board quickly dispensed with the consent agenda and reports. OISD Business Manager Ben Thomas was not able to attend, and so there was no business report.
The Farm to Cafeteria program will be further discussed at the Board's January meeting. OISD Board President Janet Brownell noted that the San Juan Island School District's new cafeteria program has increased the number of school lunches from 200 to about 600 daily. The district also prepares box lunches to sell to the community. The San Juan program is funded with a three-year grant.
Superintendent/High School Principal Barbara Kline commented on a conference, to take place Jan. 7-9. on using technology to improve student learning.
The board was in agreement that the elementary school music program, scheduled for that night, should take place once school begins again in January. Board member Tony Ghazel said that the students had worked hard to perform for the community, who enjoyed the children's concerts whenever they were performed.
The board will need to reschedule the two missed snow days this past week, and hope that there aren't further snow days this winter.
Board member Scott Lancaster spoke on a security matter brought up by the San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming at an earlier meeting: the need to re-key outdoor locks in the school building. The board discussed whether to pay for that expense out of the $33,000 left over from the current bond funds.
Lancaster said he would get an opinion as to whether that money can be used to replace about 20 exterior locks. In the discussion, it was brought out that OISD has a very good bond rating.
the board was in favor of replacing the keyed locks with a number pad.
The Board scheduled their retreat workshop to discuss the OISSD's Strategic Plan for Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, as is the regular OISD Board meeting on Jan 22, beginning at 3 p.m. for the re-scheduled bond workshop, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Marta Branch, OASIS high school teacher, mentioned that some of her students will be attending a Washington Alternative Learning conference in Olympia in February, which wil include a tour of the state Capitol and legislative sessions. Branch suggested that the OASIS students travel with the OISD board members, as they will be in Olympia at the same time.
Both the OASIS and Waldron School Improvement Plans, which Kline noted were more like annual reports, were approved by the board.
Board member Charlie Glasser communicated by phone conference, with his remarks kept to a pithy minimum.
As the upcoming school bond work session had been postponed, the OISD board quickly dispensed with the consent agenda and reports. OISD Business Manager Ben Thomas was not able to attend, and so there was no business report.
The Farm to Cafeteria program will be further discussed at the Board's January meeting. OISD Board President Janet Brownell noted that the San Juan Island School District's new cafeteria program has increased the number of school lunches from 200 to about 600 daily. The district also prepares box lunches to sell to the community. The San Juan program is funded with a three-year grant.
Superintendent/High School Principal Barbara Kline commented on a conference, to take place Jan. 7-9. on using technology to improve student learning.
The board was in agreement that the elementary school music program, scheduled for that night, should take place once school begins again in January. Board member Tony Ghazel said that the students had worked hard to perform for the community, who enjoyed the children's concerts whenever they were performed.
The board will need to reschedule the two missed snow days this past week, and hope that there aren't further snow days this winter.
Board member Scott Lancaster spoke on a security matter brought up by the San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming at an earlier meeting: the need to re-key outdoor locks in the school building. The board discussed whether to pay for that expense out of the $33,000 left over from the current bond funds.
Lancaster said he would get an opinion as to whether that money can be used to replace about 20 exterior locks. In the discussion, it was brought out that OISD has a very good bond rating.
the board was in favor of replacing the keyed locks with a number pad.
The Board scheduled their retreat workshop to discuss the OISSD's Strategic Plan for Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. This meeting is open to the public, as is the regular OISD Board meeting on Jan 22, beginning at 3 p.m. for the re-scheduled bond workshop, followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Marta Branch, OASIS high school teacher, mentioned that some of her students will be attending a Washington Alternative Learning conference in Olympia in February, which wil include a tour of the state Capitol and legislative sessions. Branch suggested that the OASIS students travel with the OISD board members, as they will be in Olympia at the same time.
Both the OASIS and Waldron School Improvement Plans, which Kline noted were more like annual reports, were approved by the board.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Outlook Inn's Christmas dinner and show Friday night only
The Outlook Inn in Eastound is doing its best to help islanders "keep cheerful" during this winter, with Chef Sean Paul preparing special dinners for the Victorian Room Readers Theatre Dinner performances.
Last month, Noel Coward's Fallen Angels delighted a sold-out audience ($30 for dinner and show, $8 for show alone) with Coward's rapid-fire wit at the expense of upper-crust British society.
This month, director Patty Monaco again brings together a cast of local stars -- Lesley Liddle, Tony Lee, Ron Herman and Louise Carnachan, augmented by student actors Rhys and Grace Thompson, in a trio of Christmas-themed performances.
The first will be Tony Lee's recitation of the Dylan Thomas classic, "A Child's Christmas in Wales." The second piece will be a rendering of the composition of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Clement Moore's famous poem that famously begins, "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house..."
The third performance will be vignettes from the writing of Robert Fulghum, author of "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
Dinner seating begins at 6 p.m., with the theatre performance starting at 7:30 p.m.
Dinner orders must be made at the same time as reservations. reservation. Beverages will be available for purchase. Seating for dinner is 6 to 6:30 p.m. Call 376-2200 to make reservations.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Governor's proposed budget: many cuts, no new taxes
The following is a statement issued by Governor Chris Gregoire's communications office on Dec. 18, 2008:
Gov. Chris Gregoire today proposed her 2009–11 state budget, closing a projected $5.7 billion shortfall through a combination of program reductions, suspension of state employee, teacher and care worker salary increases, pension changes, increased federal contributions and the use of the state’s rainy day fund.
“The deepening national recession is already the longest in a quarter century and has resulted in dramatic budget gaps in states across the nation,” Gregoire said. “Our state is not immune and our revenue — largely reliant on a sales tax — is down significantly, resulting in the largest budget gap in state history.”
The governor’s proposed budget will close the projected shortfall without raising taxes.
“Now is not the time to be raising taxes on our residents and businesses,” Gregoire said. “Our families are tightening their belts, and that’s what government needs to do. The state must squeeze every ounce of value from each taxpayer dollar while maintaining our priorities of protecting families and children the best we can.”
Each part of the state budget will be reduced in the proposed budget. Education and public safety took the smallest cuts, followed by health care, human services and natural resources.
“As we face this crisis, the most important thing we must do is protect our children,” the governor said. “Even as we make cuts in other areas, we must make sure our children are safe in their homes, have high-quality health care, and are provided with an education that will equip them with the skills and opportunity they need to succeed in the economy we are building for tomorrow.”
“Hardworking teachers, state employees and care workers provide immeasurably valuable services to the people of our state,” Gregoire said. “They are well deserving of adjustments to maintain the value of their salaries. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to put their raises on hold. Forgoing the raises allowed us to protect early learning, keep smaller classes in our K-12 schools and protect teachers’ jobs, as well as avoid even deeper cuts to services for our most vulnerable and health care for children and families.”
Gregoire’s proposed budget leaves a $507 million ending balance, which includes $100 million in the rainy day fund.
As the economic downturn took hold in Washington late last year, the governor took steps to save money, including a freeze on hiring, equipment purchases, out-of-state travel and personal service contracts; across-the-board reductions in state agencies and higher education institutions; and other program savings.
Gov. Chris Gregoire today proposed her 2009–11 state budget, closing a projected $5.7 billion shortfall through a combination of program reductions, suspension of state employee, teacher and care worker salary increases, pension changes, increased federal contributions and the use of the state’s rainy day fund.
“The deepening national recession is already the longest in a quarter century and has resulted in dramatic budget gaps in states across the nation,” Gregoire said. “Our state is not immune and our revenue — largely reliant on a sales tax — is down significantly, resulting in the largest budget gap in state history.”
The governor’s proposed budget will close the projected shortfall without raising taxes.
“Now is not the time to be raising taxes on our residents and businesses,” Gregoire said. “Our families are tightening their belts, and that’s what government needs to do. The state must squeeze every ounce of value from each taxpayer dollar while maintaining our priorities of protecting families and children the best we can.”
Each part of the state budget will be reduced in the proposed budget. Education and public safety took the smallest cuts, followed by health care, human services and natural resources.
“As we face this crisis, the most important thing we must do is protect our children,” the governor said. “Even as we make cuts in other areas, we must make sure our children are safe in their homes, have high-quality health care, and are provided with an education that will equip them with the skills and opportunity they need to succeed in the economy we are building for tomorrow.”
“Hardworking teachers, state employees and care workers provide immeasurably valuable services to the people of our state,” Gregoire said. “They are well deserving of adjustments to maintain the value of their salaries. Unfortunately, we had no choice but to put their raises on hold. Forgoing the raises allowed us to protect early learning, keep smaller classes in our K-12 schools and protect teachers’ jobs, as well as avoid even deeper cuts to services for our most vulnerable and health care for children and families.”
Gregoire’s proposed budget leaves a $507 million ending balance, which includes $100 million in the rainy day fund.
As the economic downturn took hold in Washington late last year, the governor took steps to save money, including a freeze on hiring, equipment purchases, out-of-state travel and personal service contracts; across-the-board reductions in state agencies and higher education institutions; and other program savings.
Sheriff reports on snow-related accidents and transport
Late yesterday afternoon, County Sheriff Bill Cumming responded to a snowboarding accident at the Orcas Island Golf Course. A 16-year-old boy fell while snowboarding at suffered a cervical spine injury. He was transported to Harborview Hospital in Seattle by the Coast Guard, and the severity of his injury is not known at this time, Cumming said.
When the Guardian, the Sheriff's rescue boat, was called to the Orcas Landing to transport the boy from the ambulance, the wind had picked up. There was an attempt to contact the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island for a Medivac flight, but the weather had shut down the station.
The Sheriff then contacted the Coast Guard in Port Angeles, which first attempted to land in the ferry parking lot. When that landing didn't work, the Coast Guard went to the airport at Eastsound to transport the boy to the Seattle hospital.
The Guardian had been called out repeatedly yesterday, responding to respond to two cardiac arrests on Orcas Island, a broken hip on San Juan Island, and another broken hip on Lopez Island. At one time, there were two patients being transported on the Guardian at the same time.
During this cold snap, Sheriff Cumming said, "The roads continue to be hazardous. People are exercising caution, but are advised to stay warm, and to keep a supply of water and food ready in case we lose power.
"And check on your neighbors; this is the time for us to realize what a community we live in," said Cumming.
Currently, the cold weather is expected to continue at least until Dec. 24.
Weather information and advice on safety during the freezing temperatures is available at the county website, www.sanjuanco.com.
When the Guardian, the Sheriff's rescue boat, was called to the Orcas Landing to transport the boy from the ambulance, the wind had picked up. There was an attempt to contact the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island for a Medivac flight, but the weather had shut down the station.
The Sheriff then contacted the Coast Guard in Port Angeles, which first attempted to land in the ferry parking lot. When that landing didn't work, the Coast Guard went to the airport at Eastsound to transport the boy to the Seattle hospital.
The Guardian had been called out repeatedly yesterday, responding to respond to two cardiac arrests on Orcas Island, a broken hip on San Juan Island, and another broken hip on Lopez Island. At one time, there were two patients being transported on the Guardian at the same time.
During this cold snap, Sheriff Cumming said, "The roads continue to be hazardous. People are exercising caution, but are advised to stay warm, and to keep a supply of water and food ready in case we lose power.
"And check on your neighbors; this is the time for us to realize what a community we live in," said Cumming.
Currently, the cold weather is expected to continue at least until Dec. 24.
Weather information and advice on safety during the freezing temperatures is available at the county website, www.sanjuanco.com.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
4th and 5th grade hoops for girls to start in Jan. - register now
PTSA President Barb Skotte just sent out the word that Orcas Rec has added a 4th and 5th grade girls' basketball program to its schedule. The program will start January 6th and run every Tues and Thurs from 5:30 m-7 pm until March 12th (except the week of 2/16). The coaches are Carol Rost and Tim Hance, and the program will culminate in a basketball tournament in March!
Practices will be at the Orcas Christian School Gym. Cost is $50 for the entire program. No experience is necessary, but sign up soon--space is limited. Call Orcas Rec at 376-5339 for more information. Also--Thank you to sponsors Orcas Rec, Ray's Pharmacy, Studio 29, The Office Cupboard, West Beach Resort, The Sunflower Cafe, Gudgell Properties, Windermere Orcas Island, and All Islands Home Inspections for making this program possible!
Practices will be at the Orcas Christian School Gym. Cost is $50 for the entire program. No experience is necessary, but sign up soon--space is limited. Call Orcas Rec at 376-5339 for more information. Also--Thank you to sponsors Orcas Rec, Ray's Pharmacy, Studio 29, The Office Cupboard, West Beach Resort, The Sunflower Cafe, Gudgell Properties, Windermere Orcas Island, and All Islands Home Inspections for making this program possible!
Navigating in the snow
In my haste to rush home before the snow began to fall again yesterday, I locked my keys in the car. Luckily, AAA came in time for me to make the 8:25 p.m. sailing, and I was home safe by 10 -- with my daughter's 130-pound French mastiff, Cooper to babysit for a week while she goes skiing in Alaska.
Cooper's looks scare me, but he is a gentle giant. I've tried explaining that to our 15-year-old cat, Six. Six doesn't understand why he is the only one who abides by the rules: specifically, no dogs in the house. Cooper is scared of Six, the hissing demon and he misses his mom. We will probably venture out to the dog park this afternoon, while Six returns to his study of the Peloppennesian War.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Help the Dolan Family - Update
Roseann Dolan has been in Swedish Hospital since Dec. 4. Her husband Chris, now working at Orcas Market, says that she's recuperating from a collapsed lung, with a chest tube draining fluid.
RoseAnn has had two surgeries this fall, and Chris has had to take time off work to be with her. Daughter Adia is at Orcas Elementary School, and son Zach graduated from Orcas High School in 2007.
A fund has been set up at Islanders Bank to assist the Dolan family at Islanders Bank, 475 Fern Street, 376-2265. PO Box 699, Eastsound WA 98245. Please contribute.
Also, a website has been set up so that friends can be updated on Roseann's progress and wish her well. Go to www.caringbridge.org, and in the "visitor" window, type in
roseanndolan1
(no spaces or capitals)
Please sign the guestbook, so that Roseann and the Dolans can hear from you.
RoseAnn has had two surgeries this fall, and Chris has had to take time off work to be with her. Daughter Adia is at Orcas Elementary School, and son Zach graduated from Orcas High School in 2007.
A fund has been set up at Islanders Bank to assist the Dolan family at Islanders Bank, 475 Fern Street, 376-2265. PO Box 699, Eastsound WA 98245. Please contribute.
Also, a website has been set up so that friends can be updated on Roseann's progress and wish her well. Go to www.caringbridge.org, and in the "visitor" window, type in
roseanndolan1
(no spaces or capitals)
Please sign the guestbook, so that Roseann and the Dolans can hear from you.
Planning Commission Wednesday meeting rescheduled; will consider Housing in Comprehensive Plan
(The Planning Commission's Dec. 17 meeting agenda will be addressed on Jan. 16 meeting. )
The Planning Commission was scheduled to meet Wednesday, Dec. 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at San Juan County Fire District #3, 1011 Mullis Street, in Friday Harbor. Administrative Items to be included are:
Update from Chair, Bob Gamble;
Update from Ron Henrickson;
Update from Housing Bank Subcommittee;
Update from Marine Resources Committee;
Approval of Minutes – November 21, 2008.
A Public hearing and deliberations to consider the proposed update of the
San Juan County Comprehensive Plan Housing Element and Appendix 5 will take place at the meeting, as well as a continued public hearing for deliberations only on proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) and Appendix 2 of the
Comprehensive Plan to allow for Essential Public Facilities (EPFs).
Essential Public Facilities
At the Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) meeting in October, where the EPFs were reviewed, EPRC member Gulliver Rankin commented that stormwater facilities were not included in the proposal and questioned why stormwater detention treatment was not considered an essential public facility.
EPRC member Audrey Moreland brought out that certain roadways and bridges should be considered as essential public facilities, considering that, in an emergency such as an earthquake, the destruction or inaccessibility of bridges such as the Moran Park bridge and the Channel Road bridge would make parts of the island unreachable.
County Public Works Director Jon Shannon said at the EPRC meeting that the policy objective of the ordinance is to outline the broad context, but it does not address the shoreline where many EPFs are located and it provides siting standards for only one type of facility.
For further information on EPFs contact Shireene Hale at 370-7569 or shireeneh@san-juan.wa.us.
Affordable Housing
Senior County Planner Colin Maycock has been updating the housing element in the Comprehensive Plan this fall. The housing element is based on the Housing Needs Assessment originally completed in 1999, based on 1990 census data. At the October EPRC meeting, Maycock noted that the housing element is not a big section of the Comprehensive Plan.
A roundtable of affordable housing advocates met with Maycock on Oct. 15, at the Lopez Community Land Trust (LCLT) offices on Lopez Island,to review the goals and policies of the housing component of the county Comprehensive Plan.(see summary of the meeting below.)
A Dec. 31 deadline has been extended into 2009, in order that the county can hold public hearings such as the one scheduled for Dec. 17, in order to update the housing component, following the legal settlement of a challenge by John Campbell, Orcas Island architect and board member of Homes for Islanders.
Campbell contested an earlier approval of the first phase of expansion of the Friday Harbor urban growth area as a means of forcing the county to produce the updates. Counties like San Juan that plan under the state Growth Management Act (GMA) must periodically update portions of their comprehensive plans.
Maycock is tasked with revising the county’s Housing Needs Assessment to assist in the review of the Housing element of the comp plan.
Affordable Housing Review at Lopez Community Land Trust Common Ground offices
The Executive Summary of the Housing Needs Assessment’s most recent draft states, “The primary elements of the housing needs equation are: population projections, building land and affordability.”
Projections of 2005 still hold, Maycock said at the Oct. 15 meeting: the population of the county is estimated to reach about 24,000 by 2030, and will require approximately 11,287 dwelling units. 2005 housing figures show that there were about 10,650 dwelling units; so for the next 22 years, “the County would need to provide sites for a further 378 units or approximately 17 units per year.”
Building land availability “appears… to meet the potential long-term demand for housing. Such a statement must be qualified with a consideration of the provision of housing affordable to members of the community earning something in the vicinity of the area median income, or, as is commonly the case for those working in the county, something considerably lower,” the assessment summary read.
The Affordability of Housing section of the summary states, “As recently as 2000, a person or family earning close to the area median income could afford to buy a house in the County. Since then … it has become almost utterly impossible for wage and salary earners in the county to afford to purchase a home here.”
In 2000, the median county income was $53,900, and the median home price was $250,000. in 2004, those figures were $60,100 and $337,000. In 2007, the median income was $61,600, while the median home price was $563,300.
Karin Agosta of the county Planning commission, Bill Agosta of the Housing Bank Commission, Sandy Bishop, Executive Director of the Lopez Community Land Trust, Nancy DeVaux of the county Home Trust, Carrie Lacher of the Friday Harbor Town Council, Angie Lausch, county Affordable Housing Coordinator, Patty Miller of the Eastsound Planning Review Committee and Barbara Thomas of the county Planning Commission were in attendance at the Oct. 10 meeting at LCLT.
The group analyzed section 5.2 of the Comp Plan, “the housing element,” point by point to clarify the policies for achieving the stated goal: “To make adequate provision for a variety of housing choices in terms of type, cost, size, design, and suitability for various households including families, the elderly, the disabled, and housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income ranges while recognizing the unique physical, social, and economic environment of the islands.”
Karin Agosta mentioned that because implementation of the comprehensive plan comes through the county’s development codes, it’s important that the goals, policies and philosophies are clearly enunciated in the Comp Plan. “This [document] sets the principles to be enforced by the Uniform Development Code (UDC),” said Agosta.
Revisions agreed upon in the LCLT discussion were to be incorporated by Maycock as he re-drafts the document.
Also on the agenda for Dec. 17 is a noon break, time approximate for lunch, with reconvening at 1 p.m., time approximate depending on lunch break, continuation of any hearing or workshop, if necessary, and adjournment to take place when agenda items have been completed or continued.
The Planning Commission was scheduled to meet Wednesday, Dec. 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at San Juan County Fire District #3, 1011 Mullis Street, in Friday Harbor. Administrative Items to be included are:
Update from Chair, Bob Gamble;
Update from Ron Henrickson;
Update from Housing Bank Subcommittee;
Update from Marine Resources Committee;
Approval of Minutes – November 21, 2008.
A Public hearing and deliberations to consider the proposed update of the
San Juan County Comprehensive Plan Housing Element and Appendix 5 will take place at the meeting, as well as a continued public hearing for deliberations only on proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) and Appendix 2 of the
Comprehensive Plan to allow for Essential Public Facilities (EPFs).
Essential Public Facilities
At the Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) meeting in October, where the EPFs were reviewed, EPRC member Gulliver Rankin commented that stormwater facilities were not included in the proposal and questioned why stormwater detention treatment was not considered an essential public facility.
EPRC member Audrey Moreland brought out that certain roadways and bridges should be considered as essential public facilities, considering that, in an emergency such as an earthquake, the destruction or inaccessibility of bridges such as the Moran Park bridge and the Channel Road bridge would make parts of the island unreachable.
County Public Works Director Jon Shannon said at the EPRC meeting that the policy objective of the ordinance is to outline the broad context, but it does not address the shoreline where many EPFs are located and it provides siting standards for only one type of facility.
For further information on EPFs contact Shireene Hale at 370-7569 or shireeneh@san-juan.wa.us.
Affordable Housing
Senior County Planner Colin Maycock has been updating the housing element in the Comprehensive Plan this fall. The housing element is based on the Housing Needs Assessment originally completed in 1999, based on 1990 census data. At the October EPRC meeting, Maycock noted that the housing element is not a big section of the Comprehensive Plan.
A roundtable of affordable housing advocates met with Maycock on Oct. 15, at the Lopez Community Land Trust (LCLT) offices on Lopez Island,to review the goals and policies of the housing component of the county Comprehensive Plan.(see summary of the meeting below.)
A Dec. 31 deadline has been extended into 2009, in order that the county can hold public hearings such as the one scheduled for Dec. 17, in order to update the housing component, following the legal settlement of a challenge by John Campbell, Orcas Island architect and board member of Homes for Islanders.
Campbell contested an earlier approval of the first phase of expansion of the Friday Harbor urban growth area as a means of forcing the county to produce the updates. Counties like San Juan that plan under the state Growth Management Act (GMA) must periodically update portions of their comprehensive plans.
Maycock is tasked with revising the county’s Housing Needs Assessment to assist in the review of the Housing element of the comp plan.
Affordable Housing Review at Lopez Community Land Trust Common Ground offices
The Executive Summary of the Housing Needs Assessment’s most recent draft states, “The primary elements of the housing needs equation are: population projections, building land and affordability.”
Projections of 2005 still hold, Maycock said at the Oct. 15 meeting: the population of the county is estimated to reach about 24,000 by 2030, and will require approximately 11,287 dwelling units. 2005 housing figures show that there were about 10,650 dwelling units; so for the next 22 years, “the County would need to provide sites for a further 378 units or approximately 17 units per year.”
Building land availability “appears… to meet the potential long-term demand for housing. Such a statement must be qualified with a consideration of the provision of housing affordable to members of the community earning something in the vicinity of the area median income, or, as is commonly the case for those working in the county, something considerably lower,” the assessment summary read.
The Affordability of Housing section of the summary states, “As recently as 2000, a person or family earning close to the area median income could afford to buy a house in the County. Since then … it has become almost utterly impossible for wage and salary earners in the county to afford to purchase a home here.”
In 2000, the median county income was $53,900, and the median home price was $250,000. in 2004, those figures were $60,100 and $337,000. In 2007, the median income was $61,600, while the median home price was $563,300.
Karin Agosta of the county Planning commission, Bill Agosta of the Housing Bank Commission, Sandy Bishop, Executive Director of the Lopez Community Land Trust, Nancy DeVaux of the county Home Trust, Carrie Lacher of the Friday Harbor Town Council, Angie Lausch, county Affordable Housing Coordinator, Patty Miller of the Eastsound Planning Review Committee and Barbara Thomas of the county Planning Commission were in attendance at the Oct. 10 meeting at LCLT.
The group analyzed section 5.2 of the Comp Plan, “the housing element,” point by point to clarify the policies for achieving the stated goal: “To make adequate provision for a variety of housing choices in terms of type, cost, size, design, and suitability for various households including families, the elderly, the disabled, and housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income ranges while recognizing the unique physical, social, and economic environment of the islands.”
Karin Agosta mentioned that because implementation of the comprehensive plan comes through the county’s development codes, it’s important that the goals, policies and philosophies are clearly enunciated in the Comp Plan. “This [document] sets the principles to be enforced by the Uniform Development Code (UDC),” said Agosta.
Revisions agreed upon in the LCLT discussion were to be incorporated by Maycock as he re-drafts the document.
Also on the agenda for Dec. 17 is a noon break, time approximate for lunch, with reconvening at 1 p.m., time approximate depending on lunch break, continuation of any hearing or workshop, if necessary, and adjournment to take place when agenda items have been completed or continued.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Council meets today and tomorrow
On Monday, Dec. 15, The San Juan Community Council members will give updates on the areas of their particular concern:
. Council Retreat – Howie Rosenfeld
. Veterans' Advisory Board Terms – Howie Rosenfeld/Alan Lichter
. Ferries/Ferry Advisory Committee/Ferry Subcommittee – Howie Rosenfeld
. Cell Phone Subcommittee – Rich Peterson
. Legislative Priorities and Lobbying Efforts – Bob Myhr
. General Government Subcommittee – Gene Knapp
. Budget Subcommittee – Howie Rosenfeld
Later County Administrator Pete Rose will give report to the council in a discussion of budget policy ideas and housing needs and changes, with County Development and Planning Director Ron Henrickson.
Tomorrow, Dec. 16, the Council will have a continued discussion of their lobbying efforts and San Juan Co. Legislative priorities which have been identified for the purpose of discussion as:
Washington State Ferries
Position: Washington State Ferries needs to maintain a level of service that supports the business, personal, and visitor transportation needs in Puget Sound.
1. Use federal government stimulus funds to support construction of ferries and improve island ferry terminals.
2. Prioritize capital expenditures to support safe and reliable new and existing vessels.
3. Fully fund the construction of at least two 144 car ferries and at least three 64-90-car ferries.
4. Authorize and fund an impact study of the economic significance and contribution of ferries for the Washington State economy.
5. Emphasize that San Juan Island’s run is unique because the ferry system is our highway that links our community together and is a major draw for state tourism.
Restoration/Allocation of CAPRON funds
Position:
1. Support the continuation of the statutory refund of Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Revenue to San Juan County (RCW 46.68.080) CAPRON ACT
2. Support the restoration of the portion of the CAPRON Act refund that was transferred to Washington State ferries in 2006 by the passage of ESSB 6839
Stormwater Regulations for Rural Counties
Position: Authorize and fund $200,000 for Department of Ecology to help prepare a new manual for stormwater regulations for rural counties.
Federal Funding for Year-round Rescue Tug at Neah Bay
Position: Support the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2007.
• Support State funding for the Neah Bay Rescue Tug if the federal legislation looks like it will fail.
• Support State funding for Oil Spill Advisory Council.
Cattle Point Road Relocation
Position: Ask the Washington State legislature, the Governor, and the Congressional delegation to provide transportation funding to relocate the Cattle Point Road on San Juan Island and to support a sustainable long-term funding source to meet the transportation infrastructure needs of Washington State counties.
Save Mitchell Hill
Position: Develop a private, local and federal partnership, and secure the necessary $4.5 - 8 million to preserve this natural and historical resource on San Juan Island. San Juan County and the Department of Natural Resources agreed to a three-year stay on logging and/or development of this property in order for the County to develop a process to preserve this unique natural and recreational resource.
Odlin South
Allocate $607,000 for Trust Lands Transfer Program to acquire 37 acres of the Odlin South 106-acre bloc for SJC Land Bank/Parks.
Position: 1. Work with legislature to get full funding for Odlin South transfer to San Juan County via the Trust Lands Transfer program
Fully Fund Public Schools
Position: Compel the legislature to meet Washington State’s constitutional requirement to equitably and fully fund basic education.
For more information on the Council's meetings and agenda, go to www.sanjuanco.com and click on "Council."
. Council Retreat – Howie Rosenfeld
. Veterans' Advisory Board Terms – Howie Rosenfeld/Alan Lichter
. Ferries/Ferry Advisory Committee/Ferry Subcommittee – Howie Rosenfeld
. Cell Phone Subcommittee – Rich Peterson
. Legislative Priorities and Lobbying Efforts – Bob Myhr
. General Government Subcommittee – Gene Knapp
. Budget Subcommittee – Howie Rosenfeld
Later County Administrator Pete Rose will give report to the council in a discussion of budget policy ideas and housing needs and changes, with County Development and Planning Director Ron Henrickson.
Tomorrow, Dec. 16, the Council will have a continued discussion of their lobbying efforts and San Juan Co. Legislative priorities which have been identified for the purpose of discussion as:
Washington State Ferries
Position: Washington State Ferries needs to maintain a level of service that supports the business, personal, and visitor transportation needs in Puget Sound.
1. Use federal government stimulus funds to support construction of ferries and improve island ferry terminals.
2. Prioritize capital expenditures to support safe and reliable new and existing vessels.
3. Fully fund the construction of at least two 144 car ferries and at least three 64-90-car ferries.
4. Authorize and fund an impact study of the economic significance and contribution of ferries for the Washington State economy.
5. Emphasize that San Juan Island’s run is unique because the ferry system is our highway that links our community together and is a major draw for state tourism.
Restoration/Allocation of CAPRON funds
Position:
1. Support the continuation of the statutory refund of Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Revenue to San Juan County (RCW 46.68.080) CAPRON ACT
2. Support the restoration of the portion of the CAPRON Act refund that was transferred to Washington State ferries in 2006 by the passage of ESSB 6839
Stormwater Regulations for Rural Counties
Position: Authorize and fund $200,000 for Department of Ecology to help prepare a new manual for stormwater regulations for rural counties.
Federal Funding for Year-round Rescue Tug at Neah Bay
Position: Support the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2007.
• Support State funding for the Neah Bay Rescue Tug if the federal legislation looks like it will fail.
• Support State funding for Oil Spill Advisory Council.
Cattle Point Road Relocation
Position: Ask the Washington State legislature, the Governor, and the Congressional delegation to provide transportation funding to relocate the Cattle Point Road on San Juan Island and to support a sustainable long-term funding source to meet the transportation infrastructure needs of Washington State counties.
Save Mitchell Hill
Position: Develop a private, local and federal partnership, and secure the necessary $4.5 - 8 million to preserve this natural and historical resource on San Juan Island. San Juan County and the Department of Natural Resources agreed to a three-year stay on logging and/or development of this property in order for the County to develop a process to preserve this unique natural and recreational resource.
Odlin South
Allocate $607,000 for Trust Lands Transfer Program to acquire 37 acres of the Odlin South 106-acre bloc for SJC Land Bank/Parks.
Position: 1. Work with legislature to get full funding for Odlin South transfer to San Juan County via the Trust Lands Transfer program
Fully Fund Public Schools
Position: Compel the legislature to meet Washington State’s constitutional requirement to equitably and fully fund basic education.
For more information on the Council's meetings and agenda, go to www.sanjuanco.com and click on "Council."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Orcas Choral Society concert canceled
"Brr! the night is so cold!
Brr! How warm is your cloak!"
The Orcas Choral Society sang those words in the most heartfelt concert ever last night, but, as of 11 a.m. Sunday morning, the second concert at the Orcas Center at 2 p.m. was canceled. "On With the Snow" (and singing) seemed to be the spirit of last night's performance, but thanks to the severe weather, we can't go on with the show today. We're so disappointed.
For 31 years, the Winter Concert has been an Orcas tradition, yet there were many in attendance last night for the first time. They got to see and hear the Choral Society sing old favorites such as White Christmas, While Shepherds Watched, and Rudloph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and sing along to Deck the Hall, O Christmas Tree, and Jingle Bells.
From the choir, there were so many highlights -- the New England-purity of Stan Miller and Denise Babcock's solos in Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, the spirited and multi-chorded piano duets of Terri Triplett and Patty Johnson, the call to triumph of the brass accompanists.
But for me, I'd single out the transcendence of Silent Night, sung with the audience. There often comes moments in special concerts where the director, the choir and the audience are elevated by the hopes and cares of all to unify in one beautiful agreement that there are no differences between us, that we all live in a world of generosity, forgiveness and good will. That's what love is, and that's what Christmas is all about.
On a more "grounded" note, when we sang the medley of Let it Snow it was pure pleasure to look out into the audience and see friends and loved ones and sing "The weather outside is frightful... but as long as you love me so, let it snow."
Which reminds me of another special moment in a concert that was a perfectly-woven tapestry of special moments -- Christmas Kumbaya, which combined hallelujahs in a lullaby. Here, where so many of us are retirees and elders, it was such soothing and simple pleasure to sing a lullaby to a baby and celebrate his birth.
John Heath's exuberant solo in a remembrance of Chanukah also celebrated the Choral Society's respect for all cultures and beliefs that is incorporated into much of Catherine Pederson's programming and direction.
This was my eighth Choral Society Winter Concert. It's become the highlight of my Christmas celebrations, and I'm sorry that those who were unable to make it last night will miss this special concert.
Brr! How warm is your cloak!"
The Orcas Choral Society sang those words in the most heartfelt concert ever last night, but, as of 11 a.m. Sunday morning, the second concert at the Orcas Center at 2 p.m. was canceled. "On With the Snow" (and singing) seemed to be the spirit of last night's performance, but thanks to the severe weather, we can't go on with the show today. We're so disappointed.
For 31 years, the Winter Concert has been an Orcas tradition, yet there were many in attendance last night for the first time. They got to see and hear the Choral Society sing old favorites such as White Christmas, While Shepherds Watched, and Rudloph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and sing along to Deck the Hall, O Christmas Tree, and Jingle Bells.
From the choir, there were so many highlights -- the New England-purity of Stan Miller and Denise Babcock's solos in Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, the spirited and multi-chorded piano duets of Terri Triplett and Patty Johnson, the call to triumph of the brass accompanists.
But for me, I'd single out the transcendence of Silent Night, sung with the audience. There often comes moments in special concerts where the director, the choir and the audience are elevated by the hopes and cares of all to unify in one beautiful agreement that there are no differences between us, that we all live in a world of generosity, forgiveness and good will. That's what love is, and that's what Christmas is all about.
On a more "grounded" note, when we sang the medley of Let it Snow it was pure pleasure to look out into the audience and see friends and loved ones and sing "The weather outside is frightful... but as long as you love me so, let it snow."
Which reminds me of another special moment in a concert that was a perfectly-woven tapestry of special moments -- Christmas Kumbaya, which combined hallelujahs in a lullaby. Here, where so many of us are retirees and elders, it was such soothing and simple pleasure to sing a lullaby to a baby and celebrate his birth.
John Heath's exuberant solo in a remembrance of Chanukah also celebrated the Choral Society's respect for all cultures and beliefs that is incorporated into much of Catherine Pederson's programming and direction.
This was my eighth Choral Society Winter Concert. It's become the highlight of my Christmas celebrations, and I'm sorry that those who were unable to make it last night will miss this special concert.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Open House for new building model today
Just in --
STEM creative space modular structures, a new construction collaboration spear-headed by Orcas resident Matthew Maher, will be having an Open House on Schaefer Stretch today, at 5230 Orcas Road from noon to 5 p.m.
Stem is described as a new concept in creative space, integrating the elements of a design studio and production shop.
Stem is producing a variety of modular structures that "enables people to flourish," according to their business brochure. Stem is "committed to providing options for clients interested in having quality, well designed spaces at affordable prices."
Beyond the initial concept of modular auxiliary spaces, Stem is currently in the
product development stage of one of modular living spaces, from affordable housing units to high-end retreats.
For further information, call 360-622-6303.
STEM creative space modular structures, a new construction collaboration spear-headed by Orcas resident Matthew Maher, will be having an Open House on Schaefer Stretch today, at 5230 Orcas Road from noon to 5 p.m.
Stem is described as a new concept in creative space, integrating the elements of a design studio and production shop.
Stem is producing a variety of modular structures that "enables people to flourish," according to their business brochure. Stem is "committed to providing options for clients interested in having quality, well designed spaces at affordable prices."
Beyond the initial concept of modular auxiliary spaces, Stem is currently in the
product development stage of one of modular living spaces, from affordable housing units to high-end retreats.
For further information, call 360-622-6303.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Property assessments revised downward
This week the County Assessor, Charles Zalmanek, sent out postcard notices of revised property evaluations to several homes in the neighborhood just west of the Orcas Airport.
Our property's value had gone up almost 70 percent from its previous assessment three years ago, with the land assessment increasing by over 100 percent. Like many islanders, we moaned and marveled at the increase, but we didn't comment within the 30-day comment period. So we were surprised to get a notice that the valuation had decreased by nearly $27,000.
In a call to Zalmanek, he explained "Sometimes in the process with concerns about value, we learn information that we hadn't previously known that can impact a neighborhood... for example a sale or a sale price is incorrectly stated."
John Kulseth, the county appraiser who'd calculated the value of properties in our neighborhood, said that when three nearby property owners commented on their valuation, it was determined that a sale in the neighborhood hadn't gone through, resulting in a $400,000 change. The county assessors felt that properties nearby should be adjusted downward. (Please see further explanation from John Kulseth posted in the comments.)
With over 1,000 properties assigned to each appraiser, "There's a whole bunch of different pieces that come together in assessments," Kulseth said. The 30-day comment period "gives us a chance to re-evaluate what we may have missed. We hope that property owners will call."
In our case, we benefited from the activism of our three neighbors who called the assessor's office to challenge the valuation.
Zalmanek said he misses the days when he was out in the field doing appraisals. "That's the fun part of the job."
Our property's value had gone up almost 70 percent from its previous assessment three years ago, with the land assessment increasing by over 100 percent. Like many islanders, we moaned and marveled at the increase, but we didn't comment within the 30-day comment period. So we were surprised to get a notice that the valuation had decreased by nearly $27,000.
In a call to Zalmanek, he explained "Sometimes in the process with concerns about value, we learn information that we hadn't previously known that can impact a neighborhood... for example a sale or a sale price is incorrectly stated."
John Kulseth, the county appraiser who'd calculated the value of properties in our neighborhood, said that when three nearby property owners commented on their valuation, it was determined that a sale in the neighborhood hadn't gone through, resulting in a $400,000 change. The county assessors felt that properties nearby should be adjusted downward. (Please see further explanation from John Kulseth posted in the comments.)
With over 1,000 properties assigned to each appraiser, "There's a whole bunch of different pieces that come together in assessments," Kulseth said. The 30-day comment period "gives us a chance to re-evaluate what we may have missed. We hope that property owners will call."
In our case, we benefited from the activism of our three neighbors who called the assessor's office to challenge the valuation.
Zalmanek said he misses the days when he was out in the field doing appraisals. "That's the fun part of the job."
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"Share the Pain" says Ferry Advisory Committee Chair
San Juan County's Ferry Advisory Committee Chair, Ed Sutton, sees a bleak future for any progress on the ferry financing issues that have plagued Washington State Ferries for years.
Although the 2007 State Legislature tasked WSF, the Transportation Commission and legislators with formulating a model for long-term ferry financing by the 2009 Legislative session, with the downward trend in the economy, it looks as if a plan for stable funding for the ferry system will be moved to the further down the line in the state budget.
Sutton says, "We all need to participate in helping solve the problem. The solution is so complex, but we can't continue to do business as usual in difficult times. "
Sutton proposes that the level of service in the San Juan route be trimmed with fewer sailings, in particular the late night sailings, which "chew up expense dollars without adding any revenue."
"How is it we have better service in January than in May?" Sutton asks. "It doesn't make sense to do what you've always done until someone says 'Stop!'"
Governor Chris Gregoire's preliminary budget is scheduled to be published Dec. 18
Although the 2007 State Legislature tasked WSF, the Transportation Commission and legislators with formulating a model for long-term ferry financing by the 2009 Legislative session, with the downward trend in the economy, it looks as if a plan for stable funding for the ferry system will be moved to the further down the line in the state budget.
Sutton says, "We all need to participate in helping solve the problem. The solution is so complex, but we can't continue to do business as usual in difficult times. "
Sutton proposes that the level of service in the San Juan route be trimmed with fewer sailings, in particular the late night sailings, which "chew up expense dollars without adding any revenue."
"How is it we have better service in January than in May?" Sutton asks. "It doesn't make sense to do what you've always done until someone says 'Stop!'"
Governor Chris Gregoire's preliminary budget is scheduled to be published Dec. 18
Council adopts $51,592,880 budget for 2009
The San Juan County Council adopted its 2009 budget to the tune of $51,592,880 including all funds – by a vote of 5 to 0 with Council Member Gene Knapp abstaining, according to County Communications Manager Stan Matthews.
Approximately $14 million of the total budget is the so called “County Current” budget which funds the day-to-day operation of the county. That budget is $220,000 dollars less than last year’s operating budget.
While most county departments took budget cuts and approximately 10 percent of the
work force will have reduced hours, several cuts in services that were proposed in the preliminary budget were avoided in the budget as adopted.
Most notably, the parks department will attempt to obtain grant funds and work with
volunteers to keep day parks and restroom facilities open. The Health and Community Services Department hopes to be able to continue some of its immunization programs, and some funding for the program that provides transportation to senior citizens for medical and essential services has been restored.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Council did reject a final appeal from the County Assessor to restore funding for a full time appraiser’s position that was being cut to half time. Council Member Knapp told the Council that the employee now in the position would probably leave if full time employment wasn’t provided and expressed concern that appraisal work that could generate as much as $300,000 in tax revenue could be jeopardized by the reduction. However his motion failed to win the necessary four votes to restore the funds.
This was the next-to-last regular meeting of the current Council. Two newly elected
members will be sworn in on Jan. 12. After the adoption of the budget, Council Member
Rich Peterson told his colleagues, “Very early on, the new council ought to get really, really serious about taking a levy lid-lift to the public.”
The County is limited to a one percent annual increase in revenue from taxes on existing property without voter approval. Flat property tax revenue, in conjunction with falling sales tax income, has forced the County to rely more heavily on user fees and reduced services.
Peterson concluded his remarks by saying, “This wasn’t easy and none of us enjoyed it, but I think there is a whole lot of it coming, unfortunately.”
Auditor Milene Henley and Administrator Pete Rose have warned the Council that more
cuts could be required before the end of next year, if sales tax revenue declines further. The 2009 budget as adopted includes a cash reserve of $1.27 million; approximately $230,000 less than Auditor Henley had said was the minimum desirable level.
A spreadsheet with a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 County budget follows.
Detail of the 2009 San Juan County Budget is available on-line at:
www.sanjuanco.com/docs/Adopted2009budgetdetail.pdf
Approximately $14 million of the total budget is the so called “County Current” budget which funds the day-to-day operation of the county. That budget is $220,000 dollars less than last year’s operating budget.
While most county departments took budget cuts and approximately 10 percent of the
work force will have reduced hours, several cuts in services that were proposed in the preliminary budget were avoided in the budget as adopted.
Most notably, the parks department will attempt to obtain grant funds and work with
volunteers to keep day parks and restroom facilities open. The Health and Community Services Department hopes to be able to continue some of its immunization programs, and some funding for the program that provides transportation to senior citizens for medical and essential services has been restored.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Council did reject a final appeal from the County Assessor to restore funding for a full time appraiser’s position that was being cut to half time. Council Member Knapp told the Council that the employee now in the position would probably leave if full time employment wasn’t provided and expressed concern that appraisal work that could generate as much as $300,000 in tax revenue could be jeopardized by the reduction. However his motion failed to win the necessary four votes to restore the funds.
This was the next-to-last regular meeting of the current Council. Two newly elected
members will be sworn in on Jan. 12. After the adoption of the budget, Council Member
Rich Peterson told his colleagues, “Very early on, the new council ought to get really, really serious about taking a levy lid-lift to the public.”
The County is limited to a one percent annual increase in revenue from taxes on existing property without voter approval. Flat property tax revenue, in conjunction with falling sales tax income, has forced the County to rely more heavily on user fees and reduced services.
Peterson concluded his remarks by saying, “This wasn’t easy and none of us enjoyed it, but I think there is a whole lot of it coming, unfortunately.”
Auditor Milene Henley and Administrator Pete Rose have warned the Council that more
cuts could be required before the end of next year, if sales tax revenue declines further. The 2009 budget as adopted includes a cash reserve of $1.27 million; approximately $230,000 less than Auditor Henley had said was the minimum desirable level.
A spreadsheet with a comparison between the 2008 and 2009 County budget follows.
Detail of the 2009 San Juan County Budget is available on-line at:
www.sanjuanco.com/docs/Adopted2009budgetdetail.pdf
New buildings in Eastsound
While we wait for whatever arises just east of the Washington Federal Savings and Loan Bank, construction has begun on a new state liquor store at the corner of Prune Alley and Rose Street, where the double-wide Pyewacket trailer used to be.
The new Windermere building, just north of the old Templin residence in Eastsound, is now scheduled to open in mid-January. When that happens, the former Gudgell Properties Real Estate office will vacate its waterfront property underneath Christina's Restaurant. In its former life, it was the Wine Company. Plans are for a pub to move into the space.
The new Windermere building, just north of the old Templin residence in Eastsound, is now scheduled to open in mid-January. When that happens, the former Gudgell Properties Real Estate office will vacate its waterfront property underneath Christina's Restaurant. In its former life, it was the Wine Company. Plans are for a pub to move into the space.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Vierthaler comes up with the answers
The wonderful thing about travel within San Juan County is that it's usually so communal, as I experienced two days ago when I traveled from San Juan to Orcas Island. I went upstairs on the Evergreen State and started chatting with Paul Vierthaler.
He told me that, when he screams at the television upon hearing federal bailout news, one of the things he suggests is this resolution of the mortgage foreclosure crisis:
Establish a program to re-issue mortgages from sub-prime, interest-only or adjustable rate, to a 30-year fixed mortgage. This would stabilize and benefit the homeowner, the bank and the local, national and global economy, whereas current credit, payment and foreclosure processes harm the homeowner, the lending institution and the economies.
Vierthaler noted that the auto industry has reached a saturation point, and that Anericans don't need to produce or purchase a new car at the rate which the automakers have been producing them.
If we're really interested in fixing some of these problems, let's utilize our brains and energy to implement solutions rather than fixing blame or playing victim.
Vierthaler also suggested that the federal government allow the motor companies to fail. His reasoning is that the companies' assets will then be bought up by viable business interests, whereas bailout or "rescue" funding to the existing companies will only further the mismanagement that has led to multi-million dollar executive pay, unsustainable benefits and continued corporate welfare.
It is too easy to claim irresponsibility for solutions due to the complexity of the problems. We must start wherever we can, take in information and civil arguments, and create a climate where solutions are viable.
A couple of years ago, when I questioned Washington State Ferries' decision to go forward with revamping the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to the tune of $119 million, I was told that the decision had been made and the plan was going forward. That was before the 2007 legislative session, wherein lawmakers mandated that WSF's income and expenses be more closely scrutinized. If questions can't be satisfactorily answered, maybe they should continue to be asked.
He told me that, when he screams at the television upon hearing federal bailout news, one of the things he suggests is this resolution of the mortgage foreclosure crisis:
Establish a program to re-issue mortgages from sub-prime, interest-only or adjustable rate, to a 30-year fixed mortgage. This would stabilize and benefit the homeowner, the bank and the local, national and global economy, whereas current credit, payment and foreclosure processes harm the homeowner, the lending institution and the economies.
Vierthaler noted that the auto industry has reached a saturation point, and that Anericans don't need to produce or purchase a new car at the rate which the automakers have been producing them.
If we're really interested in fixing some of these problems, let's utilize our brains and energy to implement solutions rather than fixing blame or playing victim.
Vierthaler also suggested that the federal government allow the motor companies to fail. His reasoning is that the companies' assets will then be bought up by viable business interests, whereas bailout or "rescue" funding to the existing companies will only further the mismanagement that has led to multi-million dollar executive pay, unsustainable benefits and continued corporate welfare.
It is too easy to claim irresponsibility for solutions due to the complexity of the problems. We must start wherever we can, take in information and civil arguments, and create a climate where solutions are viable.
A couple of years ago, when I questioned Washington State Ferries' decision to go forward with revamping the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to the tune of $119 million, I was told that the decision had been made and the plan was going forward. That was before the 2007 legislative session, wherein lawmakers mandated that WSF's income and expenses be more closely scrutinized. If questions can't be satisfactorily answered, maybe they should continue to be asked.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
EPRC Open House greets public Dec. 8
Members of the public swarmed the various community agencies at the Eastsound Planning Review Committee's Open House on Dec. 8.
Snippets of information heard while browsing the various displays were:
* Stormwater -- The county's stormwater utility will undertake two projects in Eastsound next year (2009). Improved drainage from the Mount property (approximately behind the Seaview Theater to the Outlook Inn) to the outfall into East Sound on the beach by the Outlook, will be undertaken, and due north, at the opposite end of the Orcas Island "neck," the outfall at North Beach will also be addressed. That outfall will be impacted by the 10 new houses being built off Mt. Baker Road by OPAL.
* County Development and Planning -- CDPD Director Ron Henrickson said that the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the Eastsound Sewer and Water District Capital Facilities Plan is expected within the next week. Henrickson also said that there will be two hearings on the affordable housing element of county compliance with the Growth Management Act in January. Henrickson again expressed the opinion that failure to be in compliance may result in an order of invalidity, which would halt new development.
*Eastsound Sewer and Water District continues to explore the use of land adjacent to its facilities off North Beach Road, in the eventuality that its treatment facilities will expand.
* Orcas Pathways continues to work with the County Land Bank to develop a trail from Crescent Beach to Buck Park, and proposes a trail along Enchanted Forest Road.
*Eastsound Water Users Association has purchased land near the north end of Blanchard Street as a possible desalinization plant. EWUA is monitoring wells in Eastsound to determine capacity and quality of the Eastsound aquifer, from which half of our drinking water comes. EWUA also has an agreement with the Orcas Island School district whereby the school can use up to 75 gallons per minute of water, or four million gallons, until EWUA needs that water.
* Land Conservation District offers advice to property owners as to the best way to develop private land, taking into account water resources and topography.
Snippets of information heard while browsing the various displays were:
* Stormwater -- The county's stormwater utility will undertake two projects in Eastsound next year (2009). Improved drainage from the Mount property (approximately behind the Seaview Theater to the Outlook Inn) to the outfall into East Sound on the beach by the Outlook, will be undertaken, and due north, at the opposite end of the Orcas Island "neck," the outfall at North Beach will also be addressed. That outfall will be impacted by the 10 new houses being built off Mt. Baker Road by OPAL.
* County Development and Planning -- CDPD Director Ron Henrickson said that the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the Eastsound Sewer and Water District Capital Facilities Plan is expected within the next week. Henrickson also said that there will be two hearings on the affordable housing element of county compliance with the Growth Management Act in January. Henrickson again expressed the opinion that failure to be in compliance may result in an order of invalidity, which would halt new development.
*Eastsound Sewer and Water District continues to explore the use of land adjacent to its facilities off North Beach Road, in the eventuality that its treatment facilities will expand.
* Orcas Pathways continues to work with the County Land Bank to develop a trail from Crescent Beach to Buck Park, and proposes a trail along Enchanted Forest Road.
*Eastsound Water Users Association has purchased land near the north end of Blanchard Street as a possible desalinization plant. EWUA is monitoring wells in Eastsound to determine capacity and quality of the Eastsound aquifer, from which half of our drinking water comes. EWUA also has an agreement with the Orcas Island School district whereby the school can use up to 75 gallons per minute of water, or four million gallons, until EWUA needs that water.
* Land Conservation District offers advice to property owners as to the best way to develop private land, taking into account water resources and topography.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Orcas High ranks in top 12 Washington state high schools
Orcas Island School District Board President Janet Brownell reported the following news:
US News and World Report just released it's top high schools in the US. One hundred schools (out of 21,000) received a "Gold" medal. Orcas High received a SILVER MEDAL. To read more about it, go to http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/ In Washington state only four schools were ranked with a Gold, 12 had a Silver. Only 46 total received ANY recognition. And we were the only San Juan county school ranked.
This is yet another recognition of that we know: we have a FANTASTIC public school system!
Here is some info from the US News and World report website: Best High Schools 2009 Search
U.S.News & World Report—in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data on schoolmatters.com—analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories.
Gold Medal:
Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal:
all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal:
either do not offer AP or IB or do not achieve a college readiness index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator criteria
In Washington State:
* Gold Medal schools (4 schools)
* Silver Medal schools (12 schools)
* Bronze Medal schools (30 schools)
* Honorable Mention schools (0 schools)
Thanks for passing this information on to the rest of us, Janet!
US News and World Report just released it's top high schools in the US. One hundred schools (out of 21,000) received a "Gold" medal. Orcas High received a SILVER MEDAL. To read more about it, go to http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/ In Washington state only four schools were ranked with a Gold, 12 had a Silver. Only 46 total received ANY recognition. And we were the only San Juan county school ranked.
This is yet another recognition of that we know: we have a FANTASTIC public school system!
Here is some info from the US News and World report website: Best High Schools 2009 Search
U.S.News & World Report—in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education and data research and analysis business that provides parents with education data on schoolmatters.com—analyzed academic and enrollment data from more than 21,000 public high schools to find the very best across the country. These top schools were placed into gold, silver, bronze, or honorable mention categories.
Gold Medal:
Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness Index
Silver Medal:
all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 but that are not ranked in the top 100 nationally
Bronze Medal:
either do not offer AP or IB or do not achieve a college readiness index of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicator criteria
In Washington State:
* Gold Medal schools (4 schools)
* Silver Medal schools (12 schools)
* Bronze Medal schools (30 schools)
* Honorable Mention schools (0 schools)
Thanks for passing this information on to the rest of us, Janet!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Moving on and serving the public
My sister is a nurse and her occupation is in great demand these days. She has worked in a variety of positions in her nursing career, from pediatric wards to internal medicine, wound care, cardiac clinics, urgent care, to complex case management.
In every position, her work ethic of expertise and compassion has helped not only her patients, but her colleagues as well. I think of her as an agent of change and progress, of respectfully challenging people's comfort zones as well as her own.
In the world of institutional medicine, she has been an educated voice for choice and responsibility, all in the service of healing.
Now she is moving on to a position in a gastro-enterology clinic, and leaves another set of colleagues with her standards of respect, trust, responsibility and team work. She teaches so much by example and offers such vision in her constant, compassionate pursuit of excellence.
Her story reminds me of that recent internet saying: Some friends are there for a reason; some friends are for a season; and some friends are for life.
While we may not be acknowledged for the efforts and vision we provide for a cause, or a job, it's important not just to the person whose work deserves recognition, but to the person making the acknowledgment -- to our own sense of the possibility of repeating and building upon good work -- to take note of the good otherst have done while they held certain positions.
In that vein, I'd like to salute Alan Lichter, retiring Council Member from Orcas West. Alan led the charge on the county's vote against the Iraq War. He also proposed a comprehensive environmental rehabilitation program. He served as liaison to the Ferry Advisory Committee when it was being challenged by WSF administration, and resigned in protest when its chair, Alex MacLeod, was axed. Alan Lichter came forward to help form the Veterans Advisory Committee, in support of those who serve in the U.S. military. He reminded the council of the continuing costs in implementing the Rosario Resort Master Plan as he continued his opposition to it.
And something that may have escaped notice in this season of budget shortfalls and economic decline: while knowing that the "part-time" council position often involves more than full-time hours, Alan voluntarily accepted a 50 percent cut in pay when he offered himself as a candidate for re-election to the County Council. While he was elected in 2004 to a $65,000 Commmissioner position, he was willing to continue to serve on the Council at a $34,000 salary, dictated by the 2006 County Charter.
It's something to consider as we look at belt-tightening in both our household and public agencies' budgets.
In every position, her work ethic of expertise and compassion has helped not only her patients, but her colleagues as well. I think of her as an agent of change and progress, of respectfully challenging people's comfort zones as well as her own.
In the world of institutional medicine, she has been an educated voice for choice and responsibility, all in the service of healing.
Now she is moving on to a position in a gastro-enterology clinic, and leaves another set of colleagues with her standards of respect, trust, responsibility and team work. She teaches so much by example and offers such vision in her constant, compassionate pursuit of excellence.
Her story reminds me of that recent internet saying: Some friends are there for a reason; some friends are for a season; and some friends are for life.
While we may not be acknowledged for the efforts and vision we provide for a cause, or a job, it's important not just to the person whose work deserves recognition, but to the person making the acknowledgment -- to our own sense of the possibility of repeating and building upon good work -- to take note of the good otherst have done while they held certain positions.
In that vein, I'd like to salute Alan Lichter, retiring Council Member from Orcas West. Alan led the charge on the county's vote against the Iraq War. He also proposed a comprehensive environmental rehabilitation program. He served as liaison to the Ferry Advisory Committee when it was being challenged by WSF administration, and resigned in protest when its chair, Alex MacLeod, was axed. Alan Lichter came forward to help form the Veterans Advisory Committee, in support of those who serve in the U.S. military. He reminded the council of the continuing costs in implementing the Rosario Resort Master Plan as he continued his opposition to it.
And something that may have escaped notice in this season of budget shortfalls and economic decline: while knowing that the "part-time" council position often involves more than full-time hours, Alan voluntarily accepted a 50 percent cut in pay when he offered himself as a candidate for re-election to the County Council. While he was elected in 2004 to a $65,000 Commmissioner position, he was willing to continue to serve on the Council at a $34,000 salary, dictated by the 2006 County Charter.
It's something to consider as we look at belt-tightening in both our household and public agencies' budgets.
Final county budget vote this Tuesday: cash balance projected to fall short of $1.5 million mark
The San Juan County Council will vote on the revised county budget on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Last week, they heard from various citizen and county groups who were facing budget cuts. The council voted to re-instate the following budget items:
$48,900 to restore a juvenile probation officer position
$25,000 to the transportation program for senior citizens
$25,000 for personnel to the Health Department
Funding the office assistant position in the Council’s office as a ¾ time level.
(The position had been eliminated in the administrator’s preliminary budget.)
Adding back a half-time office assistant to the Park’s Department
$5,000 addition to the Council budget primarily for lobbying the state legislature
$35,000 to fund the ARC Coordinator’s position
$32,000 to the Sheriff’s department for personnel
Adding back a department assistant in long-ranging planning position to the
Community Development and Planning Department budget.
$15,000 to Lopez/Orcas youth programs
Council Member Gene Knapp asked that the vote on the budget be postponed until December 9 so that the Council and public would have time to review the document in its final form.
After the “add-backs,” Auditor Henley said her projected cash reserve for 2009 is now
$1.18 million. Through the budget process, she has urged the council to maintain a reserve of at least $1.5 million to deal with unexpected expenses or revenue fluctuations and to avoid cash flow problems.
At the end of the public hearing, Council Member Rich Peterson reminded his fellow
Council Members of the Auditor’s projections that the County would run out of money as early as 2010. He asked other members to commit to taking a property tax levy increase proposal to the voters in the near future. “If it’s turned down, then we have our marching orders to make a change."
County Administrator Pete Rose prefaced the Council’s discussion of the proposed 2009
County Budget by saying, “The budget before you is a balanced budget . . . once you’ve settled on an ending cash balance then a dollar-in needs to be a dollar-out.”
Auditor Milene Henley followed by reporting bad news: the County’s cash balance at the end of November was lower than expected and she now projects that the County will end the year with about $200,000 less in the bank than she had previously predicted.
The public hearing was more subdued and briefer than many had expected, with speakers presenting signed petitions and urging the Council to find ways to protect senior services programs, support farmers by funding the Agricultural Resources Committee’s Coordinator and keep parks and public restrooms open.
David Dehlendorf long active with the San Juan Island Trails Committee came offering
money and a volunteer work force. He told the Council that he had raised $1,300 in donations and had 100 volunteers available to help fund and maintain the parks and public toilets that the Parks Department had anticipated closing, due to budget cutbacks.
Parks and Recreation Department Director Dona Wuthnow said that with volunteer help,
and the hope of a grant from the Lodging Tax funds and the restoration of a part-time support position, she may avoid having to close at least three day parks.
For more information on San Juan County's 2009 budget, go to www.sanjuanco.com.
$48,900 to restore a juvenile probation officer position
$25,000 to the transportation program for senior citizens
$25,000 for personnel to the Health Department
Funding the office assistant position in the Council’s office as a ¾ time level.
(The position had been eliminated in the administrator’s preliminary budget.)
Adding back a half-time office assistant to the Park’s Department
$5,000 addition to the Council budget primarily for lobbying the state legislature
$35,000 to fund the ARC Coordinator’s position
$32,000 to the Sheriff’s department for personnel
Adding back a department assistant in long-ranging planning position to the
Community Development and Planning Department budget.
$15,000 to Lopez/Orcas youth programs
Council Member Gene Knapp asked that the vote on the budget be postponed until December 9 so that the Council and public would have time to review the document in its final form.
After the “add-backs,” Auditor Henley said her projected cash reserve for 2009 is now
$1.18 million. Through the budget process, she has urged the council to maintain a reserve of at least $1.5 million to deal with unexpected expenses or revenue fluctuations and to avoid cash flow problems.
At the end of the public hearing, Council Member Rich Peterson reminded his fellow
Council Members of the Auditor’s projections that the County would run out of money as early as 2010. He asked other members to commit to taking a property tax levy increase proposal to the voters in the near future. “If it’s turned down, then we have our marching orders to make a change."
County Administrator Pete Rose prefaced the Council’s discussion of the proposed 2009
County Budget by saying, “The budget before you is a balanced budget . . . once you’ve settled on an ending cash balance then a dollar-in needs to be a dollar-out.”
Auditor Milene Henley followed by reporting bad news: the County’s cash balance at the end of November was lower than expected and she now projects that the County will end the year with about $200,000 less in the bank than she had previously predicted.
The public hearing was more subdued and briefer than many had expected, with speakers presenting signed petitions and urging the Council to find ways to protect senior services programs, support farmers by funding the Agricultural Resources Committee’s Coordinator and keep parks and public restrooms open.
David Dehlendorf long active with the San Juan Island Trails Committee came offering
money and a volunteer work force. He told the Council that he had raised $1,300 in donations and had 100 volunteers available to help fund and maintain the parks and public toilets that the Parks Department had anticipated closing, due to budget cutbacks.
Parks and Recreation Department Director Dona Wuthnow said that with volunteer help,
and the hope of a grant from the Lodging Tax funds and the restoration of a part-time support position, she may avoid having to close at least three day parks.
For more information on San Juan County's 2009 budget, go to www.sanjuanco.com.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Eastsound committee and cemetery board complete projects
This week the Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) and the Cemetery District met and reported on the completion of several tasks they'd set out for themselves.
The EPRC is a county advisory committee that is becoming more prominent in county planning, and the Cemetery District (for Woodlawn Cemetery) is a county junior taxing district.
So they are both part of county bureaucracy and their members are unpaid volunteers in service to the rest of us.
Here's some of their recent accomplishments:
The Cemetery District Board has organized and updated the files of this historic graveyard, a tedious task that requires much research. Some information is still missing, but there is now a substantially complete record of those buried at Woodlawn. Board member Pierrette Guimond speaks of the legacy of the Cemetery Board's work, that can be passed on to future boards.
The EPRC has arranged their work into committees, with individual EPRC members being the point person for each job:
Steve Hopkins for Development advisor
Audrey Moreland for Transportation advisor
Audrey Moreland for Parking advisor
Patty Miller for Long-Range Planning, Growth Management Act and County advisor
Gulliver Rankin for Utility and Stormwater Advisor
Brian Ehrmantraut for Housing advisor
Brian Ehrmantraut for Community Services and Facilities advisor
Bob Connell for Economy advisor
Bob Connell for Conservation advisor
Mindy Kayl for Outreach advisor
All the EPRC advisors plan to be at the Open House on Monday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. Representatives from the following public agencies will be on hand to explain their work:
County Administrator Pete Rose
Council Member Gene Knapp
County Land Bank
San Juan Preservation Trust
County Stormwater/Public Works
Orcas Pathways
OPAL Land and Housing Trust
Eastsound Sewer and Water District
Eastsound Water Users Association
Hot cider and snacks will be served. The Open House welcomes all, and further information is available through EPRC Chair Mindy Kayl at 376-5100 or mindy@mindykayl.com. Come get involved in the vision for Eastsound's future.
The EPRC is a county advisory committee that is becoming more prominent in county planning, and the Cemetery District (for Woodlawn Cemetery) is a county junior taxing district.
So they are both part of county bureaucracy and their members are unpaid volunteers in service to the rest of us.
Here's some of their recent accomplishments:
The Cemetery District Board has organized and updated the files of this historic graveyard, a tedious task that requires much research. Some information is still missing, but there is now a substantially complete record of those buried at Woodlawn. Board member Pierrette Guimond speaks of the legacy of the Cemetery Board's work, that can be passed on to future boards.
The EPRC has arranged their work into committees, with individual EPRC members being the point person for each job:
Steve Hopkins for Development advisor
Audrey Moreland for Transportation advisor
Audrey Moreland for Parking advisor
Patty Miller for Long-Range Planning, Growth Management Act and County advisor
Gulliver Rankin for Utility and Stormwater Advisor
Brian Ehrmantraut for Housing advisor
Brian Ehrmantraut for Community Services and Facilities advisor
Bob Connell for Economy advisor
Bob Connell for Conservation advisor
Mindy Kayl for Outreach advisor
All the EPRC advisors plan to be at the Open House on Monday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. Representatives from the following public agencies will be on hand to explain their work:
County Administrator Pete Rose
Council Member Gene Knapp
County Land Bank
San Juan Preservation Trust
County Stormwater/Public Works
Orcas Pathways
OPAL Land and Housing Trust
Eastsound Sewer and Water District
Eastsound Water Users Association
Hot cider and snacks will be served. The Open House welcomes all, and further information is available through EPRC Chair Mindy Kayl at 376-5100 or mindy@mindykayl.com. Come get involved in the vision for Eastsound's future.
Remembering everyday heroes
Just about a year ago, my Orcas Island hero, Pat Pomeroy, died.
Pat was the broker-owner of Coldwell Banker Orcas Island and many island realtors learned the trade at her offices. She was also the wife of Wes Pomeroy, former teacher, and the mother, grandmother and friend to so many of us.
I worked for Pat for five years, mostly setting up the office website and managing internet communications, including the electronic multiple listing service.
I want to share some of the personal memories that I cherish as I remember Pat.
When I presented a letter to one of our vendors for Pat to review, she asked me, "What are you trying to accomplish here?" Her gentle, to-the-point question made me examine not just what I wanted to say, but how to say it in a way that would make the recipient more receptive -- very helpful in refining communication.
Pat never asked someone to do something that she wasn't willing to do herself. When our water usage seemed high, Pat would go out to the sidewalk every day and hunker down to read and record the water meter.
Every Saturday in the summer, she would go to the Farmers' Market and bring a bouquet of fresh flowers back to the office for us to enjoy all week.
She was a great team player, often referring us to each other to provide assistance in our fields of expertise. She held weekly office meetings to keep us updated and connected with each other.
But I think one memory brings together so many of the aspects of this beautiful person:
Pat loved the arts, especially music and dance. She and Wes had season tickets to the Seattle Ballet, and I think the opera too. Pat didn't have an extensive wardrobe, but her blue wool jacket and black full-length coat always made her look quietly elegant. Just before I became editor of the Sounder, I had a "girls' night out" trip to Seattle with my sister and nieces, and bought a full-length black coat. That coat reminded me of Pat and the business-like way she "cycled" through Eastsound as she went about her work.
(There's a point to this digression.)
In the late spring of 2006, Pat had tickets to the opera that she and Wes couldn't use. She offered them to me and I gladly accepted. When I went to their home to pick up the tickets on a hot spring night, Pat got up from the dinner that she always cooked for Wes, and greeted me at the door, wearing pink bermuda shorts and a T-shirt decorated with the names of all her grandkids. While she was proud of her position in the San Juan County business community, Pat's warmth and practicality always shone through her professional demeanor. Pat really knew how to live, and had her priorities straight.
When Pat died, I found slight comfort knowing that the world was a better place for her having lived in it, because I knew that, without her in it, my world had suffered a huge loss.
Pat was the broker-owner of Coldwell Banker Orcas Island and many island realtors learned the trade at her offices. She was also the wife of Wes Pomeroy, former teacher, and the mother, grandmother and friend to so many of us.
I worked for Pat for five years, mostly setting up the office website and managing internet communications, including the electronic multiple listing service.
I want to share some of the personal memories that I cherish as I remember Pat.
When I presented a letter to one of our vendors for Pat to review, she asked me, "What are you trying to accomplish here?" Her gentle, to-the-point question made me examine not just what I wanted to say, but how to say it in a way that would make the recipient more receptive -- very helpful in refining communication.
Pat never asked someone to do something that she wasn't willing to do herself. When our water usage seemed high, Pat would go out to the sidewalk every day and hunker down to read and record the water meter.
Every Saturday in the summer, she would go to the Farmers' Market and bring a bouquet of fresh flowers back to the office for us to enjoy all week.
She was a great team player, often referring us to each other to provide assistance in our fields of expertise. She held weekly office meetings to keep us updated and connected with each other.
But I think one memory brings together so many of the aspects of this beautiful person:
Pat loved the arts, especially music and dance. She and Wes had season tickets to the Seattle Ballet, and I think the opera too. Pat didn't have an extensive wardrobe, but her blue wool jacket and black full-length coat always made her look quietly elegant. Just before I became editor of the Sounder, I had a "girls' night out" trip to Seattle with my sister and nieces, and bought a full-length black coat. That coat reminded me of Pat and the business-like way she "cycled" through Eastsound as she went about her work.
(There's a point to this digression.)
In the late spring of 2006, Pat had tickets to the opera that she and Wes couldn't use. She offered them to me and I gladly accepted. When I went to their home to pick up the tickets on a hot spring night, Pat got up from the dinner that she always cooked for Wes, and greeted me at the door, wearing pink bermuda shorts and a T-shirt decorated with the names of all her grandkids. While she was proud of her position in the San Juan County business community, Pat's warmth and practicality always shone through her professional demeanor. Pat really knew how to live, and had her priorities straight.
When Pat died, I found slight comfort knowing that the world was a better place for her having lived in it, because I knew that, without her in it, my world had suffered a huge loss.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Currency and circulation
Sounds business-like, doesn't it? Much more important than kibbitzing with and borrowing from the neighbors.
But business and commerce on Orcas Island has that personal touch that gives accountability, value and service to all our transactions.
This weekend, beginning today, is looming up to be a festival, a flurry, of circulating and exchange on Orcas Island. From craft displays to Christmas shopping to Hannukah celebrations, to Open Houses and entertaining programs, just poking around this weekend is going to be lots of fun.
The PTSA Book Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow at the school library. Books, kits, and scientific tools are just some of the items available to expand curiosity and knowledge -- and the Book Fair is open to all.
The Eastsound Planning Review Committee, the closest thing to a Town Hall or Municipal Council on Orcas, holds its monthly meeting from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Their Open House will be this Monday at 5 p.m. and I always get the Fire Station and the Senior Center mixed up for these kind of meetings, but you can call the Fire Station at 2331 to check. But do look into the Open House to see what plans are afoot for the development of Eastsound.
Tomorrow, the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting at Eastsound Village Green starts at 4:45 p.m. From there fan out to "Shop the Rock" as Eastsound businesses offer specials until 7 p.m.
Island quilters will hold an opening reception for their work at the Orcas Center at 5:30 p.m. The lobby and Madrona room are blanketing with these stunning works of beauty and order, made by our own neighbors. The quilts will be on display through the month of December.
The Olga Symphony plays Orcas Center on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and if you put it out to the universe, you may be able to score a ticket, although both evenings are officially sold out.
Saturday, scarf down your cornflakes and treat yourself to a day of hobnobbing. The Artisans' Faire takes place at the Oddfellows, beginning at 10 a.m. It runs through Sunday until 4 p.m. and benefits the Artists in the School Program.
The American Legion Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar, which benefits their scholarship program and hospitalized veterans, takes place at the legion hall near the "tank corner." As well as local artists and craftsfolk, the bazaar features hearty soups for when your cornflakes wear off.
The Friends of the Library Holiday Tea runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Island Library on Rose Street, with goodies and musicians at this community center.
The Actors Theater of Orcas Island presents an evening of improvisational (spontaneous) theater at 7:30 at the Grange on Saturday night.
And plan to attend the Historical Museum Dinner on Monday evening, beginning at 5 p.m. This is a great event, located in the woods of Camp Orkila, with their fabulous prime rib, salmon and vegetarian buffet dinner, seating at tables with island newcomers and old-timers alike. Call to make reservations at 376-4849.
Entertainment following the dinner will be "Orcas Moments" featuring John Gorton and Anita Orne's retrospective of historic island parades, salmon derbies, and community endeavors. "Island Spirit" didn't just spring up overnight, and whether you're being introduced to island history for the first time, or reliving treasured memories, you're sure to be entertained by the program.
But business and commerce on Orcas Island has that personal touch that gives accountability, value and service to all our transactions.
This weekend, beginning today, is looming up to be a festival, a flurry, of circulating and exchange on Orcas Island. From craft displays to Christmas shopping to Hannukah celebrations, to Open Houses and entertaining programs, just poking around this weekend is going to be lots of fun.
The PTSA Book Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow at the school library. Books, kits, and scientific tools are just some of the items available to expand curiosity and knowledge -- and the Book Fair is open to all.
The Eastsound Planning Review Committee, the closest thing to a Town Hall or Municipal Council on Orcas, holds its monthly meeting from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Their Open House will be this Monday at 5 p.m. and I always get the Fire Station and the Senior Center mixed up for these kind of meetings, but you can call the Fire Station at 2331 to check. But do look into the Open House to see what plans are afoot for the development of Eastsound.
Tomorrow, the Chamber of Commerce tree lighting at Eastsound Village Green starts at 4:45 p.m. From there fan out to "Shop the Rock" as Eastsound businesses offer specials until 7 p.m.
Island quilters will hold an opening reception for their work at the Orcas Center at 5:30 p.m. The lobby and Madrona room are blanketing with these stunning works of beauty and order, made by our own neighbors. The quilts will be on display through the month of December.
The Olga Symphony plays Orcas Center on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and if you put it out to the universe, you may be able to score a ticket, although both evenings are officially sold out.
Saturday, scarf down your cornflakes and treat yourself to a day of hobnobbing. The Artisans' Faire takes place at the Oddfellows, beginning at 10 a.m. It runs through Sunday until 4 p.m. and benefits the Artists in the School Program.
The American Legion Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar, which benefits their scholarship program and hospitalized veterans, takes place at the legion hall near the "tank corner." As well as local artists and craftsfolk, the bazaar features hearty soups for when your cornflakes wear off.
The Friends of the Library Holiday Tea runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Orcas Island Library on Rose Street, with goodies and musicians at this community center.
The Actors Theater of Orcas Island presents an evening of improvisational (spontaneous) theater at 7:30 at the Grange on Saturday night.
And plan to attend the Historical Museum Dinner on Monday evening, beginning at 5 p.m. This is a great event, located in the woods of Camp Orkila, with their fabulous prime rib, salmon and vegetarian buffet dinner, seating at tables with island newcomers and old-timers alike. Call to make reservations at 376-4849.
Entertainment following the dinner will be "Orcas Moments" featuring John Gorton and Anita Orne's retrospective of historic island parades, salmon derbies, and community endeavors. "Island Spirit" didn't just spring up overnight, and whether you're being introduced to island history for the first time, or reliving treasured memories, you're sure to be entertained by the program.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Money found for Orcas Rec, Seniors and Farmers
"You can't always get what you want, but if you try, you get what you need."
This week, the County Council proposed restoring $10,000 to the Orcas Rec program, and $5,000 to the Lopez Youth programs. This is great news, considering all funding to these groups was planned to be cut.
The revised budget also includes $25,000, reinstated for Senior Transport, and $48,964 for a Juvenile Probation Officer.
The Agricultural Resources Committee coordinator position would also be continued at $35,000.
For all the complaints about a "do-nothing" council that I hear, what is true is that the council and the County Administrator, Pete Rose, make every attempt to respond to citizen concerns. Go to the council web pages for further details, www.sanjuanco.com.
Bravo, fellow citizens, for standing up for these programs.
This week, the County Council proposed restoring $10,000 to the Orcas Rec program, and $5,000 to the Lopez Youth programs. This is great news, considering all funding to these groups was planned to be cut.
The revised budget also includes $25,000, reinstated for Senior Transport, and $48,964 for a Juvenile Probation Officer.
The Agricultural Resources Committee coordinator position would also be continued at $35,000.
For all the complaints about a "do-nothing" council that I hear, what is true is that the council and the County Administrator, Pete Rose, make every attempt to respond to citizen concerns. Go to the council web pages for further details, www.sanjuanco.com.
Bravo, fellow citizens, for standing up for these programs.
Look out your window
We learn so much from our friends.
Earlier this year, fellow Orcas A Cappella member Mireille Paulson created a honey-toned Byzantine-style icon, "Virgin of the Sweet Kiss," under the tutelage of fellow Lopezian Colin Goode. I was so comforted and astonished by the beauty of it that I asked her to create another icon for me.
When she presented it to me, she also gave me a copy of philosopher Henri Nouwen's book, "Praying with Icons." As someone whose upbringing included icons and prayer, this idea is entirely within my comfort zone.
That being said, I found the idea of prayer, or meditation, through gazing at beautiful images profoundly soothing and grounding.
My Orcas home looks out to Buck Mountain and Mount Constitution. In the mornings I gaze out to them and note the sunrise further south each winter day. Between my home and Buck Mountain I see the crossroads of North Beach Road and Mount Baker Road with its churches and Senior Center. In the near distance I see the airport, whose fence illegally encroaches on our property, but that's another battle fought and lost and left behind. Behind the airport road I see the wildly popular dog park, where dogs play in total happiness with their owners nearby, and I think about what we can learn from dogs, or in kindergarten, or in any release from strife and complexity to the simple goodness that life offers us, if we just choose to accept it.
I see the Fire Station "palace" in the foreground, with the Senior Center behind it, and am thrilled to know that last Saturday's Holiday Festival netted the Senior Center $8,400.
Up Mt. Baker Road is the Center for Community and the Arts, where Orcas quilters are hanging their beautiful handcrafted works of beauty and comfort this month. This weekend the wacky and earthy Olga Symphony will perform (sold out, but you can always come hoping for a last-minute ticket), and next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, Catherine Pederson's Orcas Choral Society will present the annual winter concert with accompaniment by glorious brass. Catherine always includes universal (can I say catholic?) cultures in the Choral Society concerts, and this year, the most peaceful African "Kumbaya" and a rousing Jewish song with solo by John Heath are interspersed between traditional carols. Don't wait until the last minute for your ticket and get turned away from the concert, as happened to some people last weekend.
Across from the Center, the new OPAL houses rise. I note that they now have roofs and are no longer the naked wood frames that punctuated the vista earlier this year. Next year, ten new households will spring up in our neighborhood.
I confess that just gazing out my window gives me a proprietory feeling (hmmm looks like I better look that word up in the dictionary) -- it makes me feel like the Empress of Orcas Island or a rancher ready to set out to mend fences.
For someone who's spent most of her life looking close at words and books and now computer screens, the wealth of an expansive gaze is a gift I can give myself if I just accept it.
Earlier this year, fellow Orcas A Cappella member Mireille Paulson created a honey-toned Byzantine-style icon, "Virgin of the Sweet Kiss," under the tutelage of fellow Lopezian Colin Goode. I was so comforted and astonished by the beauty of it that I asked her to create another icon for me.
When she presented it to me, she also gave me a copy of philosopher Henri Nouwen's book, "Praying with Icons." As someone whose upbringing included icons and prayer, this idea is entirely within my comfort zone.
That being said, I found the idea of prayer, or meditation, through gazing at beautiful images profoundly soothing and grounding.
My Orcas home looks out to Buck Mountain and Mount Constitution. In the mornings I gaze out to them and note the sunrise further south each winter day. Between my home and Buck Mountain I see the crossroads of North Beach Road and Mount Baker Road with its churches and Senior Center. In the near distance I see the airport, whose fence illegally encroaches on our property, but that's another battle fought and lost and left behind. Behind the airport road I see the wildly popular dog park, where dogs play in total happiness with their owners nearby, and I think about what we can learn from dogs, or in kindergarten, or in any release from strife and complexity to the simple goodness that life offers us, if we just choose to accept it.
I see the Fire Station "palace" in the foreground, with the Senior Center behind it, and am thrilled to know that last Saturday's Holiday Festival netted the Senior Center $8,400.
Up Mt. Baker Road is the Center for Community and the Arts, where Orcas quilters are hanging their beautiful handcrafted works of beauty and comfort this month. This weekend the wacky and earthy Olga Symphony will perform (sold out, but you can always come hoping for a last-minute ticket), and next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, Catherine Pederson's Orcas Choral Society will present the annual winter concert with accompaniment by glorious brass. Catherine always includes universal (can I say catholic?) cultures in the Choral Society concerts, and this year, the most peaceful African "Kumbaya" and a rousing Jewish song with solo by John Heath are interspersed between traditional carols. Don't wait until the last minute for your ticket and get turned away from the concert, as happened to some people last weekend.
Across from the Center, the new OPAL houses rise. I note that they now have roofs and are no longer the naked wood frames that punctuated the vista earlier this year. Next year, ten new households will spring up in our neighborhood.
I confess that just gazing out my window gives me a proprietory feeling (hmmm looks like I better look that word up in the dictionary) -- it makes me feel like the Empress of Orcas Island or a rancher ready to set out to mend fences.
For someone who's spent most of her life looking close at words and books and now computer screens, the wealth of an expansive gaze is a gift I can give myself if I just accept it.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Christmas Trees benefit kids' sports and 4-H
Christmas Trees (priced from $25-$95) are now available at Ace Hardware. They are being sold by kids from the school, and all sales proceeds benefit the school sports programs (other than football) and the 4-H Trailblazers. Sales are happening now until all the trees are sold. For further information, contact Mimi Anderson at 376-2682.
Long live print journalism too!
Forty years ago, I delivered our weekly neighborhood newspaper. I wanted to be a journalist, but my mom discouraged me, saying it was a rat race. When I looked into graduate school journalism, my state university only offered courses in television journalism. When I lived in NY City, and worked for an insurance annuity company, headlines from corner newsboxes announced the earth-shaking developments of Watergate.
Finally, some 45 years later, after working for trade journals, video production companies, medical labs, publishers and internet marketers, I got my "dream job" as editor of my small-town newspaper.
I covered County Council, School Board, Fire District, and local Plan Review Committee meetings regularly. Our "local" issues are national issues too -- immigration arrests, the crisis in public education funding, the environment and water supply, employment and the cost of housing. Not to mention breaking news incidents of eco-terrorism, neo-Nazism and personal rescues. I also reported on local stories that inspire for a lifetime -- innovative new businesses, cultural exchanges, highly-renowned music and writing festivals, sustainable farming, and graduation from high school, alternative schools, and trade schools.
When I was lucky enough to get a reporter, we covered sports and more of the above stories. When I didn't have a reporter, I relied more on community press releases and regional wire services. The Sounder website continues to be plagued by technological glitches and dated postings from spotty archives.
Now, I watch a bit of CNN, and a bit of Fox on TV. Every Friday, I watch Washington Week (a panel of journalists) on PBS. I read the NY Times and the Seattle Times Business Digest online, often after printing the articles out. I regularly read the print version of my community's newspaper, and that of our two neighboring communities. Whenever I travel, I read the community newspaper.
This blog on Orcas Issues is not print journalism, in that it contains my personal reflections on public and civic matters. The perspective and promise of traditional journalism -- to present a comprehensive, accurate, fair view of what's happening in the world -- is conveyed better through good print journalism than through television or internet media. This applies to local, regional, national and international news coverage.
Would we know about the conflicts in the Near East, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan or the conditions at Walter Reed Hospital or the firing of U.S. Attorneys if it weren't for national and international news coverage?
We need a free press to be a free country. The business model of print journalism is still valid, but it's up to the communities they report on to continue to support, if not save, newspapers. The mutual support of reporting, advertising and patronage are necessary to support the quality of our lives and our democracy.
Finally, some 45 years later, after working for trade journals, video production companies, medical labs, publishers and internet marketers, I got my "dream job" as editor of my small-town newspaper.
I covered County Council, School Board, Fire District, and local Plan Review Committee meetings regularly. Our "local" issues are national issues too -- immigration arrests, the crisis in public education funding, the environment and water supply, employment and the cost of housing. Not to mention breaking news incidents of eco-terrorism, neo-Nazism and personal rescues. I also reported on local stories that inspire for a lifetime -- innovative new businesses, cultural exchanges, highly-renowned music and writing festivals, sustainable farming, and graduation from high school, alternative schools, and trade schools.
When I was lucky enough to get a reporter, we covered sports and more of the above stories. When I didn't have a reporter, I relied more on community press releases and regional wire services. The Sounder website continues to be plagued by technological glitches and dated postings from spotty archives.
Now, I watch a bit of CNN, and a bit of Fox on TV. Every Friday, I watch Washington Week (a panel of journalists) on PBS. I read the NY Times and the Seattle Times Business Digest online, often after printing the articles out. I regularly read the print version of my community's newspaper, and that of our two neighboring communities. Whenever I travel, I read the community newspaper.
This blog on Orcas Issues is not print journalism, in that it contains my personal reflections on public and civic matters. The perspective and promise of traditional journalism -- to present a comprehensive, accurate, fair view of what's happening in the world -- is conveyed better through good print journalism than through television or internet media. This applies to local, regional, national and international news coverage.
Would we know about the conflicts in the Near East, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan or the conditions at Walter Reed Hospital or the firing of U.S. Attorneys if it weren't for national and international news coverage?
We need a free press to be a free country. The business model of print journalism is still valid, but it's up to the communities they report on to continue to support, if not save, newspapers. The mutual support of reporting, advertising and patronage are necessary to support the quality of our lives and our democracy.
Bullwings updates at noon
Hi there!
It's a foggy cold morning on Orcas Island and I'm multi-tasking layered with reflective thoughts of peace and hope. Isn't that what this season is all about?
Today Mindy Kayl, candidate for Orcas West County Council position, is observing a hand-recount of last month's ballots. She lost by about 100 votes to Richard Fralick in the General Election, and is exercising her right to make sure the count was accurate. Tomorrow she plans to butcher sheep on her farm.
In her book, "The Artist's Way," Julia Cameron refers to early-morning journal writing as "junk" writing, which always reminds me of that corny expression, "God don't make junk" so I've always referred to it as "fresh" writing. I wake up with so many bright ideas, practical and outlandish, that mornings are the best time for me to update this blog.
So, by noon, the new day's input should be online and you can read new content. I'm still working on getting RSS feeds and more complicated items on the site. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com.
It's a foggy cold morning on Orcas Island and I'm multi-tasking layered with reflective thoughts of peace and hope. Isn't that what this season is all about?
Today Mindy Kayl, candidate for Orcas West County Council position, is observing a hand-recount of last month's ballots. She lost by about 100 votes to Richard Fralick in the General Election, and is exercising her right to make sure the count was accurate. Tomorrow she plans to butcher sheep on her farm.
In her book, "The Artist's Way," Julia Cameron refers to early-morning journal writing as "junk" writing, which always reminds me of that corny expression, "God don't make junk" so I've always referred to it as "fresh" writing. I wake up with so many bright ideas, practical and outlandish, that mornings are the best time for me to update this blog.
So, by noon, the new day's input should be online and you can read new content. I'm still working on getting RSS feeds and more complicated items on the site. In the meantime, feel free to contact me at pub@PortGamblePublishing.com.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sing out!
We're having fun now! Friday night was the Orcas A Cappella concert on Lopez Island, and last night we performed on Orcas -- to sold-out houses both nights.
From the African welcome song to the Pilgrim's Chorus finale we sang and played songs of harvest and home, of spinning wheels and triumph and dreaming of water and longing for beautiful valleys and crossing the Deep River to the Promised Land. With over 30 friends who've come together weekly just for the pleasure and beauty of singing together, some of us novices, some of us old pros.
We perform on Shaw Island today at 2.
The Choral Society's winter concert is in two weeks, Saturday Dec. 13 and Sunday Dec. 14 and it's going to be "killer" as one of the teenagers of the college choir I was in when I was 40. My favorite is a new arrangement of "The Holly and the Ivy" by Stephen Paulus. The nature of Christmas always really speaks to me, and I'm so glad we live in a climate where holly and ivy grow.
Karen Blinn and I are recording a Christmas CD, titled "Christmas Songs of Longing and Wonder." We've been working on it for almost a year now; her beautiful oboe playing gives just the right "longing" note to the songs. It's ready-or-not time.
This Wednesday is the PTSA's Book Fair with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5 to 8 at the library. In trying not to get sucked in by the over-consumption of Christmas, I've always given my kids a book each for Christmas. One year, money was very tight, so I re-wrapped the books from the previous Christmas and gave them again. They caught on, but at least they had the pleasure of opening one more gift.
And Thursday at 3 the Eastsound Planning Review Committee meeting is at the Senior Center. This is the closest Orcas Island has to a municipal governing body, and its members are knowledgeable about both the laws and the lifestyles of the island. Challenge yourself to understand some of our more complex acronyms (the CAO, the GMA, CARA, the UGA)and wrestle through the bureaucracies to preserve what we cherish and plan what we desire.
But for today, lift slowly with the fog and say goodbye to November.
From the African welcome song to the Pilgrim's Chorus finale we sang and played songs of harvest and home, of spinning wheels and triumph and dreaming of water and longing for beautiful valleys and crossing the Deep River to the Promised Land. With over 30 friends who've come together weekly just for the pleasure and beauty of singing together, some of us novices, some of us old pros.
We perform on Shaw Island today at 2.
The Choral Society's winter concert is in two weeks, Saturday Dec. 13 and Sunday Dec. 14 and it's going to be "killer" as one of the teenagers of the college choir I was in when I was 40. My favorite is a new arrangement of "The Holly and the Ivy" by Stephen Paulus. The nature of Christmas always really speaks to me, and I'm so glad we live in a climate where holly and ivy grow.
Karen Blinn and I are recording a Christmas CD, titled "Christmas Songs of Longing and Wonder." We've been working on it for almost a year now; her beautiful oboe playing gives just the right "longing" note to the songs. It's ready-or-not time.
This Wednesday is the PTSA's Book Fair with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 5 to 8 at the library. In trying not to get sucked in by the over-consumption of Christmas, I've always given my kids a book each for Christmas. One year, money was very tight, so I re-wrapped the books from the previous Christmas and gave them again. They caught on, but at least they had the pleasure of opening one more gift.
And Thursday at 3 the Eastsound Planning Review Committee meeting is at the Senior Center. This is the closest Orcas Island has to a municipal governing body, and its members are knowledgeable about both the laws and the lifestyles of the island. Challenge yourself to understand some of our more complex acronyms (the CAO, the GMA, CARA, the UGA)and wrestle through the bureaucracies to preserve what we cherish and plan what we desire.
But for today, lift slowly with the fog and say goodbye to November.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Not a traditional Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day was a sharp, damp denouement from ten days of shock after being terminated from the Sounder.
Beginning on Monday, my daughter, who recently moved to Seattle after being laid off from her job in Portland, was suffering from a severe case of nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis and hepatitis loomed in my mind, so all Thanksgiving plans were in abeyance until I figured out how she was going to fare.
As I drove from Anacortes to Seattle, I was struck by "the real world," not having been off the island without a firm deadline to return for the the last two years.
Happily for both of us, my daughter is living with my older sister just north of the University District in Seattle.
After arriving at my sister's home, I walked to the neighborhood store to buy ginger ale and tomato soup for my daughter. My sister came home from work as a complex care nurse, seething about the rudeness of her passive-aggressive co-worker. We joked about the freedom of being unemployed, and planned a road trip, one of the traditions and pastimes my daughter and I share.
We watched a TV show and I realized that my sister doesn't have cable or satellite television. My nephew Matt came by to drop off a mirror for the bathroom cabinet that has been mirror-less for the last two years. My sister is not in a rush about anything.
I asked my daughter what she would do if she could do anything she liked, and after saying, "You mean after traveling around the Mediterranean?" she told me she'd like to be involved in international relations.
I told her I'd like to just go to bed for a week.
The next day, I called my husband on Orcas and we agreed to play it by ear for Thanksgiving Day. I told him I felt torn between "celebrating" Thanksgiving Day with him and my daughter, but he had already been to Seattle on Monday and Tuesday. He said, "Don't worry about me," and we are honest with each other about our feelings, so I appreciated his generosity.
My sister was going to her in-laws for the traditional dinner. She had made a turkey the Sunday before and leftovers were still in her fridge.
I'd had turkey dinner at the American Legion two weeks ago, and my daughter had no stomach for turkey and dressing and gravy.
My other nephew John came by and told me of his new job writing grants. John traveled the world for 10 months last year, and he discouraged us from our Mexican road trip plans. While my daughter napped, I spent an hour on the phone on hold with the unemployment agency, then was disconnected.
Later, my daughter felt up to a cabbage salad that I make and gobbled down three helpings.
That night my sister demanded I make chocolate sauce for ice cream, and I had more than my share, which kept me awake most of the night. My sister got up at her usual 5 a.m. and I woke on Thanksgiving Day with a headache.
But my daughter felt better and we took her dog -- a 130-pound French mastiff that I'm still a little afraid of -- to the dog park on Lake Washington and had a long honest talk about our family. A long overdue talk in my opinion, but at last she felt okay to talk to me about it. Later she told me she felt relieved.
Then my sister took us out for breakfast at a neighborhood joint and we talked about conspicuous consumption and alternative uses of energy and whether or not I should be a yenta to my unmarried daughter and how my sister was going to enjoy Christmas in New Jersey with her prospective in-laws.
I heard from my two sons, one in Michigan and one in Maryland and was glad they could get through the phone lines, which I'd expected to be overloaded.
We came home and I made soup from the turkey carcass and watched the movie "Volver," with Spanish subtitles. My daughter looks like a cross between Penelope Cruz and Michelle Obama, and I'm so complemented when people say she resembles me. Her dog smelled the turkey on me and desperately wanted to inhale me, but finally he slept.
Both my sister and I nodded off during the movie, but we agreed at the end that it was a foreign film, and what would the poor sister-daughter do who had killed her mother's husband?
Then it was time to leave to catch the ferry home. I realized I was hungry, and stopped at a QFC for a turkey sandwich. All the radio programs were dry or dreary, so I turned it off and sang the program for the Orcas A Cappella and Choral Society concerts coming up. I made it to the ferry with a half-hour to spare, and allowed myself to hit the wall.
I felt blue and tired and lonely. I gave thanks for all the people and circumstances I'm grateful for, and told myself it was okay to cry if I felt like it. After boarding the ferry, I looked out the car window at the black waters -- I was first in line at the front of the ferry.
I was tired from two weeks of stress and change and compensating and shifting from my former, overloaded but exciting schedule to my open-ended "new" life. I didn't "have" to do anything and I didn't want to do anything, but finally I opened my journal and wrote about how tired I was, how sad I felt, and remembered the kind words of an Orcas neighbor who reminded be that I will feel sad and it's okay.
I came home and my husband brought home care packages of turkey dinner and dessert, and I ate some chocolate pie. He made a fire and I fell asleep in the chair by the fireplace.
It was a low-key, moment-by-moment Thanksgiving, and just right for me.
Beginning on Monday, my daughter, who recently moved to Seattle after being laid off from her job in Portland, was suffering from a severe case of nausea and vomiting. Appendicitis and hepatitis loomed in my mind, so all Thanksgiving plans were in abeyance until I figured out how she was going to fare.
As I drove from Anacortes to Seattle, I was struck by "the real world," not having been off the island without a firm deadline to return for the the last two years.
Happily for both of us, my daughter is living with my older sister just north of the University District in Seattle.
After arriving at my sister's home, I walked to the neighborhood store to buy ginger ale and tomato soup for my daughter. My sister came home from work as a complex care nurse, seething about the rudeness of her passive-aggressive co-worker. We joked about the freedom of being unemployed, and planned a road trip, one of the traditions and pastimes my daughter and I share.
We watched a TV show and I realized that my sister doesn't have cable or satellite television. My nephew Matt came by to drop off a mirror for the bathroom cabinet that has been mirror-less for the last two years. My sister is not in a rush about anything.
I asked my daughter what she would do if she could do anything she liked, and after saying, "You mean after traveling around the Mediterranean?" she told me she'd like to be involved in international relations.
I told her I'd like to just go to bed for a week.
The next day, I called my husband on Orcas and we agreed to play it by ear for Thanksgiving Day. I told him I felt torn between "celebrating" Thanksgiving Day with him and my daughter, but he had already been to Seattle on Monday and Tuesday. He said, "Don't worry about me," and we are honest with each other about our feelings, so I appreciated his generosity.
My sister was going to her in-laws for the traditional dinner. She had made a turkey the Sunday before and leftovers were still in her fridge.
I'd had turkey dinner at the American Legion two weeks ago, and my daughter had no stomach for turkey and dressing and gravy.
My other nephew John came by and told me of his new job writing grants. John traveled the world for 10 months last year, and he discouraged us from our Mexican road trip plans. While my daughter napped, I spent an hour on the phone on hold with the unemployment agency, then was disconnected.
Later, my daughter felt up to a cabbage salad that I make and gobbled down three helpings.
That night my sister demanded I make chocolate sauce for ice cream, and I had more than my share, which kept me awake most of the night. My sister got up at her usual 5 a.m. and I woke on Thanksgiving Day with a headache.
But my daughter felt better and we took her dog -- a 130-pound French mastiff that I'm still a little afraid of -- to the dog park on Lake Washington and had a long honest talk about our family. A long overdue talk in my opinion, but at last she felt okay to talk to me about it. Later she told me she felt relieved.
Then my sister took us out for breakfast at a neighborhood joint and we talked about conspicuous consumption and alternative uses of energy and whether or not I should be a yenta to my unmarried daughter and how my sister was going to enjoy Christmas in New Jersey with her prospective in-laws.
I heard from my two sons, one in Michigan and one in Maryland and was glad they could get through the phone lines, which I'd expected to be overloaded.
We came home and I made soup from the turkey carcass and watched the movie "Volver," with Spanish subtitles. My daughter looks like a cross between Penelope Cruz and Michelle Obama, and I'm so complemented when people say she resembles me. Her dog smelled the turkey on me and desperately wanted to inhale me, but finally he slept.
Both my sister and I nodded off during the movie, but we agreed at the end that it was a foreign film, and what would the poor sister-daughter do who had killed her mother's husband?
Then it was time to leave to catch the ferry home. I realized I was hungry, and stopped at a QFC for a turkey sandwich. All the radio programs were dry or dreary, so I turned it off and sang the program for the Orcas A Cappella and Choral Society concerts coming up. I made it to the ferry with a half-hour to spare, and allowed myself to hit the wall.
I felt blue and tired and lonely. I gave thanks for all the people and circumstances I'm grateful for, and told myself it was okay to cry if I felt like it. After boarding the ferry, I looked out the car window at the black waters -- I was first in line at the front of the ferry.
I was tired from two weeks of stress and change and compensating and shifting from my former, overloaded but exciting schedule to my open-ended "new" life. I didn't "have" to do anything and I didn't want to do anything, but finally I opened my journal and wrote about how tired I was, how sad I felt, and remembered the kind words of an Orcas neighbor who reminded be that I will feel sad and it's okay.
I came home and my husband brought home care packages of turkey dinner and dessert, and I ate some chocolate pie. He made a fire and I fell asleep in the chair by the fireplace.
It was a low-key, moment-by-moment Thanksgiving, and just right for me.
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