Board meet finds schools on budget, on track

“I have a feeling that thing’s are going very well in business office,” Orcas Island School District board member Tony Ghazel said at the Jan. 22 school board meeting. His sentiments were echoed during the meeting, with hard facts to support them:
• Sara Morgan whose contributions have been cited in the past year’s number-crunching, has become a new member of the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC), the citizens’ group that assists the business office in tracking school funds. OISD board member (and BAC liaison ) Keith Whitaker said, “Sara has already contributed greatly at the first meeting.”
• In her report on the Orcas Island Education Foundation, Janet Brownell said, “Ben [Thomas, Business Manager] and Sara have done a fantastic job on invoicing and tracking the money [contributed through the OIEF to the district.]”
• Superintendent/Principal Barbara Kline praised the catch-up work done by the new Accounts Payable person, Dali Cuthbert , “She has done a lot of catch-up work in the last three weeks.” Kline added that enrollment was “looking good in the right areas, K-4th[grade] and high school.”
• Teacher Mandy Randolph thanked the Board for “the time and effort you’ve put into a thankless job.” Randolph also expressed her appreciation for the new Mac computers all the elementary teachers have recently received.
• Career and Technical Education director Kari Schuh said, after working with the Business Office to apply for a grant, “I could not have done it without Ben, Sharron [Mierau, Business Office staff] and Sara and Dali -- they have been tremendous to work with, helping make that new aspect of my job easier.”

The board approved the consent agenda, which included a contract position for a coordinator for the Farm-to-Cafeteria program, to be paid by the Orcas Island Education Foundaton (OIEF)

In Kline’s absence, teacher Marta Branch passed out certificates to members of the OISD board in recognition of School board appreciation month and the board’s service with the district.

Elementary Principal Tom Gobeske, who also oversees food service transportation and maintenance, zeroed in on the maintenance aspect in his report to the board.
He said, “Maintenance is hard at work, but there’s lots to do.”
Gobeske suggested that a community service day be held to fix up the school. The December storms created snow buildup on the roof, but with shoveling, the leaking into the gym that had started was kept to a minimum and there was no damage to the gym floor.

He also said that on Jan. 20, the classes watched the Presidential Inauguration and had discussions: “It was a very exciting day. The enthusiasm, involvement and knowledge of the children is really encouraging.”

Marian O’Brien reported for the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), noting that PTSA President Barb Skotte had sent out emails announcing two new afterschool programs in Spanish and astronomy.

O’Brien reported that “over 25 people in worked in the garden, and probably clocked over 60 hours of work,” during the national Day of Service on Jan. 19. Volunteers also worked in the schoollibrary, and would like to meet once a month to do community service.

Superintendent/Principal Barbara Kline reported by telephone from Washington D.C. She addressed the workshop by suggesting a bond committee be formed, and asked the board to think about the positions they would want to see represented on such a committee, including community members.

Kline praised the programs that have been coordinated with Orcas Center as “totally fabulous,” not only in the center’s programming, but also in the visiting artists they bring to school assemblies.
(A report on the bond discussion will be posted at a later date on Bullwings)

San Juan Leadership class holds retreat on Orcas

Members of the 2009 Leadership San Juan Islands class came to Orcas Island for a two-day retreat on Jan. 23 and 24. They attended workshops at Heartwood House and braved the arctic air on Friday afternoon to tour Orcas "landmarks." Pictured above are Lou Gray from Lopez Island, Angie Attwell and Kristy Ayers from San Juan Island, and Steve Gresham from Orcas Island making a stop at the Healing Arts Center.
This year's class of 20 members is the largest in the Skagit Valley College's five-year program in community leadership. Its mission is to educate and motivate community members interested in developing their professional leadership skills and in learning more about issues affecting San Juan County. Leadership SJI meets monthly to consider aspects of island life such as culture and history, governance, education, economics, community building, environment and social systems and community health.
The retreat brings 25 class members and facilitators to Orcas Island, where off-island members are staying at the Smugglers Inn.
Orcas Islanders who are participating in the program are Louise Carnachan, Owen Cheevers, Margie Doyle, Ethna Flanagan, Steve Gresham, Barbara LaBrash, Learner Limbach and Marta-Maria Nielsen.

County to fund Village Green restrooms

Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce director Lance Evans announced that in a county Lodging Tax Advisory meeting held Jan. 21, a motion was approved to fund the public restroom facilities located in County parks. "Obviously, the public restroom in Eastsound is covered by this action, said Evans. "Assuming the County Council approves the recommendation, funding for our public facility is in place. The Chamber thanks all who let your voices be heard on this issue!"
The Eastsound restrooms had been slated to be closed in a cost-cutting measure on the 2009 County Parks budget.
Evans has been appointed to fill a position on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, representing the three county Chambers of Commerce. He joins other representatives, including Orcas Island’s Mike Stolmeier, Susan Fletcher, John Messinger, Jim Nelson and Carl Silvernail.

Comment deadline on WSF long-range plans extended

Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced an extended public comment period on the draft long-range plan through Monday, Jan. 26.

Due to the overwhelming response from communities, we extended the comment period five days to ensure ample opportunity for the public to provide input on the two options in the draft plan. The tenth public hearing concluded in Fauntleroy on Wednesday night, and all of the public hearing transcripts, with the exception of Fauntleroy, are available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358. The Fauntleroy hearing transcript will be posted online mid-next week. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to attend a public hearing and/or provide comments. We are reviewing all of the comments and determining what modifications can be made to the options in the draft plan. You may continue to send comments through Jan. 26 by writing wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov or WSF, Attn. Joy Goldenberg, 2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121.
A revised draft plan, along with all of the public comments received, will be provided to the Legislature on Saturday, Jan. 31. The plan is intended to provide options for consideration during this Legislative session and will not be finalized until after it is reviewed and decisions are made by lawmakers.

Friends of Moran Park honor Bumans Jan. 26

Michel Vekved, of the Friends of Moran State Park, issued the following invitation:

I would like to extend a personal invitation to the Friends of Moran State Park Annual Meeting on Monday Jan. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Moran Environmental Learning Center Lodge.

Our meeting usually lets the public know what activities our non-profit organization has accomplished during the previous year.

This year, however, is a bit special because we will be honoring Barb and Gordon Buman for their time, talent and dedication to Moran State Park over the last 13 years.

We will have a brief presentation awarding Lifetime Membership with refreshments for all.
I hope you can make it to share the moment with us for Barb and Gordon.

Free 4-hour moorage at County's newest dock at Orcas Landing

By Stan Matthews
County Communications Program Manager
The County’s newly purchased public dock at Orcas Landing is welcoming boaters with 430 feet of moorage space available without charge for up to four hours during the day. According to Public Works director Jon Shannon, the facility will also offer a space for public meetings when renovations to the main building are completed this Spring.
The County closed on the property adjacent to the Orcas Ferry landing in December after more than two years of on and off negotiations between the County and the owners of what was then known as “Jacobson’s at Orcas Landing.” Throughout that time, former San Juan County Council Member Alan Lichter kept focus on the acquisition project, help keep the negotiations alive and is given credit for their ultimate success.
The usefulness of the dock has quickly become apparent. Most frequently boats Waldron and other non-ferry served islands tie up at the dock to connect with the ferry. Their passengers have just a 50 yard walk to the ferry.
The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office has awarded the County a $106,000 grant toward the $2.88 million purchase price and a 4,000 square foot building on the property will generate approximately $50,000 in lease revenue this year, in addition to revenue from several parking spaces across from the Orcas Hotel. Additional funding will come from the County Road Fund, which – under state law – may be used for water transportation facilities. (The funds used to purchase the dock could not have legally been used for County Operating Expenses).
The County took ownership of Orcas Landing shortly before the winter storms hit, but it weathered them with no significant damage.
Public Works Director Shannon said the purchase furthers several of the County’s transportation goals, “This provides a linkage between the County Road, the marine highway and the ferry system – a goal of out previous planning efforts. It also provides a staging area for pedestrians and bicyclist using the Washington State Ferry system.”

School board holds bond work session prior to regular board meeting on Thursday

The school board will hold a work session Thurs. Jan. 22 beginning at 3 p.m. to discuss whether to pursue a future bond issue. Public input is welcome. The work session will be followed by the Board's executive (private) session at 4:30. The regular January meeting, will convene at 5:30 pm. As usual, the Board will meet at the school library.

January is School Board Appreciation Month. Orcas Island Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) President Barb Skotte said, "Our school board members are volunteers who give many hours each month doing their best to help our schools and kids. Given the current economic times, this often requires them to make difficult choices and weather considerable criticism. Please take the time to thank our board members (Janet Brownell, Tony Ghazel, Charlie Glasser, Scott Lancaster and Keith Whitaker) for all they do!"

Tidbits and factoids nourish community in service projects

The national Day of Service on Jan. 19 was a day of fun and camaraderie for those who joined in some of the projects happening on Orcas Island.
About 25 volunteers of all ages showed up at the Orcas Island school to work in the garden just down from the school's historic maple tree.

It was kind of hard recognizing old friends disguised in our hats and workclothes, but we moved the compost pile and weeded and cultivated the rows in preparation for spring plowing.
Teacher Anne Ford McGrath explained that she and fellow teacher Pam Jenkins like to take their classes out to the garden, but they have a hard time supervising 20-25 kidds at a time, so they could use some help with that.
Community Foundation Executive Director Hilary Canty, event organizer, brought some great gooey chocolate-y cookies for snacks, and Madie Murray, Farm-to-Cafeteria program advocate, brought lattes and sandwiches later on. Orcas Island Education Foundation is funding a Farm-to-Cafeteria position, which the school board is expected to approve at their meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Orcas Island School District board president Janet Brownell mentioned that the state Basic Education Task Force report, which came out last week, lacks needed funding proposals, but said that it did recommend raising the levy lid to 30%, which would help the Orcas school district right away.
Mia Kartiganer asked "What are the risks in taking on the post mistress?" and I told her that the truth is the best defense against slander.
(Originally I'd written that Mia had "asked if I was being sued by the Post Office for my article decrying their lack of accountability in delivering the mail." Mia corrected my original words, see Comments below.)
Barbara Bentley (pictured above on the left)described her husband, Glenn Prestwick's combined research-entrepreneurial work in developing natural chemical injections for arthritis relief and healing. Bentley is a biology professor, and her explanations are an ideal model of translating scientific ideas so the layman can understand them. She described the effect of Glenn's research in promoting healing tissue without adhesions in abdominal surgery as similar to developing one-sided "scotch" tape.
So imagine my surprise when I scoped out a biography by Barbara Bentley, subtitled, "My Life with a Psychopath" at the Natilus Book Awards office, before I realized there could be more than one Barbara Bentley in the world.
But I digress. The Orcas Barbara Bentley had the highest praise for Orcas Island medics who came to her aid when she fell and broke her arm last fall.
As we worked, the sun came out and made a perfect day in the garden -- a Goldilocks day, not too cold, not too hot.
In the afternoon, I went to the Historical Museum, where they were also gardening, and helped plant bulbs and weed. (See photo in Jan. 18 post "Upcoming week"). Jean Dickerson gave me a bit of education about the bulbs we were planting -- Lord Alfred hybrids from 1889, and John Willis told me of his cousin's politicking in Kodiak, Alaska, where I used to live. Margot Shaw took pictures and Andrea Cohen invited us into the museum for muffins, tea, coffee and peanut-butter-and-jam brushchetta.
The hot drinks were most welcome as the fog rolled in and the natural wind tunnel of North Beach Road chilled the bones.
After thawing out at home, Patty Monaco and I went to Kaleidoscope where Director Amber Paulson had invited service volunteers to help with the kids. We got there in time to sing "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie" with Kaleidoscope teacher Margie Crowe and delightful, second-grader Delaney.
Then Patty came back to my home with me and helped me prepare "Memory" from "Cats" which I'll be singing at the Orcas Idol auditions this Saturday night at the Grange.
I heard on the radio that Martin Luther King Day had been named a Day of Service back in 1994, but to my knowledge, that aspect of it was never promoted until this year.
Hilary Canty, Executive Director for the Community Foundation, suggested that the community join together for a project once a month. I'd like to see more young kids at the historical museum and more boomers and seniors at the school.

Orcas Irthlingz and Obama honored at the Outlook

A happy crowd filled the Victorian Room at the Outlook Inn last night to celebrate both the inauguration of President Barack Obama and the recognition awarded Orcas resident Sharon Abreu and her environmental organization, Irthlingz, for submitting a National Strategy for Sustainability, which ranked in the Top Ten proposals on Change.org this past week in its Ideas competition. Over 7,800 proposals were submitted.
The plan can be viewed at www.citnet.org/leadership/documents/_Wheeler_NatlStrategy2.doc and the award announcement can be seen at www.change.org/ideas.
Irthlingz can be accessed online at www.irthlingz.org.
Abreu says public support of the National Strategy should contact their legislators.

Today's party at Outlook honors Obama and Abreu's strategy for sustainability

Contributed by Phil Heikkinen
The public is invited to an Obama Party Celebration at the Outlook Inn's Victorian Room today, January 20 - Inauguration Day - from 5 to 8 p.m. The event is in conjunction with Obama parties going on around the country coordinated by MoveOn.org.
The event will also honor Sharon Abreu's work on the proposal for a National Strategy for Sustainability, which ranked in the Top Ten proposals on Change.org this past week in its Ideas competition. Over 7,800 proposals were submitted.
The Outlook event is an hors d'oeuvres potluck - only non-perishable d'oeuvres requested. Please do not bring drinks.
Abreu writes:

The no-host bar will be open! There will be an AV program of the inaugural events to broadcast, and our event will be connected with celebrations around the world! Festive attire is encouraged, especially the color purple to represent the blending of blue and red!
Admission is $5 at the door.
$150 will go to pay for the room rental. Any additional money collected will go to Irthlingz Arts-Based Environmental Education (www.irthlingz.org), run by Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz, Shoshana Avree will announce Abreu's award at the party and Sharon will say a few words about the proposal and the competition.
Samara Shaw and Magda Mische would like to know if anyone would like to put some energy into making a banner for the party. If so, please contact them as soon as you can:
Samara Shaw at highgood4all@yahoo.com
Magda Mische at drmagda@centurytel.net
Also, if anyone has access to a laser printer and can assist printing some support materials, please contact Nancy at nschaferlmt@msn.com.

Manage your Work and Retreat to Progress

Louise Carnachan, Orcas Island management consultant, writes in her latest newsletter about stepping back to consider your activities and your goals, your daily habits and your plans. A regular "retreat" to evaluate and plan can be the secret to realizing dreams, ambitions and deadlines.
Everyone, from individuals to families, small businesses, sports teams, non-profits and large corporations can benefit from considering her advice:

If you're scrambling to meet payroll or worried about what programs and services to cut just to stay solvent, it's almost impossible to stop and consider, "What do I want to have happen in the next 12 to 36 months?" However, by not taking time to consider the future and make concrete plans to achieve it, you will be at the mercy of outside forces. You will miss opportunities that present themselves because you haven't created a vision or made a plan and begun to execute it.
Now is the time to meet with your Board, your leadership and your staff to take stock of the present and envision the future you want- not the future you'll be stuck with if left to fate.
Building a Retreat Agenda
When you are unclear about the retreat goals and the agenda, time is wasted. Below is a sample agenda for a planning retreat.
Sample Retreat Agenda
• "State of the Organization" Report- Accomplishments and Challenges
• Three Year Vision for the Organization- Our Preferred Future
• Gap Analysis Between the Current State and the Preferred Future
• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)
• Action Ideas and Prioritization
• Action Planning 1-3 Years
• Measures- How Will We Know We Are Succeeding?
• Evaluation of the Retreat Process
Do keep in mind that a plan with no responsible party and no timeline isn't complete. Make sure someone's name is associated with each action as the person who will do the next step, bring other parties to the table and be responsible to report back on progress by the due date established.

Carnachan can offer further help by going to her website link on this site -- look to the left and scroll down (or up) for "Links that I Love."
Many island organizations are planning retreat workshops or strategy sessions to envision and plan. The Eastsound Planning Review Committee (EPRC) will hold its retreat on Monday, Jan. 26.
The Orcas Island School District Board strategic plan review will be held Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. at the school library, one week after the regular board meeting this Thursday, beginning at 3 p.m. with a discussion of the proposed bond, and reconvening at 5:30 for the regular meeting.
It would be well worthwhile to attend these meetings for a beginning or overall view of the sense of these boards and build upon their strengths in planning for your own organization.
And if your organization is planning a retreat or giving an annual report, post it on Bullwings so that the public can save the date.

Children singing - the sound of happiness on Jan. 20

Orcas Island School elementary music teacher Pam Wright says, "The holiday has been extended and we want to share the hard work that the students have done as we start the new year."
The students in Kindergarten through 6th grade will perform at the old school gym on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Their concert will feature the children playing "Boomwhackers," hip hop reindeer dancers -- courtesy of dance teacher Susan Babcock -- recorders, percussion, piano and string -- violins, violas and cellos (Thanks, Moana Kutsche for including this information).
Wright's students will sing "Still, still, still" and other Christmas songs, "For the Winter" and the Jewish "Shalom" (peace) song.
Wright says that her 5th and 6th grade choir has been learning so fast that she began instructing them in the bell choir.
Pam Wright says the program has been carefully planned to last just one hour.

Upcoming Week, Jan.19 to 26

This week started with an official government holiday on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. President-Elect Obama has declared it a national day of service, and Orcas Island groups are planning to pitch in at the Orcas Island School, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and at other sites. (See Day of Service post below).
Pictures depict John Willis and Jean Dickerson and George Karnikis planting in the misty cold of the Eastsound wind tunnel in front of the Orcas Island History Museum. Although workers were few, Dickerson said, "they worked very hard," and she plans future garden parties.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, there will be a Haircut Drive to benefit the family of Jordan Griffin from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Country Corner Laundromat. For appointments, call 376-4740. Minimum $10 donation for “nothing fancy” haircut.
The San Juan County Marine Resources Committee will meet, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Islanders Bank in Friday Harbor to hear the 2008 Annual report, 2009 work plan and assignments, discussion of the Shoreline Master Program amendment process, revision of the water section of the SJC comprehensive plan, presentation of theLead Entity Day and Salmon Recovery Citizen Award, among other agenda items.
Science subcommittee meeting, will meet following the MRC meeting, from 10:45 – 12:30 at Islanders Bank.
An Inauguration Day party will be held at the Outlook Inn, beginning at 5 p.m.
The Orcas Island Elementary School will perform their winter concert at the old gym from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Orcas Garden Club will meet in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Carol Miles will speak on vegetable gardening.
The Orcas Island School District Board will have a double-header meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22in the school library. At 3 p.m. the board will have a work session to discuss the future school bond. Public input is invited to discuss plans for a future bond issue. The board will adjourn to a closed executive session to discuss personnel matters at 4:30 p.m., and will reconvene the public session at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Jan. 24 the Orcas Center will present Spotlight in the OffCenter featuring Eric Apoe and Baby Gramps. For tickets call 376-2281.
Sunday, Jan. 25 the Island Classics Series will come to Orcas Center in the OffCenter, featuring works by Malotte, Bloch, Duval, Egilsson and locals Carolyn Cruso and Sharon Abreu. For tickets call 376-2281.