The
INSIDE
Spotlight on Lopezians
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Meet Nancy Pearl
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Talking about grief
George Willis photo
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Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 38, NUMBER 15 • APRIL 21, 2015
Praise and protect the local pollinators By Russel Barsh and Madrona Murphy Special to the Weekly
The San Juan Islands are enjoying a relatively early spring green-up, flush with wildflowers such as blue camas and yellow buttercups, and all are abuzz with nectar–and pollen-loving insects. It’s time to think about how colorless and tasteless our lives would be without pollinators. Reported declines in bee populations have attracted considerable public comment and concern. Outdoor use of pesticides and other toxic compounds is certainly one factor. Bees weakened by toxic compounds are likely to forage weakly, reproduce poorly, and if exposed to parasites or pathogens, succumb more
quickly than healthy bees. Our changing climate may weaken bees further. As every gardener in the islands has probably observed, our fruit trees often bloom when cold wind and rain make it very difficult for bees to fly. Mild winters encourage plants to leaf out and flower earlier when we still have frequent rainy, stormy days. While bees are also beginning to emerge earlier in the spring, they cannot escape the physical laws governing flight muscles and wings. But wait: what exactly do we mean when we say “bees”? And are bees the only pollinators we need to conserve in order to enjoy our flowers and fruit? Most attention has gone to honeybees – insects
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2015
Your Senior Memory (Full Name, Plans and Dreams for the Future, Most Memorable Moments, If you could pick a super power, what would it be and why?. 150 words max) and Senior Photo are due by May 15th. Please submit your entries to: Kathryn Sherman ksherman@sanjuanjournal.com
Contributed photo / Russel Barsh
A Ceratinid bee at Iceberg Point enjoys buttercup pollen. native to Africa, Asia and Europe that were domesticated several thousand years ago and later introduced to North America by European farmers. What pollinators maintained our landscapes before honeybees were introduced? There are 7,500 species of bees on earth, and only seven are honeybees in the genus Apis. Hundreds of bee species can be found in San Juan County. Over the last five years, we have surveyed pollinator-plant associations on ferry-connected islands as well as dozens of small, undeveloped islets. We observed thousands of insects visiting native wildflowers and domestic ornamentals. Honeybees today represent a very small share of pollinator services in the islands, less than 10 percent. This is due in part to a relatively small number of beekeepers. Hives do not reach far. Honeybees are eclectic in their tastes but seem unable to open or find the nectar or pollen in many native wildflowers. Who does the rest of the work? According to our surveys, native bumblebees (genus Bombus) are the most widely distributed and important pollinators in San Juan County, and their importance is greatest on
smaller, isolated islands. Bumblebees fly long distances over water, work one species of flower at a time in their territories, and quickly learn how to utilize unfamiliar flowers: knowledge that queens appear to pass along to their offspring. Bumblebees are large and target flowers that are richest in pollen or nectar. Many other families of bees, such as the Halictidae (“sweat” bees) and Megachilidae (“leafcutter” bees) pick up the slack, especially in late summer when flowers are relatively scarce. We found bumblebees and other families of bees foraging peacefully together with little more than a gentle shove when bees bumped into each other on the same flower. Unfortunately, many
native bees are small, dark and easily mistaken for wasps. It is likely that many nests are destroyed due to this mistaken identity. Since our native bees nest in tiny tunnels, underground or in dead wood, they are frequently unintended victims of brush clearing and landscaping, moreover. But even native bees are not the whole story. Our surveys found that flies provide a significant share of pollination services, and flies can be the primary pollinators of many flowering species. Included are not only the “flower” or “hover” flies (the Syrphidae) and the wonderful “bumblebee flies” (Conopidae) that disguise themselves as furry bees, but also many fly families that we often regard as
2nd annual
THE BITE OF LOPEZ Friday, April 24th 4 – 8 pm Lopez Center Join us under the tents for a sampling of tasty bites from several of our local chefs.
APRIL 25th Don’t miss the fun – our 12 year th
4 routes, rest areas, BBQ lunch, beer garden, music by ISLE ZEN, raffle
Eat-in or Take-out Beer garden & music by LOS HERMANOS
Early check-in for Tour De Lopez riders
To register check our website www.lopezisland.com
Join the fun!
Volunteers also welcome!
Sponsored by Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce
For the May 26th edition, the deadline for ads will be
May 20th at noon Contact Cali Bagby 376-4500
pests such as the “fruit flies” (Tephritidae), “house flies” (Muscidae) and midges. When inclement weather grounds bumblebees, the flies enjoy an advantage because their lift-to-body mass ratio is greater. How, then, can we conserve these poorly appreciated native bees and flies? One key point is to use pesticides and herbicides sparingly, selectively and only when absolutely necessary. Apply directly to target plants. Never simply spray an aerosol over a garden or orchard: it will drift hundreds of feet even if you cannot see the droplets. Never spray on plants with open flowers because insects will collect contaminated pollen and eat it or feed it to their offspring. Most of the pesticides used in the islands are pyrethroids, including pyrethrins and synthetic analogs such as permethrin and bifenthrin. Our laboratory has found pyrethroid residues in caterpillars and pollen as well as marine fish and shellfish. Neonicotinoids are unquestionably persistent and toxic to pollinators, but are simply not in widespread use in the islands. Do not condemn “neonics” and continue to spray pyrethroids. Bee houses may be useful in some circumstances, but by far the best way to make safe homes for native bees SEE POLLINATORS, PAGE 6
Community Calendar
TUES THRU MAY 26 GAMES: Pinochle card games, 7 p.m., Woodmen Hall, $2 per player. WEDS THRU APR. 29 EVENT: “Years of Living Dangerously” film series and community conversation, 7 - 9 p.m., the Gathering Place at the Hamlet. Showing of “Years of Living Dangerously,” an EmmyAward-winning Showtime nine-week series on climate change. THURS, ONGOING EVENT: Thursday Tech Time, 6 - 7 p.m., Lopez Island Library Community Room,
led by Library Director Lou Pray. Lou and others are on-hand to help you better navigate your Kindle, tablet, smartphone or iPad. Learn to download movies, music, books and apps on to your devices and access software at your own speed. Learn about Microsoft IT Academy and Lynda.com. Visit their website at lopezlibrary.org for more info.
SAT, APRIL 18 EVENT: Pirate Party, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m., the Galley. The rumors are true…for one night only, Captain Crambo. With Live ROCK-N-ROLL What’s the buzz about?!
Lopez Island AA Meetings: Mondays - 7:30 p.m. at the Children’s Center Wednesdays - 4 p.m. Women’s meeting at the fellowship hall at Grace Episcopal Church Saturdays - noon at the Children’s Center Call 468-2809
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THURS, APRIL 23 EVENT: Spring Into Books with Author and Commentator Nancy Pearl,” 7-8 p.m., Lopez Center for Community at the Arts. The Lopez Library welcomes favorite librarian, former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book, 50th winner of the Women’s National Book Association Award and a favorite regular commentator on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” for a fun and informative evening all about good reads. FRI, APRIL 24 MEETING: “Grief: What Helps when it Hurts,” 6 - 7 p.m., Lopez Library. SAT, APRIL 25 EVENT: LOPEZ Talks, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Woodmen Hall. Spend a relaxing evening listen-
Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. at the Children’s Center, Lopez. Call 468-4703.
MON, APRIL 27 EVENT: Mingled Visions: Images from the North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis Docent Guided Tour, 3 - 5 p.m., Whatcom Museum, Curtis Gallery, Bellingham, Wash. See Jen at the library for more info or to make a reservation for the guided tour, call 468-2265. THURS, APRIL 30 EVENT: Lopez Elementary Senior’s Luncheon, 11 a.m., Lopez Elementary students get to invite a special person in their life. Cost:
Letters
to the Editor
Vote for Cornelius and Adams
We recommend voting for Randy J. Cornelius and Winnie Adams (incumbent). OPALCO is going through rapid changes and many issues have risen to the forefront. Having hosted the recent OPALCO Candidate
Al-Anon:
ing to your neighbors talk about whatever floats their boat: funny, serious, goofy, passionate, giggly, or just plain nuts. Free. Sponsored by the Lopez Team of Leadership San Juan Islands. Homemade refreshments. Contact Dave Sather at satherds@hotmail.com for more info.
Forums and followed OPALCO closely for years, we believe Cornelius and Adams are best suited to help mitigate the negative impacts of these monumental shifts in our coop. The three primary issues to watch are: 1) The board’s approval of a rapid and unprecedented rate increase. If the board does not change direction we will see a residential
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$5.50 per adult. RSVP with the Elementary Office.
SAT, MAY 2 BENEFIT: Solar de Mayo Dinner and Benefit Concert with The Field Boats, 5:30 p.m., Lopez Community Center. Tickets are $15 per person or $45 for a family of four. SAT, MAY 9 HIKE: Cascade Falls and Lake and Moran State Park hike, This is a perfect time of year to hike this trail that parallels a stream, which flows from Mountain Lake to Cascade Lake. An easy 2.5-mile hike round trip that encapsulates our gorgeous spring environment with multiple waterfalls. Additional trail miles are an option. Those on Lopez will car pool and catch the 9:55 a.m. ferry to Orcas Island. We plan to begin our hike from the Olga Road trailhead at 11:15
a.m. For questions and signup contact Bob Walker at 468-3397 or robwillwalk@hotmail.com.
SAT, MAY 16 MEETING: Catherine Washburn Medical Association, 10 a.m., library meeting room. Reports will be provided and directors elected to three vacant positions as specified in the By-laws. The board nominates Bette Shuh, Charles Janeway and Christa Campbell. Additional nominations may be taken from the membership; nominees must be members of CWMA, permanent residents of Lopez Island and have the written endorsement of 10 CWMA members. Nominations must be postmarked by April 30, 2015 and sent to CWMA PO Box 309, Lopez Island, WA 98261.
Letters to the editor must be no more than 350 words in length and must be signed by the writer. Include address and telephone number for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be published. Send your letters via email to: cbagby@islandsweekly.com.
base rate of $79 per month by 2019. 2) Transparency of decision-making and 3) Keeping our electric co-op strong and vital as OPALCO gets into the new business of broadband. In March, OPALCO stated on its website: “Despite real hardships across the membership, this rate structure is the right thing to do for our co-op.” We strongly disagree with this statement and want the board to consider a rate structure that does not unfairly burden those on fixed incomes, those who use the least electricity and those who are lowincome. We support affordable fiber Internet ser vice access in San Juan County. If they have impacts on electricity rates, broadband-related investments must be done with full disclosure of information and participation in key important decisions by membersowners. We have been disappointed in the board’s track
record in these areas lately. Until his retirement a few months ago, Cornelius served as the general manager for OPALCO. He is well versed in the financial position of OPALCO, the physical infrastructure of our electrical coop and he has a genuine passion for the members and the overall well-being of our coop. Adams is currently an OPALCO board member. Her primary contribution is on conservation, renewables and member relations. Adams stated at a recent candidate forum, “We will have to re-examine the base rate issues.” Please also consider voting YES to the memberinitiated bylaw amendment to improve the transparency and accountability of unscheduled or exclusive board meetings. Please vote in this very important election.
Eric Youngren Orcas Island CHOM GREACEN AND SANDY BISHOP Lopez Island
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Spotlight on Lopezians by Gretchen Wing
Kay Keeler, Lopez Island “I am passionate about community,” Kay Keeler declares right off the bat. “It’s why we moved here.” In fact, that passion appears to fuel most of the junctures in the lives of Kay and her husband George. Kay Smith grew up in Chicago, finishing her final high school year in Dallas when her family moved. Her father determined that the University of Texas would provide Kay with the best springboard to medical school, but Kay had her own determination. She met George at the pre-med table on her very first day in Austin. “He took my telephone number, and we played tennis,” she said. “And he kissed me on the seventh date.” As the relationship grew, Kay relates, “My dad said, ‘I’m not going to support you if you’re just going to get married’,” so she dropped out to work for the phone company. By 1955, Kay was Mrs. Keeler, supporting George through medical school in Galveston, and starting a family. Kay had two children as George finished med school and his Air Force internship in San Antonio. Then off the Keelers flew to Turkey, where George became a flight surgeon while Kay produced two more girls. Being a housewife was easier in Ankara, with inexpensive domestic help, Kay says, but “four children in five years and two months” still seems like a full-time job. Not for Kay. With no degree, only people skills, she signed up to teach English classes, and was soon writing the English Proficiency tests required by Turks working in the U.S. The family returned to a San Antonio Air Force base just in time for the Cuban Missile Crisis. “We got a flyer saying, ‘If we come under attack, lie down by the brick wall.’ I was five minutes from putting the kids in the car and heading for the hills.” They were relieved when George’s residency took them to Washington, D.C. There Kay had a fifth baby, but lost him to crib
death. At George’s urging, Kay enrolled at the University of Mar yland to finish her degree. To her irritation, she had to take Freshman Speech, but “it was the best course I ever took,” giving her an even stronger arsenal for engaging and organizing people. Her kids attended her graduation in 1965, where Hubert Humphrey spoke on the rights of black Americans. The Keelers were in D.C. during the 1963 march for jobs, peace and freedom, but they stayed away, scared of violence. They did get involved in a progressive church, whose black secretary once answered a phone question, “Is this a colored church?” with the response, “Yes–red brick.” But the family missed immersion in the movement, as the Air Force
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moved them back to Turkey for the next five years. While George worked as Hospital Commander in Izmir, and babysat, Kay taught English and earned her master’s in secondary education. But when the Keelers left Turkey for D.C. in 1969, they also left the military. Kay had been reading up on Vietnam, and when George’s brother was killed there, she prevailed on him—the youngest Lt. Col. in the Medical Corps—to resign. George went into family practice, later joining Group Health. In 1975, both Keelers went through Erhard Seminars Training (est) training, which Kay explains as “a personal transformational experience to make one responsible for one’s own life.” Their kids participated too, and Kay credits
Contributed photos
Right: Kay at age three. Above: Kay and George. that empowerment in their daughter’s achievement of a1984 Olympic gold medal in rowing. (Kay then began rowing herself, earning a bronze at the masters nationals.) For the next 32 years, Kay served as an Erhard Seminars Training (est) trainer, leading seminars all over the world. In 2005, the Keelers moved to Seattle to be closer to grandchildren, but continued to work far and wide until, one day in 2008, Kay says, “I woke up and said, ‘I’m 72…what am I doing?’” Their son had planned to sell his Lopez house, but Kay and George persuaded him to let them move in. After a year in Australia and New Zealand while the house was remodeled, they
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became Lopezians. Within months, Kay joined the Community Land Trust, which she believes “supports everything that’s good on the island.” (She’s about to finish her second term as chairwoman.) George dived into “Fiddler On The Roof,” and later joined the Hospice Board. While both Keelers love Creaky Yoga, volunteering at the Dump and discussing plans for things like community credit unions and a gym, Kay says they’ve been “ordered by our
kids to focus on downsizing” personal effects. She quotes an Asian adage: “At age 20, you can have your own thoughts, but you can’t share them, because you’re 20. At 30, you can share your thoughts, but no one has to listen.” fourty commands some respect, “but when you reach 50, your parents have to listen to you…Well, all of our kids are over 50 now.” Nevertheless, Kay’s passion for “unleashing the power of community” is not likely to downsize any time soon.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PETITION TO FORM A WATER DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the San Juan County Council will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving testimony on a Petition filed by the MacKaye Harbor Water Company to form a Water District in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 57. The public hearing will be held at the Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor, WA, on Monday, April 27, 2015, beginning at 9:15 AM. The hearing may be continued from time to time and place to place as may be desired by the Council without additional written notice. Summary: MacKaye Harbor Water Company is currently an investor owned water system. The proposed Petition seeks approval for the establishment of a water district for the purpose of construction, maintenance, operation, development and regulation of the water system. At the hearing, members of the public will be invited to speak and/ or provide written statements regarding the proposed Petition. After the public testimony portion of the hearing has ended, the Council will deliberate, and will decide within 60 days of the hearing whether to approve or not approve the District. All persons wishing to be heard on this matter are encouraged to attend. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the hearing by mail or at the hearing by delivery in person. Please deliver all written comments to the San Juan County Council Office at 55 Second St, Friday Harbor or mail to P.O. Box 350 Court Street, #1, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250. The petition is on file at the office of Health & Community Services, 145 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA, and may be inspected and copies obtained Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Petition may also be viewed 24 hours a day at the County website at http://www.sanjuanco.com/Council/PendingOrdinances.aspx. A copy of the proposed Petition will be mailed without charge upon request. For more information please contact Kyle Dodd at 360-370-7524 or by email at kyled@sanjuanco.com.
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • April 21, 2015 – Page 3
Spring into Books with Author and Arbor Day Giveaway NPR Commentator Nancy Pearl
The New York Times calls Pearl “the talk of librarian circles” and on a special spring night on
Lopez Island we will call her guest. Join the Lopez Librar y Thursday, April 23, 7 p.m. at Lopez Center
for Community and the Arts as we welcome Pearl. Readers can’t get enough of her book recommendations and since the release of the best-selling “Book Lust” in 2003, Pearl is the person people turn to when deciding what to read next. The former executive director of the Washington Center for the Book, Pearl celebrates the written word by speaking at bookstores, libraries across the country and on her monthly television program “Book Lust with Nancy Pearl.” She is a favorite regular commentator on National Public
Radio’s “Morning Edition” and on NPR affiliate stations KUOW in Seattle and KWGS in Tulsa, discussing … books. In 2004, Pearl became the 50th winner of the Women’s National Book Association Award for her extraordinary contribution to the world of books. Join us for what is guaranteed to be a fun and informative evening dedicated to good reads. The Lopez Bookshop will have a selection of her books and book recommendations for sale at the event.
Crossword Puzzle Across 1. Special way of doing something 6. Auspices 10. Fat unit 14. Accept 15. Aquarium 16. City near Lake Tahoe 17. Astronomers who study the physical properties of celestial bodies 20. "You ___ bother!" 21. Entreat 22. Expressed admiration of 25. Forever 26. Affirm 30. "Absolutely!" 32. Disease caused by a thiamine deficiency 35. King Mark's bride 41. Concerns for your own interests and welfare 43. Ran away from quickly 44. North America, South America and Central America 45. "La Scala di ___" (Rossini opera) 47. Formally surrender 48. Adjust, in a way 53. Sweetheart 56. Make over 58. Rapid active commotion 63. Crude incendiary bomb 66. Aces, sometimes 67. Okla., before 1907 68. Brings home 69. Medical advice, often 70. Give the cold
Three Granges in San Juan County planned and executed an Arbor Day Giveaway. Friday Harbor Grange #225 along with Orcas Grange #964 and Lopez Grange #1060 spent Saturday, April 11 giving away free red flowering current plants on San Juan Island, Orcas Island and Lopez Island. The plants for the cooperative Arbor Day event were donated by local Grange member John Evans, a tree farmer.
Scholarship Opportunity Lopez Island Dollars for Scholars will award a $1,000 scholarship to a former Lopez High School graduate who is currently a first, second or third year university or college student. For an application contact Jeanna Carter, jcarter@lopezk12.wa.us application deadline May 15th
Sudoku
18. "Harper Valley shoulder ___" 71. "The Playboy of the Western World" 19. Bean counter, for short author 23. "B.C." cartoonist 24. Domain controlled Down by an emir 1. Top Tatar 26. Lying, maybe 2. Barely beat, with 27. Lyra's brightest "out" star 3. A chip, maybe 28. "Aeneid" figure 4. 128 cubic feet 29. Deep 5. Swedish money 6. Addis Ababa's land: 31. "Good going!" 33. Buzzer Abbr. 34. Aims 7. Chipper 36. "Dear" one 8. Deep down 37. Auditory 9. Whole alternative 38. Vermin 10. Give the third 39. Gone degree 40. "___ quam videri" 11. Sow again (North Carolina's 12. Hollow in a bone motto) 13. Go (along)
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • April 21, 2015 – Page 4
42. 46. 48. 49.
Mosque V.I.P. Big roll Knight's "suit" Freetown currency unit 50. British ___ 51. Hamlet's father, e.g. 52. ___ King Cole 54. "20/20" network 55. Strikes at with firepower 57. Cookers 59. "Don't go!" 60. Mountain pool 61. Diminutive suffix 62. "... or ___!" 64. French vineyard 65. Sun, e.g. Answers to today's puzzle on page 8
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty ranges from 1-5 (easy) 6-10 (moderate) and 11-15 (hard). Today’s puzzle is level 6. Sudoku and Crossword answers on page 8
Carbon WA signature Plant the Promise campaign kick off By Georgeana Cook
Lopez Island Prevention Coalition
By Ande Finley Special to the Weekly
The dire effects of climate change are all around us. Drought in California, Texas, and the Midwest, Katrina in New Orleans, Superstorm Sandy in New York and New Jersey, dramatic sea level rise on both coasts, extreme weather conditions affecting crops, wildlife and human survival. An excess of carbon dioxide emitted by the burning of fossil fuels wraps the Earth in “greenhouse gases” and traps heat radiating from our planet’s surface, making it warmer than it would be naturally. What can we do to start reversing this disastrous trend? Enter Carbon WA, a revenue-neutral carbon tax proposal that aims to strengthen the Washington state economy while reducing carbon pollution. On Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. at the Lopez Library, the Carbon WA chapter for the San Juan Islands will kick off its campaign to put this proposal as an initiative on the 2016 ballot. Imposing a tax on fossil fuels consumed in our state while lowering the state sales tax, funding a rebate for working families, and giving manufacturers a tax break, the Carbon WA initiative will encourage us to reduce carbon consumption and allow for increased spending on low-carbon goods. A similar program has been very successful in British Columbia where after five years the province saw a 16 percent reduction in fossil fuel consumption, compared to a 3 percent rise in Canada overall, while keeping economic growth strong. This tax swap works like this: the carbon tax of $25 per metric ton, phased in over
two years, will generate $1.7 billion per year. This pot of money will fund the reduction of the state sales tax one full percentage provide $200 million to the Working Families Rebate (an addition to the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit), and effectively eliminate the Business and Occupation Tax for manufacturers. As fossil fuel consumption decreases, the carbon tax will increase about 5 percent per year to maintain revenue neutrality. There’s something for everybody in this proposal. Putting a price on carbon through a revenue-neutral approach assures that consumers, families and the business community will see little change in their standard of living or level of competitiveness. This strategy also stimulates our marketbased economy to innovate and develop new clean-energy technologies. Carbon WA’s tax swap will more accurately capture the true costs of making and using goods, including the costs associated with polluting our air and water without sacrificing our state’s economic health. Finally, there is a painless way for us all to start reducing carbon emissions. If Carbon WA is successful, Washington will become the first state in the nation to enact this kind of win-win environmental tax reform. The San Juan Islands’ chapter has committed to a goal of collecting 4,000 signatures between April and December. Join this energetic group on April 25 for a brief overview of the campaign, signature gathering training and practice and plenty of time to eat goodies and socialize. For more information, contact Ande Finley, Chom Greacen or Gretchen Allison at lopez@ carbonwa.org.
5 simple ways to make your home more energy-efficient By Amy Saxe
OPALCO’s Energy Services program
Have you made a commitment to saving energy? Improving the energy efficiency of your home doesn’t have to be costly. Here are a few simple steps to take on your path to increase the comfort and energy efficiency of your home: Reduce “Vampire” Energy Loads – Any device with a clock or remote control draws power continuously while plugged in. Television set top boxes with a digital recorder use nearly as much power turned off as they do when in use. To reduce plug loads, unplug devices when not in use, or power them down with a Smart Power strip. You can also install inexpensive timers for things like lighting and bathroom fans. Replace Inef ficient
Lightbulbs – Take a quick look around at every bulb in your house. Are you still using incandescent bulbs? They are less expensive to buy, but use a lot more energy than efficient bulbs
like CFLs and LEDs – an average of six times more energy per bulb. LEDs are now made for all types of fixtures, both indoors and out.
The red tulips stand as a reminder of promises made by students last fall to be drug and alcohol free. Planted in various locations throughout the community by students known as The D.R.E.A.M. Team (Drug Related Education and Awareness Mentors), these bright flowers bloom during a season synonymous with hope and renewal. The bulbs are planted as part of a week-long event known as Red Ribbon. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest anti-drug program in the country. It is estimated that over 80 million people participated in Red Ribbon events throughout the world last fall. The D.R.E.A.M. Team is the Lopez School’s prevention club. They are charter members of a national organization known as S.A.D.D. (Students against Destructive Decisions) and participants in the San Juan County Youth Council. The D.R.E.A.M. Team celebrated its fifth anniversary as a school club on March 24 of this year. This school club was created by a group of former Lopez students who wanted to make a difference in drug and alcohol prevention in their school and community. Their focus is community-based change
through leadership, education and awareness activities for youth. The D.R.E.A.M. Team will be planting more bulbs this fall and encourage community members to join
with them in their efforts to “Planting the Promise.” For more information, contact Georgeana Cook or Della McCullough at the Lopez Island Prevention Coalition.
environmentally sound
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SEE ENERGY, PAGE 8
April 25 - Sept. 30
Win 1 of 21
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Generously sponsored by: Islanders Insurance, Spencer’s Landing Marina, Richardson Fuel, Lopez Island Pharmacy, Lopez Village Market, Jamie & Lauren Stephens, Cloud Islands, On-Site Island Services, Islander Resort, Karen Rousseau, Lopez Sand & Gravel, Mike Halperin & Jodi Green, Nancy & Charles Givens, Spud & Karen Grimes, Ande & Scott Finley, Bob & Becky Smith, Charlie & Margot Janeway, Dave & Barbara Thomas, Doug & Marcia Stevenson, Mary Fagerholm Reece, Ralph Bladt & Barbara Fulton, Scott & Suzi Jennings, Gary & Karen Alexander, Nancy Nordhoff, Duane & Audrey Bordvick, Dianne Pressenda, Raiti Waerness.
Lopez Island Historical Society 468-2049 The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • April 21, 2015 – Page 5
Web presentation on grief LOPEZ TALKS gathering Every adult has experienced a variety of losses, yet many people don’t understand what happens to them in the aftermath, what is considered “normal grief,” or how to manage their experiences. Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support is sponsoring an event called “Grief:
and Dr. Dale Larson, designed to teach the public about grief and grieving. It explores how grief affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually, and it offers practical tips on how to cope with loss. For info, call the Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support office at 468-4446.
What Helps When it Hurts” on Friday, April 24, from 6-7 p.m. at the Lopez Library, which promises to be helpful to people who are experiencing loss as well as those who want to help. This is a webcast video from Hospice Foundation Of America, featuring experts Dr. Kenneth Doka
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What if you asked a bunch of people to say a few words about something they feel passionately about, sing a song, tell a joke or giggle like a couple of five-year-olds? Then, what if you had them do this in a large room – gave them just three to five minutes -- with chairs all around, homemade yummy finger foods and invited the community to sit in? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening on Saturday, April 25, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Woodman Hall. And it’s free. It’s called LOPEZ TALKS! Here’s the story: participants of this year’s Leadership San Juan Islands, an intensive five-month leadership training program (www. LSJI.org), were asked to develop their own, island-centric projects in order to graduate. The Lopezian Team (Dave Sather, Bob O’Connell, Sara Waugh and Liz Taylor) came up with the bright idea of creating something similar to the Ted Talks, but right here on Lopez.
Their challenge: to create a fun, entertaining, sober, giggly late-afternoon event that will have their audience (you!) go home with a smile on your face, a hum in your heart or something to think about. The only rule to the speakers: no bigotry or selling. Other than that, the sky’s the limit. The sponsors haven’t made anybody tell them what they’re going to say or do or sing. They’ll find out when you do. A sneak preview of some of the titles and speakers gives a hint of what you’re in for: Cheryln Harlan, speaking about “My Trip Across America”; Nikyta Palmisani with “Recycling on Lopez”; Eleanor Burke on “Sex Positivity.” And what’s up with “Eat Fish?” by Dan Post and “Emergence and Resonance” by Rhea Miller? And, yes, there are five-year-olds doing “Little Girls Giggling.” And others! Questions? Contact Dave Sather at satherds@hotmail.com.
Island Hospital ranks third Island Hospital ranked third in Washington for earning high scores for quality from Medicare patients who received care in 2013, according to an article in the Seattle PostIntelligencer. In the survey, 79 percent of the hospital’s patients scored their care a nine or 10.
The PI based the rankings on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-required surveys of patients who have stayed at Medicareeligible hospitals. The PI ranked Washington state’s top hospitals based on how these patients scored their care on a scale of one to 10,
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The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • April 21, 2015 – Page 6
CHRIST THE KING COMMUNITY CHURCH, There’s Always a Place for You! CTK gathers at 10:00 a.m. in the school multi-purpose room at 86 School Road. Come as you are! More info at www.ctkonline.com/lopez. Email: lopez@ctkonline.com Phone: 888-421-4CTK ext. 819. COMMUNITY CHURCH, Please join us Sun. mornings. Adult Bible study, 9:30. Worship Service, 10:30. Nursery (birth3 yrs) and Jr. Church (4-12 yrs) provided during worship service. Small groups meet throughout the week. 91 Lopez Rd., in the village. Pastor Jeff Smith 468-3877. www.ourlicc.org. GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, welcomes you to worship with us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Fisherman Bay Road at Sunset Lane. 468-3477. Everyone welcome! LOPEZ QUAKER WORSHIP GROUP Please join us Sunday mornings, 10 a.m., at Sunnyfield Farm, 6363 Fisherman Bay Road. Children’s program. Everyone welcome. Phone 468-2406. Email: Lopezfriends@gmail. com. LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE SAN JUANS (ELCA) Please join us for worship and children’s Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. in Center Church on Davis Bay Road. Also in Friday Harbor at 11:00 a.m. in St. David’s and in Eastsound at 1:15 p.m. in Emmanuel. Pastor Beth Purdum, 370-0023. ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH Come worship with us at Center Church on Davis Bay Rd. We welcome you to join us for Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Call 378-2910 for Mass times on San Juan and Orcas Islands.
with 10 being highest. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires all Medicare-eligible hospitals survey patients, with the results published in the annual Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Patient Survey. “We are very pleased by these rankings that substantiate our quality-of-care initiatives as well as our focus on the Island Hospital Promise,” said Vince Oliver, hospital chief executive officer. “This honor is shared by each and every Island Hospital employee and physician, as well as our Board of Commissioners.”
POLLINATORS CONTINUED FROM 1
is to leave some brushy patches, stumps and decaying logs on your property. If you make your property too neat and spiffy, you will evict most of your native pollinators! Ironically, a frequent response to low numbers of honeybees is importing Osmids, or “mason” bees. Although we have native Osmids in the islands, the commercial variety is not native to the Northwest, and since their production and sale are not regulated, they can carry mites and infectious diseases that pass to native Osmids and other native bees. Contact kwiaht@gmail. com for more information on recognizing and conserving native pollinator species in the San Juan Islands.
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ORCUTT LANE CABIN 2 bdrm/1 ba Woodstove 550 sq.ft. $850 New Inventory Weekly See more at www.windermeresji.com Office: (360) 378-8600 WA Misc. Rentals Want to Rent
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ISLAND PETS lost/ found. On Lopez call Jane 360-468-2591; Joyce, 360-468-2258; Sheriff’s Office 360-3784151. Lopez Animal Protection Society, PO Box 474, Lopez, WA 98261. On Orcas call 360-3766777. On San Juan call the Animal Shelter 360378-2158 Get the ball rolling... Call 800-388-2527 today.
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Afterglow Spa in Roche Harbor SPA RECEPTIONIST Greet spa guests, answer phones, schedule spa services, check out guests. Seeking friendly, outgoing receptionist to join our team. Must have excellent customer service & computer skills and be available to work 35-40 hours per week. Apply online at www.rocheharbor.com or send resume to afterglow@rocheharbor.com Get the ball rolling... Call 800-388-2527 today.
HEAD ACCOUNTANT (Eastsound) OPALCO is seeking a Head Accountant with at least seven years experience in accounting and a proven track record as a supervisor of professional support staff. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting and current designation as a Certified Public Accountant. Successful candidate must be able to obtain a valid CPA license in the state of Washington. Please see the full job description at www.opalco.com/jobs This is a full-time exempt position in Eastsound, WA. Position is open until filled. To apply, please download and submit an OPALCO employment application along with your professional resume, cover letter and references to Bev Madan, 183 Mt Baker Road, Eastsound WA 98245 or bmadan@opalco.com OPALCO is an equal opportunity employer. JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN (Lopez District) OPALCO is seeking a certified Journeyman Lineman for construction and maintenance of our electrical distribution system. Please see the full job description at www.opalco.com/jobs This is an Lopez Islandbased, full-time, bargaining unit position. Position is open until filled. To apply, please download and submit an OPALCO employment application along with your professional resume, cover letter and references to Bev Madan, 183 Mt Baker Road, Eastsound WA 98245 or bmadan@opalco.com OPALCO is an equal opportunity employer.
San Juan County
LANDSCAPING LEAD DOE BAY RESORT ORCAS Full time Landscaping Lead needed at Doe Bay Resort. Benefits eligible. Contact: facilitytech@ doebay.com Application: https://doebay.com/ employment.html
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SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR (Eastsound) OPALCO is seeking a Special Projects Coordinator in our accounting group. Duties include accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable and other accounting tasks as assigned in support of the senior accounting staff. Must have graduated from high-school (or GED); Associates degree in related field preferred. Considerable experience in banking, accounting or bookkeeping required; knowledge of government accounting as well as cooperative, state and federal policy and law preferred. Must be able to demonstrate accuracy in accounting tasks, solve problems quickly and manage competing priorities in a team environment. Please see the full job description at www.opalco.com/jobs This is a full-time bargaining position in Eastsound, WA. Position is open until filled. To apply, please download and submit an OPALCO employment application along with your professional resume, cover letter and references to Bev Madan, 183 Mt Baker Road, Eastsound WA 98245 or bmadan@opalco.com OPALCO is an equal opportunity employer. The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (“Ag Guild”) is recruiting a full-time GENERAL MANAGER to be responsible for management of Brickworks and for management and marketing of Ag Guild events and the Island Grown in the San Juans program. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. See www.sjiagguild.com for details. App. deadline: Apr. 27
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The Friends of Woodmen Hall are now accepting bids for the construction of an exit ramp at the Woodmen Hall building on Lopez Island. Bids must list materials line by line. Materials and labor costs must be quoted separately. Licensed contractors only. All bids are due by Thursday, April 30, 2015. Bids should be sent to FOWH at PO Box 424, Lopez Island, 98261. Please contact Gayle @ 360-468-3266 for plans and specifications. The Friends of Woodmen Hall will accept the best bid, not necessarily the lowest bid.
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AKC POODLE PUPS, standard size with champion lines. 5 black, 2 brown, 3 males & 4 females. Parents are OFFA tested for healthy puppies. $2,000. Call Roberta: 360-286-6845 or 360-865-6102. See puppies at www.topperspoodles.net topperspoodles@aol.com
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The Lopez Island School District Board of Directors has declared a 1990 Chevrolet Van to be sold as surplus. Beginning April 15, 2015, the surplus item will be offered to the public. Bids will be accepted until April 30, 2015 at 3:00 PM in the district office. Submit sealed bids to: Lopez Island School District, Attn: Brian Auckland, 86 School Rd. Lopez Island, WA 98261. Lopez Island School District reserves the right to reject any/all bids. For more information, contact the district office at 360-468-2202 ext.2300. Motorcycles
pets/animals
This position coordinates the administrative and patient flow of the clinic through greeting and scheduling patients, maintaining charts, answering phones, and obtaining insurance authorizations. For more information or to apply, fill out application under Current Job Openings at: www.islandhospital.org
Vans & Mini Vans Chevrolet
Notice of Surplus Property
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I WOULD LIKE TO BUY YOUR OLDER JAPANESE DIESEL Tractor 4WD with loader i.e. Kubota, Yanmar, Mitsubishi. Call Dan, private cash buyer at 360-3041199.
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006 Harley Davidson VRSCR black rack backrest floorboards saddlebags new tires 9500m garaged manual tools charger $8500 378-4682 2007 HARLEY Sportster XL1200C motorcycle Low miles at 6500. Sleek two-tone Black Cherry and Mint Green paint. Loaded w/ chrome upgrades. Included accessories; Harley Davidson Windsheild, Mustang seats, chrome luggae rack with Kuryakyn luggage bag. Excellent condition. I’ve retired from riding. Great deal $7500. Kitsap county. Please call Tom 360-297-0463.
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$900 ea 2 S X S PLOTS Beautiful Maple Leaf Cemetery. Located along the road, short distance South of the cannons. Friendly, helpful staff! Nice grounds. Grave plots are # 10 and # 11. Please leave message 425-745-2419.
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PARK AIDE FOR SJI COUNTY PARK PARK AIDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS (SJI) For a job description and application, visit www.sanjuanco.com or call 360-370-7402. Open until filled. EOE.
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THE ISLANDS’ WEEKLY • WWW.ISLANDSWEEKLY.COM •
April 21, 2015 -
PAGE 7
By Gene Helfman
Contributed photo
Lopez medalist Alexandre Clouet tees off on the ninth hole in the April 14 match against Grace Academy. Clouet turned in the team’s lowest score. districts May 19. Lopez has two more home matches, hosting Friday Harbor on April 21 and a three-way match against Cedar Park Christian and Shoreline Christian, April 28. Coach Tetu welcomes the public, emphasizing that playing with spectators present is excellent practice for the pressure cooker of tournament golf.
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With the dramatic conclusion of the Augusta Masters still fresh in golfers’ minds, the Lopez golf team hosted Grace Academy for a headto-head match on April 14 at the Lopez Golf Course. The weather was windy and variable, changing from sun to rain and back during the match, making for challenging playing conditions. Coach Richard Tetu was happy with the performance of his young team, noting definite improvement, a result of enthusiastic daily practices. Alexandre Clouet earned
medalist honors with a top score of 50, followed closely by Tobin Arden at 51 and Erik Patton at 52; T. J. Hobi turned in a 57 and Miguel Velazco and Nick Zoerb stayed on pace with several good holes. Among the Lady Lobos, Riley Magnuson led with a 61, followed by Bree Swanson at 67 (and her first par hole) and Emalie Hobi with a 69. Freshman golfer Nora Zapalac showed her continued improvement. The team is focused on lower scores each week with an eventual goal of a good showing at the district tournament May 14 and several qualifiers for tri-
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Islands’ Weekly PO Box 758 Eastsound, WA 98245
Golfers aiming at district tourney
Puzzle Answers
Fundraising event for solar in our schools The Solar de Mayo Dinner and Benefit Concert with music by the Field Boats is Saturday, May 2, 5:30 p.m. Lopez Community Center. Tickets are $15 per person or $45 for a family of four. Tickets are for sale at Lopez Bookstore and Paper, Scissors on the Rock. Join islanders for homemade tamales, beans and rice with fresh picante sauce, no-host wine by Vita’s and Island Hoppin’ IPA. Enjoy dinner and music while helping put solar on the Lopez School. Community Solar for Our Schools is a project to put solar arrays onto schools and solar knowledge
ENERGY CONTINUED FROM 5
They illuminate immediately and are widely available on the warm end of the color spectrum. LEDs also have a much longer lifespan. Less replacement means less cost and maintenance over time. Seal the Leaks – Caulking and weatherstripping are two simple
into the hands of our students. While these solar arrays will generate renewable solar energy, reducing our schools’ electricity costs, the educational component will provide inspirational opportunities through teacher training, and hands on experience for students monitoring solar energy. Four solar-electric systems will be installed at the school districts on Orcas, Lopez, San Juan and Shaw Islands. All the energy generated will be donated to the school districts, lowering their electricity costs.
and effective air-sealing techniques that offer quick returns on investment, often one year or less. Caulk is generally used for cracks and openings between stationary house components - door and window frames. Weatherstripping is used to seal components that move, such as doors and windows. For some good information and tips on how to airseal you home or business, see Energy Star’s excellent “A Do-It-Yourself Guide to
JOB OPPORTUNITY DOUG JAMES FLOOR COVERING ON LOPEZ ISLAND
Sealing and Insulating with Energy Star.” Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat – Space heating can contribute the most to your home electric bill – 50 percent or more. Installing a programmable thermostat is a small investment that greatly reduces wasted heat. Recommended settings are 68 degrees while you’re awake and lower while asleep or away from home. By turning down your thermostat 10 to
Bonneville Environmental Foundation will provide educational curriculum, materials and teacher training through their Solar 4R Schools Program to support our schools’ science programs. There will also be Music by The Field Boats and special guests Jaise and Kate. “Your contribution can make an impact,” say organizers. “Help us raise funding for Community Solar for Our Schools.” For more info, visit www.sanjuanislandscd.org. Check out a Q&A with the band The Field Boats in next week’s Weekly.
15 degrees for eight hours, you can save up to 15 percent a year on your heating bill. Install Low–Flow Showerheads – Switching to low flow shower heads helps you reduce your waste of two resources: water and energy. A shower head with a flow rate of less than 1.5 gallons per minute is ideal to save up to 28 kWh per month. Need more help? OPALCO offers a low-cost residential energy assess-
5 1 0 & 2 s k Par ils Tra de! Gui
AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND
Seeking a flooring installer's helper. Must be reliable, honest and local. Great opportunity for the right person. Call Doug James at 468-2460
Publishes the week of July 1st in the Journal, Sounder & Weekly
Sales Deadline: Tuesday, June 16, 2015
For more information call Cali at the Weekly 376-4500
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • April 21, 2015 – Page 8
ment to help identify sources of energy waste in your home. For $25, a local Building Performance Institute certified contractor will spend a few hours inspecting your home from top to bottom. Their thorough report can help you prioritize upgrades and
improvements. The contractors will also replace up to 12 inefficient bulbs with LEDs and up to two lowflow shower heads at no additional charge. Call 376-3500 to sign up, or go to www.opalco.com/ energy-savings to learn more.
Save San Juan’s Mount Grant The San Juan Preservation Trust announces the launch of a major fundraising campaign to create a new nature preserve in the heart of San Juan Island. The Campaign to Save Mount Grant, if successful, will permanently protect one of San Juan’s most valuable gems and make it accessible to the public. The 141-acre property, valued for years by locals as a hiking destination, was identified on historic maps as “Mt. Grant” as late as 1920. Known by various names since then, it was most recently marketed as the “Lawson Ridge” residential community. The property hosts important native plant and animal habitat, lush wildflower meadows, serene hiking trails and, with some improvements, easy road access to the summit so that people of all ages and physical ability can enjoy the spectacular, 360-degree views. From the top, one can gaze northeast to Mount Baker and the Twin Sisters, southeast down into San Juan Valley and Lopez Island, and north/northwest to Stuart Island and beyond to the Canadian Gulf Islands. For more info, visit www. sjpt.org/mountgrant or call 378-2461.