INSIDE
New faces on the force
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Eighth orca baby confirmed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Electric bills go up
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www.islandsweekly.com 360-376-4500
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Want help keeping your New year’s resolution? Read tips on page 4
The
Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 35, NUMBER 47 • DECEMBER 29, 2015
National report ranks Washington and the San Juan Islands as healthiest places • Since 1990, children in poverty increased 42 percent from 11.8 percent to 16.8 percent of children in the state. The report summarized data and listed Washington’s strengths as low incidents of infectious disease, low rate of cardiovascular deaths and a small disparity in health status based on level of education. Among the state’s challenges are its low rate of high school graduation, low immunization coverage among children and high prevalence of excessive drinking. The study looks at behaviors, the community and environment, state health policy, clinical care (or what services are available), and overall outcomes. Among behaviors, Washington ranked ninth in the number of residents who smoke, at 15.3 percent. Where drinking alcoholic drinks is concerned, Washington ranks 32nd, with 18.8 recorded as drinking excessively. As far as deaths due to drugs, Washington ranks number 30 of 50 states, with 14 deaths per 100,000 population. Obesity ranking for Washington is 13, with 27 percent of the population being obese; physical inactivity ranking was ranked at number 4, with only 18 percent saying they aren’t active. As for high school graduates, Washington’s ranking was 41, with only 76 percent of students completing high school. In the area of community and the environment, Washington was ranked 22nd in violent crimes, with 289 crimes per 100,000 residents. Occupational fatalities included 2.6 deaths per 100,000 workers, making Washington number 3. About 16 percent of children in Washington live in property, which ranked the state at 18. Washington had a ranking of 30 in terms of cases of pertussis, with 10 cases reported per 100,000 population. That coincides with the state’s ranking of 38 in terms of the number of children vaccinated. Only 67 percent of children in Washington are vaccinated, the report showed. For teens, the ranking on immunizations was 15. Washington ranked 16th in the number of primary care physicians available with 128 doctors in practice per 100,000 residents. For dentists, the ranking was ninth, with 71 dentists per 100,000 population. The study showed that there were 35 preventable hospitalizations per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, which gave Washington the ranking of sixth. The state was ranked fourth with only 6 percent of live births being at low birthrates. When outcomes are addressed, Washington’s worst showing was a ranking of 30th for days when respondents said they were in poor mental health. Responders said in the past 30 days, they had experienced 3.7 days of poor mental health. That compares to 3.9 poor physical health days, which ranked Washington at 26. Cardiovascular
deaths rated Washington sixth of all states, with 212 deaths per 100,000. Cancer deaths ranked the state 16th, with 182 deaths per 100,000 people. Regarding state funding for health issues, Washington ranks 19 with $80 spent per person annually. The top amount spent by a state is $227 per person. The study also sets Healthy People 2020 goals for states. Washington residents are being asked to drop the percentage of people who smoke from 15 to 12; to increase child immunizations from 67 percent to 80 percent; and to decrease drug deaths from 14 per 100,000 population, to 11. Besides its annual health ranking report, United Health Foundation plans to release additional reports in 2016 that directly address the health of mothers and children, and seniors. Of note: the top five states in this year’s rankings were Hawaii, Vermont, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Hampshire. Similar data was collected at the state level and shows that San Juan County ranked second over all in health factors and behaviors. In San Juan County, there are 13 percent of adults who smoke, compared to the state average of 16 percent. The obesity rate in adults in San Juan County is 18 percent, compared to 27 percent throughout the state. Data shows that 21 percent of San Juan County residents are considered to be excessive drinkers, compared to a state average of 17 percent. The high school graduation rate in the county is 83 percent, compared to the state’s 76 percent. There were 96 violent crimes per 100,000 population in San Juan County, compared to the state’s 301 deaths per 100,000 residents. Children living in property throughout San Juan County came in at 18 percent compared to the state’s 19 percent. Primary care physicians available were 1,055 to one, compared to 1,203 to one statewide. Regarding quality of life, those living in San Juan County reported 2.7 days per month that they were in poor mental health, compared to the state’s 3.3 days per 30. Respondents said their physical health was poor 2.9 days per 30, compared to the state’s 3.7 days per month. Only 13 percent of San Juan County residents report that they aren’t physically active, where the state’s percentage on that was 18 percent. Overall, residents of San Juan County were ranked number one regarding their quality of life, factoring in mental and physical health. County data was recently released by Washington State Department of Health and can be viewed by searching for San Juan County at www.countyhealthrankings.org, or to see the national report visit www.americashealthrankings. org.
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Eli West and Kendl Winter
Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage Therapy, Neurological Integration, Reiki, Structural Integration, Chinese and Western Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Counseling and Education
high school sports?
By Leslie Kelly
Special to the Weekly
We’re getting healthier in Washington, and San Juan County is ranked the best in the state in quality of life. That’s according to recent reports by the Washington Department of Health and by United Health Foundation. In the national study, Washington was ranked ninth healthiest among all 50 states. That’s an increase from a ranking of 13 in 2014. The Foundation conducts the America’s Health Ranking Annual reports as part of its work to encourage healthy lifestyles. The first report was published in 1990 and the study is considered to be the longest running state-by-state analysis of factors affecting the health of individuals and communities across the U.S. The report details Washington’s strengths — including low incidence of infectious disease and cardiovascular deaths — and challenges, including low immunization coverage among children and high prevalence of excessive drinking. Some Highlights about Washington’s health ranking: • In the past year, excessive drinking increased 2 percent from 18.4 percent to 18.8 percent of adults surveyed. • Disparity in health status by education level decreased 30 percent from 37.5 percent to 26.2 percent. • In the past 10 years, cancer deaths decreased 6 percent from 194.9 to 182.8 per 100,000 population. • In the past 20 years, cardiovascular deaths decreased 34 percent from 323.5 to 212.9 per 100,000 population.
Lopez Islander Resort
NEW YEAR’S EVE Four Course Dinner Special Glass of Champagne, Salad, Dessert
Salmon or Prime Rib All for $29.95 per person
Reservations Recommended 2233 Regular menu also available
New Year’s Eve Party * Tiki Lounge 9 to close * Live Music
Happy Hap New Year from all of us at
HEALING ENERGY ARTS OF LOPEZ
360-468-3239 in the Village behind Haven
For more information, email editor@islandsweekly.com
“Music the World Needs”
Acoustic Duets: String Music from Old Time, Bluegrass & Swedish
LOPEZ CENTER SAT, JAN. 9, 7:30 PM Tickets: Adult $15, Youth $6 PSR, Lopez Bookshop & lopezcenter.org
Community Calendar ON-GOING: Ancestry.com Tutorials, available by appointment at the Lopez Island Library. Learn to use this remarkable tool available as part of your library’s digital access and discover where your family
comes from! Call 468-2265 or stop by the library to schedule your 30-minute
TUESDAYS ON-GOING: Pinochle night, 7 p.m., Woodmen Hall. Pinochle lovers unite. We will refresh your memory if you can’t quite remember how to play. Want to learn? We’ll teach you how.
MONDAYS ON-GOING: Learn a foreign language with the digital tool Pronunciator. www. pronunciator.com. Free tutorials, 4-5 p.m., in the library’s community room. TUESDAYS ON-GOING: Learn how to download eBooks! Free tutorials every Tuesday in the library’s community room, 4-5 p.m. Bring your device and log-in information (for Kindles your Amazon log-in info). WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME: Wednesday Morning Story Time at the Lopez Island Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Baby and Toddler Story Time; 11
-11:30 a.m. Preschoolers Story Time. Join us each Wednesday morning for rhymes, songs and books. You’re never too young to become a fan of stories. In the Helen Anderson Children’s Room at the Lopez Island Library.
JAN. 1 - 3 NEW YEAR’S LABYRINTH WALK: Whispers of Nature’s Labyrinth will be open Jan. 1st-3rd, all day. Come by, take a winter labyrinth walk and set your intentions for the New Year. All are welcome! For more info please send email to whispersofnature@gmail.com.
SAT, JAN. 2 AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: 9 a.m., North Twothirds of Lopez Island (outdoors!) Join other birdwatchers to count birds on Lopez for the 116th annual Christmas Bird Count. All abilities welcome. Contact beth.stgeorge@gmail.com for more information.More Info: http://www.audubon. org/content/join-christmasbird-count SAT, JAN. 9 TALK: A Jungle Story: Memories of War in the South Pacific, WWII Veteran Dan Silkiss, 2 - 3 p.m., Lopez Island Library - meeting room . WWII veteran Dan Silkiss shares stories of his time on a
“Ship and Gun Crew” in the South Pacific. Dan’s sailed Australia, Papua, Dutch New Guinea and the Phillipines as a gunner on U.S tankers delivering aviation fuel. He was also a sergeant in command of gun crews on the S.S.Karsik and the M.S. Janssens. In Biak, Dutch New Guinea he was injured when the Japanese attacked and recovered in an Australian hospital. Remarkable photographs accompany Dan’s talk. We would like to extend a special invitation to Lopez Island veterans from all wars to attend. Coffee and cookies will be provided.
Hill wins Plein Air Magazine art competition 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
Al-Anon: Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. at the Children’s Center Call 468-4703
Lopez Island artist, Steve Hill, shown right, has just been awarded “Best Overall Pastel” in Plein Air Magazine’s 5th Annual Juried Art Salon Competition for a pastel painting titled “Sol Duc Morning” It’s now a semi-finalist for the annual awards, which total $21,000 in cash prizes, in the Salon Competitions finals, in Tucson, Arizona next April. (There are six rounds of semi-finals, each juried by museum curators and major contemporary art gallery owners). It was painted on-site (en plein air) at the Sol Duc River and also won a top award during a week-long event “Paint the Peninsula” last
September, where 30 artists from around the U.S. were invited to paint within the boundaries of Olympic National Park. Hill’s painting will be reproduced in the February/ March 2016 issue of Plein Air magazine, which has just become the #1 best-selling representational art magazine at Barnes & Noble, nationwide. For info, visit www.pleinaairmagazine.com The term “en plein air” was originally coined by a French Journalist, describing what he saw when a then new invention (squeeze tubes) allowed artists (the French Impressionists) to escape the confines of their studios and
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Southend Restaurant
BREAKFAST 10 a.m. Sat/Sun LUNCH DAILY 11:30-4:30 p.m. DINNER DAILY 4:30-8 p.m. Sun-Thurs 4:30-9 p.m. Fri/Sat
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360.376.4500 Colleen Smith Armstrong publisher@islandsweekly.com Editor 360.376.4500 Cali Bagby cbagby@islandsweekly.com Circulation Manager 360.376.4500 Bridget Wright bsmith@soundpublishing.com Display Advertising 360.376.4500 Cali Bagby cbagby@islandsweekly.com
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The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • december 29, 2015 – Page 2
take their paints outdoors to work in the natural light. It translates literally to “outdoors in natural light.” That movement enjoyed popularity into the 1920s all over the world, only to be quieted by modern post war movements like Fauvism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, etc. The modern plein air art movement has enjoyed a huge revival in the last 15 years, especially in the U.S., with more than 300 annual national festivals attracting artists, patrons and collectors from all over the world. For the past five years, Plein Air Magazine has championed the new movement with high quality editorials, beautiful reproductions and a focus on keeping the artists and their artwork in the public eye,
Graphic Designer 360.376.4500 Shane Watson, ext.45014 swatson@soundpublishing.com Mandi Johnson, ext. 55214 mjohnson@islandssounder.com Classified Advertising 800-388-2527 classifieds@soundpublishing.com Mailing/Street Address PO Box 758, Eastsound, WA 98245 Phone: (360) 378-5696 Fax: (888) 562-8818 Classifieds: (800) 388-2527
especially through this competition. Hill says, “I feel lucky to have made one of the bimonthly award rounds, as it is very difficult to even get a piece accepted with hundreds of artists from all over the world entering their best work. It definitely raises the bar for me and sharpens my focus, figuratively speaking . . . . I try to keep my painting style loose, fast and free.” In 2015, Steve participated in 4 national plein air festivals and one international juried competition by North Light Books “Strokes of Genius 8, Expressive Texture” where his unique landscape drawing “Kittitas Valley,” done with a ball point pen on a full sheet of watercolor paper, will be published in November
Copyright 2012. Owned and published by Sound Publishing Co.
2016. His list of major awards and honors has grown to 36 in the past 11 years. Hill’s work shows in the islands at Crow Valley Gallery in Eastsound and Windswept Fine Art Gallery on Lopez, as well as galleries in Carmel, California, Springdale, Utah and Vancouver, Wash. He also teaches pastel painting workshops around the U.S. and Europe and has been invited to teach a workshop at Islands’ Museum of Art in Friday Harbor, January 16-18, 2016. For complete info on all of his 2016 painting workshops, (including Croatia and Bruges, Belgium), and to see more of his work . For more info, visit www. windsweptstudios.com.
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The Islands’ Weekly was founded in 1982 and is based on Lopez Island. The Islands’
Sheriff welcomes fresh faces on the force Contributed photo
David Holland
By Leslie Kelly
Special to the Weekly
There’s a few new faces at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department. David Holland has been hired to patrol on Orcas Island. He began working on Nov. 30. Holland is formerly of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in Riverside, Calif. He has more than 10 years of law enforcement work and was named the 2014 Deputy of the Year for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He spent eight years as a street-
level deputy with Riverside County, assigned to Indio Station, and two years as a military police officer. Prior to that he spent 12 years in corporate investigations. “When I interviewed him, it was immediately apparent that he would fit in here,” said Sheriff Ron Krebs. “He fits the vision of community policing that I have for this department.” Although Riverside is a much larger community than Orcas, Krebs said Holland’s ideals of how law enforcement should operate matched his own. Holland, who is in his 30s, is currently in field training and in mid February will attend a twoweek equivalency course at the Washington State Criminal Justice Academy in Burien, where he will become more familiar with Washington state law as it applies to actions of law enforcement officers. “Some of the laws are different here than in California,” Krebs said. “This
two week class addresses that.” Holland said he and his spouse wanted to move to Washington and eventually retire here. “We determined that if we could find an agency that would be a good fit for me, and a community we both could start and raise our family in, then we would make the move from southern California,” he said. “I did about six months’ worth of research, looking into law enforcement agencies, and made four different trips up here. During one of those trips we found the San Juan Islands.” He met with officials at the San Juan County Sheriff’s office and “that’s how it all started.” He said what they liked most about the community was “getting to meet our neighbors, folks in town and being in an area that is beautiful. We enjoy the outdoors, spending our time exploring the islands. And feeling as though we are far enough away from all the hustle and bustle of the big city that
we have come to be way too familiar with. “Washington, politically, is very similar to California, however, I think the biggest difference is accessibility to the great outdoors. The geography, demographics and weather is what’s really been the key draw us to Washington. Washington does get sunshine, and more than what I was led to believe. My initial impression was that it rained everyday out here.” He and his spouse, Carlos Salas, have been together for 20 years. They have two great “kids,” Sarra, a Bessingi dog, and Zeke a German Shepard. “We are looking at eventually adopting (children),” he said. Carlos is an entrepreneur and they have plans to start a tour guide business on Orcas. Also hired to patrol on Orcas Island was Jason Gross, 31, who currently lives in Lacey, Washington. Gross is a former U.S. Marine who served eight years. He will start the Washington State criminal justice academy training on Dec. 27. Following
West & Winter in Concert
Eli West is a Seattle-based multi-instrumental musician and interactive graphic designer. With an interest in angular phrasing and non-traditional improvisation within the historic precedents of bluegrass and old-time music, his playing both grounds and pushes the ensembles he is involved with. Eli is an active ingredient playing guitar, banjo, and bouzouki with both Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project and John Reischman and the Pine Siskens. He has performed numerous times at Lopez Center. A traveler, a dreamer, and a banjo pickin’ sweetheart from Arkansas, Kendl Winter sprouts alfalfa beans in mason jars in the back of her tour van and spreads her songs across the country Johnny Appleseed style. Together, Eli and Kendl will explore each other’s songs and provide a great evening of entertainment. Don’t miss this wonderful performance at Lopez Center on Saturday Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets are available at Paper Scissors on the Rock, Lopez Bookshop, LCCA office and at www.lopezcenter.org.
six months of training, he will begin patrolling on Orcas. “He just knocked my socks off,” Krebs said of Gross’s interview. “He is new to police work, but I know he’s going to be great at it.” Krebs said when he hires he likes to have a mix of officers who have experience elsewhere and some whom don’t. “We can mold them to our policing style,” he said. “That mix is important.” Gross is single and will move to Orcas after completing his academy training. He is currently employed at a retail home improvement
store. “He just loves the islands,” Krebs said. “He’s very excited to be coming here.” Once the two deputies are in place on Orcas, Deputy Doug Maya will move from Orcas to be based out of the Friday Harbor sheriff’s office. “There’s no firm date for that,” said Krebs, “but it’s in the works.” Maya has been with the department nine years and requested the move to Friday Harbor. The department currently has 17 sworn officers, Undersheriff Brent Johnson and Krebs on staff.
FIBER UPDATE Rock Island Communications has been busy installing fiber optic broadband to homes and businesses around the county. This historic undertaking will provide fast, reliable Internet up to 200Mbps+ to those who want it. We’re currently managing hundreds of construction projects countywide. Here are some of the groups we’ve been working with to date: Current Group Projects: Matia View on Orcas Island Morning Light on Orcas Island Suncrest on Orcas Island Whiskey Hill on Lopez Island Cape San Juan on San Juan Island Mineral Point on San Juan Island Spring Point on Orcas Island Mineral Heights on San Juan Island The Highlands on San Juan Island Upcoming Group Projects: Cayou Valley on Orcas Island Gary Oak on San Juan Island Portland Fair Area on San Juan Island Panorama Place on San Juan Island Brown Island on Brown Island Salmon Point on Lopez Island You Can Get Connected Too! Learn more about organizing at rockisland.com, or attend one of our monthly meetings.
MONTHLY FIBER MEETUPS • Is Dad getting enough nourishment? • Is Mom socializing enough? • What about their health? • Are they really safe?
Monthly Open Fiber Meeting: Join us this month for our general information session. All are welcome! Next Meeting: January 6, 2016 – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Voted Best Retirement Community in Anacortes
CAP SANTE COURT
Monthly Group Organizer Meeting: Learn more about organizing your group at this session. Next Meeting: January 13, 2016 – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Home-cooked meals • Housekeeping • Linen Service • Activities Entertainment & more! All on one level • Staffed 24 hours a day • Studio, one & two bedroom
Both meetings held on Orcas Island this October (meetings will rotate islands every month). rockisland.com
www.capsantecourt.com 1111 32nd St., Anacortes • (360) 293-8088
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • december 29, 2015 – Page 3
8th baby receives dubbed J54 Tips to make your New Year’s
– Submitted by the Center for Whale Research
Another new baby is in J Pod designated J54. The sex is unknown. Mother is J28, a twenty 22-year old female southern resident killer whale in the Pacific Northwest. The mother had a previous baby designated J46, a female, born in 2009 and still surviving. This brings the known births of southern resident killer whales to eight since last December, and the total population as of now is 84 known individuals. 1977 is the only previous year in the past forty years in which as many baby killer whales were born into this community of whales, and there were nine in that year. From calculations accounting for all reproductive age females, we estimate that typically up to nine babies could be produced each year, but there is usually a high rate of neonatal and perinatal mortality, and we have seen only three babies annually on average. In the years immediately following poor salmon years, we see fewer babies and higher mortality of all age cohorts. The new baby, J54, was first seen on Dec. 1 by several whale-watchers near San Juan Island, and photographed with J28 by Ivan Reiff, a Pacific Whale Watch Association member. However, the Dec. 1 photographs were not conclusive in that they did not
resolution last by Cali Bagby Weekly editor
According to Forbes.com, only 8 percent of New Year’s resolutions will be achieved. So to help you keep your goals going all year long, here are a few tips from island professionals.
Brain Food
Contributed photo/ Dave Ellifrit, the Center for Whale Research
The known births of the southern resident killer whales has reached eight since 2009. The most recent is the baby orca designated as J54.
reveal distinct features of eyepatch and saddle pigment shape that could unequivocally rule out that it was not another baby being baby sat by J28. Today’s photographs in Haro Strait between San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island confirm the distinct features required for alphanumeric designation. The new baby is estimated to be 2 1/2 to 3 weeks old as of now. The family, including mother and sister, grandmother, aunt, uncles, and cousin, and other J pod members continued north in Haro Strait and Swanson Channel by sunset. Presumably, they are destined for the Strait of Georgia where J pod spent an extended amount of time last December.
San Juan Islands Conservation District Board of Supervisors 2016 Election The San Juan Islands Conservation District is currently accepting applications for one open position on its Board of Supervisors. Candidates for this position must be a registered voter, reside within the boundaries of San Juan County, and be an agricultural producer to qualify. Supervisors must attend monthly Board Meetings to discuss and approve policy, plans and budget. Supervisors serve without compensation. The San Juan Islands Conservation District will hold an election for one open position of District Supervisor with a term of 3 years to begin May 19, 2016. The position is currently held by Henning Sehmsdorf whose term expires on May 19, 2016. The Board of Supervisors has elected Linda Lyshall to serve as the Election Supervisor. To File as a Candidate: Please request an application HANDlinda@sjislandscd.org UP byA emailing or call 360-378-6621. NOTisA12/31/2015. HAND OUT Candidate filing deadline Applications may be submitted in person or by mail to make a difference either of the You following organizations: when you round up yourDistrict monthly San Juan Islands Conservation Mailing Address: 350 Court Street, #10, Friday Harbor, OPALCO bill to help a needy islander! WA 98250 Office: 530you Guard Street, Friday Harbor, WA Or when Washington Conservation Commission • make State a one-time donation Mailing Address: PO Box 47721, Olympia, WA 98504-7721 to Project PAL Office: 300 Desmond Drive SE, Lacey, WA 98503 • become a Business PAL Voting will be by mail only. Please request a ballot by sending an supporter email to linda@sjislandscd.org, call 360-378-6621, or pickAllone up in person GuardtoStreet, Friday Harbor, donations to PALatgo530 directly grant recipients. WA 98250. Ballots must be requested between 1/1/2016 and 1/21/2016. All ballots must be received no Contribute later than 5:00pm Visit www.opalco.com/PAL and click on 02/02/16.
It is clear that the southern resident orca population (in particular J pod) is investing in the future, and that survival of all of the new calves and their mothers and relatives depends upon a future with plentiful salmon, especially Chinook salmon, in the eastern north Pacific Ocean ecosystem. This may be problematic with pending and unfolding climate change that is anticipated to be detrimental to salmon survival, in the ocean and in the rivers. Warmer ocean waters are less productive, and rivers without continual water (no snow melt – rains runoff too quickly) and with warmer water are lethal to salmon. The Pacific Salmon Foundation and Long Live the Kings are non-profit organizations concerned with the declining survival of juvenile salmon in the Salish Sea, and the Center for Whale Research is a non-profit organization concerned with the survival and demographic vigor of the southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea and coastally from Vancouver Island to California.
Curling up with a good book will get your brain activated, possibly improve your mood or maybe even inspire you to make a change in your life. The right book might just help you to look at the world in a different way. For more information about library events, visit lopezlibrary.org.
Let the light in
Starting out the New Year is important but also difficult as the dark days of winter are not yet over. Dr. Frank James, San Juan County health officer, said that 1 to 2 percent of Americans have a seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, which basically means they become depressed when there is less light. SAD tends to affect women more than men and the young rather than older people, added James. Luckily there is an easy solution to this problem. You can purchase lights that mimic the sun by producing 10,000 lux (a measurement of light intensity). James said 30 minutes of exposure to these lights can be helpful. “Some people may benefit from steady exposure or just a couple times a week,” he said. According to the Mayo Clinic, light therapy can be used to adjust daily sleep cycles, which may play a role in mood.
Move your feet
Losing weight and exercising more are typically popular New Year’s resolutions. They are also hard goals to keep constant throughout the year, possibly due to depression. James said that 75 percent of people affected by depression get better through medication, 70 percent see improvement through talk therapy, and 70 percent see an increase in
“Bounty: Know Your Farmer” Photo Exhibit; Lopez Island Farmers, Food
B e f o re yo u Dig
Before you reach for the shovel or �ire up the backhoe, dial 811 to locate buried utility lines. Be Safe!
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • december 29, 2015 – Page 4
Make new friends
A study reported in the Medical Journal of Australia found that pet owners generally have lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels than people who do not own pets. So if you want to have a healthier New Year, it may be time to adopt or foster a pet.
‘Bounty: Know Your Farmer’ photo exhibit runs until Jan. 29
Project PAL
Call
mood through exercise. “The problem with exercise is that people are often too depressed to get off the couch,” said James. For people facing that level of lethargy, James recommends seeking medication or talk therapy first, and then they should focus on getting exercise back into their lives. The recommended dose of physical activity is 40 minutes a day. If that sounds like a lot, don’t be alarmed, even every day tasks like cleaning the house or taking a walk can count as exercise. James said as long as you are slightly out of breath, but could still maintain a conversation, then you are at the right level of physical exertion. If you can get outdoors during the day and combine light exposure with raising your heart rate, that is ideal, said James.
& Community; Featuring mented the farmers, their photographs of Lopez farms land, and the food they proby Steve Horn, Summer duce. These stunning phoMoon Scriver, and Robert tographs premiered as a S. Harrison; Dec. 18, 2015 slideshow now available on through Jan. 29, 2016 the BOUNTY DVD with Lopez Island Farmers, music by Stanley Greenthal. Food, and Community tells Photographs from the “Know our local food story through Your Farmer” Photo Exhibit beautiful photographs and are available for a $300 donaintriguing profiles by Iris tion which funds the project. Graville about the dedicated In October 2016 we will people who grow our food. release the book “BOUNTY – Twenty-eight Lopez IslandupLopez Island Farmers, Keep to date on Food, farms are participating in this and Community” written by Co-op and community funded happenings three- Iris Graville withother a forward year project sponsored by by Vicky Robin featuring the events like winter outage help. the Lopez Community Land photographs and recipes creTrust (LCLT) by Kim Bast. It’s and all Lopez in ourated e-newsletter. Locavores. In 2014 local OrcasSteve Power photographers Horn,& Light Cooperative Summer Moon Scriver, and Subscribe today at Robert S. Harrison docu-
Connect to OPALCO read your Co-op Connector
www.opalco.com/about/email-signup/
First day hikes at Washington parks Electric up 5% – Submitted by Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to celebrate the first day of 2016 with First Day Hikes taking place at more than two dozen state parks on Jan. 1. In the spirit of the new year, Washingtonians are encouraged to start 2016 with a healthy hike and connect with the diverse natural resources and recreation opportunities found at state parks across Washington on New Year’s Day. Jan. 1, 2016 is a State Parks Free Day. Participants will not need to display the Discover Pass on vehicles to access state parks for the New Year’s Day activities.
On San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point State Park will be a part of the First Day Hikes, featuring a hike along the 2.5mile Lime Kiln Trail overlooking Haro Strait and Vancouver Island. Finish off the day with a tour to the top of Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Interpretive Center. “We’re very excited to once again join other state park systems across the country in the First Day Hikes program,” said Don Hoch, Washington State Parks director. “Washington was among the first states to participate when the event began, and we’re pleased this year to be offering more than 25 First Day Hikes in Washington state parks. We hope
folks will get their families out to join us for some healthy outdoor activity in the parks on New Year’s Day.” The First Day Hikes program is part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes national initiative organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. The nationwide event first started at Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass., more than 25 years ago. Since 2013, all 50 state park systems have participated in the First Day Hikes program. For more details about 2016 First Day Hikes, visit our blog, Adventure Awaits.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across 1. Christian Science founder 5. Damon of "Good Will Hunting" 9. Hiding place 14. A married German woman 15. Asian nurse 16. Bicker 17. Give 18. Fodder holder 19. Clemson athlete 20. A resident buying the flat he lives in (hyphenated) 23. Abbr. after a name 24. "___ moment" 25. Drawers 28. Assignation 30. Boat propellers 32. Victorian, for one 33. Arcangelo ___, Italian violinist and composer 36. Beehive, e.g. 37. Repossession of collateral for defaulted loan 39. Exec 41. Gab 42. Balaam's mount 43. "Not only that..." 44. Amber or umber 48. Medicinal shrub 50. ___ v. Wade 52. Bauxite, e.g. 53. Having unequal dimensions 57. Divination deck 59. "@#$%!," e.g. 60. "Soap" family name 61. Invitation heading 62. Shrek, e.g. 63. Coagulate 64. Kilns
– Submitted by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative
Beginning in January, OPALCO electric bills will go up 5 percent and there will be new line items. The board-approved rate increase for 2016 will be spread equally across the facilities and energy charges. As a result of the 2015 Low Income Needs Assessment, members will see a line item on our bills to fund a new program to assist qualified members in need. The line item will assess $0.0005 per kilowatt hour, which comes out to an average forty-five cents per month for residential members. The other new line item is a place holder for a future demand charge. The demand line item will show $0.00 to prepare members for the demand charge that will eventually be charged to all members, to reflect the actual charges OPALCO is charged on the power bill from Bonneville Power Administration. No date has been set for the start of demand charges. Residential members make up the majority of OPALCO members. Here’s how the changes will look beginning in January for the average residential member: Facility rate increases from $38.90 to $40.54 Energy rates (< 3,000 kWh - winter): $0.0855 to 0.0892 Energy assistance program line item: $0.0005 per kilowatt hour (average of $0.45) Demand charge line item: $0.00 (placeholder for future charge) To review the budget and rate discussions in detail, all board materials and budget reports are available online in our resource library. As a co-op, OPALCO’s budget is built to meet the cost of service, which is higher than most other utilities given our remote island communities connected to the mainland by submarine cables. During the past two years of revenue shortfalls, we’ve tightened the belt along the way and delayed projects and hiring to meet the need. In 2016, we project a stable revenue year as the adjustments we’ve made for changing energy usage and weather patterns are built in to budget assumptions. We are not alone. It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride for all utilities in the region. OPALCO projects smoother sailing ahead as we adjust to the new weather norms, get through the final two years of our submarine cable replacement project, major upgrades to our communications infrastructure, Rock Island’s start-up operations begin to level out and we begin to add new electrical load through fuel switching initiatives.
Sudoku
65. Christian name 66. Half a matched set Down 1. Application 2. Sliding compartment in furniture 3. Delicate 4. Christmas season 5. Kind of jar 6. White, oblong, ecclesiastical vestment 7. After-bath powder 8. 10 C-notes 9. Smooth, glossy fabrics 10. Put to the test 11. Wrong 12. "So ___ me!" said
defiantly 13. "___ Town Too" (1981 hit) 21. Chopper blade 22. Noncompromiser 26. "... ___ he drove out of sight" 27. ___ Gabriel, CA 29. Sean Connery, for one 30. Rounded earthenware pots 31. "Thanks ___!" (2 wds) 34. Broadcast again immediately 35. Almond 36. Sundae topper, perhaps 37. Cracks 38. Gastric woe 39. Amniotic ___
40. ___ Today 43. Snow-packed ski trails 45. Place 46. Henry Clay, for one 47. Leases again, e.g. apartments (hyphenated) 49. Belt 50. Back in 51. Additional 54. Atmosphere 55. O. Henry's "The Gift of the ___" 56. Allergic reaction 57. Pair 58. Exclamation of triumph
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 14. Sudoku and Crossword answers on page 16
Answers to today's puzzle on page 16
The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • december 29, 2015 – Page 5
Reason behind the recent power outages on Orcas and Shaw Island By Leslie Kelly Special to the Weekly
About 3,300 customers of the Orcas Power and Light Company were without electricity for about 30 hours beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. According to Theresa Haynie, communication specialist for OPALCO, a major gust of wind – at possibly 60 miles an hour – blew down a large tree that hit a major transmission line along Indian Cove Road on Shaw
When you’re sitting in a cold, dark house with nothing warm to eat, and you’ve been without electricity for hours on end, it’s easy to question why all power lines aren’t placed underground. And that’s what a lot of Orcas and Shaw island residents were thinking recently.
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Island. Seven transmission poles snapped at their bases and toppled towards the OPALCO submarine terminal at the end of the road. OPALCO dispatched crews, material and equipment from Lopez, San Juan and Orcas islands to repair the transmission lines, Haynie said. OPALCO line crews worked late into night on Dec. 6, continuing well
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into the night Dec. 7 and the early hours of Dec. 8 to restore service. As is often the case after a long power outage, Haynie and others at OPALCO began hearing questions about why the cooperative’s lines aren’t buried underground to prevent falling trees from taking down the lines. According to Haynie, about 86 percent of OPALCO’s lines are underground. She explained that the co-op gets it’s power from Bonneville Power Administration and power is carried to the islands through massive underwater submarine cables. The power then comes ashore to transmission lines that run overhead on poles to distribution lines that are buried underground. The distribution lines service both residential and business customers. “Throughout the 20-ish islands that we serve, there are some 1,800 to 2,000 power poles,” she said. “Most of the lines that are visible are transition lines.” And she said those are the lines that are impractical to bury underground. “It’s not just digging a hole and putting down lines,” Haynie said. “The easements we now have on the overhead lines aren’t transferable to the ground. We would have to
go through an environmental approval process because we would be digging huge trenches.” Too, the lines would have to be insulated. “These are very high wattage lines,” she said. “They have to be encased in conduit and then put in cement before they can go underground. And, we have to build vaults, so that we can have access to the lines.” Repairing underground lines is expensive, running $20,000 to $60,000 for each splice. “And generally, those types of repairs to underground lines can take from five to nine days before the power is restored,” Haynie added. Overall, the cost to OPALCO to bury its transmission lines would be nearing $50 million. “The cost of underground lines can be anywhere from four to 14 times the cost of overhead lines,” she said, noting that as a co-op that would send members rates beyond a reasonable cost. “We are aware of the vulnerability of some of our lines, but as a co-op our financial structure is based on the cost of service.” Another issue, she said, is the geography of the islands. “There’s a lot of rough ter-
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rain,” she said. “There are rocky areas. We’d have to blast through the rock to bury lines in some places.” In the most recent storm, seven transmission lines were taken down. The tree that fell was 120 feet tall, and nearly 60 feet from OPALCO’s rightof-way. The company’s average right-of-way is about 10 feet around the power poles, which it must maintain. All of Shaw Island and most of Orcas was without power during the most recent wind storm. OPALCO was able to re-route some power to allow for a grocery store and schools to be open, Haynie said. General Manager Foster Hildreth said many people went “above and beyond the call of duty to assist us.” He mentioned the Washington State Ferries captain and crew, who came back to the terminal to help load equipment on the ferries, the Orcas Village Store that delivered coffee and pizza, Hardy Schmidt, local equipment operator on Shaw Island, the OPALCO engineering staff members, and “most importantly, our dedicated and professional field and line crew.” The last time power was out on the islands for any significant amount of time, Haynie said, was during ice and wind storms in 1989 and 1991. “In some parts of the islands, people were without power for two weeks,” she said. Since then, the company has buried more of its distributions to homes and businesses to help ease the potential of customers being without power. The board of directors for OPALCO meets monthly and to review an outage report, Haynie said. “They look at the causes storms, trees, humans, even animals,” Haynie said. “It (burying more lines) does get discussed.”
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. LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE SAN JUANS (ELCA)
Read more news at
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 1:15 p.m. on Saturday starting January 2nd. Call 378-2910 for Mass times on San Juan and Orcas Islands.
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real estate for rent - WA Real Estate for Rent San Juan County FRIDAY HARBOR
IN TOWN 1 bedroom + loft. Wood stove and electric heat. Washer, dryer. 1st month + deposit $1,000/MO, + utiliities & 6 month lease. House for sale and may come with selling incentives. No smoking, pets negotiable. Please contact Bryan at tigerg12@gmail.com ORCAS ISLAND
COTTAGE NESTLED above tidal lagoon in quiet Deer Harbor community. One bedroom plus loft, bath/ dressing area, large kitchen with gas range, hardwood floors in living/ dining area. $950 month includes electric, water & on site laundry. Move in Dec. 15th. For details, call: 360-376-6655 Apartments for Rent San Juan County
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
jobs Employment General
Community Support Specialist for the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Must be good with people, possess strong organizational, communication and computer skills, and have ability to multi-task in a fastpaced environment. Social Services background required. $15/hour, 20 hours/ week. Temporary position Jan-June 2016 with potential for permanent. Submit resume and cover letter addressing experience with skills to lifrc@rockisland.com to request more Information LOPEZ ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT Seeks a part-time SPECIAL SERVICES PROGRAM ASSISTANT 18.25 hours per week: Monday & Thursday 5.50 hrs. Tuesday4.58 hrs. Wednesday & Friday 2.58 hrs. *Includes partial benefits pkg. For more information, or to apply, please contact Stephanie in the District Office: 468-2202 ext 2300 sfowler@lopez.k12.wa.us
San Juan County is seeking a CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER based in Friday Harbor. For a detailed job description and application materials www.sanjuanco.com or call 360-370-7403. Open until filled. First Screening on January 12, 2016. EOE.
MULTI-MEDIA ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Be a part of the largest community news organization in Washington! Do you have a proven track record of success in sales and enjoy managing your own territory? Are you competitive and thrive in an energetic environment? Do you desire to work in an environment which offers uncapped earning opportunities? Are you interested in a fast paced, creative atmosphere where you can use your sales expertise to provide consultative print and digital solutions? If you answered YES to the above, then we are looking for you! The Journal of the San Juans, in beautiful Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, is looking for self-motivated, results-driven people interested in a multi-media sales career. As part of our sales team you are expected to maintain and grow existing client relationships, as well as develop new client relationships. The successful candidate will also be goal oriented, have organizational skills that enable you to manage multiple deadlines, provide great consultative sales and excellent customer service. If you have these skills, and enjoy playing a pro-active part in impacting your local businesses financial success with advertising solutions, please email your resume and cover letter to: careers@soundpublishing.com
This position receives a base salary plus commissions and benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and 401K. Position requires use of your personal vehicle, possession of valid WA State Driver’s License and proof of active vehicle insurance.
Sound Publishing is an Equal Opportunity Employee (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workplace. Visit our website to learn more about us! www.soundpublishing.com
San Juan County is seeking a JUVENILE PROBATION COUNSELOR based in Friday Harbor. For a detailed job description and application materials. visit www.sanjuanco.com or call 360-370-7403. Open until filled. First Screening on January 8, 2016. EOE. San Juan County is seeking a MECHANIC
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San Juan County is seeking a QUIET LIVING; Seniors welcome. 1 Bedroom upstairs view apartment, downtown Eastsound. Includes: stove, fridge, laundry room, and paved assigned parking. No smoking or pets. $550 month with EPD, first and security. Call Alan 714-271-1215 or email nordicstr@aol.com
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MARINE PROGRAM COORDINATOR based in Friday Harbor. For a detailed job description and application materials www.sanjuanco.com or call 360-370-7403. First Screening on January 6, 2016. EOE.
based in Friday Harbor. For a detailed job description and application materials www.sanjuanco.com or call 360-370-7403. First Screening on January 6, 2016. EOE.
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Health Care Employment
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General
Clinical Support Position RN, LPN or MA Island Hospital is seeking candidates for a Clinical Support Position (MA, LPN or RN) to join our outpatient clinic on Lopez Island. Qualified candidates for this role must have an active Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Medical Assistant certification issued for Washington. To apply, please visit: www.islandhospital.org
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AKC Lab Pups $550 $800. Chocolate, black & yellow Labs with blocky heads. Great hunters or companions. Playful, loyal & healthy. Family raised & well socialized, OFA’s lineage, first shots, de-wormed and vet checked. Parents on site. Great service animals especially PTSD. 425-422-2428 https://www.facebook. com/Autumn-Acres-Labradors957711704292269/timeline/?notif_t=fbpage_fan_invite
CHIRSTMAS PUPPIES AKC English Mastiff/ Great Pyrenees puppies. Perfect for families, security and as gentle as can be! AKC Mastiff Dad & Mom is a beautiful Great Pyrenese. All red or brown colored pups w/ some white markings. Pick you puppy, before their gone. Ready by Christmas. Males & females available, 4 wks old, taking reservation now. $750. Call Francis now 360-535-9404 Kingston. YORKSHIRE / YORKIE
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: n o i t s e u Q
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LABRADOR PUPPIES Chocolate, black, yellow. Sweet desposition! Dew, claws, first shots and healthy. 5 females and 1 male for Christmas; all chocolates. A few black Christmas puppies avail. 12 week old Male; house training started. Call now before their gone. Taking deposits. $800 each. Mossy Rock, WA. Chocolate 360-827-2928 Black 360-324-8515.
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AKC REGISTERED Puppies. Boys and Girls, Born Oct. 16th, Very Small Father (3 lbs) and Mother Are On Site. Born and Raised In Our Living Room. Worming and First Shots Done. Come and Be Loved By My Little Babies. Call Anytime, 360-653-3240
New England Collectibles Skillets, unusual chalk boards Dressers, armoire, wall-phones, fishing plugs, etc. Sale and lay-a-away, Dec. 18th-24th, 185 1st F.H. SOLD IT? FOUND IT? Let us know by calling 1-800-388-2527 so we can cancel your ad.
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visit Soundclassifieds.com • call toll free 1-800-388-2527 email classifieds@soundpublishing.com THE ISLANDS’ WEEKLY • WWW.ISLANDSWEEKLY.COM •
December 29, 2015 -
PAGE 7
– Submitted by San Juan Islands Audubon Society
Happy holidays from the Islands ’ Weekly Journal of the San Juans Thank you to our loyal readers, advertisers and contributors.
15-mile wide circle of about 177 square miles. San Juan’s circle has the center at the University of Washington Labs in Friday Harbor and includes parts of San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw. More information about the history and how the count works can be found at the National Audubon’s website. For the seasoned birder and for the novice, the bird count offers as little or as much involvement as one desires. Identify featheredfriends solo from your own bird feeder in the backyard, the deck of your boat, or tag along with experienced birders to an assigned area. Wherever you chose to
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES
count make sure to contact Jensen so she can set you up with paperwork and make sure there’s no double-dipping as far as areas to cover are concerned. The Christmas Bird Count is now the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, providing critical data on population trends from the tallies of more than 2,300 bird-count circles in many different countries. The San Juans’ Christmas Bird Count, which got its start in 1987, has shown variations in population during its 28-year history, some good, others not so good. The number of Anna’s Hummingbirds and Eurasian Collared-Doves are on the rise, while the populations of seabirds and shorebirds have dropped
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of birds: fresh water birds, sea birds, land birds, raptors and possible rarities” said Barbara Jensen, president of the local Audubon Society chapter. “We count every single bird and besides the things we expect to find we usually find something new. The wrap ups afterwards are the most fun when we find out what the other birders have seen and what the numbers look like.” Keep an eye out this year for rarities in particular, like ospreys which won’t fly south unless there’s a freeze, golden eagles, winter duck species and the elusive redbreasted sap sucker. In 1900, ornithologist Frank Chapman along with other conservationist were disturbed at the slaughter of birds in the annual holiday event called the “side hunt.” The team that shot the most birds and other small animals was the winner. As a protest, Chapman organized 27 friends in 25 locations on Christmas Day, 1900 to count live animals instead of shooting them. This became an annual event and the National Audubon Society has now sponsored the CBC for 116 years. Each Audubon chapter chooses a 24-hour time period from the middle of December to early January for their count. The area covered is a
ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER
The holiday season has become so hectic that San Juan Islands Audubon has moved their Christmas Bird Count to the end of the count period. “Consider this a wonderful way to extend the cel-
ebration season,” organizers said. The CBC is set to take flight Saturday, Jan. 2. Grab your binoculars and get ready to tally. “The thing that’s exciting for our count is that the wide variety of habitats leads to a greater variety
Islands’ Weekly PO Box 758 Eastsound, WA 98245
Audubon Christmas count continues
precipitously over the years. So why is this data important? Bird populations are indicators of the overall health of our environment. As the database continues to grow and becomes long-term, it is possible to monitor the abundance and distribution patterns of wintering bird populations. Although its roots are scientific, the bird count is a chance to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, experience winter’s splendor, and introduce newcomers to the magical world of birding. Some birders take a little rest during the count. “As birders we love whatever is seasonal,” Jensen said. “The first Varied Thrush call of the fall signals approaching winter and then we start looking for returning swans, ducks and raptors and maybe a Snowy Owl.” Scientific with a dose of whimsy—and not to mention some competition. Every chirp counts and the rarer the more exciting it is. Jensen said she hopes the San Juan chapter will beat some of the other chapters on rare sightings and big collection of birds overall. For more info and to get down for the count call Barbara Jensen at 378-3068.
Please recycle this Christmas The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • december 29, 2015 – Page 8