Matthew Nash, Feature Writing by Sequim Gazette

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 • B-1

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Sweet start

B COMMUNITY Wednesday, September 12, 2012

SECTION

B-8

Sports • Arts & Entertainment • Schools • Calendar

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Sixty years later ...

Pirate soccer squads win conference openers.

Sky high for the first time

The Port Angeles Community Players opens its 60th season with “The 39 Steps,” a farcical spy spoof based on the Alfred Hitchcock film. See page B-2. •••••••••••••••

At the Movies on hold

In one flight and about an hour, Alice Runyan fulfilled her dream to fl y in a hot air balloon. She won the RE/MAX Fifth Avenue’s “bucket list contest.” Sequim Gazette photos by Jay Cline

A ballooning they will go ...

The City of Sequim and OTA seek volunteers for 12-film series. See page B-3.

by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

•••••••••••••••

Welcome back, students!

Sequim schools are back in (the education) business with Sept. 5’s opening day. See Chalk Talk, page B-10. •••••••••••••••

Running strong, to start

RE/MAX balloon pilot Darren Kling flies 70-80 hours a season for the real estate agency in four states. In the distance, first-time fliers Ted and Mary Miller ride in the Twist of Fate balloon.

Sequim’s cross country squad posts good times at season’s first meet See page B-6. •••••••••••••••

Festival in blue

•••••••••••••••

Deadlines

Deadline for items appearing in B-section is 5 p.m. Wednesday one week before publication at editor@sequimgazette.com or P.O. Box 1750, Sequim 98382, or delivered to the Sequim Gazette office at 141 W. Washington St.

her bonnet.” Before the flight, the friends discussed Donelson’s time in Kenya when she watched animals from a balloon. “We talked about how quiet it is except when they light the burners,” Donelson said.

See BALLOON, B-12

It takes about 10 minutes for the RE/MAX balloon to inflate fully for passengers like Alice Runyan and Liz Parks (far right).

A mime of a good time Port Angeles Symphony opens season Sept. 22 by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

Multiple artists play this weekend at the Clallam County Fairgrounds for the Port Angeles Blues Festival. See page B-11.

Flying high above Sequim was definitely a highlight for Alice Runyan, 76. The first-time hot air balloon rider crossed it off her bucket list after winning RE/ MAX Fifth Avenue’s contest over more than 50-plus entries to go up one early morning during the Sequim Balloon Festival, Sept. 1-3. The night before her ride, Runyan was said to have been burning up the phone lines talking to her children in Olympia and California. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Runyan said. “I wanted to do something different.” Runyan, who has macular degeneration and lost her husband Chuck at Halloween 2010, said she’s been in an airplane plenty of times but never in anything like a balloon. She’s never been afraid of heights, either. Her best friend, Kendra Donelson, said Runyan “just had the bee in

Runyan went up Aug. 31, with balloon pilot Darren Kling, a contract flier for the RE/MAX International balloon in the Pacific Northwest region. He said most often his riders are first-time fliers like Runyan. “They bring a uniqueness to it,” he said. “It’s so different from being in an airplane or helicopter. It’s so relaxing. You get 360-degree views rather than looking through the small airplane window.” He got the ballooning bug

To open its 80th season, the Port Angeles Symphony takes the silent route, hosting the Magic Circle Mime Co. and its show “The Listener.” The comedic duo of Maggie Petersen and Douglas MacIntyre has worked together more than 20 years in theatrical works for orchestras across the U.S. and around the world, including the The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with the National Symphony Orchestra several times. Conductor Adam Stern, going into his

eighth year, has worked with the mimes as associate conductor for the Seattle Symphony a few times for other children’s shows. “From the word ‘go,’ I always loved what they do,” Stern said. “They honor the music and have a lot of fun.” Serving as protagonists of sorts for the symphony’s performance on Saturday, Sept. 22, the mimes change the evening of music into an introductory lesson helping the audience learn about the music, the orchestra and the art of listening. “The Listener” is scripted and Stern said it shows how people can more intelligently listen to symphonic music. He’ll interact with the mimes throughout the evening, including a part where one mime completely

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The Magic Circle Mime Co., consisting of Douglas MacIntyre and Maggie Petersen, has worked with orchestras around the world to promote symphonic music through events combining humor, theater and music.

See MIMES, B-2

Submitted photos

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B-12 • Wednesday, September 12, 2012

SEQUIM GAZETTE

BALLOON From page B-1

in 1989 when a friend became a pilot in Ohio and he followed with his own business in 1993.

First-timers

When people take off in a balloon with him, Kling hears two reactions, “Wow!” or their surprise that they can’t feel movement in the ballon. “You can’t tell if you are going up or down,” he said. “Otherwise you feel like you are standing still.” If there was an event to do something for the first time, the balloon festival was it. Ted and Mary Miller took their first balloon ride at the same time as Runyan in the Twist of Fate balloon piloted by Stephen Coffing. Mary said they’ve been considering a flight for eight to 10 years. “When we heard last fall they were doing the festival we thought to get our names on the list real early,” she said. “I see them in the air and they are so pretty. I heard it’s so peaceful up there, too.” Ted said the idea first appealed to him after seeing balloons in movies.

Silent soaring

Mary Miller readies her camera while she and her husband, Ted, on left, fly for the first time in a hot air balloon. Pilot Stephen Coffing, in middle, turns up the heat as the trio goes up.

Runyan found her time in the air similarly exhilarating. “I felt so free and it was so smooth and quiet,” she said. She saw her home and neighborhood, deer running and cows and all the different colored fields. “I saw all the beautiful backyards and I had no idea so many people had swimming pools,” she said. “It was wonderful.” The RE/MA X balloon landed in a field in front of the Jamestown Family Health Clinic and the Millers and Twist of Fate landed near their takeoff at the Sequim Valley Airport. Ted said after they landed they were honored at a small ceremony for being first-time fliers and then Coffing gave free tethered rides for about an hour for families. “He didn’t have to do that, but it shows his love for ballooning,” he said. His only suggestion is for pilots to provide ladders for easier access into the gondola baskets. Kling also gave tethered rides at the festival with $1,275 in donations earned for the Sequim Boys & Girls Club. Liz Parks, owner/designated broker of RE/MAX Fifth Avenue, who offered the bucket list contest, said Runyan continued saying that the balloon ride was the best day she had in a long time and it achieved a dream of hers. Another passenger provided Runyan photos of the ride so she can experience it more at home, too.

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After about 10 minutes of inflating each balloon they were off and Sequim’s silent skies awed Runyan and the Millers. “What impressed me the most was as we were going up, the sun was coming up over

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

the water,” Mary said. “That was just gorgeous.” She also liked seeing Sequim from a new view. “We were up to 1,200 feet and what a difference in the perspective that makes of looking at the mountains,” Mary said. “It’s way different than looking at them from the

ground or even on top of Hurricane Ridge.” The only noise the Millers heard was the ignition on the propane, too. “It’s very still,” Mary said. “They fire it once in a while, but you sort of know it’s coming. It’s not so obtrusive that you need to be worried about it being loud.”

Gardening gobs of globes Get It Growing Bill Wrobel

What has flower clusters that look like fluffy balls of cotton candy? It’s that popular summer-flowering shrub for shady gardens, the hydrangea. Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that provide huge flower heads of white, pink, blue and blends of these colors. The word “hydrangea” comes from two Greek words meaning “water vessel,” which describes the cup form of the small seed pod. There are 70 to 75 species of hydrangeas that are native to Japan. They include mophead hydrangeas, which have huge round heads of sterile flowers, and lacecap hydrangeas, which have a central cluster of small fertile flowers, surrounded by a ring of attractive sterile flowers. Varieties of mophead and lacecap hydrangeas vary in size from dwarfs to climbers. The oak leaf hydrangea

Friday, Sept. 14 to Sunday, Sept. 16

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Make a $25 donation to the American Heart Association to receive your Small Town Big Heart Shop Card. Shop Cards can be used at any of the participating downtown Bainbridge Island merchants and restaurants between Friday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 16. Exceptions may apply.

Shop Cards are available for purchase at the following locations: • Bainbridge Island Downtown Association • Harrison Medical Center Gift Shops in Bremerton and Silverdale • Kitsap Bank (Kitsap county branches) Visit harrisonmedical.org for details.

(Hydrangea quercifolia), a favorite of many gardeners, is native to the United States. It has large pointed cones of white flowers that age to dusty rose. Growing 4-8 feet tall and wide, oak leaf hydrangeas have foliage that turns orange to burgundy in the fall. Hydrangeas should be planted in a spot where they receive some shade during the day. Avoid hot, sunny, dry areas or beds that are baked by the afternoon sun. Morning sun is preferred by these plants, so an eastern exposure is excellent. As their name implies, hydrangeas are intolerant of dry conditions and need an evenly moist soil. They do best in beds that have been amended with generous amounts of organic matter, which helps retain soil moisture. Hydrangeas also benefit from a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch — such as leaves, pine needles, straw or bark — over their root system. Once planted, keep hydrangeas well watered. Interestingly, the colorful parts of hydrangea flower heads are not flower petals at all; they are modified leaves that surround the petals (called sepals). The actual flowers are tiny, inconspicuous and located in the middle of the sepals. Prune hydrangeas in the summer right after the colorful flower heads turn green. Cut off the faded flowers with about 4-6 inches of stem. If you are trying to reduce the size of your bush, cut longer stems with the heads. If you need to drastically reduce the size of your hydrangea, you can cut the shoots back to the ground. But beware, most hydrangeas set their flower buds for the next year in late summer, so any pruning after that removes flower buds and reduces or eliminates flowers the next year. The flower heads of hydrangeas are unique. Depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil the plant is growing in, the sepals can be different colors. In acidic soil, hydrangeas tend to appear blue and in neutral to alkaline soil, they tend to appear pink. White hydrangeas remain white regardless of the soil acidity. With proper pruning you’ll have gobs of these globes. They are easy to dry so you also can enjoy the blossoms all winter!

How to change hydrangea flower color • If you have pink hydrangeas and you want them blue, treat the soil around the bushes with aluminum sulfate (an acid) following the label instructions in March and again in October each year. Gradually, the flower heads will turn blue. If your hydrangeas are blue and you want them to be pink, treat the soil around the bushes with lime (which is alkaline) following the s ame dosage and schedule as for aluminum sulfate. It may take a couple of years. The intensity of the color is controlled by genetics and depends on the variety you are growing. • Jan Noonan speaks on gardening with native plants at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Road.

SEQUIM GAZETTE

B COMMUNITY Wednesday, December 5, 2012

SECTION

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Wednesday, December 5, 2012 • B-1

Bouncing back

Sequim High’s girls seek return to glory with revamped lineup

B-5

Sports • Arts & Entertainment • Schools • Calendar

Christmas by the fireside

Sequim native Julieanne Marie offers Christmas classics on CD through local retailers. See page B-3. •••••••••••••••

Turkey time

Take a trip down south for some tasty treats with the Food Connection. See page B-2. •••••••••••••••

Get in your Christmas licks

The Port Angeles Community Players continues to present “A Christmas Story” this weekend. See page B-4. •••••••••••••••

Music to their ears

Mary Howard’s mixed media artwork, such as “Sunrise in Eastern Washington” features a gold theme at Prairie Spring Assisted Living during the First Friday Art Walk. The show spans four generations of family members. Submitted photo

Silver Sequim and Gold First Friday Art Walk welcomes Adrian’s and Clear Image Sequim Gazette staff

Sequim is golden during The First Friday Art Walk Sequim, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7. Gold is the theme color for December’s walk, the color of the returning sun at Solstice and a statement color for artists and art walkers alike as the town opens for strolling, gazing, music, noshing and perhaps some artistic gift shopping. Art exhibits and other attractions of the art walk are listed below. For a full map, see www.sequimartwalk.com. The art walk is sponsored and produced by unique as you/Renne Emiko Brock-Richmond. (See uniqueasyou.com.) • A four-generation family affair shows at Prairie Springs Assisted Living, 680 W. Prairie St. Mary Howard’s mixed

media with a gold theme are on display, along with paintings by her mother, Dorothy Secondi; her grandson Evan Howard; and her great uncle, GJW Mathot. An artists dessert reception is from 5-8 p.m., with the show open during business hours on other days. • Museum & Arts Center hours are extended to 8 p.m. for the First Friday Art Walk, as Sequim Arts and MAC host the annual Small Works Show and Sale, at 175 W. Cedar St. The show runs Dec. 4-22; hours are 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. See sequimarts.org or mac sequim.org. • The Sequim Library pulls out all the stops at a reception from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7 for Shirley Mercer’s exhibit of watercolor media and handpainted rescued furniture, on view December-February at 630 N. Sequim Ave. Music is by local didgeridoo player Rene Ewbank. Art walkers will be invited to try their hands at painting and to learn the circular breathing needed to play a didgeridoo.

See www.nols.org. • From 4-8 p.m., Pacific Mist Books, 121 W. Washington St., features leaded, stained and fused glass wall hangings and tiles by Marilyn Brock, along with guest author Ruth Marcus signing her book “Inspiration.” Resident artist Jean Wyatt shows place mats, greeting cards, wall hangings and floor cloths. Chocolate by Cocoa d’Amici and refreshments from Cameron’s Cafe and Catering. • Jeff Tocher’s colorful acrylics are at the Rainshadow Coffee Roasting Company, 157 W. Cedar St., in December, with a reception from 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 7. • The Blue Whole Gallery, 129 W. Washington St., opens its Group Show Dec. 7, on First Friday, with gallery hours extended to 8 p.m. for the reception. The Holiday Gift Gallery continues through December, with a free drawing to win Carol Janda’s watercolor “Winter Kale.” Usual hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Penguins by Sallie Radock waddle their way into Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. the MAC’s Small Works Show and Sale for the month of December including the First Friday Art

See ART WALK, B-2 Walk. Submitted photo

Sequim’s ties to the Space Age Columnist Cynthia Martin explains benefits of incorporating tunes into a child’s education. See page B-7. •••••••••••••••

Split decision, for starters

SHS’s boys basketball squad drops opener on the road, but rips Redskins in season home opener See page B-6. •••••••••••••••

Deadlines Deadline for items appearing in B-section is 5 p.m. Wednesday one week before publication at editor@sequimgazette.com or the Sequim Gazette office at 147 W. Washington St.

Retiree honored in Cincinnati for Project Moonwatch efforts by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

Half a country away, Tom Van Flandern spent his youth exploring the vastness of space. The naval astronomer found a love for the stratosphere as a boy when he struck a deal with his grandma to use his paper route money to pay for half of a telescope. From there he immersed himself in the cosmos and through his exploration the stars aligned for him to meet the love of his life, Barbara. The couple retired in Sequim for its nighttime view in 2005, but Tom Van Flandern was diagnosed with cancer Nov. 11, 2008, and died Jan. 9, 2009. Van Flandern’s work recently came back into the

Tom Van Flandern, front left, speaks with members like Dennis Smith, second from left, of the Cincinnati Moonwatch Team in 1960. The team was recently honored for its record-setting tallies of satellites. Photo courtesy of Barbara Van Flandern

spotlight because of his efforts leading the Project Moonwatch team in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1950s. The team was honored in early October with an Ohio Historical Society marker for its efforts observing satellites such as

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Sputnik 1. Team member and lifelong friend Dennis Smith said Van Flandern led the team to be one of the best in the world. Van Flandern was a student at Xavier University and Smith a high school

sophomore when Van Flandern walked onto the team and was quickly appointed team leader. The team spent thousands of hours tracking satellites. “Anything he did, he did with a passion,” Smith said.

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One event that stands out from their countless nights under the stars is a satellite launch gone wrong. Smith said they were given the time of launch and began timing when the satellite came by but soon saw another and another and another. Something was wrong, Van Flandern realized. He sat down and began making calculations using a slide rule. Smith said a few minutes later, Van Flandern stood up and said, “The rocket blew up at this time, latitude and longitude. We should let them know.” So Smith and Van Flandern went into the club’s meeting room and sent a telegram to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory sharing the information. Thirty minutes later, they received a phone call from the observatory asking to meet with Van Flandern. He learned the observatory wanted to know his methodology, but he wouldn’t share

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012 • B-3

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Space

From page B-1 his formulas. Smith said Van Flandern told them he would need them later on in his career. “That’s when I recognized just how smart of a fellow he was,” Smith said. “I tended to believe what Tom told me from then on.” Project Moonwatch spanned July 1957 to December 1958, and the Cincinnati Moonwatch Team was recognized by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory as one of the leading teams worldwide in scientific contributions to the launching and optical tracking of earth satellites from 1957-1964. Smith said the team was No. 1 in the world in observations for several months but eventually was beaten out by teams on the West Coast with better weather. He advocated for the historical marker after rejoining the Cincinnati Astronomical Society more than a year ago. He said after Van Flandern died, he wanted to find a way to honor the team.

Love on Earth

Following his tenure with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society, Van Flandern earned his Ph.D. in astronomy from Yale University and became the chief researcher of celestial mechanics for the U.S. Naval Observatory. “He tried to understand everything he could,” Barbara

Van Flandern said. Yet the master mathematician had simple tastes, she said. He came from a poor beginning: His father left the family when Van Flandern was 7 and his mother died of breast cancer when he was 16.

Project Moonwatch, led by Tom Van Flandern, was honored in early October for contributions to observing satellites. Photo courtesy of Barbara Van Flandern

Barbara Van Flandern said reading “The Stars” by H.A. Rey inspired her husband to investigate the stars, and when he received his first telescope, he said it was one of the best days of his life. The couple met during a college mixer. Barbara had no interest in meeting someone new after recently breaking up with an ex. She went to the dance with some friends and Van Flandern approached her with a big smile and asked her to dance. She couldn’t refuse. “When they first met it was love at first sight.” Smith said. The couple married in 1963 and went on to have four chil-

dren, Michael, Connie, Brian and Kevin. “Tom is left brain and I’m extremely right brain,” Barbara said. “That’s the big difference between us. One time I asked why is the moon orange and he’d said it’s because of there being so much pollution. I’m thinking romantic and he’s being scientific.” “He was analytical and pure-minded,” she said. Van Flandern continued to research controversial ideas, including the concept that there was a planet between Mars and Jupiter that exploded and impacted the surface of Mars. He explored the concept more in his book “Dark Matter, Missing Planets and New Comets: Paradoxes Resolved, Origins Illuminated” and his quarterly bulletin called Metaresearch. Barbara said he believed in the possibility of intelligent life in space and tried to decipher whether the face in the Cydonia region on Mars was placed there. For fun, the couple led eclipse trips across the globe, showing upwards of 300 people the best places to watch lunar eclipses. Barbara said they were definitely a night owl couple and her husband’s love of the stars was infectious. “I also didn’t like to go bed alone,” she said. Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette. com.

Season’s sweet sounds Full-length album has Sequim artist in holiday mood by MICHAEL DASHIELL Sequim Gazette

Christmas in June? Nothing new to Julieanne Marie Fry. The Sequim-based artist found a way to turn that sunshine into Christmas tidings not just once, Singer Julieanne Marie Fry and producer Jerbut twice. emy Cays meet at Cays’ studio in Carlsborg Fry’s recently completed, full- earlier this week. The duo host a release length album, “Fireside Christmas party for Fry’s Christmas album on Dec. 8. Classics — The Complete Collec- Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell tion,” started off as an EP in 2011, guest musicians, including Cays himself, but after selling out all 200 copies, she decided Kristi Niclas, Soren Olsen, Sam Yadon, to complete the full album in 2012. Dillan Witherow, Jason Taylor, Brenda Wil“I just put (the project) before the Lord and liamson and Anna Cays. said, ‘Do you want me to do this?’” Cays, a multi-instrumentalist, filled in Fry went back to Sequim producer Jeremy many of the parts on the album while concurCays of Cays Productions to fill out the rently producing each track, but often used 13-track album that features a number of his connections with local musicians such as Taylor, a Sequim native and bassist, to add more Fireside Christmas Classics — musicianship to the songs. The Complete Collection “A lot of times I’ll get it What: Julieanne Marie’s full-length album done if I can and we’ll go Tracks: 13 with that,” Cays says, then Where to get it: The plays a track from Fry’s alGood Book , Hurbum. A thumping, acousricane Coffee, Altic guitar starts “Angels der Wood Bis tr o We Have Heard on High” (Sequim); Strait Murolling. That, Cays notes, sic (Port Angeles) is Soren Olsen, another Online: iTunes, FaceSequim native, providing book, reverbnation. the intro. com, local churches “He (Olsen) has a very CD release party: 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, at distinct style that I love,” Joyful Noise Music Center, 112 W. Washington St., Sequim. See CHRISTMAS, B-4

hurch irectory “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8

The Baha’i Faith 1-800-22-UNITE Virtues classes for children of all Faiths Sundays

Ages 11-15 • 3:30-5 pm Weekly study sessions and devotional meetings open to seekers of all Faiths.

Call 683-5520 for information

Faith

Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church

Baptist Church

E.L.C.A. 925 N. Sequim Ave.

Family Oriented Ministry Emphasizing Bible Preaching & Teaching

Sundays 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Christian Education 9:40 a.m. Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. Potluck 6:40 p.m. Christian Education

Sunday School 9:45 A.M. Worship 11:00 A.M. Praise & Fellowship Service 6:00 P.M. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting 7:00 P.M. Nursery Available

360 683-7303

www.dvelca.org

www.faithbaptistsequim.com

Pastor Jack Anderson 681-0946

7652 Old Olympic Hwy., Sequim

First Church of

HELPING PEOPLE FIND LIFE IN JESUS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SEQUIM SUNDAY WORSHIP – 10:45 AM CONGREGACION HISPANA Sunday at 9 a.m. LIFEGROUPS Sunday at 9:15 a.m. BIBLE STUDY Sunday at 6 p.m. YOUTH Tuesday at 6 p.m. PRAYER Wednesday at 6 p.m.

1323 Sequim-Dungeness Way, Sequim, WA 360-683-2114 • Find us on Facebook!

Christ, Scientist 337 West Spruce • 683-9174 Sunday Service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. (held at Reading Room) Christian Science Reading Room 121 North Sequim Avenue Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME

SUNDAY

Traditional Worship - 9:30 a.m. Children’s Classes (Ages 3-12) – 10:20 a.m. Adult Discipleship Hour – 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship - 11:00 a.m. Evening Worship – 6:00 p.m. Student Ministry – 6:00 p.m.

847 North Sequim Ave. 683-4135 www.sequimbible.org Dave Wiitala, Senior Pastor Shane McCrossen, Youth Pastor

MONDAY

Candlelight Communion Service – Monday, Dec. 24th at 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Adult Bible Study & Prayer – 6:00 p.m. AWANA – 6:30 p.m.

Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church Sat. 9:30 a.m. Sabbath School 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

OLYMPIC BIBLE FELLOWSHIP 10:45 a.m. Worship, Nursery & Sunday School 5:45 p.m. Awana - 3 years through High School

Pastor Rich Hay Weekly programs provided for youth and adults, such as AWANA and Precept Bible studies

261913 Hwy. 101 • Carlsborg Website: www.obfchurch.org

360-683-6731

683-6170 255 Medsker Rd.

Pastor: Eric Williams sequimadventist@sequimsdachurch.org

Rev. Thomas Nathe Rev. Jean Pierre Kasonga Masses:

Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. M, T, Th, F, Sat.: 8:30 a.m. Confessions: Saturday, 3:45 - 4:45 101 E. Maple St., Sequim 360-683-6076

Sequim Center for Spiritual Living A Center For Positive Living

Holds Sunday Service 10:00 Pioneer Park

Rev. Lynn Osborne INFORMATION CALL 681-0177

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH L.C.M.S. 382 W. Cedar 683-4803

Sunday Worship Services 8:30 & 11 a.m. Adult Bible Class & Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Family Fun - Dec. 9,12-2 p.m. P.O. Box 925, Sequim, WA 98382 Pastors Steve Eaton and Roger Stites

www.FLCsequim.org

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

525 N. 5th Ave. P.O. Box 896 • 683-4862 Sunday Eucharist • 8 am & 10 am Wednesday Eucharist, 12 noon

Father Bob Rhoads All Are Welcome Here www.stlukesequim.org

950 N. Fifth Avenue - (360) 683-4194

Sunday Worship Contemporary @ 9 & 11 am Traditional @ 10 am

Annual Christmas Celebration

Dec. 14: 7 p.m. Dec. 15 & 16: 2 p.m. Tickets $5 or $15 Sunday School for all Loving infant care Family of Four or More. w w w. s e q u i m c o m m u n i t y c h u r c h . o r g

Rev. David L. Westman 640 N. Sequim Avenue 360-683-7981 sequimworshipcenter.org

Worship Service 10:00 a.m. ALSO OFFERING Nursery, Children, Youth and Sunday School Pastors: Scott Culver, Wayne Yamamoto 45 Eberle Lane 3.9 miles N. on Sequim-Dungeness Way from Highway 101 Church Office 683-7333 • Fax 681-0524 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm e-mail: info@dcchurch.org Web Site: www.dcchurch.org

Sequim Community Church

Sequim Worship Center

Church 683-7373 30 Sanford Lane Mountain View Christian School

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Dungeness Community Church

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE 10:45 AM

“Sharing Good News from the edge of the Olympic Mountains to the Ends of the Earth”

TriniTy UniTed MeThodisT ChUrCh

100 South Blake Ave.

Sunday School & Nursery: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. Bill Green, Pastor

683-5367

church@sequimtumc.org www.sequimtumc.org

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Wednesday, Month Date, 2012 • A-1

Taking steps to a tower

Miracle from Haiti

12/12/12

Area youth has unique birthday

Family grows with adoption

KSQM breaks ground

A-4

B-1

A-3

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

SEQUIM GAZETTE www

75 CENTS

Sequim’s Hometown Newspaper

com

Vol. 39, Number 50

Lawsuit in works for Dungeness Water Rule Wesley Stromberg, age 9

Keaton Stromberg, age 6

Drew Chadwick, age 5

The band that Sequim built Emblem 3 gives props to family and friends by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

Through their rising fame on the television show “X-Factor,” the members of Emblem3 — Drew Chadwick and Keaton and Wesley Stromberg — give Sequim its due. “We want to inspire other kids, especially in Sequim, to find their passion and go for it 100 percent,” Wesley Stromberg writes via e-mail. “We left our home up there, and it was hard, but now the hard work is paying off. One of my favorite quotes is: ‘If you find a job you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’” Their hard work is coming to fruiVote for tion on the show as Emblem3 they perform at 8 Fans of Sequimp.m. today, Dec. 12, on Q13 FOX for a based Emblem3 chance to go to the can help the group finals on Dec. 19 and qualify for the “X20, competing for a Factor” finals by $5 million first prize. texting or voting Viewers can vote on online at their cell phones by thexfactorusa.com calling or texting and online as well. If the band makes it into the top three, “X-Factor” may broadcast live to Sequim from the finals. Already the talk of the town, their notoriety is carrying over to family in Sequim. The Strombergs’ grandparents, Bob and Deonne Hanson, said people talk to them daily about their grandsons. Recently, a family friend recognized Deonne in a

Tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 12, viewers can help vote Sequim-based band Emblem3 into the finals of the “X Factor.” The band features brothers Wesley and Keaton Stromberg and Drew Chadwick. Submitted photo

store, and when she began asking about Emblem3, other people’s interest was piqued and they began to gather. “You’re the grandma of Emblem3!” Deonne said one woman told her. Deonne enjoys people’s excitement and she and other family members are just as eager to watch the singing competition every Wednesday and Thursday night. They don’t vote, but their granddaughter Brooke, the Strombergs’ sister, votes on her phone next to them. “Most people here watch but they don’t vote,” she said of Sequim. “Older people just aren’t going to do that.”

The Hansons are diehard jazz fans and find themselves drawn to Emblem3 on “X-Factor.” “The amazing thing is that their music is young, energetic and their music is appealing even for me,” Bob Hanson said. “I try to watch them objectively and they just seem to be happier than the others.” Deonne said the band is “gnashing their teeth to play their own songs on stage.”

Sequim serenade

The Hansons moved to Sequim 15 years ago after

See EMBLEM, A-14

Opponents seeking support by MARK ST.J. COUHIG Sequim Gazette

The Department of Ecology may have a fight on its hands as it seeks to implement the new Dungeness Water Management Rule. Several members of the North Peninsula Building Association have teamed up with others on the peninsula to fund a lawsuit that will be filed against the rule. The rule, which is set to become effective on Jan. 2, will put into place a new regulatory regime covering much of rural eastern Clallam County, “closing” much of the Dungeness Basin to new water uses. It would largely do away with the permit exemption laws that now allow those who drill a well within the region to enjoy the resulting water at no cost. Greg McCarry, owner of Westerra Homes and a member of the association, said the rule was discussed during a recent board meeting, which led to a call for further action. “Our concern is jobs and property rights,” McCarry said. “I brought it to the board to consider funding a start-up fund (for a lawsuit). The board approved that.” A recent NPBA newsletter goes into further detail on several of what are called “serious problems with the rule.” “Arguably, it exceeds Ecology’s statutory authority by being triggered by required

See DUNGENESS, A-5

Sequim’s first — signed and official Locals among first same-sex couples to receive license and marry by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

As the digital clock blinked midnight, Judy “JP” Persall and Diana Wickman took an oath 10 years in the making. On Dec. 6 they became the first same-sex Sequim couple to receive their mar-

riage license and they married Dec. 9. Late Wednesday night, they joined a special ceremony at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia where Auditor Kim Wyman swore in 16 couples and issued their licenses. “It’s an affirmation for us,”

Wickman said. “To be among this camaraderie here, we didn’t feel we could wait at home.” “It’s symbolic that we got to do this in the state capital,” Persall said. The couple learned of the event on Facebook and sent in an e-mail for a chance to participate. Originally, 10 couples were to receive their licenses that night, but Wyman, the

See MARRIAGE, A-8

Sequim couple Diana Wickman and Judy “JP” Persall stand with 15 other same-sex couples waiting for midnight so that they can legally receive a marriage license on Dec. 6, in the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

Sports B-5 • Schools B-7 • Arts & Entertainment B-1 • Opinion A-10 • Obituaries A-12 • Classifieds C-1 • Crossword Section C

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SEQUIM GAZETTE

A-8 • Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Comment period extended for City considers height Dungeness Wildlife Refuge plan restriction exemption by MARK ST.J. COUHIG Sequim Gazette

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has extended the public comment period on its new plan for the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge until Jan. 28, 2013. The service originally had established Dec. 27 as the cutoff date. Kevin Ryan, project leader of the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex said, “We extended it because a number of people asked if it could be extended through the holiday period. We thought that was a reasonable request.” Once it’s approved, the plan will guide management of the refuge for the next 15 years. The most controversial items in the plan would ban horseback riding and jogging on the site, which includes the famous Dungeness Spit and the adjacent shoreline. A statement issued by the service said, “The draft analysis has found

Marriage From page A-1

soon-to-be secretary of state, allowed all 16 to participate. The Sequim couple said they wanted to make a big deal out of the day so they stayed the night in Olympia and toured the capital. “It was the perfect way to celebrate the day,” Wickman said. At the ceremony, the couple met Mary Langely and Sharon Chirichillo, who live in Olympia and Port Angeles. They too received a license after being together for more than 27 years. “It’s been a good engagement,” Chirichillo said. All licensed couples have 63 days to be married after receiving their license and not sooner than three days, but Persall and Wickman married in a private ceremony on Sunday in their Happy Valley home with more than 20 friends and family; Chaplain Clare Manis

that jogging is not appropriate due to wildlife disturbance and therefore would no longer be allowed.” “The service has also preliminarily determined that horseback riding should no longer be allowed due to safety concerns and user conflicts.” The service says there will be a new focus on enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the refuge’s natural and cultural resources through both on- and offrefuge interpretation and education programs. “Feedback from the public is important to us,” Ryan said. “The planning process is a way for the service and the public to evaluate management goals and strategies that will provide opportunities for the public to safely enjoy wildlife-dependent recreation at the refuge while ensuring that wildlife and habitat conservation comes first.”

Environmental issues

The service also is calling for more active habitat management projects,

including invasive species removal. The plan calls for removing unneeded roads, increasing species diversity and enhancement of freshwater impoundment on the Dawley unit. The full draft plan and the latest planning update can be found at www.fws.gov/pacific/planning. Printed copies are available for review at the Sequim Library. Printed or CD-ROM copies can be requested from the Refuge Office at 457-8451. Comments on the draft plan should be mailed, faxed or e-mailed by Jan. 28, 2013, to: Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 715 Holgerson Road, Sequim, WA 98382; fax number 457-9778; or e-mail FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Include Dungeness in the e-mail subject line. Public comments will be addressed in the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment, scheduled to be completed in winter 2013.

Sequim Gazette staff

Cit y councilors are weighing a decision to exempt certain three-story buildings that exceed the city municipal code’s height restrictions because of the basic infrastructure on their roofs. Director of Community Development Chris Hugo said the city’s code doesn’t include provisions for additions to buildings in commercial zones to exceed the 35 feet height limit. An amendment would allow elevator towers, heating and cooling equipment and other building functions’ additions to be exempt. Hugo said many of the buildings at this height now barely meet requirements. If councilors approve the amendment to the ordinance, it would exempt these items so long as the structures don’t “significantly impact access to light, air and views by neighboring properties as an inducement to the efficient and

Hatler of the Olympic Unitarian Universalist Fellowship led the ceremony. Manis Hatler said being a part of Sequim’s first same-sex marriage was exciting. “They are a great couple and it was a nice ceremony,” she said.

Accidental advocates

Becoming locally known for same-sex marriage fell into the couple’s laps, they said. “We’re very private people, but there comes a time when you have to stand up,” Persall said. “We’re sort of accidental advocates.” The couple retired to Sequim about three years ago: Persall is active in gardening and with the New Dungeness Light Station and Wickman is working to remodel the home they bought nine years ago. Since moving here, they haven’t experienced negative feedback due to their sexuality. “Everyone has been sup-

Inside the Thurston County Courthouse, Judy “JP” Persall, left, shakes hands with Thurston County Auditor Kim Wyman after she signed her marriage certificate with her spouse Diana Wickman, second from left. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash

portive,” Persall said. “People recognize us and congratulate us. I’m surprised by how much support we’ve gotten.” Despite Washington voters’ November approval of R-74, which allows same-sex marriage, Clallam County voters were against same-sex marriage with 52.4 percent opposed (19,814), and 47.5

percent in favor (17,933). Five of 32 precincts in Sequim School District boundaries voted in favor of same-sex marriages — Cline, Dungeness West, Jamestown, Miller Peninsula and Port Williams. “Clallam County has a

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large gay community,” Persall said. “Our neighbors are supportive as are our friends and family.” Wickman said that online, people are generally positive when they appear in the news. “People who don’t even know us are standing up for us,” she said. The couple has a honeymoon planned, but Persall flew to Kentucky on Monday, Dec. 10, for her nephew’s wedding, which has been planned for some time. “I told him when I get there, we’ll be on equal ground,” she said.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

The two women are retired Lieutenant Commanders from the U.S. Coast Guard and met while serving in San Francisco almost 11 years ago. Persall said the military’s

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy regarding homosexuality inhibited her in a lot of ways. “I didn’t realize how much I had sectioned myself off,” she said. Wickman found it hard to balance her personal life and work life after Persall retired. She had more time to serve before she could retire, yet both women retired early. “That’s the paranoia that you lose what you work for,” Wickman said. “It shouldn’t be a shameful thing.” The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed Sept. 20, 2011. “I feel in our lifetime, equal marriage will be recognized on the federal level,” she said. Two other couples applied for licenses with Clallam County on Dec. 6, and as of Tuesday, Dec. 11, four more have requested licenses — three of those from Sequim.

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practical design of development encouraged in these districts.” At their fi rst discussion of height limits on Nov. 14, Councilor Erik Erichsen opposed exempting the additions because he felt this could lead the way to raising height limits and obstructing people’s views of the area. Mayor Pro-tem Ted Miller said at the Nov. 26 meeting that one part of the amendment allowing gazebos in a certain space was a slippery slope. In the proposed provision, an unenclosed patio, or gazebo, on top of a roof is allowed in a space if the roof covers up to 256 square feet, such as the Holiday Inn Express. Hugo advised councilors, “If you can’t look at this as a whole benefit for the community, then it’s something you shouldn’t approve.” Th e proposal also limits any roof ’s thickness to 4 feet and its greatest horizontal dimension to 20 feet in length or width.

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SEQUIM GAZETTE

Wednesday, Month Date, 2012 • A-1

Taking steps to a tower

Miracle from Haiti

12/12/12

Area youth has unique birthday

Family grows with adoption

KSQM breaks ground

A-4

B-1

A-3

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

SEQUIM GAZETTE www

75 CENTS

Sequim’s Hometown Newspaper

com

Vol. 39, Number 50

Lawsuit in works for Dungeness Water Rule Wesley Stromberg, age 9

Keaton Stromberg, age 6

Drew Chadwick, age 5

The band that Sequim built Emblem 3 gives props to family and friends by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

Sequim serenade

The Hansons moved to Sequim 15 years ago after

See EMBLEM, A-14

Opponents seeking support by MARK ST.J. COUHIG Sequim Gazette

See DUNGENESS, A-5

Sequim’s first — signed and official Locals among first same-sex couples to receive license and marry by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

As the digital clock blinked midnight, Judy “JP” Persall and Diana Wickman took an oath 10 years in the making. On Dec. 6 they became the first same-sex Sequim couple to receive their mar-

See MARRIAGE, A-8

Sports B-5 • Schools B-7 • Arts & Entertainment B-1 • Opinion A-10 • Obituaries A-12 • Classifieds C-1 • Crossword Section C

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SEQUIM GAZETTE

A-14 • Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Bob and Deonne Hanson stand outside the Carlsborg home where they helped raise their two grandsons, Wesley and Keaton Stromberg of the band Emblem3. Their house was full of life as the boys grew up and Bob said his grandsons are staying grounded through their young music career. “It hasn’t gone to their heads at all,” he said. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Emblem

From page A-1 retiring from Southern California; their daughter Laraine Larson and her children moved shortly after them. At the time Wesley was 3 and Keaton celebrated his first birthday soon after moving. They lived at their grandparents’ home for six years. Bob said they took their grandchildren on trips all over the area and their house was full of activity and lively racket. On drives to school, they’d play jazz music, which Deonne and Bob believe helped the boys learn harmony. They were in choir in Sequim High School and performed in Sequim Community Church programs. What Deonne is most proud of is that Wesley and Chadwick’s former band, American Scholars, played a benefit in an effort to create a Washington license plate that benefits local schools. “Five years later I have it on my car,” she said. The happy grandparents find it humorous that the boys say they want to buy their house at some point to keep it as a retreat and recording studio. “When (Keaton) stops dreaming

he’ll realize he won’t want to come back to Sequim,” Bob said. Both the Strombergs are appreciative of their grandparents’ efforts for them. “They mean everything to me and have been the biggest supporters for our music,” Keaton said. “We miss you and look forward to seeing you at Christmas.” “I love Grandma and Grandpa,” Wesley said. “We lived with them when we were little and they were the best, always coming to our concerts and sitting out in the cold for our soccer and football games. They taught me how to be generous.” Bob said his grandsons are staying grounded through their young music career. “It hasn’t gone to their heads at all,” he said.

Mom’s perspectives

The Strombergs’ mom, Laraine Larson, said she speaks with them often about keeping their heads right. “Since they were young, I told them they have a gift that’s beyond them,” Larson said. “God gave them this gift and to share it with the world.” She said they receive hundreds and sometimes thousands of fan mail postings a day from people from all

walks of life, such as children in the hospital and couples going through a divorce. “(Their) music has been given to other people to heal broken hearts,” Larson said. “It’s not about being pop stars.” Chadwick’s mom Kristy Sallee believes her son always has been down-to-earth. He was born in Port Angeles and moved to Sequim when he was 2 after living in a cabin in the Joyce area. Sallee and Mike Chadwick divorced when their son was 2½. She made ends meet working a $6-an-hour job, washing cloth diapers in the bathtub and driving a car she had to push to start. “He’s grown to enjoy the simple things out of life,” Sallee said. “That comes through in his music. It’s not about money but who you are.” Chadwick learned guitar from his mom, who bought him a guitar at age 10. Sallee said he carried it everywhere until an emotional moment when he smashed it during an American Scholars’ set in Seattle. Music is in his blood and consumed most of his high school time, she said. Chadwick and Wesley Stromberg bonded over skateboarding and music early on and eventually started a

In November, Emblem3 band members Drew Chadwick, left, and Wesley Stromberg, right, went to dinner following a performance on “The X Factor” with their moms, Kristy Sallee, second from left, and Laraine Larson, third from left. Sallee said she flew from Sequim and says her son being on TV is a lot to take in. Photo courtesy of Kristy Sallee

Before Emblem3, there was Deferred Prosecution, which featured from left, Drew Chadwick, Wesley Stromberg, Forrest Wilson and Jack McColl. The band performed around the peninsula and took inspiration from pop punk bands like Blink 182. Photo courtesy of Kristy Sallee

band together. “When he wasn’t with me, he was hanging out with Wes and Keaton or they came over here,” Sallee said. Sallee eventually went back to school to become A radiology technologist and during that time Chadwick lived with his dad. When she completed her education, Sallee moved back from Wenatchee and Chadwick had a choice between going to Arizona with his dad, staying in Sequim or going to California to pursue music. After the Strombergs moved to California, Chadwick followed suit. Thus Emblem3 was born. Sallee says on Wednesdays and

Thursdays she is constantly thinking about the band going on “X-Factor” but still believes the whole idea of her son on television is a lot to take in. “I’m still not really believing it,” she said. But she does know her son will be able to stand tall. “He’s really into a clean mind, clean spirit. He sees depth in people,” Sallee said. “I don’t believe he would be a snobby Hollywood person.” Along with Emblem3, Chadwick is working on Twitter to trend a movement called #TeamInspire. “We’re going to change the world one mind at a time,” he writes.

SEQUIM GAZETTE

B COMMUNITY

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 • B-1

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

SECTION

SHS vs. PA See photos, recaps from Dec. 21 showdown online

Sports • Arts & Entertainment • Schools • Calendar

SEQUIM GAZETTE

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the peninsula

Gone birding, with stories to tell

In Sequim

Columnist, avid birder Denny VanHorn tells a tale of two CBCs. See page B-5. •••••••••••••••

Spirits, unleashed

Port Angeles art exhibit celebrates Native, nonNative American artists. See page B-2. •••••••••••••••

Calling all young actors, actresses Sequim author Aaron Elkins ends his Gideon Oliver mystery series with the 17th book, “Dying on the Vine.” He said after nearly 2 million words he was running out of things to say about the forensic scientist. Sequim Gazette photo

mysterious by Matthew Nash

Auditions are set for Missoula Children’s Theatre’s production of “Betty Lou and the Country Beast.” See page B-4. •••••••••••••••

Only the best of the best

A look back at the top sports/recreation stories of the Sequim-Dungeness area. See Jan. 2 edition of the Sequim Gazette •••••••••••••••

You’re wearing that?

Sequim Middle School students show they have a flair for holiday fashions See Chalk Talk, B-8.

End of a

era

‘Dying on the Vine’

Elkins severs Skeleton Detective series

by Aaron Elkins • The final oﬃcial Gideon Oliver, “The Skeleton Detective” • Mystery • Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime • 294 pages • Available at local bookstores and online in hardback and e-book editions.

by MATTHEW NASH Sequim Gazette

With a quiet sendoff, Sequim author Aaron Elkins is ending his run with Gideon Oliver, the Skeleton Detective. Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin, recently released his 17th book in the series on the forensic detective, “Dying on the Vine.” Since first creating the character in 1982’s “Fellowship of Fear,” Elkins feels Oliver remains the same person 30 years later.

See ELKINS, B-3

In Port Angeles

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•••••••••••••••

Deadlines

Deadline for items appearing in B-section is 5 p.m. Wednesday one week before publication at editor@sequimgazette.com or delivered to the Sequim Gazette office at 147 W. Washington St.

7 Cedars Casino, 270756 Highway 101, Blyn. 6837777. • 4 p.m.-midnight. Salish Room New Year’s Buffet Dinner. $22 adult/$20 seniors/$12 children. • 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Club Seven New Year’s Eve Bash with music by Idol Eyes. No cover. Shuttle service. • 9 a.m.-3 p.m. New Year’s Day. Salish Room Buffet brunch. $15 adults/seniors. $7.50 children. Alder Wood Bistro, 139 W. Alder St. 683-432. • 5-10 p.m. Special dinner menu. By reservation only. The Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road. 683-6344. • 4-9 p.m. Dinner specials at the Double Eagle Restaurant. Dockside Grill at John Wayne Marina. 683-7510. • 4-9 p.m. Scalone, prime rib (or regular menu) dinner; reservations required. Islander Pizza & Pasta Shack, 380 E. Washington. 683-9999. • 6-9 p.m. Dinner, prime rib; New York Style New Year’s Ball Drop at 9 p.m. Reservations required. Oasis Sports Bar & Grill, 301 E. Washington St. • 8 p.m.-after midnight. New Year’s Eve Party with Moderately Loud Rock. Old Mill Cafe, 721 Carlsborg Road. 582-1583. • 5-9 p.m. Music by John Erskine, with prime rib, lamb, seafood and other dinner specials. Paradise Restaurant, 703 N. Sequim Ave. 683-1977. • 4-9 p.m. Dinner specials, complimentary champagne. Sequim Elks Lodge, 143 Port Williams Road. 6832763. • 6-9 p.m. Dance with The Old Sidekicks. $10 single/$15 couple. Tarcisio’s, 609 W. Washington St. 683-5809. • 4-9 p.m. Prime rib, seafood and other specials for the holiday.

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SEQUIM GAZETTE

Elkins

From page B-1 “I never wanted to age him,” Elkins said. “He was 37 in 1982 when the first book released and he’s 41 in 2012. I’m not going to throw a 67-year-old man down the stairs.” Besides time, Elkins said he devoted nearly 2 million words to Oliver’s investigations. “Writing a series, you’re going to have a lot of fans with you all the way. But you don’t want to turn off new readers. In each book I have to reintroduce the characters,” he said. “You don’t want to educate readers again and again.” Elkins reintroduces Oliver, a forensic scientist and professor, in “Dying on the Vine” during a lecture on survival of the fittest. He sets the mystery in the Tuscany region of Italy where Oliver attempts to solve the perceived murder-suicide of wine pioneers Pietro and Nola, whose bodies are discovered some time after their disappearance. Oliver, along with recurring cast members Julie, his wife, and longtime friend and FBI special agent John Blau, seeks the truth of how the couple died. More Italian family blood is spilled through the book, leading to an unlikely killer being revealed. As is customary for his work, Elkins explored Tuscany for a few weeks with his wife, Charlotte, to do research. He said the settings in his books must fit the story and he doesn’t simply go someplace for the fun of it. Originally, “Dying” was placed in the Yakima Valley, but he felt the setting wasn’t quite right. Elkins even spent some time there researching but

after some hesitation and discussion, “When I read a series, I start in the Charlotte suggested a more romantic middle. Then I enjoy going back to place and he went with Italy. the first book and reading forward,” Even though Elkins doesn’t revisit he said. the same place twice in his novels for a crime, he said his classic murder On writing Looking back on his first book, mysteries create a predictable atmosphere and characterization that Elkins said he felt he didn’t quite hit his stride until later. readers enjoy. “With the first book you have it’s “People who read this know there’s from inspiration and not going to be a torture scene or ani- “I complete one job a maybe the second,” he said. mal mutilation or year. It’s always frusBut Elkins finds something of that his writing career nature,” Elkins said. trating. It’s never as a job rather than a In “Dying,” readers shouldn’t expect good as I thought it hobby. “I complete one a big finale or a somwould be.” job a year,” he said. ber note for Oliver. Aaron Elkins “It’s always frustratElkins said he’s ing. It’s never as good happy with his output writing Oliver and has no as I thought it would be.” Coming up with the mystery’s regrets. “I like him and I might insert him hook usually comes to Elkins at the end of writing his previous book. another series,” he said. “For Gideon, I think of what can The release of “Dying” comes more than a year after Elkins com- surprise you,” he said. His Skeleton Detective stories are pleted it. He and Charlotte just finished another book: “Cruise to straight-up mysteries, he says, and Die for,” due out September 2013, must be written differently from his follows art consultant Alix London. stand-alone thrillers like “The Worst It’s their second book in the series, Thing” from 2011. “With thrillers it’s about what hapwhich this time is set in the Greek pens next, but in a mystery it has to Islands. Between the couple, they’ve writ- add up logically and be plotted out ten 28 books, and Elkins’ plan is to more carefully,” Elkins said. “The outline can change 30 times.” focus on writing with Charlotte. For his mysteries, Elkins purposeElkins said their first Alix London book, “A Dangerous Talent,” has fully writes episodically, similar to done well and he’s considering revis- creating television scenes. Gideon Oliver had his own TV iting his Chris Norgren series, also show briefly in 1989 and Elkins has about an art expert, last released in been approached several times about “Old Scores” (1993). As for newcomers to his Gideon adaptations of his other works, but Oliver series, Elkins recommends there currently are no options taken his second book “The Dark Place.” on his series. Elkins said current forensic mysBut for him personally, he starts with teries, such as “Bones,” don’t take other series midway.

anything from his writing. “I just got there first,” he said of his style. Although some call him the father of modern forensic mystery, Elkins said classic mystery is on its way out of favor. “Traditionally, mystery and sci-fi, too, appeals less to emotions and appeals more to intellect,” he said. “Attention spans are going down.” Elkins finds himself changing with the times not in method but by becoming more technologically savvy. Years ago he remembers saying on a panel that if his writing goes to only being on e-books he would want out. “I changed. That’s the future,” he said. All of his books are published in digital and book formats, and “Cruise to Die for” is being released through an imprint of Amazon. He said that “A Dangerous Talent” sold more e-books than physical copies so far.