ISLAND LIVING Whidbey
Page A10
www.whidbeynewstimes.com
Saturday, January 12, 2013 • Whidbey News Times
Under the sea
Workshop updates whale lovers, scientists on habitat, threats, health on Jan. 26 By REBECCA OLSON Staff reporter
T
ake a peek into the mysterious world of whales with a workshop that explores a variety of topics from whale habitat to health and beyond. The annual Ways of Whales Workshop is set for 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Coupeville Middle School, located at 501 S. Main St., Coupeville. Space is limited so register early at orcanetwork.org. This annual workshop explores the wonders of Pacific Northwest whales, the threats to their habitat, prey and health and the research being conducted to learn more about the diverse species of whales in this region and to protect them for future generations, said Howard Garrett of Orca Network, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of orcas in the Pacific Northwest. The workshop
will focus on orca whales but will also explore humpback and gray whales of the Salish Sea. At the workshop, Garrett will present a paper by Emma Foster of the U.K. titled “Adaptive Prolonged Post-reproductive Life Span in Killer Whales.” “It’s a real breakthrough in the scientific documentation of menopause in female orcas and their lifelong bonding with their sons,” Garrett said. Dr. Peter Ross, a research scientist in Canada, will present research about toxins and other threats to South Resident orcas. “He’s the world’s expert on toxins found in orcas,” Garrett said. Flame retardants, PCBs and other toxins are found everywhere in the ecosystem but they accumulate in orcas. Ross will explain the consequences of this, Garrett said. Filmmaker John Gussman will present about the Elwha River dam removal and restoration. “He’ll bring us up to date and
Howard Garrett photo
This photo was taken at Admiralty Inlet on Oct. 9, 2012, picturing 100year old J2 Granny accompanied by 16-year old orphan male L95.
interested in having a display table especially on the regeneration of should contact Orca Network at life in the Elwha,” Garrett said, info@orcanetwork.org. adding that orcas depend on chinook salmon and the Elwha is a huge source of chinook salmon. Earthjustice attorney Steve “There are a lot of interesting Mashuda will speak about the petiinsights,” Garrett said of the worktion to de-list South Resident orcas shop. “All from the of these Endangered are ways Species Act of looking listing. at mainly “He’s the orcas heading up but also the effort to their habimake sure tat, their that doesn’t whole happen,” situation, Garrett said. how are Canadian we treatresearcher Susan Berta photo ing them Mark Howard Garrett speaks at a past Ways of and their Malleson Whales Workshop. necessary is a tranhabitat.” sient whale You expert in Victoria, B.C. He will don’t have to be a scientist to speak about the transient orcas and humpback whales of that area. enjoy the workshop. Naturalists, researchers and educators will Environmental education benefit from the workshop, but displays and materials will be so will anyone who cares about available throughout the day. whales. Environmental organizations
Sea of knowledge
“It reinforces positive, caring attitudes about them (whales),” Garrett said of the workshop. “It unifies that dedication to helping them.” Garrett has been involved with orcas since 1981 at the Center for Whale Research on San Juan Island. He also studied humpback and fin whales in New England for 10 years. The social systems of whales have never failed to intrigue Garrett. “Their cultural development is unlike any other wildlife and I just find them fascinating,” Garrett said. He advised workshop participants to register right away and to pay in advance at orcanetwork.org. The cost to attend is $30, or $25 for students and seniors. A hot lunch is available for purchase for an additional $10 for those who register by Jan. 20. For more information, contact Orca Network at info@orca network.org or 360-678-3451. The workshop is sponsored by Homeplace of Oak Harbor - Special Care Center and Captain Whidbey Inn on Penn Cove in Coupeville.
Let the calendar, God work an epiphany into daily life At the beginning of each new year I go calendar shopping. It’s one of my favorite things to do. I especially enjoy the seasonal kiosks in the mall; the ones that feature wall calendars with great photography. While I thoroughly enjoy the shopping, I invariably head to a business supply store where I choose a planner I can easily stick in my purse. This year I stepped away from tradition and went calendar app shopping on my Kindle Fire. Much to my delight I have found one that takes the information I input and presents it in convenient
FAITHFUL LIVING By Joan Bay Klope
formats at the touch of a tab. I can see my schedule in a monthly, weekly, daily, or agenda format if I so desire. Gone are the paper calendars with erasure marks and WiteOut. This year I open my Kindle, touch the application, and I’m instantaneously gifted with clean, color coded schedules.
For someone who values organization, it’s a wonder. And it fits in my purse. While setting up the 2013 schedules in my new technology-based planner, I have incorporated my church calendar as well. Each of these seasons have history, tradition, music, prayers, and purpose that are meaningful to me. They steer me through the life of Jesus on a yearly basis and bring the experiences and themes of His life into mine. Jan. 6 is noted on my calendar as Epiphany Day. It reminds me that the 12 days of Christmas have concluded
and now is the season to allow the joy of Christ’s birth to undergird all that I do. Epiphany comes from an ancient Greek word meaning, “a showing forth,” and marks the day the Wise Men from the East met the baby Jesus. In this story Jesus is shown to gentiles; He is meant for everyone. I like being reminded that we are called to share our enthusiasm for Christ to everyone. Rarely, these days, do you hear someone claim they’ve “Had an epiphany!” but I imagine you’ve experienced “Ah-ha!” or “light bulb” moments numerous times
throughout your life. These flashes of insight may not be easy insights, but they serve to bring pieces of information together in ways that make sense. They usually work to shine a light on a personal matter that needs attention. Because I believe that my faith invites God into my daily life and into my very being, I also believe epiphany moments often mark those times when God’s Spirit is working, providing me with the knowledge I need to move forward. What is particularly interesting with this notion is my inability to manipulate or coerce this
kind of insight. God works independently of my will; He also works continually. I must be careful I don’t allow myself to be too distracted to notice. Between now and Feb. 10, the Season of Epiphany will progress. Join me, won’t you, and think about what you’d like to experience and maybe even accomplish during this time. Do you know someone who could use the good news of God’s love? Are you facing tough situations or issues and could use an epiphany or two? Let’s ask. And watch. And learn.