OPINION Islands’ Sounder
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Editorial
To the Editor:
A letter to graduates
Thanks for monument meetings
E
very year a new batch of eager young adults stand on the threshold of adulthood. With a diploma in one hand and an iPhone in the other, they are prepared to take on the world. A lot of resources have been invested in preparing you for this moment. You have what it takes to survive in this world, and you have the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. You earned money to go on school trips, performed on the community theater stage, competed in sports, took advanced placement exams, wrote music and produced videos. You participated in community projects here and abroad. You know about teamwork and fair play. You also have resilience, something that you learned from living in this isolated place. All of your life here, you’ve seen how your community won’t say “no” when the chips are down. Now, you’ve donned your cap and gown and earned a diploma. We asked our readers to offer some words of wisdom as you start this new chapter of your lives. Here is what they had to say. • Surround yourself with people you admire. • Don’t say no to adventure. • Complete a small goal towards your dreams every day. Practice, and have faith in yourselves. • Work hard and play harder. • Unless there’s fire and brimstone the sky, it’s never the end of the To read coverage of the in world. graduation ceremony, • Help make the world a better see page one. place than you find it. • Set your goals high, live your dreams, never settle, and never, ever think you’re not good enough. • Don’t forget to use your ears. Listening is a great learning tool. • Take good care of your body. • Please remember that your integrity is the measure of your character and without integrity you are just another pretty face. • All your biggest dreams and planning may not go as you foresee – it’s what you do and how you act when those “bumps in the road” happen that will forever define you. • Above all else, do what you love. Success and failure offer equal opportunity. If you do what you love, success and failure are secondary because you loved doing it. Far better than succeeding, or worse, failing at something you hated doing. Live the life you love and love the life you live! • Pay your bills FIRST! Save as much as possible and with what is left have a little fun once in a while. But remember, just because you WANT something does NOT mean you deserve to have it. Credit cards are for chumps – if not used wisely.
Public meetings Thurs., June 19 • OPALCO board of directors, 8:30 a.m., Friday Harbor.
Sounder The ISlandS’
The Islands’ Sounder (USPS #764-230) is published weekly for $38 a year to San Juan County addresses; $58 per year to Washington state addresses; and $58 per year to out-of-state addresses by the Islands’ Sounder at 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA.
Tuesday, June 24 • Eastsound Sewer and Water District, east side of airport, end of Cessna Lane, 4:30 p.m.
Publisher/Editor Colleen Smith Armstrong editor@islandssounder.com Assistant editor Cali Bagby cbagby@islandssounder.com County Reporter Scott Rasmussen srasmussen@soundpublishing.com Advertising Sales Colleen Armstrong carmstrong@islandssounder.com
Two weeks ago the BLM hosted gatherings to enlist aid from our communities in composing the San Juan Islands National Monument interim management policy. Three meetings were well attended and wholly participant – it was a great success. With the Resource Management Plan completion possibly four years away, it’s important for everyone to know the solid ground we stand on to ensure that the best can happen, and to understand how to bring that about. We learned a great deal! Every one of the gatherings brought useful and unique contributions to the draft and there were lots of thought-provoking conversations that are applicable to day to day actions. I want to thank you all for your participation and investment. If you haven’t had a chance to look this draft through, please feel free to review it on line and email your suggestions to me by June 20. A draft document with all contributions will be posted, as well as
Almanac TEMPERATURES, RAINFALL LOPEZ High Low Precip June 9 68 52 — June 10 69 48 .05 June 11 73 48 — June 12 69 50 — June 13 67 52 .43 June 14 63 51 .07 June 15 63 49 .01 Precipitation in June: .56” Precipitation in 2014: 14.16” Reported by Jack Giard, Bakerview Rd. ORCAS June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 13 June 14 June 15
June 18 June 19 June 20 June 21 June 22 June 23 June 24
High Low Precip 67 52 — 65 50 — 70 50 — 68 53 — 64 54 .36 58 52 .10 64 60 — Precip in June: .46” Precip in 2014: 16.98” Reported by John Willis, Olga SUNRISE, SUNSET Sunrise Sunset 5:09 a.m. 9:17 p.m. 5:09 a.m. 9:17 p.m. 5:09 a.m. 9:17 p.m. 5:10 a.m. 9:17 p.m. 5:10 a.m. 9:18 p.m. 5:10 a.m. 9:18 p.m. 5:11 a.m. 9:18 p.m.
Circulation/ Joanna Massey Administrative Coordinator jmassey@soundpublishing.com Marketing Artists Scott Herning sherning@soundpublishing.com Kathryn Sherman ksherman@soundpublishing.com Copy editor Maura O’Neill
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 • The Islands’ Sounder
a final policy. This is such a great community to be part of. What mindful stewards and committed agents. We are very grateful for your participation in conserving this lovely landscape. Marcia deChadenedes SJI Monument Manager
Please support youth conservation corps I recently read that the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee overlooked the Youth Conservation Corps of Lopez, Orcas and San Juan when recommending grants for the coming year. Each of the recipients of funds totally $409,000 are worthy organizations. Their missions enhance the islands for visitors and residents alike. Similarly, the Youth Conservation Corps also makes a positive contribution to the visitor experience. In years past, you could observe several crews throughout the islands in the summer months providing trail and recreation site maintenance, noxious weed eradication, litter collection and beach clean up. These collective efforts – in coordination with BLM, County Parks, the National Park Service, County Land Bank, San Juan Preservation Trust, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and the San Juan County Noxious Weed Board – assist with the stewardship of our amazing public lands. Visitors and residents enjoy the fruits of their labors all throughout the year. In turn, the youth participants gain invaluable work and educational experience. This exposure will serve them well as they prepare for further work opportu-
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nities and future leadership roles in government, business and the arts in our communities and beyond. If we continue to support and expand this novel program, visitors to the San Juan Islands who are out enjoying our beautiful public spaces may encounter the youth work crews and marvel not only at the amazing natural surroundings of this archipelago but also at how our island communities have taken positive steps to engage our youth with the stewardship of their unique environment. Let’s ensure that all worthy and deserving causes are served by the lodging tax revenue. Please join me in suggesting that at least a portion of these funds go to support this endeavor by contacting Bob Jarman, Jamie Stephens or Rick Hughes at council@co.san-juan. wa.us. Alternatively – or perhaps in addition – consider making a personal, tax deductable contribution directly to the Youth Conservation Corps of Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan. You can go online at lopezconservationcorps.org or by mail to The Madrona Institute, P.O. Box 738, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Jennifer and Todd Kaden San Juan Island
Fish with legs? In a previous letter to the editor I wondered why the county road department would leave large stumps in Cascade Creek. A nice gentleman from the department quickly answered my inquiry, advising that the stumps were meant for fish habitat. I appreciated the prompt response, and the information, and have been wondering
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