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Wednesday, July 18, 2012 • The Islands’ Sounder
JoAnn Roe’s book about San Gaylord makes dean’s list Juan Islands wins award
Genevieve Lakin Gaylord of Eastsound made the spring semester “Dean's List” at the University of Montana. To qualify, students must be undergraduates, earn a semester grade average of 3.5 or higher and receive grades of A or B in at least nine credits.
JoAnn Roe’s newest book, “San Juan Islands: Into the 21st Century” was chosen by the Western Chapter of the Society of American Travel Writers for a bronze award of excellence at its annual meeting in June 2012. The organization is
composed of professional writers nationwide and includes Canada. Roe has been a part-time resident of Blakely Island for more than 40 years. The book was published in 2011 by Caxton Press. It is her 16th publication.
It’s available at island bookstores such as Darvill’s and nationwide through Amazon and other websites.
Become a marine naturalist The Whale Museum is currently accepting registrations for its Summer Marine Naturalist Training Program. The object of this program is to provide a learning experience that assists adults in becoming qualified regionally as professional or volunteer naturalists. The course is endorsed by the Pacific Whale Watch Association. The program takes place from July 28 to Aug. 2. The main focus is the ecology, current status and conservation of southern resident killer whales and other local marine species as well as discussions about the marine environment. The course includes presentations on cetaceans, pinnipeds, otters, intertidal invertebrates, marine birds, and other topics such as geology, marine conservation, and current research projects. Students will also participate in a variety of related field trips. For more information, email cindy@ whalemuseum.org or call 378-4710.
360.376.2145 ORCAS ISLAND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
Solar energy at OPAL homes by BRETT McFarland Special to the Sounder
The latest OPAL neighborhood, Wild Rose Meadow, has the best solar exposure of all the developments. The homes have been situated in such a way that residents can install solar heating and photovoltaic systems on their rooftops. “The homes come with plumbing to the attic, so if the homeowner decides to install a solar hot water system, some of the infrastructure is in place,” said Julie Brunner, Opal Housing Manager. She added that the homes are designed to take advantage of passive solar heating. Linda Ellsworth, who resides on the southern edge of Wild Rose Meadow, is the first Opal homeowner to generate electricity from the sun and sell it back to OPALCO. Ellsworth worked with Rainshadow Solar, operated by John Mottl, to design and install a roof top solar array that feeds energy into the electrical grid. Because of local and state programs to encourage alternative energy generation, Federal tax credits (30 percent of system costs), and the fact that her home has great solar exposure, Ellsworth’s solar array should pay for itself within six to seven years. After that time it will generate income. Two of OPAL’s 93 homes have rooftop “solar panels,” and both of them are in Wild Rose Meadow. Fabrice Van Putten and Jami Mitchell worked with local installer Loren Dickey of Streamside Renewables to set up a passive solar hot water system. Van Putten feels the solar water heating system covers most of their household needs for four to five months of the year. Orcas currently has about one-fourth of the county’s grid-tied renewable energy generation with about 120 Kilowatts (wind, micro-hydro, and photovoltaic). Nationally, solar electric energy accounts for a measly .02 percent of total electrical generation. Joel Mietzner, system engineer for
contributed photo
Linda Ellsworth in front of her home with her solar array on the roof.
OPALCO, estimates that solar in the county produced about 270,000 KWhrs of the 219,000,000KWhrs consumed in 2011 – so we produce about .12 percent of our electrical energy with solar – about six times the national average. When you compare this with Germany, things are put into perspective. Germany produces more energy with photovoltaic than all other countries on Earth combined. Solar is not new to the county. Many smaller islands that do not have an electrical grid have been using photovoltaic and passive solar technology since the 1970s. The Lopez Land Trust Common Ground site installed solar hot water and a three KW photovoltaic array with each home, enabling several residents to meet all of their energy needs, and receive a check each July for the green energy they fed into the grid. The next time you are driving on Mt. Baker road by Orcas Center, sneak a peek through the trees to the north and you might see the blue glint of silicon from a roof in Wild Rose Meadow – OPAL’s first grid-tied solar electric generation plant. Brett McFarland is the applied physics instructor at Orcas Island High School.
O R C A S I S L A N D R E A L T Y llc
Rare Find!
Located next to the Historical Museum on North Beach Road
Craftsman Cottage
Waterfront Privacy
PO Box 171 Eastsound, WA 98245
www.orcasislandrealty.com
Close to Park
Just reduced Nearly two acres of gently sloping sunny acreage in established neighborhood just a few blocks to the village of Eastsound with views of East Sound Bay. Eastsound water and sewer memberships.
This newer 3 bedrm 2.5 bath is a turn-key fully furnished and permitted vacation rental or cozy home in Eastsound Village across the street from a public beach park. Bamboo flooring, propane fireplace, built in casework, granite and marble finishes.
Nearly 6 acres w/2 cove beaches. Craftsman-style 3 bed home with water views to south & southeast. Post & beam construction, red oak floors & pine walls create cozy & comfortable interior. Three levels of living for everyday space & privacy of guests.
Newer, one-level impeccably maintained home that adjoins a greenbelt. 3 Bedroom/2 Bath open-floor plan with all high-end appliances, 1000 sq.ft of Trek decking with wiring for a hot tub, and lots more. Custom built by a well-respected contractor!
$169,000
$383,000
$615,000
$399,000
MLS# 29123381
MLS# 139599
MLS# 349863
MLS# 351284