Islands' Weekly, July 16, 2013

The

INSIDE Letters to the editor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2

Legends, myths & yarns

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 George Willis photo

Looking at light & wildlife

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5

www.islandsweekly.com 360-468-4242 • 800-654-6142

Agritourism business profiles

By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter

Agritourism is the latest buzzword for economic development and tourism professionals in San Juan County.

Processing and marketing of island grown products on a commercial scale is also becoming a prevalent topic of conversation among farmers and smallbusiness food companies on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands.

Businesses like Pelindaba and San Juan Pasta on San Juan Island, Jones Family Farms on Lopez Island and Red Rabbit Farm on Orcas Island are leading by example in producing, processing and marketing products ranging from lavender to meat to apple and pear butters and various chutneys.

In the first third of the 20th Century, agriculture was big and many of the 600 or so farms in the islands were busy and prosperous.

According to long-time islander and former rancher Al Sundstrom, perhaps 100 of those farms were commercial operations, sending tons of raw and processed agricultural products to a variety of markets up and down the West Coast.

About 70,000 acres were farmed for “Canadian peas,” grain, vetch and vegetables, but many farms, including John McMillin’s Bellevue Farms, produced chickens, geese, turkeys, sheep and cattle.

In the 1900 to 1940 period, according to a report of the Agriculture Resources Committee, some 25,000 boxes of apples and

Providing a full schedule of fair activities and events plus, informative feature stories Publishes August 13 Copy & Sales Deadline:

Friday, July 24, 2013

To advertise call Cali Bagby 376-4500

Back to School Drive Make a positive impact on a child’s life and help assure all kids start the school year confidently by supporting the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Back to School Drive! Your donation of $50 will pay for a new backpack and we’ll fill it with required school supplies. Last year we served 48 kids!

Bring donations or school supplies to the LIFRC office or mail to: LIFRC Back to School Drive, PO Box 732, Lopez, WA 98261.

Your support is appreciated!

pears were shipped from Eastsound; in 1937 alone, Orcas Island shipped over 100 tons of strawberries.

Gradually, the depression and World War II (and, in the case of peas, disease) slowed the farming economy to a crawl, and the 50s and 60s saw sales of farmland increase and numbers of farmers decrease. By 1964, there were 228 farms on about 25,000 acres, with only about 15,000 acres actively farmed.

By 2007, there were about 300 farms on about 21,500 active farming acres. The total market value of crops grown in San Juan County was about $3.6 million, of which about $1.9 million was livestock sales.

From 1997 to 2007, agriculture direct marketing sales (farm-to-consumer sales) increased from about $175,000 per year to $740,000, according to Peggy Bill, Agriculture Resources Coordinator for

Islands’ eekly W

Fantastic Fireworks

Contributed photo / George Willis

4th of July fireworks reflecting on Lopez waters. To read more about the fourth, visit page 4.

San Juan County.

Pelindaba (“the place of great gatherings” in Zulu) on San Juan Island is demonstrating the way for integrated and intensive growing, processing

Whoops Almost Missed It….

Locals Appreciation Sale Stock Up for Summer ~~ One Week Only

Mad Angie $20/bottle ($5 off) 15% case discount applies Good from 7/16 – 7/23 A big

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 29 • July 16, 2013

THANKS to all participants in the

Lopez Lions Club Fourth of July Fun Run/ Walk and Parade These events would not have been possible without the help from:

Lions Club Members Islanders Bank Lopez Island Fire Department San Juan County Public Works San Juan County Sheriffs Department Lopez Community Center and many more Volunteers and helpers!

See you next year!

and marketing of agriculture products, and, in Pelindaba’s case, one commodity – lavender – with over 200 products.

A native of South Africa and a medical doctor, Stephen Robins bought the 25-acre farm in 1989 and originally used it as a weekend retreat, but after building another island home nine years later, he planted 2,500 lavender plants in 1999 and another 5,000 the following year, constructed a production center and started producing lavender products.

The total investment is now well over a million dollars.

During the following decade, Robins opened the farm to the public and expanded the production and marketing facilities, welcoming visitors with a visitors’ center, the Gatehouse Farm Store, tours and activities, weddings and an annual lavender festival. The 12th Annual Lavender Festival takes place July 20-21 at the Farm on Hawthorne Lane,

Thank You to all those who contributed to our 15th year of hosting Island Stage Left!

Lopez Island Vineyards & Island Stage Left wishes to extend our appreciation to all those Lopez Patrons of the Living Arts! Your continued support makes this extraordinary experience possible!

off Wold Road.

Now, Pelindaba produces more than 250 products from more than 25,000 lavender plants, making Robins’ operation the largest vertically-integrated lavender farm in the country. Pelindaba sells products from companyowned stores in Friday Harbor and La Conner and through licensees in San Francisco and Boulder, Colo. Its products are also sold in Singapore and Hong Kong, and anywhere in the world from the website. Pelindaba has 27 employees.

Robins succinctly describes the operations on the Pelindaba website (www.pelindabalavender. com): “We cultivate all our lavender flowers in our own organically certified fields and extract the essential oils from these flowers in our own on-site distillery. From these flowers and essential oils, we handcraft on-site a wide range of botanical, culinary, personal care, therapeutic, household and pet care products. This vertically integrated model of sustainable agriculture enables us to preserve the farmland from further development, protect it from pollution, create employment opporSee profiles, page 3

Community Calendar

july 16 - 17 classes: Juggling, Learn to juggle step by step from one ball to three. $35 fee includes set of balls to take home. Pre-registration

required. Call LIFRC at 468-4117 or register online at www.lifrc.org. july 18 - 19 outdoors: Nature Exploration Kids Camps,

Letters

to the Editor

Responses to ‘The Buzz about EMF’ article Although Madrona Murphy and Russel Barsh presented measurements of EMF/RF made informally on Lopez, they neglected to

help us understand their relative value. The natural radiation of the earth is 0.000,001 microwatts/m2. Thus the ambient measurement of Lopez Village, at .1 microwatts/m2, is 100,000 times greater than that of the earth.

~ KIDS ~

Coming this summer!

Vacation Bible School at Lopez Island Community Church

August 5 – 7 from 9:30 a.m. – noon

with a family celebration on Wednesday evening

LIFRC partners with BLM for this fun educational wilderness adventure. Half day camps available for ages six to eight (9:30 a.m.

-12:30 p.m.) and ages eight to 11 (1:30-4:30 p.m.), $35 fee. Pre-registration required. Call LIFRC at 468-4117or register online at www.lifrc.org. weds, july 17 event: 34th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic, 11 a.m., Lopez

Letters to the editor must be no more than 350 words in length and must be signed by the writer. Include address and telephone number for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be published. Send your letters via e-mail to: cbagby@islandsweekly.com.

According to Dr. Henry Lai, PHD Bio-Physicist at the UW, there are now over 2,000 peer reviewed studies finding harmful biological effects from non-thermal EMF/RF at very low-Intensity exposure (lower than 0.1microwatt/m2).

Here are three: 0.00034 uW/cm2 : Chronic exposure to pulsed RF significantly reduced sperm count. Behari, 2006.

0.0006 - 0.0128 uW/cm2 : Fatigue, depressive tendency, sleeping disorders, concentration difficulties, and cardio-vascular problems were reported. Oberfeld, 2004.

0.006 - 0.01 uW/cm2 : Increased stress hormones; dopamine levels substantially decreased; higher levels of adrenaline and nor-adrena-

Ages 4 thru going into 6th grade

Save the dates

Lopez Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings:

Lopez

Business Hours

Galley Lopez Islander Restaurant Daily breakfast: Open at 8 am 8:30 - 11:30 am Full menu until at Lunch: least 8 pm every night 11:30 am - 4:30 pm Short-list menu Dinner: 4:30 pm - 9 pm after 8 p.m.

(Sun through Thursday) Fresh, Local, Dinner: 4:30 pm - 10 pm Fantastic Friday & Saturday www.galleylopez.com www.lopezfun.com 468-2713 468-2233

Island Public Library. Join us for the annual picnic.

Bring your favorite bear or buddy and a blanket and sunhat. Charley Thweatt will get us all singing and shy “Mr. Bear” might be coaxed out to dance. sat, july 20 event: Lopez Legends, Myths & Yarns 3, 7 p.m., Port Stanley School.

Tickets are $35, available at the Lopez Historical

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 Contact phone number 468-2809

Al-Anon:

360.378.5696 Roxanne Angel publisher@islandsweekly.com Editor

360.468.4242

Cali Bagby cbagby@islandsweekly.com Circulation Manager 360.376.4500

Gail Anderson-Toombs circulation@sanjuanjournal.com Display Advertising 360.376.4500

Cali Bagby cbagby@islandsweekly.com

Your online source…www.islandsweekly.com

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013 – Page 2

Jamie Olson

Come in for your FREE LUNCH! Galley Restaurant

july 22 - 16 sports: Clinics for Kids: Sports Mini for ages 6-8 (10:30 a.m. - noon) & basketball for ages nine to 13, (12:30-2:30 p.m.). $55 fee Preregistration req’d thru LIFRC 468-4117 or register online at www.lifrc.org.

Sat, ongoing market: Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Market is next to the Community Center. Runs until Sept. 14.

San Juan Citizens for Safe Technology urge you to use caution when dealing with low level, non thermal EMF/RF. Use a wired computer connection whenever possible, turn off your Wifi router at night, turn down the amplitude on your wifi router (so it does not reach outside, your neighbors, frogs, birds and the bee’s), don’t keep your cellphone turned on, in your pocket or tucked in your bra strap, and don’t use pesticides. For more information go to: www.sanjuancitizensforsafetechnology.com.

ing this controversial radiation in an unconscious and indiscriminate way, when we know there is harm, but we don’t know how much.

They feel that we should not buy products containing Imidacloprid, (and I agree wholeheartedly), but they make no recommendations to use caution with EMF, something most of us have the power to turn on and off.

2- They state that cell phone use exposure is much higher than for other forms of EMF. This may be true, but it does not consider that microwave radiation from cell towers (beyond 1,500 feet) and Wifi routers constitutes low level, long-term exposure (24/7), whereas cell phone use is high level, short term exposure : this difference can equalize the exposure effects.

3- There are other problems with bees than just Colony Collapse Disorder.

An NPR report says that our bee population has declined as much as 30 percent in the last 25 years, due to disease. If the experimental evidence shows than bees “do not like” hives with cell phone radiation exposure, is this enviromental “stress” not at least a part of the equation making them sick?

Twenty five years ago the planet was not completely smothered with cell towers, Wifi, smart meters etc.

In conclusion, as Russell and Madrona stated in their article, more research is needed on this important and controversial issue. In the meantime, please use caution with EMF. Educate yourselves on this issue, speak out, and don’t buy anything with pesticides!

Julienne Battalia LOPEZ ISLAND

I would like to thank Madrona and Russell for keeping the debate about EMF alive with their article “The Buzz about EMF”.

The work that they do through their organization Kwiaht is extremely important for our community, and I thank them for that.

I was disappointed in this piece however. Here are my concerns: 1- They quote a review which says “We simply do not know” how much EMF affects bees. They say a review of 113 studies found that most of them “reported some kind of harm” from EMF. This light-hearted article does not question why our society is dispers-

Carol Weiss, MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Adult and Senior Psychotherapy Parent Guidance

Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. at the Children’s Center, Lopez.

Contact phone number 468-4703.

Publisher

line; produced chronic physiological stress in cells even after 1.5 years. Buchner, 2012 (for more go to: www.bioinitiative.org and www.powerwatch.org.uk).

SJCFST measured Lopez Village finding similar readings. However, when a computer was turned on using wireless six feet from the meter, measurements jumped to as high as 1500 microwatts/m2. (1 billion, five hundred thousand times greater than the background radiation. One wonders what would the measurements be with multiple computers, inside a classroom?

Why is the FCC and the EPA not monitoring/ measuring this and cell tower emissions? Why is this information not causing a public health alert? In May 2011 the WHO declared EMF/RF a possible Class 2B carcinogen.

Museum. For more info, visit www.lopezlibrary.org. event: Historical Fiction & Washington History with Peter Donahue, 7 p.m., Lopez Library. Peter Donahue is the author of three works of fiction set in Washington state. sun, july 21 event: Tex’s 90th Birthday Potluck Bash, 5 p.m., Woodmen Hall.

Jungian Dreamwork Mindfulness Psychology 468-3571 35 years experience Zen meditation and mindfulness practitioner UW Geriatric Mental Health Certificate

Graphic Designers 360.378.5696

Scott Herning, ext. 4054 sherning@sanjuanjournal.com Kathryn Sherman, ext. 4050 ksherman@sanjuanjournal.com Classified Advertising 800-388-2527 classifieds@soundpublishing.com Mailing/Street Address

P.O. Box 758, Eastsound, WA 98245 Phone: (360) 378-5696 Fax: (360) 378-5128 Classifieds: (800) 388-2527

Ann Marie Fischer LOPEZ ISLAND

Copyright 2012.

Owned and published by Sound Publishing Co.

mailed to homes and businesses in the San Juan Islands.

Periodicals postage paid at Friday Harbor, Wash. and at additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to The Jour­nal of the San Juan Islands, 640 Mullis St., West Wing, Friday Harbor, WA 98250-0519.

Annual subscription rates: In County: $28/ year, $18/6 months. Out of County: $52/year, $28/6 months. For convenient mail delivery, call 360-378-5696.

Member of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, National Newspaper Association.

The Islands’ Weekly was founded in 1982 and is based on Lopez Island. The Islands’ Weekly is published every Tuesday and is

‘Lopez Legends, Myths and Yarns’ returns to Port Stanley Contributed photo

Left: Addie Chadwick with one of her ewes. Mary Wondra will read a poem at LLMY3 that was written by one of Addie’s nieces to commemorate her life on Lopez Island.

By Gary Alexander Special to the Weekly

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the Lopez Island Historical Museum. When you enter the museum – as we hope you do, often – you’ll see a stone dated “August, 1973” next to the front door.

To commemorate our 40th year, the Lopez Island Historical Society will stage its third edition of a very popular series called Lopez Legends, Myths and Yarns at Port Stanley School on Saturday evening, July 20 at 7 p.m.

This fund raising event will feature readings from both

profiles CONTINUED FROM 1

tunities for our fellow islanders and provide a destination of natural beauty for islanders and visitors alike.”

Robins says the key to Pelindaba’s success is two-fold: first, “persistence in overcoming the many problems that happen” (including a fire that destroyed their production facilities) and, second, “full quality control at all stages of growing, distilling, manufacturing and selling our certified-organic products.”

Robins also points out the unique design of product packaging – done at Pelindaba by he and his staff.

Red Rabbit Farms on Orcas Island has taken a different production and

marketing tack, especially different in size.

Christina Orchid of Orcas Island is by herself a case study and an example for emulation in the food industry at all levels of growing, processing and marketing. She has used a food science degree and 40 years in the industry as the basis for a thriving small business that could be a model for food entrepreneurs on the islands.

In the 1970s, Orchid took over operation of 15 acres of a larger family farm from her mother, Emily Reid.

About the same time she opened Christina’s in Eastsound, one of the first restaurants in San Juan County to promote the use of home-grown products, many of them from her own garden. It was perhaps the first restaurant in the islands to gain a regional reputation for excellence.

the 1870s and 1970s, reenacted by Mary Wondra and Gary Alexander.

The contrast of music from the 1870s and 1970s promises to be dramatic, as you can imagine. The 1970s will be handled by the DJ skills of Bill Johnson, while the 1870s will be covered by Mary and Gary, singing some a cappella duets. These songs all stretch back to the late 1800s and were likely sung at regular Sunday evening gatherings at the Davis home in Richardson long ago.

Readings from the 1870s will include short passages from diaries and writings by (or about) Lopez pioneers like Amelia Davis, Grace Wood Priest, Wesley Warner, Willie Cousins, early teacher Rachel Hyland Ross, educator J.C. Lawrence, Addie Chadwick, Mary Eaton and many others, while the 1970s will offer stories by Charlotte Paul, Robert Reese, and others.

There will be a slide show from the museum’s archives to illustrate each reading.

There will be complimentary after-dinner delectables, including desserts and drinks to add to your enjoyment while listening to Bill Johnson spin hits from the 1970s, when the museum first opened its doors.

Since selling the restaurant in 2008 and “retiring” from operating Christina’s, Orchid has gradually expanded her line of jams, jellies, chutneys, and sauces into a year-around business manufacturing and selling “several hundred” cases of products annually.

She’s a familiar figure at the Orcas Saturday Farmers’ Market, and her goods are now for sale at the fish market at the corner of Best Road and Highway 20.

“I’m working very hard in the kitchen,” she says, “but not in sales and marketing.”

Because her products have a great reputation on Orcas, Orchid sells almost all of her production locally and doesn’t want to take the time to market offisland.

She’s also too busy catering events on Orcas, hosting numerous weddings and serving occasional dinners

Make Hay while the Sun Shines Summer is the best time to make energy efficiency improvements in your home - and lay the groundwork for energy savings all year round.

Call OPALCO today to schedule a Home Snapshot Energy Assessment.

376-3586 YOU could save money on your electric bill and help reduce our co-op energy load.

for 40 at Red Rabbit Farm.

Now, with final county approval of her commercial kitchen expected “any day,” Orchid is preparing to serve weekly “farm-tomarket dinners” from her large cookhouse buildings or, in good weather, from her water-view lawn.

Orchid has been a success as a food professional because she loves what she does and pays close attention to both ingredients and preparation. The dinners she’s planning now will likely continue that success.

Two other “food businesses” in the San Juan Islands, Jones Family Farms of Lopez and San Juan Pasta of Friday Harbor, are following their own paths to success.

They will be profiled in a future edition of the Islands’ Weekly.

Stories from the first two Lopez Legends, Myths & Yarns programs in 2012 are still available (on CD from the museum.)

We heard tales from early Lopez settlers – like Wesley Warner trying to convince his wife and daughters to leave the comfort of their New York home to move here in 1876, and the Cantine family establishing a farm on Fisherman Bay. From more recent times, we heard of Dort & Louie’s adventures building Sea Ranch, and Susie Gallanger’s mother trying to convince Susie to come home. The first LLMY concluded with Mary Wondra’s reading of the lovely poem, If Ever You’ve Lived on an Island.

Tickets are $35, and may be purchased from the Lopez Island Historical Museum. The museum is open noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, from May through September, and also open year-round for research projects by appointment.

Call 468-2049 or send email to lopezmuseum@rockisland. com for more information.

GET YOUR 2¢ HEARD.

Are you interested in Lopez history?

VOTE ON

IslandsWeekly.com

SEPTIC INSPECTIONS Starting at

$

95

San Juan Septic Service 360.378.7255

sanjuanseptic@gmail.com Licensed . Bonded . Insured The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013 – Page 3

Fourth of July race results

By Ian M. Lange

Special to the Islands Weekly

The 34th annual Lopez Lions Clubsponsored 10K and 5K runs, 5K walk and one mile scramble once again broke attendance and fundraising records with all proceeds going back to the community. While 428 folks participated, special thanks are due to all our faithful sponsors found on the back of each shirt and to Lopez Lions, the San Juan Public Works and Sheriffs Department, Lopez Fire Department, The LCCA and others vital to the success of this event. Check out the BuDu Racing web site at http://www.buduracing.com/ events_detail.php?e=932 for placements and times.

Dusty McLarty (35 minutes, 54.6 seconds) and Amy Esary in 43:26.4 (five wins in a row!) took first in the 10K run.

Winners in the male categories include: 1 – 19 Silas Biggs, 20-29 Dustin McLarty, 30-39 Ryan Hill, 40-49 David Kramer, 50-59 Greg Bennett, 60-69 Dennis Egan, and over 70 Ian Lange. For the women 1-19 Montana Tucker, 20-29 Tessa Tralls, 30-39 Sarah Kennedy, 40-49 Amy Esary, 50-59 Eileen Hynes, and 60-69 Debbie Young.

5K race runner winners were David McCulloch in 17:03 and Amber Higgins in 19:03.4. Age group winners were 1-12 Jacob Willcox, 13-19 Keagan Smith, 20-29 Steven Goodell, 30-39 Amit Sharma, 40-49 David McCulloch, 50-59 Coert Voorhees, 60-69 Tom Cowan, and 70-79 Dallas Wylie.

In the female divison Genevie Gay took the 1-12, Anna Fotheringham 13-19, Kelly Dern 20-29, Christina Pommer 30-39, Amanda Houston 40-49, Gretchen Wing 50-59, and Micky Heino 60-69.

See race, page 8

4th of July parade fun

Contributed photo

Lopez Fourth of July parade entry – Chadwick or Bust by John and Susan and Savannah and Sara Waugh. For more pictures, visit www.lopezisland.com.

Award winning entries Congrats to this years’ award winning 4th of July parade entries. Here is a list of the winners.

Best Theme Dump Coalition Chamber of Commerce Island Fitness Mayor’s Islands’ Baseball Queen’s Chadwick or Bust Lion’s Club Burt Enterprises Chink Clark Spirit Spencer Spit Best Bribe Grace Church Grand Marshal Orca Whale Special Award 1 Pharmacy Special Award 2 Grand Marshall

Canoe Journey cancelled The Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey’s two-day stopover in the San Juans has been canceled by organizers of the 2013 cultural event.

According to Stephanie Buffum, executive director of Friends of the San Juans, the decision was made over the weekend by canoe skippers largely because of safety and funding concerns.

Lopez Acupuncture & Integrated Health

Julienne Battalia LAc, LMP “Walk In” Clinic: Wednesdays, 3pm-6pm, $30

(360)468-3239 lopezislandacupuncture.com

Canoe paddlers were slated to cross Rosario and Haro straits, as well as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, in order to spend the night of July 18 at Lopez Island’s Odlin Park, and following night at English Camp on San Juan Island. The route ultimately leads to the Quinault Tribal Reservation,.

You can attend celebrations at Samish Indian Nation, Wednesday, July 16, at the RV Park in Anacortes, and at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, July 17, in LaConner.

NOTICE OF BUDGET ADOPTION Lopez Island School District 144 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET 2013-2014 Notice is hereby given by the school directors of Lopez Island School District No. 144, San Juan County, Washington, that the district has completed the district budgets for fiscal year 2013-2014. A draft copy has been placed in the school district administration office and the Lopez Island Library. A copy will be furnished to any person who will call upon the district for it.

The board of directors will meet for the budget hearing and for the purpose of fixing and adopting the budget of the district for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Any person may appear at the meeting and be heard for or against the budget or any part thereof.

PeaceHealth.org/PeaceIsland

The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, Lopez Island Washington in the school library.

Bill Evans Secretary to the Board

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013 – Page 4

Students seek to reduce night light on Lopez

By Russel Barsh Special to the Sounder

Lopez Elementary students are asking local businesses and homeowners to reduce the brightness of outdoor lighting, and only use it when and where it’s really needed.

With the help of Lopezbased conser vation laborator y Kwiaht, Lorri Swanson’s science class explored the effect of outdoor lighting on local ecosystems.

They found that artificial light speeds up the sprouting of radish seeds and the metamorphosis of tadpoles and caterpillars.

They also discovered that lights attracted the salmon they were raising in their classroom. Students concluded that outdoor lights can fool plants and animals into emerging too early in the spring, before there is enough food or sunlight to sustain them.

Lights can also disrupt the migrations of animals that use the moon or stars to navigate.

Human health also suffers from outdoor lights.

“The more we light up our lives,” Har vard Medical School professor Charles Czeisler wrote in the May 23, 2013 issue of Nature, “the less we seem to sleep.”

He noted that sleep disorders are associated with depression, irritability, memory loss, and reduced immune system function.

Outdoor lights increase the use of electricity, furthermore; which Lopez students learned from Chris and Chom Graecen has additional environmental impacts.

Students experimented on themselves to find out how much light they needed for everyday tasks and safety in their classroom.

Except for reading small print, they found that they could reduce classroom lighting by more than 90 percent.

Students tried different ways of reducing light levels, such as lower-power bulbs, red filters, and down-pointing directional fixtures. They were most interested in timers and motion sensors, which turn lights off when they are not needed.

In winter, students obser ved, many outdoor lights were burning for 10-12 hours every night in Lopez Village when no one was on the streets. Wildlife and electricity could be saved, they concluded, simply by timing these lights to turn off at 9 p.m. or by having them only turn on when approached by a car or pedestrian.

Thanks to a local donor, students can now offer local homes and businesses a free outdoor-lighting upgrade of their choice, including timers and adjustable motion sensors: a value of $25 or greater.

Look for students’ offer on posters and OPALCO

Sudoku 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 1-10 (easy) 11-15 (moderate) and 1620 (hard). Today’s puzzle is level 3.

Sudoku and Crossword answers on page 8

billing inserts with moth art by students Uma Azul and Sonnette Roberson, working with professional artists Laine Nichols.

Upgrades come with an owl print drawn by Juniper Blomberg.

To take advantage of this offer, you can email kwiaht@ gmail.org (include “dark skies” in the subject line) or write to Dark Skies c/o Kwiaht, P.O. Box 415, Lopez Island. To learn more about managing outdoor lighting and wildlife, read James and Deborah Gleeson’s 2012 book “Reducing the Impacts of Development on Wildlife.”

Barsh is the director of Kwiaht

Contributed photo / Russel Barsh

Above: This Sheep Moth at Iceberg Point is just one of the colorful animals that navigate by the moon or starlight. Right: A poster by our Lopez Elementary School students.

Crossword Puzzle Across 1. Change places 8. More drab color 15. Divided into small spaces 16. Core 17. Dishes the dirt 18. Lure with music 19. Atlas enlargement 20. Length x width, for a rectangle 22. "Whatcha ___?"

23. Whispers sweet nothings 24. Backless seat 25. Decide to leave, with "out" 26. "___ we having fun yet?"

27. Risk 28. European language 29. Cut 31. Electric dart shooter 32. "O, gie me the ___ that has acres o' charms": Burns 33. Freudian topics 35. Calculator, at times 38. Speak incoherently when angry 42. Bassoon, e.g.

43. Vocation 45. Biochemistry abbr.

46. Churchill's "so few": Abbr.

47. Abreast (of) 48. Stallion, once 49. ___ cheese 51. Knowledge gained through

anecdote 52. Issue 53. One who leads a Spartan lifestyle 55. Feed 57. Instruct again 58. Accord 59. Heavy, filling foods 60. Most rancid Down 1. Enchanting 2. Magnetite, e.g. (2 wds) 3. Plaster of Paris painting surfaces 4. Derby prize 5. Came down 6. Bug

7. Lesser quality substitutes 8. Falling star 9. Presidential assassin 10. "It's no ___!"

11. Lentil, e.g.

12. Within a building 13. Overshadow 14. Come in again 21. A way 24. ___ souci 27. Try, as a case 28. "___ of Eden" 30. Coaster 31. ___ de force 33. Androgynous 34. Delight 35. Unpaid overdue debt

36. Fixed (2 wds) 37. Actual 38. Antares, for one 39. White, crystalline, poisonous alkaloid 40. Joins the military 41. Notched wheel and pawl 43. Bad feeling 44. Ages 48. Apple gizmo 50. A fitting reward 52. 1984 Peace Nobelist 54. What "it" plays 56. "Walking on Thin Ice" singer Answers to today's puzzle on page 8

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013– Page 5

Heart issue claims life of former councilman Former San Juan County Councilman Alan Lichter died Saturday at his Orcas Island home.

Lichter had reportedly suf fered hear t-related medical complications at the beginning of June, and elected to leave the hospital and return home to spend time with family.

Championing a “smartgrowth” political agenda, the former University

of Kansas professor of American Literature was elected in 2004 to the then three-person county commission.

Running as a Democrat, Lichter, who embraced much of the local Green Party platform during his time in office, won a fouryear term to the county’s top elected office by defeating Republican candidate John Evans in his bid for a

L OPEZ ISLAND • COMPUTER

SERVICES •

fourth consecutive term.

Lichter was himself unseated in 2008, coming in third in a three-way nonpartisan primary for the position representing Orcas West on the newly created six-person county council.

Former councilman Richard Fralick earned the post in the 2008 general election, defeating challenger Mindy Kayl.

Prior to entering local

BUSINESS COMMUNITY • YOUR

AD HERE •

Business Community AT YOUR SERVICE Available for for Just AdsAds Available Just $18.75/Week $16/Week Call The Journal CALL CALIat: today

AT THE

WEEKLY

378-5696 376-4500 • CONTRACTORS •

• EXCAVATION

& LOGGING •

MOORE WOODWORKS

13 years serving Lopez Island • Custom cabinetry General Contractor • Built ins Licensed and insured • Decks & Stairs Free estimates • Siding Eric Moore • Repairs (360) 468-2743 • Remodels License # • All Carpentry MOOREW*994DH • YOUR

AD HERE •

A DIVISION OF BUFFUM BROTHER FARMS, INC. • LOGGING • BACKHOE • DRAIN ROCK • ROADS • SITE PREP • LAND CLEARING • GRADING • FILL SAND • CRUSHED ROCK • PONDS • SCREENED SAND • PIT RUN GRAVEL

• BULKHEADS

(360) 468-2320 fax 468-3450

• HOME

While invasive weed populations are expanding at an almost exponential rate across North America, annually costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars, we in the San Juans have been more fortunate. Weeds have been slower to establish here and relatively fewer species have become problems. Several varieties, however, have become so widespread that they offer significant threats to our forests, meadows, agricultural traditions and public health and safety.

Plants such as Scotch broom, gorse, English ivy,

Dump run?

Sort it out @

Lic. # RENDOHS921QR

oldman’s beard (wild clematis) and spurge laurel will, over time, proliferate into widespread monocultures, gradually suppressing and replacing the native flora of our forests and meadows.

Gorse and broom ultimately change the soil chemistry making it difficult to restore the native flora long after the invasive species have been removed. The proliferation of berries, spread by birds, has caused infestations of ivy, spurge laurel and holly on county parks and outer islands.

Many of the invasive weeds are unpalatable or toxic to livestock, thus degrading our valuable and limited pasture and hay fields. Ingestion of tansy ragwort and the closely related common groundsel cause irreversible and cumulative liver damage and have been implicated in the deaths of horses and cattle. Humans,

Worship Services in the Islands LOPEZ IsLand Christ the King Community ChurCh, There’s Always a Place for You! CTK gathers at 10 a.m. in the school multi-purpose room at 86 School Road. Come as you are! More info at ctkonline.com/lopez. Email: lopez@ctkonline.com Phone: 888-421- 4CTK ext. 819.

RENDON HOME SERVICES CO.

LAWN & GARDEN •

• ROOFING •

graCe episCopal ChurCh, welcomes you to worship with us on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Fisherman Bay Road at Sunset Lane.

468-3477. Everyone welcome!

R&M ROOFING

lopez island Community ChurCh, 91 Lopez Road. Sunday School: pre-school through adult 9:30 a.m.; Worship at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Jeff Smith 468-3877.

378-5696 376-4500 Bernardo Landscape Services

BernardoServices.com

Distinguished Quality, Honest Service • Brush Removal

• Wood Splitting • Pressure Washing • Installation of trees, shrubs

• Design, mowing • Fence installation • Lawn & Garden Care • Remodeling - Decks

Storm Cleanup!

360-468-3144

LIC# BERNALS926L3

• SEPTIC

Cell: 360-622-6644 BOND# LSMO042789

SERVICES •

A

C l A s siC

"Never a Problem, oNly a solutioN"

468-4357

• Metal • Composition • Torch Down Lic#CLASSRM92104

• SITE

• Local References • Local Crews • Senior Discounts FREE ESTIMATES

SERVICES •

DUNN SERVICES ✓Excavator Work

Licensed • Bonded • Insured WA LIc#dAvIdjc0440d

By County Noxious Weed Control STAFF MEMBERS

WEEKLY

AT THE

• L ANDSCAPE,

360-468-4989 360-317-6654

growth issues, tourism, land use, ferries, affordable housing and marine issues.

He served as the chairman of the Task Force on Ferries and Transportation, chairman of the Veterans’ Advisory Board, vice-chairman of San Juan County’s Board of Health and the council’s liaison to the Canadian Gulf Islands and their governing body, the Islands’ Trust.

Dave Wallace

Tank Pumping & Real Estate Inspection P.O. Box 823, Lopez Island, WA 98261

We now accept Visa and Mastercard free estiMates • Family owned and operated

(360) 468-3215 dunn-llc.com

✓Tractor Work

SPRING CLEAN-UP WOOD CHIPPER FLAIL MOWING FIELD MOWING TRENCHING & SITE PREP ROTO TILLER STUMP & LOG REMOVAL POST HOLE DRILLING

Lawn Mowing / Fencing / Property Mgmt.

LIC.# DUNNSSL922RA & BONDED

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013 – Page 6

Alan Lichter

He is survived by his wife Kate Agape-Lichter.

Why noxious weeds matter

SERVICES •

Mowing Season is Here!

Call for free estimate Mulching and bagging options available

Business Community AT YOUR SERVICE Available for for Just AdsAds Available Just $18.75/Week $16/Week Call The Journal CALL CALIat: today

Cont. Lic #BUFFUBE155MB

politics, Lichter taught American Literature, children’s literature, poetry and fiction at the University of Kansas. He was also a Fulbright professor at the University of Gdansk, Poland, during a long and distinguished career in academia.

During his four-year term as commissioner and then councilman, Lichter worked on environmental issues,

lutheran ChurCh in the san juans. Join us Sundays 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 Anne Hall, 468-3025.

QuaKer Worship group Meetings will be Sundays at 10 a.m. at the home of Ron Metcalf, 6363 Fisherman Bay Road. Children’s program. Everyone welcome. Phone 468-2129. Email: lopezfriends@gmail.com st. FranCis CatholiC ChurCh Come worship with us at Center Church on Davis Bay Rd. We welcome you to join us for Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. Call 378-2910 for Mass times on San Juan and Orcas Islands.

as well, are not exempt from the toxic effects of some of our invasive weeds. Giant hogweed, a truly impressive relative of the native cow parsnip, exudes an irritating clear sun-activated sap which has caused permanently disfiguring scars on hundreds of children and adults in the Pacific Northwest over the past several years. After having ingested a tiny piece of a spurge laurel leaf, an Orcas preschooler became ill necessitating a trip to the medical clinic.

One of the greatest threats posed by noxious weeds is that of fire. It has been more than a half a century since there has been a major wildland conflagration in this county and it is no longer a question of “if” we have another major fire but rather “when.” Gorse and dry stands of Scotch broom are highly flammable, developing hot, fast moving low crown fires. While gorse is primarily a threat on Orcas, broom is wide spread, forming dense patches in both wild areas and residential settlements. Both species add to the already heavy natural forest fuel loads.

We have been fortunate in part because the San Juan Islands have remained isolated, forested, and the soil floor comparatively undisturbed. However, as our population increases, forests are being cut and soils disturbed.

Invasive plants are brought in inadvertently with off-island hay, contaminated topsoil, or on purpose, as exotic ornamentals that escape into the native environment. Thus, as time passes, we are seeing more of what the rest of the nation is battling.

Controlling the spread of invasive weeds takes the eyes and ears of all of us. We can help by requesting weed-free hay and topsoil, revegetating bare land and planting noninvasive ornamental plants.

For info, call 378-4414 or 376-3499.

PNW

Employment General

We make it easy to sell... right in your community

Local readers.

Local sellers.

Local buyers.

real estate for sale - WA Real Estate for Sale San Juan County LOPEZ ISLAND

SOUTH END Mini Farm.

3 bedroom, 2 bath house with beautiful brick fireplace, on 1 1/2 acres. 3 car garage/ shop plus shed. New well and drain field. $220,000. 360-468-2052

real estate for rent - WA Real Estate for Rent San Juan County

OWNERS! We want your rentals!

Property management & lease services avail.

Great rates.

Shawn (360)378-8600 see more at: www.windermeresji.com

www.nw-ads.com

We’ll leave the site on for you.

financing Money to Loan/Borrow

LOCAL PRIVATE INVESTOR loans money on real estate equity. I loan on houses, raw land, commercial property and property development. Call Eric at (425) 803-9061. www.fossmortgage.com

www.nw-ads.com

announcements Announcements

ANNOUNCE your festival for only pennies.

Four weeks to 2.7 million readers statewide for about $1,200. Call this newspaper or 1 (206) 634-3838 for more details.

P E LV I C / Tr a n s va g i n a l MESH? Did you undergo transvaginal placement of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence between 2005 and the present? If the mesh caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Charles H. Johnson Law and speak with female staff members 1-800535-5727 WARM, FUN Professional couple eager to provide your child love and happiness forever.

Expenses paid.

Ann and Peter. Call 1-800593-1730. annpeter102@gmail.com or go to www.annandpeter.info WARM, FUN Professional couple eager to provide your child love and happiness forever.

Expenses paid.

Ann and Peter. Call 1-800593-1730. annpeter102@gmail.com or go to www.annandpeter.info Lost

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 3603766777. On San Juan call the Animal Shelter 360-378-2158 &INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY Employment General

Dump Truck Driver Seasonal Part time, other skills a plus. Contact Mike Carlson Enterprises at 360.378.4579 or email mce_christie@inter island.net for application.

Drug testing required. mce_christie@interisland.net

is seeking temporary workers for

OFFICE SUPPORT AND

jobs Employment Media

EDITOR We have an immediate opening for Editor of the South Whidbey Record with offices located in Langley, Washington.

This is not an entry-level position.

Requires a hands-on leader with a minimum of three years newspaper experience including writing, editing, pagination, photography and InDesign skills.

The successful candidate: • Has a demonstrated interest in local political and cultural affairs. • Possesses excellent writing and verbal skills, and can provide representative clips from one or more professional publications. • Has experience editing reporters’ copy and submitted materials for content and style. • Is proficient in designing and building pages with Adobe InDesign. • Is experienced managing a Forum page, writing cogent & stylistically interesting commentaries, and editing a reader letters column. • Has experience with newspaper website content management and understands the value of the web and social media to report news on a daily basis. • Has proven interpersonal skills representing a newspaper or other organization at civic functions and public venues. • Understands how to lead, motivate, and mentor a small news staff. • Must relocate to South Whidbey Island and develop a knowledge of local arts, business, and government. • Must be active and visible in the community.

This full-time position offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, 401K, paid vacation and holidays.

Please send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr@soundpublishing.com or mail to SWRED/HR, Sound Publishing, Inc., 19351 8th Ave. NE, Suite #106, Poulsbo, WA 98370 EOE. Employment General

San Juan County is hiring a TEMPORARY PARK AIDE Work avail immediately and will end 9/06/13. 30 hours per week. May include evening and weekend work. For a detailed job description and application, visit www.sanjuanco.com or call (360) 370-7402.

EOE.

OVER-NIGHT SECURITY POSITIONS.

pets/animals

For information and an application, visit www.sanjuanco.com or call (360) 370-7402.

Open until filled. EOE.

Dogs

Employment Transportation/Drivers

DRIVERS -- We value our drivers as our most Important Asset!You make us successful! Top Pay/Benefits Package!

CDL-A Required. Join our team! Call Now 1888-414-4467, www.gohaney.com GORDON TRUCKING, Inc. CDL-A Drivers Needed Dedicated & OTR Positions Available!

Consistent Miles, Benefits, 401k & EOE. Sign On Bonus! Recruiters available 7 days/wk!

Call: 866-725-9669 Business Opportunities

CORNER STORE EMPORIUM Antique store & collectibles, used furniture.

Nice location. Selling all decor & inventory. Call Bobby @ 360-317-7156, or 360-378-8909.

www.worldclassmastiffs.com puppies@worldclassmastiffs.com

&INDĂĽITĂĽFASTĂĽANDĂĽEASY WWW NW ADS COM

Reach readers the daily newspapers miss when you advertise in the ClassiďŹ eds.

1-800-388-2527 or www.nw-ads.com

Professional Services Legal Services

DIVORCE $155. $175 with children. No court appearances. Complete preparation.

Includes custody, support, property division and bills.

BBB member.

(503) 772-5295. www.paralegalalter natives.com legalalt@msn.com

AKC GREAT Dane Pups 10% activeduty military discount 503-410-4335 Dreyersdanes now in Goldendale WA. 5 new litters! Guarantee healthly males & females. European blood line, these pups are a larger, stockier breed. Beautiful coats Blues, Harlequin, Black, Mantles & Merle. Super sweet. Loveable, gentle intelligent giants! $700 and up. www.dreyersdanes.com

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE OR TRADE: 8X16 Heated “Endless�

Swimming Pool. Originally cost nearly $25,000. Sell the pool outright for $7,500 delivered. The pool can also be installed outdoors as its heated and has a cover. WILL TRADE for a 12’x26’ wooden floor installed over an existing concrete floor in our home. Call 360-7202564 Oak Harbor

IMMACULATE Featherlight 4 horse aluminum gooseneck trailer with lots of extras!! Includes rear and side ramps.

Auxiliary water tank, hay rack and drop down partion. Partial upgrade of living quarters, sleeps 2.

All new E Series tires plus spare. $9,500.

Freeland, Whidbey Isl. 360-331-5058.

LOPEZ ISLAND

GERMAN SHORT Hair Puppies. 7 males, $400 each. 7 females, $450 each. A large yard is mandatory. hunters and great family dogs. Interested? Call 360-8291232 for an appointment. Ask for Mark or Patty.

Puppies are available July 20th but will be previewed beginning March 17th. Mother is also onsite. Bring your own collar and $100 non-refundable deposit.

Remainder will be due on day of pickup. Tails are cropped, de-clawed, wormed and first shots.

Alpacas from Krystal Acres: $100 Males, $250 Females

Call: 360-378-6125

info@krystalacres.com

26’ OF FUN! PILOT House Dory by Clipper Craft!! 1996 factory built wooden character tug.

Needs paint & tune-up.

Only 110 hours on Volvo I/O. Electronics including GPS, Radar and more.

Priced to sell at $5,500.

Please bring offers. Orcas Isl. 360-376-6166.

garage sales - WA Garage/Moving Sales San Juan County

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

&INDĂĽ)T ĂĽ"UYĂĽ)T ĂĽ3ELLĂĽ)T ,OOKINGĂĽFORĂĽTHEĂĽRIDE OFĂĽYOURĂĽLIFE WWW NW ADS COM ĂĽHOURSĂĽAĂĽDAY

flea market

AKC POMERANIAN Puppies for sale! 3 males and 2 females Available early to mid August to approved homes! Colors thrown are: Blue Merle, Orange/ Cream, Cream/ White, and Blue/ White Partis!

The puppies will come with their first 2 shots and an AKC registration form. I am taking deposits if you want a guarantee hold on your puppy.

Prices ranging from $600 to $1,500. 940585-9472.

Farm Animals & Livestock

professional services

TREASURE HUNTERS DELIGHT! 40 yr purge sale!! We’ve cleared out the storage unit & uncovered treasures!!! Too much to list!!!! One day only!!!!! Friday, July 19th, from 9 am to 2 pm located at 1752 Bakerview.

wheels Marine Power

2003 Wellcraft Coastal 270 Tournament Edition Approximately 80 hours on new Volvo Penta 375 horse 8.1, crate motor, approximately 20 hours on new Volvo Penta outdrive, 9.9 high thrust new in 2008 with remote control steering, beam is 9 feet 9 inches, 5kw kohler gen set, air conditioning and heat, microwave, fridge, single burner electric or alcohol stove, vacu flush head, GPS fish finder. Located on Orcas Island, $49,000. Call 360-317-7237.

RARE ROBALO 18-20’, center console, 150 Mercury, boat trailer goes with it! $9,200.

Downriggers included. Boat trailer goes with it. Both in great shape! Ready to go! Just in time for the Fishing Derby! Theresa, Friday Harbor.

360-378-8332.

Advertise your upcoming garage sale in your local community paper and online to reach thousands of households in your area.

Call: 800-388-2527 Fax: 360-598-6800 Go online: nw-ads.com Automobiles Classics & Collectibles

1969 FORD MUSTANG. Rare Coupe Model. Rebuilt Original 250 with Very Low Miles. 3 Speed. Custom Dual Exhaust.

Nice Shape! $19,500 or Best Offer.

Call Steve Buck at 360472-0895. Located in Friday Harbor, WA.

Medical Technologist/Medical Laboratory Technician *Relocation Assistance or Sign-on Bonus* This is a benefits eligible position with a 32 hour work week

Reach thousands of readers with just one phone call.

PeaceHealth Laboratories has an opportunity in the beautiful San

Juan Islands of Washington State for a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician with phlebotomy skills. Do you enjoy working directly with patients, nurses, and doctors? Do you consider yourself a team-player, flexible and generous with your time and expertise? Would you appreciate working in a brand new hospital facility? The position will be part of a small and intimate team, responsible for performing complex laboratory procedures and tests in areas such as chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology, using established protocols and procedures. It will monitor, screen and troubleshoot devices, tests and procedures, recognizing anomalies, and making corrections to ensure quality. The successful candidate will serve as a model for professionalism, by focusing on patient care; respectful communication to coworkers and clients; safe work practices; and attention to rapid and accurate testing.

Requires an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Chemistry or Biological Science, phlebotomy skills and ASCP MLT or ASCP MT certification.

Salary Ranges: MT(ASCP) - Starting at $24.16 MLT - Starting at $19.96

San Juan County is seeking a NOXIOUS WEED FIELD ASSISTANT. For a detailed job description and application, visit www.sanjuanco.com or call (360) 370-7402.

Closes 7/18/13 EOE.

AKC ENGLISH Mastiff Puppies. Fawn male born April 27th, 2013.

World Winners are these pups family tradition!

The mother’s parents and grandfathers, were winners at the world dog show! 4 world winners within the third generation! Puppies are ready now! These puppies have the greatest genes available in English Mastiff history! Aicama Zorba De La-Susa rare stock.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Mastiff lovers. $3,500. 253347-1835

Marine Power

Horses

San Juan Fair

MarketPlace! click! www.nw-ads.com email! classified@ soundpublishing.com call toll free! 1.888.399.3999 or 1.800.388.2527

Dogs

POOL TABLE, Gandy, 9’ Oak, $2,000. Mission style with 1� Slate. Seldom used. $8,000 New. Includes 4 Cues, Stick Holder, Balls, Cover. Located in Eastsound. Call Mike at 805-569-9670 or mfhoover@hoovergeo.com

The successful candidate who lives on the island will also receive “on call� pay for carrying the pager during their rotation. If called in during “on call,� he or she will receive time and a half. If the successful candidate does not live on the island, the “on call� pay and duties will not apply.

Interested candidates should apply online at www.peacehealthlabs.org/careers This is requisition #1513 EOE/AA Employer.

THE ISLANDS’ WEEKLY • WWW.ISLANDSWEEKLY.COM• July 16, 2013 - PAGE 7

Journal Editor

Puzzle Answers

Contributed photo / Jim Sherman

The fireboat Confidence sprays a stream of water on an 85-foot yacht fully engulfed in flames at Roche Harbor Resort at about 12:30 p.m. the fire has yet to be determined, Marler said.

“Our greatest hope of finding a cause will be to know who was on the boat last and what was happening at the time,” he said.

“My guess is that we really may never know for sure, but we might be able to figure out a plausible set of circumstances.”

Officials with the U.S. Coast Guard and the state Department of Ecology were at the scene to guide

360-293-4575

1102 Commercial • Anacortes

pollution prevention efforts throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Employees of the resort’s marina encircled the burning boat with an oil-spill containment boom shortly after the fire broke out.

Much of the area inside the boom was littered with smoke and fired-charred debris after the yacht sank.

Nine members of Islands Oil-Spill Association were at the scene of the fire and were joined by another six

to assist in the clean up early Wednesday.

Divers with Global Diving and Salvage emptied 500 gallons of diesel from the fuel tanks of the submerged wreckage late Wednesday, according to Ecology’s Dustin Terpening.

According to Terpening, a crane is expected to be brought to the site of the sunken boat by Thursday, as part of a plan developed by the Coast Guard, Global Salvage and the insurer

of the sunken yacht, and the wreckage lifted from the water sometime Friday morning.

“Once the boat is raised they’ll be able to have a better look at how much fuel might still be onboard,” he said.

Herrick earns scholarship

www.sebos.com Hardware & Equipment Rental

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SOUND PUBLISHING 98204

The charred remains sank below the surface of the Roche Harbor Resort marina mid-evening Wednesday, after an 85-foot luxury yacht was destroyed by a vigorous fire that broke out in an interior cabin at the front end earlier in the day.

The boat is believed to have been carrying 1,600 gallons of diesel in its fuel tanks at the time, according to state Ecology officials.

Chief Steve Marler of San Juan Island Fire Department said the location of the fire and its intensity, and the fact that the yacht had been tied-off to the dock at the rear, all contributed to the difficulty of battling the blaze.

He said the department took an “extraordinary” step of sending fire fighters onto a burning boat in the early stages of combating the fire, but that they had to retreat and back out as flames and the intensity of

the fire swelled.

“It was a problem to get there with fire hoses and a fire crew,” Marler said.

“Anytime you’ve got a boat fire it’s going to be a real circuitous route to get to it. By policy we don’t go aboard a burning boat, we don’t train for that, but it seemed reasonable given the risks versus potential rewards early on.”

Marler said fire fighters arrived at the scene shortly after the department received an emergency call at 10:15 a.m. Five hours later, at about 3:10 p.m., he said the fire finally fizzled out as the bow of the boat dropped below the water.

What remained of the yacht, valued at $4.5 million, sank at about 6 p.m.

The yacht was moored at the marina and advertised for sale by the Seattle office of Ocean Marine, a Taiwan-based manufacturer of Ocean Alexander megayachts and motoryachts. The vessel was unoccupied at the time, and the cause of

Islands’ Weekly PO Box 39 Lopez, WA 98261

By Scott Rasmussen

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

Yacht is destroyed by fire sinks in Roche Harbor marina on San Juan Island

Woodmen Hall rental info; 468-3092

Lopez Legends, Myths & Yarns 3 An evening of memorable entertainment to support your Historical Society

Live Performances • Dramatic readings from Lopez settler diaries & letters After-dinner delectables & desserts • Music • Prizes • Fun

Saturday ➺ July 20 ➺ 7 pm Port Stanley School

Western Washington University student Robyn Lauren Herrick, daughter of Lou Herrick of Blaine and Penelope Morton of Bellingham, received a $1,000 Associated Students Childcare Voucher Award for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Associated Students Childcare Voucher Award is for student-parents enrolled partor fulltime at Western Washington University.

Herrick graduated from Lopez Island High School in 2002. She is scheduled to graduate next spring with a bachelor’s degree in Law, Diversity and Justice

race CONTINUED FROM 4

5K male walker winners were Cameron Koester 1-12, Joshua Lyon 13-19,

Ryan Granahan 20-29, Brian Kotzian 30-39, Jason Carpenter 40-49, Stuart Dunwoody 50-59, Rick Locke 60-69, and Robert Drury 70-79.

For the women Aimee Ross

Tickets: $35 available at the museum Sponsors: Islanders Insurance, Spencer’s Landing Marina, Richardson Fuel, Lopez Island Pharmacy, Lopez Village Market, Mitrebox Contracting, Jamie & Lauren Stephens, Cloud Islands, Hayward Design & Construction, Karen Rousseau, Lopez Sand & Gravel, Mike Halperin & Jodi Green, Nancy & Charles Givens, Spud & Karen Grimes, Gary & Karen Alexander, Duane & Audrey Bordvick, Raiti Waerness

Lopez Island Historical Society • 468-2049 The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • July 16, 2013 – Page 8

Sunday, July 21st 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Woodman Hall

won the 1-12 years old group, Mackenzie Minehan 13-19, Hilary Preston 20-29, Arzara Miller 30-39, Janie Plath 40-49, Susan Ellis 50-59, Lee Slezak 60-69, Molly Preston 70-79, and Nancy Fay 80-89.

Martin Smith and Marisa Ingalls won the one mile scramble in 6:25.2 and 8:11.6, respectively.

Thanks to all. See you next year for the annual fun run.