Journal
The
NEWS | San Juan Sheriff’s Log [2] OUTDOORS | The beauty and magic of the Peruvian daffodil [6] ARTS | Local writers showcase their work in Playfest [9]
WEDNESDAY, September 23, 2015 n VOL. 108, NO. 38 n 75¢
Canaan the wonder dog Controversy over
Orcas pot growers By Anna V. Smith Journal reporter
By Anna V. Smith
Contributed photo/ Robert M. Anderson
Journal reporter
It’s a summer evening and the fireflies are twinkling in the front yard, it’s just you and your dog. You’re a kid with a cape running around the front yard with arms out like Superman and you’re yelling “Ma, Pa, we’re flying!” The nostalgic scene evokes thoughts of friendship, youth and innocence, and according to Bob Anderson, it depicts the feeling he gets when training with his four and a half year old border collie Canaan. “In the middle of an agility run, I’ve felt like that, felt like yelling, ‘We’re flying!’” Anderson said. “And this dog is running next to you with its tongue hang-
Canaan competes in an agility trial. Anderson and Canaan work together throughout the courses, talking through cues.
ing out and is just in heaven.” The phrase “man’s best friend” is thrown around often, but it can be rare to see a man and his dog working as a team to a shared goal. The bond that Anderson and Canaan share is the same one that gets them up at 6 a.m. every morning for training six days a week and has led them to compete in the North American Dog Agility Council competitions in Springfield, Illinois Oct. 1-4. See DOG, Page 2
Marijuana producer and processor NW Connoisseurs have begun the permitting process to move from their current facilities in Deer Harbor to Hope Lane in Eastsound. According to NW Connoisseurs Director of Operations Aarikka Tuss, the lease for their current building will be up soon, prompting the move. The I-502 permitted growing and processing business is currently set up in multiple buildings on a Deer Harbor rental property, but they plan to build one single building in the new location to house all operations. According to the conditional use permit application filed on July 31, the property is owned by Tusco Property Management, LLC and NW Connoisseurs will be the tenant under a long-term lease. “Right now since we’re in five separate buildings it’s a little bit more of an obstacle, because we’re going to and from each building,” Tuss said. “Meanwhile this is going to be everything inside one complete building, so it’s more efficient, better for being environmentally conscious.” The building will be 5,200 square
Rotary brings solar power to Haiti By Cali Bagby Journal editor
With electricity comes power. Not only the power to connect computers to the Internet, but the power to learn and communicate. In the spirit of that power, last December the Rotary Club of San Juan Island awarded the Orcas nonprofit Helping Hands Noramise $8,300 for a solar project in Haiti. “You have exceeded the club’s expectations,” said a rotary member at a recent meeting where Helping Hands Founder Rosedanie Cadet gave an update on the project. Cadet started the nonprofit in 2009 in her hometown of Limbe. She currently splits her time between Haiti and Orcas. Orcas Island’s Eric Youngren, an off-grid solar power expert, designed the Haiti solar system, which can source up to 10 computers. There are five computers currently running. His systems are used all over the world from
Mexico to Kenya to Tanzania. The solar panels were installed in March along with security cameras and a motion light sensor. When asked how protected the systems are, Cadet answered: “So far so good. The panels are still on roof.” The panels not only provide electricity but allow the Helping Hand’s center to power computers and classes. She hopes that once they have consistent Internet they can start long distance learning programs. Currently only boys are attending computer classes, but Cadet said she will continue to invite girls in the community. Youngren also developed a grid system that can provide additional electricity from the panels to five households. Cadet hopes this will be one way that solar will generate revenue for the nonprofit. When asked what her next project would be, Cadet said she will continue working with
a sewing circle where they make cloth diapers and feminine hygiene pads. There is a shop in Olympia that will stock their wares. Her other goal is to connect elders and youth in Limbe. “There is a huge gap,” she said at the rotary meeting. “In between there is a lost generation because there has been so much misery and corruption. The elders remember that there was something else but the younger people don’t.” As for Rotary, they continue to contribute some funds for maintenance of the solar system by a Haitian electrician. After more than five years of trying to build something for the community of Limbe, Cadet remains optimistic. “I am fortunate to call the San Juan Islands and Haiti my home,” she said. “They are very different and they are very much the same.” Cali Bagby has been the treasurer for HHN for the last three years.
feet without windows, and will contain a lofted office. According to Tuss, the building will have selfcontained grow rooms to doublefilter the air before exhausting. The rooms will have carbon filters that will feed into a second carbon filter system attached to the building, which will then be exhausted through the peak of the roof. “This concept will eliminate concern for odor because there is no particulate matter in our exhaust air, such as smoke, and therefore will travel away, even with an inversion,” Tuss said. “Not only will we filter our exhaust air, but, we are also filtering the incoming air from surrounding businesses. This is to ensure product quality and purity.” Tuss said that their current location at 82 Lagoon Road in Deer Harbor does not allow them to make the changes they need. The business has applied for a conditional use permit at 46 Hope Lane and hope to begin building in the fall after a hearing date on Oct. 15. Public commentary for the project ended Sept. 16, which Tuss said See POT, Page 5
Real Estate in the
San Juan Islands September 2015
Published the third Wednesday of each month by the Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands’ Sounder and Islands’ Weekly
Contributed photo
PO Box 171 Eastsound, WA 98245 360.376.2145 www.orcasislandrealty.com
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Arts & Crafts style 3 bed. home overlooking a spring fed pond w/fenced gardens on 4.8+/ac. This unique location offers southern & northern light, end-of-road privacy & a beautiful park like setting, custom craftsman details include: Viking range, clear fir trim, cabinets, paneling & fir wood floors, claw foot tub, slate & tile floors, solarium-style dining room with leaded glass windows, covered slate entry porch, 2 car garage, large studio/playroom.
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Real Estate in the San Juan Islands
See inside for August’s real estate sales, listings and statistics.