Islands' Weekly, February 02, 2016

The

INSIDE Sheriff’s Log

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3 Anne and George Willis photo

Robot Competition

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Flight Schedule

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www.islandsweekly.com 360-376-4500

County’s first baby

By Courtney Oldwyn Special to the Weekly

The arrival of baby Dailor made his parents happy. The couple’s three older “babies” – their three tiny dogs-– however, are not so thrilled.

“They’re not sure what to think other than that they’re feeling a little ignored,” said new mom Rylie Paulson who, along with her husband

Lorne, welcomed their first child Dailor Robert Paulson on Jan. 16, making him the first baby born in San Juan County this year and the winner of the Journal’s 2016 Baby Derby.

Rylie moved to Friday Harbor from Lynnwood in 2009. She met Lorne, a born and raised islander in 2014 when she was working at

FREE to ALL Community Members Youth Mental Health Training February 13th 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Lopez School Library (pre-registration is required)

Hannah Fisk, Instructor

Contact Georgeana at the Prevention Coalition

468.3770 / lopez.prevention@gmail.com

Thank you from Lauren and Jamie Stephens To all who made our remodel of the Old Fish Bay Lumber Building a success.

Thomas Fragnoli Construction-

Browne’s Home Center. He is co-owner of Askew-Paulson Construction and was often at Browne’s picking up supplies for work. They began dating in February and a year later, on Valentine’s Day of 2015, he proposed. They were married in August.

Baby Dailor’s middle name is after his maternal grandfather, Rylie’s father Robert Adams who lives in Lynwood.

Dailor is the first grandchild on Rylie’s side and is also welcomed by Rylie’s mom and stepdad Marli and Phil Brocato and Grandma Pat Rishel, all of Friday Harbor.

On the Paulson side, Dailor is welcomed by Lorne’s mom Paula Kamp of Sandpoint, Idaho, and his dad Dan Paulson and wife Ruth Flemming of Friday Harbor as well as Lorne’s many siblings from both sides of his family.

Being a new parent is “tiring, but it’s awesome,” said Rylie. “All those times people say that your life will never be the same and you sort of think, okay, okay and then

Islands’ eekly W

nine months later you realize ‘Oh, they were right!’”

“There really are no words, it’s a newfound love for sure,” said Lorne.

The family receives over $600 in local “Baby Booty” as winners of this year’s

By Mandi Johnson Weekly Editor

NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center reported discovering a new orca calf on January 19. The calf was spotted

by NOAA researchers during a survey with the J pod on January 18. Scientists are unable to identify who the calf’s mother is at this time, as it has been seen swimming around

Greene Partners Architecture and DesignNorthsound Communications- Andy Nichols Lopez Island Electric- Jeff Hein King Excavation Rendon Home Services Back to the Land Services Whidbey Sun and Wind

Good Luck to Blossom Grocery

Derby, including gift certificates from Friday Harbor Drugstore, Friday Harbor Dentistry, Harbor Rental, Island Market, Island Petroleum Services, Roche Harbor, Cecil’s Electronics, The Toy Box, Be Chic, Friday

Harbor Freight, Lopez Village Market, Kings Market, Petro San Juan, a year subscription to The Journal and $25 from Islanders Bank.

“Maybe we’ll start him a college fund with that gift certificate,” said Lorne.

New orca calf is born into J pod

Dave Laddusire, Robyn Minkler, Jay Nygaard Joe Greene & Nancy Greene

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 5 • FEBRUARY 02, 2016

two potential whales, J14 and J37.

Photos taken by the researchers were analyzed by the Center for Whale Research which confirmed this is a new calf they’ve designated as J55. The calf appeared to be only a few days old, and healthy. J55 is the sixth new calf since December 2014 for the J pod.

Unfortunately, during the same trip researchers observed J31 (Tsuchi) pushing around a deceased calf. The 20 year-old female has never successfully birthed a calf. According to NOAA, the deceased calf is one of at least 50% of calves who never make it to their first birthday.

J55 brings the Puget Sound’s orca population to 85, between the three pods.

Super Bowl Party!!

Join us Sunday Feb. 7th for our Super Bowl game Celebration!

Come join the fun and cheer on the Super Bowl Winner!!!

Football Happy Hour with drink and appetizer specials

(Additionally , the Islander restaurant will close the following day through February for painting and new carpeting. See you in March)

Contributed photo/NOAA

Community Calendar ON-GOING: Ancestry.com tutorials, available by appointment at the Lopez Island Library. Learn to use this remarkable tool available as part of your library’s digital access and discover where your family comes from.

Call 468-2265 or stop by the library to schedule your 30-minute tutorial.

MONDAYS ON-GOING: Learn a foreign language with the digital tool Pronunciator, www.pronunciator.com. Free tutorials, 4-5 p.m., in the library’s community room.

CONSULT: Monday mornings through February at LIFRC. One on one business marketing consults/coaching with Rich Rice.

Initial consult is free; then small sliding scale fee for ongoing con-

Lopez Island AA Meetings: 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 Call 468-2809

sults. Pre-registration required; visit www.lifrc.org.

TUESDAYS ON-GOING: Learn how to download eBooks! Free tutorials every Tuesday in the library’s community room, 4-5 p.m. Bring your device and log-in information (for Kindles your Amazon log-in info).

ON-GOING: Pinochle night, 7 p.m., Woodmen Hall. Pinochle lovers unite. We will refresh your memory if you can’t quite remember how to play. Want to learn? We’ll teach you how.

WEDNESDAYS STORYTIME: Wednesday Morning Story Time at the Lopez Island Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Baby and Toddler Story Time; 11 -11:30 a.m. Preschoolers Story Time. Join us each Wednesday morning for rhymes, songs and books. You’re never too young to become a fan of stories. In the Helen Anderson Children’s Room at the Lopez Island

Library.

JAN. 13- MAR. 12 EVENT: Talk Time. 6-7 pm, 8 Wednesdays, starting January 13th at Vortex. Stop by and practice your Spanish in a relaxed one-to-one atmosphere.

English speakers will provide English language support while also picking up on Spanish through informal conversation / En TalkTime se le proporcionará la oportunidad de practicar JAN. 5 - MAY 27 CLASS: Inglés para la Expresión Personal. 9:15-10:30 am, los martes y viernces; 5 de enero a 27 de mayo. Biblioteca de los martes; Grace Church los viernes. ¡Ven a aprender como expresarse mejor en el inglés cuando está en la escuela, en el supermercado, en reuniones, o con amigos! Si quiere inscribirse en las clases de inglés, o para más información, póngase en contacto con el Family Resource Center a 468-4117, o pase por la oficina.

JAN. 28 - MAR. 10 CLASS: 6 - 8:30 p.m., Lopez Library. Relationship skills class.

All are welcome! Register by calling 468-3788. (No class FEB. 10).

TUES., FEB. 2 GROUP: Parent/tot group (ages 0-3). 10:30-11:30 am, Grace

– Submitted by San Juan County

Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. at the Children’s Center Call 468-4703

Judge Susan Cook of Skagit County Superior Court has awarded Sheryl

Lopez Business Hours Lopez Islander

Southend Restaurant

BREAKFAST 10 a.m. Sat/Sun LUNCH DAILY 11:30-4:30 p.m.

DINNER DAILY 4:30-8 p.m. Sun-Thurs 4:30-9 p.m. Fri/Sat

Thursday-Saturday 11:30-8 Sunday 11:30-3:00 Beer-Wine-Great Food Delicious Baked Goods Weekend Specials, Deli To Go Items

www.lopezfun.com 468-2233

cal instruments—banjo, fiddle, guitar, banjulele. Traveling almost exclusively by foot, thumb, and public transportation (trains and boats are his favorites) his unmistakable voice, exquisitely crafted songs of travel and longing, uncommon skill on multiple instruments and engaging humor, have endeared him to audiences in small venues to Lincoln Center. On this winter night he performs in front of the fireplace at Lopez Library.

WED., FEBRUARY 10 EVENT: Social Justice. 6 p.m., at Grace Church Hall. Guest speakers will be Karen Toering & Rebecca Allen of Social Justice Fund Northwest. Join us in a vibrant and interactive community conversation on social justice. What do we mean by “social justice?” How does it apply to us on Lopez?

Refreshments and childcare provided. No charge; donations suggested. For more information, visit www.lifrc.org.

SAT., FEBRUARY 13 ART: 5 - 7 p.m. Chimera Gallery invites you to celebrate Leap Year at the opening reception for our group show, Take a Leap for Art! Show runs February 13 through March 11. Gallery hours Thursday - Saturday, 10 5; Sundays 10 - 3. 360-468-3265; www,ChimeraGallery.com.

Public Records Lawsuit against San Juan County concludes

Al-Anon:

Come in and enjoy our renowned special RR Prime Rib Thurs.-Sat.

Church Hall. Please feel free to bring older siblings – the more the merrier! We will have delicious treats and tea.

THURS., FEB. 4 CLASS: Conversational Spanish for Beginners. 5 - 6:15 p.m., six Thursdays; Grace Church Hall.

A class for those with little or no exposure to the Spanish language who want to learn basic pronunciation, cultural expressions, and conversational starters with instructors Alaya Battalia, Veronica Ramirez, and Catalina Sandoval. $40 if paid by 1/25, $45 thereafter. Preregistration required.

SAT., FEB. 6 CLASS: A Taste of Persia: Cooking Class with Parvin Baharloo.

5-7:30 pm, at Instructor’s Home.

Prepare an authentic Persian meal using fresh, local ingredients. We’ll end by gathering around the dinner table to share the feast. $40 if paid by 1/28, $45 thereafter. Pre-registration required;.

THURS. FEB 18 EVENT: Musician Andru Bemis, 7 - 8 p.m.; Lopez Island Library.

Since 2001, musician Andru Bemis shares his wanderings and music with the tools of his trade in his pack: a piano tuning kit (he tunes neglected pianos) and an assortment of battered musi-

Southend General Store Full Service Grocery Store Winter Hours 7:30 to 7:30 everyday southendgeneralstore andrestaurant.com

468-2315

Just Heavenly Fudge Factory OPEN FRIDAY and SATURDAYS 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Valentines Day Mon. Feb 14th

Albritton attorney’s fees and in doing so concluded the lawsuit against San Juan County under the Public Records Act. The court awarded the two attorneys, a Seattle lawyer and local lawyer, slightly less than $30,000 in attorney’s fees after the lawyers had asked for over $62,000 in fees.

The final court ruling will also include the amount the county previously agreed to pay in the amount of $22,501.

Albritton brought her lawsuit to follow up on requests for a code enforcement file

Find the perfect gift

Senior Day Every Friday Enjoy 15% off the entire store

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Publisher

360.376.4500 Colleen Smith Armstrong publisher@islandsweekly.com Editor

360.376.4500

Mandi Johnson mjohnson@islandsweekly.com Circulation Manager 360.376.4500

Bridget Wright bsmith@soundpublishing.com Display Advertising 360.376.4500

Cali Bagby cbagby@islandsweekly.com

Your online source…www.islandsweekly.com

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 2

Graphic Designer 360.376.4500

Shane Watson, ext.45014 swatson@soundpublishing.com

Mandi Johnson, ext. 55214 mjohnson@islandssounder.com Classified Advertising 800-388-2527 classifieds@soundpublishing.com Mailing/Street Address PO Box 758, Eastsound, WA 98245 Phone: (360) 378-5696 Fax: (888) 562-8818 Classifieds: (800) 388-2527

which she alleged should have contained records concerning a whistleblower complaint.

The county responded that the final whistleblower report was properly identified and timely released, but in auditing the file a few other pages related to the code enforcement mistakenly had not been delivered to Albritton.

To minimize the costs to citizens, the county provided every possible document and offered a judgment of $22,501 plus reasonable attorney’s fees through the date of the offer in order.

The county’s attorney, Jeffrey Myers, stated that “Although we believe the amount of fees should have been about $11,000 given how promptly we dealt with the situation. We are grate-

ful the court did not accept Albritton’s attorneys’ request for $62,000.”

Myers added that the county has a method set out in its code for bringing mistakes to the attention of the county before a final decision is made on a records case. “If people use that process in the future, they should get the records they deserve without a big windfall to a few citizens and attorneys.”

The resolution of the lawsuit allows the county to proceed with implementing improvements to its public records program including adoption of new tracking software to allow more efficient responses to public records requests. The court’s ruling came on the same day that staff was being trained in the new records software.

Copyright 2016.

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 Islands’ Weekly, PO Box 758 Eastsound, WA 98245-0758.

Annual subscription rates: In County: $30/ year, $20/6 months. Out of County: $54/ year. For convenient mail delivery, call 360376-4500.

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

Sheriff’s log Jan. 20 - 26 The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.

Jan. 20 • A deputy responded to a report of bones found on Lopez Island. The origin is not known. The investigation continues.

• A deputy in Friday Harbor received a report of an order violation. The investigation showed that a violation did not take place.

Jan. 21 • A deputy responded to a non-injury two-vehicle collision in a private parking lot on Spring Street. The deputy assisted both drivers by doing an exchange of information printout.

Jan. 22 • A deputy took a report of theft from a boat that occurred at an Orcas Island marina.

There are no known suspects at this time.

• A Lopez deputy was dispatched to a

• A Lopez Island resident reported gunshots in the area of their residence. A nearby neighbor was target shooting when contacted by a deputy. No law violation had occurred and no enforcement action was taken.

• A Lopez deputy issued a citation to a vehicle driver for “Passing in a No Passing Zone.”

• A Lopez Island man reported a possible theft. The suspect was identified and contacted by a deputy. There is no evidence of a theft having occurred.

Jan. 25 • A deputy was contacted at the Sheriff’s Office in reference to a fraud that occurred in the San Juan Island area. The victim received an e-mail from a friend asking for money for a health issue. The victim was going to send the money when she found out the friend was okay.

• An Orcas Island resident contacted the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office to report what they believed to be suspicious activity by a resident of Lopez Island.

Jan. 26 • A Lopez Deputy responded to a fire

report of a non-sufficient fund check at a local business. The check writer was contacted and agreed to pay to balance.

Jan. 23 • A Friday Harbor deputy responded to Marguerite Place in reference to a complaint of a vehicle parked on the sidewalk. It was reported that this was a daily occurrence. The deputy issued a parking violation.

• A deputy was dispatched to the Friday Harbor area in reference to a domestic dispute. All parties were contacted and interviewed. The incident was found to be verbal only. The parties agreed to separate.

Jan. 24 • A deputy was contacted at the Sheriff’s Office in reference to a theft that occurred in the Friday Harbor area. The victim said several items were removed from an unlocked storage unit.

Bones found on beach on Lopez

by Mandi Johnson Weekly Editor

Bones were discovered on a beach on Lopez Island on Wednesday, Jan. 20. According to San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs, it is unclear whether the bones belonged to a human or an animal.

A deputy was dispatched in response to the discovery.

The bones will be sent to the state anthropologist where they will be analyzed and determined as to whether they are of human origin and how old they are. Sheriff Krebs indicated that it is a possibility they are ancient Native American bones, which would require the sheriff’s office to turn them to one of the local tribes for proper handling.

SJI Fire Chief dies San Juan Island Fire Chief Steve Marler passed away on January 28. Marler was hospitalized in December and had been on medical leave for the last several weeks.

It was Chief Steve Marler’s wish that he spend his final days in Friday Harbor where he has served and loved the people of San Jan Island for so many years.

Many of volunteer firefighters, retired firefighters and staff of San Juan Island Fire and Rescue were at the Island Air hanger to welcome home their Chief at 3 p.m.

The firefighters were accompanied by EMS personnel, law enforcement personnel, friends and neighbors.

San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs had the following to say about Marler’s passing: “We at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office would like to send out our condolences to the family of Chief Steve Marler and to his extended family and co-workers at the San Juan Island Fire Department. On Jan. 28 this county lost a member of our family. Steve was a kind, gentle, giant of a

man with a huge heart and a great sense of humor. His loss will be felt by all of us for years to come.

You are gone but never forgotten Steve.

Thank you for your service.”

PLEASE

The bones were located on a part of the beach not regularly accessible, even during low tide. Last week, however, the islands saw tides decrease more than a foot below the average low tide mark. This minus tide, as it is called, exposed a larger part of the beach which is typically below water.

investigation that invovlved two vehicles, one of which was a motor home. No one was hurt.

The preliminary investigation revealed no evidence of a crime and appeared to have been started from an electrical heater.

• A deputy was dispatched to the Friday Harbor area in reference to a fraud. The victim reported that he sent a bill electronically to a client. The client contacted the victim and asked about the e-mail, changing the account for the money to be sent to.

• A deputy was dispatched to the Friday Harbor area in reference to a domestic dispute. The reporting deputy arrived and contacted the involved parties. After interviewing the parties, one person was arrested for assault in the fourth degree. The person was booked into custody.

• Deputies in Eastsound performed a traffic stop on a vehicle that accelerated out of a parking area in a negligent manner. The driver was unable to provide proof of insurance. The driver was cited for negligent driving and no current proof of liability insurance.

FIBER UPDATE Rock Island Communications has been busy installing fiber optic broadband to homes and businesses around the county. This historic undertaking will provide fast, reliable Internet up to 200Mbps+ to those who want it.

We’re currently managing hundreds of construction projects countywide. Here are some of the groups we’ve been working with to date:

RECYCLE Make OPLACO power affordable again E VOT

Dwight Lewis District 3

Read more at: www.affordableopalcopower.com Paid for by Dwight Lewis 200 Daisy Ln, Lopez Island, WA 98261

Current Group Projects: Elderberry on Orcas Island Matia View on Orcas Island Morning Light on Orcas Island Suncrest on Orcas Island Whiskey Hill on Lopez Island Cape San Juan on San Juan Island Mineral Point on San Juan Island Spring Point on Orcas Island Mineral Heights on San Juan Island The Highlands on San Juan Island Upcoming Group Projects: LCLT Tuatara Rd on Lopez Island Cayou Valley on Orcas Island Gary Oak on San Juan Island Portland Fair Area on San Juan Island Panorama Place on San Juan Island Brown Island on Brown Island Salmon Point on Lopez Island

MONTHLY FIBER MEETUPS

• Is Dad getting enough nourishment?

• Is Mom socializing enough?

• What about their health?

• Are they really safe?

You Can Get Connected Too! Learn more about organizing at rockisland.com, or attend one of our monthly meetings.

Voted Best Retirement Community in Anacortes

CAP SANTE COURT Home-cooked meals • Housekeeping • Linen Service • Activities Entertainment & more! All on one level • Staffed 24 hours a day • Studio, one & two bedroom

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MONTHLY FIBER MEETUPS Monthly Group Organizer Meeting: Learn more about organizing your group at this session.

Next Meeting: January 13, 2016 – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

This meeting will be held on Orcas Island (meetings will rotate islands every month).

Rock Island communIcatIons 208 Enchanted Forest Rd., Suite D Eastsound, WA 98245 rockisland.com

1111 32nd St., Anacortes • (360) 293-8088

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 3

What the Heck is “Social Justice?”

Do you remember a point in time when the way you and equity and fairness.

Join Social Justice Fund Northwest on Wednesday, Feb. 10 looked at something shifted? Maybe it was the Civil Rights Movement or the Vietnam War. Perhaps marriage equality. at 6 p.m. at Grace Church Hall for a highly interactive evening in which we will learn about social justice and define what that Maybe equal pay or equal rights for women. means on our island, in our commuA similar shift is taking place right now in the way we think about issues nity. As always, the event is free and of fundamental fairness in society all perspectives are welcome. Free and how to move change forward. care and refreshments will be Social Justice Fund Northwest’s vision child “Social Justice” is the concept we will provided. is of a world that is just, equitable explore in our second community This event is a part of Community conversation with Karen Toering and and environmentally sustainable for Conversations, a collective project of Rebecca Allen of Social Justice Fund several community partners includall.

Northwest (http://www.socialjusing Lopez Island Family Resource Center, Lopez Community Land ticefund.org/).

Trust, Leadership San Juan Islands Social Justice Fund Northwest’s & Transitions Lopez. Our goal is to vision is of a world that is just, equitable and environmentally sustainable for all. They value social practice coming together around issues on which we might change activism, empowerment of the voices of the disenfran- not agree, to learn more about them and engage in civil dischised, undoing systems of oppression, hope and optimism, course. Please bring questions and an open mind.

Crossword Puzzle

Across

Check out our green editions online at IslandsWeekly.com

1. Bathroom item 6. Down Under 15. High waterproof boot 16. Entwining 17. Arab leader 18. Sugar substitute 19. Ballpoint, e.g.

20. Hard to miss 22. Victorian, for one 23. Gait between walk and canter 25. Fly, e.g.

26. Fluff 28. Black igneous rock 30. Put in 32. Nitrogen compound 33. At liberty 34. Foot 38. Smarter, cleverer 40. One who distributes charity 42. "Trick" joint 43. Number one 45. Agreeing (with) 46. Riot 48. Russian writer 49. ___ bean 51. Pinocchio, at times 53. Supergarb 54. Matterhorn, e.g.

55. Sent unwanted emails 58. Back muscle, familiarly 59. Psychomotor disturbance

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 4

61. Circa 63. Set of things to help form a conclusion 64. Spoil, with "up" 65. Cousin of the flute (plural) 66. Alleviated

candy 9. Freshman, probably 10. Faze 11. "___ Maria" 12. Flax fabric 13. Dead to the world 14. City on the Down Yamuna River 21. Appropriate 1. Rearward angled 24. Building where 2. One who takes hides are tanned photos 27. Inane 3. Component of 29. "Fantasy Island" nucleic acids prop 4. "Malcolm X" 31. ___ canto director 33. Independent 5. Blows it worker 6. Bridal path 35. Inconsistent, 7. Of less wisdom irregular 8. Confectionary or 36. Cessation of

menstruation 37. Promoted military rank 39. "Chicago" lyricist 41. More, in Madrid 44. Like a snail, but worse 47. Break time 48. "___ we having fun yet?"

49. Drudge 50. Kind of nerve 52. Accumulate 54. Maple genus 56. Duck's home 57. Broad valley 60. "Much ___ About Nothing" 62. ___ constrictor Answers to today's puzzle on page 8

Lopez Island Elementary School to hold first robot competition

By Claudia Rempel

Lopez School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

I spent a Tuesday afternoon with a group of Lopez Island Elementary School students as they worked on fixing the speed at which their robot launched balls at a target. I asked one student in particular what Robotics was all about and he described it as “putting together robots, and then working on making them better.”

Ingrid Vliet, a Lopez Island School parent and music teacher began the VEX Robotics club after her daughter expressed interest in robotics. VEX IQ is a programmable robot kit used in robotics classes, which allows for flexibility in design, programming, and competition.

“Ingrid approached me about starting an after school VEX Robotics club. We were able to secure a grant from LIEF (Lopez Island Educational Foundation), and the program launched,” recalls Brian Auckland, Lopez Island School District Superintendent. Mr. Auckland emphasizes the school’s approach to extra-curricular programs: “We are very open-minded to new programs that enhance learning outside of the classroom. But they do require additional

fundraising and volunteers willing to consistently put in the time.”

After school, twice a week, students in grades 3-8 gather to explore scientific concepts through research, problem solving, collaboration, and construction.

They begin their process with a kit (parts and instructions), and construct their robot. Next, they are given various challenges and must adapt their robot to the criteria of the game. Recently, the students attended a VEX Robotics competition where they put their constructed robots to the test. The competition has several elements: a teamwork challenge; driver skills; and a programming challenge, where older students learn to program their robots to perform the obstacle course without a remote control.

“Ingrid is bringing an awareness of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) related careers and working with many skill sets found in design thinking: collaboration and problem solving, being hallmarks of today’s common core standards,” says Dave Sather, Lopez Island Middle School and High School principal.

Sather cautions against thinking

about technology in the classroom as simply drones and IPADs. He excitedly talks about the potential for Lopez Island Schools to be innovators in embedding design thinking in the elementary and secondary curriculums – focusing not only on traditional scientific areas, but encompassing the computer sciences (coding, programing), and the arts (music digital recording, graphic design) as well. Design thinking is an approach to problem solving using, tools, methods, and processes that incorporates feedback and improvement.

There remain areas of growth to achieve the needs of a fully functioning K-12 engineering focus. “We are competing against schools in Seattle and Bellevue, where technology budgets and resources are much greater than ours,” said Sather. “We need resources to improve our equipment, pay for training for teachers and staff, and give our students a chance of remaining competitive and relevant.”

VEX Robotics will host their first competition on Lopez on Saturday, Feb. 20.

Come see the amazing work these students are doing!

Contributed photo

Robot built by Lopez Island 3rd grade students

LOPEZ ISLAND

Bob Jarman to run for re-election Jarman, shown right, worked for a local telephone company and became known as the telephone man.

He helped bring universal single party dial up data, and high speed DSL to the San Juans, worked with the county commissioners, sher-

iffs department, and first responders to create 911 and E911 services, and worked with a Lopez citizen group, and councilwoman Darc Neilsen to create the first cell phone tower ordinance adopted by the county council.

“The love of the islands

and the people who make up these islands is what inspires Bob to work as a council member” his biography says.

If more than two people file for the district 1 position, a primary election will be held and the winners will face off in Novembers general election.

$595,000 TWO WATERFRONT LOTS

Two .5 AC lots on Fisherman Bay. Madrona trees, eastern views, sunsets & separate tax parcels. One has a modest, well maintained 1100 S.F. cabin. #883573

Contributed photo

Bob Jarman San Juan County Council seats for district 1 and 2 are up for election this year, and both councilman Rick Hughes, district 2, and Bob Jarman, district 1, will be running for re-election. Hughes made his candidacy public last week.

This week Jarman said, “I will be releasing a public statement soon, but it is no secret. I do intend to run for re-election”.

He has filed with the state, however filing with the county does not start until April.

According to his biography on the county council website, Jarman is originally from Palo Alto California, but has lived in San Juan County for nearly 40 years.

His wife Susan was born and raised in San Juan County, her parents built and maintained the Island Airport until they sold it to the port.

After moving to the islands,

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A contemporary home w/ open design, radiant floors & large kitchen on 5 AC w/ studio/cottage. A gently sloping path leads to 174’ of beach. #831559

(360) 468-3344 • Toll free 866-468-3344 Friendly Isle Building in the Village Website: www.wrelopez.com E-mail - wrehome@wrelopez.com • Member NWMLS

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 5

Changes to the Flight Operations Schedule Changes have been made to Field Carrier Landing Practice (FLCP) operations for aircraft stationed at NAS Whidbey Island scheduled to occur at the Outlying Field (OLF) in Coupeville, Wash., for the week of Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2016.

FCLP training at OLF

Coupeville is now scheduled in the afternoon on Tuesday, February 2 and in the afternoon of Friday, February 5.

The FCLP tempo is driven by the Fleet Replacement Squadron student training curriculum and pre-deployment carrier EA-18G Growler squadron flight qualifications.

L OPEZ ISLAND • A RBORIST •

BUSINESS COMMUNITY • CONTRACTORS •

• ROOFING •

A

It can also fluctuate due to weather, maintenance and operational requirements.

NAS Whidbey Island remains open continuously to support flight operations and training. Flight schedules for OLF Coupeville will continue to be released weekly for community planning purposes.

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• Metal • Composition • Torch Down Lic#CLASSRM92104

• Local References • Local Crews • Senior Discounts FREE ESTIMATES

• EXCAVATION

& LOGGING •

Comments, including noise complaints can be directed to NAS Whidbey Island’s comment line at (360) 257-6665, or via e-mail: comments.

NASWI@navy.mil.

Comments regarding flight operations should note the time an event occurred,

where exactly the event occurred and as much detail as possible about what was seen. We also ask that people leave their contact information for our tracking purposes. All other questions can be directed to NAS Whidbey Island Public Affairs Office at

Letters

School Levy

to the Editor

I feel that the passing of the Lopez School’s tech levy is very important for the students. Many students have barely any experience with technology, and those who do have complaints about the capabilities and state of the school’s computers. Kids are also not learning even the basics of coding for websites.

Being able to make your own website is a necessary skill, as people use sites for a wide range of reasons. Students at our school have not even been offered consistent opportunities within technology, such as filmmaking, video game design, and 3D modeling.

Lopez Island School is in desperate need for what the tech levy would provide.

Members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 88,331 closed sales during 2015, outgaining 2014 by 14.3 percent. Measured by dollars, last year’s sales

of single family homes and condominiums were valued at more than $34 billion, a 23 percent increase from 2014.

The sales activity reflects the work of 23,800 brokers

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Call Cali at the Weekly 376-4500 The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 6

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: mjohnson@islandsweekly. com.

While the students are not able to vote, I for one strongly encourage others to do so and support this levy.

Sincerely, MATTEUS RABEL, 6th grade student

Last year’s real estate market

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(360) 257-2286.

The Navy’s OLF at Coupeville is a critical national security asset that provides essential training for Navy pilots based at NAS Whidbey Island to conduct safe and effective aircraft carrier flight operations around the world.

lopez@ctkonline.com Phone: 888-421-4CTK ext. 819.

COMMUNITY CHURCH, Please join us Sun. mornings.

Adult Bible study, 9:30. Worship Service, 10:30. Nursery (birth3 yrs) and Jr. Church (4-12 yrs) provided during worship service.

Small groups meet throughout the week. 91 Lopez Rd., in the village. Pastor Jeff Smith 468-3877. www.ourlicc.org.

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!

LOPEZ QUAKER WORSHIP GROUP Please join us Sunday mornings, 10 a.m., at Sunnyfield Farm, 6363 Fisherman Bay Road. Children’s program. Everyone welcome. Phone 468-2406. Email: Lopezfriends@gmail. com.

LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE SAN JUANS (ELCA) Please join us for worship and children’s Sunday School 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 Beth Purdum, 370-0023.

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 Saturdays. Call 378-2910 for Mass times on San Juan and Orcas Islands.

across 23 counties in the member-owned Northwest MLS. Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership of nearly 2,100 member offices includes more than 25,000 real estate professionals. The organization, serves 23 counties in Washington state.

San Juan County numbers The 2015 median prices for closed sales for single family homes in San Juan County was listed as $439,500 for a total of 276 units. New listings for single family homes and condominiums decreased by 6.10 percent from 541 in 2014 to 508 in 2015.

Total active listing for 2015 for single family homes and condominiums reached 328 this year. Pending sales in San Juan County for only condominiums was listed as 18 units. New construction for 2015 closed sales for single family homes was listed for 3 units with a median price of $360, 000.

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Applicant must be skillful in creative and logical problem solving and the ability to work well with others. High school diploma or equivalent is required; must have the equivalent of at least one year of experience in administrative support. This is an Eastsound based, bargaining unit, full-time position.

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MULTI-MEDIA ADVERTISING SALES CONSULTANT Be a part of the largest community news organization in Washington!

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Orcas Island Park and Recreation District

jobs Employment Administrative

PROJECT COORDINATOR POSITION Communications, proposal writing, and project coordination.

P/T Excellent writing and communication skills.

Word, excel, quickbooks proficiency. Natural resource or agricultural experience.

Web and graphics design.

Send letter of interest and resume to linda@sjislandscd.org Application review begins February 1.

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Is seeking bids for 2016 - 2017 maintenance season for Buck Park. Services include basic maintenance, lawn care, and park oversight. A business license, sole proprietor, or LLC is required.

Necessary equipment includes mowers, weed-eaters, and hauling vehicle.

Mandatory bidder walkthrough with principals will be held on Feb 5, 2016 at 9:00 am at Buck Park to the discuss job description.

E-mail OIPRD at oiprd@oiprd.org for a bid packet and proposal form or download the bid packet from our website at www.oiprd.org.

Proposals due by 3:00 pm, Feb. 10, 2016. We will accept mailed, hand delivered or emailed proposals. We hope to award the contract on/before February 18, 2016 for work starting March 1, 2016.

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San Juan County is seeking a General Ledger Accountant (Financial Clerk IV) based in Friday Harbor.

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CA$H FOR KUBOTA or SIMILAR JAPANESE DIESEL TRACTOR 4WD with loader, any condition. Call Dan, private ca$h buyer 360-304-1199.

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General Pets

ISLAND PETS lost/ found. On Lopez call Jane 360-468-2591; Sheriff’s Office 360-3784151. Lopez Animal Protection Society, PO Box 474, Lopez, WA 98261.

On Orcas call 360-3766777. On San Juan call the Animal Shelter 360378-2158

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Another world lies under the sea – explore it in Whiteley lecture series

by ANNA V. SMITH, Special to Weekly

Called “the jewel of winter” by an attendee, the revered Arthur Whiteley Lecture Series at the Friday Harbor Labs this year is full of sharks, biomimicry and deep ocean exploration.

The series, hosted by San Juan Nature Institute, is named after Arthur H. Whiteley, a devoted professor of zoology at the University of Washington and researcher at the labs who passed away in 2013.

The lectures are open to the public and take place at 7 p.m in The Commons, at UW Friday Harbor Labs.

“He knew everyone at the university, he always kept an eye on what papers were being published and who was at the forefront of their fields,” said Fiona Norris, executive director at the institute.

Norris, a retired botanist originally from South Africa, has worked with the nature institute for 12 years, and said that the lecture series has gone on for at least a decade, attended by students, researchers and islanders.

“If they’re curious, this is the best place to exercise those curiosities,” Norris said. “We can’t all go out on those ships!”

Finding human uses in nature The series was kicked off Jan. 21 with a presentation on biomimetics by Adam

Answers to this week’s puzzles

Contributed Photo/ Timothy Dwyer/Ocean Networks Canada

A dumbo octopus traverses the abyssal plain at Cascadia Basin, an area of the Juan de Fuca plate which reaches depths of 2,600 meters.

Summers, associate director and professor at Friday Harbor Labs. Summers, who has been at the labs since he was a graduate student in 1991 discussed how his background as a natural historian and engineer led him to studies in biomimicry, a category of research that looks at how humans can imitate natural structures, processes and patterns to create new products or methods that can be beneficial to humans.

Some examples Summers gave were the superior filtration methods of manta rays in Hawaii, studying the strength and longevity of different shark teeth, and the Northern clingfish’s suction abilities, which was reported on by the Journal in the Jan. 6 edition.

“We’re all blue sky researchers looking at problems that look like they’ll never have solutions,” Summers said, referring to “blue sky research” that focuses on the curiosity behind the hypothesis, rather then research with an agenda. Summers’ research often looks at a part of an animal and asks “why? how?” and then may find applications afterwards. In the case of the manta rays, who are filter feeders that eat plankton, researchers found the manta’s natural filtration system to be superior, and tried to emulate it with a bioinspired, nonclogging filter.

In the case of the shark teeth, they created saws made out of shark teeth to recreate a shark feeding by cutting through 60 pounds of chum salmon. They found

the teeth dulled remarkably quickly, different shark species teeth were better at cutting through different prey, and that explains why they replace their teeth so often.

A world yet to be explored

The second lecture in the series, “Modern Voyages of Exploration” takes the audience deep diving with remote operated vehicles to witness a world that’s barely been explored.

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, just 5 percent of the world’s oceans have been explored.

Spring Street International math and science teacher Tim Dwyer will share his experience as a 2015 Science Communication Fellow aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus, with Titanic discoverer Richard Ballard.

At the core of his lecture is Ocean Networks Canada, which operates cabled observatories, or oceanographic research platforms that rest on the seafloor. The cables are a continuous data collector reading oxygen levels, salinity, facilitating forensic studies, and audio research and more.

They pull in 170 gigabytes of data per day from the 850 kilometers of cables off the coast of Vancouver, in Saanich Inlet and the Strait of Georgia.

Using the cables instead of ships allows for larger quantities of data, is ultimately cheaper then running a research ship, and lowers human risk. The new tech-

The Islands’ Weekly • www.islandsweekly.com • February 2, 2016 – Page 8

nology, Dwyer says, allows for a whole new frontier in exploring the ocean.

“We live in an extraordinarily diverse marine and geologic part of the world,” Dwyer said. “There’s a lot we don’t see all around us. It’s a really fascinating time to get into oceanography.”

Dwyer will be speaking Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.

Protecting coastlines without armoring

Megan Dethier is the third lecturer, a research professor in the biology department at the University of Washington and full-time resident at the Friday Harbor Labs.

For the last six years, Dethier has been doing research around the Puget Sound to answer this question: What are the ecological and geological ramifications of taking down or putting up shoreline armoring?

Dethier’s talk, “Armoring on shorelines: Documented impacts and implications for future actions” focuses on the practice of armoring, a technique that uses physical structures like bulkheads, seawalls and cement to hold erosion at bay.

While the immediate result is stabilized shorelines and houses safe from erosion, unintended consequences include changes in sediment deposition, reduction in the quality of marine habitat and disruption of natural cycles.

Dethier said armoring isn’t all bad or all good, but rather about finding a balance and looking at other options like “green shorelines” that use vegetation and organic com-

position to stabilize shorelines.

According to Dethier, armoring is not often used on the San Juan Islands because the solid bedrock gives enough strength against erosion. But, Dethier, said, it’s important for people to know the impacts armoring can have in case they are thinking about installing it, or looking to remove preexisting armoring.

Because her research involved requesting permission from landowners to look at armoring on their private property, Dethier said she experienced a wide range of reactions, from welcoming them with coffee and cookies to an armed landowner who demanded they leave immediately.

“It’s a hard topic to talk about because it’s so political,” Dethier said. “But it’s a science project so that’s what I’m going to focus on, and being objective about it.”

Dethier’s talk will be the on Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.

Stories of sharks

By the time Helfman was 13, he had read almost every book ever published about sharks.

“I never grew out of that fascination,” he said.

Helfman is a Lopez Island resident and the author of “Sharks: The Animal Answer Guide.” On March 30, 7 p.m. he will present 25 things you did not know about sharks at 7 p.m. in The Commons.

Helfman hopes his talk will help people have a greater appreciation for the diversity of species and behaviors of the 500-plus shark species, and not just the half dozen that most people are aware of.

“Sharks are amazing animals -- they give birth to live young, some are warmblooded, some frequent fresh water, some live to over 100 years, and much more.

Many are endangered,” said Helfman. “They deserve more than fear.”

After his boyhood love for the fish, Helfman landed a dream destination of The Republic of Palau when he applied for the U.S. Peace Corps. Palau, also called “the underwater Serengeti” offered a wealth of marine study including leopard, white tip reef and grey reef sharks. Later he studied sharks off the coast of California. For his doctorate he took on fresh water fish as his topic of research always

devoting time to lecture of sharks specifically.

Through his years of lecturing he honed his skills as a public speaker byfocusing on the audience.

“Every audience deserves to be treated as if it’s the most important group you’ve ever spoken to. If folks are willing to give up an evening to listen to me, they deserve to be both enlightened and entertained,” he said.

When he retired he finally sat down to write a book about his favorite sea creature.

He started writing with a small audience in mind – boys ages nine to 15 but as he came closer to finishing the project he found that boys, girls and adults at any age were also interested in sharks.

His favorite shark is the endangered basking shark because they are gentle giants and little is known about their habits including their reproductive biology, how long they live and where they go most of the year.

The shark’s decline started in the 1990s because high numbers were getting caught in fishing nets and the Canadian government authorized ramming to keep them from being a nuisance.

“They’re endangered because we’ve mistreated them for no reason other than they were a nuisance,” said Helfman. “They’re no longer hunted but are very slow to recover, which is common among sharks. I’d love to see one in the wild (none have ever been kept in captivity).”

To read more about the basking shark, visit ww.sanjuanjournal.com and search “shark.”

– Journal Editor Cali Bagby contributed to this article.