Sounder letters to the editor

Library – I’m concerned about fire hall purchase

The following letter to the people of Orcas was submitted to the Islands’ Sounder for publication.

I must say first of all that I am certain that I do not have enough information to make a truly informed decision concerning the (Orcas Island Public) library’s purchase of the old (Eastsound) fire hall. Yet even with limited information I find myself concerned. Certainly classes for extended learning are a wonderful opportunity, yet it does seem like we’ve been building meeting rooms in every new community building that has recently been constructed, and don’t we really have enough yet to go around? And, as usual, aren’t we talking about spending more tax dollars?

Our practically brand new library’s proposed acquisition apparently does not address the current book shelving space problem, and will not deter the library from its desire for future expansion of the present library building. This fact was expressed in the letter that went out to us all. The essential book space problem therefore will not be solved and, for my money, that would have to be my first priority.

I am unclear as to why the extended learning center, or future junior college as it may become, is the primary responsibility of the library. This matter may just need to be explained more clearly to those of us who wonder how the various schools, community buildings and the library function together or separately, and why the library assumes primary financial responsibility for an expanded learning center. I am not necessarily opposed to this library expansion role, but I do need more information.

I also feel some sympathy for the plight of Rose’s Bakery, as written up in the newspaper this week. I understand they were anxious to acquire the old fire hall and feel they were not given a fair chance to bid on the property. Why shouldn’t they be given an equal opportunity to bid on the old fire hall? Is there some protocol that gives the library and fire department a special right to an inside deal, or is it in fact unfair and should we examine this kind of negotiation?

By the by, it seems too bad that we allowed Benson Hall to float off when it was historically a “learning center” for so many support groups on “this” island. It is now in the middle of Lopez Village.

Finally, I would like to revisit the excellently thoughtful letter written by builders Jim Eckberg and Tim Forbes last year with regard to better architectural design and use of the present library building “before” further library plans and moneys are committed to either acquisition of old buildings or construction of new buildings.

Lesley Ann Liddle, Eastsound

Yes! For lifelong learning programs

I consider the Orcas (Island Public) Library lifelong learning programs to be the most exciting and rewarding project on the entire island. Lately, the pointed and eloquent discussions (literature classes) have brought a positive sense of renewal, particularly important during these unsettling times. Regarding the purchase of the fire hall for lifelong learning, Yes! Yes! And I will help in any way I can.

Rosalie Chantiny, Eastsound

Fire hall will meet growing needs

The following letter to the Orcas Island Public Library Board was submitted to the Islands’ Sounder for publication.

Thank you for the brochure detailing the opportunity to purchase the fire hall. The information was convincing. My initial reaction was, “what for?” My final response was to write a check to contribute to the fund. I hope that many other people will do the same. I am now excited about the possibilities that additional space will provide for programs in the future.

The library, as it stands now, is an excellent resource to the community.

I depend on the quiet, comfortable, well-lit study space and the expert help of the library staff as I make my way through a graduate program via distance learning. The lifelong learning programs, children’s programs and willingness on the part of the library staff to collaborate with the state universities, community colleges and organizations like the Small Business Administration all bring vital opportunities to my family and community.

I am happy for the vision and the planning that will allow the library and its supporters to continue to meet the growing education and information needs of this community.

I support both the expansion of the existing library building and the purchase of the additional building. I see a clear need for both and hope that all who value this incredible resource will contribute.

Kathyrn Kier, Eastsound

Roses Bakery is a better fit for the fire hall

I was prepared to write a check in support of the library’s purchase of the old fire hall until I read John and Joni Trumbull’s letter in the March 13 Sounder. What the Trumbulls said made sense. Commercial space is

every bit as important as public agency space downtown, and commercial space is limited . Classroom space abounds; its a matter of sharing what already exists.

I think a Roses Bakery in the old fire hall would do far more toward enhancing downtown, and would in the long run serve the community’s interest better than would classrooms in that location. Roses provides services, quality products and employment opportunities. We are lucky on Orcas to have such a fine business. Public and non-profit agencies such as schools, libraries, senior centers and day care are important, but make up only a part of a viable town. We need businesses too! I urge the library board and the fire commissioners to rethink their position. Give Roses Bakery a chance.

Polly Pratt, Orcas

Solid waste – Nielsen, Evans did disservice to the people

This open letter to Darcie Nielsen was submitted as a letter to the editor.

Your decision to deny public hearings for the garbage issue left me with a very bad taste in my mouth for the following reasons:

I became interested in this issue in August last year. I read everything that was issued by the Solid Waste Department in order to find any financial analysis justifying the change to a co-mingling system. I found that no such analysis was ever presented by Solid Waste other than to point out the obvious: inter-island transportation of recyclable material from San Juan and Orcas to Lopez could be abolished. (That savings would also be achieved with the Bale & Haul proposal.)

My background as CEO and chairman for a data processing company in Sweden and also as long-time treasurer for the National Swedish Data Processing Industry has helped me over the years to become a quite skeptical person to proposals presented with sloppy financial analyses or budgets. In my opinion the basis for your decision to accept Waste Management’s contract was not based on solid financial analysis. Actually, quite the opposite; you made the decision totally without such supporting material and also against your own auditor’s recommendation. The latter disturbs me more than anything else. Here you and Mr. Evans have an auditor who also happens to be a CPA, and you turn down his recommendation to analyze first, sign later.

I am not a believer in criticism unless it is constructive; therefore I, together with others, put forward a proposal in November of last year where we proposed installing balers on San Juan Island and Orcas. Shortly thereafter, I received an e-mail response from you accusing me of being “mean spirited” and claiming that all of our numbers were way off. When I asked you to apologize in an e-mail (since you have never talked to me), you flatly refused.

Ms. Nielsen, I don’t know what is going on with you, but I suggest you have a serious talk to someone older than you whom you trust who can give you advice on how to improve your ability to communicate on the same level as the people who approach you.

You have accused all Lopezians of being only interested in Lopez. The proposal we issued suggested that we learn from Lopez’ experience and make the San Juan and Orcas transfer stations as effective and efficient as the Lopez transfer station. How one can interpret the proposal the way you do is intellectually incomprehensible.

At the BOCC meeting we presented a petition signed by over 1,000 people requesting a public hearing. You and Mr. Evans ignored all those people’s wishes. You claim, and I quote, that “government by petition and initiative is not representative government.”

The foundation for a democracy is participation by citizens. That can take many forms. You can lobby, you can work through your party, etc. All legal ways to communicate different views to elected officials must be supported and welcomed by the elected officials. Unless, of course, the elected officials think they understand all issues better than their constituents.

By denying a public hearing you cause me to think that there may be something else going on here that we don’t know about. By denying a public hearing you have also attempted to make sure that this whole affair be kept secret and that no comparative financial analysis between the two systems be done.

My conclusion, Ms. Nielsen, is that by accepting the contract with Waste Management over the objection of our auditor who only wants to make sure that he can support the agreement based on hard solid financial data, you did a disservice to the county. Why did you accept the Waste Management contract when you knew that there had been no analysis whatsoever done and that you, as a consequence, might jeopardize the economic future of the county?

Ake Stroede, Lopez

Asthma – Smoking in public causes hurt

Well, here I am, recovering from yet another Asthma attack triggered by second hand smoke. I can’t tell you who was responsible for this one; some very thoughtless person threw down a smoldering cigarette outside the post office in Eastsound, and it got me. A friend of mine saw me covering my face with my hands in a vain attempt to filter the smoke, and she asked me what was wrong. I told her I was attempting to avoid an attack. I had one anyway. And what some people may not realize is that just because I stopped coughing my lungs out and can breathe again does not mean the attack is over. It takes several hours to completely recover.

When I wrote you my last letter on this subject, you asked me how people would react if I ask them to please not smoke around me in public. I’ll tell you about the last time, which was March 9 at the Burlington Costco. I was loading my stuff in my car when I smelled the deadly second hand smoke. (Yes, deadly, as people do die from Asthma attacks.) Since I was loading my car and the couple were just standing outside of their car talking, I politely asked them to please move, since they were triggering my Asthma. The man screamed,”Bulls—t!” at me and began to blow his smoke directly at me. I got out of there as quickly as I could, but I did have an attack.

All I’m asking for is the chance to enjoy a life that includes going out to run errands, see a show, etc., without endangering my life. Smoking in public causes far more pain then most people realize. I don’t want to become one of the 400,000+ tobacco related deaths that occur annually.

Deb Logan, Eastsound

Montessori – Thanks for making auction a success

On behalf of the Orcas Montessori School, I would like to thank all of those who attended our St. Patrick’s Day auction and all who helped make it a success. Special thanks go to Bruce and Christina Orchid and their staff for volunteering their time and providing wonderful food and atmosphere. And the incomparable Mark Padbury, our MC/auctioneer, was again incomparable. And thank you to all the donors who contributed so many beautiful and useful auction items. Your generosity was key to our event’s success. Please mark your calendars for St. Patrick’s Day weekend 2003!

Tammy Pollard, Auction Committee Chair, Orcas Montessori School

School – Salmonberry is for pre-K through grade two

The Salmonberry School community is excited to announce our upcoming expansion. We are now offering open enrollment for children pre-K through second grade for both our summer and fall programs. Spaces are limited (14 for summer session and 12 in the fall.) This is the first step towards our eventual goal of offering an elementary program through grade six.

Since fall 2001 we have offered a pre-school program in our building on North Beach Road. Our academic program includes all traditional areas of study plus nature studies, gardening and cooking. The staff consists of two fully licensed elementary school teachers. In addition, we include weekly specialist instructors in music, art, gymnastics and Spanish language. Our summer program will include lots of time outside as we develop our organic garden, sell our produce at the Orcas Farmers Market and take several field trips throughout the islands.

At Salmonberry, our setting is cozy, intimate and familial. We believe in developing and encouraging the natural creativity and curiosity within every child. The environment is rich in language, the arts, literature, science and craft. Curriculum includes participation in nature’s rhythms as well as stewardship and partnership with the natural environment.

We are working hard to raise scholarship funds and are happy to discuss tuition options with anyone. We invite interested parents to call or stop by to find out more.

The Salmonberry School Board, Lydia Miller, Moana Kutsche, Tammy Pollard, Suzanne McFarland Price and Barbara Hagen

Abuse prevention – Help our island parents

Children depend on those who care for them to provide for their health, safety and emotional well-being. When parents and other care-givers are not able to meet this responsibility, the consequences to children and society are often tragic.

Last year in Washington State, Child Protective Services received over 77,000 referrals alleging child abuse or neglect.

Abused and neglected children often carry the burden of their experiences into adulthood in the form of substance abuse, depression, physical disabilities, learning difficulties, criminal activity and the continued cycle of abuse. This cost to the lives of children also means increasing costs of care systems such as child welfare, education, health care, and juvenile justice. Clearly, when a child suffers, our community suffers.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is time to reflect on what we are doing as a community to support children and families. Children don’t come with instructions, and too many parents face raising their children without the support they need. We all have opportunities to reach out to parents in our families, neighborhoods or places of employment.

The Family Resource Center on Orcas has a Birth to Four program that includes: 1) Welcome Home Baby, a home visit from our family advocate who brings greetings and gifts to welcome the new baby to the community; 2) Family Support Program, where our family advocate, Keri Rose, works closely with the public health nurse in making at least four home visits during the first four weeks postpartum for general outreach, problem solving and support; 3) Drop-in hours at Family Resource Center for problem solving, personal support, and resource and referral service; 4) Crisis Respite Care at the Infant Toddler Center, Children’s House preschool and Kaleidoscope day-care; 5. Parent/ Toddler group with Cathy Ciskowski once a week in eight week modules.

This April, let’s make sure all parents know that their hard work is valued. Think of what it will mean for the future of children and of our community. Let’s make sure the parents have the resources and support they need also. Call the Family Resource Center for more information, or drop in Mondays 1-3 p.m. or Tuesdays 9-11 a.m.

Deborah Sparks LMHC, Family Resource Center, Orcas Island

Easter Bunny – Thanks for providing it lodging

Although the arrival of spring seemed questionable until a day or two

ago, the anticipated appearance of its harbinger, the Easter Bunny, was

being reassuringly confirmed.

Anyone passing Fowler’s Corner at night has been able to see that this

most welcome visitor is about to pop up here on Orcas, right on time.

We want to thank Don Tompkins for providing temporary lodging for

this famous and popular guest.

Jean Henigson, Eastsound

Summer of ‘62 – We were all naive back then

That you published your Patterson-Johanssen memoir makes me suspect you suspect plenty of us around here find your wistful naivete familiar, Ted. Somehow that epoch’s ethos seems an undercurrent in the convergent flow that landed some of us here.

I can relive leaning transfixed into the transistor. My Dad, big brother Ward & I sweated along with the fighters and the crowd. Even in our summer uniforms of jeans, t-shirts, black hi-top tennis shoes and crewcuts (winter wear was flannel plaid on top, black bear-greased loggers on bottom) — even on the edge of the backwater South Sound woods — that summer we were full players in world ringsider excitement. Dad’s after shave was our boys’ scent too. Now that was male bonding.

What is it so evocative about that summer of 62?

The last white-guy heavyweight fight?

The last fair breath of innocence on the cusp of the breach of Camelot?

You must have been contemplating the Philippines, or at least open far horizons wherever they might send you.

The fight runs thru “My Life As a Dog,” the Swedish lost-innocence cult film set that summer. On the off-chance you haven’t seen it, Gary has it, I’m sure. (Gary Bauder of Cinema Paradiso)

Sixty-Two was a long hot Northwest summer. The first Daylight Savings Time? If I recall correctly. The fight makes a cameo in “Stand By Me,” the NW boyhood coming-of-age epic also set that summer, I believe, down in the lower Gorge, maybe Cowlitz or Wahkiakum counties. The sky, the forest green, the small towns of woodframe homes, the wet gullies — essential NW. Those boys are three years older than I, but I ran with their shadows, and can still name their Olympia counterparts, and savor the dun taste of a dust that so rarely blew then.

Tim White, Orcas

Letters policy

The Sounder has the right to accept or reject any letter. All letters considered to be libelous, obscene, threatening or in poor taste will be rejected.

Deadlines for letters to the editor are 5 p.m. Friday. Space considerations are such that we cannot guarantee that all letters will be published the week they are submitted.

Preference will be given to those letters that are timely, deal with local issues, and are limited to 300 words or less. The Sounder also will give preference to those submitting no more than one letter per person per month.

Mail your letters to The Sounder, P.O. Box 758, North Beach Road, Eastsound, WA 98245. Fax your letters to The Sounder at (360) 376-4501, or send by email.

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