The Tome Of Lummi Island
Volume XLV No. 6
June 2010
LICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICA LICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICALICA
Community Association Meeting – Wednesday, June23, 2010
Potluck Dinner – – – 6:30 PM
Program and Business Meeting – – – 7:15 PM
Program: Archeologist Alfred Reid
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C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S________
Saturday Market – Islander North end ………………………………… Every Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM
Elderberries – Fun & Games for Seniors– Church ………………………….. Every Wednesday 10 AM to 3 PM
Island Church & Sunday School – 758-2060………………………………. Every Sunday 10:30 AM
Food Pantry (Parish Nurses) –Church ………………………………… 1st & 3rd Thursday 11 AM to 1 PM
Island Chapel – Grange Hall ……………………………………………………… Every Sunday 9:30 AM
AA Meeting – Church basement …………………….………………… Every Monday 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Big Trees of the Otto Preserve – with Island arborist Sean Tait ………. June 19 Saturday 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Job Shop Open House – Island Library…How to Find a Job………..… June 22 Tuesday 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Boys & Girls Club Board Meeting – at the Club …………………………….. June 22 Tuesday 6:30 PM
LICA POTLUCK DINNER MEETING —Grange Hall ..…………… June 23 Wednesday 6:30 / 7:15 PM
Nearshore Project Volunteer Work Party Ferry Dock ………………… June 24 Thursday 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Fire Department Open House – Fire Hall ……………………………. June 27 Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM
FOIL Photo Forum – Library ………………………………………….. June 27 Sunday 1:00 PM
Recycle Pickup – Your House ……………………………………………. June 28 Monday morning
Phone Book Deadline for Corrections …(Call 2414) …………………. June 30 Wednesday 5:00 PM
Ferry Fueling Day (Alternate Thursdays ………………………………. July 1 Thursday 12:30 to 1:20 PM
Piano Concert – Cindy Minkler – Church ……….$12 adults ………. July 2 Friday 7:00 PM
Pancake Breakfast at the Grange for the Community ………………… July 3 Saturday 8:00 to 11:00 AM
Artists, Authors & Crafters Show & Sale – Taft & Blizard Roads …. July 3 Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM
Annual Used Book Sale – Island Library ……………………………. July 4 Sunday 10 AM to 2 PM
Lummi Island Players Society – Library …………………….………… July 4 Sunday 2:30 PM
Lummi Island Conservancy Board – Library …………………………………. July 4 Sunday 7:30 PM
Ferry to Dry Dock …Begins after July 4 weekend – . Details later by Brown Betty and posters
Nature Explorers with B&G Club & LIHT at Otto Preserve, .July 7 to August 25 Wednesdays 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Grange Meeting ………………Social at 6:30 PM……………….……. July 7 Wednesday 7:00 PM
Rummage Donations to Church ……………………………………….. July 9 Friday 8 AM to 5 PM
Rummage Sale – Congregational Church …………………………… July 10 Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM
Rummage Sale – Congregational Church ……………………………. July 11 Sunday 1 PM to 4 PM
Recycle Pickup — Your house ………………………………………. July 12 Monday morning
Friends of Island Library ……………………………………………… July 12 Monday 7:30 PM
Civic Club cancelled until September
Fire Commissioners Meeting — Fire Hall—Open to Public ……..…… July 13 Tuesday 7:00 PM
LICA Board of Directors — Library ………………………………….. July 14 Wednesday 7:30 PM
Ferry Fueling Day (Alternate Thursdays at Gooseberry Point) …………. July 15 Thursday 12:30 to 1:20 PM
The Tome Deadline ……………………………………………………………… July 16 Friday 11:00 PM
Heritage Trust Membership Appreciation Picnic & Chili Cook Off ….. July 17 Saturday Noon
Boys & Girls Club Pirate Auction and Dinner – Grange Hall ………… July 24 Saturday TBA
FOIL Book Reading – Jim Lynch – Grange Hall – Wine and Nibbles … July 29 Thursday 6:30-8:30 PM
TENTATIVE Dry Dock Dates – Subject to Change …………………. Sept 8 to Sept 29 Details later
Post Office Hours Mon-Fri 7:45 AM to 3:15 PM; Sat 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Boxes 24 hours) 758-2320
Library hours Tuesday & Thursday 2:30 to 8:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 758-7145
Grange Hall Rent contact: Leslie Dempsey – Cell 206-818-9500
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ARCHEOLOGY OF OUR ISLAND – – ed
Our guest at next Wednesday’s (June 23) Potluck Dinner Meeting will be Archeologist Alfred Reid of Bellingham talking about the archeology of Lummi Island and surrounding islands. Mr. Reid teaches at Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. This is our last Potluck Dinner meeting until September.
Door prizes will be $5 for some Lummi Islander in the Hall and $100 for a Tome subscriber if s/he is in the Hall at the time of the drawing. Last month Al Marshall – for the second consecutive month – deposited his $5 into the LICA Scholarship Fund, but David and Molly Harmoney didn’t walk across the road to pick up their $95.
Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a person to use the Internet
and he won’t bother you for weeks.
|
ISLAND RAINFALL |
may |
Last year |
||
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Westshore Farm Hayfield |
3.75” |
3.60” |
(Sheila & Al Marshall) |
|
|
North Tuttle Lane |
3.03” |
3.48” |
(Nancy Simmerman) |
|
|
South Tuttle Lane |
3.30” e |
3.45” e |
(Wynne Lee) |
|
|
South Nugent |
3.81” |
3.35” |
(Jerry Brown) |
|
|
Scenic Estates |
5.00” |
3.37” |
(Darlene Stoffer) |
|
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN — Plans for Building Permits. unCommon Sense Design/Luther Allen 758-2019
WEBSITE DESIGN AND COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, Nancy Swanson, Ph.D. 758-4277
HOUSE CLEANING, $17.50 per hr, 758-4290, Betsy Johnson
PRISTINE BALDWIN SPINET PIANO FOR SALE Lovely stool & metronome $900
Call Liz Day at 927-2498 or 393-9072
WANTED: RIDING MOWER FOR LIGHT DUTY, AND CHEAP. Call Mike Skehan 7333
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS, Bridal Bouquets etc. brujabotanicals.com 758-4277
ERIK’S LANDSCAPING Professional pruning, installation, renovation and maintenance. 758-7105
ALUMINUM CAN-RECYCLING by the Grange. Bins located in Grange parking lot. Thank you.
$10 MONEY TEN MONEY $10 – – ed
No one claimed the $10 Certificate hidden in one copy of The Tome last month. It probably went to another person who scoffed at the measly $6 Tome subscription fee and hasn’t a clue about the ferry problem because they don’t get Brown Betty service. Each month we hide a Certificate redeemable for $10 cash in one copy of the Tome. Only Tome subscribers on Lummi Island are eligible for this cash bonanza.
HERE’S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT LIVING ON A SMALL ISLAND – – ed
My friends include those in the far extremes of the Island as much as in my own neighborhood. What do you like about living on a small Island?
ARTISTS, AUTHORS & CRAFTERS – – ed
Jewelry, unique glass, leather. chocolatier, Islandscapes, baskets, books, fine wood & more. All this at the Artists, Authors & Crafters Show and Sale at Taft & Blizard Roads in Isle Aire. Saturday, July 3 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Call Bob Auld for more information – 4117.
Pancake Breakfast Saturday July 3 – – Pat Moye, Event Chairman
The Grange will be having their annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday July 3rd, so mark your calendars and come join us for a great kickoff to the 4th of July celebrations. It’s $6 for adults and $3 for children under 11 with a nonstop menu of blueberry or plain pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, juice, milk or coffee served from 8 AM to 11 AM.
Students interested in serving at the Pancake Breakfast please have your parents call Pat Moye at 510-7392 to get a sign up sheet.
Round up those holiday guests, leave the cooking to us, and join the fun on July 3rd for this wonderful Island tradition.
Purses have no luggage racks.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE PLUS – – Jon Fincke
The Annual Sale this year will take place at the church on Legoe Bay Road on July 10 and 11. Come on Saturday July10 at 9 AM to get the best selection; we will be open until 4 PM. On Sunday we will be open from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Not only will we have rummage but we will also have must-see entertainment, music, and food for sale. Come and enjoy this traditional Island event and pick up some great bargains. Rummage donations for the sale may be dropped off at the church on Friday July 9 from 8 AM until 5 PM. For other times or pick up if you are unable to deliver on Friday please call Betsy Fincke at 758-3750 until June16; after June 16 call David Thorn at 758-2559.
Shrouds have no pockets.
MARINE MAMMALS ON THE BEACH – – Victoria Souze
On June 2nd, the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN) removed a Stellar Sea Lion from the rocks in front of the clubhouse at Scenic Estates. This young male will be necropsied to determine the cause of death. There are several of us who belong to this network on our Island. We also are approaching our busy time: harbor seal pupping season. Harbor seal pups are often found alone on the beach. This is normal. Mom’s are shy and unlikely to rejoin the pup if there is activity nearby. Their best chance for survival is to be left alone and on the beach. If the animal is entangled in nets, fishing gear, or obviously injured, then they are stranded. Animals harassed by people or dogs should be reported to enforcement authorities. The marine mammal stranding hotline is 1-800-853-1964. (NOAA) They will contact one of us and we will respond. WMMSN welcomes new volunteers!
“There is the greatest practical benefit in making a few failures early in life.” – Thomas Huxley
BEACH SCHOOL – – Judy Thomas, School Manager
Thank you to all our Beach friends and families. You volunteered thousands of hours this year. Yes, we do have a wonderful staff with exceptional teaching talents but we need you to complete so many events and projects. You were there for: Halloween, clam digging, stone soup, Veteran’s Day, field trips, cooking, bike rodeo, reading with students, school clean-up, garden projects, and so much more. It does take an Island to provide the incredible educational experience children have at Beach. Kudos to all.
School starts again in the fall on September 8, 2010. The office will be open as of August 30. Judy will be available all summer. Call anytime.
“Fame is proof that people are gullible.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE (WEC) UPDATE – – Wanda Cucinotta
Please join our Thursday Evening Volunteer Work Party to help maintain our Nearshore Project! From 7 PM to 8:30 PM, June 24. Want to do some fun volunteer work in the cool of the evening? Come help us remove noxious weeds, mulch and tend to plants along the ferry terminal! Meet at Ferry landing. We are currently seeking grants to continue our work along the ferry landing and shoreline to the North.
Water sample volunteer needed to assist with monthly water quality sampling. Don’t forget to check out MRC’s clam tent pilot project located just north of the ferry terminal on public tidelands, and at the end of Blizard Road on public tidelands. Please notify us if one of the tents needs attention. Contact Milissa Roberts at
mroberts@co.whatcom.wa.us for information.
DID YOU KNOW THAT: Contaminated runoff from our roads and urban areas is the number one water pollution problem in the state. Between 6 and 8 million gallons of oil and grease are washed into the Puget Sound every year (equivalent to one Exxon Valdez spill every two years). 45-65% of all stormwater pollution is due to petroleum products. Project Lead: Wanda Cucinotta at forestflor@aol.com, Ph: 360-220-3077, Blog: http://liwec.wordpress.com/
“We judge ourselves by what we are capable of doing, while others judge us
by what we have already done.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
REEFNET SEASON 2010 – – Jerry Anderson
Reefnets were not allowed a sockeye salmon fishing season in 2009. The run was too small to allow any sockeye to be retained by the fishermen. Scientists held a conference in Namaino this week with attendees from all over the U.S. and Canada to try to figure out what happened to the sockeye. Why were there so few sockeye in 2009, when a big run had been predicted? There was a very large pink salmon run in 2009. The reefnet gears caught 97,000 pink salmon. There will not be any pink salmon in 2010. Pinks only come on odd numbered years. The biologists do not expect the sockeye run to fail in 2010. Early guesses are that the 11 reefnet gears (8 are located at Legoe Bay) should catch over 20,000 sockeye. The regular fishing season is expected to begin sometime after August 10. Andy Yurovchak’s row one gear will start counting sockeye for the Salmon Commission six days a week beginning July 20. There will also be two or three gears fishing for the Salmon Commission some days shortly after July 20. Reefnet salmon fishing is an important part of Lummi Island history. If you would like to learn more about reefnet fishing in Legoe Bay go to www.washingtonruralheritage.org/lummi
Misery loves company, but company does not reciprocate.
YOUR LIBRARY – CONNECTING LEARNING TO LIFE – – Joan Keiper
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 2:30 – 8:30 Saturday 10:00 – 4:00
Events for Kids
Preschool Storytime – A half-hour of stories and more for 3 – 7-year-olds. Saturdays, 11:30 AM.
Summer Reading – Summertime means Summer Reading at the Island Library! This summer, join Make a Splash – Read and make your summer more fun with reading. Sign-up anytime. Get prizes up to once a week for showing progress on your Summer Reading. See how many books you can read during the summer.
Beachwalk – Experience the mysteries of the low tide. Meet at the Island Library. Wear appropriate clothing. For kids of all ages. Saturday, July 10, 10:00 AM.
Events for Teens
Join the Whatcom County Library Teens on Facebook. Post your online reviews of books and websites and be entered to win prizes in our weekly drawing!
Many thanks to the Beach Store for providing pizzas for Teen Night at the library.
Events for Adults
“Job Shop” – open house at Island Library on Tuesday, June 22, 6:30-8:30. Find out what the library has to offer! Local job help info, Internet access and resume software, small business info, books and job resources.
Hot Picks – Just in time for summer reading – a new collection of popular titles on display. Look for the Hot Picks label and get your summer reading started in style Let us know what you’re reading via a STAR (Summer Time Adult Reading) book review! For more info, check with the library staff.
FOIL Photo Forum – For all Island shutterbugs. Meet at the Island Library to plan the photo outing. Enter your photos in the next photo contest. Next meeting is June 27 at 1:00 PM.
Lummi Island Players – Reader’s Choice. Bring something to read to the group – favorite author, commentary, poem, etc. Next meeting is Sunday, July 4 at 2:30. LI Players is open to all that enjoy reading aloud.
Used Book Sale – Book sale will open Sunday July 4 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Drop your donations at the Noble barn, which will be open on the same days and times as the library. Your book donations and purchases make a big contribution to the programs and services that FOIL can provide. Monies earned are used to maintain the library building and grounds.
Jim Lynch is coming to the Island on his sailing book tour to do a fundraiser for our library! He will talk about writing and will read from his books: “The Highest Tide” and “Border Songs” (which he finished while staying here on the Island). Jim has been chosen as this year’s “Whatcom Reads” author and his topical, local stories of the tidal world and the craziness of the border have a wide appeal. FOIL will host the event at the Grange on Thurs. July 29, from 6:30-8:30. Wine and Nibbles will be served. Tickets for $15 will be available at the beginning of July.
It’s strange how much you need to know before you know how little you know.
GRANGE NEWS – – Louise Kolstad, Secretary
Grange member volunteers are wrapping up this year’s service at the Beach School. Jon Fincke and Joanie Roteman organized volunteers this year.
The Grange collects aluminum cans at the recycle bin at the right of the Grange building under the trees. Your donation of aluminum cans is used to fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for all children on the Island from birth to age 5.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Pancake Breakfast at the Grange on Saturday, July 3 from 8 to 11 AM. If you would like to volunteer, call Beverly Busch at 758.2926.
Grange members enjoyed the Cowboy BBQ on June 5. Rose Ann and Leslie and their crew served a steak dinner and grilled portabella mushrooms and pasta. The dinner was followed with line dancing on the deck.
If you would like to attend the next Grange meeting, come to the Grange Hall July 7 at 6:30 PM for a social time followed by the meeting from 7 – 8 PM.
Officers for this year are Leslie Dempsey, President; Mel Kolstad, Vice President; Pat Moye, Treasurer; and Louise Kolstad, Secretary. Bob Auld, Steward; Candy Jones & Sharon Smith, Chaplin.
“Women and cats will do as they please; men and dogs should relax
and get used to the idea.”- – -Robert A. Heinlein
NEW LUMMI ISLAND PHONE BOOKLET – – ed
Advertisers, I’m still waiting to hear from you. I need your ad and $100 check by June 30 to include your ad in the phone booklet.
I sent out another draft phone list to Brown Betty’s friends and received another surge of corrections. If you do not receive Brown Betty notices, please look over your current phone booklet and let me know of any changes, corrections. I will freeze the list at midnight, June 30. Any remaining errors will remain frozen in time for the next two years. Send corrections or questions about ads to thetome@lummiislandcable.com or phone me at 2414.
It’s fun to visit with elderly friends because you can retell the stories they’ve forgotten you told before.
BROWN BETTY – – ed
If you are not receiving Brown Betty messages, you are denying yourself an important service. During this ferry emergency, Brown Betty was running around the Island almost non-stop for a couple days bringing folks important news of the ferry problem and information on how to cope. This service is available to all Tome subscribers at no additional cost. It is only for news of Island activities, events – and as we now know, emergencies. No opinions or advertisements – it is not a blog. Just news. To be added to the Paul Revere/Brown Betty list, send a note to
A good pun is its own re-word:
Island Chapel News – – Louise Kolstad
This summer Island Chapel is hosting 10 families from Village Missions. These families pastor churches in Washington, Montana, and California. We are providing them a time to regroup and relax and recharge.
Call Chris if you would like information about summer programs offered: July 17 Day Camp for kids (grades 1-6) is planned at Clark Island. August 8-21family camp is planned for at Liberty, WA. Come any days you can make it. July 18-23 is camping for grades 6-12 at Mt. St. Helens. We’re looking for a sunny day in July or August for the third summer all-Island flotilla to one of our neighboring islands. It will be a potluck picnic and BBQ. Join us for visiting and exploring the Island.
Island Chapel is a non-denominational church, meeting Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the Grange Hall; Sunday school is provided for children. If you need any help with a project or want spiritual help call Chris at 296-4963. Pastor: Chris Immer. Board members: Mel Kolstad, Jerry McRorie, Wendell Terry, and alternates Boyd Barry and Christy Hart.
5th Grade History Retold: Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.
Saturday Market, Free Raffles, More Veggies Every Week – – Lynn Dee
Opening Day was a great success with a large turnout. We had live music and our very first free raffle. We’ll be having a free raffle every Saturday this season, so sign up before 1 PM to get your ticket into the jar. It’s been a lot of fun so far. Curt Stocker was our very first winner. He received a gift from Naomi Jarvie. Our June 5th winner was Angie Dixon, who now has a beautiful embroidered tote bag from Mary Barstow. There are more kinds of fresh veggies coming to the market every week from our farmers, Katie and Robert, and from Amy and Lisa of Nettles Farm. Eric is grilling up a storm with salmon burgers and Hemplers sausages on buns.
Artists, non-profits and informational booths are all part of a varied market every week, so don’t miss a Saturday if you can help it! We are still looking for a few young entrepreneurs who would like to earn some money this summer. Make something and bring it to sell, or play music and put out a tip jar.
Remember, it’s 10 AM to 2 PM every Saturday. Bike, walk or carpool to the Market. Everyone Welcome.
Some people are like a Slinky…not really good for anything,
but you still can’t help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.
FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE – – Duncan McLane, Fire Chief
Please stop by the fire station for a visit Sunday June 27 from 10 to 2 and get a Hempler’s hotdog on us. Come see the new ambulance which finalizes the apparatus replacement program. The fire extinguisher company will be here this year to provide training, inspections and service. Airlift NW is scheduled if they are not flying missions. We will have lots of activities for the kids including spraying foam, the fire safety house and Smokey. Car seat inspections will be available thanks to Safe Kids. Look for the flyer in the mail next week!
Things you will never hear in Oklahoma: No kids in the back of the pickup, it’s just not safe.
HERITAGE TRUST NEWS – – Rebecca Rettmer
CALLING ALL CHILI CHEFS!! Get your chili peppers and other mystery ingredients ready for the Heritage Trust’s sixth annual Membership Appreciation Picnic & Chili Cook Off. Thanks to a generous donor, there will be cash prizes of $50, $100 and $150 for the top three winners by popular vote and honorary judges will also bestow special awards. Chili Cook Off entry forms must be received by July 6. If you would like to enter a pot of your favorite chili in the cook-off, entry forms are available at the Islander and the Heritage Trust Resource Center.
Members and friends please join us on July 17 to sample the wide variety of tasty chili and cast your vote for the best, plus enjoy live music, children’s activities, and take a walk on the Otto Preserve. Chili sampling and voting begins at noon. A picnic lunch will be served that includes a bowl of chili or a chili dog topped with condiments and accompanied by cornbread, dessert and lemonade or beer. Suggested donation is $4.00. Come celebrate with us as the Trust honors and thanks its members and friends.
Come learn about the forest and the towering trees at the Otto Preserve on June 19th. Arborist Sean Tate will lead the “Big Trees of the Otto Preserve” tour. Bring the whole family! Meet at the Resource Center at 10:00 AM, 3560 Sunrise Road.
Several interesting wildlife observations have been reported recently at the Heritage Trust nature preserves. Clark Blake and others spotted a pair of Sooty Grouse during a recent bird watching tour. The Sooty Grouse is a ground-nesting bird that has not been seen on Lummi Island for 21 years! Stewards Elizabeth Kilanowski and Bert Rubash, observed a rubber boa a shy, gentle native snake while hiking at the Baker Preserve. Walk softly and listen carefully for the ISLAND wildlife that lives in these protected habitats.
Business conventions are important because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.
BIOTOXIN CLOSES WHATCOM COUNTY TO RECREATIONAL SHELLFISH HARVEST
Marine biotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) have been detected at high levels in shellfish samples collected from Squalicum Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Spit. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed all of Whatcom County to the recreational harvest of shellfish. The Whatcom County Health Department will continue to test local beaches and will notify the public when shellfish are safe to harvest again. Commercially harvested shellfish are sampled at the time of harvest and shellfish in local markets are safe to eat.
The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops, geoducks and other species of molluscan shellfish. Crab is not included in the closure, but the “crab butter” should be discarded, and only the meat should be eaten. PSP biotoxins are naturally occurring and are not destroyed by cooking or freezing. People can become ill after eating Shellfish contaminated with the toxins produced by naturally occurring marine algae.
PSP intoxication can be life-threatening. Symptoms of PSP can appear within minutes or hours and usually begin with tingling lips and tongue, moving to the hands and feet followed by difficulty breathing, and potentially death. If you experience these symptoms contact a health care provider. For extreme reactions call 911.
In most cases the algae that contain the toxins cannot be seen, and must be detected using laboratory testing. Therefore, recreational shellfish harvesters should check the DOH website at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm or call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Washington State.
Contact Person: Tom Kunesh, Environmental Health Supervisor (360) 676-6724
You know you’re into middle age when you realize that caution is the only thing you care to exercise.
FERRY STORIES – – ed
I have collected a couple pages of Ferry Stories – some funny and some just aggravated agony – and I need lots more to fully document the recent ferry problem. If you live on Lummi Island you almost certainly have a story to tell about how this situation complicated your life. Please take the time to share your experience – anonymous if you prefer. When I have collected all that I can, I will share the stories with you and also include them in our permanent Lummi Island Archive. Send it to thetome@lummiislandcable.com or place it in the Tome Drop Box at my house across Nugent Road from the schoolhouse. Or mail it to LICA, PO Box 163. This has got to be some of the most interesting drama of the year.
Best headlines last year: Juvenile Court to try Shooting Defendant
THE FERRY PROBLEM – – ed
Friends of Brown Betty already know all this, but for the unenlightened here is the story of what happened to the Whatcom Chief as of a week ago. On Tuesday of last week, kids went to school as usual; commuters went to their jobs on the mainland as usual – everything was unbelievable normal.
Then EVERYTHING became abnormal! At 9:30 AM the ferry sprung a leak which the crew properly reported to the Coast Guard, determined that a potential safety hazard existed and removed the ferry from service. Commuters had no way to get home. School kids had to scramble to safe houses or otherwise make-do in an emergency situation. Folks with doctor appointments had to cancel. People on vacation couldn’t get home. People going on vacation couldn’t go. People low on food or gasoline had a problem. Folks with all kinds of emergency situations requiring transport to the mainland had to cancel their emergencies.
Within hours, Pete Kremen, our County Executive, issued a Proclamation of Emergency allowing action without the normal biding process. A fleet of small private boats operated a mini “Dunkirk” evacuation to get individuals to and from the Island. Miscellaneous barge companies offered their rather expensive services for folks who were desperate to get a car off the Island so they could get to work etc. Public Works Director Frank Abart and his crew sprung into action and arranged for a passenger boat and docking facilities on extremely short notice. The Lummi Nation graciously offered parking space in the usual “Dry Dock” locations without charge to the County. Brown Betty went into emergency mode, sending out e-mail alerts, updates and helpful hints to Islanders in rat-a-tat-tat fashion for a couple days.
Public Works estimated it might take two weeks to analyze the problem, get parts made and make repairs to the ferry. Of course we do this routinely every September when the ferry leaves for annual dry dock maintenance, but then we literally have months to prepare, make plans, stock up on food etc. But this time – no warning – WHAM – not even an hour to get a car off the Island. Below is a Status Report from Public Works issued June 10.
“This is a status update on the service outage of the Whatcom Chief. On June 8, 2010, the crew discovered a small leak in the No. 1 stern tube of the Chief. The stern tube is a 6-inch steel pipe that houses the propeller shaft. Because seawater is used to cool the shaft bearings, this leak allowed seawater to enter one of the hull voids. Crews immediately installed a temporary repair on the leak and, as required by the United States Coast Guard, removed the ferry from service.
“Whatcom County Public Works is continuing to coordinate with the Coast Guard to determine what temporary and permanent repairs will be made to the Whatcom Chief. Ultrasonic readings of the steel thickness along both stern tubes were taken today and submitted to the Coast Guard. We expect to have another update on the status of temporary and permanent repairs to the Chief by Friday afternoon.
“Whatcom County Public Works and the county administration wishes to thank all Lummi Island residents who stepped up to help their neighbors during this emergency. Private boats of all shapes and sizes were pressed into service until the foot ferry began operation. Residents borrowed cars and shared groceries and are watching out for each other. Thank you for your patience during this emergency.”
Addendum: The ferry returned to temporary normal service on Sunday evening, June 13 with new bilge high-water alarms. After the July 4 weekend, it will return to dry dock for permanent repairs. There is a possibility that this dry dock will reduce or possibly eliminate the dry dock time in September.
“Eloquence is logic on fire.” – Lyman Beecher
LUMMI ISLAND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UCC – – Cindy Bauleke, Pastor
Summer time means Vacation Bible School at the Church, June 21 – 25, from 10 AM-1 PM, includes lunch, and it’s free. We are following the story of how God used Joseph in Egypt. Come join in the fun for kindergarteners through sixth graders!
The Food Pantry shelves in the Church basement are full of nutritious food – thank you for your generous gifts to the Post Office food drive! The Parish Nurses are happy to help Island residents who need a little extra help with food the first and third Thursdays of the month from 11 AM-1 PM, or by appointment.
Cindy Minkler, an amazing musician, will present a Piano Concert at the Church on Friday, July 2, 7 PM, $12 for adults; 12 years old and younger free.
The 4th of July is on Sunday, and we will have a Hymn Sing and Strawberry Social at the Church. Come join us at 10:30 AM on the 4th and every Sunday for worship and Church School.
The Rummage Sale Plus is moving back to the Church grounds this year, July 10 & 11. Please see the article in this Tome for details.
The Church invites you to walk the labyrinth, picnic at the Outdoor Center, or use our path to Church Beach. We do ask you to be respectful of our neighbors.
Looking ahead: Worship on the Beach will be August 8, and Rabbi Cindy Enger will join us for worship on August 15. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
(www.lummichurch.com)
“God will forgive me. That’s his business.” – Heinrich Heine
ISLEWARD – – Clark Blake and Al Marshall for the Lummi Island Conservancy
Grouse Reappear on Lummi Mountain
On May 27, 1989, Charles Evans encountered two Blue (Sooty) Grouse near the big pond on the way up Lummi Mountain; he reported hearing about four more in the trees, and finding them again on June 10, 1989. After that, this species of Grouse appears to have been gone from the Island.
With this in mind, you can imagine the thrill that one of us (Clark) experienced when on May 15, 2010 he and his companions spotted two Sooty Grouse in the same location that Evans had found them. Were the grouse gone for all of those 21 years, or were they just not detected? While we cannot be sure, we can all be excited to know that these birds are now present on the mountain.
Sooty Grouse, the largest of our native game birds, are ground nesters that spend a fair amount of time in trees. Perhaps more often heard than seen, Sooty Grouse make a distinctive low-pitched hoot.
Some of us are familiar with the Blue Grouse, but authorities like to confuse us. This bird has been split into two species, and our population is now called the Sooty Grouse.
Rough Grouse is another grouse species found here on the Island; one of these was photographed on the north end of the Island in 2006. Several other Island sightings of grouse have been reported, of unknown species.
Cowboy Logic: The trouble with people who grow up in town is that most of them
never learn how to do anything.
THAT IS ONE COOL PARROT
Terry gave Wendell a parrot for his birthday. This parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and terrible vocabulary. Every other word was an expletive. Those that weren’t expletives were, to say the least, rude. Wendell tried hard to change the bird’s attitude. He was constantly saying polite words and playing soft music, he did anything he could think of. Nothing worked. When he yelled at the bird, the bird got worse. If he shook the bird, the bird got madder and ruder. Finally in a moment of desperation, Wendell put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming and then suddenly, there was quiet. Wendell was frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird and quickly opened the freezer door.
The parrot calmly stepped out onto Wendell’s extended arm and said: “I’m sorry that I might have offended you with my language and actions, so I ask for your forgiveness. I will endeavor to correct my behavior.”
Wendell was astounded at the bird’s change in attitude and was about to ask what had changed him when the parrot continued: “May I ask what the chicken did?”
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYEr
The Willows Inn on Westshore Dive was looking for office help. They put a sign in the window saying: “HELP WANTED. Must be able to type, must be good with a computer and must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.”
A short time afterwards, a dog trotted up to the window, saw the sign and went inside. He looked at Judy and wagged his tail, then walked over to the sign, looked at it and whined.
Getting the idea, Judy called Riley who was filleting a sockeye in the kitchen. Riley looked at the dog and was surprised, to say the least. However, the dog looked determined, so they led him into the office. Inside, the office, the dog jumped up on a chair and stared at Judy and Riley.
Judy said, “We can’t hire you. The sign says you have to be able to type.”
The dog jumped down, went to the typewriter and proceeded to type out a perfect letter. He took out the page and trotted over to Riley and gave it to him, then jumped back on the chair.
Riley was stunned, but then told the dog, “The sign says you have to be good with a computer.”
The dog jumped down again and went to the computer. The dog proceeded to demonstrate his expertise with various programs and produced a sample spreadsheet and database and presented them to Judy and Riley.
By this time Riley was totally dumbfounded! He looked at the dog and said, “I realize that you are a very intelligent dog and have some interesting abilities. However we still can’t give you the job.”
The dog jumped down and went to a copy of the sign and put his paw on the part about being an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Judy said “Yes, but the sign also says that you have to be bilingual.”
The dog looked at her straight in the face and said, “Meow.”
Mt. Baker Cable
Let us provide your Cable TV
& Internet Service
For more information
call 360-384-6860
Lummi Island Girl Friends Reunion
Sunday, August 1, 2010, 2:00 PM.
4170 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island
Join other women, all ages, who spent all or part of their childhood on Lummi Island. Reconnect, reminisce, have fun.
RSVP or info:
MLEcker3@comcast.net or 360) 734-5548
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LUMMI ISLAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS – _- 2010___
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Officers . |
Directors . |
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President: David Thorn |
Jerry Anderson Joan Moye |
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Vice President: Joanie Roteman |
Chuck Keiper John Arntsen |
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Secretary: Carl Hanson |
David Jones |
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Treasurer/Editor/Archivist: Paul Davis |
The Tome is the publication of the Lummi Island Community Association and is published monthly except August and December. All subscriptions are on a calendar year basis, January to December. Subscription fee is $6.00 for Lummi Island addresses, $9.00 for off-Island addresses and $6.00 for e-mail delivery. Canadian addresses are $16.00 U.S. funds. Free LICA membership is limited to residents and property owners of Lummi Island (18 years and older). Write to LICA, P.O. Box 163, Lummi Island WA 98262; or call Paul Davis, Treasurer and Editor at (360) 758-2414 for information about subscriptions, membership or advertising. E-mail: thetome@lummiislandcable.com
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PERMIT NO. 2
The Tome
of Lummi Island
Volume XLV Number 6
June 18, 2010
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