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Skagit County Community Solar Project

3/28/2013

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Skagit County Community Solar Project  (Draft3)
Project Description:
Many individuals would like to install their own solar generated electricity systems, but for various reasons are unable to do so.  The roadblocks vary from poor solar access, to being a renter, not being able to afford a stand-alone solar system, etc.  The primary goal of this project is to provide a means for these individuals to buy a portion of photovoltaic (PV) system using the community solar model and to take advantage of Washington State’s renewable energy incentives (SB 5101 and SB 6170).  Other goals for this project include education of the public about the possibilities of producing electricity using solar resources, highlighting the feasibility and the practicality of PV systems, and to show alternatives to using fossil fuels to produce electricity.
Project Model:
The Skagit County Community Solar Project will be a photovoltaic array(s) with an initial size of 18kW using made in Washington equipment to maximize the Washington incentive payments.  The goal will be to reach break even before the incentive payment program expires in 2020.  The project will solicit a partnership with Skagit County government,  port authorities, and/or school districts located in Skagit County to provide candidate buildings suitable for roof mounted solar arrays.  Thirty-five shares of the initial project will be available for approximately $3,500 each, buying 0.5kW of generating capacity.  An individual may purchase up to eight shares.  Each share should produce 500-600kWh of electricity per year, avoiding approximately a quarter of a ton of carbon-dioxide emissions from PSE’s supply.
Individuals will contribute funds towards the purchase, installation, and operating account of the PV system(s) and receive an annual payment from the incentive payment program in an amount proportional to their share of the PV system.  Individuals will not be eligible for the 30% Federal tax credit under this program but also would not owe any taxes on payments received.  The electrical power produced by the PV system(s) would be given to the government partners.  While individuals will own their share of the project directly, other expenses will be handled by putting a portion of the purchase price into an association account to cover costs such as insurance, startup, and project management.  Through the association, an administrator would also market the projects renewable energy attributes (or “green tags”) to secure additional funds to cover costs.
Under the WAC definitions, this project will be setup as a group-owned “Type 1” project.  The current concept is to form as Tenants in Common and have individual participants under this umbrella.  All of the annual incentive payment should flow through individual owners, estimated to be in $500 to $600 per share per year.  The project’s operations will be paid by the association, which will not impose additional expenses on owners.  After seven years, the project investors have the option to sell the PV system to the government partner, remove the panels for installation elsewhere, or negotiate a new power selling arrangement.  The option chosen will need to be determined through discussions with the hosting partner and the investors.
The  incentives expire in 2020, which means that time is of the essence for community solar.  If there was enough interest, this concept could be scaled up or down, producing projects as large as 75kW or as small as 9kW.  Please let us know your level of interest as soon as possible, and if you anticipate purchasing share(s), whether you have the ability to do so within the next two or three months.  Thanks!

This project is coming out of Anacortes and the opportunity to invest ends in three days, but applies to any Washington PSE member (even outside of Skagit).  Eric Shen, of Fidalgo Transition, is the contact person for it.  He can fill in any information and answer questions.  His e-mail address is sydster2@wavecable.com

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Never Carry Water to Your Chickens Again!

3/28/2013

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Message from Kitsap Farmers Listserve passed on from Ellen Bynum, Friends of Skagit

This is a great idea…I can see a lot of toilet tanks leaving the Waste Not Want Not store in Pt. Townsend!!

http://communitychickens.blogspot.com/2013/01/richs-life-changing-device.html#.UTeOOdbijZe

this would work for many different situations….I’m thinking goats/sheep…..just need to figure out how…..

Vicky

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Good News in the Fight Against Genetically Modified Corn

3/27/2013

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Matthew Shellenberger shares good news in the fight against GMO's.

In support of support...

There are reemerging markets for non-GMO corn seed, and some say lower priced seed, higher yields, and higher market price.
http://practicalfarmers.org/blog/us-testing-network-breeder-and-retailers-showcasehttp://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110628006520/en/non-GMO-Corn-Farmers-Discover-Yield-Profits-Promote

Company selling corn seed:
http://www.spectrumseed.com/http://www.clarksongrain.com/http://www.prairiehybrids.com/http://www.dedellseeds.com/

Company selling soy seed:http://www.emergegenetics.com/

Also Whole Foods says they will labell GMOs and Rueters reports Monsanto drought resistant GMO corn not all that.

Matthew,
All Craft Construction
design/build services
ALL CRAFT ~ design/build services

Bad news...Because of a federal economic resolution passed March 26th, it is now impossible for GMO wielding corporations like Monsanto to be charged in federal court.  This means it is up to each state to safeguard their farms and consumers from genetically modified seeds and food. 

Next fall, Washington voters will get to stand up for themselves as consumers, and say yes to I-522, a bill that would require GM food to .  It's our choice to label genetically engineered foods.

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If You Oppose the Proposed Anacortes Tethys Water Bottling Plant, it is Time to Contact the Commissioners.

3/27/2013

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This is the hearing on the UGA expansion which would give the Tethys plant the land it supposedly needs to develop the water bottling plant.   If you oppose this project, please take the time to contact the BOCC and tell them so!
The public hearing is April 9, 6 pm at the County Administration Building Hearing Room.  Plan to Attend and bring your friends and family!
You can send your comments to the Board of County Commissioners until 4:30 pm, Monday, April 15th.
WRITE: Skagit County Board of County Commissioners 1800 Continental Place, #100 Mount Vernon, WA 98273
FAX:  336-9307
PHONE:  336-9300
E-MAIL: Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt kend@co.skagit.wa.us Commissioner Sharon Dillon sdillon@co.skagit.wa.us Commissioner Ron Wesen ronw@co.skagit.wa.us
Please send a copy to Linda Hammon  lindah@co.skagit.wa.us


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Creating Homes of Production:  Making Usnea Tincture

3/27/2013

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 Usnea Tincture:

Usnea, often referred to as Old Man’s Beard, is a common lichen that grows in trees and can be harvested almost year round by picking it off the ground after a wind storm, or off of downed trees dropped by wind or man.

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Above is a picture of Usnea, the fine haired lichen.  I have photographed it alone and growing on a branch.  To positively identify gently pull and stretch one of the hairs.  The light green covering should split apart and reveal a stretchy rubber band-like inner core.  I

After collecting, dry completely on a screen in a well-ventilated area (doesn’t take much time since it doesn't have much water content), then buzz or cut it into small pieces (I use my flour grinding attachment on my Vitamix blender).  Next, fill jar with Usnea and cover with100 proof vodka.  Let jar sit in warm area and shake daily.  After two weeks, put Usnea and vodka into a powerful blender.  Cutting and blending are not essential but if you have the equipment, it speeds up tincturing process by helping to break down Usnea’s tough cell walls.  Put Usnea and vodka back in jar and return to warm place to be shook daily for two more weeks.  After four to six weeks, you will have a powerful tincture that helps immune systems fight off infections of all kinds.  I have used it to fight off MERSA, an antibiotic resistant staff infection.  Native Americans once used this medicine to treat tuberculosis.  For a more in depth article on Usnea tincture go to http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_wisewoman3d.htm.

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Homes of Production: Making Nettle Powder as Vitamin Supplement for Kid Friendly Food

3/27/2013

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Creating Homes of Production:

Nettles powder easily and make an excellent vitamin supplement that can be added to dishes like macaroni and cheese, soups or casseroles.  This is a great way to add mineral and vitamin rich greens without hearing complaints from those pesky kids.

Lucky for us it is time to harvest nettles.  Here is a link to a YouTube video on how to harvest http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOxHSD90kzU.


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Once nettles are picked, lay them on a window screen in a well ventilated area.  When leaves are completely dry, you can pulverize using several different techniques.  I have a flour grinding attachment for my Vitamix mixer that works like a dream, but you can also use a wood spoon and a sieve or put in a bag and scrunch vigorously.  If stored in an air tight container, powder will keep until next harvest time.

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Skagit Valley Food Co-op Celebrates 40 Years of Good Health and Local Color

3/27/2013

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                Skagit Valley Food Co-op Celebrates 40 Years of Good Health and Local Color

[March 27, 2013 – Mount Vernon, WA] The Skagit Valley Food Co-op, an anchor store in downtown Mount Vernon, is fresher than ever on the eve of our 40th Anniversary season. We’ve added organic juice and smoothies, Co-op –made sausages and ice cream, fresh baked cakes and catering to our Deli’s repertoire of fresh roasted coffee, fresh made soups, salads, dips, dressings and bakery goodies. We’re celebrating 40 with a Co-op IPA and a red wine, as well as monthly giveaways throughout the store. The celebration will last throughout the year, with more special events in October for Co-op Month before we enjoy the holiday season.

We kick off with a Garden Giveaway in April, and a special Earth Day Celebration on Monday April 22nd. Visitors can talk bees with local beekeeper Bruce Vilders outside the store at our Garden Department, talk seeds with Jenny Goforth from Salmonberry CLT, learn about their Seed Distribution Project and take home some new varieties to plant. Customers can choose a Giant Sequioa, Red Osier Dogwood, Vine Maple, or Noble Fir tree start from Brooks Tree Farm in Salem, OR, and bring home their groceries in a special Earth Day shopping bag, decorated by the students at Westview Elementary.

The Co-op is also announcing our Mother’s Day Essay Contest, free and open to all moms who’ve got a story to tell us about raising their kids and the Co-op. 1st Place wins a $250 Co-op Gift Card. Two runners up each receive a $50 Co-op Gift Card. Winning essays will be published in our June newsletter, posted in store, and on our website. Submit entries by Mother’s Day, May 12th, 500 words or less, to: COOPMOMSDAY@gmail.com or by mail: Skagit Valley Food Co-op Mom’s Day Contest 202 South First Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273. More information is up on our website: www.skagitfoodcoop.com

The Skagit Valley Food Co-op is member-owned. Our founders had fresh ideas about food back then, and worked cooperatively to build a strong foundation in Co-op Principles. From a small Buyer’s Club, we’ve grown to fill out the whole Co-op Building – 3 floors worth of good food and ideas. Our Board of Directors recently unveiled their Vision 2020 statement to staff, and our future is bright. Right now, we’re excited to be right here at the start of another beautiful growing season, sharing the local color and the bounty of the Valley, celebrating life and hard work and connections. We love being part of this community; it continues to feel fresh, every day. 

thanks -
jodie
jodie@skagitfoodcoop.com




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Inspirational Idea: Bring a Mini-Library to Your Front Yard

3/27/2013

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Matthew of All Craft Construction sent this idea to us this morning.  A few months ago a woman of the Edison Women's Club told me she was starting one.  It would be nice if there were mini-libraries that popped up all over our rural community: Alger, Allen, Blanchard, Belfast, etc...
To read more go to this article.


The CT initiating committee is maxed out on new projects but we would promote and help gain community support/participation for anyone interested in starting a project like this.

Sarai "Market Lady" Stevens

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Our Community is Our Garden: Participating in the Bow Little Market Plant Extravaganza

3/26/2013

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 Our Community is Our Garden!

Participating in the Bow Little Market Seed, Plant, Start ~ Swap, Sale & Giveaway is one way you can help cultivate our “community garden” and benefit from its harvest. 

Out in my sunny garden last weekend planting and clearing brush, I was delighted to find that my high bush cranberries and gooseberry plants have naturally rooted where the branch tips have touched the ground over the fall and winter.  I will pot these shrubs up and bring them along with my red currants, jostaberries, fantail willow, bamboo, chocolate mint, Italian musk strawberry, multiplier onion bulbs and other vegetable, flower and herb seeds to swap with my neighbors.  One gardener’s surplus in another person’s treasure!
~Sarai "Market Lady" Stevens.

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Chicks Available at Bow Hill Organics (Bow Hill Blueberries)

3/25/2013

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To receive this the Bow Hill Organics newsletter to learn more about organic feed and farm supply buying club and Azure Standards buying group email Harley at harley@bowhillorganics.com.

Bow Hill Organics is located at:
Bow Hill Blueberries
Bow, WA 98

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