Hi all:
The Skagit Regional Non-Motorized Plan Ranking Criteria Survey is now on-line for you to complete.  Please go to http://www.skagitnonmotorized.org/ and click on the survey.
Friends has suggested that the criteria for these projects should be first the cost per person served and then completing projects inside cities and UGAs first and then in county areas of higher use as this would be the most cost effective way to allocate funds.
SCOG staff have been working on this for some time and would appreciate you taking the time to learn about the projects and reply to their survey.
If you have questions please contact Gabe Phillips at Skagit Council of Governments, 360-416-6678, or email to gabep@scog.net.
Thanks for your time in advance!  Apologies for duplicates.  

Ellen

Hello friends. I hope this finds you well and getting excited about this season's Market opportunities! Did you see us listed/described in Friday's Skagit Valley Herald? We''ll also be featured in the next SV Food Co-op newspaper! And, of course, we're in the Concrete Herald and on the radio (KSVU, 90.1 fm).

For those of you who participated last summer, I still have your vendor applications on file, so no need to do another, unless you are offering something different. For those of you who will be new vendors to the market, please complete the application on our website and MAIL it in, with the $5.00 application fee SOON. That form and all info is at www.marblemountcommunitymarket.org/events.  And please tell your friends! 

I am also seeking local musicians to play and/or sing for an hour or 2 at each market, so spread the word and have any and all get in touch with me: 853-8388 (home), or info@marblemountcommunityhall.org  (Corina, Auburn: how about some KIDS???) Unfortunately, there's no budget to pay anyone yet, but you can set out a basket for donations. And, of course, it's great exposure for your music/poetry/etc.

REMINDER - 2014 Market dates are as follows:
(2nd Sundays, noon to 4:00-ish)
June 8 (includes Community Yard Sale!)
July 13August 10
Sept. 14 (includes Community Harvest Share!)

And remember, if you have small items, or not alot of items (like your cds or books), you are welcome to split a $10 table with someone, but you need to work that out among yourselves. (But if you are that Market's entertainer/performer, there is no fee for selling your music or writings that day - just set up on the card table by the "stage" canopy, provided)
Setting up starts around 10:30 or 11am and whomever is there first, gets first dibs on their canopy site. Market OPENS for business at noon.

I got some really spiffy new signs made this winter, as well as a little bit of Market bling to sell: MCM canvas shopping bags, fridge magnets, and t-shirts! Also some postcard flyers to post on bulletin boards all over tarnation, so look for them hither and yon and let me know where they are still needed (picture of the MCM little red wagon with veggies in it). I'm going to hit the campgrounds heavy, as well as the Methow, with those this year.

Concerning the first Market, Yard Sale vendors will be asked to set up back in the ball field, and the Market vendors proper will still be out front on the grass between the Hall and the road. Community Hall members (Vanessa, Pat, Shana, and ?) will once again organize and staff each Bake Sale, but I'm still seeking a dedicated FOOD VENDOR (sandwiches, beverages, etc.). Once again, if you know of someone interested and permitted, please have them contact me asap!

And lastly, the Marblemount Community Hall's annual meeting, open house, and potluck is THIS Tuesday, May 13th from 6:00-8:00 pm - come see what's planned for 2014, bring your thoughts and suggestions, and get involved - we need you!!! Thanks, friends. Hope to see, or hear, from you soon.Blessings,Christie

P.S.: PLEASE remember that vendor applications must be received, and approved, in advance of the Market! I need to know how many vendors to expect, jury the arts/crafts, and prevent duplication of goods/services. Thanks again.

2014 Sustainable Samish Garden Tour Organizing Committee Meeting Tuesday, May 13, 5 pm, Alger Bar & Grill.
Chucknaut Transition, Friday Creek Habitat Stewards, Skagit Conservation District, and Alger Community Hall come together to launch a garden tour for our area (Garden Tour in the Edison/Bow/Alger/Belfast/Samish River areas). Everyone is welcome to be on the organizing committee so ask your friends to join us!

We need suggestions for gardens.  We are looking for gardens that reflect local economy, conservation, good stewardship, homes of production, backyard habitat, creating home energy but not necessarily all of these values in one garden. Weeds and Messiness are welcome! We are not so much interested in just landscaping.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 20 for the garden tour!

from Transition Fidalgo & Friends
Growing community resilience with a reduced reliance on fossil fuels
transitionfidalgo.org

The National Climate Assessment, the definitive statement of current and future impacts of carbon pollution on the United States, has just been released. Read it here: http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/

In our area, "Changes in the timing of streamflow will reduce water supplies for competing demands. Sea level rise, erosion, inundation, risks to infrastructure, and increasing ocean acidity post major threats. Increasing wildfire, insect outbreaks, and tree diseases are causing widespread tree die-off."  To read the section on how climate change is affecting/will affect the Northwest region, go to http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/northwest

Do You Know About the Safety of the Oil Tanker Cars?

One of Chuckanut Transition’s objectives is community safety. With that in mind, we feel our neighbors should be aware of the dangers that oil cars risk to our community since Blanchard, Bow, and Ershing are all bisected by railroad tracks.

The ForestEthics organization, located in Bellingham, and many others believe moving Oil By Rail is unacceptably risky.

What kind of impacts and risks are we talking about? In the US, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has investigated the tanker cars used to move crude oil and tar sands, and noted a “high incidence of failure during accidents” (1).

Here are three very recent disasters:

• Wednesday, April 30, train derailment in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia sent several punctured, burning oil cars plunging into the James River—a major water source for local communities and major cities downstream, including Richmond. The amount of crude oil spilled into the river hasn't yet been confirmed, but even a small amount of gooey, sticky crude oil could be disastrous to the watershed.
  This fiery disaster comes after the purported implementation of "voluntary" safety improvements demanded by the Department of Transportation. The regulatory system just hasn't caught up to the problem.
  
• In Alberta on October 19, 20113, 13 cars burned and one exploded after a train with liquefied petroleum gas and crude oil derailed. The explosion took place near Gainford, Alberta, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Edmonton. One hundred residents were forced to evacuate.
• Tank cars carrying Bakken crude oil derailed and exploded on July 6, 2013 in Lac-Megantic, Quebec devastating the entire town and claiming the lives of 47 individuals.

                                 

It’s hard to believe, but the rail cars carrying tar sands and crude oil are not only unsafe, but are part of trains often operated by a lone engineer, even late at night. The tank cars usually used to move the oil, called DOT-111 cars, are prone to puncturing and exploding even during derailments as slow as 36 miles per hour (58kph) (2). They need to be removed from the tracks immediately. What’s more, those DOT-111 tank cars are often strung together in unit trains of 100 cars or more, multiplying the risks.

In the US alone, there are over 30 new crude-by-rail proposals, which if built would combine to receive up to 2.5 million barrels of oil per day. If those 30+ terminals are approved, then those cars would move triple the amount of oil per day as the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

Like pipeline ruptures and tanker spills, train accidents happen. It’s not a question of “if” but “when.” By using unsafe cars, industry is putting towns and cities along train tracks at even greater risk.

What makes using these rail tank cars, the so called DOT 111s, so problematic? Here’s why, in five points:

1. Decades old design and a thin skin mean they are highly prone to puncture upon derailment;

2. Crude is transported in trains over a mile long with 100 or more cars, meaning three million gallons of crude per train and a huge concentration of risk;

3. The Bakken crude that has driven a 4,100% growth in crude by rail in the last five years is particularly prone to exploding;

4. 80% of the DOT 111 fleet is the oldest pre-2011 design; and

5. The primary rail routes are right through the middle of major urban areas.

If you feel these rail tank cars are unsafe, demand that Congress put an end to the use of dangerous DOT 111 tank cars for the transport of flammable, explosive substances like crude oil and ethanol by clicking on this link:  Take Action for Safer Oil Trains!

Ask the governors of Washington and Oregon for a moratorium on new oil-by-rail projects until safety concerns are addressed by clicking on this link:

http://action.forestethics.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1818&ea.campaign.id=25448

Sign this Moveon petition that asks Governor Inslee to issue a moratorium on all new "oil by rail" permits http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/moratorium-on-all-new.

There is also a public comment period going on now, which ends Friday, May 9 regarding the county's determination that the Shell project doesn't require an EIS.

This MDNS is issued under 197-11-340(2).

You may appeal this threshold determination by addressing those criteria as set forth in SCC 14.12.210 and then by filing per Section 14.06.110 such with Skagit County Planning and Development Services for service to the SEPA responsible official(s).

Appeals must be submitted no later than: May 23, 2014.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL: Director of Planning and Development Services

CONTACT PERSON: Leah Forbes, Senior Planner

MAILING ADDRESS: 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

PHONE: (360) 336-9410

Date: 4-24-14 Signature: Leah Forbes, AICP

On behalf of Dale Pernula AICP, Planning and Development Services Director

cc: WDOE, Public Works, NW Clean Air Agency, Fire Marshal, WDFW, US Army Corps of Engineers, Skagit River System Cooperative, Samish Tribe, Applicant, parties of record

Citations
1. Paul L. Stancil, CHMM (2012). DOT-111 Tank Car
Design [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/2012/cherry_valley/presentations/Hazardous%20Materials%20Board%20Presentation%20508%20Completed.pdf

2. National Transportation Safety Board (June 19, 2009). "Railroad Accident Report - Derailment of CN Freight Train U70691-18 With Subsequent Hazardous Materials Release and Fire." NTSB Number: RAR-12-01. Retrieved from http://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/2012/cherry_valley/

Transition Fidalgo and Friends is an Anacortes based group that strives to "imagine a world where how we live nourishes the earth, helps people reach their potential, and creates joy in community."  They recently created a document called "Vision 2030, Our Vibrant Sustainable Community,"  which paints a picture of what the communities of Fidalgo and Guemes Island could look like in 15 years if they face the realities of climate change, energy challenges, and economic shifts which we already see happening.  For this show Evelyn Adams, one of the founders of the group and current chair person, joins Ginny Wolff for a discussion of the inspiration, content, and purpose of "Vision 2030, Our Vibrant Sustainable Community."

The interview airs Sunday at 8pm on KSVR (MT. Vernon)  91.7FM; and KSVU (Hamilton) - 90.1FM. 
It can be streamed at air time at ksvr.orgAn archive of the interview will be on the website:  www.speakupspeakoutradio.org  soon after broadcast, by Thursday May 14th at the latest.

To access the document:   http://transitionfidalgo.org/sites/default/files/2014/Vision_2030.pdf
Transition Fidalgo and Friends' Home page:  transitionfidalgo.org

Local Roots
Story and video by James Leder
This video, created for WWU magazine The Planet, highlights local stories of Transition.  In an effort to create a culture of independence, networks of people are emerging across the world — diverse in character but unified in an effort to minimize their communities’ reliance on the imperfect and often destructive systems that sustain human life on Earth. 
http://planet.wwu.edu/video/video_013.php

I have been rereading Silent Spring, Rachel Carson's 1962 book warning about the harm done to us and our environment by pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals whose prevalence and persistence make them part of out everyday environmental background.  I distinctly remember that Silent Spring was announced and discussed by the mainstream media and was brought up in everyday conversation.  As a result of the book, DDT was banned and that brought recovery to many of the raptors, birds high up on the food chain, entire species that where endangered because DDT caused thinning of egg shells and severely reduced reproduction.  I had forgotten about the eloquence of Carson's writing.
 
Unfortunately, all of Carson's warnings, with the exception of DDT, are still valid and the environmental background of toxins is rapidly increasing and is killing our air, soil and water.  I recently heard of a fairly sick game, Wal-Mart bingo, that plays on the human malaise caused by these chemicals and other profit driven techniques that are destroying the food supply to the general public.  To play Wal-Mart Bingo, one chooses five possible sights such as "three hundred pound woman on motorized scooter",  "single mother with five kids, two screaming", "obese couple, both with canes", etc..  One then assigns a B-I-N-G-O letter to each description, sits in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, or any discount food store, and plays with regular BINGO cards.  I had had a sinking feeling seeing the sorry health and rampant obesity of folks in those stores before, but had not thought of making a game out of it.  This country's food supply is badly compromised.  Even the predominate, sickly pasty complexions remind me of the living dead.

What does it say to you when a conversation turns to, "the hay purchased at such-and such feed store has so much herbicide residue that it cannot be used as compost"?  It says to me that the lessons from Silent Spring were not heeded.  Another book, Our Stolen Future, by Theo Colburn, 1996, was touted as the sequel to Silent Spring.  The book even had a forward by our so-called "environmental" vice president, Al Gore.  The book gives a fascinating look at the ubiquitous hormone disrupters and mimickers in our environment.  I gave copies to both of my nieces, who were of child bearing age at the time, as a Halloween scare that year.  The book was squelched in the main stream media, and never got the attention received by Silent Spring, even thought it is just as important, eloquent, and timely.  Most people now have not even heard of this important book.  The recent buzz about BPA and toxins in plastics is old hat to readers of Our Stolen Future.

It is easy to get down psychologically waiting for humanity to wake up.  Our air, soil and water are living things that are dying and becoming laden with toxins to sicken us all.  Our war society learned nothing from Korea, Viet Nam or any of the other corporate benefiting national malfeasance.  The atrocities perpetuated in Ukraine by our buddies the neo-Nazis and the Blackwater mercenaries paid for by our tax money cause me much grief.  Yet I can sit on my porch in the morning and look at a beautiful place.  There are not as many birds as there should be, and I worry about a seeming lack of pollinators, but on the whole, life is very good.  The people I see at the co-op look pretty healthy.  If I let my mind go to the insane way humans are acting, I lose the beauty around me.  
 
I have to stay in the here and now and appreciate the wonderful spot I am in.  My experience protesting this and that since the 60's taught me that the only place I can make a difference is in my home and my neighborhood.  The rest is pissing into the wind.  Writing this essay helps me appreciate the beautiful place I am in and to realize that if I let the rest of the crap get me down, I lose.  If I smile at a hummingbird, I win.
By Chuck Nafziger
May 8, 2014

Transition Fidalgo & Friends  
Seventh Generation Supper  
Tuesday, April 29, 5:45 pm       Anacortes Senior Center



Sylvia Cooper emceed the evening and lively music was provided by the four-piece Island Pipers. Attendance was 57. 

 Community Announcement

• Laurie Racicot noted that the first Hootenanny, a monthly event for the young and the young at heart, will be Saturday, May 3, 2-4pm at the Whitney School playground (finger-painting is the featured activity - be prepared to get messy!). Each month will feature a different family-focused activity, but visiting, music and laughter will be a constant.   Everyone is welcome.
•  Gael Varsi invited everyone to the TimeBank's Spring Social on Sunday, May 4th, 5 pm at the Senior Activity Center. The TimeBank currently has 64 members (with three more applications being processed), and its first two organizational members: Volunteer Services and the Anacortes Farmers Mkt.www.fidalgoandfriends.timebanks.org
• Brock Ward mentioned that on April 27, CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) conducted a simulated emergency exercise to help plan for a local emergency and how to properly respond.
• Nathan Lowman discussed how he is developing TF&F's social network system through FaceBook, Twitter and Tumblr.
• Sylvia reported that $400 was earned last weekend at the "Art of Gardening" to put toward the Mt. Erie school garden.
• Heather Burke requested volunteers to help her with the food at TF&F Suppers.  The time commitment would be from 5:15 - 8 pm or so on the last Tuesday of the month.
• Lynn Jordan reported that Leadership Skagit will host a Farm Tour on Saturday, May 17th from 2-5pm, at VIVA Farms (Higgins Airport Way & Ovenell Road at the Port of Skagit). The tour will highlight a new program to engage local veterans in meaningful volunteer and internship experiences on the farm. Refer to growingveterans.org or vivafarms.org.
•  Notice via email from Maggie and Larry Collinge: "We missed the Transition dinner! We plan on having a booth at Shipwreck  Days where we will sell items and donate the proceeds to the Oso folks.  We are hoping for some contributions and volunteers to help man the booth." home phone, 360 466-3431, cell 360 202-5618; lmcollinge@gmail.com
  

Special announcement: Ron Larson, TF&F Board treasurer, discussed TF&F's 2013 activities ( posted at each table) and spoke about our financial goals.  Ron asked:

• All interested folks to become members of TF&F. 

    We gratefully accept your membership dues for 2014!  ($20 individual/$30 family).  TF&F is still an all-volunteer
organization and has done a good many things with very little so far (community gardens, Eat Your Yard classes,
Time Bank, skill share workshops, and Vision 2030 are just a few examples). But as we evolve and take on more projects to help prepare our community for a challenging future, we need funds to help move us toward our goals. Our 2014 goal is to have 100 paid members. (We are now at about 60 paid memberships) See below for how to donate.

• TF&F has a $2,500 matching grant program that will run through October 1st.  We are asking for any size financial gift that will be matched 1:1 by our special grant.  Your contribution can be given to Ron in person at the supper meetings or mailed in to TF&F, PO Box 62 in Anacortes. You can also visit our website at transitionfidalgo.org and use PayPal.

Featured Presentation: Vision 2030

Sommer Carter gave a rousing presentation of our Vision 2030 document history and summary. We started this project one year ago. Sommer noted that most of us in Anacortes love the forests, nature, waterfront, and historical downtown and we hope to insure that the community thrives in the future.  She went through a number of points in the document, e.g. housing affordability (such as demonstrated by the Lopez Community Land Trust and Santa Cruz ADU program that produces 40/50 new housing units per year); diverse, walkable neighborhoods; local food hubs;  a community powered by reliable and renewable energy (example - Fort Collins "Net-0-Energy"); and a thriving, diverse, local economy that serves the three-P's: People, Planet, and Profit.

Sommer asked for questions and comments.  These included:

·       ADU, what is it?  (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

·       Guemes Islanders, are they included in our Vision doc and programs? (Yes!)

·      Changing  CCR restrictions on legalizing home businesses

·      Second  Comprehensive Plan input session is tomorrow (April 30), please participate!

·       Comprehensive Plan - Eric presented the Vision 2030 document to the City Council and it was well received.  Councilwoman Erica Pickett suggested to him that a good opportunity for specific input would be after a first draft of the comp plan update is released.


Ron Larson then led the discussion and reviewed the rules at the "break out tables" where folks were asked to comment on what was important to them.  After 20 minutes of individual table discussions, each group reported to the whole. Sign-up sheets were available at each table for those who want to help bring into reality the ideas contained in Vision 2030.

 Adjourned at 8:10

 Bud Anderson, Secretary

Transition Fidalgo & Friends works to grow a more resilient community with a reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Visit transitionfidalgo.org. and find us on Facebook