Author Archives: GriffinNeighbors

Human Rights in Iran

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A free, public lecture on human rights in Iran will take place at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. at 7:30pm on Thursday January 20th.

Arzoo Osanloo, Associate Professor in the University of Washington Law, Societies and Justice Program, will share her extensive knowledge of human rights in Iran. Doctor Osanloo also holds adjunct appointments in the School of Law and Departments of Anthropology, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Women’s Studies and Comparative Religions.


Recently, Princeton University Press published The Politics of Women’s Rights in Iran by Professor Osanloo. For more information about this outstanding scholar and teacher visit her website. Arzooosanloo.com.

The event is sponsored by the Olympia World Affairs Council. For more information call 360- 867-0919 or visit their web site at http://www.olympiawac.org/

Science Café to Present Overview of Washington Archeology, January 11

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When: 7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Where: Batdorf & Bronson Coffee House, 516 Capitol Way South, Olympia, Washington. Phone 360.786.6717

Batdorf & Bronson has three locations in Olympia. Science Café meets in the downtown coffee house on Capitol Way. On-street parking is available on Legion, Capitol Way, Columbia Street, and Water Street. After 6 p.m., there is parking available at Heritage Bank on Columbia Street between 5th and Legion.

Our topic in January is Archaeology of Washington.

Dr. Rob Whitlam, Washington State Archaeologist, will present an overview of the archaeology of Washington. The tour will take you across Washington state and through 12,000 years of its history.

February Topic: The longer day: How rocks can tell us about changes in the Earth's spin and the Moon's orbit. Christopher L. Coughenour, Ph.D., The Evergreen State College.

 

Olympia Outboard Boating Club Crab & Spaghetti Dinner February 12

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The Olympia Outboard Club, based on Steamboat Island, will hold its Annual Crab & Spaghetti Feed at Prosperity Grange (3701 Steamboat Island Rd. NW, Olympia, WA, 98502) on Saturday February 12, 2011.

There are two sittings available. 12pm to 3pm or 4pm to 7pm

$27 Adult, $10 Kids 8 and under, for an all-you-can-eat dinner of Crab, Spaghetti, Salad, Bread and 1 soft drink.

Beer is also available.

For more information, call 360-791-3214 or 360-789-2602.

You don't have to have an outboard boat - or a boat at all - to enjoy the Club. From their web site:

In 1950 six avid boaters got together to form the Olympia Outboard Boating Club. From these beginnings, the club has grown into a group of active boaters here on our Puget Sound waters.

The club's purpose is to serve the interests of those boat owners who navigate the South Sound To the Strait.

We support action against the pollution of our recreational waters. We also exchange all sorts of boating information and promote safety for those out enjoying that leisure time activity at our docks and club house.

The present location of the club house is on Steamboat Island. It was purchased in 1968. Over the course of years, the member ship added 80 feet of docks, 200 feet of bulkheads with steps to the beach, and two kitchens. Six RV spots have been added with beautiful views of the sound.

A fire pit and kitchen area are below the club house. This area is where the sandy beach meet the tide lands and where members spend time telling stories, cleaning the fresh catch, along with crabs when in season, and fish. The tide water has a great reflection of those evening sunsets.

Come and enjoy the area as a guest by calling one of our members on our contact list and setting up a time, or just visit the calender and RSVP to a function. Our meetings are the first Tuesday of a new month Thanks, and hope to see you soon.

For more information and to join, see the web site of the Olympia Outboard Boating Club at http://www.olympiaoutboardboatingclub.org/

  

Development Code Changes Affect Ability to Develop Commercial Uses in Residential Zones

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The Thurston County Board of Commissioners recently adopted an ordinance that amends Thurston County's Development Code. This is Ordinance 14439, which pertains to changes required in the rules around the presubmission conferences that take place, when plans are being made to develop on private lands, and other details regarding developing in the County.

In a quick review of these changes, we found notable the list of non-conforming uses - particularly, how the County is limiting commercial uses on parcels adjoining residential parcels. It seems likely that some of these changes will impact those thinking of developing property for commercial uses in the Griffin area.

Click here to read the changed development code resulting from this decision.

 

Sign Up to Get Your HomePrint Before the End of the Year!

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This January 26th, the Griffin Neighborhood Association will feature, at its Annual Meeting, a presentation by Thurston Energy. One of the ways Thurston Energy can help homeowners is by offering a comprehensive home energy assessment. For customers of Puget Sound Energy, the cost of this assessment is largely paid-for by PSE. From Thurston Energy, we recently received this notice:

Have you been thinking about getting a home energy assessment? Not sure if now is the right time? Well, if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to sign up for a PSE-certified HomePrint™. PSE’s HomePrint™ program will be going through some changes in the future, and Thurston Energy’s offer for the $95 HomePrint is good only until December 28, 2010.

For a limited time only, $95* will get you a PSE certified HomePrint™ Energy Evaluation through Thurston Energy. You will receive:

  • A half-day visit by a trained, certified energy expert to evaluate your home's current energy performance.
  • A confidential analysis of your gas and electric bills to identify potential areas of savings.
  • Installation of FREE compact fluorescent light bulbs.
  • Offer of up to 2 high-efficiency showerheads.
  • High-tech diagnostics like a blower door test and infrared photos to identify air leaks and heat loss.
  • Comprehensive and prioritized plan of cost-effective energy-saving improvements that would cut electricity usage and increase your home's ability to retain warmth in the winter and cool in the summer.
  • Do-it-yourself tips on how to reduce energy costs immediately.

So be sure to download PSE’s fillable PDF form and get it back to them ASAP to get yourself on the list (you can fill out our online form here). Please get your paperwork in December 28, 2010 to receive the $95 price!
*For qualified customers only: PSE customers in Thurston County that use PSE natural gas or electricity as their primary source of heat.
To clarify, you must put your application in, by December 28th. However, you can schedule the assessment to take place in January, after the holidays.

Public Hearing on County Budget - Monday, December 6

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From a news release dated Thursday, December 02, 2010:

Thurston County Commissioners on Monday, December 6 will hold a public hearing on the spending plan for 2011. Commissioners have been meeting with county elected officials and department directors the past several weeks to iron out the final details of the budget. They have also been reviewing comments received from the public.

The $276 million budget would enable Thurston County to maintain its current level of programs and services without the painful budget reductions of the past several years. The county remains under a hiring freeze, and there will be no cost-of-living increases for county staff. Thurston County budget analysts predict Thurston County will end 2010 with financially responsible fund balances.

Although Thurston County's 2011 budget is less painful than in years past, County Manager Don Krupp predicts some difficult decisions in the years ahead. "Property and sales taxes revenue growth is sluggish. In addition, property tax growth is limited to one percent per year while operational costs typically increase by three to five percent per year. State layoffs will also take a toll on the county's economy." Krupp predicted. "Our greatest challenge is to strike a balance between the needs of county citizens and the revenue situation," he said.

The budget public hearing will be held at 5:30 the evening of Monday, December 6th in Room 280 of Building One of the Thurston County Courthouse. Thurston County residents can also submit comments by mail to: Board of County Commissioners, 2000 Lakeridge Drive, SW, Olympia, WA 98502

Those wanting to comment can also call (360) 786-5440 or fax to (360) 754-4104 or send email to the County Commissioners at: tcbocc@co.thurston.wa.us Budget materials can be viewed on line at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/budget/

Griffin Neighborhood Association Annual Meeting to be Held January 26th

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Griffin Neighborhood Association will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 26, at the Griffin Fire Department Headquarters. The meeting begins at 7 PM, but folks are invited to come by beginning at 6:30, for coffee, snacks, and conversation.

The Annual Meeting is the opportunity for the Board of the GNA to report to the community on its activities over this last year. If you are a current GNA member, you can nominate and vote on Board members, too.

We have a number of guests from the local community coming to speak with us and to field questions from those in attendance. We've received confirmations that these local officials will be attending the Annual Meeting:

Fred Finn, House Representative, 35th Legislative District
Karen Valenzuela, Thurston County Commissioner
John Snaza, Thurston County Sheriff-elect
Greg Woods, Griffin School Principal
John Wood, Griffin Fire Department Chief

We'll get an update on building activities at St. Christopher's Community Church.

There will also be a presentation from Thurston Energy. Thurston Energy was recently profiled in an article by John Dodge, in The Olympian. While that article concentrates on the ways this program benefits local businesses, the same kind of benefits are available to home owners. The program is particularly beneficial to home owners who are customers of Puget Sound Energy for either electrical or gas service. Because of a subsidy paid by PSE, home owners can receive a PSE certified HomePrint™ Energy Evaluation from Thurston Energy, at a big discount ($95 to qualifying PSE customers). Smart home owners have learned a great deal of cost savings can be produced by a relatively few energy-saving improvements to their homes. Thurston Energy can help identify specific improvements and can provide information about local contractors and other resources for everything from energy conservation to solar power installation.

We'll also be collecting donations of food and cash for the branch of the Thurston County Food Bank operated locally by St. Christopher's Community Church. Please bring a donation of canned food or cash to help our neighbors right here in the Griffin area.

This is always a good time to either consider joining the Griffin Neighborhood Association or renewing your GNA membership. Click here to join or renew your membership in the GNA.

For more information about the Board of the Griffin Neighborhood Association, click here. Links on that page will take you to the Bylaws and frequently asked questions regarding serving on the Board.

If you are interested in serving on the Board of the GNA, please click here to read our Board FAQ. Contact any Board member for more information. The phone numbers of all Board members are on this page.

We look forward to seeing you at our Annual Meeting.

Feline Friends Holiday Bazaar and Cat Adoption Day This Saturday

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The 2010 Feline Friends Holiday Bazaar and Cat Adoption Day is this Saturday, December 4, from 10am to 3pm at Griffin Fire Department. There will be over 25 tables filled with a variety of gifts and crafts and baked goods (feel free to stop by and bring your favorite).

Hot Apple Cider and Delicious baked goods, Pet Toys and Snuggle Beds, Handmade Milk Soaps and Candles, hand crafted Jewelry, Orgami gift tags/bags/cards, beaded Christmas trees, Centerpieces, Metal Art, Garden & Yard Art, Cameron Garden Seeds, a White Elephant table and Raffle, and much more too unique and too good to miss!

Of course, the kitties are the real winners. Pass this along to all your animal loving friends.

CAT ADOPTION DAY (follow signs) will be at the Cat House behind the Steamboat Animal Hospital at the same time as the Bazaar! Some of these furry friends have been waiting since summer for their new forever owner to come for them. Jo and some of her volunteer will be there to make sure a purrfect match is made.

Happy Holiday from Feline Friends!
Diane 866-1909

Dick Durward, Area Resident since 1920, Has Passed Away

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Dick Durward

Long-time area resident Richard "Dick" Durward passed away this last Saturday, at his home in Tumwater. Local historian, author, and Griffin Neighborhood Association Board member Steve Lundin brought this to our attention. Writes Steve, "The Durwards moved to the Griffin area in the early 1920s when Dick was about two.  They lived on Fredricks' hill, which is the steep hill you drive down before you get to [the 2300 block of  Gravelly Beach Loop].  Dick was the first fire chief of the newly formed Griffin fire district in the 1960s, as well as the Grand Master of the Prosperity Grange.  He operated a saw shop out here in the 1960s -- it where the used furniture store is on Sexton Road." Dick attended the Griffin School.

The Olympian has published an obituary of some respectable length. Click here for that page. And, KOMO4 has an obituary, on their web site. Click here to browse that page.

Service Information:

Friday November 19th 2010 12:00pm
Mills and Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park
Tumwater, WA

Steve Lundin has authored a number of articles for this blog, regarding the history of the Griffin area.

Native Pigeons Thrive on Eld Inlet Preserve

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Band-tailed Pigeon. Patagioenas fasciata Photo by Bill Walker

Band-tailed Pigeon. Patagioenas fasciata
Photo by Bill Walker

During purchase arrangements for the newly acquired property at the sound end of Eld Inlet on Mud Bay, Capitol Land Trust staff learned of an unexpected bonus: mineral deposits that attract Band-tailed Pigeons.

Doves and pigeons are names use interchangeably. By name, when the Passenger Pigeon became extinct, Band-tailed Pigeons became the only pigeon native to the United States north of Florida. Those familiar city birds, Rock Pigeons, are smaller and hail originally from the cliffs of Europe and North Africa. The Band-tailed Pigeons seem to share this fondness for heights by perching in the tops of the tallest trees. A white stripe on the back of their neck and a banded tail provide good ways to recognize our native pigeon. It also sports bright yellow feet.

Like Passenger Pigeons used to do, Band-tailed Pigeons often gather in flocks, especially at mineral springs where they eat the salts. This makes them easy targets for shotgunners. Market hunting in the early 1900's decimated their numbers, as did lax game laws even up to the 1980's. Now hunting is strictly limited, and completely prohibited at this Capitol Land Trust preserve. But these birds aren't out of the woods yet.

Band-tailed Pigeon tail feather showing the characteristic band. Photo by Chris Maynard

Band-tailed Pigeon tail feather showing the characteristic band. Photo by Chris Maynard

These pigeons rely on mixed conifer forests with a special fondness for fruits from cascara and elderberry. A more recent threat is the reduction in their forest habitat in the form of even stands of single-species commercial fir forests.

So, it is not really surprising to find them on lands managed by Capitol Land Trust. These complex habitats attract and sustain communities of plans and animals who find refuge from an increasingly humanized landscape.
By Chris Maynard
Chris Maynard works for the Washington Department of Ecology’s Water Resource Program, is a photographer, and has a passion for the natural world.

Reprinted with permission from Capitol Land Trust News, Issue 50, Fall 2010.

Many residents in the Griffin area have played host to the Band-Tailed Pigeon, on their property. Preservation of habitat such as that along Mud Bay is why the Griffin Neighborhood Association formed the Steamboat Conservation Partnership with the Capitol Land Trust. Your support of the Steamboat Conservation Partnership will leave a lasting, positive impact right here, in your own backyard. Click here to learn more about the Steamboat Conservation Partnership.

"This is a terrific partnership," wrote the editor of The Olympian, "that should serve as a model to other neighborhood groups interested in the preservation of sensitive lands."