Griffin Fire Department’s New Web Site is a Winner

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I confess it’s been awhile since I sought it out, but have you seen the Griffin Fire Department’s new web site? Web designer and fire department Lieutenant Max Hollander has put together an attractive and highly functional tool for the local community. If you’ve not yet seen it, click here and spend some time perusing what’s there and get an idea of what’s to come.

I especially want to point out the set of pages under the “Public Information” top-level menu. There residents will find out information about the seasonal burn ban and alternatives to burning, an offer to provide to homeowners very important address signs, and information about the Department’s ongoing series of CPR and First Aid courses.

The site contains a wealth of information about the work of the Department, its history and equipment, and how to volunteer.

There’s even a set of photos taken during recent calls.

Take some time to browse the site and bookmark its location.

Cougar Sighting Near Maple Shores

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From local residents John & Stephanie Holttum, we received this notice and a photo about a cougar sighted near Maple Shores. This development is near Frye Cove Park.


August 14

Dear Neighbors,

In recent weeks we have suspected the presence of wild animals in our neighborhood, but assumed they were the usual deer and raccoons.

Today we photographed a cougar in our front yard. This is highly unusual behavior for a wild cat, both because of the daytime appearance, the proximity to our dogs (within 30 feet), and presence of construction workers next door (within 20 feet). The animal is equal in size to our dogs.

We have notified the Department of Wildlife. They advise the neighborhood to make sure that no pet food or other potential food sources are left out, and that small children and small pets are not left unattended outside. They are reviewing the pictures we took and may provide further information or action.

We would also like to take this opportunity to request your patience on our behalf and on behalf of all the dog owners in Maple Shores. Some have noticed more barking this summer than usual, and more than could be explained by construction workers or the normal visits from deer and raccoons. This is undoubtedly the reason. Living in the country, our neighborhood dogs are our allies and deserve our thanks for alerting us to this potential threat.

With Thanks,
John & Stephanie Holttum

Griffin Foundation Auction – September 13

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Mark your calendars, get your tickets and make your donations of good-quality items now for the Griffin Foundation Auction!

The biennial Griffin School Foundation fund raising auction will be held on the evening of Saturday, September 13th, 5:30 to 10 PM, at the usual location in a circus tent in between the Grange Hall and golf driving range. This is a great event that should not be missed.

A number of Griffin Neighborhood Association members are attending the auction and have generously contributed items to be auctioned at this year’s event.

Tickets for auction and dinner, including two drinks (wine, beer, pop, or bottled water), are $45 per person. Tickets are available at Island Market and Sunrise Hair.

The Foundation is looking for good quality auction items. If you want to contribute an auction item contact Teri Weaver at teriweaver@comcast.net

The main item that the auction will focus on funding this year is an electric reader board for the school that will be located on a triangular piece of property the school owns, in front of the old mink farm where Old Steamboat Island Road meets Steamboat Island Road. This will allow easy communication of school events, etc., by the school to the general public. Other featured targets to finance will be a trophy case, as a “bid-an-item” where bidders just indicate the money they wish to donate without purchasing an item. The Foundation has a generous matching gift challenge to provide more money for scholarships.

The Griffin School Foundation is a Washington nonprofit corporation operating under the umbrella 501(c)(3) status of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound. The Griffin School Foundation supports and contributes to the improvement of public education, and related needs, in the greater Griffin Community that are not, or can not be, support by traditional funding sources. These purposes are fulfilled by funding scholarships for Griffin School students or former students, funding educational and training opportunities for Griffin School employees and Griffin School Board members, funding capital improvements and equipment for the Griffin School District and Griffin-area youth, providing historical and other displays at Griffin School, addressing the special needs of Griffin students, and hosting events honoring our Griffin community senior citizens. Its website may be found at GriffinSchoolFoundation.org.

It’s Primary Election Time!

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Ballots for the Primary election are now out and, if you’re a registered voter, you should have received yours in the mail. If you are registered to vote and have not received your ballot, contact the Thurston County Elections office immediately at (360) 786-5408 (TTY (360) 754-2933).

There’s a ballot drop box, located in the parking lot of the Griffin Fire Department at 3707 Steamboat Loop NW. It’ll close at 8 PM on August 19 (election night). This is a real easy way to get your ballot in, without spending a dime on postage.

Not yet a registered voter? You can still register in time to vote in this Fall’s General Election. Click here to register to vote online through the Secretary of State’s Office.

Washington has a new primary. It’s not a “Blanket” primary and it’s not a “Pick-a-Party” primary. Back in 2004, voters approved I-872, which created a “Top-2” primary system. This was finally court-approved by the U.S. Supreme Court this last March. The Top-2 primary means that every candidate appears on your ballot and the top two candidates in each race move to the final General Election on November 4. In a Top-2 primary, it’s possible that the top two vote-getters in a specific race will belong to the same political party.

Judicial and non-partisan races are handled differently. For example, for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeals, if any one candidate receives a majority of votes (50% + 1 vote), he or she will be the only candidate appearing on the General Election Ballot. If no single candidate receives a majority, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will appear on the General Election Ballot.

For the Thurston County Superior Court, if any one candidate receives a majority of votes (50% + 1 vote) in the Primary, that candidate is elected to the position and the race will NOT appear on the General Election ballot unless a declaration of write-in candidacy is received within ten days after the Primary Election.

It’s particularly worth pointing out is there are some judicial races in Thurston County that will be settled by the Primary Election, and not by the General Election. Judicial candidates are, in my opinion, some of the most difficult for voters. Luckily, there is some help.

VotingForJudges.org is an award-winning web site which nicely lays out the candidates, their credentials, and any endorsements. Click here to visit the Thurston County elections page on the VotingForJudges.org web site.

Thank you, all you Griffin area homeowners who are both registered and actually vote!

Thurston County Elections has an excellent web site. Click here to go there.

— MARK MESSINGER

Reserve Your Place Now – Benefit Lunches for Community Supported Agriculture

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Local resident Velma Rogers has teamed with Food for Life Chef Maya Adjani, with support from the Olympia Food Co-op and Batdorf & Bronson to offer an informative and delicious series of benefits for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).

Food for Life Chef Maya Adjani will create a gourmet RAW food feast using seasonal locally grown produce for all to enjoy!

Food supplied by: Olympia Food Co-op
Beverages supplied by: Batdorf & Bronson

Featuring Local Farmers & Their Produce

Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: 9604 Hunter Pt Rd NW, Olympia WA 98502
Dates:
August 23
September 13
October 25
November 22

$25 gift minimum required for any one of these dates – Space is limited.

To make reservations, gifts are requested 7 days in advance of the date of the event noted above. Make checks payable to “Velma Rogers” and mail to the address above.

Contact: Velma at 360-866-0244 or email at VelmasVegetables@aol.com

The concept of CSA was described in greater detail in our previous posting about a similar event Velma put together. Click here to read that posting and to learn more about CSA and about Chef Maya Adjani.

Click here to download the flyer for this event.

Join Us for a Neighborhood Potluck Picnic – Saturday, August 9

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The Griffin Neighborhood Association invites you to our annual NEIGHBORHOOD POTLUCK PICNIC!

Saturday, August 9
3 PM to 6 PM

PROSPERITY GRANGE
3701 Steamboat Island Rd. NW

Bring an Entrée, Salad or Dessert

We’ll supply hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, the buns and condiments, drinks, and something to eat it all off of.

Come meet your neighbors and catch up on local news.

Click here to download a copy of our flyer for this event.

St. Christopher’s 31st Annual Blueberry Bash – Aug 17

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St. Christopher’s Community Church holds its 31st Annual Blueberry Bash Sunday, August 17th, from Noon till 4 p.m. Come and join your friends and neighbors at this community event which can certainly be called a “Steamboat Peninsula Summertime Tradition.” This is an important fundraiser for St. Christopher’s and a terrific family event.

Enjoy listening to Celtic/Irish music by “Cricket on the Hearth” in St. Christopher’s beautiful park-like setting.

Fill up on tasty food: brats, hot dogs, veggie dogs too, corn-on-the-cob, thick ice cream milkshakes, famous whole blueberry pies or pies by-the-slice (other fruit pies are available too).

Have fun in the Bingo garden, playing carnival games, getting your face painted by a professional, or browsing among the Silent Auction items.

St. Christopher’s is located at 3320 79th Ave. NW, Olympia – just off Steamboat Island Road.

Sign your kids up for Sunday School too! Sunday School starts 9/7/08.

Click here for more information about St. Christopher’s Community Church.

Check out St. Christopher’s plans to expand the church and build a community center.

Don’t forget St. Christopher’s 2nd Annual Flea Market and Yard Sale on Saturday, August 9. Click here for more information.

Questions? Call 866-2111.

St. Christopher’s 2nd Annual Flea Market and Yard Sale – August 9

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St. Christopher’s Community Church is holding their 2nd Annual Flea Market and Yard Sale on Saturday, August 9. All types of vendors are welcome and expected. Folks are invited to come and, for a small fee, they can set up and sell their new or gently used items. This is a great fundraiser for St. Christopher’s and a terrific opportunity for neighbors to sell and find reusable items.

Date: Saturday, August 9th, 2008 – rain or shine
Time: 9 am to 3 pm (Spaces must be cleared by 4 pm)
Location: St. Christopher’s Church 3320 79th Ave. NW off Steamboat Island Rd.

Booth Description: Outdoor on grass 10′ x 10′

Event Description: All types of vendors are welcome and expected.

Cost: $15 for booth space before July 31st, after July 31st prices increase $5
NO REFUNDS

Tables and Canopies Rental: There are a limited number of tables and canopies for rent for $10 each on a first come basis. Two chairs will be provided with each table.

Set-up: Set-up will begin at 7:30 am Saturday morning. NO SET-UP FRIDAY NIGHT.

All participants MUST clear and haul away any remaining items at the end of the day. St. Christopher’s will not be providing disposal or transporting of any remaining items.

Weather: Plan for any type of weather. This event will be outside rain or shine. Canopies are recommended.

Call: 866-2111 or e-mail saintchri@aol.com

Do you have gently used stuff to give away, but don’t want a booth? Please consider donating it to St. Christopher’s to sell at their booth. Call 866-2111 or e-mail saintchri@aol.com.

Help promote this community event! Click here to download a copy of the event flyer and give a copy to your friends and neighbors.

Garden Rhapsodies Tour to Feature Area Gardens – July 26

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This year’s Garden Rhapsodies Tour will be in the Griffin area with at least five gardens selected on the Steamboat Island and Oyster Bay peninsulas.

The garden tour features lovely gardens cared for in an earth-friendly manner. While these gardens do not have to be strictly organic, they use preventative techniques and pesticides only as a last resort.

The Tour is an educational event and a fund raiser for three local non-profits: Master Gardener Foundation, Native Plant Salvage Project and the Olympia Symphony Guild.

Saturday, July 26, 2008
10:00 am-4:00 pm
Shuttle location: Griffin School at 6530 33rd Ave NW

Tickets are $15 and include a shuttle to all of the gardens. Youth under 16 are free. Tickets are available at all Thurston County nurseries, Olympia Federal Savings branches, Yenney Music, and Olympia Farmers Market. Tickets are also available the day of the tour at the shuttle site and the gardens.

Garden Rhapsodies is sponsored by Thurston County, WSU Cooperative Extension Native Plant Salvage Project, WSU Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Foundation, Olympia Symphony Guild, and the City of Olympia.

For more information, contact Jennifer Johnson, Environmental Educator, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department, Environmental Health Division, at (360) 754-4111 ext. 7631 or johnsoj@co.thurston.wa.us

Study Up for Judicial Elections at VotingForJudges.org

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Many of the judicial races will be decided in this August’s primary. For this reason, responsible voters are advised to take a good look at their candidates this summer, rather than waiting until Fall.

VotingforJudges is a nonpartisan, impartial source of information about judicial elections in the state of Washington. The site was established in 2006 to provide information to voters in connection with the judicial candidates running for election that year.

The American Bar Association honored VotingforJudges with its 2007 Silver Gavel Award for Media and the Arts, in the “New Media” category. In addition, the Atlanta-based Foundation for Improvement of Justice presented one of its Paul H. Chapman Justice Awards for 2007 to VotingforJudges.

Paul Fjelstad, the Kitsap attorney who designed and provides ongoing updates to VotingforJudges, was honored with the 2007 King County Bar Association President’s Award for his work.

Click here to visit VotingforJudges.org