July 2009 Archives

Yelm's first Rotary Club established

"Local businessmen and women have added Yelm to the list of some 32,000 other Rotary Club locations in over 170 countries around the world."

Yelm, WA July 7, 2009 - The first and oldest civic service organization, Rotary International, now has a club in Yelm. Established in the Fall of 2008 with the assistance of two sponsoring clubs, Lacey and Hawk's Prairie, the club is now growing steadily.

Rotary began as a place for people of many different professions to meet, network and exchange ideas for community service projects. The Yelm club now has representatives from banking, insurance, real estate, building construction, pest control, graphics arts and financial services.

The club has chosen a goal of being a mentoring group, using the members' vast experience in business and life, to help young people in the community as they find their way into the business and professional world. Following in the footsteps of Rotary International's very successful Youth Exchange and Youth Leadership Awards Programs, the Yelm club will promote these as well as establish their own programs.
In addition, the club will be involved in other community service projects like the recent, very successful Community Food Raiser that raised tons of food for local foodbanks, assisting a local Scout with his Eagle Project and working with Overseas Coupon Project which provides coupons for our military families
stationed overseas.

Aside from the hundreds of thousands of community projects being done worldwide at any given time and the generous scholarships awarded to students and young adults around the world, Rotary International is perhaps best known for its decision in 1985 to work towards the eradication of polio worldwide. To
date, they have contributed over $750 million and countless volunteer hours to immunize over 2 billion children in 122 countries.

If you are interested in joining this world renowned organization and becoming a charter member, feel free to come by any of the weekly meetings. The Yelm Rotary Club meets Tuesdays from 7-8 a.m. at the Veteran's Hall, Grove Street and 103rd Street. Breakfasts are available for a small contribution.
www.yelmrotary.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Contact:
info@yelmrotary.com
Christopher Haley - 360-790-4876
Or Tom Dewell - 360-894-8151

We will have an informational booth at McKenna Fest in August.

TELL YELM'S ROTARY CLUB YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

POSTED ON JULY 29TH ON JZ KNIGHT'S WEBSITE:

"Mayor Ron Harding stated in his July 17, 2009 monthly column in the Nisqually Valley News (NVN) that the City of Yelm is attempting to secure additional water rights though what he says is “a difficult task, compounded by outside interests who would stymie our efforts and stop all progress.”

Harding did not state what outside interests he was referring, yet the inference was clear. I took out a full-page paid-advertisement in the NVN July 8, 2009 to set the record straight about the City’s misleading comments and disparaging remarks about citizens who speak out against improper and unlawful conduct printed in copious amounts of space in the NVN May 22 and May 29. Interesting to note the city’s and newspaper’s silence about my advertisement correcting their misinformation.

See that ad here.

What Mayor Harding needs reminding is that property owners inside city limits and owners peripheral to the city who are using the same aquifer as the city are all affected by the illegitimate use of local aquifer resources because the city has not been following procedures put in effect to preserve the use of those resources for private use, without impairment.

The City of Yelm has continued to maintain in their Draft Water System Plan, their MDNS & DNS that the huge increases in pumping water will have no environmental impact. The city has been relying on adding more water rights through the application to transfer the McMonigle water rights to the City of Yelm and has been using these requested but not approved additional water rights to justify they have enough water the last few years for increased city expansion. On July 20, 2009, Ecology REVERSES the decision of the Thurston County Conservancy Board and now says the City of Yelm is not approved to use the privately contracted water from the McMonigle water rights, leaving Yelm in a precarious position where their Draft Water System Plan may not be viable and the city could already be pumping more water than their allocated 796 acre feet per year.

The lack of regard for the environment by the City of Yelm has finally been noted in a landmark decision rendered by Ecology."

Copyright © 2009 JZ Knight. All Rights Reserved
used with permission.

MAJOR DEPT. OF ECOLOGY ACTION NOTED
And this in the July 17th Seattle Times:
Well drilling banned in western Kittitas County
"Washington state water regulators on Thursday banned all well drilling in western Kittitas County, effectively halting most new development in a favorite dry-side oasis for Seattleites.

The emergency ban announced by the state Department of Ecology is effective for 120 days, but the agency signaled it could extend the ban unless Kittitas County agrees to more limits on water usage.

Ecology Director Jay Manning acknowledged the potential economic impact, but said negotiations with Kittitas County commissioners had broken down."

IS YELM NEXT FOR SHOWDOWN WITH ECOLOGY?
STAY TUNED!

Olympia Regional Airport

Excessive Heat Warning for Southwest Interior, WA
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning though Friday

The Olympian reports,
"The high temperature topped the century mark this afternoon [Tuesday, July 28], according to the monitoring station at the Olympia Regional Airport, breaking the record set in 1998...

The National Weather Service in Seattle forecasts Wednesday’s high temperature will reach 102 degrees, two degrees below the all-time record set on Aug. 9, 1981, and Thursday's high will also threaten to reach triple digits. It hit 101 degreess at the Olympia Regional Airport shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday."

KING-5 TV in Seattle reports,
"The National Weather Service reported the temperature at Portland International Airport reached a record 106 degrees, well past the previous airport record of 101 set in 1998, but still short of the 107 all-time mark for the Portland area set in 1981.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it was a tie with 1998 when the temperature climbed to 97 degrees on Tuesday.

Wednesday "looks brutal," said National Weather Service meteorologist Jay Albrecht.

"We're looking at a heat wave of potentially historic proportions," KING 5 Meteorologist Jeff Renner said.

Sea-Tac Airport could reach 101 degrees Wednesday, which would break the all-time record set July 16, 1941, in downtown Seattle and tied July 20, 1994, at the airport. The average high for Seattle in late July is 76 or 77."

UPDATE: 2:53pm July 29th
SEATTLE BREAKS ALL-TIME HEAT RECORD
"Residents of Seattle entered uncharted territory Wednesday when the official temperature reached 101 degrees.

The weather station at Sea-Tac Airport, where the official record comes from, hit the mark at 2:53 p.m....

The previous record was set July 16, 1941 in downtown Seattle and July 20, 1994 at the airport. The average high for Seattle in late July is 76 or 77," quoting KING-5 TV.

We tied the ALL-TIME record high temperature today officially at Olympia Regional Airport of 104 degrees.

ALL WEYERHAEUSER LANDS CLOSED
From the Pierce County Business Examiner.

"Residents often ask about what to do with unwanted medications - both Rx and over-the-counter drugs...

Protect your family.
Returning unwanted medications makes your home safer. Return unwanted medicines for free and safe disposal - learn how!...

The ... flyer has a wealth of information addressing the problems associated with flushing medications down the drain or placing in the trash.

In Thurston County, we currently have one free drop off location:

Group Health Cooperative
Olympia Medical Center Pharmacy
(box is located right across from where you take a number for the pharmacy line)
http://www.ghc.org/locations/index.jhtml
700 Lilly Road NE
Olympia, WA 98506
360-923-7600

Terri Thomas
Education and Outreach Specialist
Thurston County Solid Waste

Visit our FREE materials exchange at
www.2good2toss.com"

Yelm Public Safety Building & City Council Chambers

MAYOR HARDING'S & THE YELM CITY COUNCIL'S LACK OF ACTION ON CUTTING CITY EXPENSES TO BE IN-LINE WITH LOWER REVENUES REQUIRES LAYOFFS!

This is an "I TOLD YOU SO" ENTRY!

From this week's NVN,
"Responding to a tight economy, the City of Yelm is eliminating half a dozen positions, a move expected to save more than $820,000.

A six-month review of the city’s financial status showed revenue projections are on target. However, when preparing the budget, the city estimated low, hoping revenue would actually be higher than projected, said Mayor Ron Harding.

The city was also drawing from its financial reserves to maintain its current level of service.

Reserves have decreased by $250,283 this year.

As of June 30, the city’s operating cash and investments fund has about $900,000.

'We can’t continue to budget that way,' Harding said. 'We’ve got to cut expenses...'

The city anticipated some staff cuts, but thought it wouldn’t be until the end of 2009, Harding said."

THIS WRITER WARNED MAYOR HARDING & THE CITY COUNCIL ON-THE-RECORD NOVEMBER 25, 2008 THAT THEIR REVENUE PROJECTION FORECASTS WERE NOT STEEP ENOUGH - TO TAKE A LOOK AT THURSTON COUNTY'S SEVERE BUDGET DEFICIT AND START TO CUT EXPENSES THEN.

OF COURSE, MY EFFORTS FELL ON DEAF EARS AT CITY HALL, AS PER USUAL AND NOW THEY ARE FORCED INTO A MAJOR LAYOFF MODE, CUTTING 2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT POSITIONS, THE COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR (WHOM I EXPECT TO SEE BACK AT THE NVN AS A REPORTER, FROM WHERE SHE CAME), TWO POSITIONS IN PUBLIC WORKS, ONE POLICE OFFICER AND ANOTHER VACANT POLICE OFFICER POSITION THAT WILL NOT BE FILLED.

Quoting the Yelm Community Blog entry of December 6, 2008:
"6. The City of Yelm 2009-2010 budget hearing is still open until Dec. 9th for public input. I told the Council on Nov. 25th that a revenue reduction of the General Fund of 15% is not enough with a contracting economy that has a long way to go before hitting bottom with home prices, home sales, sales tax revenue, building permit starts, home assessments and property taxes all falling through the floor. They should be looking at a 25% reduction or more to protect their ability to provide services in the future to Yelm residents.

These are serious matters that require the Mayor and City Council to be up-front with the taxpayers of Yelm and vicinity as we all navigate increasingly stormy waters."

Quoting the Yelm Community Blog entry of March 3, 2009:
"As reported here on February 10th, Mayor Ron Harding told the Yelm Chamber Forum in his State of the City Address,
'If the economy continues a decline, we'll have to assess service cuts by year's end.
Revenues were up only 3% in 2008; we expected higher.
We did fall quite a bit short with revenue last year
We are expecting a continuing economic decline.'"

WHY DID THE MAYOR NOT THEN RECOMMEND ADJUSTMENTS TO THE LOWER REVENUE PROJECTIONS?

From the Yelm Community Blog entry of April 27, 2009:
"Now, with the $400,000 authorized by the State Legislature for new Longmire Park toilets added to the $408,800 previously appropriated by the city, do you think this is a good time to be spending almost $1,000,000 in taxpayer money for water and toilets at a ballpark that might get used 3 months out of a year?

While I applaud the efforts of Rep. Campbell and our State Legislature, is this REALLY a wise appropriation when we're laying off state workers and cutting essential medical and elderly care programs, as an example? ...

While maybe not occurring in Yelm as of yet, how would you like to be employed by the city and told that your job is to be cut, yet we're going to spend a million bucks to have flush toilets at the Ball Park? That is where this is heading, and sooner rather than later!"

ALL OF THIS WAS EXPECTED AND ON-THE-RECORD 9 MONTHS AGO, WHILE THE CITY DID NOTHING UNTIL A CASH CRISIS WAS ALMOST AT-HAND!

Look for more taxes & less services, with two less police officers, less staff at Public Works & the Community Relations job cut (after just completing a new office for her).
As Mayor Harding told the NVN,
"The city is also looking at increasing its B&O tax on utilities, which affects the tax of cable television, electricity, gas and telephone.

Currently residents are taxed 4 percent, but could be taxed up to 6 percent."

With several noted economists warning of a further downturn this Fall, the City of Yelm is not in good shape to weather much more revenue drops without cutting back on city services. Look for more cuts by Christmas!

Olympia Regional Airport

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather bulletin for Western Washington for an "Extreme Heat Watch" all this week.

The nearest official National Weather Service reporting station is Olympia's Regional Airport, 16 miles from Yelm.

From The Olympian,
"An excessive heat watch is in effect from Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon.

Forecasters say high temperatures will be in the 90s across Western Washington this week, with warm nighttime temperatures in the mid-50s to lower 60s.

They say the prolonged period of hot temperatures could lead to poor air quality and possible heat-related illnesses."

From The Weather Channel:

Excessive Heat Watch for Southwest Interior, WA
from 12 pm PDT, Mon., Jul. 27, 2009 until 6 pm PDT, Thu., Jul. 30, 2009

•Prepare for Extreme Heat
Issued by The National Weather Service
Seattle/Tacoma, WA
3:37 am PDT, Sun., Jul. 26, 2009

... EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SEATTLE HAS ISSUED AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

KING-5 TV in Seattle reports the following 90 degree streak records:
5 days of 90's August 7-11, 1981
4 days of 90's July 16-19, 1979
3 days of 90's 1965, 1971, 1977

UPDATE: From the July 27th Olympian

Look for more Blog entries on July 26th as the Blog Host takes a pause!

Wednesday, July 22nd Speakers addressing the students at Ramtha's School of Enlightenment are:

- Ben Hammott - Rennes-le-Chateau Author and Researcher
CLICK HERE to read more from Mr. Hammott's website.
&
CLICK HERE for information about Mr. Hammott's book Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar.

- Bruce Burgess - Director of the movie Bloodline
CLICK HERE for the movie's website.
Bloodline – The Movie is the controversial documentary that rocked the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and came to Yelm Cinemas in July, 2008 at the request of JZ Knight.

"I know you are a dog lover!
Every year the Tacoma Humane Society has an annual sponsored walk - it is their biggest fund raiser, and I try to walk each year. Actually this year in the poster that is plastered everywhere, is a picture of Wesley and I from last year.
If you are interested in walking and want to join me - let me know!
If you want to sponsor or make a donation, to support the humane society,
I am collecting donations.

You can either stop by my office at Yelm Travel,
or mail in a donation made payable to
The Humane Society
to me at
PO Box 730
Yelm WA 98597

Thanks for taking the time to read this."

Elizabeth Felix
Owner, Yelm Travel

TELL ELIZABETH YOU READ ABOUT HER & WESLEY ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

From the Pollution in People website:

The Pollution in People study is a project of the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, a diverse state-wide coalition of more than 50 organizations.

Lead author of the Pollution in People report was Erika Schreder, Staff Scientist, Washington Toxics Coalition.
The study report and web site was approved by representatives of the steering committee organizations of the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition:
Breast Cancer Fund, Healthy Building Network, People For Puget Sound, Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington Toxics Coalition, and WashPIRG.

Results:
In 2005, ten Washington residents agreed to testing of their hair, blood, and urine for the presence of toxic chemicals as part of an investigative study by the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition. The Coalition wanted to know which chemicals were getting into our bodies, and at what levels, to better understand the potential harm posed by poor regulation of chemicals, and to develop better solutions.

We tested ten Washington residents for six groups of chemicals:

* the plasticizing chemicals known as phthalates,
* the flame retardants PBDEs,
* the heavy metals: lead, arsenic, and mercury,
* perfluorinated chemicals like those used to make Teflon,
* pesticides, and
* banned, but persistent, PCBs and DDT.

Our study revealed that toxic chemicals have traveled to the worst possible destination:
our bodies.
New chemicals policies are needed today, to keep chemicals that can harm our health out of industries and out of everyday products.

FYI for Thurston County residents:

"Washington State has recycled 18,773,995 pounds of electronics in the first six months of this year. Television sets made up 57% of this. In Thurston County alone, 740,937 pounds of electronics were turned in for recycling.

Manufacturers are now required by state law to provide FREE recycling services for TVs, desktop computers, laptops, and monitors at no cost to residents, non-profits, small businesses, schools, and small local governments through the new E-CYCLE Washington program. Thurston County government is not considered a small local government and cannot participate - but you can as a resident!

All five of the Goodwill stores and donation stations in Thurston County are registered E-CYCLE Washington collection sites, as is Midway Recovery at 638 Durell Rd SE in Olympia. For an up-to-date list, go to http://1800recycle.wa.gov or call 1-800-RECYCLE.

There are also recycling opportunities for electronic items not covered under the new law. Check with the E-CYCLE locations above since they may accept your items. In addition, many local retail chains, non-profits, and other businesses accept a variety of electronics for reuse or recycling. Just go to www.WhereDoITakeMy.org for a list of locations.

Staples is one of these sites and accepts printers, faxes, and all-in-ones for $10 each with keyboards, mice and speakers at no charge. For more information, contact the Olympia store at (360) 570-0800 or go to www.staples.com.

Another site is Office Depot, which offers their Tech Recycling Boxes for $5, $10, and $15. Fill with electronics and return to the store. Questions can be directed to the Olympia store at (360) 352-2426 or the Lacey store at (360) 923-1099 with more information at www.officedepot.com.

If your electronic item is still working, remember that reuse is always more environmentally friendly than recycling. Used equipment can help people and organizations who may not be able to afford to buy new. Consider posting working items on one of the free-to-use online materials exchange websites such as www.2good2toss.com, http://seattle.craigslist.org, or www.usedolympia.com. Items can be posted as free or for a charge. Don’t forget to cruise the sites to find bargains for yourself too - they offer much more than just electronics.

Proper disposal of electronics is extremely important since electronics can contain toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury and hazardous chemicals that can harm human health and the environment. Recycling and reuse keeps these and other materials out of our landfills, conserves natural resources, and reduces the energy required to make products from scratch.

For information on other local recycling opportunities in Thurston County, contact Thurston County Solid Waste at 360-357-2491 or go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm."

Terri Thomas
Education and Outreach Specialist
Thurston County Solid Waste

"The Center for the Creative Arts is also introducing a brand new Theater Camp for children, ages 8-12yrs. Each day is fun-filled with instruction in acting, singing, and movement techniques.

The classes will be taught by Nancy Hillman, founder of the Drew Harvey Theater Youth Program.

This is a perfect opportunity for the shy and the bold, for the curious and the stage struck child.

Class week culminates with an evening presentation for friends and family.

When: July 20-24, Monday through Friday

What time: 10am-2pm

Where: Center for the Creative Arts.
302 Binghampton St. in Rainier,
Behind the Signature Service Real Estate Offices.

How Much: $100 per child.

CALL 458-1311 TO REGISTER, 446-2188 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!!"

TELL THE CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Welcome to Lattin's Country Cider Mill and Farm!

"Our small, family owned farm has been in business since 1976 and we work year around to bring you the highest quality fruits and vegetables. Our products are all homemade from natural ingredients -- just like your grandmother used to make!
We invite you to bring your family and friends, wander around our flower and vegetable gardens, picnic and feed the animals. Kids will enjoy our new play area including a maze that's open year round. While you're here, be sure to visit our farm market!

All year long you can buy our award-winning apple cider, frozen berries, farm fresh eggs, fruit syrups, dried fruit, honey, jam, crisp apples and delicious frozen pies - ready to bake. Look for fresh seasonal fruit and produce. Try our many assorted pastries and donuts, hot and cold ciders! And stop by on Saturday for great tasting apple fritters!

Join us for special EVENTS throughout the year. Kids love our Easter Egg Hunt!
Our fall APPLE FESTIVAL features tractor-drawn wagon rides to our Pumpkin Patch, the Maze, Haunted House, Bluegrass Music and wonderful food and drinks. We transform our farm into a WINTER WONDERLAND in December with thousands of lights and freshly cut Christmas trees.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Carolyn Lattin and daughters, Debbie & Sherrie"

Our good friends in Tenino introduced us to the products of Lattin's Country Cider Mill and Farm & we love them!

VISIT AND TELL LATTIN'S CIDER MILL AND FARM YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

On the City of Yelm's website under Public Notices, there is this:

DNS Case #ENV-09-0125-YL, City of Yelm 2009 Water System Plan
Adopt an updated Water System Plan for the City of Yelm

from where I quote,
"Determination of Non-Significance
File Number ENV-09-0125-YL
Description of Proposal: Adopt an updated Water System Plan for the City of Yelm.
Proponent: City of Yelm, Washington
Location of the Proposal: The City of Yelm water service area, which includes
portions of the existing Yelm City limits and portions of the Yelm Urban Growth Area.
Located in a portion of Township 17 North, Ranges 1 East and 2 East, W.M.
Lead agency: City of Yelm
The City of Yelm as lead agency for this action has determined that this proposal does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will not be required under Section 43.21C.030
(2) (c) RCW. This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on file with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request.
This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340 (2); the lead agency will not act on this
proposal for 14 days from the date below. Comments must be submitted by July 24,
2009.
Responsible Official: Grant Beck, Community Development Director"

SEVERAL ISSUES & QUESTIONS ARISE:

1. The City of Yelm has only issued a DRAFT Water System Plan for public review which still is listed as being posted on the city's website homepage on March 23, 2009, when the actual date of posting was in June. See the "Draft Water System Plan - June 2009."

2. The public has never been informed the city's DRAFT Water System Plan has been approved by the DOH, nor has the public seen any review of parts of the plan by DOE or their comments that are communicated with DOH.

3. Therefore, how can the City of Yelm make this official DNS when the determination has not even been made official by the State Dept. of Health or (DOH) Ecology (DOE)? DOH & DOE are intertwined on this because DOH will not approve a city's water system plan until they have a review and comments from DOE.

4. How can a City of Yelm Draft of the Water System Plan that has NOT BEEN APPROVED BY DOH, nor where the public has seen no comments from DOE now be made an official Determination of Non-Significance (DNS)?
Why & what is the purpose of doing that?

5. The City of Yelm's DNS is NOT an official doc because this has NOT approved by DOH, period!

6. I direct your attention to
"Location of the Proposal: The City of Yelm water service area, which includes portions of the existing Yelm City limits and portions of the Yelm Urban Growth Area."
Therefore, Council member Bob Isom's statement saying,"I have every right to disregard JZ Knight, Ramtha and any of the so-called students who do not live within the city limits when they attempt to influence decisions of the city council" is mute, since the city's plan "includes portions...of the Yelm Urban Growth Area " outside of the city limits and by the city's own admission, property owners in the Yelm UGA MUST be considered!

YOUR COMMENTS ARE INVITED!

Sandra Romero

You’re invited to coffee with County Commissioner Sandra Romero


This month’s coffee will focus on the county’s emergency response with special guest Emergency Manager, Kathy Estes.

Join us Monday, July 13th
10am - 11am
Blue Bottle Café
309 E Yelm Ave., Yelm
Please note the new date for this month’s coffee.

Please join Thurston County Commissioner Sandra Romero as she hosts an informal coffee hour. There is a lot happening in Thurston County, and we want to hear from you. These coffees give you the opportunity to talk about issues of concern, ask Commissioner Romero questions about the county, and share ideas.

Coffee provided.

If you have any questions contact:
Lisa Paribello at 360-786-5747 or paribel@co.thurston.wa.us

Commissioner Romero is the representative of District 2, which includes Yelm, Lacey, and Rainier.

"Did you know that there is a Farmer’s Market being started/trialled by Yelm Farm on Bald Hill Road (opposite U-Haul and Jason’s Greenhouse – just outside city limits)?

The first one is this Saturday from 9am-3pm.

They will trial it fortnightly for July and August. If it is successful they will continue it ‘permanently’."

"The Yelm Food Co-op is proud to announce that we will now be receiving fresh produce on Saturdays and Tuesdays for your shopping pleasure. Some choices include, delicious cherries, peaches, nectarines, sweet corn and super sweet seedless watermelons. All organic of course."

Also, NatureWise Farm will have a farm stand outside the Yelm Co-op starting every Thursday from 3-6.30pm. NatureWise's Cornelia O'Leary tells the Yelm Community Blog, "The Co-op have been selling my veggies and the feedback has been so good that they asked me if I would like to do this as it ties in with their aim to work with and help local farmers."

The Olympian had this interesting story in May titled "New type of Earth-conscious farmer sprouting up in South Sound".

TELL THE FARMER'S MARKET, YELM CO--OP & NATUREWISE YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

"Welcome to the 30th Anniversary Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic official web site. This 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 10,000 participants riding from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon. Come join what Bicycling Magazine has listed as one of the best cycling events in the nation

Who Else Was On The Road With Me in 2008?

* 9,500 other riders
* 2,427 one-day riders; 7,073 two-day riders
* Oldest rider: 86
* Youngest rider: 2 years 5 months old
* 18% first-time riders
* 74 medical riders
* 310 riders who have participated in 10+ STPs
* Two riders who have ridden them all: Jerry Baker and Paul Wantzelius! In 2008 riders came from 44 states plus Australia, Canada, England and Serbia," quoting Cascade Bicycle Club: Group Health website.

YELM WELCOMES THE SEATTLE TO PORTLAND BICYCLE CLASSIC THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

Rainier Historical School, home to new Library

"We are excited!!! Why? Because we are getting close to getting the library up and running. Hopefully in August.

The windows are in the room. Painting has been done and floors are presently being refinished. The shelving etc. will be delivered in a couple weeks then comes the work of sorting and cataloguing the books we have.

We have met with the Timberland Regional Library representatives who have been so helpful. They will provide a Kiosk and training to the volunteers willing to keep the library open. Hours will depend on how many volunteers we can get to help with this endeavor. If you would like to be volunteer library help please let us know as we want to determine how many days we will be able to be open and when," quoting the Rainier Historical Society website.

THIS WILL BE A COMMUNITY LIBRARY STAFFED BY VOLUNTEERS.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASSIST, EMAIL: RainierLibrary@fairpoint.net.

The Rainier Library will be housed in the
Rainier Historical School
207 Centre St S
Rainier WA 98576
Mailing address:
P O Box 1024
Rainier WA 98576
Phone: 360 446-1040

TELL THE RAINIER LIBRARY YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

JZ Knight

From JZ Knight's website:

A Citizen Responds…

"As you may recall:

Back in May, the City of Yelm issued a baffling MDNS (Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance) for an incomplete and unapproved draft Water Mitigation Plan -

in which the City of Yelm determined

- that a proposed five-fold increase in pumping City water “will not have a probable significant adverse environmental impact on the local aquifer”.

JZ Knight bought space for full page ads in the Nisqually Valley News (NVN) & The Olympian to alert citizens to the City’s failure to protect the local aquifer and to provide a reasonable opportunity for citizen input. [see that ad here]

JZ Knight, the Squaxin Island Indian Tribe, and the Yelm Aquifer Preservation Society have appealed the MDNS. Over 100 comment letters were written by citizens - all opposing the City’s improper MDNS. [see all of the comments here]

The NVN used copious amounts of space in its May 22nd and May 29th editions to publish the City’s misleading comments and disparaging remarks about citizens who speak out against improper and unlawful City conduct;

and now

JZ Knight buys space in the NVN and NVN Shopper the week of July 8th, yet again, to set the record straight:
See Full Copy of Ad Here."

MORE ON THE CITY OF YELM'S WATER ISSUES:
CITY OF YELM WATER RATE INCREASES TAX BUSINESS OWNERS HERE
City of Yelm businesses have now gotten a double-whammy with the July 1 water rate increases. These additional costs hurt new businesses looking to set-up shop in Yelm, as well as the established ones serving Yelm-area customers.
CLICK HERE to see the city's chart on the water rate increases and scroll to page 2 to see the chart "Impacts to Typical Water Bills".

THE NVN'S OWN POLL EVEN SHOWS THAT AREA READERS DO NOT TRUST THE CITY OF YELM BY A WIDE MAJORITY IN THEIR HANDLING OF TAXPAYER MONEY REGARDING THURSTON HIGHLANDS AFFAIRS ALONG WITH 100% OF THE PUBLIC COMMENTS OPPOSING THE CITY'S MDNS!

Hello, Friends,

We are sending out this e-mail to generate help for our Yelm Homeless Kids.

We are learning how to do this as we go and all three kids are special needs as it turns out.
Diagnoses such as:
ADD, ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, IEP's.

Resources we are able to reach out and touch upon.

The Resources we are looking for help with are the clothes, gift cards, YMCA passes, gas cards to get to these appointments...

You can send your items to:
Robin Tingle
P.O. Box 247,
Yelm, WA 98597

If anyone has suggestions on how to help homeless kids, (house them, feed them, get clothes, medicine, emancipation rights, grants to support them, 3rd party guardianship) any and all is welcome and appreciated.

Littlemoon and I took this on by the seat of our hearts one day. Found the kids outside a grocery store. No place to live. Think of us with everything we need.

Love, Robin.

CLICK HERE for updates listed on MastersConnection.

The July, 2009 WSDOT webpage of SR 510 - Yelm Loop called the Yelm Bypass says,
"The purchase of Right of way is under way and will continue through 2009.

Construction of Stage 1 is funded. Design for Stage 1 is underway. This portion of the SR 510 Yelm Loop project is set to go to ad in October 2009.

Stage 2 remains unfunded."

As reported here previously, for this to happen:

1. The current funding for right-of-way (r-o-w) acquisition and engineering had to have been converted to construction funding for a Bypass to begin.

2. WSDOT had to have implemented the City of Yelm's request about the possibility of splitting the Bypass project into Phase 1 and 2, which the Legislature did not do. Phase 1 of the Bypass only bypasses Yelm High School and brings traffic back onto Yelm Ave. just east of the High School, hence the name "Yelm High School Bypass".

We could see construction start on Phase 1 by year's end, followed by an official opening in 2010 with Bypass traffic then traversing neighborhood streets (Killion & Cullens) with children playing and these streets not designed to handle the traffic load. The bulk of Bypass traffic was never intended to use Killion of Cullens and now will do so because the the 2 Phase split.

Associate City Planner Tami Merriman told the Yelm Planning Commission on June 15 that a Phase One Bypass would terminate at Cullens Rd., and there would be no traffic light at Cullens & Yelm Avenues to handle the traffic. Ms. Merriman stated there could be no light there, as the intersection is too close to Longmire. Yelm Community Development Dept. Director Beck said most of the traffic would use Killion anyway.
I stated that Killion & Cullens were not engineered and designed to handle semi-trucks and heavy traffic - that Killion goes through a residential neighborhood with children and senior assisted-living housing area & Cullens is an unimproved 2-lane street.

People in the know are not going to drive north on Killion to head west on the Bypass and add an additional mile to their journey just to bypass the High School, or vice-versa.

Remember folks, there is no funding for over-three-mile Phase 2 of the Bypass -- from Cullens through to the Wal-Mart.

Area dance artist Jehrin Alexandria created and is directing the Summer Dance Intensive.
A performance for the students is
July 10th
4:30-5:30pm
The Evergreen State College
room 116 of the Recreation Center
& is open to the community.

Danielle Brosco of Blacken Tan and now director of Southwest WA Dance Center will be teaching and choreographing the Intensive, as well. Admission is free.

CLICK HERE to read about Jehrin & Danielle here.

"Gelsey Kirkland who was Clara in the television version of the Nutcracker and who danced with Baryshnikov as well as other quite amazing dance teachers is coming. We have students coming from around the globe: China, Netherlands, Canada and more," Ms. Alexandria told the Yelm Community Blog.

TELL THESE ARTISTS YOU READ ABOUT THEM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

HAPPY 4th of JULY !

"In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Congress approved the wording of the Declaration on July 4 and then sent it to the printer.

In 1776, John Adams declared, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."[3]

[3] Letter to Abigail Adams," quoting Wikipedia.

The Declaration of Independence
from The Boston Globe

FYI for Thurston County residents:

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching and fireworks will soon fill the air. Thurston County Solid Waste would like to remind residents what to do after the smoke settles. Once you clean up the debris from your fireworks display, these materials go in the trash bin only. Please do not place them in the recycling or the organics. While some fireworks packing does indeed contain paper or cardboard, there are many other items attached that make it non-recyclable such as the shiny coatings, plastic bases or tubes, and explosive residuals. These other materials contaminate the recyclables.

Speaking of contamination, we want to remind residents to please follow the recycling rule of “when in doubt, throw it out”. When residents are uncertain about the recyclability of an item, they often place it in the recycling bin “just in case”. Unfortunately this theory adds great expense to the recycling process due to extra sorting and having to dispose of the non-recyclable items.

The only plastics allowed in recycling are diary tubs and the narrow neck bottles and jugs. Plastic bags, deli containers, clamshells, toys, Styrofoam, and of course, diapers are prohibited. Ammunition and hypodermic needles do not belong in the recycling either and pose a danger to staff that work on the sorting lines. Placing incorrect items in your residential recycling may result in your bin being tagged by the hauler or not collected.

There are plenty of resources to help you determine what can and cannot be recycled. Just go to the Thurston County Solid Waste website for the Yes/No list. This information is also on your bin label and comes as a billing insert on the back side of your annual calendar. If you don’t find the answer for a specific item, please call your hauler or Thurston County at 357-2491 and we will be happy to help.

Terri Thomas
Education and Outreach Specialist
Thurston County Solid Waste

Visit our FREE materials exchange at
www.2good2toss.com

FROM AN ASTUTE READER OF THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

"As you are well aware, we have had one of the driest summers on record so far, and it doesn't look to get any better. I love the sunshine and mild temperatures, but I also wish for some rain.

Having said that, I would like to ask that everyone please be very safe and aware during your July 4 celebration. I like fireworks just as much as the next person, but, we do live in a rural area where there is a tremendous amount of potential fuel for a fire, and it only takes a very small spark to start a very disastrous conflagration.

So please, keep an eye out for yourselves, your kids, and your neighbors.
Keep a garden hose handy, and for the sake of your pets, put them indoors if
possible. (I had a beautiful dog go deaf because someone decided it would be
fun to throw firecrackers at her..)," quoting these wise Yelm Community Blog reader's comments.

HAVE A FUN 4TH EVERYONE!

Joshua the Scribe

Local dad Luke Sutton welcomes his son Josh this Friday, July 3rd at 9 pm to enjoy an inspiring and electrifying
evening at the China Clipper Club Cafe in Olympia.

"Joshua's Hip-Hopetry lives through his spiritually inspired lyrics and electric,high-intensity style of delivery, which has excited audiences everywhere…"

Joshua The Scribe
Friday, July 3rd - 9PM
China Clipper Club Café
402 4th Ave E
Olympia, WA
(360) 943-6300‎
Doors Open at 9PM

"Joshua The Scribe is an incredible performance Poet and yet he is so much more than a poet. He's a dynamic Spoken Word Artist, yet he is so much more than that. He serves up his powerfully inspiring lyrics in an exciting energetic Hip-Hop style, and yet he is not a typical hip-hop or rap artist. So, what is he?
Well, when you combine his fierce, eloquent poetry (containing his messages of Hope), with his hip-hop style, you get Hip-Hopetry.

His work examines themes of unity, respect, higher consciousness, as well as the balance between the natural & industrial, the ancient & the modern, the sacred & the profane. His powerful, lyrical phrases with dynamic hip-hop style have won him finalist spots in many poetry slams, from local to national. He has also created, hosted and coordinated a number of outstanding spoken word events, including the weekly open mic at the Mosaic Piano Bar in Milwaukee, which he grew to one of the largest open mics in the city," quoting Joshua's website.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Joshua the Scribe.

TELL JOSHUA THE SCRIBE YOU READ ABOUT HIM ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Auctioneer Cindy Schorno & her brother World Auto Auctioneer Champion Danny Schorno, seated is CSE Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus, Carey Miller

Guests checking-out & bidding on Silent Auction items

CSE Auction guests Steve Klein, Congressional Candidate & Rep. Tom Campbell and his wife Lynn
All photos courtesy of the Children's School of Excellence (CSE)

The Children's School of Excellence, located in Rainier, Washington, held their 6th Annual Auction on Saturday, June 27th at the CSE campus on a delightful sunny afternoon. Over 500 people gathered for the festivities, starting at 3pm for a Silent Auction, followed by a buffet four-course dinner and a Live Auction with World Auto Auctioneer Champion Danny Schorno and his sister Cindy, children of Auctioneer Larry Schorno.

Actress Linda Evans and philanthropist Roberta Brittingham were the honorary co-chairs of the event. Attendees were from a broad spectrum of the community, including CSE families, friends, supporting local business owners and special guests, Congressional Candidate & Rep. Tom Campbell and his wife Lynn.

The highlight of the evening was a performance from the student’s themselves and a new video documentary about the school’s vision and programs. The most highly anticipated item for auction was the private audience with Ramtha donated by JZ Knight that garnered $37,500. Other items of note were a Claw Foot Tub donated by actress Salma Hayek, a large garden array from Gordon's Garden Center, an MXU 150 ATV donated by CSE founder Marjorie Laydon & Paulson's ATV'S, and a Five Jetted Soaking Bathtub from Yelm's Lasco Bathware. There were three full-year tuition endowments towards financial aid donated by Marjorie Layden, Linda Evans, and Yael & Steve Klein, which launched a paddle call for Financial Aid raising over $37,000 to provide financial assistance to students who, without such assistance would not have the opportunity for a CSE education.

"We are very proud to announce that $142,197.49 was raised at CSE’s 6th Annual Auction. This was our most successful auction, not in dollars, but in community spirit and support. There was more good will, volunteerism, and guests in attendance whose involvement, care, friendship and commitment keep our school growing and thriving. The Board, Faculty and Staff are honored and our students and families are blessed and treasured by a truly special and remarkable community," expressed a CSE Board of Trustees member to the Yelm Community Blog.

Other area Schools' Auctions in 2009:
- The Yelm Dollars for Scholars annual auction raised more than $140,000 for scholarships in March, 2009.

- The Rainier Education Foundation Auction Saturday [March 21] raised nearly $43,000 for scholarships and teacher grants, just shy of last year’s total.

The community opening their wallets for our area children with almost $325,000 in donations in this economic environment is truly amazing.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BENEFICIARIES - OUR LOCAL STUDENTS!
AND THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN ALL OF THE FUNDRAISERS IN 2009!