Yelm Issues: December 2006 Archives

As 2006 comes to a close, do any of you actually know the words to 'Auld Lang Syne' ?

One very well-known Yelm, WA. figure got a "thumbs-up" on national television via ABC TV's
"Pop Quiz: Sing 'Auld Lang Syne'
How many of us really know the words to the New Year's theme "Auld Lang Syne"?s"

Recognize the last singer?
That's our own Nancy Hillman, former artistic director of Yelm's Drew Harvey Theater from in front of ABC-TV studios in Times Square, New York City.

'The Governor’s 2007-2009 budget released Dec. 19 includes updated project cost estimates reflecting recent construction cost escalations experienced in Washington and around the country. WSDOT will be updating project pages over the next few weeks to reflect the Governor’s budget estimates," quoting the Washington State DOT
SR 510 - Yelm Loop Project, which has an estimated "Unfunded Amount Remaining - $35,000,000."

"State lawmakers for the Kitsap Peninsula, site of a proposed NASCAR track, are lukewarm or opposed to the idea. The Florida-based speedway company behind the proposal, meanwhile, promises an improved pitch in the new year...
The nine state lawmakers who represent the peninsula, contacted last week, were either opposed to the plan or highly skeptical, The News Tribune reported in Monday [Dec. 25] editions...
The nine state lawmakers who represent the peninsula, contacted last week, were either opposed to the plan or highly skeptical, The News Tribune reported in Monday editions...
The company's last proposal called for taxpayers to pay for half of the $345 million facility. That state share would be paid through bonds. The racetrack group contended the cost of the bonds would be more than covered by the sales taxes paid by out-of-state race fans.
No one stepped forward to sponsor a bill in the 2006 session. But the track got a boost in May when two Democratic congressmen from the region, Adam Smith and Norm Dicks, spoke in favor of it," quoting The Olympian.

"In response to requests filed earlier this year by the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT), the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will undertake a comprehensive review of four patents related to genetically modified crops held by Monsanto that the agricultural giant is using to harass, intimidate, sue - and in some cases literally bankrupt - American farmers. The crime these farmers are accused of is nothing more than saving seed from one year's crop to replant the following year, something farmers have done since the beginning of time. In its Orders granting the four requested reexaminations, the USPTO found that PUBPAT had submitted new evidence that raised "substantial questions of patentability" for every single claim of each of the four patents," quoting the Public Patent Foundation.
The Patents & related documents list.

This was highlighted in the film The Future of Food mentioned here previously & now available for purchase through Amazon.com.

"All Thurston County residents can bring their Christmas trees for free to the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC). Trees are accepted for free from Dec. 26 through Jan. 31 (except Jan. 1, New Year’s Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Limbs, boughs and greenery are accepted at yard waste rates ($35 per ton, $5 minimum fee). After Jan. 31, trees are accepted at yard waste rates. Directions: From I-5 take Exit 111, go north on Marvin Road, turn right on Hogum Bay Road, and the WARC entrance will be on the right.

Rainier residents should place trees at the curb on their regular Tuesday or Friday garbage pickup day from Dec. 29 to Jan. 19. For more information call Rainier City Hall 446-2265. Or they can also take trees to the Rainier Transfer Station at 13010 Rainier Acres Road from Dec. 29 through Jan. 27 during operating hours (Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Yelm residents may take trees to Yelm City Park anytime between Dec. 26 and Jan. 14. Place trees into container provided (as far back as possible).

LeMay customers with active yard waste service should place trees next to their container on their normal yard waste collection day/week. LeMay will also pick up trees at regular garbage rates for non-yard waste customers. For information, call 923-0111," quoting Thurston County Solid Waste.

"County Opens Yard Waste Storm Debris Drop-off Points;
Waives Fees for Yard Waste Storm Debris at Waste and Recovery Center

In response to damage from last week’s storm, Thurston County commissioners approved a debris disposal program. The program, approved this afternoon, calls for the opening of three drop-off sites in Thurston County and the waiving of fees at the county’s Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) for yard waste storm debris caused by the December 14-15 storm. The free service is open to all residents of incorporated and unincorporated Thurston County .

The three disposal sites are at the following locations:

> in the Rochester area, 500 feet north of the intersection of Sargent and Littlerock roads;

> at the Griffin Athletic Fields, 6924 41st Avenue NW off Steamboat Island Road and

> at the Rainier Pit, 11414 133rd Avenue SE .

Reader boards will be near the entrance to each site. The sites will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Only trees and tree limbs will be accepted. No dirt, rocks, weeds, sod, stumps, painted or treated lumber, food waste or beauty bark will be accepted.

The county’s Waste and Recovery Center at 2418 Hogum Bay Road NE (near Lacey) will accept tree and tree limbs felled by the storm for no charge from Saturday, December 23 through Sunday, January 7; closed December 25 and January 1. The WARC is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Only trees and limbs will be accepted with no charge. Trunks and limbs longer than eight feet and larger in diameter than eight inches must be taken to one of the three outlying disposal sites listed above. The waiving of fees applies only to trees and tree limbs downed by the storm.

Information about the debris disposal program is available at the county’s Water and Waste Management Office at 357-2491," quoting Thurston County.

"County residents can get discounts of 15 percent to 50 percent on performing arts tickets, restaurants, gyms, massages, karate lessons and even car detailing services thanks to Thurston County ’s Waste Free Holidays program. The program encourages people to purchase experiences instead of stuff to reduce the amount of garbage produced over the holidays.

Discounts are available through Dec. 31, 2006 by contacting participating businesses directly. Details are available on the Thurston County link on www.wastefreeholidays.com. Thurston County residents can also take advantage of discounts offered in other counties participating in the program...

Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than during any other time of year. The food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons add about 1 million tons a week to the nation’s waste stream. Meanwhile, advertising agencies spend more than $15 billion a year on advertising aimed at children.

“This is the perfect opportunity for parents to start weaning their children away from material overload by setting an example,” said Wells. “Reducing consumer stress also helps families experience the real meaning of the holidays – a warm feeling inside that comes from doing something that makes a difference.”

Visit www.wastefreeholidays.com or call Amber Wells at 754-3355 ext. 7669 for more ideas on waste free holiday gifts, creative wrapping, festive parties, and tree recycling," quoting Thurston County.

Merry Christmas!
Have a grand weekend with your families.

Steve Klein

"Imagine hopping on a train in Thurston County's urban area to commute to your job in Pierce or King county. Each weekday morning, an estimated 30,000 commuters head north for jobs and 15,000 come into Thurston County. Those figures are predicted to double in the next two decades, according to Jailyn Brown, an associate planner for the Thurston Regional Planning Council. A group that has taken an in-depth look at bringing commuter rail into Thurston County has concluded it has potential...

Sound Transit operates Sounder Commuter Rail, which now runs between Tacoma and Everett. An extension from Pierce County's largest city south to Lakewood is under way. The Thurston Regional Planning Council, an intergovernmental board that develops regional plans and policies, has identified passenger rail as a priority both because of growth in the commuting population and because residents have inquired about it regularly...

The work group examined commuter rail; light rail, which operates within a metropolitan area; and intercity rail, which serves a broader population with all-day service to major cities on the I-5 corridor like the Amtrak Cascades service...

The council will seek $500,000 from next year's Legislature to pay for a study that will look at specific ways to move commuters around using new or improved roads, rails, bus service and park-and-ride lots. The study would examine where commuter rail would go and how much it would cost.

The work group recommended that the council fund the study with state and federal support. It also recommended the council encourage Sound Transit to include the DuPont rail station in a funding package expected to total several billion dollars that should go before voters in its service district in November.

The transit board will settle on a final project list in April, and the DuPont rail station is still in the mix, said Bruce Gray, a spokesman for Sound Transit.

Such an addition could persuade more Thurston County commuters to use the service and would make commuter rail more visible to area residents," quoting The Olympian.

“In 2006, filmmakers Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes set off on a cross-country journey with an unusual goal: shunning "big box" outlets and chain stores, the couple would only do business with "mom and pop" shops,” quoting Hot Zone. [Ed. Note: One of the stops was in Yelm WA. where the City Council led by former Mayor Adam Rivas & then Council member Ron Harding (now Yelm's Mayor) said no citizen can speak about Wal-Mart or big-box, as shown in this film.]
The Yelm City Council earned the egregious Jefferson Muzzles Award for its disregard of fellow citizens on the big-box issue.
See the film trailer with the Yelm City Council vetoing citizens’ rights on the Independent America website.

Today marks the beginning of winter in Yelm at 4:22pm PST.
Happy Winter - Season of Dreaming!

"For years, there has been no choice but to clean clothes in solvents which have been based upon carbon chemistry. Recently we have found a new solvent -- liquid silicone! Unlike current solvents, it's a solution that is not based on carbon chemistry.

GreenEarth Cleaning, L.L.C., has patented the process which uses this exciting solution. We, along with other cleaners, have formed a Network of Affiliated GreenEarth Cleaners to bring this GreenEarth Cleaning process to the drycleaning industry and to our customers," quoting GreenEarth Cleaning.

Find the Washington State location on your way.

"Yelm resident Annie McCandlis was hired recently as the director of Rainier's Children's School of Excellence. McCandlis, the mother of three children ranging from ages 18 to 39, has a long history of experience in the education field...She took the position at CSE because she felt it was a great opportunity to uset he skills she has built up over the years. The school enrolls approximately 60 students from grades K-9," quoitng the Nisqually Valley News, which did not list this story from the print edition on their website.

This writer raised several interesting questions about the City of Yelm aquifer study on June 26th of this year, followed by a front page story on this issue in the Nisqually Valley News (NVN) that said, "Critics say the city is using public money to finance private development, particularly Thurston Highlands, where 5,000 homes are planned."

Now, the NVN states in the December 15th edition in the front page story about the City of Yelm passing a 2007 budget:
"Also on Tuesday [Dec. 12], City Administrator Shelly Badger requested an additional $16,000 for an ongoing
aquifer study project in Yelm.
The study is designed to address water rights and usage in the coming years.
Cost has totaled $550,003 so far, with Golder & Associates receiving an initial $378,443 in April, 2005 to conduct the study.
Earlier this year, the council approved an additional $155,560 to move the study forward.
Isom expressed concern that the council was getting itself into a cycle that would force it to continue to sink money into the project.
"Hopefully we can move on to a different chapter in the water rights story," she said. "

I rasied these questions on this blog on June 26th:
YELM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES AQUIFER STUDY

Observation:
The Yelm City Council has publicly stated on several occasions that
private, for-profit developments are going to be mitigated only with private money.
What does this means to us, the citizens?
This means the city will not allow use of public monies to support private developers' responsibilities
in creating their own private businesses.

Here is the Fact:
On June 14, 2006, the Yelm City Council approved public money in a $155,000 payment to Golder Associates for the SW Yelm Aquifer Study Project to examine water issues as they relate to the proposed, privately owned Thurston Highlands site.

Questions:
In approving the aquifer study, did the City Council favor
the proposed Thurston Highlands private development by using public monies?

If the answer is YES, then would you say the city's stand that
"private for-profit developments being mitigated only with private money" is jeopardized by this action?

If that is the case, then is the City Council starting off "on the wrong foot" in keeping private and public issues
separate about Thurston Highlands and other developments?

Bottom Line:
Public taxpayer monies are being used to support a private-development's Environment Impact Statement (EIS) via this Aquifer Study. What do you think about that? Please leave your comments...

Now, MORE money is being requested for this study.
What say YOU?

RSE Teacher Greg Simmons debuts his new book “These Things You Shall Do...AND GREATER: The Physics of Change”, scheduled for a January, 2007 release.
“Greg moved to the Pacific Northwest to be near Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment (RSE). He has been a student for twenty-five years, the marketing director for eighteen years, and Ramtha’s first appointed teacher for the past nine years. He has had the privilege to teach thousands of students in over twenty different foreign countries. Currently he is featured every month on www.beyondtheordinary.net Webcast radio program. [Greg’s book] is dedicated to understanding the correlation between ancient wisdom and modern science,” quoting his website.

Photo courtesy of Beyond the Ordinary.net

The Yelm Community Blog entry for November 29th was prophetic in highlighting the services of "The Survival Center... America's oldest continually operating preparedness business with over 33 years experience. We are providers of family preparedness, health, and survival supplies. Everything from emergency kits to food storage, water filters, first aid and medical kits, solar-powered radios, flashlights to complete under ground shelters and the new above ground and inside retro fit shelters."

Quoting the Survival Center's newsletter,
"Here at The Survival Center we practice what we tell others to do. We have a back up generator that runs most of our complex. We heat with wood. We have our own well that has been wired so the pump is able to run off the generator. We can even heat water for whatever we need it for...Our 6 1/2 day candles light the way when we turn off the generator. Our Solar/Dynamo powered AM/FM radio flashlights not only provide portable light but we can listen to the radio for any emergency or weather updates.

Today Friday, 12/15/06, here at The Survival Center we were fully functional and talked to many customers though- out the USA. We took orders and processed them for shipment ..
This is exactly one of those scenario's we have been telling people to prepare for, for years. It really does not take much to disrupt our fragile infrastructure. If one has a major discontinuous event in their area and everything is shut down with nothing coming in or going ou,t how are your going to do??
Around here, with so many trees, many power lines get broken and also the roads are blocked. We have reports that in a few areas, some people are already starting to panic. Gas lines are long with only a few gas stations having power.
With our new Car Survival Kit and 72 hour emergency kits, one can start to be prepared.
And, our 3 Day emergency kits, too."

ANOTHER YELM JEWEL READY TO SERVE !

The Survival Center ™
Providers of Family Preparedness,
Health, & Survival Supplies
Voice 1-360-458-6778 Mon.- Fri.
10 am - 6 pm PT.
Mail: The Survival Center POB 234 McKenna Wa 98558
e-mail us at info@survivalcenter.com

Ed Wiltsie has postponed his talk until January.
The Yelm Community Blog will advise the new date onvce announced.

KOMO-TV 4 Seattle reported the following today:
"Winds gusted to a record 69 mph about 1 a.m. at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, breaking the old mark of 65 mph set in 1993. Winds were clocked at 90 mph near Westport on the coast...About 700,000 customers of Puget Sound Energy, the state's largest private utility, were without power early Friday and about three-fourths of the circuits were down in the company's nine-county service area, spokesman Roger Thompson said. Some people could be without power for as long as three days, said Dorothy Bracken, a Puget Sound Energy spokeswoman...Nearly an inch of rain fell in one hour Thursday at the weather service's north Seattle office. The total rainfall of 2.17 inches was a record for the date, breaking the old record of 1.24 inches set in 2002...
[Selected] Peak Gusts From The Storm
* Vail: 76 mph
* Seattle (Sea-Tac Airport): 69 mph
* Tacoma: 69 mph
* Montesano: 68 mph
* Seattle (Alki Beach): 67 mph
* Seattle (Magnolia): 58 mph
* Hoquiam: 58 mph
* La Conner: 58 mph
* Seattle (Boeing Field): 56 mph
* Shelton: 53 mph
* Olympia: 53 mph
* Renton: 51 mph"

“After seven years of research and development we launched our business in June of 2006. Our mission is to provide the safest and most natural personal care products that reflect the unique beauty in all of us while maintaining our stewardship with the Earth. One planet, one us, together we can make a difference. What lead Patricia Kerr to conceive and give birth to this dream? Twenty-six years in the beauty industry as a licensed Esthetician and Hairstylist, a certificate in Nutrition, Bodycare & Herbalism, coupled with past experience of overexposure to chemicals," quoting Nuture My Body. [Ed. Note: Ms. Kerr is owner with husband Rich Arnold.]

“Sleepsonic.com, an [Yelm, WA. Based] internet retailer, joins an all-start cast of advertisers on the 40 sqm video screen above the entrance to New York City’s Madison Square Garden. From Dec 17th until New Year’s Day, the ad will run along side those for LL Bean, Tefel, Logitech, Brown & Foreman, Drinks America, Donald Trump’s new line of vodka, and many more…Up to now, Sleepsonic has been promoting itself mostly in the internet. But their flagship product, the sleek black personal sound delivery system, SS-200 Executive Pillow, was found by the advertising agency that is running the ads. According to them, Sleepsonic met their standards for a high quality product that millions of people, especially in New York City, can use and so Sleepsonic.com was invited to be a client,” quoting the Sleepsonic email.
“Sleepsonic™ is a free-standing personal stereo sound solution in a mini--pillow design, created for your ears only. It is a great item to take when traveling,” quoting their site.
[Ed. Note: This writer has used this product in conjunction with a nighttime subliminal CD for over a year and loves it!]

"Puget Sound Energy is proposing what it calls the largest solar-power facility in the Northwest.

The Bellevue utility says the 500-kilowatt project would generate enough electricity for 300 homes, when the sun is shining. The utility says that would double the amount of electricity generated by solar power in Washington.

The project would be located at P-S-E's Wild Horse wind farm which is nearing completion with 127 turbines in Kittitas County near Ellensburg. ...

Puget Sound Energy serves more than one (m) million dollars electricity customers in eleven counties," quoting the AP in the Seattle P-I.

"Our trip to China
....was absolutely extraordinary!
There's so much exciting information and new developments to share.

Please come Join Us -
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Beginning at 1:00 pm
Location: Masonic Grange,
next door to Gordon's Nursery, Yelm.

Danielle Graham will give a presentation on her exciting China trip.
The presentation and questions will last until 4:00 pm

The NW Frontier Research Institute is sponsoring this presentation to celebrate our collective contributions towards advancing and broadening the scope of science with our discipline-based experimental research.

NW Frontier Research Institute
For more information, please contact
Stephany 360-894-2077
Email Here: contact@mastersconnection.com
This presentation is free of chargeand open to everyone."

"Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons add up to an additional 1 million tons of waste each week. That’s a lot of garbage!

This year, consider doing something a little different -- give the gift of experience. Treat someone you know to a dinner out or a live theater performance. If you still want a gift to hand to someone, make it yourself. Coupons for babysitting, yard work, or other services show you care enough to give of your time, not just your money. Bake a tasty treat. Consider wrapping gifts inside re-useable containers such as cookie tins, flower pots or baskets."

Visit Thurston County Waste Free Holidays.

The approved LID for Yelm Ave. West will start construction as quoted from the City of Yelm website:

History of the Project

The developers of the Tahoma Terra Master Planned Community in summer of 2005 petitioned the City to form a Local Improvement District in order to construct the street improvements that were required as part of the Master Planned Community approval process (the construction of Tahoma Boulevard and the placement of a traffic signal at its intersection with Yelm Avenue West (SR 510).

Project Description

The Yelm Avenue West project involves improvements on Yelm Avenue West (SR 510) between 93rd Avenue SE and Cullens Road SE, on Killion Road from Yelm Avenue West (SR 510) to the proposed SR 510 Loop Road, and construction of a new roadway, Tahoma Boulevard, which will extend from Yelm Avenue West (SR 510) southwest to Berry Valley Road. Improvements involve an intersection realignment and traffic signal for Killion Road and Yelm Avenue West, roadway widening, and utility upgrades.

Project Benefits

Increased safety: The most valuable project outcomes will result from relieving traffic congestion and widening the roadway to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, turn-lanes, and a traffic signal. Addressing these infrastructure needs will increase public safety.

Reduced traffic congestion: Widening the roadway will facilitate traffic flow. Turn lanes removing vehicles from thru-lanes will reduce traffic backups. Reducing backups will also reduce the potential for rear-end collisions.

Cost effective: Addressing these needs comprehensively saves time and money, as well as the inconvenience to travelers, businesses and residents of constructing the various road and utility elements independently.

Improved Aesthetics: This project will create a new entrance/gateway to Yelm.

Project Schedule

* Construction begins: After Thanksgiving 2006 (more)
* Construction begins: After Thanksgiving 2006
* Construction completion expected: Late 2007 to Early 2008
* Initial construction will primarily take place off the traveled
roadway as Tahoma Boulevard is new construction.

Ed. Note: Just as the same construction has assisted Yelm Ave. East with flow, this does not add any additional capacity. There is still one lane in and one lane out of Yelm. Yelm Ave. East is backed up from 5 Corners past the Safeway most afternoons and down back down the other side of that light coming into town. And this City Council approved this LID to finance the Tahoma Terra & Thurston Highlands entrance/egress on the backs of the property owners along the route through property taxes. Yikes!
And, the city will have to return within a few years to widen this same stretch to 5 lanes to handle the additional traffic volumes from 1,800 new home in this subdivision and a Super Wal-Mart. Poor planning & disingenuous to the
affected property owners!