Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. Applegater SpringU.S. 2014 Postage 1 P.O. Box 14 Paid Non-Profit Jacksonville, OR 97530 Permit No. 50 Grants Pass, OR 97526

Photo by Liz Butler Log on to our website: www.applegater.org SPRING 2014 Applegate Valley Community Newspaper Postal Patron Volume 7, No. 1 Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 9,400 orchardists and the growing wine industry, economic impact comes from Extension and partnerships with local organizations program participants who invest in tools, Voters to decide fate such as ACCESS are all a part of what supplies and workers to improve and Extension contributes to Jackson County’s maintain their properties, plus thousands of Southern Oregon Research quality of life. Professors with expertise in of volunteer hours. entomology, viticulture, crops, irrigation, The service district measure and Extension Center pasture management and more bring asks voters to approve a maximum university-level agricultural education to tax rate of five cents per thousand dollars by jack duggan the local landscape. of assessed value. If the maximum rate The Jackson County Board of pests and disease, to test new crops and Extension services are provided by the were assessed, the owner of a $160,000 Commissioners signed an order on January to maintain the rural character of Jackson land grant colleges in each state, established property would pay $6 per year to support 29, 2014, to put before the voters a measure County. Those programs continue today, by the federal government and requiring Extension’s programs and bring additional to form a service district to support the along with 4-H projects in civics and each local community to provide basic economic activity to Jackson County. The Southern Oregon Research and Extension leadership, science, technology, animal support. That support, which is about ten actual assessed rate, however is currently Center (SOREC), commonly known as husbandry, natural science, horticulture, percent of SOREC’s budget, has come estimated at close to three cents per “Extension.” marketing and expressive arts. Our local from the Jackson County general fund. thousand. Actual assessment won’t be Extension has been delivering Extension hosts the largest Master Gardener Declining timber revenues and increased determined until after the election and will scientific-based research and program in Oregon, providing assistance demands on the general fund, however, be decided by the Jackson County Board of information to Jackson County residents to urban and rural residents in raising require a new source of dedicated funds Commissioners, who will be the governing for 100 years. In the early 1900s Extension healthy gardens for food, aesthetics and the if Extension is to survive in Jackson board of the new district. helped local residents grow crops to environment. Programs for small farms, County. For each local dollar invested More important, though, than the improve the agricultural economy of livestock production, small woodlands, Jackson County receives $8.48 in direct facts and numbers, particularly to a vibrant southern Oregon, to improve methods of land stewards, food preservation, wellness dollars from state and federal sources as community like the Applegate, is the food preservation and storage, to combat and healthy living, continuing assistance to well as grants, fees and contracts. Indirect See SOREC, page 6

Notes from a Rogue entomologist to know if you have spotted BMSB in order to determine Invasion of the stink bug: the current local distribution of this pest. Firsthand News from the home front reports are our best by RICHARD J. HILTON resource. Besides relying This is the second and last installment about you may well be familiar with this species. on the eyes of the the dreaded stink bug. It is about as long as BMSB, a little over public, we are Now that a large breeding population a half inch, but not nearly as wide. It is a working on devising Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) aggregation of brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) specialist, living on squash and pumpkin a better BMSB trap in Sacramento in 2013. has been found in downtown Ashland plants. The squash bug has become more as a monitoring tool and some individual stink bugs have been numerous in the last few years and will and possibly an aid in control. Stink bug myriad host plants for BMSB, we always found in most every town in Jackson even crawl into your house in the fall like traps currently sold in garden supply stores concentrate our search on plants with the County, where do we go from here? BMSB. However, BMSB is a generalist and are not very good. The primary method we highest seed or fruit load, as that is where The first thing is to be able to identify can be found on a wide array of plants and use for monitoring BMSB is a beating tray, bugs prefer to feed. this exotic and invasive insect pest. While it crops, from tree fruits to tomatoes. where we beat on foliage and catch what A good trap would make is fairly large and distinctive, there are a few If you find an insect that you falls out on a cloth sheet. While it is not things easier. Researchers have isolated look-alikes that can cause confusion. We suspect might be BMSB, please check the high-tech, it does work, especially if you pheromones to attract BMSB but it have two native stink bugs, one of which is bmsb.hort.oregonstate.edu website for know where to look. BMSB’s favorite hosts has been difficult to find the right mix. a predatory species, and some other larger information, or contact the local Extension in urban settings have been the invasive Stink bugs are interested in sex early in bugs that have been mistaken for BMSB. office on Hanley Road. Our volunteers at and misnamed tree-of-heaven, English the summer, but at the end of the season One common insect that has caused the plant clinic are trained in identifying holly, catalpa and maples, especially bigleaf they are looking for places to aggregate a lot of confusion is the squash bug. If you BMSB and love having the opportunity to maple, where the stink bugs get into and are attracted to different compounds grow squash or live near a pumpkin patch, put their skills to the test. We would like the seed clusters. In fact, for any of the See STINK BUG, page 11

CONGRATULATIONS The Gater turns 20! to our local wineries Celebrate the Applegater’s 20th year (can you believe it?) at a who won medals at the celebrity-filled (okay, maybe only one or two) special event at Red Lily Vineyards in June. 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Entertainment • Gourmet Dinner Wine Competition, Red Lily Fine Wine • Blind Auction widely acclaimed as the largest competition and more! of American wines in the world. Look for announcements on See list of winners on page 17. our Facebook page and Jo’s List.

INSIDE THE GATER Kurt and Toree Wilkening, visionaries...... page 12 Peter Thiemann: Image hunter...... page 13 Porscha Schiller and the Rising Star program...... page 12 Wait a minute! Wildfires in January?...... page 14 2 Spring 2014 Applegater

Sara Orangetip The butterflies of spring The Sara Orangetip by linda kappen is another charming butterfly that ushers in Silvery Blue one and a quarter inches. When their wings spring. It is unmistakable, The Silvery Blue butterfly comes not are open, they display an iridescent blue. bright and beautiful as it long after the Spring Azure heralding early Males have a brilliant blue coloring while flies through forest edges spring days. Silvery Blues are on the wing females are diffused with gray to brown. and slopes. Both have a black border Sara Orangetip with white fringe. On closed (Anthocaris sara) is in wing, they display an arc the butterfly family of black spots ringed in Pieridae and can be seen white. The Silvery Blue is in our valleys, foothills, the closest living relative to canyons and low to the extinct Xerces Blue. higher mountain areas. Sara Orangetips were spotted in abundance along the An interesting fact They have bright orange- Enchanted Forest Trail. Photos: Linda Kappen. about the caterpillars of the tipped wings edged in Silvery Blue is that they have black. Closed wings display a greenish- Enchanted Forest Trail where the top a structure called the “honey brown marbling with white. roads intersect. As we drew closer to the gland,” which secretes a The host plants or the larval food top of the mountain we began to see a sweet substance that attracts plant for the Sara Orangetip are flower flight of many Sara Orangetips. The place ants that feed on it. The parts of many crucifers and several rock was teeming with this delicate beauty. I ant tends the caterpillar, cresses (Arabis spp.). They fly about, counted at least 75 Sara Orangetips that This pair of Silvery Blue butterflies mating was spotted protecting it from predators. briefly stopping to nectar on fiddlenecks, at the base of the Table Rocks in the spring of 2013. day and, as spring went on, saw more This is known as a symbiotic mustards, monkeyflowers, rock cress and at different locations from here to the relationship in which both many other flowers. Klamath/Siskiyou regions. It was exciting, by March, gracing our woodland openings, species benefit from one another. The spring of 2013 brought many like the forest truly was enchanted. meadows, grasslands, watercourses and The host plants for the Silvery Blue Sara Orangetips to our area. It is the Linda Kappen similar habitats. are some species of lupine, vetch and lotus. first spring in a few years that I saw large [email protected] The Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche They like to nectar on their host plants and numbers of them and may be the most Ed. Note: Linda Kappen earned a naturalist lygdamus) is of the butterfly family flowers of the Asteraceae family. Males will I have ever seen. In March of 2013 my certification from Siskiyou Field Institute and Lycaenidae. Their wingspan can be up to also nectar in puddles. son and I hiked through and above the hosted a two-day butterfly/moth course there.

talus conditions allow these lungless Siskiyou Mountains represent a unique Conservation of the elusive salamander species to burrow deep in the habitat for salamander species, where rocky slopes beneath a canopy of old trees species often reach either the northern black salamander is high to survive the hot, dry summer season. or southern extension of their range. The Threats to the black salamander in diversity of habitats and the distinctive priority in the Applegate Oregon appear to be mostly associated with blending of habitats allow many species timber harvest due to the associated changes of plants and animals to exist within the by luke ruediger in microclimate, ground disturbance, Siskiyou Mountains at the margin of their and canopy cover. In California the prevailing ranges. The black salamander is relatively Siskiyou National Forest and the Medford species appears to be impacted by habitat For millennia the Siskiyou Mountains rare in the Siskiyou Mountains. Unlike the District Bureau of Land Management. conversion from grassland, woodland, have been a refuge during periods of restrictive range of the Siskiyou Mountains Ninety-three percent (or 13) of the known mixed hardwood, and mixed conifer extreme climatic conditions. With global salamander (Plethodon stormi), which is sites found on federal land in Oregon are forests to vineyards or other forms of warming on the horizon these mountains centered mainly around the mountains of in the Applegate River watershed, making agriculture. Other impacts include habitat may once again shelter a wide variety of the Applegate Valley, the range of the black conservation of this species and its habitat fragmentation, rock quarry development, species in their diverse microclimates. salamander (Aneides flavipuntatus) extends in the Applegate area a high priority. climate change, uncharacteristic fire, and The protection of wildland habitats and from Sonoma County in California in the Throughout its range the black exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, the maintenance of biodiversity in the south to Jackson and Josephine Counties salamander occupies low-elevation, mixed pesticides, fertilizers, and fire retardants. region will allow the Siskiyou Mountains in Oregon in the north. conifer forests, woodlands, grasslands, Little known and understood to continue providing such habitat into an There is also a disjunct subspecies meadows, and forested riparian sites. In Although relatively little known and uncertain future. (Aneides flavipunctatus niger) in the Santa our area the species seems most abundant little understood, the black salamander, Luke Ruediger Cruz area; this subspecies is jet black in mature or old-growth forests although, at the northern edge of its range in the Author of The Siskiyou Crest: with silver speckles, while the local especially in interior locations such as in Siskiyou Mountains, is an important Hikes, History & Ecology “black” salamanders are a dark shade of the Applegate, the species is also often portion of the region’s biodiversity. The [email protected] purplish brown with silver speckles or associated with intermittent streams, mottling. Experts are currently debating springs, or seeps. The black salamander a further separation of the species into may be found living in mossy talus habitat four subspecies, with the northwest beneath a forest canopy. Meet Valorie Tintinger, lineage—including the Siskiyou Mountain Susceptible to changes population—given its own subspecies. Like our endemic Siskiyou Mountains the Gater’s Currently there are only 17 salamander, the black salamander is lungless documented sites of the black salamander and breathes through its skin, making it advertising representative in Oregon, 14 of which are found on very susceptible to changes in microclimate federal lands, including the Rogue River- and forest canopy conditions. The mossy for Jackson County TheApplegater Team welcomes Valorie Tintinger, who moved from California to Oregon in December 2007, first to the little bedroom community of Rogue River, then two years ago to the Applegate Valley. She says she likes the Applegate so much more because of all the wonderful people she has met. Says Valorie, “This is a really great place to be for the second part of our lives. I have two wonderful daughters and four fantastic grandkids (three boys and a girl). I also run two home businesses, and enjoy volunteering in the community anytime I can, like for Ruch Library, or helping to needs in advertising! I have a goal to help transport cats for RiverSong Sanctuary in bring more people to enjoy this paper, to Williams. keep reading and sharing it. I look forward “The newspaper job is new to me, but to seeing you in the future.” This black salamander was discovered in early December 2013 I enjoy learning what it takes for a small- You can reach Valorie at 541-450- on the author’s property in the Applegate watershed. town paper to happen. I am here for your 2983 or [email protected]. Applegater Spring 2014 3

WHO WE ARE The Applegate Valley Community A heartfelt shout-out Newspaper, Inc. is a nonprofit to all the supporters 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to of our February 23 fund-raising concert. the publication of the Applegater newspaper, which, we feel, reflects They made it all possible and for that we thank them. the heart and soul of our community. Applegate River Lodge Wines Our Mission The Davis Family Devitt Winery—poured by The nonprofit Applegate Valley Brendan Butler, winemaker Stellar entertainment Community Newspaper, Inc. (AVCN), Fiasco Winery Bear Creek Band (photo, top right) provides the many rural and diverse Plaisance Ranch Winery communities of the Applegate Watershed J.D. Rogers (photo, bottom right) with a communications vehicle, the Troon Vineyards Applegater newspaper, free of charge Raffle items Valley View Vineyards to all watershed residents. Our quarterly Applegate River Lodge & Restaurant Volunteers paper presents constructive, relevant, Devitt Winery educational and entertaining reports Plaisance Ranch Winery Teri Becker on a wide variety of subjects such as: South Stage Cellars Erika Fey, n natural resources For Love of the Applegate n ecology and other Wooldridge Creek Vineyards science information n historical and current events Help us ensure that we have the n community news and opinions A huge THANKS to the generous donors ongoing support needed to publish the Applegater. All contributions are AVCN encourages and publishes who contributed to the Applegater. tax-deductible and receive recognition differing viewpoints and, through the in the Applegater. Applegater newspaper, acts as a clearinghouse for this diverse community. Supporters Glenn Carter, Bellevue, ID Patron $1001+ We are dedicated to working together Anonymous (2) Anne Clay, Williams, OR Sustainer $501 - $1000 Contributor $201 - $500 with community members to maintain Anonymous, McMinnville, OR Jim & Leta Collord, Nampa, ID Supporter $51 - $200 and enhance the quality of life that is Liza Crosse, Woodacre, CA Myrna Dubin, Applegate, OR unique to the Applegate Watershed. Sponsor $5 - $50 Connie Harris, Grants Pass, OR John & Chris Dutcher, Please make your checks payable to Acknowledgements Jan Wilt, Jacksonville, OR Medford, OR Applegater Newspaper and mail to: The Applegater Newspaper is Sponsors Robin Knutson, Terre Haute, IN Applegater published quarterly by the Applegate Anonymous Ivan Lund, Applegate, OR P.O. Box 14 Valley Community Newspaper, Inc., and is Anonymous, Grants Pass, OR Karen Mitchell, Jacksonville, OR Jacksonville, OR 97530 funded by donations from our loyal readers Donors: We strive to ensure that our and advertisements for local businesses. Jim Buck, Eagle Point, OR Joan Peterson, Applegate, OR Special thanks to Diana Coogle, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Butler, Heidi Wolfe & Bryce Remington, donor list is accurate. Please contact Haley May, Margaret della Santina Jacksonville, OR Jacksonville, OR us if there are errors or omissions. and Paul Tipton for copy editing; Kaye Clayton, P. R. Kellogg, Kathy Kliewer, Editorial Calendar Mikell Nielsen, Paul Tipton, and Debbie and Don Tollefson for proofing; Paula ISSUE DEADLINE FROM THE EDITOR Rissler, Rona Jones, and Beate Foit for bookkeeping; and webmaster Joe Lavine. SUMMER (June-Aug)...... May 1 Environment/Fire/ Dear Readers, Board of Directors Recreation Welcome to our spring edition, in which we feature a Diana Coogle, Chairperson Debbie Tollefson, Secretary FALL (Sept-Nov)...... August 1 few special community members who have given back in big Chris Bratt, Treasurer Agriculture/Wine ways (see pages 12 and 13). Barbara Holiday WINTER (Dec-Feb)...... November 1 We also welcome one of our new advertising representatives, Valorie J.D. Rogers Holiday/Arts Tintinger, who handles Jackson County (see page 2). If she hasn’t already, she Don Tollefson will be contacting you to introduce herself. Greeley Wells SPRING (March-May)...... February 1 Thanks to everyone who filled out our reader survey. We received some Editorial Committee Commerce/Community Chris Bratt great ideas and comments, all of which will be taken seriously. We also sent a Barbara Holiday, Editor survey to advertisers and gleaned valuable information from them as well. All Rauno Perttu Personal mailing label! opinions and suggestions will be considered as we strive to give you what you J.D. Rogers One year: $14.99 want and need in your community newspaper. Sandy Shaffer Two years: $24.99 Greeley Wells We hope you enjoyed our first-ever rockin’ concert at the Applegate Mail us a check or pay online River Lodge featuring J.D. Rogers and the Bear Creek Band! Thanks to Brendan All articles, stories, opinions and at www.applegater.org. letters that appear in the Applegater Butler with Devitt Winery for pouring and Fiasco, Plaisance Ranch, Troon, are the opinion and property of the Spring masthead Valley View, and Wooldridge wineries for their significant wine donations. And author, and not necessarily that of to the Davis family at the Applegate River Lodge & Restaurant, of course, who the Applegater or the Applegate photo credit not only donated the venue and food, but also a dinner for two and an overnight Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. Liz Butler took this beautiful shot stay as raffle prizes. South Stage Cellars and Plaisance Ranch donated generous of cherry blossoms at Herb Pharm farm in PROTECTION OF wine tastings for large groups—what fun! Williams. This is Liz’ third cover photo— COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL We have a major fund-raising bash in the planning stages for summer 2014. thank you, Liz! Any and all materials submitted See more information on page 1 and stay tuned for more details as we finalize for publication must be original the plans. We hope to see you there! (no reprinted articles, please) Photo Specs As always, feel free to send us your comments. We listen. and the intellectual property of the To be printable, all photos submitted author unless otherwise credited. must be high resolution (300 dpi) or “large Barbara Holiday [email protected] All articles submitted to the Applegater format” (e.g., 30” x 40”). are subject to edit and publication at the newspaper’s discretion. Advertisers! Letters to the Editor cannot We can help you reach your What's Inside the Gater be more than 450 words. Opinion market. The Applegater is the only pieces and unsolicited articles cannot An Applegater in La Paz...... p. 8 exceed 600 words. Community newspaper covering the entire calendar submissions must be brief. Applegate Valley. Back in Time: The last of great-great Uncle Si...... p. 6 With a circulation of 9,400 and Behind the Green Door: Money talks...... p. 21 All photos submitted must be high a readership of over 20,000, we cover resolution (300 dpi) or “large format” Jacksonville, Ruch, Applegate, Williams, Birdman: Woodpeckers common to the Applegate...... p. 11 (e.g., 30” x 40”). Any questions, email Murphy, Wilderville, Wonder, Jerome [email protected]. Prairie and areas of Medford and Grants Dirty Fingernails and All: Heavy metal is not music to my ears...... p. 9 Pass. Grape Talk: Grafting and creating custom grapevines...... p. 17 All submissions for our next issue For more information, contact: must be received either at the address Jackson County—Valorie Tintinger Native milkweed for monarch butterfly recovery...... p. 23 or email below by the deadline. 541-450-2983 Opinion—River Right: Signs and labels...... p. 19 Applegater c/o Applegate Valley [email protected] Community Newspaper, Inc. Josephine County—Amber Caudell Opinion—Good neighbor?...... p. 19 P.O. Box 14, Jacksonville, OR 97530 541-846-1027 Progress update on Thompson Creek Habitat Restoration Project...... p. 20 Email: [email protected] [email protected] The Starry Side: Three hundred sextillion stars...... p. 7 Website: www.applegater.org Next deadline: May 1 4 Spring 2014 Applegater Community Calendar Learn the secrets of successful Alcoholics Anonymous. Open meeting Friends of Ruch Library Board of Directors gardening and woodland management every Wednesday at 7 am at the Williams meets on the first Thursday of each Community Church Fellowship Hall month at 6:30 pm at Ruch Library. All on East Fork Road in Williams. This are welcome. 541-899-7438. Master Gardeners announce fruit trees will be taught. Class members meeting is open to those who have a 2014 spring class schedule will choose apple tree varieties to make a drinking problem and have a desire Grants Pass Nordic Ski Club meets on the to stop drinking, and also to anyone first Thursday of the month, November Each year the Jackson County Master minimum of three grafted starts to take interested in the Alcoholics Anonymous through April, at Elmer’s, 175 NE Gardener Association hosts a series of home. Instructor: George Tiger, retired program of recovery from drinking. Agness Avenue, Grants Pass, at 6 pm. classes for the public at the Oregon State OSU Extension faculty. Ski outings are on Saturdays. Listings University Southern Oregon Research and • Ready, Set, Grow! A Day for American Association of University are on the snow phone at 541-592-4977. Women (AAUW) Grants Pass Branch Extension Center (SOREC) Auditorium, Beginners meets monthly from September through Greater Applegate Community 569 Hanley Road (between Jacksonville Saturday, March 22, 8:30 am – 4:15 pm May. Days, times, and locations vary. Development Corporation meets the and Central Point). $10 per class or $30 for the entire day. All those who hold an associate of arts, second Wednesday of January, April, Presented by top local practitioners, 8:30 - 10—Soil and Water for baccalaureate or higher degree from July and October at 6 pm at Applegate an accredited college or university Fire District Station 1, 18489 North experts and instructors, these Beginners. Instructor: Bob Reynolds, are welcome to join. Contact Velma Applegate Road. For more information, sessions provide practical, hands-on urban horticulturist, Master Gardener Woods at [email protected] or go to www.gacdc.org. demonstrations, followed by individual coordinator. 541-956-5287, or Marianne Dwyer Q&A opportunities. 10:15 – 11:45—Vegetable Gardening for at [email protected] or 541- Josephine County Soil and Water 479-4041. Visit our website at http:// Conservation District (SWCD) You’ll benefit from a wealth of Beginners. Instructor: Carol Oneal, Master aauwgrantspass.org and see us on meets Thursdays at 6 pm. For meeting experience with local problems and Gardener, “Green Scene” columnist. Facebook. information, call 541-474-6840. solutions because all presentations are from Lunch break (on your own) 1 – 2:30—Annuals and Perennials for Applegate Christian Fellowship. For service Ruch Library is open Tuesday from 11 am a unique, southern Oregon perspective. times, call 541-899-8732 24 hours/day. to 5 pm, Thursday from 1 to 7 pm, and For information and registration, call Beginners. Instructor: Stan Mapolski, Saturday from 12 to 4 pm. Storytime is 541-776-7371 or visit http://extension. “The Rogue Gardener” TV and radio host. Applegate Fire District Board of Directors Tuesday at 11 am. 7919 Highway 238. oregonstate.edu/sorec/. 2:45 – 4:15—Seed Starting for Beginners. meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Station 1, 18489 North Sanctuary One is open to the public Upcoming classes include: Instructor: Jane Moyer, Master Gardener. Applegate Road at 7:30 pm, except for farm tours every Wednesday and • Rose Pruning • Made in the Shade for the months of March, April and Saturday, 10:30 am to noon. Minimum Saturday, March 1, 9 am – 12 noon Thursday, April 3, 7 – 9 pm May, which are held at Headquarters, donation is $10. Reservations are Admission $15 (free for Master Gardeners) 1095 Upper Applegate Road. For more required. Call 541-899-8627 or email Admission $10 (free for Master Gardeners) information, call 541-899-1050. [email protected]. Rose anatomy, rose care, pruning The benefits and challenges of tools and 10 principles for pruning roses gardening in the shade, designing a great Applegate Food Pantry, located behind Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association will be discussed. The class will conclude looking shade garden, and the best plants Ruch School, is open most Mondays meets the first Monday of each month from 11:30 to 1 pm. Call Arlene at at 7:30 pm at the OSU extension. with outdoor, hands-on practice, so dress for shade in this area, including many 541-951-6707. For more information, please contact for the weather and bring your own gloves, that are deer-resistant. Instructor: Sherri [email protected]. clippers and loppers. Instructor: Ron Morgan, Master Gardener. Applegate 4-H Swine Club meets on Bombick, Master Gardener. • Tried & True Flowers and Tuesdays following the third Wednesday T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets of every month at 7 pm. For more every Monday morning at Applegate • Fruit Tree Grafting Veggies for Southern Oregon information, contact Charles Elmore at Church, 18960 North Applegate Road Thursday, March 13, 7 – 9 pm Monday, April 14, 7 – 9 pm 541-846-6528 or Barbara Niedermeyer (at the corner of Highway 238). Weigh- $35 admission includes three grafted starts. Admission $10 (free for Master Gardeners.) at 541-846-7635. in starts at 8:30 am; the meeting starts at Class limited to 25. You must prepay and Growing conditions in the Rogue 9:00 am. Come join us! Applegate Friends of Fire District #9 pre–register by March 11. Valley are unique! Learn which varieties meets on the third Tuesday of each Williams Creek Watershed Council Learn how to create your own apple work best. Instructor: Stan Mapolski, month at the Fire Station at 1095 Upper Meetings: fourth Wednesday of the tree or save grandpa’s favorite apple tree. television and radio host, “The Rogue Applegate Road at 6 pm. New members month at 7 pm at the Williams Creek are welcome. For more information, call Fire Station. The Public is welcome. For The techniques and tools for grafting Gardener,” KTVL and KMED 1440. Bob Fischer 541-846-6218. more information, call 541- 846-9175.

Applegate Library is open Tuesday and Williams Grange Pancake Breakfast, Woodland Stewardship: Central Point-based classes: Friday Friday from 2 to 6 pm and Saturday from second Sunday of each month, 8:30 to How to Get the Most Out of afternoons 1:30 - 4:30 pm, March 14, 21; 10 am to 2 pm. Storytime is Tuesday at 11 am, followed by the Bluegrass Jam, Your Forested Property April 4, 11, 18; May 2. Call 541-776-7371 2:30 pm. 18485 North Applegate Road. 11 am to 1 pm. Closed July and August. 20100 Williams Highway near Tetherow Instructors: Max Bennett, forestry to register for the Jackson County class. Applegate Neighborhood Network (ANN) Road. For more information, call 541- agent, OSU Extension Center, plus Cost: $50 for all six classes or $10 meets the last Wednesday of every month 846-6844. Master Woodland Managers, and guest per individual class. Feel free to attend at the Ruch Library. All interested instructors. individual sessions, but attending all six is persons are welcome to attend. ANN Williams Grange #399 Business Meeting, is a community organization dedicated second Tuesday of each month, 7 pm. Do you own a tract of forestland or recommended for best results. Fee covers to protecting, preserving, and restoring 20100 Williams Highway near Tetherow some woods around your home? Would instruction, handouts, and other materials. the Applegate watershed. For more Road. For more information, call 541- you like to learn how to take care of it, Pre-registration is required. information about ANN, call Duane 846-6844. Bowman, 541-899-7264. restore it, or improve it? Are you concerned Weekly topics are: Williams Library is open Tuesday, about maintaining the health of your trees March 14: Getting started: Overview Applegate Partnership and Watershed Wednesday and Saturday from 1 to 5 and reducing wildfire risks? Would you like of forest and tree care on small to large Council meets the fourth Thursday of pm. Stories, crafts and skill-sharing to improve your property values, or habitat acreage. the month at the Applegate Library. For every Tuesday at 3:45 pm and Saturday more information call 541-899-9982. at 2 pm. All ages welcome at free for wildlife? Do you want to harvest timber March 21: Maintaining a healthy programs by local volunteers. Free Wi- for sale or utilize forest products for farm forest: thinning, stand improvement, insect Applegate Valley Community Grange meets Fi 24/7. 20100 Williams Highway near use? If the answer to any or all of these and disease concerns. the second Sunday of each month for a Tetherow Road. For more information, questions is yes, these classes are for you! April 4: Protecting your home and potluck and a business meeting. Call call Danielle Schreck at 541-846-7020. 541-846-7501 for times. 3901 Upper Woodland Stewardship is a series of property from wildfire. Applegate Road. Williams Rural Fire Protection District six classes that provides an overview of April 11: Tree selection, planting and meets the fourth Wednesday of the concepts and practices of forest stewardship care; native plants. Applegate Valley Garden Club meets at month at 7 pm at the Williams Fire April 18 1:30 pm on the third Wednesday of the Department. for woodland properties from 5 to 50 (or : Wildlife, weeds and water. month from September through May. more) acres. It is designed for owners who May 2: Putting it all together: Plans, For meeting locations and programs, call Women Helping Other Women (WHOW) are just getting started with woodland where to go for more help. Sandra King at 541-899-9027 or Betty meets the second Tuesday of the month management as well as more experienced For more details, see the SOREC Lou Smith at 541-846-6817. at 10036 Highway 238 (Gyda Lane) at 6:30 pm for a potluck meeting to plan owners who are looking for new ideas and website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ Food & Friends Senior Nutrition Program work parties at each other’s homes. approaches. sorec/Forestry. invites local seniors (60-plus) to New members are welcome. For more About the class: This is a practical, Marcus Smith enjoy a nutritious, hot meal served information, call Thalia Truesdell at field-based class; we will be outside, rain [email protected] at 11:30 am Monday through Friday 541-899-8741 or Sioux Rogers at 541- at the Jacksonville IOOF Hall at the 846-7736. or shine. Field activities will take place on corner of Main and Oregon Streets. A woodland properties around the area. You More SOREC Classes donation is suggested and appreciated. Wonder Neighborhood Watch meets the will see what other landowners are doing Volunteers help serve meals or deliver second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm, and learn from them. Bring comfortable • Growing Agripreneurs Farmer meals to homebound seniors. For Wonder Bible Chapel, 11911 Redwood information about volunteering or Highway, Wilderville. shoes or boots, rain gear, sun protection, Incubator Program, April 1-October 31 receiving meals, call Food & Friends at and water. Although the class will not be • Summer Care of Grape Vines 541-664-6674, x246 or x208. physically demanding, we will be taking Saturday, May 10, 9 am - 12 noon short walks through the woods. • Landscaping with Native Plants Send your calendar information to [email protected]. Grants Pass-based classes: Friday Wednesday, May 14, 7 - 9 pm Be sure to keep the Gater updated mornings 8:30 - 11:30 am, March 14, 21; • Small Space Garden Design with any changes to your listing. April 4, 11, 18; May 2. Call 541-476-6613 Thursday, May 29, 7 - 9 pm to register for the Josephine County class. Applegater Spring 2014 5 New child-care facility Kid In Around The Old Became New The old became new by michele mathis first a loud crack Does anyone happen to know a Kid In Around offers child-care then a deep breaking full-time child-care facility located in the services from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday a pause... Applegate Valley? through Friday. In order to maintain and then a huge crash The answer is now “Yes.” security precautions, tours are by Kid In Around is open and offering appointment only. The storm has brought down full-time child-care and development If you are in need of child-care an old grandfather snag services at 7208 Highway 238 in Ruch, services and would like to take a tour of our quick as describing it OR. Kid In Around is the perfect place facility, please call 541-899-0500. Space is the vertical is horizontal for children to play, learn and socialize limited for summer care so please reserve after so many years with others. your child’s spot early. All activities are designed to keep the Thank you so much Applegate A new environment for children’s interest and provide hours of community for your encouragement and the forest floor educational entertainment. The preschool support. and its creatures education will help prepare younger Michele Mathis • 541-899-0500 children before they enter kindergarten. [email protected] The forest is all pungent Owned and operated by an Applegate with the first rain in months resident, the goal for Kid In Around is to provide children with an environment that Two grandfathers is enriched with age-appropriate education, one a grateful witness playful activities and social opportunities. Every day is carefully planned to provide Greeley Wells a comfortable, routine and dependable [email protected] structure on which children can rely.

BOOK & MOVIE REVIEWS — Book — and about American slaves and the Confederacy; who had been to far off places such as Giving Up the Ghost Palestine: “In the desert my grandfather rode a camel. He commanded it with certain Hilary Mantel words in Egyptian, known only to camels, now imparted to me.” This grandfather stayed with her family for a time. And she writes from the puzzled and cryptic view of a child There has been a continuing laudatory buzz in the English book-reading world when that grandfather tersely departs, seemingly in disgust at the living arrangements about Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, her award-winning historical of the household. fiction about Henry VIII, as told through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. Before that we Hilary Mantel suffered from long-undiagnosed endometriosis from her young had Mantel’s magnificent 749-page A Place of Greater Safety, also historical fiction, which preteens. In her mid 20s, she underwent surgery, which left her unable to have children, follows the lives of Robespierre and two other movers and shakers during the French and subsequent steroid treatments caused excessive weight gain. She tells of anguish Revolution. It is sometimes difficult to accept historical fiction, with its rendition of the over her inability to bear children, and she continues her battle with weight. She wrote thoughts and unrecorded words of persons who lived several centuries past, but Hilary in Learning to Talk: “I have been so mauled by medical procedures, so sabotaged and Mantel does a superlative job of making the reader feel viscerally connected with these made over, so thin and so fat, that sometimes I feel that each morning it is necessary people. You believe they thought those thoughts and said those words. to write myself into being.” Having read her thoroughly researched and intimate looks at English and French She went to law school in London, married, lived in South Africa and in Saudi aristocracy, I had assumed that Ms. Mantel was to the manor born. But, au contraire, I Arabia, divorced—and later remarried—her husband. And wrote! Did she ever write! recently read her autobiographical Giving up the Ghost (Henry Holt and Co., 2003), in Mantel has been showered with literary awards, and that includes twice winning the which I learned that her young life was anything but aristocratic. She grew up poor, Irish, highly prestigious Man Booker Prize. The historical novels give readers a most readable and Catholic in the mean little Northern England mill town of Hadfield, Derbyshire, in understanding of turbulent past times; we read them and feel enlightened. But her a family that can only be described as highly dysfunctional. Classmates and neighbors autobiography tugs at our hearts. did not hide their prurient curiosity about her family household sleeping arrangements. Julia (Helm) Hoskins • 541-899-8470 • [email protected] The climate of the area is cold and damp, “battered by the four winds. Its streets Ed. Note: The reviewer is the author ofShe Caves to Conquer, a book about a young were steep, its small houses gray and stony.” The social life is as pinched and narrow as woman who escapes the Midwest, moves halfway around the globe and finds caves that have the pocketbooks of the denizens of the little mill town. Mantel writes of an entertainment been occupied for nearly 4,000 years. of throwing rocks from the nearby bridge at presumably coddled Protestant children from the better-off town on the other side. “In Hadfield, you knew before you could walk which you were: us or them, Catholic — Movie — or Protestant…. Our religion didn’t require us to throw petrol bombs or for the men to 12 Years a Slave kill one another on a weekend [in contrast to Northern Ireland]. But it did allow us—us Reviewer rating: 5 Apples Catholics, that is—to luxuriate in the knowledge that our neighbors were damned.” 1 Apple—Don’t bother Mantel’s grandmother had become a mill worker at the age of 12, and her mother 5 Apples—Don’t miss and father each worked in the town’s textile mills. Hilary attended the rigidly Catholic Drama, Epic and Historical local school and convent. “The school was constant stricture, the systematic crushing R (Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian.) of any spontaneity…. I was conscious, from the first day in the first class, of the need Opened: October 2013 to resist what I found there. When I met my fellow children and heard their yodeling Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Sarah Paulson, cry—‘Good mo-or-orning, Missus Simpson,’ I thought I had come among lunatics; and Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodard the teachers, malign and stupid, seemed to me like the lunatics’ keepers.” Director: Steve McQueen She remembers, “…childhood was a sort of gulag for me; I was cut off, adrift…. It Written by John Ridley, based on the book by Solomon Northup wasn’t particularly anyone’s fault. Few people acted with malice toward me. It was just An uncompromising, merciless, riveting film! The brutal tale, which takes place that I was unsuited to being a child…. My adult reasoning and my small status were at eight years before the start of the American Civil War, comes from the 1853 memoir by odds. One day [the teacher] hit me so hard in the face that she propelled me across the Solomon Northup. The third feature of British video artist Steve McQueen, 12 Years a room, and spun around my head on the stalk of my neck. Ho, fisticuffs, Madam! I said Slave is an historically important picture and a powerful one at that. Solomon Northup to myself. I put a smile on my face and turned my head the right way round again…. (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a violinist by trade, lives as a free man with his wife and children in I was eight then: blinking back the automatic tears that arise in response to a blow, in upstate New York. He is abducted and sold into slavery, bought by the most brutal of case they would be seen by her as a vindication.” slave owners, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). Solomon struggles to stay alive while But Hilary Mantel also tells of what she gained there in how to write with clarity also trying to retain his dignity. Samuel Bass (Brad Pitt), a Canadian abolitionist who and precision. She quotes a prayer: “‘When the last tear, the forerunner of my dissolution, meets Solomon, ultimately changes his life. shall drop from mine eyes, receive it as a sacrifice of expiation for my sins; grant that I “12 Years a Slave is easily the greatest feature film ever made about American slavery,” may expire the victim of penance, and in that dreadful moment, Merciful Jesus, have writes The New Yorker’s David Denby, who, like other critics, sees McQueen’s movie mercy on me.’ Note that excellent semicolon. People ask how I learned to write. That’s as finally and decisively dethroning Gone with the Wind in that category. A somber, where I learned it.” meditative, almost poetic film that delivers the horrors of bondage stripped down and Amazed to be informed at the end of grammar school that she had passed a head-on, 12 Years a Slave is both a devastatingly shocking and a truly important film. scholarship exam and would be moving on to attend the convent school, she writes, Sharon Thompson • [email protected] “I was still more amazed when I got there, and found that the nuns didn’t punch you; Ed. Notes: The reviewer is an ardent moviegoer—often watching the same movie in the not even the lay teachers seemed to want to go ten rounds with a six-stone opponent.” theater multiple times. With nine nominations, will 12 Years a Slave win top honors at the She writes lovingly of a grandfather, a railway man, who tells about Robin Hood Academy Awards? 6 Spring 2014 Applegater

BACK IN TIME The last of great-great Uncle Si by evelyn byrne williams with janeen sathre When we left Si McKee in our last nuggets on his person. the local police. When police article (Applegater Winter 2013) he was Not only did he have the gold arrived at the cabin, they found his returning to his mining endeavors in the nuggets, but also he talked about his emaciated dog, Jiggs, guarding the Smith River country after having spent nuggets and gold dust that he kept in a cabin. In order to go in, they had to several years in the Oregon State Prison tin can at his cabin. They advised him to shoot him. They also shot the horse, for arson. deposit his cache in a safe place, but he which hadn’t had food for so long In mid-October 1922, Si visited didn’t “cotton” to banks, and besides, he he was not savable. some relatives living on 25 acres of very kept his small pistol close at hand. Many They buried the remains productive bottomland near Bear Creek at of the old-timers never really trusted banks of Uncle Si, 78, near his cabin Tolo, where Fort Lane was located during and often buried their gold somewhere in and advised the relatives to visit the Rogue River War. He now owned a a hidden place near their dwellings. Si did, the claim site and take care of small horse named Nellie and an Australian however, leave a handwritten note giving necessities. I was told that my shepherd named Jiggs. However, when his mining claim to the family living there grandfather, Amos McKee, and his he came out of the mountains to visit, he at Tolo. son Ernest rode horseback from would leave Nellie at Waldo and then ride One time when uncle Si came to visit, here on the Upper Applegate to the “jitney” on into Medford, where it is he had a young man with him that he had Sourdough. The young man whom assumed he walked to Tolo. The relatives met in Waldo. The family was concerned Si had taken with him from Waldo Rolland Hubbard in Si’s hand-hewn canoe on the always enjoyed Si’s visits but were a little when he said that the young man was going was never found, and the general Smith River in August 1913. The Hubbards were named in the will to inherit the mining claim. concerned about his habit of carrying gold to go home with him to help do some opinion was that he killed Si for mining. And those nuggets and maybe the can of gold stood looking at the grave site, my mind they were right dust, which was never found either. raced back to when great-great Uncle Si to be worried After Si’s death a kind man working had contentedly lived there so many years about Si—in on the road near the grave felt badly that and I was sad for his tragic death. I was the third week of no one had made a marker, so he found also saddened by the fact that his marker November they Si’s old metal bed frame and made a crude was gone and only some of the bent and were notified by fence around the grave from its parts. Then rusty supports of the old fence were there. the authorities as more time went by, another kind soul While still doing research on Uncle that he had been wanted to give Si a marker with his name Si and his Sourdough claim, I went to killed (shot?) on it. The metal marker says McGee instead the Del Norte Museum in Crescent City. in his cabin. of McKee but the relatives appreciated it I was looking for old photos of the early Some friends regardless of the wrong name. day stagecoaches and drivers. I didn’t find had become Years later my husband Clarence and any of Uncle Si, but much to my delight, I suspicious when I visited the mining claim and the remains saw the old grave “McGee” marker in one they had not of the cabin. The road was so bad that of the glass cases. seen him for we needed four-wheel drive, and in some Evelyn Byrne Williams quite some time places I got out of the vehicle and walked with Janeen Sathre A crossing on the Smith River near Uncle Si’s cabin. and contacted rather than being bounced all over. As I 541-899-1443

SOREC FROM PAGE 1 Williams Grange Pancake Breakfast culture created, nurtured and maintained Second Sunday 8:30 to 11 am by the ongoing efforts of Extension. It is all Bluegrass Jam 11 am to 1 pm about the people. Anytime you stop in at March 9, Seed Swap the Extension offices on Hanley Road there April 13 are people coming and going, attending May 11, Mother’s Day classes, asking questions at the plant clinic, bringing in a bug to identify or a plant 20100 Williams Highway, Williams • 541-846-6844 • [email protected] cutting with questions. People meet and greet and get to know others with similar interests. They participate in volunteer projects together and form groups to help each other accomplish things on their land. From an economic standpoint, approving this service district should be a no-brainer. From a community standpoint, for today and for future generations, it is inconceivable that we would allow such a valuable asset to disappear. Most homeowners will pay less than the cost of lunch per year to keep SOREC alive. I urge you to vote yes on the Jackson County 4-H, Master Gardener and Agricultural Extension Service District on the May 2014 ballot. Encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same. Thanks. Jack Duggan [email protected] Ed. Note: Jack Duggan lives on Forest Creek and is a Land Steward volunteer with Extension. Applegater Spring 2014 7

THE STARRY SIDE Three hundred sextillion stars BY Greeley Wells What is a sextillion? Have I gone the stars, with the fullest brightest moons before midnight. By April it’s rising at 9 little research crazy, or sexy? A sextillion is a number appearing high overhead early in the pm, and by the end of the month its rising beforehand if followed by 21 zeros!!! For instance, take season. Spring is sort of a transitory period time is 7:30 pm. Saturn recently spent you’re interested the number 300 and add 21 zeros onto for the moon: it’s high early in the season about three years in Virgo. It’s now in in losing some Greeley Wells it (300,000,000,000,000,000,000,000). closer to winter, and lower as we approach Libra, where it will stay throughout 2014. sleep for a That’s how many stars may be in our summer, when the full moon drops to a Venus rises in the dawn two hours good cause. Binoculars will add to your universe. A few years back Carl Sagan’s very low position in the sky. before the sun. She holds her morning-star enjoyment of the show. I’ll be filming it, “billions upon billions” was science’s That distinctive trapezoid in the south position through May. It takes Venus just I hope. answer to the question of how many stars is Corvus, the Crow. It’s there moving 225 days to circle the sun. Remember the time change in March: there are, but newer studies published in west all spring. Predawn risers will see the Mars stops its motion on March 1 as we “spring forward” an hour on Sunday, the journal Nature suggest there may be summer constellations coming up from the it reverses direction. Look for bright Mars March 9. So officially there is no time three times as many stars out there as we east and going overhead with the Milky near the April 15 eclipse with Spica, the between 2 and 3 am (what did they do used to think. So is the sky getting more Way as spring moves toward summer. other bright “star” to the right, near the with it?), and the sun is highest at 1 pm crowded? No, we’re just learning and THE PLANETS darkened moon. Mars’ trajectory around instead of noon (does that make sense seeing more and correcting our previous Jupiter comes to a halt in its slow the sun takes 685 days. to you?). You’ve no doubt heard me rail knowledge. Each leap in understanding movement on March 6 and then turns back Mercury leaps up into the dawn against this before. opens up more for us to find. That goes for to a more northerly route. Throughout the for the first time this year on March 14. April is Global Astronomy Month. the macrocosm, e.g., telescope, as well as season it moves westward with Gemini, He’s below the lovely Venus, looking up See www.gam-awb.org. Astronomy Day the microcosm, e.g., microscope. Science is rising and setting earlier. Jupiter spends no doubt. And his year (or trip around is on May 10, so get out and look at the a wonderful but moving target; tomorrow about a year in each of the constellations the sun) is only 88 days long because sky this spring! tends to trump today. in the zodiac, on average. It takes Jupiter he’s the closest planet to the sun, moving Equinox is on March 20, when the THE NIGHT SKY 12 years to go around the sun once! around the dawn and dusk sky so fast and sun will be exactly overhead at the equator. Spring is upon us even though the Saturn becomes stationary on March seemingly erratic. All is even-steven and symmetrical in the current temperature would hardly suggest 2 and then begins again in the opposite Pluto (recently demoted), just for world of light and heat, from the equator that. Nor would our drought, which is direction. This shift is hardly noticeable, perspective, is so far out there that it takes to each pole. now record-breaking for 2013—and what though, because Saturn spends an average 248 earth years to go around the sun! On May 14 the full moon will be of 2014? of two and a half years in each zodiacal Once. right next to Saturn. A major characteristic of spring is a constellation and takes 30 years to go OF NOTE The Lyrid meteors show up the fairly starless night sky. That’s because we around the sun once! In March it’s rising A full moon and a full eclipse happen evening of April 23. A half-sided moon are looking out from our galaxy instead Illustration: Guy Ottewell’s Astronomical Calendar 2012. on the night of rises at midnight, so the best time, for once, of into it. The Milky Way is close to the April 15. For to observe the Lyrid meteors may be in the horizon, but the mountains get in our way, about an hour evening before the moon comes up. so you may not find it at all. In March and a half, The Eta Aquid meteor shower peaks the Milky Way is westerly and sinking centering on the May 6. The moon sets at midnight, so with the winter constellations that live peak at 12:56 this is definitely a wake-up-early meteor in and around it. In April it is very low, am, the show shower. Then the Eta Lyrids peak on May disappearing in our western mountains. will unfold. Be 8. The two radiants are not too far apart, in By the end of May, it is has disappeared in sure to look for the vicinity of Vega in Lyra (the first rising the west and begun to rise in the east with Spica and Mars star of the summer triangle). Because these our summer constellations. nearby to the two showers happen so close together in Meanwhile, arching overhead all this right; they will time, we will probably see some meteors time, the Big Dipper and Leo the Lion have brighten as the from each shower during those nights. Two been paralleling each other. The dipper is moon dims. for one, good viewing! So let’s hope for trailing the bright Arcturus (follow the That’s Arcturus that much-needed rain all spring, except arch of the Dipper’s handle to it). If you to the upper during May 6 to 8. continue that arch, you come to Spica and left farther Greeley Wells Mars (noticeably red). The moon still plies away. Do a [email protected] 8 Spring 2014 Applegater TRENDS AND OBSERVATIONS An Applegater in La Paz BY Rauno Perttu I have spent the majority of this night if you try. sister sang a solo, winter as a non-Spanish speaking snowbird Shopping which may have in La Paz, Mexico, with periodic trips back can be more exceeded that of to the Applegate to take care of necessary challenging. the first sister. We Rauno Perttu tasks. For those thinking about seasonally Some goods are naturally thought moving to warmer climates like La Paz, I harder to find and “Wow, two good singers.” can give a big thumbs-up. La Paz is a great more expensive, The third sister wore a plain dress, location, with a warm, calm ocean, good especially if you wasn’t quite as attractive as the first two, food, new friends, and fun activities. want American The malecón, an active walkway in La Paz, stretches for and seemed a bit shy. We were surprised My fiancée Ana and I drove the length rather than local several kilometers along the shore. when she came out to sing a solo. She of the Baja, which is gorgeous, and many goods. Some everyday Applegate grocery to look for whales and whale sharks in the proceeded to let down her hair and to of the cliché worries about Mexico and items become luxury items in La Paz. beautiful bay on which La Paz is located. knock our socks off with a Lennon tune Mexicans have been put to rest. I have Finding a specific item sometimes becomes We have also had invitations to cruise to that she turned into an incredible blues found both the expats and local Mexicans a snipe hunt. However, local supermarkets the gulf islands. song. She may have been the best of the to be friendly and interesting—and the and the La Paz Walmart are on a par with Perhaps one of the most surprising three. From my perspective, any one of the warm, sunny winter has been delightful. those in the States. things I’ve noticed is the incredible musical sisters would have won one of the television I thought, for other Applegaters Mexican cities are just plain talent in La Paz. We’ve gone to several talent competitions here in the States. considering a Mexican winter escape, I noisy. My first nights back in the musical events (they are common), and Spending winters in La Paz for would share a few personal observations. Applegate were eerily quiet. two things have impressed me. These are the next round of my life has started out Violent crime in La Paz is little La Paz and the Baja are much cleaner very inexpensive and the local talent is wonderfully. Now, I hope and need to learn different from that in American cities, than in years past. impressive. Spanish, which I’ve been very delinquent possibly less than in many of our cities. The highways are good; the city For example, we went to a roofless in doing. I’ve had both an advantage and Nonviolent crime, however, is more streets are not as good. On some, you stage (informal shorts weather, as almost disadvantage with Ana. She is fluent in common. become expert at dodging potholes. always) to hear a tribute to John Lennon. Spanish, so all I have to do is use her as Part of the expat regimen is trying Driving in Mexico is initially a bit The band was very good, but too loud. my personal interpreter, but the downside out new restaurants, and reviews are scary, but when you adjust to local driving Even J.D. Rogers would have wanted is that I have been lazy in learning Spanish freely shared. Many restaurants (and there habits, driving is safe and relatively easy. earplugs. We solved that problem by myself. When we go to a Mexican party, are many) are good to very good and I love the malecón, the pretty and stuffing pieces of Kleenex in our ears. After I’m mostly lost, although many Mexicans inexpensive. Worries about food poisoning active walkway that stretches for several that, we could enjoy the performers. understand English. I have to learn are exaggerated. I have had no problems, kilometers along the shore of the city. I A trio of local girl singers stunned me. Spanish. It can be discomforting when you just delights. got into the habit of taking long walks As a group, they sounded exceptional. A hear your name mentioned, followed by I’ve found that festive get-togethers every day. short time later, one of the girls sang solo. laughter, and you don’t have a clue. are a way of life for La Pazians. You La Paz is a sailboat city. Friends with She was beyond good, so we assumed she Rauno Perttu probably can get yourself invited every sailboats have taken Ana and me cruising had carried the trio. A little later, the second [email protected]

bringing the noxious weeds around their pits. They An ounce of prevention infested understand that weed-free material will be is worth a pound of cure material to more valuable to their customers. your land. We have more wineries and organic by barbara mumblo Ask for crops in the valley all the time. To reduce “An ounce of prevention is worth a much in the late 1970s, but over the years noxious- the potential need for herbicide use on pound of cure” is an idiom often used in it’s moved along the roads and into the dry weed-free noxious weeds, we can prevent infestations reference to human health. It also works fields and hillsides. material or get rid of the weeds before the they with ecosystem health. Of course, if you Invasive species can be introduced or if you are become too large. know me, I’m using this expression in existing infestations can spread by moving bringing I’ve noticed signs along the road that reference to preventing invasive species seed or plant parts (often in materials such soil, rock, say “owner maintained.” Some of you are (noxious weeds) from impacting the health as soil, hay, or mulch). Existing infestations hay, mulch, doing a great job of that (thanks, Beau), but of our ecosystem in the Applegate Valley. can be spread by equipment like bulldozers, etc., to your property. If you have others have the signs up and aren’t really The terms invasive species and noxious mowers, or road graders. I’ve watched star equipment coming to your property from doing the maintenance. It’s important to weeds generally refer to non-native species thistle come in with topsoil for septic elsewhere, ask that it first be cleaned of eradicate any invasive species along the that are aggressive and out-compete our work, rock for log landings, seed mixes and soil and vegetation. Be careful driving road (especially between fence lines and natives. Noxious weeds are designated by hay for restoration, and birdseed (thanks, over infested areas so you don’t transport the road). Ditch cleaning easily moves the Oregon Department of Agriculture Kay). Infestations often pop up after new plants/seed to an uninfested area. I’ve done seeds down the road. If we can eradicate and usually have economic impacts, driveway/house site construction. it myself—parked in an area of star thistle invasive species from the roadside, we’ll often on the health of domestic animals. Federal agencies in our area spend and when I got home and opened the door, have less potential for infestations to move Invasive species can be plants or animals much time and money controlling these it fell out. Be aware of what you are doing! down the road and onto your neighbor’s that reproduce and spread too much and weeds and working to prevent more sites Some quarry owners are starting to (or possibly your) property. impact species we want to preserve. These from occurring. It’s getting to be common understand the need for noxious-weed-free Weeds know no boundaries; species have come from other parts of the practice to ask for clean material and rock and are working to prevent it from they move wherever they are able. We world (often the Mediterranean area), equipment when working on Bureau of spreading. A quarry accreditation process need to work together with our neighbors usually arriving accidentally mixed in with Land Management and national forest is in the early stages of development by the to eliminate these species and prevent other material (hay/soil), but some were lands. Many private landowners in the Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas County further infestations from occurring. Help brought on purpose (horticulture or herbal Applegate are controlling weeds on their CWMAs (Cooperative Weed Management us maintain a healthy ecosystem in the uses). Upon arrival, the species didn’t have land (thanks!). It can take a lot of time Areas) and will be coordinated by Applegate Valley. Please, do your part to the natural controls (insects/other plants) and money and one year of treatment isn’t the Douglas County Soil and Water prevent noxious/invasive species spread! that would normally keep them in check adequate to do the job—it takes several Conservation District. This process will For more information about noxious in their native land, allowing them to out- years of persistence, but it can be done. include inspections and a rating system, weeds, see the Oregon Department of compete with our native species. It makes sense to prevent the and will inform landowners of where they Agriculture website at http://www.oregon. One of the most obvious examples of introduction/spread of invasive species and can purchase noxious-weed-free rock. I’ve gov/ODA/PLANT/WEEDS or call me. a noxious/invasive weed in the Applegate not have to pay to treat an infestation. One been working with personnel from Knife Barbara Mumblo • 541-899-3855 Valley is yellow star thistle. There wasn’t way to prevent introduction is to avoid River and Blue Mountain Rock to reduce [email protected]

FRESH BULK WORM CASTINGS VERMICOMPOST

Chris 541-260-4498 Ask about our free delivery! Applegater Spring 2014 9 DIRTY FINGERNAILS AND ALL this is as easy as Heavy metal is not music to my ears sucking up an ice cream soda via a by sioux rogers straw, but alas, not Wow, I found a new word: and not the solution. In the long run, it is Plants have removed as much as 95 so. Some examples phytoremediation. Well, obviously only the problem. percent of toxic contaminants in as little of these aquatic a new word to me as it is not new to the Below are some of these hard-working as 24 hours. Subsequently, Helianthus was plants are water Sioux Rogers plants doing all the work nor to the industry toxic-accumulator plants, now used planted on a Styrofoam raft at one end hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) studying this unique phenomenon. worldwide to clean up the mess we humans of a contaminated pond near Chernobyl Solms), pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata “Phytoremediation (from Ancient have created. and in 12 days the cesium concentrations L.) and duckweed (Lemna minor L.). Greek phyto, meaning ‘plant,’ and Latin • “Thlaspi caerulescens, Alpine Pennycress within its roots were reportedly 8,000 • The roots of Indian mustard are effective remedium, meaning ‘restoring balance’) and also known as Alpine Pennygrass, is a times that of the water, while the strontium in the removal of cadium, chromium, describes the treatment of environmental flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. concentrations were 2,000 times that of copper, nickle, lead, zinc, uranium, problems (bioremediation) through the use It is found in the Western United States, the water. cesium and strontium 90 from hydroponic of plants that mitigate the environmental Scandinavia, and Europe” (http:// • The Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata solutions. problem without the need to excavate the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thlaspi_caerulescens). L.) and related species are being studied An excellent reference for additional contaminant material and dispose of it Pennycress is a slow toxic avenger for as a possible way to remove arsenic from information is http://www.mhhe.com/ elsewhere.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ soil remediation but gets the job done. water and soil. Remediating arsenic- biosci/pae/botany/botany_map/articles. Phytoremediation) Each plant used for the purpose of toxic contaminated soil and groundwater using Phytoextraction by any plant, It seems that plants have a accumulation does so at its individual rate. currently available engineering methods is including aquatic species, is a sophisticated secret society for harvesting heavy • Brassica juncea and Brassica carinata costly and difficult. The ability of brake ferns process. For our purposes, all we need to metals. There are several words used for this are both in the to hyperaccumulate know is that it happens and is being further plant process. One is hyperaccumulators. mustard family. Alpine Pennycress helps clean toxic residue. arsenic in their developed and utilized. If you don’t understand this word, check In laboratory tests fronds has led to The obvious next questions out your garage, or your “mess” drawer or with metals loaded the development are: what happens to toxin-laden plants your clothes closet. Can you relate to the onto artificial soil of environmentally after they have done their job and how word hyperaccumulator now? (a mix of sand and friendly and cost- do we dispose of them? The literature Do you realize that while industry is vermiculite), these effective remediation is not unilaterally decisive about a one- spending millions of dollars to de-weed and plants appear to be of arsenic- size-fits-all solution. The good news “perfectise” every green living space, the the best at removing contaminated sites. is that even though heavy metals are toxins that are added during this process large quantities of • Aquatic plants, detrimental to soil and are ingested by are just making way for more weeds? Weeds chromium, lead, of which there are humans in an overabundance, they have become immune to toxins, just as bacteria copper and nickel. several species, a positive usage in other applications. To become resistant to antibiotics. • Helianthus sp., a have the uncanny offset the cost of the process of utilizing, While you are spraying toxins on the type of sunflower, capacity to locate monitoring, harvesting and disposing of plants to get rid of them, you are actually is currently used heavy metals in phytomediation plants, the heavy metals damaging the soil. If left alone, some by a New Jersey water and then can be extracted and re-used. plants will—at no extra charge—remove company to help remove these metals Dirty Fingernails and All toxins from your soil and make it healthier. clear toxic residue via their roots. I Sioux Rogers • 541-846-7736 Spraying with toxins is very short-sighted from Chernobyl. would like to think [email protected]

follows suit. In yoga we learn to Gen Y Worldview create a new, healthy and enjoyable Yoga is for every body pattern of awareness. Right now, this may seem like quite a feat by jesse hart and perhaps you are many steps away from that goal, but in yoga Though the popularity of yoga is help with flexibility, but the practice will we understand the truth and growing rapidly in the western world, also assist in an increase of balance and discipline of taking the first step, many people have applied only a western strength, both physically and mentally. which, as it turns out, is the only concept to a more universal spiritual and Simply put, yoga is meditation and a step that we ever take, consciously scientific practice. I am happy to be able workout combined into one. or unconsciously, every moment of to explain to my community the truth Is yoga the right choice for you? our lives. Learning new techniques behind this ancient practice and why every Short answer: Yes. to assist our consciousness will The author practicing what he preaches. human being should at least be familiar Long answer: Absolutely positively open up new possibilities in your creatures, from humans to animals, with its basic concept. After all, yoga in its definitely yes. Get up and go for it right life that you doubt or deem impossible. insects and plants, need what is called fundamental sense is the practice of being now. It will be the best choice you ever What can I do to start? in yoga “prana” or “life-force” brought comfortable in human form. made! You may not know it but you have into the body through our breath. Our What is yoga? Yoga is for all—the young and old, already started. Perhaps during heightened internal organs, respiratory and circulatory This ancient spiritual science offers big and small, male and female, flexible stress or anxiety you reminded yourself to systems move and operate on their own, a direct means of stilling the natural and stiff (especially the stiff). Human “breathe.” Perhaps you suffered a physical but we either learn how to assist them or turbulence of thoughts and restlessness beings perceive the world outside the injury and took a moment to massage or let our functionings go the route of least of body that prevent us from knowing body in the eternal moment of now. Our stretch the afflicted area. Though breathing resistance. I sincerely implore you to avoid what and where we truly are. Translated, sense of what is happening around us and and stretching are good for trauma, with the latter. Every cell in your body will yoga means “union”: of the individual how we define things is in relation to the some guided practice one can learn how to thank you for the compassion. consciousness or soul with the Universal experience of our life thus far. It may seem get greater benefit from these actions. Most Blissfully, I have recently come to Consciousness or Spirit (aka, your counterintuitive, but what happens within of us are given lessons to learn to drive the find great comfort in discovering that a connection of yourself to your creator). our internal selves creates the perception vehicle that is our car, but few are given path to happiness, balance and connection Though many people think of yoga only as (reality) of the external and never the other lessons to drive the vehicle that is our body. with nature/universe/God/energy is not physical exercises—the “asanas” or postures way around. When we lose touch with our To keep the body alive and well, we difficult. Discovering euphoria is as easy that have gained widespread popularity in inner self—our thoughts, feelings, internal know to provide the bare necessities of food as learning to consistently practice the art recent decades—these are actually only a organs, muscles and bone structure— and water, but preceding this sustenance of observing, stretching, balancing and superficial aspect of this profound practice we are allowing the health of the mind are the most needed commodities for life: allowing. of unfolding the infinite potentials of the and body to lessen. When we are out of breath and movement (with a sense of Jesse Hart • 541-221-1080 human body, mind and soul. Yes, yoga will harmony internally, the external world calm, yet energetic purpose). All living [email protected] 10 Spring 2014 Applegater APPLEGATE TRAILS ASSOCIATION Cantrall-Buckley Park Guided Hikes and Event Schedule

DATE HIKE / EVENT MEET LENGTH RATE Mar 22 Isabelle Mountain Peak or Bunny Meadows 2 miles M to D NEWS optional Isabelle Springs Trail Staging Area (either trail) Forest Creek Road 9 am April 12 Wellington Wildlands, an Bunny Meadows 3 miles M to D off-trail through hike down Staging Area Balls Branch (Humbug Creek Forest Creek Road tributary). Shuttle will be 9 am Applegate Valley Day 2014 arranged. May 25 Sundown Trail or option for Bunny Meadows 3 or 5 miles M to D longer through hike into Staging Area will celebrate Father’s Day Wellington Wildlands from the Forest Creek Road by david laananen end of Sundown Trail. 9 am In June 2012 and 2013, the Greater Day barbecue on Sunday, June 15. The July 20 Red Lily Vineyards. Wine & Dine Red Lily Vineyards 3 miles M at the vineyard after the hike. 11777 Highway 238 Applegate Community Development Applegate Valley Lions Club will barbecue Catered by Fulcrum Dining. 9 am Corporation (GACDC) organized and tri-tip, chicken, and hot dogs. Wine, beer, Aug 24 Sturgis Fork/Bigelow Lake Loop Applegate Store 5 miles M to D hosted Applegate Valley Days at Cantrall- and other beverages will be available. 15095 Highway 238 Buckley Park. The events were intended Current plans have food service available 9 am to bring together Applegate residents and from 11 am to 4 pm. We’re also planning to Sept 20 Benefit Dinner at Red Lily Red Lily Vineyards E visitors in a fun-filled day, showcasing the have local musicians provide entertainment Vineyards catered by Fulcrum 11777 Highway 238 park, local businesses, and our beautiful throughout the day. (Let us know if you’d Dining; entertainment and 6 pm valley. Our intent was not only to introduce like to participate.) The usual $4-per-car guest speaker. Purchase tickets in advance. new people to our park, but also to raise fee for entry to the park will be charged. funds essential to its operation and Further details will be made available Distances are estimates; ratings of “Easy” (E), “Moderate” (M) and “Difficult” (D) improvement. as plans develop. Meanwhile, save the day, are merely guides. One person’s “Moderate” may be “Difficult” for another. All of the After discussing ideas to keep our June 15, to celebrate Dad and family. hikes have elevation changes. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of event fresh, the GACDC Board decided David Laananen • 541-846-0500 water, and leave your pets at home. RSVP to ensure a place on the hike. A $5 donation that this year we will host a Father’s [email protected] per person helps ATA meet minimal expenses. Contact David Calahan at 541-899-1226 or [email protected], or visit our website for additional information. Details, changes, or cancellations may be found Beloved park closes after two-season effort on the “Calendar” page at www.applegatetrails.org. See the “Hikes” page for a list of by christina duane self-guided day hikes on or connected to the Applegate Ridge Trail (ART). A nonprofit organization depends on the generosity of the community. Please After funding Wayside Park for in their later phases to cap the projects. consider a donation to ATA, your local organization committed to developing a system nearly two years and endeavoring to We consider this effort a of hiking, biking and equestrian trails in the mountains of the Applegate Valley. We raise funds to keep it open, Oh Oregon success in many ways, thanks to the thank you. Frontier Park could no longer sustain the help of landowner Jackie Inman, Greater Step forward with a gift to all generations! effort to purchase the property. Because Applegate Community Development David Calahan • 541-899-1226 •[email protected] two of the three grants we applied for Corporation, Pete Kennedy and our did not come through, we were unable board of directors and many volunteers. to reach our goal of completing the down Multiple generations of families enjoyed payment and closing escrow. The park the park, and we held the award-winning must once again go up for sale and be Journeys to the Past camp and other events locked and closed until a buyer can be proving that the park can operate without found. Park patrons proved that this park competing with surrounding businesses could overcome the recent past history of and can use their services in its offerings. vandalism and irresponsible use that had We witnessed firsthand a community caused its closure, that it could be open completely in favor of the park and using to a demographically diverse community it for the most part very responsibly as the and once again be a center of celebration treasured resource and historic community for all ages. gathering place that it is. We would like Landowner Jackie Inman and Oh input in deciding where bricks will be Oregon Frontier Park had structured a placed. They honor community members purchase agreement that bought time and who helped keep the park open. The log created a plan by which the community museum pathway is a possibility, or they could once again enjoy the park, but the can be stored until we see what the park plan depended on meeting certain fund- outcome is. raising benchmarks in order for grants to We would like to honor these people fund. We are very hopeful that someone who made the reopening of the park in the community will buy the park, keep possible: Realtor Jeff Vineyard, Neil and it open to families, and continue the work Mary Anna and the Applegate Café and we all began. We would make the strategic Store, Dusty Davis and the Davis family, plan, funded through a grant that we Dean Johnson, Kim Mericle and all of the matched, available for potential buyers to bands that helped with the fund-raiser, see the park’s potential. Don and Josh Gibbons, Robert, Scotty, Since May 2012, we have attempted “Corky,” Michael and Sonny, Owen, to create and implement a plan to fund James Santos, and the many volunteers the park, open it to the community and who helped us. bring educational programs, events and Whoever purchases the park, a history interpretive tour. We had put it is our hope that they will recognize that down earnest money, sustained the lease it is a historic community-gathering place and insurance, worked with a consulting for multiple generations that needs to be firm in submitting several grants to fund open and represent all of the many facets the rest of the down payment. We tried to of this community. We believe it is a prime raise the money through benches, chairs location for a visitor center and hope that and brick donations to demonstrate the an entity that buys it will consider that amount of “community buy-in” that possibility and will work with surrounding the funders look for. Many park patrons businesses. We hope that people who use stepped up to donate, but we failed to get the park would respectfully honor and the support of the business community celebrate each other. This is what we had or larger donations that the foundations the privilege to see happen and, through need to see to fund a community project. our work, we hope to see that continue Another reason cited was that there is less through this transition. money being granted in the economic Christina Duane • 541-292-7829 downturn, and projects are being funded [email protected] Applegater Spring 2014 11

BIRDMAN Woodpeckers common to the Applegate BY Ted A. Glover In the Applegate Valley and tips. Acorn Woodpeckers feed primarily Our largest woodpecker is the Pileated bills for hammering surrounding hillsides live several species of on acorns as their name implies but, like Woodpecker, easily identified by its vivid and drilling into woodpeckers. There are nearly 200 species all woodpeckers, also feed on other nuts, red crest and crow-like size. It is the only tree trunks for worldwide, found on every continent but fruits and insects. woodpecker in our area with a crest. It is insects and have a Australia and Antarctica, and we can see a The Hairy Woodpecker is also very easily recognized by its great size, bounding long sticky glue- Ted A. Glover few of these nearly every day right here in common in our area. Like its smaller flight and striking black and white color. like tongue for extracting them. Their beak our own yards. cousin the Downy Woodpecker, it is best Another bird, often not recognized acts like a chisel to remove bark and find The most widely seen is the Acorn recognized by the white stripe in the center as a woodpecker, that is seen daily in our the hiding bugs. Woodpecker, black and white with large of its back and by the prominent white area is the Northern Flicker. In this part of While most birds have one toe white eyes surrounded by black, and a underparts. While these two woodpeckers the country it is known for the beautiful pointing back and three pointing forward, yellow throat. The male has a prominent look quite similar, the Downy is about salmon-colored undertail and underwings, woodpeckers have two sharply clawed toes red crown touching the white forehead one-third smaller than the Hairy. Another brown-barred back, white rump, and a very pointing in opposite directions to help and the female has a red nape with black good difference to note is the Downy has a noticeable black crescent on its chest. them grasp the sides of trees and to help separating it from the forehead. While in bill that is about half the length of its head While there are other woodpeckers in balance them while they drill. flight these woodpeckers display a white while the Hairy has a bill that is almost as our area of Oregon, these are the common Ted A. Glover • 541-846-0681 rump and white patches near their wing long as its head. ones. All woodpeckers have very strong [email protected]

Walter Lantz may have patterned Adult Downy Woodpeckers The Hairy Woodpecker’s Northern Flickers, one of the few The Pileated Woodpecker’s call is the call of Woody Woodpecker are the smallest of plumage is virtually identical to woodpecker species that migrates, a loud, far-carrying laugh, sometimes after the Acorn Woodpecker. North America’s woodpeckers. the smaller Downy Woodpecker. frequently feed on the ground. described as a “jungle bird.”

STINK BUG FROM PAGE 1 PHOTO CREDIT All bird photos courtesy of Peter J. Thiemann, Flickr photo stream. depending on the time of year; so to test on the Oregon State University campus. See Peter’s story on page 13. these attractants you often have only one Initial testing is done in a quarantine chance in the season to evaluate them and facility to be sure that natural enemies do then have to wait until next year to try not attack our native species and cause again. We are also looking at combining unintended consequences that cannot the attractants with lights to enhance their be undone. These imported and highly effectiveness. specific natural enemies, primarily tiny The pest threat is very real. wasps that parasitize the BMSB eggs, could Severe damage to an apple orchard outside provide much-needed natural mortality of Vancouver, WA, occurred this past year. for this pest and help mitigate the extreme Control of BMSB has proven difficult. population explosions that have been Back east, where BMSB is now a serious observed, most recently this last fall in pest of peaches and apples, growers are downtown Sacramento. relying on repeated applications of broad- Last summer was very warm and spectrum insecticides for control. our observations indicated that we had Clearly, a better approach is needed. A two full generations of BMSB, which researcher in New Jersey explored focusing was undoubtedly a major factor in the treatments on orchard borders to catch increased BMSB population locally. the bugs as they moved in, along with With BMSB taking up residence here in Buyers are coming and weed control along the border to deter southern Oregon, the race is on between New Listing-123 SOLD-3bd 2ba home on their movement. The researcher dubbed researchers and the pest population. We properties are selling. Visit Veronique , Mur- Livingston Rd. outside of the approach “CPR” for “crop perimeter like to think that we’re smarter than stink Jacksonville $447,000. our website to see all our restructuring” (a catchy name). The bugs, but we know enough to realize that phy. 3 .74 ac. With current listings. approach seemed to work, with insecticide BMSB is not going away. It will take a 3bed/2ba home SOLD-.Vineyard and www.applegatevalleyrealty. use reduced by up to 75 percent. number of tactics and tools to minimize and pond. home in Applegate Val- com Another subject of intense research the threat posed by this new insect invader. ley $279500. We would love to visit your is biological control, particularly the Richard J. Hilton • 541-772-5165 Beautiful and Pri- SOLD– Ranch in Wil- home and give you a current introduction of natural enemies from Senior Research Assistant/Entomologist vate. With over 35 liams $700,000. market analysis of your the BMSB’s native habitat in East Asia. OSU Research and Extension Center fruit trees. property. One site of this research is in Corvallis [email protected] $399,000 SOLD-Ranch GP $585k Photo below: Stink bug (http://epconlane. com/500). Photo right: Squash bug (thesideyardgarden.com) . Don-541-973-9185 Can you tell the difference? Debbie 541-973-9184

Hard working and Professional Office in the Town of Applegate

Also New Office in Murphy! 12 Spring 2014 Applegater Kurt and Toree Wilkening—Applegaters with a vision by DIANA COOGLE There was once a little girl in the travel, medical expertise, and service. carry on the work of the clinic when take with them get so much out of it that Dominican Republic who scowled all the As a member of the Bear Creek Valley AmigoVision leaves. “The goal is not to “the payback is unfair,” as Kurt puts it. Not time, never paid attention in school, and Rotary Club, Kurt was inspired by a fellow see as many patients as possible and then only are they experiencing “exotic” parts was always unhappy. One day a mobile Rotarian’s Project Amigo, which educates blow out,” Kurt says, “but to make it a of the world, but their own eyes are being clinic from AmigoVision rolled into the children of migrant workers in Mexico, sustainable program.” When Kurt and opened. “The effect it has on our volunteers village and put her through a series of and by a volunteer eye-care project he and Toree and their volunteer crew are ready is unbelievable,” Kurt says. “They come stations—medical history, eye exams, Toree attended in Jamaica. Could they, to leave the country, they ceremoniously home with a different perspective on the dilation—until, finally, diagnosis. The maybe, bring eyeglasses to some of the turn over the keys to the native people world, on America, on how the world child was cross-eyed and had blurry vision. seven hundred million people around the they’ve been training and give them the sees America, and, especially, on the When the appropriate prescription glasses world who have no access to basic vision clinic equipment, including a computer opportunities they can find to help in their were handed to her, she put them on and care? Could they travel to remote villages with the program on it that enables them local communities.” broke into a glorious smile, the first her around the world to diagnose vision to match the patient’s prescription with The needs in many places around mother had seen for years. problems and provide corrective lenses? glasses the team has in stock. the world are very basic. The things that For ten years, two Applegaters, Kurt Yes, they could, with the founding At first Kurt and Toree took suitcases change a person’s life are often things we and Toree Wilkening, have traveled the of AmigoVision, which takes a mobile full of donated eyeglasses on their travels, take for granted—like a pair of glasses. In world through AmigoVision, the nonprofit clinic into villages sometimes so remote but the problem with prescription glasses many of the countries where AmigoVision organization they started, putting smiles on the inhabitants have no transportation to is that the prescription is difficult to match goes, for instance, the extended family people’s faces by putting a pair of eyeglasses go outside the village. So the clinic goes to exactly what the patient needs. Now depends on one member who is particularly on their noses. to them. In some places people come to they bring round lenses, ground in various good at something—a woman at sewing, Kurt opened an optometry the clinic on horseback. In other places prescriptions, and frames, which are easier for instance—to do that job for the family. practice in Medford in 1981. His wife villagers speak a language that needs four to pack than glasses, and make “Wilk’s As she ages, though, she can no longer see Toree was a travel agent but stepped levels of translation for communication. glasses” on site by a method Kurt invented. to sew, and her skills become useless. Then outside that field to help run the practice. Kurt and Toree and their team “You should see the looks on the faces a mobile eye clinic comes to the village, she They both love to travel, especially to out- see as many as 1,250 patients a week. when people put on the eyeglasses for the gets a pair of reading glasses, and her world of-the-way places, the more different from They correct problems of half of those first time,” Kurt says. Toree adds that often changes dramatically. America the better. By 2000, when Kurt’s with simple reading glasses and of half they say, “Now I can read the Bible.” The first year Kurt and Toree took practice was stable enough that he could the remaining with prescription glasses. Kurt and Toree freely admit that AmigoVision to Jamaica. Last year, with leave the office more, he and Toree started Perhaps most importantly, they train the advantages are not all to the recipients the help of the Future Business Leaders thinking about how they could combine people in the countries they visit to of eye care. They and the volunteers they Association at Hidden Valley High School, Photos, left to right: Toree at a Chang Dao, Thailand, clinic where the eyes of over 850 Karen hill tribal people were examined; After two weeks they took it to Josephine County. Next year in Thailand, the team visited Angkor Watt in Siem Reap, Cambodia; Not only could this woman see to sew again, but she wanted to marry Kurt. they’ll go to both Josephine and Jackson counties—and to Nepal, if things work out, and then to Ethiopia, maybe even to Cuba. They have already traveled with the clinic to Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Vietnam, and Thailand. Eyeglasses are often an instant and a dramatic fix, but the recipients aren’t always pleased. What gets in the way? Vanity, all around the world. Diana Coogle [email protected]

I’d be standing here. [It’s] an absolute dream.” But winning isn’t everything. One Porscha Schiller and the performer said that her main reason for being there was just to have fun. “And I had a blast,” she said, “I had so much fun.” Rising Star program Ripples also reach other people in the by DIANA COOGLE community who jump in to help. Porscha gratefully acknowledges that without If, as Steve Jobs told us, “Creativity is first Saturday because the judges couldn’t Donna Briggs, the head of Britt Festivals just connecting things,” Porscha Schiller, pare the entries down to 12.) People would who involved Britt in the idea from its manager of South Stage Cellars tasting come to the tasting room—no cover beginning, Rising Stars would not be as room in Jacksonville, might deserve an charge—to drink wine, hear the music, and successful as it is. She credits Kim Moulton award for creative genius. By connecting vote, at $2 per vote with a ceiling of $30, for helping coordinate the event and three of her interests, she created the idea for their favorite musicians. The resulting “doing the whole thing” with her, and says that became the phenomenally successful income would be given to a local nonprofit that if it weren’t for Traute and Don Moore, Rising Stars program. organization. A panel of judges including owners of South Stage Cellars and Quail First, there was Porscha’s love of music Porscha and members of the Britt Festivals Run Vineyards, the whole thing wouldn’t Porscha Schiller (right) with Traute Moore, owner of South Stage Cellars happen. “I’m proud to be a part of this,” and her discovery, when she moved here board would pick the winner from the and Quail Run Vineyards. from New York City, of the extraordinarily chosen finalists. (They announced the she says, as though she were just a flunky good quality of local music. “Why haven’t 2014 winner on March 1, as the Applegater in the project, “and of these owners.” schools and music camps. “If music is left I heard of you?” she kept asking one group was being mailed.) Other community members and local out of a child’s life,” Porscha reminds us, after another, always receiving the same “I am a firm believer that when you businesses have helped in various ways. “there is so much that is not developing answer: “We can’t get any exposure.” throw a pebble into the water, the ripples Some have donated prizes: a cash prize in that child.” Second, there was Porscha’s job and can reach across the world,” Porscha says from Brenda Smith, a Harry and David Porscha sees the Jacksonville the need to promote the tasting room. “It’s (adding that she hopes that doesn’t sound packet, a recording session with Blackstone community—any small community—as like peanut butter and jelly,” she says, “to “too granola”). Audio. This year Dan Doshier, of Off the composed of layers of different kinds of pair music and wine.” Among the most important of Wall Music Company in Jacksonville, people interacting together. She points Finally, there was Porscha’s volunteer the many ripples from the Rising Stars provided the sound system at South Stage to people like Rising Stars performers— work with Mediation Works, which pebble that Porscha threw into the waters Cellars. “What a gift!” Porscha says, adding carpenters, some of them, and farmers brought the important work of CASA, of the Applegate community are those that that the whole experience “has been very and even (last year’s winner) a dentist—as Court Appointed Special Advocates, to her reach the musicians. To play on the Britt magical.” the threads that hold together the fabric attention and sparked a desire to support stage, to have a 30-minute interview on A big ripple, of course, reaches the of a community because they work with its local program. Jefferson Public Radio—these prizes are local nonprofit chosen to receive the money. each other. “If we all had the opportunity One, two, three—and Porscha had the “real cherry,” as Porscha calls them, The first year Rising Stars raised $7,000 for to live in a smaller community,” she says, conceived of the Rising Stars program: but the prestige of being that year’s Rising CASA. The second year Traute and Don “we would be nicer people—if only so we local musicians of any genre—jazz, folk, Star and the fun of participating also entice Moore, mindful of their many Hispanic wouldn’t be embarrassed by not having classical, any kind of music—would applicants. “To be chosen is incredible,” workers at the vineyards, suggested the been nice to someone on the street whom apply to play at South Stage Cellars. (This said last year’s winner, Matt Hill, of the $12,000 proceeds go to La Clinica. This we later find sitting next to us on the bus.” year three different groups played every Matt Hill Trio. “It’s amazing—especially year the money will go to Britt Festivals Diana Coogle Saturday in February—four groups the on the stage of the Britt. I never thought for its educational programs—music in [email protected] Applegater Spring 2014 13 Peter Thiemann: Image hunter by haley may

While some hunt with a gun, watch birds. After spotting some White- of Ornithology, which Peter Thiemann hunts with a camera. throated Sparrows, he pointed out a small has over 200,000 citizens Photographing all images of nature, but duck, the Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes participating in bird especially birds, is his passion. To Peter, cucullatus). The male is particularly observation. The data birding is exciting because of “the surprise recognizable, displaying a black and white help researchers study and the chase,” the appeal to hunter/ crest with white stripes along his tail and climate change and/or gatherer instincts. To birders, a “lifer” is chest. Females have a cinnamon-colored behavior trends, such as a bird first seen and positively identified. crest, and both are excellent divers. We the recent observation Peter’s list of “lifer photos”—high-quality, watched as they periodically disappeared, of south-ranging birds publishable shots—is 246. bottoms up, searching for fish. gradually moving 50-100 Originally from northern Germany, Peter is working with well-known miles north. Peter is the man behind the camera of the author and birding guide Harry Fuller I asked Peter why bird images in the Applegater’s “Birdman” of Ashland on a book about Great Gray he thinks birds are so column. Seventy-four years old, he is a Owls featuring Peter’s photos. The Great amazing. “They are retired electrical engineer who now lives on Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa), with up to a beautiful and unique in six acres in Applegate after living in the Bay five-foot wingspan, is one of the “most that they can fly,” he says. Area and Alaska. Why relocate here? “It is wanted” on any serious birder’s list. It is “Think of the amount of Peter Thiemann has 246 “lifer photos” to his credit. not too rainy and there are big trees—and rare in southern Oregon, but Peter has energy it takes to migrate. it’s not California,” he tells me. He has been been photographing a small population Also the way they evolved, linked directly carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Due in the area for 11 years. near his place as well as one in the Cascades to dinosaurs. And they sing.” to his background in engineering, he feels We met at Ashland Pond to that he has been photo-documenting for He described the phenomenon of it is essential to find “newer, better, safer” almost a year. Folks come from hundreds starling murmuration: the swooping flight means of producing energy. It is feasible, of miles, he tells me, just to catch a glimpse of starlings, sometimes synchronized, for example, to reprocess waste material of this elusive creature. The owl hunts in in groups of a few hundred to a few from nuclear power plants, which do not the daytime, making it a wonderful subject thousand. “If this was music, it would be emit carbon dioxide. If radioactive waste for study. The proposed title for the book a symphony,” he says. While the process is handled properly, nuclear plants are a is Living Ghost: The Great Gray Owl. Peter is not fully understood, individual birds much safer way to generate electricity. and Harry are currently searching for follow the same rule of a school of fish There is an upcoming opportunity sponsors. escaping a predator: “when your neighbor to kick-start your own bird exploration. Peter’s photo of White Pelicans flying moves, you move.” The mysteriousness of At the end of May, thanks to a $16,000 over Mt. Shasta is on the cover of Harry’s murmuration, like several other aspects grant from Ashland, the Klamath Bird recently published book: Freeway Birding, of birds, is one of the reasons our flying Observatory will host the Mountain Bird San Francisco to Seattle. The guide follows friends deserve attention and respect. Festival in Ashland with field trips, poster I-5 indicating various ideal sites for bird- There has been a noticeable exhibits, music and local food. Harry is watching. Taking a moment to participate decline in species directly related to human helping organize the festival and will lead in “the surprise and the chase” is one way population growth and resource demand. some classes. There may even be a chance to to enjoy nature while stretching your legs. Bird habitats are being compromised see Eva’s oil painting of Great Gray Owls. Peter and his wife Eva, a biologist or are disappearing altogether. To help Online registration is available starting and nurse, participated in the Ashland birds thrive, Peter suggests we stop using in early February. For more information Christmas Bird Count (CBC) organized by chemical and pesticide sprays that kill on this event, visit klamathbird.org/ Photos of Great Gray Owls by Peter Thiemann Harry. Around 50 participants found 116 the insects that birds depend on. He feels education/mountainbird. will be featured in an upcoming book species from sunrise to sunset. The data will that one of the main threats to birds is Haley May by birding guide Harry Fuller. be submitted to Cornell University Lab coal power plants, which emit harmful [email protected]

Logtown Cemetery benches made by Boy Scouts A nearly eight-month project has netted Logtown Cemetery five new benches. Life Scout Ryan Trask, 14, of Medford, completed his Eagle Project on January 18 when he and four other scouts from Boy Scout Troop 7 placed the five benches in the cemetery with the guidance of Scott Traina. Ryan first noted the lack of good benches in the cemetery in early 2013 From left: Ryan Trask, Patrick Maloney, when he was visiting the cemetery. He met Jarod Biele, Connor McKeehan, with the Logtown Cemetery Association Nathaniel Peterson and Scott Traina. on May 18, 2013, to propose that he make scouts from his troop to carefully assemble five new benches for the cemetery. The benches in November 2013. On January board graciously accepted his offer. 18, 2014, he and four other scouts, Patrick Over the next few months, Ryan Maloney, Jarod Biele, Nathaniel Peterson, presented his plans, working closely with and Connor McKeehan, delivered the final board member Janeen Sathre. Under products and placed them throughout the the guidance of general contractor Scott cemetery. Jensen of Jacksonville and using material These benches are a great asset to the donated by Foster IWP and Parr Lumber cemetery and represent over 70 total hours Company of Medford, bench pieces were of research and volunteer labor by these measured and sawed to the size specified young men. Ryan will receive his Eagle by the cemetery board. Award, scouting’s highest, later this year. Ryan organized and supervised Janeen Sathre • [email protected]

Chiropractic techniques can be used to treat a range of conditions.’ Call to find out how we can help, today! Devon Huttema Mira Wood Therapeutic Massage Certified Rolfer License #12769 License #17480 Jason Williams (541) 899-2760 Chiropractic Physician 580 Blackstone Alley License #3206 Jacksonville, Oregon 14 Spring 2014 Applegater the reasons fire spreads so easily. For Wait a minute! Wildfires in January? example, a three-foot shrub might be by sandy shaffer okay planted under a mature tree, but what happens a few years later when that As I write this at the end of January, at your defensible space—the first 100 Bennett, a tree’s crown (branches and shrub is six feet tall? Are the branches of we have a pair of wildfires in the Rogue feet around your home, garage and other foliage) is its “food factory.” So if we that mature tree pruned up enough to not Basin burning, and there are also a couple outbuildings. If you thinned for this safe prune the lower branches too soon we can catch fire if the shrub ignites from a ground up along the Oregon coast! What’s that all area 5 to 10 years ago, you probably need compromise the tree’s vigor! Max advises fire? Remember: things grow over time, about? Can you spell drought? to do some maintenance thinning, because to leave at least 50 percent live-crown ratio; including your ladder fuels! The National Weather Service’s stuff grows! Thinning and/or pruning trees I usually prune up about one-third the total A final thought for spring Climate Prediction Center has southwestern on your property can help the firewood height of the tree. cleanup: the “3x-the-height” concept also Oregon in a severe drought that is predicted supply; it also makes fighting a wildfire on And as we work to reduce fuels in applies when you’re burning a pile of slash to persist at least through April. So, now is your property safer for firefighters. We’re our defensible space, what about the dead or even just leaves; in fact, it originated the time to start preparing your property, told to prune up branches to 10 feet above branches, leaves and such on the ground? from observing wildfires. Vegetation and in case fire season comes early. the ground so that firefighters can safely Max explained to me that there is slash, slash piles can produce flames three times Late winter and early spring is the work in a forested area without fighting litter, duff and soil, in that order, on the their height. Therefore, a four-foot-tall perfect time to begin thinning and pruning low-hanging branches. The only reason ground. Slash (larger materials generated slash pile can produce flames 12 feet above to develop and/or maintain your defensible you’d need to prune higher would be on from thinning or pruning) should be the pile, or up to 16 feet above the ground! space and access routes. Maintenance work a very steep slope, or if there were “ladder removed from the defensible space area. So look up before you light the match. I can be a bit harder if you’ve let it slide, so fuels” below. Remember that term? Study Litter is fine loose materials such as leaves, know from experience that the heat carries tackle it now while temperatures are still the illustration below and use the “3x-the- twigs, cones or needles. These contain way up above that height, so don’t scorch fairly cool. Save the close-in small details height” rule (flames can be three times “significant quantities of essential plant any power lines or legacy trees! of homesite cleanup (which are equally the height of the vegetation source) when nutrients” per Max, and so allowing Let’s hope that we’re not already in important to surviving a wildfire) for late you’re working in your defensible space. litter to remain, decay and work into the fire season by the next Applegater issue, so April and May, when it will be warmer. Don’t forget that younger soil is important for vegetation and soil that I can cover last-minute preparations Making your access route trees should be pruned slowly productivity. This organic material on the around the home! safe should be your first priority: as they grow. Per our local Oregon soil surface also helps capture and store that Sandy Shaffer how safe are you if firefighters can’t get to State University Extension Forester Max rainfall that we’ve been missing! However, [email protected] your house or if you can’t evacuate? (And heavy litter does yes, this is a part of defensible space.) Our not belong up local building codes designate clearance against your house Burn reminder numbers for height, width and slope of the or outbuildings, driveway. Why? So that emergency and fire as it could easily Before burning outdoors vehicles can safely come up your driveway, contribute to any time of year, check with and also so that you can evacuate at the igniting these your fire district to make same time they are arriving. structures. sure that day is an Local codes require a vegetation Around the official burn day. clearance of at least 13½ feet above the home that “3x-the- driveway, a clear driving surface at least height” ladder-fuel Jackson County 14 feet wide, and thinning on either side deal comes into 541-776-7007 of the driveway to provide 20 feet of open play a lot with our Josephine County travel room free of vegetation. defensible space, 541-476-9663 (Press 3) Once your access is cleaned up, look since it’s one of

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294 uniOn avenue grants Pass, OregOn (541) 472-9400 HOurs: mOn-sat 10am-9Pm sun 10 am-8Pm 6410 Williams HigHWay grants Pass, OregOn (541) 862-9090 HOurs: mOn-sat 10am-7Pm Eat In & takE Out (Hours may vary) Applegater Spring 2014 15 — Applegate Library — The Friends of the Applegate Library for expanded services at each library. If the (FOAL) held a board meeting on January ballot passes it could raise as much as $9 14 to discuss the upcoming ballot measure million for the libraries. to approve the formation of a library Carol Hoon reported on the success district. Every city in the county voted for of our hat sale. We were able to raise $620 Libraries for all: Jackson County votes inclusion in the district and it is now up from the sale of our hand-knitted hats, and to us to persuade voters to support this we are grateful to Carol for organizing this by cynthia cheney important effort. Carol Hoon was able event and keeping it going throughout the After years of uncertainty, Jackson lower-than-expected expenses and higher- to obtain some bumper stickers from the holidays. We also raised $198 from our County voters finally have the chance to than-expected revenues, so additional, Talent Library, which we will purchase annual book sale, despite the fire that had guarantee permanent, secure funding for anticipated service cutbacks in the second through a printing company and hand destroyed all of the books we had stored libraries. If voters approve a measure on half of fiscal 2013-14 have been avoided. out to our library patrons so we can all be in our storage area. the ballot in May, we will have our own Plan for a stable future involved in promoting the sustainability FOAL gave a program on February special tax district to fund libraries. The Unpredictable funding disrupts the of our libraries. 16 in the meeting room of the Applegate district will be managed by its own elected library’s ability to deliver the services and Becoming a district means that our Library. Gay Bradshaw shared her work board of unpaid directors, whose only benefits you and your neighbors need libraries will move out from under the on rescuing desert tortoises. She is business is the well-being of the libraries. It and expect. The proposed library district governance of the county and will enjoy establishing a tortoise rehabilitation center will be completely independent of county will get the libraries off the funding roller the stability of a permanent tax base and through The Kerulos Center on Beaver government. coaster for good. Thirteen Oregon counties leadership of a separately elected board Creek in the Upper Applegate. Library funding history already have county-wide library districts whose sole purpose is to guide our libraries. For more information, call Joan Prior to 1998, Jackson County voters established by their voters. Likewise, there The proposed district funding offers hope Peterson at 541-846-6988. approved a series of “library levies” enabling are 13 smaller districts in other counties. the county to fund library services. When At a January 30 community meeting Oregon voters passed Measures 47 (1997) at the Ruch Library, County Commissioner and 50 (1998), levies were rolled into John Rachor voiced his support for — Ruch Library — the county’s general fund. Since then the the Jackson County library district, Thank you, Applegate Valley families be celebrating his life and works in libraries have been just one department emphasizing the benefits of no longer and children, for your generous donations April, which is Poetry Month. Check the among the many that compete for funding having to compete with other departments to our Lego collection, which is now very Applegater’s Facebook page and online from the county budget. for county dollars, while placing decision- impressive. We will be having a Lego Fun calendar (www.applegater.org) for specific Beginning in 2000, safety-net making in the hands of an independent event the first Saturday of every month events. funding from the federal government board. Gayle Lewis stepped forward to lead for children four years and older from 1 The A-Frame Bookstore, operated by helped to replace lost county income the information and support effort in the to 3:30 pm. Adults also are encouraged to the Friends of Ruch Library, is open from from timber harvest revenue sharing, Applegate/Ruch/Jacksonville area. attend. Embrace your love of Legos! Lego 12 to 4 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays, but that program ended in 2006. Many To learn more or to volunteer, time is offered after school on Tuesdays and and from 1 to 5 pm on Thursdays. It is of you will remember when the county contact Gayle or your Friends of the Thursdays at 3:45 pm. now brimming with new titles, including shut down all the libraries for six months Library group: Gayle Lewis—gayleyrn@ Something new at Ruch Library: many pristine copies that make great gifts. in 2007 when those “timber payments” hotmail.com or 541-899-7023; Friends Older children can listen to a book being Don’t forget that your library card is ended. Temporary extensions of the federal of Applegate Library—Joan Peterson, read aloud while younger siblings are at your ticket to a variety of databases offered payments combined with major reductions [email protected] or 541-846- Preschool Story Time. All children ages through www.jcls.org. You can research in hours and services allowed the libraries 6988; Friends of Ruch Library—Gerrie six and up are welcome to attend. Both medical information, learn languages, fix to reopen late that year. Leinfelder, [email protected]; Friends activities will be on Tuesdays at 11:30 am. your car and much more! Last spring, sharp reductions in the of Jacksonville Library—Joan Avery, Oregon Reads 2014 is a statewide We hope to see you soon at the county budget required the library to scale [email protected]. program featuring the works of the late library. For more information, contact back materials purchases by 19 percent. Cynthia Cheney Oregon and National Poet Laureate Thalia Truesdell, branch manager, at 541- Since then the county has experienced [email protected] William Stafford. Ruch Library will 899-7438 or [email protected].

FEATURED ADVERTISER Williams Library: we constantly rely on volunteers, donations, and grants to operate. This model is simply P & D Small Providing valuable not sustainable into the future. We need the opportunities provided by a growing Excavating resources here and now economy. Quality public libraries are at P & D Small Excavating was started Technology services computers. Wi-Fi service inside and the heart of a sustainable economic future. in 1999. The “P” is Phil Niedermeyer (see The Internet has given us the ability outside the library will now be even faster A place where people can meet and share photo below); the “D” was Don Yarbrough to learn and connect like never before. and more reliable. Williams Library is open ideas, seek knowledge, and educate their (deceased). The “Small” comes from the Technology is a large part of what our in the here-and-now and has a free-to-the- children is a necessity for our community. Terex “mini” excavator, which can be used libraries provide. Many of the people using public, community-sponsored, high-speed Upcoming events in very tight quarters, making it ideal our services are utilizing public-access Internet hot spot! We are having two yard sales this for backyard projects and maneuvering computers, printers and Wi-Fi provided by We need a library district year to raise funds for Williams Adopt-an- through gates and so forth. Together Josephine Community Libraries. The value Like the main branch in Grants Pass, Hour. Last July the community matched with a Yanmar track dump for hauling or of libraries today is not replaced by, but is demand for our services has grown since a generous donation by Herb Pharm to removing material, Phil can do a variety in fact enhanced by technology. the county closed its libraries several years extend open hours from 9 to 12 hours of projects including curtain drains, For rural communities like Williams, ago. Now run as a nonprofit, Josephine per week. Save your household items for cutbanks, tree/shrub removal, power/water our technology services are vital to those Community Libraries is a valuable part of donation. The first sale will be Saturday, ditching and backfill and a variety of other who might otherwise be left behind in the community in many ways. Patrons in April 19, at the Williams Grange. Music, things his clients come up with. For free this digital age. Drive by any day of the Williams can request any book, audiotape, food, and activities for the kids included. estimates and very reasonable rates, please week and you will see folks parked outside or DVD from any of the four branches. To join Friends of the Library, call Phil at 541-660-0896. the library using the Wi-Fi (donated by Volunteer couriers take the materials from volunteer, or share your skills with local Hunter Communications). When the branch to branch each week. Our libraries children, please stop by. The library is open library opens, people come in and print are available for group meetings, offer Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from documents, check emails and social media, children’s programs, and work with schools 1 to 5 pm; Stories and Crafts is held on conduct research for school papers, and and adult educators to promote literacy. Saturdays at 2 pm. Wi-Fi is available 24/7. look for jobs online. Checking out library materials could Danielle Schreck • 541-846-7020 Newly completed wiring will allow easily save you hundreds of dollars per year! Manager, Williams Branch Library us to soon provide more public-access Although getting your library card is free, [email protected] 16 Spring 2014 Applegater Love at any age: The Top Hat corn story The joys of adopting a by jonathan spero senior animal companion Nearly all of the improved varieties of sweet corn in the last by BECKY OWSTON half century or more have been bred White-muzzled and lumpy, the senior Sadly, in shelters across the country, as hybrids. Open-pollinated (OP) mutt with the strangely shaped head senior animals typically wait much longer varieties, from which one can save arrived at Sanctuary One in spring 2012 for new homes than their more youthful seed, are way behind. Fortunately, after languishing in a shelter in Crescent counterparts. Of course, adorable kittens this should not be too hard to City, California. While he was friendly and and puppies are hard to resist. But seniors remedy. mild-mannered, it seemed unlikely that need love, too—and they’ve got lots to One of the simplest this older, unusual-looking lab mix stood give in return! They’ve settled into their methods to create a more modern much chance of being adopted. personalities (and size) so you know exactly OP variety is to choose a good kernels on the ear are sweeter than others, what you’re getting. They’re usually house- hybrid and “de-hybridize” it. This is would I be able to pick those out and get trained and know basic commands. They’re done by growing the seed, then saving more quickly to uniformly sweet corn? I much less likely to devour your shoes or and replanting only the best for several decided to find out. destroy your furniture, and they know generations until it is reasonably stable. I had tasted the secondary ear on each what it takes to get along with others. In 2002 I planted rows of 16 stalk when the corn was ripe, and flagged Sanctuary One volunteer commercial hybrid sweet corn varieties the primary ear of the sweeter ones left Mardra Hord has felt the senior love ever just to pick the best one. I chose Tuxedo. on the stalk. I harvested these chosen and since she and her husband Jason adopted It was the first to germinate and it grew flagged ears about two weeks past prime Tito, an older Chihuahua (and Sanctuary ears with a long husk cover that provides eating stage, before fully mature for seed. I One alum), last winter. “We’ve had to get some protection from insect damage. It husked the corn and placed the ears up so real about our limitations when it comes held up pretty well under weed pressure they were exposed to air. After a few hours to dogs,” she explains. “Since we don’t have and produced a fairly consistent two ears or days, kernels would begin to wrinkle. Tom Miller and friend Leo. the energy levels that a puppy would need, per plant. Some kernels begin to wrinkle, some faster Leo, named for his tawny coat and we were specifically looking for an older The next year I grew a field of than others. When some, but not all, had regal demeanor, was quick to settle into dog. Older animals are calmer, seem to Tuxedo, saving 300 or more nice ears for started to wrinkle, I used a felt marker to the routine at the farm. As “granddad” of listen better and have a more centered sense seed. The following year we planted those paint those not yet wrinkled. I then put the dog pack, he was content to snooze of ‘self.’ And I think they adapt easier.” seeds. “Top Hat” corn is 2013 seed from the entire ear up to dry and picked out the in the sun, calmly tolerating the antics As most guardians of older animals the sixth generation of Tuxedo. painted kernels. Only those painted kernels of the younger canines—and keeping have experienced, Mardra and Jason were Tuxedo is supposed to uniformly were used to grow the next generation. them in line when necessary. He was the pleased by how quickly Tito fit into his new possess the sugary enhancer (se) gene, so This process was repeated for two consummate gentleman with volunteers household. “He has blended in effortlessly I did not expect lack of sweetness to be more generations, with sweeter ears chosen and visiting school kids, and was a much- and treated our other pets with respect,” an issue. I found, however, in the third- by taste and slowest-to-wrinkle kernels loved walking companion. Even the says Mardra. “We haven’t had to expend a generation hybrid, that many of the saved from those ears. In 2013 I grew corn ground squirrels residing near the trail lot of energy to train and work with him— samples weren’t all that sweet. So began from these twice-selected kernels, the sixth knew they had nothing—or at least little— he was just right there on everything. It the search for sweetness. generation from the hybrid Tuxedo. to fear when the old dog approached. seems like someone else put in the training, I selected only from plants with two Special thanks is extended to After ten months, Leo finally and all we have to do is use it. We haven’t good ears. I tasted the secondary ears and the Clif Bar Foundation, Seed Matters and found a loving home with a local regretted bringing him home. Not once.” marked for keeping only the primary ears the Organic Farming Research Foundation family. Says his guardian Tom Miller, Because helping senior animals is from the sweeter plants, about half of the for funding the sweetness and kernel “We’ve fallen head over heels in love with one of our primary goals, we’re especially population. This should increase sweetness selection in Top Hat corn. Leo. My wife Pat and I have adopted a gratified to know that these adoptions in subsequent generations, but it could be Special thanks also goes to John A. number of senior dogs over the years, and have enriched the lives of Leo, Tito and a slow process. Juvik, PhD; James Myers, PhD; John while it’s sad when you know you won’t their loving guardians. Knowing that Oregon plant breeder Carol Deppe, Navazio, PhD; Alan Kapuler, PhD; and have them for 10 or 12 years, the old ones their time together will be shorter and PhD, first told me that an individual sweet to Jared Zystro for providing advice and just seem to understand that someone vet bills may be higher, it takes a special corn kernel that has more sugar will begin technical assistance on this project. finally wants them. Leo has a degenerative person to adopt a senior animal. If you’ve to wrinkle more slowly as it starts to dry How well did all this work? How disease that affects his chewing and been considering adopting, we hope you’ll sown. Alan Kapuler, PhD, also an Oregon does Top Hat (OP) compare with today’s swallowing muscles. He’s also covered with consider welcoming an older companion plant breeder and a former Applegate (first-generation hybrid) sweet corn? It is scars from what was obviously a pretty into your life! Valley resident, said he had made use of time to find out. rough life in the past. But for some reason, For more information, call 541-899- this principle. John Juvik, PhD, professor A limited number of Top Hat corn even after the hard life he’s had, he’s patient 8627, visit www.SanctuaryOne.org or of plant genetics at the University of samples is available to seed companies for and gentle. In short, he’s a great dog and we email [email protected]. Illinois, explained why it works: increased trials now, and Top Hat corn seed should really enjoy his company. I hope someone Becky Owston sugar causes greater osmotic potential or be available for sale this coming fall. reading this will consider adopting an older Sanctuary One Volunteer pressure from inside the kernel, causing Jonathan Spero animal. The rewards are tremendous.” [email protected] it to resist the onset of wrinkling. If some [email protected] Applegater Spring 2014 17 to be planted in the spring. Grafting can also be used for Grape Talk: economic reasons. Field grafting is a way for a grower to change a varietal by Grafting and grafting a new varietal (scion) onto his healthy rootstock. For example, if there is a demand for viognier grapes, you can creating custom grapevines graft a viognier varietal (scion) onto your healthy merlot rootstock; in much less by debbie tollefson time (one year), you will have a producing Grafting has come up in my previous certified vineyard nurseryman. viognier vineyard where a merlot vineyard interviews with vineyard developers and Origins of grafting once grew. This kind of grafting requires wine makers so I decided to search for a Joe explained that grafting came a trained grafter who works with portable vineyard nurseryman in order to shed some about because French vines during the equipment, field-preparing and then light on how grafting is used and where mid 19th century were infected by a root- grafting and sealing the grafts. Not an easy vineyard grafting started. destroying insect similar to an aphid. It task, but easier than having to start over I interviewed Joe Ginet of Plaisance was traced back to the eastern United with new plants. Ranch, who has lived in the Applegate States and probably arrived in France in New grape clones and varietals Valley all his life. In the 1890s, Joe’s packing material. Phylloxera, the soil- Joe and his cousins in France have grandfather emigrated to the United States transmitted disease, was and is deadly collaborated on creating grape clones and from Savoie, France, where the family was to a vineyard. They found by accident varietals that are new to southern Oregon, already vineyard nurserymen and wine that the rootstock of American vines including mondeuse, whose “mother grape growers. Joe’s grandfather ended was resistant to the soilborne phylloxera, vine” came from Joe’s family vines in the up in Jacksonville and planted grapes on so the French experimented by grafting Savoie area of France. These vines must Sterling Creek before Joe’s father was born. American rootstock to European varietals, be quarantined for a number of years to But Joe studied animal husbandry at the and developed a phylloxera-resistant plant. ensure that none of the many French vine University of California, Davis, not grapes. According to Joe, grafting allows diseases travel with them to American He got back to his grape roots only when vineyard nurserymen to develop clones that soil. The vines for planting a vineyard are one of his French cousins came for a visit resist disease, bear larger or smaller fruit, expensive and the process labor-intensive, in the 1990s. have shorter or longer fruit maturation so it is important to work with a certified Joe began growing grapevines and rates, and are compatible with various nurseryman to get disease-free plants for transitioning from the dairy business in types of soil. Grafting allows for all kinds planting. There are many soilborne and the early 2000s. He learned everything he of custom variations on the original vitis airborne diseases ready to wipe out a could about growing grapes and developing vinifera (common grapevine). vineyard, and grafting is one way to protect grape stock. Joe explained that he set out Joe showed me his very efficient our valley’s most important crop. to learn everything about grafting and its grafting machine that creates the cuts to Plaisance Ranch tasting room is open uses in order to create custom vines and develop the perfect grafted rootstock for daily at 16955 Water Gap Road, Williams, disease-resistant rootstock. planting. He also had bins and bins of OR 97544. Phone: 541-846-7175. Top photo: Joe Ginet of Plaisance Ranch His French cousin continued to visit rootstock and uber rootstock (about three Debbie Tollefson winery. Bottom photo: Healthy rootstock Joe yearly, helping Joe with his journey to feet in length) waiting in his covered barn [email protected] to be planted in spring.

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Abacela Winery Bridgeview Vineyards Cliff Creek Cellars CHEERS Dancin Vineyards TO ALL THE Deer Creek Vineyards MEDAL-WINNING Del Rio Vineyards SOUTHERN OREGON WINERIES EdenVale Winery AT THE 2014 Irvine Vineyards Kriselle Cellars SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE LaBrasseur Vineyard WINE COMPETITION Ledger David Cellars Pebblestone Cellars Many of these wineries Red Lily Vineyards took home multiple medals. Schmidt Family Vineyards See complete list of winners at South Stage Cellars http://www.winejudging.com/medal_ The Cellars at the winners_2014/awards_by_winery.php. Southern Oregon Wine Institute Troon Vineyard 18 Spring 2014 Applegater

OPINIONS Rogue climate trends The Josephine County ballot initiative to end government and and projections corporate pesticide use by alan R.P. Journet by daryl jackson The livelihood of many Applegate dry to drought conditions. Southwest Valley residents is dependent on climate Oregon experienced less than 50 percent In 1995 Josephine County put contamination. and planning for it. Although we often “normal” precipitation for the last six herbicides on the ballot. All the rural Change is long overdue. Whether or anticipate seasonal weather expectations months, while 2013 was the driest year voting precincts—like Williams, Wolf not you agree or disagree about the potential from past averages, no longer are past on record for most of the region. Notably, Creek, Selma and Cave Junction—voted for toxicity, as a citizen of this county, state, averages helpful. What we now must reduced January to May precipitation will to end the use of herbicides by Josephine nation and planet, you should be alarmed consider are past trends and follow them contribute substantially to the severity of County Public Works/Road Department. that any entity has the ability to dump any into the future. the forthcoming fire season. The only reason the initiative did not pass chemicals on you without your permission Local climate trends are available from Projections was because Grants Pass residents, who or knowledge. This is known as chemical the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Assuming we continue the current did not “have a horse in the race,” voted it trespass. Trespass in any form is a violation Administration (NOAA) using Medford gas emission trend, projections indicate an down because herbicides are not applied by of human rights. Being trespassed upon data comparing mid-century (1930-1980) average annual regional temperature rise of the county within city limits. Regardless, with toxic chemicals is especially insidious. to late-century (1981-2010) averages. over eight degrees possible by 2075-2085, the vote count was very close. Trespassing on nature is also a violation of Additionally, data from the US Forest with summer climbing nearly 12 degrees Almost 20 years have passed since that an inalienable right. Service in Corvallis, used in a report by and August possibly 17 degrees. epic vote and the issues have changed— The petition to place the initiative on Doppelt (2008) covering the Rogue Basin, Precipitation projections for the massively. Since that date literally tons of the ballot is the beginning of an exciting offer regional trends and projections. region suggest that, by late century, the toxic chemicals have been applied by the and ground-breaking new campaign to Trends summer growing season will be drier county and, to make matters worse, private assert our right to be free from pesticides. The most obvious first issue is than historically, while winters might be forestland industrial pesticide application Written by a diverse group of local temperature. During the last century the a little wetter, and fall and spring will has grown exponentially. We are being citizens right here in Josephine County, average Rogue Basin temperature rose change little. Snowpack accumulation is systematically poisoned from the top of Oregon, the Freedom from Pesticides Bill about 1.2 degrees while Medford, from projected to continue dwindling, possibly our watersheds to the valley floor. of Rights codifies that right of the people mid to late century, rose 1.4 degrees with to 10 percent of the historical level by late Example in Josephine County—as well as the the average maximum and minimum century. The projection for stream flow is Between 60 and 80 million pounds right of the natural community—to be temperatures rising 1.2 and 1.6 degrees, a shift to even earlier in the season with of atrazine is applied in America each year. free from trespass of chemicals associated respectively. Meanwhile, the number of reduced flow, compromising irrigation Atrazine is a common component of the with pesticide use. Towards this end, the record low temperature days dropped needs exactly when greatest—in late suite of herbicides sprayed on Josephine initiative would prohibit corporations and substantially as that for record high days summer and early fall. County forests. It has been proven to government entities from using or applying rose. As many probably already appreciate, As summers warm, lower precipitation be one of the most toxic chemicals ever pesticides within the county. from mid-century to late century Medford suggests increased evapotranspiration (loss created by man. One of its most shocking Public meetings to introduce the experienced increases in growing season of water from the soil both by evaporation and insidious effects is the “transgender” petition and ballot initiative will take place (11.5 percent), frost-free days (8 percent), from the surface and by transpiration inducing process where the offspring of at locations throughout Josephine County, and freeze-free days (4.6 percent). from the plants growing thereon) with parents, having been sprayed, exhibit sex the first in Selma and Williams in February Precipitation, another important increased drought and wildfire. As warming organs of the opposite sex growing in their closely followed by other events throughout variable, exhibited an annual drop in continues and spring arrives earlier, bodies. The effect persists in generations Josephine County. Look for meeting notices Medford of 1.1 percent mid to late century, wildfires in Oregon will likely consume that have not been sprayed. Entire nations and the petition to put the NOSPRAY while in the Rogue Basin, including higher between three and five times more land have banned its use. It has been proven initiative on the November ballot, and elevations, precipitation rose nearly one area by mid-century. to be an endocrine disrupter and causes visit freedomfrompesticidesalliance.org for inch during the last century. Additionally, These projections are not mere miscarriages, sexual development disorders, more information. during the last century, precipitation opinion, but represent continuations cancer, retinal damage, muscle wasting in Daryl Jackson, Staff Biologist patterns adjusted with rainfall occurring of the trends we have been seeing for humans and hermaphroditism in frogs. It is Williams Water Way Project in heavier flood-inducing downpours many decades. They are based on a solid banned in most of Europe for groundwater [email protected] rather than the kinder gentler rain that understanding of the physical properties replenishes soil moisture. Snowfall is of components of our planet and how important locally since melting snow they interact. Memories of the Applegate Store provides irrigation water during our dry Continued “business as usual” will It was about thirty years ago that I I was there the morning we heard that summers. The trend at Crater Lake has likely devastate our natural and agricultural moved out to the Applegate. Tuffy was in intensive care after rolling been a drop in snowpack of 25 percent systems along with our forests and fish For the first twenty years I seldom his tractor. from the 1930s to this century, while in the populations. We must ask whether we missed my morning coffee at the Someone lightened the mood by saying Siskiyous of Northern California snowfall are prepared to let this happen. Should Applegate store. “He’ll be OK. They’ll have to drive a At about seven AM I joined a group of stake through his heart to kill him.” has dropped 11 percent since the 1950s. we let burning fossil fuels compromise Applegaters I was there the day we heard that Tim Medford snowfall also dropped—over 50 the livability of this region and planet for who had probably been going there Hoffman had hung himself in his front percent between mid and late century. future generations or should we take steps since time immemorial. yard. With less snowpack and earlier snowmelt, to avoid that outcome? Our commitment peak river flow is earlier and lower. and collaborative action alone will divert I remember when things were a lot There aren’t many who remember those Throughout the west, the wildfire the trends. different.... a lot more rustic. days. There was a pot-bellied stove in the So many have passed away: Brownie, season has expanded some two and a half Alan R.P. Journet, Co-facilitator corner Jasper, Bill Macy, months since 1970. NOAA’s Regional Southern Oregon Climate Action Now and it was long before Scott put up his my friend and neighbor, Max Butcher, Data Center shows Oregon suffering from [email protected] wonderful woodwork, Ralph Hendrickson, Betty, Kay, …...... before the booths were and one of my favorites, Gregg Yamada. installed Given some time, I could probably come Introducing ‘For Love of the Applegate’ …...... and when half the store up with several others. A new focal point for our valley, For Love of the Applegate, aims to foster and was devoted to hardware. All gone. enrich community spirit by knitting nonprofit organizations together to disseminate information about happenings in the valley as often as possible. Our intentions are to I remember when Meghan and Emily I moved away from the Applegate store would wait inside for the school bus. almost ten years ago. build a stronger rural community by enhancing communication, thereby enriching They’re all grown up now. I miss it. I’d like to go back but it quality of life and a sense of belonging. Our primary values are love of community, wouldn’t be the same. cooperation, compassion, creativity and ecological balance. I was there the day the kitchen stove Too many ghosts. We have reached out to over 20 nonprofit organizations, receiving loads of exploded Too many strangers. encouragement, excitement and acceptance. Though our website, forloveoftheapplegate. and Jim Wendt and I pulled Peggy out Ed Rose com, is still in progress, eventually it will offer up-to-date information about “What’s goin’ and doused the fire. [email protected] on in the Valley.” We invite you to visit us there, to learn more about these organizations engaged in making a positive difference in our valley and the numerous opportunities to get involved, get to know each other better, and have some fun! Be sure to visit www.applegater.org We are likely not aware of every local nonprofit community organization. So for a complete list of advertisers. in case we have inadvertently missed yours, please contact us at our email address: [email protected]. Please support our advertisers! In Community Spirit, Thalia Truesdell, Audrey Eldridge Kristi Cowles • 541-846-7391 They help make this paper possible. Erika Fey • 541-846-0922 Applegater Spring 2014 19

OPINIONS River Right: Signs and labels Good neighbor? by tom carstens by susan bratt The Metolius River is one of the most already labeled. Proudly. And those of us What does it take to be a good but also the neighbor’s wells uphill. We beautiful in Oregon. It is also one of the who want them can find them easily. So neighbor? It’s not just our interaction with won that time because we cared. strangest. It begins somewhere beneath all why require GMO labeling, especially if each other, but with the earth and all her Research has proven that these sprays that frothy lava west of Sisters and emerges there’s no science-based health or safety dependents. The health of animals, insects, travel easily through air and earth to water fully formed from the base of Black Butte. concerns? Maybe we’d be better off if we plants and trees depends on our actions. sources. If these toxic sprays are so safe, Along its journey to the Deschutes Valley, saved the warning labels for the dangerous If we waste the land, water and air, what would you spray your vegetable garden it grows to 40 times its original volume, stuff—just like we do on the rivers. Oregon is left for our children and their children? with them and then eat the produce? Why, with no seasonal variation in flow. That’s voters rejected GMO-labeling once before Recently the Applegate Valley has seen in the year 2014, do we still allow these good for kayakers, but it’s a cold ride: 48 in 2002. So did California in 2012 and what commercial agribusiness can do with products to even be sold? degrees year-round! It’s also a river with two Washington last year. large parcels of Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) So what we need to do is not waste distinct personalities: from the headwaters May Ballot: Ban GMOs? farmland on North Applegate Road. The any more time, but take personal action. down to Canyon Creek the ride is fairly Which brings us to another GMO miles of fences leave few, if any, access for Know that toxic spray trespass (drift) is gentle; at that point there’s a little sign: ballot initiative, this one coming up for a wildlife to get to the river. Applications of not allowed and that there are regulating “Warning—Dangerous Rapids!” Now vote in May. Organic food promoters are herbicides, fungicides and pesticides are laws to protect you, your family and your that’s where I choose to haul out the kayak. asking Jackson County residents to ban another problem. Just take the example of land. Vote for laws to protect us! We need I’ve hiked at least four miles beyond that the growing of any genetically modified Monsanto’s Roundup. Its primary active to speak out, discuss our concerns with sign and those dangerous rapids just keep crops within county borders. The idea is ingredient is glyphosate, but one of its inert neighbors, eat only organic and non-GMO keeping on! Signs mean a lot. that GMO crops like sugar beets could ingredients, polyethoxylated tallowamine foods, stop using any toxic products and Our grocery products come with a cross-pollinate and contaminate similar (POEA), is far more dangerous. There are find alternative organic sprays and farming lot of signage. Calories, fats, ingredients, small farm organic crops, like organic Swiss over 4,000 inert ingredients that have been practices to use. chemicals, warnings…you name it. Many chard. The county farm bureau opposes a approved by the EPA, yet extensive studies Here are some websites to check out: of these foods also contain something ban because it would unnecessarily restrict have shown many of them to be not inert at Beyond Pesticides–www.beyondpesticides. called genetically modified organisms or the rest of the county growers. Think of it as all. In a June 23, 2009, Scientific American org; Pesticides Action Network/Advancing GMOs. These are genes from a bunch a food fight between farmers. The Oregon article, “Weed-Whacking Herbicide Alternatives to Pesticides–www.panna. of different organisms that are spliced legislature has already prohibited similar Proves Deadly to Human Cells,” it calls org; “Roundup & Glyphosate Toxicity together to form vegetable seeds that have initiatives in other counties, preferring a glyphosate’s inert partner POEA “more Have Been Grossly Underestimated” and so-called “desirable” characteristics. Some uniform statewide policy. The governor deadly to human embryonic, placental “Monsanto’s Roundup Herbicide May Be are resistant to pests or to herbicides like says he’ll appoint a task force to figure out and umbilical cord cells than the herbicide Most Important Factor In Development of Roundup. Some have better crop yields. a way to avoid cross-pollination and seed itself—a finding the researchers call Autism & Other Diseases”–www.articles. Some require less watering. And so on. This mingling. The farmers in the Willamette ‘astonishing.’” mercola.com. has been ongoing since the mid 90s and Valley have formed an association to work In the late 70s the Bureau of Land Special thanks to all good our affects almost all corn and soy products. out buffer zones and field separation Management wanted to spray herbicides on neighbors who farm and garden considering So, if you buy sodas, salad dressing, boxed distances. It’s a compromise that seems to the Humbug Creek Road watershed using the health and well-being of our beautiful cereal, corn snacks, or meat (think animal be working. helicopters. The Applegate community Applegate Valley and all who live here. Let’s feed), you’ve been eating GMO foods. GMO crops already go through a 13- came together in force to protest. We won, take less and leave more. So far, no state, national, or year testing process before being approved thus protecting not only the school’s well, Susan Bratt • [email protected] international scientific regulatory agency by the Federal Drug Administration or has found any safety or nutritional problem Department of Agriculture. Why should with these foods. But some folks have lil ol’ Jackson County ban them? How can a problem with this business of mixing a county that can’t keep its own libraries Advertisers ~ Happy genes from completely different species— open possibly afford to monitor and Contact: say, salmon and tomatoes (for thicker enforce a sweeping prohibition like this? Mother’s skins). Sounds yucky, doesn’t it. To alert (More taxes, anyone?) And what happens Jackson County— consumers, more than 60 countries now to the farm families who already grow Valorie Tintinger Day require labeling in grocery stores. But GMO crops? (Lawsuits, anyone?) Both because of lower farm costs and higher sides in this dispute have huge business and 541-450-2983 yields, many believe that GMO foods marketing interests. Why not take a look [email protected] Have you seen the could be the salvation for the world’s poor. at other agricultural regions and see how Josephine County— Gater’s online calendar? No US state requires labeling of these they’re working it out? Like scouting river Amber Caudell www.applegater.org products. rapids, we should be able to figure out the Send us your events November Ballot: Label GMOs? 541-846-1027 actual dangers and routes to avoid them— to post online! Oregon could be the first. Come before making an expensive commitment [email protected] [email protected] November, Oregonians are going to get a with unintended consequences. chance to vote whether or not to require For a science-based look at this labeling of these foods. This ballot initiative issue, check out the April 2010 National is sponsored primarily by growers and Academy of Sciences report, The Impact consumers of organic produce. Since of Genetically Engineered Crops on Farm genetic engineering is not permitted in Sustainability in the United States. (Google products labeled “organic,” they believe that “National Academy of Sciences GMO GMO-labeling will empower consumers Crops.”) with greater knowledge and healthier See you on the river. choices. The thing is, organic products are Tom Carstens • 541-846-1025

OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Opinion Pieces and Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author, not that of the Applegater or the Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. We are a community-based newspaper that receives diverse opinions on different topics. Letters should be no longer than 450 words, and may be edited for grammar and length. Opinion Pieces should be no longer than 600 words. All Letters and Opinion Pieces must be signed, with a full street address or P.O. Box and phone number. Individual Letters may or may not be published in consecutive issues. Address Opinion Pieces and Letters to the Editor to: Applegater c/o Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. P.O. Box 14 Jacksonville, OR 97530 Email: [email protected] 20 Spring 2014 Applegater

Fishers and the Middle Rogue Steelheaders, Progress update on Thompson Creek whose members have helped with planting along both the Thompson Creek project Habitat Restoration Project and on Forest Creek. Landowners and the by jakob shockey APWC have cooperated to fence livestock At the time of this writing in late Between the five- and seven-mile out of the creek and this summer, everyone January, we have had very little winter markers of Thompson Creek Road, 11 will be working together to keep the young rain in southwestern Oregon. The water landowners have come together as a group plantings watered. level in my family’s pond hasn’t yet risen to work with the Applegate Partnership This project continues to from where last August’s heat left it, & Watershed Council (APWC) in a succeed only because residents of our and the November run of coho salmon large-scale stream restoration project. valley set aside their differences and came are still waiting in the Applegate River, This project received funding and support together to protect and strengthen the unable to get up into the tributaries to from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement health of our waterways. With this kind spawn. Humbug and Forest Creeks are Board, the Ecotrust Whole Watershed of collaboration we can get things done. still dry and Thompson Creek does not Restoration Initiative, Pacific Power’s Blue Please contact the APWC if you are have enough water for these big fish to Sky Fund, federal Title II and 319 funds, interested in assisting through volunteer complete their journey from the sea. We and American Forests. Work kicked off last efforts, donations and/or participating in have no control over this—the rain or the summer with the installation of over 70 logs our Thompson Creek Habitat Restoration snowpack in the mountains—and, like in the stream channel. These logs, donated Project. our forebears, we can only prepare for the by BLM and the forest service, were keyed Jakob Shockey summer ahead with the knowledge that into the stream in multi-log complexes to 541-890-9989 water will be scarce. enhance fish habitat, groundwater recharge Riparian Program Manager, APWC However, we—the private landowners and stream complexity. This work was of this valley—can have great impact on completed by valley residents Chas the health of our low-gradient waterways. Rogers, Arthur Sherman, Chuck For as our water trickles out of the steep Dahl and “Dan the backhoe man.” forests managed by the Bureau of Land The final set of logs will be installed Management (BLM) and the US Forest this summer. Service, it slows down in the valley’s This winter, Dan and Dave private lands, sinking into our water table, Bish from the local Plant Oregon providing irrigation to our crops and nursery mechanically removed invaluable habitat for riparian-dependent invasive vegetation (mostly species of wildlife, plants and insects. This Himalayan blackberries and poison is the part of the water equation that we hemlock) from the riparian areas do have a say in. Protecting and improving of participating landowners, and in the health and complexity of our riparian February they planted over 8,800 areas directly correlates with how well this native seedlings. The APWC is also valley’s people and wildlife can weather working with local fishing clubs, Hadley Dunlevy plants a young big-leaf maple water shortages and drought. both the Southern Oregon Fly on Thompson Creek.

APWC website. We hope this work will Barriers by any name are still help us develop relationships with the landowners that will result in mutually hurdles for fish and landowners beneficial projects such as improved habitat by janelle dunlevy for fish and wildlife, improved safety conditions for landowners, irrigation- Barrier, blockade, hurdle, efficiency projects (including reduced obstacle, obstruction, and maintenance to in-stream irrigation barricade—they all mean controls), reduced maintenance to roads the same thing but can have by replacing undersized culverts, and varying levels of difficulty for improved property values. fish and potential safety hazards We need your help and for humans. The Applegate involvement to complete this project. The Partnership & Watershed APWC will be contacting landowners in Council (APWC) is working the Slate Creek, Thompson Creek and to create an updated database of Humbug Creek watersheds regarding barriers that impede migration this barrier update project. Funding upstream and downstream to assistance is attainable, but it takes time juvenile and adult salmonids, and cooperation with the landowners to lamprey and resident trout. The Butcherknife Creek Culvert, a tributary of Slate Creek, is make this partnership come to fruition. If last time a project like this was both impassable by salmon and a safety hazard you have a barrier on your property that is implemented was in the late for the landowners crossing it daily. not used anymore, or one that might need 1990s by the Rogue Basin Coordinating culvert has rusted completely through in to be improved, please contact us. If you Council. We have found with some numerous places, giving it the appearance live in the Slate Creek, Thompson Creek or preliminary evaluations that some of the of a cheese grater. This “grater” can do Humbug Creek watersheds, please look for fish-passage barriers listed as passable in the extreme harm to aquatic species moving a flyer coming to you in the mail soon for late 1990s are now impassable to salmon, up and down the creek, but even more a public informational meeting in March. while some, such as the Butcherknife importantly, it has greatly compromised If you have questions about these Creek culvert, have become extreme safety the integrity of the culvert, making it a projects, please contact me at 541- hazards for the landowners who use them hazard to the residents who have to cross 899-9982 or [email protected]. daily. it on a daily basis. Information also will be placed on our The Butcherknife Creek culvert is The outcome of our barrier update website, so please visit www.apwc.info/ a large, metal arch culvert that provides project will be an action plan that ranks our-projects/barrier-updates/. HAPPY the main ingress and egress to residents fish passage issues and the condition of the Janelle Dunlevy • 541-899-9982 up Butcherknife Creek Road and Onion barriers. This action plan will be provided Coordinator, APWC EASTER! Mountain Road. The bottom of this to interested community members via the [email protected] Applegater Spring 2014 21 MY OPINION FROM BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Money talks by chris bratt I hate to put a wet blanket on anyone’s same unethical CEOs who brought on the or safety insurance? I hope not. And what contributions. future lifestyle, but let’s face it, most of economic downturn of the past six years) about our opportunities for achieving They can conduct you have it too good. If you or others you are now calling for cuts to our earned and the promises of the American Dream these operations know have lost a job, seen reductions in welfare benefit programs. These very, very for our middle and lower classes? Those with little or no pension benefits, felt the crunch of expired rich CEOs (each of these folks will average dreams—of prosperity, fairness and a better accountability to Chris Bratt unemployment benefits, or experienced $65,000 per month for the rest of their future for our kids and grandkids as the the public. declining “entitlements,” be prepared for lives after retiring at age 65) have formed reward to anyone who works hard—have As a partial solution to our social and more of the same. Undoubtedly, people are a corporate-funded lobbying group called become nightmares. The American Dream economic woes caused by this top-heavy going to have to lower their expectations “Fix the Debt.” This group’s real objective is an illusion now that an upper class is wealth distribution, I suggest we begin about what they’re going to get in this life is to campaign for massive new corporate running the show by exploiting the poor to reform our financial system through because we must reduce the budget deficit. tax cuts for the large corporations they and shifting the focus of government from restrictions on how much the mega-rich The above heartless nonsense represent. They expect to “Fix the Debt” by the will of the people to the will of the can accumulate. We need to know when represents the views being portrayed and reduced spending on benefits and pensions moneyed. enough is enough for the realities of life. talked about by our country’s wealthiest for millions of workers, retirees and people We are repeating the depression- Rather than further income tax cuts one percent. They are also having their who really need financial assistance and era (1930s and early 1940s) income for the richest people and corporations lobbyists push for significant cuts to poor jobs with decent wages. Their contention disparities and joblessness. Again we are (remember, “corporations are people, people’s welfare benefits in the halls of is that the burden of fixing our growing allowing the super-rich to frame the future too”), I recommend much higher income Congress. Recent new reports, studies economic problems should rest on the of our society while few of us know or taxes. It’s only fair that they make a greater and accounts show that this small number shoulders of the middle and lower classes understand the true wealth and power these contribution to the general welfare of the of greedy, super-rich people and large and not the billionaires. rich people and corporations possess. They country that allowed them to become rich corporations with unparalleled wealth What is happening to our hard won can poison our community’s water supply in the first place. Also, this will be a good are tampering with our environment and living wages and benefits working people (as they did with the recent chemical spill start at equalizing the power that these the well-being and livelihood of everyone struggled for over the past century? Are we in West Virginia), endanger the health super-rich exercise over all our lives. across the globe. going to go back to a 12-hour workday, of workers and consumers, and corrupt Let me know if you’ve had enough. About 100 corporate CEOs (the child labor in our factories, and no health our political system with big campaign Chris Bratt • 541-846-6988

Applegate Valley More about the Community Grange news Medford Food Project by janis mohr-tipton by arlene and claude aron Wonderful news! Mark your calendar the Grange or about renting space, or We mentioned in the last issue of extra item and put it in the bag. for an Upper Applegate Grange favorite browsing for upcoming happenings, the Applegater that we were working on Every two months, on a designated tradition being revived. Clue number 1: go to our website at www.grange.org/ a way for the Applegate community to Friday, drop your bag at any of the above It is a community dinner that was held applegatevalleycommunityor839. Put participate in the Medford Food Project locations and pick up a new one for the in March for many, many years by the this address in your favorites list and (medfordfoodproject.com). We’re now next cycle. members of the Upper Applegate Grange. stay current with us year-round. Under ready to go! Drop-off dates in 2014 (all Fridays): Guessed yet? Clue number 2: Wear Green! “Events,” you will find upcoming activities The Medford Food Project serves all April 11, June 13, August 8, October 10, YES, the St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and events lists as soon as Grange members of Jackson County. Our own Applegate and December 12. Please drop bags off Dinner will be happening in 2014 on get a date set and planning is under way. Food Pantry, which operates at Ruch on these designated dates only, as these Sunday, March 16, from 11 am to 2 pm. Watch for information about ping-pong School, has received thousands of pounds locations can’t store them for extended Bring your appetite, family, and friends to practices for a tournament at the Grange of food through our participation in this periods of time. 3901 Upper Applegate Road to join with hall this spring. project. We hope that those of you who can One of our volunteers will pick up the Applegate Valley Community Grange Do you remember when there were afford to do so will join in this worthwhile the food at each of these locations on the (AVCG) members to celebrate. Wear some play performances at the Grange hall in community effort—you will be helping day after the drop-off date and deliver it green and enjoy food from the menu of the past years? Well, there is a very local, your neighbors who are struggling with to the distribution site in Medford. This corned beef, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, active theater group looking for a place to hunger and you will feel better for it! is an easy way to help your neighbors in drinks and dessert. Much of the food will perform on stage, so the hall will soon be How you can participate need and the Applegate Food Pantry hopes be local and organically or naturally grown. filled again with the sounds of rehearsals. Starting in early February, pick up a you’ll choose to participate. Let’s show the Many hands will help plan and put Watch for the posting of a play at the green canvas bag at one of these locations: rest of Jackson County that we Applegaters this meal together, including members Grange this year and find out the name of Applegate Fire Station (1085 Upper are part of the solution to solving hunger of AVCG and volunteers from the this local spirited group. Applegate Road), Tiffany’s Outpost, or in our communities! community. Anyone wishing to help Hope to see you soon at the Applegate Ruch Country Store. Questions? Contact Arlene or Claude support or lend a hand for a Grange event Valley Community Grange where new Whenever you shop for food, buy one Aron at 541-951-6707. should make contact with a member (see activities keep happening and the last paragraph). membership keeps growing. Contacts A big thank you to Tiffany Proceeds from this and other for the Grange are President Paul Tipton and all who made contributions fundraisers help the AVCG with the at [email protected] or 541- community service projects it supports, the 846-7501; Secretary Connie Murphy at to Divide Camp public meetings it sponsors, the programs [email protected]; and on the Donation Tree at the Outpost! it presents, and upkeep on the Grange Membership/Hall Rental Representative building. The Grange is currently using Janis Mohr-Tipton at janismohrtipton48@ Julie Wheeler, Divide Camp some of those designated funds to reroof frontier.com or 541-846-7501. the entry area and the restrooms. Janis Mohr-Tipton For more updates about this 541-846-7501 great event, more information about [email protected] Now get your own personal mailing label! Pacifica needs Activity Coordinator Live outside of our mailing area? Pacifica wishes to make better use of its facilities in 2014, so is looking for Post Office not always delivering the Applegater to you? someone to coordinate activities. Weddings, concerts, reunions are some of the Want to send the Gater to friends or family outside the area? events that occur regularly, though sporadically. Ideally the coordinator would live fairly close to the Williams Valley and have experience in supervising and Get a personal mailing label for facilitating such events. Compensation and duties can be negotiated. With One year: $14.99 wedding season close at hand, we’d like someone to come on board soon. Please Two years: $24.99 call 541-846-1100 or send email to [email protected]. Great gift idea! Pacifica would also like to add a few energetic folks to its working Mail us your check or pay online board. Contact us by phone or write to [email protected] if you’re through PayPal at applegater.org. interested. For more information, go to www.pacificagarden.org. Don’t miss a single issue! 22 Spring 2014 Applegater NEXT GENERATION APPLEGATE SCHOOL “Next Generation” features the talents of our local students and school news and updates. Applegate School art and nature program All schools in the Applegate Valley are encouraged to submit art, writing, photography and any other creative pieces to [email protected]. Art and Nature After School is a program at RUCH SCHOOL Applegate School open to fourth and fifth graders, homeschooled children Ruch School gives back to the community and children of Applegate, Ruch Community K-8 School is for its intended use. A new cupola will Williams, and Ruch areas turning 100 years old! house the 100-year-old bell, conference since 2008. We began On May 16, 1914, Ruch School was tables and other furniture. We would like as an art program and dedicated to the children of the Applegate to present the building at our Community shifted a few years ago Valley. One hundred years would see our Celebration on May 17, with reflections of to a nature theme to small, rural school, with the help of our its esteemed 100 years of service. This will include the outdoors. community, thrive, struggle, celebrate include a working kitchen to provide food The outdoor education success, emerge and sustain itself as an services and a museum of past and present includes wildflower exemplary place of education. photographs and artifacts. walks, care of butterfly Applegate School students mixing There exists in our small school a If you have artifacts or photographs habitats, greenhouse an organic soil for milkweed planting. sense of pride and an attitude and sense of that you would like to share or donate to planting of milkweeds, personal possession and involvement on the our museum, if you would like to make a and sometimes chasing part of students, teachers, administrators monetary donation, if you want to help in butterflies. and community residents. To a great the construction, be part of the process or This year we began degree, our school is the community center just obtain more information, please call with insect drawings using of our beautiful Applegate Valley. the school at 541-842-3850 or visit us at watercolor and ink, which As a result of our volunteers and 156 Upper Applegate Road. have been shown at two community members being an integral More importantly, if you are a past art shows recently. Other part to the success of our school, for our educator, administrator or student of Ruch indoor nature projects 100th birthday we would like to give our School, this party is for you! Please register were ornament-making community a present! for the birthday/reunion celebration by with milkweed pods and Similar to the events that took place contacting the school directly or going to making seed balls with a in 1914, we are planning a dedication of the Medford School District website and butterfly-hummingbird the original school building and renaming click on Ruch School. There you will find seed mix. it as Ruch School Community Center to a page titled Ruch Centennial Reunion Through this serve the greater Applegate area. Because of Celebration. A link is provided to take you program we support Carlen and Macy plant native milkweed seeds in the Applegate School greenhouse. its location and size, meetings, conferences, through the registration process. Please monarch butterfly habitat celebrations etc., can be held in a location join us in celebrating 100 years! by growing and selling two native milkweed Northwest migration of the monarch that is centrally located. Thank you for your support and species that will grow in any garden in this butterfly, but currently there are experts However, there is work to be done! Happy Birthday Ruch School! area. We also start and sell a non-native studying it with the help of monarch With the partnership of Batzer Crane and Julie Hill • 541-842-3850 milkweed called swamp milkweed, which groups or citizen scientists. I have been the Medford School District, renovations Principal, Ruch School attracts many other pollinators and is also welcomed to participate in providing are planned to update and equip the space [email protected] used by the monarch. information for a scientific study and Our current greenhouse project is the tagging monarchs as they migrate. I plan Ruch School Reading Program planting of two native milkweed species to tag monarchs from our habitat in and the swamp milkweed that we hope will Applegate as well as in the field. wins award be ready for sale this spring. Although there If you would like to help monarchs is a third local native milkweed species, as they migrate through our valleys and Oregon Reading Association (ORA) wishes to congratulate Ruch School, to my knowledge seeds and plants are not north to British Columbia, and also on Community K-8 for participating and winning the Exemplary Reading Program readily available at this time. We will grow their return to Northern California and Award! Asclepias fascicularis (narrowleaf milkweed) possibly Mexico, please consider buying Visitors from ORA visited Ruch School along with other schools around the and Asclepias speciosa (showy milkweed). some milkweed from our Monarchs and state of Oregon. The selection committee was impressed with the thoughtfulness A non-native Asclepias incarnata (swamp Milkweed program to restore some of our of the program and recognized the literacy-centered approach with various milkweed) will also be offered. And we local habitat losses. Try planting some in or components throughout the building: Books highlighted in the office, readers will have a lesson on soil-mixing and more near your flowers to attract the monarch to recognized in morning community time (Jump Start), books as rewards, SMART propagating of milkweed plants. your home to help them on their journey Program, principal’s book club, and the many ways the teachers were developing Monarch butterfly populations have and increase their populations naturally. vocabulary, comprehension, and thoughtful responses to literature. been on the decline and there is significant Recommendation: Use locally grown Ruch School is very proud of its teachers, support staff, volunteers, parents habitat loss throughout our urban, rural and native seeds of Oregon rather than and community members, and the Medford School District who have joined and agriculture areas. In the Midwest and purchasing them from out of state. Non- together to make education a priority for its students and provide the very best other areas they are also threatened from local or out-of-state seeds or plants may education. the use of pesticides in agriculture and local have been treated. Applegate School also “We are Ruch Community School and we are enriching the lives of our use. Hopefully we are locally aware enough has seeds for sale. students and our community members! Go Cougars!” —Julie Hill, Principal, to use these sparingly and carefully, or find Linda Kappen • 541-846-6280 Ruch School. organic means for agricultural farming. Schoolwide Education Assistant Not much is known about the Pacific Applegate School Voices of the Applegate concerts

Voices of the Applegate began their winter-spring rehearsals on January 16 at 7 pm in the Ruch Library. We are a community choir; no auditions are necessary. We love to sing four-part harmony in a variety of arrangements from classical to modern. All are invited to attend our rehearsals and become part of our energetic choir directed by Blake Weller. This session will consist of 13 rehearsals, and our concerts will be on Friday, April 11, at 7:30 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, and on Sunday, April 13, at 3 pm at the Applegate River Lodge. We will meet each Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 pm in the meeting room of the Ruch Library. We have an exciting program to look forward to consisting of six Brahms folk songs, two songs from Africa and a medley of Beach Boy numbers. The concerts are free, but donations are welcome. Refreshments will be available for the Applegate concert. For more information call Joan Peterson at 541-846-6988. Applegater Spring 2014 23 Native milkweed for monarch butterfly recovery by suzie savoie Monarch butterflies that live east are the only food that monarch caterpillars it can be found mainly in the of the continental divide embark on a will eat. As the caterpillars ingest milkweed foothills, with known populations spectacular annual migration to winter the toxins in the plant are stored in their in the Upper Applegate and Little roost sites in oyamel trees in the mountains bodies, making the caterpillars and adults Applegate. Native Americans used of Michoacán, Mexico. In 2013 the World toxic to many predators. the fiber in milkweed plants for Wildlife Fund-Telcel Alliance and Mexico’s The Applegate Valley is home to the creation of ropes and nets. National Commission of Protected Areas three native species of milkweed: showy Anthropologists found a 40-foot- found that “the nine hibernating colonies milkweed (Asclepias speciosa), narrowleaf long deer net made from purple [in Mexico] occupy a total area of 2.94 milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), and milkweed that required an estimated acres of forest—representing a 59 percent purple milkweed (Asclepias cordifolia). 35,000 plant stalks to construct. decrease from the 2011-2012 survey of Showy milkweed can be spotted The monarch population 7.14 acres.” in the Applegate along roadsides, in continues to decline at an alarming Monarch butterflies that live west of drainage ditches, in unplowed fields, and rate. If we don’t act soon to increase, the continental divide, including monarchs other locations within the valley bottom. protect and restore monarch habitat, Narrowleaf milkweed that migrate through the Applegate Valley, This species ranges from the Midwest to we may see the population of this overwinter in various groves of trees along the West Coast and north into Canada. majestic and iconic species dwindle. Tom Landis, a retired forest service nursery the central and southern California coast. This is the largest of the milkweed species A Monarch and Milkweed workshop specialist, is leading this workshop. One The International Environmental Law in the Applegate and the most common. is scheduled for April 24, 2014, at the topic will be the creation of monarch “way Project released a report in 2012, The Legal Showy milkweed is considered one of the Oregon State University Extension. Call stations” and the promotion of monarch Status of Monarch Butterflies in California, least toxic milkweeds. Jane Moyer at 541-665-0792 for details. habitat restoration by planting milkweed which states that “observations from Narrowleaf milkweed is found and nectar plants. annual counts of overwintering butterflies mainly in the eastern part of the Applegate Suzie Savoie in California reveal monarch population Valley as it transitions into the Rogue [email protected] declines of approximately 90 percent Valley, where it is more common. It across most sites with some sites faring has a long, narrow leaf and small, pale significantly worse.” pink flowers with a distribution that There are many reasons for this includes most western states down to Baja significant decline, including agricultural California. This plant is rhizomatous and and urban development, pesticides, logging spreads readily. It prefers to grow in full of overwintering habitat in Mexico, climate sun with dry or moist conditions. change, and loss of milkweed, the main Purple milkweed is a spectacularly food source for monarch larvae. beautiful species that is native to parts of Milkweed has long had a bad rap California, Nevada and Oregon. Purple because of its potential toxicity to livestock. milkweed has a more dispersed distribution Many farmers consider the plant a weed within the Applegate than the showy or and either spray it with herbicides or simply narrowleaf milkweed and is less well- plow it under; however, female monarch known. Purple milkweed prefers to grow butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on the on rocky slopes or outcrops in woodland Showy milkweed Purple milkweed leaves of milkweed plants. These host plants and coniferous forests. In the Applegate

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Look who’s reading the Gater Take us with you on your next trip. Then send your favorite “Reading the Gater” photo to [email protected] or mail to Applegater, P.O. Box 14, Jacksonville, OR 97530. Photos will appear as space allows. Photo, far left: — Armand Rebischke cools off with the Applegater at Bintan Island, Indonesia, a one-hour ferry ride east of Singapore. Photo, left center: —John Taylor, former Oregonian and world traveler, recites Gater poems to a Maori-carved post in Hastings, New Zealand. Photo, near left: –Adam Taussig, 6, of Los Angeles reads the seniors section of the Gater out loud to his deaf grandfather.

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