Hiking Limpy Botanical and Waters Creek Trails by Linda Mullens Two Great Hiking Trails in Or Near Spot Carpeting the Beginning of the Trail

U.S. Postage Applegater SpringPaid 2009 1 Permit No. 50 Grants Pass, OR 97526

Log on to our web site www.applegater.org Photo: Lee O. Webb Applegate Valley Community Newspaper SPRING 2009 Postal Patron Volume 2, No. 2 Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 9,000 Hiking Limpy Botanical and Waters Creek Trails By Linda Mullens Two great hiking trails in or near spot carpeting the beginning of the trail. another three-needled the headwaters of the Applegate are Other highlights are the sweet smelling pine. Other unusual Waters Creek Trail and Limpy Botanical wild azaleas (Rhododendron occidentale) species growing on Trail. Both are located not far from blooming around Mother’s Day, and Grants Pass and are at low elevations, fields of blue camas (Camassia quamash) making them accessible year-round and showcasing in late May. A plant list is excellent places to explore the earliest of available from the Ranger District and the spring flowers. records 250 plant species along Limpy Limpy Botanical Trail provides Botanical Trail, including 43 shrub and an easy one-mile hike through a variety tree species. Author Linda Mullen and son Josh at the waterfall, of unique habitats, creating one of the Beautifully illustrated interpretative Limpy Botanical Trail. Photo by Linda Mullens. best trails in southwest Oregon to observe signs by local artist Paula Fong provide Creek drainage (which empties into the a high diversity of native plant species. an opportunity to learn about plant Rogue River). Wooden bridges provide access Walking the trail every two to three communities, featured plant species, and across Limpy Creek where red alder (Alnus weeks during the spring will provide a serpentine soils. Serpentine soils can limit rubra), big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), visitor with an almost complete change the growth of plants and many species serpentine are California coffeeberry and even Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis in flowering species with each visit. As are just unable to tolerate the soil’s high (Rhamnus californica) and Brewer’s oak lawsoniana) provide lush shade in summer early as late February, the first bloom mineral content and low levels of calcium. (Quercus garryana var. breweri), a low- months. appears—the small “spring-queen” A boardwalk passes through a growing subspecies of white oak. Directions: Take Highway 199 south (Synthyris reniformis), but it requires a Jeffrey pine savannah, protecting the fragile Numerous benches are placed about 7 miles from Grants Pass (measured discerning eye to spot it hidden among serpentine soils when wet in the winter. along the trail and provide places to relax from the intersection of Highway 199 and many forest-floor species. In early Jeffrey pine is able to tolerate these soils, and spend meditative moments, enjoy 238). Turn right onto Riverbanks Road (just March, the purple flowering fawn lilies while nearby granitic soils grow the more the creek, a waterfall, or a scenic view after crossing the Applegate River). Go 4.5 (Erythronium hendersonii) are easy to common ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), overlooking the lower portion of Limpy miles and turn left onto Limpy Creek Road. See TRAILS, page 12 Williams Quilt Show and beyond By Claudia Beausoleil and Peg Prag A “quilting” is a gathering of people of many ages and backgrounds to create in harmony, things of beauty and comfort. A big thank you to all affiliated with the Williams Community Quilt show held on February 8 at the Williams Grange. Blankets wrap you in warmth, quilts wrap you in love. When one person makes one square of a quilt to be given to celebrate someone, this reflects In spite of tough times, the Applegate River So get your tickets now for the BBQ and join a community coming together to share, Lodge & Restaurant has stepped up to demonstrate its us from 3 to 7 pm on Sunday, April 26, at the Applegate create and celebrate a generational gift to continuing support for the Applegater. River Lodge & Restaurant in downtown Applegate. be passed on in families. Forty-eight quilts On Sunday afternoon, April 26, the Lodge will Tickets are just $10 for adults and $6 for ages 12 and were displayed—baby quilts, wedding hold the first BBQ of the season with all proceeds going under. Kids four and under are free! An affordable quilts, birthday quilts, coming-of-age to the Applegater. What a day is planned! In addition to afternoon of food and fun for the whole family! What a quilts, friendship quilts and loving, healing the tasty menu of chicken, salad, baked beans and bread, terrific way to support our very own Applegater. comfort quilts. here is what else is happening: The Applegater is looking for volunteers to help Forestfarm Nursery was the impetus • Our award-winning local Applegate Valley with the serving and clean-up. We are also looking for of making traditional friendship quilts wineries will be pouring wine. donation items to add to our silent auction display. back in the 1970s. A special quilt was • Live music will be provided by Duke Davis & We are grateful for the following wineries for their presented with love and best wishes, along Friends. donation of wine or services: Devitt Winery, Quady with a potluck party of celebration. This • A silent auction is planned with a wide variety North, Schmidt Family Vineyards, Troon Vineyards and tradition has been ongoing throughout of items to bid on--something for every budget. Some Wooldridge Creek Winery, our community in many different homes. examples are plants from Forestfarm, gift certificates for Locations for tickets: Applegate River Lodge & Several members of our community local services, and local artwork. There is even a catered Restaurant; Applegate Store; McKee Bridge Store and contributed their time and efforts to help dinner for six at your home donated by local epicureans Restaurant; Ruch Country Store; Outpost Farm and make the quilt show a success. Kathy from Eve’s Café. What a way to impress your friends and Garden; Williams General Store; and Murphy Country Escott made the flyers. Daryl Jackson and family for a special event. Nursery or call 541-846-7673. Lisa Horn took pictures. Tressi Albee,

See QUILT, page 13 2 Spring 2009 Applegater

= WHO WE ARE The Gater is gratified The Applegate Valley Commu- by the support of nity Newspaper, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the these recent donors publication of the Applegater newspaper, which we feel reflects the heart and soul of our community. Make your Applegate Valley Garden Club, contributions to either the Applegate Jacksonville, OR Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. or Ellen Levine, Grants Pass, OR to the Applegater. Jane Anderson, Jacksonville, OR Our Mission Janice Wilt, subscription for friends in The nonprofit Applegate Valley Peace Corps in Swaziland Community Newspaper, Inc., (AVCN) David & Colette Hamann, provides the many rural and diverse communities of the Applegate Water- Grants Pass, OR shed with a communications vehicle, Gary Johnson, Jacksonville, OR the Applegater newspaper, free of Caroline Spear and Daniel Newberry, charge to all watershed residents. Our Jacksonville, OR quarterly paper presents constructive, relevant, educational and entertaining reports on a wide variety of subjects Thanks also to those who helped such as: make the Art in the Applegate n natural resource issues benefit a success: n ecology and other science Nancy Y. Adams, Peggy Bjerkan, information Hounds Reach Studio, Shady Cove n historical and current events Candies, Ginger Steele and n community news and opinions Valley View Winery. AVCN encourages and publishes differing viewpoints and, through the Help us ensure that we have the Applegater newspaper, acts as a clear- ongoing support needed to publish the inghouse for this diverse community. We are dedicated to working together Applegater. All contributors will receive with community members to maintain recognition in the Applegater each issue. and enhance the quality of life that is unique to the Applegate Watershed. Sponsor $5 - $50 Supporter $51 - 200 Acknowledgements Contributor $201 - $500 The Applegater is published quar- Sustainer $501- $1000 terly by the Applegate Valley Commu- nity Newspaper, Inc. and is funded by Patron - over $1000 donations from our loyal readers and advertisements for local businesses. All donations are tax-deductible and are Special thanks to Carole Moskovita greatly appreciated. Please make your for layout; Barbara Holiday, Joan Pe- checks payable to Applegater Newspaper terson, Sue Maesen and Paul Tipton for editing; Barbara Holiday, P. R. Kel- and mail to: logg and homeschoolers Kelton and Applegater Jakob Shockey for proofreading; and 7386 Highway 238 • PMB 308 Lisa Crean for bookkeeping. Jacksonville, OR 97530 Board of Directors Greeley Wells, Chairman Gary Brauer, Webmaster Lisa Crean, Treasurer Spring cover Linda Fischer, Secretary Barbara Holiday photo credit Hal Macy Paula Rissler This issue’s photo entitled “Meadow J.D. Rogers, Editor Habitat along Waters Creek Trail” Editorial Board is by Lee Webb, wildlife biologist/ J.D. Rogers, Editor photographer. [email protected]. Chris Bratt Linda Fischer The yellow flowers in the photo are spring gold (Crocidium multicaule). Jan Perttu Applegater now online! Rauno Perttu Marvin Rosenberg The Applegater is now publishing a web site that is a Sandy Shaffer Greeley Wells companion and expansion of the content and services that the printed Connie Young Applegater newspaper provides. ADVERTISERS! All articles, stories, opinions and Highlights of what this website will offer include: letters that appear in the Applegater We can help you reach are the opinion and property of the • Index and viewable/downloadable issues of the your market —Grants author, and not necessarily that of the Applegater starting from March 2008. Pass, Medford and the Applegater or the Applegate Valley • Expansion of content and pictures of selected Community Newspaper, Inc. Applegate Valley. Call articles that appear in the printed paper. PROTECTION OF • Community calendar that nonprofit organizations and Ruth Austin COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL Gater advertisers can post special events (sorry, no The Applegater requires that any classes) by contacting our webmaster via email. 541-899-7476 and all materials submitted for publica- • Community services directory with contacts, tion be the intellectual property of the current activities and bulletins for all our major author unless otherwise credited. community services such as police, fire, library, BLM, Applegater Letters to the Editor cannot be more than 450 words. Opinion pieces etc. ISSUE DEADLINE • Directory of local businesses. and unsolicited articles cannot exceed 600 words. Community calendar • that pertain to the Applegate Summer June 1 Listing of web sites submissions must be to the point. All Valley. Fall September 1 submissions must be received either • Changing collection of images of scenery and Winter December 1 at the address or email below by June activities within our beautiful valley. 1 for our next issue. Spring March 1 We encourage you to log on to www.applegater.org. The Applegater Be sure to add the Gater web site to your favorites! c/o Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. Gary Brauer, Webmaster Loyal Readers 7386 Highway 238, PMB 308 [email protected] Please patronize our Jacksonville, OR 97530 advertisers; they help bring Email: [email protected] Website: www.applegater.org the Gater to you. Applegater Spring 2009 3 Community Calendar Applegate Valley Garden Club meets at 1:30 A donation is suggested and appreciated. pm on the third Wednesday of the month Volunteers help serve meals or deliver meals from September through May. For meeting to homebound seniors. For information about locations and programs call Sandra King at volunteering (it takes 40 volunteers to keep 541-899-9027 or Betty Lou Smith at 541- the Jacksonville program going) or receiving 846-6817. meals, call Food & Friends at 541-664-6674, The McKee Bridge Day x246 or x208. Applegate 4-H Swine Club meets on Tuesday Celebration will be held at the following the third Wednesday of every Williams Library Hours bridge (9000 block of Upper month at 7 pm. For more information contact Sunday...... closed Applegate Road) on Saturday, Charles Elmore at 541-846-6528 or Barbara Monday...... closed Niedermeyer at 541-846-7635. Tuesday...... closed June 13, 2009 from 10 am to 4 Wednesday...... closed pm. The celebration will include Applegate Christian Fellowship. For service times, Thursday...... closed call 541-899-8732, 24 hours/day. a BBQ lunch by the Lion’s Club, Friday...... closed games, displays, and craft vendors. Applegate Friends of Fire District #9 meets on Saturday...... closed the third Tuesday of each month at the Fire The proceeds will go the McKee Josephine County Farm Bureau For meeting Bridge Historical Society to Station—1095 Upper Applegate Road—at 6:00 information, call Connie Young at 541-846-6051. pm. New members are welcome. For more inspect, maintain and preserve the information, call Bob Fischer 541-846-6218. Upper Applegate Grange #839 Business bridge. We will be celebrating meetings: first Thursday at 7:30 pm. Potluck/ T.O.P.S. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Social meetings: fourth Friday at 7:30 pm, the Historical Society’s tenth Monday morning at Applegate Church, 18960 open to the public. Join us for informative anniversary. The public is welcome. North Applegate Road (at the corner of Hwy. meetings, fun and involvement in community 238 and N. Applegate Road). Weigh-in starts P l e a s e c a l l m e i f service. Sponsors of Boy Scout Pack #18. Call you have any questions. at 8:30 am; the meeting starts at 9:00 am. 541- 899-6987. Come join us! Williams Rural Fire Protection District Robert E. Van Heuit, President Josephine County Soil and Water Conservation Meetings: fourth Wednesday of the month at The McKee Bridge Historical Society District (SWCD). Meets Thursdays at 6 pm. 7 pm at the Williams Fire Department. For meeting information, call Connie Young 541-899-2927 at 541-846-6051. Williams Creek Watershed Council Meetings: fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at Applegate Valley Community Forum (AVCF) the Williams Creek Fire Station. The Public is meets the third Thursday of each month, welcome. For more information, call 541- 846- location alternating between Applegate and 9175. Ruch. For more information, call Pat Gordon Jackson County Master Gardener Association at 541-899-7655. Williams Grange Pancake Breakfast, second and Sunday of each month, 8:30 am to 11:00 Oregon State University Extension Service Greater Applegate Community Development am. Closed July and August. Bring the Corporation meets the second Wednesday whole family! 20100 Williams Hwy, corner of each month at 6:00 pm at the Applegate of Tetherow Road near the Williams General Library on North Applegate Road in Store. For more information, call 541-846- downtown Applegate. For more information, 6844. Special Classes and Activities call toll-free at 866-289-1638. Wonder Neighborhood Watch Meetings, second Thursday, April 16 American Association of University Women Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm, Wonder (AAUW) Grants Pass area meets monthly GARDENING IN CLAY SOILS Bible Chapel. Marcus Buchanan, OSU Extension faculty from September to June. College degree required for membership. Days and locations Applegate Fire District Board of Directors meets Clay type soils comprise only 13% of the local area, but probably comprise vary. Contact Ann Kistler 541-471-1963 or on the third Wednesday of each month at a greater percentage of the land that gardeners tend. This class will provide a Kathy Kirchen 541-846-9039. Station 1 – 18489 N. Applegate Rd. at 7:30 pm. broad overview of the properties of clay soils and discuss strategies for making AA Meetings Tuesday nights at 7 pm in Williams. Except for the months of March, April and clay soil a good home for roots! Qualifies for M.G. re-certification hours. Upstairs at the American Legion Hall. Contact May, which are held at Headquarters – 1095 Stan at 541-846-0734. Upper Applegate Rd. For more information, Now through May 1 call 541-899-1050. Applegate Library Hours THE SPRING FAIR BOOK SHACK NEEDS DONATED BOOKS Sunday...... closed Applegate Neighborhood Network (ANN) meets The Master Gardener Spring Fair Book Shack is looking for your used books Monday...... closed on the last Wednesday of every month at Tuesday...... 2 pm - 6 pm the Ruch Library. All interested persons are to help benefit The J.C.M.G.A. Scholarship Fund. We are looking for books Wednesday...... closed welcome to attend. ANN is a community on the following topics: gardening and landscape (all aspects), bees, birds, Thursday...... closed organization dedicated to protecting, butterflies, insects, rocks, varmints, wildlife, worms, how to books, arts and Friday...... 2 pm - 6 pm preserving, and restoring the Applegate crafts, cookbooks, canning and preserving, wine, winemaking, health and all Saturday...... 10 am - 2 pm watershed. For more information about ANN, (Storytime will be held Tuesdays at 2:30 pm.) call Duane Bowman, 541-899-7264. children’s books. Please absolutely NO magazines. Ruch Branch Library Hours Women Helping Other Women (WHOW) meets Please drop your books off at the O.S.U. Extension Office on Hanley Road. Sunday...... closed the second Thursday of the month at 10036 Monday...... closed Hwy 238 (Gyda Lane) at 6:30 pm for a potluck Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3 Tuesday...... 11 am - 5 pm meeting to plan work parties at each other’s SPRING FAIR homes. New members are welcome. For Wednesday...... closed Mark your calendars! Thursday...... 1 pm - 7 pm more information, call Thalia Truesdell at 541- Friday...... closed 899-8741 or Sioux Rogers at 541-846-7736. It’s almost time for the Jackson County Master Gardener Association’s Spring Saturday...... 12 pm - 4 pm Applegate Lake Cub Scouts Pack #18 (Ruch Fair. Please mark your calendars! The date has been changed from April to (Storytime will be held Tuesdays at 11 am.) Region) Outdoor activity (fishing, rafting, the first weekend in May (Saturday, and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd at Jackson Friends of Ruch Library Board of Directors hikes, etc.) the first Friday of each month; County Fairgrounds). meets monthly. Check with the Ruch Library regular meeting the third Friday of each for schedule. 541-899-7438. month. Upper Applegate Grange from 10 am Saturday, May 9 to 1 pm. All boys in grades first through fifth Food & Friends. Senior Nutrition Program SUMMER CARE OF GRAPE VINES including homeschoolers, Ruch students, and invites local 60+ seniors to enjoy a nutritious, Chris Hubert, Quail Run Vineyard non-Ruch students are welcome. For more hot meal served at 11:30 am Monday through information, contact Cub Leader Vic Agnifili Learn the most important grape management techniques after pruning. Friday at the Jacksonville IOOF Hall located at 541-899-1717. The proper summer management of grape vines includes early season shoot at the corner of Main and Oregon Streets. thinning, controlling head suckering, training vine growth for the rest of Email calendar information to [email protected]. the season and controlling crop load. Class will take place outdoors in the vineyard. Come dressed to work. This class qualifies for Master Gardener What's Inside the Gater re-certification hours. Thursday, May 14 Back in Time: Logtown...... p. 21 SMALL SPACE GARDENING Marjorie Neal, Master Gardener Beaver rescue on the Applegate River...... p. 17 This class will discuss techniques to get the most return from your gardening Behind the Green Door: Whacking the woods...... p. 6 efforts. Using raised beds, containers, intensive planting techniques such as Birdman: Winter migration...... p. 23 interplanting and succession cropping all result in bigger yields of vegetables for the space available. This class qualifies for Master Gardener re-certification Dirty Fingernails and All: Dirty enough...... p. 5 hours. Earl’s Pearls: Southern Oregon’s CAD ASSET...... p. 22 There is a fee of $5.00 per class unless indicated otherwise. The classes Heard it on the Grapevine: Six easy steps to pairing food and wine...... p. 4 are held at the OSU Extension Center located at 569 Hanley Road, Central Letters to the Editor...... p. 16 Point, Oregon. 541-776-7371. Tall Tales from the Editor: Burning tale or Tail of woe...... p. 16 Saturday classes 9 am-12 pm • Weekday classes 7 pm-9 pm To learn more about Jackson country Master Gardener Association The Starry Side: Spring...... p. 11 go to: http://extension.orst.edu/sorec/mg or call 541-776-7371. Trends: Powering our future...... p. 7 4 Spring 2009 Applegater HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE Six easy steps to pairing food and wine BY Chris DENNETT

In the world of food and wine, same. You will never find a farmer that in food and wine pairing is the relative wine. In my estimation, simple, fresh, one of the more daunting tasks for many grows their broccoli crop in such a manner gravity or heaviness of the wine and the quality ingredients always will be better people is that of pairing the two. When as to magnify a particular aspect of the food you want to pair it with. This is where in a pairing. done well, food and wine pairings can natural broccoli flavor – something that the traditional concept of red wine with Both food and wine have enough border on the sublime. When done poorly, vineyard managers and viticulturists in this red meat and white wine with white meat going on with their flavors by themselves, the pairing can be worse than forgettable. country will do with their grape varietals. comes from. It’s not that red always goes you don’t need to make it more complicated. There are, however a few guidelines that Second, and connected to the first, with red, it’s that heavy always goes with Choose one or two things in the wine that can be followed that will help you make most of us are more familiar with food heavy. You will typically match white wines you want to emphasize and stick to that, the most of your pairings. than we are with wine. Think of it this way: with fish not because the meat is white, but using one or two things in your food to Before I get into the specifics about which can you more easily imagine, the because fish tends to be a more delicate accomplish your goal. You’ll find that it pairing food and wine, there are two taste of cherries, or the taste of malbec from protein with more subtle flavors, and white makes pairing food and wine that much important things to keep in mind. First Mendoza, Argentina? Because winemakers wines will not overpower the fish. more interesting, since both have multiple and foremost, the enjoyment of wine and have different styles and use different Choosing your protein for the facets. You might choose to highlight the food is one of the things that separate fruit from different places, every wine will pairing is so vital, because some are heavy red cherry flavor of your favorite Pinot Noir humans from the rest of the animal have something different happening. You (beef, lamb, duck, elk or other game), this week with duck in a cherry gastrique, kingdom. It’s meant to be fun, and it’s can get a good sense of what to expect in some are light (flaky whitefish, shellfish, and honor the same wine next week with meant to make you happy. Second, don’t general terms from particular varietals, but and most poultry), and some can go either an apple sage pork roulade that accentuates be afraid to try things that fly in the face every wine is different, and the average way depending on how you prepare it its more tannic tea characteristics. of conventional thinking. Sure, there are person will have more success tasting a (pork, salmon, and meaty fish like Ahi traditional pairings in food and wine in wine and imagining a food pairing with it or swordfish). The most important thing 6. Cook with the Wine. the same way that there are traditional than the other way around. to remember is that you can always find Finally, give cooking with the wine recipes. But the world of wine is one that If you don’t have time, or don’t want something to match or contradict flavor, you’re pairing a shot. If you’re pairing clams can be heavily populated by irrationally to taste your wine first, you can almost but relative gravity in both your wine and with a Chardonnay, steam them in the traditional people with overly developed always find reliable tasting notes online. food are more or less static. They should Chardonnay. You will find that most dishes encyclopedic knowledge and under- always be matched. In other words, will benefit from a touch of wine anyway, developed creativity and forward thinking. 2. Consider the Flavor Interactions. don’t serve Tempranillo with ceviche, or and what better way to bring the food and So don’t take yourself too seriously, be There are essentially three ways that Sauvignon Blanc with braised lamb shank. wine closer than to cook your food in the open to new ideas and flavors, and always you can play with the flavor interactions wine you’re drinking? trust your own palate. At my restaurant, of food and wine. You can match a wine 4. Make the Food as Dynamic as the some of the most successful pairings that with a food that has similar flavors, Wine. Time to put it all together. At the my chef and I have made are ones that contradictory flavors, or some combination Remember that your food, like your beginning of this article I talked about a seem odd at first glance: for instance, white of both. All ways are complementary when wine, should be well-balanced. The best pairing that my chef and I made with Ahi pepper-seared Ahi tuna with Syrah. done right. pairings include all the various elements tuna and Syrah. Here’s why we did what So here are six things to keep in For example, if you are tasting a of flavor interaction and relative gravity. It we did, and why it was successful: mind while pairing food and wine that will white wine that has good stone fruit flavors allows both the wine and the food to shine We seared the Ahi in white pepper, help you be a success every time. (like a typical viognier), you can choose and the sum to become more than its parts. which was something we tasted in the to complement the fruit characteristic But remember that balance is important, wine (similar flavor interaction). Ahi is a 1. Taste the Wine First. by matching it with something similar and that means not trying to do too much. meaty fish (matching relative gravity) so it In my experience, this has made in flavor, like fresh or dried apricot with The food should be dynamic not in its could stand up to the body of a Syrah. We all the difference. While most people will rich cheese (to balance the body, which I difficulty or complexity of preparation, but finished the dish with just a bit of some decide what to make and then head to the will address next). A contradictory flavor in its simplicity and complexity of natural pickled onion that provided a nice sharp store to grab a wine that will work with it, that would match well with this viognier flavors. Which leads us to our fifth and acidity to compliment the rich dark fruit of I believe it is much easier to pair food with would be a spicy Thai stir fry. Spicy and final step… the wine (contradictory flavor interaction). a wine than it is to pair a wine with food. sweet are always good counterpoints and, So give it a try, keep experimenting, There are two reasons for this. while there may not be any residual sugar 5. Keep it Simple and Respect Your and don’t get discouraged if something you First, generally speaking, wine can in our make-believe wine, the strength of Ingredients. try doesn’t work out perfectly. The real fun vary more dramatically than food. For the fruit will be perceived by the palate Food is good just as it is, and some in mastering wine and food pairings is instance, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape as sweet against the spice. Finally, to use of the best dishes are prepared simply, eating good food and drinking good wine. can have a variety of flavors that depend something that has a little bit of both, any without a bunch of fancy preparations on factors other than the actual fruit. The food with a heavy ginger presence would and complicated sauces. Don’t abuse your Chris Dennett nuances of soil, climate, ripeness at time work well with this wine, since the mild food; let it speak for itself. For example, 541-779-0135 of harvest, and winemaker style can make sweetness of ginger will match the fruit if you need to beer-batter your prawns, Chris @elementsmedford.com this single variety jammy, vegetal, herbal, of the wine, and the natural spice of the deep fry them and serve them with a or gamey, to name but a few. While I guess ginger will complement at the same time. sauce made of figs, cherries, morels, technically the soil and weather could port, garlic, shallots, and cream in order Chris Dennett is proprietor of slightly change the flavor of broccoli, food 3. Consider the Relative Gravity. to stand up to a Mouvedre, maybe you Elements Tapas Bar and Lounge on Main is almost always grown so that it tastes the Perhaps the most important aspect should choose a different protein for your Street in downtown Medford. Squaw Lakes has new interpretive trail and a wildlife viewing blind If you haven’t been up to Squaw Lakes in a while you may want to make a trip. Thanks to two Eagle Scouts it now has a wildlife viewing blind and a new interpretive trail. Both seniors at South Medford, Garrett Gustafson and Lucas Asman-Prudell, completed their Eagle Scout projects at the lake last summer. Gustafson and Asman-Prudell, 18, are Ruch School alumni. The wildlife viewing blind is on Big Squaw between campsites 10 and 11 at the north end of the Lake. It is 8’ x 10’, with a metal roof and a resting bench to sit and view wildlife without them viewing you. Gustafson would like to thank local businesses for donating over $1,200 worth of materials: Jacksonville Lumber, Economy Plywood, Hughes Lumber, Mainwaring Construction, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Miller Paint and the numerous hands- on volunteers who helped with the construction. Asman-Prudell created and refurbished a nature interpretive trail identifying native trees and shrubs. He installed boxes for his pamphlets at both ends of the trail. The trail is #928 and goes to Little Squaw or from Little Squaw back to Big Squaw. Gustafson and Asman-Prudell are with Troop 7 based in Medford at the United Methodist Church.

Meg Gustafson • 541-899-8807

Photo from left to right standing in front of the Wildlife Viewing Blind at Big Squaw: Dave DeCarlow, Scoutmaster Troop 7; Lucas Asman-Prudell, Eagle Scout; Garrett Gustafson, Eagle Scout; Gary Leaming, Troop Leader; Dale Coleman, former Boy Scout; Tom Suttles, Troop 7 Scoutmaster; and Dog (Dog’s name unknown). Applegater Spring 2009 5 DIRTY FINGERNAILS AND ALL Ruch Schoolyard Gardens Dirty enough by sioux rogers

When my sister and I were little 2009 titled, “Honey, Eat Your Dirt,” the kids, we loved to play in the mud, take author (not mentioned by name) says, mud baths, make mud pies and, knowing “Parents know that children should eat us, probably even ate a few “pies.” Seems more fruits and vegetables, but probably as if that practice has now come full circle don’t know that there’s something else as “righteous wisdom.” Kids need to eat missing from the kids’ diets: dirt. . . . more dirt. In fact, seems as though we all Children need to eat a little dirt now and need to be a little dirtier. If you ask my then to develop healthy immune systems.” husband or my late mother, they would There is a growing body of evidence both agree I am extremely compliant in that suggests this is due to excessive the dirt department, always have been. hygiene—the old too-much-of-a-good- Years ago, my very alternative thing problem. British epidemiologist family physician, Dr. Joseph D. Walters, David P. Strachan first suspected in 1989 said to me, “A carrot is not a carrot unless that [too much] cleanliness could lead to it is grown in healthy soil.” Although I illness, dubbing this idea “the hygiene always understood his wise statement— hypothesis.” and indeed practiced organic gardening New York Times health writer, Jane even when I gardened on a warehouse Brody in an article on January 27, 2009, Photo left to right: Catherine Gustafson; Taylor Burgess; Amber Morse; Principal Terri rooftop—I never fully understood the quoted the microbiologist-immunologist Dahl; and Phillip Newsome. implication of his wisdom. Dr. Walters Mary Ruebush from her new book, Why said that if you eat a vegetable, say a carrot, Dirt is Good: “What a child is doing when Ruch School now has a greenhouse thanks to the Medford School Foundation grown in depleted soil treated with he puts things in his mouth is allowing his and grant writer Terri Dahl, principal of Ruch School. Donations of gravel from Sue synthetic fertilizer and toxic chemicals, the immune response to explore his Pennington of Frontier Roack and construction of the greenhouse by Nick Hale, Jim nutritional value of the carrot is minimal environment. Not only does this allow for Mainwaring and Gary Gustafson made our greenhouse a reality. Right after spring compared to a carrot grown without toxins ‘practice’ of immune responses, which will break, elective classes and after-school enrichment will be offered to Ruch School in an “alive” soil. He was very focused on be necessary for protection, but it also plays kindergarten through eighth grade students. A greenhouse wish list has been started, the necessity of the mineral content found a critical role in teaching the immature which includes a wheelbarrow, a small storage shed, potting supplies and volunteers in the soil. So while some of you may freak immune response what is best ignored.” with time or expertise. Our future plans are to become a real schoolyard garden, growing out over my lack of “hygiene,” I do believe One leading researcher, Dr. Joel V. native plants, starts for the garden, and become self-sustaining. that if I grow my carrots in friable soil Weinstock, the director of gastroenterology Contact Ruch School office manager Denise McCollum 541-842-3850 or Meg (good soil teaming with earthworms), I and hepatology at Tufts Medical Center in Gustafson 541-899-8807 for more exciting details! have healthy soil. Boston, said in an interview that “the Meg Gustafson • 541-899-8807 Consequently, this is where you can immune system at birth is like an say “Yuck.” I pull my carrots from the unprogrammed computer. It needs ground, give them a medium wash-off with instruction.” Springtime allergies and Chinese the hose or just a firm blue-jean rub and None of the many scientists studying then, dirty fingernails and all, I crunch the connection between “too-much-too- medicine away. And, no, I have never been sick from clean” and the immune system are even a “dirty carrot.” remotely suggesting that handwashing is by Nadine levie From my very early teachings from not necessary after using the bathroom, Heaven joins with Earth in the form is in hiding, and as if you have some private Dr. Walters, who also was an organic changing a diaper or prior to handling of the gentle rain of spring soaking deep matter to keep from others. Remain happy gardener, I into the land, exciting the seeds which and contented as if you’ve come to know formulated have lain dormant and hidden under a secret.” (The Yellow Emperor’s Medicine my garden winter’s blanket. The energy of Heaven is Classic) It is important to conserve and practice on Yang and the energy of Earth is Yin. The store our vital energy in order to meet w h a t h e mixings and interactions of yin and yang the tremendous energy demands on us in taught me happen in the area between heaven and spring, for deep within our being we, too, a b o u t t h e earth, the place where we live. Concepts like the seeds in the earth, burst forth. If human body. of Traditional Chinese Medicine are based we are “running on empty” we experience H e o f t e n on observations of nature and of these allergies, as our bodies are not able to meet explained, “A interactions. We who live in the Applegate the challenges presented by pollens that are healthy body have a wonderful opportunity to “tune in” blowing around or we experience profound can withstand to these traditional theories and thought fatigue. Western naturopathic medicine many insults, patterns as we have chosen to live close to refers to adrenal fatigue. same as your and in harmony with nature. You can see how out of sync our garden.” As a Balance of energy (yang) and lives are with the energetic nature of society, we matter (yin) along with temperature and winter. Electric lights keep us up at all n o w a r e the five elements of nature (wind, fire, hours and even though we may feel like learning how very true that is, especially food. So don’t “ick” them out too fast. earth, metal, water) form the basis of all “hibernating,” we tend to feel guilty if we related to stress, any kind, whether you be What they do suggest, short of a plague, is phenomena, including sickness and health. are not doing something. a plant or a person. good old soap and water (not antibacterial Where there is balance and harmony there The small amount of theory I Dr. Walters never mentioned the hand-squirts). is health. As we are part of nature, we can have presented here will not prevent your “dirt factor.” Most likely he figured I was No one is disputing the control of gather clues on how to live by observing allergies this spring if that is your tendency, ahead of the curve in that area. Somehow, disease through sanitization in third-world the nature of the seasons. but can perhaps lead you in a direction of I think I just had a genetic instinct that countries, but apparently that is not the Many people experience spring using the observations of nature to bring some dirt was fine. Most people never die end of the story. There is a price to be paid. allergies and/or springtime fatigue. There balance into your life. It is not too late. of dirt. Now there is much new research While I did not mean for this to be a is an explanation for this that comes Start being aware of each season and substantiating my basic instinct. “medical article,” I find the numerous directly from an ancient text, The Yellow enjoy your unique place between heaven Since the early part of the century studies extraordinarily interesting and Emperor’s Medicine Classic, Asiapac Books. and earth. until the present, many of the most feared exciting, almost too simple, maybe too In this book there are many observations As for spring: “The three months diseases have disappeared. Remember obvious. For lack of space, and the nature and discussions on why people get sick of spring are the season of renewal for polio, chicken pox, measles, mumps, of this column, do a web search for and the theories put forth in this classic all things. With everything flourishing, whooping cough, even herpes and AIDS? “cleanliness and the immune system.” form the basis of theories of acupuncture the world is full of life. To accord with Most of those dreadfuls are not even With all this said and done, even and Chinese herbal prescribing. There is the season, go to bed a little later and get household conversation anymore. Well, with the jury not completely in, have a a discussion of how people should behave up a little earlier. Go for a stroll in the of course, I know why. We immunize and good romp barefoot in your garden. Before in winter in order to maintain their health courtyard, loosen your hair, relax your take lots of pills. Now we are facing a your next daily supplement becomes “dirty and have enough energy in spring. The sap body and freshen up your mind. Enjoy plague of autoimmune everything: dirt in a capsule,” let your dogs kiss you of trees goes deep inside the tree in winter, the season and do not do anything harmful diabetes, dozens of cancers, brain disorders, and your baby. And while you are at it, seeds are dormant and many animals to your health. Let things grow and do not overactive thyroids, lupus, ulcerative colitis pull a carrot from the patch, wipe it on hibernate. This is the slumbering nature harm them, give and do not deprive.”(The and a plethora of the unnamed. One of your jeans, and munch away. of winter. “The three months of winter are Yellow Emperor’s Medicine Classic) the well-researched theories is we are “too For the Love of Dirt the season for closing and storing…Do not Nadine Levie • 541-840.8736 clean.” We need to eat more dirt. Sioux Rogers disturb the yang qi (energy) in this season. [email protected] A Canadian newspaper, The Ottawa 541-846-7736 Sleep early at sunset and get up later after Nadine Levie is a practitioner of Citizen, in an article dated February 6, [email protected] sunrise…Let your spirit be as calm as if it chinese medicine and acupuncture. 6 Spring 2009 Applegater MY OPINION FROM BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR Whacking the woods BY Chris bratt The BLM (Bureau of Land meaningful public input they received communities. the west is rampant and unrestrained with Management) is living in an illusion. when they recently decided (December 30, The prime example of BLM’s off-road enthusiasts making their own trails BLM’s Washington, D.C., office, along 2008) to implement their Western Oregon intransigence that irks me the most in willy-nilly throughout the forest. These with Oregon’s state managers and directors, Plan Revisions (Revisions). This decision their Revision is their Off-Road Vehicle unchecked practices by off-road users will didn’t realize their anti-environmental proposes to increase logging volume Action Plan for Southern Oregon and the continue as long as they still have approved policy bubble had burst along with by 87% on BLM-administered land Applegate, in particular. In case you haven’t access to these millions of public acres. our over-inflated economy under the throughout Oregon by mostly clearcutting heard them coming, there are a lot more BLM claims that within the next Bush administration. No longer will the old-growth stands of trees. This Revision motorcycles and four-wheelers coming five years, they will have “limited” off- majority of Oregon’s citizens allow the also will move many endangered species soon to a neighborhood near you. BLM’s road vehicle use to specific roads and BLM to trash our public forests solely for closer to extinction and increase the Plan Revision has provided for seven new trails on all 2.4 million acres outlined political and economic reasons. This is amount of BLM land dedicated exclusively local (Medford District) Special Recreation in their plan revision. The BLM also especially true for BLM’s ill-fated Forest to off-road vehicle use by 266% with no Management Areas called Off-Highway claims at other times they don’t have to Plan Revision of 2008. substantial analysis of the adverse impacts. Vehicle 2. accomplish everything they promise in But the legacy the Bush BLM managers and spokespeople their management plans. Since our local administration has left us with is more believe that their Plan Revision has no Emphasis Areas BLM hasn’t designated any off-road trails than just a deficient partisan Forest Plan flaws and say the Revision complies with Approximately 68,000 acres of or roads on 17,000 acres they promised Revision. They have left us with the all applicable laws. (They always say BLM public land has been allocated 15 years ago, I’m not too hopeful they question, “Can the BLM ever be trusted will manage to do it on 2.4 million acres to manage our pubic forest lands in This decision proposes to increase logging volume by 87% in five years. Oregon?” My answer is no, as long as on BLM administered land throughout Oregon by mostly It’s clear the BLM has ridden the law governing BLM’s actions is open clearcutting old growth stands of trees. This Revision will also roughshod over any opposition to these to the present lopsided interpretation. move many endangered species closer to extinction and seven local (68,000 acres total) Emphasis Except for a short period under the increase the amount of BLM land dedicated exclusively to Areas for off-road vehicle use. They have Clinton administration in the 1990s, off-road vehicle use by 266% with no substantial analysis of never considered the public outcry for the BLM has maintained the perverse an opportunity to influence where off- the adverse impacts. view that they are obligated by law to cut road vehicle activity will occur. Instead, excessive amounts of timber first and only BLM has chosen their Emphasis Areas for consider protecting all other resources as that even when they continually lose in exclusively for off-road vehicle use in these management where off-road vehicle users a secondary duty. courts.) But BLM’s Forest Plan Revision seven Emphasis Areas. On top of that, 2.4 have established hundreds of miles of illegal This corruption of the language is so preposterous, many people including million (yes, I said million) acres (93%) trails, caused severe damage to the land and outlined in the California and Oregon science, industry and environmental of BLM-administrated forest lands in increased conflicts with private landowners Lands Act (O and C Act), the law under groups, think it is in danger of ending up western Oregon are designated as “limited who are now within or adjacent to those which BLM operates, is driven solely by in the garbage pail. Many of the nation’s to designated roads and trails” for off-road Emphasis Areas. political and financial interests. There is environmental groups believe the Revision vehicle use as well. The joke on us is BLM In refusing to allow the public a say constant pressure from 18 Oregon counties is so flawed and in violation of so many has never had the time, money, people as to where off-road activities should be and private timber companies that benefit environmental laws that BLM will be or will to designate, build, maintain or allowed, the BLM has failed to meet the financially from this unreasonable position, unable to implement any of its proposed enforce rules on roads and trails for off- specific directions outlined in their own to continually boost logging levels on our actions. Just the decision to approve BLM’s road vehicle use on this much acreage. In planning documents and goals. public forest lands. Revision Plan last December already fact, I don’t know of a road or trail in the Let’s hope the new administration Together these folks have made a has sparked citizen outrage and a flurry Medford District BLM that has actually in Washington can rectify this widespread mockery of protecting our public forest of lawsuits. It seems if BLM continues been designated for off-road vehicle use. mismanagement by the BLM and get them resources in Oregon and disregarded most to pursue further actions under the BLM acts as if they are exerting some back to their mission of caring for the land citizen concerns in the process. BLM provisions of their Revision Plan, they will kind of control over off-road vehicle use and resources of our nation. ignored the best available science, their become more unwelcome and powerless on the lands they manage. The truth is, Chris Bratt own legal mandates and the extensive to accomplish anything positive in our off-road vehicle use on BLM lands across 541-846-6988 Applegate Fire District Awards Banquet

The Friends of the Applegate Fire District hosted a wonderful evening of Below from left: camaraderie and pride on March 6, as the Applegate Firefighters celebrated another Back Row; Gary Sciocchetti-Hall of Flame, Jeff Vinyard-EMT of the Year, Cody Goodnough- extraordinary year of serving this diverse community. It was an evening to recognize the Officer of the Year. Middle Row; Brad Barnes-20 Years of Service, Chris Wolfard-Chief’s Award, Bill Dunlap-Most accomplishments and acknowledge the spirit that guides the future of this fire district. Drills District Wide, Greg Paneitz-First Responder of the Year, Bob Ziegler-Safety Committee The banquet, held at the Applegate Community Church on North Applegate Recognition, Jack Lynch-Marc Chaput Spirit Award, Rick Koppen-Most Drills, Daniel Boyajian- Road., is one of four annual events hosted by the Friends to support the firefighters. A Rookie of the Year, Ron Slack-Firefighter of the Year, Jeff Hoxsey-Most Drills, Rob Underwood- dinner of superb tri-tip and chicken was provided to the volunteers and distinguished Instructor of the Year. guests. The annual awards and video containing rare photos of the past year is looked Front Row; Carey Chaput-Safety Recognition, Bob Ettner Most Drills, Brenda VanLeeuwen- forward to with anticipation. Firefighters Tailese and Cody Goodnough have the Mary Ziegler Spouse of the Year Award opportunity to collect photos from training and emergency scenes throughout the year to produce this great entertaining contribution through New Focus Productions.

Accolades and awards in recognition of 2008 were given to the following individuals:

Spouse of the Year - Brenda Van Leeuwen Marc Chaput Spirit Award – Jack Lynch Hall of Flame – Gary Sciocchetti Chief’s Award – Chris Wolfard 20 Years of Service – Brad Barnes Firefighter of the Year – Ron Slack Rookie of the Year – Daniel Boyajian Junior to Firefighter – Anthony Ryan EMT of the Year – Jeff Vinyard First Responder of the Year – Greg Paneitz Instructor of the Year – Rob Underwood Most Alarms – Fred Secco Most Drills – Bill Dunlap & Daniel Boyajian Officer of the Year – Cody Goodnough District Employee of the Year – Darren Bucich Applegater Spring 2009 7 TRENDS AND OBSERVATIONS Powering our future BY rAUNO PERTTU A friend called to tell me about potentially more important issues power from wind turbines today. wind generators, are too lengthy to discuss companies that are turning discarded impacting our future energy consumption. These numbers are not static, nor herein. In summary, it will not be fast and plastic drink bottles into synthetic fleece. To clarify, we need to look at are they a statement of future desired easy, nor will it be inexpensive to make Most plastic is made from petroleum and a breakdown of U.S. primary energy energy sources or of priorities. They merely wind power a major player in electric she had learned the amount of plastic used consumption by source and sector, which reflect the realities of a starting point to the generation. in the conversion of recycled bottles into was compiled by the Department of often repeated goal heard from politicians On smaller scales and for heating clothing is equal to about 500,000 barrels Energy’s (DOE) Energy Information of “energy independence”. These numbers purposes, solar energy has a sunny future. of oil per year. At first glance, that sounded Administration in its Annual Energy Review clearly state that we can’t just stop using However, large-scale solar power faces like a substantial number. 2007. The DOE lumps energy sources into fossil fuels and ignore nuclear power in problems similar to those that challenge First, that large-sounding number five categories: petroleum (39.8%), natural our future power needs without an abrupt making wind power a major contributor of 500,000 barrels of oil needs to be put gas (23.6%), coal (22.8%), renewable collapse of modern society. Until we have to our energy needs. into its own perspective. The half million energy (6.8%), and nuclear electric power truly electric cars, wind and solar power Utilizing biomass to create energy barrels of oil for plastic fleece is less than (8.4%). It sorts energy consumption can’t replace gasoline and diesel fuels in for our needs is an indirect way of using 0.0017 percent, or one 60,000th of the into four sectors: transportation (29.0%), transportation, and therefore won’t reduce solar energy. Plants convert sunlight and total world consumption, which is about industrial (21.4%), residential and our dependence on petroleum. soil nutrients into biomass which can then 30 billion barrels per year. The US commercial (10.6%), and energy used for It’s easy to say, “Let’s replace our old be used as burnable fuel. Biomass is a less consumes about a quarter of the world’s the production of electric power (40.6%). energy sources with renewable sources”, efficient energy source than coal or oil, oil, or somewhat more than 7.5 billion The review reveals some important but actually accomplishing that task but it is replaceable and doesn’t result in barrels per year. numbers. The largest source of energy, won’t be nearly as easy as saying it. Any nearly the same carbon dioxide generation After review, I expanded the question petroleum, provides almost all (96%) of major shift to renewable energy will be as fossil fuels because it recycles the carbon of energy conservation to all of the world’s our transportation energy—mostly gas and very expensive and complex, and will take from living plants over a short time span. plastic drink bottle production. I then diesel for our cars and trucks. Petroleum time. In today’s economy, the front-end Unlike wind and solar power generation, added all those plastic bags used around the also provides almost half (44%) of the capital requirements and almost certain biomass can be used as base load power world. The total oil consumption numbers energy used by industry. The other large rise in energy costs that will accompany the because it doesn’t depend on weather or for all that plastic got much higher. source of industrial energy is natural gas shift to renewable energy have increased daylight. According to an article in businessshrink. (37%). Natural gas also provides 75 percent importance. However, biomass opponents biz entitled “America’s dirty little oil of our primary residential and commercial A substantial replacement of fossil already question the sources and potential secret: Plastic Bottles and Bags”, the total energy because electricity is not considered fuels by renewable energy may ease existing pollution aspects of biofuels. They worry world consumption of oil to make plastic a primary energy resource. While coal problems, but will also create a whole new about the damage to soils and to the bottles and bags is between 147.4 and accounts for only 22.8 percent of our set of problems. I will touch on only a few. environment from growing crops for 207.4 million barrels per year. As huge energy consumption, it is the source of 51 Wind power is expensive and is biomass fuels and are concerned about the as those numbers sound, the new much percent of our electric power generation. currently economically dependent on water and fertilizers needed to make the larger number is still only about a hundred Virtually all of our use of nuclear power is government subsidies. At the point wind plants grow. Perhaps a greater hurdle can fiftieth (less than two days) of the world’s for electric power, wherein it accounts for power becomes a significant contributor be the lack of available large tracts of land annual oil production. For an even larger 21 percent of our electricity. Fossil fuels to our electric needs, wind turbines and needed to grow large quantities of biofuels. perspective, according to Simon Usborne’s and nuclear power together account for 95 their associated infrastructure and power Other potential biofuels sources, such as May 15, 2007 article “Grow your own percent of our electric power. Renewable collection systems will be a very visible part algae, could bypass this problem. Further, plastic” on the online BNET business energy accounts for only nine percent of our landscape. They will also create their the economics of growing, transporting network, about four percent of petroleum of our energy consumption in the four own environmental impact challenges. and utilizing biomass as a significant fuel is converted into plastic. Another four sections. The DOE’s list of renewable Because wind is fickle, our need to have a for power generation can be challenging. percent is consumed in the manufacture energy includes hydropower, geothermal, dependable power supply will mean that Despite these obstacles, power generation of plastic, so about eight percent of world wind, solar thermal and photovoltaic, we will need some sort of method to store from biomass will continue to grow in petroleum production is used in the wood and wood derived fuels, geothermal, power from times when the wind blows importance in the future. manufacture of plastics. and “Other Biomass.” to when it doesn’t or we will need backup In getting back to the problem Sadly, because the total energy Hydropower, at 6.4 percent of generators. behind the solutions, it is clear that there consumed in gathering, cleaning and electric production, is the largest source of Although new wind turbine designs will be no practical short-term fix to our recycling this plastic is significant, it may renewable power. Biomass, which includes are trying to address the problem, the energy dilemma. Most of the easy solutions be that recycling this plastic doesn’t actually wood-derived fuels, waste, and biofuels, experience of many countries has been that we hear offered will make only minor result in any significant energy savings. To provides 2.5 percent of our energy needs. that wind power is actually available differences in the overall problem. This me, this means that the more important Burning of wood products accounts (meaning enough wind blows) less than 20 doesn’t mean that they are not worthwhile reason for restricting the use of plastic for slightly more than a third of power percent of the time. New turbine designs to enact, especially because many, such as bottles and bags and for recycling them generation within the biomass category. to account for lower wind velocities can reduction in the use of plastic bottles and is that they are a major bulk problem in As of 2007, wind provided 0.32 percent of only partly improve the situation because bags, improve our environment in other landfills and create numerous aesthetic our energy needs and solar provided 0.08 low wind velocities have less available ways. and environmental problems when thrown percent. Last year, the DOE estimates energy. Because wind power can’t be However, any serious changes to away. the U.S. figure for wind power jumped to counted on when needed, conventional our pattern of energy consumption will In summary, while the ongoing more than one percent, and could climb power plants are typically kept running involve large expenditures, higher energy efforts of many groups to reduce the use of to as high as 20 percent of our power as backups at nearly the same levels as if costs and improved technologies. To be plastic bottles and bags are important from supply by 2030. I remember similar lofty the wind power didn’t exist. Wind power successful, the long-term goal of a major many environmental aspects, these efforts growth forecasts for geothermal power therefore currently doesn’t have the desired contribution from renewable energy will won’t significantly alter the world’s energy many years ago. While the optimistic effect of replacing conventional power also need a clear plan of our goals and how consumption. In some ways, focusing on geothermal forecasts never materialized, plants. Other hurdles, including major we intend to accomplish them. these types of issues as ways to save energy some European countries are actually and expensive necessary modifications to Rauno Perttu • 541-899-8036 can actually distract us from addressing deriving up to several percent of their the nation’s power grid to accommodate [email protected]

Sustainable Forest, Sustainable Community Complete Forest Management including Fire Fuel Reduction, Tree Planting and Riparian Restoration Barn Construction and Restoration Sawmill, Pole Peeler, Dry Kiln and Molder/Shaper/Planer Wood products: from Firewood and Peeled Poles to Flooring and Trim Licensed, Bonded and Insured

541-899-7836 4062 Yale Creek Road [email protected] Jacksonville, Or 97530 8 Spring 2009 Applegater into the library during the summer, We now have one bookcase full of encouraging them to enjoy reading, and New Arrivals, changing every month. The opening new interests to them. Children’s Room has a section of materials • Shelvers and shelf “readers.” Essential for learning/teaching math, science, and always needed in the library, to be sure language, and so on (home schoolers, take all the materials get back to the right places notice!). Other special sections feature large where they can be found. This is a pretty easy print books, and books on cassette. Ruch Library News “sesquicentennial,” to be precise) the books and relaxing activity. We guarantee you’ll The A-Frame Bookstore is open the to be read statewide naturally relate to come across some intriguing books for your same days at the library but slightly fewer the history of our favorite state. This year own enjoyment too. hours: Tuesday 12-4 pm, Thursday 2-6 pm there are three choices, one each for adults, Most volunteer positions can be , Saturday 12-4 pm. young adults, and children. flexible in hours and days (Tuesday, Stop by for a visit soon. And your Stubborn Twig, by Lauren Kessler Thursday or Saturday) and can require a donations of books/CDs/DVDs are always (adults), tells the story of an Oregon family commitment to specific events or to one welcome. Recycle, clear your shelves, and through nearly a century beginning in or two hours per week for at least several help your library! 1903, when Masuo Yasui arrived in Hood months (since some training may be River, to seek his fortune. Thirty-seven involved). Keeping in touch with FORL years later he and his family are successful Ruch Library hours are Tuesday Our web site at www.forl.org has orchardists, active in the orchardists' 11 am-5 pm, Thursday 1 pm-7 pm, and the up-to-date Calendar of events at the cooperatives, the Methodist Church, and Saturday 12 pm-4 pm. Library, a page of expanded descriptions the Rotary Club; in the backlash after Betsy Brauer,• 541-899-7438 (“More About Events”), and pages about A Geologic History Pearl Harbor, their lives were disrupted Manager, Ruch Branch Library “Staff and Volunteers”, “Library News”, a and many were sent to the internment form to print out and join FORL ($6/year) of the Applegate camps set up for Japanese-Americans. A Friends of Ruch Library and “Library Resources”. This last page has how-to’s about some not-so-well-known by Mark Prchal fascinating and moving account which (FORL) also explores what the American dream services and features, including: download Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 Through fundraising, volunteer has meant, and what it means to be an time, and sponsoring special events (our free audiobooks; get books at another at the Ruch Library American. current series is described elsewhere in this branch sent to Ruch for you to pick up; Bat G find help, during library hours or not, Mark Prchal is a geologist living and , by Virginia Euwer Wolff issue) Friends of Ruch Library works to with web searches, reference questions, and working in the Applegate Valley. He is an (young adult), is about a sixth-grade girls’ support our branch library and maintain homework; renew your books by phone or enthusiastic speaker who is always eager to baseball game in the rural Oregon of expanded hours and service. Here are some computer; find out about delivery of library share his knowledge of our local geology. 1949, when teams from two small towns highlights of what is underway for 2009. materials to housebound individuals. Prior to 1988, California’s geologic meet for their annual game. Added to the Support for extended hours The newApplegater online calendar, map of the Klamath Mountains had many traditional spirit of rivalry are other deeper Expanded service at Ruch––being http://www.applegater.org/Community_ holes that were not mapped due to being conflicts: one player’s father died at Pearl open on Saturdays, and open 16 hours Calendar.htm, is a great new listing of too complicated. Mark was hired by the Harbor; another girl was interned with weekly instead of just 8––depends on community events including those of State of California specifically to map the her family in the “relocation camps.” The community financial support. The county’s FORL. And the Outpost’s website has geology of some of these previously non- School Library Journal has high praise for reduced budget provides only 8 hours a a community calendar too, at http:// mapped and incorrectly mapped geologic this book, which “speaks volumes about week for our library. outpostintheapplegate.com/pages/events. terrains between Happy Camp and the courage, responsibility, and reconciliation. FORL is the group heading up the Check both these resources for fun and Oregon border. This work was published All in a book about softball!” Apples to Oregon work to continue extended hours. Our useful stuff and be sure to submit your by the State as Regional Geologic Map for the , by Deborah fundraising in 2007 and 2008 paid for group’s events to them. Weed Quadrangle, California (RGM004A), Hopkinson, author; Nancy Carpenter, expanded hours for 2008 and 2009, and FORL also sends out emails (prior 1988. Much of the Applegate Valley is in illustrator (children). The subtitle tells now we are raising the money for 2010. to each FORL event) and a newsletter the same geologic province as he mapped the tale: Being the (slightly) true narrative All the proceeds of FORL activities every two or three months. The newsletter for the State of California, i.e., the Western of how a brave pioneer father brought have always gone to supporting the library, goes out to our email list and we will be Paleozoic and Triassic belt of the Klamath apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and but the need to raise $12,000 each year for posting printed versions on the library Mountains cherries (and children) across the Plains. A expanded hours has required much more bulletin boards. This program is free and refreshments reviewer says, “a hilarious tall tale––from than our traditional A-Frame Bookstore Ruch Library is our community will be served.” the team that brought you Fannie in the Kitchen–– that's loosely based on the life and annual book sale can provide. center in so many ways, and FORL is the Oregon Reads Books of a real fruiting pioneer.” Fundraising for 2010 began with community organization formed long ago Oregon Reads will be taking place the book sale in October 2008 and the to support it. We want to include everyone. This winter has been anything but in nearly every public library across December Art Show and Sale, and we are Please let us hear from you. dull at Ruch Library. Circulation statistics Oregon, with discussions and special now planning for more events through the Contact Cynthia Cheney, akantha@ keep going up, from 1501 in November events or speakers. Watch the library’s rest of 2009. mac.com to be added to our email list, to 1692 in December to 1951 in January. bulletin boards for more details; visit The FORL Board cannot do this participate in the Small Canvas Art Sale, or Many people are taking advantage of the www.jcls.org, or sign up on our email list alone: we need your ideas and participation. with suggestions about the website. new free highspeed wireless Internet in (front desk, or send your email address to The annual members’ meeting (on a Contact Kaye Clayton, FORL and around the library building, and we [email protected] ) to get notices about Saturday in April) will include discussion President, 541-899-1044 to volunteer, just concluded the annual Winter Reads these and other library events. Plan to join of ways to raise the money for extended offer ideas about fundraising or FORL program for adults with drawings for free your friends and community in this shared hours. Watch for details of time and date, activities, or participate in the Small books and a book gift certificate. There reading experience, and read these books as well as an accompanying special event. Canvas Art Sale. have been staff changes over the winter: with your children too. If you have ideas or want to help Betsy Brauer is the new Ruch Branch We will celebrate Dia de los Niños/ in any way, you can phone or email the Manager, following Janis Mohr-Tipton’s Dia de los Libros with craft activities on two contact people listed at the end of Applegate Library move to Central Point Branch. Lisa April 30. this article. The campaign will need a Martin is the library assistant on Tuesdays variety of volunteer help: ideas, planning, News and Thursdays; Kristi Kowalski and Thalia Summer Reading Program for and organization; set-up/take-down/ Oregon celebrated it’s 150th Truesdell staff the library on Saturdays. children and teens begins June 8, 2009. and other hands-on work at each event; birthday this past February. The Oregon And as always the library is the go-to The theme for 2009 is “Be Creative @ phone-calling, publicity design, and more. State Library is promoting a statewide place for help with schoolwork, research, Your Library,” and there will be plenty of There's something for everybody and every reading program. The program is about job search/resume preparation, and tax activities and prizes to fill summer days. level of involvement. The 2007-2008 early immigrants who settled in Oregon. forms, as well as free public computers, campaign featured very successful concerts The reading material consists of three and our collection of books, CDs, movies, Volunteers needed by generous local musicians. Others with books, one for each of three age groups. magazines, and reference material. Would you like to commit an hour special skills may wish to donate the The adult book is “Stubborn Twig” Ruch School sixth graders spent the or two a week to helping out at our library? teaching of a class with the proceeds going by Lauren Kessler. It is about several morning of February 19 at the library for Volunteers can help in many ways. Just to the cause of extended hours. What are generations of a Hood River Japanese a research session in preparation for the now, we need: your ideas? Please let us hear from you! Family. There will be some special annual “Night of the Notables,” during • Story-hour person, reading to pre- activities at some of our library branches which each student gives a presentation schoolers and kindergartners, each Tuesday Small Canvas Art Sale that you may want to participate, watch in character as a historical personage. This at 11 am. (about 45 min.). “Storybags” Artists: we have had about 40 small for news releases in the near future. year’s choices of notable people includes with books and activities are provided by stretched canvases (about 6 x 8 inches) Speaking of special activities, Cleopatra, Georgia O’Keeffe, Thomas the library. donated, which we’d like to distribute Bev Mays won the Barnes and Noble Edison and Ronald Reagan. Betsy and • Display designers and assemblers, to Applegate artists for painting/collage/ gift certificate drawing for the adult library volunteers taught the basics of to add seasonal and theme-based displays sketching, with a theme of “The Applegate Winter Reads Program this past year. research which will give students a good around the library and in the display cases. Valley”. The completed works will be Congratulations Bev! foundation to build on up through high Here’s a chance to have fun, help the library sold in an event to benefit Ruch Library. It’s not just the books that make school, and they also provided individual be more attractive, and promote interest in Contact one of the individuals below, to us remember the library, it’s the services: help. aspects of our collection. get on the list if you’d like to participate. Phyllis, Thalia and Carole who are there Because the next issue of the • Helpers for events connected with to answer your questions, help you use Applegater won’t appear until July, we have this year’s Summer Reading Program. The A-Frame Bookstore the computers, lead you to the “sale to look far into our crystal ball to give you Events include arts and crafts, and (new Our bookstore is tiny on the outside, shelf” where you can purchase barely used an idea of library events for that period. this year!) science activities, for different but inside is a whole world of books (as well books for a dollar. And don’t forget the Some aren’t in final form yet, but you can age groups. You can help with ideas/ as CDs and DVDs) at the most reasonable meeting room, the place we all count on definitely look forward to these: planning/preparation, and hands-on at prices you’ll find anywhere, from twenty for so many of our own uses: Applegate Oregon Reads began February 17. the events. The programs and activities five cents to one dollar. All proceeds For Oregon’s 150th birthday year (that’s are important for bringing young people support the Ruch Library. See APPLEGATE, page 9 Applegater Spring 2009 9

Ruch Library Chautauqua Magic Carpet Made of Steel:

Songs of America’s railroads GRAND Friday, May 1, 7 pm OPENING New AprilBar Bistro 26! Jeni Foster grew up on the high plains of All drinks Montana listening to the far-off whistles of trains 1/2 OFF that evoked images of exotic places and people whose lives were very different from hers. The glory Bistro Hours days of the great American railway system may Fri & Sat 4-10 pm be gone, but hundreds of folk and popular songs Sun 3-11 pm Happy Hours remain to tell the story of our great romance with 4-6 pm the rails. Jeni Foster will discuss the folk music Lodge open 7 days a week that served as a soundtrack for the golden era of Mid-week special room rates train travel in “Magic Carpet Made of Steel: Songs Restaurant October 1st through April 30th: of America’s Railroads.” Open Friday & Saturday 6 to 8 pm • Sunday 4 to 7 pm Jackson County Library Services and the Restaurant May 1st through September 30th Friends of Ruch Library are pleased to sponsor this Open Friday & Saturday 5 to 9 pm • Sunday 4 to 8 pm Oregon Chautauqua from the Oregon Council for the Humanities. This free, public program will take place on Friday, May 1, Wednesday “Live at the Gate” • Live music with buffet & bar - 6 to 11 pm 2009, at 7:00pm, in the Community Meeting Room, Ruch Branch Library, 7919 Thursday at restaurant Highway 238, Ruch. Locals special dinners, games and fun. Call for details In her interactive presentation, Jeni shows how these songs reflect an Available for Weddings and Special Events American sense of adventure, opportunity, and freedom. History resonates in the Restaurant—846-6082 • Lodge—846-6690 • www.applegateriverlodge.com songs of the construction gangs who built the transcontinental rail lines, the Gandy 15100 Highway 238, Applegate, Oregon dancers who lined the tracks, conductors on the Underground Railroad, Civil Rights workers in the 1950s and ‘60s, and American composers like Duke Ellington, Aaron Copland, Woody Guthrie, and Steve Goodman. Jeni demonstrates how these songs are emblematic of our nation’s development in their vitality, romance, and cultural diversity. Jeni’s been singing since she could talk – early on serenading the cows on the ranch and then entertaining at family gatherings, weddings and funerals. She took up the guitar as a teenager and sang at every opportunity in high school and college. During her time as a grade school music teacher she found that she particularly enjoyed connecting music with history and literature. Jeni’s done that in more recent years by developing programs that combine lecture and music with audience participation in singing along on the choruses. She’s performed widely across our great state and elsewhere, and we’re especially pleased to have her here in the Applegate as a prelude to National Train Day, May 9. This program is made possible by funding from the Oregon Council for the Humanities (OCH), an independent, non-profit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities that is dedicated to the belief that knowledge and ideas are fundamental to the health of our communities. Details about OCH’s programs and publications, which include Oregon Chautauqua, Humanity in Perspective, and Oregon Humanities magazine, can be found at www.oregonhum.org. For more information, call the Ruch Branch Library at 541-899-7438. Pat Gordon • 541-899-7655

applegate from page 8 Partnership meetings, yoga classes, men’s It’s not too late to become a member groups, weaving classes, choir rehearsals, of Friends of the Applegate Library storytelling, special community programs, (FOAL)! Some of you have received our etc. newsletter inviting you to renew your And a special activity to look membership with the FOAL. Don’t forget forward to is an upcoming program: to send in your $15 check to Friends of Thomas Doty’s one-man storytelling of the Applegate Library, Applegate Branch traditional and original native stories Library, P.O. Box 3308, Applegate, Oregon to be held at the library on April 19, 97530. If you are not already a member, 2009 at 3:00 pm. Admission is free and well, it’s time you joined to support refreshments will be served. Come and your local community library...the one join us for the special Sunday afternoon we worked so hard to reopen last year. and meet your neighbors. People of all Remember? ages are invited to attend. Joan Peterson • 541-846-6988

Thomas Doty to perform his stories from the native west On April 19, storyteller Thomas Doty will perform “Doty and Coyote: Stories from the Native West.” The program will be held at 3:00 pm at the Applegate Branch Library, 18485 North Applegate Road, Applegate, Oregon. It is recommended for ages five and older. Admission is free. Thomas Doty’s latest Doty and Coyote stories will be available to purchase following his one-man storytelling. Thomas Doty is nationally known for his impassioned performances of traditional and original native stories. He has released several recordings, including daily and weekly broadcasts on public radio, and has received a number of awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the national American Indian Program. Doty has published many books and is included on the Oregon Literary Map. “Stories touch us deeply on many levels of truth,” says Doty. “They entertain, they teach, they heal. I keep the Old Time stories alive as well as create new ones to keep my art vibrant and healthy.” Doty has been called “One of the best of Oregon’s Don’t forget the Applegate Lodge storytellers” and “a master of his art.” Doty’s performance is sponsored by the Friends of the Applegate Library. For Applegater Fundraiser BBQ more information, call Joan Peterson at (541)846-6988. For more information about Doty and his art, visit Doty’s web site (www.DotyCoyote.com). Sunday April 26 from 3 to 7 pm! Joan Peterson • 541-246-6988 10 Spring 2009 Applegater Serving your community BY claude aron “We must not, in trying to think about how we can library itself. It’s our feeling that a well-informed and make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we culturally diverse community is a more vital community can make which, over time, add up to big differences that and we hope that our participation in these activities we often cannot foresee.” – Marian Wright Edelman does a little bit to promote that. And, as a side benefit My wife Arlene and I were fortunate enough to of our participation, we’ve also met many wonderful have had the opportunity to retire a little over five years and interesting people we might not have crossed paths ago—back when the economy wasn’t looking quite as with otherwise. dismal as it is today. Our dreams of retirement consisted Now, my purpose in relating our activities isn’t primarily of leaving the daily grind of the work world to toot our own horns and convince you that we’re behind us and of having the time and freedom to do great humanitarians, but rather to share our positive the things we enjoyed most, but that we never seemed experiences and perhaps get you thinking about what to have enough time for. We also talked about looking kinds of activities you might want to get involved in for opportunities to volunteer our time for worthy yourself. We can attest to the fact that not only is it causes—though that really was a vague and abstract good for your community, but it also makes you feel notion at the time. good about yourself, provides a way to widen you social After having lived in big, bustling cities our entire network, and, according to a report from a government lives, we also wanted to find a place to live that was agency (the Office of Policy and Research Development), more calm and peaceful. We had spent time in southern can even have positive health benefits. Their study, Oregon previously and found that it had a lot of what entitled The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of we were looking for: natural beauty, good weather, Recent Research, concludes with: culture (music, art, theater, etc.), and a reasonable cost “This report summarizes the impressive findings of living. We were ecstatic to find a beautiful home from a number of studies that have explored the in the Applegate Valley and many wonderful people relationship between volunteering and health. While who became fast friends. We’ve come to feel a sense of these studies may differ in terms of their specific connectedness to our neighbors, to the land and a real findings, they consistently demonstrate that there is a sense of community that we had never experienced as significant relationship between volunteering and good strongly as city-dwellers. This led us to the idea that we health; when individuals volunteer, they not only help wanted to do something to contribute to the well-being their community but also experience better health in and improvement of our community. later years, whether in terms of greater longevity, higher One of the first things we became involved functional ability, or lower rates of depression.” in was working with local groups who provide food, Now, if you’re working full-time and you’re raising clothing and school supplies to needy families and a family, you’re probably saying to yourself about now individuals. Initially, we helped to package and that “Sure, these folks can find the time to volunteer deliver meals to families during the Thanksgiving and because they’re retired, but I just don’t have the time.” Christmas holidays. It felt good to be able to brighten That’s a valid point, and the last thing I’d want to do is lay the holidays for those who otherwise would have little a guilt trip on anyone. If you volunteer out of guilt, you cause to celebrate. probably won’t find it a fulfilling experience. But consider In addition to helping established organizations that you can volunteer for as little or as much time as you with their efforts, Arlene also took it upon herself to choose. Can you spare a couple of hours a month? Or initiate her own efforts in the Applegate and for the last maybe just get your feet wet in this volunteering thing few years has collected generous donations of money, by helping out during the holiday season once and seeing which she has used to buy school supplies for students how it works out? with financial hardships and donations of warm clothing Another idea for people with limited time that to help folks get through the cold winters. Arlene has been trying to promote lately is the idea of These types of efforts often gain a lot of visibility volunteer job sharing. Do you have a friend who would and focus around the fall and winter seasons, and be willing to share the load with you? For example, if especially around the holidays when people tend to there’s a volunteering opportunity that requires a once-a- be more thoughtful and generous, but certainly there week commitment of two hours, two people can alternate are people in need year-round. To help fill such an weeks, transforming it into a biweekly commitment. It ongoing need, Arlene now delivers meals to seniors one doesn’t even have to be an equal split—maybe one person morning a week as part of the Food for Friends program can do it only one week a month and the other person in Jacksonville, and both of us spend one afternoon a can do it the rest of the month. I’m sure any organization week helping out at the Applegate Food Pantry, a local looking for volunteers would be happy to accommodate food bank that has been operated by our friends Matt any arrangement you come up with as long as you’re and Donna Epstein for many years. It provides food for sincere and serious about your commitment. families that are experiencing hard times and struggling So, have I convinced you that volunteering to to make ends meet. As you might expect, the numbers of help out in your community is something worth trying? people in need have grown as the economy has faltered If so, go out, find a need and fill it. Not sure where to and it has been gratifying to be able to help provide start? The Medford Mail Tribune website has a long list a source of emergency food to those hungry families. of volunteer opportunities at: But, as the old saying goes, “man does not live http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ by bread alone,” so we also have tried to find other article?AID=/99999999/COMM20/70411001 ways to contribute to the vitality of this community. Or contact your local school, library, museum, Both of us have participated in the SMART reading hospital, police department, fire department, senior program at the Ruch school, I have been volunteering home, food bank or animal shelter and just ask them with the program committee of the Friends of the Ruch what you can do to help them out—you’ll be glad you Library to organize monthly programs at the library, and did! Arlene has just recently begun volunteering at the Ruch Claude Aron • 541-846-0380

The Third Conference on Klamath-Siskiyou Ecology The Deer Creek Center for Field Research and about environmental change," says Andrew Englehorn, Education, the Siskiyou Field Institute and Southern Conference Coordinator. "The Siskiyous have long been Oregon University are pleased to announce the Third known among ecologists as one of the most biologically Conference on Klamath-Siskiyou Ecology: "Sustaining diverse places in North America. The research presented Biodiversity in a Changing Environment" May 28-30 at this event will bring science to the public, providing a in Selma, Oregon. This conference will bring together forum to discuss the impacts of a changing environment scientists, resource managers and engaged citizens to in this bioregion." discuss the scope and consequences of environmental Dr. Susan Harrison, Department of Environmental change in the ecologically diverse Klamath-Siskiyou Science and Policy, University of California, Davis will bioregion. The conference will include a broad spectrum deliver the keynote address entitled "Revisiting Robert of topics including, (1) forest ecology and management, Whittaker: Botanical Responses to Climate Change in (2) watersheds, rivers, and fish, (3) wildlife ecology, (4) the Klamath-Siskiyous.” endemic and sensitive species, (5) forest pathogens and For further information, please contact Andrew invasive species, and (6) hidden diversity ("the small Englehorn at the Siskiyou Field Institute (andrew@ things that run the world"). thesfi.org; 541-597-8530) or visit us on the website at "One of our main goals is to advance knowledge www.thesfi.org for updates and registration information. Applegater Spring 2009 11 THE STARRY SIDE Spring BY Greeley Wells See the buds, feel the warmth, smell the green, be found in the midst of the Pleiades on May 15 and Daffodils have broken through at my place at this writing again on June 15. In May Mercury fades towards the at February’s end. It’s spring! Dear renewing Spring. In sunset and is gone on or about the May 18. the night sky the loud and raucous proliferation of stars Saturn is high in the south at sunset and remains is setting in the west as the sentinel, Sirius, bright in the for the night the one visible planet of April. The ring west dominates. Gone are Taurus and Orion, only his system is narrow for those looking closer and then open faithful dog remains. The stars are fainter, the sky quieter a little at month’s end. In May Saturn is still high in the with large areas of almost nothing going on. It’s because south but setting at around 3 am. On the May 17 Saturn in spring we stand on the milky way below and around stops it’s westward drift and begins moving eastward us at the horizon line. But don’t worry it’s about to tip against the background stars for the rest of the year. up again in the east, its sentinel is already there in the June is Saturn’s swan song. It starts the evening lower northeast: Vega the bright star in the little constellation and lower in the southwest and ends the evening with Lyra. It’s the leading edge of the summer triangle, soon setting by 1 am on June 15. It’ll be completely gone by Deneb and finally Altar will follow. But summer is September. Also leaving are the rings. just a hint. Spring does have it’s star and constellation Jupiter is rising 2-1/2 hours before the sun in our magnificents. Cassiopeia is under the north star now. April dawn sky, Mars and Venus are there too. On April Then moving up from her is the Little Dipper whose tail 19 Jupiter is quite near the moon. As Saturn sinks in or handle’s end is the north star. Next going upward is the west Jupiter rises in the in southeast in May. June’s the huge Big Dipper and over it all and past the zenith Jupiter rises around midnight. of the sky is Leo the Lion. Notice that the Big Dipper Venus rises due east about 50 minutes before pointers work both ways. From them you can find the the sun at dawn beginning the month. On April 22 the north star by going down. By going up or overhead they moon occults (hides) Venus at about 5:18 am! And that’s point to Leo. This set has been rising and it will be the Mars (a dim pin point) looking on from below and off main sight for this season. Remember you can “follow to the right Jupiter watches it all. By May 10 and into the arch” of the dipper’s tail and it will lead to Arcturus June, Venus rises two full hours before dawn and is the and keep going in roughly the same arch and find Spica. predominate, bar none, dawn “star.” Venus and Mars Arcturus is in Bootes made of not too bright stars and get closer in June and on into July. off to the east is one of my favorites: Corona Borealis a Mars moves up and closer to Venus all April, in neat little “C” shape that is very distinctive though not our dawn sky. On May 21 Venus, Mars and a beautiful very bright. And since I’m a Virgo that’s another reason crescent moon make a nice triangle in the dawn sky. I like Spica, a rather shapeless maiden who holds an ear Mars is still hard to see as it’s blown out by the dawn’s of wheat in her hand. No I’ve never really figured her light. On June 15 Mars emerges from dawn’s twilight out. But she is large and dim with Spica standing alone. and Venus and Mars drift together. Notice Mars just I told you the spring sky was dim, that large southern upper left of Venus and below a crescent moon on the exposure a case in point. June 19 in the dawn. As the season ticks on, like the clock that it is, the whole eastern horizon, well into the north and south, OF SPECIAL NOTE will be aglow with the milky way. The darker your sky April 22 shows us the Lyrid meteor showers, they the greater the show. By June the summer triangle in seem to radiate from the southwest near Vega in early all it’s glory will grace this bright river of light with evening and move into the morning sky by midnight. many bright stars. We’ll concentrate on these for the There may be a dozen or so meteors per hour, not a big summer discussion. In May in the southwest setting shower. soon is the bright Capella in Auriga, what I think of as May has it’s Eta Aquarid showers. On the early a five-sided kite with two tiny triangles straddling two morning of May 6 in the east is the radiant. It’s a little sides. Almost due west and side by side are the Gemini better than the Lyrid’s but with a full moon which always twins: Caster and Pollux, the very last of winter’s stars. impinges on the smaller meteors. They stand parallel with the sunset and fade into it as The crescent moon grazes the Pleiades on April May turns into June. 26 in the western sky. April’s full moon is on April 9 and is called the THE PLANETS Egg, Grass, Easter or Paschl Moon. May’s full moon is Mercury, the ever elusive planet, has it’s best show May 9 and called the Milk Moon or Planting Moon. this year in April and in easy evening sight. Look about June’s full moon is on the June 7 and is called the Flower, mid month in the west-northwest at sunset. On the 26 Rose or Strawberry Moon. a two-day-old moon hangs just to the left of Mercury May your night skies be dark and warm and the with the Pleiades between them - gorgeous! With optical meteors many! aid it’s a crescent shape and easy to see in the sunset light Greeley Wells • 541-840-5700 (always the best time to look at planets). Mercury will [email protected]

Williams Creek Watershed Council and Williams Elementary School’s Salmon Egg Program receives grant funding The Williams Creek Watershed Council Foundation grant will be used to purchase additional (WCWC) is grateful to have recently received a grant educational materials for every student, upgrade the from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation to aquarium system to include refrigeration and reimburse support the Williams Elementary School “Salmon Egg volunteers for gasoline and other expenses. Thanks Program.” Now in its sixth year, this program provides to this new grant, we will also be able to expand the an opportunity for students to learn about the life cycle program to include field trips for students to see natural of salmon that live in our local streams. Every October, salmon spawning sites, as well as fish hatcheries. 100 Chinook salmon eggs (provided by Oregon This project is a partnership between WCWC, Department. of Fish and Wildlife) are hatched in an Williams Elementary School students and teachers and aquarium in the school library. The alevins (baby fish) the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Together are cared for by a team of fourth and fifth grade students with the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, the under the tutelage of WCWC volunteer, Karen Rogers. Ashland Community Food Store and our volunteers, we The whole school eagerly watches the development are excited to offer this community outreach program. of the alevins. Once the fish have reached fry stage This enables Williams Elementary School students (juvenile) they are released into the Rogue River. to learn about native fish and healthy stream habitat. Last year, WCWC received its first grant from For more information about this and other watershed the Ashland Community Food Store in support of the enhancement projects, please contact the Williams Salmon Egg Program. With this grant we were able to Creek Watershed Council at 541-846-9175. improve the aquarium and purchase related educational materials for the students. This year’s Cow Creek Evelyn Roether • 541-846-7163 12 Spring 2009 Applegater

Waters Creek Trail. Photo by Lee Webb.. trails from page 1

Proceed 2.3 miles to the small gravel parking lot, on the varying philosophies that society has of nature. restroom and trailhead. Directions: Take Highway 199 south 12.5 miles Waters Creek Trail has two loops. The first is a from Grants Pass (measured from the intersection of one-mile loop that is graveled, providing a great walk Highway 199 and 238). Turn right onto Waters Creek for families with small children or those desiring an easy Road just south of Wonder (about a half mile from stroll. The trail travels through the Wonder store). Travel an open meadow bordered 2.5 miles, just past the Forest by oaks, and then follows the Limpy Creek interpretative Service boundary, to parking riparian area of Waters Creek. signs were recently replaced as site and restroom. The 2.5-mile second loop is On a regular basis I definitely more of a workout, a memorial to the late Larry meet locals who share what a climbing higher up the slope Cosby, who designed and meaningful place these trails and passing through a mixed are to them and their family. conifer/hardwood forest setting. implemented the trail (also They say these hikes are a “must Waters Creek Trail was Waters Creek Trail) and for do” for any of their out-of- constructed using proceeds town visitors. In addition, from a selective logging sale many years provided the graphic both trails have had lots of in the late 90s; the trail is layout for the Applegater. community involvement with located adjacent to these and support for their creation upslope-managed sites. Signs and maintenance. If you have of prescribed burning and the opening of the canopy not discovered these hikes, add it to your must-do list. And, are now almost impossible to distinguish. Numerous as with most locations in SW Oregon, be on the lookout draws that flow water in the wet season were protected for poison oak. with a vegetative buffer. Harvesting some timber, while For more information, please contact Wild Rivers providing for a visually pleasing recreational experience, Ranger District on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National has been successful. Forest, 2164 NE Spaulding Avenue, Grants Pass, OR Interpretative signs that line the trail have become 97526, 541-471-6500. well-worn, but are worth checking out for information Linda Mullens about some key forest elements and even some quotes Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Trailhead of Limpy Botanical trail. Photo by Linda Mullens.

Full Spectrum Service! Fun and Games by Marvin Rosenberg With complementary and compatible strengths we offer service with Energy, Efficiency & Care. This is an easy one, called FIND A PAIR. Members of the Million $ Club. A Ruch school child is in a hurry in the early morning when it is still dark out. The child is very organized and has only two colors of socks in his drawer and, being a very methodical child, knew the drawer contained eight blue socks and ten red socks. The question Jeanne Schattler Debbie Stevens is, how many socks was it necessary to remove from the drawer before it was Office 541-899-1184 Office 541-899-7969 certain that there was a pair to match? Cell 541-621-2480 Cell 541-621-7997 Answer on page 24. Applegater Spring 2009 13

This quilt was made for Nannette Reukauf by Jae Rowan, Ann Gunter and Eveyln Roether for Zoe in February 2001. All quilt photos by Darryl Jackson.

quilts from page 1 This quilt was made for Kathy Hollis Ries, Grandma Wendy, Kathy Escott and Peter Henry helped hang the Kali by Jana quilts and cleaned up the Grange. Tressi Albee, Hollis Ries, Peg Prag, Madrone for Joulian Kali Eyebright and many others helped construct many of the wonderful, wild, beautiful Williams quilts on display. To all of the women, men and children Montague in May who contributed quilt squares for more than 30 years, a big thank you from 2005. the owners of the quilts and from our community who made it all happen. Inspired by the quilt show, the Williams Arts Guild will be starting a free quilting group at the Pacifica facilities. People with knitting, sewing or beginner quilt projects can join in. The group is a just-for-fun monthly get- together to help with projects and support each other. For more information, please call Peg at 541-846-9230 or LouAnn at 541-846-6951.

Claudia Beausoleil and Peg Prag

This quilt was made for Madrone Eyebright by 8 Hollis Reis for Nettle in December 2006.

This quilt was made for Abby Hatfield by Tressi Albee and Brooke Turner for Sarah Thea Hatfield in April 2004. 14 Spring 2009 Applegater Support your local farmers, economy and health by melanie jessee

This is a very important time of and cooperation among farmers and year for farmers who are getting ready for consumers. the growing season, and the perfect time • CSA provides farmers and growers with to ensure you get a share of the delicious a fair return on their labor. veggies to come! • CSA keeps food dollars in the local The reason I am writing this is to community and contribute to the encourage people to sign up and help development and maintenance of farmers with their spring start-up capital regional food systems. needs. From the mouth of a farmer, “If • With a “guaranteed market” for their there ever was a year that farmers should produce, farmers can invest their rely on their members instead of credit, time in doing the best job they can 2009 would be the perfect candidate for producing food rather than marketing that.” their products. I know that with the way things are • CSA supports the biodiversity of a given going, especially with salmonella recalls farm and the diversity of agriculture. happening daily, many of you right now • CSA creates a sense of social are concerned about food safety and the responsibility and stewardship of local health of your families. Many of us are land. also struggling with the failing economy • CSA puts “the farmers face on food” and the sky rocketing costs of food. So this and increase understanding of how, is one of the simplest, healthiest choices where, and by whom our food is grown. you can make right now for your family, Buying local also greatly reduces our community and local economy. dependency on fossil fuels. Much of the What is Community Supported fossil fuels used in our current food system SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS Agriculture (CSA)? go towards transportation and packaging, “CSA is a partnership of mutual therefore buying local also saves energy and •Make your electricity from the SUN? Now’s the time! commitment between a farm and a reduces the strain on our natural resources •25+ Years experience installing Renewable Electricity. community of supporters which provides as well.” (With permission from the UMass •Offices in Williams, OR and Hornbrook, CA a direct link between the production Extension) •Residential and Commercial Renewable Energy Systems. and consumption of food. Supporters Resources: •Serving the State of Jefferson on the grid and off the grid. cover a farm’s yearly operating budget by There are many resources to find •Licensed and Insured. Member of OSEIA. (oregonseia.org) purchasing a share of the season’s harvest. local CSA programs. I will list a few, but •Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally and ODOE Tax Certified. CSA members make a commitment to this is by no means all of them! OR CCB#149724 CA Elec.Lic#613554 support the farm throughout the season, THRIVE in the Rogue Valley: www. Residential Commercial and assume the costs, risks and bounty thriveoregon.org http://rogueflavor.org of growing food along with the farmer *Thrive also helps local food or grower. Members help pay for seeds, businesses buy/sell local products fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, Local Harvest: www.localharvest. labor, etc. In return, the farm provides, org*Find farms & products anywhere in to the best of its ability, a healthy supply the US of seasonal fresh produce throughout the Here are a few Rogue Valley CSA growing season. Becoming a member programs: creates a responsible relationship between Blue Fox Farm http:// people and the food they eat, the land on bluefoxorganics.com/csa/ which it is grown and those who grow it. Dunbar Farm 326-1666 This mutually supportive Eagle Mill Farm & Education Project: relationship between local farmers, growers http://eaglemillfarm.org/ Up to $18,000 in 50% State Tax Credit! and community members helps create an Fry Family Farm: http://www. Incentives and Tax Credits! 30% Federal Tax Credit economically stable farm operation in fryfamilyfarm.com/ Adds Value to Your Home Accelerated 5 Year Depreciation which members are assured the highest Mud Puddle Farm http:// Reduce Your Monthly Reduce your Monthly quality produce, often at below retail mudpuddlefarmoregon.wordpress.com/ Power Bill Power Bill prices. In return, farmers and growers are Siskiyou Sustainable Coop http://www. guaranteed a reliable market for a diverse siskiyoucoop.com/ selection of crops.” (With permission from Plaisance Ranch: http://www. 1-800-945-7587 the UMass Extension) plaisanceranch.com/ On the web at electronconnection.com Depending on the CSA program you * Plaisance Ranch does not have a choose, a share consists of approximately CSA, but they do have a farm store that 20 weeks of produce, which often contains sells Certified Organic Beef, produce, eggs, recipes from the farmer to help you wine, and Applegate Artisan Bread. diversify your diet and learn new ways Again, there are tons of resources to cook the veggies provided. Many and farms not listed here. I encourage CSA programs also consist of eggs, dairy, you to check them out as well as support poultry, meat, and even beautiful fresh stores and restaurants that carry local flowers! products. Those in the Rogue Valley can Prices vary between CSAs and you also check out the Rogue Flavor Guide. It often can choose between a large share is a free guide to farms, wineries, breweries, (for larger families or three or four adults) grocery/specialty stores and restaurants and a small share (enough for two adults that carry local products and more in the or a small family). Some programs also Rogue Valley give you “CSA bucks” which allow you to choose what veggies you get and when. Melanie Jessee Why is Community Supported 541-761-7686 Agriculture important? Rogue Community College student • CSA encourages direct communication majoring in environmental studies

Electric Contractors 10 % OFF •Lighting •Service Change •Remodels/Additions •Troubleshooting •FREE Estimates! Ask for Troy • 474-7943 CCB# 107300 “WHY TAKE A CHANCE? CALL A PRO !” Applegater Spring 2009 15 Residents support biomass drop site by Tom Carstens Last year, Biomass One, the 30 THINNING: 83% of respondents MW electricity plant in White City offered said they thinned their property at to grind up and haul away our biomass least once per year. Of those who said waste for free if we set up a drop site, they would use a drop site, 50% said similar to the one we had in Murphy for that having a waste site close by would so many years. (Their portable grinder is motivate them to thin more often. pictured.) So the Applegate Partnership DISTANCE: 45% of those who and the Greater Applegate Community would use a site said they would travel Choosing a Well Development Corporation (GACDC) up to ten miles to haul their wood waste. teamed up with SOU and yours truly to An additional 25% said they would haul Drilling ask residents of the valley if they would further than ten miles. support such a site. USER FEE: About 70% of Air: Only 1% thought air quality Contractor #17 This past summer I drew a 10% potential users said they wouldn’t mind was poor. random sample from all 7,046 of the paying a small charge to help offset the Wildfire: 69% rated the risk of fire with Bob Quinn Applegate watershed tax lots in Jackson cost of running a site. Almost all thought on their property as moderate to high. and Josephine Counties. In all, 687 that $5 per pickup load would be about You’re preparing to arrange The full report has a lot more for a well on property you own survey forms were mailed out and 357 right. information, including a synopsis of all the or are planning to buy. Take the were returned, for a response rate of PREFERRED SITE: Of six sites written comments and suggestions (43% advice of the Oregon Ground 52%. Statistically, that provided us listed, Murphy received the support of of respondents chose to comment). If any Water Association and choose with a reliable sample within a margin 40% of the respondents. This might be of you would like to see the entire report, your contractor wisely. of error of 5%. I tabulated the results at reflective of the fact that about two-thirds give me a call and I’ll arrange to e-mail a The decision is an important SOU in October and delivered a report of the tax lots are in Josephine County. copy to you, complete with charts, tables, one, because it is the presence of a to the Partnership and the GACDC in MISCELLANEOUS DATA: and analysis. healthy water supply that gives value to your land. Among the November. The results of that survey are Age: Over half of respondents are I’d like to thank all of you who summarized below. over 60. Less than 5% are 40 or under. suggestions of OGWA are these: participated. The Partnership and the How long has the contractor been SUPPORT: 79% of respondents Residency: 72% of respondents GACDC have the data and will meet in in business and constructing thought that the concept of a biomass drop have lived here more than 10 years. January to discuss next steps, if any. If wells? Is the firm licensed, site was a good idea. 68% said they would Production: 89% of respondents anyone has more thoughts on this, let them bonded, and insured? Will they actually use it to drop off slash and other say their property produces wood waste. know how you feel, or give me a call. provide references from recently wood waste. Support was a bit stronger Disposal: 86% of respondents burn drilled wells? Do they provide a among Josephine County residents. their wood waste. Tom Carstens • 541-846-1025 written agreement or contract that sets down an understanding of the work to be performed? Are the details and costs estimates of well construction included? Is there a Is ethanol really helping? checklist of things to be included by Tasha Knowlton in the project? In addition to these About a year and a half ago I was Ethanol has the power to dissolve will also help. suggestions, you might also want rooting for ethanol plants. I thought that fiberglass fuel tanks and in some cases it has On the other side, I have heard to know the experience of it was a great idea to put ethanol into caused severe engine problems. Ethanol is many people say that the ethanol has no homeowners in the surrounding our gasoline because it would reduce very corrosive and sounds like it could be effect on their vehicles. They have vehicles area, the depth at which water was the amount of carbon monoxide and dangerous to some of our vehicles. When that run just as well as when they filled found, the flow rate (gallons per minute), and the costs. Such hydrocarbon tailpipe emissions. The I did research on ethanol plants a year and them with pure gasoline. So ethanol, in information can be enormously difference might not have been drastic, but a half ago, people were saying that ethanol some cases, isn’t a bad thing. helpful, and a good well driller if we could improve our environment in would be cheaper, but gas prices have been I still have faith that one day ethanol should be able to provide it the slightest way, I thought the idea must higher than ever. The only good thing that will be more useful to us. If we could find without obligation. be good. But is ethanol really helping ethanol seems to be doing is reducing the a way to improve the performance of anyone? carbon monoxide and smog emissions. ethanol, then our environment could be Since the E-10 (10% ethanol, 90% Our community is full of farmers improved, little by little. It’s the nuances Bob Quinn is a member of the Oregon gas) mixture came to our community, I who have to use heavy equipment on of assistance—like switching to a more Ground Water Association and owner of have heard people saying that they have their crops. They cannot afford to have environmentally friendly way of fueling Quinn’s Well Drilling and Pump noticed a downgrade in the performance ethanol ruin this expensive equipment. cars—that can make a difference in our Service at 6811 Williams Hwy., Grants of their vehicles. In the March edition of Each year, my grandparents grow fields of community and our nation. If we could Pass. As part of a tradition of the Outdoor Life magazine, it discusses the corn to sell right here in our community. just discover an efficient way to prevent information and service that began more than 50 years ago, these columns problems that ethanol has been causing If anything happened to their equipment, ethanol from degrading the performance are provided by the firm to help take in boats. Bud Tillman, a Suzuki dealer in they wouldn’t be able to do this and a major of vehicles, all would be good. Until then, the mystery out of well drilling and Florida, said that they had more than 200 part in their livelihood would be ruined. we can do what we can, like putting in ground water. If you have a question boaters come in with boat problems. New Farmers—let alone everyone else—cannot the fuel stabilizer, to prevent the negative about your well or one you are filters were getting clogged up and full afford these problems. However, one thing effects of ethanol. planning, please call Bob or his helpful of water, and screens and injectors were that has seemed to improve the function staff for advice, estimates, or helpful getting ruined. Ethanol was supposed to of the ethanol is fuel stabilizer. Outdoor Tasha Knowlton information at no obligation or cost. burn cleaner and cooler and was supposed Life magazine says that keeping the tank 541-951-1021 to be easier on engines than pure gasoline. filled to the brim to prevent condensation Hidden Valley High School Student 862-9355

Please support our advertisers. They help bring the Gater to you! 16 Spring 2009 Applegater Tall Tales from the Editor LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Opinion Pieces and Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author, not that of the Burning tale Applegater or the Applegate Vallley Community Newspaper. 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 or phone number. Individual Letters may or may not be published in consecutive issues. Address Opinion Pieces and Letters to the Editor to: The Applegater c/o Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. Tail of woe 7386 Highway 238. • PMB 308 Jacksonville, OR 97530 The local meteorologist reported another twenty-five dozen cookies from the Email: [email protected] that an incoming cold front would be the oven. Man, do I love the smell of baking coldest weather we’ve had in five years. cookies, but suddenly there was a strange By Montana standards our cold front burnt stench in the air. When I turned Dear Editor: would be a winter heat wave, but here in back to the table, Chloe was swishing her Rauno Perttu’s article in the winter issue of the Applegater about his wife, Jan, Applegate, Oregon, that meant “colder tail again, but this time it was through having the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease is such a personal heartrending account of what than hell.” (Where did that term come Sioux’s “relaxing” candle. Chloe was on they have been through and are facing. It’s bad enough when the disease attacks the from, anyway? I was under the impression, fire! I yelled something like, ”Sioux, our elderly but it should never happen to one so young. from my childhood Sunday-school days, kitty is on fire.” Well, maybe I really There are so many terrible diseases throughout our world. It almost discourages that “hell” was exceedingly hot, not cold. yelled, “Holy smoke, we have a flaming one from knowing which ones need the most financial support. Cancer has always been Very confusing!) grimalkin.” Actually I can only take Sioux’s a top-priority which is now being treated with more hope of recovery. When the cold front hit, my bride word that I yelled something like that as When Parkinson’s disease suddenly attacked my brother and my son-in-law’s Sioux had her laptop computer set up on I was lunging for the flaming Chloe, who father, as well as a very dear friend several years ago, it became very difficult to accept the kitchen table and a candle burning was running around emitting deafening cat the “no cure” verdict. in the center of the table. Sioux was screams. Chloe was only mildly singed, It will be a wonderful day when the “cure” verdict comes to those like Jan. So explaining to me why the candle was and actually was running away from mad many diseases have disappeared just in my lifetime. Hope and cures are on the way. It necessary. “The smell relaxes me. And the dog McGee in his Elizabethan collar, who doesn’t stop now. flicker of the candle gives me a feeling of thought this was a new game as he was Evelyn Williams, Jacksonville, Oregon warmth.” I think “feeling” is the operative crashing and turning over everything in word. our scrunched-tight kitchen—you know, Sioux always says she likes to the one with cookies on every conceivable JACKSON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER multitask, but trust me, that is very open horizontal space. In all the bumping to interpretation. While she was using and upheaval, Sioux, of course, dropped the computer and gazing at the candle, some cookies, but old Utah helped her she also was baking twelve-dozen cookies by scarfing them up as fast as they hit the PETS OF THE MONTH for the annual cookie exchange party the ground, while I rubbed my hand up and next day. Cookies were stacked all over the down Chloe’s tail and extinguished the kitchen—on the counters, on the window flames. Burnt cat hair filled the air as the ledges, well, everywhere. Why? Because soot particles drifted around the kitchen Sioux made up her own recipe to use up and alighted on some of the dozens and my frozen apple pulp left over from this dozens of cookies. past fall’s apple pressing. So as calculations As I was grabbing Chloe, I had a go, her twelve-dozen cookies turned into vision of her running through the house at least fifty dozen. I should have hired a and the entire place going up in flames. I U-Haul to help her get them to the party. wasn’t sure our homeowner’s policy covered Our two Border Collie/McNab flaming feline tail. dogs, older Utah and five-month-old Chloe fared quite well, and is just McGee, were keeping warm by the stove. missing several tail hairs and one of her McGee had just had every guy’s nightmare nine lives. McGee learned that “cat on fire” Omar - #0133 Apple - #K0172 Whisp - #K0145 surgery a few days prior to this baking is not an inside game, and Utah learned an 8-year-old angel a happy 8-month-old a warm boy with the fiasco. That’s right, we did our civic duty that with patience, his Mom would most who’s good with dogs. active Hound girl. purr-fect personality. and had him neutered. The thought makes likely drop something yummy while she is me want to cross my legs—tightly! Poor multi-multitasking. This time Utah was McGee had to wear one of those awful especially content as his bounty was at least plastic cone-shaped headgear contraptions. two month’s worth of cookies gleaned from We had to refrain from calling him the kitchen floor. Sioux still had plenty “Queen Elizabeth”—you know, like from of cookies for the cookie exchange and the sixteenth century. Since he could see apparently no one complained about the only straight in front of him with this new “fuzzy” icing on some of the cookies. They trendy headgear, he constantly was running must have had a delicious organic flavor, into everything in our tiny cramped probably from my apple pulp. kitchen quarters. As for me, the few moments of I was sitting at the kitchen table burning tail has given me many days of just enjoying a nutmeg-laced eggnog with my laughing out loud. We all need to laugh Suzie - #K0237 Cammy - #K0360 Alibi - #0225 buddy Jimmy Bean, when our niece, Chloe and it better be hearty and out loud or we a 4-month-old red a beautiful 7-month-old a sweet 1-year-old the cat, and all her luxurious long calico may drown in a melted glacier of tears. speckled Heeler pup. Tabby kitten. with fur like a tiger. hair decided to join me at the table. I was As we look upon the smoldering ruins of having this very philosophical conversation the financial world on Wall Street, you with her, querying who she thought she and I will pay the price for their napalm LOW-COST was jumping up on the table. Apparently lies, government-sanctioned theft, blatant SPAY/NEUTER she knows and looked at me as if I were one hypocrisy, and benign neglect by our one- step below retarded. I had to be persistent, party political systems. Yet COUPONS ”This is a no-no. Off the table, Chloe!” the streets are quiet and I adopt  volunteer  donate don’t know why. AVAILABLE She sprawled out, fastened her gaze on  WWW.FOTAS.ORG 774.6654 me and swished her tail. I turned to say The Editor, J.D. Rogers The Jackson County Animal Shelter is located at www.spayneuter.org something to Sioux, who was unloading 541-846-7736 5595 S. Pacific Hwy. 99, between Talent & Phoenix. or call 541.858.3325 Adoption Hours: 11-4 weekdays, Noon-4 weekends.

BARNS & Applegater Spring 2009 17 Beaver rescue on the Applegate River by chas rogers iving on a river can be I recently had the chance to trees along the bank. The landowner had releasing it slowly is only one important difficult these days, especially experience the American beaver up close, found that the beaver had gnawed down aspect beavers do. Ponds and wood debris Lfor the wildlife that has used something I had only read about or seen cottonwood trees along the driveway, collected by beavers are one of the best them for homes and survival for millions of off in the distance in remote waterways. felling them into the road and blocking survival habitats for juvenile salmon. years. With shrinking habitat, and riparian Most beaver inhabit pools or ponds that the way to his home. Other trees were Beaver ponds slow flood waters, encourage encroachment, the American beaver has are dammed with sticks and logs, but some in jeopardy if the beaver was allowed to deposition, and collect fine sediment that been challenged by trappers, traders, and are found in muddy banks along larger continue with his habits. Rather than use clogs streams. Ponds can raise the water settlers since before the foundation of the streams. This particular beaver occupied a a kill trap or shooting the animal, this table of the surrounding area, develop State of Oregon. These native inhabitants large slow water pool on the banks of the beaver was given a chance to survive by rich bottomland with high nitrogen levels, rely on the continued flow of creeks and Applegate River. Numerous beaver sticks referring the problem to a specialist in live and reduce erosion. As the pond fills with rivers as well as the development of wide and small piles of woody debris could be trapping to move the beaver to an isolated sediment and gets shallower, eventually and varied riparian habitats. Influences to seen in the river and along the banks where stream system. The trapper donated his the beavers will migrate to another spot, the landscape over the past 150 years or trails of muddy tracks lead upward to the time and expertise to relocate this beaver leaving the site to regenerate into a thick more has been dramatic and detrimental surrounding hardwood riparian forest. for its high value as a restoration partner wetland that supports many species of to beavers following the arrival of settlers Stepping lightly, I ventured into in maintaining stream habitat. This one wildlife dependant on the beavers work. and trappers. the muddy banks to examine the humble beaver may get a second chance. Transporting and relocating the structure where the beaver dug into the The live trap is designed to catch trapped beaver to another site was the bank and covered the entrance with the beaver during movement, usually at most rewarding part of this process. Once hundreds of small sticks. Although it did night, and is a “suitcase” trap that catches we reached the designated release site, the not look like much, there was a kind of and holds the animal safely. Since these holding cage was dragged to the new area special presence to the site. The quiet are nocturnal animals, these traps will and the trap was opened. At first, the beaver setting with the river slowly rolling by be set for several days and nights until could not understand what was happening with swooshes and trickle sounds, deer on one is caught. The trapped beaver must to him. Confused, but still alive, it slowly the opposite side grazed the low grass, and be rescued immediately to keep it from slipped into the water and swam away to a pair of hawks circled and dove nearby. harm and moved to a new site at once. a deep pool on the opposite bank. Its nose However, my fascination was with the Most trapped animals are vicious and broke water and black eyes stared back in Beaver in live suitcase trap ready for young fish that seem to gather near the dangerous, but beavers are not harmful relief. Sneaking a peak back, the beaver saw transport to release site. pile of sticks like a magnet attracts iron unless provoked and stay quiet in the trap that it had been given another chance to filings. There were hundreds of juvenile in the car as it awaits its fate. live, another chance to establish a home, salmon clinging to the site for protection Beavers are unique among large another chance to complete its life cycle in and survival. A school of what looked like rodents, their large flat tails are used like a a tributary of the Rogue Basin. Chinook or Coho salmon waited for a time rudder to guide them through the water, As I drove home that night, I when they would migrate downstream and and are vegetarians feeding on young trees realized that something great had just return to the sea for the next stage of their and shrubs. They live in family groups happened to the beaver and to me. I had life cycle. that work tirelessly to create a home for witnessed the relocation and release of one As I moved about on the water’s themselves and relatives. Being social of the most important of animals in the edge, the fish darted off in mass to the animals, each beaver establishes itself into river system. Considered a pest, a nuisance opposite side of the pile and moved a colony where the work can be shared. to mankind, this beaver had inspired hope through the sticks as if they knew each They are the only other animal, besides to our efforts to help save the salmon runs Transporting the beaver to the creek for hole and hiding place in the cluster. They humans, that build and develop a home in the Rogue River Basin. It had risen from release in the suitcase live trap. seemed to know the beaver that occupied and surroundings as well as create habitat the mud of the Applegate River to the this den was a part of their life cycle and for themselves and many other species ranks of partner to society. With dedication they needed its care. The sticks and muddy of wildlife. They are constantly at work to the river itself, we released this American debris were the best place to gather a school chewing sticks, digging holes, and caring icon, the lowly beaver to complete its life of fish to summer over until their time to for their young. In their work, they can cycle. Questions remain as to the ultimate move downstream with spring flow. This dam up a stream and pool water, holding fate of the symbol of Oregon, the American was more than a hiding place for young back surface water onsite longer and beaver. Can we learn to protect and value fish, but a sanctuary for wildlife that releasing it slowly for long term discharge. the deeds of the busy beaver? Can man depend on the beaver. This holding pond is the survival area for learn to live with this industrious builder? I had been brought along to see the family to hide from its predators such Where will the next beaver rescue occur the process of removing the beaver from as coyote, mountain lions, bears, dogs, and what chance does it have to survive? Beaver just released into new habitat where this site. A complaint had been filed and humans. it has a chance to survive.. due to property damage to several small Holding water on the land and Chas Rogers • 541-846-6003

Simply the best by sandy shaffer Our Applegate Valley Rural Fire At least ten different fuels projects from District #9 has won yet another award! At our Fire Plan were completed due to the the Special Districts Association of Oregon’s Fire District’s enthusiasm and leadership. annual 2009 Awards Banquet held in This may sound like a “ho-hum, Portland on February 7, Fire District #9 so what” deal at first, but only one other picked up the top “Outstanding District fire district in the state has been known Program” award for districts with 6-25 to take the initiative to obtain grants and employees. Fire Chief Brett Fillis was there hire contractors to help their constituents to receive the award, along with Office perform hazardous fuels work. And when Manager Carey Chaput and me. you add in the emergency preparedness Our Fire District was nominated planning and the fire prevention and for their collaborative, innovative and education efforts that the Applegate Fire invaluable efforts in implementing the District has helped provide to us, our valley Applegate Fire Plan. Given the checkerboard is more fire safe and fire savvy because of land ownership in the Applegate, we needed their work. a leader to take charge of the daunting task So, please join me in congratulating of implementing the priority fuel reduction our Applegate Fire District on this projects from the Fire Plan. Fire Chief wonderful honor! Fillis did just that, and in the six years since the Fire Plan was written, District #9 staff Sandy Shaffer • 541-899-9541 and volunteers have worked with private, Applegate Fire Plan Coordinator state and federal land owners to plan and voice with state and other government of districts, representing over 900 local complete strategically-placed hazardous Who is the Special Districts Association administrative agencies, as well as training governments of varying sizes and functions fuels treatments across ownership borders. of Oregon (SDAO), and what is a “special and information resources and support. Their throughout the state. Fire/ambulance Grants were obtained by the District to help district,” you ask? The SDAO was formed in mission is “to assist special service districts in districts are the most common district types, landowners complete defensible space work 1979 to provide a broad range of membership providing cost-effective and efficient public followed by water, irrigation, road, sanitary, that was complementary to work being services to special service districts throughout services to the people of Oregon.” park and recreation, cemetery and charter completed on neighboring federal lands. the state. It provides advocacy and a united The SDAO has 35 different types school districts 18 Spring 2009 Applegater

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Controlled burning BY AL MASON

The Medford BLM will intentionally burn over In the days before the burn there are many 7,000 acres this year. Other agencies and organizations communications occurring. Notifications are made to will add significant acreage to that as well. With a multitude of cooperators. The burn boss (the person each smoke column comes a flurry of phone calls and in charge on burn day) consults with the weather sometimes media requests. Many people are still unsure service, smoke management officials, and contingency as to why federal agencies are lighting the match. Others resources. Contingency resources are personnel and call in to ask how this can be accomplished safely and equipment that will be “on call” during the burn. There who exactly is out there doing the burning? are pre-burn checklists too long to describe here that First, let’s look at why some agencies are doing must be completed and approved by several levels of controlled burning in Southern Oregon. management. Each burn is conducted by a team of The primary reason for doing controlled burns experts that use an incident command organization to is public safety. Removing forest fuels and lessening fire get the job done. The burn boss must adhere to a burn intensity can reduce the risks and hazards to homeowners plan that was written and approved well in advance and firefighters during a wildfire. The majority of BLM of the burn day. Multiple agencies and contractors lands are well within the wildland urban interface (WUI) are working in cooperation on any given controlled and the protection of homes and firefighters is high on burn such as the BLM, US Forest Service, Oregon our priority list. Every controlled burn that you see is Department of Forestry, National Weather Service, and the result of years of planning and coordination by a local fire departments. team of experts. Controlled burns are strategically located The method or “ignition pattern” chosen to burn in high priority treatment areas that are determined by a particular location is spelled out in the burn plan community fire plans, county fire plans, and the latest with actual diagrams. The burn boss can make minor computer modeling programs. adjustments on burn day due to factors such as a wind Secondly, controlled burning can improve forest direction shift or changing fuel moisture conditions. The health. The BLM is trying to reintroduce fire into an burn team uses topography and wind to their advantage. ecosystem that has been knocked out of whack by decades Generally, the team will start at the top of the burn of fire exclusion. Fire exclusion became very effective after area and begin lighting a small strip of fire along the the 1910 fires that burned huge tracts of land in Idaho and upper edge called the “head strip”. This strip of fire is western Montana. Congress called for firefighting crews allowed to gently back down the hill with control lines to be hired and stationed all over the west. Forests grew and personnel keeping the fire in check along the top thick, and woody biomass accumulated as each natural and flanks of the burn unit. When the head strip is fire cycle was prevented. Firefighters did their job well. established and is wide enough the burn boss directs In southern Oregon the average natural fire frequency firing personnel to take additional “strips” of fire across on a particular piece of ground may have been every 35 the unit in a side hill fashion. These strips of fire can years or less. Many areas have “missed” several natural fire vary in width depending on conditions and observed cycles. Now, by utilizing controlled burns in the periods fire behavior. Eventually, the strips of fire reach the before and after wildland fire season, we can slowly reverse bottom of the unit and personnel begin to “mop-up” this accumulation of woody fuel. Controlled burning can along the edges putting water on hot spots and critical make forests more fire resilient. Low intensity fire can holding areas. After the burn a smaller workforce is reduce the ground fuels and smaller vegetation that can assigned to monitor and patrol the burn area until the act as a “ladder” for fire to climb into the forest canopy. burn boss declares the unit “out”. This may take days or Eat Local At... Some areas are thinned to open the forest canopy enough weeks.In Southern Oregon wildfire is a natural process to prevent fire from burning tree top to tree top. These that we cannot ignore. It is not a question of “if”, but Open treatments can be effective. For example, preliminary “when” will the forest burn again? So, thank you for Tues ‐ Sat. results from research in Northern California indicated tolerating those smoky days in the spring and fall. For 5pm that stand thinning followed by controlled burns resulted controlled burning to be successful the BLM will need in much lower wildfire severity than stands left untreated your continued tolerance of a few less than perfect air 899‐1942 or thinned stands without follow-up controlled burning. quality days. The payoff could be immense during the Additionally, wildfire quickly dropped from the crowns of next fire season. Fine Food, Wine and Spirits from the Best Farmers and Food Purveyors of Our Region! trees to the ground when it reached treated areas (Skinner Al Mason • 541-618-2391 et al. 2004). Fuels Management Specialist www.thegardenatmccully.com Now let’s look at how controlled burning is done. Medford District BLM Every individual burn has a specific burn plan that has been written by an expert and then reviewed by peers and land Photo 1: Low intensity fire during controlled burn. managers. The plan is custom to that particular location Fire is gently and slowly backing down the hill. Area has and examines factors such as vegetation, topography, been previously treated by cutting and piling brush and burning the piles. proximity to water sources, natural barriers such as rock Photo 2: Flank fire being brought down control line. outcrops, proximity to homes, access roads and trails, Charged hoses are ready to spray water to cool hot spots. hazards, special protection areas, and much more. The This control line was scraped to mineral soil with hand tools. burn plan also prescribes an environmental “window” in Photo 3: Controlled burn personnel are bringing which the burn must occur. This prescription window strips of fire across the burn area by moving sideways is defined by allowable temperature, wind speed, relative across the slope. Photo 4: After a controlled burn. Low intensity humidity and resultant fuel moisture conditions. The burning can be patchy in nature and doesn’t always turn plan also spells out the minimum number of personnel everything black. An occasional pocket of burned trees is and types of equipment that must be present on burn day. expected and mimics what might have occurred historically. Applegater Spring 2009 19 Researchers use a SOFT approach to battle wormy apples BY Rick Hilton and Alan Knight Note: Rick Hilton is with Oregon State University, By implementing mating Medford, OR and Alan Knight with the Agricultural disruption, orchardists can often avoid Research Service, Yakima, WA the use of the more toxic insecticides that kill both pests and beneficial While the “apple” in Applegate Valley refers to insects. However, by adopting a less Jesse Applegate, the trailblazer and early Oregon settler, toxic method these orchards can become one might be forgiven for thinking that it referred to the vulnerable to infestation from sources apples that seem to be present in so many homesteads of codling moth outside the orchard. throughout the valley. Apples came to the Applegate In light of the threat that these sources Valley with the early settlers and miners. Apples served of codling moth present to commercial as a versatile resource—they could be eaten fresh, they orchards, it was necessary to devise stored well during the cold winter months, and they a program for controlling codling moths in small their backyard fruit trees. More testing of the SOFT could be processed into sauce and squeezed into cider, orchards and backyards. Unfortunately the mating program is needed to refine and improve this approach. It including the hard variety. But ever since people began disruption method used by commercial growers works is hoped that we can develop an optimal combination of planting apples they have contended with a wide array best on large contiguous acreages and does not work methods that is effective without being too costly. If you of pests, from bears to microscopic diseases. One of on single trees or small plantings. have a small apple orchard or some backyard trees and are the most well-known pests of apples is the codling Instead, we came up with a multi-tactic approach interested in using the SOFT program this coming season moth. The proverbial for managing codling please contact Rick Hilton, richard.hilton@oregonstate. worm in the apple is moths using only edu, at OSU’s Southern Oregon Research & Extension actually the caterpillar non-toxic, organically Center on Hanley Road for more information. of a rather small and certified methods that Richard J. Hilton nondescript moth. are highly selective for Senior Research Assistant / Entomologist The codling codling moth. This OSU-Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center moth is the key pest Selective Organic 569 Hanley Road in commercial apple Fruit Tree (SOFT) Central Point OR 97502 and pear orchards in program consists of Tel: 541-772-5165 ext. 227 the Pacific Northwest three components: Fax: 541-772-5110 and around the world. 1) a suspension The caterpillar, or larva, bores into the fruit to feed on of microscopic nematodes that attack soft-bodied the seeds causing the fruit to rot or drop off the tree. insects is applied to the tree trunk and base during It is not uncommon to find apple trees where the vast the fall or spring to attack the full grown larvae that majority of the fruit have been infested with codling are overwintering in bark crevices hidden within a moth larvae. Even though there are many natural silken cocoon; enemies of the codling moth—birds, bats, insect 2) a microbial pesticide, an insect virus that predators, parasitic wasps and diseases, they generally infects only codling moths, is applied to the tree do not cause enough mortality to prevent the codling foliage when codling moths eggs are hatching during moth population from increasing. A codling moth the summer; and larva spends much of its time inside the fruit, a perfect 3) traps specifically designed to attract and place to hide from both natural enemies and insecticide capture female codling moths and thereby prevent sprays. In the early 1900s most of the apple and pear eggs from being laid are put out in every other tree. orchards in the Rogue Valley were sprayed with lead This combination of methods was tested last arsenate, a stomach poison, for control of codling year in a number of locations throughout the Rogue moth. After World War II, DDT was the pesticide Valley, including one site on Little Applegate Road. of choice followed by other neurotoxins. These broad After just one year it is a little early to make any spectrum insecticides tended to cause other pest sweeping claims, but the preliminary results indicate problems to erupt, spider mites being the foremost that the SOFT program can dramatically reduce example. More recently, new behavioral methods for codling moth damage to the fruit and, even more managing codling moths have been adopted. Thanks importantly, very few codling moths survived, that to a combination of research and entrepreneurship, should make it even easier to control codling moths many orchards now have the option of use mating in these sites in the upcoming year. A couple of factors disruption to control codling moth. By dispensing that seemed to be important in reducing codling moth small amounts of the moth’s sex pheromone into the damage and survival were the degree to which the site orchard atmosphere, the chemical communication was isolated from other sources of codling moths, not between the sexes can be effectively disrupted, which surprisingly, and the level of management that the trees prevents successful mating from occurring. This non- received. Generally, it was easier to control codling toxic approach was used on over half the pear acreage moth in small trees where the fruit had been thinned. in the Rogue Valley last year. Cultivar was also important. Bartletts are one of the most susceptible types of pear to codling moth damage; Golden Delicious apples are much more prone to codling moth attack than other cultivars CALL NOW! FOR YOUR MISTLETOE REMOVAL & PRUNING

like Granny Smith or 7/5 A348532 Arkansas Black. Recently, when we were invited to present our results to the January meeting of the Applegate Valley Southern Garden Club, it was Oregon exciting to see a full Tree Care house of interested L.L.C. • Free Estimates homeowners who • Tree Evaluation wanted to improve 772-0404 • Stump Grinding Fully insured and bonded • Cabling & Bracing their management of Insurance Work Welcome • Expert Pruning Licensed CCB#168007 & Removal 20 Spring 2009 Applegater Habitat for Humanity Sanctuary One site chosen for women BY Dan Davis veterans retreat You may not be aware that Habitat Humanity sets standards and policies we Sanctuary One, also known as Double Oak Farm and located in the Upper for Humanity has been in the Rogue Valley must use, but does not financially support Applegate area, is to be the site of a weekend retreat for a group of women veterans for 21 years and has completed 33 houses us. An important point is that funds given the weekend of April 10-12. for low-income families in need of housing. to the national organization are not shared This gathering has been planned by Stacy Bannerman, nationally known Some people have thought of this as a give- with us locally. advocate and dedicated worker for veterans and their families. Seed money for this away program; however, nothing could Our ReStore, a new and used pilot program has been received from Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation. In be further from the truth. Habitat for building material store at 160 N. Fir Street addition, a Benefit Reception was held on February 27 at Woody’s Pub and Grill Humanity is a hand up—building homes in Medford, is constantly being improved in Medford to raise funds for this nonprofit veteran’s organization, Sanctuary One. and building hope for families who need it. and upgraded with new and different items Stacy Bannerman, the wife of an Iraq War combat veteran, has long We qualify and approve our families each day and reduced prices. The store is recognized the unmet needs of our veterans, and has brought together a talented at income levels between 30% and 60% of now open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 and concerned staff including Sara Rich, MSW, a trauma informed counselor “with the federal median. Applicants must show am-5:00 pm. a passion for creative and spiritual healing”; Amber Gray, clinician and creative arts a need for housing, their living conditions By recycling building material, we therapist; and Susan Avila-Smith, a US Army veteran who has founded women’s must be substandard and/or overcrowded, estimate the ReStore is saving 600,000 veteran’s groups. All have deep family ties to the military service. be homeless, or paying more than 50% tons of trash from the landfill each year!! Goals of the retreat include opportunities for sharing experiences, help with of their income on rent. They must show In addition, we offer a valuable service VA claim forms, tools for dealing with service-related stress, including yoga, massage ability to pay the mortgage and be willing to many people with low-cost home therapy, journaling and other aids. One of the important aspects of the gathering to “partner” with Habitat, with at least -improvement needs. Remodelers find is the opportunity to have community with other women veterans in the relaxed 500 hours of sweat equity toward the pieces to match an older product. Crafters and natural setting of the Applegate Valley, and help adjusting to the return home. construction of their home. find items for their creations. And ReStore Women veterans will be lodged at the Applegate River Ranch Lodge. More Habitat families are hard-working is a treasure trove for landlords. In these information about the background of this program and Stacy’s work can be read people who will take advantage of the economic times you might not be able at www.stacybannerman.org. Persons interested in supporting Sanctuary One can hand-up opportunity. Although Habitat to pay the price of a new appliance, sink, go to their website at sanctuaryone.org. for Humanity was founded as a Christian- furniture, door, tiles, lighting fixture or Ruth Austin • 541- 899-7476 based organization, there are no religious any of many other items. The Habitat for requirements for a Habitat family and we Humanity ReStore is perfect for many are proud that we have provided homes for needs, and we hope you can find the time or call the ReStore at 541-773-9095 if on our monthly HabiTour. The first families of various faith persuasions. to visit us. you have questions regarding a donation, Saturday of each month we load a bus at The houses are built largely by The ReStore accepts donations of inventory, or if you’d like to volunteer. the ReStore to show off some of the work volunteer individuals, companies and new and used building materials. This When needed, we can also pick up we’ve accomplished, as well as our current contractors and are sold to the family with includes doors, windows, appliances, tile, donations at your location and deliveries projects. The Habitat for Humanity Rogue a no-interest 30-year mortgage for the cost paint, roofing supplies, fixtures, as well are available as well. Valley office phone number is 541-779- of construction, with a formula in place to as many other items that can be used for We have relocated our administrative 1983. protect Habitat in case the family decides to home improvement. The items are resold offices to the ReStore building to save The true reward for us comes as we sell their home or refinance The mortgage at a fraction of the new price. Proceeds additional overhead costs and dedicate dedicate a new home and watch a new is held by Habitat with the proceeds put from the ReStore essentially covers our more of our scarce resources to our family with children take possession of into a revolving fund used to build more overhead, so that donations to the local mission. We are very responsible stewards their new home, knowing that this is going houses. The organization exists because Habitat affiliate all go directly to the cause of our donors’ money. to make a huge difference in their lives and of the many donations from individuals, of providing homes. If you’d like more information have major impacts on the future success churches and businesses that generously Please visit us at 160 N. Fir Street about Habitat for Humanity, you can visit of those children. That is the reason I am give cash and gifts of in-kind materials in Medford in our bright aqua-colored our web site at www.roguevalleyhabitat. there. and services. The national Habitat for building (across from the Mail Tribune), org. Or schedule yourself to join us Dan Davis • 541-779-1983 Applegater Spring 2009 21 BACK IN TIME Logtown BY Evelyn Byrne Williams with Janeen Sathre Each spring some little yellow Butte Creek near Butte Falls. Many the land his cabin was on. The graveyard roses peak out from a spindly small years later when one of their daughters where early Logtown miners and settlers bush, now 156 years old, located in a and her husband had purchased a new were buried was just inside the south mediocre spot along Highway 238 between automobile, they took John and Maryum boundary of this land. Since this was a Jacksonville and Ruch, Oregon. The rose (her first ride in a car) to see their old government land grant he became the bush is the only evidence left of the village place. They were heartbroken when they first “legal” owner of the property. Over of Logtown, a flourishing settlement saw their old log house mostly gone. Only the years several owners of the land had comprised of a store, hotel, livery stable, part of the front portion had remained legal ownership of the cemetery, and all two meat markets, two blacksmith shops, standing, and looking out of one of the allowed the continued use as a cemetery. three saloons, two Chinese stores, a school window openings was a range cow. Most In 1939 an association was formed to make house and a church. Not only was this of their life had been spent there and now improvements and facilitate the continued the center of a raucous gold-mining area, to find Logtown almost completely gone use of the cemetery. Landowners Paul E. but a stage stop for an important supply was hard to bear. As they were leaving, and Mildred Pearce and Walter W. and road from Crescent City, California to Maryum glanced over to a broken-down Edith Bell donated two pieces of land Jacksonville, Oregon. There are some gate and there she saw her little rose bush. that had been used since the 1850s as a very interesting stories that have been Tears filled her eyes as she pointed it out cemetery into the keeping of the Logtown handed down through the descendants to her family. “Look, my little rose is still Cemetery Association on October 17, of the miners who first scratched for gold alive.” 1940. along the banks of Forest Creek. But for There are a lot of descendants of To see the Logtown Rose you need now, this is the story of the Harrison rose, this McKee family and they knew where to stop at the cemetery or at the rose Above: Maryum Bowen McKee. originally from England, which we now the little rose was, but nothing was done marker on Highway 238 sometime in the call the Logtown Rose. to preserve it until the Jacksonville Garden spring. A beautiful gate to the Logtown It is not an outstandingly beautiful club encircled it with some protective Cemetery was made and donated by Carl rose, supported on very thorny stems with white posts during Oregon’s Centennial Offenbacher in 2008 that has a rendition tiny leaves. It survives because the deer can’t year in 1959 and the Applegate Valley of the rose on it. Or you can visit the Ruch stand it and the gophers don’t stay long. Garden Club planted 60 more Logtown Library where an outstanding wall mural The poor soil and lack of water doesn’t roses across the front of the Logtown by Marvin and Lilli Ann Rosenberg graces seem to matter, either. Even an overdose Cemetery. The Jacksonville Garden the lobby and has the yellow rose in it. of spray from the county roadside weed Club had a granite marker made for a Evelyn Byrne Williams sprayer didn’t entirely do it in, although dedication ceremony later that year for Photos from the collection of Evelyn Byrne it didn’t look well for a few years. A tree the little rose. The marker was unveiled Williams. Some information from “Ruch and planted behind the rose has roots now by Miss Teri Lee Wolfe, a great-great the Upper Applegate Valley” by John and competing for water and nourishment. granddaughter of John McKee. Two of Marguerite Black. As though that is not enough, the dreaded John McKee’s remaining children also star thistle showed up to add to the distress attended and were introduced. They were of the already constant vibration from Mary Thelma Higinbotham and John B. WANTED: traffic. If it survives all of this, I guess it McKee. (It has been 50 years since that Volunteer Drivers! may outlive most of us. ceremony. Hard to believe.) Giving up driving, temporarily It is very special to me and my Sad to say, sometime later on an or otherwise, is never easy, and it’s family because it was planted at Logtown out-of-control car ran into the granite especially challenging when you live in by my great-grandmother, Maryum Bowen marker and it was destroyed. Rocks our rural Applegate Valley. How many McKee. She had brought the little rose were then placed around the rose. The of you know someone who’s needed across the plains with her from Sullivan Applegate Valley Garden Club continued transportation support at some time? County, Missouri, to the Rogue Valley its care of the rose and the cemetery roses. There’s something you can do to help. with Janeen Sathre in 1853. My great-grandfather, John In 1983 a member of the club, Myrtle The Retired Senior Volunteer Program 541-899-1443 McKee, was a blacksmith who invented Krouse, made a new wooden marker (RSVP) Call-a-Ride program is seeking an improvement to a miner’s pick, which for the logtown rose. It was a beautiful volunteer drivers to transport elders to he called a “strap-eye pick.” This pick hand-carved scene of Maryum watering medical appointments. Training and was in great demand. He built a large log her little rose. Another ceremony was reimbursement are provided. Call 541- house in Logtown for Maryum and their held for the nice addition. Three of the 857-7780. You could be helping other two little children. It was at the front gate McKee’s remaining grandchildren were Applegaters and may need such help to the yard where the tenderly cared for among the attendees; Clara Smith, Pearl yourself sometime! Thanks, neighbors. yellow rose found its new home. Byrne and Dorothy Hackert. The marker Pat Gordon • 541-899-7655 My great-grandmother had twelve is still there, but quite weathered and more children through the years. One died hard to see through the tree standing just shortly after birth and a daughter, Martha behind the rose. The rose and location of Jane, died at age nine. She was buried the cabin is only a few feet off of Highway behind their house next to the hillside. 238, almost straight across what is known (Later moved to the Logtown Cemetery.) as Longnecker Road. When the gold mining petered out, In 1878 John McKee filed and was my great grandparents moved to Little granted a 160-acre homestead adjacent to

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Above: Logtown marker with Clara McKee Smith, Pearl McKee Byrne, Dorothy McKee Hackert. 22 Spring 2009 Applegater EARL’S PEARLS Southern Oregon’s CAD ASSET BY Earl Showerman, M.D. The great masquerader and killer in modern for heart attacks that are treated with an intervention medicine is coronary artery disease (CAD), the strategy developed collaboratively among regional progressive narrowing of the major arteries that supply medical providers six years ago. It was my privilege to the heart muscle. Over a lifetime, depending on one’s sit on the committee, led by local cardiologist, Dr. Brian genes, blood pressure, diet and lifestyle, a significant Gross, which implemented a protocol that included number of us will develop CAD, the number one cause early diagnosis by pre-hospital EKG’s (administered of death in America. Contributing to the enigma of by paramedics), and streamlined access to the cardiac CAD is the fact that most people develop it silently, and cath lab at Rogue Valley Medical Center where the do not have any symptoms until one of their arteries blocked vessels could be opened by emergency coronary is critically narrowed. Only when the heart muscle angioplasty. needs more blood than the coronaries can deliver do The acronym for this protocol is “ASSET” for we develop symptoms. acute ST-segment-elevation MI team. The results, The challenge of diagnosis is compounded published in 2007 as the lead article in the American because the initial symptoms are widely variable and Journal of Cardiology, demonstrated that ASSET usually only transient, lasting for just a few minutes reduced heart attack (MI) death rates to less than half in most cases. Further, men and women frequently the mortality of any other medical center in the country. Fried Chicken, Pizza, Burgers... more describe very different types of complaints from CAD. The regional cardiologists, community hospitals, and While men tend to have the classical type of chest pain, EMS agencies have now collaborated for over five years called angina pectoris, women often have no pain, but in delivering the highest quality of care for the victims of rather describe symptoms of indigestion, fatigue or coronary artery disease because all unnecessary delays to weakness when both genders have the same underlying definitive treatment have been removed. Remarkably, in pathology. Finally, our tendency to belittle or ignore the initial study group, there was not one death among these temporary symptoms is fraught with the danger of the 83 patients diagnosed with an MI by paramedics. delayed diagnosis and treatment. As cardiologists like to Now over 90% of MI patients transported by ambulance say, “time is muscle”, meaning the quicker an obstructed to RVMC get their vessels opened in the cath lab within vessel is opened, the better the chances of a full recovery the 90 minutes of reaching the hospital. from a life-threatening event. This amazing regional record of medical Angina, the transient chest pain of CAD, is excellence owes itself both to the considerable talents of often described as an aching sensation or a heavy, tight, our interventional cardiologists and to the institutional squeezing pressure in the center of the chest. Angina commitments made by community hospitals and EMS pain may also be felt in the arms, neck, jaw or upper agencies. The primary impediment to even greater abdomen. Other symptoms suggestive of CAD include success with treating coronary disease lies first in the sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, and general difficulty of recognizing the symptoms of CAD, and, weakness. Angina is typically brought on by physical second, in the natural resistance of patients to admit they exertion or emotional excitement. I have a friend who have a problem. Asking for the right kind of help in a had his first symptoms only when climbing a ladder timely fashion is critical to outcomes of heart disease. and another whose angina was brought on repeatedly As Dr. Gross said, “Educating the public to call 911 is when he drove his heavy-duty old truck. Pain that is important.” highly suspicious for coronary disease is often ignored, All that is chest pain, of course, is not CAD. especially by men, because it may be mild and quickly In fact, most chest pain is not due to heart problems, relieved by a short period of rest. but rather the result of minor injuries, muscle strains Recent onset (or the progressive worsening) or spasms, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal of pain that fits the profile of angina indicates an problems. The risk for developing CAD increases as we urgent need for a medical work up. I personally do age and is worse for people with diabetes, hypertension, not hesitate to tell people who are over 40 years old to and high cholesterol. Smoking, obesity and inactivity go to the emergency department immediately if they also makes it more likely that chest pain symptoms have angina-type symptoms. Severe chest pain that is actually mean something serious is afoot. Severe chest unrelieved by rest is a good reason to make the 911 call, pain, or angina-type pain that radiates into the arms because ambulances in our region possess the necessary or neck and does not improve with rest and routine equipment to both diagnose a heart attack and to render medicines, is a critical warning sign. Fainting, shortness life saving resuscitation. of breath, extreme weakness and pallor, are also very Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association As in most medical conditions, prevention is worrisome. For high-risk chest pain, Applegate residents BEE SCHOOL superior to intervention. However, if CAD is severe should consider all their “ASSET’s”, including the and there is a sudden complete blockage of an artery network of phone lines, medics, and transport vehicles Saturday, April 4, 2009 (most often with a blood clot), immediate medical which can connect us quickly to the finest group of The Southern Oregon Beekeepers Association attention can mitigate an otherwise lethal situation that physicians and technicians available anywhere in the (SOBA) is hosting a one day Beekeeping clinic on April threatens to cause serious, permanent damage to the known universe. Dropping that dime could prove to 4, 2009 at the OSU Extension Center 569 Hanley heart. Applegate residents may not know that southern be your greatest asset. Road, Central Point OR 97502. Oregon boasts the lowest mortality rate in the country Earl Showerman, M.D. • 541-899-8721 Come join us for a day to learn about honey bees and beekeeping. This class is suitable for beginning to intermediate beekeepers. The class runs from 9am-4pm and the cost is $30 per person with additional family members at $20 each. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be served for lunch. There will be door prizes donated by beekeeping suppliers. SOBA is proud to have world-renowned beekeeper, scholar and author Dr. Dewey Caron to teach the class. Dr. Caron has a PhD in Entomology and has taught beekeeping for the last 30 years. His book Honey Bee Biology and Beekeeping is used as the text book for college beekeeping classes. The class will be an introduction to beekeeping touching on hive set up, pest management, swarm control and honey production. There will be honey bee hives on site for demonstrations. Bring your veil and an extra to share if you have any. If you wish to attend bee school, email Marty Scala [email protected] or contact him at 541 944-5101. Due to the limited facility size and the hands on demonstrations planned, enrollment is capped at 100 people. Hurry and preregister now, this class will fill up fast. Applegater Spring 2009 23 BIRDMAN

8800 N. Applegate Rd. Grants Pass, OR 97527 Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus). Photo courtesy Snowy egret (Egretta thula) by Loren Kutina. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department © 2006. -Just past Mile Post 2, on the left, going East- Home of Irish Lass Soap The Choice of Many Scents Winter migration Soap, Seasonal Produce, Stained Glass, Jewelry & More! BY Ted Glover (541) 862-7380 We Ship! A trip into northern California in the winter is over to Clear Lake, one of the larger lakes in California. always rewarding for those of us who love to see and While in the area, we visited the Cache Creek Wildlife watch the large flocks of migrating birds that visit this Area and saw many small forest birds on our hike time of year. Just south of Yreka, in the beautiful Scott’s including bushtits, golden-crowned and ruby-crowned Valley area, we saw large concentrations of red-tailed kinglets, oak titmice, Hutton’s vireo and Nuttall’s hawks, northern Harrier hawks, American kestrels, woodpecker. turkey vultures and several golden eagles. The highlight of our visit to Clear Lake was an In the northern part of the Sacramento Valley early morning walk around Clear Lake State Park, a numerous wildlife refuges are located and provide many 565-acre oasis along the west shore near Kelseyville. opportunities to view large concentrations of waterfowl. We were only there for about three hours but spotted Thousands of migrating snow geese spend the winter 56(!) different species of birds and waterfowl including: here along with ducks, white-fronted geese, tundra California and spotted towhees, bald eagles, orange- swans and white pelicans. Wading birds are common, crowned and Townsend’s warblers, California and too, including long-billed curlews, black-necked stilts, mountain quail; and in the water, eared and western white-faced ibis and snowy egrets.. grebes, buffleheads, common and hooded mergansers On the auto tour at Colusa National Wildlife and even a common loon. Refuge we always see hundreds of black-crowned night It was a great trip coming back home via the herons. We were fortunate this trip to see a peregrine coast. Total bird species: 121. falcon and a great horned owl. After leaving the Sacramento Valley, we drove Ted A. Glover • 541-846-0681

Josephine County Master Gardener Classes

Brewing Compost Tea Wednesday April 8, 2009 • 6:30 pm to 8 pm • FREE Class Learn how to make the many different blends for making organic compost tea. Learn the benefits and importance of this mixture to grow healthy nutritious plants in your organic garden. This is a hands on demonstration. Learn from a long time veteran Master Gardener. Trees and Shrubs to Know in Oregon Thursday May 14, 2009 • 9:00 am to 12:00 pm • Cost of $20.00 Learn to Identify Native Trees and Shrubs of Oregon using a simple plant key. Instructor Max Bennett OSU Forestry Agent in Jackson and Josephine Counties will have a hands-on workshop. Max will be using the latest editions of Trees to Know in Oregon and Field Guide to Shrubs of Southwestern Oregon published by Oregon State University. These excellent reference books are included in the fee. Pre-registraton is is required. Rhododendrons and Azaleas Thursday June 11, 2009 • 6:30 pm to 8 pm •FREE Class Learn how to grow and use rhododendrons and azaleas in your garden. Learn how to propagate, prune and general culture of these amazing colorful plants.

All classes are held at OSU Extension Auditorium 215 Ringuette St, Grants Pass Please register for classes by calling OSU Josephine County Extension Office at 541-476-6613 for any questions. Agriculture, 4-H Youth, Family & Community Development, Forestry, and Extension Sea Grant Programs. Oregon State University, United States Department of Agriculture, and Josephine County cooperating. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. If you need particular accommodations, please call our Extension Office at (541-476-6613) at least three weeks prior to the event. Lorena Becker • 541-476-6613 [email protected] 24 Spring 2009 Applegater

Look who’s reading the Gater! Photos, clockwise from top left: — L. to R.: Bonnie McKelligott, Claude Aron, John McKelligott, Arlene Aron in Washington, D.C. the day of the inauguration. Take us with you on your next — Cathy Helton at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. — Larry Hunt reads the Gater on a balcony overlooking the Seine, trip. Then send us your favorite Paris, France. “Reading the Gater” photo to:

— Applegate Valley residents on the beach in Las Barras de Piaxtla, a fishing village north of Mazatlan. L to R, Gary Conner, Cassie [email protected] Conner, Jim Clover, Annette Parsons. — Jim Bloom reads the Gater to his friends. or mail to: — Roz and Hal Macy in Panama. Applegater 7386 Highway 238, PMB 308 Keep those articles, letters, opinions and “Reading the Gater” Jacksonville, OR 97530 photos coming in. You are the Gater! All of you — donors, writers and our good readers — please accept our most sincere and grateful thanks. The Applegater Staff and Board

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Ruth Austin 541-899-7476

t Magnolia Grill t Body & Soul tBaja Video tTanning t Applegate Valley Chiropractic t Ruch Services t Sunshine Plaza Beauty Salon t Deborah L. Buoy, LMT t t t Fun and Games Pit Stop Espresso Applegate Tax Service Ruch Family Medicine answer: t SPACE AVAILABLE t Three will be enough!