There are lots of inquiring minds wondering why one side of our former store space is
empty after fifteen years in the same location.  It was a shock when our
landlord informed us during our busiest month of the season that they were going
to split our space and rent one half to a management company.  We were able to
pick which side we wanted should we decide to stay.  Do to the time frame we
picked the side which required the least amount of renovation.

So our address is now 406 Commercial
Avenue.  We’re the same great shoppe
with the same exciting inventory and excellent customer service.  We’re looking
forward to seeing you soon as we know you’ll be anxious to visit our redesigned
space.  There’s so much new inventory you’ll spend hours smelling the fresh
soaps, stroking the bamboo robes, oohing over the beautiful new jewelry. Our
nautical section is bursting with mermaids and shells.  The new fashion scarves
are flying out the door. So much to see…..where shopping is
entertainment.

Thanks for supporting small
shoppes that you love…..

Check out the new redesigned store: http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a59324e7a63784d7a64384e54677a4d54457a4f44493d0d0a&sb=1&campaign=email_receipt_directurl_makeyourown

Zee, Lonna, Christy &
Jill

OYSTER RUN ’11

“LARGEST MOTORCYCLE RUN IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST“
Sun. Sept. 25, 2011

“History of the “Oyster Run”

It all started with a few guys getting together at the end of the summer to go for a ride and eat some oysters.

The year was 1981

Limp Lee had just returned from months of working in Alaska, He talked with a few guys and they all met at what was then the California Tavern in Marysville.

They then decided to ride along HWY 9, stop at some places along the way and end up in Everson to have oyster cocktails.

The next year a few more people joined in, the next year a few more, and by the fourth year there were almost 200  bikes. We couldn’t believe it!

Well, as the years went by there we just too many people to have an organized run up hwy 9, so Limp Lee talked to the beautiful city of Anacortes about having the run there. I think at first the town was not real hip on the idea, as they were not sure what to expect and most of the town closed up as the bikes rolled in. But soon more and more businesses stayed open and now the whole town has joined in….. and the rest is history.

As for how Limp Lee got his name, well that’s another story!

http://www.oysterrun.org/index.html

Join the Oyster Run on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oyster-Run/130665156978668?v=info

Doyle’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

(360) 661-0965

Don’t Wait until the last minute, the holidays are just around the corner!

 Call now for your appointment!

 If you think your carpet is beyond cleaning….Think Again!

Pet odor, juice stains, high traffic areas,  I can help, give me a call today.

Homes, Office, Boat, RV’s, Real Estate Prep and Upholstery. “I can clean them all!” -Jim Doyle

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001072990866&ref=ts

]]> http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/holiday-carpet-cleaning-special-doyles-carpet-upholstery-care-360-661-0965/feed/ 0 http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/fidalgo-bay-day-saturday-september-17-11am-3pm/ http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/fidalgo-bay-day-saturday-september-17-11am-3pm/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:10:18 +0000 stacy http://anacortesscoop.com/?p=4816 Fidalgo Bay Day

Educational Family Fun

 September 17

A community celebration of Fidalgo Bay.

 Fun and educational activities for kids & adults!

Meet sea creatures and marine scientists and enjoy the popular beach seining demonstration.

Local Seafood Lunch with no-host traditional Samish BBQ, salmon platter by Cayou Family, and samples of local seafood and chowder!

Saturday, September 17th, 2011 11am to 3pm
Anacortes’ Seafarers’ Memorial Park

FREE KIDS’ EVENTS: Large aquariums with local sea creatures, view live sea creatures on the video macroscope, paddleboat pool, and more!

Co-sponsors: Skagit Marine Resource Committee, WSU Extension Skagit County Beach Watchers, Taylor Shellfish Farms, Port of Anacortes, City of Anacortes, Mary Ann’s Kitchen, Randy’s Pier 61, Cafe Adrift, and Anacortes Yacht Club.

“Yin and the Yang” 

Beachfront at Seafarer’s Memorial Park

 By Eddie Murdock Photography

]]> http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/fidalgo-bay-day-saturday-september-17-11am-3pm/feed/ 0 http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/anacortes-antique-engine-machinery-show-sept-10/ http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/anacortes-antique-engine-machinery-show-sept-10/#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 15:36:32 +0000 stacy http://anacortesscoop.com/?p=4786 Anacortes Antique Engine &  Machinery Show

September 10, 2011

www.amshow.org/

A bottling facility in Anacortes could potentially stimulate the economic growth in our community.

 Imagine if the large scale manufacturing and production companies that are currently operating in town  did not exist.   Dakota Creek, Shell, Tesoro, Sugiyo, Trident Seafoods, just to name a few. What would Anacortes be today? What would the economic state of our town be in right now? How many members of the community would still be living and working in town? You will find the economic and fiscal benefit findings of this proposed facility below.  Once you have made an educated decision, please feel free to contact the city council member from your ward to provide your input on this bottling plant.

The following document was prepared by:

E. D. Hovee

& Company,LLC

2408 Main Street • P.O. Box 225 • Vancouver, WA 98666

(360) 696-9870 • (503) 230-1414 • Fax (360) 696-8453

E-mail: edhovee@edhovee.com

Economic and Development Services

ECONOMIIC & FIISCAL BENEFIITS MEMORANDUM

To: Don Wick, Executive Director

Skagit County Economic Development Association

From: Eric Hovee & Paul Dennis, AICP

Subject: Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Bottling Facility in Skagit County

Date: May 31, 2011

The economic and development consulting firm E.D. Hovee & Company has been retained to

provide an economic and fiscal benefit assessment of the proposed bottling facility in an area

proposed to be annexed into the city of Anacortes, WA. Planned is an approximately one million

square foot state of the art bottling facility.

The purpose of this report memorandum is to summarize potential economic and fiscal benefits

of the proposed bottling facility. Topics covered by the remainder of this memorandum are:

Data & Assumptions

Economic Benefits

Fiscal Effects

Summary Findings & Observations

DATA & ASSUMPTIIONS

Information for this assessment has been obtained from company officials, Washington State

Department of Revenue, Skagit County, and Minnesota IMPLAN Group (MIG).

1 Capital improvement and operating information associated with the proposed bottling facility are

derived directly from company officials. Economic data, including multipliers, are obtained from

MIG’s input-output model for Skagit County. Tax rates are as published by the Washington State

Department of Revenue and Skagit County Assessor.

Background.

As noted, company officials are proposing to construct an approximately one

million square foot state of the art bottling facility. The facility will be located on a parcel that is

located in the Anacortes urban growth area (UGA), but is planned to be annexed into the city

prior to construction.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility -2

The facility would bottle a range of beverages for under varied global, national or local brand

names. For purposes of this analysis, it is anticipated that about 1% of production would be

distributed in state, with most product shipped elsewhere domestically or internationally.

Construction.

The total capital investment for the facility is preliminarily estimated at $500

million, with an additional $15-$20 million for infrastructure. The company will require 5-7

miles of added rail trackage, as the facility anticipates a volume of 350 rail cars per day. The

company expects the facility to take up to three years to construct, utilizing approximately 250

workers. Estimates of average wage and economic effects directly attributable to the investment

are made using data collected from the nationally recognized Minnesota IMPLAN Group.

Operations.

The facility will operate with three shifts per day and a total workforce estimated at

500 employees. Workers are anticipated to earn an average wage of $48,000 per year plus and

added 30% in fringe benefits. Production will ramp up to about four million gallons of beverages

per day at an average wholesale price estimated to be in the range of $0.20 per bottle. Total

estimated annual gross revenues are estimated by the company at approximately $2.5 billion

annually.

Economic Impacts.

Multiplier estimates are made using the IMPLAN Input-Output economic

model that measures inter-industry transactions between all segments of the Skagit County

economy. The economic multiplier is defined as the total direct benefit plus indirect benefit

divided by the direct effect.

2 For example, a jobs multiplier of 1.50 means that one job could be

created indirectly elsewhere in Skagit County for every two new jobs directly at the project site.

Fiscal Effects.

As part of this benefit analysis, major fiscal revenue sources are estimated based

on direct impacts only. Those taxes include sales tax, property by type of taxing district, and

state B&O tax. Not estimated with this analysis are fiscal effects associated with indirect activity

or development exactions/fees.

Figure 1. Economic & Fiscal Assumptions

Assumption Value

Capital Investment:

Value of Investment $517,500,000

– Building, Equipment & Infrastructure $517,500,000

Revenue per Worker $2,070,000

Average Compensation (includes benefits) $57,900

Output Multiplier 1.24

Jobs Multiplier 1.27

Income Multiplier 1.17

Operations:

Estimated Output (Sales/Revenue) $2,500,000,000

% of Output Used for Annual Taxable Retail Purchases 1.0%

Number of Workers 500

Estimated Payroll (includes benefits) $31,200,000

Output Multiplier 1.11

Jobs Multiplier 1.61

Income Multiplier 1.26

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility -3

Assumption Value

Fiscal Taxes / Rates:

Washington State B&O Tax Rate 0.4840%

Washington State Sales Tax Rate 6.5%

Local Sales Tax Rate 1.7%

Average Property Tax (per $1,000 AV):

– Schools (including state portion) $4.28570

– County (all services) $1.50860

– Cities $1.78530

– Other Districts (i.e. Ports, Fire, etc.) $1.11260

– All Taxing Districts $8.69220

Sources: Company officials and public agencies including Skagit County and E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC.

ECONOMIIC BENEFIITS

Economic benefits are categorized into two different phases – construction and ongoing

operations. The economic benefits associated with the construction phase are substantial and

expected to last over up to 36 months. Economic benefits estimated for the subsequent

operations phase recur annually, lasting as long as the facility is in operation.

While the economic benefits calculated constitute only the activity occurring in Skagit County,

companies interact with other firms on a regional, national, and/or global level, providing a

broader economic benefit that reaches well beyond the jurisdictional boundaries of Anacortes

and Skagit County. To the extent that the scale of this investment serves as a catalyst for other

business supplier and service activities not currently supported in Skagit County, the long term

benefits will be further enhanced above what is estimated with this preliminary report.

Construction Phase

As identified in the assumptions section of this report, a minimum one million square foot

bottling facility would represent an investment value of $500 million. The company will also

construct 5-7 miles of rail and other infrastructure at an estimated cost of $15-$20 million. The

local economy will be stimulated through indirect and induced effects by another $124.2 million

in added Skagit County business revenues for a total local economic benefit of $641.7 million

During construction.

Construction of the bottling facility will require 250 workers during the construction period of up

to three years. With multiplier effects, construction activity will likely support as many as

another 70 jobs in the local economy for a total of 320 jobs over the duration of construction.

Construction workers, on average, will earn approximately $57,900 per worker, generating a

total construction payroll of $14.5 million. This construction payroll is projected to stimulate

another approximately $2.5 million of household income within the Skagit County economy

during the construction phase, for a total combined payroll benefit of $17 million.

Construction workers can also be expected to spend about $4.3 million on local lodging and

taxable retail goods/services.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility - 4

Figure 2. Economic Benefits Associated with Construction

Economic Benefits (over 3 Years)

Impact Category Direct Indirect Total

Capital Investment $517,500,000 – –

– Locally Procured $517,500,000 $124,200,000 $641,700,000

Construction Jobs 250 70 320

Construction Payroll (Per Year) $14,475,000 $2,461,000 $16,936,000

– Average Annual Wage $57,900 $35,200 $52,900

Annual Local Purchases by Workers $4,343,000 – –

Note: All estimates subject to change. Indirect includes induced impacts resulting from added worker

spending.

Source: Private firms and public agencies, E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC.

Operations Phase

It is assumed that the bottling facility will produce at least four million gallons of beverage

output per day. The facility is assumed to sell its product at an average price estimated in the

range of $0.20 per bottle, generating an estimated $2.5 billion of direct annual gross business

income. As much as another $275 million will be generated at other local businesses in Skagit

County for a total Skagit County business income benefit in the range of $2.775 billion.

The project can be expected to directly employ approximately 500 workers during operations.

Another 310+ jobs should be supported elsewhere in the local economy for a total on-going jobs

impact estimated at of at least 810 over the duration of on-going plant operations.

Figure 3. Annual Economic Benefits Associated with Operations

Annual Economic Benefits

Impact Category Direct Indirect Total

Output $2,500,000,000 $275,000,000 $2,775,000,000

Number of Jobs 500 310 810

Total Payroll $31,200,000 $8,112,000 $39,312,000

– Average Wage $62,400 $26,200 $48,500

Annual Taxable Purchases $34,360,000 – –

Note: All estimates are preliminary and subject to change. Indirect benefits assume

typical industry averages.

Source: E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC using IMPLAN data.

As noted, average annual wage for on-site workers is $48,000 plus an additional 30% for fringe

benefits for total average payroll of $62,400 per worker. Total annual payroll with operation of

the proposed plant is $31.2 million.

As the bottling facility and its workers purchase local goods and services, another $8.1 million of

payroll income is indirectly supported elsewhere in the local economy. In total, the proposed

bottling facility is projected to support a combined total of an estimated $39.3 million of added

household income per year in Skagit County.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility- 5

The multipliers applied with this analysis are specific to Skagit County although the full benefits

ripple more widely across the state and nation. Economic multipliers applicable to the entire state

of Washington or nation are considerably higher than what is indicated by this analysis for

Skagit County alone because they capture more of the full broad-based effect.

3 To the extent that this facility offers the critical mass to support more Skagit County based supplier business than

has been the case in the past, Skagit-specific multiplier benefits will be even further enhanced.

A final benefit not typical with beverage manufacturing and bottling is related to the planned

utilization of rail service as a more energy efficient transport mode as compared with trucking.

This choice of freight modes will also reduce impacts to local and regional road systems.

Rail improvements planned with this project will serve to benefit other existing and prospective

industries, further strengthening the competitive position of Skagit County for yet further high

value and high wage manufacturing. While potentially considerable, quantifying the economic

value of this expanded rail capability cannot yet be readily estimated and so is not directly

considered with this preliminary impact evaluation.

FIISCAL EFFECTS

As proposed, the Anacortes bottling facility will generate considerable revenue for local and

state government agencies. Primary tax revenues include state business & occupation (B&O) tax

together with state and local sales and property taxes. Direct fiscal benefits from construction

and on-going operations are estimated as summarized by the following chart.

Figure 4. Direct Fiscal Benefits of the Proposed Bottling Facility

(Construction & Operations)

Estimated Dollar Value

Tax Generated

Construction

(One-Time)

Operations

(Annual)

State B&O Tax

$2,504,700 $12,100,000

Sales Tax:

Washington State $33,637,500 $2,233,400

Local Taxing Jurisdictions $8,797,500 $584,100

All Taxing Jurisdictions $42,435,000 $2,817,500

Property Tax:

Schools $0 $2,217,800

County $0 $780,700

City $0 $923,900

Other Districts $0 $575,800

All Taxing Jurisdictions $0 $4,498,200

Total State & Local

$44,939,700 $19,415,700

Note: All estimates are in 2011 dollars and subject to change.

Effects from direct on-site operations only are estimated.

Fiscal effects are based on current tax rates.

Source: E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility - 6

Construction Phase

The State of Washington can be expected to receive an estimated $33.6 million in one-time sales

tax plus $2.5 million in B&O taxes from construction activity. Local jurisdictions will receive an

estimated $8.8 million in one-time sales tax revenue on construction.

Operations Phase

At full build out, on-site business activity and associated workers will generate $2.8 million

annually in re-occurring sales tax revenues; local jurisdictions would collect over $580,000 of

this amount each year. The State of Washington would receive as much as an estimated $12.1

million per year in B&O taxes.

The project site will generate an estimated $4.5 million in annual property taxes. The city of

Anacortes will receive about $923,900. Skagit County can expect to receive an estimated

$780,700 per year for general fund. Schools will collect $2.2 million for K-12 education.

Another $575,800 will be disbursed amongst the other taxing districts.

For most taxing jurisdictions, the revenue potential indicated represents a

net add to property taxes already being received from other sources. For jurisdictions with voted levies and bonds

(as with school districts), the property taxes generated by the bottling facility will represent

partial replacement of property taxes already paid by existing ratepayers rather than net added

revenues to the public agency. This has the effect of reducing the tax rate for existing taxpayers

and providing added bonding capacity that could be used to pay for other capital facility needs as

may be identified in the future.

SUMMARY OBSERVATIIONS

The proposed Anacortes bottling facility is expected to provide an economic boost to the local

economy as well as generate substantial tax benefits to state, regional, and local public service

providers. The following is an economic and fiscal summary of the project as currently

proposed:

• The proposed bottling facility represents an substantial capital investment for Skagit

County at a time of otherwise emerging economic recovery – with facility capital cost

currently estimated at $517.5 million.

•Direct and indirect employment created during construction is estimated at 320 jobs with

total payroll of $17 million (and average overall direct wage of $57,900). Local worker

procurement generated directly during the construction process is estimated at an added

$4.3 million each year over the duration of the construction project to the Skagit County

economy.

•An estimated 810 jobs will be directly and indirectly created during on-going operations

(at full build out), with payroll at $39.3 million per year. Business revenues generated

directly and indirectly Skagit economy are estimated at up to almost $2.8 billion per year.

These are conservative estimates as the multiplier effects of this particular operation can

be expected to exceed what has been typical for the industry to date.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility - 7

•Fiscal effects include an estimated $44.9 million in one-time construction-related tax

benefits accruing to affected state and local jurisdictions – including $42.4 million in onetime

sales tax and $2.5 million in state B&O tax receipts.

Annually recurring state and local tax revenues with full operation are estimated at $19.4

million per year. This includes $12.1 million in state B&O tax revenue, $2.8 in state and

local sales tax revenue, and $4.5 million in local jurisdiction property taxes.

Due to the extraordinarily high level of gross business volume, the state will be a major

beneficiary with business and occupation (B&O) tax revenues. On-going tax benefits are

estimated at $14.3 million annually for the state of Washington and $5.1 million for local

jurisdictions in Skagit County.

E. D. Hovee & Company, LLC appreciates the opportunity to provide this economic and fiscal

impact analysis on behalf of EDASC. We would be happy to respond to questions regarding any

aspect of this report.

Economic & Fiscal Effects of a Anacortes Bottling Facility - 8

END NOTES

1 Information for this assessment has been obtained from sources generally deemed to be reliable. However, E. D.

Hovee & Company, LLC and Cascade Planning Group do not guarantee the accuracy of information obtained

from third party sources. Information is subject to change without notice. The findings and conclusions contained

in this report are those of the author. They should not be construed as the opinion of any other party prior to their

express approval, whether in whole or part.

2 For purposes of this analysis, indirect benefits are defined to include induced impacts resulting from worker

expenditures within the local economy of Skagit County.

3 IMPLAN multipliers utilized are for a sector that includes soft drink manufacturing. Because much of the interindustry

purchasing occurs throughout the Puget Sound region (extending beyond Skagit County), impact

multipliers are considerably higher when calculated for a larger geographic impact area. Statewide IMPLAN

multipliers for this industry are estimated at 1.74 – output multiplier, 3.49 – jobs, and 2.55 – income.

4 Fiscal effects associated with construction and operations assume that all activity is fully taxed without

application of any public sector financial incentives for project development and on-going operations.

This report has been prepared by E. D. Hovee & Company, LLC on behalf of the Economic

Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC). E. D. Hovee provides economic and

development consulting for a wide range of public, non-profit and private clients primarily in the

Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon.

E. D. Hovee has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of public agency clients in Skagit

County over the last 20+ years. Organizations in addition to EDASC that have been assisted have

included the Cities of Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Sedro Woolley, Skagit County, the Port of

Skagit County and Skagit Council of Governments.

Both locally and regionally, the firm has conducted a wide range of economic impact assessments

with particular focus on major capital investment projects. Assessments have been conducted for

manufacturing facilities, ship repair and manufacturing, alternative energy generation

(wind/biofuels), destination tourism facilities, major commercial developments and for operations

important to local community vitality as with forest management practices and the Anacortes-

Sydney ferry.

This economic impact report has been prepared by Eric Hovee (Principal) and Paul Dennis

(Associate Principal – Cascade Planning Group).

The History of Labor Day

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

For mor information on Labor Day please go to: http://www.dol.gov/laborday/

]]> http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/the-history-of-labor-day/feed/ 0 http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/northwest-rigging-on-land-or-sea-rigging-is-our-specialty/ http://anacortesscoop.com/2011/09/northwest-rigging-on-land-or-sea-rigging-is-our-specialty/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:47:38 +0000 stacy http://anacortesscoop.com/?p=1537

Friends of the Forest Hikes:

 Join the Friends of the Forest for a guided hike.

Sept. 9: Heart Lake Old Growth,

from 10am until noon and is for seniors and adults.

Meet at the base of Mount Erie on Ray Auld Drive. 

Sept. 10: Mitten Pond Loop from 10am until noon.

This hike is open to all ages. Meet at the ACFL kiosk on A Ave. and 37th.

These hikes are Free!

For more info Go to www.friendsoftheacfl.org.

ANACORTES, WA – Sept 2, 2011 — Shell Puget Sound Refinery will undergo a large-scale maintenance activity from late September through early November. Within the industry these activities are called “turnarounds.” During a turnaround some production units are taken out of service for upgrades, repairs, and preventive maintenance. Fuel production will continue but at a reduced rate while the work is being done. Additional fuel supplies will be shipped into the area so product availability will not be impacted.

The number of contract employees are significantly increased during the time of this maintenance activity; in this case approximately 1900 contract workers a day will be involved at the peak of activity. Many of them come from the local area and work for local contractors who will provide most of the services. Residents may notice some increased traffic and an increase in business at local restaurants and motels.

Additionally, this maintenance event may cause some additional noise and flaring. The refinery has taken steps to reduce the impact of the turnaround on the surrounding community. Some of these steps include increasing safety focus and minimizing traffic by staggering shifts, and contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for traffic control.

Turnarounds have important benefits for the community. Most of the workers employed on this project are local residents. The local employment, combined with workers from outside the area, have a significant positive impact on the local economy. Such maintenance activities also help ensure the safe and reliable operation of the refinery and help to maintain its position as a solid producer of needed fuel products and a significant contributor to the community’s economic health.

Community members who would like to know more about the turnaround or have questions about Shell Puget Sound Refinery may visit the website at http://www.shellpsr.com or call the refinery main gate at 360-293-1701.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Transient Orcas at Deception Pass

We didn’t have to travel very far in order to find orcas today, and we found them in a very picturesque setting, just 45 minutes into our trip. We traveled southward, and arrived on scene with transient orcas just after they swam under Deception Pass Bridge. It was the T36 pod, and there were 7-9 of them. Just a few moments after arriving one of the females did a breach and landed on her back! They were all grouped up as they swam into Rosario Strait and northward. They spread out into two groups for a while. We had plenty of great viewing of this pod that included two young orcas with their moms. We peeled off after a while to look at some harbor seals and a steller sea lion at Bird Rocks, hoping the orcas would come over and start hunting. They swam right for the rocks but didn’t appear to be hungry as they passed on by. The orcas kept working their way northward in a steady pace until they reached Blakely Island. That is when the trailing group really started to speed up. They were porpoising time after time until they caught up with the first group. We thought that the chase was on for a hunt, but we couldn’t tell for sure. We peeled off again hoping to find a bald eagle along the shoreline of Cypress Island, but we didn’t have any luck with that plan. So we cruised over to look at the orcas one last time, and we timed it perfectly as they neared Peapod rocks. The transients appeared to be chasing something. We are not sure if they caught anything or not, but they did act as if they had a meal. We saw a big spyhop and a couple of tail lobs along with lots of splashing around to give us an entertaining finale. What an awesome day!

www.OrcaWhales.com

North Carolina Update

August 31, 2011

Meet & Greet “Rocket Rod Perkins“!

Saturday, September 3 · 11:00am – 4:00pm

Anacortes Scoop placed 2nd in 2010 for:

 ”Best Neighborhood Blog”!

Help make us #1 in 2011

http://best.king5.com/anacortes-scoop/biz/583304

The Island Hospital Blood  Drive will be held on

Tuesday, September 6 -Wednesday, September 7 in the Resource Center Conference Rooms.

 The drive times will be from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (closed for lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm.).

Donors wishing to schedule an appointment are encouraged to contact Community Education: 299-1309 or czaugra@islandhospital.org

This blood drive plays an important role in building up the community blood supply following the Labor Day weekend.

Five Easy Steps to Blood Donation

1. Eat a healthy     meal & drink plenty of fluids at least four hours prior to donating.
2. Complete a     health history questionnaire & screening interview
3. Undergo a     brief health check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron level.
4. Relax while     one unit (about one pint) of blood is collected.
5. Enjoy     refreshments while remaining seated for about 10 minutes.

3rd Annual Anacortes Workboat Races and Pirate Faire!

Avast me hearties! Come and join us on Historic Pier 1 along Guemes  Channel at 100
Commercial Avenue in beautiful downtown Anacortes for the 3rd Annual
Anacortes Workboat Races and Pirate Faire! Saturday, August 27, 2011.

Workboats competing in classes for engine size and speed will compete for top  honors.
There will be Cannons, Pirate Contests for young and old, Prizes, Sea Shanties,  the
Historic Tug Comanche, a Clam Chowder Challenge, a Classic Car Show, a free  Evening
Concert, and Pirates Galore!!!! The race is open to all boats that have or are  currently
working on the water. Put on yer eye patch and come join us if ye dare!

http://www.anacortesworkboatraces.com/

Eagles’ World Famous Bar-B-Que

August 19, 20, & 21

Corner of 7th St & Q Ave.

11am to 7 pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

Open to the public.

Featuring Alder Smoked Salmon, Country Pork Ribs or Chicken,

with Baked Beans, Cole Slaw and Garlic Bread.

Bring your appetite!

Tickets $10 per person (Children 5 and under free!)

ALL PROCEEDS THIS YEAR BENEFIT:

SKAGIT VALLEY HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

17160 Dike Road | Mount Vernon, WA

We are a group of music loving, nature hugging people who decided to get together and celebrate nature and music on hot summer days! Our benefit outdoor music jam is a highlight in Skagit County! We believe that music lifts the spirit and raises the collective consciousness of people everwhere. We collaborate with musicians and music organizations in an effort to facilitate mutual support, recognition, and the exchanging of ideas. We work to encourage a thriving appreciation for music within Skagit County.

2011 Band List:

No pets. No Glass Bottles. Family Friend Event

Skagit Woodstock is always looking for new volunteers. Visit our Contact Us page if you are interested in volunteering, or call (360) 661-4947.

Join Today!

www.skagitwoodstock.org

Call (360) 661-4947
Skagit Woodstock
17160 Dike Road
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
info@skagitwoodstock.com

Fair

August 10-13

**Live Music ** Carnival**
**Farm Animals** Displays**
**Kid’s Zone Events **
**Food & Contests**
**Magician**Hypnotist**

Daily Hours 10am-10pm

GATE PRICES:Wednesday $3 until 3pm.
Adults $7, Students/Seniors $6
Children 5 & under are Free
Call (360) 336-9414 for more info

Dont’ miss “SPOONSHINE” performing

Thursday August 11th at 8:30 PM!

http://www.skagitcounty.net/Common/Asp/Default.asp?d=Fair&c=General&p=main.htm

- Realtor courtesy offered

Registration for fall going on NOW!!

For info or our website is http://anacortescoop.tripod.com

Aug. 10 Craft Day
Aug. 17 Northwest Day
Aug. 24 Games Day
Aug. 31 Science Day

Sign up at Read Me a Story.
Limit of 15 kids per session.
$3 fee per child per session.

Parents/guardians must stay with child

READ ME A STORY
Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 1 1-4
1005 9th St. • (360) 293-4801
readmeastoryonline.com

 Join the Friends of the Forest for a guided hikes:

  Beaver Ponds Hike: August 12th from 10am
until noon and is for seniors and adults. Meet at the ACFL kiosk on A Ave. and 37th.

 August 13th Hike: Heart Lake from 10am until noon. This hike is open to all ages. Meet at the Heart Lake
Parking lot. These hikes are Free!

For more info Go to www.friendsoftheacfl.org