We are always delighted to share news from Port Townsend’s NW Discovery Lab. The educational and life enhancement this program offers…well, we wish we’d had them as kids. We are fortunate to have this program thriving here. Here’s the latest. Teaser: it involves long-duration space travel, robots, a high-tech treadmill and LEGOS. Click here for a cool video to give you a visual on what the kids are up to.
Lego robotics team goes INTO ORBIT with Infinadeck
NW Discovery Lab’s veteran FIRST LEGO League team, The Howling Chickens, will compete for its third time on Bainbridge Island this Saturday, December 8. The competition, a regional qualifying event put on by FIRST Washington, is part of the nationwide FIRST LEGO League challenge, an annual competition designed to inspire youth in science and technology.
Each year, FIRST issues a challenge: a problem for teams to solve. This year’s challenge name is “Into Orbit.” It consists of two parts: the Robot Game and the Project. The first part, the part that often draws kids into FLL in the first place, is the Robot Game. The team must build and program a robot that can complete a number of tasks (or missions) on a set field for points. The more missions the robot completes, the more points the team earns. The second part of the competition is the project. This year, teams must IDENTIFY a physical or social problem faced by humans during long-duration space travel, DESIGN a solution to that problem, and SHARE the problem and solution with others.
The two parts are of equal importance: a team cannot win a competition if it doesn’t perform well in both aspects of the competition. It must also embody and demonstrate the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Cooperation through its Core Values: Discovery, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Fun.
This year, the Howling Chickens brainstormed several problems and their solutions before finally settling on the problem of astronauts’ physical and mental health during long-duration space travel. The team spent weeks researching the challenges that astronauts face, which include accelerated bone loss and muscle atrophy, and depression. After researching how NASA and other space agencies currently fight these challenges, the team decided that the most efficient solution would be for astronauts to use a VR headset to simulate earth’s environment while moving on an omnidirectional treadmill.
Thanks to generous local sponsors, the team was able to purchase an Oculus Rift VR headset. They reached out to Infinadeck, creators of the world’s first true omnidirectional treadmill (similar to the one featured in the blockbuster “Ready Player One”). Infinadeck was enthusiastic about the Howling Chickens’ solution, as it is one they’ve been pursuing as well. Company CEO Benjamin Freeman and Infinadeck inventor George Burger were gracious enough to meet with the team via teleconference to introduce them to the Infinadeck treadmill and answer questions.
The Howling Chickens asked the gentlemen a series of questions about how they envisioned the omnidirectional treadmill working in space, and how they could design a system based on the treadmill. They confirmed that the kids were on the right track with their creative solution.
“It was really interesting talking with George Burger and Ben Freeman,” said Ike Banks, 13, a Howling Chickens team member. “I didn’t realize they were going to have the treadmills in gyms and arcades so soon.”
NW Discovery Lab hopes to team with Infinadeck again in the future, knowing that the “cool factor” of the omnidirectional treadmill is a perfect device to inspire kids in STEM education.
ABOUT NW DISCOVERY LAB:
The NWDL is a Port Townsend based non-profit dedicated to STEM education on the Olympic Peninsula. Find more information at www.nwdiscoverylab.org.
[Editor’s Note: Welcome new contributor Brett Nunn, a long-time Port Townsend resident, father and published author. He wants to write to about things that really work in our wonderful community, while other contributors shine a light on some things needing a critical eye. “What Really Works” could be an endless series as there is so much good in this wonderful place of wonderful people. Here is his take on a gem in Port Townsend. If you have your own story to share, please let us know at ptfreepress.org]
When identifying what really works in Jefferson County, I take notice of entities that aren’t beholden to a bureaucracy, move forward with their mission in a determined manner, and, ideally, help our citizens to solve their own problems.
That brings me around to the first fine day last spring when I dragged my bike out of the garage. My eleven-year old daughter wanted to ride out to North Beach, and I was more than happy to join her. Halfway down the block, I remembered that all was not well when I had put the bike away several months before. The shifters weren’t shifting. The brakes were less than ideal. If I wanted to use the lower chain ring, I had to use my right foot as a derailleur. We finished the ride. I spent more than a few days complaining about my bike problems, wondering how they could be fixed, and who would do the work.
I had some familiarity with a place called the Recyclery. It is a couple of blocks from my house, adjacent to the former Mountain View School. A few years previous, my oldest daughter had been a member of the middle school mountain bike team sponsored by the shop. On the next sunny afternoon, I rode my bike over to see if they could help.
Begun in 2007 by Chauncy Tudhope-Locklear and Todd Temres as a twice-a-month bike repair clinic adjacent to the Boiler Room on Washington Street, the Recyclery has evolved into a non-profit with three employees. In 2012 the Recyclery arrived, by bike, at its current location, 1925 Blaine Street. Embraced by the community from the start, hundreds of volunteers have helped build the operation to what it is today, with a roster of thirty-five active volunteers donating their time and energy on a regular basis.
When I arrived at the shop and asked their advice, one of the on-duty mechanics came from behind the counter, hung my bike on a stand, locked it into place, and listened to my tale of woe. He pointed out a couple of broken spokes on the rear wheel that I had missed. Fishing through the used parts—my bike is almost of legal drinking age—he came up with a matching rear rim without broken spokes. He then told me how to lube the shifters, and revive the brakes, and left me alone to make things better.
It helps if you like to wrench on things, and I do, but that is not a requirement. Everybody is in the same boat at this business, and the camaraderie is the best selling point. The open-air venue is always humming. It’s rare to find a workstation unoccupied. I quickly observed that it is an all ages, all genders, all levels of experience, gathering place that welcomes unskilled laborers like myself, as well as the old school cycling connoisseurs who love nothing better than to lose themselves in nostalgia over the latest vintage bike donation freshly unloaded from the back of someone’s car.
Trigger Warning: I got my hands dirty. I also did the repairs by myself. They didn’t hold my hand, but the unflappable staff got me back on track when I was unsure of the next step. I learned that maintaining a bike is not nearly as difficult as imagined, especially with the tools available here. After an hour or so of effort, plus the used rear wheel, new brake pads, new chain, and an individual membership, the total came to about $70. I rode away, the gears shifting smooth as silk, and my brakes doing their job again, amazed that my old bike could be brought back to life so easily.
This place offers community building at its best. And it works. Tools are available even after hours. My favorite benefit, of the many they offer, if a local kid volunteers enough time at the shop, they can build their own bike, at little or no cost, from the treasure trove of used parts stashed away about the place. On top of all that, the Recyclery is turning what would usually become trash, forgotten and ill-used bikes, into treasures for those of us that need to fix our rides at a reasonable price or buy a new/used one.
They aren’t beholden to a bureaucracy. They are moving forward with their mission, “Promoting Bicycling Use For A Healthier And More Sustainable Community”. They are open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12 to 5 p.m. in the winter, 12 to 6 p.m. in the summer. Most importantly, with their expert advice and the right tools for the job, they gave me the satisfaction of solving my own problems at an affordable price.
Reefer Madness is gripping America. I’m not talking about the 1936 cult movie classic that so many of us rolled our eyes at as teenagers. I’m talking about the billions of dollars that are flowing into U.S. and Canadian stock markets to buy shares of companies that sell legal marijuana and other cannabis derivatives.
With news that Canada will be the first nation in the industrialized world to legalize recreational marijuana beginning October 17, there’s been a lot of attention paid to Canadian firms poised to enter this multi-billion–dollar market. Lately, this attention has been laser focused
Stocks in cannabis companies have soared in recent weeks, sparked in large part by the August 15 announcement that one of the largest beverage companies on earth – Constellation Brands – was investing $4 billion USD in the Canadian cannabis company Canopy Growth Corporation. Since then, Canopy’s stock has risen more than 75%, making it the world’s largest legal marijuana company based on market capitalization.
Other marijuana stocks are also riding high, with investor speculation of similar deals and growth potential involving other cannabis companies. Tilray, Inc. debuted on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in mid-July with an initial pubic offering price of $17 a share. As of August 28, it was trading at nearly $60 a share. Another company called Aurora Cannabis has also seen significant gains in recent weeks, as have other companies. These are gains that dwarf the returns of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, NASDAQ and other global indices.
Much of this explosive growth is being fueled by institutional investors who see big profits to be made in cannabis. Wall Street suits are now buying tens of millions of shares in these companies. Marijuana has gone mainstream in the centers of finance.
Some investors liken the opportunity to buying stock in Anheuser-Busch in the months before the 21st Amendment was ratified in 1933, ending the nightmare of the noble but doomed experiment of Prohibition.As with any other emerging trend, there’s no shortage of hyperbole and hype. Some financial writers have called Canopy the “Google of Pot,” while other headlines have referred to various cannabis companies the “Amazon of marijuana,” providing no shortage of click-bait for those who read financial news online.
Set aside for a moment the issue of whether one holds a moral position regarding the legal use of marijuana, recreationally or medically. This industry sector is now a part of the macro-economy here, in Canada and around the globe. It is a very small part of the economy but nonetheless contributes to it. Over time, it’s contribution to the broader economy will only grow.
Whether the industry is petroleum, consumer goods, restaurants or anything else, cannabis can only successfully contribute to the economy through adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Failure to abide by these legal strictures not only risks individual businesses but entire sectors. Decisions to not abide to the rule of law casts a shadow over individual corporations and, potentially entire business sectors.
This is particularly true when it comes to new and emerging businesses like cannabis, which is already having a significant impact in Washington state. Washington state collected some $319 million in taxes and fees associated with legal cannabis in 2017 on sales of $1.3 billion. That’s not nothing and the only way to continue to grow this nascent industry is to make sure that every participant runs a buttoned-down operation.
The only way to ensure that this new industry, like it or not, continues contributing to our economy, is to make sure that bad actors do not circumvent the law. Doing so harms growth, stifles job creation and creates a drag on an industry that is otherwise adding to our economy and tax base. Diligent adherence to law and robust enforcement are absolutely vital to ensure public trust and the future viability of the industry in Washington state and elsewhere.
As a small-government guy, I’m no fan of bureaucratic overreach on regulatory matters. But we do need some degree of oversight to ensure consumer protection and responsible corporate citizenship. It’s critical in all industries and especially so for new industries like cannabis.
A sweet spot on SR 19 is bringing smiles to Jefferson County. Brenda and Mike Hill on June 12 opened business as Sugar Valley Farms in the old Beaver Valley Store. Inside awaits what one customer described as “simple extravagance.”
“We call it simple pleasures,” said Brenda. “A Mom with kids who maynot have fat pockets that day can still afford a treat, and leave feelingbetter than when they walked in.”
That feeling will likely include a bit of a sugar lift. The Hills, and their extended family/work force have been wholesaling candies to merchants at Pike Place Market, Finnriver Orchards & Cider Garden in Chimacum, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Ft. Defiance Zoo, CB’s Nuts in Kingston, Sunny Farms in Sequim and elsewhere for a number a years before taking this leap into retailing.
Brenda Hill was inspired by her grandmother’s recipes used two generations ago at the Chevy Chase golf club on Discovery Bay. Those time-tested recipes are behind the amazing caramel (wow!), fudge, licorice, peanut brittle, and fresh pastries and pies now available at the Beaver Valley location. Espresso, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and salads—all local organic greens—are also offered.
All products, even those from other producers, are free of high-fructose corn syrup and aspartame and aspartame-derived
ingredients. “That took some doing to fill the soda cooler,” Brenda says, “but we are now stocked with colorful, yummy drinks.”
As for that work force, they are always nearby. The Hills and Brenda’s mother live right next door. Brenda and Mike’s six children and cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces all pitch in. The store is closed on Sunday for their traditional family dinner at Mom’s—with a 30-40 person extended family coming together.
Some of the family: Malaki, Isabel, Valasiah, Beautifull, Brenda, Mike and Titus
“My daughter used to joke about wanting to just be able to walk to the Beaver Valley Store to buy something,” says Brenda. It was closed back then. But no longer. The Hills bought the property and adjoining acreage last May and spent a year in renovations.
They kept the faded “Beaver Valley Store” lettering on the façade “as a tie to the history,” says Brenda. The store has been in and out of operation for over a century.
The site has become a photo op for passing motorists. The Hills added an Old West feel to the building’s appearance. The “Jail” mock up on the side of the building has stopped quite a number of shutterbugs. And the live bunny greets anyone walking to the door. Little bunny babies are expected any day.
The family overcame the usual hurdles between them and realizing a dream, including a scary accident suffered by one of the children just as the store was set to open.
“I realized there would always be something holding us back,” says Brenda “but I decided we were just going ahead anyway.”
In addition to sweets, the store sells coffees and décor and gift items consigned by local artists.
They see themselves as the “gateway to the Farm Tour” held each year in eastern Jefferson County and have plans to support and get involved in that event.
We got to sample a spoonful of the caramel—it was amazing. Rich, complex, hearty, but somehow not too sweet. Images of Sugar Hill’s caramel drizzled over a bowl of French Vanilla ice cream danced before our eyes.
The licorice is old school, each piece wrapped and sold separately. It is softer than mass produced and wheat-free. We left with a bag of their peanut brittle. They make it from the fabulous CB’s Nuts—which they credit with helping and encouraging them on this adventure. We also escaped with a carton of the day’s fudge selections—orange cream, peanut butter, Rocky Road, chocolate (it looked like a brownie!) and a sampling of their chocolate raisin cluster.
Before we left the parking lot, a beaming Brenda hurried outside to give us some of the delicious cherries they are selling. Sweet things from the kitchen, sweet things from trees. Sweetness working the counter and sweetness in a lovely family.
You do go away feeling so much better than when you walked in.
Sugar Hill Farms is located on S.R. 19 south of Chimacum and before the Oak Bay Road turnoff to Port Ludlow. The formal address is 2593 Beaver Valley Road. You can reach them at 360-821-2732 or at their website: sugarhillcandy.com, created by their daughter, Whitney. It really captures the joy and love of the Hill family. Hours are 10-6, except Sundays, because the whole family is around the dinner table.
Kirk Boxleitner of the PT Leader did a nice story on the family last August, when they were deep in renovation of the old country store building. You can read it here (subscription may be required).
Three years after starting negotiations to buy the notorious Zoog’s Caveman Cookin’, followed by years of remodeling, construction and engineering, partners Ashley Emery and Brent Garrett today opened their Crazy Otter to its first customers.
“We’re in the fun business,” said Garrett.
“This’ll be the damnedest fun place you’ve ever been,” added Emery.
The Crazy Otter, 141 Chimacum Road in Port Hadlock, occupies the building that once sported a wall mural of a scantily-clad Racquel Welch holding a mug of beer and surrounded by leering dinosaurs. The mural and everything else is gone from the former Zoog’s that sank so low it was featured in the cable television show “Restaurant Impossible.”
This reporter’s favorite memory of Zoog’s: Outside next to the life-size mural of a buxom Racquel Welch, an older man with long white hair, wearing a beret, was hitting a joint. He wore a heavy full-length camelhair overcoat with red sneakers below that. Inside, his buzz going, he sat down at an electric keyboard and flawlessly rendered Pacabel’s Canon in D major. Behind him, bloody men kicked, punched and wrestled in a mixed martial arts match played on the large-screen TV. The drinkers at the bar cheered the fighters. The listeners at tables close to the keyboard strained to hear the classical icon and politely applauded its closing notes. Then the keyboard player dashed outside for another toke.
The television makeover made major improvements but it wasn’t enough to save Zoog’s. Emery and Garrett bought the building after Zoog’s lost its lease.
“We took it down to the bones,” said Emery. “The only thing left from Zoog’s is the old bar, under the new bar top.”
Engineered trusses, exposed inside as design features, were added to support the roof. All new furniture, along with a modern color scheme has completely transformed the interior. The septic system–a nettlesome issue for most Hadlock businesses–proved more of a challenge and expense than originally expected, and delays kept pushing back the first day of business.
But a brand new kitchen is now serving sandwiches and sides for take-out from noon to 7 pm. The bar is expected to open mid-July.
The Crazy Otter will provide work for 12 employees. Local artists will be featured, beginning with a Hadlock stained glass artist who specializes in lamps and home decorations. Live music will be added over time.
This is the first restaurant/bar venture for the partners. Emery has been a financial consultant. Garrett works in property management.
This reporter sampled the fried chicken sandwich. The generous serving of juicy white meat was fresh, crispy, and mated with delicious fixings on a light roll. Our photographer went for the tuna salad sandwich and declared it, “excellent.” We cross-checked our taste tests to verify their accuracy and came away impressed.
Opening day is always tough for a new restaurant. The Otter’s launch, after many protracted struggles, seems a complete success. Customers were leaving with take-out bags as we got our story. We wish the Otter crew all the best and thank Emery and Garrett for the dozen, much-needed jobs they have created in Port Hadlock.
