2004 Speakers
Ciscoe Morris "Gardening with Ciscoe" 9:00 AM - Noon, Main Stage  About Ciscoe: Ciscoe rcently retired from Seattle University after working there almost 20 years. He has been a King County Master Gardener for almost as long. In addition, Ciscoe is a certified arborist and is on several advisory boards including Plant Amnesty, The Seattle School District, and South Seattle Community College. He also teaches at Seattle University, Edmonds Community College, the University of Washington, and the Center for Urban Horticulture. He has written numerous articles for various publications and is a member of the Arboretum Editorial Board.Ciscoe is a native of Wisconsin (Wauwatosa to be exact); thus, the distinct accent. His gardening career began when he was 10 years old and got a job as the lawnboy for his local church. He visited Seattle in the early 70's, liked it, and stayed. Ciscoe answers questions and espouses on the virtues of brussel sprouts on his weekly radio show "Gardening with Ciscoe". Yes, he's really as friendly, energetic, and entertaining as he sounds on the radio! You can catch him every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Newsradio 710 KIRO. Derek Birnie, Community Outreach Program Manager - Cascade Land Conservancy Ronald Hendry, founding president of Tahoma Land Conservancy (now Cascade Land Conservancy) "The Cascade Dialogues - Land Conservation for the Next 100 Years in Pierce County" 10:30 AM - Classroom 1 100 years ago, the Olmstead Brothers put forth a powerful vision for the preservation of parks and open spaces in the Puget Sound region. We benefit from their legacy today. Now, Cascade Land Conservancy is beginning a new community-wide discussion to build the vision for the next 100 years. The workshop will provide a preview of a series of town hall presentations and discussions that will form the basis of the new Conservation Agenda.  Len Zickler, Principal - AHBL"Making Low Impact Development a Reality in Residential Communities" 10:30 AM - Classroom 2 AHBL is collaborating with Puget Sound jurisdictions to develop low impact development standards for their communities. Low Impact Development (LID) is an environmentally sensitive approach to land development and stormwater management that is designed to preserve the land's natural hydrologic conditions. LID strives to mimic nature by minimizing impervious surface, infiltrating stormwater through biofiltration and bioretention facilities, retaining contiguous forested areas, and maintaining the character of the natural hydrologic cycle. As a result of this collaboration, AHBL is involved in a LID pilot housing project, the Meadow on the Hylebos, a partnership between Pierce County and a private developer. Located in Pierce County, near Fife and Milton in an urban growth area, the project is the first entitled LID project in Washington State to use a wide variety of LID techniques. Len will present information about LID, focusing on how it can protect and restore our communities from the effects of sprawl and deterioration of the environment utilizing the Meadow on the Hylebos as a case study. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers following the presentation. Paul Pastor, Sheriff - Pierce County Dave Dewey, Sergeant - Pierce County Sheriff's Department "Meth Lab Awareness" 10:30 AM - Classroom 3 Citizens in the Pacific Northwest face the high possibility of being exposed to hazardous chemicals and equipment from clandestine drug lab manufacturing operations. In this workshop, you will receive basic information on how to increase your safety and awareness level so you can identify components of an illegal drug manufacturing operation. By increasing your awareness level, you will immediately increase your safety and reduce your potential exposure and long term health problems. Included will be a live display of many of the lab manufacturing components.  About Sheriff Pastor: Appointed Sheriff after serving for four years as the Chief of the Department's Operations Bureau in charge of all law enforcement operations. Prior to taking this position, he served as Undersheriff for Clark County Sheriff's Office (1993-1996) and Chief of Police for the City of Everett (1991-1992). From 1986 - 1991, he served as the rank of Inspector for Pierce County Sheriff's Department. He is a graduate of the FBI's National Executive Institute and recently became a Senior Fellow in the American Leadership Forum. Sheriff Pastor holds a Bachelor's Degree from Pomona College as well as two Master's Degrees and a Doctorate from Yale University.About Sergeant Dewey: Detective/Sergeant Dewey has a 22 year career in law enforcement, with the last 16 years as a member of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. He has supervised the Sheriff's Metro Lab Team for the past 9 years, the full time Lab Enforcement Team for the past 3 years, and is responsible for coordination of all Meth Lab responses and follow-up within unincorporated Pierce County and their contract cities of Lakewood, Edgewood and University Place. He has also spent 3 years working undercover narcotics, organized crime, and vice related investigations as a member of the Special Investigations Unit. He is also a chief instructor for the department's Meth Lab Awareness classes, is a certified instructor for WMD/Terrorist Response related classes (weapons of mass destruction), is a member of the National Meth Chemicals Initiative Group, the National Clandestine Lab Investigator's Association, the Washington State Narcotics Investigator's Association, and frequently sits on various lab related advisory boards in Washington State. Jan Wolcott, Director of Parks & Recreation - Pierce County "A County Wide System of Public Trails" 10:30 AM - Classroom 4 Pierce County, in partnership with other jurisdictions and organizations, is pursuing trail connections that join together local trail projets in the creation of a Pierce County system of public trails. With the Foothills Trail as the core of the County, connections are being planned and built, with Puyallup/Tacoma, Sumner, and Buckley/King County. Also the federal parks are examining ways to get from Mt. Rainier National Park to the Foothills Trail through Carbonado on the east side and Ashford/Elbe from the south.  Al Schmauder, President and Founder - Clover Creek Watershed Council"State of the Watershed" 11:45 - Classroom 1 Let's go to Clover Creek! Al Schmauder will provide a lively and informative presentation about the 13 mile stream that flows through Parkland and Lakewood. Where did the creek used to flow? How has it been altered? Why does it flood and dry up? Will salmon return? How can I help? Let's go to the creek with Al and answer these questions. Eric Noll "Creating a Healthy Built Environment" 11:45 - Classroom 2 The physical design of community's built environment influences the mental and physical health of its residents. Studies being conducted across the fields of public health,urban planning, medicine, sociology, economics, and anthropology are uncovering this relationship. This lecture will discuss some examples of the particular topics and inquiries that this research is focusing on. Eric will focus on those related to housing, transportation, and neighborhood characteristics connecting the built environment and health. What aspects of the physical environment promote more active lifestyles? How do elements of the physical setting such as noise level, crowding, crime, lighting, traffic, and green space affect the mental health and functioning of adults and children? In order to make the connection between the information we are learning to practice, Eric will present some ways that these studies can be linked to policy decisions. Slides showing examples of "healthy" environments, and aspects of the built environment that foster activity will accompany the presentation.  About the Speaker: Eric is the lead research assistant at the University of Washington's Northwest Center for Livable Communities. His current work is focused on the NWCLC's neighborhood indicator project, to develop a set of neighborhood scale indicators of livability. The project is designed to establish social and scientific "gauges" that measure changes affecting community livability, and further, to link those changes to planning and policy decisions. Understanding the public health impacts of the built environment is considered a fundamental component in assessing community livability. The research center is housed in the Department of Urban Design and Planning, and directs the department's planning policy review and community outreach programs.Ann Eft, Director - Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence "A Community Response to Domestic Violence" 11:45 - Classroom 3 This is an opportunity to learn to identify the signs of domestic violence i.e. the emotional, physical, and sexual violence used against a family or household member. This workshop will also enable friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to understand the dynamics of domestic violence and the tactics that abusers use to trap their victims in abusive situations. Domestic violence is often well hidden and frustrating to deal with when exposed. Come to this workshop and learn what a coordinated community response to domestic violence is. Learn how to develop a community safety plan for victims of domestic violence in your workplace, church, or neighborhood. You can also learn more about local resources that are available. Stopping domestic violence is your responsibility.  About the Speaker: Ann has over 20 years working in the field of Domestic Violence and is currently the Director of the Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence. Prior to coming to Pierce County, she was the Domestic Violence Coordinator for King County, Judicial Administration; an Advocate in the King County Prosecutor's Office; and the Program Director of DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women's Network).Joni Earl, CEO - Sound Transit "Transit Helps Build Livable Communities" 11:45 - Classroom 4 Every day, Sound Transit is reducing the need for the automobile by operating commuter rail, light rail, and express buses across Central Puget Sound. Sound Transit was created in 1996 by a popular vote in the urban areas of Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties to create reliable, safe, and convenient transit in the state's most congested corridors. Throughout the country, cities are building rapid transit options to create livable urban communities, places where people can live, work, and play without relying on the automobile. Joni will discuss this progress and success of regional transit in Puget Sound.  About the Speaker: Joni was appointed to Executive Director of Sound Transit in January 2001 and in 2003 her title was changed to Chief Executive Officer. She has responsibility for all aspects of Sound Transit, including it's substantial captial and operating programs.Before joining Sound Transit, Joni served as Deputy County Executive for Snohomish County for over eight years. Prior to her service to Snohomish County, Joni was the City Manager of Mill Creek. She's also served as the Director of Internal Management and Chief Fiscal Officer for Kitsap County. She is a graduate of Harvard University's State and Local Government Executive Program. She holds a master's in business administration from the University of Puget Sound, and received a bachelor's degree from Washington State University. Additionally, Joni is active in Snohomish County community as a Rotarian and has served on a number of community boards such as United Way and Camp Fire Boys and Girls. Marisa Lown, LNT Trainer "Leaving No Trace for Everyday Living" 1:00 - Classroom 1 Protecting the Outdoors for Recreation - REI sets aside a percentage of pre-tax profits to support its conservation and recreation giving program. The company has contributed more than $9 million to protect the outdoors for recreation during the past two decades, and donated more than $1 million in 2002 - which will increase to $1.8 million in 2003. As part of its giving, REI has donated to local outdoor recreation of trails, wilderness and rivers. Additionally, REI organizes annual Service Projects in each of its retail store markets, which includes recruiting volunteers to perform local, hands-on conservation work in partnership with employee volunteers. REI is also a founding member of The Conservation Alliance, a business organization dedicated to protecting the outdoors for muscle-powered recreation. Building Respect For Our Outdoor Environment - Nurturing generations of children who will grow up to respect and care for our environmental resources, is of paramount concern to REI. Presenting the topic of "Leave No Trace" during community events will expose thousands of kids to the principles that will protect our recreational environments for generations.  About the Speaker: Marisa was born and raised on the Kitsap Peninsula and spent her childhood and teenage years hiking and backpacking throughout the Olympics. She has a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington with an emphasis on Ecology and Conservation. She was trained as a Leave No Trace Trainer in 2003 and works with middle school students and scouts helping to spread the message of Leave No Trace.Tom St. Louis "Better friendlier building materials & systems for healthier energy saving living" 1:00 - Classroom 2 An overview of "green" construction, healthier, more resource and energy efficient building products, energy conserving systems, recycled content and re-usable materials that close the loop in recycling. Learn about think long term, this is where the real costs to you and results of building lay. Project photos and materials will be shown. About the Speaker: Tom is a graduate of WSU, with a Bachelors of Arts and a Masters of Science in education and vocational technical education. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years. He is co-founder of the Northwest EcoBulding Guild, serving two terms as VP. Tom has over 25 years experience as a carpenter and building contractor,building energy and resource efficient homes. He is currently President of Green Depot, Inc. The company is a manufacturer's representative and distribution company focusing on building systems and material integration using recycled content, resource and energy conserving building materials and products for smart energy and resource management. Tom has been involved with promoting waste reduction and recycling through the Washington State Recycling Association's Construction, Demolition and Land Clearing Council. He has been awarded the Olympia Rotary Club's 2001 Environmental Protection Award and his company has received the National Association of Home Builders "Outstanding Green Product Award 2002". He continues to participate in and educate for better building at workshops, professional trade conferences and home shows on sustainable/green building. He has assisted regional Home Builder Associations in the development and implementation of the "Built Green" program. Tom and his company are currently assisting Habitat for Humanity to build an affordable high performance green home. This pioneering home is being built out of Rastra recycled content Insulating Concrete Form (ICF), the home includes many other recycled content and energy conserving materials and products. Barbara Nelson, Pierce County Neighborhood Emergency Teams "Helping Neighbors Help Themselves" 1:00 - Classroom 3 Are you prepared for the next storm or for an earthquake? Do you know what to do if you see a stranger lurking in your neighborhoods? A free program called "Pierce County Neighborhood Emergency Teams (PC-NET)", through Pierce County Emergency Management can help you and your neighbors prepare for disasters and make your neighborhood a safer place. About the Speaker: Barbara has been working with Pierce County Emergency Management for 1 1/2 years. Before making the move to Pierce County, she worked for the Federal Way School District as an office manager in an elementary school. During this time she was part of the district's disaster preparedness committee and coordinator for her school's emergency response team. She's a CPR/First Aid instructor and teaches advanced first aid through the Tacoma Mountaineers. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. Nancy Boyd "Washington State Department of Transportation" 1:00 - Classroom 4 Transportation of one sort or another is an essential part of the glue that bonds communities together. Truly "livable" communities provide an array of transportation choices to serve a variety of needs. The process that results in new transportation projects can seem complicated. Come learn how needs are identified and how solutions are developed and implemented. Learn how, and when, input from community members is vital to the development of projects that result in more livable communities. About the Speaker: Nancy Boyd, P.E., manages Washington State Department of Transportation's award-winning Olympia Design Office and oversees the engineering and development of major improvement projects in Pierce County including the Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program and the new SR 704 Cross-Base Highway. She is a licensed Professional Engineer and Registered Engineering Geologist. In addition to her current role, Nancy's previous work with WSDOT has included leading the development of WSDOT's "Context-Sensitive Design" policy and development of Washington State's first inter-regional travel demand forecasting model. Tom Starrs, VP Marketing & Sales Bonneville Environmental Foundation "Green & Renewable Power Resources" 2:15 - Classroom 1  About the Speaker: Dr. Thomas ("Tom") Starrs is Vice President for Marketing and Sales for the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Tom joined BEF in January 2004. Prior to joining BEF, Tom was Executive Vice President for Sales and Marketing and a member of the Board of Directors of RWE Schott Solar Inc., the world's sixth largest manufacturer of solar photovoltaic cells and modules. Tom also spent seven years as co-founder and principal of Kelso Starrs & Associates LLC, an energy consulting firm focusing on the design and implementation of policies and programs to support renewable energy development, with an emphasis on solar and wind energy. Before establishing his own consulting business, Tom was an attorney with the environment and natural resources section of Seattle-based Perkins Coie, the largest law firm in the Pacific Northwest.Tom serves on the Boards of the American Solar Energy Society (as Chairman) and the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies. He holds a Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley's Energy and Resources Group and a law degree from U.C. Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law. Victoria Olson, Owner - Puget Sound Native Landscape and Master Habitat Steward of Urban Habitat Ecology Tacoma Keeperowls "Puget Sound Native Landscapes for Your Home and Community" 2:15 - Classroom 2 AHL TEE AH: means "right here" in Lushootseed, the language of the Coast Salish people who lived fairly comfortably in Pierce County for about 6,000 years. Take your cues from "Ahl tee ah", or wherever "right here" is for you, to replace or improve resource intensive, useless, and toxic conventional lawnscapes with native plants. Learn about your own local ecosystem and become involved in its care. Explore the indigenous plant communities that grow so easily in the native soils of Pierce County. Appreciate how they save time, money, and water as they restore a healthy balance to your home's unique natural ecosystem. About the Speaker: Victoria is a landscaping contractor, dba Puget Sound Native Landscape and a Native Plant Steward of the Washington Native Plant Society, whose mission is to protect, enhance, and restore natural habitats in our urban landscapes. Urban Habitat Ecology Tacoma Keeperowls is a grassroots non-profit collective of neighbors, students, and science teachers removing invasive plants and planting natives in their local natural area with on-site supervision. The Keeperowls engage the local citizenry to establish a network of neighborhood habitat keepers who contribute to the local economy, investigate public policies, and are guided by a consortium of experts in the natural and social sciences.  David Lovrak, Communications Officer/Public Education - Law Enforcement Support Agency (LESA)"911...What are you reporting?" 2:15 Classroom 3 For the past ten years, Dave Lovrak has answered thousands of phone calls that way in his capacity as a 911 communications officer for Pierce County's Law Enforcement Support Agency. The response he gets range from hilarious to harrowing. This is an opportunity for you to sample some of the energy of a bustling 911 emergency dispatch center and to learn what goes on behind the scenes as Dave and his partners simultaneously juggle a myriad of emergency and non-emergency calls. Understand why they ask the questions they do and why the answers are so important. Find out some of the most commonly repeated and avoidable mistakes people make that necessitate a call to 911. (Not all are as obvious as you might think.) Learn how a few simple adjustments in your daily routine can protect you from becoming a victim. Hear a variety of actual 911 calls that are both enlightening and entertaining. Enhance your understanding and appreciation of the many idiosyncracies of emergency communications, and you'll leave with a renewed sense of confidence in an exciting, high-tech profession that saves lives every day. |
