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Proud
Editor, The Herald:
I fully expected the slanderous
rant contained in Mr. Raymond
Anderson's December 21 letter
to the editor as he published the
Neatherlin-Landram party line. I
find it interesting that it is so easy
to find such stooges in Belfair. Too
bad the principals don't have the
character to substantiate their al-
legations without relying.on prox-
ies to spread unfounded rumor,
innuendo, gossip and self-serv-
ing half-truths. Therefore, I'll re-
spond this last time in an attempt
to set the record straight regard-
ing the some two-score allegations
made by Mr. Anderson. I invite
THINKING people to investigate
the truth. Look at the big picture.
Observe who these people are and
what they represent.
It is true that I worked with
both Neatherlin and Bill Eick-
meyer. I was president of the
Theler board of directors from
December 2004 until the board
was summarily fired with the
exception of Neatherlin in April
2005 (five months). I am proud of
my service to the Mary E. Theler
Organization under very difficult
and trying circumstances. I very
much enjoyed working with the
12 charter members of the board
of directors. Moreover, I am happy
to see that the Theler Community
Center remains a viable asset to
the community.
When fired, the Theler bank ac-
counts were net positive $10,000-
plus ($12,500.00 in the Theler
accounts). The checking account
was overdrawn by $2,500 be-
cause the available funds were
not transferred by the incoming
(interim) board of directors. The
executive director did not have
accurate books, howeyr the local
CPA maintained an accurate ac-
counting off site. The board on my
watch authorized and paid a CPA
to maintain a backup set of books
as the executive director was un-
able to accomplish this goal. This
and the executive director's lack
of administrative and leadership
skills led to her facilitated resig-
nation on my watch.
The Theler board was publicly
commended by the assistant su-
perintendent of schools (Mark
Flatau) fbr an accurate and eas-
ily understood draft budget sub-
mission at the March 2005 school
board meeting awaiting results
of the 2004 financial audit con-
tracted with a local CPA befi)re
final submission. The audit was
late in coming as the then execu-
tive director continually failed to
st...., i
Episcopal I
L.J Church I_..
I We inviteyou to join us for '__
Sunday Family Worship "rh7ur
of service to Theler 10a.m. Snnday School Provided Assail:( i
2 8 0 E. 3W6h0c.2 7w;i h;5S;., A, I y n - :[e:!
deliver needed information to the the enhancement group paid for to date.
tion
I guess Mr. Anderson doesn't Conal
card
For:
or 27
9
Belf
Chur
call
Nc
Club.
housi
tion (
Nc
numerous improvements in the
center and grounds. For example,
wiring the Theler Center with
state of the art Category 5 Eth-
ernet cables for Web and network
access. Randy Neatherlin took it
upon himself to tear out the cables
after the enhancement group ob-
tained offices elsewhere.
On my watch the Theler board
consisted of 12 members of the
community. Presently the board
consists of five members. Shortly
after assuming the duties as the
president of the board, we formed
a committee of an additional 20
members of the community to
develop a more-inclusive master
planning document for submis-
sion to the school board for ap-
proval. When it became obvious
that there truly was going to be
widespread community involve-
ment the school board {Glenn
Landram) canceled the meetings
and within a few days thereat:
ter fired the board. So you be the
judge on who is inclusive.
Anderson claimed that I advo-
cated selling Theler property. I
supported the position of the ma-
jority of the board. The final ar-
biter for any sale of Theler trust
property was the trustee, not
the Theler board. Anderson also
claims that I left the Theler Cen-
ter broke and Neatherlin rescued
it. This argument was put in play
to cover the school board's lack of
financial oversight with the pre-
vious Theler trustee. The trustee
advised the school board that
overpayment had occurred and
the proceeds of the trust would
have to be reduced. The school
board took no action for several
years in resolving this issue. Un-
fortunately, the Theler board had
no say in the matter and was sim-
ply forced to pay for the school
board's dereliction of fiduciary
oversight. Additionally, earlier
Theler boards bought and refur-
bished the "Head Start" property
presently adding positive cash
flow for the center while adding
value to the balance sheet. Also,
earlier boards were instrumental
in obtaining and placing buildings
on the two Theler properties next
to the old post office. This action
increased the value of the trust
and generated additional positive
cash flow for the trust.
I accept responsibility for my
actions. Further, when p.sented
with unfortunate circu/6stances I
try to energize those around me to
solve the problem, not launch per-
sonal attacks as has been the case
auditor. The audit was completed
after a new executive director was
hired on my watch and provided
the available and needed informa-
tion to the auditor.
It is absolutely unfounded and
untrue that there was a com-
mingling of funds. The incoming
interim board paid the auditor
commissioned on my watch for
the 2004 audit, but has not pub-
licly disclosed the audit results
as it disproves this and other un-
founded allegations by the Neat-
herlin-Landram crowd. Why pay
$4,000 for an audit and then not
disclose the findings of the audit?
Did Neatherlin lose the docu-
ment? Did the interim board pay
fi)r the audit, but fail to obtain the
document? Nobody seems to want
to answer this question.
I did, indeed, work for the Hood
Canal Salmon Enhancement
Group and am very proud of my
service to that hard-working com-
munity-minded group of staff and
vohmteers. 1 was also a member
of the Pacific Northwest Salmon
Center board and, again, was
proud ef my affiliation and volun-
teer service.
It is absolutely untrue that em-
ployees and their pay were com-
mingled under the Americorps
grant. Six Americorps members
were assigned to and paid by the
salmon enhancement group and
six were assigned to and paid by
the Mary E. Theler Organization
under an overarching contract
with Americorps administered by
a Washington State agency. Un-
tbrtunately, the then executive
director was never able to submit
an accurate or complete expense
report on the first submission.
No grants that once belonged to
Theler moved to the enhance-
ment group or salmon center that
I know of.
On my watch, and before, the
board advocated the sale of the
parking lot "at fair market value"
to be determined by an official real
estate appraisal conducted by a li-
censed and bonded appraiser, not
some bank actuary. This was in
keeping with an openly disclosed
and widely disseminated master
plan developed in 2002 with com-
munity input.
The enhancement group rented
two offices in the Theler Center at
market rates. The rates were for-
mally reviewed by the executive
director in 2004. The school board
approved the renting of the space
which brought in over $13,000
per year to the center. Moreover,
An important legacy
Obituary is created bY priinermd.a"
°bct::p ] east e ioO:r y mattOn
, , , tion is not only an appropri-
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and
spending time outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his
son, Donald Wing Huson, in 1971.
Survivors include his son Mike
and his wife, Brenda, of Tahuya;
his daughter Nancy and her hus-
band, Tom Webb, of Tahuya; his
brother John Huson of Belfair; his
sister Helen Olsen of Tahuya; his
grandchildren Zac, Jessie, Jake,
Tessa, Tyler and Tanya; and great-
grandchildren Gabriel, Eli, Ethan
and Emma.
A graveside service, conducted
by Reverend Ernest S. Radcliff,
was held Friday, December 29, at
Twin Firs Cemetery in Belfair.
Arrangements are by McComb
Funeral Home in Shelton.
ate tribute to the deceased but
Donald R. Huson
Tahuya resident Donald R.
Huson died of natural causes on
Christmas day. He was 79.
He was born August 8, 1.927 in
Seattle to John and Frances (Boy-
er) Huson,
He graduated fi'om South Kit-
sap High School in 1943 and
served in the Merchant Marine
during World War II.
He married Myrlis Joy Whit-
man on June 12, 1949 in Union.
She preceded him in death in Oc-
tober.
Mr. Huson was self-employed in
the construction and tbrest indus-
tries. He and his brother, John,
owned Huson Brothers Construc-
tion tbr many years.
ullulllluuuuuuuuuulu
P.O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528
Telephone 275-6680
Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience
there is a mail slot by the door for copy, Office located in the Log Plaza.
KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor
HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager
LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter
Office Telephone (360) 275-6680
a part of history. Thq Herald
provides forms and is happy to
print information on the lives of
residents and former residents.
Please stop by our office in the
Log Plaza if we can be of any
help.
want community-minded volun-
teers that work long hours and
give freely of themselves while
maintaining open and honest
diah)g with the community they
serve to remain in the North Ma-
son area. I assume he prefers the
likes of a school board president
that has alienated 90 percent of
the teachers and two fifths of the
school board and buffoons that
come out after the battle, slay the
wounded and then claim victory.
I: oath
Lots of luck with that. ] S ELL IT -: formali,
John D. Blankenship [ WITH AN AD IN THE HERALD.
Allyn r.,Au. 36o-275-$I1o l As I
p.
Soci
i ferenc
Since 1961 _. N A !)' [' more i
ling .....
[}00]L00_NMiller Remode Frida
6p
Buildin on Your Dreams with Qualit and Service Club s
' ' p.ra
* 360-275-5702 Victor
l)esign/Build
• Remodels
• Additions
• Restorations
• Custom Homes
360-426-2058
VMt www.tnmillerremodeling.com
to read about our o./€ approach
Hood:
&
Relaxation from the Holidays
We offer...
* Body Wraps * Salt/Sugar Scrubs
* Aromatherapy * Relaxation & Deep Massage * Paraffin
Nina Brush, LMP
MA#00022101
Office: 360.275.0636
Belfair Center
24090 NE Hwy 3 #D2
Cell: 360.204.4162
ii i i
YOUR
DEALERSHIP
i: call 2
I 6 t,
dettes
l{i00ary
! call 2
iiaforn
I: 275-9;
I!choice
iini°r C
Comn
i' il2forn
6:3
1197,
tist C
- tion c
!
tra (holding Rufus), Brennan and Mark
Did you know that your car doesn't have to be serviced at
the dealership to keep your manufacturer's warranty covered?
STOP paying dealer priced You only need to see the dealer
for something you don't have to pay forl
Ayers Automotive, the NEW shop in Grapeview (Mason/Benson
Lake Area) is a family owned, fully licensed repair shop. Mark
is an ASE =rter Technician with over 20 years experience.
We work on most foreign and domestic cars and light trucks.
Give us a call to see if we can help you with your automotive
repair needsl •
l,
8:3q
Arnold & Smith "Since 1970"
Insurance Agency, Inc.
NOW OPEN IN BELFAIR. I
e°pl
es
eti
Located at 11 N.E. Old Belfair Hwy., Belfair, WA 98528 (Across from QFC)
Our new Belfair office provides the same products and services you
have always known. Come in and see Chris Ladner, Artemia Settle,
and our team of insurance professionals for all your insurance needs!
A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Beltair,
Allyn, Grapevlew, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor.
uuuuu
Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 4, 2007
Phone: (360) 27715300
Toll Free: 1.800.633.4848
Proud
Editor, The Herald:
I fully expected the slanderous
rant contained in Mr. Raymond
Anderson's December 21 letter
to the editor as he published the
Neatherlin-Landram party line. I
find it interesting that it is so easy
to find such stooges in Belfair. Too
bad the principals don't have the
character to substantiate their al-
legations without relying.on prox-
ies to spread unfounded rumor,
innuendo, gossip and self-serv-
ing half-truths. Therefore, I'll re-
spond this last time in an attempt
to set the record straight regard-
ing the some two-score allegations
made by Mr. Anderson. I invite
THINKING people to investigate
the truth. Look at the big picture.
Observe who these people are and
what they represent.
It is true that I worked with
both Neatherlin and Bill Eick-
meyer. I was president of the
Theler board of directors from
December 2004 until the board
was summarily fired with the
exception of Neatherlin in April
2005 (five months). I am proud of
my service to the Mary E. Theler
Organization under very difficult
and trying circumstances. I very
much enjoyed working with the
12 charter members of the board
of directors. Moreover, I am happy
to see that the Theler Community
Center remains a viable asset to
the community.
When fired, the Theler bank ac-
counts were net positive $10,000-
plus ($12,500.00 in the Theler
accounts). The checking account
was overdrawn by $2,500 be-
cause the available funds were
not transferred by the incoming
(interim) board of directors. The
executive director did not have
accurate books, howeyr the local
CPA maintained an accurate ac-
counting off site. The board on my
watch authorized and paid a CPA
to maintain a backup set of books
as the executive director was un-
able to accomplish this goal. This
and the executive director's lack
of administrative and leadership
skills led to her facilitated resig-
nation on my watch.
The Theler board was publicly
commended by the assistant su-
perintendent of schools (Mark
Flatau) fbr an accurate and eas-
ily understood draft budget sub-
mission at the March 2005 school
board meeting awaiting results
of the 2004 financial audit con-
tracted with a local CPA befi)re
final submission. The audit was
late in coming as the then execu-
tive director continually failed to
st...., i
Episcopal I
L.J Church I_..
I We inviteyou to join us for '__
Sunday Family Worship "rh7ur
of service to Theler 10a.m. Snnday School Provided Assail:( i
2 8 0 E. 3W6h0c.2 7w;i h;5S;., A, I y n - :[e:!
deliver needed information to the the enhancement group paid for to date.
tion
I guess Mr. Anderson doesn't Conal
card
For:
or 27
9
Belf
Chur
call
Nc
Club.
housi
tion (
Nc
numerous improvements in the
center and grounds. For example,
wiring the Theler Center with
state of the art Category 5 Eth-
ernet cables for Web and network
access. Randy Neatherlin took it
upon himself to tear out the cables
after the enhancement group ob-
tained offices elsewhere.
On my watch the Theler board
consisted of 12 members of the
community. Presently the board
consists of five members. Shortly
after assuming the duties as the
president of the board, we formed
a committee of an additional 20
members of the community to
develop a more-inclusive master
planning document for submis-
sion to the school board for ap-
proval. When it became obvious
that there truly was going to be
widespread community involve-
ment the school board {Glenn
Landram) canceled the meetings
and within a few days thereat:
ter fired the board. So you be the
judge on who is inclusive.
Anderson claimed that I advo-
cated selling Theler property. I
supported the position of the ma-
jority of the board. The final ar-
biter for any sale of Theler trust
property was the trustee, not
the Theler board. Anderson also
claims that I left the Theler Cen-
ter broke and Neatherlin rescued
it. This argument was put in play
to cover the school board's lack of
financial oversight with the pre-
vious Theler trustee. The trustee
advised the school board that
overpayment had occurred and
the proceeds of the trust would
have to be reduced. The school
board took no action for several
years in resolving this issue. Un-
fortunately, the Theler board had
no say in the matter and was sim-
ply forced to pay for the school
board's dereliction of fiduciary
oversight. Additionally, earlier
Theler boards bought and refur-
bished the "Head Start" property
presently adding positive cash
flow for the center while adding
value to the balance sheet. Also,
earlier boards were instrumental
in obtaining and placing buildings
on the two Theler properties next
to the old post office. This action
increased the value of the trust
and generated additional positive
cash flow for the trust.
I accept responsibility for my
actions. Further, when p.sented
with unfortunate circu/6stances I
try to energize those around me to
solve the problem, not launch per-
sonal attacks as has been the case
auditor. The audit was completed
after a new executive director was
hired on my watch and provided
the available and needed informa-
tion to the auditor.
It is absolutely unfounded and
untrue that there was a com-
mingling of funds. The incoming
interim board paid the auditor
commissioned on my watch for
the 2004 audit, but has not pub-
licly disclosed the audit results
as it disproves this and other un-
founded allegations by the Neat-
herlin-Landram crowd. Why pay
$4,000 for an audit and then not
disclose the findings of the audit?
Did Neatherlin lose the docu-
ment? Did the interim board pay
fi)r the audit, but fail to obtain the
document? Nobody seems to want
to answer this question.
I did, indeed, work for the Hood
Canal Salmon Enhancement
Group and am very proud of my
service to that hard-working com-
munity-minded group of staff and
vohmteers. 1 was also a member
of the Pacific Northwest Salmon
Center board and, again, was
proud ef my affiliation and volun-
teer service.
It is absolutely untrue that em-
ployees and their pay were com-
mingled under the Americorps
grant. Six Americorps members
were assigned to and paid by the
salmon enhancement group and
six were assigned to and paid by
the Mary E. Theler Organization
under an overarching contract
with Americorps administered by
a Washington State agency. Un-
tbrtunately, the then executive
director was never able to submit
an accurate or complete expense
report on the first submission.
No grants that once belonged to
Theler moved to the enhance-
ment group or salmon center that
I know of.
On my watch, and before, the
board advocated the sale of the
parking lot "at fair market value"
to be determined by an official real
estate appraisal conducted by a li-
censed and bonded appraiser, not
some bank actuary. This was in
keeping with an openly disclosed
and widely disseminated master
plan developed in 2002 with com-
munity input.
The enhancement group rented
two offices in the Theler Center at
market rates. The rates were for-
mally reviewed by the executive
director in 2004. The school board
approved the renting of the space
which brought in over $13,000
per year to the center. Moreover,
An important legacy
Obituary is created bY priinermd.a"
°bct::p ] east e ioO:r y mattOn
, , , tion is not only an appropri-
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and
spending time outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his
son, Donald Wing Huson, in 1971.
Survivors include his son Mike
and his wife, Brenda, of Tahuya;
his daughter Nancy and her hus-
band, Tom Webb, of Tahuya; his
brother John Huson of Belfair; his
sister Helen Olsen of Tahuya; his
grandchildren Zac, Jessie, Jake,
Tessa, Tyler and Tanya; and great-
grandchildren Gabriel, Eli, Ethan
and Emma.
A graveside service, conducted
by Reverend Ernest S. Radcliff,
was held Friday, December 29, at
Twin Firs Cemetery in Belfair.
Arrangements are by McComb
Funeral Home in Shelton.
ate tribute to the deceased but
Donald R. Huson
Tahuya resident Donald R.
Huson died of natural causes on
Christmas day. He was 79.
He was born August 8, 1.927 in
Seattle to John and Frances (Boy-
er) Huson,
He graduated fi'om South Kit-
sap High School in 1943 and
served in the Merchant Marine
during World War II.
He married Myrlis Joy Whit-
man on June 12, 1949 in Union.
She preceded him in death in Oc-
tober.
Mr. Huson was self-employed in
the construction and tbrest indus-
tries. He and his brother, John,
owned Huson Brothers Construc-
tion tbr many years.
ullulllluuuuuuuuuulu
P.O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528
Telephone 275-6680
Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday
News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience
there is a mail slot by the door for copy, Office located in the Log Plaza.
KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor
HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager
LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter
Office Telephone (360) 275-6680
a part of history. Thq Herald
provides forms and is happy to
print information on the lives of
residents and former residents.
Please stop by our office in the
Log Plaza if we can be of any
help.
want community-minded volun-
teers that work long hours and
give freely of themselves while
maintaining open and honest
diah)g with the community they
serve to remain in the North Ma-
son area. I assume he prefers the
likes of a school board president
that has alienated 90 percent of
the teachers and two fifths of the
school board and buffoons that
come out after the battle, slay the
wounded and then claim victory.
I: oath
Lots of luck with that. ] S ELL IT -: formali,
John D. Blankenship [ WITH AN AD IN THE HERALD.
Allyn r.,Au. 36o-275-$I1o l As I
p.
Soci
i ferenc
Since 1961 _. N A !)' [' more i
ling .....
[}00]L00_NMiller Remode Frida
6p
Buildin on Your Dreams with Qualit and Service Club s
' ' p.ra
* 360-275-5702 Victor
l)esign/Build
• Remodels
• Additions
• Restorations
• Custom Homes
360-426-2058
VMt www.tnmillerremodeling.com
to read about our o./€ approach
Hood:
&
Relaxation from the Holidays
We offer...
* Body Wraps * Salt/Sugar Scrubs
* Aromatherapy * Relaxation & Deep Massage * Paraffin
Nina Brush, LMP
MA#00022101
Office: 360.275.0636
Belfair Center
24090 NE Hwy 3 #D2
Cell: 360.204.4162
ii i i
YOUR
DEALERSHIP
i: call 2
I 6 t,
dettes
l{i00ary
! call 2
iiaforn
I: 275-9;
I!choice
iini°r C
Comn
i' il2forn
6:3
1197,
tist C
- tion c
!
tra (holding Rufus), Brennan and Mark
Did you know that your car doesn't have to be serviced at
the dealership to keep your manufacturer's warranty covered?
STOP paying dealer priced You only need to see the dealer
for something you don't have to pay forl
Ayers Automotive, the NEW shop in Grapeview (Mason/Benson
Lake Area) is a family owned, fully licensed repair shop. Mark
is an ASE =rter Technician with over 20 years experience.
We work on most foreign and domestic cars and light trucks.
Give us a call to see if we can help you with your automotive
repair needsl •
l,
8:3q
Arnold & Smith "Since 1970"
Insurance Agency, Inc.
NOW OPEN IN BELFAIR. I
e°pl
es
eti
Located at 11 N.E. Old Belfair Hwy., Belfair, WA 98528 (Across from QFC)
Our new Belfair office provides the same products and services you
have always known. Come in and see Chris Ladner, Artemia Settle,
and our team of insurance professionals for all your insurance needs!
A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Beltair,
Allyn, Grapevlew, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor.
uuuuu
Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 4, 2007
Phone: (360) 27715300
Toll Free: 1.800.633.4848