Since 1994, OPALCO has been accepting CenturyLink payments in its office locations and in drop boxes throughout the County as a service to the Co-op membership. CenturyLink has informed OPALCO that this type of bill collection program is no longer cost-effective for their company. The last day that OPALCO and the county drop boxes that OPALCO maintains can accept CenturyLink payments will be Thursday, June 15^th. CenturyLink customers should contact the phone company directly for other payment options. OPALCO will attempt to return any CenturyLink bills mistakenly deposited in drop box locations to the customer.

OPALCO members can continue to pay their power bills in the Eastsound and Friday Harbor offices and also at the following locations:

• Orcas Island: Rainbow Services and Islanders Bank (drop box)
• Lopez Island: Lopez Pharmacy
• San Juan Island: Islanders Bank (drop box)

For the latest information about OPALCO, visit www.opalco.com

Just a reminder – this event is TODAY –

San Juan County Health and Community Services and Island Rec are hosting a FREE family bike ride, Tour de Family Friday Harbor, today, May 12th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the John O. Linde Community Park.

Three loop rides are planned:

1. One for scooter or trike bikers
2. A 1-mile first biker’s loop including those with training wheels who are just learning the rules of the road
3. A 3-mile round trip adventure biker loop for our more experienced riders.

There will be FREE safety gear giveaways including helmets and a chance to win a bike for participants.

A special thanks to our generous sponsors: PeaceHealth, San Juan Island Trails Committee, San Juan Island EMS, Island Bicycles, and Meat Machine Cycles.

You can register at Island Rec, 378-4953, or drop in the day of the ride. Bikes will be available to borrow onsite for those who would like to ride but do not have a bike.

If you have outgrown a bike, you may bring bikes in good working condition to the Bike Swap to trade or sell your used bikes.

Join us with your family and friends for this fun-filled family ride!

Have you ever wondered how lime is made from limestone? Or gazed in wonder at the lime kilns scattered across our islands? Why, for that matter, is our State Park called Lime Kiln? Local architectural historian Boyd C. Pratt’s new book Lime: Quarrying and Limemaking in the San Juan Islands tells all.

Boyd will review the history and technology of limemaking in the San Juan Islands. Free refreshments! (Except, of course, for the book, which is $9.95 – cash or check only, please.)

Learn how the carcasses of sea creatures became the building blocks of modern civilization. Formed through eons of geologic time and sculpted by glaciers, the limestone deposits along the islands’ shore provided the essential ingredient for the block and mortar that built and rebuilt the West Coast’s major cities. Read all about the islands’ economic booms and busts, dramatic changes to the landscape, bloody murder, contentious lawsuits, and deadly shipwrecks.

Friday, May 12, 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Grange. For more information contact: Boyd Pratt, Mulno Cove Publishing (360) 378-7172 [email protected]

Updated on May 17th – This event has been cancelled –

Back by popular demand, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor is presenting the sixth annual free seminar for women. The seminar focuses on practical, but not always accessible, topics like legal issues, budgeting, and community resources. “Practical Magic 2.0” will be held Saturday May 20, from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Skagit Valley College, Friday Harbor Campus. There will be a free lunch provided by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. There are only 35 spots available, so please register soon by emailing [email protected]

Program & Presenters:

Presto! Be a Legal Eagle

• Katie Loring and Margaret Langlie

Abracadabra! Budget & Banking

• Carrie Brooks

Voila! Community Resources at Your Fingertips

• SAFE San Juans, Brittani Bryan
• EDC Jobs Program, Victoria Compton
• Family Resource Center, Ashley Strutz (TBD)
• SJ County Health & Community Services, Suki Boydston
• OPALCO, Suzanne Olson

Founded in 1996, the Friday Harbor club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Friday Harbor members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls.

In Friday Harbor the club raises and donates over $40,000 and thousands of volunteer hours each year to community projects. For more information about how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit www.soroptimist.org.

John Stimpson is planning an epic bike ride – John Dustrude photo

When you don’t see a familiar face around for several months, it sometimes means that person is off on a big adventure.

In the case of John Stimpson, who retired as manager of Friday Harbor Marketplace about a year ago, it will be because he’s bicycling across the United States: Anacortes ferry terminal to Bar Harbor, Maine.

He said in an interview Tuesday afternoon that he’ll leave early next week; he’ll cross the Cascades on Stevens Pass (because the North Cascades Highway isn’t open yet) and the Rockies on Marias Pass just south of Glacier National Park.

He hopes to arrive at the Atlantic Ocean about August 9th.

“My sister Caroline, who lives in Maine, will have all her children visiting at that time and I want to arrive then as well.” The total distance, by his calculations, should be 4400 miles. He’ll be riding with a new friend, Lee Kanning, from Langley on Whidbey Island.

The two men will aim to cover about 50 to 60 miles a day, giving them time to stop and visit with anyone they find intriguing.

The calling cards John has printed up to hand out call it a “Meet and Greet Tour,” and that’s really his goal. Those who know him best know he’s always happy to hop off the bike and pass the time chatting with anyone.

With maps and advice from the Adventure Cycling Association, and with just a few overnight hosts lined up, they can generally be open to anyone they meet and whatever adventures turn up. They’re mostly following the ACA’s Northern Tier route.

You’ll be able to follow John on this website: Continue Reading

Breezeway Park – Tim Dustrude photo

Installation of the large love seat rock – Duncan Wilson photo

With all the the major construction finished and the plantings completed last week, the final large piece of art, Tom Small’s “love seat” was installed on Monday of this week.

The park is now complete, and the town commemorated it with an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday. It’s called Breezeway Park because it sits at the entrance to the breezeway between the Palace Theater and Haley’s Bait Shop.

Stone Sculptor Tom Small takes a quick coffee break on his love seat after installing on Monday

Mayor Carrie Lacher cuts the ribbon

Hill of Thrills

Island Rec – Hill of Thrills Soap Box Race

Island Rec is very excited to announce the second running of the now famous Hill of Thrills Soap Box Race on Sunday, May 21.  This is a classic old fashioned ‘gravity’ race where people race their homemade non-motorized contraptions down Grover Street by the elementary school.  

There will be prizes for style as well as for the races. The racing will have categories for ages 5 through adult. There are as many adult contestants as youth! Races go from 1:00 to 4:00.

Race packets and applications can be found online or at the office, 580 Guard Street, Monday throug Friday 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

www.IslandRec.org, (360) 378-4953.

Photos from last year’s event at this link.

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

Merri Ann Simonson shares this interesting information on docks…

During the real estate boom years of 2005 through 2007, waterfront homes on San Juan Island appreciated around 8-10% per year and homes with docks appreciated around 13%. Docks have always been a coveted property amenity as they truly allow easy access to boating; the reason many want to live on an island.

Many, many years ago, docks were easy to obtain and were often used for making a living such as fishing, crabbing, commercial boat use and marinas. In today’s environment, docks are very difficult to obtain. The last few residential docks that were constructed were shared and took 2+ years with most of the delays within the Corps of Engineer’s various departments.   Total costs for the legal fees, hard and other soft costs were in the range of $200,000-$400,000. Reportedly, the legal fees were in the range of 25%-40% of the total but this varied based on the amount of opposition and delays.

Even if you have the funding, there is no guarantee that your dock application will be approved. It is possible, but you must have a strong desire, be stress resistant and have deep pockets. Continue Reading

Public Referrals for the 2017-18 Highly Capable Program

Annual Notification WAC 392-170-042

Referrals for consideration of participation in San Juan Island School District’s Highly Capable Program for the 2017-18 school year are currently being requested. Anyone may refer a student including parents, teachers, other students, and members of the community.

Highly Capable Services are designed to address the unique needs of highly capable students in grades K-12. Students identified as highly capable of high academic and intellectual ability will have an opportunity to explore concepts in greater depth and further develop their thinking and creativity. There will be a continuum of service options for students depending on their grade level.

Referrals will be accepted for currently enrolled students in grades K-12 from May 15 to October 31, 2017. Referrals will be accepted from parents, teachers, and community members for initial screening for participation in the Highly Capable Program.

To participate in the program, students must meet very rigorous criteria and be selected by their school’s Student Support Team which includes an administrator, teachers, and the school psychologist.

Highly Capable Identification Process: Continue Reading

Photo by Lisa Duke

“Chicago” returns to San Juan Community Theatre this weekend! Thursday, May 11 is “Pay What You Can” at the door. That means no reserved seats–simply show up, give what you can and find a seat before the Whittier fills up. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with showtime at 7:30 pm. THEN, tickets are required for Friday and Saturday’s shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday’s at 2:00 pm. (What a fun treat for mom!). The musical’s final shows are May 18-20. Tickets are available online at www.sjctheatre.org or the SJCT Box Office at 378-3210.

Photo by Lisa Duke

The Broadway hit has been quite a hit in Friday Harbor as well. It’s first three shows filled with very enthusiastic audiences. Longtime islander David Bayley has already seen it two times. “Well, they hit it out of the park,” proclaimed David. “In 25 years of seeing our musicals, this show ranks with the very best. It was a dazzling effort in every respect, incredible singing, acting, dancing, pacing, staging.”

For more information and to see which of your Island friends is in the cast, visit www.sjctheatre.org. Please note: Mature themes and language.

More photos below Continue Reading

The Micah and Me Music Show Dance Party for Families with Young Children

Bring your little ones to The Micah and Me Music Show Dance Party this Friday, May 12 at 6:30 PM at Brickworks. Micah and Me hail from Portland, Oregon. They perform a high energy live show that appeals to all ages, especially toddlers and preschoolers.

Following the program there will be light refreshments and The Micah and Me Music Show bubble machine for more fun. The event is free and open to the public. Come hear great music and socialize with other families.

The Micah and Me Music Show Dance Party is sponsored by the San Juan Island Library and the Friends of the San Juan Island Library. For more information, please call Melina Lagios at 378-2798 or email, [email protected].

Kraig Hansen, owner of San Juan Transit Tours & Charters – Tim Dustrude photo

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month for May is San Juan Transit. Owner Kraig Hansen offers a bit of background on how he and his wife came to the island…

This will be my 4th year on the island and 4th year running San Juan Transit, Tours & Charters. I followed my wife here after she secured her dream job of working with and educating about our local whales. I took my time getting here as I searched for a job that would be comparable to the Park Ranger job I would be walking away from. We also had a house to fix up and sell in Sedro-Woolley before I could make the move to join my wife. It took 7 years to make it all happen! When San Juan Transit came up for sale in 2013 I jumped at this opportunity, the house sold soon after and I haven’t looked back. I love living here, the tight knit community, the amazing and talented individuals combined with the diversity of tourist from all over the world make this a perfect place for me. I often tell people I live in paradise!

Kraig Hansen
San Juan Transit Tours & Charters, LLC
360-378-8887 Office
360-421-4674 Cell

The Town of Friday Harbor and the SJ County Council have proclaimed this to be National Travel & Tourism Week
May 7 – 13, 2017. Barbara Marrett of the SJI Visitor’s Bureau adds:

Hello All,
Here is the text of the Tourism Week Proclamation adopted by the County this morning and by the Town on Thursday May 4th (the Town proclamation is slightly different in terms of sales tax numbers and doesn’t include the Leave No Trace wording). Thanks for helping us spread the word.
Barbara

Whereas, San Juan County recognizes the vital contribution of tourism to a healthy economy and vibrant island communities;

Whereas, tourism provides the islands an opportunity to model Leave No Trace and sustainability practices to the greater public in an effort to protect and preserve the characteristics of our islands which are attractive to so many;

Whereas, San Juan County collected over $1.4 million in lodging tax in 2016;

Whereas, San Juan County collected over $4 million in sales tax in 2016, to which visitors contributed;

Whereas, according to the Dean Runyan Associates 2016 Travel Impacts Report, visitors spent over $211 million in San Juan County, tourism generated 2,140 jobs, and visitors to San Juan County generated $21.2 million in local and state taxes;

Whereas, San Juan County is proud to be included on many travelers’ “bucket lists,” for its scenic beauty, watchable wildlife, outdoor recreation, history, arts, agritourism and culture;

Whereas, leisure travel spurs countless benefits to travelers’ health and wellness, creativity, cultural awareness, education, happiness, productivity and relationships;

Now, therefore, the San Juan County Council does hereby proclaim May 7-13, 2017 as National Travel and Tourism Week in San Juan County, WA, and urge the citizens of San Juan County to join us in this special observance.

Proclaimed this 9th day of May, 2017
San Juan County Council, Washington

SJI Food Co-Op shares this announcement with you…

Dear Volunteers,

Do you have a niece or nephew who is visiting for the summer and needs a job? Or perhaps your Aunt from the South of France just moved here and wants to get connected? Or maybe YOU or someone you know would love to be part of the Co-op.

San Juan Food Co-op is hiring full and part time cashiers and produce helpers starting from $12-15 DOE, with opportunities for advancement. Join a fun team, learn new skills, cross train for other departments, and support your local food connections. Call 360-370-5170 or email [email protected] or just stop by the Coop and ask Joe.

Meanwhile, we need your help! While we are in our growing transition, MEMBERS, we need your help! Can you do any of the following?

We need one or two cashiers about 20 hours a week each, flexible;
We need 20 hours a week to help with produce;
We need 10 hours a week helping with coordinating, maintaining membership list.

Do you know this happy face? It’s Susan Williamson, a coop member since our beginning days and volunteer. This could be you helping out and contributing your expertise and energy!

If you haven’t been in lately we are looking forward to seeing you, and specifically on Wednesday May 17, from 6-8 pm for a Pizza Party Defrost-the-Freezer. Please bring a BIG cooler if you have one–and thank you in advance! Call in to the store 370-5170 and let anyone on staff know you will be coming to help and eat, or sign up on the clipboard at he front register.

We look forward to seeing you!
–Your Co-op Board

The Ribbon Cutting ceremony on May 1st – Becki Day photo

Gretchen Bennett shares this recap of the Cheesecake Cafe’s grand opening last week…

A good time was had by all, visitors were in and out all day.
Several cake-walks to give away whole cheesecakes. Cookies were decorated by young and younger.
We thank everyone who helped us have a wonderful day with a full day’s program of activities:

• Her Honor the Mayor of Friday Harbor and the Chamber of Commerce for the Ribbon Cutting, applause, and champagne toast.
• Pastor Katherine Morningstar for her Native American dedication and blessing.
• Pianist Stella Joh for beautiful classics and singalongs of “Old MacDonald” (in honor of the youngest guest) and “Friday Harbor (Seattle).”
• Ballet persona Jeanne Piehl for creating, coaching and leading a “spontaneous” flash mob to express our exuberance.
• City of Friday Harbor for the event permit allowing the “spontaneous” flash mob.
• Author Susan Wingate, held everyone in thrall with reading from her recent book The Deer Effect and a new manuscript. She also brought copies of her poetry volume, which were snapped up.
• “Madame Merlot” read everyone’s cards and future.
• Knitters, crocheters, and a felter from the Textile Guild held a lively round of activity and chatter by the fireplace.
• Guitarist Keith Busha rounded out the day with smoothest variations on standards and Django, with singalong of “This Land is Your Land.”
• Every guest for the smiles and good wishes.

The Cheesecake Cafe is well and truly open. Everyone is welcome to enjoy breakfast, comfortable lunch, casual dinner, and cheesecake at any time.

Dauciunas And Madsen Win Opalco Election;
269 Attend 80th Annual Meeting On The Ferry

OPALCO members boarded the ferry on Saturday, May 6th to participate in the 2017 Annual Meeting and learn the results of the Board of Directors’ election. Voter participation was lower than 2016 with 1,992 total ballots (1,114 online, 878 by mail) representing about 17% of the membership. The successful candidates were Vince Dauciunas and Mark Madsen. Guests joined the 173 members present aboard the WSF Yakima for a total of 269 people in attendance.

Doug Marshall, Chair of the new member Elections & Governance Committee (EGC) announced the election results and encouraged members to join the EGC. There are still four open positions: three for San Juan Island and surrounding outer islands; and one for Shaw Island. The new election process was smooth and member feedback has been positive.

Vote Counts (each member votes for two, top two vote getters win):

• Dauciunas: 1,467 (74%)
• Madsen: 1,339 (67%)
• Severson: 901 (45%)

OPALCO members enjoyed a bag lunch prepared by Avenue Catering of Burlington. In celebration of OPALCO’s 80th Anniversary, members took home gift bags with LED night lights and other swag. The San Juan Islands Conservation District gave away LED bulbs and there were information booths to learn about Community Solar, the Submarine Cable Replacement Project and Rock Island Communications.

The 2017 Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Youth Scholars were announced and presented with a certificate: Haley Moss and Joanne Mietzner of Orcas High School; Jonathan Doherty of Lopez High School; Zach Fincher and Jayna Ott of Friday Harbor High School. Each will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Youth Rally Co-op Leadership Camp at the College of Idaho this summer. Friday Harbor High School senior Tenley Nelsen will return to the Youth Rally as a youth director. Continue Reading