Tour group in the maintenance hangar with a F-18 – Contributed photo

Mari Peterson, Assistant Chief Pilot at Westwind Aviation shares this with you…

Hi San Juan Update,

Took my students on another class trip on Sunday the 2nd, this time to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station! Here’s the run down:

Myself (in Westwind Aviation’s Cessna 172, donated by Westwind Aviation) and four volunteer pilots (Bob Tauscher in his Cessna 172, Dennis Willows in his Glasair, James Cox in his Bonanza, and Darryl Swenson in his Light Sport Aircraft) flew the seven students (and my STEM counterpart Derek Smith) from the Friday Harbor Airport to the Oak Harbor Airport on Whidbey Island. There we were met by four Navy personnel who escorted us onto the base.

These four volunteers (Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 3rd class Elsier, Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 3rd class Whitson, Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 2nd class Chrisman, and Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 1st class Schultz) gave my students and volunteer pilots a guided tour of many different areas of the base. This was a real treat for everyone, because many professional pilots go their entire careers without seeing these kind of operations that are so integral to Aviation as a whole. Whidbey Island NAS controls the airspace surrounding their base, which includes part of the San Juan Islands. All airplanes flying through the area from Lopez Island to Everett talk to the Whidbey Air Traffic Controllers.

The group was able to see the Air Traffic Control Room (Radar Room) and learn about how their Air Traffic Control system operates and how airplanes are observed from their point of view. The students were able to see a few different types of approaches that are conducted there and what services are available to both military and general aviation pilots. No photos were allowed in the Radar Room. Continue Reading

San Juan Islands Specialty Plate Design Initiative

What is this all about? 
This initiative encourages the public to help create and select a specialty license plate that will generate funds on an annual basis for the conservation and stewardship of natural, agricultural, historic and cultural resources in the San Juan Islands. 

Who is running this effort? 
The Terrestrial Managers Group, a chartered organization representing all of the land management organizations, came up with the idea. Working with the Madrona Institute, the initiative will progress through 2017 to complete the steps needed for Sen. Kevin Ranker to introduce a license plate bill to the legislature in January 2018. 

How does the plate generate money? 
The San Juan Islands specialty license plate will be offered by the Washington Department of Licensing as an alternative to the state’s regular vehicle plate. It will be issued to those who ask for it and voluntarily pay an additional fee of $28 which is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution on both the original purchase and renewals. Two additional dollars are charged by the Department of Licensing for administering the program. 

How much money will it generate? 
Continue Reading

Stephanie Prima – Contributed photo

Here’s a message from Stephanie Prima…

You’re working in a stressful job, taking care of kids, aging parents, or all of the above. You’re helping out a few non-profits here and there, and fighting your unsettling anxiety and frustration with our country’s current political mess. It seems like you’re getting less and less done, feeling pretty worn out, and barely hanging on by your fingernails. Does that about sum it up?

I know what that feels like because I’ve been there. But I found something that has helped me improve my focus, my energy, my sleep, and my overall well-being. It’s moving meditation, and that’s why I created a class called FIND YOUR CALM. The class is on Mondays, beginning April 17, 5:15 – 6:30, and runs for 6 weeks. This spring session will be held at the lovely Island Art Collective, top floor of the Cannery Landing, 100 Front Street.

Yah, I know, you think you can’t meditate because your brain won’t calm down. That’s the point of ‘moving’; it’s much easier to reach that peaceful state when you’re focusing on the simple, gentle moves that I’ll teach you, and the sensations in your body.

In fact, it feels so luscious, you’ll find yourself actually setting aside time to do it because my intention is for you to have these simple tools to use on your own, anytime, anywhere. And with regular practice, you’ll learn to focus better so you get more done; prioritize to spend your precious time on the things that are most important in your life; energize your life force so you can get through the day without feeling depleted; and improve your general outlook on life. Moving meditation offers all the things that traditional meditation does, but I find it to be much more gratifying – but of course, I’m biased.

If you’re ready to take control of your life and your health, you can register by going to this link and clicking on FIND YOUR CALM. The session is $97.

Email me or call if you have questions,
Outreach [@] MoveIntoMindfulness.com 360.317.1448.

No ‘ohm,’ just ‘A-h-h-h.’

Click to enlarge

Spotted Wing Drosophila is a new pest threat to Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Plumbs in the San Juan Islands.

Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila or SWD, is of concern to home gardeners and commercial producers. SWD is unique because it lays eggs inside ripening fruit. The maggots hatch from these eggs and feed inside fruit accelerating decay. It is considered a serious threat to fruit, especially berry crops, and this pest is particularly difficult to manage, especially on crops ripening after July. This workshop will give you tools to identify and manage SWD.

Free Workshop – Learn to identify SWD, set traps and available organic controls.

Presentation by Dr. Bev Gerdemen, WSU Mount Vernon

April 6th, 11:00am to 1:00pm
San Juan County WSU Extension
Skagit Valley College Community Room
221 Weber Way, Friday Harbor

Sponsored by Master Gardener Foundation of San Juan County and San Juan County WSU Extension

To register: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2900335

Here’s a letter from Curt VanHyning in the mailbag today…

Dear Editor,

Can you imagine being unable to get to your medical appointments, pharmacy, grocery store or community events? Neither can we so in 2013 we formed the non-profit shuttle service RoundTowner to serve low-income seniors, elderly and disabled rural residents of our county.

At $3.00 per ride, we are the only affordable, subsidized transportation in the Friday Harbor area. Without county, town or other government support, we can continue to exist only due to the generous donations of our neighbors, service organizations and the United Way. We are fortunate to receive volunteer time, and the commitment of veteran drivers. The United Way grant will cover most of our liability insurance for the year.

Feel free to contact us at curt [@] roundtowner.org with suggestions or questions. Phone 298-6108 for a ride in the Friday Harbor area.

Sincerely,
Curt VanHyning, Chair

The Whale Museum is holding an open house for anyone interested in volunteering. If you have some spare time and are interested in our marine ecosystem, the museum has something for everyone! The program will take place on April 11. Drop by anytime between 5:30 and 7 pm. Museum staff and volunteer managers will be available to discuss volunteer opportunities and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.  

On-site volunteer opportunities include becoming a docent to educate visitors about marine mammals and assisting with collections care and digitization. Off-site opportunities include Soundwatch, which educates boaters on the water, and the Stranding Network, which protects and studies distressed marine mammals. For more information, email Museum Curator Rebekah Cousins at [email protected] or call (360) 378-4710 ext. 31. 

The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. In addition to providing exhibits, the Museum also provides programs including: the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline. The Whale Museum can be found online at www.whalemuseum.org.

EDC offers free workshop on communication skills using SuperConnectivity™

Effective and powerful communication can help build companies and careers. It’s a critical component of enduring success in today’s competitive business world. Whether a face-to-face conversation or well-written e-mail, a meaningful and well delivered message establishes a connection that creates a powerful impression with customers and colleagues.  Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a FREE workshop on the topic of improving communication skills using SuperConnectivity™, on Wednesday, April 12th from 9:15-10:15 on Orcas Island.  Advance registration is required.

The keys to effective communication in business are self-awareness, using appropriate mediums, surgical use of connective language, directness, and simplicity. Noted management consultant and author, Mike Sanders will show the class how to communicate powerfully, effectively and fast. Free handouts and “SuperConnectivity Certification” are included.

Details:  Wednesday, April 12th from 9:15-10:15 at Russell’s Landing on Orcas Island.  FREE workshop; advance registration is required.  Please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: [email protected]. 

The EDC thanks Orcas Island Market, San Juan County government, our ports, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank and the Department of Commerce for their support of this workshop. 

What is a Nativar? Join us and learn about the latest craze in gardening – Nativars- improved cultivars of native plants. Breeders have taken natives and tweaked them to bloom longer, grow tidier, have more colorful foliage and be more disease resistant.

• Date: April 15, 2017
• Location: Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens
• Time: Eastbound 8:00AM ferry
• Westbound 8:20 PM ferry
• Cost: $45

Includes: Transportation only. Not included: Food and driver gratuity

Reservations required prior to April 11th. To register contact:

Kathie Forsyth at 360-378-5071
Vonnie Harold at (360) 298-0859 or [email protected]

For more information check out www.sjigardenclub.weebly.com

Scholarship dinner and auction for Spring Street International School on Friday, May 5 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at Friday Harbor House, 130 West Street, Friday Harbor. 

The evening will feature a gourmet dinner of locally sourced ingredients by Friday Harbor House Executive Chef Jason Aldous. Come experience why local families choose Spring Street International School. Space is limited to 60 guests.

RSVP by April 28, 2017 at (360) 378-6393 or jcarlson [@] springstreet.org

$100 per person – Tickets are available in the front office. If you cannot attend, consider a donation by mail or online. All proceeds go to scholarships.

Spring Street International School
505 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360 378-6393
www.springstreet.org

Chappie is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

Hello Friday Harbor! My name is Chapito, but my friends here at the animal shelter call me, “Chappie”. I’m far too busy exploring the dog yard here to stop for a photo shoot, but I have lots of time for cuddling, walking, beach-combing and yet-to-be discovered adventures.

I think I would be a huge fan of zip-lining. I can’t say for sure, because I haven’t tried it, but it sure looks like my kind of thing. If you like adventure too, please consider being my new best friend! Call my people here.

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

WaterWorks Gallery, Friday Harbor is seeking 2 ​gallery ​sales ​​assistants. This is a part time position, approx. 35 hours per month, usually working 2 days​ ​week. Applicant must be comfortable in a retail environment​ with sales and people skills​, meeting, greeting clients, being a representative of the gallery. This is a seasonal position running late May or June thru November, depending on the applicants.

Duties include but are not limited to sales, creating displays, interacting with clients, hanging installations of shows, set-up for artist’s openings and talks, computer skills necessary include WORD, familiarity with ACT [a plus] and knowledgeable about online promotions using Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

A positive attitude, sales experience, good grooming and dressing are fundamental for this position. Training for this position will be scheduled based on the ability of the candidate. Starting hourly pay ​dependent on applicant. Please send your resume​, email and phone information​ to the director/founder of the gallery, Ruth Offen, Ruth [@] waterworksgallery.com

Merri Ann Simonson has another San Juan Island lifestyle video.  This one offers tips on the various types of boats that are suitable for our waters and one that is not recommended.

OPALCO Board Election Opens April 13 – Meet The Candidates

Bill Severson, Vince Dauciunas and Mark Madsen – Contributed photo

OPALCO is a member-owned cooperative governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by the membership. Members will have a chance to vote for two open board positions in the election that opens on April 13th. There are three candidates for the two open positions in District 1 (San Juan, Brown, Henry, Pearl and Spieden islands): Bill Severson, Vince Dauciunas and Mark Madsen. All Co-op members vote in all elections, regardless of their home district.

The three candidates participated in election forums on four islands during the week of March 28th, presenting their campaign platforms and answering questions from members in attendance. In addition, each candidate completed a written Q&A which will be posted online at www.opalco.com/elections. You can also find candidate bios, the Voter’s Guide and a video of the San Juan Island Candidate Forum posted online in OPALCO’s Resource Library (see link above).

Ballots and voting materials will be sent on April 13th to members via email or mail, depending on each member’s stated preference. All ballots must be returned online or by mail before the deadline of Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 10:30 am PDT. Please be aware that there will no longer be any voting on the boat during the annual meeting, in order to have more time for member activities and discussion. Any paper ballots must be mailed in time to meet the May 4th deadline and will not be accepted in OPALCO offices. Election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

OPALCO will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 6th aboard a Washington State Ferry. The travel schedule is available online in OPALCO’s Resource Library. Members traveling from San Juan Island must make a reservation by calling 376-3549.

To honor J-2, or “Granny” as many people remember her, the town has changed the sign on East Street (that’s where you park to get on the ferry), to Granny’s Way

The Park Street project, scheduled to begin the week of April 3rd, is in anticipation of other street and sidewalk improvements that are scheduled to begin in May 2017. Improvements are estimated to be completed within sixty (60) calendar days.

The Town awarded the project to Ariston Pacific, Inc. from Bellingham, Washington. The Contractor will be mobilizing equipment on Monday, April 3rd and Tuesday, April 4th. Construction is currently scheduled to begin Wednesday, April 5th. Construction will take place on Park Street between Hillcrest Place and Blair Avenue at these locations:

• Sewer Main Replacement: From Blair Avenue to Scenic Place;
• Water Main Replacement: From Price Street to Marguerite Place; and
• Sidewalk construction: From Price Street to Marguerite Place.

The project includes removal of portions of existing asphalt, trenching and grading in order to install new sewer and water mains. Local access will be maintained at all times during construction, but travelers should expect delays and limited access during certain phases of the project. According to Town Administrator, Duncan Wilson, every effort will be made limit closures and to have both lanes of traffic open in the evenings and on weekends. Continue Reading