Business briefs…

Here’s the news:

• Don Galt Jr just launched his new endeavor, Island Property Services, which includes professional caretaking and home watching services. Donny’s been a home inspector for years, so he knows this stuff – check out his website for more.

• Just got a note from Carol Whalen – here’s the press release: R. Peter Lake CPA of Vashon Island & Kennedy McCulloch, CPAs, PS of Friday Harbor are pleased to announce their September 1, 2009 merger. The combined firm will be able to offer the same great service to our clients, increase the use of technology, and provide for a long term retirement plan for Steve Kennedy & Fred McCulloch, as Steve & Fred both plan on servicing existing & new clientele for the next five to ten years. Client relationships will remain with existing staff, and the merger will be “seamless.”

Gary Franklin

• Windermere has been bought by local realtor/broker Gary Franklin and Jim & Mary Scott (and their family), who run Windermere offices in Mount Vernon & Anacortes. They bought it from John Dunning, who had bought the local office in the latter part of the 1990s when it was located down next to the Ale House…he went on to build that building on the corner across from Spring Street International School (where the Compass Health folks are, now) for Windermere, then moved to the center of town into the new building (in 2004 – here’s a picture just before they opened, in the middle of this Update report) after the fire in 2002.)

The Catalyst

• Shannon from the Pacific Catalyst II reports: The MV Catalyst is back from SE Alaska and will offer a six day San Juan Trip for September 21 through 26. The MV Catalyst will also be on display at a boat show in Anacortes on September 20th that is raising money for the Seattle Children’s Hospital. In late November and early December the Catalyst will be taking weekend trips to the Inner Harbor of Victoria so that people can shop, see a show or just enjoy the holiday lights etc.

• San Juan Island Fitness will be presenting another Community Weight Loss Challenge, replacing the nation wide “Biggest Loser” approach with a “Stronger Body and Healthier Lifestyle” concept. After a long hard look at the premiere challenge, we applied what we learned and are very excited to launch an even more effective second session.

The 12-week Community Healthy Weight Challenge or “CHWC’ will begin on September 25, 2009. Registration for the program is $75 per individual, $140 per team of two, and $280 for corporate teams of 4 challengers. ($65 for all members of previous challenge)

“We have incorporated four optional packages for you to choose from that will ensure even greater personal results” according to Sam Leigh, Program Director. Registration runs through Tuesday September 22, 2009 at San Juan Island Fitness. More information is easily accessible at http://communityweightloss.blogware.com/.

Anyone who is 10 or more pounds overweight is encouraged to register and incorporate ‘CHWC” into their daily lives. Also, it is requested community members sponsor a friend, loved one, neighbor or co-worker into this motivational first step.

For more information, contact San Juan Island Fitness at 378-4449 or email [email protected]

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.