Our islands became much cleaner during the Great islands Clean-up on September 25 thanks to dedicated volunteers on Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, and Lopez Islands. Over 100 Islanders participated! Total garbage picked up was 2,318 pounds (plus 11 garbage cans and 1 dumpster). It really does take a village to care for our home!

Thank you to everyone who got out to help make our islands plastic and litter free by the Salish Sea! Islanders are encouraged to keep up the good work year-round by reducing your plastic use and adopting a San Juan County beach to help clean regularly.

Visit PlasticFreeSalishSea.org/Adopt-A-Beach for information.

Since the last update on Friday October 1^st, there have been 3 new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. Current total case count is now 312.

Of these 3 new cases, initial investigations indicate that 2 appear to have occurred in fully vaccinated individuals.

• Lopez Island There are 0 new cases on Lopez Island since the last update. There are 3 positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island.
• Orcas Island: There is 1 new case on Orcas Island since the last update. There are 1 positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.
• San Juan Island: There are 2 new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are 2 positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island.

Third Dose Boosters – Appointments are now open for third dose Pfizer boosters for some eligible islanders. Review this FAQ to check eligibility. If eligible, go HERE to register for clinics that are happening the week of October 18^th.

Flu Shots – The County will be hosting free flu vaccine clinics. Go HERE for details on timing and to register.

Welcome Karl! The Town of Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Review Board recently filled one of the two recent vacancies. Our newest member is Karl Eberhard who has a wealth of experience in architecture and municipal historic preservation programs and citizen preservation advisory boards.

Just one more….

The good news is that there is one more vacant position just waiting for an island resident with interest in and enthusiasm for architecture, historic buildings, and community service. Could this be you?

Run, don’t walk! To apply, or for more information contact Sandy Strehlou, (360) 622-2037 or [email protected].

It is not uncommon for a rental agreement to play a role in a real estate transaction.   Timing can be everything and often the homes on the market are occupied by a tenant or sellers are unable to time the closing of their current home and the purchase of their next home. In some cases, homes are selling so fast, many of our sellers are unable to relocate within the contract period.  In these situations, a short-term delayed possession agreement is in order.

When buying a property that is currently occupied by a long-term tenant (month-to month or lease) the following provisions should be included in the contract so that it is clear that either; 1.  The buyer inherits the tenant and lives happily ever after, or 2.  The tenant has vacated by the time that the buyer takes possession of the property. 

I typically write something in the contracts similar to the language below.  This language has been approved by my attorney for my use only and other agents may have their own approved language.  This language is just for the purpose of this article and should not be relied upon.

Continue reading…

This just in from Washington State Ferries…

Washington State Ferries will reduce the total number of reservations available during the two-week and two-day releases for the rest of the current season beginning Friday, Oct. 8.

Starting Friday, only 20% of a sailing’s total capacity will open for each release rather than the usual 30%. The adjustment is meant to preserve capacity on existing sailings while also lowering the number of affected customers during service disruptions that cancel sailings. This change will increase reliability and ensure customers with reservations are able to be accommodated when vessels go out of service.

WSF will continue to monitor the situation and attempt to provide as much service as possible as we navigate the effects of the pandemic and global labor shortages. However, we do anticipate continued service disruptions and reduced service on many routes, necessitating this change to reservations. Customers can stay up-to-date on service changes through rider alerts as well as checking our website and social media accounts.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to navigate this difficult time.

The safety of our customers and crew is WSF’s top priority. All traveling customers are required to wear face coverings inside terminals and vessels in compliance with the latest CDC guidelines. However, passengers can remove their masks while outdoors on the sun deck, car deck areas of the vessel, outside waiting areas at terminals and other outdoor locations. Please remember to mask up upon reentering interior areas of boats and terminals.

You can view all travel alerts at the WSF Travel Bulletins page. This alert was sent on 10/7/2021 at 7:16PM to subscribers of the following routes:

• Anacortes / San Juan Islands

Solar shares and electric tools

Since the OPALCO Annual Meeting in April, co-op members who participated in the Island Way workshops have been entered to win raffle prizes including ten shares of the Bailer Hill Microgrid Project (to be completed in 2022), a Greenworks electric mower and a Stihl electric blower. The three winning names were announced live on Facebook (@orcaspower) on Friday, October 1^st – and here they are:

• Heidi Krogstad – ten shares of the Bailer Hill Microgrid Project
• Sam Blackman – Greenworks electric lawnmower
• Sue Bauer – Stihl electric blower

The 2021 Island Way workshops included two solar town halls as well as sessions on the Switch it Up! program, how to get the most from your ductless heat pump, how to use SmartHub tools and an in-person EV Jamboree. The Island Way workshops will continue in 2022; please let OPALCO know what topics you are most interested in – for Zoom workshops and for the Island Way podcast series (https://energysavings.opalco.com/the-island-way/).  Contact us at [email protected].

A total of 437 names were entered into the raffle, with some members entered more than once (one entry per each event they attended). Each entry was assigned a number and an online randomizer tool was used to pick the three names.

The Island Way campaign is designed to help co-op members prepare their homes and businesses for the big transition away from fossil fuels with information, efficiency rebates and incentives, on-bill financing and opportunities to talk with experts in the field. OPALCO has a strong plan for a healthy, reliable and affordable energy future. Plug in!

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Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County.  OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.

The trials and fears in life that bring us to our knees also fine tune our senses to recognize each miracle, big or small, and let our hearts embrace each act of kindness, devotion and generosity that selfless, loving people give so freely. We are so humbled by those who have helped our family navigate these first steps towards healing and recovery. “Thank you” will forever seem inadequate.

The Neurology Center that performed Sean’s EEG yesterday called me this afternoon. They said they wanted to make sure I did not have to wait all week. (They must know me by now ) Sean’s EEG was perfectly normal!! Based on my understanding, this means safely removing the AVM can remain our primary focus. Anxious to get a surgery date on the calendar!

One more amazing thing happened today. I found out about a policy change that was announced today. Kaiser Permanente Insurance has just signed a two-year contract with all UW medicine Facilities!! This includes Harborview Medical Center and many others! This opens the door for ALL Kaiser Families to have multiple options and access to much needed doctors and services. This hopefully indicates Kaiser Insurance holders will not have to fight for necessary care in times of urgency and desperation. Incredibly thankful that a path to healing has been paved for all families!”

Here’s the gofundme account link:
https://gofund.me/4651cbe9

Many thanks for your thoughts, prayers, & donations!
Sean will have surgery soon…I’ll keep you updated.

💗 Angie

Tamara Weaver, a broker with Windermere Real Estate San Juan Island has opened a new business, San Juan Real Estate Resources (SJRER), to help people navigate the maze of buying or selling real estate on San Juan Island. Here’s what she has to say about it:

“I think there are a lot of people out there who have assumed that they can’t own their own home here on the Island, because of sticker shock or they just feel intimidated by the process…or Realtors!  Maybe they just don’t know where to start, and they need some help.”

“Years ago, I started one of the first Public Law Centers in California where people could come for the same kind of help, navigating the Courts for landlord tenant, probate, and other civil matters.  I want to provide the same kind of public service for real estate-related questions. Consider me a resource.”

“With all this in mind, I’ve started San Juan Real Estate Resources to offer FREE resources and education to folks in our community to answer their questions, and find contractors, landscapers, designers, etc., without obligation.”

“And because being a home buyer, seller or even a homeowner, can sometimes feel a little intimidating, we offer FREE classes for buyers, sellers and homeowners who want to have a better understanding. We want everyone to feel confident and educated every step of the way.”

San Juan Real Estate Resources (SJRER) is offering a FREE First-time Homebuyer webinar on Wednesday, October 13, at noon, as the first of a series of free clinics presented by a team of participating Island professionals—lenders, contractors, accountants, attorneys, insurance reps, decorators, etc…

Next week’s webinar, “Mortgage 101″ is being presented by Laney Shorett of RPM Mortgage to help people who are thinking about buying a home on San Juan Island to better understand the process. Laney’s 30 minute webinar covers:

• Pre-Approval
• Down Payment & Loan Types
• Costs of buying a home, and
• Transaction timelines.

It’s FREE and easy to register for the class at www.SanJuanRealEstateResources.com. A link to the class and a free Homebuyer’s Guide will be emailed to each participant.

“Y’all have any sweet tea?”  No, sorry Cookie, we think you’re sweet enough as it is!  This little Southern Gal flew all the way from Louisiana just after the devastation of Hurricane Ida hit her home state – now she is looking for a fresh start here in the Pacific Northwest! 

Cookie definitely has that classic southern charm…she is kind, warm, and welcoming of strangers.  She is especially gifted in the art of conversation.  Cookie expresses her feelings with confidence and does not shy away from deep dialogue – and no, it’s not incessant barking, it’s thoughtful and meaningful thank you very much! 

If you fancy yourself a conversationalist, and would enjoy a daily tête-a-tête with Cookie, perhaps she would be a perfect match for you?  Bonus!  We are just in time for PNW Fall weather and Cookie would look fantastic in flannel! 

• Age: 7 years young
• Sex: Female
• Breed: Lab/Hound Mix

Application: https://www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application/

ABOUT

• Origin: Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Weight:  54 lbs
• Personality: Chatty, Cheerful, Youthful, Expressive
• Energy Level: Medium-High 
• Likes: Deep Conversations, Tennis Balls, Southern Hospitality
• Dislikes: Sharing Tennis Balls, Being on a Diet, Boredom

San Juan County Health and Community Services will be hosting a series of influenza vaccine clinics across the islands.

For full schedule and to register, go to: www.sanjuanco.com/flu

Occurring between October 20^th and November 12^th, these clinics will help ensure as many islanders as possible get their flu vaccine this winter. In addition to these County-run clinics, a number of local medical providers and pharmacies are also offering both flu and COVID immunizations.

You may contact one of these providers to make an appointment for one or both vaccines. If you need contact information for a local vaccine provider, please reach out to the Health Department by calling 360-378-4474.

QUESTIONS: Continue Reading

San Juan County Master Gardeners welcome keynote speaker Toni Gattone to the Annual Gardening Workshop Series.

Toni Gattone

Toni’s presentation, The Lifelong Gardener, provides gardeners of all ages and abilities unique strategies so we can continue gardening as we age, even when our bodies say “No!” Her “garden smarter, not harder” approach offers practical, how-to information to allow gardeners to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle by adapting their outdoor spaces and techniques to do what they love — enhancing both their gardens and their lives for the better.

Toni’s passion is to help gardeners of all ages and abilities garden for life. Toni knows from experience that physical limitations are the reason to re-evaluate how and when we garden, and how to re-work our gardens for greater comfort and safety. She speaks at garden clubs, national flower and garden shows, senior groups and Master Gardener symposiums. She is the author of The Lifelong Gardener: Garden with Ease & Joy at Any Age, published by Timber Press in August 2019, now in its second printing.

The Workshop Series are Zoom webinars, beginning with Toni Gattone’s Keynote Presentation on Saturday, October 16th at 9 am. There are two sessions that Saturday, with subsequent sessions every Tuesday and Thursday at noon until the end of the month. Each session is one hour, with additional time for questions and discussion. Sessions are recorded and available to registered participants after the Series concludes.

Presenters are noted authorities and returning favorites, speaking on a wide variety of topics of interest to PNW coastal gardeners.

In addition to the Keynote, the Series speakers and their topics: Continue Reading

Medicare enrollees have an opportunity every year between October 15 and December 7^th to review their Medicare Part D drug plans and their Medicare Advantage plans to see if they want to make changes that will be effective in the new year.  Medicare beneficiaries can change from one Medigap plan to another at any time during the year.

The San Juan County SHIBA volunteers will be making two Zoom presentations explaining what has changed for Medicare in 2022.  Come join us on October 14^th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm or October 19^th from 10 to 11:30 am. To register for the presentation email [email protected] or call 360-376-5892.  We will need your first and last name and your email address to register you.

Reviewing your coverage during open enrollment is important to make sure that the plans you have will still fit you next year.  About half of the people SHIBA volunteers work with wind up making changes to their coverage.  These changes occur for many reasons: Continue Reading

In the Update mailbag this morning we have this letter from San Juan County Council member Cindy Wolf…

Hello Editor,

Census numbers are in and the proposed redistricting maps are out. You can see them at https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/commissioner-proposed-maps. In my opinion, the strongest move we can make this week for the future of our ferry system is to respectfully request that Anacortes and the San Juan Islands remain within the boundaries of the redrawn LD40.  Two of the proposed maps unseat our entire State delegation, folding us into the 10th LD and reducing the number of legislators in Northwest WA with ferry served districts from 6 to 3.  Also, Senator Liz Lovelett currently heads the Ferry Caucus for the entire state legislature, making her voice critical to the future of this vital transportation link.

Some changes to the 40th LD will need to be made because of Bellingham’s growing population, but our safety and our economy depend on a stronger voice for ferries, not a weaker one.

The last statewide public outreach meeting on redistricting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday October 5th at 7:00pm. You can find a link to watch or register to speak using this link:
https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/outreach-meetings

You may submit written or recorded comments here:
https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/submit-public-testimony

To comment by phone, call and leave your message at: (360) 524-4390

The final map will be submitted to the State Legislature on November 15th.

Kind regards,

Cindy Wolf | San Juan County Councilmember
District 2, Orcas & Waldron

Contributed Photo/OPALCO

OPALCO can help you prepare

As we approach the winter storm season, it is a good time to think about being ready for potential power outages: replenish your battery supply, fill up your gas tank (or charge up your EV) and make sure your phones and computers are fully charged – and you should know what to do when the power goes out.

First things first: Continue Reading

The Board of Trustees and staff of the San Juan Historical Society and Museum thank the San Juan Island Community Foundation and generous donors for their financial support. During this year’s County Fair through a matching grant program, we were able to secure funds to help preserve island treasurers.

The donations received have made it possible to purchase a large format, professional digital scanner to preserve photographic images that document our island community. The new scanner replaces 13-year-old equipment reaching the end of its life and parts are no longer available. In addition to technological improvements, the new scanner offers the ability to scan larger images than previously possible.

Thank you for making a difference in preserving San Juan Island history.

Since the last update on Friday September 24th, there have been nine new confirmed or probable cases in San Juan County. Current total case count is now 309.

Of these nine new cases, initial investigations indicate that six appear to have occurred in fully vaccinated individuals. Please note that if the vaccination rates in San Juan County were not as high as they are, many more cases would be seen in unvaccinated individuals.

There are approximately six unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases who are currently in two-week quarantine:

• LOPEZ ISLAND: There are five new cases on Lopez Island since the last update. There are five positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island.
• ORCAS ISLAND: There are two new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are two positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.
• SAN JUAN ISLAND: There are two new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are three positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island.

GET YOUR SHOT! Those wanting a first or second shot of Pfizer or a first (and only) dose of Johnson and Johnson should sign up for clinics happening on San Juan (OCT 5^th), Orcas (OCT 6^th), and Lopez (OCT 7^th) by going HERE to register. Pfizer for ages 12 and up, Johnson and Johnson for ages 18 and older.

THIRD DOSE BOOSTERS: San Juan County will be offering clinics for Pfizer boosters the week of October 18^th. Registration for those clinics will open later this coming week. Monitor www.sjccovid.com for details.

COMMON SENSE REMINDER: San Juan County is one of the very few counties in the entire United States without a single resident who has died from COVID. San Juan County also has one of the lowest case rates in the entire country, even with the spike in Delta cases. San Juan County has the highest vaccination rate in Washington and is near the top nationally. San Juan County residents have consistently prioritized caring for each other and the island community in their individual actions. These things are connected y’all. The sacrifice and inconvenience of getting shots, wearing masks, limiting activity, and disrupting our lives has without a doubt saved the lives of islanders, and that’s no small thing. It’s easy to feel distanced from the frontline impacts of COVID since our community has fared so well, but it is important to remember that it didn’t happen by accident. We collectively made our own good fortune, and that is a remarkable thing. The sacrifice required of us will diminish with time, but a disease that has now killed nearly 700,000 Americans has been a real crisis that requires real collective action- thank you islanders for yours.