Fish for Teeth will bring Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van to Friday Harbor on October 6, 7, 8 and 9.

It’s that tooth-fixing time of year, and Fish for Teeth is helping to bring the Medical Teams International (MTI) Mobile Dental Van to Friday Harbor on October 6-9. For 10 years, Fish for Teeth has sponsored the van, helping those who cannot otherwise afford dental care get their teeth fixed and enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth.

The dental van is also visiting Orcas and Lopez Islands over the next few weeks. Through a grant from the North Sound Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) Oral Health Local Impact Network (LIN), funded by Arcora, dental clinics will be held on Lopez September 20-21, and Orcas September 22-25.

This grant does not cover the entire cost of all these dental clinics, so Fish for Teeth will still be crankin’ out Fish Tacos to pay the bills. This time the Taco Team will be set up on October 1 on the lawn in front of the Technology Center.

Continue Reading

Sign up for an upcoming, on-line U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Course

Bellingham, Wash. – This fall, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla is providing boaters on-line, Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.

All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power-boat greater than 15 horsepower.  This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone who was born after January 1, 1955.  This course is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission.

The eight-hour course is provided over Zoom. The course fee is $20.00 and the on-line course handbook costs $5.00 to download. Upon successful completion of the eight-hour course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with a $10 fee and you will receive a Washington State Boater Education Card.

WHEN: Monday, October 11, 2021 through Thursday, October 14, 2021

Classes are held from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-hours and there is an open book examination at the end of the Thursday session)

For more reservations or more information: Visit our website www.BLIAUX.com, menu tab “Boating Classes” or contact John Milczewski at [email protected] 

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The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org

Bob Stavers is pleased to announce that an exhibit of 14 Black and White photographs is currently in the lobby of the San Juan Community Theatre. The exhibit runs until September 30th, and the lobby is open noon to 3 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11 am to 2 on Saturdays.

I have always thought the phrase “Black and White Photography” was a misnomer as such images are really shades of grey. All of the images here, taken from around the world, are made from thousands of grey tones and allow us to see the beauty of nature’s geometry and allow our minds to supply the richness of color.

I also hope they serve as a reminder that few things are really black and white and to seek the shades of grey within.

While I am sure all of you would love to come see the exhibit in person I know that it is bit far to travel for many so I have posted the 14 images in the exhibit here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44888236@N00/albums

Bob
www.galleriehare.com
making the ordinary extraordinary

Greetings!

I am writing to keep you informed about the accessibility planning process at San Juan Island National Historical Park. Our Self-Evaluation Transition Plan is still available for comment until the end of September 2021 at this link.

We also will be hosting an open house to explain the planning process and answer questions from the public on September 13, 2021 at 6 PM PST. Interested parties can attend this virtual open house through this link.

We hope you can make it and will let anyone you know who might want to attend about this event and the planning process.

Thanks,
Cyrus Forman
Lead Interpretive Ranger
San Juan Island National Historical Park

The Mobile Dental Access Van will be coming back to Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island in late September/ early October 2021.

• Lopez Island September 20-21
• Orcas Island September 22-25
• San Juan Island October 6-9

The van offers full dental care with X-rays, oral health exams, fillings, extractions, and teeth cleaning/ hygiene services. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please fill out an application online at https://sanjuanco.seamlessdocs.com/f/DentalCareAssistance
or call 360-378-4474 for more information.

The dental access coordinator will be scheduling appointments mid-September, so please get your application in NOW.

The dental van is for Apple Health (Medicaid) or who don’t have dental insurance and do not have the financial means to see a dentist. A big thank you to our community partners:

• North Sound Oral Health Local Impact Network (LIN) which is funded by the Arcora Foundation and staffed by North Sound Accountable Community of Health (ACH)
• San Juan County Health and Community Services
• Medical Teams International (MTI)
• Fish for Teeth
• Orcas Island Community Foundation
• and Lopez Island Family Resource Center

for supporting access to oral health care in our community.

In the mailbag this morning we have this letter from Sasha von Dassow…

To the Editor:

9/11/21

At 6 am on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 we in the San Juan Islands are at a standstill because a few folks working in the state ferry system decided to stage a sick out in protest of the Washington State vaccine mandate. I run a small grocery shipping company and today we are supposed to bring bread, milk, produce and other goods for Friday Harbor residents, tourists, and school children (and their pets)- you know, We the People. There are probably 4 or 5 other trucks bigger than mine waiting in line too, the local school athletic team isn’t coming home from their away game, and folks coming to and leaving our island aren’t moving. Our marine highway is taken away by a few people not showing up to work at our public utility in protest of a vaccine mandate.

It’s not an inconvenience to wait for the ferry workers to make their point in the case of food- it is the system not working; it means spoiled food, price hikes, and people in danger of going hungry. Recently we have seen vivid proof that we only have about a 3 day supply of food on the islands at any given time with empty shelves at the stores due to supply line disruptions everywhere. It’s scary knowing that our food supply can stop arriving because of only a few people. And on the anniversary of 9/11, when so many people sacrificed so much to save what they could and honor what they couldn’t, when people died protecting their fellow citizens.

This isn’t about individual freedoms or politics or where one gets the news or who we choose to believe. It’s about survival, and the science is overwhelmingly in- vaccinations work and aren’t risky. Those of us who are vaccinated are living proof of that all around the world. To anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers- do you want to eat? Want a job? Need medical care? Need parts for your car? Does your kid need to go to school? Get vaccinated, wear a mask, and pat yourself on the back for doing your part as a citizen of the USA and the world, for helping to get our society working again.

If your answer remains “No, thanks”, please turn in your voter registration card, your passport, and your American flag. You don’t deserve to be a citizen of the USA anymore and you support the enemy, a virus. Like many of your neighbors, friends, and relatives, I am tired of having sand thrown in the gears of my life for your choices, and I think it’s time for you to act like real life patriotic Americans and get the job done. On the anniversary of 9/11 we should be trying to live up to the sacrifices of those who came before us, not wasting precious lives and time.

Sasha von Dassow

Below is a Snap Shot of our current market created by Merri Ann Simonson of Coldwell Banker SJI.  This one focuses on the sales in excess of $1m each.    

Zillow forecasts that we shall experience an average of 6.6% value increase for all types of single family homes during the next 12 months.

Skagit Valley College announces a second-year award of pilot scholarship program to help Running Start students pay for books, supplies, and student fees 

Skagit Valley College (SVC) is pleased to announce that the College has been awarded approximately $52,000 for a pilot scholarship program designed to assist SVC’s Running Start students by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC). 

The SVC Running Start Pilot Scholarship will support student success by covering the cost of books, course materials, and/or student fees for eligible students during the 2021-2022 academic year. If a student is enrolled in a workforce program, the scholarship can also cover the cost of tools, lab and course fees, and work clothes. Continue Reading

The EDC has resumed their weekly Business Resilience Call, as a means to bring legislators and business resilience experts together with local business owners, managers, and community leaders.  The first meeting this fall will be held online via Zoom, on Thursday, September 16^th, 2021, from 9-10a.  Subsequent meetings will be held at the same time and day of the week.

Topics for the next two weeks include: Continue Reading

Photo contributed by SJ Sailing Club

Sailing Club will be back on the water at Jackson Beach soon! Middle- and high-school students with and without sailing experience are invited to come sail one- and two-person sailboats on Griffin Bay.

The SJI Sailing Foundation will be launching two new RS Fevas – super fun to sail two-handed boats — the first boats with spinnakers in its fleet.

This year we’ll have three groups: (1) Students new (or new-ish) to sailing, (2) students who have sailed with the Club before or have other dinghy sailing experience, and (3) the High School Race Team (grades 8-12).

Coaching and instruction will be provided by Nige Oswald, Darin Jenson, and Marina West. Students will sail in RS Teras, Lasers, FJs, and RS Fevas depending on their size and experience.

Sailing Club meets at the far end of Jackson Beach every Tuesday and Wednesday after school until 5:30 pm. A swim test will be held at the first session, which is always surprisingly popular. The Club meets as long as the weather is decent, and the Race Team meets through the first week in November. Continue Reading

With changing weather conditions, as of Friday September 10, 2021, the San Juan County Fire Districts are allowing recreational fires including charcoal, wood burning, and recreational campfires.

Permit Burning is still banned and not allowed until further notice.

• If you have a recreational fire, always remain present and have water available. When you are finished, make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.
• NOTE: Washington State Parks complete burn ban is still in effect until further notice.
• Burning refuse, plastic, and treated or painted wood is illegal and subject to fines. Burn barrels are not allowed at any time due to a prohibition by the Department of Ecology.

Please continue helping to protect our islands’ families, neighbors, homes, and businesses. Fires impact our limited water supplies as well as critical habitat for our animal friends.

OPALCO to Host Solar Town Hall September 20^th 

Last chance to enter raffle 

OPALCO’s series of Island Way workshops concludes with a Solar Town Hall via Zoom on September 20th at 5:00pm. The Solar Town Hall will give an update on the next community solar project – the Bailer Hill Microgrid on San Juan Island, discuss rooftop solar and battery storage options and get member feedback on the Board’s current discussion on adjusting solar rates. To attend, members register on OPALCO’s homepage: www.opalco.com. 

This workshop is the last chance to be entered in the Island Way raffle!  OPALCO is raffling off a Greenworks electric lawnmower and ten shares of the next Community Solar Project – and a Greenworks electric blower. The winning names will be drawn on October 1st via Facebook Live (tune in at @orcaspower)

OPALCO’s Island Way campaign is here to help co-op members prepare for the energy future that is coming FAST. The climate emergency and Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) are driving a transition away from fossil fuels. OPALCO has a plan to build microgrids throughout the islands for local energy resiliency and to explore renewable generation options on the mainland that offer members affordability and reliability. OPALCO has tools, rebates and resources to help members make wise use of electricity. 

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Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,400 members on 20 islands in San Juan County.  OPALCO provides electricity that is 97% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937. Follow OPALCO @OrcasPower on Facebook and Twitter.

Since the last update on Friday September 3rd, there have been twenty-two new confirmed cases in San Juan County. Current total case count is now 288.

Of these twenty-two new cases, initial investigations indicate that eight appear to have occurred in fully vaccinated individuals. The number continue to show clearly that being vaccinated reduces the likelihood of infection (because the vast majority of island residents are vaccinated, we would expect many more cases in vaccinated individuals if the vaccine did not protect against infection).

There are approximately twelve unvaccinated close contacts of positive cases who are currently in two-week quarantine. Note that vaccinated close contacts do NOT need to quarantine and this number would be far higher if not for the high vaccination rate in San Juan County.

There has been one additional hospitalization since the last report, however all San Juan County residents have been discharged from the hospital as of this time.

• Lopez Island: There is one new case on Lopez Island since the last update. There is one positive case under active monitoring on Lopez Island.
• Orcas Island: There are nine new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are eight positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island.
• San Juan Island: There are eight new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. There are four positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island.
• Shaw Island: There are two new cases on Shaw Island since the last update. There are two positive cases under active monitoring on Shaw Island.
• Outer Islands: There are two new cases in the outer islands since the last update. There are two positive cases under active monitoring in the outer islands. Note that specific outer island will not be named to help maintain patient privacy given the small resident population on the outer islands.  

Overall Situation:
Cases numbers remain stubbornly high. If you are unvaccinated and are interacting with others indoors and unmasked, there is a high likelihood that you will become infected at some point. Once infected, you will almost certainly infect those you live or interact closely with, whether they are vaccinated or not.  This is the nature of the delta variant.

If you are vaccinated, your chances of being infected are much lower than if you were not vaccinated. You should still be thoughtful about your interactions with others indoors, especially anyone who has chosen to remain unvaccinated. Hopefully those you live with who can be vaccinated have done so.  If you do become infected, your chances of becoming seriously ill are much less than if you were not vaccinated- but know that there is still a risk, and vaccinated islanders have become ill and experienced serious symptoms.

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), today, announced it will hold a meeting of the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The public is welcome to attend the meeting which will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 14, via Zoom from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Planned agenda items at the meeting include reviewing the Final Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and opportunities for the MAC to support implementation of the management plan once the record of decision is signed.  

“The San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee is an important forum for the community conversation that is a key component of public land management,” said Kurt Pindel, BLM Spokane District Manager. “By having the public participating in that conversation, we ensure the advice we get reflects a variety of perspectives on land and resource use issues.”

A one-hour comment period, during which the public may address the Monument Advisory Committee, will begin at noon. Depending on the number of people wishing to comment and time available, the amount of time for individual oral comments may be limited. Continue Reading

What’s not to love about our Lady Libby? From her lopsided ears and her smiling crooked face, to her sideways body launches and Buckin’ Bronco-roos; She is sure to secure a place in anyone’s heart whom she graces with her affection.

Since arriving from Mexico, Libby continues to surprise us with her growth, quirky ways and newly discovered interests. She is currently working on her “Leave it” and Recall skills, as well as socialization with men. Previously thought as a “No-Men”dog, we have learned that with outside introductions, Libby is more comfortable getting to know and interacting with the fellas.

Some of Libby’s hobbies are playing with the Flirt Pole, “Supermans” into the Ocean, exploring the shores, splashing in the shallow waters, scavenger hunts in the woods, squeakers, belly rubs and playing with the younger pups. Libby is somewhat of a Nanny Dog here at the shelter and helps gently show the puppies how to play respectfully with older dogs.

She greets her favorite people with dancing, bowing, flopping belly up and soft fuzzy kisses. Once Libby accepts you into her pack, she wants nothing more than to be by your side, soak in your love and love you unconditionally in return. She is a gift that takes just a little extra time, but with that time comes a lifetime of entertainment, laughter, joy, happiness, and soft fuzzy kisses.  

• Age: approx. 5 years old
• Sex: Female
• Breed: Medium Mixed Breed

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

ABOUT

• Origin: Mexico
• Weight:  35 lbs
• Personality: Comedic, Warm-Hearted, Delightful
• Energy Level: Low – Medium 
• Likes: Social Cliques, Flirt Poles, Duck Feet
• Dislikes: Surprises, Intruders, Maintenance Staff

Great Islands Clean Up

It takes a village to clean an island! The Great Islands Clean-up is back! In honor of National Public Lands Day, join your fellow islanders for the 2021 Fall Great Islands Clean-up on September 25th. This one-day household or individual effort is an opportunity for our community to get outside, connect with our home, and participate in the longevity of our islands’ natural habitats. 

From what started as small community efforts to pick up trash, has now become a countywide event supported by San Juan County Public Works and various other organizations that are dedicated to keeping the tradition of beach and road cleanups alive. It really does take a village to make this happen!

If you would like to be assigned a pick-up location on San Juan Island, contact Katherine Dietzman at [email protected] to sign-up for beaches and Angie Light at [email protected] to sign-up for roads. 

Due to the current status of COVID-19, we ask that participants contribute only with their pods or households and wear masks when around others.

Bags, grabbers, safety vests, and gloves will be available at the San Juan County Public Works office at 915 Spring Street on Monday through Friday, September 20-24 during regular business hours. Borrowed materials will need to be returned the following week.

Litter picked-up on San Juan Island can be dropped off free of charge at the Lautenbach Transfer Station (212 Sutton Rd.), Saturday the 25th from 9am – 4pm. Participants who drop off their trash at the Transfer Station on September 25 will be entered in a raffle to win some awesome prizes! These prizes will include a $50 gift certificate to the SJI Food Co-op, a zero-waste kit, a pair of Alpaca socks from The Farm at Krystal Acres, handmade pottery from Lot 4 Studios, and more!

Visit www.plasticfreesalishsea.org/events for more information about the Great Islands Clean-up events happening on Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Island.