Drop by The Place Bar & Grill and check out their special that’s running from today till April 7th…2 for $22! Here’s more (http://www.theplacesanjuan.com/specials.html). See you there!

Coming home on the late boat.....

It’s always fun to see friends on the ferry, even when they’re sacked out from a long day on the mainland.

Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life.
Dalai Lama

Last night, the Hospital Board approved the proposed contract with PeaceHealth, which will set in motion getting a new, updated medical center – a new hospital is scheduled to open in 2012. Here’s more from Alan Roochvarg, for the Hospital District:

Contract Approved for New Integrated Medical Center
for San Juan County Hospital District

Friday Harbor, Wash. – The San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 Board of
Commissioners today unanimously approved a long-term service contract with  PeaceHealth, a Northwest-based not-for-profit healthcare system, to significantly expand healthcare services for San Juan County Hospital District residents and Island visitors.

The PeaceHealth Board of Directors approved the contract last week.

The  long-term relationship between the San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 (Hospital District) and PeaceHealth will create a new, fully Integrated Medical Center located in Friday Harbor, including a new, expanded primary care and specialty clinic, expanded diagnostic services center, a 24-hour emergency room and a 10-bed Critical Access Hospital.

More than a year ago, the Hospital District, leaders of the current Inter Island Medical Center (IIMC) and the San Juan Community Hospital Committee invited PeaceHealth into discussions to explore a potential partnership to serve the Island’s future healthcare needs. A comprehensive feasibility study was completed in May 2008, and a formal Letter of Intent was signed in July 2008 to allow PeaceHealth and the Hospital District to negotiate and draft a formal contract proposal.  Contract Approved for New Integrated Medical Center for San Juan County Hospital District

“From the beginning, this project has been shaped by the input and needs of those who live and work in our community,” said Lenore Bayuk, chairperson of the Hospital District Board of Commissioners.  “We were fortunate to identify a high-quality healthcare partner in PeaceHealth. Their commitment to serving the long-term healthcare needs of this community, from day one, has never wavered.”

As part of the 50-year contract, PeaceHealth will build, own and operate the new Integrated Medical Center in Friday Harbor, which will promote healing and well care, as well as provide an expanded range of on-Island healthcare services in a high-quality, intimate environment. Physicians and other healthcare providers will be able to care for Island residents and visitors with new, state-of-the-art medical, diagnostic and imaging services, a 24-hour emergency room and a fully integrated, electronic medical record. The new medical center and hospital will serve patients all under one roof and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012. The Hospital District will continue to operate Inter Island Medical Center until the new facility is opened.

Under the terms of the approved relationship and contract, local philanthropy will provide $10 million toward construction costs of the new medical center and hospital. PeaceHealth will fund the remaining $20 million for purchase of the land, facility  construction and equipment.  PeaceHealth will be the owner of the property and facilities, and will have full responsibility for the delivery of ongoing patient care, staffing and operations. The Hospital District will subsidize PeaceHealth to provide contracted services without increasing the existing Hospital District tax levy supporting the IIMC, either now or after the levy lift expires in 2015.

Currently, Inter Island Medical Center, located in Friday Harbor, offers a family practice and internal medicine clinic, 24/7 emergency services, and some extended diagnostic equipment and services, but patients needing additional diagnostic testing, procedures,  and inpatient care must travel off-Island. As the Island population has more than doubled since the IIMC was built 35 years ago, there is limited space for patient care and clinic operations and no additional space for upgrading, modernizing or adding needed services.

The new Integrated Medical Center will increase the number of physicians serving the  District’s residents and will nearly double the number of other healthcare professionals
serving the Island community. The Critical Access Hospital component of the new
Integrated Medical Center will require Certificate of Need and licensing approval from
the State of Washington.

“Everyone’s goal and commitment has been to build upon the legacy of service provided by the Inter Island Medical Center and to serve the San Juan community with expanded access and high-quality services without requiring an increase in Hospital District taxes,” said Peter Adler, PeaceHealth’s senior vice president for Strategy, Innovation and Development.  “The newly established relationship between PeaceHealth and the Hospital District is grounded in a shared vision for sustainable, accessible and patient-centered services that will meet the long-term needs of the community.”

“This partnership is a significant step forward in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the Hospital District and San Juan County,” Bayuk said. “We’re excited to have this project moving forward in partnership with PeaceHealth.”

San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 (SJCPHD#1) is the tax-supported agency
mandated by Washington State law to provide healthcare services and facilities for residents and visitors of the Hospital District. The Hospital District provides clinic-based medical services at the Inter Island Medical Center in Friday Harbor. It also operates San Juan Island EMS which provides emergency medical services, critical care transport, and injury and accident prevention programs. SJCPHD#1 is comprised of San Juan Island, Town of Friday Harbor, Brown Island, Stuart Island, Johns Island, Speiden Island, Pearl Island and Henry Island in San Juan County, Washington. For more information on the IMC project, visit www.sjcommunityhospital.org.

PeaceHealth is a Bellevue, WA-based not-for-profit healthcare system serving multiple
rural and urban communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Sponsored by the
Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, PeaceHealth has provided exceptional medicine and
compassionate care to Northwest communities for more than a century, including
serving the needs of small and remote communities through the operation of three
successful Critical Access Hospitals. PeaceHealth annually receives national recognition
for innovations in patient-centered care, patient safety and healthcare technology.
Research published in the June 2008 edition of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality  and Patient Safety ranked PeaceHealth as one of the top five quality of care healthcare  systems in the country, and the leading system in the West. PeaceHealth is frequently named as one of the region’s best employers. For more information, visit
www.peacehealth.org.

Jesse Winchester

Jan from the Community Theatre reports:

If you liked TOM RUSH when he performed here last October, you’ll like Jesse! Just ask our own island music enthusiast, Kirk Fuhrmeister—guitarist and owner of Isle Be Jammin’ on Argyle Street. Kirk plays some of Jesse’s songs when he performs and is very excited to see Jesse live in Friday Harbor. Kirk says Jesse has a way of writing “story songs” that often portray the balancing acts of life, like his “Nothing but the Breeze: Life is much too short for some folks. For other folks it just drags on….” Jesse was one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of the ‘60s and ‘70s. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Elvis Costello, Emily Lou Harris and Bonnie Raitt. He has sung and played with the likes of Todd Rundgren, Tom Rush and Wynonna Judd. People magazine compared his voice and style to James Taylor.

Jesse Winchester

Jan from the Community Theatre reports:

If you liked TOM RUSH when he performed here last October, you’ll like Jesse! Just ask our own island music enthusiast, Kirk Fuhrmeister—guitarist and owner of Isle Be Jammin’ on Argyle Street. Kirk plays some of Jesse’s songs when he performs and is very excited to see Jesse live in Friday Harbor. Kirk says Jesse has a way of writing “story songs” that often portray the balancing acts of life, like his “Nothing but the Breeze: Life is much too short for some folks. For other folks it just drags on….” Jesse was one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of the ‘60s and ‘70s. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Elvis Costello, Emily Lou Harris and Bonnie Raitt. He has sung and played with the likes of Todd Rundgren, Tom Rush and Wynonna Judd. People magazine compared his voice and style to James Taylor.

It was a little surprising to see FHHS teachers Ruthie Paull, Marc Vermiere, and Susie Hale on the ferry Tuesday (like, who is there left to teach the kids?!?) but it was nice to find out why they’re going….

Service learning is becoming more & more used by schools around the USA and Canada – learning things on the job & in service of community. We are headed that direction – and having three skilled instructors at a conference is a necessary part of our school district moving ahead. Way cool for our school.

Kerri anchored a strong defensive effort for the defending champions.

Last night at Coupeville, the Friday Harbor Wolverines beat the Wolves 13-3 in their season opener. Led by pitcher Kerri Goff, last year’s league champs showed power at the plate and strong defense. Head coach Kevin Carlton said he was “thrilled” by the girls’ strong start, and said the team is looking forward to their home games Friday and Saturday (doubleheader) this weekend.

Liam on the hunt....

Cathy Cole told me they tried:

This weekend, Liam constructed a Leprechaun Trap for his 2nd grade class. He and his classmates put the traps out yesterday in hopes that they would catch themselves some lucky leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day. In the past, the only evidence in Ms. Evan’s classroom were little leprechaun footprints on the special day. Liam hopes that a leprechaun will climb the ladder onto the top of the hat to get the gold and will fall through the top into the pile of cotton inside. His sign, “Failte” is Gaelic for “Welcome.” Between the sign, the rainbow and the gold, we think there is enough to attract a lucky leprechaun.

Meanwhile, FHES second grade teacher Shannon Evans reported how it went in class yesterday:

Love it!

There was terrific evidence of leprechaun activity. Our classroom was a
disaster with desks misplaced, traps “tripped” (they were too smart to
get caught, unfortunately), and it was clear they exited through the
window. The students’ desks were out in the hall, and my desk was even
messed up with their little green footprints on the kids’ report cards!
They also swiped my rocking chair, and I just found it down the hall.

What a mess, and what fun!

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats

Kim on the boat yesterday afternoon.

Kim (in photo) and Jason were on their way to deliver yesterday… Danielle & Eric were on the boat last week (they say they will let us know how things go), and Rachel & Brian are still on schedule for next week.

I’ll keep you posted how everything comes out.

Defender Mathew Skeels stops another offensive thrust by Coupeville.

Friday Harbor scored a couple of minutes into the second half (Conor Lanphere finished a Cameron Byington cross to the right side) to offer a sign of things to come as the Wolverines work to pull it together tomorrow when Meridian comes visiting. Despite the score, our guys were still working hard (that’s sophomore defender Mathew Skeels protecting the ball) late in the game, still looking to score one last goal.

Deb Nolan has more:

The sale is Saturday, March 21, 2009!

Did you get too many Christmas gifts? That diamond ring no longer fits? Don’t know what to do with all the stuff from spring cleaning? Bring us your stuff!!

Donate all your unwanted ‘treasures’ to the Friday Harbor High School PTSA Project Graduation Rummage Sale. We need quality donations of usable stuff!

Drop offs are scheduled between 3 – 7pm Friday, March 20th at the Friday Harbor High School Commons.  Call 378-2286 before Friday if you would like us to pick up your stuff.  Sorry but we are unable to take office machines, computers, base board heaters, console TVs, electric blankets, encyclopedias, fluorescent lights or fixtures, garment or golf bags, homemade VHS movies, kerosene heater, large appliances or exercise equipment, old paint, sinks, toilets, sofa beds or venetian blinds.

Our Rummage SALE will be held on Saturday March 21, 2009 at the FHHS Commons from 9 am to 1 pm to raise money for Project Graduation which is a drug/alcohol-free, safe, fun, all-night celebration for the graduating seniors of Friday Harbor High School. The party provides a fun night for the graduates to have a last big party together as a class in a safe, secure, alcohol-free and drug-free environment.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

I heard from a friend at the school district that our friend Jeff passed away last week…..here’s more from that note:

As you probably know, Jeff Copeland died unexpectedly on March 4th.  As a Master Mechanic, Jeff kept our busses on the road for 25 years. He leaves behind his wife, Kay Cousins, and his four grown sons, Jason Copeland, Jon Copeland, Rooben Eby and Roccay LaRock who are all Friday Harbor High School alumni.  There was a memorial gathering at South Beach last weekend to scatter his ashes.

Over on Orcas, Joe Gaydos is one of the people I listen to, when it comes to sorting out priorities related to saving our ecosystem… here are his thoughts on one way to make things better:

Increased US – Canadian cooperation is among other basic principles that need to be followed to save Puget Sound.

A new research paper, just published in the international journal EcoHealth, finds that a major principle for restoring ecosystems is lacking in efforts to restore the health of Puget Sound.

“Efforts to save Puget Sound must revolve around a working principle that ecosystems do not recognize political borders. To save Puget Sound, the U.S. and Canada must work together much more closely than is currently practiced,” said Joe Gaydos, the study’s lead author. Gaydos is Chief Scientist and Regional Director of the SeaDoc Society, a non-profit organization that funds science to improve the health of the Salish Sea. The Salish Sea is a name often used for the U.S./Canadian inland sea that includes Washington’s Puget Sound and British Columbia’s Georgia Strait.

“While there is some coordination between U.S. and Canadian initiatives to heal the Salish Sea, it is not nearly enough.  The international political boundary is invisible to marine fish and wildlife, including species listed as threatened or endangered” Gaydos said. “Oceanographic processes, such as freshwater from rivers and streams, and currents exchange plankton, sediments, and nutrients throughout the entire ecosystem, not just Puget Sound.”  Gaydos noted that Canada’s Fraser River is Puget Sound’s largest source of fresh water.

“Our salmon and our whales are your salmon and your whales,” added Jane Watson, Marine Ecologist at Vancouver Island University and one of the SeaDoc Society’s Science Advisors. “We cannot change the nature or boundaries of the ecosystem but with improved cooperation and bilateral commitment, we can jointly recover imperiled species and clean up the water.”

Millions of dollars have been spent on restoring places like the Chesapeake Bay and the Everglades, but the success has been limited and there is not a successful model to follow. In addition to calling for coordinated initiatives at the ecosystem level, the paper calls out nine other critical principles that need to be followed to design a healthy Puget Sound and Salish Sea. These include: accounting for connectivity in the ecosystem, better understanding the food web, avoiding habitat fragmentation, respecting the integrity of the system, taking actions that support resilience, appreciating the economic value of a healthy ecosystem, monitoring wildlife health, planning for extreme events and sharing our knowledge about the ecosystem with everyone in the region.

A copy of the manuscript is available at www.seadocsociety.org. The SeaDoc Society works to ensure the health of marine wildlife and their ecosystems through science and education. A program of the Wildlife Health Center at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), the SeaDoc Society has a regional focus on improving the health of the Salish Sea.

Wolverine keeper Ben Goodman pulls in the shot in the first half.

Visiting Meridian swept past a rapidly improving FHHS squad last night by scoring four in each half. In spite of the score, the Wolverines were still hustling with ten minutes to go in the game, and nearly converted a handful of chances in the second half.

In a season that is likely to be measured by improvement against strong teams, the guys earned good marks in their second game of the season. Next up: An early season re-match with Coupeville on Saturday.

FHHS senior & ace photographer Lauren Paulsen shot this nice 35-photo gallery of pictures from the game (http://sanjuanupdate.com/fhhsboys09/). Check ’em out – she has a great eye.