Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Zylstra Lake Preserve dam.

Friday, August 5th, the Preserve will be closed to public access to complete a siphon installation.

Dave is pictured here walking shelter dog, Charlie – Contributed photo

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor is happy to announce Dave Pretz as the APS-FH Volunteer of the Month for August 2021. 

Dave is a long-time islander and has been volunteering for the APS-FH shelter since 2019.  He is one of our valued dog walkers that comes in consistently every week.  Being a dog walker, Dave volunteers his time to help shelter dogs get out of their usual environment – giving them quality time, exercise, and special one-on-one attention, which greatly enriches their lives while they wait to be adopted. 

He often pays special attention to the dogs that have been here longer than others.  It’s not uncommon to find Dave gravitating to the biggest dog in the shelter! 

Dave is a kind soul that cares deeply about the dogs, and it shows.  Thank you, Dave, for making a difference in the lives of shelter animals. Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated.

Orcas Case Cluster Update
San Juan County has been aggressively investigating a recent COVID outbreak on Orcas Island. Since the source case was identified, San Juan County has identified nine additional linked positive cases. Of the ten outbreak cases, five are confirmed to be unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, one’s vaccination status is unknown and four are possible breakthrough cases.

The initial source of the outbreak is unknown. However, all subsequent cases were close contacts with a confirmed positive case. There are two additional cases on Orcas, not apparently linked to this cluster outbreak, also under investigation.

Thank you to the county staff for their expeditious work investigating this outbreak, and to county providers and pharmacies for providing testing to the close contacts around the recently confirmed cases, in order to minimize spread and keep our community safe.

Weekly Case Update
Note: Current positive case numbers are available online at the County Case Data Dashboard. As of today, case updates on the County Case Data Dashboard will include positive COVID cases which have been confirmed by PCR testing methods, as well as some probable over the counter positive test results which are unconfirmed by PCR testing. This is to align our county case reporting with recent changes to the Washington State Department of Health reporting criteria.

Since the last update on Friday July 30th, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 197 to 213.

There are approximately twelve residents in quarantine at this time.

LOPEZ ISLAND
There are no new cases on Lopez Island since the last update.

There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Lopez Island at this time.

ORCAS ISLAND
There are twelve new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. Ten of these are a part of a case cluster, described above. Two are household contacts where the source of transmission is unknown.

There are ten confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island at this time.

SAN JUAN ISLAND
There are three new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. The source of two cases is recent international travel and a subsequent household close contact. One is a household contact of an earlier case.

There are three confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on San Juan Island at this time.

OVERALL PICTURE:
COVID activity within San Juan County has increased exponentially in the past weeks, but the best ways to protect yourself remain unchanged. If you missed our Hot Topic last week here is a list of ways to protect yourself: get fully vaccinated, mask up indoors, travel smart, socially distance, stay home when sick, avoid high risk activities, and opt outdoors. Science and experience have shown these strategies work.

San Juan County is waiting for the genetic testing results of the earlier breakthrough cases to know if the Delta variant reached the county. With our high vaccination rates, San Juan County can expect to see higher percentage of breakthrough cases than other counties and can also expect to see those who do experience breakthrough infection to have fewer symptoms, and less severe symptoms.

Click here to see providers in San Juan County that are administering COVID-19 vaccines, which remain our best protection against COVID and the way through this current wave.

Hadza hunters at Sunset

Get your tickets now! The world-famous photographers, Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher, land in Friday Harbor on August 22 to share their spellbinding adventures in Africa. The talk is brought to town by the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) and presenting sponsors Glen Moreno and Marilee Wood.

Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

The renowned trailblazing photographers share their stories and review their stunning photographs and book, African Twilight Vanishing Rituals & Ceremonies.   The presentation celebrates Africa’s cultural heritage and creates a “passionate portrayal of the splendor of human creativity.”  Beckwith and Fisher record the disappearing diversity of the sacred rituals of birth, death, courtship, leadership, and healing before it is too late.

The pioneering documentary photographers have recorded African tribal cultures for 45 years–a world that is quickly vanishing before our very eyes.

Their talk will take place at the San Juan Community Theatre at 100 Second Ave N. at 7 pm.  Ticket can be purchased only at  www.sjctheatre.org/whats-happening/calendar

General admission tickets are $35, museum member tickets are $30, and students pay $10. SJCT will have open seating. Continue Reading

Contributed photo/ SJISD. Superintendent Fred Woods.

At the beginning of June, our school staff was able to celebrate the graduation of seniors from both Friday Harbor School and Griffin Bay School outside on the football field. Seeing the faces of those students and sharing in their joy was priceless.  The 2020-2021 school year seemed to last forever as we all navigated the uncertainties of COVID 19.

The pandemic shook the world and changed educational approaches across the globe. What we, as educators, missed most of all last year was interaction with students. As a lifelong educator, I can assure you, there is nothing more energizing than a building full of kids. We are looking forward to the fall and to the return of students, the sounds of their voices excited to see each other again, and the opportunity to resume what we do best.

The online, remote and hybrid instruction implemented last year was in response to a disease we did not understand. It was important that we maintain safety for all while at the same time offer opportunities for our community’s children. Given these circumstances, San Juan Island School District provided the best education possible, but it became very clear, very quickly how valuable in-person learning is.  Continue Reading

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In March of 2019 Transition San Juan Island left the radar as COVID 19 halted in-person meetings.

Now, more than ever, it is time to revitalize our movement with a Resiliency Fair.

Bring your ideas and enthusiasm as we reactivate our mission:
To “create conditions for community resilience and regeneration in a rapidly changing world.”

San Juan County Health & Community Services staff will be unavailable on Friday August 6th, as we will be attending an All Staff Meeting.

Staff will be available again on Monday August 9th. The Department drop box outside the Courthouse is available for document drop-off.

Thank you for your understanding.

Chris (26) and Ann (22) were married in Portland Oregon on August 5, 1956

Happy Anniversary Chris and Ann!

Announcement of 65^th wedding anniversary of Chris and Ann Nelson of Friday Harbor, WA

They have lived in Friday Harbor since 1988

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Our first online auction is now open! So many items donated by the staff, board, and community supporters of wildlife.

Please take some time to check out these wonderful items. You can use your phone and scan the QR code in the flyer at right or click on or copy this link  to check it out.

We still have a few more items coming in, they will be added as we receive them. Good to check back a few times over the next two weeks. Auction ends Friday, August 13, 2021 at 1pm.

If you don’t find something that strikes your fancy, donations are always welcome and truly appreciated!

I want to help!

Unvaccinated Caregivers With Qualifying Medical Exemptions Subject to Heightened Masking, Distancing, and Regular Testing Protocols

August 3, 2021– VANCOUVER, Wash. – PeaceHealth announced that starting August 31, 2021, all caregivers will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a qualifying medical exemption. Unvaccinated individuals will be subject to regular COVID-19 testing, as well as additional masking, potential reassignment to non-patient care settings, and other safety protocols. The policy will apply to all caregivers, including providers, students, contractors, vendors, and volunteers.   

“Though nearly 80% of PeaceHealth caregivers have already been vaccinated, the rise in hospitalizations in our communities is a stark reminder that we are facing a public health emergency and we must do more,” said Dr. Doug Koekkoek, PeaceHealth’s Chief Physician Executive. “We believe all healthcare workers who are medically able should get a COVID-19 vaccine to keep themselves, our patients, and our communities safe. Doing so is part of our Mission to promote personal and community health and our Vision to make sure that every person receives safe, compassionate care.” 

While the organization has had high rates of voluntary caregiver vaccination, after thoughtful deliberation and a formal ethical discernment, PeaceHealth joins many health systems across the country, and professional organizations including the Catholic Health Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, and others in ensuring public health by requiring vaccination. Continue Reading

Since Friday’s Weekly Case Update, San Juan County has confirmed four new positive COVID-19 cases. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 201. Three of these new cases are on Orcas Island. San Juan County is currently investigating this case cluster to determine the source and scope of disease transmission.

On Monday, August 2nd, San Juan County staff went to Orcas Island to test close contacts of confirmed positive cases and those who tested positive from an over-the-counter test.

Details of this case cluster are under investigation and more information may become available after the case investigations are complete.

If you are symptomatic, please contact your local healthcare provider to schedule a COVID-19 test. Common symptoms include: fever, cough, headache, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, muscle and body aches and diarrhea.

The San Juan County Auditor is seeking volunteers to write opposing arguments to ballot measures in the November 2021 General Election.  The arguments will be published in print and online versions of the Voters’ Pamphlet.

Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District is proposing a tax levy of $.081201 cents per $1,000 assessed value to generate $105,000 for the tax year 2022.  The levy will support operations and capital improvements for the District.

Orcas Island Park & Rec District is proposing a six-year levy in the amount of $0.15 per $1,000 assessed value.  The levy will be used to continue to provide recreational services, program, and parks for Orcas Island citizens.

The San Juan Island Fire District is running an election to add a $0.50 levy to add Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the district.  The levy would begin in tax year 2023, coincident with the expiration of the EMS levy at the San Juan Island Hospital District. 

The San Juan Island Hospital District is proposing a levy lid lift to $0.70 per $1,000 assessed value.  The levy will be used to acquire a long-term care facility, as well as to maintain and improve the health care services of the district.

The San Juan County Charter Review Committee is sending six proposed Home Rule Charter amendments to the ballot: Continue Reading

Amanda Eichelberger – Contributed photo

The San Juan Community Home Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Eichelberger as their new Executive Director, effective August 2, 2021.  Eichelberger joins the Home Trust at a critical time as they launch their new development, HolliWalk, scheduled to break ground in early 2022.  

Grant writing, advocacy and experience in the Affordable Housing arena are all skills that she brings to her new position.  Having worked as a Legislative Aide to WA state Senator Hasegawa, Eichelberger knows her way around Olympia, and the paths necessary to travel for effective advocacy.

Self-described as having “lived the affordable housing challenges”, Amanda has a passion for the work and an understanding of the need for a variety of solutions to the housing affordability situation on San Juan Island for working and retired islanders. She looks forward to working with the Home Trust Staff and Board, and to reaching out to Town and County Officials, keeping them aware of the hurdles that developers of affordable housing on the island must overcome.  Continue Reading

Ford Mach-E will be at the EV Jamboree – Contributed photo

FUN for Everyone at the Electric Vehicle (EV) Jamboree!

Kids! Take OPALCO Island Way electric jeep for a spin! – Contributed photo

Test drive an EV, ride an electric bike, check out electric garden tools and an electric UTV! Free hot dogs and popcorn, great Island Way swag – and small kids can take the Island Way electric jeep for spin (with parental supervision). EV dealers will have the Ford Mach-E and VW ID-4 on hand, as well as used EVs from our local Island eCars dealership available for test drives.

Already made the switch? Bring your own EV to show and tell! Looking to buy a used EV? Take advantage of the EV Happy Deal (while grant funds last) and get a FREE EV charger installed, plus OPALCO will pay your tab fees and taxes.

It’s all happening August 5^th at 4:30 pm, at the OPALCO Eastsound Parking Lot. Coming from another island? No problem! Catch the big whale bus at the ferry landing and let the driver know you’re headed to the EV Jamboree – OPALCO will pick up your ride. Continue Reading

Town of Friday Harbor Mayor, Farhad Ghatan, has sent a financial assistance package in support of the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center to the Town Council for their consideration at the August 5th council meeting.

The Town recently received $357,589 as a first distribution from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The monies allocated from Congress can be used to reimburse the Town for lost revenues during the pandemic, to support economic stabilization for households and businesses, and to solve public health and economic challenges that impact certain populations.

“I believe that the highest priority for use of these monies should be to assist the Family Resource Center and their programs,” said Ghatan. “There are other important projects to consider, but none more urgent than the needs the FRC has currently.”

The proposal being forwarded includes $20,000 for Access to Behavioral Health Counseling, $35,000 to help fund a Peer Support Counseling employee for the next 18 months and $5,000 for the Island Neighbors Support for Vulnerable Islanders. Each of these programs has the support of FRC Director Jennifer Armstrong.

The Town Council will take up the Mayor’s proposal on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The agenda and related materials will be posted on the Town website at www.fridayharbor.org.

The skilled nursing facility owned by Life Care Centers of America closed at the end of 2017. It had more than seventy beds and held the majority of the Medicaid patients in San Juan County. It left one assisted living facility on San Juan Island: the Village at the Harbor, a private pay institution with 36 beds.

“It was like the earth cracked open within two months for those that were displaced, many of whom did not do well upon relocation,” said Commissioner Trish Lehman. “It was heartbreaking. It’s why I ran for office, to try and solve this problem. The public has repeatedly asked us to address this.”

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 would like to announce that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Village at the Harbor. This service will be acquired and significantly expanded, if funded, via a levy lid lift this fall. The plan is to:

• Provide beds for Medicaid residents. We will immediately subsidize 4 – 6 Medicaid beds.
  In the next few years, we will add more capacity.
• Support wages and benefits to be able to retain staff. Staff turnover is particularly hard
  for memory care patients who need familiar faces.
• Create a first-of-its kind care coordination and home-based program to support aging in
  place that will enable seniors to live in their homes longer.
• Pay for a bond to pay for the acquisition of the Village at the Harbor. Maintenance on this bond is expected to be about $310,000 per year over twenty years to pay for the $4.8 million purchase.

“Our mission at the Village after the Life Care center’s closure has been to help people as best we can, and we’ve essentially become a nonprofit without ever making that formal change,” said Village Administrator Evan Perrollaz. “We felt that by partnering with the public hospital district that we could really focus on our core mission of caring for more people.”

Continue Reading