From San Juan County Economic Development Council

The San Juan County Economic Development Council invites community leaders, legislators, entrepreneurs, and business owners to join in a free, two-day course in sustainability management, led by world-renowned expert in corporate sustainability and social entrepreneurship, Nikos Avlonas.

The course will cover in-depth, the topic of community and business sustainability, including trends, global standards, strategies, and communication; participants will receive Sustainability Practitioner certification upon successful completion of the program.

The course will be held online on May 20 and 21. Space is extremely limited; participants are urged to sign up quickly to ensure their space in the course.

Trainer Nikos Avlonas is a leader in corporate sustainability and social entrepreneurship. With multiple awards in sustainability, Avlonas is the founder and president of the Centre for Sustainability & Excellence, a global sustainability strategic advisory and training firm with activities worldwide. He is a well-known international speaker in topics related to ESG and CSR and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Avlonas specializes in sustainability, corporate responsibility, carbon reduction and impact investment (ESG ratings). Continue Reading

From San Juan County Fair

The San Juan County Fair is looking for performance acts to showcase on www.sjcfair.org during the week of the fair Aug. 18-21.

Have you been hesitant to submit an application due to poor recording qualities? There is an opportunity for performances to be recorded at the San Juan Community Theatre later this month and early June.

Looking for all types of local talent to showcase and be a part of the 2021 “Lettuce Entertain Ewe” virtual fair.

From San Juan County Economic Development Council

The San Juan County Economic Development Council invites entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders to join in a free, five-week, intensive course in regenerative business design.

Led by renowned permaculture designer and educator Patty Love, the course will guide participants through the steps necessary to build – or rebuild – a sustainable business that reflects participants’ core values regarding the environment, society and more. This EDC course will be held online from 9 a.m.-noon May 17, May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15.

Small business owners often consider how to run a profitable business while staying true to core values.

What do entrepreneurs need to know, consider, and plan for in order to launch a business that will have a high likelihood of success and a plan for handling failures and hurdles?

To help answer these questions, this five-week course will be led by Patty Love, certificated permaculture designer, educator and business management consultant.

In the course, Love will incorporate knowledge gained through her decade of permaculture study and practice, along with a formal education in business and twenty years of successful self-employment. Continue Reading

Image by Christos Giakkas from Pixabay

San Juan Community Theatre has asked me to direct an outdoor musical theatre concert/revue for the 4th of July weekend.

The show will be about 90 minutes July 1-3 on an outdoor stage that is being built at the fairgrounds.

Rehearsals will start at the end of May and you will not have to be at every rehearsal. We are making this as easy and as stress-free as possible as we all need to ease into theater again.

The songs featured will be from “Guys and Dolls,” “Les Miserables,” “GREASE” and “Chorus Line.”

Auditions are May 15 at Studio JAMM. Pick a song from one of the shows above. There is something for everyone.

Email [email protected] to reserve an audition time. If you have already reserved a time slot with Nathan, you are all set. Currently, we have openings after 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15.

It will be fully staged and will even include some choreography. We need soloists and background dancers (no singing required).

There will also be a few quartet-style songs. No masks will be required for the singers as we are staging them well within the recommended guidelines of distance.

Let’s pioneer the first live show at San Juan Community Theatre together. I have a great team and we are going to make you look good on stage.

Suquamish – WSF photo

By Patty Rubstello, assistant secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division

When we unexpectedly lose one of our largest ferries (Puyallup, Tacoma and Wenatchee), there are cascading effects across our system.

With Wenatchee out of service for several months due to a recent fire and continuing pandemic-related vessel crewing challenges for quarantines and vaccinations, we were forced to make some difficult decisions affecting service on the following routes:

We released our “peak season” sailing schedule starting Sunday, May 9, on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route, where timetables are like previous summer schedules without a fifth vessel that mainly served Sidney, British Columbia. View the schedule here.

Seattle/Bainbridge: Smaller 188-vehicle Walla Walla, 144-vehicle Kaleetan or 124-vehicle Issaquah on route through at least July 25. Temporarily operating out of Slip 3 at Colman Dock starting Thursday, May 13, for about seven weeks.

Seattle/Bremerton: Slower and smaller 64-vehicle Salish on route starting Thursday, May 13, requiring a schedule adjustment that eliminates an early afternoon round trip until at least June 27. Temporarily operating out of Slip 1 at Colman Dock starting Thursday, May 13, for about seven weeks.

Mukilteo/Clinton: Smaller 124-vehicle Kittitas or Chelan on route for most of summer. Continue Reading

From the Town of Friday Harbor

Town of Friday Harbor Finance Director Kelle’ Wilson retired May 7 after 28 working in the town’s finance department. The town council created a proclamation in honor of her last day.

Proclamation Ownering Kelle’ Wilson Upon her Retirement

WHEREAS, Kelle’ Wilson has distinguished herself as a hard-working and dedicated public servant. In good times and in difficult times she has dealt with a diverse range of people in and out of Town Hall and provided courteous and comprehensive help to members of the community, Town officials and staff; and

WHEREAS, Kelle’ began a career at Town Hall when she was hired as a Data Processing Clerk in November of 1993. In March of 1998, Mayor Gary Boothman announced that she had been appointed to the position of Town Clerk. Later, in July of 2007, Treasurer Picinich recruited Kelle’ to the position of Assistant Finance Director. In July of 2014, the Town Council announced her appointment to the position of Treasurer and succession to the position of Finance Director. The citizens of Friday Harbor have elected Kelle’ to serve ever since; and

WHEREAS, due to her diligence and the knowledge she gained during those years, Kelle’s understanding of past and present operations has made her an invaluable resource and advisor in watching over the Town’s budget, assets and needs. Kelle’ has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and professionalism when applying her expertise and judgment to the policies and laws governing the Town of Friday Harbor; and

WHEREAS, six months and twenty-seven years later, Kelle’ has announced her intention to retire from public service effective May 7, 2021;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Farhad Ghatan, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 7, 2021 Kelle’ Wilson Day.

On behalf of her fellow elected officials, coworkers and citizens of Friday Harbor, I offer congratulations on retirement and very best wishes to Kelle’ and her husband Gene for many happy years ahead!

By this proclamation, I hereby memorialize that today, her last council meeting as elected Treasurer of the Town of Friday Harbor, will adjourn in her honor with respect and gratitude.

From San Juan County Economic Development Council

Those seeking to build their career or business in construction are invited to learn construction project management in a free online class offered by the San Juan County Economic Development Council.

Nationally recognized project management expert Jeff Hunt, founder and president of Heritage Construction Services and NAHB accredited instructor, will teach the course.

The course will run 4-6 p.m., Wednesdays, May 19-June 2 over Zoom. Prospective students are urged to register quickly; spaces are limited and the registration deadline is May 13.

This free course will benefit anyone in the construction industry and building trades. In participating in the course, business owners and independent contractors may strengthen their businesses, job seekers may boost their competitiveness, employees may gain skills to take on management roles.

Spaces are limited and applicants must be planning to use the skills learned for paying work, either as an employee, contractor, or business owner. Applicants must be San Juan County residents who are 18 years or older.

To learn more, contact the EDC at [email protected]. To register, visit sanjuansedc.org/workshops.

This course is made possible by the generosity of funders of the EDC’s programs, in particular the Washington State Dept. of Commerce, San Juan County, the United Way of San Juan County, the Lopez Lions, the Port of Lopez, the Port of Friday Harbor, the Town of Friday Harbor, Robin VanHyning, and other donors.

From San Juan County

Contributed Image/CDC

Since the last update on Friday, April 23, total cases in San Juan County have increased from 176 to 179.
There are six close contacts of positive cases currently in active quarantine.

San Juan Island
There are three new cases on San Juan Island since the last update. Two of the new cases are from a single household and the transmission source is related to off-island travel.

The third new case is a close contact of the two cases listed above.

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

Orcas Island
There are no new cases on Orcas Island since the last update. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Orcas Island 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.

Shaw Island
There are no new cases on Shaw Island since the last update. There are no confirmed positive cases under active monitoring on Shaw Island at this time.

Overall Continue Reading

From the Town of Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor advises motorists will encounter delays on Monday and Tuesday in the locations highlighted on the map.

Crews will install a painted roundabout at the intersection of Spring Street and Mullis Street, and pave Spring Street between 1st Street and 2nd Street Monday and Tuesday.

Crews will improve the sidewalk on Argyle Avenue between Dougherty Lane and Pear Point Road Monday through Friday.

Alternate routes are recommended to avoid delays traveling to and from the downtown core:

• Lower Spring Street: Contractors will be laying asphalt pavement from First Street to Second Street. Extended hours are authorized until this phase of construction is complete.
• Upper Spring Street: Contractors will be installing a painted roundabout at the intersection of Mullis and Spring Street.
• Argyle Avenue: The detour route for the Mullis Street Improvement Project passes this San Juan County project.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.

From San Juan County

San Juan County is leading the way in COVID-19 vaccination rates. The county has also not had a death related to the coronavirus.

Mass clinics will no longer be offered locally. Look for a more targeted vax effort going forward.

Kids are at risk, but we are hopeful that ages 12 and up will be able to get vaccinated in mid-May.

Cases in Washington overall are still high, but hopefully dropping soon.

COVID can cause significant longterm health impacts. About 30% of those with “mild” cases face longterm symptoms.

Precautions around masking and other safety measures are starting to loosen, but be patient. The end is in sight, but not there yet.

Remember, there’s a whole world out there that’s not in such good shape.

San Juan County Vaccination Rate

As of May 5, over 65% of San Juan County residents (registered with a San Juan County address) have initiated their vaccination. This means that of those who are eligible (16+), the vaccine initiation rate is approximately 75%.

Actual numbers are expected to be a bit higher due to recent clinics, some local providers catching up with data entry, and not all mainland shots being included in WA DOH reporting.

This the highest vaccination rate in Washington and is one of the highest in the nation.

No matter how you look at it, this is remarkable and welcome news. It indicates a real willingness on the part of islanders to step up and protect themselves, their community, and help the islands move closer to normal this summer. It also reflects the incredible work put in by some local healthcare providers, the San Juan County Vaccination Team, and countless volunteers and local organizations to do the work required to get us to where we are.

That said, there are still about 4,000 islanders over the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated. While our progress is admirable, there is more to be done.

No More Mass Vaccination Clinics

The days of mass vaccination clinics are over. Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/San Juan County

From San Juan County

San Juan Islands National Monument Map. Contributed Image

From the Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management will hold a public meeting on the San Juan Islands National Monument 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 via Zoom.

Planned agenda items include reviewing the final resource management plan and environmental impact statement and opportunities for the committee to support the 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.

The 12-member Monument Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the BLM on resource and land management issues within the San Juan Islands National Monument. Monument Advisory Committee members are citizens who represent public land interests associated with the local area and who may also advise the district office.

For more information about the upcoming Monument Advisory Committee meeting, contact Jeff Clark, Spokane district public affairs officer, at 509-536-1297 or [email protected].

By Bob Jarman, chair of the board of commissioners, San Juan County Fire District 3

On behalf of the elected board members of San Juan County Fire District 3, our career staff and our volunteers, we thank the voters of San Juan Island and the Town of Friday Harbor for your overwhelming support in the April 27, 2021 election.

The election results allow the Town of Friday Harbor to annex into Fire District 3.

We are honored by your vote and support. San Juan Island Fire and Rescue remains fully committed to serving all of our district with inclusive service.

The women and men who respond in your time of need are committed to comprehensive, professional, and compassionate care.

We are all in this together. Thank you for the honor and privilege to serve you.

From San Juan County

It’s a race against COVID, not other jurisdictions, but San Juan County is the first in Washington to crack 60% for the percentage of population initiating vaccination, according to the state department of health. 

These numbers include those who received their shots on the mainland and listed a San Juan County address but may not include those who received their mainland shots from a pharmacy that received their supply directly from the federal government (Albertson’s, Walgreen, Rite-Aid, Costco, Walmart, etc.).

Image by Christos Giakkas from Pixabay

From San Juan Island Community Theatre

The San Juan Island Community Theatre is hosting auditions for “Mamma Mia!”

“Mamma Mia!” has been rescheduled to this fall depending on the continued success of vaccine rollouts and lifting public health restrictions.

Tentative rehearsal times are 6:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, starting Sept. 5.
The tentative performance dates are Friday, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 21.

All roles are not open.

Those who were cast last year and are able to continue in the show this fall will be playing the same roles, but are encouraged to come to auditions to read with the new people.

We will be auditioning for the younger roles first June 6. The general audition for all ages will be held July 11.

Visit www.sjctheatre.org for more information.

Contributed Photo/Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor. Yoshi with her rescue dogs Schatzie and Grizzly.

From the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor

The Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor is happy to announce Yoshi O’Connor as the
APS-FH Volunteer of the Month for May 2021.

Yoshi began volunteering to help socialize cats at the animal shelter in October 2020.

The focus of her volunteer efforts soon shifted to the Treasure Hounds home-decor resale store when she recognized that her creative and organizational talents could make a big difference there.

All proceeds from Treasure Hounds go to support APS-FH operations and Yoshi’s efforts have helped increase both donations and sales at the store.

Yoshi now spends most of her volunteer time behind the scenes; sorting, cleaning, researching, and pricing donated items; coordinating donations; and arranging furniture vignettes on the showroom floor.

In January, the store was closed for two weeks for a major organizational overhaul where Yoshi took the lead on the project – improving the store’s overall form and function.

“Being new to the island, volunteering at Treasure Hounds has provided me with friendship and community,” Yoshi said. “I have enjoyed getting to know the regulars and having the chance to learn more about this great island.”

We are glad that volunteering at Treasure Hounds is a benefit to Yoshi because, in just seven months, Yoshi has become an indispensable member of the APS-FH volunteer team.

Thanks so much, Yoshi, you are making a difference in the lives of shelter animals.