“Island Senior” is a regular column on the San Juan Update written by Peggy Sue McRae.

In my last Island Senior article, The Year of Covid-19, I took stock of the past year, a challenging time for most of us, and took note of some of the good things that helped me through a whole year of Covid-19. Books and human contact through zoom were among the positive influences.

Thanks to the Mullis Center Book Club, I read books I may not have chosen on my own but that transported me to occupied France during WWII, New York City through an immigrant’s eyes, and life on the Mississippi River. Each story, whether the adventures of Swedish octogenarians on a crime spree or Russians suffering the deprivations of war offered us something encouraging toward the resiliency of being human.

We have just selected our next books. The books have usually been around long enough that you can find a second-hand copy. Librarian Beth Helstein moderates the club and the books are often available at the library in large print, audio format, or as a downloadable ebook.

We meet the second Monday of the month at 1:15 p.m. and, since the pandemic, we have been meeting via zoom. If you need help with Zoom, call or email the Library for help. Email [email protected] for the Zoom meeting invitation. We are an open club and happy to welcome new readers.

April 12: The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

A Virginia slave narrowly escapes a drowning death through the intervention of a mysterious force that compels his escape and personal underground war against slavery.

May 10: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

Based on the author’s grandfather, this historical novel traces the experiences of a Chippewa Council night watchman in mid-19 century rural North Dakota who fights Congress to enforce Native American treaty rights.

June 13: Emily, Alone by Stewart O’Nan Continue Reading

Contributed Photo/San Juan Land Bank

From San Juan Land Bank

Over the last two weeks, the local civilian conservation corps has helped stewardship staff plant close to 5,000 bare-root plants and forbs on Orcas and San Juan Island Preserves. The picture above was taken at False Bay Creek Preserve on a bluebird day.

The San Juan County Land Bank Commission will hold its monthly meeting from 8:30-11:30 a.m., March 19 via Zoom. This meeting will include a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the 2021 expenditure and acquisition plan which includes the Coffelt Farm Preserve Stewardship and Management Plan.

The public is invited to attend. Click here to download the agenda, which includes the Zoom link and meeting materials.

To learn more about your Conservation Land Bank, visit sjclandbank.org. If you’re interested in volunteering or joining our mailing list, contact [email protected]. We look forward to engaging with you!

The San Juan County Land Bank is a local land conservation program, created by voters in 1990, and funded by a 1% real estate excise tax paid by purchasers of property in San Juan County. Through conservation easements or outright purchases, the Land Bank protects special places in the Islands including coastlines, farmland, forests and wetlands.

Contributed Photo/Chris Montgomery

By Minnie Knych, San Juan Island

Hillsdale College is offering free courses in American History, literature, philosophy and economics. You can take advantage of this at online.hillsdale.edu/#home

The courses are absolutely free. Most are a series of 10, 30-minute lectures with optional tests after each lecture and suggested further reading.

This is a great opportunity for students and parents to learn together.

From Friday Harbor Animal Protection Society

Age: Approximately 1-year-old
Sex: Male
Breed: Chihuahua Mix
Application: www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application

Ozzy is a fun-loving, playful Chihuahua mix looking to find his equally fun, forever family.

His favorite game is tug-of-war, but he doesn’t stop there, he also enjoys a good game of fetch, zoomie challenge, squeak offs, the toy death shake, or chase. Ozzy is a happy dog and knows how to light up a room with his infectious spirit. He gets along well with respectable dogs, cats, and children.

Like all dogs, Ozzy would do best in a home that will dote on him and include him in the activities of the household. He’s ready to go-go-go!

Continue Reading

From Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks invites visitors to help celebrate the agency’s 108th birthday on Friday, March 19, by enjoying a state park for free that day.

The state parks in the San Juans include Lime Kiln Point on San Juan Island, Moran on Orcas Island and Spencer Spit on Lopez Island.

March 19 is the third of 12 state parks free days in 2021 when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day-use visits to a park.

The free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day pass and is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources.

The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks.

The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources lands.

2021 free days

Continue Reading

Photo by John Dustrude

In the SJ Update mailbag today we have this letter from Louise Dustrude…

Are the miniature villages on rocks along West Side Road proliferating, or have there always been half a dozen or more? I’ve been enjoying one of them for several months, and perhaps it’s been there for years. It’s not on my daily rounds, so it was only this week that I saw a second grouping, and then yesterday I saw several.

Those who live out there, or who drive that road frequently could tell us how long they’ve been gracing the moss-covered rocks there. Someone has a whimsical mind set, and maybe there are several “someones.” Public art, or pop-up art — it adds joy to the mundane. And I for one treasure it.

Photo by John Dustrude

From San Juan County

A “logic and accuracy” test of ballot tabulating equipment used in San Juan County for the April 27, Special election is scheduled for 11 a.m., March 23 at the elections office located at 55 Second Street, Suite A, in Friday Harbor.

The test works by tallying the results of a prepared set of ballots to see if the results match the votes cast. 

All interested members of the public are invited to observe, either in person or in the safety of your own homes. The Elections Office will livestream the test on our YouTube channel San Juan County Elections at https://tinyurl.com/y4pzq86p.

Contributed Image/CDC

From San Juan County

The recent CDC guidance for fully vaccinated individuals provides clear and concise information for those lucky enough to be vaccinated. This information is only for fully vaccinated individuals, which is two weeks after your final dose. If you are fully vaccinated, you may:

• Visit indoors and unmasked with other vaccinated individuals.
• Visit indoors and unmasked with unvaccinated individuals, so long as they are from a single household and are not high-risk.
• Not have to quarantine if exposed to a COVID positive individual, so long as you are asymptomatic.

But even if you are vaccinated you still need to:

• Wear a mask in public spaces or when with more than one household of unvaccinated individuals.
• Be thoughtful about your decisions around travel.
• Avoid high-risk situations – large groups, etc.
• Get tested if symptomatic.

As you might notice, these guidelines are walking a fine line. Basically, what they’re saying is that they think COVID vaccines reduce spread enough that they’re O.K. with allowing some limited exposure, but they don’t really know for sure, so are hedging their bets and still being cautious.

One thing that won’t change is this: until no one wears a mask, everyone wears a mask.

The second issue: what will 2021 look like in San Juan County in terms of case trends and allowed activities (spoiler alert: we’re not sure).

As we consider the road ahead, the future of the COVID crisis hinges on five major unanswered questions: Continue Reading

By Missy Martin, Friday Harbor

Dear Editor:

I encourage Islanders to vote YES for the upcoming Island Rec levy!

They are requesting funding at the same rate, without an increase from the previous six years. The fact that Island Rec funds high school sports is reason alone to voice my support and vote.

But the actuality that they also provide so many other healthy recreational opportunities for all ages are plenty more reasons to vote. The special events, programs, exercise classes, trail management and enhancement, as well as operations and maintenance of five parks throughout our beautiful island are fabulous.

Now more than ever, we have seen the importance of healthy outlets in our lives. Let’s keep this good thing going!

I enthusiastically support this levy renewal and am hopeful that at least 2,600 people vote so that the election is validated. From that, a 60% majority is needed for approval to pass. It’s organizations like Island Rec that make living on San Juan Island so exceptional. Please voice your support too, and vote YES.

Contributed Photo/PeaceHealth. Jack Estrada

From PeaceHealth

Charles Prosper, chief executive for PeaceHealth in the Northwest, announced the appointment of Jack Estrada as the chief administrative officer for PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center.

Estrada had been acting as interim CAO since Mary Anne Keane departed PeaceHealth last summer.

Estrada has been in leadership positions at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham since 2001, when he started as a CT/MRI supervisor. He was steadily promoted, becoming a manager of diagnostic imaging that same year, and director of imaging in 2005.

He then added respiratory therapy; safety, security & communications; environmental services; and food & nutrition to his leadership portfolio. Of note, he has led diagnostic imaging at PeaceHealth Peace Island since the facility opened in the fall of 2005.

Estrada holds a master’s degree in Management & Leadership from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve the patients, community, and caregivers on beautiful San Juan Island in this capacity, and I look forward to carrying the Mission and Values of PeaceHealth and the Sisters forward,” Estrada said.

Estrada begins his new role immediately.

Contributed Photo/ San Juan Land Bank. Zylstra Lake Preserve.

From San Juan County Land Bank

The San Juan County Land Bank is requesting proposals from anyone interested in a short-term agricultural hay rental agreement of the Zylstra Lake Preserve Property on San Juan Island. The property has approximately 70 acres of hay pasture.

Individuals or organizations interested in this lease should go to the Land Bank website for the Request for Proposals and supporting materials at sjclandbank.org/news.

Alternately, call Charlie Behnke at 360-830-7340 or email [email protected] for further information or to schedule a site visit. Applications are due March 26.

Arrendamiento de Agrícola para Heno de 70 acres. Para solicitar una traducción en español, contacto por [email protected]. Enviar solicitudes por el 26 de marzo de 2021.

By Martha Alvarado, Floyd Bourne, Stephanie Buffum, Katie Fleming, Darla Jungmeyer, Kari McVeigh, Brian Moore, Katy Taylor-Jacobson

Through this levy, Island Rec funds our high school sports program which allows our school district to focus on academia.

Places to play and sports are important for child development.  Athletic participation improves self-esteem, teaches time management, builds relationships, improves academic scores, and shows self-discipline of fitness. 

All of these help build a well-rounded person.  Please Vote Yes for Island Rec on April 27.  

From Friday Harbor Film Festival

Friday Harbor Film Festival’s Director Series presents four online films: “The Return of the River”and “The Memory of Fish” from March 16 to 31, and “Dolores,” in collaborations with the WSU San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit, from March 20 to 27 at fhff.org.

Screen each film for only $2.95.  A new short film, “Rising from the Ashes,” will be available free.  These documentaries offer viewers hope for environmental justice and social change. Directors will be hosting livestream Q&As. Check the website for details.

“Return of the River” (co-directed by Jessica Plum and John Gussman) follows a group of strong-minded, committed people as they attempt to change the public opinion of a town, and eventually the entire country, to remove both dams on the Elwha River in Washington State. The film tells the story of the largest dam removal and river restoration project in history. It explores an extraordinary community effort to set the river free and documents an unlikely victory for environmental justice.

The camera soars over mountain headwaters, dives into schools of salmon, and captures turbines grinding to a halt as the project takes shape. “Return of the River” features people and perspectives on all sides of the Elwha debate, reflecting the many voices of the adjacent valley. The community comes to a consensus, setting the Elwha River free and showing the way to a more sustainable future. Continue Reading

From Town of Friday Harbor

The Town of Friday Harbor will add a roundabout to part of Mullis Street from March 22 through May 28.

“Local access on Mullis Street from 818 Mullis Street to the Spring Street Intersection will be impacted while contractors reconstruct the road and install a roundabout,” said Town of Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson. “We ask the local businesses and their patrons for patience as we work through this necessary disruption.”

The project will reconstruct approximately 1,300 linear feet of Mullis Street from 818 Mullis Street, the Guard Electric and Airport property, to Spring Street.

This project includes a cement-treated base, paving, ADA-compliant ramps and sidewalk, curb and gutter, and a painted roundabout at Spring Street. Plans and specifications are available at town hall for review.

The contractor, Konnerup Construction, has been asked to expedite the project with as little traffic disruption as possible; however, road closures and detours will be unavoidable.

Travelers should expect delays and limited or no access during certain phases of the project. The public is asked to exercise patience and to make every effort to be respectful of surroundings when using detours.

The contractor will begin mobilizing the week of March 22. Work is authorized 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Typically, working hours will be a combination of 4-10-hour work weeks with the exception of April 5 through April 16. Work will be substantially complete by May 28 in a total of about 50 working days. Continue Reading

From Kanaka Bay Trading Company

This online auction will be highlighting one-of-a-kind items that will be offered by artists, collectors, artisans and individuals who support animal welfare organizations on San Juan Island and other communities.

The auction is open through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. View the auction here.

The entire proceeds from these items will benefit animal welfare groups of the donors’ choosing. If you want to help animals in need, and love bidding on fun items, this auction is for you!

Some of the animal welfare organizations that you will be helping out participating in this auction are:

• Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor
• Animals Asia
• Center for Whale Research
• Elayne Boosler’s Tails of Joy
• Island Haven Animal Sanctuary
• Old Dog Haven
• Onyx & Breezy Foundation
• Oregon Dachshund Rescue
• Pads for Parkinson’s
• War Paws
• Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

The Kanaka Bay Trading Co is the brainchild of several San Juan Island women whose passion for helping animals in need over the past 2 decades has now carried some of them into their retirement years and continues to be a driving force that keeps these women’s lives and those around them enriched and fulfilled.

Continue Reading

This weekend – Sunday, March 14th at 2:00 AM – Daylight Saving Time begins.

Spring is almost here and the days are getting longer!

Don’t forget to set your clock forward one hour – (Probably when you go to bed Saturday) so at 2:00 AM it will really be 3:00 AM.

This may also be a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.