The following announcement was submitted by Nathan Butler, public information officer for SJI EMS…

On November 26, 2019, the staff of San Juan Island EMS honored outgoing Board members with a special presentation. Outgoing Board members Mark Schwinge, Michael Edwards, Warren Appleton, and Rebecca Smith were all in attendance. Though they were also honored at the November 20th Board meeting, staff wanted a chance to personally express appreciation.

Director of Emergency Response Weyshawn Koons said, “I know there have been a lot of political issues, but at the end of the day it’s patient care that we’re all here for. I’m grateful for the work the board has done, ensuring we have the resources needed to do our jobs well.”

Warren Appleton later added, “I thank you as the father of a past patient, as a physician, and as a commissioner for your efforts as demonstrated in the work you do. I applaud each one of the 56 volunteers and staff.” Rebecca Smith echoed his sentiment, expressing appreciation for the many years she was able to serve with San Juan Island EMS both as an EMT and then later as a commissioner. Continue Reading

Here’s this month’s history column from the San Juan Historical Society and Museum…

This image was labeled “Hotel de Haro Christmas 1924” when it came to the San Juan Historical Society and Museum. We know little else about it, save for what we can see here. It’s hard to miss that big tree, which we know was not native to the somewhat recently landscaped area in front of the hotel. It appears to be a coast Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii), but historians are not arborists so do let us know if we are mistaken as to its identity. A name for it in some Coast Salish communities is lá:yelhp.

What we do know is that this tree appears to be taller than the Hotel de Haro, with its three stories and an attic. The tree was no doubt cut down on Roche Harbor land, which totaled several hundreds of acres at the time. Note the vintage automobile (circa 1915-1920?) parked behind the utility pole near the right edge of the photo. There appears to be a light dusting of snow on the ground.

The front page of the Friday Harbor Journal dated December 18, 1924 told the story of “Islands in Grip of Howling Northeaster.” Pipes were frozen, there were chimney fires, and the mail boat was canceled for the duration of the storm. That Christmas tree in the Roche Harbor garden appears to have been tethered, but did it topple in the storm? 

Gazing at this photograph through eyes focused on times past, one can imagine a large group of Roche Harbor Lime Works employees and families gathered in the garden to sing a simple song:

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!
They are green when summer days are bright,
They are green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!”

We wish you all a holiday season filled with joy and the sharing of island memories, new and old.

Helen from Island Stage Left writes:

Three top notch veteran actors and a dynamite, incredibly relevant script for our time. Yes, the subject is serious, but the performances have lots of humor, bravery and humanity in them. This really is a must-see show.

Come early to get a seat. I have a feeling we may be turning people away! House opens at 7:00 Thursday – Saturday and at 3:30 on Sunday. More info at https://www.islandstageleft.org/.

I hate to boast, but I have to share – the reviews are in:

“timely and thought-provoking” “superb”, fantastic show”, absolutely outstanding”, “We are so impressed”, and much more along the same lines.

Three top notch veteran actors (120+ years of professional work between them) bring this exciting play to life. The plot is tantalizingly unpredictable. All three characters are retired nuclear engineers, which might not lead you to expect the amount of laughter.

Hazel and Robin appear to be living forever on yogurt and yoga, but an old friend arrives. Her arrival causes domestic upheaval – but is that why she has come? Oh, no. It’s really something else, something utterly unexpected – and deeply disturbing.

San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 will be holding a special meeting on December 4, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. at the Frank Wilson Memorial EMS Building. (Agenda linked below). This meeting will be chaired by Chair pro tem Anna Lisa Lindstrum.

This meeting will begin with HIPAA training from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., followed by Special Meeting business as outlined in the Agenda.

The agenda may be changed up to 24 hours in advance and the most recent version will be posted on our website at https://sjcphd.org/meeting/meeting-agendas.

Congratulations to Rock Solid prevention youth for their receipt of a national award for their Red Ribbon Week vaping prevention message posted on the Friday Harbor High School chemistry door.  See below for the official announcement and a picture of their entry.  They received one of ten Judges picks – the award for Educational entry.

What a great start to implementing their planned activities for the school year.  They worked on their plan at the CADCA Youth Leadership training in July.  (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America)

They also successfully have been able to get the quitline info on the back of all student ID Cards.  They are now in the process of implementing their third iteration of suicide prevention messaging to their peers (suicide hotline info is also on the back of ID’s).

Great work Rock Solid!

Here’s the official announcement: Continue Reading

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7th from 9am-1pm and join us at the Winter Flea & Craft Market at the Fairgrounds!

The American Legion Auxiliary booth will be open for breakfast & lunch from 8:30am – 1:00pm and proceeds will go towards their scholarship fund, which is open to all seniors. Friday Harbor Middle School PTO will be selling paperwhites, and the Class of 2020 will be selling cards and See’s candy.  

Craft market vendors will be selling handmade goods, such as jewelry, journals, ornaments, hand knit & crocheted items, tote bags, handmade signs, soaps and aprons.  Flea market vendors will be selling household items, children’s toys, clothing, accessories, furniture, antiques, collectibles, tools and holiday decor. 

The San Juan County Fair & Fairgrounds table will have Fair-themed bamboo utensils and Chico bags for sale, which make great stocking stuffers!  The Fairgrounds will also be selling advanced tickets to the March 21^st “Spring Fling” 2020 Adult Prom, featuring music by Prom Date Mixtape.   

It’s going to be a Flea & Craft Market full of steals, deals and holiday cheer – you won’t want to miss it!  For more information, please visit www.sjcfair.org, email [email protected] or call 360-378-4310.

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions.

Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: http://sanjuanco.com/641/Board-Committee-Vacancies.

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 [email protected]

Sugarplum Fairy – Peggy Sue McRae photo

Island Senior is a regular column on the SJ Update written by Peggy Sue McRae…

There is a certain amount of hustle and bustle that inevitably accompanies the holiday season. Here are just a few ideas that may help limit the stresses and increase the joys of celebrating the holidays:

Give the gift of shared experiences: Instead of buying more stuff, give the gift of quality time. Meet a friend for lunch at the Mullis Center on Bingo Day or for a special holiday lunch (to see the month’s menus click on the Update’s Mullis Center ad). Make a spa date and enjoy time relaxing with a good friend while you get your toenails painted for the holidays. Go with friends or family to see the new Star Wars movie, The Rise of Skywalker, coming out December 20. Attend a candlelight church service or holiday music concert with someone you love. Or, possibly my favorite holiday activity, invite a friend over for a relaxed evening of cocoa and Christmas movies.

Just say no: Its OK not to do everything. This is especially true if it involves traveling in inclement weather. Who besides me loves to see snow, not just because its pretty, but it is such a good excuse to stay home. Remember though, it is OK to stay home even if its not snowing.

Cultivate gratitude: Don’t let the season pass you by so quickly that you forget to enjoy it. Remember to appreciate the little things; the smell of tangerines, evergreens, and peppermint. Appreciate the big things too; like receiving a card from a cherished old friend, watching the delight on children’s faces, and the miracle that after Winter Solstice the days slowly begin to lengthen.

Washington State Ferries is having their first ever online public meetings coming up soon, and you can register now.

Then, on Saturday, December 7th at 9 a.m. and Tuesday, December 10th at 6 p.m., tune in and hear a brief update about 2019 accomplishments, find out more about what is next for implementation of WSF’s Long Range Plan, and ask questions.

For more information on how to participate go to http://bit.ly/WSFWebinarMeetings2019. WSF hopes to hear from you!

San Juan County Fire District 3 Chair, Commissioner Bob Jarman, shares the following letter to the  commissioners of San Juan Island Public Hospital District #1…

Honorable Board Members:

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue Commissioners wish to congratulate the newly elected Public Hospital District Commissioners as you are sworn in and begin the learning curve working on the many opportunities and challenges facing the PHD.

One of the immediate opportunities you will be facing is how Emergency Medical Services are provided to our community. We, both commissions and leadership at the Chief and staff level, have worked diligently for months on bringing the two organizations together to best serve the community in an efficient and cost effective manner. Understanding the nuances and best practices will take time and open collaboration, which we are looking forward to having with the new commission. Continue Reading

Adelaide is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo

If I might take up a moment of your time I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Adelaide, named after a city my Mother once visited far away on the other side of the sea.

Life’s travels have led us to this island and the lavender farm in the valley, where we have spent a very pleasant summer chasing butterflies and sniffling flowers.

Now winter is here, the weather has turned cold, and these lovely people at the Animal Shelter have taken us in.  I love my feline friends but I am quite shy and I’m finding it hard to step out from under the table and introduce myself to the lovely people who come to visit. 

My holiday wish is a warm lap and a happy family to call my own.

Join Grangers for our Annual Holiday Bazaar! Shop for a wide selection of gifts and useful items.

Sellers Welcome: Tables are $10 each for Grange Members and $15 each for non-Grangers; tables provided; bring cash or a check.

You may sell made, grown or used items. You’re welcome to donate none, some or all proceeds to Grange #966. Set up starts at 8am December 14 and we must be packed up by 2pm.

This December, FANS’ (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec) generous donors helped the group contribute $6,000 to Island Rec, for a 2019 total of $12,000. These funds provide much needed support for Island Rec programs, parks and events, including Music on the Lawn, swimming lessons and vital scholarships to provide assistance for families, just to name a few.

FANS President David Stegman had this to say, “Island Rec is critical to the health & well-being of our community. We are fortunate that so many islanders realize this and show it with incredibly generous donations. Thanks to the benevolence of so many of our neighbors, including the numerous business sponsors for our Carnival, we are able to continue supporting island Rec.” Continue Reading

Hey Kids – Santa is coming to King’s Marine (upstairs from King’s Market).

Come get your photo with him on Saturday, November 30 from 10am to 1pm.

Santa will arrive at 10:00 am on a fire truck – Don’t miss it!

Donations accepted – all proceeds go to the food bank.

Kristall Detterbeck is the Volunteer of the month – Contributed photo

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor is happy to announce that Kristall Detterbeck is the volunteer for the month of December.

Krystall has been a loyal volunteer and spends much of her time pampering the shelter cats. 

Thanks so much, Krystall, for making a difference in the lives of shelter animals. Your dedication and hard work are appreciated.

Gail Leschine-Seitz, Judge Katie Loring, Kyle Loring and Trish Lehman – Louise Dustrude photo

By Louise Dustrude

Just over a dozen residents witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for three new Public Hospital District board members in the Superior Courtroom on Tuesday afternoon.

Superior Court Judge Katie Loring swore in her husband Kyle Loring, Trish Lehman, and Gail Leschine-Seitz, elected earlier this month. The fourth new board member, Everett Clary, was off-island and will be sworn in later. Gail will actually take office January 1, after Mark Schwinge’s term ends; but the others take office immediately.

Present in the courtroom were Anna Lisa Lindstrum, the only continuing member of the board (elected two years ago, with four years to go in her term), outgoing members Warren Appleton and Michael Edwards, and a raft of supporters and PHD staff.