Ferry arriving in Friday Harbor – SJ Update file photo

Come Share Your Ideas at WA State Ferries Local Open Houses May 2

Washington State Ferries will be holding open house events next Wednesday May 2 in Friday Harbor, and on some interisland ferry runs, to gather input for the 2040 Ferries Long Range Plan. This effort has been underway for the last year or so, heading for a preliminary report in June and a complete report by year’s end.
This plan will shape ferries for the coming decades and is critically important to all ferry riders, particularly those of us who live on islands. If you think our ferry service can be improved, then it is vitally important that you share your ideas and make your voice heard at one of these open houses:

• The day will start with an open house on the 9:30am ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor.
• The WSF team will then shift the open house to the interisland ferry departing Friday Harbor at 11:35am with stops at Shaw (12:20), Orcas (12:40), and Lopez (1:00pm), returning to Friday Harbor at 2:00pm.
• They will then set up at the Brickworks (150 Nichols St) from 3:30-6pm.

This Long Range Plan (LRP) looks forward to 2040. The current plan was drafted in 2009 with a horizon of 2030, and focused on making better use of existing resources and replacing aging vessels and terminals rather than system expansion. Much of what was outlined has been accomplished: New vessels have been built, replacing many of the oldest vessels; replacement terminal projects have been started for Colman dock in Seattle and Mukilteo; and reservations have been implemented on our routes and Port Townsend. Continue Reading

The shorelines of San Juan County are part of a beautiful, complex and increasingly fragile marine ecosystem. Healthy coastal trees and shrubs help stabilize banks, provide for views, and support fish and wildlife. Attend a free workshop hosted by Friends of the San Juans to learn about cost effective and natural approaches to protecting waterfront property through the improved management of shoreline vegetation.

• Wednesday May 9^th 5:00 to 7:00 pm Roche Harbor Pavilion, San Juan Island
• Thursday May 10^th 5:00 to 7:00 pm Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Orcas Island
• Friday May 11^th 1:30 to 3:30 pm Grace Church Hall, Lopez

Local and regional experts will share information about local shoreline habitats and marine food webs as well as practical information on managing shoreline vegetation in the San Juans, including: species and sources for native plants, planning for bank stabilization and views, weed control, rules and regulations, resources and cost share programs for landowners, and more.

Workshops are free and open to all. For more information please contact Tina at Friends at 360-378-2319 or [email protected].

Funding for the workshop, as well as site assessments and re-vegetation projects, generously provided by the WA State Salmon Recovery Funding Board, the Wheeler Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Spring Street and Argyle Avenue intersection closed four days beginning May 7^th Painted roundabout to be installed.

The public is advised that the intersection of Spring Street and Argyle Avenue will be closed to all traffic day and night for four days beginning May 7th for the installation of an intersection roundabout.

This closure will include Spring Street from Second Street to Argyle Avenue. There may be times when access to Nichols Street and the Wells Fargo parking lot may be restricted. All businesses will remain open and vehicle access to the gas pumps will be maintained. The Town asks for the community’s patience and offers assurance that every effort will be made to limit the inconvenience to the public while this traffic improvement is under construction.

Click to enlarge

The roundabout is expected to limit potential hazards and driver frustration in this awkward intersection, according to Town Administrator Duncan Wilson. “Studies have indicated that roundabouts can be safer and more efficient than stop signs or traffic lights,” said Wilson, adding that this will also give drivers an alternative to circling the block to regain access to lower Spring Street.

The Town opted to install a mini roundabout that is painted rather than a permanent raised island due to the lower cost and space limitations.

Construction will include installation of a painted traffic circle, directional signage, crosswalks, and yield signs.   A drawing of the intersection and links to information on traffic roundabouts may be found at this link (PDF), or on the Town’s website at www.fridayharbor.org. Questions regarding the project should be directed to Public Works Director Wayne Haefele at (360)378-2154 or [email protected].

One of the bent blades on the Yakima propeller – WSF Photo

So what was up with the Yakima this week? Here’s a recap from Amy Scarton
Assistant Secretary, WSDOT/Ferries Division at WSF Headquarters…

Thanks to the quick work of our crews, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route is back on its regular schedule following an unfortunate meeting between the Yakima and a submerged object on Sunday. One of the vessel’s propellers hit what is believed to be a log near Lopez Island, taking the boat out of service and causing schedule disruptions through Wednesday.

The Yakima was sent to our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island so divers could straighten all five blades on the propeller. After a few hours of sea trials and additional touch-up repairs, our crews were able to return the Yakima to Anacortes in just three days.

Finally and most importantly, I want to thank our customers for their patience during these service impacts.

Kurt Thorson photo

Join the Land Bank, Wolf Hollow, The San Juan Preservation Trust, San Juan Island National Historical Park, and San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation as they celebrate the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act at Red Mill Farm on San Juan Island.

Sunday, May 6th from 10:30am to 3:00pm at Red Mill Farm, San Juan Island.

There will be activities for the whole family to enjoy, from bird bingo to a Western bluebird presentation from the Preservation Trust’s stewardship manager, Kathleen Foley, winner of the Disney Conservation Hero award for her work with the San Juan Islands Western Bluebird Reintroduction Project.

Children of all ages welcome! Refreshments and prizes provided – please leave dogs at home.

Parking at Red Mill Farm is very limited, so please park in Friday Harbor and catch the free shuttle bus generously provided by San Juan Transit.

The bus will leave from outside the Grange Hall (152 N First St.) at 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 and 1:15, and leave Red Mill Farm at ~10:45, 12:45, 1:45, and 2:45.

For more information contact Tanja Williamson at 360-378-4402 or [email protected].

WSF M/V Chelan – SJ Update file photo

This Saturday, April 28, the ferries will make one extra stop at Lopez Island to accommodate participants in the annual Tour De Lopez, the largest bicycle event in the San Juan Islands.  This event is expected to draw large groups of riders.

The extra stop will occur Saturday morning on the 7:30 am sailing departing Anacortes (8:20 am arrival at Lopez).

Ruth at WaterWorks Gallery wants you to know the gallery has opened…

Hello all, it’s been a while… After a wonderful fun filled winter, I re-opened the gallery on Wednesday, April 25th. Initially, the gallery is open Wednesday thru Saturdays.

We are receiving new works by gallery artists, and our jewelers too. Very exciting 33rd season the gallery is embarking on. Wahoo!

And I’ll do my best to keep you visually informed about all the new works. In case you don’t get the gallery’s emails and are interested in what’s happening at the gallery, please visit the website at www.waterworksgallery.com.

The first show of the year opens Friday, May 11th, with the pigmented encaustics of Joan Stuart Ross and the mixed media sculptures of David French.

Look forward to seeing you and catching up.

Do you need a job or perhaps a change of career direction? COME TO THE JOB FAIR sponsored by the Northwest Workforce Career Center.

The San Juan Island Job Fair is THIS SATURDAY, April 28^th 9:30 am – 12:00 pm  at the San Juan Center of Skagit Valley College.

The San Juan Center is located on Weber Way (right above the Friday Harbor airport terminal parking lot). Parking in front of building and around back of building.

Whether you are looking for a full time, part time, seasonal or a year round job in the San Juan Islands the below SAN JUAN ISLANDS EMPLOYERS will be at the Job Fair and want to talk to you!!

Make sure to bring copies of your resume if you have one.

The employers looking for help and attending are: Continue Reading

New Phone System Improves Outage Info

Calling Local Musicians! OPALCO Wants to Highlight Local Talent

If you’ve called OPALCO lately, you’ve noticed the new phone system. Like it is in the rest of the world, callers start out with an automated menu and press a key to get what they are looking for. Press ONE for outages; press TWO to speak to an OPALCO member services representative. What you probably didn’t know is that:

• For after-hours and during busy outages, OPALCO contracts with Cooperative Response Center, a sister co-op shop that serves more than 40 rural electric co-ops nation-wide
• Every phone call can be answered, if not by OPALCO staff, then by the 24/7 dispatch center – no more busy signal or phones turned off during high-volume outage management
• Every time someone reports an outage on the phone system, OPALCO’s outage map (opalco.com/outages) is automatically updated and crews can more quickly predict where and how big outage events are, speeding up their response and restoration times
• Members can access the same outage map that our crew uses from their smart phones – or anywhere they have internet access – giving members real time outage updates
• The new system is saving members money, which translates to a lower cost of service and reduces future rate increases

Continue Reading

Liz Varvaro, the Culinary Arts teacher at FHHS shares this announcement with you…

Wednesday May 2nd, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the FHHS Commons it’s the Cinco de Mayo Celebration (on May 2^nd)

Dancing Performance AGAIN by the talented Ballet Folkloriko Monarca! (we are so lucky!)

MENU:

• Pork Carnitas – braised until tender and then roasted until crispy
• Pollo Sabroso – “delicious chicken” thighs marinated & sliced thin
• Black Beans – slow simmered with bacon and onions
• Spanish Rice –  seasoned rice with onions & tomatoes
• Chili-Lime Cole Slaw – cabbage, cilantro, sweet chili sauce & lime
• Garden Salad – orange-cumin vinaigrette with pepitas
• Handmade Tortillas – made with corn masa flour
• Tres Leches Cake – a light cake made with three types of milk

Proceeds support the Food for Thought Lunch Program

$15 for Adults & $7 for Kids under 12

This is the last Community Dinner of the 2017-18 School Year! Don’t miss out!

Lisa Henderson announces she will run for County Clerk

Lisa Henderson – Contributed photo

In mid-March Lisa Henderson was appointed by the San Juan County Council to fill the unexpired term of 3-term County Clerk, Joan White.  Lisa was hired by Joan in 2014 and served as her Chief Deputy Clerk until November 2017, when she began fulfilling both the elected Clerk’s duties as well as her own when Joan took medical leave. 

Lisa states: “Most of the legal and court community already know that I intend to run for County Clerk, as I had to declare my intention to the Council in early March.  It’s time to let everyone else know.” 

Lisa’s background prepared her well for the position of Clerk.  In the years prior to joining the Clerk’s office, Lisa was legal assistant/paralegal for John O. Linde, and continued working in that capacity when the Linde firm was sold to Christon Skinner. She worked as Office Manager for Luxel Corporation and as an escrow assistant for Geiser Escrow.

Lisa has a strong background in office management and finance having worked for many years in the finance department of a major automotive supplier, Lacks Enterprises, Inc., prior to relocating to the islands. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

“I’m really excited about what I can offer to the citizens of San Juan County as their County Clerk.” 

For more information please contact:

Lisa Henderson for Clerk
351 Portland Fair Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Email: [email protected]
Cell phone: 360-298-2102

M/V Yakima at dock – SJ Update file photo

Here’s the latest from WSF…

Repairs to the M/V Yakima have been completed and (on Wednesday, April 25) it returns to service with the 4:30pm sailing from Anacortes to Lopez and Friday Harbor. This will return the route to the regular schedule. Service to Sidney, BC will resume on Thursday, April 26.

Reservation holders will continue to be prioritized on a first-come first-served basis for the remainder of the day. Those who are not able to travel due to the service disruptions will not be charged the no show fee. Those without reservations will be processed as space is available after reservation holders. Reservations will be processed normally beginning April 26

Celebrate Mother’s Day with family and friends on May 9 at an “Art for Fun” painting class at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) from 5:45pm-8:00pm.

Artist and instructor, Kristen Abramson will guide folks through the process of creating a simple painting of a vase of flowers, titled “Picasso’s Bouquet.”

“Art for Fun” is year round program offered by the museum. It is a two hour, fun-filled art pARTy set in a relaxed, interactive atmosphere. It is a great way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, share a date night, create team building or just enjoy a night out on your own. Private parties can also be arranged.

Following step-by-step instructions from experienced artists, everyone paints the same picture, yet takes home his or her own unique creation. The cost of each class is $35. SJIMA provides all supplies.

For more information and to register, go to www.sjima.org.

Check the website throughout the year for additional classes – dates, times and selected painting or activity.

SJI Historical Society photo

As part of “History Lives Here” month, during the month of May and in preparation for the summer visitor season, the San Juan Historical Society and Museum will have two Open Houses to welcome the community and interested visitors to this popular attraction in Friday Harbor.  

The Museum’s eight buildings and grounds will be open free to the public on Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 12, from 11 am to 2 pm.  Bring a picnic lunch to share with your family and friends on our inviting grounds, take your time visiting the buildings and discover some island history along the way. Learn about a few of the exciting plans in the works for your Island Historical Museum. Continue Reading

Here’s a note from WSF with the lowdown on the Yakima ferry service disruption…

M/V Yakima at dock – SJ Update file photo

The M/V Yakima remains out of service for Wednesday, April 25 due to a bent propeller.  Underwater repairs have been performed, but the vessel still experienced some vibrations during subsequent sea trials.

The vessel has returned to the maintenance facility for additional adjustments to be completed over night. After repairs are complete, M/V Yakima will transit back to Anacortes, and is estimated to return to service in the late afternoon on Wednesday.

The following temporary schedule is in effect to start the day on Wednesday, April 25. Continue Reading

The Sun Shines at OPALCO Meeting on the Ferry; Struthers and Christmas Elected

OPALCO members boarded the ferry on Saturday, April 21st to participate in the 2018 Annual Meeting. This year the meeting was on the interisland ferry, resulting in significant cost savings for co-op members. With a hearty “Here Comes the Sun!” OPALCO celebrated the early success (~90% sold) of its first Community Solar project and gave members a last chance to participate before the project is fully subscribed.

The annual meeting reached the necessary quorum (at least 10%) with 1794 members (16%) casting ballots in the Board of Directors election. In an uncontested race, Rick Christmas and Jeff Struthers were elected to serve on the Co-op Board. Go to www.opalco.com for full election counts. Foster Hildreth, General Manager, shared his gratitude and appreciation for Winnie Adams and Randy Cornelius, whose board service ended with this election. Go to www.opalco.com/news to read Winnie Adam’s parting words to the membership.

The 2018 Nourdine Jensen Cooperative Scholars were announced: Henry Miller of Spring Street International School; Arlo Harold, Natalie Meenan, and Aida Must of Friday Harbor High School. Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship and trip to the Youth Rally Co-op Leadership Camp in Idaho this summer. Zach Fincher of Friday Harbor High School will return as youth director.

The future is bright for OPALCO as the leadership emphasized 2017 accomplishments including: Continue Reading