Why Friends of the San Juans is appealing San Juan County’s update to the Shoreline Management Program

By Stephanie Buffum, Executive Director of Friends of the San Juans

The decline of the Southern Resident Killer Whales, now down to 76 members, is mostly blamed on the disappearance of their favorite food, Chinook salmon. Often overlooked is the importance of shorelines as habitat for juvenile salmon and the forage fish they depend on for sustenance.

In 2017, the Southern Resident Killer Whales (“orca”) spent just 24 days from April through June in the inland waters of the the Salish Sea, well below the 1990-2016 average of 60 days. Southern Resident visits to our inland waters of Puget Sound and Georgia Strait (“Salish Sea”) are becoming more and more infrequent in the spring and early summer, as are Chinook stocks in the Salish Sea. Federal NOAA Fisheries scientists have identified that our local marine shorelines support young chinook salmon from across the region, including 20 of 22 listed Puget Sound stocks and the out-migrating Fraser River spring chinook the whales rely on when they return as adults. 

A strong San Juan County Shoreline Master Program  (“SMP”) can help orca by ensuring numerous stocks of their favorite food, Chinook salmon, have healthy places to rest and plenty of insects and forage fish to eat during their critical first season in marine waters.

On December 22, 2017, Friends of the San Juans appealed several provisions of the County’s recently updated SMP to do just that. Continue Reading

Kyle Davies is the EMT of the Month for January – Contributed photo

Kyle Davies began with San Juan Island EMS in Fall of 1999, first training as a volunteer EMT. In 2011, he left a full-time position with San Juan Island Fire and Rescue to expand his emergency service knowledge and skills in an opportunity with Seattle Medic One to train as a Paramedic. Since completion of the program in summer of 2012, he has served the people of Public Hospital District 1 as a full-time paramedic.

In addition to emergency response duties, Kyle serves as the Safety Officer for EMS and as a trainer of fire and ambulance fleet operators. Over the course of his career Kyle has witnessed the growing need to improve community health investment, particularly in the area of senior wellness, and was appointed to the San Juan County Board of Health in 2016. He also contributes to committee work under the Community Health Improvement Consortium working to improve access to services for at-risk populations in the County including the development of Community Paramedicine services.

“The greatest rewards of my career have come out of problem-solving and teamwork, often while responding with our emergency service partners. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had living in this island community and the trust shown to help care for residents and visitors in this way.”

When not on the job, or engaged in community service, Kyle likes homesteading, travel, time in the wilderness, and reveling with friends. If you have thoughts or ideas about community healthcare needs that you would like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact him through San Juan Island EMS at (360) 378-5152 or at [email protected].

For our first walk of the year, join Mike Vouri on a historical walk along the misty southern coastline.  Mike will explore our Aloha connections of Hawaiian shepherds brought in by the Hudson Bay Company.

Saturday January 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at American Camp. Meet at the American Camp Visitor Center. Moderate trails. Dogs on leashes okay.

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

Hey you kids – get off my lawn! I’m Buddy and I’ve reached the age where I can say what I like. Believe me, I’ve been a few places and seen a few things. Just because I’m a senior citizen doesn’t mean I’m not a terrific guy! I’m a darn good lap warmer and I don’t mind sitting in on your poker games either.

Need advice? I’m your guy. Want someone to talk to about your day? That’s me. Looking for fashion guidance? Trust me, I won’t let you leave the house looking anything less than classy and a little bit sassy.

Speaking of fashion, you may want to reconsider those shoes with that outfit. Go take a look in the mirror. Then get in the car and get over here to the animal shelter and spring me. I’m not getting any younger you know!

Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
111 Shelter Road
(360) 378-2158

It’s time for the Printonyx annual Kid’s Valentine Workshop. A great way for kids to exercise their creativity.

If you or someone you know would be interested, please click here for more information.

Close to 1,000 men women and children marched yesterday in the 2nd annual Women’s March in Friday Harbor.

Here are some photos for you that were shared by Update reader Liza Michaelson. Thanks for sharing Liza!

[Show slideshow]

Did you know that trees talk, know family ties, and care for their young? The San Juan Island Library & The San Juan Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society are presenting the film, Intelligent Trees on Saturday, January 27, 7:00 pm at the Library.

Griffin Bay Bookstore will also be on hand to sell Peter Wohlleben’s bestselling book, The Hidden Life of Trees, featured in the film.

Come discover the intelligence of trees in this documentary about the work of Suzanne Simard, forestry professor at University of British Columbia, and Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees.

Kerwin Johnson cooking up some delicious goodness in the “taco trenches” – Tim Dustrude photo

Don’t forget – this is today!

Fish for Teeth is pleased to announce we will be making fish tacos on Friday, January 19, at Friday Harbor Ace Hardware, starting at 11:00 a.m. Tacos will be available for a $7.00 donation.

All proceeds go to fund the Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Van, which comes to the island for two days every January, May, and October. Around 100 individuals, who could not otherwise afford dental care, are served each year.

Fish for Teeth has not served up fish tacos since last January, although the clinics have continued as scheduled. It has been difficult finding enough volunteers to man the “taco trenches” so the Taco Team can produce over 350 tacos in just a few hours. Thankfully, the Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor is stepping in this time to fill the labor gap. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please contact Matt Marinkovich at [email protected].

These “tacos” are more like burritos; a large flour tortilla (corn is available also) is stuffed with wild Alaskan rockfish (from healthy stocks), cheese, Pablito’s Salsa, seasoned cabbage, and topped with a squeeze of lime.

Fish for Teeth, a 501-c-3 organization, has been funding the Dental Van with fish tacos since 2012. The entire program is 100% volunteer, including the local dental professionals who staff the van for each two-day clinic, and the supporting staff who schedule patients, and check them in prior to their dental visit. To learn more about Fish for Teeth, including how to apply for dental services or to donate to our cause, please visit www.fishforteeth.com.

And click here for more info: Continue Reading

Dave and Nancy Harvey – Contributed photo

The animal shelter is pleased to announce Dave and Nancy Harvey are the Volunteers of the month for January. Dave and Nancy have volunteered at the shelter for over three years and were the recipients of the First Annual, “Amy Lear Compassion in Action Volunteer of the Year Award” in 2016. The couple donate several hours of time every week, socializing and visiting with the cats at the shelter. The cats are brushed, loved and given lots of treats when the Harveys visit.

On behalf of the APS-FH staff, board of directors, and some very grateful cats, “Thanks so much, Dave and Nancy!”

EDC offers free Healthy Desk workshop

Working an office job can be hard on healthy bodies; learn how business owners and employees can use “Healthy Desk” techniques to improve comfort – and even productivity – in an office setting.  Join the EDC to learn more about methods to help keep office workers more comfortable working at a desk, at a FREE workshop on Wednesday, January 24th on San Juan Island.

The course will include desk postures and exercises, gentle stretches and more.  Workshop instructor Jeanne Peihl has decades of experience in ballet and movement arts.

• Date:  Wednesday, January 24th, from 10:00 to 11:00 am.  
• Cost:  Free. 

Class size is limited, advance registration is required.  The class will be held at Heritage Bank on San Juan Island.  For more information and to register:  360-378-2906 or [email protected]. 

The EDC thanks San Juan Propane, Islanders Bank and Heritage Bank for supporting this workshop.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County.  We believe a strong economy builds a strong community.

The Shortest International Flight In North America Takes Off!

NorthStar Air Tours, a Canadian airline based in Victoria BC, has announced that it has received approval from the FAA and US DOT to operate scheduled air services between Victoria International Airport, BC, the San Juan Islands, and Bellingham, WA.

The carrier will begin flight operations on February 2, 2018, utilizing 9 passenger twin-engined Islander aircraft. The flights will serve both Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, and Eastsound, Orcas Island. The time between Friday Harbor and Victoria International Airport, Sidney, BC. is just 12 minutes earning its claim as the shortest international flight in North America.

NorthStar is to start flying the routes during the Washington State Ferries annual winter refit shut down – January to the end of March 2018 – between Friday Harbor WA, and Sidney BC, maintaining the vital connection between the two island towns throughout the winter. Reservations will open on line January15 2018. Early Bird Fares start from $49.00 US plus airport fees, and taxes.

NorthStar Air Tours
104A Shell Aero Centre
1962 Canso Road
North Saanichton, BC  V8L 5V5

Phone: 250 800 1381
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.northstarairtours.com

Rock Solid Youth presents at National Leadership Forum in DC

Zach Fincher – Contributed photo

The San Juan Island Prevention Coalition is excited to share that Zach Fincher will be presenting at CADCA’s 28th National Leadership Forum, the nation’s premier and largest training event for community prevention leaders, treatment professionals and researchers, and SAMHSA’s 14th Prevention Day. Held Feb. 5-8, 2018 in National Harbor, Maryland, the CADCA Forum brings together nearly 3,000 local, state and national experts in the drug prevention and treatment fields.
 
Zach’s training session, entitled “Rock Solid Youth Rocks!”, is one of more than 70 in-depth training sessions offered at the CADCA Forum. Zach will be presenting this course as he shares his experiences with prevention projects he’s led and the training opportunities he’s learned from since 2011, culminating this year, in his team Rock Solid winning the Grand Prize honors at the Washington State Spring Youth Forum. Continue Reading

The Earthbox crew on retreat – Contributed photo

Earthbox Inn & Spa is the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month

One quiet evening in Portland, OR, sometime after the birth of their second daughter, Laura Saccio and her family fantasized about finding a way to make a living without having to choose between raising children and having a career, something that would combine her Masters in International Management, her love for outdoor adventures and the outstanding customer service Laura provides with such ease, with enough time to see her daughters grow up. The idea of buying a small hotel somewhere in paradise was born and the hunt was on. In 2001, Laura found the cute B&B Friday’s Historic Inn and relocated to beautiful San Juan Island.

After several years of renovating, renaming the venue the Bird Rock Hotel and establishing it as one of the most sought after boutique accommodations on San Juan Island, Laura toured the terribly neglected and practically defunct Inn at Friday Harbor, a 72 room, 1960’s vintage motel in the heart of Friday Harbor. While the project looked huge compared to the quaint Bird Rock Hotel with its 15 rooms, Laura was tickled pink about the possibilities of another project, creating more jobs for Islanders, renovating and decorating the run-down place and providing comfortable, uncomplicated accommodations to visitors of San Juan Island. Laura and her family bought the motel in 2003. Continue Reading

Leaving Friday Harbor on the Eight O’Clock Boat – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

Island Senior is a regular column written by Peggy Sue McRae…

The senior bus trip to Mt Vernon last week was a shopping extravaganza! There were six passengers and only one medical appointment. My mission was to meet my sister Sally at the Third Street Café and deliver a late Christmas present. The remainder of our journey was devoted to shopping. 

The Mullis Center makes two monthly mainland trips, one to Mt Vernon and one to Bellingham. The cost for the entire trip, including the ferry, is only $10. Costs are kept low by volunteer drivers and are subsidized by the Mullis Center’s annual membership dues of $20 per individual.

We pulled out of Friday Harbor on the 8:00 am boat. In January that is the sunrise cruise. Leaving my car at the Mullis Center and getting on the bus makes things super easy. Once on the boat, the bus parks next to the ferry’s elevator and also has a lift for anyone who may need it.

Driver Paul Arroyo assists David Stewart – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

Our first mainland stop was at the Donut Shop. Next, we went to Fred Meyers, a quick stop at See’s Candy for free samples, the Dollar Tree, and then Ross. I’m not even sure where else they may have shopped while I was at the Café but we stopped at Costco and Safeway before we got back on the ferry. The new winter schedule gave us extra shopping time!

All Aboard For Costco – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

In between opportunities to shop the Skagit Valley is lovely in winter, wet, and full of birds. I saw a heron sitting on top of an old barn and fields of Snow Geese as we zipped by.

To check on the dates and times of monthly van trips, look for the Mullis Center ad on the San Juan Update, click on it, and you will see a poster of the month’s trips and activities. Call the Mullis Center at 378-2677 to make a reservation.

Island Rec has 2 new programs this winter…

Beginner Yoga
Yoga is commonly recognized as a tool for stress relief, metabolic stimulation, mental clarity and joint mobility. Many recent medical studies have shown that practicing yoga also improves immune health and boosts brain function. Join us for a fun and rejuvenating morning practice! Two, 2-month session available for Registration. Friday’s- February/March, register by January 25, $42 & April/May register by March 22, $40. Class is Held at Island Soul Studios (Formally XYZ) 8:30-9:30am.

Yoga:

• Improves overall health and posture
• De-stress + gain circulation = better immune system
• Promotes mental clarity & brain health
• Increases stamina, muscle tone and joint mobility

So, come and find your inner peace, and learn about the best self-care and stress-release techniques that you will treasure for a lifetime! Classes move at a slower pace with opportunities for questions & individual attention. In these classes we focus on breathing exercises, basic alignment, and simple sequences. Taught by movement extraordinaire Katerina Wen, with over 20+ years of professional teaching experience. This class is ideal for any student new to yoga. At the same time, experienced students can enjoy these classes as restorative sessions.

Zumba Gold Continue Reading

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are delighted to present Lopezian Iris Graville and her memoir, Hiking Naked, on Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 pm at the Library. For those who have wrestled with making dramatic life changes, or are doing so now, be sure to spend the evening with Iris as she talks about her book, her reflections on life changing experiences, and her family’s adventures in Stehekin.

Knocked off her feet after twenty years in public health nursing, Iris Graville quit her job and convinced her husband and their thirteen-year-old twin son and daughter to move to Stehekin, a remote mountain village in Washington State’s North Cascades. They sought adventure; she yearned for the quiet and respite of this community of eighty-five residents accessible only by boat, float plane, or hiking.

Stehekin means “the way through,” and Hiking Naked chronicles Graville’s journey through questions about work and calling as well as how she coped with ordering groceries by mail, black bears outside her kitchen window, a forest fire that threatened the valley, and a flood that left her and her family stranded for three days. Ultimately, in the solitude bestowed by pines, firs, and mountain trails, she regained her spiritual footing and found her own “way through.”

About the Author
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