Capital Credit Checks Coming – plus a little extra!

In December, capital credit checks will be sent out to members who were active in 1992, which is OPALCO’s usual 25-year cycle for capital credit distributions. Based on a larger than projected margin, the Board decided to include an additional amount, about 45% of 1993 margins. Some of our longest standing members will get a little extra this year!

The seven cooperative principles that govern co-ops include “Members’ Economic Participation.” Each year, our non-profit member-owned cooperative allocates any margins available at year end to each members’ account to be paid back in the form of capital credits after 25 years. Capital credit allocations represent members’ equity in the Co-op. Every summer, members get a statement in their bill that indicates the amount of capital credits accrued under the account and, the capital credit distributions – actual checks in the mail – are typically made each December, with Board approval based on Co-op finances. Continue Reading

Shahn does good for the food bank – SJ Update photo

Shahn McGuire did the Lion’s Club King’s Market Shopping Spree on Tuesday afternoon and broke the previous record for dollar value. In only four minutes Shahn was able to fill shopping carts with $1,076.95 worth of groceries. The previous record of roughly $880.00 was held by Rikki Swin who did the shopping spree in 2015.

Shahn was thrilled to break the record and will be donating all of the groceries to the food bank. Congratulations Shahn!

Click below to see a few photos of her mad dash through the store –

All photos by Tim Dustrude, SJ Update.

[Show slideshow]

SJI Garden Club is doing another hosted excursion, this time to Molbak’s Nursery and Country Village Shops. Join us for a joyful day of the sights and sounds of the holidays:

Twinkling lights and ducks along wandering paths. Boutique shops, chickens, carolers and a poinsettia tree. Sparkling décor, antiques, ornaments galore and a Santa Claus photo op. Plants and more plants both inside and out. Lunch amid unique foliage, tea with dessert samplers and pastry shops abound.

• Date:  December 9, 2017
• Time:
  Eastbound Ferry 8:05 AM
  Westbound Ferry 8:25 PM
• Locations:
  Molbak’s Nursery in Woodinville
  Country Village Shops in Bothell    
• Cost: $50.00 – Transportation including ferry ticket
  Does NOT include food or driver gratuity

Reservations are required prior to December 6, 2017

To register contact:
Kathie Forsyth 360-378-8685
or
Vonnie Harold 360-298-0859

Meetings, Classes and Excursions are open to everyone.

The joy of gardening is sharing

Click to enlarge

What are the likeliest potential threats to our region, and how can Islanders prepare for them materially, mentally, and communally?

Join experts in the field Tuesday, November 28th, at the San Juan Island Grange for an interactive evening focusing on personal and community preparation for disasters most likely to hit the San Juans.

Brendan Cowan, of the SJC Department of Emergency Management, and Bill and Laura Jo Severson of Red Cross will begin the evening by discussing their work in local and national disasters, and what islanders can do to prepare for disasters at home.

Survival skills instructor Nathan Donnelly will then focus on practical steps to safeguard your land, stock your home, and outfit your vehicle, as well as explore the mindset a prepared person may need to be a community asset in a serious emergency.

Ideas for developing a reliable network, as well as motivating the community to be ready for likely events will be brainstormed with the whole group. Continue Reading

Washington State University Extension San Juan County is hiring a temporary part-time staff member to help lead the planning and implementation of the 2018 San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit.

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting San Juan County agriculture, has a high level of attention to detail, and excellent collaboration and event planning skills. Time commitment will be 10 to 40 hours per week from early December through end of March. Hours will increase in February and March. Total hours will not exceed 360 during this 4-month period. 

Compensation will be $20 to $22 per hour, depending on qualifications. Travel expenses related to event planning and delivery will be covered. This position will report to Brook Brouwer, Director of WSU Extension San Juan County and work on event planning and delivery in collaboration with WSU staff and steering committee. 

The Ag Summit coordinator will be provided with a work station and use of a desktop computer at our office in Friday Harbor, WA. Applicants will be accepted from all islands in San Juan County.

For complete job description go to sanjuan.wsu.edu. To apply, submit a one page cover letter, résumé and names of three references to [email protected] by 8:00 AM Monday November 27^th.

This holiday season, Friday Harbor House is making things extra special through their “Holiday Spirit Getaway” package. Guests will get to enjoy a one night stay along with Peppermint truffles and a bottle of Washington-produced wine. It’s guaranteed to bring holiday cheer!

Full details below – Continue Reading

Lily Easley, in her red electric car provided by MY RC VIsion at 135 Spring Street – Contributed photo

Lily Easley, 4 year old daughter of Heather & Dan Easley, picked the winners in this year’s San Juan Lions Club Shopping Spree drawing. Proceeds from this event provide scholarship funds for high school grads.

Grand Prize Winner:

• Shahn McGuire
  – 4 Minute Shopping Spree at King’s Market on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 1:30 pm

2nd & 3rd place Winners:

• Danna Diaz – won a Turkey
  (Danna is San Juan Island School Superintendent also!!)
• Chance Earle – won a Turkey –
  you could say Chance bought a chance and WON !

(Both Turkey winners will be donating their turkey to the Food Bank.)

Congratulations to all and a big thanks to the Lions Club and King’s Market!

Interested in a Coworking space in Friday Harbor? Friday Harbor Hive wants to hear from you!

Please fill out this extremely short survey at Survey Monkey.

Then join us for a Coworking networking evening on Thursday, Nov 30th 5-7pm at Mikes Cafe & Wine Bar. We want to share our ideas and hear yours while mingling with like-minded professionals on the island.

Coworking is sweeping the nation. A Coworking space is a shared work environment where people have the opportunity to work, meet, network, share ideas and collaborate on projects. These spaces bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals and mentors from many different industries, businesses and areas of expertise. They are perfect for independent contractors, entrepreneurs, those who work from home or people who need an office while traveling.

Whether it’s a quiet desk and high speed WIFI needed or help finding inspiration in a creative and contemporary place to work, it can be found here. It’s a place for local talent to showcase their skills so that local businesses know what is available, right on their island.

For more info please contact us at [email protected] or https://www.facebook.com/FridayHarborHive

Curious about what may cause a power outage? Watch this OPALCO video about a recent outage on San Juan Island!

Power outages have many different causes – failed equipment, car accidents, trees, critters and bad weather – to name a few.

The outage on October 27th affected 1700 members on San Juan Island for about two and half hours and it may take up to three months to completely repair the damaged equipment.

All because of a not so little rat…

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

Hello there. I’m Aurora, and this is the face I make when I hear gossip that I’ve already heard – like three weeks ago! Let me tell you – there is plenty of gossip going around here in Kamp Kitty.

Just yesterday I heard that Peanut and Debbie have made up after their tiff over a certain catnip mouse. Rumor has it that Mr. Higgins is due for a nail trim and and there’s also some scuttlebutt about Debbie having a potential adopter! On top of all that, I have it on good authority that Tango was recently tutored! It’s almost too much to keep track of.

To be honest, I’d actually prefer a nice quiet home of my own with less chit-chat, where I can be the center of attention and all the gossip is about ME!

Stop by the animal shelter to meet me soon!

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

WPPA Honors Ahrenius – Contributed photo

The Washington Public Ports Association awarded Life Membership to Mike Ahrenius at their Annual Meeting in Seattle on November 17th.  The plaque reads:

“In Recognition of an Outstanding Contribution to the Programs, Purposes and Objectives of the Washington Public Ports Association LIFE MEMBERSHIP is hereby presented to Mike Ahrenius in appreciation of his service to the port districts of Washington State”

Mike served on the WPPA Board of Trustees and is past President of the Executive Committee.

Business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to gain a better understanding of how law impacts a business in a free workshop entitled Business Law 101, led by Duncan Wilson, and presented by the San Juan County Economic Development Council on Wednesday, November 29, from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

In this workshop, participants will learn about real estate law, contracts, business entities, licensing, hiring, and much more. 

The workshop will be held at Heritage Bank’s community room, 535 Market St., Friday Harbor on Wednesday, November 29, from 10:00-11:30 a.m.  Advanced registration is required: [email protected], or (360) 378-2906.

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.

Holiday lights at Memorial Park – Tim Dustrude photo

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the upcoming Island Lights Festival on Friday December 1st in Friday Harbor. Again, we are partnering with Brickworks, the Whale Museum, Island Rec and the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild for a fun filled evening for the whole family.

Festivities will begin with holiday treats and crafts at the Whale Museum from 3:30-5:00. From the museum everyone will walk down to Memorial Park to continue in the rest of the festivities.

There will be hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Riptide Café waiting for everyone to enjoy. The Island Chordsman Plus, led by Angel Michaels, will be performing Christmas carols while everyone gathers in front of Memorial Park on Spring Street. Starting at 5:15 they will be joined by the Elementary School Choir, led by Steve Moore.

Santa Claus will arrive for the annual tree lighting. After Santa has turned on the tree lights there will be more caroling and everyone is invited up to Brickworks to continue the holiday festivities. At Brickworks there will be pictures with Santa, taken by Mark Gardner, and arts and crafts for the family with Island Rec. The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild will have local harvest soups and bread, mac & cheese, along with spiced local apple cider, all for sale.

Please join us for a fun filled evening and we hope to see you all there!
For more information please contact the Chamber of Commerce (360) 378-5240, or email [email protected]

If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate and give thanks, join us at  the Mullis Center  for a good old-fashioned community Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day.  You can show up any time between 12:00 Noon and 5:00 PM to enjoy a traditional turkey feast.

This is a time of the year when more people than ever want to be part of something bigger than themselves and the Community Thanksgiving Dinner offers that opportunity.   

Is it because people like the feeling of community and family?  This is the only gathering where you can join in something in common with a mixture of generations and view points.  It is the one day a year where we all join in the camaraderie of giving thanks for the blessings we have.  Political differences and neighborhood disputes are forgotten.   Everyone and anyone can bask in the feeling of family and community. 

Come early and stay late.  Enjoy a full Thanksgiving feast.  Bring a pie to share if you like, or pick up some dirty dishes and do a turn at the sink.  Whatever makes you feel like you are part of the family of San Juan, you can find it here. 

Join us at the Mulllis Center Thanksgiving Day! 

Peggy Sue checks in with another Island Senior article from Mullis Center…

Dana Brothers, Outreach and Communications Program Manager for Hospice of the Northwest – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

We don’t like talking about death in our culture but if we are currently living there is no avoiding the eventual outcome. When the time comes, for our selves and for our loved ones, it is good to know that there is support available.

Two distinct entities offer hospice services to San Juan Islanders. Hospice of the Northwest, staffed by paid professionals plus volunteers, is funded by both Medicare and donors, and serves Whatcom, Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties besides San Juan County. Hospice of San Juan is all-volunteer and serves only San Juan Island. On Wednesday, Dana Brothers from Hospice of the Northwest and Pat Reveles from Hospice of San Juan spoke at the Mullis Center informing Islanders about what each organization has to offer and how we can best utilized these important services.

Pat Reveles, Training Coordinator for Hospice of San Juan – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

“Don’t wait so long”, both speakers emphasized this to me as a parting message. Naturally, we hesitate coming to grips with our own or a loved one’s mortality and yet the sooner we engage with hospice support the easier we can make this meaningful and momentous transition.

To initiate services from Hospice of the Northwest a patient needs to have a terminal diagnosis with the expectation that they will die within the next 6 months. Patients will often improve temporarily or even graduate out of hospice care but this is when services become available. To initiate services with Hospice of San Juan what you need is a designated caregiver to be the point person coordinating care with the volunteers.

When my Mom was at the end of her life our family benefitted from both hospices. From Hospice of the Northwest we received oxygen without charge. We had been paying for it so this was greatly appreciated. We also had regular nurse visits even though my Mom was still seeing her regular Doctor. The hospice nurse made house calls. From Hospice of San Juan we borrowed equipment including a hospital bed (see the website for lists of equipment and services). I was my Mom’s primary caregiver and spent long days with her so was deeply appreciative when volunteers would stop by to take over for a half hour so I could go check my mail or run a few errands. Those shoulder rubs were great too! After my Mom passed, Hospice of San Juan even helped us find a boat and captain to take my Mom’s ashes out into the channel.

Hospice of San Juan: 360-472-0322 – www.sjhospice.com
Hospice of the Northwest: 360-814-5550 – www.hospicenw.org

The Town of Friday Harbor is pleased to announce that it has re-established its source for processing of comingled recyclable materials and, as a result, the Town curbside program will NOT be discontinued on November 22, 2017. Lautenbach Industries and the Town have concluded negotiations with Recology of Seattle, Washington and will maintain their existing relationship.

Recology previously halted receipt of comingled recycling from all third party haulers as it scaled back its Seattle operation in response to China’s decision to discontinue purchase of most U.S. shipped materials. Upon learning of the significant impact this decision would have on the Friday Harbor community and the recycling program, Recology reached out to the Town and Lautenbach with an offer to reopen their facility for receipt of the materials. Recology noted the Town’s relatively small annual tonnage and the high quality of the recycling from Town sources as further justification for the decision.

“We are extremely excited and thankful to be able to announce this arrangement” said Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher. “Recycling is such an important part of our citizen’s care and concern for the environment. The thought of returning materials to the waste stream was very troubling.”

As a result of this decision there will be no interruption of curbside recycling services in the Town. After November 21st, the next recycle week of December 1st through the 6th will occur and will continue thereafter in accordance with the published schedules.

Any questions may be directed to Friday Harbor Town Administrator Duncan Wilson at 360-378-2810.