Extreme Fitness Assistant Manager Position Available 

Extreme Fitness is currently looking for an Assistant Manager, position available immediately.  

30 hrs / week • Monday – Friday • $16 / hr + complimentary executive gym membership!

The ideal candidate would have a friendly and energetic personality with managerial and customer service experience, proper phone etiquette, and computer operating skills with an ability to learn a new computer program with ease. Job also entails maintaining cleanliness of the facility and requires one to be familiar with and knowledgeable about gym equipment, although personal trainer certification is not required. 

Please send resumes to [email protected] or stop by in person Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 11:00am or 4:00 – 7:00 pm to pick up an application.

Veteran’s Day Assembly – Contributed photo

Marie DiCristina shares this report on Veteran’s Day assemblies at the schools…

Thursday morning Friday Harbor Elementary School and Friday Harbor High School held assemblies honoring Veterans and Veterans Day.

Several local vets attended. The High School band provided wonderful musical tributes including playing the anthems of the various military branches.

The delightful children of Friday Harbor Elementary school sang patriotic American songs and learned about our flag and flag folding. It was wonderful to see the grace and respect these young people offered.

This weekend, please remember to thank a Veteran for their service.

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center wins ‘Guardian Award’

‘Excellence’ honor for Emergency Department patient experience

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center has been named a 2017 Guardian of Excellence Award^® winner by Press Ganey. The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing health care organizations that have consistently achieved the 95th percentile or above of performance in patient experience. PeaceHealth Peace Island earned the honor for Emergency Department (ED) patient experience scores between May 2016 and April 2017.

According to Merry-Ann Keane, chief administrative officer, “Each of our caregivers works hard every day to ensure that our patients have the best possible experience—our patient experience scores are consistently the highest across PeaceHealth!  I couldn’t be more proud of our collective effort to provide excellent patient care and service.”

Since PeaceHealth Peace Island opened in 2012, the Emergency Department has provided care 24 hours a day, seven days a week – serving more than 13,000 patients, and helping residents avoid thousands of trip off-Island for urgent or emergent care. Continue Reading

Friday Harbor to Discontinue Curbside Co-Mingled Recycling Until Further Notice

The Town of Friday Harbor will be discontinuing curbside recycling pickup effective November 22nd, 2017. This will not affect customers of San Juan Sanitation in the County. The Town uses Lautenbach Industries to take the Town’s refuse to the Cowlitz County landfill and, until recently, transported the Town’s recycled materials to Recology in Seattle. Two weeks ago the Town was notified that Recology was no longer accepting recyclables because China was no longer accepting most U.S. co-mingled materials. China accounted for the purchase of approximately 30% of all domestic recycling.

         The Town and Lautenbach have made a diligent search for another company to take our recycled materials, both in the State of Washington and in Canada. To date they have unable to find a replacement company as the market has tightened with the loss of China as a customer. As a result, the Town will have to discontinue its curb-side co-mingled recycling pick-up service as noted above. The Town will continue to look for a source to accept their materials.

         In the interim, Lautenbach Industries has announced that it will be accepting source separated materials at the Sutton Road refuse facility effective immediately. Residents can drive their recyclable materials to the refuse station and will be charged $3 per can or can equivalent to dispose of the materials. The following separated recycled materials will be accepted: Continue Reading

Anniversary Open House on Saturday, November 11, 10:00 am—6:00 pm

20% off on all books in the store

It’s that time of year again, and Griffin Bay Bookstore will hold its annual Open House and Sale on Saturday, November 11, 10:00 am—6:00 pm to celebrate 38 years of bookselling. You’ll find the bookstore brimful of the latest in fiction and nonfiction, with 20% off all books on the shelves. The annual Open House and Sale is Laura Norris’ way of thanking our island community for loyal support and ongoing patronage. Be sure to stop in for homemade cookies and coffee or apple cider, and shop to your heart’s content.

Take advantage of the sale and start your holiday shopping. Look for a wide variety of new fiction on the big table on your left as you enter the store. On the non-fiction table, you’ll find the latest memoirs, interesting takes on politics, history, economics, and nature. There are new paperbacks to discover, beautiful editions of classics, cookbooks with gorgeous illustrations and imaginative recipes from all over the globe. If you’re looking for ways to tweak your creativity during long winter nights, see the arts and crafts section. Continue Reading

Tucker, a 13-year old black lab with a distinctive skill, received the first dog license of 2018 at the Auditor’s Office. Dog tags will be available for all dogs starting November 15 at eight San Juan County locations.

Tucker recently retired from his job with Conservation Canines, a squad of dogs trained to sniff out animal fecal samples. Tucker’s specialty, detecting Orca poop, helps whale researchers track the health and sojourns of our resident and transient Orca populations. Tucker’s work has been profiled in prominent magazines and newspapers, including BBC Natural World, Smithsonian Magazine, and the New York Times.

All dogs in San Juan County and the Town of Friday Harbor are required to be licensed yearly. Licensing fees have increased for the 2018 licensing year. Spayed or neutered dog licenses are increasing to $15, and “natural” dogs are increasing to $40. Dogs not licensed by March 31 are still subject to a $10 late fee. Licensing fee revenue in excess of program costs is distributed to the local animal protection societies for impound services.

For an extra $5, owners can add a photo of your their dogs to our database. Photos help the local shelters identify lost dogs and return them to their owners.

As always, dog licenses are available at the following San Juan County vendors:

• San Juan Island:
  Animal Protection Society
  Auditor’s Office
  San Juan County Courthouse
  Harbor Veterinary Clinic
• Orcas Island:
  Animal Protection Society
  Eastsound Kennels
  Pawki’s For Pets
• Lopez Island:
  Ark Veterinary Clinic
  Sunset Builders

For more information, call the Auditor’s office at (360) 378-2161.

In partnership with the Washington State Department of Revenue, the San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on Monday, November 13, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

This fact-filled workshop helps business owners learn about Washington State taxes that apply to their businesses.  In this workshop, participants will get answers to specific tax questions, find out about record-keeping requirements and learn how to complete a tax return.  Attendees will leave the workshop with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about important tax issues.

The workshop will be held at Heritage Bank’s community room, 535 Market St., Friday Harbor.  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.

Sherri and Richard at the cheese shop – Contributed Photo

What is San Juan Supper Club?

San Juan Supper Club is something new from San Juan Island Cheese. Join us for a light supper from 5-7pm on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of November and December. Chef Bill is creating delicious small plates featuring seasonal ingredients paired with wine and beer.

Please join us this Saturday from 5 – 7 PM, to kick off San Juan Supper Club. Take a sneak peek at Chef Bill’s small plates menu for Saturday on our website.

http://www.sjicheese.com/events/

Reservations highly recommended – Hope to see you this Saturday!

Thanks,
Richard, Sherri, Bill, Hannah, and Aoife

Perham “Per” Black – Contributed photo

Perham Black Takes 13th Place in the Nation at The Cressy Cup

On October 28th and 29th, San Juan County’s Perham “Per” Black, a senior at Spring Street International School competed in the Cressy Cup, considered the United States high school national championships for Laser full rig sailing. The national sailing races were held at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida.

Per sailed against the nation’s top high school sailors who earned berths in the national races through regional
competitions held around the country. At the Cressy Cup Per was in 5th place after the first day of sailing.

On the first day the fleet started racing in light 8 – 9 knot breezes from the east. Per took 10th in the first race, won the second, and was high up in the fleet during the third when it was cancelled due to insufficient winds. On the strength of the first day, which was also his 18th birthday, Per was in 5th place overall. Continue Reading

Island Stage Left presents Annapurna – Contributed photo

Island Stage Left is thrilled to announce the opening of  “Annapurna” by Sharr White.

A cowboy poet down on his luck in a run-down trailer in Colorado and Emma, his East Coast, one-time wife, who appears out of the blue after twenty years, strive to find answers to burning questions from the past.

At once compelling, funny, moving, devastating and hopeful, it is a tour de force for two outstanding actors and an absolute joy to witness.

Annapurna in Nepal is the most dangerous mountain in the world to climb – and it is an allegory for the journey of love that Emma and Ulysses undertake as time begins to run out.

November 9th through December 3rd, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30; Sundays at 4:00
No performance on Thanksgiving
Saturday November 25th at 2:00 and 7:30

SJ County Fairgrounds in the Marie Boe Building 

The San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair department is inviting community members to become day park volunteers (opportunities available on different islands). Volunteers can participate in weekly monitoring and/or light litter pick-up, and are invited to participate in occasional work parties for special projects/landscaping.

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities are appreciated, but not required. Some volunteer positions only require a desire and willingness to help out! SJC Park’s goal is to regularly observe our parks in order to identify issues and maintain these cherished resources in a safe and inviting manner. A user-friendly online reporting system for day park volunteers enables Parks staff to repair assets when needed and attend to any deficiencies.

If you are interested in supporting our county parks in the islands, please contact [email protected] and read more about volunteering here. Volunteers must be 14 years or older. Choose from any of the San Juan County Day Parks listed below (parks denoted with an asterisk* are high priority and are in need of volunteers).

• San Juan Island:
  Rueben Tarte
  Turn Point*
  Eagle Cove*
• Lopez Island:
  Blackie Brady
  Agate Beach
  Shark Reef
  Otis Perkins*
  Mud Bay Beach*
• Orcas Island:
  Eastsound Waterfront Park
  Eastsound Village Green
• Shaw Island:
  Shaw County Park

New emergency medicine provider joins PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center

Krishnaraj “Raj” Jayarama, DO – Photo © 2017 Mark Turner

PeaceHealth welcomes new emergency medicine provider  Krishnaraj “Raj” Jayarama, DO.  

Dr. Jayarama earned his degree in Osteopathic Medicine from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. He completed an Internship in Emergency Medicine at Union Hospital in Union, New Jersey and an Ultrasound Fellowship at the Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior to joining the emergency medicine team at Peace Island Medical Center, Dr. Jayarama worked at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Before that he served as assistant medical director at Memorial Hermann in Katy, Texas. Dr. Jayarama shares, “I enjoy the thrill of the ER along with the fact that I can help others in their time of greatest need.”

More information about this provider can be found using the “Find a Doc” tool at www.peacehealth.org.

FANS, (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec) will hold their annual children’s carnival at the SJC fairgrounds this Saturday, November 11th from 11:00-2:00p.m.

The carnival has become a fun annual event for Island families. This year we will once again have our famous cakewalk. The cakewalk has been our most popular booth over the years and its success is contributed to the islanders who donate cakes for the event. This year we are once again looking for as many cakes as possible. If interested, please drop off a cake at the fairgrounds on Saturday prior to the carnival at 10:30-11:00a.m.

In addition to the cakewalk, there will be over 20 booths with games and prizes, and of course the super fun inflatables, which will include a double slide and obstacle course.

Games and food tickets are $1.00 each. This event raises money that directly supports Island Rec programs for our community. We look forward to seeing a lot of smiling faces this weekend!

Second Annual Thanks”Living” Celebration at Island Haven Animal Sanctuary

Island Haven Animal Sanctuary invites you to join them to honor their rescued turkeys and other retired farm animals. 

Enjoy plant-based snacks and toast their animal friends with a holiday beverage while learning more about Island Haven and amazing facts about turkeys. Pick up your 2018 Island Haven calendar and cards!

Take a guided tour of the sanctuary, meet the animals and give them treats.  If you would like to bring your own treats for the animals, the turkeys and poultry love romaine lettuce and grapes, and the horses, pigs and alpacas love carrots and apples.

Donations are encouraged, all proceeds go towards the feeding and care of sanctuary animals.  

To RSVP email [email protected] or call 360-472-1040 to receive the address and directions.

Port of Friday Harbor Invites Applicants for Citizen’s Advisory Committee

The Port of Friday Harbor is seeking applicants for a Citizen’s Advisory Committee to assist the Port in the considering the purchase of Jensen’s Boat Yard and Marina. The Commission will appoint a panel of citizen volunteers to advise the commission as it investigates this potential purchase.

The decision to purchase the facility is solely at the discretion of the Port Commissioners but the detailed input and analysis of the committee, together with public comments, are vital inputs to their decision. Please submit letters of interest by November 17, 2017 for consideration by the Commission.

• The Port has completed a verification of Port revenue bonding and income capacity for the purchase.
• The Port is acquiring EPA grants to complete a thorough environmental testing and risk analysis for both the uplands and aquatic areas of the site. The grant funds will also cover a series of public involvement and facility planning meetings. These meetings will be planned for the period after the environmental analysis and before a final decision on whether the Port will acquire the facility.
• It is envisioned that the Advisory Committee would work with the Port staff and Commissioners in a series of meetings, including the public involvement meeting, to ensure the due diligence phase is as complete and transparent as possible.

The envisioned preliminary schedule for investigation of this potential purchase is as follows: Continue Reading

Hello. Giselle, Super Secret Spy Cat here; working undercover at the animal shelter, where I arrived last week to undertake my super secret mission.

I was sent here from a super secret location in California to investigate a super secret catnip ring in Kamp Kitty.

I will report back on my findings. Unless I get adopted to a wonderful home with cuddly places to sleep and lots of tuna. Then you’ll have to investigate on your own.

Until then – If you need to contact me, use the super secret code word: “Mackerel”. Whatever you do – don’t blow my cover.

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