Tod Marshall – Contributed photo

April is Poetry Month – let’s celebrate the poetry of nature! The Poetry Walk will feature readings by local poetry lovers of nature-inspired poems as we enjoy a leisurely stroll to the summit of Mount Grant Preserve where visiting Washington State Poet Laureate, Tod Marshall, will share some of his favorites.

Note: the mile walk to the summit includes a 500’ elevation gain.

This free event is presented by San Juan County Land Bank and the San Juan Island Library on Sunday, April 2, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm 

Limited space available; Contact Tanja Williamson at 360-378-4402 or email tanjaw [@] sjclandbank.org to reserve your spot.

The San Juan Island Food Co-op is looking for a talented community minded team member to fill three specific, but related, jobs: Volunteer Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and Social Media Coordinator. This is a permanent part time position, 20-25 hrs per week, with room for growth.

Basic duties of the Volunteer Coordinator include recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers for our successful volunteer program; managing the online volunteer record keeping database; communicating regularly with volunteers and fellow staff members; and posting program updates and job openings.

Basic duties of the Membership Coordinator include maintaining the membership database and issuing membership cards; updating membership information to our POS and online mailing list; helping to grow our membership; and communicating with members regarding membership matters.

Basic duties of the Social Media Coordinator include revamping our website and keeping it up-to-date; creating and maintaining a strong online presence for the Co-op; and assisting in general Public Relations and Outreach activities.

We are looking for a person with excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills, as well as someone who is tech-savvy, experienced in social media, and would be comfortable communicating with customers and members through online and offline channels. If this describes you and you’re interested in this position we’d like to meet with you.

To request application information and complete job descriptions please contact Anna at [email protected] with Job Opportunity in the subject line. Application period ends March 30.

Coal and Barnaby – Contributed photos

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor needs your help in finding a special home for two very special boys. Coal and Barnaby, pictured here, lost their home several months ago, through no fault of their own. They are a bonded pair who have been together 15 years; all of their lives. When the boys arrived at the shelter it became clear they would not thrive in the shelter environment so we moved them to our executive office where they have been Director, Leslie Byron’s receptionists and companions for the last four months. Coal and Barnaby have been standard fixtures at board meetings and work parties ever since and love to be around people.

As the animal shelter moves forward with plans to build a new facility, the time is drawing close when the modular home that serves as the APS-FH temporary headquarters will no longer be available as a home for Coal and Barnaby. We are hoping to find a kind island family that can give these two sweet fellows a warm and cozy home to finally call their own. In return, they will give back unlimited love and affection and promise to bring smiles with their antics and daily shenanigans.

Coal and Barnaby have been declawed and will need to find a home where they can live indoors. There will be no adoption fee to the lucky, qualified adopter. Please contact the animal shelter at 378-2158 if you or someone you know can help make a difference for these two very special boys.

The Friday Harbor Film Festival Winter Series presents an audience favorite: BLOOD LIONS.

Blood Lions follows acclaimed environmental journalist and safari operator, Ian Michler, and Rick Swazey, an American hunter, on their journey to uncover the realities about the multi-million dollar predator breeding and canned lion hunting industries in South Africa.

At the Grange, Tuesday, March 21st at 7:00 pm.

Click to enlarge

By Merri Ann Simonson…

Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

Most of the waterfront home owners in the County went through the process of determining if flood insurance is a necessity for their property when they purchased or refinanced. As you may be aware, the majority of our waterfront properties are designated as being in the flood plain as determined by the current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps. What you may not realize is that a high percentage of the homes and other structures, when further analysis is done, may not actually require flood insurance.

When purchasing a waterfront property, whether you are using a lender or not, the first step in determining whether you need the insurance is to obtain the Flood Determination Certificate. The lender will process one as part of the loan package but if you are a cash buyer, you may utilize one of the numerous services on the web for a nominal fee of $25.00. Other options include viewing the property with the flood plain map overlay on the County site. If the determination indicates the property is in a flood plain, you will want to hire a surveyor to confirm the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your property. The process typically takes 10 days after a site assessment is complete and the application has been submitted to FEMA. The insurance underwriters will require a BFE in order to issue coverage and if you are using a lender, they won’t close until you have a policy in effect.  

As a result of the passage of the Biggert-Waters Act in October 2013, flood insurance rates through the National Flood Insurance Program have been increasing. Further, FEMA is no longer subsidizing the rates due to large loses throughout the nation due to hurricanes and other similar events.  Due to increasing premiums, it will be more important than ever to determine whether your property should have flood insurance.

The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) from the surveyor is also a key part of determining whether insurance is necessary.   Once the BFE is obtained, the surveyor will then survey the property and determine the elevation of the lowest grade adjacent to the structure(s). This will confirm if the structures on the property should be insured or may be eligible to be removed from the flood zone. If the structures remain in the flood plain and you are using a lender, you must obtain flood insurance. Continue Reading

Hospice of San Juan is one of only a few all-volunteer hospices in the country. Volunteers form the core of our efforts to enable Island residents with life-limiting illness to remain at home in comfort and with dignity. If you would like to help us provide the dignity and care all deserve toward the end of life please consider attending our upcoming training.

For the first time ever we are inviting paid Caregivers without certification to enroll. Training is free and lunch will be provided.

Saturdays May 6th, May 20th and June 3rd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Please pre-register at our web site hospiceofsanjuan.org or call 472-0322 and leave a message

Mary Haselow – Contributed photo

Interior Designer, Mary Haselow of Island Shades and Island Building Products are teaming up to offer a new service for islanders: Free Design Wednesdays.

Bring your Interior Design questions to Island Building Products/Friday Harbor Floor Store from 9am to noon every Wednesday and Mary will be there to answer your design questions. Get help with questions on room décor, paint colors, kitchen and bath design and planning, flooring, tile, accent fabrics, and custom window treatments.

Absolutely no purchase is required. Come and meet Mary, bring your paint chips, photos, furniture cushions and your questions. Mary will have decorator fabric and window shade samples on hand and Island Building Products has a large selection of flooring, tile, and cabinet samples to play with as well.

Come and join the fun. No appointment necessary.

Location: Island Building Products/Friday Harbor Floor Store, 849 Spring St., Friday Harbor
When: Wednesdays from 9am to noon, starting April 5th.
Complete schedule at Facebook.com/IslandShades
Contact: Mary Haselow, 360-298-6900, www.TheShadeDesigner.com.

The San Juan Island Farmers Market will host the first of 33 weekly markets beginning Saturday, April 1st. Held at Brickworks, 150 Nichols Street, the market runs every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, through October.

In 2016, the farmers market featured more than fifteen local farms, eight community organizations, twelve food and beverage vendors, twenty artists, as well as weekly musicians. 

The farmers market is also currently accepting vendor applications. Vendor space is available for the whole season or on a weekly, rotating basis. Vendor applications are due by March 27th and will be accepted on a rolling basis after that. They are found on the farmers market website. 

The San Juan Island Farmers Market is a family friendly place, welcoming everyone and providing a space to buy local products. Elena Porten, the new farmers market manager, hopes to incorporate more educational outlets this year, including a kids booth, regular chef demos, and programs that highlight agriculture, access to fresh food, local farming, gardening and nutrition. 

Contact market manager, Elena Porten with questions: [email protected]m

Now Hiring High-Level Executive Assistant

We are looking for just the right person to join our inspiring organization – someone who can continue to help the Foundation carry out its mission of helping the San Juan Island Community thrive through inspired and informed generosity and the Foundation’s trusted stewardship.

The Executive Assistant is responsible for ensuring the Foundation operates in an organized, efficient and professional manner. He or she must work effectively with Board members, management, staff, donors and community members to accomplish the strategic goals of the Foundation. Warmth, friendliness and professionalism are critical for this position. This person is someone who inspires trust in every customer.

To be considered for this position, you must have:

• 10 years’ experience providing executive level administrative support.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in administrative role.
• Excellent communication skills (oral & written)
• Proven ability to anticipate next steps, take initiative, exercise discretion, apply sound judgement, solve problems, meet deadlines & work well independently.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks & cloud applications.

Salary: Exempt position at $50,000/year

Please submit a cover letter and resume by mail or email no later than April 5, 2017 at 5pm.

Mail:

San Juan Island Community Foundation
Attn: Personnel Committee
PO Box 1352
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Email:
[email protected]
Attn: Personnel Committee

The Friday Harbor Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (FHES PTO) is hosting our annual Scholastic Book Fair March 22-25 at the FHES library!

There will be a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please come shop for the readers in your life and support your Friday Harbor Eagles!

• Wednesday (3/22) 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday (3/23) 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Friday (3/24) 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday (3/25) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Loralei is this week’s Pet of the Week – DMV photo

I’m Loralei. This is my driver’s license photo, so it doesn’t show me at my best. You should see the photos from my modeling portfolio – Va-va-voom! I’m a gorgeous 7-year old girl who enjoys life’s little luxuries…. You know; a nice Swedish massage, some caviar and the occasional mani-pedi?

I’m very outgoing, love people and would make an excellent roommate and confidante. Let’s get the girls together soon for a game of canasta or whist. In the meantime, come visit me at the animal shelter.

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

American Camp Visitor Center – Contributed photo

A million-mile walk: Join National Parks Education Specialist, Raena Parsons, on a journey millions of years in the past. We will investigate the geologic forces that shaped San Juan Island, demonstrate plate tectonics (with cookies–yum!), and discuss earthquakes and other geologic hazards in our region.

Comfortable hiking shoes, warm layers, and a sense of adventure are recommended. Meet in the American Camp Visitor Center parking lot.

 Saturday March 25, 1-4 pm

Don’t miss this opportunity to tour the Wolf Hollow facility, meet staff and board members and learn more about the work carried out at your local wildlife rehabilitation center.

Saturday, April 1^st 11-3pm

If you’d like to bring a gift for the young wild creatures we’ll be caring for this spring and summer, please take a look at our special Baby Season Wish List on our website: 
www.wolfhollowwildlife.org/events

Parking is very limited at Wolf Hollow, so please park in Friday Harbor and catch the shuttle bus generously provided by San Juan Transit. (Schedule is also on our web site).

Look forward to seeing you.

Canadian First Nations, environmental organizations, and internationally recognized musician Luke Wallace, join the “Pull Together” music tour to resist the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion. The proposed Kinder Morgan expansion would greatly increase vessel traffic and the risk of an oil spill in the Salish Sea.

The concert tour, coming to the San Juan Islands and Anacortes from March 30 – April 2, will raise legal funds to help First Nations stop the construction of Kinder Morgan’s pipeline.

This benefit concert with “folktivist” eco-troubadour Luke Wallace and other speakers will be a night of fantastic music and education as the community pulls together to protect our waters! All events begin at 7 p.m. at the following locations:

• Mar. 30, San Juan Island, Brickworks
• Mar. 31, Orcas, Westsound Community Center
• Apr. 1, Lopez, Woodmen Hall
• Apr. 2, Anacortes Seafarers Memorial Park Bldg. (601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes)

“This coast is my home, and I will do everything it takes to defend this beautiful place. I stand with the First Nations who are defending their rights and title against the project,” said Luke Wallace, musician and organizer, “We look forward to connecting with communities in Washington State to rise up against a project that affects their livelihoods.” Continue Reading

It’s time for the March edition of Chamber Chat, written by Gail Schnee, San Juan Island Chamber Board President and Co-Owner of Cotton Cotton Cotton, and Becki Day, Chamber Executive Director…

March is here and it may still be a little wet but at least it is warming up and we are having some sun breaks which I think gives us all hope that when March 20th gets here maybe it will feel like SPRING!

The Chamber of Commerce held our first quarterly luncheon of the year on March 6th at Brickworks. It was attended better than anticipated since it was the day of our last snowfall. We would like to thank the members that braved the snow and they were rewarded with an excellent lunch by Market Chef. Duncan Wilson, Friday Harbor’s Town Administrator, was the featured speaker and gave updates on the town projects for this year.

On Monday March 13th, the San Juan Island Library and Discovery Inn hosted our Social. Felicity catered the event so we had some delicious appetizers and treats, and especially the Bailey’s Cupcakes! Heather Smith, whose family has owned the Discovery Inn for 30 plus years, and her managers Dan and Missy, treated us to a tour of their newly remodeled and updated rooms at the Inn.

At the Library, we were fortunate to get a demonstration of how their new 3D printer operates. Laurie Orton, Director of the Library, had many examples to show us that have been printed so far. The Library has so many new programs and is more than just books. Check them out at www.sjlib.org.

New Members: Continue Reading

San Juan County seeks consultants to assist with Comprehensive Plan Update

San Juan County is seeking RFPs from qualified consultants to work on aspects of the SJC Comprehensive Plan Update. Proposals are encouraged from consulting firms with expertise in the Growth Management Act to assist with comprehensive planning, effective citizen engagement, and updates related to the community Vision statement and evaluation of Natural Resource Lands.

Consultants may submit roposals for one or all of the RFPs as qualified. Submittals must be received by 3:00 pm on Monday, April 24, 2017.

Click here for more info