Merri Ann Simonson – Contributed photo

Merri Ann Simonson shares some real estate numbers…

In reviewing the year-end results for 2016, the sales dollar volume for the real estate market in San Juan County per the Northwest Multiple Listing Service was $251,020,953 which reflects an increase in volume of 16.4% over 2015 when the volume was $215,561,667.

The percentage of growth this year was very similar to the increase we enjoyed in 2015 over 2014. No complaints; as stable, controlled growth is much more sustainable. The County closed an average of 42 transactions per month which is above 2015.

Continue reading (PDF)

Rosie the Lamb – Michelle Loftus photo

Michelle Loftus from the Animal Inn shares this photo…

This lamb was born January 10th. Her name is Rosie. She weighed about 9 pounds. Have any other ranchers beat us for the first of the year?

Michelle Loftus
Animal Inn

Volunteering at APSFH – Contributed photo

The Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor has announced it will hold two orientation sessions for those who would like to become volunteers.

The organization is looking for two types of volunteers; the first to help at the shelter socializing animals, walking dogs, cleaning, and administrative tasks. The second group will help with events and fundraisers as well as community outreach.

If you have time in your schedule to give to the animals, please contact Jan Murphy at 378-2158. The volunteer orientations will take place as follows:

• Animal Shelter Volunteers: Wednesday, February 1 at 6:00 PM at the animal shelter, 111 Shelter Road.
• Event/Fundraiser Volunteers: Thursday, February 2 at 6:00 PM at our new shelter site, 994 Cattle Point Road.

Henry Island Preserve – Contributed photo

The San Juan County Land Bank received a spectacular gift on December 28th, 2016: an 80-acre donation on Henry Island! Sarah Hart is generously donating the underlying fee interest in the property to the Land Bank, along with a conservation easement to the San Juan Preservation Trust.

The new Preserve has two shorelines extending over 3,100 feet in total. The western shore on the Haro Strait hosts several cormorant rookeries, and above, Garry oak savannah reaches to the summit with expansive views to Vancouver Island. On the east, dense forests of the interior yield to Open Bay with several pocket beaches nestled amidst rocky outcrops. “With its rookeries, dual shorelines and upland forest, this property is a spectacular addition to the wonderful places already in our care,” stated Land Bank Director, Lincoln Bormann.

While the Preserve is not yet open to the public, the Land Bank will be starting its management planning effort soon and hopes to create access for paddlers and others in the near future. As one of the conditions for the donation, the Land Bank will provide the opportunity for the Lummi tribe to use the site for ceremonies and other culturally important events for short periods each year.

Town of Friday Harbor launches local landmark program

Owners of historic properties within the town limits are encouraged to consider landmarking their properties in a new landmark register program initiated by the Town of Friday Harbor.

Historic landmark status is voluntary and may include eligibility for a growing number of preservation incentives, such as Special Property Tax Valuation.

Historic designation on the Friday Harbor Landmark Register means that a building, object, site, structure or district has been identified as having historic significance. Landmarked properties are identified by a plaque visible from the public right-of-way. It is a way for the Town of Friday Harbor to honor and support the preservation of those landmarks that best exemplify our community’s heritage.

The Town’s Historic Preservation Review Board will hold an open house to answer questions about landmarking your property on Wednesday, January 25th, 5:30pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers. To attend the open house, obtain application materials, or get more information contact Town’s historic preservation coordinator Sandy Strehlou, [email protected] or (360) 622-2037.

Paula West – Contributed photo

Paula West is a studio potter who lives on San Juan Island. Originally from Connecticut, Paula moved to San Juan Island in 1990 and in 1995 set up her small, home based ceramic studio. For the next 10 years she honed her craft and sold her work at regional art and craft shows while working part time and raising two sons with her husband Joe Cooper.

In 2005 Paula dedicated herself to full time studio work and began opening her studio to the public. Bright and whimsical, elegant and contemporary, she merges art and function to create porcelain ceramics for your home and table. Her work is collected by locals and visitors alike and can be found gracing many island homes and restaurants. She has shown in national juried exhibitions and her studio is a regular on the San Juan Island Artists Studio Tour.

Her ceramics can be purchased at the San Juan Island Farmers Market, Cafe Demeter, Dominque’s House at Roche Harbor and on her website www.paulawestpottery.com. The studio is also open where you can see works in progress and purchase pottery for sale in the showroom.

Paula is grateful for the support of this island community that allows her to continue making and creating and doing what she truly loves.

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

Dear dog lovers and those who appreciate the finer things in life, 

Hello there. I’m Daphne. I’ve been living in a wonderful foster home here in Friday Harbor, but all good things must come to an end and I find myself in need of a more permanent arrangement. My therapist tells me I need to find someone who will pamper me and appreciate what an amazing girl I am. Just the other day she said, “Daphne, you are a perfect dog and you have so much to offer the lucky family who adopts you!” She really said that. I‘m not making it up.

In the meantime, I will try to pamper myself – Yesterday I treated myself to a swim at Paws in the Water. Now I feel like a million bucks! I’m thinking of getting my nails done and perhaps a massage later. Care to join me?

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

Ted Fitzgerald – Contributed photo

Port of Friday Harbor Executive Director, Ted Fitzgerald has tendered his resignation to the Port Commission as of Wednesday, January 11. Ted sailed into Friday Harbor six months ago to take the reins at the Port.  In a statement to the press, the port commissioners related, “we enjoyed working with Ted and are grateful to him for what he accomplished in his short tenure here. Ted is a doer and a great negotiator.”

“Ted used his legal background to skillfully negotiate with Spring Street Landing architects and builders to reduce building charges by over $165,000,” commissioners stated. According to Downrigger’s Restaurant owner, Debbie Rishel, “When Ted took over construction management of the Spring Street Landing Building things started to happen quickly and I felt supported, he was great to work with.”

Brian Wellman of Wellman and Zuck, SSL building contractors, related in a letter to the commission, “Change is usually greeted by some with emotion and resistance. But when the dust settles, I believe that the recent changes that Ted has made will greatly benefit the Port of Friday Harbor.” Continue Reading

Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

Exhibition is Fun-filled and thought provoking-New at SJIMA

Click to enlarge – Contributed photo

The intriguing and humor-filled sculpture More Than Meets The Eye: John F. Heric Retrospective is showing at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art until February 18, 2017.

Heric used his creative imagination and sense of whimsy to produce a powerful and entertaining exhibition. The part-human and part-machine-like pieces take familiar forms and make a play on words to turn commonly accepted ideas on their heads. You assume one thing and end up after examination seeing something entirely different and personal.

John F. Heric (1942-2011) was a Professor of Art at the University of Arizona and later a resident of San Juan Island. This multi-talented artist was also a generous teacher and musician.

He was a recipient of awards; Arizona Biennial, Tucson Museum Art, 1982, Wood in Art, Arizona State University, 1979, 10th Southwestern Invitational Purchase award, 1975, 9th Southwestern Invitational, Yma Fine Arts Association Purchase award, 1974, and others.

SJIMA is located at 540 Spring Street in downtown Friday Harbor.

Hours are Friday-Monday from 11-5. Admission is $10 for adults. Young people 18 and under are free, as are SJIMA members. Admission every third Monday is Free. Reservations are recommended for groups of eight or more. Please call 360-370-5050. Go to the web site www.sjima.org for more information.

Ice Sitting – Photo by John Miller

Once again, photographer John Miller shares a fun photo with us. This time, a chair on frozen Egg Lake. In John’s words…

I’ve seen ice fishing before, but have never seen ice sitting – sunrise view from the dock at Egg lake.
Tech side – Nikon Df w/ f1.4 – 85mm AF-D, shot at 1/80 sec,  f11 and ISO 720.

Master Gardener Foundation Annual Native Plant Sale

Happy New Year! It is time again for our Annual Native Plant Sale. Visit our website for a complete list of plants and descriptions. Fill out your order form (online or hard copy) and mark your calendar for Saturday, March 11. NOW is the time to think about what to plant this spring!

This year we are offering 16 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials including favorites like Red Flowering Currant, Nootka Rose, and Blue Elderberry. Some species have been selected particularly for being somewhat drought tolerant. Native plants are beautiful in the garden and landscape, are beneficial for wildlife, and improve habitat and plant diversity. Once established, native plants tend to require less maintenance and fertilizers than other landscape plants.

Pick up your pre-ordered plants on March 11 from 9am – 12pm at the following locations:

• San Juan Island at the County Fairgrounds
• Orcas Island at the Grange
• Lopez Island at Sunset Builders

Limited quantities of miscellaneous plants will be for sale the day of at the San Juan Island location.

Remember, plant quantities are limited, so order TODAY! The deadline for orders is March 1st.

For more information and the entire list of plants, order online, or print an order form, go to www.mgfsjc.org or call WSU Extension at 360-378-4414.

Robert Raish, MD – Contributed photo

Robert Raish, MD, has joined PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17, he will be available one day per week, typically Mondays, to treat cancer patients on the island.

Dr. Raish is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology and hematology. He has more than 25 years’ experience providing cancer care in private practices, academic centers and hospital-based programs in both rural and urban settings.

Dr. Raish’s clinical research has primarily focused on breast, lung and colon cancer. He comes to PeaceHealth from Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, where he served in a number of clinical and leadership roles. He completed his medical degree at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, Missouri, and his residency and fellowships at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

“Successful cancer care,” Dr. Raish says, “requires a partnership with patients and families to create a team. In this way, treatment decisions can be reached that are not only medically appropriate, but also take into account each patient’s unique circumstances and values.”

The PeaceHealth Peace Island Cancer Center can be reached at (360) 378-1739.

Save the Date: Come and Celebrate Oscar Night with the Friday Harbor Film Festival at the San Juan Island Yacht Club, located at 273 Front Street in Friday Harbor February 26. Doors open at 4:30pm!

We will be celebrating Oscar Night. Tickets for this fun Soiree, Dinner, Silent and Live Auction are available at our Festival office. Tickets go on sale Jan. 16.

Cost is $60 pp, $100 for 2 tickets bought at once, $400 for a table for 8.

This Oscar Night party will be a black tie, formal event, so plan to dress in your finest Hollywood-inspired attire or as your favorite film character. We have also notified Girlfriends, Second Act, the Thrift Store and the Costume Shop at San Juan Community Theatre (costume shop hours are Tuesday and Thursday 10-1) of the event and they are planning to help all attendees to be your most glamorous self! Stop by throughout January and February to get early selections of glamour wear!

Doors open at 4:30 PM. Festivities will begin with a wine, beer and appetizers reception, allowing lots of time to preview the silent auction items; followed by dinner during the screening of the Academy Awards ceremony. During commercials, there will be an exciting live auction, and throughout the evening you will have the opportunity to bid on a wonderful array of silent auction items. Some of the things that will be up for grabs are sailing trips, great art and jewelry, vacations rentals on Kauai, weekend getaways in Tofino and Seattle, a variety of culinary delights, horseback riding, flight seeing, oyster feed, yacht cruises, whale watching and sea kayaking, just to name a few.

All auction proceeds will help ensure our continued efforts to support documentary filmmakers, our Young Filmmakers Project and our Winter Film Series, as well as the necessary upgrading of our software, sound and video equipment so that we can guarantee a high quality screening experience to all of our Festival attendees. Please join us!

For more info please email Jessica [@] fhff.org, call 298-1939 or stop by our office at 10 First Street, Friday Harbor.

Finding time to get outside can be tough, and figuring out what to do once outside can be even tougher. The San Juan Island National Historical Park and the Land Bank are making it easy in 2017 with the San Juan Island Family Nature Club, a free monthly outdoor exploration club for families.

What’s a Family Nature Club?

• Family Nature Clubs provide scheduled family time, where participants can work and play together outside without distractions.
• Family Nature Club gatherings will take place monthly, starting Saturday, January 21st, focusing on a variety of activities and allow families to focus on bonding, instead of planning.
• Not only will you connect as a family, but you’ll meet other families with similar values and interests while experiencing natural areas and activities on San Juan Island that you can return to again and again!

Click to enlarge

Ready to join the club? Our first meeting is a scavenger hunt at Jackson Beach on Saturday, January 21st, from 1:00 till 2:00 pm. There will be a fire and hot drinks available in order to warm up after exploring!

For more information or to check out upcoming events, visit our Facebook page (san juan island family nature club) or contact Tanja Williamson at 360-378-4402 or email tanjaw [@] sjclandbank.org.

County’s Top Officials Affirm Existing Local Policies with Immigrants

At the first meeting of the San Juan County Council in 2017, the County’s top law enforcement officers and the Council members talked about immigrants in the community without proper papers or who have overstayed their visa.

Council Member Jamie Stephens kicked off the discussion by saying, “Our immigrant residents are valued contributors to our community and the local economy. We feel that it is necessary at this time to reaffirm existing policies on protecting immigrants’ access to police protection and public services.”

Stephens added that after talking to the Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney he realized that San Juan County officials were already doing what many other communities hoped to do.

Sheriff Ron Krebs said that immigrants are treated like anyone else, until they commit a serious offense. “The Sheriff’s office has no special procedures for immigrants who commit minor offenses such as traffic infractions and misdemeanors,” said Sheriff Krebs.

But serious offenders, of which there have only been a few, are usually picked up by Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are sometimes returned to their home country. Sheriff Krebs said that the federal immigration laws help protect the community from drug offenders, sex offenders or violent people.

Sheriff Krebs added that this policy assures that the people in this community are safe. He added that he hopes that the immigrant community considers the Sheriff Officers to be people with integrity and who have their safety in mind. “We want immigrants to report crime to our office. It benefits them and it benefits the rest of the community.” Continue Reading

Mark your calendar now for the FREE boating course coming up in February. The Friday Harbor Power Squadron will be offering instruction for this class for Free – the only cost is for  the course materials. Get your Boater Education Card (required to operate any boat with an engine of 15hp or more.

What is it?
America’s Boating Course

What will you need?
Comprehensive Boating Information Manual

What’s the cost?
$45.00. Couples can share. 50% Student Discount
Instruction is FREE by the Friday Harbor Power Squadron

When is it?
Sundays – February 12th, 19th & 26th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Skagit Valley College San Juan Campus

This course is suitable for all types of boating, inland and coastal. It’s fun for the whole family and you will:

• Gain confidence
• Make friends
• Build skills
• Save money

This may entitle you to marine insurance discounts.

To register, call 378-3288 or email: ein [@] rockisland.com

www.fridayharborpowersquadron.com