Here’s a note of thanks from FANS President Kyle Loring regarding last week’s Carnival fundraiser…

What a FANtastic outpouring of community support we had for our annual FANS Carnival on November 19 at the fairgrounds!

The board of Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec would like to thank all of the families who attended the carnival—we hope all of you thoroughly enjoyed yourselves.

We also want to thank the many islanders who helped make this event such a success, like:

> Business sponsors who helped defray expenses: Roche Harbor Resort, Larry’s Auto Body, IPS, Friday Harbor Drug, Eclectic Lady Land Recording Ranch, Herb’s Tavern, The Tooth Ferry, Brandli Law, One Stop Storage, David Waldron/Architect and Kiwanis; and

> The many indispensable volunteers, including Friday Harbor High and Spring Street International School students, the Leos Club, Rachel Otis (sno-cones!), Carey Musburger and Boy Scout Pack 4090 (cotton candy, popcorn and nachos!), the facepainters ensemble, Printonyx, Andy Urbach and the sheriff’s work crew, Shannon Rishel and all the amazing cake bakers, Angela Light (readings!), sign designer Angela Sutherland, and a long list of adult volunteers who made sure that everything ran so smoothly.

We have lots more photos to share on our website at www.islandrecfans.org.

We look forward to even more FANS fun in 2017.

Kyle Loring
FANS President

The ER entrance at PIMC – Tim Dustrude photo

An agreement negotiated a few weeks ago by representatives of PeaceHealth Peace Island Hospital and the Public Health District on San Juan to reduce the annual subsidy paid to the hospital by the district by $50,000 was approved last Wednesday evening by a vote of 3-2.

The agreement amends the contract between the district and the hospital. It has already been approved by the hospital.

It makes $50,000 available annually to the district to pay for health services needed or wanted by the community but not provided by Peace Island. The money will be available to the district beginning in 2017 and at that time the district will hold discussions and decide the specifics of what services to offer and with what entity to contract to provide them.

The hospital does not provide reproductive health or death-with-dignity services.

The amount of the agreement is subject to review in future years and may be revised by the two parties.

By Louise Dustrude

>> Editor’s Note: A press release about this agreement sent in late October read in part:  “This amendment was generated by PeaceHealth leaders and hospital district board representatives in the spirit of collaboration and with the joint recognition that there may be services that the community requests that are outside of the scope of PeaceHealth Peace Island.  Reducing the subsidy allows the district discretionary funds without compromising PeaceHealth’s ability to continue its service delivery.”

Please join us for the opening reception celebrating this new exhibition on Friday, December 9th 5 – 8 pm. The exhibit will show from December 10, 2016 through February 18th, 2017.

This year’s show, themed as “Spirit Taking Form,” features emerging and established local artists expressing the beauty, identity, authenticity and connectedness of our community.

SJIMA champions artists and the arts, and sponsors this exhibition to reinforce our island as a place of enduring discovery, and to advocate for our most spirited selves, community and environment. Look forward to the impressive diversity of talent with paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic, as well as pastels, photography, mixed media, pottery, sculpture, glass, wood, and textiles by the SJIMA Artists Registry members. Much of the artwork is for sale, to simplify your holiday shopping and assure continued enjoyment.

SJIMA Artists’ Registry is an online resource supported by the SJIMA. Members of the islands artist community are listed on the website’s artist pages.

Link to: Artists’ Registry

LEOs Advisers BJ Brandli & John Bostrom, Susan Mazzarella (for the SJ Schools Foundations), and Griffin Cuomo, president of the LEOs Club – Contributed photo

This week, the high school LEOs Club presented San Juan Schools Foundation with a $500 check towards the school arts program. The LEOs Club of San Juan Island works all year to earn money to give to worthy community causes. They also donate time to community projects like building the Island Rec Playground at Carter Ball Fields, The FANS Carnival, and the Community Thanksgiving dinner, just to name a few.

The LEOs Club’s next event is the Santa Ship event, this year on December 17. Santa arrives at the Port while families enjoy free coffee, cookies and cocoa, and a chorus of caroling. Santa is whisked up to the middle school commons, where LEOs Club members give every child a toy, a candy cane, and a piece of fruit. Santa then meets with each child and listens to their wishes.  

LEOs Club co-adviser John Bostrom faithfully heads up this project each year.  The toys for this event are purchased with LEOS Club funds and the SJI Lions Clubs pays for the middle school rental, candy canes, and the fruit for each gift bag. 

Family Medicine physician joins PeaceHealth Medical Group in Friday Harbor

Shawn Vainio, MD, recently joined PeaceHealth Medical Group Family Medicine at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center. He is available two weeks a month to provide clinical care to patients of all ages, as well as care to patients who are hospitalized.

Dr. Vainio has provided medical coverage for PeaceHealth Medical Group Family Medicine clinics throughout the Northwest since April 2015. In addition to PeaceHealth Peace Island, he covers PeaceHealth clinics in Ketchikan and Craig, Alaska, and in Bellingham, Sedro-Woolley and Burlington, Wash.

He earned his medical degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and completed a Family Practice residency at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Vainio is a board member and advisory panel member of the Himalayan Health Exchange and the Himalayan Health Center Foundation. Since 2005, he has completed seven medical expeditions on behalf of the organization, providing care to underserved populations in select, remote areas of Indo-Tibetan borderlands.

The Stage on the Green comes to life – Contributed photo

Anniversary Inspires a Look Back – by Dona Wuthnow, SJC Parks & Fair Director

Ten years ago, a bit of magic happened on the Eastsound Village Green – the Stage on the Green was brought to life. A stirring synergy of community talent and creativity came together in a 20-person group that used a consensus-based process to develop an organic architectural design and a team of artists and craftsman who could construct the vision. The Stage on the Green Group (SOG) was inspired to create a truly unique performance space that reflected the community; an alternative to the prefab stage which was all that County Parks could afford on its own.

Orcas Open Arts served as the umbrella organization connecting the County and the SOG group in a public/private partnership. County resources were pooled with many cash donations, foundation grants, a Washington State Building for the Arts Foundation grant, and in-kind contributions; all organized by SOG members. This tremendous effort resulted in an award-winning performance stage with many unique and custom features, all locally designed, locally sourced, and locally constructed. It’s truly a beautiful example of what the power of community can accomplish.

Next time you visit the Green, take a closer look at the stage and the interpretive sign adjacent to it that highlights some of its important features. We hope you’ll be moved to thank those who were involved for their contributions to the movement that created a village centerpiece that will endure for years to come.

(Click any thumbnail for a larger view)

[Show slideshow]

The staff at County Parks and the Parks & Recreation Commission send heartfelt gratitude to all for the efforts, big and small, that resulted in a spectacular facility:

Core Design & Finance Team: Chuck Greening, David Kau, Gulliver Rankin, Kaj Enderlein, Tim Forbes, Leslie Seaman, Libby Blackwell, Jim Biddick, Errol Speed, Mark Padbury, Fred Klein, David Rusillo, Tim White, Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, Nancy Wang, Bruce Myers, Mathew Maher, Jorgen Harle, Craig Wier, Bill Trogdon

Many individuals and businesses volunteered professional expertise, monetary donations, materials, equipment and labor toward the building construction, including: Drew Reed, Harvey Aldort, Ed LeCocq, Craig Munson, Bruce Wiscomb, Bill Wullf, Clyde Duke, Michael Brennan, Jack Helsel, Jeff Rodenberger, Rick Doty, Adam Farrish, Robert, Alex Ferdinand, Ned Kirschbaum, Ken Speck, Chris Doherty, Eric Fullerton, Philip Branch, Marta Branch, Mark Van Maren, James Talbot, Dave Haslett, David Rosebury, Craig West, Jim Rorabaugh, Bruce Myers

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center Hosts ‘Fireside Chats’ –
Free Community Education Events – Louise Dustrude photo

Fireside Chats discussion focuses on feelings and emotions during the holidays

PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center’s fall series of Fireside Chats continues on Thursday, Dec. 8, with the topic “The holidays are crazy: A discussion of feelings and emotions.” The chat, led by Gary Waters, MSW, Ed.S., DBH, is from 4 to 5 p.m. in the medical center’s main lobby. There is no fee to participate.

Fireside Chats are free community education sessions offered by PeaceHealth Peace Island. They will continue with a winter series in 2017. For more information, go online to www.peacehealth.org/peace-island.

Gary Waters is a behavioral health social worker at PeaceHealth Peace Island. He has experience in educational psychology, clinical social work, family therapy and chemical dependency treatment.

Bob Anderson, Canaan and Kira Sable – Contributed photo

Canaan, a five-year old border collie, received the first 2017 dog license of the season at the San Juan County Auditor’s Office. Canaan is a champion agility dog, and has won many awards along with his owner Bob Anderson. Dog tags will be sold beginning Monday, November 28.

All dogs, three months of age or older, are required to be licensed in San Juan County. License fees are :

• Spayed or neutered $12.00
• “Natural” dogs $30.00
• Replacement tag   $2.00
• Late fee: $10.00 (applies after March 31)

Dog licenses are available at the San Juan County Auditor’s Office, and many other convenient locations.

• Orcas Island: Orcas Animal Protection Society, Pawkis for Pets, Eastsound Kennels
• Lopez Island: Sunset Builders, ARK Veterinary Clinic
• San Juan Island: Auditor’s Office, Harbor Veterinary Clinic, San Juan Island Animal Protection Society

Please call the Auditor’s Office at 378-2161 with any questions about dog licensing. A 2017 dog tag makes a lovely gift for your favorite canine!

Molbak’s Nursery and Country Village Shops 

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 galore. Join us for the day! 

• Date: December 10, 2016 
• Time: 8:05 AM eastbound 
• 8:25 PM westbound 
• Locations: Molbak’s Nursery in Woodinville
  Country Village Shops in Bothell 
• Cost: $40.00 – Transportation including ferry ticket 
  Does not include food or driver gratuity 

Reservations are required prior to December 7, 2016 

To register contact: Kathie Forsyth 360-378- 5071 kathie.forsyth [@] edwardjones.com 

Vonnie Harold 360-298-0859 yharold99 [@] gmail.com 

More information: www.sjigardenclub.weebly.com 

The Joy of Gardening is Sharing

GOES-R rocket ready for launch – NASA photo

Travis Ayers, the president of Luxel Corporation shares this news with you…

Dear Editor,

I had the privilege of seeing the launch of the GOES-R satellite in person this past weekend! More products made in Friday Harbor are headed for geostationary orbit approximately 22,000 miles away from earth.

From http://www.goes-r.gov/:

NOAA’s Next Generation of Geostationary Weather Satellites

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) is the nation’s next generation of geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and our nation’s economic health and prosperity.

The satellites will provide advanced imaging with increased spatial resolution and faster coverage for more accurate forecasts, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and improved monitoring of solar activity.

The GOES-R series is a four-satellite program (GOES-R/S/T/U) that will extend the availability of the operational GOES satellite system through 2036.

I thought your readers might enjoy this video as well.

Thank you,

Travis Ayers
President
Luxel Corporation

FHHS Girls Soccer says Thanks! – Contributed photo

Paul Hopkins shares this note of thanks…

It was a year of change.

The Friday Harbor High School Wolverine Girls Soccer team enjoyed another successful season that included several changes. The biggest of which was a brand new field at the new John O. Linde Community Park (Carter Avenue ball fields). The field is much larger and very well drained compared to what they’ve played on in the past.

The team thanks the people with the vision to design and start construction of the field and the private donors, large and small, who contributed to making it a reality. Thank you!

Kevin Loftus from the SJI Historical Museum shares this heads up and call for volunteers…

As we celebrated our 50th year anniversary in 2016, we began to look around at the archival collection we are so honored to care for, and realized it was time for a serious renovation project to prepare the Museum for the next 50 years. As a result, the Museum will be open on a limited basis from December 1 through April of 2017 in order to refresh and renovate our collection.

Because of this project, the Museum will not be holding its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration this year. We do look forward to December of 2017, when we will be presenting this time-honored tradition once again.

Volunteers will be needed for the Archive Project, beginning in January 2017. Please email project coordinator Diana Mancel at [email protected] or Museum Director Kevin Loftus at [email protected] if you would like to be a part of this effort.

There is a need for organizers, researchers, photographers, amateur archivists, exhibit planners, and just about every facet of volunteering one could imagine. There will be a volunteer orientation, specific tasks, and the opportunity to contribute your time and efforts in continuing to make the San Juan Historical Society and Museum a vital part of the community for years to come.

Once again, San Juan Island National Historical Park will be holding a Holiday Social at the English Camp Barracks on December 10th from noon until 2:00 pm.

All park friends, volunteers and the public are invited to gather to celebrate the holiday season and coming new year.

Please bring some of your favorite cookies or holiday sweets to share. Hot cider will be served.

Remember to dress warmly!

During the off-peak season, shopping on-island during the holidays is a powerful way for residents to invest in our local economy. The San Juan Islands Insider app and Instagram are great tools that help our local businesses engage and reward their customers throughout the entire year.

Friday, November 25th is the start of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Shop San Juan Island campaign that rewards residents and visitors alike for shopping at local businesses this holiday season. At the center of the campaign is the San Juan Islands Insider app and the Chamber’s new Instagram account, @SanJuanIslandChamber, which shoppers can use to earn big discounts at local businesses.

The Shop San Juan Island campaign runs now through December 18th. The winner of the grand prize will be announced, Monday, December 19th. Islanders Bank, the only community bank headquartered in San Juan County, is once again sponsoring the grand prize of an iPad.

Starting November 25th, Chamber Executive Director Becki Day will post a photo of an Elf on the Shelf at a different local business. Followers of @SanJuanIslandChamber on Instagram are invited to guess the location by commenting on the Chamber’s daily post. Every correct guess earns individuals another entry into the December 18th iPad drawing. Each day’s Elf on the Shelf location will be announced the following day on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

San Juan Islands Insider app users collect points when they visit local businesses. Those points can be redeemed for big discounts around town at Rewards locations listed in the app. Also, when users visit the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, 135 Spring Street, they can redeem 10 Insider points to enter their name into the grand prize drawing. Individuals can redeem 10 points every day between November 25th and December 18th, each 10 points giving them another chance to win.  

San Juan Islands Insider is a free mobile app available from the App Store and Google Play. Businesses interested in becoming Rewards locations in the San Juan Islands Insider app should contact Becki Day at the San Juan Chamber of Commerce at 360-378-5240 or [email protected].

Movies at Mike’s Cafe & Wine bar

Tuesday, November 22nd from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Taming Wild and Lime Kiln Park & the Killer Whales

Movies are FREE and donations are welcome.

Plan to come early to enjoy Mike’s great vegan meals and wine. Mike’s Cafe & Wine Bar, 135 2nd Street, Friday Harbor.

On November 21, Friday Harbor Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) launches their Second Annual Deposit a Gift Fundraiser!

The FHES PTO provides all elementary school field trip bus services and serves as the fill-in-funding that our SJI School District and the SJ Public Schools Foundation monies don’t cover. This online fundraiser through Deposit a Gift raised just under $10,000 last year and we hope to surpass that amount this year. Any denomination is greatly appreciated.

Next week, November 29 is #GivingTuesday and on that day the Deposit a Gift crowdfunding site will waive their administrative fee allowing more of your donation to go directly to the school and to the projects in need.  All donations to the FHES PTO are tax-deductible and may be made anytime throughout the year. Over 400 students at FHES need your support!  Thank you for giving!

Here is the link for the online fundraiser, please share with anyone you know who wants to support Excellence at our FHES:

http://supportingexcellenceatfhes.mydagsite.com/

It can also be found on our FHES website:

http://www.sjisd.wednet.edu/FHES