EDC offers FREE workshop on business planning and financing

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE workshop for small businesses and entrepreneurs on Orcas Island, on Monday, October 17th from 12:30-4:00 p.m. Advance registration is required.

The business and financing workshop course material will be presented by Tony Salas of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County, a management consultant for over a decade.

As part of the workshop, Salas will cover business financing, discuss a variety of financing options and will provide a reality check for those considering a new or expanded business venture. He will be available for one-on-one consultation after the workshop.

Participants in the workshop will leave with the resources and support they need to create a business plan including a realistic financial plan. In addition, Salas will cover current federal and Washington State tax incentive programs for small businesses.

Details: San Juan Island, on Monday, October 17th from 12:30-4:00 p.m. at the Orcas Fire Hall. Advance registration is required; please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

The Spring Street International School litter team earlier this year – Contributed photo

Halloween litter pick-up on San Juan Island!

Some participants in our annual spring Great Islands Clean-Up have suggested that we do another litter pick-up in the fall to spruce up our roadsides and beaches after summer’s outdoor activities have ended.

Everyone can help. On Saturday, October 29, simply go outside and take a little walk, armed with a trash bag, and pick up any litter that you see. That day, the transfer station is open 9 am to 4pm and will accept all collected litter for free.

So get some fresh air! Get some exercise! Have fun picking up litter with friends, family, and/or work colleagues!

The county needs to keep track of litter-pick up efforts in order to qualify for available grants. If you decide to participate, please either complete the litter form that is available at the transfer station, or email Lori Stokes (loristokes3 [@] gmail.com), telling her how many people you worked with, what street(s) or beach(es) you cleaned, how long you were out, and about how much distance you covered. The transfer station will keep track of the total weight of all litter brought there.

Thanks to everyone who pitches in to help keep our island “litter free by the sea”!

United Way of San Juan County is inviting 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in Health, Education, and Income Stability to apply for a 2017 grant to make a difference in our island communities.

Please go to our website, http://www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org/ for more information, or email us at unitedwaysjc [@] rockisland.com for more information.

Together we can make a difference!

Just heard some sad news from Marie DiCristina – 

Alex Ashley – Contributed photo

The Rumor Mill welcomes Alex Ashley this coming Friday, October 14th.

A rare, triple-threat singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, Alex creates an electrifying amalgam of insightful lyrics, profound storytelling, sultry, smoky vocals and razor-sharp guitar playing that brings his songs to life with nostalgic effervescence.

At just 26 years old, he has been described as “that of a well-seasoned musician with years of traveling [and playing] every juke joint on the road…” His debut full-length record “Babylon,” is due to be released in 2017. But you can see him Friday at 7:00 pm at the Rumor Mill.

by Sylvia Yamada and Craig Staude

A green crab and numerous staghorn sculpins from the catch of a Fukui-type trap. Photo credit: C. Staude.

“Sylvia, I think we caught one!” Craig Staude shouted excitedly as he and his team of volunteers opened a baited trap in a tidal channel near the sculpture park at Roche Harbor on August 30th. Sure enough, the 74-millimeter-wide male was the first live European green crab ever caught in Washington’s Salish Sea! Why is the discovery of this green crab specimen such an important find?

The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has invaded temperate marine communities around the world since the time of sailing ships. When abundant, green crabs are voracious predators on native species including clams, oysters, and crabs. They are also ecological engineers, causing damage to valuable eelgrass beds by ripping up the plants in search of food. The potential for such damage is precisely why the discovery of green crabs in the Salish Sea is of such concern to biologists and aquaculturists on both sides of the border.

Continue reading…

EDC offers workshop on mindfulness for business

The San Juan County Economic Development Council will present a FREE workshop on the topic of mindfulness in business, on Monday, October 17th from 1-2:00 p.m. on San Juan Island. Advance registration is required.

Mindfulness was once considered a fringe movement in the Western world, but is now being used by companies around the country – including Fortune 500 businesses like Aetna and Google.  Employers have found that it lowers health costs, improves employee productivity and helps business owners and employees stay sharply focused on tasks.

The workshop will be taught by noted management consultant, Mike Sanders, author of the book Advanced Multitasking.  From his website, www.advanced-multitasking.com:  “Mike Sanders is a senior program manager, change manager, instructor, public speaker, technical writer, published author, and Native American. He champions a collaborative, servant-leader approach to management with a passion in organizational psychology.”

Details: San Juan Island, on Monday, October 17th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the SJI Library.   Advance registration is required; please call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email: info [@] sanjuansedc.org.

The EDC thanks San Juan County government, our ports, the Town of Friday Harbor, Heritage Bank, Islanders Bank and the Department of Commerce for their support of this workshop.

This month’s SJI Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month is San Juan Wireless, Inc.

Joy and Dennis Sevier of San Juan Wireless – Contributed photo

San Juan Wireless began as San Juan Cellular in 1998.  At that time, they were located at the Technology Center and were exclusive AT&T and DirecTV dealers.  Since then, they have moved to the Guard Electric Building on Mullis Street and became an exclusive Verizon Wireless dealer plus retained DirecTV and changed the name to San Juan Wireless.

“Our move to Friday Harbor was a result of wanting to be closer to our Waldron Island homestead property plus to really live the San Juan Island life.  It seems an impossibility that this business is 18 years old!”

Dennis and Joy arrived in 1998 with 20 years of combined telecommunications background so that equals 38 years today! “We are very grateful to each of our loyal customers for allowing us to reach this milestone.” Today, San Juan Wireless offers all of Verizon Wireless’s services including cell phones, tablets, homeconnect, aircards, etc.

“We are proud to continue to provide DirecTV service to the San Juan Islands as they remain the premier satellite provider.  If you ‘mistakenly’ call DirecTV directly and are told your location can’t get the satellite signal, just call San Juan Wireless for a free survey.  Also, come to the store for the latest iPhone 7’s and iPhone 7 accessories plus Samsung Galaxy 7’s and more.  We at San Juan Wireless are proud to be an 18 year member of San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce and encourage all local businesses to join.”

Joy and Denny Sevier
San Juan Wireless, Inc.
360-378-8260 – 360-317-5220

Bobby Ryan at the SJ Community Theatre created this teaser video to promote the upcoming production “The Woman in Black”.

Atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror take center stage in this spine tingler that has been taking the London stage by storm for some 27 years.

Steven Mallatratt’s play-within-a-play highlights a lawyer (Floyd Bourne) obsessed with a curse that he thinks has been cast on his family.  He hires an actor (Tyler Ryan) to tutor him in recounting to family and friends the story of that dark and stormy night he first encountered the specter of “The Woman in Black.”

Director Bobby Ryan has assembled a team of volunteer sound and lighting specialists to bring the haunting production to the Whittier stage.  “Like telling ghost stories at a campfire, it is our imaginations that create a delightfully chilling experience,” said Bobby.  “The sound and lighting are integral to that immersion into the play.”

The show opens Friday, October 14. More info at the theatre’s website.

Islanders Bank is pleased to offer a FREE Community Seminar on Cyber Security.

Date & Time: October 28th, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
Location: Gubelman Room, SJI Community Theatre

Topics covered will include:

• Cyber Threats
• Cyber Security
• Computer & Mobile Device security
• Safe internet browsing and social media use
• Tips for parents & kids

This event is open to all island residents. We look forward to seeing you!

This is the the tenth in a series of articles about elections in Washington State by San Juan County Auditor F. Milene Henley. The County Auditor administers elections and voter registration in the County…

Milene Henley – Contributed photo

Hey, Millennials! This one’s for you. Everything you ever wanted to know about elections is online, in an easy to use, mobile-friendly tool.

Want an early peek at the Voters’ Guide? How about the ballot itself? Have you ever wondered if your current ballot has been processed yet, or if the Elections Office received your ballot for a previous election?

Answers to all of these questions and more are available for Washington voters with the touch of a finger. MyVote, Washington’s premier online voter tool, provides 24-hour access to important voter information, including registration details, contact information for elected officials, an online voters’ guide, location of ballot drop boxes and voting centers, and ballot status.

With the general election looming, you might want to verify that the Elections office has your correct mailing address. If it needs updating and you have a valid Washington driver’s license or state ID card, you can update your address online, through MyVote. If you’re not yet registered to vote, the site will re-direct you to the online voter registration tool. If you’re not registered and have no state-issued ID, the site will tell you how to register by mail or in person, at the local Elections office.

A recent update to MyVote significantly enhanced its accessibility features. Developed in collaboration with multiple disability advocacy groups, the new site is compliant with Federal access guidelines, works with all common screen readers, and utilizes color and design to enhance legibility. MyVote is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. Continue Reading

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

This, my friends, is the face of an honest dog. Yessiree. I may occasionally stretch the truth or exaggerate a little, but I will never lie to you.

My name is Wally and I’m a heeler mix with lots of energy and loads of spunk. I’m patiently waiting here at the animal shelter for you to come adopt me, but in the meantime, allow me to give you some advice from an honest dog:

• Be loyal and faithful.
• Chase after your dreams; especially if they are cats or tennis balls.
• Take naps.
• Never stop playing.
• If you have a tail, wag it often.
• Learn new tricks, no matter your age.
• Immediately eat anything that falls on the floor. You can throw up later if you need to.

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

Alison Caruso is looking for volunteers to help put on this fun event…

Transform a 10,000 square foot space into a haunted walk through in one weeks time…

The actual event will be:

• Friday October 28th 5-10pm (note this will be for ages 10 & up as we will have people scaring people) $10 per person
• Saturday afternoon Oct 29th 2-6pm (note this will be for ALL ages~~ NO scares) $5 per kid or adult
• Saturday night Oct 29th 6-10pm (note this will be for ages 10 & up as we will have people scaring people) $10 per person

Load in on Monday October 24th. This entails emptying out my storage, located right by the library & taking everything to the fairgrounds. The more people to help with this, the faster we can get it done. I did this last year by myself, but it would be a breeze with help.

All day and night Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday until 2pm, DECORATING time! This is an ALL hands on deck event. Especially Tuesday when we need the walls & the tarps hung. No decorations can go up without the foundation. The more help with this, the easier it will be to decorate. (feel free to bring a ladder! lol) Continue Reading

Sherrie Willows 1941 – 2016

Sherrie Willows, 75, of Manchester, Washington, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Malvern, Pennsylvania on February 4, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Shirley and Richard Stratton of Deland, Florida. Sherrie began her professional career as a Registered Nurse and worked in hospitals and clinics before opening her massage business, “The Healing Touch,” in Friday Harbor, Washington in 1974.

Sherrie was a graduate of Penn High School before getting her nursing degree at the University of Connecticut. After moving to the west coast in the early 60’s, she lived in Eugene, Oregon and Seattle, Washington before moving to Friday Harbor, Washington where she raised her three children: Kurt, Keith and Amy.

Sherrie was an adventurer, traveling around the world with her family for a sabbatical year and in later years, whenever the opportunity arose. She was a SCUBA diver, pilot and teacher of other massage therapists. She volunteered for many years at the Friday Harbor schools, working in any capacity needed. She adored music and loved to laugh, joining choirs like the San Juan Singers and the St. David’s Episcopal Church Choir. She also enjoyed performing in several productions at the San Juan Community Theatre.

Sherrie left an indelible mark on our hearts and is survived by her children and their spouses, Kurt (Jennifer) Willows of Everett, Washington; Keith (June) Willows and Amy (Dan) Draves of Seattle, Washington; her siblings Jackie Stratton of Seattle, Washington; Richard and Carol Lynn Stratton of Uniontown, Ohio; and Thomas and Beverly Stratton of Roseville, Minnesota; her grandchildren Elsa and Ian Willows of Everett, Washington and Angus Willows and Sam Draves of Seattle, Washington; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 11:30 AM at St David’s Episcopal Church, 780 Park St, in Friday Harbor followed immediately by a reception. Her ashes will be laid to rest at Valley Cemetery on San Juan Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Sherrie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s association: http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_join_the_cause.asp

Online condolences may be shared at http://jazzfishma.wixsite.com/saswmemorial

From the SJ Update mailbag…

Dear Editor,

Many of you know that I am passionate about recycling and the need for siting of Essential Public Facilities.  I can attest to the fact that over the last 4 years, Bob Jarman has been the only Council member to agree to meet with me on these two issues, and to publicly support Community Treasures’ activities.

Last month I organized a public meeting to discuss the future of Community Treasures and its being at a crossroad. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gvfbjOLM5Q   The questions and answers are posted on youtube as well.  I invited Bob Jarman and Bill Watson to that public meeting via email. Bob Jarman was the only Council member to show up and speak in support of CT.  I hope Bill Watson will, at some point, see the value of CT, and speak out in favor of CT.

Months earlier when I asked Rick Hughes to meet with me on the topic, he wrote back, “I don’t think it is a good idea to meet.”  When I wrote back listing the Essential Public Facility issues and reasons to meet, he refused to reply.   When I challenged Hughes about not meeting with me on a ferry ride to Lopez, his reply was that he was not going to support me.

These are troubling times when Council members and those running for office will not stand up in support of recycling and the needs of Essential Public Facilities.

Frank M. Penwell

Just got this note from Chloe Klein…

I am teaching a family friendly Hip Hop class to benefit Beyond Type1, to help my amazing friend Henry Jensen raise money toward his goal!

Sunday, October 16th at 2pm at the Grange.

Come dance with us and if you are unable to join in person, PLEASE donate and you can be there in spirit! Thank you!
Sign up by donation by clicking on https://www.crowdrise.com/sarajensen2