Dr. Danna Diaz – Contributed photo

Greetings Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students and Community Members

This summer my family and friends visited San Juan Island. Their visit reminded me how important it is to nurture the genius and greatness in everyone. Every moment I spent with them, I learned something new, an acronym, a Spanish word, or how much smarter they are than me in areas that I am not an expert (and I can tell you there are many).

Let me share with you one story: It was my grandson’s second visit. This time, I asked a few local friends if they would assist us with one of our local cultural activities, kayaking, with my grandson. At first, he was apprehensive because he did not have any experience. Our friend, Humberto, was his teacher and guided him on the waters, Humberto explained how to paddle and turn left and/or right. Carmen assured my daughter and son-in-law, that Ian will be fine. By the end of the lesson, my grandson’s competence and confidence increased. His teacher, Humberto, did a great job.

As a proud grandmother, I ensured he had a play date with Cole and Kate Curtis. Children are experts with local cultural activities, such as, boats, kayaking, etc. It is easy for them. Their high level of confidence and competence was evident the day we went to Lakedale Resort and rented a boat. At first, Val and I explained to the children we had the boat for an hour. Cole stated, “We will row for 20 minutes”; Ian, my grandson exclaimed, “Let’s just row for 10 minutes.” Why would my grandson only want to be on the boat for ten minutes? I realized it was because of his level of competence and confidence. Continue Reading

Tim is on the mend – Jan Dustrude photo

Hi everyone. I am back on task with the editing and operations at the SJ Update.

Surgery was successful and I am on the mend. I want to give a great big Thank You to all of you who left comments with good wishes, healing thoughts, and prayers for my recovery – they were all appreciated immensely, and very helpful. What a wonderful community we have here on this little island! You guys rock! Thank you!

I also want to give a Huge Thank You to Peggy Sue McRae – Peggy Sue has been writing and posting her stories and photos (and yours) on the Update over the last month while I was unavailable, and keeping track of emails and all the loose ends that go along with running an operation like this. Her help was HUGE and allowed me to let go of all my Update responsibilities and just focus on healing.

Thank you Peggy Sue!

I look forward to seeing you all around town and at the fair this week. Thank you again!

A message from the Master Gardeners…

Master Gardeners Diagnostic Clinic – Contributed Photo

The San Juan County Master Gardeners have been busy with plant diagnostics. A dedicated group of Master Gardeners from San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands meet every 2 weeks to help diagnose problems gardeners are having. At our most recent clinic on July 21, one of our Lopez Master Gardeners even got a ride on a private plane to join the clinic team!

If you have questions, stop by the Extension office, where you can drop off your sample. The Master Gardeners also have a booth on each Saturday at the Farmers Market on San Juan Island and on many Saturdays on Orcas Island.

This year, the Master Gardeners will be diagnosing plants at our fair booth on Thurs. Aug. 18 at 10:00.

You can bring your sample to the fair on Wed. or drop it by the office earlier in the week.  Come visit our booth and we are happy to answer your gardening questions and provide info about our upcoming Master Gardener training program and our Fall Gardening Workshop.

Questions? Call us at 378-4414 or e-mail at mg.sanjuancounty (@) wsu (.) edu.

Ruth Offen at Waterworks Gallery invites you to join artist Catherine Eaton Skinner on Wednesday, August 17 th from 3 to 6 pm for her book signing…

Catherine Eaton Skinner – Contributed Photo

Her book, 108, is a beautiful, large, hand-bound book representing many years of art works inspired by the number 108. To learn what fascinates Catherine and the stories about her artwork, join us at the gallery for a book signing.

Marco – Contributed Photo

A message from Jan Murphy at the Animal Shelter…

I find your point of view very interesting. And refreshing. We should discuss the works of Descartes in greater detail. Soon. Or….it might also be fun to go to the beach and take in some hikes. Rides in the car are good, too. My name is Marco. I’m a very sweet, laid-back guy who gets along with everyone. I think you’ll find my gentle demeanor and ability to make polite chit-chat at cocktail parties very attractive. Let’s do this thing! Stop by the animal shelter to meet me soon. Those hikes aren’t going to take themselves…..

The Community Theatre applaudes its sponsors…

“Thank you sponsors! You made the Lights! Camera! Murder! an award-winning event! Bravo to all of you enthusiastic and energetic guests who made the evening shine!”

Orca Whales in South Haro Strait – James Maya photo

The Whale Museum’s 2016 Summer Lecture Series gets off to a start Monday, August 15 at 6:30 pm with a lecture by Michael Weiss on the social structure of our resident killer whales linking environment, social structure, and culture.  This talk will explore the drivers of social change and the cultural consequences of these changes, and discuss the future of research into the temporal dynamics of killer whale culture.

Weiss co-founded the Orca Behavior Institute with Monika Wieland. The OBI mission is to conduct non-invasive research on the Southern Resident Killer Whales, with a focus on social associations, acoustics, and behavioral response to prey availability.

Michael’s fascination with whales started at a young age with the gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon in Mexico. He started working with the Southern Residents in 2013, and presented his first research project at an American Cetacean Society conference in November 2014. He’s interned at The Whale Museum, volunteered on Soundwatch, and currently works as a naturalist for Western Prince Whale and Wildlife Tours.

The lecture is free to the public. For more information, call (360) 378-4710 ext. 30.

Peg Gerlock, Past Commodore of the San Juan Island Yacht Club, sent us a report on this year’s Shaw Island Classic and the results of the race…

Shaw Island Classic 2016 – Marc Forlenza Photo

43 Boats Finish Shaw Island Race by Peg Gerlock

The rare combination of being an “either way” race with sun and wind made the 46^th Annual Shaw Island Classic one to remember. Hosted by the San Juan Island Yacht Club, the race starts and finishes in Friday Harbor and circumnavigates scenic Shaw Island in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. It presents a navigational challenge as currents, wind and projected boat speed must be considered to determine which way to ‘round the island.

A falling ebb tide and robust 12 to 14 kt. S/SE winds at the start of the race split the fleet with about half sailing off in each direction. Brightly colored spinnakers filled with that SE wind for those boats making a run up San Juan Channel, while the counterclockwise boats beat to heading for Upright Channel.

“This was my seventh Shaw Island Classic and I think, with the S/SE breeze it was the most enjoyable yet,” said Nigel Oswald, skipper of the F-25C trimaran, Makiki. “Although there were some compelling reasons to choose either direction around Shaw this year, clockwise paid off for us, the deciding factor being a known favorable ebb through Wasp Passage.”

Shaw Island Classic 2016 – Marc Forlenza Photo

Wasp Passage, between Shaw and Orcas Islands, proved once again to be a notorious challenge with light wind and shifty current around Bell Island. Clockwise boats, arriving at Wasp Passage first, enjoyed the benefit of that favorable ebb as the other half of the fleet, now a bloom of spinnakers, crossed the mid-course line in Harney Channel. The race finished on a flood as sailors fought the current in both San Juan and Upright Channels. The wind softened again at Crane Island adding to the challenge of making it through the pinch point between Crane and Flat Point.

Continue Reading

A message from Lori Polevoi at PeaceHealth…

Red Hand – Peggy Sue McRae Artwork

Think you know how to wash your hands? Visit the PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center booth at the San Juan County Fair Aug. 17 – 20 to put yourself to the test.

PeaceHealth again this year is a sponsor of the fair and has set up hand-washing stations throughout the fairgrounds with posters listing the simple steps to proper hand hygiene. Additionally, at the PeaceHealth booth, visitors may test their hand-washing knowledge by using a special soap, rinsing their hands, and then examining them under an ultraviolet light to see spots that were missed. This fun challenge can provide a startling demonstration on how easy it is to spread germs via the hands.

Proper handwashing is simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of disease-causing germs, such as those that cause the common cold, which accounts for lost days at work and at school.

In addition to hand hygiene information, PeaceHealth caregivers will be on hand to distribute free sunscreen and lip balm and to provide information and answer questions about services available at PeaceHealth Peace Island.

An invitation from Conservation District Manager Linda Lyshall…

Dr. Roger Pulwarty, Director of NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and co-chair of the White House Task Force on Water, Energy, and Food Security is coming to San Juan Island on August 25 to talk about drought, water, and climate resilience. Please join us at Brickworks from 6:30-8:30 for a stimulating presentation and conversation. This event is free and open to all.

Pulwarty specializes in water resources, energy, agriculture, ecosystems and disasters management. He conducts research and assessments of social and environmental vulnerability and capacity for responding to climate variability and change. He also participates in national and international assessments of climate impacts and adaptation such as the International Panel on Climate Change.

For more information, please contact the San Juan Islands Conservation District at 360-378-6621 or energy (@) sjislandscd (.) org. Sponsored by San Juan Islands Conservation District, National Park Service, Islands Climate Resilience, and the Madrona Institute.

A letter to the community from SJISD Superintendent Danna Diaz…

Greetings Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students and Community Members,

This summer my family and friends visited San Juan Island. Their visit reminded me how important it is to nurture the genius and greatness in everyone. Every moment I spent with them, I learned something new, an acronym, a Spanish word, or how much smarter they are than me in areas that I am not an expert (and I can tell you there are many). Let me share with you one story. It was my grandson’s second visit. This time, I asked a few local friends if they would assist us with one of our local cultural activities, kayaking, with my grandson. At first, he was apprehensive because he did not have any experience. Our friend, Humberto, was his teacher and guided him on the waters, Humberto explained how to paddle and turn left and/or right. Carmen assured my daughter and son-in-law, that Ian will be fine. By the end of the lesson, my grandson’s competence and confidence increased. His teacher, Humberto, did a great job.

As a proud grandmother, I ensured he had a play date with Cole and Kate Curtis. Children are experts with local cultural activities, such as, boats, kayaking, etc. It is easy for them. Their high level of confidence and competence was evident the day we went to Lakedale Resort and rented a boat. At first, Val and I explained to the children we had the boat for an hour. Cole stated, “We will row for 20 minutes”; Ian, my grandson exclaimed, “Let’s just row for 10 minutes.” Why would my grandson only want to be on the boat for ten minutes? I realized it was because of his level of competence and confidence.

Will you believe that they were on the boat for over forty minutes and when they could not find a way back to the dock, Kate took over the boat as the captain and rowed them back without a hitch?   However, Cole and Ian were not finished. Kate disembarked and the boys went back and rowed some more. I was impressed how my grandson’s competence and confidence increased when he was engaged with other children his age and learned how to row a boat. He finished the day excited, positive and was explaining to his parents how he can get on boats and kayaks by himself, without any assistance. Remarkable!! Continue Reading

Milene Henley – Contributed photo

County Auditor F. Milene Henley sent us the quarterly review of county finances for the second quarter 2016…

I miss the recession. Oh, not the layoffs. Or the stock crashes. Or the gripping financial fear. But there are things I miss.

For one thing, everybody agreed there was a problem. Today, with construction picking up, tourism flourishing, and jobs returning, it’s hard to wrap your head about the idea that local government revenue is not keeping up with local government expenditures. In such a good economy, how can that be? Sadly, a good economy does not translate directly to improved government revenues. It can, however, raise costs for government, as it does for all residents. (Think housing.) Fact is, the County’s cost of providing basic services is rising faster than the revenue that pays for the services.

Back in 2009, there was no question that we had a problem: jobs were disappearing, values were falling, real estate wasn’t selling. Now, while real estate values haven’t recovered to their pre-recession levels, at least there’s activity. Lots of activity. As a result, real estate excise taxes (REET), which at one point had fallen so low that the Land Bank had to re-fund some of its outstanding bonds because it couldn’t make its loan payments, is soaring. REET also benefits the County’s capital program, which had slowed to non-existent for lack of funding. Now we’re able to fund both deferred maintenance and new projects.

I also miss the single-minded dedication persons both inside and outside the County showed during the bad times. County departments talked frankly about “sacred cows” and worked together to share resources. We trimmed a lot of “fluff” out of the budget. Voters could see that, and backed a $1,000,000 levy lid lift to save some of the County’s endangered programs. Continue Reading

A request from F. Milene Henley…

Two local taxing districts have submitted resolutions to the San Juan County Auditor to place tax measures on the November ballot. The Orcas Island Library District is proposing to increase its regular tax levy from 30.34 to 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. The Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District is proposing a one-year levy for 2017 in the amount of $80,000. The levy for 2016 was $115,000.

In order to ensure an informed electorate, it is the responsibility of each district to appoint committees to write arguments for and against its measures.  If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor.

Both the Orcas Island Library District and the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District have so far been unable to find writers of arguments against their measures. For that reason, County Auditor Milene Henley is seeking people interested in writing arguments opposing either tax measure.

Up to three people (per measure) may be named as argument writers, though they may seek the assistance of as many people as needed. Statements are limited to 250 words.

Please contact the Auditor at mileneh (@) sanjuanco (.) com, or (360) 370-7558, if you are interested in serving in this capacity.

Photo courtesy (c) goce www.fotosearch.com Stock Photography

Give your child the gift of nurturing relaxation through Yoga Calm.  Youth will learn how to deepen their breath to manage emotions, practice a variety of yoga postures, and develop healthy relationships during both partner and group yoga activities. An artful lead mandala meditation creation will be a part of both classes.  Come to one or both retreats!  A mindful, organic snack with a focus on gratitude will be offered.   Classes are FREE for children thank you to the generous support of the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and United Way of San Juan County.

Yoga Calm is an award-winning, K-12 wellness curriculum used by thousands of educators and therapists. It integrates simple yoga-based activities, mindfulness exercises and social/emotional skills-building games that help children improve their focus, learning readiness, behavioral skills, physical health and emotional stability.

Free Yoga Calm Retreats with Alice Hibberd
XYZ Movement Arts Studio, 689 Airport Center Rd
Saturday, August 13th  10:00-12:00
Sunday, August 14th  2:00-4:00
For Children entering Grades 1-5

Please pre-register with Alice Hibberd at [email protected], or 298.2186.  You can also try to join in by showing up at XYZ Movement Arts a few minutes early!  Alice is a certified teacher and has been teaching experiential education programs in art, yoga, dance and community building for youth on San Juan Island for 20 years.  

Captain Tad Lean, Chief Brad Creesy, Assistant Chief Noel Monin and Lt. Michael Henderson – Sheila Harley photo

The Board of Fire Commissioners for San Juan Island Fire Rescue recently confirmed career staff promotions for Fire Chief Brad Creesy, Assistant Chief Noel Monin, Captain Tad Lean and Lieutenant Michael Henderson.

The Board approved the promotions at the July 20, 2016 meeting after the staff worked in these positions for an interim period of six months.

San Juan Island Fire Rescue serves all of San Juan Island – including the Town of Friday Harbor – as well as Brown and Pearl Islands. Through a contract with the State Department of Natural Resources, the fire department also provides wildland fire suppression for all of San Juan County’s non-ferry served islands.

Predominantly staffed by volunteers, the agency operates seven fire stations, numerous fire engines and other vehicles, as well as the region’s fire boat. In 2015, the fire department responded to 325 calls for service.

For information on how to become a volunteer, contact San Juan Island Fire Rescue, 1011 Mullis St., 378-5334, www.sjifire.org.

Amy at San Juan Island Fitness just let us know that Clio Jensen will be teaching Synchronized Swimming for kids at the pool…

Synchronized Swimming has always been one of my favorite olympic sports to watch. Water, music, dancing, great moves…  it’s the best!

Now I am happy to announce that SJI Fitness is offering a class called “Intro to Synchro” August 22-26 from 2-4 pm each day for children 8-13. Check out the attached flyer for more details on the class and its awesome instructor, Clio Jensen.

Call Amy at 378-4449 or e-mail: swim (@) inter island (.) net to register or have your questions answered!