Monthly Bill Credit for Low Income Households

OPALCO’s Project PAL provided grants to 255 co-op member households during the 2015-2016 heating season for a total of $44,913 awarded. An independent committee of co-op members distributes the awards with a priority to serve seniors and members with disabilities.

Project PAL is funded through voluntary donations made by co-op members, primarily through the bill round-up program. PAL is designed to help those in need during the heating season and is limited to one grant per year.

In 2016, OPALCO launched a monthly bill credit program for low-income member households. Energy Assist provides a bill credit of between $10 – $25 per month, year-round, to qualified households. While Project PAL meets emergency needs during the time that bills are at their highest, Energy Assist is designed to maintain affordability for members who need it every month. In addition, co-op members who qualify for these programs can also receive a monthly credit for Internet services on your Rock Island Communications bill.

A Low-Income Needs Assessment conducted in 2015 showed as many as 1,500 households in San Juan County could meet the qualifications for both Project PAL and Energy Assist. Only about 10% of those households have applied for energy assistance to date and funding is still available. Eligibility for bill assistance is based on federal program qualification; if a household receives other federal assistance (free lunch, SSID, County Property Tax Relief, etc.) they will be qualified for energy bill assistance as well. Fill out an application (PDF) or call 376-3500 to see if you quality – and tell your neighbors who may need help.

Here’s a link where you can donate to PAL.

Time to get into the water – SJ Update file photo

In the Update mailbag today we find a note from Amy Wynn at SJI Fitness…

I am so excited to be teaching beginner swim lessons this summer with Susan Williamson at San Juan Fitness. We’ve designed a program for beginners of 5 half-hour lessons, Monday through Friday. We’ve noticed in the past how quickly children progress when they have swim lessons five days in a row compared to spread out over weeks. Each day builds on the last and they progress so fast!

It sure would be swell if your readers could spread the word to their friends and neighbors with children who could benefit from this… and if you have the means, sponsor a child you know so they can learn to swim! Here are the details –

Swim Lessons for Beginners: Monday through Friday, five 1/2 hour lessons, plus a swim pass for a lifeguarded family swim so they can show you what they know. $40 a session. Team taught by Susan Williamson & Amy Wynn. Ages 4+

• Session 1 June 20-24
• Session 2 June 27-July 1
• Session 3 July 11-15

Times:

• 9:00 in the Big Pool for beginners who are comfy floating and ready to move
• 9:30 and 10 Small pool for beginners.

For more information or to register, call SJI Fitness at 378-4449. You can also send an email to
swim [@] interisland.net or call/text Susan at 472-1235

Larry Soll of the Summer Film Series shares this note with you…

Only one more week until the curtain goes up for the Tuesday Night Film Series at the Community Theatre! Beginning June 21st at 7:30 pm (please note time change!!), we will screen an independent movie beginning in the Whittier.

The films have been selected to be both enjoyable and thought provoking. If you haven’t already purchased one, punch cards are available at the Theatre Box Office. Punch cards good for 10 admissions are $55. As a special inducement, folks under 25 can purchase a punch card for only $35. Single admissions will be available for $8 the night of the show. Punch cards can be shared.

Also, we encourage you to “make a night of it” by enjoying dinner and movie with friends. Vinny’s Ristorante is offering 10% off your entire food bill when you show your punch card or ticket. This offer is available every Tuesday during the Film Series.

Here is a description of our first film:

June 21, 7:30 pm

Mustang (2015) PG-13 97 minutes (subtitled)
Early summer in a village in Northern Turkey. Five free-spirited teenaged sisters splash about on the beach with their male classmates. Though their games are merely innocent fun, a neighbor passes by and reports what she considers to be illicit behavior to the girls’ family.

The family overreacts, removing all “instruments of corruption,” like cell phones and computers, and essentially imprisoning the girls, subjecting them to endless lessons in housework in preparation for them to become brides.

As the eldest sisters are married off, the younger ones bond together to avoid the same fate. The fierce love between them empowers them to rebel and chase a future where they can determine their own lives in Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s debut, a powerful portrait of female empowerment. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film.
See trailer here.

Kim Wickman at Be Chic Boutique – Contributed photo

Kim Wickman of Be Chic Boutique is the SJI Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month. Congratulations Kim! Here’s a bit more about the shop in Kim’s words…

Be Chic Boutique has been around as long as we can remember… at least 15 years. I took over 4 years ago in August and have loved every minute of it! In the beginning I was a little worried I took on too much; however, with the support of my family, friends, and most of all my locals it has been an amazing ride! The locals have been here for me every step of the way and I truly appreciate everything everyone has done!

I feel like here at Be Chic we can cover you “head to toe”! We do not just carry jeans, tops, shoes, and jewelry (some locally made jewelry); we also carry intimates, scarves, handbags, and now a small men’s department! We are always evolving and welcome input from our customers.

Please stop by and see what is new at Be Chic! We are open 7 days a week and look forward to seeing you soon!

Be Chic
125 Spring Street

Scott Kirby – Contributed photo

Ragtime, blues and Americana pianist Scott Kirby showcases a multi-media stage performance at San Juan Community Theatre on Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Main Street Souvenirs features live piano music, a spoken narrative, and a video presentation—all in celebration of the American heartland.

The visual “projected” dimension of the program will accompany both the narrative and the music throughout (featuring such composers as Scott Joplin and John Philip Sousa), and will consist of Kirby’s original artwork, his video footage, his photography and archival photos. The narrative, also written by Kirby, reflects a thematic progression, weaving different concepts about small town American life together with musical, visual and literary examples which illustrate these themes.

Kirby, who lives in Boulder, CO, served as Musical Director of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival Rocky Mountain Ragtime and American Music Festival in Boulder, as well as director of the San Juan Islands Ragtime Institute.  He has been critically acclaimed for his interpretation of ragtime music.

The Business Partner for Main Street Souvenirs is Islanders Bank. Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for student reserved: $5 student RUSH is available at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

Update from San Juan Island School District Superintendent

Dr. Danna Diaz – Contributed photo

Greetings Community Members,

This month, sixty-four seniors received their high school diploma as they crossed the stage and graduated from Friday Harbor High School. Congratulations!! We hope your future is full of joy and infinite possibilities! We are proud of your accomplishments!

As I have stated before and I will continue to reiterate, I appreciate all the students, parents, teachers and staff that have made this a successful year. We made it! Thank you for your dedication, commitment and hard work! We are making a difference in our community, state, nation, and world!!

We will be embarking on a new website and logo. You will see changes this summer and we should be up and running before school starts. Many stakeholders voted on the website template and logo. The “Canopy” template won and the Bull Kelp logo will be used in all of our communication including letterhead, email signature, website, etc. We are excited about the future. I would like to personally thank Lisa Salisbury, Val Curtis and Deb Nickelson for their dedication to this project!

This summer, you will see a transformation with the construction at our schools. The high school will have a new roof and the elementary school will receive a new sprinkler system. Thank you Garrett Holmes and Jose Domenech!!

I look forward to the next academic year. If you have any questions regarding our schools and/or district, don’t hesitate to contact me at 370-7905 or dannadiaz [@] sjisd.wednet.edu. Thank you for your continued support.

Island youth get the chance to work on their soccer skills during free drop-in clinics on Saturday, June 18 at the Friday Harbor Elementary School fields.

Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec (FANS) and Challenger Sports are sponsoring the clinics, aimed at children ages three to 12.

Coaches from the British Soccer Camp program will lead the program. The clinics run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for ages three to five; 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for ages six to eight; and 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for ages nine to 12.

“These are both good introductions to soccer and a way to brush up on skills,” said FANS president Kyle Loring. “Plus, they’re a fun preview of the British Soccer Camps that take place later this summer.”

No registration is necessary for the clinics; however, parents should arrive about 15 minutes early to sign waivers. Island Rec is taking registration for its British Soccer Camps in August at www.islandrec.org.

This is the sixth 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

If you’ve visited the Elections office around Election Day, you may have seen a group of people sitting around the table in the back room. There may have been cookies or candy on the table, and there were likely cups of coffee or tea around.

It might look like a coffee klatch, but it’s not. This is a dedicated group of semi-volunteers (they are paid, but very little) who seasonally assist in the Elections Office. Technically, their title is Elections Workers. We call them the “A Team.”

Most counties hire extra workers during elections; King County hires, literally, hundreds. In San Juan County, we keep a pool of about 10 workers on the roster, and call in from 2 to 8 at a time, depending on the election and the availability of internal staff.

Their role is to help with ballot processing. Ballot processing starts, of course, with regular staff. A key requirement of ballot processing is working in pairs. From the first step – which is picking up the ballot envelopes – ballots are never handled by one person alone. That means you may occasionally find the Elections door locked during election periods, with a “back in 10 minutes” sign on the door, while both staff members go to the post office or the ballot box to pick up ballots.

The next step is to put the ballots in batches of around 50 (both staff members count the number in each batch), and assign numbers to each batch. Each batch gets a tracking sheet, which will stay with it throughout the processing cycle.

Signature verification follows. Staff work individually while verifying signatures, but to ensure that no ballots go missing, they count each other’s batches before and after verification.

That’s when the A Team comes in. Continue Reading

3 Generations – Heather Easley, Lily Easley and Debbi Staehlin at the Ribbon Cutting celebration of My RC Vision – Tim Dustrude photo

In case you missed the announcement the other day – there’s a new store in town. “My RC Vision”. It is located at 135 Spring Street. That’s just inside the arcade there between Spring Street General Store and Spring Street Deli.

They just had a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday with the Chamber of Commerce and Town Administrator Duncan Wilson in attendance. Following are some remarks made at the event by mother and co-owner Debbi Staehlin…

“My daughter and I were first introduced to the world of RC through my husband; he enjoys constructing and deconstructing RC helicopters, as well as flying them. His passion for the hobby led to the opening of our first location and Internet business in 2012.

Since then, my daughter and I have taken over the business, but we felt like something was missing. We realized that we wanted to be more involved with our community. We are enjoying sharing our knowledge of the hobby with our guests and swapping stories with veteran hobbyists. We have a full time tech that handles warranty and repair services for customers near and far.

We are having several Grand Opening sales going on for our lines of DJI, Yuneec, Walkera, and speedboats. We are also having a Grand Opening Giveaway of a Walkera Glider with a Devo 10 Remote Control (Retail value $349.95). For every $50 you spend, you will receive a ticket for this drawing that will be held on June 30th.”

Griffin Bay Bookstore and the San Juan Island Library are collaborating to introduce readers and history buffs to La Conner author, Ashley Sweeney, and her debut novel Eliza Waite on Saturday, June 18, 7:00 pm at the Library.

Set in the San Juan Islands in 1898, Eliza Waite recounts the story of a disenfranchised woman who finds her way in the world, first as a preacher’s wife in the San Juan Islands, and then as a successful business owner and enlightened woman in Skagway, Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

After losing her husband and only child, Eliza takes refuge in the islands. Ungainly and bookish, she prefers her own company and subsists with careful planning. Her single joy is baking, which she rarely can afford to do. Endowed with a streak of independence, she has always chafed against society’s attitudes toward women. After reading some of the feminist writers of her time, and as she emerges from her grief, she imagines new opportunities.

Ashley Sweeney – Author of Eliza Waite – Contributed photo

With a name change and no small dose of courage, she heads off to the Klondike in search of her future, joining the rough and tumble fortune seekers who flocked to the gold fields. She lands in Skagway where she opens a bakery with the support of friends from unlikely quarters. She begins to flourish as a business owner and independent woman, while facing threats that could undermine all she has built.

Part diary, part recipe file, and part Gold Rush history, this is a story about trail blazing, reinvention, and grit, as well as a colorful time in American history.

About the Author
A native New Yorker, Ashley Sweeney lives in La Conner. She is a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts and is an award-winning journalist in Washington State. Eliza Waite is her first novel.

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

Hello everyone. I’m Milo. I just overheard someone at the animal shelter saying that black dogs are always the last to be adopted. Whaat?

How can that be? I’m just a little fella – only about ten months old and I’d make such a great addition to your family! I’m a little bit shy when I first meet someone, but I warm up right away and will be snuggling in your lap before you know it!

I would certainly love to meet you and show you just how great black dogs like me are! If you already have a dog or some cats, that’s even better! I love other dogs and think cats are great!

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

Just got this letter from Right-of-Way Driving School about the upcoming races next weekend, and how we can all contribute to a fun and safe event:

This is just one of several race courses next weekend. Click the links in the article for more

Sharing the Road with Cyclists, Runners and Race Officials
Attention Drivers, – on Saturday June 18th the Lakedale Three Lakes Triathlon will kick off its 4th year with cyclists and runners on the roadways. Also on Sunday the 19th, it’s the 15th Annual King’s Market San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k, where runners will be on the roads challenging themselves and each other.

To Drivers we ask:

1.  Slow down and obey the posted speed limits and caution signs.
2.  Yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
3.  Use caution when passing Athlete Aid Stations.
4.  Allow three feet when passing bicyclists.

To Athletes we ask:

1. Not to wear headphones; you need to be able to hear if a car is approaching.
2. Slow down and check for oncoming traffic before entering or crossing any street or intersection
3. Do your best to anticipate hazards and adjust your position in traffic accordingly.
4. Be predictable: ride with the flow of traffic and Run against traffic, and in a straight line

Saturday, June 18th Triathlon Event Course Maps:

• Olympic Swim Course Map
• Olympic Bike Course Map
• Olympic Run Course Map
• Sprint Swim Course Map
• Sprint Bike Course Map
• Sprint Run Course Map

Sunday, June 19th Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K Course Maps

• Marathon Course Map
• Half Marathon Course Map
• 10K Course Map

Here’s to another a safe and beautiful event for each and every athlete and volunteer “motivators” from start to finish.

Just got a note from Bill and Rita Ament. Looks like they found a place. Bill says…

We are moving.  We need 4 strong and reliable men.  If you have a truck, it’s a big plus.  We desire to start moving on Monday, June 20th and the rest of the week.  We have rented a moving van on Saturday, June 25th, and our desire is that we are done by June 25, and not need the moving van at all.  We will pay.  Call 378-9628.

SJ Update file photo

The Grand opening of “Democracy Corner,” the San Juan County Democrats 2016 election headquarters in Friday Harbor, will be on Tuesday, June 21st from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Everyone is invited to join State Representative Kris Lytton, State Senator Kevin Ranker and local party leaders and volunteers to kick off the election season at this year’s location, 335 Argyle Avenue, between Cecil’s and The Computer Place.

Rep. Lytton will speak at 1:30 pm, with Sen. Ranker to be on hand as his service on jury duty permits.

Democracy Corner will be open through the November election, with volunteer staffing from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm daily except Wednesdays. Campaign materials will be available for Democrats running for State and Federal office, for locals running for County Council, and on ballot measures, all for the August 2 primary and November 8 general elections. The location also provides a welcoming venue for political discussions and various campaign activities.

Just a reminder – you can still volunteer to help with the SJ Fitness / Lakedale / King’s Market Triathlon and Marathon this year and help out Purple and Gold at the same time!

Every year, Purple and Gold receives a stipend from SJ Fitness for coordinating volunteers for these events.

Purple and Gold, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, then uses this money to help support sports and athletic programs at the school – Things like sports uniforms, food for state-bound teams and also 2 scholarships every year: 1 for a boy and 1 for a girl.

You can help support these programs by volunteering to help with the Triathlon and Marathon happening this year on June 18th & 19th. Click here and SCROLL DOWN the page to sign up to volunteer. Or visit their Facebook page  and let them know you’re wanting to help out.

SJ Update file photo

What?
The hazardous waste roundup collection event is our once-yearly opportunity to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive or other hazardous chemicals.

Why?
Proper disposal protects your health and the health of the workers that handle your waste. Proper disposal also keeps chemicals out of our drinking water and out of the environment.

Where?
At your island’s solid waste facility (aka, “the dump”).

When?

• San Juan Island – Businesses:
  Friday, June 17th, 1 pm to 3 pm
  (pre-registration required)
• San Juan Island – Residences:
  Saturday, June 18th, 10 am to 2 pm
• Orcas Island: Saturday, June 25th,
  10 am to 2 pm
• Lopez Island: Sunday, June 26th,
  11 am to 2 pm.

What can I bring?
Pesticides, fungicides and other poisons, gasoline and other waste fuels, wood preservatives, oil-based paints and stains, solvents and thinners, pool and photo chemicals, resins, corrosives, degreasers, cleaning products, spent fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, mercury, rechargeable batteries, propane cylinders, and aerosols. Continue Reading