Here’s the latest from the Land Bank…

2015 was a busy and exciting year for your Land Bank! Here’s a look back at some of the highlights:

Reiss Donation
The Land Bank received the ultimate anniversary gift from Paul and Beatrice Reiss in August 2015 – a donation of 30 acres on San Juan Island’s Westside! While the property is not yet open to the public, the Land Bank hopes to establish trails and allow access sometime late next year.

March Turtleback March
It was sunshine and smiles during the Land Bank’s inaugural “March Turtleback March” over Turtleback Mountain Preserve. Over 90 people, from ages five to sixty five, met at the park’s south trailhead and climbed aboard the Camp Orkila bus for a ride to the north trailhead, to take part in the five mile trek over the preserve. Continue Reading

New members of the Public Hospital District board Bill Williams, Barbara Sharp, and Monica Harrington, and Superior Court Judge Don Eaton – Tim Dustrude photo

Newly elected Public Hospital District board members Monica Harrington and Bill Williams were sworn in yesterday by Judge Don Eaton in the Superior Courtroom. The two will begin serving six-year terms on January 1st. New board member Barbara Sharp was present in the courtroom, along with about 30 friends and family members of the three.

Sharp, who was elected to fill an unexpired term with two years remaining, took office once the election was certified and was sworn in by Michael Edwards, board chair, at the December 2nd meeting. Edwards was also present at yesterday’s ceremony.

June Arnold, Chair of the San Juan Island School Board, shares this letter with you about the upcoming School Levy…

This February 9th, our school district will ask the voters of San Juan Island to renew a Capital Projects and Technology Levy. This levy will both ensure ongoing maintenance and repair of our school buildings (which we the taxpayers own), as well as provide our students and teaching staff with the classroom space and technology infrastructure required to be productive citizens in this digital age.

School funding has been in the news a lot lately and it’s probably worth a quick discussion of how schools in the State of Washington are funded, what has happened recently, and why this levy is so important to our community.

There are four tax based sources intended for education: State, Federal, local Maintenance & Operations, and local Capital & Technology. State funding or what is normally referred to as Basic Education funding is provided on a per student basis. Approximately 80% of these dollars are dedicated to paying teachers and support position salaries. The remainder pays for operations of the schools; things like utility bills, insurance and limited classroom supplies.

Next there is Federal funding, and you may have recently read the about the Every Student Succeeds Act. Continue Reading

The Medical Teams International Dental Van is returning to the Mullis Center, on Friday, January 22nd and Saturday, January 23rd.

Fish For Teeth and the SJ County Health Department are sponsoring this clinic to provide dental care for anyone who is financially unable to afford it. Applications can be picked up at:

• SJ County Health Department
• The Family Resource Center
• The Mullis Center

Or, they may be downloaded from our website fishforteeth.com and dropped off at the Health Department.

Please note that the application deadline is Monday January 11th. Also, please understand that the kind folks receiving your application have nothing to do with scheduling; scheduling will begin, according to severity and space, the week prior to the clinic.

Moving the merchandise – Tim Dustrude photo

Gail and Randy share this note with you…

Cotton Cotton Cotton will be closed from January 1st through February 10th, 2016.

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the support we receive throughout the year and we can’t wait for you to visit us at our new location on Spring Street.

We are so excited for the new year and look forward to seeing everyone when we re-open in February with new merchandise!

Happy New Year!
Gail and Randy

Town Offers Curbside Christmas Tree Collection on January 8, 2016

Customers inside Town limits may place Christmas trees out for curbside collection on Friday, January 8, 2016. Trees should be placed at the curb no later than 9:00 a.m. and should be separate from other unbundled trash and woody waste.

To ensure the success of the tree recycling program, please remove all tinsel, stands, lights, and ornaments, as these items can contaminate mulch and compost. Plastic tree bags should not be used for tree disposal. Artificial or flocked (painted) trees will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please contact the Town of Friday Harbor at (360) 378-2810.

Screen shot from Pacific Northwest Seismic Network

A 4.9 earthquake occurred just a few miles west of San Juan Island at 11:39 pm on December 29th. More info at the USGS Seismology website.

M/V Tokitae under construction in March of 2013 – WSF Photo

SEATTLE – Washington State Ferries is starting off the New Year with construction of a new Olympic Class ferry. WSF signed a Notice to Proceed last week with shipbuilder Vigor Industrial for work on its fourth 144-vehicle ferry, and work begins in January. The new ferry is funded through the Connecting Washington transportation funding package. Construction is slated to begin in January with delivery expected in mid-2018.

Along with the Tokitae, Samish and Chimacum, the fourth Olympic Class ferry improves fleet reliability and safety by replacing four of the state’s oldest ferries built during the 1950s and 1960s.

“Our top priority is keeping the ferry system safe and reliable for the millions of commuters, freight haulers and travelers who depend on us every year,” said WSF Chief of Staff Elizabeth Kosa. “Thanks to state lawmakers and critical funds from Connecting Washington, we are able to meet some of the ferry system’s most urgent needs, including building this new ferry.”

The fourth ferry will be built at Vigor Industrial, supporting about 500 jobs at Vigor’s Seattle shipyard and contractors around the region. The budget to build the vessel is $122 million, and delivery is scheduled for mid-2018. The Washington State Transportation Commission is leading a public process to determine the fourth ferry’s name.

Olympic Class ferries are equipped with the latest emergency-evacuation and fire-suppression systems, two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevators, and wider car-deck lanes that provide more room for passengers to access their vehicles. The vessels’ hull design reduces wake and provides better fuel efficiency, while cleaner burning engines reduce emissions.

The first two Olympic Class ferries were delivered on time and under budget. The third vessel, under construction at Vigor, is on schedule, under budget and will be assigned to the Seattle/Bremerton route in early 2017.

Island Rec invites you to take part in the First Annual Resolution Run 5k scheduled for a 10am start on Friday January 1, 2016. This is a family and dog friendly fun run, that travels from Roche Harbor Resort, around White Point and back to the Resort.

Register now -$20 for kids 12 and under and $25 for racers 13 and older. The first 75 people registered will receive a free water bottle. Register online at www.islandrec.org, in person at the Island Rec office 580 Guard St.

Pick up race numbers and complete day of registration from 8:30-9:30am in front of the Hotel at Roche Harbor. Call Island Rec at 378-4953 for more information. Thank You to Roche Harbor Resort, FANS, and San Juan Fitness for helping Island Rec put on this great event!

One side is happier than the other, I think…

Here’s another photo from Ted Strutz for your viewing enjoyment…

Town of Friday Harbor Receives Clean Audit from State for 15th consecutive year.

The Washington State Auditor’s Office has completed the 2014 review of Friday Harbor’s financial records and has given the Town a clean audit report. This is the 15th consecutive year the Town has received a clean audit. The State auditors conduct annual reviews of each of the Town’s fund accounts including Current, Special, Debt Service, Proprietary and Fiduciary Funds.

Mayor Carrie Lacher and Town Administrator Duncan Wilson credit Finance Director/Treasurer Kelle Wilson and her team for the continued positive audit reviews. “I am extremely happy that the Auditor’s Office has once again confirmed the outstanding work of the Town Finance Department,” said Mayor Carrie Lacher. “The citizens are very well served by this group of dedicated professionals.”

Washington State law (Chapter 43.09 RCW) requires the State Auditor’s Office to examine the financial affairs of local governments. The State Auditor’s Office audits more than 3,000 local governments ranging from the largest counties to the smallest special-purpose districts. For more information about the SAO and to review audit reports and other relevant information, please visit their website www.sao.gov.

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

Pardon me, but you look like you could use a friend…..A loyal, true friend who will always be by your side, through thick and thin, joining you for all of life’s adventures. And mis-adventures. And dog treats. And belly rubs. And car rides. And dog treats.

My name is Nick and you probably won’t believe this, but I, too am in the market for a friend. Coincidence? I think not. I’m a great guy – only 3 years old and about as lovable as a dog can be. I’m gentle and quiet and lots of fun to be with. YOU? You are a kind-hearted individual who would love the companionship of a snuggly, cuddly guy like me! It’s kismet! It was meant to be! What could be more perfect? All you need to do is come down to the Animal Protection Society and meet me! Easy-peasy. We’re going to have a lot of fun together, you and I…..

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

“Basic education funding” provided by the State of Washington is not sufficient to fully fund school district capital facility improvements and technology. The District’s general fund, funded through state basic education dollars and the local maintenance and operations (M&O) levy, pays for the daily operating expenses and minor repairs of our facilities.

“Capital and Technology funds” are necessary to handle major repairs, system replacements, and improvement of facilities as well as educational and support systems provided through technology. The current, expiring levy rate is $0.33 per $1,000.00 assessed value.

The district is asking voters to approve a four-year levy of $0.46 per $1,000.00 assessed value, an approximate annual cost of $227.00 for a home assessed at $500,000.00.

Approval of this levy provides for the continuing excellence of our school facilities and also sustains the delivery of a first rate education supported by a strategic replacement schedule for technology systems and devices.

Further, this capital and technology levy continues to assure that a greater portion of the general fund is directed to sustaining high quality instruction and reasonable class sizes.

The full list of district capital and technology needs can be found on our website at www.sjisd.wednet.edu

If you have questions, please call Superintendent Danna Diaz at the District Office at 378-4133.

Lady Wolverine Allie Galt goes for the hoop in a recent game against the Lynden Lyons – Ted Strutz photo

Ted Strutz shares this photo from a recent Lady Wolverines game. Thanks Ted!

Click to enlarge

Get basic instruction in using your Apple iPhone or iPad. Learn how to save contacts for easier phoning. Learn how to use built-in apps like the camera and Siri and how to connect to WiFi, find websites, and download apps. Bring your iPhone or iPad and your Apple ID password.

Get Familiar with your iPhone
Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 3 to 5 pm

Get Familiar with your iPad
Wednesday, Dec. 30 from 3-5 pm

Both workshops will be held at the San Juan Island Library meeting room and they are free, but be sure to register as only limited space is available.

Folksinger/Songwriter Britt Arnesen will play at the Rumor Mill on Tuesday evening – Contributed photo

Britt Arnesen performs at the Rumor Mill on Tuesday, December 29th from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Here’s more about the Alaskan folksinger-songwriter from her website…

Britt Arnesen knows how to draw the woody magic out of a 1957 Gibson J-50. Rich tones from the old guitar inspire her just like music from the time it was made. Known for strong lyrics and memorable melodies, Britt’s songwriting puts a present and personal spin on the folk sounds of decades gone by. For more about her, check out www.907britt.com.