Posted March 7, 2015 at 9:46 am by Tim Dustrude
Know Your Islanders Talks: A Special Addition
Meet Lee Taylor, Superintendent of San Juan Island National Historical Park, to hear about the accomplishments of our park in 2014 and the plans for 2015.
This is a special addition to the Know Your Islanders Talks, just as Lee has become a special addition to our island.
San Juan Island Public Library Main Salon, Wednesday, March 11th, 7:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.
Posted March 7, 2015 at 5:24 am by Tim Dustrude
“Dude” is this week’s Pet of the Week – Contributed photo
Hello there. My name is Dude. Not to be confused with “The Dude” of Big Lebowski fame. I’m just Dude. Although, my friends here at the shelter also call me “Old Blue Eyes” because I have these gorgeous peepers.
I just arrived here at the animal shelter and find the accommodations very nice, and I’ve met so many nice volunteers who seem to enjoy walking me…
But I’m a shy guy and would really love to find a nice quiet home of my own. I’m a standard size Dachshund and only two years old. Any chance you’d like to meet me? The Dude Abides….and so do I!
Posted March 6, 2015 at 5:57 am by Tim Dustrude
Park Interns doing field work – SJINHP photo
San Juan Island National Historical Park will hire three paid, full-time intern positions through the Youth Conservation Corps this summer, according to Jerald Weaver, park chief of Integrated Resources.
The Resource management positions will start June 29 and run through August 21 and pay $9.47 an hour (Washington State minimum wage) for 40 hours per week. Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 19. The application period opened March 2 and will close April 15.
Resource management assistants supplement park staff in a variety of resource and park-related tasks, Weaver said. Duties include plant propagation, seed collection, weeding, exotic plant control, videography/photography, trail maintenance, interpretation and education.
“The positions will be tailored to each candidate’s individual strengths and career aspirations,” Weaver said. “What is essential is a desire to learn and grow and a positive attitude.”
The following knowledge, skills and experience are desired: Continue Reading
Posted March 6, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s a revised press release from the School District regarding the search for a new Superintendent…
Please note that the candidate visitation formally scheduled for Wednesday March 11, has been changed to Monday March 16. Our final dates for three candidate visitations are Monday March 9, Tuesday March 10, and the FOLLOWING Monday March 16. Community members are encouraged to come to the Middle School commons to meet the candidates and provide feedback to the board on each of these days from 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
The San Juan Island School District announced today the three finalists for the position of Superintendent. The final interviews will stretch over three days as each candidate spends a full day on the island on either March 9, 10 or 16. Much of the day will be spent meeting and speaking with school district staff, administration and school board. Any island citizen wishing to meet the candidates and provide feedback to the Board is encouraged to do so between 4:30 and 5:30 each day in the middle school commons. The Board will especially appreciate hearing from citizens who can meet all three candidates.
Mr. Eric Nerison
Currently the Langley Middle School Principal, Mr. Nerison has been a Director of Technology and C.T.E. (Career and Technical Education) Director at South Whidbey Langley. His career started in North Kitsap as a special education teacher. Mr. Nerison has a range of leadership experiences including technical education and administration, director of special education, curriculum and professional development and as a Middle School Principal. He received his Superintendent Certification from Seattle Pacific University completing the Executive Leadership Program.
Dr. Danna Diaz
Currently Assistant Superintendent for the El Paso Independent School District in Texas, Dr. Diaz has also served as Director of Student Engagement for Fort Worth Independent School District and as Regional Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. Her career started as a bilingual teacher in 1987. She has twice been recognized as “Teacher of the Year” for her work. She also served as an elementary principal, education specialist and resource coordinator. She received her PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Texas.
Dr. Gregory McMann
Most recently the Superintendent of Springer Municipal Schools in New Mexico, Dr. McMann taught for seventeen years prior to moving into higher education and receiving his PhD in teacher education. He has also served as Curriculum Director for Sweetwater School District #2 in Green River Wyoming and principal in Albuquerque. He has served on and chaired a major committee for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Posted March 6, 2015 at 5:46 am by Tim Dustrude
Here’s Merri Ann Simonson with another Real Estate News story…
Merri Ann Simonson
IRS Section 1031 – Tax Deferred Exchange
Another positive sign of real estate market recovery for our County is an increase in buyers and sellers utilizing a 1031 exchange. During the recession when appreciation was non-existant there were no gains for buyers and sellers to defer. Many sellers decided to hold off and wait for more recovery.
As a 1031 exchange is a handy tool for deferring income tax on the sale of real estate, I thought you might desire more details about the program. As typical for any IRS code, the description material tends to be dry so reading this article may function as a sleep aid as well.
What is an IRS Section 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange? Quite simply, it allows you as the owner of investment property (almost all property that is not your personal residence or second home) to sell your property and buy another investment property, deferring the tax on your capital gains. You do not have to find someone to accept your property in trade for the one you buy. Continue Reading
Posted March 6, 2015 at 5:41 am by Tim Dustrude
Ferry at dock in Friday Harbor – San Juan Update photo
County Council member Rick Hughes, along with members of the Ferry Advisory Committee will be holding a Public Outreach Meeting to discuss the Ferry Reservation System.
The meeting will be held on Friday, March 13th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm in the Lundeen Room of the Orcas Senior Center.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide community members the opportunity to share their thoughts as to what works well and what needs attention.
Individuals are asked to share specific circumstances in an effort to identify issues.
Posted March 5, 2015 at 12:55 pm by Tim Dustrude
The next Community Dinner is Wednesday, March 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and will feature a Southern Style Menu prepared by the Food for Thought Program and Mr. Hendrick’s Baking Class:
$12 for adults and $6 for children under 12 (suggested donation is per plate)
Funds support the Food for Thought Program and Chef 1.0 student Internship program
Posted March 5, 2015 at 5:41 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Island Library contracts with Innovative Interfaces to use
Polaris ILS
The San Juan Island Library is switching the software used to manage Library services (books, movies, and patron records) to help Library staff serve users better. The Library announced the upgrade along with notice that it has been awarded the 2015 EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award from the Public Library Association, an affiliate of the American Library Association.
The Library selected the Polaris integrated library system (ILS) after a year-long process of comparing more than 10 software systems. Staff developed a 400 point score sheet to evaluate various functionalities, appearance and ease of use for the volunteers, staff and the public. Staff attended demonstrations and visited other libraries to see different systems in use, and concluded that Polaris ILS would best serve the needs of the San Juan Island community.
In order to transition away from the current ILS, the Library will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, March 23-24, 2015. During the transition placing new holds, purchase requests and interlibrary loan requests will also be suspended from March 16 through March 24. Continue Reading
Posted March 5, 2015 at 5:39 am by Tim Dustrude
Wednesday, March 18, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm in the Mullis Community Senior Center at 589 Nash Street, it’s the San Juan Community Blood Drive.
For information and to schedule an appointment, please contact Curt Van Hyning by phone at: 317-8399 or by email at:
cvanhyning [@] gmail [.] com
The blood drive is sponsored by the San Juan Island Lions Club
Keep these five easy steps in mind:
Posted March 5, 2015 at 5:38 am by Tim Dustrude
Click to see flyer
Peace Island Volunteers will again be selling Easter baskets filled with goodies, both edible and nonedible, on Wednesday, March 25th, from
9:00am to 1:00pm in the main lobby of Peace Island Medical Center at 1117 Spring Street.
The baskets are wonderfully creative, unique, and personal, as each item in every basket was carefully selected, and many have a special theme. Come and pick out a perfect basket for that special person!
All proceeds benefit Peace Island Volunteers, to help fulfill its mission to support and promote healthcare services at PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center and in the San Juan County Community. For more information, please call (360) 378‐4224.
Posted March 5, 2015 at 5:35 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan County and Local 1849 (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) have settled on a collective bargaining agreement for the years 2015-2017. Union membership overwhelmingly ratified the contract on Friday, February 27th, and the County Council promptly followed suit by accepting the contract at its March 2nd meeting.
The contract, five months in the making, provides for the continuation of existing healthcare benefits for employees and their families along with a 2% cost of living adjustment per year of the contract. In addition, a handful of revisions were made to clarify the calculation of overtime, bereavement leave, grievance procedure, and safety wear allowance. It was the first time the parties used an interest based bargaining model to reach agreement.
“The agreement took longer than I think either party would have guessed back in August, but the outcome is a fair agreement that supports the county’s employees while at the same time being fiscally responsible,” said Mike Thomas, County Manager. Union president Colin Maycock said “The member’s rejection of the first tentative agreement in November made it clear that more work needed to be done to craft an equitable agreement.”
Posted March 5, 2015 at 5:29 am by Tim Dustrude
This evening at the Library…
Each month we cover ten of the possible questions prospective citizens must answer to become naturalized US Citizens and review the English grammar covered in the citizenship test. Thursday, March 5, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Library. Free.
Posted March 4, 2015 at 5:50 am by Tim Dustrude
John Miller has done it again, and shares this awesome photo with Update readers…
“Sun going down, moon coming up, hawk taking flight” – John Miller photo
Tim,
There is an old tree on our property and this hawk is a sometime visitor – I call it ” Sun going down, moon coming up, hawk taking flight”
John
Posted March 4, 2015 at 5:49 am by Tim Dustrude
San Juan Historical Museum checks in with this month’s History Column…
Florence Guard Douglas – SJ Historical Society photo
In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we salute the long history of the Women’s Study Club, active on the island for 95 years.
Prior to disbanding in 2008, its members’ dedication to community service and lifelong learning contributed much to a growing town – and inspired countless future civic leaders, male and female.
One such dedicated member was Florence Guard Douglas, pictured here, who was president of the club in 1936. We know from her daughter Jackie Hubbard (90 years young now) that Florence loved her role in the club and its varied educational programs. Here’s to you, Women’s Study Club and past members! If your family has a photo of a club member to share, please contact the San Juan Historical Museum.
Posted March 4, 2015 at 5:45 am by Tim Dustrude
The PTSA is sponsoring a Rummage Sale at the high school on Saturday, March 14th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
This is a great opportunity to get rid of some things you don’t want anymore, or to pick up some things you didn’t know you needed. Also, it benefits the wonderful kids in the class of 2015, as well as helping to provide a safe and fun grad night for them. Click here for the full poster with more info.
Posted March 4, 2015 at 5:40 am by Tim Dustrude
Barbara Marrett from the Visitor’s Bureau shares this request…
Hi Tim,
Would you help us get the word out regarding voting for Friday Harbor as Best Small Coastal Town on 10Best USA TODAY?
The folks at 10Best USAToday told me that they keep specific voting numbers proprietary, but gave me the current percentages of the total vote for each of the top 5 nominees and Friday Harbor. They have agreed to update me periodically. Friday Harbor is not doing poorly, in the 11th spot, considering our population base of around 2,000 versus towns of up to 20,000! We just need to get more people to vote more often. I know we can do better!
There’s still plenty of time to rock the vote to secure Friday Harbor’s top spot by sending voters to http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-coastal-small-town/friday-harbor-wash/ or the shortened link http://bit.ly/1EhpnBO for Twitter. Anyone can vote once a day per device, and voting is open until Monday, March 16th, 2015 at 8:59 PST. Winners will be revealed Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 at 8:59 EDT.
Today’s standings:
Thanks for helping us get the word out!
Barbara
