The Orca and Salmon Recovery Workshop will take place at the Beaty Museum on campus at the UBC Fisheries Centre in Vancouver, B.C. on Friday, November 21st from 12:00 to 5:30 pm.

The workshop will involve scientists, agencies and relevant stakeholders to better understand what can be done to enhance salmon recovery as a part of Southern Resident Killer Whale recovery.

Confirmed presenters include:

• Lance Barrett-Lennard – UBC and Vancouver Aquarium
• Andrew Trites – UBC-Fisheries Centre and member of the Independent Science Panel on the Workshop to Evaluate Effects of Salmon Fisheries on Southern Resident Killer Whales

Prior registration is required.

Thanks to generous support from the UBC Fisheries Centre, we are able to offer this workshop for a nominal fee of $5. Registration is available now through The Whale Museum’s website at http://whalemuseum.org/pages/upcoming-events.

This workshop is sponsored by Orca Network, the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists and The Whale Museum.

Questions can be directed to Cindy Hansen, Education Curator at The Whale Museum: (360) 378-4710 ext. 23 or cindy [@] whale museum [.] org.

At the November 6 meeting of Island Rec Board of Commissioners, the County Assessor notified the Commissioners of the Assessor’s office error in calculating Island Rec’s tax revenue. The Board was shocked and disappointed by this news. Rebounding from this recent development, Island Rec’s Board is looking into how best to continue providing its parks and programs that are an integral part of this community.

This error also affects High School Sports. In 2009 voters approved Island Rec’s levy with 41% of the tax dollars collected going directly to the school to fund the sports program.

Island Rec will keep the public informed of decisions made as they work through the budget implications of this devastating information. Public comments to Island Rec Board commissioners are always welcome.

Go to www.islandrec.org for Board contact information or call Sally Thomsen, Director of Island Rec at 378-4953.

During a routine audit of the property tax levy for San Juan Island Park and Recreation District, the Assessor discovered that he had mistakenly adjusted the levy rate above the maximum amount approved by voters. Assessor Charles Zalmanek said that he is responsible for the error and he has apologized to the Board of Island Rec for the hardship this will cause.

What happened is that the Assessor calculated the levy rate (expressed in cents per $1,000 of assessed value) so that each year the levy amount (total dollars collected) increased by the one percent limit factor. Unlike most other property tax levies, the levy rate should not have exceeded the original rate approved on the ballot and with decreasing property values it should have caused a reduced levy amount to be collected. The result was taxes were collected for Island Rec over the amount allowable under the law for the past three years in the amount of $377,192.72.

The Assessor has consulted state statutes that anticipate this type of problem and confirmed with the Department of Revenue on how to make an adjustment. The financial implications are sobering for Island Rec. First, the tax rate will be reduced to the voter approved maximum, then it will be adjusted further downward for each of three years to cover one third of the overpayment. The Assessor estimates that the tax revenue to Island Rec will be reduced from $605,000 in 2014 to $305,000 in 2015, which is the final year of their six-year levy. Continue Reading

From the popular “cake walk” to inflatable bouncy houses, the third annual FANS Carnival returns to the San Juan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 15 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Organized by Island Rec’s support group FANS (Families and Neighbors Support Island Rec), the indoor carnival features some 20 games booths as well as the “Wacky Fun House” and “Jungle 5 in 1 Combo” inflatable play structures. Carnival favorites like cotton candy and sno-cones will be available and the Kiwanis’ “FAN Friendly Café” will offer hot dogs, soda and chips. There will also be free face painting and fortune telling.

Admission is also free. One dollar tickets will be sold for the games (all include prizes), inflatables and food, with items ranging from $1 to $2 each.

FANS was formed as a nonprofit to create new opportunities for Island Rec to expand its parks, programs and services. Most recently, FANS helped to secure a new stage for Music on the Lawn and to expand the scholarship program for Island Rec activities.

For more information or to volunteer at the carnival, contact Cathy Kromer at 370-5315.

The Problem of Not Being Scared of Monsters by Dan Richards

Come and meet children’s author Dan Richards for a special after school event for children and parents at Griffin Bay Bookstore on Tuesday, November 18, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. “I love telling stories and talking about the craft of writing. School visits make me happy.” And he’s doing just that, visiting three Friday Harbor schools on November 17 and 18:

• Friday Harbor Elementary School
• Paidea School
• Stillpoint School

Dan is eager to tell some stories and sign copies of his debut children’s book.

“The Problem with Not Being Scared of Monsters” is Dan Richards’ first picture book and comes from his years of research: checking under beds, peeking into closets and chasing after things that go bump in the night.

You might not know it, but you’re lucky if you’re scared of monsters. Our hero is not scared at all. Which complicates things. What’s a boy to do with a cast of misbehaving monsters? Is there really a problem with not being scared of monsters?

The School Library Journal gives The Problem with Not Being Scared of Monsters kudos and says:

“Intrepid monster lovers will delight in reading again and again this list of irksome consequences of being friendly with these creatures.”

Illustrated by Robert Neubecker Ages 4—8, PreK—3

About the Author
Dan Richards has been using his imagination since childhood to write poetry, songs and stories. In 2010 he graduated from the University of Washington Writing for Children Program where he wrote his debut picture book: The Problem with Not Being Scared of Monsters.

This adorable girl is “Mae” and she’s a newcomer to the shelter, having been rescued by a kind island resident while visiting Yakima recently. Mae and a companion Chihuahua were both found running the streets of Yakima as strays, so we don’t have much information about her background.

What we do know is that she’s about a year old, a little bit shy at first, but very cuddly and affectionate once she gets to know you. She does well with cats and other dogs and is up to date on her vaccines. She will be spayed later this week and available for adoption soon! Stop by the shelter to meet her!

Here’s a note from San Juan Island EMS…

Dear Community,

Thank you for voting on the EMS levy. We respect your decision. Yes, we are disappointed, but are resolved to continue our mission of serving our community with excellence and quality.

• First, we will try to maintain essential services despite our current financial constraints. We will further scrutinize every dollar we spend.
• Second, in an effort to maintain essential services, we will review expenses and forestall capital improvements and equipment purchases.
• Third, if revenues cannot sustain essential services, we must reduce or eliminate our long standing benefit of “no out of pocket costs for District residents” for 911 and ground ambulance services.

Going forward, we will continue to serve our community to the best of our ability, and appreciate all those who support this effort.

Sincerely,
Chief Jim Cole, San Juan Island EMS
Dr. J. Michael Edwards, SJCPHD#1 Chairperson

Here’s Rod Turnbull with another FHHS Fall playoff update…

Below is an update on this past week’s post season activities. Pretty exciting times in Wolverine athletics.

• Boys Tennis – Although few in numbers, our boys tennis team still participated in the 1A/2B/1B District tennis tournament at Amy Yee tennis center on Friday, October 24, 2014. We sent 1 singles player and 1 doubles team. Unfortunately each lost in a first round loser out game.

• Girls Volleyball – Our girls traveled to Napavine High School to take on Life Christian in a loser out winner to state game on Wednesday, November 5. Unfortunately, the girls came up a little short losing to Life Christian in three close sets and have been eliminated from post season play. Congratulations girls on a great season.  Continue Reading

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans joins with the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition for its November program. Scheduled is a Community Conversation, open to the public, about Healthy Choices and Prevention.

In November 2012, 69 percent of the voters in San Juan County approved Initiative 502, the Legalization of Marijuana for Recreational Use. How does this legislation impact San Juan County?

Many questions around this new law, its policies, rules and regulations are arising. Learn about facts and available resources assisting our community in having informed conversations and make local decisions to address the issues.

The public is invited to attend this joint meeting on November 14th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Presbyterian Church in Friday Harbor.

Complimentary lunch will be provided from 11:30 – noon to those who make a reservation: please email prevention [@] centurytel [.] net or leave a message at 360-378-4921. Not attending lunch? – Just show up for the meeting!

San Juan Island Prevention Coalition (SJIPC), founded in 2003, is part of the Prevention Program of San Juan County. SJIPC’s mission is to reduce substance abuse among youth and to create a community culture supporting healthy choices and responsible behaviors by youth and adults. Coalition members will lead participants in a lively interactive session.

The non-partisan LWVSJ works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influence public policy through education and advocacy.

Round the County Race – John Miller photo

John Miller shares this beautiful photo of sailboats in this past weekend’s Round the County Race. Kind of a light wind race this time. Thanks for sharing your photo John!

The doors of the new Islands’ Museum of Art will open for the first time December 5 with the exhibition “Unveiling: The Best of the IMA Artists’ Registry.”

A longtime tradition, the IMA Artists’ Registry show and sale features artists from all the San Juan islands in an annual event showcasing their work just in time for the holiday season. A diverse collection of more than 50 works of art, from paintings to pottery to textiles will be displayed in the brand new IMA museum at 540 Spring Street, beginning with a free reception December 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The show runs through January 25. Admission is free. Please call 378 5050 for more information, or visit www.sjima.org.

A Gift to the Islands

Quick, who is the most famous author ever to live in the San Juan Islands?

Probably it was Charlotte Paul, who wrote a string of popular novels in the 1970s and ’80s after moving to Lopez. The first of them was “Phoenix Island,” a million-copy bestseller telling the story of nine survivors stranded without communication after a tsunami. Though Charlotte located her island far off Washington’s west coast, she modeled it closely on the San Juans in homage to her new home.

“Phoenix Island” has been out of print for many years, and Charlotte herself passed away in 1989. But now, as a gift to the islands, local Islander Press has acquired the rights from Charlotte’s heirs and issued the book in a re-edited 35th Anniversary Edition. You can buy the ebook from your favorite online bookseller, or ask an island bookstore for a print copy. (Islander Press does not sell directly to readers or bookstores but is distributed by the largest U.S. book wholesaler.)

For more on “Phoenix Island,” Charlotte Paul, and Islander Press, visit www.islanderpress.com.

Thank you San Juan County for your vote of confidence.

I am pleased and proud to continue to serve as your County Clerk.  I enjoy my work and am dedicated to maintaining the reliability of the Superior Court records, as well as fulfilling all of my office’s statutory and mandated duties.

The Clerk’s office is always open to assist you.  Look for the sign above our door with the little red airplane!

Thank you,
Joan P. White, County Clerk

The library writes new chapter in convenience by offering pre-loaded Playaway® digital audio books to patrons. Each palm-sized unit is permanently loaded with an audio book to make listening as simple as pressing play; bestselling titles are available.

San Juan Island Library is hosting a reception on Wednesday, November 12 at 5 pm to launch its new collection of Playaway audiobooks for adults. The Playaway is the first self-playing digital audio book.

Half the size of a deck of cards, Playaway is the simplest way to listen to a book on the go. With every title recorded in HD Audio, Playaway’s audio quality is unsurpassed. Using clearly marked buttons, Playaway gives listeners the ability to move back and forth within or between chapters and alter the speed of a narrator’s voice. It even has an automatic bookmark feature that remembers where you left off. Additionally, Playaway has a universal headphone jack that works with almost any type of headphone or mobility accessory.

“Playaway’s simple functionality and immediate usability separate it from other audio book formats,” said Laurie Orton, library director. “With Playaway, our patrons can enjoy best-selling content with first-rate digital audio.” Continue Reading

Friday Harbor Film Festival presents a Very Special Double Feature Screening on Monday, November 10th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm of two award winning films that were sold out at the Film Festival and are worthy enough to screen again and together. Showing at the Whittier at the San Juan Community Theatre, Friday Harbor.

Damnation
Is the story of WHY removal of defunct Dams is a worthy effort.

The Return of the River
Is the story of HOW a Dam is removed on the nearby Elwa River

All Friday Harbor Film Festival passes and tickets are valid for this screening or you may buy a single ticket at the door. 2 films for only $15 Share this news and plan to attend!

Also –
They will be doing an encore screening of “Red Sky in Mourning”  at The Grange, on Friday November 14th at 7:00 pm.  Tami Ashcraft will be attending and handling Q & A.

Bill’s Ament – SJ Update file photo

Bill & Rita Ament are teaching a Beginners-Intermediate East Coast Swing Class. Easy and fun, lots of great music!

5 Sessions on Wednesdays, 6:45-7:45 pm, starting November 12. Call to pre-register 378-9628.