Here’s Merri Ann Simonson with a report on water sources for your real estate needs…

Merri Ann Simonson

When you first consider purchasing an unimproved parcel of land you should condition your purchase upon a satisfactory water source. Due to the risk of closing before the water source is determined, the days of clients purchasing land without the source are long gone.

If one hopes to use institutional financing, the lender will require that the water source be acceptable in quality and quantity; in addition to a valid septic system permit and access to a electrical power provider.

The majority of non-platted parcels in the San Juan Islands are serviced by individual wells. Most subdivisions offer access to a community water system, and some urban areas offer public systems.

Read the full report here (PDF)

Fire Station 33 on Bailer Hill Road – SJI Fire/Rescue photo

Here’s an invitation from Sheila at SJ Fire/Rescue…
Open House at Fire Station 33, 3189 Bailer Hill Road, will take place October 11, 2014 from Noon To 3:00 PM. Come see our beautifully renovated building, and the brand new Fire Engine – the first of six, and join us for hot dogs and snacks.

We will also be providing information about our Major Emergency Response Team, which will operate out of every fire station as an information center following a major emergency, such as a damaging earthquake.

Sheila Harley
Public Information Officer
San Juan Island Fire Rescue

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website.

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 Email: sueko [@] sanjuanco [.] com

The following is a list of current and upcoming vacancies: Continue Reading

Lyle and Joanie Mann celebrate 25 years – Shannon Dean photo

Next time you see Lyle or Joanie Mann, wish them Happy Anniversary! They just celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on Friday out at their house. A steady stream of family, friends and guests trickled in and out during the afternoon and at one point, Marc Franklin of Aeronautical Services (that’s where Joanie works full-time and Lyle helps out part-time), entertained everyone with his homemade Giant Soap Bubble Machine. Beautiful weather helped make it a great celebration. Congratulations you two!

Marc Franklin makes giant soap bubbles for the celebration – Tim Dustrude photo

Margie Doyle – contributed photo

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced today that Margie Doyle has joined the EDC team to work on economic development projects in the county. Margie Doyle comes with a wealth of experience in the publishing and communications industries, working currently as publisher and editor for Orcas Issues and previously as editor for the Islands’ Sounder. She is also currently the program coordinator for the Orcas Island Readiness to Learn program.

“We’re extremely pleased to have an experienced, business-savvy writer and entrepreneur like Margie Doyle working with us on EDC initiatives,” stated EDC Executive Director, Victoria Compton, “the EDC Board and I are excited to expand the work of the EDC even further in order to help strengthen our economy and our community.”

A San Juan County organization since the mid-1960’s and a nonprofit since 2003, the San Juan County EDC strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County, working to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs.

Skagit Valley College is currently seeking nominations of 10th through 12th grade students from Skagit, Island, and San Juan county high schools who have contributed to diversity on their campuses and in their communities. The students will be honored at the Champions of Diversity Awards ceremony on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 7-9pm on SVC’s Mount Vernon Campus.

Nominated seniors will also be considered for scholarships offered by Skagit Valley College, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, The Evergreen State College, University of Washington-Bothell, University of Washington-Seattle, Washington State University, Western Washington University, and several community organizations.

Nominees are often students who are:

1. Exercising significant responsibility in a family, a community, employment, or through activities
2. Demonstrating a commitment to community service and leadership
3. 1st generation college students
4. Attaining a college prep’ education in the face of significant personal adversity, economic disadvantage, or disability.

Nomination forms are available online at this link. The deadline to submit nominations is 5:00 pm on October 14th.

Nominated students in 10th and 11th grades are eligible to apply for a free 12-day Youth Leadership Adventure at North Cascades Institute; only senior students are eligible for scholarship awards. Approximately $228,000 in scholarships was awarded last year.

For more information, contact Anita Ordonez, Multicultural Student Services Director, at (360) 416-7786 or [email protected]

The San Juan Island School District, in partnership with San Juan Island private schools, local health care providers and San Juan County Health and Community Services, met on Sept 23, 2014 to coordinate immunization procedures and to better communicate matters of infectious disease control. There was a useful exchange of both ideas and information with a commitment to better serving the health and wellness needs of all our Island’s children. The concept of a San Juan Island School Health Consortium was established.

The team discussed the ongoing need to immunize students for the health and safety of all involved. One of the goals of the consortium was to ensure immunizations policies were being followed for part-time students, shared students, and student athletes. The team looked for systemic gaps so that improvements can be made both now and in the future. The recent scare with measles helped motivate the partners in their work.

Cost should not be a barrier for vaccinations. Washington State has done more to take down barriers such as cost or access for immunizations. Information was shared to demonstrate that vaccines do work.

The consortium also received an update regarding the Enterovirus EV-D68 which is now present in our state. Asthmatic students are particularly at high risk, and if infected may need immediate medical care for respiratory symptoms.

For further information the consortium recommends the following reference materials:

San Juan Island School District Policy 3414 www.sjisd.wednet.edu
http://www.doh.wa.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/

Grange Hall Suggestions, published in 1928 by the National Grange

SJI Grange #966 is sponsoring a program on Grange Halls of Washington State, Wednesday, October 15, at the Grange Hall

Holly Taylor, a historic preservation consultant from Vashon Island and a doctoral student at UW, will talk about her recent research on the history and preservation of grange halls. She has visited and documented over 200 grange halls in Washington State, looking at characteristics of both purpose-built halls, and those (like the San Juan Island hall) that were originally built for other uses such as schools, churches, clubhouses and commercial buildings.

Her presentation will touch on Progressive-era history of the Grange, consider why Washington State (still!) has more Grange members than any other state, and explore preservation issues related to rural and small-town community buildings.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014
San Juan Island Grange Hall
Potluck at 6:00 pm
Program begins at 7:00 pm

Map by Michele Savelle. Closely associated with farming regions, grange halls are clustered in river valleys in western and central Washington, and widely dispersed across the eastern part of the state.

Friday morning sunrise in San Juan Channel – Marty Starr photo

Marty Starr operates the M/V Henry Island, (you know that boat you see down at the marina that runs propane trucks and such to the outer islands), and he captured this beautiful sunrise over Mt. Baker and Shaw & Lopez Islands Friday morning. Thanks for sharing Marty!

On September 9, 2014 Friday Harbor Sailing Club’s Commodore Don Hendrix, was pleased to introduce two special guests from the San Juan Sailing Foundation. Sailing manager Paul LeBaron with high school senior Melanie Cope, were presented as representatives of the Foundation, a $500.00 check from the Friday Harbor Sailing Club for support of the Foundation.

FHSC has supported and encouraged islanders to learn sailing through the Sailing Foundation as it offers a quality training program with hands on sailing. Their website is www.sanjuansailing.org

The Friday Harbor Sailing Club is a family oriented boating organization for both power and sail members who promote and encourage amateur sailing, racing and powerboat activities. The club focuses on camaraderie, social events, cruising and racing within the local San Juan Islands and beyond. Monthly potluck meetings are second Tuesdays at 5:45 pm at the Grange Hall on Second Street. Interested in attending? Contact Don at 378-4590 or visit: www.FridayHarborSailing.com.

Here’s a note from Joanne Runyan, RN with SJ County Health…

It’s that time of year once again… flu season!

Flu is unpredictable and how severe it is can vary widely from one season to the next. Anyone can get sick with the flu, but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, causing hospitalization or even death. Those at greater risk are: older people ( >50 years ), infants and children younger than 5 years, people with chronic lung disease, diabetes, and certain other long-term conditions, pregnant women, and severely obese people. Every year thousands of healthy adults and children have to visit the doctor or are hospitalized from flu complications.

The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. The CDC recommends a three step approach to fighting the flu. First, everyone over six months of age and older should receive an influenza vaccine. Second, use everyday preventive actions such as thorough hand washing, covering your cough, staying home when you are sick. And, third, use antiviral drugs if recommended by your doctor.

Getting a flu vaccine is easy, and it is the single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu. Get vaccinated early and stay protected throughout the flu season. The flu vaccines will be offered in many locations throughout the county.

Flu Clinics:

• Shaw Community Center
  Monday, October 13, 10:30 – 2:30pm
• Mullis Senior Center
  Wednesday, October 15, 1 – 4 pm ( sponsored by San Juan Health Care )
• Orcas Senior Center
  Tuesday, October 21, 10am-2pm (sponsored by Orcas Fam. Health)
• Peace Island Clinic
  Thursday and Friday, October 30 and 31, 9am-4pm

San Juan Health Care Associates ( 378-1338 ) and Peace Island Clinic ( 378-2141 ) will be offering routinely scheduled appointments. The San Juan County Health Department in Friday Harbor will also be offering community Flu Clinic days on October 6, 10, 15, 17, 20, 22; call 378-4474 for appointments. The San Juan County Health Department will also be offering flu clinics for the county school children.

The San Juan County Arts Council (SJCAC) is seeking 4-5 new members for the Board of Directors to begin in November, 2014

The Council strives for representation from all islands and values individuals who care about the arts. Past or present involvement in allied organizations and enterprises would be a plus.

SJCAC’s mission is to promote, support and connect the arts throughout the county.

A management and development organization, the Council attends to the creative economy, education and overall well-being of island communities.

Applicants need not be artists, but should care about the arts and be prepared to collaborate on innovative projects to advance the state of the arts in the county.

Interested individuals should respond by October 20th. Please email Dennis Ryan, SJCAC President at:
info [@] sjcartscouncil [.] org

Brendan Cowan, Director of SJC Department of Emergency Management wants to share this with you:

The world’s Largest Earthquake Drill happens on October 16th. It’s easy to sign up for at this link, and takes little effort to participate in.

Please help spread the word to co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family!

It’s a simple and very effective way to remind people that we live in quake country and that a little bit of preparation will go a long way when the big one eventually hits (and it will hit!).

Throughout his life, Stephen McMillan has been inspired and sustained by the natural world spending much of his time outside, whether it’s a bike ride in the San Juan Islands countryside, or a week-long backpacking trip in Asia, he is renewed and invigorated by being in and moving through landscape.

It is this sense of renewal that he seeks to share with others. Stephen photographs the images first and uses the medium Aquatint etching process, invented in 1768, but became especially popular among printmakers in the first part of the nineteenth century. The aquatint technique produces a full tonal range and rich texture in etchings.

WaterWorks Gallery, 315 Argyle Ave.
Saturday October 4, 1:00 to 3:00 pm – Q & A with the artist
Reception with the artist: Saturday, October 4, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Special Gallery opening on Sunday 10:30 am to 3 pm
Sunday October 5, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – Q & A with the artist

Show continues until October 29, 2014

This photo is from 2012 when all three local Prevention Coalitions traveled to the WA. State Prevention Summit in Yakima. We talked about making a Youth Leadership Conference back at this Summit! We are so excited it’s really happening… Watch for more updates from this group.

Here’s a good news note from Debbi Fincher at the the SJI Prevention Coalition…

Hi Tim, in a time when good news isn’t always easy to find or perhaps even reported, we’d like to shout out from the mountain top that over 40 youth from San Juan, Lopez and Orcas Islands will be coming together this weekend for what is sure to be a powerful, impactful and well, a fun experience, too!

The FIRST San Juan Youth Leadership Conference is happening at Camp Orkila. This weekend has been in the making for years, as we all have traveled to the Washington State Prevention Summits in Yakima together.

We thank Prevention Leaders, Julie Pinardi, (Orcas) and Georgeanna Cook,(Lopez) for making this happen. We are excited to be contributing to the program, too. By offering this local youth conference, we are able to include more students and really focus on our local issues together.

We are so proud of these youth that have committed to coming and being involved in the process. It’s not always easy or popular to go against the “drug culture” that our media tends to promote. It takes real leadership to stand up for what you believe and these youth have that! Continue Reading

San Juan Island Community Home Trust

Everyone is invited to the Home Trust’s Annual Meeting on October 9th at 6:00 pm at the Friday Harbor Grange Hall. Come learn about the planning that is now underway for the next phase homes of Sun Rise!

Election of new Board members will take place, there will be updates from the Home Trust, door prizes and pizza and salad will be served.

Members who have been nominated and agreed to run for the Board of Directors are: Sarah Crosby, Barb Conrad, and Mary Bruce. Running for another term are Peter Kilpatrick and Chary Caren. They will join with continuing Board members (in the middle of a two year term): Barbara Starr, Sam Buck, Glen Bruels, Sandy Rabinowitz, Dina Melic, Chinmayo, and Therese Finn.