A-Town Fall 2021

FA L L | 2 0 2 1 Parks & Recreation

Fall 2021 - Winter 2022

Class Registration

PLUS!

A Maritime Message from the Mayor Diverse Housing Update

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COVID Announcement

As we go to print, Anacortes and Skagit County continue to see the highest COVID-19 case numbers since the beginning of the pandemic. As we further navigate COVID-19 and the virulent Delta variant strain of the coronavirus, the City remains committed to providing essential services to our citizens in a safe manner. City meetings, classes, and services all once again have hybrid options to provide options for you and your family. It is becoming evident that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future.

The City remains committed to being a trusted resource for you in helping to stay educated and informed through regular communication as things change over the coming months. The health and welfare of our community is our highest priority. We encourage you and your families to use all the tools available to help reduce the impact of the coronavirus in our community by wearing a mask, socially distancing, frequently washing your hands, and getting vaccinated. Together we can do this!

Anacortes City Council RYAN WALTERS A WARD 1

(360) 610-770 ryanw@cityofanacortes.org

FALL 2021

CLASS ACT SCHEDULE

All classes will be in–person and performances will be live.

Wacky Worlds Preschool

10/1/21–11/5/21 Fridays, 11:00 am–Noon

Superhero Stories K - 2nd Grade

CHRISANE CLELANDAMCGRAR A WARD 2 (360) 708-0267 christinec@cityofanacortes.org

JEREMY CARTER A WARD 3

(425) 73-5935 jeremyc@cityofanacortes.org

MAA MILLER A POSIRON 4

(360) 58-9070 mattm@cityofanacortes.org

10/1/21–11/5/21

Fridays, 4:15– 5:00 pm

The Voyage of Dr. Dolittle 3rd - 5th Grade 11/2/21–12/15/21 Tues/Thurs, 4:00–5:30 pm

BRUCE MCDOUGALL A POSIAON 5 (303) 51-554 brucem@cityofanacortes.org

CAROLYN MOULTON A POSIAON 6

(360) 472-0335 carolynm@cityofanacortes.org

6th - 12th Grade 11/6/21–12/8/21 Mon/Wed, 3:00–5:00 pm

ANAONY O Y UNG A POSIRON 7

(360) 873-8407 anthony@cityofanacortes.org

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Saturdays, 10 am–2 pm TO REGISTER GO TO,

ACTTHEATRE.COM/CLASS-ACT

In this Issue Contributors Cover Art:

Mitchell Babarovich and Bret Lunsford Donation by Wallie Funk, Wallie Funk Collection The cover of this A-town is inspired by the theme of this issue: honoring our rich history, celebrating where we are as a community, and envisioning a brighter future. The photo on the lower left was taken at the Cap Sante Marina on August 23, 1958 and was donated to the Anacortes Museum. It is part of the Wallie Funk Collection. The photo on the right was taken August 12, 2021 in the same location by Mitchell Babarovich, Channel 10 Operator, and Bret Lunsford, Museum Director.

Editor:

Alexandra Holden, Executive Assistant to the Mayor

Photography:

Corin Norohna, Museum Aide Victoria Wong, Parks and Recreation Administrative Assistant

A Special Thanks:

Thank you to the City of Anacortes staff whose contributions make this magazine possible.

3. A Maritime Message from the Mayor

6. Council Member Message 7. Anacortes Arts Commission 8. City Financial Update

22. Senior Activity Center 24. Anacortes Museum 26. Anacortes Public Library 30. Chief Floyd: Leading the Department into the Future

10. Comprehensive Plan

Housing Element Policies

31. The Fire Department From 1892 - 2021

12. Critical Area Regulations

32. Access Anacortes Fiber

13. The Future of Stormwater

33. Energy Conservation

15 Recreation Programs Fall 2021 - Winter 2022

35. What Can You Recycle

21. Plastic Bag Ban

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A Maritime Message from Mayor Laurie Gere Planning for the Future We are known as one of the most scenic locations of any Pacific Northwest community - a leading destination for marine-related tourism in the Pacific Northwest, and the primary point of access to the San Juan Islands as well as the Pacific Ocean. We have changed and grown, and although many things are different, we continue to recognize and support the importance of the maritime industry.

Right now, we are experiencing population growth, which has made housing for all unattainable without community engagement and policy action. To address these changes, we worked with you to develop our Comprehensive Plan – the 20year vision for our town. Over the course of 75 meetings, we engaged with the community to create a plan that aligned with our values. We created new development regulations that help us tackle the issues of affordable housing, and housing diversity.

Dear Anacortes Citizens, It is said that we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us. We live in a beautiful place built by seafaring mariners, fisherman, and leaders that thought we would be the “New York of the West.” Our maritime industry is one of the oldest, most historically important, and economically impactful sectors in Washington State and in Anacortes. As our town grew, the railroad came – there was a boom and a bust. Our rich maritime culture maintained its importance and stayed central to who we are as a community.

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These are living documents. They will change and be updated as needed. Your City Council represents you and wants to implement the best policies to meet your needs. They value our unique quality of life and believe that we can meet the needs of everyone in Anacortes.

Proud of Our Accomplishments I recognize that Commercial Avenue is also changing. There is a sense of loss, but I know it has changed before, though not in recent memory. When I visit our Anacortes Museum collection, I am reminded that life is change. We still have our vibrant downtown core, and the city is still focusing on what is integral to Anacortes.

We have established partnerships to build broad community and local political support for a robust, diversified maritime industry sector.”

In my administration, I have focused on our economic success and quality of life. We are a Maritime center of excellence. We have state of the art ship building for our fishing industry and marine research vessels that will help us learn more about the ocean than we have ever known. These vessels will take us 100 years into our future. Our commercial and recreational boating is also core to who we are on the Salish Sea. We are the Northwest’s best marine recreation destination. The Port of Anacortes is one of only 8 deep water ports in the state and home to the state’s number one Public Marina. The marina hosts over 18,000 boat nights every year.

The sustained growth of the maritime sector is of great importance for Anacortes’ continued prosperity and economic development.

We have established partnerships to build broad community and local political support for a robust, diversified maritime industry sector. The emerging needs for next generation vessels and Pacific fishing fleet recapitalization offers immense opportunities that our city is well positioned to support.

Partnerships and Innovation We are uniquely situated near two marine research facilities—Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center and Walla Walla University’s Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory, with close proximity to a third facility, the Padilla Bay Natural Estuarine reserve. I have prioritized strengthening the connection between our maritime industry and our neighboring educational institutions. That is why I partnered with the state legislature and Western Washington University, to establish a new 4-year degree program at Shannon Point called Marine and Coastal studies.

A major focus has also been the development and implementation of our Maritime Strategic Plan. This plan aligns with the Washington Maritime BLUE: 2050 Vision for Accelerating Innovation project. We aim to make Washington State home to the nation’s most sustainable maritime industry by 2050, leading the United States in the

maritime shift towards decarbonization and clean technology innovation. The City is committed to supporting a strong maritime economy with living wage jobs, a healthy environment, and resiliency.

I have been deeply moved by the influence of our maritime history and industry. I have been honored to support and prepare a path forward for our community and the next generation.

I am proud to be a partner of the Port of Anacortes, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC), and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce as we actively work to position our community as Washington’s primary location for the future maritime industry. We have created a path forward with a plan that establishes goals to support a thriving, sustainable maritime sector, and supports our local, regional, and international maritime industry.

My Best,

Finally, building out our Access Fiber broadband infrastructure not only provides economic success and quality of life for all citizens, it provides the opportunity for our marine industry to work locally, while communicating and thriving globally.

Mayor Laurie Gere

Honoring Our History and Supporting Our Future.”

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Remembering Our History

By Christine Cleland-McGrath, City Council, Ward 2

In January of this year, my Grandmother Betty passed away. She was born in 1920, and one hundred years later, her second great granddaughter, Morgan, came into this world during a global pandemic. Betty’s father was a traveling salesman from Iowa to California, who among other things, sold camp stoves. He had a dream to build a resort and decided Anacortes was the place.

He established a restaurant, golf course, bowling alley, horse stables, tennis courts, a swimming area, and oyster business at Similk Beach over the next 85 years.

The golf course and oyster business have endured.

My grandmother experienced the joys of growing her family and the sadness of losing her two brothers to the waters surrounding Fidalgo Island.

A photograph by the evertalented Matt Brown hangs in our house. It is of the sculpture at South Harbor Park, the girl holding the lantern welcoming those who make a living on the sea back home to safe harbor.

During 2020, my daughter Cora loved to get ice cream and walk the marina. She would prance around this sculpture and ask why the lantern was not lit. We would look at the names on the memorial for family friends, a classmate, and her greatgreat uncle James Turner. My mom still remembers going to the top of Cap Sante in her childhood to look for his overdue oyster barge.

May we show compassion and foresight for our town through the preservation of our natural resources and empathetic care of our people.”

Anacortes has a vibrant history of artists, leaders, public servants, business people and working families. As we envision a bright future, we are moving to weave into the story of Anacortes the previously underrepresented narratives of the Samish and Swinomish Nations.

The City of Anacortes is fortunate to have a dynamic museum that chronicles Fidalgo Island. The public is able to visit curated exhibits and request material for individual research.

My daughter Cora attends preschool in Old Town. She and her classmates walk through the secret garden and play in the castle. Once a week, a ukulele group practices and children dance. On sunny days they go to their own private beach.

Little do these children know that Causland Memorial Park was built nearly a century ago, and now honors Veterans from WWI to the Vietnam War. The Samish Nation, Port of Anacortes and the City are collaborating to rename the N Avenue Park to honor the Samish people. It should soon come before Council. I believe these memories will root our children in our community’s history and impart a sense of responsibility to their collective future.

When we remove our masks, I look forward to once again seeing the smiles exchanged on the Tommy Thompson Trail – they are invigorating.

Appreciation for our friends, neighbors, and community came into sharp focus during our period of isolation. As we reemerge, I hope we are able to hold onto the simple pleasure of human connection. Whether we are longtime residents or new to town, each of us has a desire to belong. May we show compassion and foresight for our town through the preservation of our natural resources and empathetic care of our people. And if you see a little girl walking down Commercial Avenue with only one shoe, she is fine. My daughter probably threw it and is learning a lesson.

Christine Cleland-McGrath

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“The Anacortes Arts Commission supports excellence, vitality, diversity, and accessibility of the arts as essential to the quality of life for all Fidalgo and Guemes Island residents by fostering a community cultural vision through the acquisition, placement, and maintenance of public art and by promoting participation, innovation and partnership in all the performing, visual and literary arts.”

“Circles of Fish” by Darlene Klister

ARTS COMMISSION MEMBERS

LISA RHOADES, CHAIRPERSON DARLENE KLISTER, VICE-CHAIRPERSON BETSY HUMPHREY TERRY MACDONALD LAURA HAMILTON ZACHARY WIGHT

MEETINGS Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month at 4:00 pm in the main floor conference room off the Parks and Recreation Department at City Hall, address 904 Sixth Street, Anacortes, WA 98221.

UPCOMING PROJECTS • The Anacortes Arts Commission is currently considering sculptures that best fit the character of the newest park in town, the Pickett Pocket Park located at 2100 Commercial Avenue.

• The driftwood sculpture, “Continental Drift” by Steve Lloyd will be placed at an Anacortes Park near you.

• Sculptures will return to the Madrona Grove Sculpture Exhibition, sponsored by Windemere, located behind the Depot Arts Center in 2022. There will be a call to artists in January 2022, and applications will be accepted on the Anacortes Arts Commission website.

• The 98221 Artist’s Studio Tour applications will be available on the Arts Commission website in January 2022 for the September 10th and 11th Tour. This annual event will now be the second weekend in September. Mark your calendars for this change in date.

The City of Anacortes and the entire Commission would like to thank Marius Hibbard for his years of time and dedication to the Anacortes Arts Commission. We look forward to his continued support and participation in the Anacortes Arts Community.

For more information about the Anacortes Arts Commission, please visit us at https://www.anacorteswa.gov/1109/Anacortes-Arts-Commission

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City of

Anacortes Financial Update

The National Bureau of Economic Research declared that the recession induced by the pandemic in the spring of 2020 concluded in April of 2020, making it the shortest recession on record. Even though the numbers show the recession has been over for 15 months, in some ways it still doesn’t feel like it, although City sales tax receipts have recovered to pre-pandemic levels.

REVENUE STREAMS

The City’s main tax revenue streams are:

The City relies heavily on Sales tax and Utility tax to increase at least as fast as the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with the cost of operating the City.

Sales tax is the most volatile of the major tax revenues. When non-essential businesses were ordered to close in March of 2020 there was an immediate and significant impact on sales tax revenues. Sales tax revenues for March 2020 were down 18.7% from budgeted expectations. The following month, retail sales tax revenue was 30.6% below budget. In May, the economy quickly recovered, with sales tax revenue only 5.8% off of budget. According to the Bureau of Economic Research, by that time the recession was over.

What has been interesting is the shift in how citizens are spending their disposable income. While construction, vehicle sales, and hospitality continuing to be strong sectors of retail sales, the online platforms have become the combined top sales tax generators for the City.

Overall, Sales Tax is exceeding budget expectations for each month of 2021.

Property tax revenues are generated based on the City’s budget; meaning the amount of taxes assessed against properties in Anacortes are based on the prior year’s City Property Tax budget. The budget increase is limited to 1% of the prior year’s budget, and must be approved by the City Council. In 2020, the property tax levy was $5,296,453, and the 1% property tax increase was taken, which resulted in an additional $52,965. The additional 1% property tax levy will cost $6.03 for the average Anacortes property owner.

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Utility tax is collected on public utilities such as water and sewer consumption, as well as private utilities such as electricity and cable TV. The utility tax revenue dipped precariously during the recession as well. This recession cost the City Utilities over $1.2 million in potential revenues from unused services, and over $84,000 in potential utility tax revenue from unused utility resources.

Private Utility Tax has had challenges as well, as competition among entertainment venues and among phone carriers strengthens.

A STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION The current fiscal year 2021 has seen strengthening segments in several areas including Sales Tax and the Public Utilities. We are optimistic that the economy will continue to strengthen.

This will be reflected by continuing to provide the services that the citizens of Anacortes have come to expect, with strong programming of recreational and cultural activities, as well as strong investment in transportation projects.

It is also important to note that in 2020, when the COVID-19 crisis hit, a significant spending reduction plan was implemented which resulted in a savings of $840,000 in cash reserves.

SALES TAX TRENDS 600,000

400,000

200,000 January

February

March 2018

April

May

June 2019

July

August

September

2020

October

November

December

2021

2022 BUDGET The City held its first budget meeting of the 2022 budget season on May 27, 2021 when the Mayor, Council, and department heads gathered to discuss the vision for the 2022 budget. Departments have established their budget baseline for 2022 before being reconciled to revenue expectations and presented to the Mayor for her review.

During City Council Meetings in the month of October you can participate in the City’s budget process by providing public comment. We welcome your participation and look forward to creating a 2022 budget that reflects our community’s values and invests in the future of Anacortes.

The Finance department will continue to work with Mayor and Council in developing the 2022 budget, and will load pertinent documents to the website found by clicking the link here: Anacortes City Budget.

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Anacortes Comprehensive Plan Housing Element Policies Housing Diversity and Affordable Housing Policies Driven by Community Values

The picture above shows twenty townhome units under construction at Sunset Avenue and Skyline Way. There are five buildings with four units in each.

The Anacortes Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2016. This Plan looks forward to 2036 and provides a vision for the future and is a statement of the community’s values. It is a policy road map that directs development in the City for the next 20 years. Through extensive community involvement including discussion at over 75 public meetings, our community came up with a plan to address the need for housing capacity to meet projected growth, housing preservation, housing design, neighborhood character, regional collaboration, and a range of housing types to serve diverse needs.

By engaging in thoughtful and inclusive conversations with the public we crafted policies to promote opportunities such as small lots, duplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the City. We focus the highest intensity residential uses like townhouses and apartment buildings closer to commercial and community services and transit. These policies promote a variety of residential densities and housing types in all price ranges and styles.

In July 2019, the Anacortes City Council adopted new development regulations to implement housing affordability and diversity policies. These included new standards for smaller housing types not previously addressed in the code, such as

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small lot, cottage homes, and townhouses, and new affordable housing provisions and incentives. This aims to increase the supply of housing in different shapes and sizes which will create better opportunities for existing and future Anacortes residents to find housing that is affordable to them.

Units Approved by Type from January 2020 – July 2021

Multi-family 52 Townhouse 30

Triplex 3 Duplex 10

Single-Detached 96

Cottage 4

Accessory Dwelling 23

Present Day Impacts Over the past 2 years, applications to build townhouses, apartments, cottage homes, and ADUs have seen a big up-tick.

Since 2019, building permits have been approved for 96 units as part of multi-unit structures, including duplexes, townhouses, and apartments. This total almost matches the number of such units that had been constructed in Anacortes over the previous 10-year period (approximately 100 units).

New 14 unit townhomes being built at 21st Street and Q Avenue. These will consist of four buildings. Two of the buildings will have 3 units and the other two will have 4 units.

Both supply and diversity of housing options are seeing an increase over the past several years. Since the updated code’s adoption, the variety of housing types receiving building permit approval has significantly broadened. Since 2020, almost 44% of approved units are located within townhouses or apartment buildings, and the number of ADUs approved has increased from an average of approximately 5 per year through 2018, to an average of 13 per year since 2019.

Looking Towards Our Future New building activity is a sign that Anacortes is making progress on the housing diversity and affordability goals that are established in the Comprehensive Plan. These policies are calibrated to the needs of our community.

The code includes standards for site and building design, parking, landscaping and open space, as well as requirements for street and sidewalk improvements, among others. As we work to meet a range of housing needs we remain committed to the standards which promote compatibility with existing neighborhoods.

Over time, the effectiveness of the standards in achieving their purpose will be monitored and evaluated, with changes made to the code, as necessary. At the City we work to be responsive as community needs change.

Keeping up to date on what is happening in new housing and other types of development is easy - sign up for the “Planning Public Notices” NotifyMe feature on the City’s website by clicking the link here: Planning Public Notices.

Please contact the Planning, Community and Economic Development Department at 360-299-1984 or email pced@cityofanacortes.org for more information.

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Critical Area Regulations Q&A Q: What is a Critical Area?

A: A critical area is an environmentally sensitive area that is protected by regulations.

are in immediate danger; you must contact the City for further instructions afterwards.

Find a list of Certified Arborists here.

Types of sensitive areas include: • Wetlands • Streams • Sensitive fish and wildlife habitat • Frequently flooded areas • Critical aquifer recharge areas • Geologically hazardous areas and their buffers

Q: What am I allowed to do with my property if I have a critical area or buffer near me?

A: If a critical area or buffer is present on or next to your property, most likely you can continue to use your property as is. If you have landscaping you can continue to maintain it as is. If you have structures you can repair and maintain them as is. *With a few exceptions.

Q: What if hazardous trees are threatening my home?

A: Contact an ISA Certified Arborist to conduct an official assessment and contact the City Planning Department to find out next steps. You may take immediate action if life and property

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Q: How do I know if I have a Critical Area?

A: The City maintains an online interactive map where you can get information about your property and the surrounding area.

Q: When do I need a permit?

Visit the map here.

A: You should check with the Planning Department anytime you are going to disturb the ground, cut/remove vegetation (more than mowing the lawn and trimming your rose bushes), and are going to modify a structure, including for all new construction.

There is lots of neat information you can find on this map, we encourage you to play around with it. If you do not see one mapped but see standing water, swampy plants growing, steep slopes, or State Priority and ESA Listed wildlife species on or near your property you may have an unmapped critical area and should consult a specialist.

Q: What Type of Permit Do I Need?

A: Request a Pre-Application Conference with the City to learn all the regulations and requirements for your project early before you hire and design your project.

The City will advise you on which category of permit you need for your project. Activities in or near a critical area fall into four Permit Categories.

1. Exempt Activities 2. Exempt Activities with Written Notice 3. Permitted Alteration Permits 4. Variance Permits

Click here to find our list of specialists to call.

For questions related to Critical Areas please call the Planning Department at 360-299-1984.

The Future of Stormwater: Low Impact Development

Rain Garden

Low Impact Development (LID) methods mimic nature to manage rainwater as close to where it falls as possible. The focus typically is on slowing the water down and allowing it to soak into the soil and be taken up by plants. This helps reduce the volume of water that enters our drainage systems and waterways, as well as using natural processes and bacteria in the soil to help clean the water! Examples you may see around our community are Rain Gardens, Bioswales, Permeable Pavement, and Permeable Pavers.

You may be surprised to find how many of these installations are in your local neighborhood. Come check out the City Hall parking lots this fall, as we finish construction on our own LID project!

For more information on Low Impact Development, visit the City LID webpage by clicking here.

Bioswale

SOLID WASTE

2021 Holiday Schedule Day After Thanksgiving Friday, November 26, 2021

There is NO garbage collection on the following holidays:

Collect Friday and Monday on Monday, November 29, 2021

Veterans Day Thursday, November 11, 2021

Christmas Friday, December 24, 2021

Collect Thursday and Friday on Friday, November 12, 2021

Collect Friday and Monday on Monday, December 27, 2021

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2021

New Year’s Day Friday, December 31, 2021

Collect Wednesday and Thursday on WEDNESDAY, November 24, 2021 **If your collection day is Thursday be sure to put your garbage out a day EARLY!**

Collect Friday and Monday on Monday, January 3, 2022

Martin Luther King Jr Monday, January 17, 2022

Collect Monday and Tuesday on Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Garbage collection shifts one day | Extra garbage must be placed in city pre-paid bags Waste Management will follow our schedule inside city limits FAL L 2021

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MARINE SCIENCE & CONSERVATION

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES, ALL YEAR, IN ANACORTES

ADVENTURE | RESEARCH | ACTION

THESALISHSEASCHOOL.ORG the code 14 |Scan A-Town FALL 2 0 2 1above for more information | Questions? Email info@thesalishseaschool.org

Registration for Parks and Recreation programs for Fall 2021 - Winter 2022 is now open!

Registration Procedures: To register online for a Anacortes Parks and Recreation Department (APRD) program, visit our website here.

Click on the program you’d like to register for, and follow the prompts to log in. If you do not have an account please sign up and press the register today button located on the left under “Log In”. Participants can also register over the phone by calling 360-293-1918.

Payment is required at the time of registration. If you need to cancel please call the Parks and Recreation Office at 360-293-1918.

I n s u r a n c e : The ARPD does not have medical insurance coverage for program participants and is not responsible for injuries that may occur as a result of participation in City sponsored recreation activities.

P l e a s e N o t e : The APRD does not discriminate against any person on the basis of gender in the operation, conduct, or administration of community athletic programs or sport facilities.

A c c e s s i b i l i t y : If reasonable accommodations due to disability is needed please contact the City Facilities

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October TOTS IN THE PARK Spending time with your toddler can be a walk in the park.

Join our staff at Washington Park as we explore nature, get dirty, and have fun! The semi-guided class will give children the chance to interact, try new activities, and play the day away in beautiful Washington Park.

L o c a t i o n : Wa s h i n g t o n Pa r k L o o p Roa d 6 3 0 0 S u n s e t Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n Class Size: Max 20 Fee: $25 Ages: 1-3 D a t e s : Tu e s d a y s , S e p t . 2 8 t h - O c t . 1 2 t h Time: 10:15am-11:00am

DALLAS KLOKE

MT. ERIE ROAD AND TRAIL RUN

Are you up for the challenge? This annual event tests the endurance and stamina of anyone willing to take part. Mt. Erie has one of the best viewpoints for miles. Runners will jog up to the summit, with an elevation gain of 1,213 ft. The last 1.5 miles gains 884 ft. Participants have the option of running the paved 3.6 mile route, or the 2.5 mile trail route.

Participants are required to check-in and get pre-race instructions between 9:00-9:30am at Mt. Erie Elementary in Anacortes. Important pre-race instructions will be given at Mt. Erie Elementary School at 9:45am.

Awards and refreshments will be given out at the school after the race at approximately 11:30am. Runners must either jog or have transportation back to the school. Trophies will be awarded to the first man and woman to cross the finish line from the road and trail runs. Prizes will be awarded for first place in the following men’s and women’s age divisions: 14 & under, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 & Older. There will also be a prize raffle for all participants after the run!

To register or view a map of the course route and past years results, visit the City’s website. If you need more information please email: dustins@cityofanacortes.org or call 360-293-1918.

L o c a t i o n : M e e t a t M t . E r i e E l e m e n t a r y Gy m n a s i u m p r i o r t o r a c e : 1 3 1 3 4 1 s t St .

Fee: $20 with a shirt $10 w/out a shirt Ages: All D a t e : S a t u rd a y, O c t . 9 t h Time: 10:00 a.m. ( d a y of re g i s t r a t i o n s t a r t s a t 9 : 0 0 a . m . )

ADULT DROP - IN SPORTS We are continuing the popular drop-in adult sports programs including Co-ed Volleyball, Pickle Ball, and Basketball.

To view the schedule for these upcoming activities please visit our website by clicking here.

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HAUNTED FOREST Wind your way through the Haunted Forest at Washington Park! Your journey will be filled with suspense, dark corners and creatures lurking through the trees.

The Family Walk begins at 5:00pm when there is more light and less fright. The ghouls and goblins will pass out candy in a lighthearted haunted walk more suitable for younger children. Starting at 6:30pm the sun goes down and the fear is cranked up. This Walk is recommended for adults and older children. This is a Night Trail Walk so it is required for safety to bring a flashlight or headlamp.

All ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged!

L o c a t i o n : Wa s h i n g t o n Pa r k L o o p Roa d 6 3 0 0 S u n s e t Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n F e e : Fa m i l y Wa l k : $ 5 H a u n t e d F o re s t : $ 1 0 A g e s : Fa m i l y Wa l k re c o m m e n d e d kids age: 1-9 yrs H a u n t e d F o re s t re c o m m e n d e d kids age: 10+yrs D a t e s : S a t u rd a y, O c t . 3 0 t h T i m e : Fa m i l y Wa l k 5 : 0 0 p m H a u n t e d F o re s t 6 : 3 0 p m

December BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

WONDERLAND WALK

Come visit jolly old Saint Nick while enjoying a tasty breakfast of pancakes and sausage with family and friends at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center.

This great family tradition of Breakfast with Santa also has live entertainment scheduled all morning long. Kids will get to decorate a holiday cookie and a holiday ornament. There are two times to choose from and tickets must be purchased in advance. The event will be modified to align with public health guidance.

Come enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Wonderland Walk at Washington Park. The campground will be decorated with holiday cheer by local groups and organizations, and there will be live music, campfires, and hot chocolate. The Wonderland Walk is held rain or shine.

We recommend you bring a flashlight to guide yourself through the event. If you would like to decorate a campsite for the event, please contact Travis Anderson at 360-293-1918 or email travisa@cityofanacortes.org.

Location: Anacor tes Senior A c t i v i t y C e n t e r 1 7 0 1 2 2 n d St .

I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n Fee: $8 Ages: All Dates: Dec. 4th Time: 8:00am-9:30am or 9:30am-11:00am

The event will be modified to align with public health guidance.

L o c a t i o n : Wa s h i n g t o n Pa r k C a m p G ro u n d 6 3 0 0 S u n s e t Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n F e e : F re e Ages: All D a t e s : F r i d a y, D e c e m b e r 1 0 t h & S a t u rd a y D e c e m b e r 1 1 t h Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

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January GIRLS YOUTH BASKETBALL The registration deadline is Friday, October 15th for our recreational girls basketball league. This instructional league is for girls in Grades 1st - 6th. Good sportsmanship and equal participation are emphasized in this program. To maximize fun and skill development, rules will be modified for the 1st - 4th grade divisions.

DIVISIONS: “A” 5th/6th Grades “B” 3rd/4th Grades “C” 1st/2nd Grades 1st and 2nd graders practice once a week with games on Saturdays.

3rd to 6th graders practice twice a week with games on Saturdays.

Volunteer coaches are needed!

Location: Anacor tes Middle School 2 2 0 2 M Av e n u e Instructor : Instructors will be v o l u n t e e r s a n d d a t e s of p r a c t i c e a n d g a m e s a re t o b e d e t e r m i n e d Fee: $42 A g e s : 1 s t- 6 t h g r a d e s

BOYS YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE The boys league will offer the similar divisions, practice and game schedules as the girls season. Registration for our recreational boys basketball league will start in late October. The deadline to register is November 30th. No practices or games will be held during Christmas break. Practices and games will start in January and conclude at the end of February.

Location: Anacor tes Middle School 2 2 0 2 M Av e n u e Instructor : Instructors will be v o l u n t e e r s a n d d a t e s of p r a c t i c e a n d g a m e s a re t o b e d e t e r m i n e d Fee: $42 A g e s : 1 s t- 6 t h g r a d e

February PEEWEE BASKETBALL

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

The PeeWee program is designed to introduce the game of basketball in a fun, safe, and non-competitive atmosphere.

Children will play age-appropriate games that teach the FUNdamentals to maximize enjoyment of the game. A “mini” basketball and lower hoops are used for ultimate success. Participants will get to keep their “mini” ball for their participation. Space is limited, be sure to sign up early!

This is an opportunity for fathers to take their daughters out for a special night.

This Daddy Daughter Dance is open to dads and daughters of all ages. This night is full of music, dancing, punch, and tasty treats. There is an ongoing raffle throughout the night, and all ticket holders will have their names entered for the drawing. Capacity is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Register online or call 360-293-1918.

We encourage you to dress up and make the most of this special night with your daughter. The event will be modified to align with public health guidance.

Location: Anacor tes Middle School 2 2 0 2 M Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n Class Size: Min 10 / Max 30 Fee: $25 Ages: 4-6 D a t e s : S a t u rd a y s , Ja n . 8 t h - 2 9 t h Time: 9:00-9:50am

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Location: Anacor tes Senior Activity C e n t e r 1 7 0 1 2 2 n d St .

F e e : $ 3 0 p e r pa i r, a d d i t i o n a l $ 6 p e r daughter Ages: All D a t e s : S a t u rd a y, F e b . 1 9 t h Time: 6:00pm-8:30pm

March ALL AGES BADMINTON LEAGUE We are excited to offer a new badminton league to the community. All ages are welcome, divisions will be divided into experienced and novice. Shuttlecocks and some rackets will be provided. Some instruction will be provided for those just learning to play. Games will be played in doubles format with an end of season tournament for each division.

For more information, please email travisa@cityofanacortes.org Location: Anacor tes Middle School 2 2 0 2 M Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n Class Size: Min 16 / Max 32 Fee: $30 Ages: All D a t e s : M a r. 7 t h - A p r i l 1 5 t h , d a y s of t h e w e e k a re T B D Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

April NIGHT OUT AT THE PARK

EGG DASH

Join the friendly Parks and Recreation staff as we spend the evening creating some fun memories. We will be spending the evening at Washington Park, making s’mores, hiking, playing a few silly games, eating dinner, and some special sweet treats. Parents, take advantage of this opportunity to do something for you, or enjoy some quiet time in the house!

Join us and dash for plastic eggs filled with candy! The egg hunt is divided into three areas, one for ages 3 and under, another for those aged 4 to 6, and one for ages 7-12 years old. Don’t be late for this dash, it flies by!

L o c a t i o n : Wa s h i n g t o n Pa r k G ro u p C a m p 6 3 0 0 S u n s e t Av e n u e I n s t r u c t o r : Tr a v i s A n d e r s o n Fee: $20 Ages: 5-10 D a t e s : F r i d a y, A p r. 8 t h Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

L o c a t i o n : St o r v i k Pa r k F e e : F re e Ages: 12 and under D a t e s : F r i d a y, A p r. 1 5 t h Time: 6:00pm

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Thank you for participating in our programs!

The Anacortes Parks and Recreation Department offers diverse community-wide programs to fulfill the recreational needs of youth, seniors and adults. We seek to preserve and enhance the quality of life that our residents enjoy by providing quality recreational facilities and opportunities.

Sign up for our Recreation programs online, or reserve a campsite at Washington Park!

Explore the Anacortes Community Forest Lands by checking out these maps!

Sign up to receive our Newsletter and you will get bi-monthly emails of all upcoming recreation programs.

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WASHINGTON STATE PLASTIC BAG BAN IN EFFECT OCT. 1, 2021.

WHY BAN SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAGS: • Every year Washingtonians use 2 billion single-use plastic bags • Plastic bags are a big problem in the recycling system • Plastic bags contain chemicals that are toxic once released into the environment • Plastic bags cost retailers money • Plastic pollution poses both physical and chemical threats to the marine environment • Reusable bags or recyclable paper bags are a better alternative

For more information and a complete listing of this law’s requirements please visit Ecology.wa.gov/Bag-Ban Questions? Email bagban@ecy.wa.gov or call (360) 407-6000.

To request an ADA accommodation, contact Ecology by phone at 360-742-9874 or email at bagban@ecy.wa.gov, or visit https://ecology.wa.gov/accessibility. For Relay Service or TTY call 711 or 877-833-6341.

If you speak a non-English language, free language services are available. Call 360-742-9874.

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Anacortes Senior Activity Center Where seniors thrive

Accreditation Over a year ago, the Center closed because of the pandemic. During that time, we were able to offer many virtual programs and resources for Anacortes seniors.

Another significant achievement during lockdown was the Center’s second successful accreditation cycle with the National Council on Aging. The Anacortes Senior Activity Center holds the unique distinction as the only accredited senior center in the state of Washington.

Accreditation includes a variety of checks and balances, including a community self-assessment and requires myriad details regarding the operations of the Center including details about marketing strategies, activities, and outreach.

Programs The Center re-opened its doors to in-person programs on July 6, 2021. Many of the programs and opportunities we offered in the past will be coming back soon such as: Creativity Acrylics & watercolor Mosaic & stained-glass art Drawing classes Wood carving Fitness Silver Foxes exercise Strength and balance Tai Chi Chih Seated wellness Gentle yoga Health & Wellness Dental hygiene clinic Foot care Cooking classes Chair massage

Music Ukulele classes and jams Singing with Soul Concerts and performances Cards & Games Pinochle Cribbage Scrabble Bridge Other programs Find our monthly newsletter at: www.anacorteswa.gov on the Senior Activity Center page for additional program information.

New Administrator In August we welcomed our new Administrator, Karl Wolfswinkel. You may recognize Karl from his work as a Community Service Officer (CSO) with the Anacortes Police Department, where he has served for seven years.

As a CSO, Karl worked to build community relationships and advocate for the residents of Anacortes. Karl will continue to utilize those skills in the tradition of making the Center a place where seniors thrive. Karl resides in Anacortes with his wife, an Anacortes native, and two children. Karl enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and paddle boarding. He looks forward to meeting the many visitors and guests of the Center, including those interested in joining the “Chat with Karl” hour on the second Tuesday of each month.

Hot Meals Hot lunches are served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No reservations are necessary (except holiday luncheons).

Suggested donation for 60 and over is $5.

Non-seniors are $7.

Meals on Wheels: to sign up for hot meals for homebound seniors, call (360) 416-1500.

Volunteer Opportunities Join the more than 80 volunteers who regularly work at the Center. For more information, please call (360) 293-7473.

Technology Computer assistance AV system for presentations If you have any questions about this past year or what might happen as 2021 progresses, give Lea DeVere a call at (360) 293-7473 or email her at lindad@cityofanacortes.org. Stay well and be safe!

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Be a Part of History— Support Our Museum

Established in 1992, the Museum Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Anacortes. Our group promotes preservation and development through donations, fundraising and hosting events. Your support enhances museum services and funds special programs, events and museum necessities.

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Retiring Collections

Curator Catalogs a Decade of Progress

By: Elaine Walker My career of recording and preserving the history of Fidalgo and Guemes islands began in 1996, as a stringer for the Anacortes American. Now the Anacortes Museum’s Curator of Collections, my professional career will end October 15, 2021, when I join my husband in retirement.

I came to the museum in 2011 as an Administrative Assistant, then stepped into the role of Curator of Collections six years ago. That’s when the fun really began!

The legacy of my predecessor, Judy Hakins, was implementing the Past Perfect museum collections management system and cataloging many thousands of images and

artifacts. I left much of this important work to my invaluable assistant Pam Bagnall, and dove into the problem of digitizing a 40-year backlog of handwritten records. Volunteers Karen Thomson and Jim Taylor pitched in, typing up lists from log books and History Board minutes, then Karen continued with our old card catalog.

Most of it is now keyword searchable - a tremendous improvement from scouring pages of handwritten lists and cards. Pam scanned at least 30 years of donation forms, backing up our most essential records.

With the judicious help from the Museum Advisory Board, we performed strategic de-accessioning, and acquisition of a storage shed provided by the Anacortes Museum Foundation to house supplies, has given us the room to assess our

Photographers of Anacortes: New exhibit connects virtually to online encyclopedia of 70,000 historic images.

The City’s first photographers were intrepid artists and talented technicians – restless men and independent women who worked with cumbersome equipment

and glass plates. The exhibit will spotlight the camera

Subheader operators whose images allow us to see the City emerge and take shape.

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Early Anacortes photographer Eliza Schwarz snapped this image of her children over 100 years ago. Her great grandson, Bill Mitchell, used this image as the model for a mural.

Anacortes Museum collections and de-clutter. This allowed us to accept and process very large and important new collections from the Anacortes School District, the McKee family, and the Bill Mitchell and Wallie Funk estates.

One of the museum’s greatest accomplishments during my tenure was the production of Wallie Funk’s book, Pictures of the Past. I played the role of editor and middleman with the author.

Many volunteers have done extraordinary work at the Museum.

One group of ladies sleeved negatives and photos from the massive Anacortes American collection, then sleeved Wallie Funk slides and Bill Mitchell photos. Another group, fiber artists, helped to photograph, assess and properly store our vast textile holdings. One volunteer, Kitty Huddleston, scanned a huge box of obituaries - tiny slips of paper - making them searchable in our digital research file. Another, Julia Henricks, helped process our oral history collection.

I will miss working daily with the dedicated staff of the Anacortes Museum - my friends. Anacortes’ history will always be dear to my heart, so, after a road trip or two, I hope to return as a volunteer.

The museum is in their capable hands - particularly those of my successor, Erica Anderson. They will continue the important mission of caring for our treasures and interpreting the city’s history in increasingly interesting and high-tech ways.

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ADULTS ADULT PROGRAM SERIES

LIBRARY HOURS Weekdays 11:00 am–6:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am–4:00 pm

CONTACT 360-293-1910 library.cityofanacortes.org

CLOSURES Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas New Years

Nov 11 Nov 25 & 26 Dec 24 & 25 Dec 31 & Jan 1

For the latest hours, library news, and updates, sign up for our eNewsletter at library.cityofanacortes.org

Programs may be virtual if necessary. Masks are required inside the library for everyone.

Fall programs will be held on Wednesday at 6:00pm. Full details are online.

OCTOBER Oct 13: Humanities WA presents: Whiskey and Wiretaps: The Northwest’s Rumrunning King with Steve Edmiston of the Good Bootlegger’s Guild, co-hosted by the Anacortes Museum.

Oct 20: Humanities WA presents: A Nicer Kind of Murder with Matthew Sullivan, local author.

NOVEMBER Nov. 17: Humanities WA presents: American Democracy’s Indigenous Roots & Future with Fern Naomi Renville, Indigenous storyteller & playwrite.

DECEMBER Dec. 1: Family Trivia Night Join us on Zoom for a virtual family-friendly trivia night.

JANUARY Jan. 12: Humanties WA presents: Umoja (Unity): Sustaining African Cultural Arts with Afua Kouyaté, performing & teaching artist.

Hired in 1920, E. Luella Hurd Howard was the first librarian at APL. Pictured here in 1939, Howard had a salary of $40/month and a reputation for strictness. “One look from her and your chair better not dare squeak!”

- Wallie Funk Photo credit: Anacortes Museum.

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MUSIC SECOND SUNDAY JAZZ CONCERTS Second Sundays 2:00-3:30 pm Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 12 Join us once a month for a free, live jazz concert! For details visit jazzatthelibrary.com.

JAZZ LECTURE SERIES 2:00 pm October 7, Nov & Dec TBD Join us once a month for a free lecture about jazz history. For details visit jazzatthelibrary.com.

BOOK CLUB Fourth Monday 7:00 pm Oct. 25, Nov. 22 All are welcome to join the discussion. Visit the library website or call for book titles.

TECH TUESDAY Tuesdays 10:00-12:00 noon Drop in with your mobile device or laptop for hands-on technology help.

PASSPORTS Appointments Now Available Sign up online or call us for details.

Due to ever-changing health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 regarding public gatherings, please check our website, visit the library, or contact dianaf@cityofanacortes.org for adult program updates regarding live or virtual program changes. We will provide programs safely in accordance with state guidelines.

FAMILY

CHILDREN

OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, the library has relied on state and federal health guidelines to protect our community, and we will continue to do so this fall. Please check our website and sign up for our eNewsletter for up to date information on all programs.

WEEKLY STORYTIMES Visit our website or call for specific dates and times for our weekly storytimes.

TEENS

PAJAMA STORYTIME Third Thursday 5:00 pm Join us the third Thursday of every month for Pajama Storytime!

All ages welcome.

STORYBOOK PUMPKIN PATCH October 14-31 Decorate a pumpkin as your favorite storybook character to plant in our patch! Showcase in Children’s area.

For more information visit our website or call the Children’s Library at (360) 293-1910, ext. 3982.

HOLIDAY EVENTS COZY HALLOWEEN STORYTIME Join us for fun drop-in activities and storytimes. Warm up and read with a librarian or friend in costume!

Baby Storytime—birth to 12 mo Join us for stories, songs, rhymes and more! Baby Storytime is geared for children who aren’t walking yet.

Time for Tots—birth to 3 yrs This program promotes early literacy through play, movement, music, rhymes and stories.

Join Island County Astronomical Society for a look at our moon! We will have activities and hot cocoa.

Saturday, October 30, Time TBD

Preschool Storytime—3 to 5 yrs Stories, songs and crafts. The theme changes each week and children always enjoy trying something new.

Music & Movement—13 mo to 6 yrs We’ll sing songs, dance, share stories and have fun with props!

Saturday, October 16 7:00-8:30 pm, Location TBD

HAUNTED FOREST WALK Saturday, October 30, 5:00-8:00 pm

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP (TAG) First Wednesdays 3:00 pm Do you have ideas for library programs? Would you like to try out new skills with friends? Join our Teen Advisory Group on the first Wednesday of each month from 3pm-4:30pm for volunteer credit, fun, and more. We’ll help plan children’s programs, teen programs, and learn some new skills like filmmaking, podcasting, resume writing, and more.

TAG KICK-OFF PIZZA PARTY Wednesday, October 6 3:00 pm Join us for our kick-off program in the Library to find out how to lead, volunteer, and more. We’ll bring the goodies, you bring the ideas!

Sign up for our eNewsletter to get the latest on teen programs & events at library.cityofanacortes.org.

Find the library witches and wizards at this free family event at Washington Park. Families welcome 5-6, spookier hauntings start at 6:30 for the brave and daring.

ELF STORYTIME Thursday, December 2, 5:00 pm Sparkle the Elf will bring cheer and goodwill to brighten your winter evening. Cozy pajamas and holiday hats are encouraged.

WINTER WONDERLAND Fri. & Sat., Dec. 11 & 12, 5:00-8:00 pm Come take a walk in the woods at Washington Park. The Library will be hosting a festive campsite at this FREE holiday event.

GENRE NIGHT 2022 Genre Night is postponed until 2022.

This Fantastical Genre Night of epic proportion will celebrate all genres, so start planning your costume now.

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SUPPORT FOR THE LIBRARY We are so grateful to work with these wonderful organizations.

The Anacortes Public Library Foundation (APLF) supports the library through capitol campaigns and management of bequests. Digital services you enjoy such as OverDrive, Libby & Hoopla are provided by the Foundation! The Foundation also helps keep our facility up to date and looking beautiful.

The Manieri Endowment generously sponsors local jazz events, fosters jazz education in local schools with scholarships and grants, and provides a collection of jazz & swing books, music, and movies for checkout at the library.

The Manieri Endowment is managed by the APLF.

The Friends of the Library (FOL) provide funding for the programs you love at the library! Proceeds from the used books sold in the Friends Bookshop go towards library programs and provide nearly a third of our book collection funding.

Support the Library by financially contributing or becoming a member.

The Maritime Endowment funds our Maritime collection, featuring charts to map out your next sea adventure, classic boating books, and more. They even purchased a library sailboat for the Anacortes Waterfront Alliance. The Maritime Endowment is managed by the APLF.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY So much of what the library is able to do is made possible by community members who donate time, resources, and books. Our Friends of the Library have worked tirelessly this past year while the FriendShop has been closed to raise funds to sustain book purchases and programming for children and teens.

From all of us at the library, thank you to each volunteer who ensured the library could keep providing programs and new items while we were apart. Look for the FriendShop to open soon.

ANACORTES LIBRARY, NOW AND THEN

T

he library has come a long way since it was founded in 1911 (pictured right, now the Anacortes Museum). There are still plenty of printed books, but now there are also digital apps, computers, Wi-Fi, music, movies, video games, audio books, concerts, programs, a copier and printer, children’s play areas, private study rooms, and a community meeting room. Whether it’s helping patrons with traditional searches for books, applying for a passport, or guiding them through the latest technology, library staff are always striving to anticipate and meet the current needs of the community. Stop by today, and while you’re checking out a book, check out what else the library can do for you.

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Thank you, Mayor Gere

8 Years of support 7 Quarters of leadership during

“I want to thank Mayor Gere for all her hard work and dedication to the city employees as well as the citizens of Anacortes. Best wishes!“ Syd Olausen

a Pandemic

6 Special Storytimes (Maybe

more, but who’s counting?)

5 Genre Nights (You’ll always be Head Witch & Super Mayor)

4 Years piloting the NASA@ My Library Project

3 Major recarpeting projects 2 Astronaut visits 1 Solar Eclipse (2000 glasses handed out in 1 hour)

Super Mayor! Genre Night 2017

“Mayor Mcgonagall” joined us for Harry Potter night in 2016 & 2018

“I’ve always appreciated the sincere interest Mayor Laurie showed in the Library and our staff.”

Delivering books at curbside pickup during the closure in 2020

Planting a tree for Earth Day 2018

Celebrating Esther’s retirement after more than twenty years at APL

Hooping it up at National Night Out 2017

Providing support for the library recarpeting project with Public Services manager, Sydney in 2019

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Navigating Change

and Leading the Department into the Future Chief Mike King (14 years) May 1994 March 2008

Chief Bonnie Bowers (9 years) April 2008 March 2017

An interview with Police Chief Dave Floyd of the Anacortes Police Department Chief Floyd started as a patrol officer in 2000, working his way through the ranks, taking on several roles as a Field Training Officer; Marine Patrol Officer; Defensive Tactics Instructor; Detective on the Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit (SCIDEU) and Patrol Sergeant. In 2018, Chief Floyd was promoted to Administrative Captain, where he supervised the training, professional standards accreditation, and special investigations aspects of our department.

What do you see as the biggest challenge to policing in Anacortes?

Chief John Small (4 years) April 2017 June 2021

Chief Dave Floyd (current) July 2021 present, with Mayor Laurie Gere at his swearing in

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The Anacortes Police Department along with law enforcement agencies statewide have implemented changes based on bills passed in the 2021 Legislative Session that address tactics police can use, the degree of force an officer may use, and factors that law enforcement must consider before using any degree of force, among several other changes.

Chief Floyd: “APD is used to being a full service agency where no call is too small. This approach has served our department and community well and allows us to successfully intervene in crisis situations, including mental health and substance abuse. The new law limits our response and in some instances has an impact on the response of our first responder partners. It will take time for us to adapt our response and establish new community expectations.”

Chief Floyd states that APD will address the challenges posed by the new legislation by working within

the boundaries of the laws while maintaining our full-service approach.

Community education, outreach and engagement was and always will be paramount to our success as we all navigate the implications of the new laws. One example of community education was a letter Floyd drafted to City of Anacortes leadership and residents in July. The letter took a stepby-step approach to explaining the new laws and the real or potential impact they will have on our community.

What do you want the public to know about police reform?

Chief Floyd: “The new policies will be easier to implement here than in other places across the country. For decades, we have been an accredited agency with policies and procedures in place such as analysis of use of force data and the requirement for our officers to report excessive force used. Our policy prior to July 25, 2021 allowed us to engage if a suspect was an immediate threat to the public. The new law limits our ability to engage suspects in some cases while we are working through steps in the investigation process.”

Uncompromising Standards Looking to the future, Chief Floyd sees the greatest asset of the Anacortes Police Department as the people who work here. The success of the department starts with our hiring standards, we only hire those with integrity and strong character who we know will help build and strengthen great community partnerships. Floyd understands the needs and desires of the community so we can navigate the future together, regardless of the changing legal tides.

The Anacortes Fire Department: From 1892-2021

By Tom Nelson, Firefighter/Paramedic AFD

The original fire station at 5th and O Avenue, in the 1920s or early 1930s

Anacortes acquired an American La France fire engine in 1924.

In 1924, Anacortes acquired an American La France fire engine.

This piece of our history has been totally restored by a hardworking group of volunteers.

Public safety building

The Anacortes Fire Department workforce grows.

I was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1999 with 5 others when Fire Station 2 (the Norman Brown station) was opened in Skyline. At that time our workforce increased from 9 Firefighters to 15.

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The Anacortes Fire Department was officially organized on January 6th, 1892 by City Ordinance #100.

It consisted of the Fire Chief, a first and second Assistant Chief, and a cadre of volunteers. The apparatus consisted of pull carts, hoses and ladders. It wasn’t until 1910 that Anacortes obtained “Belle” and “Star”, a pair of workhorses used to pull the apparatus carts to the fires.

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In 1924, Anacortes obtained the American La France fire engine

Out with the old and in with the new.

By 1953, the original fire station had fallen into disrepair and a new station was built as a joint fire and police station. The old public safety building still stands on 12th St off Commercial Avenue.

Tom Nelson, Firefighter/Paramedic (circa 2000, kneeling bottom left)

The restored fire engine parked by our newest fire engine

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Honoring our past and looking to our future.

The Anacortes Fire Department is currently manning 3 fire stations. Station #1 is at 1016 13th St., Station #2 on the corner of Sunset and Anaco Beach Road in Skyline, and Station #3 on Molly Lane off of Reservation Road covering the March’s Point area. We have a total of 25 Firefighters, 5 of which are EMTs, 20 are Paramedics. We provide fire suppression, rescue and Emergency Medical Services to Anacortes and the surrounding areas.

The AFD is currently developing plans and raising funds to preserve and display our 1924 American La France fire engine at Station 1. We hope to complete this project in time for the engine’s centennial celebration in 2024. Our anticipated fund rasing goal is $180,000. If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to this project please contact Chief Bill Harris at 360-299-1979 or billh@cityofanacortes.org FAL L 2021

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In 2014, members of the community began championing the need for improved broadband internet service in the community. Mayor Gere made this a priority and in 2015 leaders of the City met with other public entities providing broadband services to explore options. Leaders also spoke with incumbents about their willingness to improve broadband service to our island community.

At the same time, the City began exploring internet fiber optic connectivity to replace an aging wireless telemetry transport. A fiber backbone was built to transport telemetry and excess fiber capacity was deployed at a minimal incremental cost. In 2017, a community survey inquiring about interest in a municipal broadband option resulted in over 1,600 people responding with a majority being supportive, positive, and hopeful about the deployment of broadband throughout the City. The City retained NoaNet to engineer the fiber backbone and advise on the fiber to the premise network.

over 2,225 preorders in queue.

Currently the city is seeking grants to offset costs of expansion of the network. The largest expansion to date is under construction in the neighborhoods west of the airport, passing 2,300 homes. We continue to work on partnerships with other service providers, governments, and businesses to increase access to affordable high-speed internet.

The City’s broadband project is thriving and cited as a model for other cities across Washington. Without the tireless support of our champions, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The vision of Anacortes residents today is setting us all up for success in the future.

The map shows the expansion of the fiber network. Future dates are contingent on funding. Sections that fall outside of city limits are being funded by outside grant dollars.

In 2018, a request for proposals for partnerships from communication service providers explored options for operating a City-owned fiber network. Multiple options were presented at a City Council meeting, with the City Council ultimately deciding the return on investment for the community was not supported by the proposals presented.

In 2018, City Council and staff developed a business plan and financial model to build, own, and operate a network with the city functioning as the internet service provider. City Council adopted Resolution 2013 providing a framework from which a three pilot project’s success would be measured. Backbone deployment began in 2019 as staff were hired, policies were developed, and contracts established for construction. In 2020, the City’s first broadband connections to the network were made and now include over 800 businesses and residents in service and

Residential Plans

Business Plans

Month to Month

12 Month Contract

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If you are interested in joining the fiber network and live inside a current service area or in an area that will be getting fiber in the future, please fill out an order form on the City’s website.

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$39/month $69/month $10/month $100

100 Mbps 1 Gbps Managed WiFi Install Fee

$89/month $149/month $10/month $100

WWW.ANACORTESCOMMUNITYENERGY.ORG

ENERGY CONSERVATION is any behavior that results in the use of less energy.

Turning the lights off when leaving the room is an example of conserving energy.

WAYS TO CONSERVE WITHOUT SPENDING MONEY

REPORT A SPILL

IN YOUR HOUSE

IN YOUR KITCHEN

Turn down the thermostat to 68 degrees.

When boiling water use a kettle or put a lid on the saucepan.

Dust your light bulbs.

Pull your fridge away from the wall and vacuum the coils. Build-up of dust and grime means the fridge motor has to work harder.

• Spill Location

Keep the fridge door closed to keep cold air in. Opening it can lead to up to one quarter of the air escaping.

• Estimated Amount

Keep curtains and blinds open during the day, to let in the warmth of the sun.

Then close them at night, to keep the heat in and the cold out.

Clean the filters in your appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

IN YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM Put a dry towel in with each load of clothes in your dryer, it will help absorb dampness, and dry your clothes faster.

Use an outdoor drying line when you are able to dry clothes. [If it is raining, using an indoor drying line is better than a tumble dryer.]

Clean the lint trap in your dryer after each load.

When using the oven keep the door closed. Every time you open it heat will escape.

Only start your dishwasher when it’s full.

IN YOUR BATHROOM Turn off the tap while cleaning your teeth, shaving or washing.

Take showers rather than baths.

Use the cold cycle in your washing machine.

Help us with: • Substance

• Did it enter the Stormdrain?

PLEASE CALL: 360-293-1921 If you want to learn more about the City of Anacortes Stormwater Division read about Low Impact Development (LID) on page 13.

For more information on these ENERGY SAVING TIPS

www.anacortescommunityenergy.org

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Pacific Mammal Research Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Anacortes. We are dedicated to understanding and protecting harbor porpoises and harbor seals of the Salish Sea through innovative scientific research, educational outreach, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Our programs are designed to collect and share vital scientific information about these species and their environment, while simultaneously providing unique place-based learning opportunities for all ages and engagement levels.

Current programs: • Marine mammal photo-identification • Citizen science • Educational outreach • Acoustic monitoring Learn more at our website: www.pacmam.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Listen to our podcast, “PacMam Podcast”.

Have questions or would like more information on how to get involved with PacMam? Email us at cindy.elliser@pacmam.org or call (360) 202-2860.

Anacortes Senior College

Anacortes Senior College is hoping to resume classes for the 2021 Fall term after a hiatus due to the pandemic. To learn more about upcoming classes and registration, please go to: www.seniorcollege.org.

Since 2007, the Anacortes Senior College has provided a curriculum of intellectually satisfying programs for people age 50 and above, led by retired professors and other instructors volunteering their time and expertise. With no required books, tests or credits, and a nominal fee for classes, students participate for the sheer joy of learning while meeting other curious students along the way.

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With Everyone Working Together,

Our Future is Green.

By placing properly prepared recyclables in your cart, you are helping prepare your materials for their next best use.

Recycle the right items. Bottles, cans, paper and cardboard are always a safe bet. Confused about what else should go into your recycling cart? Find more information about our community’s program on our website at: wmnorthwest.com/anacortes.

Take a few extra minutes each day to ensure your recyclables are empty, clean, and dry before they go in the cart. Making sure recyclables are empty and clean guarantees they’ll be repurposed and made into something new.

Clean Paper and Cardboard

Place only loose recyclables in the cart – not in plastic bags.

Plastic bags can damage equipment and cause safety hazards to workers because they easily get tangled up in the sorting equipment.

Contamination in our recycling carts is a pressing problem today because recycling standards around the world have changed. It’s more important than ever to put the right materials in the right containers to meet new market requirements and keep our local recycling program strong and healthy. We can do this by focusing our recycling energy on materials that are most likely to end up as new products, like cardboard and paper, tin and aluminum and plastic bottles, tubs and jugs.

Metal Cans

What You Can Recycle Glass Bottles and Jars (no caps or lids)

Plastic Bottles, Jugs, and Tubs (no caps or lids)

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904 6th Street P.O. Box 547 Anacortes, WA 98221

ECRWSS Resident

PRE-SORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PA I D Anacortes, WA PERMIT NO. 22

The Anacortes Parks Foundation and the City of Anacortes would like to thank all the thoughtful individuals and businesses for their donations and support of our Independence Day celebrations and the John Curtis Memorial firework display. This page contains over 200 individual names of community members who donated. Look closely to find your name! A special thanks to the staff and community members who devoted their time and energy to making these celebrations possible. We are already looking forward to next year!

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