Almanacs - 2012 Book of the San Juans

Th e

Book

of the San Juan Islands

2 012 I nfo r m at i o n a nd R e l o c at i o n A l m a n ac

San Juan Orcas Lopez Shaw Anacortes

“Run Aground” JAMES MOORE artist Published by the Journal of the San Juans, Islands’ Sounder and Islands’ Weekly

Center for health & wellness for West Skagit & the San Juan Islands!

Island Hospital is one of the most innovative and recognized small hospitals in the U.S. Island offers a Level III Emergency Department, state-of-the-art Diagnostic Imaging and a full range of high-quality services from the Birth Center to Home Healthcare.

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• Diagnostic Services, including Mammography, DEXA

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• Family Birth Center

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• Home Health Services

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• Island Surgeons

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• Lopez Island Medical Clinic

468-2245

299-4200

• Orcas Medical Center

376-2561

SHORT WALK TO ISLAND HOSPITAL! Free round-trip transport is available from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for San Juan County residents who are using Island Hospital or IH clinics.

Call (360) 299-0609 or visit islandhospital.org for info

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• Psychiatry & Behavioral Health

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• Sleep Wellness Center

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• Surgery Center - Outpatient & Inpatient

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• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine

(360) 899-4600

Main Switchboard (360) 468-3185 Call main toll-free and ask for connection to any department

1211 24th Street / Anacortes • islandhospital.org

Our Promise

Your best healthcare experience begins at Island Hospital.

We always place your emotional and medical needs first and foremost.

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In serving our neighbors for the past 30 years, we strive to be responsive and

provide service that you can’t get with a big out of town bank.

As the only bank headquartered in the San Juan Islands, our staff & Board of Directors better understand our communities and how they work by

“Doing the Right Thing.”

We welcome you to stop by and start your

community banking relationship at one of our branches near you.

Friday Harbor Branch 225 Blair Avenue Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360)378-2265

Lopez Island Branch 45 Weeks Road Lopez Island, WA 98261 (360)468-2295

Orcas Island Branch 475 Fern Street Eastsound, WA 98245 (360)376-2265

www.islandersbank.com

LAND SURVEYING LAND PLANNING Robert M. Anderson, PLS

SERVING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

STAR

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360-378-5072 640 Mullis Street #102-A PO Box 2997 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 Phone 360-378-5072 Fax 360-378-1659

www.starsurveying.com Email: starsurveying@rockisland.com

Coffelt Farm on Orcas Island.

Colleen Smith Armstrong pHOTO

on Orcas Island

Nice pool… (Spectacular View)

SMUGGLERS V ILLA RESORT Quietly Serving Orcas Island Since 1972 360-376-2297 • 800-488-2097 www.smugglersvilla.com

We LIKE kids

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A B OU T T HE COV E R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome

6

Lopez Island

8

Orcas Island

12

San Juan, Friday Harbor

17

Shaw Island

22

Anacortes

23

Real Estate

24

Taxes

25

Education

26

Conservation

27

Government

28

Less time getting there.

More time being there.

O

il painter James Moore’s “Run Aground� captures the 1914 sinking of the tugboat “Lorne� with the barge “America� in tow.

The two vessels reportedly crashed into the rocks on the southwest shore of San Juan Island, near an area known today as Hannah Heights, on Aug. 30, 1914. At the time, the two boats were traveling in heavy fog and strong currents in Haro Strait.

The “Lorne,� owned by Puget Sound Tug Boat Co. and based in Vancouver, B.C., was valued at the time at $60,000. It was towed to Victoria, B.C., for repairs. It sustained significant damage because of the strong winds that pummeled it while it was stranded on the rocks for about a week.

The America, built in 1874, and weighing 1,908 net tons, was a famous China clipper ship that plied between Boston, New York and the Orient. It transported “general merchandise� to the Orient and returned often with black tea. The crash near San Juan Island was reportedly the first-ever mishap for the “America.� It is unknown what happened to her after the incident.

Moore, who lives in Coupeville, Wash., is both a studio painter and works in plein air, which means painting from life outdoors and capturing the effect of light and atmosphere.

He is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Society of Marine Artists, Puget Sound Group of NW Painters, and Plein Air Washington. Moore is represented by Crow Valley Pottery (Orcas Island), Gallery San Juan (Friday Harbor), and Glacier Gallery (Kalispell, Mont.). He also teaches at the Pacific NorthWest Art School in Coupeville.

For more info, visit www.jamesmooreartist.com.

Book of the San Juan Islands — since 1987 Publisher: Marcia Van Dyke Editors: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Scott Rasmussen Writers: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Meredith M. Griffith, Scott Rasmussen Advertising Sales: Cathi Brewer, Howard Schonberger Advertising Sales Manager: Roxanne Angel Production Artists: Rebecca Cook, Scott Herning Cover Art: James Moore

Daily service to Lopez, Orcas & San Juan islands GSPN 4FBUUMF PO XIFFMT øPBUT t NJOVUF øJHIU UJNFT t 'SFF 4FB 5BD TIVUUMF

866.435.9524 • KenmoreAir.com

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11/12/2009 3:58:29 PM

The Islands’ Sounder, 217 Main Street, PO Box 758, Eastsound, WA 98245, 360‑376‑4500, Fax: 360‑376‑4501 www.islandssounder.com The Journal of the San Juan Islands, 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250-0519, 360‑378‑5696, Fax: 360‑378‑5128 www.sanjuanjournal.com

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

5

W elco m e to pa r a d is e

T

Scott Rasmussen Photo

A totem pole, a symbol of the San Juans Coast Salish heritage, greets visitors to Camp Nor’wester, Johns Island.

Dr. Loftus and Oliver

Animal Inn and Wellness Center Your Pet’s Home Away From Home

Day Care and Overnight Care Indoor/Outdoor Dog Runs Private Cat Suites Special Needs Room Pampered Pet Suite Massage, Acupuncture, Veterinary Services Friday Harbor/Roche Harbor Pick Up/Delivery Available

Veterinarian owned- Michelle Loftus DVM 25 Boyce Road, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island 360-378-4735 • Find us on facebook www.animalinnwellness.com

6

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

his year marks the 25th anniversary of the Book of the San Juan Islands.

A lot has changed over the years.

From the date this magazine first made its debut, in 1987, until today, the population of San Juan County grew by nearly 50 percent.

In the 1990s, San Juan had the second highest rate of growth of the 39 counties of Washington state, trailing only Clark County.

The pace has slowed considerably since then, but you wouldn’t know it in the summertime.

Word got out somewhere along the way and the San Juans have become renown far and wide as a tourist destination. Recent accolades include: No. 2 on the New York Times’ world list of “41 Places to Go In 2011”, No. 3 on National Geograpics Traveler’s world list of “10 Best Summer Trips of 2011”, and No. 4 on Travel + Leisure’s list of “World’s Best Awards 2011” (Islands of Continental U.S. & Canada).

Still, much remains unchanged.

San Juan is the smallest of the state’s 39 counties, in terms of land, yet with a little more than 400 miles of waterfront it also boasts more saltwater shoreline by far than any other. But perhaps more than anything, it’s this unique and scenic splendor, andthe small-town charm of the islands’ various communities, that together account for the San Juans’ timeless appeal.

Like its predecessors, the 25th edition of the Book of the San Juan Islands is for islanders and anyone wanting to learn more about the islands, and is especially useful for those planning to move here. Use it as your relocation guide. It contains information about healthcare, local government, schools, who to call for public services, where to have fun — and who we are as islanders.

If you’d like more information, contact us: The Journal of the San Juan Islands, 360-378-5696; and the Islands’ Sounder, 360378-4500. Or visit us at SanJuanJournal.com and IslandsSounder. com.

Population San Juan County’s population totaled 15,769 year-round residents in 2010, according to the U.S. Census, which makes it the eighth smallest of Washington state’s 39 counties. The majority of islanders live in unincorporated areas of the county.

The largest and only incorporated city in San Juan County is the Town of Friday Harbor, with a population of 2,162 in 2010.

San Juan County consists of nearly an equal number of men and women. Of its 15,769 residents, 51.4 percent were female in 2010, according to U.S. Census figures. That’s slightly more, however, than the state ratio of 50.2 percent for that year. The number of people 65 years and older made up 23.2 percent of the population, nearly double the state mark of 12.3 percent. Islanders under the age of 18 made up 15.8 percent, with 3.4 percent under the age of five.

According to state Office of Financial Management, almost two-thirds of the San Juan County population are over the age of 40. That’s far greater than the national and state marks, each at about 44 percent. Conversely, less than 26 percent of the population is under the age of 30. The age bracket of 20-29 consistently has the fewest number of islanders, other than those 80 years or older.

Of the county population, roughly 75 percent live outside its

A look at the San Juans three urban village areas: Friday Harbor, 2,162; Eastsound, 980; Lopez Village, 190. The county land area is 174.9 square miles (fewest in Washington state). There are 90.9 people per square mile (10th among Washington counties).

Lopez Island: 2,396 residents, 1,922 housing units Orcas Island: 4,894 residents, 3,249 housing units San Juan (uninc.): 5,214 residents, 3,217 housing units • Friday Harbor: 2,162 residents, 973 housing units Shaw Island: 246 residents, 166 housing units In 2006, San Juan County averaged nearly 5,400 jobs covered by unemployment insurance, with a $148 million payroll.

The county’s annual average wage was $27,563, well below the state average of $42,881. In 2006, the county ranked 35th in total covered wages. Wages in utilities were the highest at $53,457. The next highest wages were paid in educational services ($36,976), followed by finance and insurance ($36,060). At the other end of the spectrum were wages in arts, entertainment and recreation ($15,315), real estate and rental and leasing ($17,296) and accommodation and food services ($17,655). In 2005, the median hourly wage was $16.66, ninth highest in the state. In 2005, personal income was $44,053, higher than the state average ($35,479) and the national average ($34,495).

WEather The San Juans have their fair share of sunny, clear days with blue waters just waiting for boating, crabbing, kayaking and more.

While you can count on pretty regular seasons — mild springs, sunny summers and wet fall months — the winter can be a wild card. Sometimes the islands see snow, wind and rain, other winters are mild.

San Juan County Population Forecast 2015: 19,150; 2020: 20,857 2025: 22,513; 2030: 24,041 Source: Washington Department of Financial Management

Weather is one of the most desirable attributes of the San Juan Islands. The new edition of “1,000 Places To See Before You Die” lists the San Juan Islands as place number 899.” Temperatures rarely top 80 degrees in the summer and rarely fall below 30 degrees in the winter.

Where Property Owners Live

In 2007, the San Juan County Treasurer’s Office mailed nearly half of all that year’s property tax statements to addresses outside San Juan County. In response to an inquiry by the County Council during a more recent budget presentation, the treasurer’s office determined that of 19,608 statements mailed that year, 30 percent (5,830) went to other cities in Washington state; 19 percent (3,628) went to addresses in 47 other states, and 88 statements were mailed to an address in 20 foreign countries.

Not all statements sent out of county represent non-residents, however. Many islanders winter in warmer climes, like Arizona and California, and some statements are mailed to financial institutions on the East Coast or to taxpaying services in the Midwest.

Islanders Insurance Serving the Insurance Needs for Islanders Since 1983

In-Store Bakery and Fresh Deli Meat, Produce, Grocery, Beer and Wine Ian, Gigi, Jodi, Mary, Kerwin

Insurance Products For Your Personal, Commercial, Life, Health or Long Term Care Needs

(360) 378-2165 • Toll Free 888-322-2195 PO Box 1160 • 545 Spring St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 In Lopez Village, Next To Isabels’ 468-2232 www.islandersinsurance.com

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

7

Lo pe z I s l a n d ISLAND PROFILES

QUICK Facts Lopez Island

County council Jamie Stephens 468-3331 (office) 468-4408 (home)

Fire Department Jim Ghiglione, chief 468-2991

Library 2225 Fisherman Bay Rd. 468-2265

Medical Clinic 103 Washburn Place Lopez Village 468-2245

Senior Services Lopez Isl. Senior Center 468-2421

SHERIFF’S DEPT. 3345 Fisherman Bay Rd. 468-2333 Emergency: 911

Utilities/Services CenturyTel (800) 201-4102 Fisherman Bay Sewer Dist.

468-2131 Fisherman Bay Water Dist.

468-2002 Inter Island Petroleum 1593 Mount Baker Road Eastsound 376‑4512 Orcas Power & Light 376‑3500 (office) 376‑3599 (outages) San Juan Propane 981 Dill Road 468-4621

8

Where everybody knows your name

By Cali Bagby

L

opez is know for its elaborate firework display, bucolic landscape – perfect for hikes and cycling, and the long-standing tradition of waving to one another, whether they know you or not.

Also dubbed the “Friendly Isle,” Lopez is a top destination for visitors to the San Juans. It’s also the closest of the ferry-served islands to Anacortes, making it a quick and convenient trip.

Most of the island’s businesses are located in Lopez Village. On Saturday mornings in the summer, you’ll find shoppers perusing fresh vegetables at the Farmers Market, and children playing in Lopez Village Park.

Although Lopez Island’s population is small, around 2,400 people, it has a wide variety of community services, many are made possible by the dedication of volunteers.

Lopez Center for Community and the Arts opened 12 years ago, thanks to thousands of volunteer hours and more than $1 million in fundraising. It is the site of most island benefits, concerts and community events and even free events like Community Performance Night, senior tai chi, “Nia” dance workout classes and selected music concerts introduced this year. From island choir groups and local theater productions to classical music ensembles and blues bands from throughout the country, Lopez Center holds several events a month and is a popular spot for community activities and weddings.

The center’s property also hosts Sally’s Garden, Lopez Childrens Center - a preschool and day care, the skateboard park and Lopez Island Family Resource Center.

One of Lopez Island’s vintage buildings, Woodmen Hall, has been the recipient of major restoration. Lopez Senior Services owns the building, and houses its senior center in the hall. It is also used as a space for community cultural activities and public meetings. Lopez Grange Hall has made a comeback as a prime location with new renovations for community activities.

They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure: test out this theory with “Take it or Leave it” at the transfer station on Fisherman Bay Road, where islanders often score funky vintage clothing, and unique home decor.

Or visit the Lopez Thrift Store standing on the corner of Eads Lane and Tower Road. Purchases help support the annual spring grant program for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in need of extra funds.

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Fundraisers and benefit concerts are a staple of the community – nonprofits rely on the generosity of the community.

Fourth of July on Lopez is known on and off the island with its first-class firework display put on by volunteers – making news for being the biggest home-scripted, hometown-financed and amateurperformed fireworks show in the nation.

The holiday is known on Lopez as not just bright lights, but a day full of events. The day begins with 5K and 10K fun runs and a quintessentially Lopez parade, followed by a barbecue at Lopez Center.

The Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors a tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the winter holidays. Hundreds of islanders gather in the village to sing carols and visit with one another over bonfires while sipping hot beverages.

The Chamber also sponsors Tour de Lopez in spring, a non-competitive bicycle tour, which draws cyclists from across the country and even some out of the country. The number of participants continues to grow each year; last year it reached over 1,000 riders. The ride concludes in the Village Park with a barbecue lunch.

The Lopez Island School District offers individualized education for students in grades K-12.

The school debuted its Lopez Island Farm Education Garden Program in 2006 to provide students with the opportunity to grow their own food, which is then integrated into the cafeteria menu. The LIFE program is supported by a collaboration between Lopez Community Land Trust, S&S Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Lopez Island Education Foundation, and the Heller Trust.

This year, gardeners Suzanne Berry and Valerie Yukluk were hired, through donations, to produce more food for the cafeteria. They have plans to construct compost and worm bins, furnish a fourth hoop house, overhaul beds, and create middle school projects.

The farming community on Lopez is continuing to flourish. Many of the island’s farms sell dairy products, fresh produce, island-raised meat, and jams at the Farmers’ Market. In addition, local grocery stores carry their products. Check out the Islands’ Farm Festival (www.sjcarc.org), which features over 50 farm and food events offered throughout the month of October. Also look for some of the winter farmstands scattered throughout the island.

Lopez Island Medical Clinic and emergency medical services from the Lopez Island Fire

ment was given first preference to position a VHF antenna on the tower.

San Juan Airlines offers daily scheduled flights to and from Anacortes, Bellingham and Seattle, as well as to the other islands in the San Juans.

Island Air has offered charter service based in Friday Harbor since 1992. Float plane service between Lopez and Seattle is available by Kenmore Air from the Lopez Islander Resort dock.

Public Services on Lopez Island George Willis Photo

Lopez Lion waves to the crowd during the July 4th parade.

Department provide care to islanders. When serious medical emergencies occur, Airlift Northwest provides helicopter service to mainland hospitals.

The clinic is staffed by a family practice physician and a nurse practitioner. Emergency Medical Services and ambulance care are provided by two local paramedics, backed up by a

team of emergency medical technicians and firefighters, all of whom are volunteers.

Lopez Island Airport installed a cell phone tower three years ago after receiving requests from emergency responders as well as businesses and contractors for better cell reception on the island. The Lopez Fire Depart-

Airports Lopez Island Airport: Port of Lopez, 672 Airport Road, Lopez Island. Scheduled landings. San Juan Airlines. (800) 874-4434. FAA-approved; unmanned. Small terminal with one telephone but no fuel or food service.

Campgrounds Odlin County Park: 4682496. Great for campers. Flat, low-bank waterfront campsites.

Picnic tables, baseball field,

large sandy beach and a boatlaunching ramp and dock. Reservations suggested, otherwise campsites are first come, first serve. Open year-round.

Spencer Spit State Park: 468-2251. General information, (360) 902-8844 or (888) 226-7688. Camping open from the first weekend in March to the end of October.

Churches Grace Episcopal Church: 70 Sunrise Road, 468-3477.

Sunday service, 10:30 a.m.

Lopez Island Community Church: 91 Lopez Road, 4683877. Sunday school, 9:30 a.m.; worship service, 10:30 a.m.

Lutheran Church of the San Juans: Lopez Center Church, Davis Bay Road. 468-3025.

Sunday service, 11 a.m.

St. Francis Catholic Church: Lopez Center Church, Davis Bay Road, 378-2910. Saturday mass 1:15 p.m.

Christ the King, meets at Woodmen Hall on Sundays at

See LOPEZ , Page 10

We’ll Build

YOUR House

360-468-3712 info@mitreboxcw.com www.mitreboxcw.com mitrei•930jb The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

9

Lopez Island

Lopez FROM 9 10 a.m.

Quaker Worship Group: contact Jerry Graville, 4682602.

Clubs and organizations Lopez Animal Protection Society: Joyce Myhr, 468-2258 or Jane Albrecht 468-2591, www. lopezanimals.org.

Lopez Center for Community and the Arts: 204 Village Road, Lopez Village. 468-2203.

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. director@lopezcenter.org, www. lopezcenter.org.

Lopez Chamber of Commerce: Provides visitor information, office located in Lopez Village in the Bay Building.

(360) 468-4664, toll-free: (877) 433-2789, www.lopezisland. com.

Lopez Children’s Center: Home to the Cooperative Preschool and the Play and Learn (PAL) childcare program.

10

Contributed Photo

One of the many Lopez farms, which sell dairy, meat, produce and more.

468-3896.

Lopez Community Land Trust: P.O. Box 25, Lopez Island. Building a diverse, sustainable Lopez Island community through affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and other dynamic rural development programs. 468-

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

3723, www.lopezclt.org.

Lopez Island Family Resource Center: P.O. Box 732, Lopez Island. Has support services for students and their families. Also coordinates summer workshops for kids and adults. 468-4117, www. lifrc.org.

Lopez Island Garden Club: Stimulates the knowledge and love of gardening, community beautification. Meets monthly second Thursdays from Sept. to June. Call Linda Zerbst at 468-4544.

Lopez Island Grange 1060: 452 Richardson Road, Lopez Island. For rentals, contact Janet O’Bryant, 468-2757.

Lopez Island Historical Society: Director Mark ThompsonKlein, 468-2049. Collects and preserves regional history of Lopez and the San Juan islands.

Lopez Island Hospice and Home Support: A volunteer organization providing quality no-cost hospice and home support services and resources to the Lopez Community experiencing illness and/or loss.

468-4446.

Lopez Island Lions Club: President Cheryl Perera, 4683260. Raises money for eyesight preservation and disease prevention. Sponsors Fourth of July parade. Supports youth programs and thrift shop.

Lopez Island Yacht Club: Commodore Diana Hancock,

468-3871. www.lopezislandyachtclub.com.

Lopez Thrift Shop: Located on the corner of Eads Lane and Tower Road, shop hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m to 3 p.m., 468-2265. All proceeds are donated back to the community through grants.

Lopez Senior Center: Activities include weekly lunches, exercise classes, bingo, and bridge. 468-2421.

Lopez Writers Guild: Holds community writing events, and publishes a twice-yearly online magazine featuring San Juan County writers. www.sharkreef. org.

San Juan Preservation Trust: The mission of the San Juan Preservation Trust is to preserve and protect open spaces, scenic views, forests, agricultural lands, habitats, watersheds, riparian corridors, wetlands and shorelines in the San Juan Archipelago. 4683202 or www.sjpt.org.

Domestic violence Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services: Has offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. The DVSAS office numbers are Lopez, 468-3788; Orcas, 376-5979; San Juan, 378-8680. The 24-hour crisis lines are Lopez, 468-4567; Orcas, 376-1234; Friday Harbor, 378-2345; You can also visit www.dvsassanjuans.org.

Fire Protection & EMS San Juan County Fire District 4 (Lopez): 468-2991, Chief Jim Ghiglione.

Library Lopez Island Library: Librarian Lou Pray, 468-2265.

The library is housed in the 70-year-old Little Red Schoolhouse. Open Monday through Saturday. www.lopezlibrary.org.

Medical Lopez Island Medical Clinic, 103 Washburn Place, Lopez Village. 468-2245.

Vets: Ark Veterinary Clinic: 262 Weeks Road. 468-2477.

Community Animal Health: 468-2553.

Museums & Historic Sites Lopez Island Historical Mu-

Lopez Island seum: Lopez Village, 468-2049.

Features artifacts reflecting Lopez contributions to maritime, fishing and farming. It has an extensive archive of documents of local history and artifacts depicting the late 1800s to early 1900s. Open May through September, or by appointment for research during the winter.

Port Stanley Schoolhouse: Port Stanley. Built in the 1900s, restored to its original condition by volunteers from the Lopez Island Historical Society.

For tours or appointments for research, call 468-2049.

Richardson Village: South end of Lopez Island. This sleepy village – homes, pastures, fuel docks and a pier – on the south end of Lopez Island was founded in 1874.

Steamers once hauled freight, produce, livestock and passengers to and from here.

Parks Agate Beach County Park: Picnic area and beach at the end of MacKaye Harbor Road at the south end of the island.

Otis Perkins Day Park: Take a right on Bayshore Road at the south end of Fisherman Bay. Picnic tables, one of the longest beaches in the county, agate hunting and a lagoon.

Shark Reef Sanctuary: Head farther south on Fisherman Bay Road. Take a right on Airport Road, then a left on Shark Reef Road. Hike through the quiet forest to a long, rocky cliff along San Juan Channel.

Spencer Spit State Park: This 130-acre park offers history as well as beauty. Take a left on Port Stanley Road just south of the ferry landing. The park is to the left. Camping area, picnic sites, boat moorage and a pioneer cabin on its original site. The park has 37 standard campsites, two group camps by reservation, three marine trail sites, 16 mooring buoys, bicyclist/hiker sites, first-come first-serve.

Upright Channel Park: Located south of Odlin Park, this park offers several picnic sites and a hike down to a

George Willis Photo

Fourth of July on Lopez is known on and off the island for its first-class firework display put on by volunteers. sandy beach. You can hike the tidelands for a mile north to Odlin Park. Get there by taking a right on Military Road. Look for the park on the right.

Pharmacy Lopez Island Pharmacy,

Lopez Village. 468-2616.

Storage Ferry Road Storage, 4682115.

Lopez Storage Inc., 4683772.

West Sound Marina, inc.

The Service Center of the San Juans

“We Fix Boats”

• Haulouts to 30 ton, 64 ft. LOA, 18’ beam at any tide.

• Engine service and sales.

Factory certified mechanics: • Volvo • Mercruiser • Yanmar • Johnson/Evinrude • Complete Chandlery, most everything you need for boat and crew.

• Moorage: 180 year-round slips – Guest dock.

• Fuel: • Gas • Diesel • Propane • NEW: Dry storage area.

P.O. Box 119 • Orcas, Washington 98280 (360) 376-2314 • Fax (360) 376-4634

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

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Orc as is l a n d ISLAND PROFILES

QUICK Facts Orcas Island

County council Patty Miller (Orcas East) 378‑2898 (office) 376‑6840 (home) Richard Fralick (Orcas West) 378‑2898 (office) 376‑2500 (home)

Fire Department Mike Harris, chief 376‑2331

Library 500 Rose St., Eastsound 376‑4985

Medical Clinic Orcas Family Health Center 1286 Mount Baker Road, Eastsound 376‑7778 Orcas Family Medicine 33 Urner St., Eastsound 376‑4949 Orcas Medical Center 7 Deye Lane, Eastsound 376‑2561 Emergency: 911

Senior Services Orcas Island Senior Center 376‑2677

Utilities/Services CenturyTel 800-201-4102 Orcas Power & Light 376‑3500 (office) 376‑3599 (outages)

12

There is plenty to do on the Emerald Isle

BY MEREDITH GRIFFITH

O

rcas Island provides a perfect middle ground between San Juan Island, the county’s (relatively) busy commercial hub; and Lopez Island, nicknamed “Slow-pez” by locals because of its laid-back pace.

Orcas Island provides plenty to do and see, from outdoor activities to wildlife, from entertainment to culinary delights. It has the most varied terrain, with Moran State Park’s Mt. Constitution providing a delightful vertical challenge and spectacular 360-degree ocean views.

But the population is still small enough that it’s a good idea to learn your cafe waiter’s name: you’ll probably see him or her at the Farmers Market, pondering the organic fingerling potatoes at your elbow as you browse the floral bouquets.

The horseshoe-shaped island boasts 57 square miles and 70 miles of shoreline dotted with secluded bed and breakfasts, inns, and lodges.

Among the roughly 5,000 year-round residents are lifelong islanders, retirees and young families, from the diamond-soled to the down-at-heel. Artists, CEOs, farm workers, inventors, musicians and physicists hang their hats in Orcas homes, from luxury mansions to yurts and tents. You’ll bump into them in “town,” or Eastsound.

Eastsound is the island’s main center of commerce and home to numerous gourmet restaurants, most offering locally grown, organic fare.

Many buildings are heritage homes now housing a bookstore, two groceries, a public library, a movie theater, a pharmacy, realty offices, and shops selling arts and crafts, kids’ toys, handmade jewelry, home decor, thrift items and more. The Village Green, with its bandshell built with gleaming, burnished tree trunks, hosts the weekly summer Farmers Market and Sunday evening Music on the Green events.

Eastsound is also home to the Funhouse Commons, a spot for kids and teens to work on art projects, conduct science experiments, work on computers, play with technology and more. Children’s House and Kaleidoscope day care facilities both offer drop-in childcare on a space available basis. Just ouside Eastsound is public Buck Park, home to the Orcas Skate Park, tennis courts, soccer fields and a playground. Also on the borders are two waterfront parks: Crescent Beach, a long narrow swath edging Crescent Beach Road, and North Beach, a short strip of sandy beach at the end of North Beach Road, where you can sit back against a driftwood log and view the Canadian coastline while the sunset kindles the ocean

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

flame-colored.

Eastsound is located at the bend in the island’s “horseshoe,” with main roads running from it in both directions: southwest to the ferry landing and Deer Harbor, and southeast to Olga, Doe Bay and beyond.

Island hamlets include Orcas Village, where you’ll find the ferry landing, accommodations, restaurants, a gourmet grocery and deli, post office, a few small shops, a public dock, boat rentals, whale watching, water taxi, car and moped rentals, and a taxi and shuttle service.

West Sound and Deer Harbor, on the sunny west side of the island, has lodging, a restaurant, two marinas offering kayak, boat and whale watching tours and more. Deer Harbor acquired its name because Hudson Bay Co. hunters came to hunt deer in the late 1800s to supply the company’s post in Victoria.

Olga is a tiny town perched on the east shore, with an art gallery and cafe, post office, and a few homes. If you venture out along the island’s main road even further, you will come to Doe Bay Resort, which features a restaurant with open mike nights and other musical performances, general store, lodging, and a clothing-optional hot tub.

Moran State Park, nestled between Eastsound and Olga, is home to Cascade, Mountain and Twin lakes, numerous tent and RV campsites, and hiking trails. Cascade Lake has a fishing dock, swimming area, and pedal-boat rentals in the summer. Campsites fill up quickly during busy summer months, so reserve your spot ahead of time.

Orcas Island services Airports Orcas Island Airport. Port of Orcas, P.O. Box 53, Eastsound. 376-5285. Length of runaway: 2,900 feet. Terminal size: 1,200 square feet. Wingspan limitation: 49 feet. Companies operating out of Orcas Island Airport: Aeronautical Services (DHL, UPS), FedEx, Island Air, Northwest Sky Ferry, Westwind Aviation, Kenmore Air, Magic Air Tours, Rose Air, and San Juan Airlines. Flight instruction through Orcas Island Flying Services.

Car rental is available through San Juan Airlines and Island Shuttle. www.portoforcas.com.

Churches Christian Science, Orcas Elementary School Library, 376-5873. Service Sunday, 10 a.m. LM Lighthouse Christian Center, Orcas Senior Center. 376-6332. Service Sunday, 10 a.m. www. lighthouseministries.net.

Orcas Island Emmanuel Episcopal Parish, 242 Main Street, Eastsound.

376-2352. www.orcasislandepiscopalchurch.org.

Lutheran Church in the San Juans. 469-3025 or 360-2980228. http://www.rockisland. com/~lutheransanjuans/com/.

Pastor Anne Hall.

Orcas Island Community Church, 176 Madrona St., Eastsound. 376-6422, www. orcaschurch.org. Pastor Dick Staub. Sunday services at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Monday night AWANA children’s program, programs for middle and high schoolers, and small groups for adults.

St. Francis Catholic Church, 956 North Beach Road, Eastsound. 378-2910. Sunday Mass at 1 p.m.

Seventh Day Adventist Church, 107 Enchanted Forest Road, Eastsound. 376-6683. http://islandsadventist.org.

Pastor William Hurtado.

Saturday Bible study/children’s workshop at 10 a.m.; service at 11 a.m.

Colleen Smith

armstrong photo

A southern view from a high spot near Mt. Woolard on Orcas Island.

Clubs and organizations 4-H. Children ages 5-19.

Call Cindy Gauthier, 370-7662.

Actors Theater at the Orcas Island Grange, Orcas Road.

Contact Doug Bechtel 3175601.

American Legion Post 93, 793 Crescent Beach Road, Eastsound. 376-4987.

Animal Protection Society.

376-677. www.orcaspets.org.

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 91. Scoutmaster Wade

Lucas. 376-2050.

Fidelis Circle of West Sound.

President Ingrid Karnikis, 376-4382.

League of Women Voters of

See ORCAS, Page 14

Explore nature at Orcas Island.

Come and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets at The Resort at Deer Harbor. Each of our freestanding cottages has its own private outdoor hot tub in which to pamper yourself while enjoying the gorgeous views of our beachfront property.

To book your reservation call 1-800-867-2095 and mention code THE BOOK and get up to 15% off your stay or for more information visit, http://www.greatpricedcondos.com/dh/.

Rates and reservations based on availability

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

13

Orcas Island

Jim

pyka photo

A mirror image of cascade lake on Orcas Island. The lake is in Moran State Park, nestled between Eastsound and Olga. the San Juan Islands. Margie Doyle, 317-7518.

Madrona Club (since 1906).

Diane Simonian, 376-2960.

Odd Fellows Lodge. Jay Kimball. 376-5640. www. oddshall.org.

Orcas Center. 917 Mount

Baker Road, Eastsound. 376ACT1 (2281) www.orcascenter. org.

OPAL Community Land Trust. Executive Director Lisa Byers. 376-3191. www.opalclt. org.

Orcas Island Chamber of

Orcas Island

Chamber of Commerce

Visitor Services Free Map & Guide & Relocation Info Representing the Business Community of Orcas Island •

• Event

www.OrcasIslandChamber.com info@OrcasIslandChamber.com

On North Beach Rd., just off Main Street 360.376.2273 • P.O. Box 252, Eastsound, WA 98245

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Commerce. Lance Evans, Executive Director, 376-2273. www.orcasislandchamber.org.

Orcas Island Community Foundation. Hilary Canty, Executive Director. 376-6423. www.oicf.us.

Orcas Island Education

Foundation. President Janet Brownell, www.oief.org.

Orcas Island Farmers Market, every Saturday from the first weekend in May to the last weekend of September on the Village Green in the heart of Eastsound. During

Get On The Water!!

Orcas Island

Boat Rentals & Charters We have 16' and 14' power boats and a 22' sailboat available for 1/2 day, full day, and multi-day rentals. Great for fishing, wildlife sightseeing or just exploring the islands.

PO Box 272 • Deer Harbor 360-376-7616 www.orcasboats.com

Orcas Island October and through most of November, the Market meets at Oddfellows Hall, located on Haven Street just south of Main Street. http://www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org/ Orcas Island Garden Club. www.orcasislandgardenclub. org.

Orcas Island Historical Museum. 376-4849. Web site: orcasmuseum.org.

Orcas Island Kiwanis Club.

President Lynn Richards, 3764325. Tuesday meetings, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Orcas Homegrown upstairs.

Orcas Island Lions Club.

President Jim Biddick, (888) 698-6607.

The Funhouse Commons, 30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound.

Executive Director Pete Moe, 376-7177. www.thefunhouse. org.

Recreational Lieber Haven Resort & Marina, Orcas Island. 376-2472. http://lieberhavenresort.com/.

North Shore Charters, Orcas Island. 376-4855. http://

www.northshorecharters.com/.

Orcas Boat Rentals and Charters, Orcas Island. 3767616, 472-0020. http://orcasboats.com/.

Orcas Island Junior Sailing.

Paul Kamin, 376-2732. Summer junior sailing program for ages 7-14.

Orcas Island Sportsmen’s Club. 376-5660.

Orcas Island Trail Rides, Orcas Island, 376-2134. http:// www.orcastrailrides.com/.

Orcas Island Yacht Club.

Commodore Len Rickey, 3764533. www.oiyc.org Sail Orcas. President Barry Neville, 376-4410. www.sailorcas.org.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services DV/SAS. 24-hour Crisis Line: 376-1234, director Anita Castle: 376-5979. www.

DVSASsanjuans.org.

Health care alternatives Healing Arts Center, North Beach Road, Eastsound. 3764002.

Inter Island Chiropractic

Orcas Island

Family Medicine, PC

Offices, Wausau Station, 441 North Beach Road, Eastsound.

376-2100.

Family Tree Chiropractic, 376-5575, Urner St. Building.

Historic sites Crow Valley School Museum, one-room school in Crow Valley from 1888 to 1918.

Museum is open summers by appointment. 376-4849.

Crow Valley Pottery. Orcas Road, across the street from the golf course. 376-4260.

Historic 1866 log cabin, now a

pottery shop.

Deer Harbor Community Club, built in 1905, was a school until 1925, is now used for clubs and is considered a memorial to those who contributed to the early development of Deer Harbor.

Emmanuel Church, Eastsound. 376-2352. Built in the late 19th century, it is a living history of its members and the milestones in their lives.

Orcas Hotel, Orcas Ferry Landing. 376-4300. Estab-

ORCAS VETERINARY SERVICE Ron Schuler, DVM

PO Box 237 450 North Beach Road Eastsound, WA 98245

Phone 360-376-6373 Fax 360-376-7838 ovs@rockisland.com

ORCAS ISLAND POTTERY

David L. Russell, MD, Board Certified Family Physician

(Member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Home Care Physicians)

Serving the Orcas Island community since 2004 with the full spectrum of family medicine services available, including…

• Preventive care and routine exams

338 Old Pottery Road • Eastsound WA 98245 Over 60 years in business in West Beach area

OPEn All yEAR

10 am to 5 pm www.orcasislandpottery.com • orcaspots@rockisland.com

• Urgent and emergent care

The Right Place Pottery

• Laceration repair and minor skin surgery

360-376-4023 “Personalized” Pottery

• House calls for home bound patients • Pediatric through geriatric care • Electronic medical records

We offer an intimate setting for the utmost in privacy and individualized attention.

33 Urner Street, Ste. 5, Eastsound

376-4949

(After hours, call the main office number to reach the on-call doctor)

ON BEAUTIFUL AND SECLUDED WEST BEACH

www.rightplacepottery.com

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

15

Orcas Island

orcasmedicalcenter.com

Now affiliated with

Preventive Medicine Well-adult and well-child exams • Immunizations • Travel, employment, school, camp, and commercial-driver physicals • Authorized Yellow Fever vaccine provider • Hearing and vision screening • Drug screening

Adult Medicine Assessment and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses • Evaluation and treatment of conditions associated with aging • Podiatry care • Electrocardiograms • Respiratory treatment including oxygen, nebulizers, oximetry • Lung-function testing Infant and Child Care Newborn care • Circumcision • Routine well-child exams including assessment of behavioral, growth and developmental concerns • Statesupplied vaccine for children Women’s Health Pregnancy tests, evaluation and consultation • Well-woman exams (pap and breast exams) • Full-range family planning and birth control • Endometrial biopsy • Colposcopy (evaluation of abnormal pap smears)

Colleen Smith

armstrong

Photo

The Orcas Farmers Market is in Eastsound, May-Oct. lished as a store and hotel in 1904. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Orcas Island Art Works, Olga. 376-4408. Built in 1938 as a strawberry processing plant and cannery.

Orcas Island Historical Museum, Eastsound. 376-4849. www.orcasmuseum.org.

Orcas Island Pottery. West Beach 376-2813. Hand-hewn cedar cabin built in 1860.

Oldest studio pottery in the Northwest.

Outlook Inn, Eastsound.

376-2200. One of the island’s earliest hotels, established in 1891 as the Eastsound House.

Over the years it has been known as Mount Constitution Inn, The Beach Lodge, The Beach Hotel and Bakers Beach.

Rosario Mansion, One Rosario Way, Rosario. 376-2222.

Built by Robert Moran, retired shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor, who lived there from 1909-1938. The Music Room features a stained glass window imported from Brussels and a 1,972-pipe Aeolian pipe organ, at the time the largest built in a private home in the U.S.

Orthopedic Medicine Fracture care • Cast and splint applications and removals

Minor Surgical Procedures Suturing • Wound repair • Lesion and cyst removals

Dermatology Skin-disorder management • Dermatoscope-assisted skin cancer diagnosis and treatment Mental Health Consultation for and treatment of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and mental illnesses • Pain management

Laboratory and X-Ray Services Strep, pregnancy, urine tests, and INR for Coudamin management on site • Computer-assisted X-Ray on site

Special Services FAA class 2 and 3 medical certificate exams • Suboxone treatment for opioid dependence Emergency Medicine Evaluation and treatment of injuries and sudden illnesses 24 hours a day Our Physicians and Physician Assistant Anthony J. Giefer, MD, MPH Jim A. Litch, MD, DTMH | Jean T. Bried, PA-C, MPH

360-376-2561 Next door to Orcas Center on Mount Baker Rd. 7 Deye Lane, Eastsound, WA 98245 | orcasmedicalcenter.com

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Staff from left to right: Holly, Heather, Dixie, Marie, Dave, Paqo, Bonni, Phoebe, Phil Beddar Bear, Aaimee, Shelly, Dawn

Sa n J ua n I s l a n d ISLAND PROFILES

QUICK Facts San Juan Island

County Council Richard Peterson (S.J. North) 378‑2898 (office) Lovel Pratt (S.J. South) 378‑2898 (office) Howard Rosenfeld 378-2898 (office)

FH Government

Mayor: Carrie Lacher Town Council: Anna Maria de Freitas, Steve Hushebeck, Felix Menjivar, Noel Monin, Barbara Starr.

Treas.: Wendy Picinich Town Hall: 60 Second St., 378‑2390

Fire Department Steve Marler, chief Fire District 3, 378‑5334

Library, 1010 Guard St., FH, 378‑2798

Medical Center 550 Spring St., FH, 378-2141

Sheriff's DepT. Rob Nou, sheriff 378‑4151 (main) Emergency: 911

Senior Services Mullis Center 589 Nash St., FH 378‑2677

Utilities/Services Orcas Power and Light Coop., 376-3500 (office) 376-3599 (outages) San Juan Propane FH, 378‑2217 Windjammer Cable 570 Guard St., FH, 378‑4661 Vander Yacht Propane Friday Harbor, 370‑5511

a n d Fr i day H a r b o r Where islanders wear many hats

By Scott Rasmussen

I

f one were to bundle up San Juan Island’s personality in a single word, diversity, might be a perfect fit.

Geographically, it’s a marvel. As one travels from east to west across the island, open fields and farmland give way to husky hilltops and forests dense with evergreens. Its scenic shoreline and rugged beauty are arguably unsurpassed.

Historically, the past is woven into its landscape.

You find footprints of its progression from an industrial outpost — San Juan was once home to the largest lime-manufacturing operation west of the Mississippi — to a regional agricultural heavyweight, to homeport of a bustling fishing fleet, to a world-renown tourist destination (one of today’s claims to fame), at just about every turn.

It’s legacy as traditional fishing, hunting, trading and gathering place of many of the region’s Coast Salish peoples, such as the Lummi, Samish and Sooke, is tangible too.

Culturally, San Juan Island is a melting pot.

You’ll find civic leaders, retirees, executives, homemakers and blue-collar workers rubbing shoulders and bidding each other “good day” as they cross paths in the island’s manyhops, restaurants and grocery stores. Environmentalist, entrepreneur, equestrian, fisherman, farmer, they all add something unique into the mix.

Merchant by day, musician by night. The weekend artist waiting tables to support their passion, the government worker writing screen plays in his or her spare time, the scientist taking time off from research to coach a kids’ soccer team.

Islanders wear many hats.

Situated closer to Canada than mainland U.S.A., San Juan Island and its 55 square miles rest in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

It gets an average of 29 inches of rain a year.

That’s nearly half the amount that falls upon Seattle, only 65 miles to the south. The sun shines a total of 247 days a year, on average.

Of the 173 islands that make up the San Juan archipelago, San Juan is the most populous. It’s home to nearly half of the population of San Juan County, which, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, totals 15,769 year-round residents. Of those, a little more than 2,000 live in Friday Harbor.

San Juan is home to San Juan County’s only incorporated town, Friday Harbor, and, as such,

it’s home to the seat county government as well. It boasts a patchwork of federal, state and local parks that attract thousands of visitors each year.

It also hosts a world-renown marine research facility, the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005. The Labs overlooks a harbor that has been a hub of maritime activity — ferries, fishing fleets, pleasure boats — since the 1890s.

In addition to county government, a multitude of public agencies, referred to often as “junior taxing districts”, are responsible for helping to maintain and provide for the collective good of San Juan Island. Each is funded by its own property tax levy, though at varying amounts.

The list includes: San Juan Island Fire Department, San Juan Island School District, San Juan Island Park and Recreation District, San Juan Island Library District, San Juan County Hospital District No. 1, the Town of Friday Harbor, the Port of Friday Harbor, which operates Friday Harbor Marina and Friday Harbor Airport, and a cemetery district.

It’s no more than a 20-minute drive from the ferry landing in Friday Harbor, on the east end, to Roche Harbor Resort, on the northwest side.

A vibrant and picturesque seaside village that offers a long list of amenities year-round; hotel, grocery store, restaurants, marina, retail shops, a sculpture park and outdoor recreation, Roche Harbor played a prominent role in putting San Juan Island on the map. John S. McMillin, an enterprising Tacoma attorney, founded Roche Harbor Lime Co. in 1886; it became the largest lime-manufacturing operation in the West, as well as the island’s leading employer.

Since that time, industries have come and gone.

Islanders adapt.

Today, tourism, construction and real estate together form the backbone of the island’s economy.

More and more local businesses have found that the Internet is an effective means to bridge the island’s geographical hurdles, however; it’s become a popular tool, as it is elsewhere, for local merchants to promote their goods and services far and wide.

For more information, contact: San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, P.O.Box 98, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. www.sanjuanisland.org. 360-3785240.

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

17

San Juan Island

Friday Harbor

The year 2012 promises to be a memorable chapter in the history books of Friday Harbor.

Town Administrator King Fitch will have retired by midyear. Handed the reins of the town 25 years ago, Fitch will end his tenure as Friday Harbor CEO as also the longestserving administrator of any municipality in Washington state, and quite possibly of any incorporated town in the nation.

The transition plan for his successor, Duncan Wilson, hired mid-December of last year, called for Wilson to shadow Fitch before taking over the helm at the beginning of July. With 2,260 residents, the Friday Harbor’s population is about half that of North Bend.

Twenty-twelve will be the first full year in which San Juan Island Fire Department is in charge of providing fire protection services for the town. The town handed over fire protec-

Scott Rasmussen

photo

Celebration Day: the town of Friday Harbor turned 100 years old in 2009. tion to the neighboring fire department, a tax-supported public entity, under an agreement endorsed by elected officials of each governmental agency in mid-2011.

Twenty-twelve will also be the first full year for Friday Harbor’s rain gardens, installed

in late June at the corner of First and Spring streets, outside Herb’s Tavern. The rain gardens filter and cleanse rainwater runoff on its way to the harbor.

Experimental in nature and design, the jury is still out on how effective and aesthetically pleasing they’ll be.

Be Chic Boutique

clothes you’ll love

❤

The biggest milestone will take place in December. That’s when the doors of Peace Island Medical Center are slated to open. Construction of the $30 million hospital, operated by PeaceHealth, which will fund two-thirds of the construction cost, began with a groundbreaking ceremony in July, 2011. Located near Friday Harbor Airport, on 22 acres previously annexed by the town, the 10-bed hospital will feature 24-hour emergency care, an expanded primary care and specialty clinic, and expanded diagnostic services center.

The town is no stranger to change.

Established in 1909, Friday Harbor is a fourth-class municipality and it’s managed by a mayor-council form of government. Its elected positions are nonpartisan and voted on at-large. The mayor and five council members serve fouryear terms.

Known by many as the “Big City” in the San Juans, Friday

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285 Spring Street Mon ~ Sat 10 -5, Sun 11 - 5

18

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

DUFFY ELECTRIC BOATS

POWER AND SAILBOATS FRIDAY HARBOR MARINE

360-378-6202

BELOW DOWNRIGGERS RESTAURANT

San Juan Island

Scott Rasmussen Photo

Carnival rides transform into silhousettes as night descends at the San Juan County Fair, hosted at the fairgrounds in Friday Harbor.

Harbor is the islands’ only incorporated town and, as such, it’s the county seat. The town encompasses slightly more than one square mile, 787 acres, and a little more than 50 percent is considered developed. In 2012, the budget of town government, comprised of 22 separate funds, calls for $9.9 million in revenues and $9.1 million in expenses, resulting in a projected year-end balance of $13.1 million. The town has 33 employees.

Friday Harbor is home to the county courthouse, headquarters of county government, and a regional command center for U.S. Customs. It’s one of 350 ports of entry in the United States, and home of the Friday Harbor Port District, which oversees and operates Friday Harbor Marina and Friday Harbor Airport.

— For a map of Friday Harbor or other information, contact: San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 98, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. 378-5240. Visit www. sanjuanisland.org. Or contact the Town of Friday Harbor, 60 Second St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250. 378-2810. Visit www. fridayharbor.org

Public services on San Juan Island Airports Friday Harbor Airport.

Operated by the Port of Friday Harbor, 800 Franklin Drive, Friday Harbor 98250.

378-4724. Aviation museum, commercial service, emergency helicopter landing, fueling for light planes, mechanical service. Length of runway: 3,400 feet.

Animal Shelter Animal Protection Society.

Animal Shelter, 111 Shelter Road, P.O. Box 1355, Friday Harbor (south of airport runway). 378-2158.

Churches Calvary Chapel, 620-B Guard St., Friday Harbor. 3787268. www.calvarysanjuan. com.

Christian Science Society, 506 Guard St., Friday Harbor.

378-4773.

Christ the King, Meets in Paideia School, 265 Price St., Friday Harbor. 378-6543. Email jim.cole@ctkonline.com.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1013 Lampard Road, Friday Harbor.

378-4162.

Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, 425 Spring St., PO Box

946, Friday Harbor. 378-4544. www.fridayharborpresbyterian. org Islands Community Church, 127 Gilbert Lane, Friday Harbor. 378-4154.

Jehovah’s Witnesses, 225 Malcolm St., Friday Harbor.

378-2861.

Lutheran Church of the San Juans, worships in St. Francis Church on San Juan, Center Church on Lopez, Emmanuel Church on Orcas. 378-6310. lutheransanjuans@rockisland. com.

St. David’s Episcopal Church, 780 Park St., Friday Harbor.

378-5360. www.saintdavidsepiscopal.org.

St. Francis Catholic Church, 425 Price St., Friday Harbor.

378-2910. www.stfrancissji.org.

Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1121 San Juan Valley Road, Friday Harbor. 378-4164.

Transformation (Assembly of God), 7075 Airport Center.

378-2789.

Clubs and Organizations American Legion Post 163,

378-5705. www.post163.org CATS (Community Arts Theatre Society), 378-3005. www.sjctheatre.org Democrats of San Juan County; www.sjdemocrats.org.

Friday Harbor Sailing Club; www.fridayharborsailing.com Friends of the San Juans.

Executive Director Stephanie Buffum-Field, 378-2319. www. sanjuans.org.

Friends of the San Juan Island Library. Director Marjorie Harrison, 378-6691. www.sjlib. org/fotl/index.html.

Green Party of San Juan County. 378-5879. www.sanjuangreens.org Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor; 378-4014.

Inter Island Medical Guild.

Administrator, Beth Williams Gieger, 378-4224.

Island Stage Left. 1062 Wold Road. Director Helen MachinSmith. www.islandstageleft.org.

League of Women Voters.

Co-Chairwomen Ann Jarrell, 378-4939, Susan Dehlendorf, 378-1082; www.lwvwa.org/san-

Continuing a Tradition of Fine Art by Island Artists for Two Decades Gift Gallery

Made in the San Juan Islands WA

Owner, Claudia Fullerton

270 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 • 360 378-6550 www.islandstudios.com

HOME • AUTO Harbor BUSINESS • YACHT Insurance CONTrACTOrS Agency, Inc. COMMErCIAl BUIldINgS

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

19

San Juan Island

Voted Best, Most Respected Real Estate Company in 2011 Residential • Vacation Homes • Property Management •

50 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 360-378-3600 • 800-262-3596

View all Properties and Videos at www.windermeresji.com

World Class Results from Down to Earth People

juan/index.html Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands. President Jack Cory, 378-4403. www.clubrunner.ca/CPrg/Home/homeS. asp?cid=1358 San Juan Anti-Litter Initiative. Co-leaders David Dehlendorf and Lori Stokes, 378-1082 San Juan Community Theatre. Executive Director Merritt Olsen, 378-3211. www. sjctheatre.org San Juan County Republican Party; www.sjcrp.org.

San Juan Golf and Country Club; 378-2342. www.sanjuangolfclub.com San Juan Historical Society and Museum. Coordinator Kevin Loftus, 378-3949.

San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce. Director Tom Kirschner, 378-5240. 378-3984 (fax). www.sanjuanisland.org San Juan Island Grange. For Grange Hall rental, call 3784600. Other questions, call the State Grange, (800) 854-1635.

San Juan Island Trails Committee; sanjuanislandtrails.org

San Juan Island Yacht Club.

273 Front St., Friday Harbor.

378-3434.

San Juan Lions Club. President Tom Starr, 378-2462.

San Juan Pilots Association. www.sanjuanpilots.com Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor. President Laura Tuttle, 378-317; www.sifri.org Women’s Study Club. Kathryn Chadwick, 378-8838.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services 24-hour Crisis Line, (360) 378-2345. Administration, 378-8680.

Emergency medical Emergency Medical Services, 378-5152 Historic sites Roche Harbor Village. 3782155.

San Juan Island National Historical Park (American Camp and English Camp). P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor 98250.

378-2240, 378-2902.

Injured wildlife Marine Mammal Stranding

BUSINESS IN PARADISE...

SAN JUAN ISLAND, WASHINGTON

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Opened in 1982 owners are retiring Phone 1- 360-378-5877 (Serious inquiries only)

James Paull, Owner | Ruthie Paull, President Serving the San Juans since 1982

The ONLY jewelry store on San Juan Island

20

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

San Juan Island Network, (800) 562-8832.

Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 378-5000.

Law enforcement Sheriff ’s Department, 378-4151. Helpline (nonemergencies only), 378-4357; Emergency, 911.

Library San Juan Island Library, 1010 Guard St., Friday Harbor.

378-2798. Director Marjorie Harrison.

Marinas Friday Harbor Marina, 204 Front St., Friday Harbor. 3782688. www.portfridayharbor. org.

Jensen Boatyard and Marina, 1293 Turn Point Road, Friday Harbor. 378.4343. www.jensenshipyard.com.

Roche Harbor Marina, Roche Harbor Village. 193 Reuben Memorial Drive, Roche Harbor. 378-2155. Shipyard Cove Marina, Turn Point Road, Friday Harbor.

378-5101.

Snug Harbor Marina, 1997 Mitchell Bay Road, Mitchell

Scott Rasmussen

photo

Some prefer wintertime in the San Juans, like Trumpeter swans, a familiar sight at San Juan Island’s Lakedale Resort.

Bay. 378-4343. www.snugresort.com.

Marine, air emergency U.S. Coast Guard: (206) 217-6231 (Bellingham), (800) 586-3590; (206) 286-5400 (fax) Mental health Compass Health, San Juan

eat, drink, dance ~ OPA! Greek / Mediterranean traditional family recipes with an Island fresh approach.

Islands: 378-2669.

Medical Inter Island Medical Center, 550 Spring St., Friday Harbor.

378-2141. Emergency: Call 911. A sheriff ’s dispatcher will page the doctor on call.

Life Care Center, 660 Spring

St., Friday Harbor. 378-2117.

San Juan Healthcare, 689 Airport Center, Suite B, Friday Harbor. 378-1338.

Museums American Legion Museum, First and Court streets, Friday Harbor. 378-5705.

San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price St., Friday Harbor.

378-3949.

The Whale Museum, 62 First St., Friday Harbor. 378-4710.

(800) 946-7227.

Pharmacy Friday Harbor Drug, 210 Spring St., Friday Harbor. 3784421.

Senior Services San Juan Senior Services, 589 Nash St., Friday Harbor.

Coordinator Curt Van Hyning, 378-2677.

Recreation San Juan Island Park and Recreation District. 580 Guard St., Friday Harbor. Director Sally Thomsen. 378-4953; www.islandrec.org/index.shtml

By Air or By Sea… Travel by boat, seaplane, plane or ferry to the heart of the San Juan Islands!

Seasonal, Local and Northwest ingredients.

Comfort food, seafood, pizza, smoked BBQ, charbroiled burgers.

Best Happy Hour in Town! Family Friendly, full bar / 24 taps, best IPA selection on the Islands.

Over 250 nights of entertainment during the year

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We serve locals and visitors, year-round, with our award-winning, all-weather marina services, seaplane base and international airport.

PORT OF FRIDAY HARBOR

378-5555 / we’re on 175 First Street , Friday Harbor

OPEN Monday - Sunday Lunch and Dinner

Post Office Box 889 • Friday Harbor, WA 98250 VHF66A • 360-378-2688 • Fax: 360-378-6114 • www.portfridayharbor.org

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

21

S h aw I s l a n d ISLAND PROFILES

QUICK Facts Shaw Island

County council Jamie Stephens 468-4408 (home)

Fire Department Brud Joslin, chief 468-2908

Library 468-4068

Medical Airlift Northwest 800-426-2430

SHERIFF’S DEPT.

Houston Taylor, deputy 298-4002 (cell) 378‑4151 (main) Emergency: 911

Utilities/Services CenturyLink (800) 201-4102 Inter Island Petroleum 1593 Mount Baker Road Eastsound 376‑4512 Orcas Power & Light 376‑3500 (office) 376‑3599 (outages) San Juan Propane 376-2215

A peaceful getaway

BY MEREDITH GRIFFITH

s

haw is the smallest ferry-served island, at 7.7 square miles, and has a population of about 165. Cyclists and walkers appreciate its less-traveled, winding roads and fairly flat terrain. It’s the perfect place to visit for a serene day of contemplation or wildlife observation.

Residents have passed restrictions to ensure that there are no bed and breakfasts, no hotels, no restaurants and no tourist shops on the island. The only overnight accommodation is camping at 60acre Shaw County Park, two miles from the ferry landing. Part of the Cascadia Marine Trail system, the park has beach access, a boat launch and 11 campsites. If you’re camping in winter, you’ll need to bring in your own water, since the park’s water system is closed then.

The island has one grocery store, the Shaw Island General Store at the ferry landing. The Shaw Island Library and Historical Society provides a quiet respite among books and magazines, in a log cabin that served as the island’s first post office.

Many activities on Shaw are organized by Shaw Islanders, Inc. Its community center offers monthly classes like tai chi and yoga, and is the venue for island concerts. Visit www.shawislanders.org for a calendar of events.

The Kitchen Garden Co., sells fresh seasonal foods and offers cooking classes and culinary tours, as well as personal chef services and wedding and event planning.

Two Catholic orders of nuns reside on Shaw.

The Sisters of Mercy own a 60-acre farm that they use as a retreat. Our Lady of the Rock, a Benedictine order, welcomes visitors to visit its monastery, a 300-acre farm. Visit ourladyoftherock.com for more information.

Shaw is home to musical talent as well: It’s the home of the Island Sinfonia chamber orchestra, founded around 1984 and conducted for 20 years

by Mother Kateri Visocky of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The orchestra also performs on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands.

For more information about Shaw Island, contact Shaw Islanders, Inc., P.O. Box 443, Shaw Island, WA. 98286, or visit shawislanders.org.

Public services on Shaw

Services available for Shaw islanders, guests or visitors:

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Churches Non-denominational worship, Sundays, 11 a.m., Shaw Island Community Building.

Our Lady of the Rock Chapel, call 468-2321 before visiting.

Clubs and Organizations Shaw Island Community Building. 468-2908.

Events, meetings, classes.

Shaw Islanders, Inc. Promotes and sponsors programs and services for the community. Web site: www.shawislanders.org/.

Shaw Island Cemetery Board. President Alice Nelsen, 468-2314.

Shaw Island 4-H. Jan Sanburg, 468-4682.

Shaw Island Historical Society. President Chris Hopkins, 468-3147.

Shaw Island Hookers. Liz Stedman, 468-3321.

San Juan County Textile Guild. Lola Deane, 468-3351.

Fire District San Juan County Fire District 5. Emergency: Call 911. Brud Joslin, chief, 378-7880.

Historic Sites Shaw Island Museum. Housed in a log cabin that served as the island’s first post office. Next to the library.

Shaw Island School. 468-2570. Formerly a oneroom schoolhouse, listed on state and national registries of historic places.

Law Enforcement San Juan County Sheriff ’s Office. Emergency, 911. Business, 378-4151.

Library Shaw Island Library and Museum. Chris Hopkins, board president, 468-3147. Jody Schmidt, librarian, 468-3715.

Medical Emergency: Call 911. By cell phone, 378-4141.

Local EMS coordinator: Helen Riggins, 468-3602.

Parks Shaw County Park is located on the shore of Indian Cove on the south end of the island. General number, 378-8420. Reservations (seasonal), 378-1842.

Voter Registration San Juan County Elections Department: 3783357 or visit http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/sanjuan/ Pages/default.aspx.

a n aco rt es

By Cali Bagby

T

he San Juans aren’t the only islands in Puget Sound: Fidalgo Island is just 22 nautical miles away. The island is separated from the mainland by the Swinomish Channel, and from Whidbey Island to the south by Deception Pass.

It’s largest city is Anacortes, which is the last mainland city you see before departing for the San Juans and Sidney, B.C., and your port of entry when going from the islands to the mainland. But this city of almost 17,000 people is more than just a point of entry or departure. It’s a city with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful forests, harbors and parks.

According to the City of Anacortes, the “Gateway to the San Juan Islands” has 20.3 miles of saltwater shoreline, 3,091 acres of city-owned forestlands and city-owned parks, and five freshwater lakes in or near the city limits. At 1,270 feet, Mount Erie provides one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region.

Arts and shopping

Art galleries, antique stores, book stores and ethnic restaurants are located on Commercial Avenue in the picturesque section known as Old Town. Must-see annual events: The Waterfront Festival in May, the Fourth of July Parade, the Canoe Journey in July, the Anacortes Arts Festival in August, and the Oyster Run – the largest motorcycle run in the Northwest. Special events are planned from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day each year; visit www.anacortes.org for more info.

Don’t miss the Anacortes Farmers’ Market, which begins during the Waterfront Festival and continues through the second Saturday in October. It’s located at Seventh and R avenues, on the grounds of the Depot Arts Center, Anacortes’ historic train station. The Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave., stages live comedy, drama and classic theater productions year-round.

Culture and history

Anacortes is the ancestral home of the Samish people. The Samish Indian Nation owns the Samish Gallery of Native Arts at 708 Commercial Ave. and Fidalgo Bay Resort, overlooking Fidalgo Bay. Also, be sure and see the Maiden of Deception Pass at Deception Pass State Park. The statue is a 24-foot carved likeness of Ko-kwal-al-woot, a Samish woman who married a sea being to guarantee salmon runs for her people.

Historic Walking Tour brochures are available at the Anacortes

Richard Walker Photo

Must-see events are located on Commercial Ave, also known as Old Town.

History Museum, the Visitor Information Center and other sites around Anacortes. You can also download one at http://museum. cityofanacortes.org.

The Anacortes History Museum, 1305 8th St., has collections and exhibits on the fishing, maritime and timber industries that built this city. It also has exhibits on the different cultures that make up the fabric of the community.

Healthcare

Island Hospital (www.islandhospital.org) is a 43-bed hospital with a medical staff of more than 100 physicians.

Recreation

Anacortes has more boating services than any other community north of Seattle. It is the home port for powerboat and sail charters, and has four full-service marinas and three public boat launches.

Causland Memorial Park, across the street from the Anacortes Museum, is noted for the artistry of its rock and mosaic walls and gazebo. Mount Erie City Park, at 41st Street and North Avenue, offers spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and nearby waters from the summit. Washington Park, west of the ferry landing, has hiking trails, a public access beach, and picnicking and camping For more information about Anacortes and Fidalgo Island, contact the Visitor Information Center, 819 Commercial Ave., (360) 293-7911, or visit www.anacortes.org.

The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

23

r e a l estat e

BY COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG

I

t’s a slow climb, but steady wins the race.

The Northwest Multiple Listing Service tallied 56,290 closed sales of single family homes and condominiums during 2011, improving on 2010’s volume by 4,290 transactions for a 7.4 percent increase. Last year’s completed sales included 48,952 single family homes (up 7 percent from 2010) and 7,338 condominiums (an increase of more than 10 percent from 2009).

Together, these sales were valued at more than $16.7 billion, about $900 million less than the previous year (a decline of 5.1 percent).

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 20,000 real estate brokers and serves 21 counties in Washington state.

In San Juan County, the numbers are slightly lower than the year before, but realtors are still hopeful that things are on an upswing.

“The fourth quarter of 2011 has been very active in both showings and sales,” wrote Steve Buck, financial manager for Coldwell Banker San Juans, in a column in The Journal of the San Juan Islands and The Islands’ Sounder. “Many of the sales that are taking place will actually close in the first quarter of 2012 so we should be starting off the New Year comparatively well. We are also seeing increases in people making plans to come up and look at property next spring and summer.”

The total number of local sales for 2011 were 280. In Median home price 2010, that number Year to date median home prices was 335. Broken out by island for 2011, Single-family and condos combined it is: San Juan: 133; Orcas: 90; Lopez: 2003: $300,000 38; other islands: 19.

2004: $375,000 For 2010, it was San 2005: $427,500 Juan: 151; Orcas: 110; Lopez: 42; and 2006: $450,000 other islands: 32.

2007: $500,000 For properties 2008: $472,500 with the Northwest 2009: $443,500 Multiple Listing Service, both median 2010: $397,500 prices and inventory 2011: $387,500 dropped compared Source: Northwest Multiple Listing Service to 2010. Prices fell 10.3 percent system wide, while the number of new listings added to inventory was down more than 13 percent. Brokers added 101,430 listings to the database during 2011, which was 15,269 fewer than the total number for 2010.

Last year’s median price for closed sales of single family homes and condos was $235,000. In 2010 the median selling price was $262,000. For the 21 counties included in the MLS report, the median price ranged from $120,000 in Grays Harbor County to $387,500 in San Juan County.

“The window of opportunity that is open now is likely a oncein-a-lifetime event when considering prices, selection and interest rates,” wrote Buck. “For our market, it doesn’t take much of an increase in demand over supply to substantially affect it.”

Affordable housing Home trusts and land trusts in the San Juan Islands have received National awards for innovative and sustainable projects.

Homes for Islanders: Visit www.homesforislanders.org. Lopez Community Land Trust: 468-3723. Visit www.lopezclt.org. OPAL Community Land Trust: 376-3191. Visit www.opalclt.org. San Juan Community Home Trust: 378-5541. Visit www.hometrust. org. The Community Land Trust of Waldron Island: Contact Rebecca Moore, Community Land Trust of Waldron Island, 360317-8130.

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Ta x Property taxes explained

By Charles Zalmanek, assessor

W

hen San Juan County was formed in 1873 prior to statehood in 1889 (San Juan was originally part of Whatcom County), the first property taxes were levied to pay for roads and general government

expenses.

Over the ensuing years, county voters established taxing districts in order to support other services: cemeteries, fire protection, libraries, medical services, ports and recreation.

These districts are limited as to how much they can increase property taxes each year. The total amount of property tax collected by a taxing district annually can only increase by 1 percent plus revenue from new construction. The levy rate (how much tax a property owner pays per $1,000 of assessed property valuation) is adjusted accordingly.

Property taxes vary on the islands, depending on tax-supported services established by voters of those islands.

For example, taxpayers on Shaw Island pay property taxes to a total of five taxing districts that support roads, county services and state schools. Taxpayers on this island pay the lowest combined levy rate in the county (San Juan County taxpayers pay the lowest rates in the state) of about $4.07 per thousand dollars of assessed value. On the opposite end of the spectrum are the taxpayers of the south end of San Juan Island, who pay a rate of over $6 per $1,000 of assessed value to a total of 11 taxing districts.

If you know the assessed value of your property and the tax levy rate, you can estimate the amount of tax you will pay. For example, if the assessed value of your property is $350,000 and the levy rate is $6 per $1,000 of assessed valuation; your estimated tax would be $2,100 per year.

How your property value is determined

State law requires that assessors appraise property at 100 percent of its true and fair-market value, according to the highest and best use of the property. Fair market value or true value is the amount that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller.

Beginning in 2012, San Juan County will begin adjusting prior year’s appraised values based on statistical analysis of recent sales.

Appraisers from the assessor’s office will now physically appraise one-sixth of the county each year. The other five-sixths of properties will be statistically adjusted to reflect changes in the marketplace.

Appeal of appraised value

If you do not agree with the appraised value of your property, you can contact the county assessor’s office. Disagreements of property values are often settled at this level. You may request copies of the comparable sales information the assessor used to value your property.

If you are unable to reach an agreement, you may file an appeal with the county Board of Equalization. To appeal, you must show that the assessor erred in the appraisal. To do this, you must provide evidence that clearly shows the appraised value does not reflect market value.

When to pay your taxes

Property tax statements are mailed in February. To avoid penalties, at least half of the amount due must be paid by April 30 and the balance by Oct. 31. Pay your property tax in person or by mail.

By mail, be sure to write the tax parcel or account number on your check and include the payment stub.

Deferral programs

The assessor’s office oversees deferral, reduction and exemption programs: damaged property, current use/open space, three-year tax exemption on value of remodel, senior citizens and disabled person property tax exemption. To find out if you qualify visit the assessor’s website at: www.co.san-juan.wa.us/assessor.

—Edited by Scott Rasmussen

Contributed Photo

A view from a beach along Decatur Island’s waterfront.

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

25

EDUCATION Lopez Island

Lopez School District, 86 School House Road, Lopez Island. 468-2202. Grades K-12.

Early childhood education Lopez Children’s Center, 160 Village Road, Lopez Village.

468-3896. Director Jane Hobbs. www.lopezchildrenscenter. com.

Orcas Island Public Orcas Island School District, 611 School Road, Eastsound.

376-2287. Grades K-12. OASIS Alternative Learning Program, 376-2286. Grades K-12 since 2006.

Private Orcas Christian School, 107 Enchanted Forest Road, Eastsound. 376-6683. Grades K-12.

Early childhood education Funhouse Commons. 30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound. 376-

7177, www.thefunhouse.org.

Kaleidoscope, 1292 North Beach Road, Eastsound. 3762484.

Orcas Montessori School, 1147 North Beach Road, Eastsound. 376-5350. www. orcasmontessori.org.

Orcas Island Children’s House, 36 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound. 376-4744.

School of the Salish Sea – Waldorf Initiative PO Box 2024 Eastsound, 376-4552, www. schoolofthesalishsea.org, email: orcaswaldorf@yahoo.com.

Salmonberry School, 867 North Beach Road, Eastsound. 376-4310 (preschool), 376-6310 (elementary). www. salmonberryschool.org.

San Juan Island Public Friday Harbor School District. Grades K-12. Elementary School, 95 Grover St., 3785209. Friday Harbor Middle

School, 85 Blair Ave., 378-5214.

Friday Harbor High School, 45 Blair Ave., 378-5215. Griffin Bay School, 245 Blair Ave., 378-3292.

Private Paideia Classical School, 265 Price St., Friday Harbor. 3788322. Grades K-8.

Stillpoint School, 775 Park St., Friday Harbor. 378-2331.

Grades: K-5.

Spring Street International School, 505 Spring St., Friday Harbor. 378-6393. Grades 6-12.

Early childhood education Alphabet Soup, 300 Marguerite Place, Friday Harbor.

378-9166.

Children’s House Montessori School, 761 Park St., Friday Harbor. 378-5255.

Head Start, 97 Grover St., Friday Harbor. 378-6030.

Lighthouse Preschool, 425 Spring St., Friday Harbor. 3784885.

Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, 720 Park St., Friday Harbor. 378-4455.

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Decatur Island

Decatur Island School. 3756004. Grades K-8.

Shaw Island

Shaw Island School, 4682570. Grades K-8.

Stuart Island

Stuart Island School, 3784133. Grades K-8.

Waldron Island

Waldron School. 376-2284.

Grades K-8.

Post-secondary education

Institute of Global Education, Friday Harbor, 378-6313. www.ecopsych.com.

Skagit Valley College San Juan Center, Friday Harbor.

378-3220. www.skagit.edu.

Washington State University Center for Distance Education, 800-222-4978. http://online. wsu.edu.

UW Friday Harbor Laboratories, 378-2165. http://depts. washington.edu/fhl.

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conservation San Juan County Land Bank

The San Juan County Land Bank (www.sjclandbank.org) is funded by a 1 percent tax on local real estate purchases. The Land Bank manages a multi-million dollar portfolio of conservation easements, historical preservation agreements and nature preserves.

In November 2011, the Land Bank’s 1 percent tax on local real estate sales for 12 more years was renewed. Supporters voted for the Land Bank, because of its ability to conserve open space and cultural resources, its benefits to the islands’ environment and its economy helps maintain a rural landscape that both islanders and visitors enjoy, and, with only 3 percent of county land preserved as open space, its job is far from complete.

Since its inception in 1991, the Land Bank has purchased 3,580 acres of land, most of which are managed as “preserves” and allow for public access and low-impact recreation. In addition, the Land Bank maintains conservation easements on 2,078 acres of land spread across 39 separate properties on seven different islands.

San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild

Despite their failure in 2010 to win Count Council support for a $400,000 conservation easement sale to the San Juan County Land Bank, the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (www.sjiagguild.com) completed purchase before the end of 2010 for the former Friday Harbor Electric site at 150 Nichols St. now known as Brickworks, which became the permanent home to the Farmers Market, and also hosted the Friday Harbor Art Market and other local events. It’s not only a venue, but a historic preservation site because it once was the Friday Harbor Brick and Tile Co., which manufactured cement blocks used in the construction of many older downtown Friday Harbor buildings, among the Town Hall.

The site’s 90-year-old building is the last remaining industrial building in Friday Harbor.

Contributed Photo

Restoration specialist David Rogers at the historic Brann Cabin. $1,500 toward rehabilitation of the Brann Cabin, an early settler’s home. Funds will go toward restoration of the cabin’s door — one of the final stages of a comprehensive project undertaken by San Juan County. Funds came from the Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, which provide grant funding to preserve local historic resources every year. For more info, about the grant visit www. wa-trust.org or call 206-624-9449.

San Juan Preservation Trust

Founded in 1979, the San Juan Preservation Trust (www.sjpt. org) has ensured that 270 properties, 35 miles of shoreline and 14,000 acres on 20 islands in the San Juan archipelago remain permanently protected from development. Much of that land is managed as nature preserves, parks, and working farms and forests.

Among the acquisitions in San Juan County in 2010: Vendovi Island, the third largest island under single private ownership in the entire San Juan archipelago and 80 acres on Blakely Island, which includes spectacular waterfront property.

Mitchell Hill now part of national park

The National Park Service’s acquisition of Mitchell Hill, 312 acres that will become park of San Juan Island National Historical Park’s English Camp, as finalized in 2010.

Within the 312 acres is a portion of the road that troops used to travel between American and English camps during the joint military occupation of 1859-1872. The road was initially built as a sheep run by Hudson’s Bay Co. and Cowichan First Nation laborers, and later improved by troops. Visible along portions of the road is rip-rap — rock placed by British troops to reinforce the road — as well as wheel ruts from wagons that once rolled along the road. Mitchell Hill also supports native plants and Garry oaks.

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

27

government

S

an Juan is the smallest of Washington state’s 39 counties with just 175 square miles of land, but the daily tasks of county government are more complicated than in other counties because of the fractured geography. San Juan County provides taxpayersupported services to four ferry-served islands and several smaller, less populated islands.

County government is headquartered in Friday Harbor, the county’s only incorporated town. Here, you’ll find the County Courthouse and the Legislative Building, home of the County Council and the administration departments.

Some county government offices are also located on Lopez and Orcas Islands and, to a lesser degree, on Shaw Island.

Visit the county’s Web site,

www.co.san-juan.wa.us.

San Juan County

Adult Probation Services: Brad Fincher, probation officer.

Courthouse, 350 Court St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-8208.

Email bradf@co.san-juan. wa.us.

Assessor: Charles Zalmanek.

Courthouse, 350 Court St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2172.

Email assessor@sanjuanco.com Auditor: Milene Henley.

Courthouse, 350 Court St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2161.

Email auditor@sanjuanco.com Communications: Stan Matthews, manager. Legislative Building, 350 Court St., No. 5, Friday Harbor 98250. 3707405. Email stanm@sanjuanco. com Community Development and Planning: Rene Beliveau, director, 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2116.

San Juan Island: Jewel of the Salish Sea Mark Your Calendar for these San Juan Island Events:

July 4, 2012

4th of July Holiday Parade, Fireworks

July 14 & 15 2012

Summer Arts Fair & Lavender Festival

October 6, 2012

Oktoberfest ~ Live Bavarian Orchestra, Food, & Fun

December 1, 2012

Island Lights Festival & Salmon Derby

www.sanjuanisland.org

(360) 378-5240

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The 2012 Book of the San Juan Islands

Contributed Photo

San Juan County Courthouse (1906) in Friday Harbor.

Mailing address - P.O. Box 946 Friday Harbor 98250. Email permits@sanjuanco.com.

County Council: Legislative Building, 55 Second St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2898. Email - council@sanjuanco.com.

District 1 (San Juan South) Lovel Pratt.

District 2 (San Juan North) Rich Peterson.

District 3 (Friday Harbor) Howie Rosenfeld.

District 4 (Orcas West) Richard Fralick.

District 5 (Orcas East) Patty Miller.

District 6 (Lopez/Shaw) Jamie Stephens.

Human Resources: Pamela Morais, manager. Legislative Building, 55 Second St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-3870. Email - pamelam@sanjuan.com.

Parks/Fair Department: Dona Wuthnow, director. 105 Second St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-8420. Email parks@sanjuanco.com.

Sheriff: Rob Nou. Courthouse, 96 Second St. P.O. Box 669, Friday Harbor 98250. 3784151. Emergency: 911.

Superior Court: Judge Don Eaton. Courthouse, 350 Court St., Friday Harbor 98250. 3782163.

Superior Court Clerk: Joan White. Courthouse, Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2163. Email joanw@sanjuanco.co Elections: Doris Schaller, supervisor. Legislative Building, 55 Second St., P.O. Box

638, Friday Harbor 98250.

378-3357. Email elections@ sanjuanco.com Health and Community Services: John Manning, director.

145 Rhone St., Friday Harbor 98250. 378-4474.

Juvenile Court Services: Tom Kearney, director. Courthouse, 350 Court St., Friday Harbor 98250. 370-7440. Email juvenile@co.san-juan.wa.us Land Bank: Lincoln Bormann, director. 328 Caines St., Friday Harbor 98250. 3784402. Email lincoln@rockisland.com Prosecuting Attorney: Randy Gaylord, prosecutor. Courthouse, P.O. Box 760, Friday Harbor 98250. 378-4101. Email randyg@sanjuanco.com Public Defender: Joan Pedrick (juvenile), Thomas Pacher (adult). 378-4017.

Public Works: Frank Mulcahy, director. 915 Spring St., Friday Harbor 98250. San Juan Island: 370-0500.

Senior Services: 145 Rhone St., P.O. Box 607, Friday Harbor 98250. Administration, 378-4474. Lopez Island: 4682421. Orcas Island: 376-2677.

San Juan Island: 378-2677.

Treasurer: Jan Sears. Courthouse, P.O. Box 639, Friday Harbor 98250. 378-2171.

WSU Cooperative Extension: Tom Schultz, agent. 221 Weber Way, Suite LL, Friday Harbor 98250. 378-4414. http://sanjuan.wsu.edu. Email sjce@wsu.edu.

Boating day on San Juan Island contributed pHOTO

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