Guest Editorial

County Needs A County Manager

(Official photo)

By Kevin Ranker

Last week the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously agreed to move forward with the necessary steps to hire a County Manager. This position has been formally and informally discussed here in our community for many years. It is clear to me that our County has grown to a size and scale that warrants this decision. It is clear to me that the position of San Juan County Manager is a position whose time has come. After much research and consideration, I am convinced that the creation of this position will establish a more efficient county government while at the same time engender a more positive working environment for all of our county employees.
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Guest Editorial

"We the people!"
Our San Juan County Government Is In Meltdown!

By Pat O'day

How timely, the advent of the Freeholders and their blueprint for the immediate future of San Juan County governance. How frustrating it has been, as we witness two more departures this week from a Permit Center that daily falls farther and farther behind in its missions.

How frustrating to citizens of our county watching three sitting Commissioners dallying around, spending valuable time and resources, with furtive talk of a County Manager. Were it not for the Freeholders and the upcoming Home Rule Charter election, they would be ignoring this issue. So many problems this confused, and inadequate commission creates with alarming regularity. And now, their sudden desire to hire some kind of a manager? ("BOCC To Hire Manager?") It's not unfair to be suspicious of their actions. They fight to avoid The Home Rule Charter, it's Amendment, and a showdown with the citizens of our county.

The good news is:
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FH Firefighters & Lots Of Halloween Candy!

PRESS RELEASE: The Town of Friday Harbor Fire Department will participate in Halloween festivities!

Engine 7 will be located on Hunt Street. The aerial will be extended to provide street lighting. Engine 6 will be located on Spruce Street.

Both Engines will be staffed with firefighters and lots of candy! So kids, make sure you come by the Engine's to trick-or-treat!

Happy Halloween!

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$6.000.00 Raised For Wounded Solder

(Peter DeLorenzi Photo)
(American Legion Post Commander Karl Mueller shaking
up the raffle tickets before a full house)

By Peter DeLorenzi

The American Legion held a raffle to a packed house on Friday evening to benefit SSgt. "Buz" Robertson, the nephew of Jim & Minnie Kynch. Buz has been hospitalized since being wounded in Iraq, and is permanently paralyzed as a result of his injuries. Past Story The raffle raised over $6,000 to help the family with home modification expenses.

Some great prizes were donated by members and local businesses, including: Vern Howard & King's Market, Browne's Home Center, Ace Hardware, Herb's, Hailey's, The China Pearl, Grant & Betty Moyer, The Watering Hole Gallery, Tony Hall, Car Quest, Maz's Car Detailing, Avon by Sue Ross, Sally Hazel and Ralph Turner.

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Our Thought For The Weekend

Well it's that time of the year when we truncate a perfectly sensible nychthemeron cycle (Oh stop it, you got something better to do on a rainy day than learn a new word?) by -for all practical purposes- being forced to change the hands of time.

If the nighttime anxiety of "Did I or did I not turn back the clock?" causes you to toss and turn and count sheep, or ponder the size of the universe, or -my favorite- contemplate the question of what is "nothingness"? (I mean, if you remove all "things" from the universe, there is all that space where the stuff used to be…so that must "be" something, don't you think?), anyway here is something new for you think about that really should make you drop off, or bring you right up to full consciousness.

WALKING MOLECULES. Yup, you read it right, according to the American Institute of Physics: Ludwig Bartels at UC Riverside made a molecule with two legs that can walk. And walk a lot. In one test it took 10,000 steps without faltering.

So if the thought of millions of molecules dancing on the head of a pin doesn't lull you to sleep, we suggest you entertain this thought: What are the possibilities for good and bad once Ludwig and crew give their little Ludwigstein molecules hands… with opposable thumbs? Hmmm?

( Ludwig Bartels webpage)

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Guest Editorial

Campaign Finance Laws & Free Speech

By John Kramer

In America, a nation built on a rich history of free political speech, governments are now censoring political discussions in the guise of campaign finance reform. The dangers of government censoring political speech to stifle their opposition are unfolding right now in Washington state and elsewhere across the nation.

The Institute for Justice was in court this week to defend the rights of Washingtonians to speak out on important political issues and participate in the legislative process. The case, San Juan County v. No New Gas Tax, is an effort to prosecute Yes912.com (formerly NoNewGasTax.com)—the organization seeking to roll back a massive gasoline tax increase of 9.5 cents per gallon over four years—for failing to report favorable comments by popular radio talk show hosts as "in-kind" contributions. On Monday, the Institute appeared in trial court to defend against a motion to dismiss its counterclaims, which seek to declare that the prosecution violates the rights of free speech, freedom of association and due process of law.

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Halloween Pod Nod at The Whale Museum

For the first time, The Whale Museum is offering a special Pod Nod for Halloween! Join us this Saturday, October 29 for a "pajama party" sleepover in the Museum and don't forget your costume. This marine learning adventure is for children ages 5-8. This event will be led by Museum Educator Kendall Berry with assistance from other adult professionals and college students. Youth participants will learn to value whales and their environment through art projects, science labs, music, games, and the traditional flashlight tour of exhibits.
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Two More Planners Plan To Move On

Elizabeth Anderson, the newest Senior Planner hired for CD&PD (Community Development & Planning Department), and her husband Martin Blackman, the other Senior Planner in the department, have decided to move on to, if not greener pastures, perhaps more richer ones. With these new departures from the Planning department, the County will have to expand it's search for not only a new Building Official-Planner for the department, but also for replacements for two additional Senior Planners, as well as continue the search for a department head to replace the current interim head that was put in after the firing of Deputy Director Shaw.
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Ray Bigler Hospitalized, But Okay

Ray Bigler, known to many as a candidate in the last election for County Commissioner, was medevaced off of San Juan Island Monday morning. Ray has been recuperating at home since he had knee surgery a few weeks ago, and on Monday morning at 2 am he started to have breathing problems, which prompted a call by wife Julie to 911.

Once at the hospital the problem was diagnosed as blood clods, presumably from the surgery. Although his condition was improved, the medical staff wanted to keep him for a couple of days, just to be sure there were no new problems that might result from the original problem. In a conversation with Ray, he said that he was doing well, and expected to be home by Saturday, but said there is nothing like going to a hospital to give you a "wake-up call" about what is important. Ray suggested that instead of flowers, a bottle of Crown Royal would be the best way of showing you care.

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Institute For Justice: Court Ruling A "Stunning Blow"

The Washington Chapter of The Institute For Justice has issued a statement that the free speech and free associational rights of media personalities, campaigns and indeed, all Washingtonians, were dealt a stunning blow by a decision handed down in Thurston County when a Superior Court judge held that editorial comment on the radio regarding issues of public importance can be treated as reportable campaign contributions and therefore subject to regulation under Washington State's campaign finance law.

The Institute said this "marks the first time at either the state or federal level that a court has treated on-air editorial discussions and commentary as subject to regulation under campaign finance laws. Moreover, it represents a dangerous precedent that will allow politically motivated governments to use the campaign finance laws to intimidate and perhaps silence voices in the media with which they disagree.

IJ-WA Staff Attorney Michael Bindas said, "Today's decision permits politically-motivated prosecutors to hand over their prosecutorial authority directly to a campaign's political opposition. This invites prosecutors across the state to engage in precisely the kind of abuses that occurred in this case. Today, whether you will be prosecuted for violating the campaign finance laws apparently depends on whether you are promoting a political issue that San Juan Prosecuting Attorney Randall Gaylord likes or opposes." Gaylord's Side of Story

William Maurer, executive director of the Institute for Justice Washington Chapter (IJ-WA), said, "We will immediately file an appeal directly to the Washington Supreme Court. This decision was wrong on the facts and wrong on the law. It must be overturned on appeal so that Washingtonians may freely access and discuss all political issues, even the ones the government does not want people to hear or talk about. "



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Ferry Fares Down, But Will Increase??

(Ed Sutton warns BOCC of a possible increase in ferry fares)

WSF (Washington State Ferries) has released a statement that: "Travel to Orcas Island on a Friday for a car and driver will go from $39.60 to $29.30 round trip and the round-trip passenger fare will go from $12.20 to $10.10. The fares are even lower earlier in the week. Parking fees for the Anacortes Terminal parking area will also go away on Sunday. Free parking will be available at the terminal."

But what about the future? Ed Sutton, a member of the Ferry Advisory Committee appeared before the BOCC on Tuesday during Citizen Access time to warn the Commissioners that due to a 39 million shortfall in the ferry budget -due in part to the cost of fuel and oil- there are only four possible results. According to Mr. Sutton, the WSF can increase the rate it charges for tickets, or there can be service cutbacks in the number or sailings, or there can be new taxes, or they can -once again- move money from the capital expense budget to offset some of the operation costs.

At the end of presentation he made three recommendations to the Board: (1) BOCC Chair Kevin Ranker should attend the meetings to show our concern, (2) An ad hock committee should be formed, and (3) pressure should be put on the State Legislators.

According to Sutton, if the budget shortfall is not corrected, a car with three passengers can soon expect to pay as much as $110.00 for a trip from Anacortes to San Juan, and that this can have a negative impact on our local economy..


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Gaylord: Court Ruling Backs Public's Right To Know

A press release issued by San Juan County Prosecutor Randy Gaylord on the recent civil rights law suit against Gaylord and other county prosecutors, states that Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christopher Wickham dismissed civil rights claims by the No New Gas Tax Committee against local prosecutors from San Juan County, Seattle, Auburn and Kent who successfully sought an order requiring disclosure of concealed monetary and in-kind contributions to the committee's signature-gathering campaign. Previous Story

"This is a victory for openness and transparency in campaigns. The public's right to know who is funding an initiative campaign has been vindicated," said Randy Gaylord, San Juan County's Prosecuting Attorney. "There are no special rules for talk radio hosts. Anyone who runs an initiative campaign, no matter how powerful or prominent, must comply with state public disclosure laws," he said.

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US Marine Corps 230th Birthday Dinner

The Former Marines of the San Juans will be hosting the 230th birthday of the United States Marine Corps on November 5th, 2005. The group gets together each year to celebrate the birth of the Corps with an incredible catered dinner and guest speaker. The event is semi formal and open to all Marine Corps veterans and their spouses, families and guests.

The event also welcomes US Navy Corpsmen. The cost is $25 per person and is their only annual event, which supports the nationwide Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. The get together starts with a no-host social hour at The American Legion Club, First and Court Streets, at 6 PM, with dinner downstairs at 7 PM.

Reservations are a must and can be secured by calling Peter DeLorenzi at 378-3190.


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Learn About The Mysterious Murrelet

Friends of the San Juans Endangered Marine Species & Habitats Lecture Series continues with a presentation about Marbled Murrelets on Wednesday October 26 at the Grange in Friday Harbor and on Thursday October 27 at the Lopez Library. The talks begin at 7:00 pm and are free and open to the public.

The Marbled Murrelet remains one of the most poorly known birds. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is steadily gaining knowledge about its movements, nesting habits, and population trends. At-sea surveys for the bird have been conducted throughout the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound for the past 10 years; providing solid estimates of the population size of murrelets inhabiting Washington's waters. Surveys indicate that numbers of birds in the San Juans increase dramatically from May to August but the reasons are not clear. This increase may reflect better feeding conditions and may also result from temporary birds that visit our area before dispersing further south.

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$13,383,585.00 Budget For 2006

Just like one's personal budget, there some expenses one simply cannot reduce, and some items that are choices. The problem is what to include and what to reject, and based on the input from all of the county departments, and discussion between the Commissioners, choices have been made, and now they wait to hear from the public, who will be able give their input at a November 15 public hearing on the proposed budget. Based on the input, and discussion by the BOCC following the public hearing, it will be decide what, if any, changes will be made, and then the 2006 budget will be finalized.

The problem each year for the Commissioners is the balancing act in meeting the County's financial obligations for the programs they must provide under state and federal law (some of which are not funded), and the additional programs they would like to provide, and to do so within the limitations of the available revenue that is generated by taxes, fees, grants, and, or course, borrowed money.

To compound the problem, there is always an uncertainty of the cash flow to the county, which can be more or less than the projections; a simple fact of the budget process which was most famously acknowledged by Commissioner Lichter's comment to the Freeholders that "Si has this magic desk that has drawers that sometimes allows more or less money to be found". When the forecasts fall short of the revenue (E.g. a poor business year means less sales tax to the County), the BOCC can cut services or borrow money, or increase fees. For 2006 the fees will be increased for both land use and building permits; a move that is assumed will raise $150,000.00 +/- for the year.

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BOCC Takes Step Toward a County Manager

( BOCC at temporary meeting place discuss hiring a County Manager

It has been a long time coming, and there is no assurance it is going to happen, but the BOCC has taken the first serious step toward hiring a county manager. Today, 10-25-05, The Board authorized the county staff to proceed on a time table that, if followed, would have a manager in place by May of 2006.

The Board agreed by consensus that a manager (and the Board clerk) would report directly to the Board, that the manager position would have a financial role, and the budget should include a line item for the position with a $124,000.00 amount assigned. The role of the manager tentatively agreed to, is less than would be the case with a manager (called a County Administrator in the Charter) under the proposal by the Freeholders, which will grant greater authority to the position.

The next step will be a scheduled "work sessions with Elected Officials and Department Heads to discuss position descriptions, budget proposal, overall transition", and an opportunity for the public to observe and comment. It is hoped to have the first workshop in November.

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Teen Halloween Party: 31st 8-10:30 pm

Teens put on your mask and come join the fun at Island Rec 6th Annual Teen Halloween Party on Sunday October 31st from 8-10:30 pm at the fair grounds. This free party is open to teens in 7th through 12th grade. There will be music, dancing, food activities and a costume contests with some great prizes. Come out and play!

Adults volunteers are still needed for this event. Please call Corelia at 378-4953



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New SJI Lions

(Left to Right) Candace Groseclose, Bettye Hendrickson and Sally Browne have been inducted into the San Juan Lions Club

San Juan Lions is the First Service Club on San Juan Island (Established exactly 43 years ago, October 23,1962), with Sam Buck, Sr., as the first President of the club in 1962.

Today, there are over 80 members, stepping up to the motto "We Serve" in our community.

You see the San Juan Lions locally active throughout the year with "fun and fund raising activities" Including the 4th of July activities, The County Fair, Best of the San Juans and most recently at this year's Oktoberfest.

You will next see the active Lions selling Tickets for the Annual Thanksgiving Shopping Spree at Kings starting on Saturday, November 5th.

The San Juan Lions Club is a fully designated 501 (c) 3 Charity allowing donations to San Juan Lions Foundation as Tax Deductible contributions.

For more information on the San Juan Lions Membership, our service programs and ways you can make tax deductible donations contact our President John Towson at 378-3843.

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Adult Immunization Clinics Start on 31st

Partial Influenza vaccine shipments have started to arrive at San Juan County Health and Community Services. Due to manufacturing delays, receipt of partial vaccine shipments are expected to continue through November and December.

The following special adult immunization clinics have been scheduled to offer influenza, pneumonia, and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines:

● October 31 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Shaw Community Building
● November 7 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Woodman Hall on Lopez
● November 9 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the San Juan Senior Center (Mullis Center)
● November 15 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center
● Waldron clinic, yet to be scheduled, will be at the Waldron School.

The influenza season usually does not peak until after December, so vaccine given before Thanksgiving should provide substantial protective benefits for the holiday season. It takes 10-14 days after vaccination for it to become effective. Parents should call the Health Department or their health care providers regarding influenza vaccine for children 6 months through 18 years of age.

Influenza vaccine is a priority for those 6-24 months and 65 years and older, those 2 to 64 years with chronic medical conditions or working or living with high risk people, pregnant women, health care workers and those who provide key community services.

Contact the Health Department at 378-4474 if you have questions regarding the vaccines


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SJ Islands Women's Summit Nov-5 & 6th

(Lavelle Foos,Terrea Bennet and Liz Illg from San Juan, Susie Teague from Lopez, Commissioners Myhr, Ranker and Lichter, Stephanie Buffum-Field from Shaw and Shannon Calverley from San Juan. Dream Team Members not pictured: Debra Nichols and Gretchen Krampf from Orcas)

The first San Juan Islands Women's Summit is scheduled for November 4th and 5th, 2005 at Rosario Resort on Orcas Island. Island women are encouraged to make plans to attend this exciting, educational and inspirational weekend. (Link to Web Page)

Share two days of informative group sessions, special guest speakers, roundtable luncheon discussions, an Artisan's Marketplace, the Island Women's Resource Room, relaxing spa time plus evening music and entertainment.

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SJC Leadership Class Of 2006

(File photo of Last Years Leadership Class)

Leadership San Juan Islands selection of an outstanding and diverse group of individuals from the island community for the class of 2006 are:

o San Juan Island: Kristina Bayas, Chinmayo, Richard Civille, Bonnie Gilmore, Katherine Weller Hagn, Deborah Hopkins, Kristine Odle, Shannan Sword, and Helen Venada.
o Orcas Island: Bonnie Bossler, Matt Maher, Mieka Neenan, Karen Rouleau-Miller
o Lopez Island: Susie and Nick Teague

These individuals come from the public, business and nonprofit sectors and bring with them an outstanding background of community service. They include among them the directors of United Way, the San Juan Island Visitor's Bureau, the Prevention Coalition, several private business consultants, a librarian, an architect/builder, an artist, and many board members, program developers and community activists.

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League of Women Voters Has New Energy

Janna Gingras of the League of Women Voters of the San Juans has announced the 2006 Membership Drive is to be kicked off at the Island Women's Summit at Rosario Resort on November 5th and 6th. The Membership Drive will continue throughout the new year with a goal of 60 new members by the end of 2006.

The League will have a Vender Table at the Summit with information on the League, new member brochures, and a sign-up sheet for people interested in being invited to a League function.

Also at the Summit the League will be hosting a networking table on "Women and Leadership." Both Senator Harriet Spanel of the 40th Legislative District, and Sally Hintz, from Maria Cantwell's office, will participate at the League round table discussion. All registrants at the Summit who are interested in leadership are invited to be a part of this exciting conversation.

Because the San Juan League of Women Voters was close to dissolution this fall, many county residents are heartened to hear the League is moving forward with new energy. The next meeting is November 14th at noon at the library. The agenda includes the election of new officers and a report from members who attended the League of Women Voters of Washington Convention in Seattle in June.

All members and interested persons are welcome. For more information contact Janna Gingras at 370-5743

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Our Thought For The Weekend

State Repeals "Slander of Woman" law

It was not so long ago that women carried a special status in our society, a status that both restricted and protected women in ways distinct from men, but with the advent of the women's liberation from such status, many traditions (such as standing when a woman inters a room) and laws have fallen away that supported both the good and the bad of such traditions and laws. The State legislature, always on guard and on the lookout for the need of speedy action, voted in both houses this year to remove from the books one such status that has for years specifically signaled out women from -drum roll please- "slander".

Both the Senate and the House have now repealed the crime of slander of a woman, by repealing RCW 9.58.110 & 120. The repealed law stated, in part, that it was a crime to "speak of or concerning any female.. not a common prostitute, any false or defamatory words or language which shall injure or impair the reputation…for virtue or chastity or which shall expose her to hatred, contempt or ridicule, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor". It then went on to say that such statements are slander unless the "defamatory is true and fair, and was spoken with good motives and for justifiable ends.

But before anyone gets up in arms about this, they should understand that only the singling out of women was removed. The Libel and Slander chapter still remains, and one can still get into some very expensive trouble by slandering a woman, or a man. It's just that now, in the spirit of equality, both are sort of, well, lumped together.

We just thought you should know, and also remind everyone during an election year that it is still against the law to say really bad things about people. Oh, and one more thing, the bill was sponsored by a woman, Sen. Kohl-Welles and signed into law by Governor Gregoire.
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Register Now & save $50: RH Salmon Classic

Register by October 31, 2005 and save $50 off your entry fee for the third Annual Salmon Classic Invitational at Roche Harbor Marine & Resort. February 2 – 4, 2006 are the dates to mark down, but now is the time to register to save money.

The Salmon Classic is a three day sport fishing extravaganza that attracts anglers from all over the Northwest & Canada. With over $25,000 dollars in cash & prizes this event brings out fishermen from all walks of life to fish our island waters.

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New Rotary Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians

(SJ Commodore Jack McKenna & International Commodore Bill Robinson)

At a recent gathering at the San Juan Vineyards and Winery, Jack McKenna was inducted as the charter Commodore of the San Juan Islands Fleet of the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians.
McKenna leads the group of 23 mariners. Some hail from as far away as Colorado and Hawaii.

These and local Rotarians join a fellowship of 5600 members and mates that span the globe, from Argentina and Australia to Turkey and Ukraine. The International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians is one of the largest and most prestigious fellowships of Rotary International. It was formed in Great Britain by John G. Barrett, in 1947, and considered as the oldest fellowship in Rotary.

With their 35 boats docked in Friday Harbor, the Seattle, Cascade, Puget Sound, Vancouver and Vancouver Island fleets welcomed the new San Juan Island Fleet as the 89th into the oldest Rotary fellowship in the world. Vancouver Island Fleet Commodore Dan Kelly and International Commodore Bill Robinson presented McKenna with a ship's bell, flags and burgees, and a specially designed fleet life ring.

The approximately ninety attendees enjoyed a salmon and chicken barbeque dinner and wine tasting. New fleet member and Rotarian Yvonne Swanberg graciously donated the wine tasting proceeds to the Rotary Foundation.

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New Director For College

(Professor Denise King -Guardian photo)

San Juan Center of Skagit Valley College has a new Director. Professor Denise King has accepted the position, and will take over on January 1st. Dr. King (no relation to any of the King families in San Juan County) currently holds a teaching position at the main campus of Olympic College Bremerton. Olympic College has nearly 12,000 students, and sits on 33-acres.

King holds a Ph.D. from Stanford in Drama & Humanities, and when asked if that was a bit of a jump from drama to administration, Dr. King noted that if one thinks about it, there are many similarities, pointing out that both endeavors require a great deal of administration and organizations skills, starting with creating a vision, moving to the challenge of pulling people together, and then guiding and working with the members of the "cast" to make it come to life, and then of course there is the task of "selling it" to the public.

King's past experience also includes a stint as an interim Dean of Social Sciences at Olympic College.


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Carl Verheyen Band in Concert and Workshops

(Carl Verheyen photo)
Headed by Supertramp's lead guitarist, the Carl Verheyen Band will appear in concert Saturday, October 22, at San Juan Community Theatre in Friday Harbor. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

The Carl Verheyen Band includes Cliff Hugo on bass and Bernie Dresel on drums. The level of musicianship of the trio transcends any stylistic pigeonholes, with blues, jazz and rock fans enjoying the performances equally. Although his greatest notoriety comes from the stadium rock concerts, Verheyen still works in a variety of styles and enjoys smaller venues like SJCT.
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Town & BOCC May Share New Office Bld

(Mary Jean Cahail & King Fitch before the BOCC)

In an attempt to make sure the new BOCC members know there has been, and still remains, a pressing need for both new and additional courtroom space and offices, Mary Jean Cahail, elected clerk for Superior Court, and a member of the Law & Justice Council, presented a proposal to the BOCC that may finally result in some positive steps toward that end; or at the least the spending of more money to study the problem.

Mary Jean gave a short history of the past studies, showing the board that extensive research and past studies have produced a Capital Needs note book and a Revenue book that address both the needs and funding issues involved, and she also presented the idea that the town of Friday Harbor and the County come together and meet both of their needs for space by building new court house and office space for their joint use. Mary Jean reported that a review of other communities that have shared space for both county and town use have found the concept works for them, and has saved tax dollars by not duplicating facilities.

Town Administrator King Fitch joined the discussion, and told the Commissioners that they too have space needs. The Town had conducted a 1998 study that showed an additional 10,000 SqFt of space was required, and he was encouraging in his remarks that, although the possibility has not been formally discussed with the Town Council, he saw merit in the concept.

The ideal came up later in the day at a workshop on the 2006 budget, and the new Board was told that $150,000 had been put aside in the past as seed money to produce a plan to address the need for new courtroom space, but it had been used for other purposes.

The Board agreed the proposal should be looked at, calling it "logical" and an "exciting possibility", and plans to enter into preliminary discussions with the Town.

To keep the BOCC focused on the project, Cahail presented the Board with a one dollar bill attached to a page that earmarked it as a contribution toward the future construction project.



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State Regulates Firewood Sellers

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) wants the public to know they are responsible for enforcing regulations that ensure firewood sellers deliver the quantity and quality of wood they order.
Last year, Weights and Measures personnel received 45 complaints from consumers and more than half of those complaints came in the last four months of the year. Inspectors make an effort to have the wood seller make up the shortage. In chronic cases, the agency will work with the county prosecutor to bring criminal charges against offenders.

More information and tips on buying firewood below:
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BOCC Requested To Adopt New Bld Code

Nina Pellar Le Baron addresses BOCC during Citizen Access Time

Two citizens have used the BOCC Citizens Access Time to lodge a complaint, and a request, that the County adopt the building code that is being used by the county CD&PD (Community Development & Planning Department) to conduct building plan reviews and construction inspections. Nina Pellar Le Baron, a local architect, and Steve Belluomini, a home owner who wishes to build a barn, appeared before the BOCC to plead their separate and unrelated projects that are being impacted by the failure of the BOCC to act in adopting the code.

The code in question is the IBC (International Building Code), which is the new replacement for the old stand-by UBC (Uniform Building Code) that has for years been the adopted code of choice in the country for most of the western states. The new IBC was introduced and ready for adoption in July of 2004, and while it is was adopted by the State of Washington, and by the Town of Friday Harbor, the County has never got around to adopting it, or the appendices that would allow the County to address the sort of issues raised by Le Baron and Belluomini. But there are other issues as well. The County has a number of policies and permit exemptions that are now in conflict with the IBC if the appendices are not adopted.

According to Le Baron, a local architect, the failure of the BOCC to adopt the code is causing a "hardship for those of us that live in the County, to not have the current IBC (International Building Code) adopted by the County Commissioners. Le Baron gave the BOCC an example of the problem: " under the current code (UBC), if one wanted to build a 2 story barn on a vacant lot, it has to be totally sheet-rocked inside ( this is to provide a one hour fire rating). Now if any body has any good sense when it comes to barns, sheet-rocking the interior is a huge expense and it tends to mold and mildew in ‘Un-heated spaces'". Le Baron explained to The Guardian that "All this has been rectified in the New ICB Code, but the Head of the Permit Center, Matt Zybas, does not think that is an important enough concern to push for the adoption of this most up to date code."

Mr. Zybas inherited the problem when he took over as the interim director of the department, and told The Guardian that his department is understaffed and simply does not have time to schedule a public hearing the BOCC is required to hold to adopt the new code.

In the past the BOCC has scheduled public hearings to adopt each new edition of the old UBC as soon as it was adopted by the state. The hearings were simple administrative "house cleaning" and lasted only a few minutes, or longer, if a member of the public presented testimony in support or against the adoption.

Le Baron said that she had "met one lady at the BOCC Hearing in which I presented my case and she said that she is suing the County to adopt this new code, because otherwise she is being forced out of business with the cost to comply with the current code". Because Le Baron and Belluomini presented their comments during citizen's access time, the BOCC did not take action under their standing rules on access time. It is not known if there will be a follow up by the BOCC on the request for the adoption of the IBC.

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Walking for the Wounded

The author at Summerland Camp (5,900 feet) on the East side of Mount Rainier; with 80 miles of trail behind him that he "walked" to raise money for wounded military personnel

By Tom Bauschke

The Wounded Warrior Project

The WWP subsidizes travel, lodging, daycare and food, so families can visit their wounded Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen. The WWP also delivers much-needed toiletries, clothing and phone cards directly to the injured recovering in military hospitals across the U.S. and overseas. Phone cards are the number one request from wounded at military hospitals.

From September 6th - 14th, I walked the Wonderland Trail 100 miles around Mount Rainier. This trail is much shorter than my others, but there's a more important difference in this walk: I'm raising money for The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This remarkable non-profit organization, founded and run by military retirees and veterans, promptly supports wounded men and women returning from Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and other hot spots around the world. Most of these wounded warriors have permanently debilitating injuries.

Some of you may have followed my previous adventures over these last 10 wonderful years. I began my travels walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail back in 1995. In ‘97 I walked the 2,700-mile Pacific Crest Trail. In 2000 I rode a bicycle 4,800 miles, from Washington D.C. to San Francisco, California coast to coast, on the American Discovery Trail. Most recently, and in 2002, I took a canoe 1,500 miles down the Mississippi River.

I made it all the way around Mount Rainier! 100 miles in 9 days! Support for the walk has been amazing. I even gained pledges for The Wounded Warrior Project from other hikers I met while walking the Wonderland Trail. Some pledgers were even lawyers, if you can believe it!


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Wedding Announcement

Mary and Larry Sliger and Verne Howard are pleased to announce the wedding of their daughter Ashley Jennifer Howard to Andrew Menter on July 30, 2005. The wedding took place on San Juan Island at the home of the bride's friends, Greg and Jane Gerhardstein.
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New Rotary Members

(Mary Kalbert photo)

Roger Frost, headmaster at Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor, and Tony Vivenzio, local attorney, are the two newest members in the San Juan Islands Rotary Club.
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Start with Pumpkin Carving & then it is the Oktoberfest

Click below for details on the Parks & Rec Pumpkin Carving and for full information on the 11th Annual Oktoberfest food and fun at the Fairgrounds.
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PC May Propose CP & UDC Changes

8:45 AM Friday, October 14, in the Board of County Commissioner's Hearing Room, the Planning Commission will hold a Public hearing and deliberations on the Seven Year PC (Comprehensive Plan) and UDC (Unified Development Code) Update proposals.

As reported earlier in The Guardian, very few citizens had shown up at the Planning Department workshops for the updates. It may be fair to say that so far there has been limited interest in the proposed changes. If the future follows the past in these matters, there will be much expressed concern after the changes are adopted. While part of this may be assigned to lack of interest in proposals, it has also been stated at past hearings that the process of public participation would be better served if public hearings were held when the citizens were not at work.

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Attorney Tells Gaylord Charter Has Flaw

Attorney Bill Appel has sent a letter to the former Freeholders, Randy Gaylord, and to the BOCC, outlining in a very academic fashion his contention that the language of the Charter that will be voted on has a "fatal flaw". A flaw that may require corrective measures to be taken by a Court to fully explain and define the word "district", as it is used in the Charter. Appel's solution to the problem is to call for the defeat of the Charter.

But Gaylord has sent a letter to the BOCC, in which he disagees with Appel: click here for a PDF file of the Gaylord letter:Gaylord Responds to Appel.pdf (84k file), and/or one can read the full text of the Gaylord letter following the Appel letter below:

The full text of the Appel & Gaylord letters follows:


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Fairgrounds To Be Expanded

SJC Fairgrounds & the (outlined in blue) proposed land purchase

Using money collected from an existing county excise tax on the sale of real estate, the SJC Fairgrounds may be expanded from it's current 9.58 acres, to a total of 13.28 acres. A 5.84 acre piece of land with a single family house on it is owned by the Mayer family trust, and a portion of the land shares a property line with county land that is currently used as a fairgrounds.

The proposal is to purchase 3.70 acres of the adjoining Mayer property for $175.000.00. While the subject property cannot be subdivided, the current owners and the County can agree to move their shared boundary line between the properties.

Prior to the adoption of the GMA (Growth Management Act) the Mayer land was scheduled to be divided into three parcels for single family development, but the new restrictions under the GMA made this proposal unworkable. What can be done under GMA is to move an adjoining property line, thus increasing the Fairgrounds, and decreasing the Mayer property.

The BOCC has agreed to pay $47,000.00 an acre for the property, which is the amount that was determined by an appraiser be the fair market value. While this amount is considerable less than would have been realized by being able to have subdivided the land, it does allow the Mayer family to receive some financial gain from their investment, and still retain a portion of the land with a family home on it -the rectangle just below the blue square.

The purchase of the property (outlined in blue above) will "wrap" the fairgrounds around a property and a home owned by the Pugh family.

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What a LuLu! AG Says No LuLu On Ballot

The State Attorney General has told San Juan County that LuLu Johnson cannot be a candidate for County Commissioner, and cannot be on the November ballot. Due to the past adoption of an Emergency WAC 434-262-150.7.v, that was in response to a court ruling that Initiative 872 was unconstitutional, the Emergency Wac states, in part: "Write-in votes for a partisan candidate who has not filed a write-in declaration of candidacy, thereby affiliating with a major party, must not be counted in the final write-in tally.

Since LuLu did not file a declaration of candidacy, but simply was the recipient of some write-in votes, (Related Story) she is not a legal candidate, and therefore will not be on the ballot.

Based on two previous reviews by the Sectary of State, the County was told that LuLu could be on the ballot, but now with a reversal by a higher state authority, the ballots will have to be re-printed. Auditor Si Stephens said we will have to see who gets stuck with the bill, which he estimates will be $2,000.00

LuLu could not be reached for a comment.


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BOCC Still Working On Forming Citizens Committee

PW Director Jon Shannon proves a photo is worth a 1000 words -Matt Zybas listens to BOCC - BOCC staff behind him

The idea of forming an advisory committee to the BOCC on EPFs (Essential Public Facilities), came from the previous BOCC, as a way of answering concerns from the public on the construction of EPFs. The original intent was to form a committee that would act as a disinterested group to review the need, and siting, of EPFs in San Juan County.

The push for a committee came as a result of the possible purchase of the LaFarge beach on San Juan island for a barge landing, and its possible use as a storage area for gravel, but at the last moment the former Board stepped back from forming a committee. (See past story: Who Needs A Committee ) After the recent purchase this year of land on SJ island for development of a PW yard and storage area, the cry for a EPF committee was once again heard by the BOCC, and the new Board stated they would quickly form a committee to advise them on EPFs.

Responding to continued questions from the public on why it is taking so long to appoint a committee to "do something" or advise "someone" on the long range planning of Public Works projects, the BOCC once again put the subject on their agenda and met with PW (Public Works) Director Jon Shannon & the CD&PD (Community Development & Planning) Director Matt Zybas; and yet once again failed to not only appoint a committee, but also failed to define it's mission, who it would respond to, and what it would respond on.
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Roche Harbor Claims Another One

Detective Jeff Asher and the driver of the car discuss “So how did this happen?�

Early morning on Roche Harbor and the next thing you know, the day as taken a turn for the worse. But on the other hand, no one was hurt, and little damage to the car.

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Learn About The Pinto Abalone

Due to a medical emergency, abalone lectures canceled

(Paul Sim photo)

Friends of the San Juans Endangered Marine Species & Habitats Lecture Series continues with presentations about Pinto Abalone. Lectures will be on Wednesday October 12 at the Grange in Friday Harbor and Thursday October 13 at the Orcas Senior Center in Eastsound. Lectures begin at 7:00 pm and are free and open to the public.

The pinto (or northern) abalone is the smallest of the abalones. It occurs on shallow rocky substrate and feeds on algae. Very low population numbers have resulted in the pinto abalone's listing as a ‘species of concern' under federal, state and Canadian endangered species provisions.

San Juan County provides significant nearshore rocky habitat to the pinto abalone. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has ten research stations in the San Juan Islands which they have surveyed regularly for the past 13 years using divers. WDFW abalone expert Don Rothaus will provide an overview of abalone biology, the possible causes for population declines and the results of San Juan County research. He will also outline future research and recovery strategies for pinto abalone populations in Washington State.

Presenter Don Rothaus has been a biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for 17 years. The major emphasis of his current work is abalone. He also participates in research and management projects for geoducks, sea urchins and sea cucumbers and is the Diving Safety Officer for WDFW.


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SJI Chamber of Commerce Open House

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members and other local business people to the Chamber's Open House in celebration of its new location at 135 Spring Street, across from King's Market Thriftway

Please stop by to meet the Chamber's staff and Board members, experience the Chamber Visitor Information Center and learn how and where the Chamber promotes island businesses and helps grow the island's economy.

The open house will be Wednesday, October 12 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided.

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Hunting rifles will compete with fishing poles in Oct.

Here they come again: Some of Washington's most popular hunting seasons will get under way Oct. 15, including the modern-firearms season for deer and those for ducks and geese. (See past story: BOCC Concerns On Rifles)

Hunting: Muzzleloaders stalking deer will have the field through Oct. 7 before making way for the general firearms season for deer that begins Oct. 15. After 10 years without a hard winter, populations of both deer and elk are healthy in most areas, said Dave Ware, WDFW game manager. "We're expecting fairly good success this year," he said.


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Science Lecture 7:00 PM at Camp Orkila

On Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 7:00 PM at the Camp Orkila Marine-Salmon Center, Eugene Kozloff, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington Department of Biology and an authority on the natural history of the Pacific Northwest, will give a photographic presentation and discuss "Symbiosis: Interesting Relationships Between Species." This is the first lecture of the 2005/06 season in Orcas Island's highly successful marine science lecture series. It is free to the public.

The series is generously sponsored by Islanders' Bank, Barbara Brown, the Gould Family Foundation, David and Virginia Ridgway, and Jim and Kathy Youngren.
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SJI Business Raises $14,000.00 For Local Groups

All of the above, plus building materials, tools and much more at Trash to Treasures

Frank Penwell has written in to remind us that it has now been one year since Consignment Treasures LLC officially opened for business on San Juan island.

For those of you who have not heard of this group, or stopped by to do a little shopping, Consignment Treasures is located on Roche Harbor road at the midpoint between town and Roche Harbor. It is a private not-for-profit business that creates a unique opportunity for: non profit organizations to earn money, islanders to receive money while recycling their used items, and for other islanders to buy affordable products. The sell: building supplies, appliances, furniture, antiques, tools, art work and other "thrift store" type items, a portion of the sales can go to other no-for- profit organizations; but only to local ones. Donations to specific charities are determined by the donators and consignors' wishes.

Frank wishes to warmly thank the many helping hands who support their fundraising and recycling efforts. The consignors & donators, the customers, and the volunteers all make our project a success. Red Jungert has done an outstanding job of organizing, refurbishing, and displaying the wide variety of items.

Frank points out that "Starting any business is a challenge and struggle, but we are pleased to report that our first year has provided almost $14,000 to 44 charities."

If you wish to have more information about Consignment Treasures, please contact Frank Penwell at 378-6473.

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Register NOW for the Islands Women's Summit

Download a brochure to register for the San Juan Islands Women's Summit, November 4-6 at Rosario Resort and Spa.

Over thirty sessions to choose from and great entertainment both Friday and Saturday nights.

Cost for both days (3 meals and 4 sessions) is $85 and scholarships are available.

Brought to you by the Islands Women's Summit Dream Team: Liz Illg, Gretchen Krampf, Stephanie Buffum-Field, Shannon Calverley, Debra Nichols, Susie Teague

For scholarships: info@theislandswomenssummit.com
To leave a message: 360.376.3787
To download a brochure: http://theislandswomenssummit.com/index.html

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Ferry Advisors Urge NO on I-912

The members of the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee have come out as a group to against I-912. The following letter has been sent out by the committee:

As residents of San Juan County, we are very dependent on the Washington State Ferries (WSF) for transportation to and from the mainland and inter-island, as well as most things we purchase locally. We were dramatically reminded of this reliance when the initiative to lower motor vehicle taxes was approved and the resulting local fare increases of over 60% and service reductions were imposed.

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Update on Sgt. Robertson

(Sgt. Robertson is presented the Purple Heart award by his Commander in Chief.)

Last month we reported on Minnie Knych's nephew, Sgt. Robertson, and his condition after being wounded in Iraq. (Previous Story) Today we received a photo, and the following update, from Sgt. Robertson's family:

Yesterday, SFC Richard (Buzz) Robertson was supposed to have some skin graft operations before being shipped down to Augusta, GA for rehabilitation. However the operation was postponed. His high temperatures (103) have not abated. Last week it was thought that the fevers were caused by a fungus introduced into his system by a piece of shrapnel. However, after the wound was cleaned out again, and more antibiotics were given, the fever still keeps coming back at night. This week they discovered he has a urinary tract infection, but he has been on antibiotics for several days for that – yet still runs a high fever at night.

Now the doctors are going to check for malaria and possible other causes of the fevers.

THE GOOD NEWS. When Buzz was told that the skin graft operation would be postponed, he said, "Well, help me dress so I can go to physical therapy." However that was not to be. After he was dressed, he and several other wheel chair patients were told that a special guest was coming to present their purple hearts ribbons. They were wheeled down to a recreation room and waited. Buzz was grumbling to himself because he does not like to miss physical therapy. He goes twice a day when allowed.

Then… in walked President and and Mrs. Bush!

President Bush took time with each man to speak briefly and shake hands and salute when he awarded the medals. When he came to Buzz, he said, "So SFC Robertson, what about those legs?"

Buzz replied, "Well sir, I started out as a paratrooper and now I'm a paraplegic." They talked, they shared a laugh. Buzz was so elated, he could have floated back to his room without the wheel chair. What a distinct honor!

Buzz reports that he was very impressed with the President's concern for each soldier and his great sense of humor.

As for the skin grafts, we don't know when those will be done. It all depends on when the fever subsides. So he will be at Walter Reed for at least another week. If you have lost his mailing address, it is:
SFC Richard Robertson,
Walter Reed Hospital Room #5861

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Appeal Upheld On Thor Black Permit

(Stephanie O'day makes a point while Peter Eglick waits his turn. Lee McEnery with back to camera)

Citing failure of proper notice, burden of proof, and incompatibility to the surrounding area, the BOCC went against the staff recommendation to deny, and instead unanimously upheld an appeal by David and Jane Cable against Mr. Black's approved CUP (Conditional Use Permit) for a landscape materials yard, tub grinder and associated processing site.

The property is located on San Juan Island, just south of the end of the Friday Harbor airport, and has a land use designation of Rural General Use, which is one of the few designations that can, under appropriate conditions, allow a commercial/industrial use such as those uses contemplated by Mr. Black.

Mr. Black owns an excavating business and a machine called a tub grinder, mounted on a trailer, used to grind up such materials as tree stumps, limbs, and building materials; turning it into a mulch that can be used for anything from landscape "bark" to fuel.

When the original application (past story) for the CUP of the property was heard by the HE (Hearing Examiner) in May of this year, some of the neighbors expressed concern that the operation would generate noise and dust that would have a negative impact on the neighborhood. While the reason for the conditional use process is to address such possible impacts by imposing mitigating conditions on the use (hence the name), there is always the problem of defining what conditions are adequate to mitigate impacts.

While the question of the adequacy of the conditions was a part of the appeal, the Cable's attorney also raised a question on the adequacy of the public notice, maintaining that not all of the proposed uses were included in the original notice, such as on site grinding of sheet rock by the tub grinder But the main issue seemed to be the noise factor, and would the conditions proposed by the applicant to limit it, be successful.

Peter Eglick of the Eglick, Kiker & Whited law firm, attorney for Cable, argued that the HE failed to follow the law when he approved the permit without up-front proof from the applicant that the building of earthen berms would control noise to the degree necessary to meet the conditions of the permit. Eglick told the BOCC that the "key is, where does the burden of proof lie".

Stephanie O'Day, attorney for Black, pointed out that to test the noise levels against the proposed berms, the berms would have to be built, but the HE had ruled that if the beams did not control the noise, then as per the conditional use permit approved by the HE, that part of the operation could not continue. But Eglick said that the HE was in error, for that approach puts the burden of proof on his clients, on the neighbors, and ultimately on the County. Eglick told the Commissioners that under county regulations for a CUP, the burden of proving the noise could be mitigated was on the applicant, at the time he made application for the permit, and not after he was operating the equipment.

After three minutes of summing up by the attorneys, the BOCC entered into deliberations, then by an unanimous vote upheld the appeal; an action that negated the HE approval, and made all aspects of the permit null and void.

After the hearing O'Day said her client would take the case to Superior Court.


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Ferry Delays Friday at Anacortes

Heavy Traffic Anticipated at the Anacortes Terminal
The Anacortes terminal is expecting heavier than normal truck traffic headed to Friday Harbor on the morning of Friday, October 7th, due to a paving project on San Juan Island.
The 6:10, 7:45, and 9:35 a.m. sailings are expected to be the most affected. Please expect a longer than normal wait for those sailings, and possible delays.

Anacortes Terminal Paid Parking Ends on October 8th Saturday, October 8th will be the last day of paid-parking at the Anacortes terminal. Beginning on October 9th, all parking will be free.

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Want To Be A Trustee?

The Orcas Island Public Library has two openings on their Board of Trustees. An Advisory Committee established by Commissioner Lichter is seeking applications and nominations for the two positions

One position will be for a three-year term and the second for a five-year term of office, both starting with the calendar year 2006. This five-member Board is responsible for the governance of one of the most prestigious and award-winning organizations on Orcas Island. This is a volunteer, non-paid position.

Please submit a letter of application with a resume or background material or nominations of others to:

Harvey Himelfarb
P. O. Box 1077
Eastsound, WA 98245
or by email at
hshimelfarb@ucdavis.edu

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Public Works Road Budget Approved

(Todd Roberts, one of three members of the public, speaks to the budget)

The BOCC has approved a "6-Year Transportation Improvement Program" for San Juan County. (Link To Budget) The total estimated cost of the program is just under 14 million dollars, of which just under 4 million dollars is projected for 2006 projects.

The budget is commonly called the Road Budget, but in fact it goes beyond direct road construction. The budget also includes a Marine Access Improvement section ($1,525,000) that addresses docks and barge landings, a so-called Non-Motorized Improvement ($100,000.00) "place-holder" labeled "various projects to be determined", and Drainage Improvement; which started out as $385,000.00, but on the advice of PW Director Jon Shannon that drainage money is readily available from both state and federal grants, and that to use road money for drainage could jeopardize the obtaining of some other state funding for road construction, the amount was shaved of $400,000.00 by the BOCC; which just so happened to be the amount of the projected short fall in the budget.

When it came time for the public access part of the public hearing, things heated up a bit, and as a result of explaining to the three members of the public why the 2006 number was so large, compared to last year, it was explained that the numbers are best guess projections on how much money is, or will be, available, and that the budget is a "living document" subject to changes for any number of reasons. It was also pointed out that the 1.5 million for the "gravel Pit Property Acquisition" (the LaFarge property) is "borrowed money. Commissioner Bob Myhr asked how likely was it that the property would be purchased, and was told that a year ago it seemed certain, but now it may not be so certain. When asked what the projected full cost of the LaFarge project might be if it went forward, the Board was told the estimate at this time is 9 million dollars

Director Shannon also told the Commissioners that they will note some of the budgeted money for specific projects is broken down over more than one year, and that is done because PW simply does not have the money to complete all of the projects that need to be done in one year, so they do part of a project one year, and then come back and work on it again the next year. Shannon said that the BOCC needs to understand that when they cut back a projects funding, sometimes the only way it can be completed is by doing it in stages, but in so doing they are costing the taxpayer 30 per cent more for a project when the Board does not look to the future and fully fund a project.

After a short discussion, the Board approved the proposed 2006 budget, minus the $400.000.00 drainage line item.



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What Happens If SJ Dam Fails?

What would happen If the Trout Lake Storage Dam on San Juan Island failed? According to an inspection made by the DOE (Department of Ecology), there is little risk to the public. A letter sent by DOE to the Town, stated there could be "damage to 4 county roads, possible overtopping and breaching of 3 downstream earthen dams, and crop damage in the lower San Juan Valley", but a "direct threat to downstream residents does not exist".

Even so, DOE found there are some things the Town of Friday Harbor -who owns the dam that stores the town drinking water- could, and should do. As a result of the DOE comments, the Town will discuss entering into a contract with an off-island consulting firm to provide a Operator and Maintenance Manual and an Emergency Action Plan for the dam.

The draft contract with Brown & Caldwell will be discussed, and possibly accepted, at the October 6th Thursday meeting of the Town Council. The projected cost of the work is a not to exceed $58,800.00 amount, and the work will be on a time and material basis.

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Bill Munich Has Left Us

Bill Munich has been murdered by neighbor on the mainland. According to friends, Bill was working on a hangar he has been building on the mainland, when he was approached by a neighbor that he had been having a disagreement with over a property easement. Bill was talking on his cell phone with a friend at the time, and when Bill saw the man coming over to see him Bill is reported to have noted it to his friend, then there were sounds of gun shots. One report is that Bill was hit, took off, and was tracked down by his assailant, and as Bill was attempting to obtain help by calling 911, he was found by his assailant and shot repeatedly. The killer has been arrested.

Bill was the owner of Brown Well drilling on Orcas, and was well known to many in the county.

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Open Gym programs In FH For All

Autumn is here, our days are getting shorter and the rainy season is near. It is time to move indoors for some recreational opportunities and Island Rec has something for people of all ages. Island Rec is now offering Open gym programs at Turnbull Gym for families, teens and adults. The schedule is as follows:

Family Gym Time, Sundays 5-7pm
Co-Ed Volleyball, Sundays 7-9pm
Badminton, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7-9
Men's Basketball, Thursdays 7-9
Teen Gym, Saturdays 7-10pm

There is a $2 drop-in fee or a discounted season pass may be purchased. Details and schedule updates for Island Rec programs can be found on line at www.islandrec.org or by calling Island Rec at 378-495
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