Co-op Members Can Use Their Power to Take Charge of the Future

The landscape of power in the United States–and in the world–is changing. Federal and state legislation is looking to require more renewable generation of electricity and to make carbon users pay towards the environmental costs of non-renewable generation.

Washington State House Bill 2815, known as the “Climate Bill,” was signed into law by Governor Gregoire on March 13, 2008. This bill directs the Department of Ecology to implement a greenhouse gas reporting program for large emitters and design a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program in coordination with the regional plan being developed by the Western Governors Association’s Western Climate Initiative.

While small co-ops like Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) are not directly effected by this bill (because we are not large emitters—and have access through the Bonneville Power Administration to a fuel mix that is mostly hydro-generated and already 97% greenhouse-gas free), it is clear that demand for the Northwest’s renewable hydro-power is increasing and as a result, costs will go up.

Co-op members are in a unique position to have a say in how their local electric utility is managed and how co-ops will respond to the changing political climate. As co-op members, we are owners of our cooperatives. We have the power to elect the directors who make the policies and approve the tariffs that inform our rates, practices and priorities.

How can you use your power?

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SJI Agricultural Guild To Work Toward Farmers’ Market

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A formation of a new group was ratified at a public meeting on Monday (February 4) to form a San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild.

The meeting was held in the Community Room at Skagit Valley College in Friday Harbor, and was scheduled to run from 1-4 PM, but it did not take that much time for the assembled group to agree on the need and the structure of the group.

For more information on how to become involved, the public may contact Eliza Buck, ARC Coordinator; who will be acting as a staff contact until funding can be obtained to hire a dedicated staff person. Buck may be reached at: e.buck@sanjuanislandscd.org or by calling 378-6621.

SJ Hot Shop & Flavor Emporium Under New Ownership

The previously known San Juan Hot Shop in downtown Friday Harbor is under new ownership as of February 1st.

Eddie and Genie Williams have purchased the store from Phil and Michele Mayer who have owned it for the past 2 years. The new owners are going to expand the store’s inventory of hot sauces, salsa’s and “heat” generated items to include more spices, meat rubs, recipe’s and unique housewares that almost anyone, and not just those who like spicy hot foods, will enjoy.

“We want to change the name to include The San Juan Hot Shop and Flavor Emporium, which is a mouthful, but we’re confident this will attract a wider variety of customers” says Williams.

We will continue to have your favorite hot sauces though. Phil and Michele have done a wonderful job in the new location. We plan on offering locals discounts, taste testings and an overall fun atmosphere for the whole family.

“Peppers have been a part of our culture for many years and have an amazing healing power, the health benefits are amazing” says Williams; and adds "We hope you will look for our Grand Re-Opening this Spring and in the meantime, stop by and say hello. We will be open for business during this transition."

SJI Farmer's Market Moves To Fairgrounds For Winter

ig_FarmersMarket-2 (67k image) will be moving to a new location for the rest of the Winter. We believe that this is a news item that merits the attention of an article in your paper, because its effects will impact a broad spectrum of our community.

The San Juan Island Farmers Market is moving to the Fairgrounds for the remaining winter market days. Locally grown produce, meat, eggs, and cheese will be available along with an assortment of fresh baked goods and hot drinks.

Waldron farmer Joel Thorson stated that the proposal to move "comes out of a very positive and wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Fair and the Fairgrounds, the needs of the Farmers' Market, and how we might help each other out." However, other farmers cited tensions with the Grange as a major reason for the move.

The Market takes place from 10 am to 1 pm in the fruit and vegetable exhibition adjoining the Main Building at the Fairgrounds. The next winter market is Saturday February second.

New Controller Of Islanders Bank

ig_Marilyn_Corrie-1 (35k image) Marilyn Corrie of Friday Harbor has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Controller of Islanders Bank. The announcement of the promotion was made Friday by Dick Kneipp, CEO; and Bob Coleman, President of Islanders Bank,

Marilyn has been actively involved in the local banking community for many years, having begun her banking career with the former San Juan County Bank.

Marilyn joined Islanders Bank eight years ago, and most recently she served as Assistant Controller of Islanders Bank.

Islanders Bank President Announced

ig_Bob_Colman-1 (50k image) Dick Kneipp, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Islanders Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bob Coleman to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of Islanders Bank.

Bob joined Islanders Bank four years ago as Senior Vice President, Branch Administration. Bob has also held the positions of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for Islanders Bank.

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Celebrating A Building’s 100 Yr Birthday

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(Sam Buck the III stands next to Sam Buck as Steve Buck addresses well wishers )

The Buck Family, friends, associates, and employees gathered last week to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the former SJC Bank building, and to rededicate it as the Buck Building. Sam (the “first”) and Barbara Buck purchased the building from San Juan County Bank in1980, restored it to it’s former look, and moved San Juan Properties, Inc into it; which later became Coldwell Banker San Juan Island Inc.

Steve Buck told the gathering that the Buck family has been involved in a number of projects in San Juan county, and have never attached their name to any of them, but now their building will be called the “Buck Building”

Read an interesting background story and history by Clicking Here and Click Here to view two Then and Now photos:.